UP-FRONT TOPIC # 3 SCHOOLS

There are a number of topics I cover with new clients before we ever head out to look at houses. In order to deliver "the best home at lower cost," I need pertinent details so I can personalize my service and the eventual result for maximum benefit to the client.

A couple of these topics I’ve covered in previous posts. Does anyone in the family, or potential guests, have breathing difficulties or other health issues I need to be aware of?
I’ve also posted on ambulance service. For some families, faster service, better equipment or more skilled personnel could be the difference in life and death.

Those two topics may be very important to my clients but have limited impact when they eventually sell.

That changes for up-front topic # 3, schools. Even for buyers who don’t have children it may be that the best potential buyer when they get ready to sell will highly value good schools nearby.

While a school in the neighborhood can pose a few drawbacks, such as school zones and heavy traffic at drop off and pick up times, most people place a high value on a good neighborhood school, especially if it is an elementary school within walking distance.

As our population ages and more grandparents are caring for their grandkids during the day, it is very helpful if the grandparents can walk their grandchildren to and from school.

A factor that comes into play for intermediate schools and high schools is direction and traffic. Until they can drive, someone has to chauffeur them or they have to ride "the yellow dog" (bus).

Ask any teen, your "cool" takes a hit if you have to ride the bus.

The other issue is that many of these teens have to stay after school frequently or occasionally. Hopefully it is sports or band and not detention.

A subdivision about 20 minutes away from me looks like a great value at first glance. It has an elementary school about 5 minutes away. But the intermediate school and high school are 15-20 minutes away. Parents in this subdivision have to drive 15-20 minutes away from the major employment centers to get to the intermediate or high school, then turn around and spend an extra 20-30 minutes fighting traffic as they head toward work.

Do that morning and afternoon five days a week and suddenly the subdivision location may be a major problem not a great value.

Again, this may not impact my clients but what about their ability to sell later?

The time to think about selling a house is before you ever buy it.

Other issues with schools include:

Quality – as measured by "standards" and parental perception.

Special programs for gifted students, special interest students (magnet schools) or students who need special help.

When does the school day begin and end? How does this synchronize with care givers availability?

Are there after school programs offered on campus?

Which "after school care" vans pick up at the school?

Everything about a school is subject change. Attendance boundaries, bus routes, principals, teachers and more.

You can click here for information on any school district or campus in Texas. If you need further help, call me at 281-704-0641 or email me at dg93@sbcglobal.net