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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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