Are school ratings important in your home search?

When you’re on the hunt for a new home, there’s no doubt that you have a laundry list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers. One factor that may be at the top of your list is school ratings. After all, whether or not you have kids, a home’s proximity to quality schools can make a big impact on property values and resale potential.

So, do you factor school ratings into your home search? If you’re like most buyers, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, a study from the National Association of REALTORS® found that 26% of homebuyers listed proximity to good schools as a deciding factor in their purchase. But how do you know which schools are worth considering?

One of the easiest ways to check school ratings is online. Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com allow you to browse and compare schools based on factors like test scores, teacher quality, and student-to-teacher ratios. You can also read reviews from parents and students to get a sense of each school’s culture and community.

While school ratings can be a helpful starting point, it’s important to keep in mind that they don’t tell the whole story. For example, a school with high test scores may have a stressful, competitive environment that doesn’t suit every student. On the other hand, a lower-rated school may have a strong arts program or a supportive community that makes it a great fit for your family.

That’s why it’s important to consider the bigger picture when evaluating schools. Take some time to research the schools in the neighborhoods you’re considering, and pay a visit to each school if possible. Talk to teachers, administrators, and parents to get a sense of the school’s strengths and weaknesses, and observe the students to see if the environment feels like a good fit for your child.

Of course, school ratings aren’t the only factor to consider in your home search. You’ll also want to evaluate the neighborhood itself, including factors like safety, walkability, and access to amenities like parks and restaurants. Talk to neighbors to get a sense of the community and check crime maps to ensure that the area feels safe and secure.

Ultimately, the decision to factor school ratings into your home search is a personal one. But if you do prioritize schools, take the time to do your research and evaluate each school in context. By taking a comprehensive approach to your home search, you’ll be able to find a property that meets all of your needs, now and in the future.