Buying your first home is an exciting milestone—but it can also be overwhelming. With so many decisions to make, it’s easy to fall into common traps that could cost you time, money, or even your dream home.

When homebuyers think about what drives property value, they often consider location, size, layout, and nearby amenities. But there’s one powerful and often overlooked factor that can make or break a home's market value: the local school district.