Backpacks & Buyer's Guides! Real Estate Tips for the Back-to-School Season

Backpacks & Buyer's Guides!

Real Estate Tips for the Back-to-School Season

August is here, and the back-to-school buzz is in full swing—school supplies, earlier bedtimes,
and jam-packed calendars. While some of us are craving getting back into a routine, others may
still be clinging on to the last few weeks of summer. But while you're getting the kids ready for a
new year, it's also the perfect time to reset your real estate goals!

Whether you're looking to upsize, relocate closer to a school district, or finally hone in on the
search for your dream home you've been putting off all summer, here are some easy tips to help
you make the most of the back-to-school season in real estate

1. School Zones Matter!
If you have kids, you're likely thinking about the importance of proximity to great schools. But
even if you don’t have kiddos, homes in desirable school districts tend to hold strong value. Use
a realtor you know and trust (hi, it's me!) and use school ratings as part of your home search
criteria. You can also ask to include a filter by district or walkability to specific schools. The more
you know!

2. Take Advantage of the Seasonal Shift
Once school starts, you can generally expect the real estate pace to slow down, but that doesn't
mean the opportunities do. What does the post-summer slowdown mean? This time of year, you
may see less competition from buyers as people are adjusting to the new school year. Some
sellers this time of year may also be more motivated if they wish to close before the holiday
season. These 2 factors provide an opportunity for more negotiations! Now is a smart time to
ramp up your search before the fall market picks up!


3. Do Your Homework!
Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming—especially when juggling school routines.
When one kid has band rehearsal, you're on carpool duty for Cheer, and you're barely keeping
your head above water, more homework on your plate can feel daunting. But just like
back-to-school prep, a little planning goes a long way!

-Buyers: Get pre-approved! This shows sellers that you are serious and qualified.
Know your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves, and set your budget.

-Sellers: Declutter, deep clean, and make small repairs now. Bonus points for creating
a cozy, back-to-school vibe at showings (think: fresh-baked cookies and fall-scented
candles. Maybe an episode of Gilmore Girls playing silently in the background.
Kidding...kinda.)

4. Think About Commute & Routine!
Now’s the time to test out routes to work, school, or daycare from potential homes. A dream
kitchen is great, but not if it means an hour in traffic every morning. Choose locations that are
best suited to your lifestyle. Consider the neighborhood's safety, walkability, sidewalks, and
nearby parks and recreation amenities for after-school activities.


5. Set a Realistic Timeline
The school year can feel busy fast. Set goals and plan ahead. It's never too early to start
planning for success. Want to be moved in by the holidays? Let's start the process now.
Thinking about listing this fall? Use August to prep your home, work on those pesky repairs to
get your home show-ready, and work with your realtor to get a strategy and marketing plan in
place.

Getting back into the swing of things at the start of a new school year means new beginnings.
It's a fresh start to tackle your personal goals - including your real estate dreams. Where do you
see yourself a year from now? Let's start creating the roadmap!