Issue Nº. 03 | Why School Districts Matter
Why Every Homebuyer Must Consider School Districts
Word count: 419
Estimated read time: 1 min 45 sec
_______________________________________________
Think schools don’t matter if you’ve got no kids?
Think again — they could cost you $70K!
I was chatting recently with a buddy who’s house-hunting. “We homeschool, so schools don’t matter,” he said.
I’ve heard it from empty nesters and kid-free folks too. But here’s the catch: school districts can make or break your home’s value — even if you never use them.
Take my other friends. They bought a house three years ago for its elite middle and high schools. Then the district redrew lines — their side of the street got bumped to a so-so school. Same neighborhood, same street, but homes across from him sold for $70K more this fall!
Why? Buyers shelled out for the “better” district.
Here’s how to play it smart, kids or not:
Cash in: Top districts boost value — up to 20% more (think $180K on a million-dollar home) compared to similar homes in less desirable districts.
Protect your investment: Elite zones hold strong in downturns — higher demand for the best schools keeps your floor high.
Lock it down: Buy deep in a good district — homes on the fringe of school boundaries risk being shifted.
Dig deep: Hit niche.com for scores and reviews. Use your local GIS or ask your county clerk for boundary maps.
Schools aren’t just for report cards — they’re your DIY home-buying edge. By picking the right district, you’re protecting your investment and building wealth.
Your Home-buying Friend,
– Nick
_______________________________________________
P.S.
A DIY buyer I was working with last year dodged a trap.
He skipped a swanky pad in an “eh” district for a smaller one in a top school zone. Not because he had kids, but because he trusted my advice.
Comps already show his place has appreciated $36k more than the other home he was considering. Add that to the ~$20k he saved by not using a traditional buyer's agent, and he's in a great position — even after just one year!
That can be your power move, too.
_______________________________________________
Stay Connected with DIY Homebuyer:
Join our free community: skool.com/diyhomebuyer
Subscribe to DIY Homebuyer Academy on YouTube
