The best way to find a great home is to check where the great school districts are. Schools establish whether an area is a good location to buy a home.
When buying a house, you should always make an educated decision. But did you know that education has a direct impact on housing values?
Even if you don’t have school-aged children, or if you don’t plan to have children, buying a home in a good school district is still a smart decision. More than any other factor, the quality of a school district establishes whether a location is a good area to buy.
Studies have shown that homes in more desirable school districts hold their value better over time. In fact, even in the face of a recession, good schools help homes in a district retain value longer, as well as rebound faster when the market makes an upturn.
Of course, you will pay more for a home in an excellent school district, but when balanced against the better appreciation rate and resale value, it’s an investment that’s more likely to pay off over time. Additionally, studies have shown that when communities invest in an educational millage, property values rise in correlation with the spending on schools. So buying in an area that values their school district can have an ongoing positive impact on your home value, even if you aren’t sending kids off to school each day.
“Studies have shown that homes in more desirable school districts hold their value better over time.”
When considering where to buy a home, make sure you educate yourself. Fortunately, the internet makes it easy to find what you need. Sites like Education.com, SchoolGrades.org, and GreatSchools.net offer current statistics on school districts across the nation. While you will find test scores, grades, teacher-to-student ratios and demographics, they don’t always tell that whole story. Be sure to also look at a district’s commitment to other areas, such as sports, the Arts and music, and extra-curricular activities. Those are all signs of a community that values and supports their school district.
But statistics can only tell you so much. See what people have to say directly about their schools. Read parent and student reviews and check sites like CityData.comto get insights from locals. Visit local discussion boards or Facebook groups to get a feel for the neighborhood and town, or try to contact a local PTA member. Parenting websites are another good resource, as are local new articles.
Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make. So do your homework and be an educated shopper.
When buying a house, you should always make an educated decision. But did you know that education has a direct impact on housing values?
Even if you don’t have school-aged children, or if you don’t plan to have children, buying a home in a good school district is still a smart decision. More than any other factor, the quality of a school district establishes whether a location is a good area to buy.
Studies have shown that homes in more desirable school districts hold their value better over time. In fact, even in the face of a recession, good schools help homes in a district retain value longer, as well as rebound faster when the market makes an upturn.
Of course, you will pay more for a home in an excellent school district, but when balanced against the better appreciation rate and resale value, it’s an investment that’s more likely to pay off over time. Additionally, studies have shown that when communities invest in an educational millage, property values rise in correlation with the spending on schools. So buying in an area that values their school district can have an ongoing positive impact on your home value, even if you aren’t sending kids off to school each day.
When considering where to buy a home, make sure you educate yourself. Fortunately, the internet makes it easy to find what you need. Sites like Education.com, SchoolGrades.org, and GreatSchools.net offer current statistics on school districts across the nation. While you will find test scores, grades, teacher-to-student ratios and demographics, they don’t always tell that whole story. Be sure to also look at a district’s commitment to other areas, such as sports, the Arts and music, and extra-curricular activities. Those are all signs of a community that values and supports their school district.
But statistics can only tell you so much. See what people have to say directly about their schools. Read parent and student reviews and check sites like CityData.comto get insights from locals. Visit local discussion boards or Facebook groups to get a feel for the neighborhood and town, or try to contact a local PTA member. Parenting websites are another good resource, as are local new articles.
Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make. So do your homework and be an educated shopper.