Home is Where the Top Schools Are

Shopping for a house can be an emotional roller coaster of worrying about mortgages, inspections and the three rules of realty - location, location, location. While there’s a lot to consider when shopping for a home, location becomes infinitely more important to the the buyer and the housing market when you factor in school districts.

Homes in good school districts sell for more. It’s a statistic that’s proven true time and again. Buyers will choose to purchase a smaller home in a great school district over a larger home in just a good district. According to Realtor.com, they’re even willing to pay six to ten percent above their budget just to send their kids to top schools. School ratings are the single biggest factor that can increase a community’s housing prices.

So investing back into schools isn’t just an issue for parents, teachers and legislators. It’s paramount that the entire community focus on the future of our schools. Investing a little more in schools now, will mean great returns on home prices in the future. It’s the smartest financial play we can make for our communities.

This midterm election, when you head to the polls, vote for school board candidates that will help us invest in our schools, our communities and ultimately help us drive positive change in our housing markets. In District 15, three candidates have made it a priority to invest in our schools: James Ekeberg, Margaret (Peggy) Babcock and Gerald Chapman. Please consider them this April 5th. For a sample ballot go to www.d15d211.org.