Don’t Forget the Schools When Buying a House

One of the big contributors to how desirable an area is are the schools. An area that has a reputation for good schools will have homebuyers actively seeking homes there. Realtors will advertise that their listings fall within certain school boundaries, knowing that will attract serious homebuyers.
When you can find a good area with desirable schools, you’ve got a powerful combination for rapid home appreciation. In a seller’s market, these homes will appreciate faster and for more money and hold their value better in a down market. You can go to www.schoolmatch.com and key in data for the schools in your
area of interest to find out how they are rated. However, this is only one tool. You’ll also need to talk to parents in the neighborhood to get a realistic picture.
The bottom line is to go for the best location you can afford. A bigger house in a less desirable area is not as good a deal as a smaller home in a better area. In addition, always factor in the school system; it influences an area’s desirability and value. Even if the dog and/or cat are all the family you’ll ever have, it’s still wise to buy in a good school district. Resale is easier and more profitable if the area has a reputation for good schools.