Don’t assume — confirm it. And watch out for agents saying things they legally shouldn’t.
School districts can have a huge impact on your home’s value — both now and in the future. So, it’s no surprise that many homebuyers, especially those with kids (or planning to have them), list “good schools” as a top priority.
But here’s the mistake far too many buyers make:
They take someone else’s word for it.
Why This Matters
Just because a real estate listing says a home is in a specific school zone doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Boundaries change, listings are sometimes outdated, and even agents get it wrong — often because they’re pulling the same info you are from MLS or third-party websites.
If you want to be 100% sure, you have to verify it yourself.
And Here’s Something Few Buyers Know…
Real estate agents are not allowed to give opinions about school districts.
Let’s say that again:
They are NOT allowed to give opinions, rankings, or recommendations about school districts.
Why? Because agents are not considered experts on schools. In fact, making statements about school quality or ranking — unless it’s from personal experience (like their own children attend or attended the school) — is considered out of bounds and can violate Fair Housing and other laws. It’s also a major ethical red flag.
So, if an agent starts “selling” you on how great the local schools are — especially if it sounds more like a sales pitch than a personal anecdote — that’s a warning sign. Are they telling you something because it’s factual and within their expertise? Or are they saying what they think you want to hear to push the sale through?
School district comments are one of the fastest ways to tell whether an agent respects the limits of their role — or not.
So What Should You Do?
- Verify the school zone with the school district directly.
Go to the school board or school district’s website. Most have an address look-up tool or map. If not, call the district office. - Ask about pending redistricting.
Boundaries change. That house may be zoned for one school today — and another one next year. - Visit the school in person.
You’re paying taxes to support it. You have every right to request a tour, ask questions, and meet with an administrator. Most schools are proud to show what they offer. - Talk to the neighbors.
This is one of our favorite tips. People love to talk about their kids’ schools. Ask them how they feel about the district, the teachers, the buses, or the walkability. That kind of real-world feedback is gold. - Use online school rating tools.
Sites like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and others can give you performance data, test scores, and parent reviews. It’s not perfect, but it’s a good place to start.
Pro Tip: Look Beyond Test Scores
- Are there after-school programs?
- What are the arts, music, or athletic offerings?
- Is there special education support if needed?
- Are there magnet, charter, or school choice options?
Education is about more than numbers, and different families value different things. Make sure the school fits your needs — not just someone else’s rating system.
Bottom Line
Don’t rely on hearsay — verify everything yourself.
And if an agent starts offering opinions on a school district as part of their sales pitch, remember: they are not legally allowed to do that unless it’s based on personal experience.
If they’re crossing the line on that, what else might they be saying just to make the sale?
At House Karma, we don’t play games like that. Instead, we empower you with tools, guidance, and accurate resources to help you make your own fully informed decisions — especially when it comes to something as personal and important as your child’s education.
When you’re buying a home, you’re not just buying a property — you’re buying into a community. Let’s make sure it’s the right one for you.
Bonus Tip: Look at What’s Walkable
- Will your child take a bus?
- Is there a safe walking route?
- Are there parks, libraries, or after-school programs nearby?
These little quality-of-life details are easy to overlook during the house hunt — but they matter more than you think once you move in.
