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Plum Weekly Q&A: Back-to-School for Realtors

all routines fresh opportunities featured image for Marketing for Real Estate Agents blog post

TL;DR

Back-to-school season is chaotic for families, and most agents go silent. That’s a mistake. This is the moment to acknowledge real stresses, reconnect with leads, and stay visible without sounding pushy. Be the calm, useful voice people remember when they’re ready to act.

Real Questions Clients Are Asking This Season, and How Smart Agents Are Showing Up 

Back-to-school isn’t just about new routines for families; it’s a shift in mindset, spending, and priorities. That makes it a powerful (but often overlooked) moment for real estate professionals to reconnect, refocus, and reposition their value. 

Whether you’re a solo agent or a growing team, here’s what your audience is quietly thinking about right now, and how to talk to them in a way that feels timely, helpful, and human. 

 

“Is back-to-school season a good time to talk to clients about moving?” 

A:
Yes, but timing is everything. Families are juggling a lot, so your tone matters more than ever.
Instead of pushing urgency, ease into conversation with curiosity: 

“Now that the school year’s underway, are you still thinking about making a move before the holidays?” 

The goal here is to reopen the door, not to sell through it. 

 

“What are families financially stressed about during this season?” 

A:
Everything from supply lists and activity fees to rising utilities and lingering summer spending. For homeowners, upcoming property tax bills are also on their radar. 

If you work with prospective sellers, this is a chance to talk about real estate as a strategic move, not a reactive one.
Meet them in the stress and offer clarity, not pressure. 

 

“How do I reconnect with people who were ‘thinking about moving’ earlier this year but have gone quiet?” 

A:
Reach out without assuming anything. Try: 

“Just checking in now that summer’s behind us, are you still considering a move this year or taking a breather?” 

This shows you’re paying attention without pushing an agenda. It gives them space to open up if the timing still feels right, or admit if it doesn’t. 

 

“Should I keep posting listings, or shift to value-based content this time of year?” 

A:
Do both, but lead with content that helps people feel informed and supported, not sold to.
Ideas for this season: 

  • Fall home maintenance checklists 
  • Tips for prepping your home now to sell in the new year 
  • Small upgrades that improve resale value before the holidays 

Position yourself as a resource, not just someone with keys and square footage. 

 

“Is this a good time to talk to renters about becoming homeowners?” 

A:
Absolutely. If the message is framed around lifestyle and stability, not just investment. 

Parents in particular may be thinking long-term about school zones, neighborhoods, and predictability.
Speak to those priorities, not just mortgage rates. 

 

“How do I stay visible when people aren’t actively buying or selling?” 

A:
Stay useful.
Share stories like: 

“One couple I know was torn between waiting or upgrading this fall. Here’s what we considered together.” 

Visibility isn’t about being everywhere, it’s about showing up when your voice matters most. 

 

“What should I actually be posting right now?” 

A:
Content that meets people where they are: 

  • “3 questions to ask yourself if your home doesn’t feel like it fits anymore” 
  • “Why fall might be the perfect time to prep for a spring sale” 
  • “Tips for making your current space feel fresh again now that routines are back” 

Skip the market stats unless they’re directly tied to how real people are making decisions. 

 

“How do I show value right now without sounding salesy?” 

A:
Slow down.
Most people are already overwhelmed with decisions, school schedules, budget shifts, travel planning.
When you show up with calm, context-aware advice, you become a steady presence.
That’s what people remember when it’s time to move. 

 

FAQs

Q: What if my market feels slow this season?

A: That’s exactly when presence matters most. If you disappear now, you’ll be forgotten when momentum comes back. Consistency builds trust, even when the market feels quiet.

Q: How often should I post in fall?

A: Once or twice a week is plenty. Quality beats volume. Focus on clarity and relevance, not just activity for activity’s sake.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake agents make this time of year?

A: Falling back on stats and sales pitches. Families want empathy and practical guidance, not charts or numbers without context.

Slow seasons aren’t wasted seasons. The professionals who stay visible now are the ones people call first when activity returns. Your role this fall isn’t to post more, it’s to show up with clarity, empathy, and practical advice so you’re remembered when decisions are made.

Ready to talk about how to keep your marketing relevant this season? Let’s connect and make a plan that fits your business.