Final Answer:
The criteria that would usually diminish the most in importance as the age of the buyers exceeds 50 is:
C) School system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The school system's significance in selecting a home typically diminishes for buyers over 50 because their children might have grown up and moved out. Consequently, the proximity to quality schools becomes less critical as this phase often involves downsizing or focusing on other priorities like proximity to healthcare facilities or ease of access to amenities catering to their lifestyle. As individuals reach retirement age or their later years, factors such as tax implications, overall cost (including property taxes), and location convenience tend to maintain relevance due to fixed incomes and healthcare needs.
As children become independent and move away, the need for a top-tier school system diminishes, leading older buyers to shift their focus to more immediate concerns, such as living comfortably in retirement or being close to medical facilities. This shift doesn't mean that other factors like price or location lose importance entirely, but the relative significance often changes as life priorities evolve with age. Hence, while a good school system might be a critical factor for younger families, it tends to become less influential for older homebuyers.
Therefore the correct answer is C) School system.