Here are the latest Long and Foster Market Reports for September 2011. View your PA county or cities market activity here: http://ping.fm/UuDKK

Tom Kraeutler, home improvement expert and co-host of radio’s The Money Pit, says early fall is the best time to start preparing your home for colder weather and for finishing up those projects you’ve been neglecting. http://ping.fm/hypQh

With mortgage rates at historic lows…is now the time to refinance? Here’s Today Show financial expert, Jean Chatzke’s advice: http://ping.fm/Wcfg1

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has fallen below 4 percent for the first time in history. http://ping.fm/Av7CL

As underwriting guidelines for lenders become more stringent, we need to re-examine what a good mortgage application looks like. Here are some tips to present a stronger mortgage application: http://ping.fm/YZYbf

This from our Glass Half Full Department: Leaf peepers are predicting a dazzling fall foliage display this autumn, thanks to Hurricane Irene and the non-stop rain that pelted the East Coast in September. That’s good news for your curb appeal.

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It's a buyer's market in most of America for real estate right now, meaning would-be sellers need to do everything in their power to make their properties look good. You might think your place looks nice enough, but NAR research shows the average househunter looks at 12 properties before settling on what to buy. Here are some inexpensive ways to stand out: http://ping.fm/HYa18