SCHOOLS SCHOOLS SCHOOLS

The real estate market is experiencing some upward price trends contrary to general information in the media – no surprise  - its families buying and moving to areas with good schools. Homes in prized areas where school rank high 800’s and 900’s in API  (Academic Performance Index)  school score are the targets.  Consequently areas that have high APIs in all school sectors:   Elementary, Middle and High Schools like Cupertino, Saratoga, Almaden and Evergreen are the really hot markets with multiple bids on properties.

My listing at 3328  Arqueado Dr San Jose 95148  MLS #81105885

 is a  4 bedroom 2 bath home  on a great street; quiet and nice neighbors. If you have kids and live there you are entitled to go to  top schools Quimby Oak Middle School with an API of 813 is really sought after and Evergreen Valley High school API 838.   The designated elementary school is Cedar Grove which is a good school (API 813) but grades 2 and 3 are saturated – or so the school says and if its API you are after, then act now and put in for a transfer with a “school choice form”. What that means is that if you are accepted in through the lottery system then your child can transfer to Norwood Creek Elementary (API 872), Carolyn Clark (API 938) or Evergreen Elementary (API 916) for all the grades.  But act now because the applications close  April 21, 2011.  You will be notified before August.   Maybe that’s better than paying a lot more with multiple bidders for a lesser home. Newer homes have smaller back yards and narrower streets. Don’t estimate the value of a well built and well maintained home with a few years.

Currently you can go to the district office to find boundary maps or to greatschools.org to determine if the home you are interested in purchasing is in the school area that you want. A tip most home buyers don’t know is that schools may become saturated and newly registered kids will have to go to alternative schools.  Also some school that may not have as high school scores, actually have better art and liberal studies programs..  Don’t overlook the value of programs for a single number like API.

Life style is not just about schools. A prudent buyer should look at location first , safety and stability of neighborhood, the homes amenities.  Bedrooms and the overall construction are also important. Remodeling can be minor or major. I am an experienced agent with experience in that capacity. Add up the cost of upgrades before you jump on a poorly maintained and kept short sale where there are a never ending number of surprises with deferred maintenance from the previous owners. 

So what should investors do?  They should cross schools with size of the home, construction, price, location based on jobs and shopping and other amenities. Currently we at sandykayhomes.com are working on just such a map. We want to find the hot investment areas or future areas of gentrification that might just be diamonds in the rough for the man with cash who wants to make money in the California market.  Call Sandy Kay at 408 202 0608 and ask me about it ...and happy hunting.