Fall has arrived, and with it comes chilly evenings, colorful leaves, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate and create your own fall traditions. Among the most beautiful perks of homeownership is the chance to fill your home with cherished family memories. As the days get shorter and the weather cooler, our lives recenter inside the home.
So, what kind of moments do you want to create this fall? Think about what matters to you and how you can map that onto your house. In this article, we’re going to share some ideas to help you lean into fall’s unique blend of fun, coziness, and family.
Try Some Project Baking or Cooking
Put your home’s kitchen to work! Fill the house with the warm, inviting smells that your family will forever associate with fall. You can bring the whole family together to take part in cooking something special, maybe a seasonal dessert like apple pie or a savory, bubbly stew. Cook your favorite traditional dishes from recipes passed down through generations. With so much extra time indoors, take advantage and make something a bit more complex and time-consuming.
Have a Football Watch Party
Whether you’re a fan of college or professional football, or you’re just tuning in to catch a glimpse of a certain pop star, few things are more fall than football. Set up your living room with a nice TV, sound system, and plenty of seating. Invite friends, family, and neighbors to join in on the party. Spend some time out on the grill before winter sets in, and don’t forget your chips and dips. Football season will quickly become your season and a key piece of a lasting fall tradition in your household.
Put Up Fall Decorations
Part of what makes this time of year extra cozy is all of the warm colors. Wrap your home in oranges, yellows, browns, and reds for a pleasant fall feeling. Pumpkins, candles (with supervision), porch lights, decorative leaves, pillows, and maybe even dishware. Double down on the fun with some family craft nights. You can make simple, lovable decorations with items around the house, like paper plates, construction paper, and glue. Figure out your fall aesthetic with your family and start decorating!
Gather Around the Fire Pit
Fall and bonfires go together like chocolate and marshmallows, which you’ll surely be stacking with your family on a breezy fall evening. Bonfires are a great occasion to slow down for some connection and camaraderie. Make them an autumn tradition with a safe, sturdy stone firepit and comfortable outdoor seating. Keep your hands warm with mugs of hot chocolate and apple cider. Your friends and family will look forward to those nights all year.
Have a Fall-Themed Movie Night
Pick out your favorite fall-themed flicks and settle in with your family. Pop some popcorn and order a pizza. If you’re not quite ready to embrace the Halloween spirit, stay in the cozier lane with classics like When Harry Met Sally or E.T. the Extraterrestrial. Of course, it probably won’t be long until you’re turning on Hocus Pocus, Harry Potter, or new staples like Wicked. Consider leaving the phones in the other room while you dim the lights and let the movie roll.
Getting Your Home Fall-Ready
If these ideas sound nice, but your home isn’t quite equipped for them yet, that’s okay! You don’t need to do everything at once or at all. Just think about what would make this season special for you and your family while you’re spending more time together at home.
When you’re ready to start on projects like an updated kitchen or a backyard set-up suited for grilling and bonfire nights, you may have options to make those plans a reality.
For homeowners who have built up a good amount of equity in their home, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) could potentially help you finance larger projects and purchases this fall. If you have bigger plans, such as full renovations, that cost at least $50,000, this might be the right option for you.
A Smart Loan (or a personal loan), however, could be more suitable if your projects would cost between $2,000 to $50,000. This is also a great way to tackle those sorts of tasks without taking on higher interest credit card debt.
However, you don’t need to spend a bunch of money to make meaningful fall traditions. When your family thinks back on your home, they’ll remember the laughs you shared, and the time well spent.
Have a Great Fall!
We hope you have a fantastic fall with your family and friends. This season can be such a treat for homeowners, an opportunity to create lasting memories and fall traditions you’ll return to year after year. Do what you can to get the most out of it! If that requires some extra financing, don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your potential options.
This information is intended for educational purposes only. Products and interest rates subject to change without notice. Loan products are subject to credit approval and include terms and conditions, fees and other costs. Terms and conditions may apply. Property insurance is required on all loans secured by property. VA loan products are subject to VA eligibility requirements. Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) interest rates and monthly payment are subject to adjustment. Upon submission of a full application, a mortgage banker will review and provide you with the terms, conditions, disclosures, and additional details on the interest rates that apply to your individual situation.
