Any facility that has the potential of creating noise or traffic congestion could affect over all value. Any item about the neighborhood that requires disclosure typically implies a buyer could consider that a factor against the value of the home.

On the other hand, certain buyers have no issue with it and therefore these houses do sale. They simply may sale slightly lower than an area that does not have the potential for noise or traffic congestion.

I agree with Dave that there are many choices in this buyer's market and I would look for a better deal that would have more potential for solid appreciation.

Good luck,
CJ

Tue Jun 3 2008, 18:01

There can be a little roudy behavior from the kids and traffic congestion can be a pain, but when school is not in session it is very quiet. It's a crap shoot with re-sale across from a school.

Tue Jun 3 2008, 16:33

A,

Given other options I would stay away from a home across from a high school. Especially since Campbell (and other cities) offer good values compared with real estate markets in more active cities. Remember, the Campbell market is not as active (pro-seller) therefore being forced to buy in a less preferred location is not mandatory. In a softer market, buy in the best location you can. You can always upgrade a home, but it is very expensive to move. If looking in Campbell, I would try to buy within the Moreland Elementary school district boundaries (even if you didn't ahve school aged kids) because these neighborhoods retain their value better. If you want a map, here's a link to the Moreland district website. It is: http://www.moreland.k12.ca.us/p_boundaries.html. Good luck!

Tue Jun 3 2008, 13:22

Hi A,
Welcome to California! It looks like you have already received a bunch of answers. All very good advice about traffic, parking, noise, events, resale, etc...You did mention that this is a home that you like. While it is true that you should always consider resale when purchasing a home, you should also ask yourself this: Considering all of the possible pros and cons, will you and your family be happy making this house your home? If you feel like you have to convince yourself that the answer is yes, then the opposite is probably true. Good luck!

Tue Jun 3 2008, 11:54

I would definitely suggest that you go to the high school and watch the traffic.

The real problem for me is that the high school students drive and if there is not enough parking space inside of the school, they will park outside of your home (since you are right across from the school) from early in the morning to late at night. You will have problem with parking and students walking by, hopefully not leaving trash behind.

You won't have parking problem with younger kids other than curing drop off and pick up time, but you will have problem all day long across from high school

The other potential problem could be different evens. It might be very loud or has a lot of onlookers and noise during weekend/weeknight also

Yes, if people hesitate about buying the property, the resale value will be affected.

If there are two houses, all things equal, one is next to high school, one not. Guess which one I will buy.

Best,
Sylvia ,

Mon Jun 2 2008, 23:07

With gas prices where they are at, it could be a bonus.

Mon Jun 2 2008, 22:57

Hello, yes buying a home across the street from a high school may have an impact on sales price in the future. There could be traffic during certain hours of the day, buses and noise from the kids. How long has this home been on the market? How much has the home appreciated over the years in comparison to other homes in the neighborhood? If purchasing this home will be beneficial to your children to be able to attend outstanding schools.............then why not go for it! Good luck.

Mon Jun 2 2008, 21:23

Not being from your area, I don't know when school gets out for the summer. If school is still in session or summer school is starting soon, I would recommend that you go to the school while students are arriving for the day and leaving for the day. Park near the home you are considering. Stay there until the morning bell rings and then go back and stay in the afternoon until all of the students are gone for the day.

How close is the football stadium to the home? If it were football season, I would recommend you do the same thing. How loud are the games, the people, the band and the loudspeakers? How distracting are the lights?

If you have to ask the question...you already know the answer to the question.

Never, ever purchase a home, without the thought of resale in your mind. If you have these questions, today, then the next potential buyers will have the same questions, too.

Mon Jun 2 2008, 17:35

Hello A,
Welcome to California. I think you maybe talking about a home on Westmont? The location is very nice, close to Saratoga and Los Gatos. There really isn't any problem with the area except the noise and traffic during the school hours. As for the resale value, yes it'll be affected. Also keep in mind that you can negotiate the price down when you purchase such a home. What I'm trying to say is that you'll buy a home with a negative at a lower price and when you'll sell you'll be selling at a lower price as well.
Hope this helps! Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need more specific information.

Regards,
Ali Moein
(408)439-5748

Mon Jun 2 2008, 17:22