Buying Real Estate How To and Tips

Oct. 31, 2026

After Halloween: Pumpkins, Porch Safety and a Cozy Fall Reset

Once Halloween ends, a few simple steps can return the front entry to a clean, welcoming space before colder November weather.

What to check and why it matters

  1. Remove soft or spoiled pumpkins promptly; compost only where local collection rules allow.
  2. Do not cook pumpkins that have been carved and …
View More
Oct. 30, 2026

Before the First Snow: A 20-Minute Minnesota Home Walkthrough

A quick final walk around your home can catch overlooked details before the first substantial snowfall.

Original seasonal illustration for Before the First Snow: A 20-Minute Minnesota Home Walkthrough

What to check and why it matters

  1. Move hoses, planters and lightweight furniture into storage.
  2. Verify the snowblower or shovels are accessible and ready.
  3. Check that exterior stairways, railings and driveway lights are working.
  4. …
View More
Oct. 29, 2026

Should You Buy a House in Late Fall? Four Tradeoffs

Fewer open houses and colder weather change the home-shopping experience, but the season alone does not determine whether a purchase is good or bad.

Original seasonal illustration for Should You Buy a House in Late Fall? Four Tradeoffs

What to check and why it matters

  1. Compare days on market and competing inventory in your particular price band; conditions vary by neighborhood.
  2. Ask about roof …
View More
Oct. 28, 2026

Prevent Ice Dams: Start With the Attic, Not the Roof Rake

Ice dams form when snow melts on warmer roof areas and refreezes near colder eaves. Their cause can involve attic air leakage, insulation and ventilation.

Original seasonal illustration for Prevent Ice Dams: Start With the Attic, Not the Roof Rake

What to check and why it matters

  1. Look for past water stains near exterior walls and upper-floor ceilings.
  2. Make sure bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans …
View More
Oct. 27, 2026

One-Bowl Pumpkin Spice Snack Cake

A simple pumpkin cake makes the house smell like fall and travels well to gatherings, school events or a neighborhood potluck.

Original seasonal illustration for One-Bowl Pumpkin Spice Snack Cake

Ingredients and directions

  1. Ingredients: 1 cup plain pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup neutral oil, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon …
View More
Oct. 26, 2026

Five Fall Projects That Can Help a Home Show Better

If a home sale may be in your future, fall is a useful time for small repairs that improve both function and perceived care.

Original seasonal illustration for Five Fall Projects That Can Help a Home Show Better

What to check and why it matters

  1. Touch up scuffed paint where a close color match is possible.
  2. Repair loose cabinet hardware, sticking doors and dripping …
View More
Oct. 25, 2026

Fall Yard Cleanup Without Damaging Landscaping

Garden beds and shrubs need a different approach than turf. Over-cleaning can remove useful winter habitat while leaving the wrong debris in place.

Original seasonal illustration for Fall Yard Cleanup Without Damaging Landscaping

What to check and why it matters

  1. Remove diseased plant material and dispose of it according to local guidance rather than placing it in ordinary home compost.
  2. …
View More
Oct. 24, 2026

Get Your Fireplace and Chimney Ready for the First Fire

A fireplace adds comfort and appeal in fall, but a safe first fire starts with inspection and proper operating habits.

Original seasonal illustration for Get Your Fireplace and Chimney Ready for the First Fire

What to check and why it matters

  1. Have a qualified chimney professional inspect and clean wood-burning systems as appropriate before heavy use.
  2. Check for visible damage to doors, glass, seals …
View More
Oct. 23, 2026

Fall Lawn Care: The Last Mow, Fertilizer and Bare Spots

Cool-season Minnesota lawns recover during autumn, but lawn tasks should match the weather and the grass's growth stage.

Original seasonal illustration for Fall Lawn Care: The Last Mow, Fertilizer and Bare Spots

What to check and why it matters

  1. Continue mowing while grass grows; avoid cutting extremely short, and aim for a final height of at least 2 inches.
  2. Do not leave thick clumps …
View More
Oct. 22, 2026

Is Your Furnace Ready for a Minnesota Winter?

Heating equipment often runs hardest just when finding a service appointment becomes difficult. A fall check can help identify maintenance needs early.

Original seasonal illustration for Is Your Furnace Ready for a Minnesota Winter?

What to check and why it matters

  1. Replace or clean the air filter according to the equipment maker's instructions.
  2. Keep furnace and boiler areas clear of stored items, …
View More