Location, Education, and Real Estate
Its always been a bit of a surprise how few of my clients factor in the school or school location/assignments into their home choices. Dont get me wrong, most of the clients are either pre or post the parenting stage, and many clients have made it their number one concern. However it still seems way too far ahead for the younger couples. And, to their credit, they will probably move, once or twice, before joining the crowds of parents (assuming they go down that road).
My wife and I did not make it much of a decision factor either. We were under the gun on timing. Basically we had 3 weeks to find a place, or we were going to rent. This was because we accepted an offer on our house, and those buyers needed it right away. It didnt help that we were leaving for France during the process, but we did okay. I should add that at the time our kids were about 2 (twins).
Having just gone through the Minneapolis Public School choice process I am both encouraged and discouraged by what I saw. I toured several schools near our home. The top of my list and bottom of list were evident, with one exception.
Or course after sending in our selection I stumbled upon GreatSchools. Based on test scores alone, the choice we made was the right one, but do you really consider touring public schools and your home choice when you are buying your first home with your new spouse? Most do not!
Keep in mind that to some degree the location and school will also be part of the resale value. In Minneapolis, where there is plenty of growth, there are new schools going up.
Do your research, talk to your realtor about schools, you never know when kids are coming.
