Saratoga News

Realtor pledges $5,000 per house sale to bond campaign

By Torre Peña

Concerned with the deteriorating condition of Saratoga's schools, Realtor Jerry Houston is putting his money where his mouth is. For the months of April, May and June, Houston is donating $5,000 to the Yes on D Campaign from his commission for each house he sells.

"It's a very generous contribution," said campaign area coordinator Marcy Burns. "It shows his commitment to the community."

Houston said he hopes to raise $20,000 for the Yes on D campaign, which is raising money to pass a $40 million bond issue benefiting the Saratoga Union School District. Bond money would fund repairs, renovations and facility upgrades for school buildings, as well as additional classrooms to accommodate increasing enrollment.

A former Saratoga Education Foundation vice president, Houston has a long track record of community involvement. And as a broker associate for Alain Pinel Realtors, he respects the impact education has on property value. "Good schools hold up property values," Houston said.

There is a significant difference in the value of a home depending on which school district it falls within, he explained. A Saratoga home in the San Marcos Heights subdivision near Sobey Road was on the market for a year, receiving a high bid of $1 million. It fell within Campbell's school district. When it was annexed by the SUSD with a group of other homes, the house sold within 30 days for $250,000 more than the previous high bid. "That's a prime example of what the schools do to the value of homes," he said.

With two children attending Saratoga Elementary School, Houston is concerned about poor facilities affecting students' ability to learn. Wear and tear on the aging buildings has taken its toll. No major renovations have been conducted since the schools were built.

"They are in major need of repairs," Houston said, adding that his donation to the campaign is a chance to give something back to the community. The money will come out of his pocket upon the completion of each home sale during the period.

Burns said the campaign needs to raise $75,000 to cover expenses. She said she's been encouraged by positive public response to the measure and is pleased by support from the senior community.