So, it’s that time of year again! Kids are heading back to the classroom, which means school districts are on the minds of most homebuyers. In fact, a recent survey done by realtor.com found that over 90% of buyers take school districts into consideration when purchasing a home. In fact, many were even willing to give up key home features and spend above their budget for a home located in the district of their choice. If you are searching for a new home, here are a few tips that can help you find the perfect home within a great school district.
• Research the District Boundaries: Some school districts are very large and contain confusing borders. If you have a particular district in mind, make sure you know where the lines begin and end.
• Review School Information: If you find a home you are interested in, research the neighborhood, magnet, charter and private schools in the area. You may be surprised at the amount of choice you actually have when it comes to school selection. ISTEP scores and school grading rubrics are publicly available for you to review through the Department of Education. Remember, the total performance of a school can rarely be measured through standardized testing alone. You may want to go and visit the school before making a firm choice on the best district for your family.
• Talk to Neighbors: The best resource for school information may be the person living next door. Talk to them about their experience with the school district and whether or not they are happy with the area.
• Ask your Realtor for Help: I personally am always happy to answer any and all questions that my clients bring to me. My children both attended public school in the greater Indianapolis area, so I have personal experience with the local districts.