Stores are flooded with printed binders and discounted loose-leaf paper. Colorful lunch boxes rule the aisles. Fall clothes start to appear everywhere. You know what that means…
It’s back to school time! The summer has flown by, hasn’t it?
August doesn’t just mean shopping for new jeans and calculators. It can also mean shopping for a new home in a better school district. A recent realtor.com survey showed that school-district boundaries impact the buying decision for more than 60 percent of realtor.com home buyers.
Without further ado, here are my tips to help you prepare for the new school year, and a few bonus back-to-school home search tips.
- Re-establish school routines a week before school starts. This is a big one. Summer is typically a huge disrupt from normal school routines— later bedtimes, more TV or video game time, and sleeping in. Easing kids back into their school routine before school starts will give them a chance to adjust before the big day.
- Shop for school supplies together. Allowing your kids to pick out their own backpacks, folders, lunch boxes, and other supplies helps them get excited and gives them a little bit of responsibility in the process.
- Talk with your children about their feelings. Going back to school, especially if a child is switching schools, can be a huge transition. Creating a safe space for your child to share their fears and insecurities about the first day can make a world of difference for both them and you!
Back-To-School Home Search Tips
- Know your family needs. What exactly does your family need in your new home? Is your family growing? Do you need a large backyard? Is a pool or big basement a necessity? Make a list of your most important priorities.
- Do your research. Sites such as GreatSchools, Realtor, and SchoolDigger allow you to see in-depth information about schools including test scores and reviews covering teacher quality. SchoolDigger also provides a comparison tool so you can compare the schools you’re considering side by side.
- Ask your realtor the right questions. Your realtor (like me!) will know where you need to be located to get the items on your priorities list in the school district you want. Make sure you specifically ask about everything that matters to you most, so you can get your dream home near your dream school.
If you’re thinking of moving to a better school district in the area (or know someone who is!), let’s connect. There’s no shortage of great schools in Austin, and I’d love to help you get your kids the education they deserve!