It's Back-to-School Season...

Background Photos 2 (Instagram Story) (3)

How to Make Your Home Work for You

Back-to-school season is a time for fresh routines and new opportunities, not just for families but also for homeowners. Whether you’re thinking of selling your home or simply want to make it more functional, this time of year offers a perfect window to create a setup that works for both you and potential buyers. With late September through October being an ideal time to list your home—according to Realtor.com—you can take advantage of rising inventory and lower competition to get your home market-ready.

Create Back-to-School Routines that Add Value to Your Home

1. Set Up a Family Command Center

This is the heart of a well-organized home during school season. A dedicated area for backpacks, school schedules, and homework essentials can instantly add functionality to your space. When buyers tour your home, they’ll appreciate how easy it is to keep things in order.

2. Upgrade Study and Work Spaces

In today’s world, home offices and study nooks are more important than ever. Designate a quiet space for kids to do their homework or for you to work from home. A well-organized, functional workspace adds value and shows potential buyers that the home can adapt to different needs.

3. Declutter and Organize Closets

With the shift to fall, it’s a great time to rotate wardrobes and clear out what you don’t need. Buyers love ample storage, and showcasing your home’s ability to stay organized can make a big impact. Consider adding baskets, hooks, or even labeling systems to demonstrate how easily the space can work for a busy family.

4. Create a Cozy Homework or Reading Nook

Carve out a small, inviting space where kids can read or do their homework. Adding comfortable seating, good lighting, and shelving for books or supplies can make the home feel warm and family-friendly. It’s an easy project that enhances a buyer’s emotional connection to your home.

5. Enhance the Curb Appeal with Fall-Friendly Touches

As the school year kicks off, first impressions matter more than ever. Simple updates like seasonal planters, a new welcome mat, or even sprucing up your front door with a fresh coat of paint can make your home stand out to buyers.

Why Late September Through October is the Perfect Time to Sell

Now is also the time to consider putting your home on the market. According to Realtor.com, late September through October is the best time to buy a home. Why? Historically, this period offers the perfect combination of rising inventory and declining competition. More homes are available, and fewer buyers are competing for them, which means those looking to sell have a unique opportunity to attract motivated buyers.

 

If you’ve been thinking about listing your home, this time period gives you the upper hand. Buyers will be seeking homes that are move-in ready with features that make family life—and the transition back to school—easier. By highlighting these aspects of your home, you can appeal to their needs and desires.

Maureen Briere

Hey there! I’m Maureen, a community blogger and Real Estate Broker at American Classic Homes Real Estate in the Pacific Northwest. Here to help you find your perfect home and share tips on living your best life in the PNW. Let’s come home together to the Pacific Northwest!

Follow me on social media

For a daily dose of home inspiration, real estate insights, and community updates. Join our vibrant online community and be part of the conversation!

Stay in the loop, share your thoughts, and let’s continue building connections beyond the blog. Your journey to inspired living starts here!

Instagram
maureenbriere.realestate.pnw's profile picture
⛰️ Best of Your Pacific NW
🏡 #RealEstate + #Lifestyle
🔑 #MaureenBriere I RE Broker I 💜 Mom
📧 Maureen@YourPacificNW.com
Wine lovers, this one’s for you 🍷 The Renton Wine Walk at The Landing is happening this Saturday, April 26th from 3–7 PM—and it’s such a fun way to spend a spring afternoon! You’ll get to sample wines from some amazing local wineries while walking around The Landing, checking out shops, and grabbing bites from nearby spots.It’s laid-back, super social, and perfect for a friends' afternoon or date day. Bring your tasting glass and comfy shoes—this event usually brings a great crowd!

✨ Want more local events like this? Check the link in my bio for a full list of fun things happening around the PNW!

RentonWineWalk TheLandingRenton PNWEvents WAWineWalk SpringInRenton RentonWA YourPacificNW
Brighten your entryway with a container garden—use mixed annuals in complementary colors for a quick, affordable curb appeal refresh! 👌Bonus: it’s renter-friendly too.Try it and tag us in your garden glow-up!

PNWHomeTips CurbAppealGoals SpringGardening HomeHackWednesday americanclassichomes maureenbriere yourpacificnw
This Charming Waterfront Town Has Some Serious PNW History 🌲
Back in the early 1900s, this town was home to one of the largest lumber mills in the country—and nearly everything revolved around it. Streets were laid out in neat rows and named after trees (hello, Maple, Alder, and Birch), and the mill even provided housing, a general store, and a dance hall for workers.Today, it’s a peaceful little town with a beautiful waterfront, a marina, and a summer farmers market that’s perfect for a Saturday stroll. Locals love the history, the friendly feel, and the views across the Sound.

