5 Things to Look For When Searching for Homes in Plano

Perhaps you’re new to the Plano area, or maybe you’re looking to upgrade your current home. Whatever the case, you’ll probably spend quite a bit of time looking at online home listings or scheduling in-person tours. If you want to find the perfect new property to call your own, here are a few things you should keep an eye out for as you search for homes in Plano.

 

If you have children, the school district selection is a vital part of your house hunt. Plano ISD is one of the top districts in the state, and their schools frequently receive high ratings for academics, teachers, graduation rates, and college preparation. There are over 50,000 students enrolled at the schools in the district, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.

Out of 44 total elementary schools in the district, two of the top choices are Wyatt Elementary School (8900 Coit Road, Plano, TX 75025) and Beverly Elementary School (715 Duchess Drive, Allen, TX 75013). At Wyatt, 85% of teachers have been with the school for more than two years.

 

For middle school, many parents hope to send their children to Murphy Middle School (620 N. Murphy Road, Murphy, TX 75094). At Murphy, over 85% of teachers have been with the school for two years or more, and the average student-to-teacher ratio is 17 to 1.

 

Jasper High School (6800 Archgate Dr, Plano, TX 75024) is a top high school in the entire state of Texas, and many Jasper students go on to attend the University of Texas at Austin or Rice University. Senior high schools for grades 11-12 include Plano Senior High School, Plano West Senior High School, and Plano East Senior High School – all of which are also excellent schools.

 

Plano ISD also has a STEAM-focused academy — Plano ISD Academy High School (1701 Alma Dr, Plano, TX 75075). In addition, Plano is home to the Plano campus of Collin College (2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75074)

In total, there are 13 middle schools and 10 high schools throughout the Plano district. Your agent can help you find homes in Plano that are zoned for your top school choices.

A thorough home search should always include a neighborhood search, as the quality of the neighborhood impacts how your home’s value might grow over time. A good neighborhood is also close to key services like grocery stores and fire stations, and it will have local amenities like neighborhood pools and walking trails.

Because Plano is a large and fast-growing city, there are many excellent neighborhoods to choose from. Lakeside on Preston is one of the most popular choices. This neighborhood includes five lakes, a 15-acre park, and multiple fountains. Most homes were built between 1992 and 2005, and you’ll also find a state-of-the-art fitness center here.

Many people shopping for Plano homes for sale ultimately end up purchasing a home in Willow Bend. Willow Bend sits close to some of the area’s top choices for dining, shopping, and entertainment. It’s a large neighborhood with several homes to choose from. Multiple on-site events occur throughout the year like parades and community fun runs, and many residents enjoy fishing in the neighborhood’s on-site ponds.

 

As fuel costs continue to rise across the nation, many homebuyers are looking to purchase homes that will help them save money on utility bills. As you shop for homes in Plano, there are a few things to watch out for that may give you a hint about the home’s energy efficiency.

First of all, look for homes with upgraded appliances. These newer appliances often utilize less energy than older models and can save a significant amount of money throughout the year.

Another new home feature that will cut costs is a smart thermostat. These thermostats automatically adjust based on settings that you program on your phone, in addition to the outside temperature.

Finally, look for other energy-efficient upgrades like newer garage doors or double-paned windows. These features can improve a home’s insulation, which will make it easier for the home to retain heat during the cooler months or stay cool during the warmer months.

 

Plano can get warm during the summer, where average high temperatures range from 92 to 95 degrees during June, July, and August. However, the climate is rather pleasant throughout the rest of the year, with average high temperatures ranging between 55 and 79 degrees during seven months of the year.

Many Plano homeowners take advantage of cool mornings and warm afternoons by sitting outside in their outdoor living spaces. Outdoor living spaces are a popular feature that many homebuyers search for in their new homes. These spaces offer room for several comfortable chairs, and you may even be able to set up an outdoor entertainment center with a TV and surround-sound speakers. Plano luxury homes may even have outdoor fireplaces or built-in outdoor kitchens with grills and plenty of counter space. These make excellent spaces for hosting guests or enjoying downtime with your family.

It’s easy to fall in love with a home based on its fantastic curb appeal or array of amenities, but make sure you’re also taking time to look critically at the home’s interior to assess how well the home has been maintained. Keep an eye out for any stains near the baseboards or any chipped paint on the wall. These are small cosmetic issues, but they can point to deeper problems that you may need to fix down the road. The inspection will give you a better idea of what could be going on underneath the walls and below the foundation, but you’ll also want to determine whether or not the house is structurally sound.

When you’re ready to start your journey, Courtney Tauriac can help you find the best homes for sale in Plano. Courtney specializes in luxury homes and new builds, and her thorough knowledge of local and national market trends will be a tremendous asset for you as you begin your house hunt. Courtney has over 20 years of real estate experience, and she seeks to go above and beyond as she serves each of her clients. She would love to help you shop for a Plano property that you’re proud to call your own. Reach out to her today!

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