As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, the real estate market continues to offer great opportunities. Whether you're looking to spruce up your home’s curb appeal or dive into the market, this month’s newsletter has something for you. Let’s explore what October has in store!

1. Maximizing Curb Appeal in Autumn ??

Fall is a beautiful time of year, and it can also be a fantastic season to show off your home. Buyers are looking for warm, welcoming spaces, and with a little effort, you can boost your home's exterior appeal.

• Embrace seasonal decor: Adding tasteful pumpkins, wreaths, or fall planters can give your home a cozy, inviting look.
• Clean up fallen leaves: A well-maintained yard shows buyers you take care of your home. Rake leaves, trim hedges, and make sure walkways are clear.
• Enhance outdoor lighting: With shorter days, make sure your property is well-lit with attractive outdoor lighting to guide visitors and highlight your home’s features.
• Paint and repair: Freshen up your front door with a new coat of paint and ensure any minor repairs (like cracked walkways or peeling paint) are handled before showing.

2. Why Fall is an Excellent Time to Buy a Home ??

The fall season often presents unique advantages for homebuyers. Here’s why this time of year could be the perfect opportunity to make your move:

• Less competition: The spring and summer markets tend to attract a larger number of buyers. In the fall, you’ll typically face less competition, meaning more negotiating power.
• Motivated sellers: Many sellers who list in the fall are motivated to close before the year ends. This urgency can translate into better deals for buyers.
• End-of-year tax benefits: Buying a home before the end of the year means you could take advantage of tax benefits, such as deducting mortgage interest and property taxes.
• Milder weather for moving: Moving in the cooler fall months is often much more comfortable than doing so in the summer heat or winter cold.

3. Questions to Ask Your General Contractor ??

Whether you’re planning a small renovation or a major remodel, hiring the right general contractor is key. Here are some important questions to ask before making your decision:

• Are you licensed and insured? This is essential to ensure that both you and the contractor are protected.
• Can you provide a detailed estimate and timeline? It’s important to get a clear breakdown of costs and project duration upfront.
• Do you have references or a portfolio of past projects? Seeing their work and hearing from previous clients can give you a good idea of their skills and professionalism.
• How do you handle unexpected issues or changes? Projects often encounter unforeseen challenges—be sure to know how they’ll handle adjustments.
• Who will be on-site daily? Clarify who will be managing the project on a day-to-day basis, whether it’s the contractor themselves or a project manager.

4. Local Spotlight: Waypoint Coffee, St. Johns, MI ??

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a hot drink this fall, stop by Waypoint Coffee in St. Johns! This local gem is known for its warm atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious coffee.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick cup to-go or settling in with a book or laptop, Waypoint is a great place to relax and support a local business. Be sure to try their seasonal flavors, perfect for the autumn weather.

Address: 101 E. State Street, St. Johns, MI
Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm | Sat: 8am-4pm | Sun: Closed

5. Community Events ??

Get into the fall spirit with these local events happening in and around Lansing and St. Johns:

• Lansing Fall Festival: October 14-15. This family-friendly event includes hayrides, pumpkin decorating, and local food vendors.
• St. Johns Harvest Parade: October 21. Enjoy a festive parade through downtown St. Johns followed by a farmers market and live music.
• Trick or Treat in the Park: October 28 at DeWitt Park. Bring the kids for a safe and fun Halloween experience with treats, games, and prizes.
• Waypoint Coffee Pumpkin Latte Launch Party: October 7. Celebrate fall at Waypoint with the launch of their seasonal drinks and live music from local artists.

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the real estate market or your next move!

Happy October! ??