If you guessed Port Gamble, you nailed it! 🪵

Tag a friend who’d love to wander this cute waterfront town with you. Or tell us your favorite small-town day trip spot!

PNWTrivia PortGamble WashingtonHistory CoastalVibes PugetSoundTowns YourPacificNW TuesdayTrivia
Okay, if you haven’t heard yet—La Crema Patisserie just opened in Renton and it’s so good. I stopped in for their grand opening and left with way too many treats (no regrets). Their croissants are buttery perfection and the croissants? Absolutely gorgeous. If you love a good pastry and supporting local, this place is a must.Grab a friend and swing by this week—they’ve got some fun grand opening specials going on! And if you check it out, let me know what you tried!

RentonEats LaCremaPatisserie PNWTreats LocalLove RentonBakery YourPacificNW fairwood supportrentoneats
Open House at Rolling Hills!
This ground-floor condo is seriously the ultimate investment and lifestyle combo. Listed at $340,000 with no rental cap, you can live here or rent it out—your call!
Bright living space, big private balcony, and the community pool is just the cherry on top.Come see me at 1425 S Puget Dr O4, Renton—this one’s a hidden gem!

RentonRealEstate RollingHillsCondo NoRentalCap OpenHouseVibes PNWLiving HomeGoals MottolaCondo YourPacificNWAgent AmericanClassicHomes
Let’s take it back—way back—to the late 1800s. This Eastside town was once a booming coal mining hub, complete with company stores, railways, and miner cabins. Fast forward to today, and it’s all about farmers markets, cozy coffee shops, and trailheads that lead you deep into the Issaquah Alps.If you guessed....... Issaquah, you’re right! 🏔️ It’s now known for spots like Tiger Mountain, the Salmon Hatchery, and that oh-so-adorable downtown stretch with sweet shops and local eats. Whether you’re here for the outdoor life or just the views with a latte in hand, it’s a perfect PNW mix of history and charm.

Drop a 🏞️ if you’ve hiked in Issaquah—or let us know your favorite trail or bakery!

PNWTrivia IssaquahWA EastsideHistory PNWLife TuesdayTrivia YourPacificNW TigerMountainViews LocalVibes
🏡 New Price Alert!
Now’s your chance to own a home right on the 13th hole of Lake Wilderness Golf Course—at a new, improved price!This beautiful Maple Valley home offers peaceful golf course views, spacious living areas, and all the charm of the Lake Wilderness community.

✨ Open House: Don’t miss your chance to see it in person!
📍25821 Lake Wilderness Country Club Dr SE
🔗 Tour the home here: https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1274307n46893

Have questions or want to schedule a private showing? I’m just a message away!

LakeWildernessLiving MapleValleyRealEstate GolfCourseViews PNWHomes PriceDrop OpenHousePNW YourPacificNWAgent AmericanClassicHomes
Just bought a home? Or getting ready to? 🏡
There’s more to homeownership than just your mortgage—and we’re breaking it all down in this quick guide.From setting up your new budget to planning for surprise repairs (true story: I just realized I didn’t even have earthquake coverage 😅), this post has real-life advice you can actually use.

👉 Read it here: https://yourpacificnw.com/real-estate/new-homeowner-budget-tips/
✨ Want a copy of my New Homeowner’s Guide?
Message me and I’ll send it your way!

PNWHomeowners BudgetTips NewHomeJourney RealEstateAdvice YourPacificNWAgent AmericanClassicHomes americanclassichomes maureenbriere yourpacificnw
Don’t miss this opportunity to own a beautifully updated condo in Renton’s Rolling Hills!
This ground-floor unit in the Benson Condominiums features a smart layout, granite countertops, stainless appliances, and a private patio with views of the heated pool and mature landscaping. You'll love the access to community amenities like a clubhouse, walking trails, and sports court—all in a well-connected, commuter-friendly location.🔗 View the details: https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1273505Q59218
📍 1425 S Puget Dr O-4, Renton | MLS# 2354917

RentonRealEstate BensonCondos RollingHillsRenton CondosForSale PNWLiving MoveInReady LowMaintenanceLiving SeattleSuburbs FirstTimeBuyer LakeWashingtonLiving AmericanClassicHomes YourPacificNWAgent

Accessibility Toolbar