October Home Tips & Trunk or Treat Fun!

Hello Fourth Quarter!

With one “BER” month almost behind us, we’re stepping into one of our favorite times of the year, October. 

Crisp fall mornings, the beautiful change of leaves, football weekends at Memorial Stadium, and Halloween activities filling up the calendar. It’s a season full of energy and community, and we love everything it brings to Champaign-Urbana. But October isn’t just about pumpkin patches and tailgates, it’s also the perfect time to get your home ready for Halloween fun and start prepping for the colder months ahead.

Tips to Get Your Home Halloween-Ready 

• Light the Way: Add pathway lighting or string lights so trick-or-treaters can find their way safely.
• Keep it Clear: Sweep leaves and keep sidewalks and steps free from décor that could be a tripping hazard.
• Stock the Treats: Have candy (and maybe some small non-candy options) ready for kids of all ages.
• Front Porch Flair: Pumpkins, mums, and festive wreaths make your home feel welcoming and fun.

PS: If you need help with this, don’t miss the giveaway at the bottom of the page!

Prep Now, Thank Yourself Later

As the nights get colder, a few quick tasks can save you from big headaches later this winter:

• Gutter Clean-Up: Clear out leaves before fall rains and winter ice arrive. 
• Clean-Up the Yard: For yard waste collection dates in Champaign and Urbana,🔗 check out this helpful guide from Chambanamoms. 🔗
• Seal It Tight: Check weather stripping on windows and doors to keep the warm air in and the drafts out.
• Furnace Check: Schedule a tune-up now before it’s time to switch the heat on full-time.
• Seasonal Swap: Put away summer gear and bring out the snow shovels and ice melt.

Thinking About Selling This Spring?

If you’re considering putting your home on the market in the spring, winter is actually a great time to start preparing. A little effort now means less stress later and can even help your home stand out to buyers. Here are a few things you can do this fall and winter:

• Declutter Room by Room: Start sorting and donating items you don’t want to move with you.
• Tackle Indoor Projects: Paint touch-ups, deep cleaning, or small repairs can all be done while it’s cold outside.
• Boost Curb Appeal: Rake leaves, trim bushes, and add some seasonal color like mums or evergreen planters.
• Plan Ahead: Meet with a local agent (that’s us) to learn what updates or staging options could make the biggest impact.

Getting a head start now puts you in a strong position when spring buyers start searching.

Join Us for Trunk or Treat!

We’d love for you to celebrate spooky season with us at our annual Trunk or Treat!

📅 October 29th | 4:30–6:30 PM

📍 2441 Village Green Place, Champaign, IL 61822

Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening of candy, costumes, and community fun—it’s one of our favorite traditions and a great way to spend time with our clients, friends, and neighbors.

As you fill your October calendar with Illini football games, pumpkin patch visits, and crisp fall walks, we hope this season brings plenty of warmth, laughter, and new memories. And to make your home even more festive, don’t miss your chance to enter below to win a Halloween Fun Basket filled with spooky accessories to help “decorate your door.”