Dallas Real Estate News

Elle Realty has committed to supporting the Hexter Elementary White Rock Home Tour again this year; albeit in a smaller way than serving as presenting sponsor, which we did in 2007.  In any case, we couldn't be happier about having our office located in the same neighborhood as the blue-ribbon award winner and exemplary elementary school.  Hexter has consistently remained "on top" among the Dallas schools' roster, and when it comes to re-sale, that makes a difference for the sellers in the neighborhood.  Even if you don't have children, even if you will never have children-- school(s) do play a role in the overall desirability of a neighborhood. 

I was a classroom teacher for as long as I've been in real estate and later spent fifteen years representing major textbook publishers and working with teachers at elementary and high school campuses throughout the DFW area, as well as all of East Texas, Louisiana and California.  

Many people assume that because a school is in a "good" district, it's a "good" school and vice-versa.  Don't make that mistake!  Hexter is a prime example of how a big-city school can blow the lid off the charts as an exemplary facility for little minds! 

My experience in education taught me that there are certain characteristics commonly shared in high-achieving schools, and I encourage parents who are concerned about the schools they are sending their children to, take these into consideration... before they decide on a particular neighborhood "because of the school".  Remember, test scores are only a part of the big picture!

1)  Visit the school unannounced and see how you are welcomed.  Use this visit to schedule a time to return for a tour of the building and a meeting with potential teachers.  Ask for information about opportunities for parental involvement, special programs and activities that you can share with your child. Be concious of how you felt during that experience. You should be encouraged to get involved!!

2)  Look for color.  My son's elementary school looked like stalag 17 most of the time.  Test scores were high, but there was no artwork and there was nothing child-friendly about the place.  It was cold and unwelcoming, just like the principal. He didn't stay there a day longer than necessary.

3)  Listen for the sewing machine hum.  A good school will be alive with an almost soothing sound of learning.  It's not too loud (this does not apply to playground or lunchroom time), and it's not too quiet.  It's the sound that you hear when children are engaged and interacting. 

4)  Look for a clean campus, inside and out. 

5)  Look for friendly faces among the staff and teachers.  They take their cue directly from their leadership.  Teacher morale is key to helping children reach their full potential, and leadership is essential in helping teachers maintain positive and constructive attitudes.  Teachers spend long and thankless hours  in and outside of the classroom on behalf of their students. 

6)  Of course, student performance on state and standardized tests will factor in at some point, but scores only tell part of the story.  Excellent scores derived from harsh or ultimately detrimental practices mean absolutely nothing.  A good school nurtures the entire child and excellence results.  

Thank you to all the parents, administrators, staff and teachers at Victor Hexter Elementary.  We appreciate you and all that you do for the children in our area and the community as a whole!  Best of luck with the 2011 Home Tour!