Give Your Home Front a Fall Glow-Up

Whether you're preparing to sell this fall or simply refreshing your home's exterior, now's the time to elevate your front yard to one that turns heads and makes a lasting first impression. Here are some ideas to take your curb appeal from so-so to showstopping.

Begin with the basics by keeping the lawn mowed, freshening up the mulch, and trimming trees and shrubs. Clean out garden beds and remove wilted summer flowers.

Turn things up a notch with landscape lighting that highlights pathways and architecture. Pressure-wash the driveway and clean shutters. Replace faded address numbers and remove excess clutter.

Put an exclamation point on your curb appeal by creating a statement entryway. Wash the front door or give it a fresh coat of paint. Polish tarnished hardware, add a bold new doormat, and flank the entry with planters filled with seasonal blooms. Top it off with a pair of large LED lanterns to cast a warm, welcoming glow.

Can You Name That House Style?

From rooflines to floor plans, housing styles tell the story of life in America, reflecting the nation's history, regional influences, and changing design trends. Whether you're a novice or a natural when it comes to residential architecture, this quiz offers a fun challenge to test your knowledge.

1. Elaborate, multi-styled rooflines featuring spindlework and turrets.
2. Steep, gabled rooflines with low, arched doorways.
3. Soaring columns at the entrance that echo classic Greek and Roman styles of architecture.
4. Arched doorways and porch fronts, elaborate metalwork, stucco exterior, and red-tiled roofs.
5. Low-slung roofs on open, single-story floor plans that often feature sliding glass doors and attached garages.
6. Tall, narrow homes either connected or built close together.
7. Low, horizontal lines that evoke an expansive feeling strongly integrated with natural surroundings.
8. Clean lines, open floor plans and ample natural light.
9. Low, open design with interesting geometric lines integrated with surrounding nature.
10. Dormers on 2- or 3-story brick homes with porticos and partially covered porches. Symmetrically placed windows with shutters.

For Buyers and Sellers, Timing Matters

Wherever you are, one thing holds true — the more you understand how listings work, the better your next move will be.

For sellers: It's about pricing right and making a strong first impression. The first few days on the market often bring the most interest, so preparation can drive results.

For buyers: It's about knowing what's available before it's gone. The right home can appear — and disappear — faster than expected, so staying informed matters.

Either way, the market is moving. Are you?

Gift Today, Home Tomorrow

Helping a child, family member, or friend with a down payment can be a wonderful way to support their path to homeownership, but there are a few financial details worth understanding first.

• The IRS allows individuals to gift up to $19,000 per recipient annually without triggering gift tax reporting requirements. Married couples can combine gifts for a larger amount.
• Larger gifts may still be possible, but they could require additional IRS documentation.
• Mortgage lenders typically require a gift letter confirming that the funds are a gift, not a loan.
• Some lenders require gifted funds to be "seasoned" before closing. This simply means the funds must be deposited into the buyer's established account for a specific period, such as 60–90 days.
• Gift funds may help buyers cover down payments and closing costs or other expenses when buying a home.
• Before gifting, consider your own retirement goals, savings needs, and long-term financial plans.