A house can tell a very different story in October than it does in June.Landscaping has tremendous visual power. In fact, 97% of REALTORS® say curb appeal is important in attracting a buyer. But
Your October Home Checklist
Dated: September 18 2026
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October is a good month to look at your home with fresh eyes. Summer can hide a lot behind green lawns, full trees and long days. As the season changes, take a walk around your property and see what deserves attention.
Look up before the leaves come down.
Dead or damaged branches are easier to identify while trees still have some foliage. Pay particular attention to limbs hanging over your roof, driveway or utility lines.
Check where rainwater goes.
During a good fall rain, walk outside and watch. Is water pooling near the foundation? Does it collect in low spots? Are downspouts actually directing water away from the house? October is a great time to spot drainage problems.
Give your exterior a close look.
Walk around the house and check siding, trim, paint, brick and foundation areas. Cracks, peeling paint or deteriorating wood are important to address before winter weather makes matters worse.
Take stock of your landscaping.
Trim overgrown shrubs away from the house, clean up garden beds and decide what needs pruning, dividing or replacing. Fall is also a great time to plant many trees, shrubs and spring-blooming bulbs.
Look at your home after dark.
With daylight disappearing earlier, exterior lighting suddenly matters more. Check porch lights, pathways, driveways and entrances for dark areas that could use better illumination.
Take a few photos.
Photograph your roof, exterior, landscaping and major home systems. Creating a simple annual visual record makes it easier to notice changes and keep track of improvements over time.
October isn't just about preparing for winter. It's a great opportunity to see how your home is aging, address what needs attention and protect its value for the years ahead.
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Heart Of Missouri Board Of REALTORS® All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
