Fall Housing Trends: Cozy Touches Buyers and Homeowners Are Loving

Just like fashion, housing has its seasonal trends — and this Fall, buyers and homeowners alike are leaning into warmth, comfort, and natural beauty. Whether you’re searching for your next home or just giving your current space a seasonal refresh, these cozy favorites are rising to the top of fall’s housing must-haves.

Fireplaces and Outdoor Fire Pits

As cooler weather sets in, buyers are placing high value on features that bring people together. Fireplaces, whether traditional or modern, are climbing back onto wish lists. Outdoor fire pits are just as popular! They extend the livable space of a home and create a natural gathering spot for friends and family.

Warm Textures and Layered Comfort

Fall is all about making your home feel inviting. From plaid throws to chunky knit blankets and wood accents, layering textures is a simple way to create that cozy fall aesthetic. For sellers, incorporating these details in staging can help a home feel more welcoming to buyers walking through the door.

Natural Touches and Earthy Tones

Bringing the outdoors in never goes out of style! Greenery, pumpkins, dried stems, and earth-toned palettes are dominating décor trends this year. These natural elements in seasonal colors give a home warmth.

Softer Lighting and Ambient Glow

Lighting plays a huge role in the way a space feels. This Fall, homeowners are leaning into softer, layered lighting with lamps, sconces, and warm-toned bulbs. It creates that cozy, lived-in atmosphere buyers are drawn to when touring homes.

Functional & Stylish Entryways

With more time spent indoors, first impressions matter. This fall, homeowners are refreshing entryways with benches, hooks, and seasonal décor. Not only does this create a practical drop zone for everyday life, but it also sets a warm, welcoming tone as soon as you walk in.

Falling into home

Fall is a season that naturally invites comfort and connection. Whether you’re preparing to buy, sell, or simply want to refresh your space, these trends can make your home more inviting.

Team Lasson knows that finding the right home isn’t just about square footage — it’s about how it feels when you walk through the door. If a new home is on your horizon, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Team Lasson is here to assist with all of your home buying needs!  If you’re considering taking the leap into home ownership in the near future, we’re here to help.  Contact us today to explore which loan program aligns best with your financial goals. 

The first step in preparing for your big purchase is to get pre-approved for a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks.  Visit www.yourlakeloan.com or call us at (573) 216-7258 to get started today!

Michael Lasson

Senior Mortgage Banker

NMLS #:  493712

Flat Branch Home Loans – Team Lasson

2882 Bagnell Dam Blvd

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Cell:  (573) 216-7258

Email:  teamlasson@fbhl.com

Website:  www.yourlakeloan.com 

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Flat Branch Home Loans positions, strategies, or opinions.

Flat Branch Home Loans NMLS 224149. A Division of Flat Branch Mortgage Inc.

For more licensing information, visit NMLSConsumerAccess.org

What Are the 4 C's of Mortgage Lending?

 Question: What are the 4 C's lenders use to qualify borrowers for a mortgage?

Answer: When applying for a mortgage, lenders evaluate your financial profile using the "4 Cs": 

Credit 

                Capacity 

                                        Capital

                                                            Collateral 

Understanding these can boost your approval odds.

Credit: Your credit score and history reflect your debt management. A score above 670 (FICO) is ideal. Lenders check payment history, credit utilization, and inquiries. Improve your score by paying bills on time and reducing debt (Experian, 2025).

Capacity: This measures your ability to repay based on income and debt-to-income ratio (DTI), ideally below 43%. Stable employment (two years minimum) and consistent income are key. Pay down debts to strengthen capacity (CFPB, 2025).

Capital: Lenders assess your savings for the down payment and reserves. A 20% down payment avoids private mortgage insurance, and reserves ensure financial stability. Save early to show readiness (Fannie Mae, 2025).

Collateral: The property secures the loan. An appraisal confirms its value and condition, ensuring it covers the loan amount. Choose a well-maintained home in a stable market (HUD, 2025).

