Back To School Tips for Home sellers and Homebuyers

As the month of August enters the scene across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, families are trading beach towels for backpacks. The exhilarating pool days are being traded in for energy boosting morning alarm clocks! To summarize the change in seasons, the back-to-school season brings a whirlwind of energy, schedule adjustments, and fresh starts.

Whether you are trying to keep your home market-ready during school-morning rush hours or hunting for a new home in a community where your kids can thrive academically, this guide has you covered.

🛍️ Save the Date: Texas Tax-Free Weekend

Before diving into school supplies, mark your calendars! The 2026 Texas Sales Tax Holiday runs from Friday, August 7, through midnight Sunday, August 9.

Things included: Notebook Paper, Pencils, pens, Folders, Crayons, Markers, Glue, Scissors, Rulers, Lunch Boxes, Binders, Calculators, & Student Backpacks

Things NOT included: Jewelry, Handbags & Purses, Sports Equipment, Computers & Electronics

During this weekend, you can buy most qualifying school supplies, backpacks, footwear, and clothing priced under $100 without paying state and local sales tax.

It’s the perfect time to stock up for the upcoming school year!

🎒 Local Book Bag & School Supply Giveaways

Fortunately, community support is strong across the Metroplex! Local organizations, churches, and school districts across DFW are hosting fantastic back-to-school events to help families start the year fully equipped:

 Arlington, TX

• Arlington ISD Back to School Kickoff — Offers free backpacks filled with essential school supplies, health resources, and family activities for registered AISD students.

• Seguin High School Back to School Drive: Local community organizations and Arlington ISD partners host backpack and supply distribution events leading up to the school year.

• Richland Hills / Arlington Area Community Drives: Keep an eye out for neighborhood block parties and church-hosted rallies (such as the Supernatural Nation Grace Pavilion event) offering free groceries and school supplies.

Fort Worth, TX

• Annual Fort Worth Back to School Roundup — A comprehensive county-wide event offering free school supplies, backpacks, health screenings, and immunizations for Tarrant County students.

• Buzz Back 2 School Event: Hosted at the Andrew Doc Session Community Center, offering free backpacks and haircuts.

• Rising Star & River Oaks Community Events: Back-to-school drives along Avenue M and River Oaks Boulevard provide backpacks, school essentials, and family activities.

Dallas, TX

• Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair — Held at Fair Park, providing thousands of Dallas students with free backpacks, school supplies, health check-ups, and educational resources.

• MLK Center Backpack Giveaway: Located at 2922 MLK Blvd, providing free backpacks and supplies.

• Emmanuel’s Drive-Thru Backpack Giveaway: Held in East Dallas (7903 Ferguson Rd), offering an easy drive-thru pickup for essential back-to-school items.

• Pinkston High School Giveaway: Community supply distributions hosted right in West Dallas.

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🍎 Healthy & Easy School Lunch Ideas Kids Love

Say goodbye to pre-packaged lunch burnout!  Thankfully, I found these nutritious, colorful lunch ideas to share with you that help keep kids energized throughout the school day:

• Bento Box Variety Wheels: Fill sections with turkey-and-cheese pinwheels, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, grapes, and a small handful of almonds or sunflower seeds.

• DIY Healthy Lunchable: Pack whole-grain crackers, sliced cheddar or mozzarella, lean ham or turkey slices, and apple slices with peanut or sunflower butter.

• Rainbow Mediterranean Wraps: Whole-wheat tortillas spread with hummus, shredded carrots, spinach, and grilled chicken strips, paired with a side of berries.

• Warm Pasta Thermos: Send leftover whole-wheat pasta with marinara or pesto in an insulated thermos, accompanied by baby carrots and a piece of fresh fruit.

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🏡 5 Easy Steps to Keep Your Listed Home Show-Ready During the School Year

When school is back in session, keeping your home picture-perfect for showings can feel like a full-time job. Here are 5 quick steps to keep the clutter contained without losing your sanity:

1. Establish a “Drop Zone” Basket System: Place a stylish basket or storage bench right near the entry for backpacks, shoes, and sports gear. When a showing is requested, everything gets swept into the bins instantly.

2. Implement a 10-Minute Evening Reset: Get the whole family involved before bedtime. Set a timer for 10 minutes to wipe down counters, stow toys, and put shoes away so you aren’t rushing in the morning.

3. Pre-Make Beds Before Breakfast: Make it a non-negotiable household rule that beds are made right when waking up. A made bed instantly makes bedrooms look clean and organized for prospective buyers.

4. Keep Laundry Hidden: School uniforms and sports kits build up fast. Keep laundry contained in closed hampers inside closets rather than overflowing baskets in bedroom corners or laundry rooms.

5. Pack a “Quick Evacuation Kit”: Keep a tote bag by the door loaded with snacks, water bottles, and activities. When a last-minute showing is scheduled right after school, you can grab the kids (and pets!) and head to a nearby park comfortably.

🎓 3 Fair & Effective Steps for Homebuyers Evaluating Schools

As a licensed real estate professional, I strictly adhere to Fair Housing guidelines and encourage buyers to conduct independent research when selecting a neighborhood that meets their family’s educational preferences. Here are three steps you can take:

1. Review Official State Accountability Reports

Check objective state-level academic ratings and performance metrics directly from official educational governing bodies.

• Resource: Texas School Report Cards (TXschools.gov) — Offers official Texas Education Agency (TEA) ratings, academic progress scores, and school profiles.

2. Compare Independent School Ratings & Parent Reviews

Utilize non-profit and independent educational evaluation tools to view student test scores, equity metrics, and authentic feedback from parents.

• Resources: GreatSchools.org and SchoolDigger.com — Provide district boundary maps, test score comparisons, and community reviews.

3. Tour Schools & Contact District Administration Directly

Reach out directly to the local Independent School District (ISD) boundary offices (such as Arlington ISD, Fort Worth ISD, or Dallas ISD) to confirm school boundaries, enrollment policies, specialized magnet programs, and transport services.

• Resources: Visit official district sites like Arlington ISD, Fort Worth ISD, or Dallas ISD.

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Whether you are buying or selling a home, I look forward to assisting you with your real estate needs.

— Remember: A Home is Where Love, Hope, and Dreams Reign.

TABREENA WALKER – REALTOR® 797814-SA

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

tabreenawalker@judgefite.com | 254-319-3422