Fall Season Checklist: Action Items to Stay Warm
Check your gutters, gardens, entryways and windows before the rain comes
There’s so many little things to think about for your home before the weather begins to shift both in the Fall and in the Springtime, but these are three of the things sometimes overlooked. Make sure your gutters stay clear of debris so water can flow properly to the downspouts (if you live in single family home). Your garden and barked areas, and sometimes part of your grassy areas need to be ready for the colder weather, more so just keep an eye for puddling. And also your entryways and window seals are important to keep the cold and water out and keep the heat in!
Get your boots, gloves and coats out
Tis the season! As much as we love our shorts, t-shirts and sandals, it’s time for scarves, coats and layers..and of course, pumpkin lattes and new decorations for your home. Styles, sizes and a variety of other things change so maybe its a good year to check out the latest coats and layers out! This year is a coat update year for me since I lost a coat at an event last year, but got to meet Marshawn Lynch so there’s a little compromise there!
Start thinking about the holidays
Speaking of decorating, this is that time of year we seem to spend the most time, money and energy on new knick-knacks and holiday items for our home and living spaces. There are so many great local shops and of course online outlets for great ideas. I’m sure you’ve already seen some things popping up for the Fall with oranges and leaves in the air.
Oktoberfest is happening / Leavenworth?
Are you a beer fan? Do you like the German culture and foods like a schnitzel or bratwurst…then it’s Octoberfest for you!! There are a variety of celebration events locally or you can be bold and make your way up to Leavenworth for the ‘real deal’ as we’ve already been seeing photos of on social media from our friends and network. Definitely worth doing at least once if you’re Seattle-area local!
Plan your Halloween night out activity and costume
Spooky, sexy, funny, charismatic, nostalgic, superhero…which type of costume will you dress up in this year? Last year I was Hunter S. Thompson from a popular movie (i.e. “it’s…bat country!” lol) so this year might do something a bit more dapper or funny, still haven’t made it there yet. Are you attending a local event, a big event, or just trick or treating with the kiddos this year low key style?
Will you do a Pumpkin Patch day and which one will you visit?
Pumpkin Patches are super fun and these days many of the better ones offer corn mazes, kids rides and activities, a really cool hobby shop with great goodies, private selection jams, and of course the experience of getting a little dirty like the good old days! 🙂
Be sure to give yourself an extra hour than what you think it’ll take. It seems every time I talk with friends we always seem to have the same story, we get sucked into something fun at the patch and stay an extra 45-60 min, then wind up stopping for a bite or coffee afterwards. Basically it turns into a half day of fun, which I’m completely okay with!
October/Fall Real Estate Market Outlook
As you may have heard or read about, the greater Seattle-area market has slowed down a bit. What I tell people is this: It’s settled to a level where home buyers can take 2-3wks to think about whether the home that came on market is ‘the one’ for them, instead of needing to be on their toes at all times. We expect this market to last through the holidays then pick back up to a similar Spring market of 2018 then balance out a bit more.
What does this mean for home sellers? It means a property needs to be marketed corrected, the staging and photos need to be amazing, and everyone needs to stay grounded and patient as the market balances a bit. What about for home buyers? It means there will be more inventory (as there should be) in many areas, however those nicer homes in certain areas will still be pretty competitive (usually within 20min of the city), however buyers can take a breath.
