It’s vacation time, so our guest blogger today is Jennifer Broadwater, who covers education for the Howard County Times and Columbia Flier. She and her husband have started shopping around for a home and are hoping our readers can offer a few tips to make the process easier:

After living in an old — albeit charming — brick rowhouse for a few years, my eyes have begun to wander. I conduct my passive house browsing mainly online. That was until last weekend, when I decided to do a bit of house-hunting in the flesh.

I was prepared with all the necessities: directions taking us from one property to the next, somewhat less enthused husband in tow.

I inhaled the “new house” smell more than was necessary for respiratory function at the two new townhouse developments we visited. And I’m not too proud to admit that I ogled the corian countertops, garden soaking tubs and cathedral ceilings featured at some of the properties. (I’m dazzled simply by the concept of central air, to put things in perspective.)

Cosmetics aside, the BIG ONE soon surfaced: schools.

It really threw a wrench in the fun of the day. It seems like such an overwhelming consideration for a couple that isn’t even expecting a visit from the stork.

After devoting most of that weekend to driving by properties, stopping in at some, and studying school data online, my wanderlust has diminished a tad. I’ve declared a temporary house-hunting hiatus, in fact.

While I recover my composure, I’m compiling a list of the important considerations for when the hunt resumes.

What considerations went into your own real estate decisions? I’d love to know.

€ To which schools is the neighborhood assigned?
€ What are the surrounding schools, in the event of redistricting?
€ What playgrounds and recreational facilities are nearby? (We’ve been tempted by newish townhouses, only to check a map and see that they’ve been shoehorned in an awkward, disconnected piece of land, near a major highway, or hidden behind an office park. Talk about lack of ambiance and community)
€ What is the broader community like?
€ What major roadways are nearby? Are they close enough to be convenient, but far enough not to pose a safety risk to small children?
€ What are the terms and fees of any HOA?
€ As a co-worker pointed out, would I feel comfortable driving or walking through the area at 10 p.m.?