Depending on your market of origin it seems expectations are rarely met. Whether you have sticker shock or your CA home dollars aren't getting you what you though in terms of "newer", finishes, sqft and lot size (with views of course) close to downtown boulder. Furthermore you are being introduced to this alien idea of "open enrollment" for schooling. Everyone wants to buy in the "best" neighborhood schools , but can't fathom living in an overpriced and obsolete floor plan so you are given yet another variable to consider. Do I buy the home I want and gamble on a school lottery to get my child into the school I want, or do I look at a compromise of sorts? Of course you really want the best of both worlds and having lived in Boulder for 20 years I can honestly say that a happy family/schooling life CAN exist within the system devised.
Thought for food:
1st: A majority of the schools here on average are better than many public schools throughout the country. Lets just say the PAR rate here is possibly better.
2nd: Open enrollment allows for you to choose your top 3 choices. I can name 5 great schools in the county AND on your way to work.It's fairly easy to get in K-5.
3: As the market dollars shift into evolving agricultural communities turning into to moderate-affluent communities (the burbs) the tax resources and new schools start to flourish attracting better teachers and jobs to the area.This should improve on-line scholastic testing such as CSAP scores.
4. Real estate agents, by law, cannot give advise/recommendations on schools. Home buyers are advised to do their own due diligence. Ask your agent about resources which would allow you to come to your own conclusions as well contact the schools directly for further information. Agents may share personal experiences and know general "here-say" about some schools but liability issues could arise if its perceived as "steering or miss-information". Much like a CPA or Lawyer, school issues should be addressed with those who know best about the subject ALL the time. From a housing perspective lets shop those neighborhoods which have the qualities and programs you seek out. We recommend visiting this site to find out more and compare schools
Whenever we have people who are "scouting" we have established a tour system which is devised to let you absorb the area, schooling options as well as locational amenities and "lifestyles" without being too over bearing. Too much home shopping without getting a good overall sense of the communities, schools and value proposition balance can be overwhelming and demoralizing.
We know this process is stressful and sometime are conducted in the most inopportune times as well. Our suggestion is consider an initial tour highlighting the most important aspect YOU desire.
There is so much more I could go over and encourage you to ask in this open forum.
Duane