Moving into a house with a large yard may sound ideal, but it’s certainly not for everybody—especially if this is your first home and you’re a rookie as far as homeowning is concerned. This list of pros and cons can help you decide whether or not a large yard is the way to go.

Pros:

It gives children and pets room to play

Having a pet (or multiple) plays a large role for most people in whether or not they consider a large yard a necessity. The same goes for children: you want to make sure the kids and the dog have ample room for running around when it’s nice outside. A big backyard provides just that.

Space for entertaining

While having room for the kids and pets is a plus, don’t forget about the benefits it provides for the adults as well! You can host more backyard bashes without worrying if people are cramped. And if you host a lot of parties, a large yard may be high up on the list of priorities when considering various homes.

Adds curb appeal

Curb appeal is important for any neighborhood. It adds value to your home and, when going to sell, it provides a clear idea to potential buyers of what to expect. When kept up with, a large yard takes the entire home up a notch.

Cons:

There’s more upkeep

A large yard, while good for all of the above reasons, also comes with a few downfalls. The major one is the amount of upkeep it requires. There’s more things to take care of: landscaping projects, weed wacking, and maintenance all year long.

Cost is higher

This one may come as a no brainer, but some people forget how expensive a larger yard can be. With all of the extra space comes more to keep up with, and you have to be prepared for the extra costs if you’re purchasing a home with a large yard. Everything from fencing costs to general maintenance could play a big role in if this is the right decision for you and your family.

Owning a home comes with many advantages and disadvantages—a large yard being one of the major factors you need to consider in the homebuying process.