HomeTown • October 2026
Northeast Ohio real estate insights, October events, practical buyer and seller tips, and local businesses from The Carpenter Group.
Quick answers for Northeast Ohio buyers and sellers
Key answers from this October 2026 issue of HomeTown.
What should Northeast Ohio home buyers check before making an offer this fall?
Get a professional home inspection, ask about the age of the roof and heating system, check for signs of basement moisture, review repair and service records, and budget for needed repairs.
How can Northeast Ohio sellers prepare their homes for fall showings?
Service the furnace before winter, address leaks and minor repairs, clear leaves from gutters and walkways, brighten rooms for fall showings, and have repair and service records ready for buyers.
What does the October newsletter report about the Lakewood housing market?
The August figures cited in this issue show 2.11 months of inventory in Lakewood, a median sold price of $342,500, and a median of 6 days in RPR for homes that sold. These figures describe August activity. The newsletter recommends that buyers prepare their financing and sellers price accurately from the start.
When and where are the October 2026 Coffee Confessions sessions?
Coffee Confessions takes place at Goodkind Coffee on Madison Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio, on Thursdays, October 1 and October 15, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Scott Carpenter invites visitors to bring their real estate questions for a free coffee and conversation.
When is the October 2026 Home Buying and Selling Essentials webinar?
The roundtable is Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom and Facebook Live. The topic is “Trick or Treat: What’s Really Behind the Curtain on Your Next Move,” with Scott Carpenter, Todd Liguzinski of Revolution Mortgage, and Janelle Keifer of Ohio Real Title.
Trick or Treat: What’s Really Behind the Curtain on Your Next Move
October’s HomeTown looks beyond the headlines to the details that shape a move in Northeast Ohio. In “What’s Really Hiding in the Scary House?”, Scott Carpenter shares a Lakewood childhood story and puts homebuying fears into perspective.
Inside this issue: local housing trends, practical fall preparation tips for buyers and sellers, October events, Revolution Mortgage’s Lender Insider, and a spotlight on MoJay’s Weekly Table and Thanksgiving dinner. Coffee Confessions returns to Lakewood on October 1 and 15, and the Home Buying and Selling Essentials roundtable meets online October 15 at 7:00 p.m.
The Carpenter Group · HomeTown · October 2026
Featured story and closing: Scott Carpenter.
Lender Insider: Matt Panigutti, Revolution Mortgage.
Featured Story
What’s Really Hiding in the Scary House?
By Scott Carpenter, The Carpenter Group
When I was in second grade, my best friend lived on Lake Road in Lakewood. Next door to him was a house that scared us.
It was an old white house that had clearly seen better days. The paint was peeling. The windows were so dirty and fogged that from the street you couldn't really see inside. But from my friend's driveway, we could.
An old man lived there by himself, and every once in a while we'd see him lurking around inside among enormous piles of what looked like brown paper bags filled with newspapers. They were stacked to the windowsills and, in some places, even higher.
The old man never came outside to say hello when we were playing in the yard or driveway. He didn't wave when we walked past on our way to or from school. In fact, I don't remember ever seeing him outside except occasionally coming or going with paper bags in his hands.
Naturally, being second graders, we assumed those bags contained more stuff he was bringing home to add to the piles.
This was the scary house.
We weren't going to knock on the door. We certainly weren't going inside.
Until one day we did.
We were playing at my friend's house when we noticed that the old man didn't seem to be home. Then we noticed something else: one of his windows was open just enough that we could get our hands underneath it.
So we lifted it.
And climbed inside.
I'm not recommending this, by the way.
At first it was terrifying, mostly because we knew perfectly well we weren't supposed to be there. But after wandering around for a little while, something became apparent.
There wasn't a monster living next door.
There was just an old man living an odd life in a run-down house filled with stuff. The mystery had made it much scarier than the reality.
We climbed back out through the window, closed it behind us and, as far as I can remember, never told anyone what we'd done.
I've been thinking about that house lately because I think mortgage rates have become a little like the scary house on Lake Road.
Everyone has heard about them. Everyone has an idea about what's inside. And an awful lot of people have decided they'd rather not open the door and find out for themselves.
But, let's look inside.
Mortgage rates made news again this month. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rose from 6.76% to 6.95% in a single week.
Nearly 7%. That sounds scary.
But what does that increase actually mean to someone buying a house here in Northeast Ohio?
The median home in Cuyahoga County is currently selling for about $240,000. So let's use that as an example.
A buyer purchasing a $240,000 home with 10% down would finance approximately $216,000. At 6.76%, the principal-and-interest payment on a 30-year mortgage would be about $1,402 a month.
