Buying Real Estate How To and Tips

Oct. 21, 2026

Creamy Pumpkin Soup With Apple and Sage

This pumpkin soup makes a simple autumn dinner or a first course for a weekend get-together, using ingredients that are easy to keep on hand.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup With Apple and Sage: original illustrated autumn feature image

Ingredients and directions

  1. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small chopped onion, 1 peeled diced apple, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 cups unsweetened pumpkin puree, …
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Oct. 20, 2026

Clean Gutters and Check Downspouts Before Snow Arrives

Leaves and debris can obstruct roof drainage. When winter weather follows, water may back up or concentrate near the foundation.

Clean Gutters and Check Downspouts Before Snow Arrives: original illustrated autumn feature image

What to check and why it matters

  1. Clear gutters after the bulk of leaves fall, and consider a second pass if you have mature trees.
  2. Check elbows and downspouts for …
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Oct. 19, 2026

Fall Home-Selling Strategy: Do You Have to Wait Until Spring?

Spring brings more real-estate activity, but selling in autumn can still make sense depending on your relocation needs, property condition and competing listings.

Fall Home-Selling Strategy: Do You Have to Wait Until Spring?: original illustrated autumn feature image

What to check and why it matters

  1. Study currently active listings as well as recent closed sales; the homes buyers can tour today are your immediate competition.
  2. …
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Oct. 18, 2026

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Protect Exterior Faucets

A forgotten garden hose can trap water in a faucet assembly, increasing the risk of freezing damage when temperatures drop.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Protect Exterior Faucets: original illustrated autumn feature image

What to check and why it matters

  1. Disconnect and drain all garden hoses, including those tucked beside a garage or behind landscaping.
  2. If the faucet has a dedicated interior shutoff, …
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Oct. 17, 2026

Fall Curb Appeal Ideas That Don't Feel Overdone

Autumn can be a great season to photograph or show a Minnesota home, especially when the outdoor presentation looks intentional rather than cluttered.

Fall Curb Appeal Ideas That Don't Feel Overdone: original illustrated autumn feature image

What to check and why it matters

  1. Sweep the front walk, porch and driveway before each showing.
  2. Use a few weather-tolerant planters or pumpkins for color; avoid …
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Oct. 16, 2026

Seal Drafty Windows and Doors Before Heating Season

Cold-weather drafts are often caused by inexpensive-to-fix gaps around doors, windows and penetrations rather than problems requiring complete replacement.

Seal Drafty Windows and Doors Before Heating Season: original illustrated autumn feature image

What to check and why it matters

  1. On a breezy day, check for noticeable air movement at closed doors and windows.
  2. Replace compressed or torn door weatherstripping and install a properly …
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Oct. 15, 2026

Easy Pumpkin Oat Muffins for a Cozy Minnesota Morning

Pumpkin muffins are an easy fall breakfast to make ahead for busy school mornings, open-house days or weekend guests.

Easy Pumpkin Oat Muffins for a Cozy Minnesota Morning: original illustrated autumn feature image

Ingredients and directions

  1. Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup neutral oil, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup rolled oats, 1 teaspoon …
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Oct. 14, 2026

A Minnesota Homeowner's Fall Exterior Inspection Checklist

A 30-minute walk around your property can identify small items that become expensive during freeze-thaw season.

A Minnesota Homeowner's Fall Exterior Inspection Checklist: original illustrated autumn feature image

What to check and why it matters

  1. Look for loose shingles, lifted flashing and damaged siding from the ground; hire a professional rather than walking on a steep roof.
  2. Check that gutters are attached …
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Oct. 13, 2026

What to Do With Fall Leaves: Mulch, Compost or Remove?

A carpet of leaves is pretty for a few days, but a thick, wet layer left on turf can block light and contribute to problems over winter.

What to Do With Fall Leaves: Mulch, Compost or Remove?: original illustrated autumn feature image

What to check and why it matters

  1. Run a mulching mower over a light to moderate leaf layer; the pieces should fall between …
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Oct. 12, 2026

Winterize Your Lawn Sprinklers Before Minnesota's First Hard Freeze

Irrigation lines can retain water even after the timer is switched off. When that water freezes, expansion may damage pipes, valves and backflow components.

Winterize Your Lawn Sprinklers Before Minnesota's First Hard Freeze: original illustrated autumn feature image

What to check and why it matters

  1. Schedule a qualified irrigation professional to winterize your system before sustained freezing conditions.
  2. Before shutoff, check for broken sprinkler …
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