🍁 September Reflections: A Season of Change

With the news cycle being so relentless and everything in constant flux, the year has flown by. We are already in September, and my beautiful Japanese maples have decided it is fall and their leaves are turning all kinds of gorgeous colors.

The air has a little bit of a tang to it, and although we are still about to get our October heat, there seems to be a slight nip in the air, letting us all know we are inextricably heading towards the holidays, and winter can’t be far behind.

🏡 Home Systems Check

Now is the time to check in with all the major systems in your house—from your roof to your water heater and everything in between.

Perhaps because I was brought up thinking the school year started in September after Labor Day, I always feel a sense of newness in the air, and do things like my version of “spring” cleaning, make donations, and set up for a fresh new year around this time.

I set goals in my work, and because kindness is the most important thing we have to give to one another, I seek out ways to give back in advance of the holidays so I can plan accordingly.

🤝 Community Care

Check in with your elderly neighbors to ensure they are set up for success this winter. For those who live alone, having a conversation would be a great way to connect and would be appreciated.

We will all need one another in the uncertain future, with everything going on, and knowing your neighbors and knowing their needs is a good place to start.

🔧 Seasonal Home Prep

If you don't have gutter guards, now is the time to get them. They are not that expensive and make a world of difference in terms of safety, so you don’t have to climb on your roof to clean them out when fall really arrives, dumping leaves on your roof.

Now would also be a good time to:

• Trim back tree limbs and ensure you have ample clearance around your house.

• Inspect your hoses to ensure they are in good condition.

• Check your deer fences and other fences to ensure you have a tight perimeter around your home.

Fire season is upon us, and your safety is paramount. These steps will discourage wild animals and thieves from entering your property, while also keeping your home protected.

📈 Real Estate Outlook

If you’re considering selling your home, this is still a good time to do so. It is comfortable to see homes in the kind of weather we are having in our wonderfully temperate Bay Area, and with interest rates going down a little bit (incrementally) and more inventory showing up on the market, it is a welcoming time for buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines during the summer.

You can expect to see a slight uptick in sales and buyer activity between now and the middle of December, just before the holidays. So, it's a great time to refresh, renew, market, and reconnect with what is important!