At 6.95%, it would be about $1,430.
That's a difference of about $28 a month.
Taxes, homeowners insurance and any applicable mortgage insurance would be additional, of course, but they don't change because the mortgage rate moved from 6.76% to 6.95%.
That's why I think it's important to put these headlines into perspective.
I'm not suggesting that interest rates don't matter. They absolutely do. And when you compare today's rates with the historically low rates buyers enjoyed a few years ago, the difference in purchasing power is significant.
But that's different from seeing a headline that says mortgage rates "jumped" in a particular week and assuming that buying a home suddenly became unaffordable.
For a buyer purchasing a typical Cuyahoga County home, this particular jump amounts to roughly $28 a month.
What is happening here at home?
The Northeast Ohio market has certainly changed, but buyers haven't disappeared.
Across Ohio, home sales in August were down 4.2% from a year earlier, while more homes were coming onto the market. At the same time, home prices continued to increase.
We're seeing a similar push and pull here in Northeast Ohio.
Higher borrowing costs have made buyers more careful about what they're willing to spend. But home values have remained remarkably resilient, in part because we still don't have an oversupply of homes.
That creates a market that's very different from the frenzy of a few years ago, but it doesn't mean the housing market has stopped working.
People are still getting married. They're still having children. They're still changing jobs, downsizing, relocating, divorcing, retiring and moving closer to family. Life continues regardless of where mortgage rates happen to be on a Thursday afternoon.
If you're selling
Higher rates haven't eliminated buyers, but they have made them more selective.
Buyers are looking harder at price, condition and value. They're taking more time, and they're much less willing to overlook a home that's overpriced simply because there aren't many alternatives.
That doesn't mean you need to give your house away.
It means pricing and preparation matter.
A home that's positioned properly from the beginning can still attract serious buyers. A home that's priced based on what the neighbor got during a very different market may have a much harder time.
If you're buying
This side of the equation is more interesting than people sometimes realize.
Yes, borrowing money costs more today than it did a few years ago.
But you may also have opportunities that buyers didn't have when rates were 3%.
There can be less competition for a home, more time to make a decision, greater opportunity to negotiate inspections and repairs, and in some cases an opportunity to negotiate seller concessions that can be used toward closing costs or a mortgage-rate buydown.
That's why I wouldn't make a buying decision based solely on the interest rate you see in the news.
Sit down with a good lender and look at the entire transaction: purchase price, down payment, monthly payment, closing costs and what financing options are actually available to you.
And shop for the loan itself. Freddie Mac's national average is a benchmark, not necessarily the rate you'll receive. Your credit, loan type, down payment and lender all affect your actual rate and payment.
The scary house wasn't quite so scary
I certainly wouldn't recommend doing what two second graders did on Lake Road all those years ago. Today we'd probably end up on someone's Ring camera before we got the window halfway open.
But there was a lesson in it.
Sometimes what we imagine is behind the door is considerably scarier than what's actually there.
Mortgage rates are higher than any buyer or seller would prefer. They've affected affordability and changed the way buyers and sellers negotiate. Pretending otherwise doesn't help anyone.
But neither does standing outside the house imagining what's inside.
Sometimes it's worth taking a closer look.
Coming Soon
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My Favorite Events in October
October brings out a different side of Northeast Ohio. This month’s picks range from Halloween fun and a murder mystery to art, outdoor adventures, and one very pickle-filled afternoon. Whether you’re looking for something spooky, family-friendly, or simply different, there’s plenty happening around the region.
Friday, October 2
Skeletonville at Frostville Museum - Frostville Museum turns into a not-too-scary skeleton village on Friday nights in October. Expect decorated grounds, trick-or-treating through the historic houses, costumes, and plenty of Halloween fun geared toward younger kids.
Check it hereSaturday, October 03
Cleveland Pickle Fest - Things are getting a little briny at Mall C. Cleveland Pickle Fest brings together pickle-inspired food, sweets, drinks, live music, eating contests, a Pickle Pup Pageant, vendors, and even a 5K, all while supporting Greater Cleveland Volunteers.
Check it hereFriday, October 16
Dinner & Murder in the Mansion (Stan Hywet)- Dinner first, murder mystery second. Spend the evening at Stan Hywet with dinner followed by a Roaring Twenties mystery inside the Manor House, where guests follow the suspects and see if they can solve the crime before the night is over.
