Real estate professionals are very often faced with a question from buyers that has nothing to do with houses: “What are the best schools in the area to which we’re moving?” When you relocate, the most important thing you’ll be moving is your child, and you want to be certain you are making the right choice for education.
One excellent resource for beginning your research is SchoolMatters.com, an online database of public schools. Begin with statistics that illustrate students’ achievement levels in each school. Compare reports for all students, including minorities and children in low-income families. Schools in which all students perform well are providing balanced educational opportunities.
Also pay attention to extra-curricular activities offered, particularly if your child is interested in sports and other pursuits outside the classroom. The School Matters database offers ratings and reviews directly from the parents, so you can learn from those with experience.
One thing you can’t determine online, however, is the actual classroom environment, so you should absolutely schedule a visit to one or more schools in the area before making your decision. Meet with the principal and watch the manner in which teachers and students interact.
Once you have an understanding of the distinctions between schools, your choice will become clear. You wouldn’t buy the first home you see, and “shopping” for a school is no different!
If you are in need of real estate guidance, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to share my knowledge with you at no cost or obligation. If you prefer, email me at donkingsley@kingsleyrealestate.com.
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July 3rd, 2009
A “buyers’ market” is just what it implies - a market in which buyers have the advantage and exploit it. It’s not a market that rewards foot-dragging, hesitation or indecision.
Unfortunately, all the factors that created the buyers’ market we have today have been reported so negatively and rampantly by various media outlets that buyers are themselves too spooked to even enter the fray. Strangely, people were buying like crazy during the previous sellers’ market, when the advantage was actually all to the sellers.
That’s when buyers didn’t fear paying too much, and now that prices are so low and inventories so high, suddenly buyers DO fear paying too much! However, it’s impossible to purposefully time the market to buy at the bottom and sell at the top.
Once the market begins to settle and subsequently improve (and it will), the amazing buying opportunities we’ve been seeing will begin to disappear. With decreased buying activity now, pent up demand for homes will explode when the market recovers, and buyers will once again be competing for the best homes.
Don’t rely on luck in the marketplace - rely on planning. Make a careful decision with a predictable outcome. Has the market dropped enough, right now, to make such a purchase? Absolutely! Forget about the top and the bottom and enter your “safe zone” with confidence.
If you are in need of real estate guidance, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to share my knowledge with you at no cost or obligation. If you prefer, email me at donkingsley@kingsleyrealestate.com.
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June 26th, 2009
For any number of reasons, more people than ever are downsizing these days. Whether it’s reduction in income, reduction in family size, or just a desire for easier living, smaller homes are becoming more attractive.
There are challenges associated with downsizing, but experience has taught some valuable lessons that you may find useful. Once you’ve decided to sell, start the moving process immediately. Your home will even show better once you’ve begun packing things away. As you decide what to keep, consider donating unwanted items or holding a yard sale.
Solicit family members for help, and see how many belongings might be passed along to family and friends. After all, they say that charity begins at home, right?
You can also “digitize” paper records with a scanner, saving them on your computer, or using an online storage service for an added layer of security. Just be sure electronic versions of certain records are legally acceptable.
If you’re still left with a lot of furniture and accessories, you should strongly consider including such items in the listing for your home. First-time buyers may be particularly attracted to such an offering, saving them time and money on furnishing their home, and expediting the entire transaction.
These tips may help you downsize, but of course, any move presents its challenges. Speak with an experienced professional today for more advice.
If you are in need of real estate guidance, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to share my knowledge with you at no cost or obligation. If you prefer, email me at donkingsley@kingsleyrealestate.com.
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June 12th, 2009
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