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A Guide to Matching Schools and Real Estate
Matching Schools and Real Estate. Location! Location! Location!
Written by: Gina Thompson in collaboration with SDsoldbySteve
One of the first rules of real estate is, “location, location, location.” This usually evokes notions of idyllic countryside, bustling restaurants, and bars, or easy highway access. What may not be first on our minds is the proximity to (or away from) quality schools.
If you’re planning to buy a new home and raise a family, finding quality schools is an important part of the decision-making process. However, if your life doesn’t include public schooling, you may not want to pay the taxes associated with high-performing districts. On the other hand, you may be thinking about resale, in which case good schools are valuable. You could also be interested in access to private schools, which means you need an easy commute, but aren’t so concerned with the public system.
If you’re thinking about real estate and evaluating the schooling options, there are a few key aspects to consider. These five tips are useful whether you’re looking to raise a family, enroll in a parochial school, or are planning for resale down the road.
Consider The Data
This is most applicable if you’re looking for quality public schools as most private and charter schools do not have to collect or report the same data. Every state reports data differently, but with a little searching, you can find information on graduation rates, standardized test scores, access to specialized curricula, and even staff-to-student ratios. The easiest way to find this information is by starting at the California Department of Education.
Schedule A Visit
Perhaps you are looking for specific opportunities for a child with special needs, you prefer half-day kindergarten, or you promised your middle-schooler he could still play volleyball in his new district. If your criteria are specific, you might want to contact the school and get a few questions answered. You can also visit the buildings and get a feel for the resources available. Do be mindful, however, that almost all districts prohibit unnecessary visits during school hours so you’ll need to make an appointment by contacting the school’s district office.
Test Out The Timing
Busy schedules only get busier during the school year. Meeting your child at the bus stop or dropping your teen off for practice can be taxing on an already hectic schedule. Call the district to learn about the proximity and timing of bus routes, ask about activity buses, and learn about before- and after-school care options. Make the drive from your preferred location to the school, or look it up on a real-time traffic app. Consider realistically if you can make it all work.
Look at School Zones
If schools are a make-or-break part of your real estate search, it’s best to determine the district you want to look in before talking about the type of property. Keep in mind, too, that larger districts typically have multiple schools for each grade level, so you might want to narrow down a district to a certain school zone. Within that zone, consider details such as whether or not you want your student to walk to school or if the practicing marching band is going to encourage you to relist soon.
Rely on the Realtor
One of the best reasons to work with a realtor is the wealth of information they bring to the home-buying process. Realtors are intimately acquainted with their regions and know the property values, tax assessments, and the reality of the school district. Higher property values are typically indicative of higher-performing schools, as are higher educational tax assessments. However, that’s not always the case and a realtor will be able to explain the details.
Being involved in the community also gives realtors anecdotal knowledge that is equally important in choosing the right piece of real estate. They can also connect you with the best bank for your home loan, including school-forward options like SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. Banks are also a great way to learn more about investing in your children’s future educations.
There are countless reasons to choose a particular location or rule it out, including infrastructure, weather, community resources, and even seasonal tourism. Whether you’re looking for a new state to call home, buying for the first time, or are considering a change for any other reason, schools are an important part of the old adage, “location, location, location.” Don’t be afraid to ask questions until you feel comfortable balancing your real estate and schooling needs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alison is a world traveler who loves to spend her time writing and reading. When she’s home, you can find her playing with her pet rabbit and baking.