The 4 Cs gauge lending risk. Strengthen them by checking your credit, lowering DTI, saving more, and selecting a solid property. Consult Team Lasson for guidance.

Sources: Experian, CFPB, Fannie Mae, HUD

Team Lasson is here to assist with all of your home buying needs!  If you’re considering taking the leap into home ownership in the near future, we’re here to help.  Contact us today to explore which loan program aligns best with your financial goals. 

The first step in preparing for your big purchase is to get pre-approved for a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks.  Visit www.yourlakeloan.com or call us at (573) 216-7258 to get started today!

Michael Lasson

Senior Mortgage Banker

NMLS #:  493712

Flat Branch Home Loans – Team Lasson

2882 Bagnell Dam Blvd

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Cell:  (573) 216-7258

Email:  teamlasson@fbhl.com

Website:  www.yourlakeloan.com 

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Flat Branch Home Loans positions, strategies, or opinions.

Flat Branch Home Loans NMLS 224149. A Division of Flat Branch Mortgage Inc.

Why Having Plants is Good for Your Home and Even Better for the Planet

Your yard isn’t just for curb appeal - it's a chance to make an impact. Adding plants to your landscape, especially native varieties, can create a space that does more than just look good. It can do good, too.

From boosting your home’s value to supporting a healthier ecosystem, here’s why bringing more greenery into your outdoor space is a smart move.

1. Plants Add Value to Your Home

Landscaping is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase your property’s value. In fact, homes with well-maintained landscapes can see a 5-12% increase in value, according to real estate experts.

Sustainable landscapes, those filled with drought-tolerant or native plants, often appeal to today’s eco-conscious buyers. Native plants require less water, are easier to maintain, and signal thoughtful, long-term planning.

2. Native Plants Support Pollinators & Biodiversity

Bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators rely on plants for food and habitat. When you plant species that naturally thrive in your region, you’re helping restore balance to the local ecosystem and supporting pollinators that are essential for food production and healthy gardens.

3. They’re Water-Wise & Low-Maintenance

Native plants are adapted to your area’s climate and soil. That means they typically need less water, no fertilizers, and fewer pesticides, making your yard not only more sustainable but also more affordable to maintain.

Sustainable landscaping can reduce outdoor water use by as much as 50%, making it both eco-friendly and cost-efficient.

4. Landscaping with Purpose

Adding plants creates a purposeful, connected environment in addition to filling space. Sustainable landscaping can reduce stormwater runoff, improve soil health, and even lower urban heat.

It’s an investment that gives back to your home, your community, and the planet.

A Greener Yard Starts with One Step

You don’t have to overhaul your entire yard to make a difference. Start small with a few native plants or replace part of your lawn with pollinator-friendly shrubs. Every little bit helps.

A beautiful yard can be a responsible one. With the right plants in place, your home can bloom in value – inside and out.

At Flat Branch Home Loans, we believe homeownership is about more than just having a house—it’s about building a life, investing in your community, and creating a space you love. Whether you’re buying, building, or refinancing, we’re here to help you put down roots and grow something great.

Ready to plant your future? Let's talk.......

Team Lasson is here to assist with all of your home buying needs!  If you’re considering taking the leap into home ownership in the near future, we’re here to help.  Contact us today to explore which loan program aligns best with your financial goals. 

The first step in preparing for your big purchase is to get pre-approved for a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks.  Visit www.yourlakeloan.com or call us at (573) 216-7258 to get started today!

Michael Lasson

Senior Mortgage Banker

NMLS #:  493712

Flat Branch Home Loans – Team Lasson

2882 Bagnell Dam Blvd

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Cell:  (573) 216-7258

Email:  teamlasson@fbhl.com

Website:  www.yourlakeloan.com 

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Flat Branch Home Loans positions, strategies, or opinions.

Flat Branch Home Loans NMLS 224149. A Division of Flat Branch Mortgage Inc.

For more licensing information, visit NMLSConsumerAccess.org