For many military homebuyers — especially those with children — the quality of local schools can play a significant role in deciding which neighborhood where they’d like to live. However, a twist often catches buyers off guard: real estate agents, even those eager to help, are restricted by federal fair housing laws from giving direct opinions or recommendations about schools, so you may not get the straightforward “insider” advice you were hoping for from your agent. If you’re a military family navigating the complex maze of school districts, and resale considerations, read on. You’ll find key insights and tips below. 

Related: Moving Tips to Make Your Next PCS Easier

The Impact of Schools on Home Values

It’s no secret that school districts may significantly impact real estate values. Homes in top-rated school districts often command a premium, sometimes selling for 10–30% more than similar properties in lower-ranked districts. Buyers are generally willing to pay more to access highly regarded public schools, which leads to increased demand and property appreciation over time.

For military families, who typically face relocation within a 3–5 year timeframe, purchasing a home in a desirable school district can be a strategic move, even if they don’t have school-aged children of their own. Such locations often yield higher resale values and facilitate quicker turnover when selling or renting the property.

Additionally, homes in top-performing districts tend to be in limited supply. This scarcity becomes even more pronounced during the summer PCS season, when military families move while local families relocate. As a result, buyers in these areas often face intense competition and may need to act quickly and bid aggressively to secure a home.

Related: 4 Tips for Working with a Real Estate Agent

Why Agents Can’t Share Their Opinions on Schools

When families with school-aged children are searching for a home, they naturally ask their real estate agents about local schools. While this may be harmless, your real estate agent is legally prohibited from answering.

This restriction doesn’t mean your agent is being evasive or unhelpful; it’s a matter of strict compliance with the Fair Housing Act, which is designed to prevent housing discrimination. It prohibits real estate professionals from making statements or recommendations that could be interpreted as “steering” clients toward or away from specific neighborhoods based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, or familial status.

Because school quality ratings are often directly or indirectly tied to demographic data, offering opinions about which schools are “good” or “bad” can unintentionally cross legal boundaries. Even well-meaning guidance may carry implications about neighborhood composition, which puts both the agent and the brokerage at risk of violating federal law.

This is particularly difficult for military families, who often relocate frequently and rely heavily on local expertise to make quick and informed decisions. Without the ability to ask their agent for direct input on schools, they’re left to navigate these decisions independently, often from a distance and under time pressure.

Related: Download Our Homebuying Guide

How to Research School Quality

While your agent can’t tell you which schools are “good,” there are several trustworthy tools you can use to conduct your school reconnaissance:

1. Use Objective Data Sites

• GreatSchools.org offers school ratings, reviews, test scores, and student demographics. Pay attention to the “academic progress” scores, not just overall ratings.
• Niche.com ranks schools and districts using parent/student feedback, teacher quality, clubs, and diversity metrics.
• SchoolDigger.com lets you compare test scores, rankings, and enrollment stats across multiple schools and districts.

2. Check State Education Departments

Every state has a department of education website that publishes school report cards, accountability data, and annual assessments, offering an unfiltered look at a school’s academic performance.

3. Join Local Military Spouse Facebook Groups

These private forums are goldmines of firsthand insight. Ask about school features or programs that are most important to you, such as Individualized Education Program (IEP) support, busing, extracurriculars, and teacher quality. Other military families are often the most candid and honest reviewers.

4. Visit in Person or Virtually

If time allows, schedule a school tour or attend an open house. Even a walk through the neighborhood around the school can give you a feel for safety, infrastructure, and family engagement. Can’t visit? Call the school office or check for video walkthroughs and live Zoom info sessions.

Tactical Considerations for VA Home Loan Buyers in School-Driven Markets

For military families using VA Home Loans, purchasing a home in a market influenced by school district ratings requires a nuanced strategy. These markets often see increased demand due to families prioritizing education, which can present unique opportunities and challenges for VA buyers.

One key consideration is the potential for appraisal gaps. Homes in top-rated school districts attract competitive offers, often pushing sale prices above the appraised value. Since VA Home Loans do not permit buyers to waive the appraisal contingency or easily bridge the difference with personal funds, this can place VA buyers at a disadvantage in bidding wars. Working closely with a lender and real estate agent who understand these dynamics and can help craft a competitive, compliant offer is essential.

Another factor to consider when buying is the home’s rental potential. Some military families facing permanent change of station (PCS) orders may choose to retain the property as a rental, even after they move from the area. In such cases, homes in desirable school districts tend to generate higher rental income and experience lower vacancy rates, offering a more stable return on investment.

Purchasing in a highly rated district can be a wise long-term investment for buyers without school-age children. These areas typically see sustained demand over time, which supports stronger home value appreciation and greater market resilience. Essentially, you're not just buying a home; you’re buying into a future market that values educational access.

Balancing School Rankings with Practical Life

While school districts can be a strong indicator of value, they’re not the only factor to consider. For many military families, proximity to the base, commute times, and access to services like childcare or health care may take equal priority.

Also, public school ratings may not reflect a good fit for every child. A lower-rated school might still offer better resources and support staff for students with IEPs, learning differences, or unique social needs.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re thinking about buying, ready to start home-shopping in earnest, or considering a refinance, an AMS Military Mortgage Advisor will be happy to provide you with an honest and fair comparison of your mortgage options, including a wide range of affordable mortgages designed to meet your needs.

Ensuring Armed Forces Mutual Members obtain the best mortgage possible is our mission. Get your free mortgage assessment today or give us a call at 844-422-3622!