Home Buying - School District Issues
By Raynor James, Fri Dec 9th

A good school district is a key factor in home buying if youhave kids. It can also be a positive selling point when it comestime to sell your home.

School Districts

When considering the quality of school districts, keep in mindthat everyone is looking for "good ones." The question, ofcourse, is what does "good" exactly mean? To a buyer withchildren, it means the best education on the planet. To yourreal estate agent, however,



it may mean something much less.

You must look to facts, not opinions, when evaluating potentialschool districts as part of your home buying process. Asking foropinions is like a girlfriend asking a boyfriend if she looksgood in a particular dress. Do you really think the answer isgoing to be anything other than positive?

The quality of a school district is found in the hard, coldfacts. Issues you should consider include topics such as:

1. What is the student to teacher ratio?

2. What teaching style does the district use?

3. How much experience do the teachers have?

4. What is the turnover rate for teachers?

5. What is the drop out rate?

6. What percentages of graduates go to college?

7. Is there any history of violence on the schools?

8. Are there any reports of gangs?

9. What extra curricular activities are offered such as sports,music, etc.?

10. What are the average SAT scores for students?

While this list of question will help you determine if a schooldistrict is "good," it isn't an end all. Consideration must begiven to your personal views on the education of your children.Develop questions based on your opinions and make sure to getthem answered.

If you have children, evaluating potential school districts is akey factor in purchasing home. Make sure you get the facts, notthe opinions of interested people such as the seller or a realestate agent.

About the author:Raynor James is with http://www.fsboamerica.org - providing FSBOhomes For Sale By Owner. Visit our "sell my home" page athttp://www.fsboamerica.org/seller.cfm to list and sell your homefor free for one month. Visithttp://www.fsboamerica.org/buyer.cfm to see homes for sale byowner.

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