Check it hereSaturday, October 17
Art for Every Body Tours (Cle Museum) - The Cleveland Museum of Art opens one wing early for a quieter, slower-paced guided experience. The tour is designed around comfort, accessibility, and connection, giving guests more space and time to explore and enjoy the art.
Check it hereWednesday, October 21
All Forward CONNECTIONS: Hike at Camp Ledgewood & Discover STEM - Head into the Cuyahoga Valley for an evening that mixes hiking, conversation, and discovery. The experience includes a guided hike through Camp Ledgewood, a look inside its new STEM building, local snacks, and a chance to connect with others along the way.
Check it hereSunday, October 25
Pumpkins & Piranhas: Sensory Friendly Night (Cle Aqarium)- Halloween goes underwater at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. This sensory-friendly evening includes underwater jack-o’-lanterns, seasonal decorations, face painting, treats, and full Aquarium access with softer lighting, reduced noise, and limited attendance for a more comfortable experience.
Check it hereStill searching? There are plenty of great homes to discover. Take a look around. You might find the perfect fit.
Cool ClevelandMarket Trends
Market Trends: Behind the Market Curtain
The headline numbers only tell part of the story. Here’s what August market activity is showing across Northeast Ohio and what it could mean for buyers and sellers planning their next move.
Lakewood
What’s happening: Inventory sits at 2.11 months, down 12.45% from the previous month. The median sold price was $342,500, down 4.86% month over month, while homes that sold spent a median of just 6 days in RPR.
Impact: Lakewood remains a fast-moving, low-inventory market. Buyers have limited time to evaluate new opportunities, while sellers still benefit from relatively tight supply. The recent dip in median sold price may also create more room for negotiation than the pace of the market alone suggests.
Action Plan: Buyers should have financing and decision-making lined up before the right home appears. Sellers should focus on pricing accurately from the start rather than assuming limited inventory will compensate for an aggressive price.
Shaker Heights
What’s happening: Inventory sits at 3.25 months, down 2.11% from the previous month but up 7.26% from a year ago. The median sold price was $352,000, down 23.56% month over month, while median days in RPR increased to 18.
Impact: Buyers have more breathing room than in some nearby markets, while sellers are seeing homes take longer to move. The large monthly price change also makes recent comparable sales especially important when evaluating value.
Action Plan: Sellers should pay close attention to current competition and recent sales when pricing. Buyers may have more time to evaluate options and negotiate, but well-positioned homes can still move quickly.
Cleveland Heights
What’s happening: Inventory sits at 2.45 months, while available inventory is down 21.22% from a year ago. The median sold price was $225,000, down 13.88% month over month, and median days in RPR increased to 17.
Impact: Limited inventory continues to create competition, even as homes are taking somewhat longer to sell. Pricing and property condition are becoming more important for sellers, while buyers may have a little more time to evaluate individual opportunities.
Action Plan: Sellers should price based on current neighborhood-level comparables rather than broader market assumptions. Buyers should monitor new listings closely and be prepared to act when the right property appears.
Cuyahoga County
What’s happening: Inventory sits at 2.37 months, up 3.95% from the previous month and 0.85% from a year ago. The median sold price was $255,000, down 3.77% month over month, while median days in RPR increased to 10.
Impact: Inventory is gradually improving, giving buyers slightly more choice while still keeping overall supply relatively limited. Sellers are also seeing a market where accurate pricing matters more as homes take a little longer to sell.
Action Plan: Buyers should compare each opportunity carefully instead of assuming every property requires the same strategy. Sellers should review current competition and recent sales before setting price and expectations.
Lorain County
What’s happening: Inventory sits at just 1.88 months, down 2.08% from both the previous month and a year ago. The median sold price was $292,000, up 0.69% month over month, while median days in RPR decreased to 9.
Impact: Low inventory, steady pricing, and faster sales continue to create a competitive environment. Sellers may benefit from limited supply, while buyers have fewer options and shorter decision windows.
Action Plan: Sellers should be prepared to capitalize on early interest with strong pricing and presentation. Buyers should have financing, priorities, and offer strategy in place before actively touring homes.
Coffee Confessions
FREE COFFEE! ☕
Please join me for a free cup of coffee and my confessions about the real estate industry in Northeast Ohio. I'm pulling back the curtain, exposing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Show up with questions, and the coffee's on me. No pressure, no pitch, just honest answers and maybe a little humor.
Coffee Confessions
Goodkind Coffee, Madison Ave, Lakewood
Thursdays, October 1 & 15, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Save me a seatBuying & Selling Webinar
Home Buying and Selling Essentials
A monthly roundtable, every third Thursday
This Month: Trick or Treat: What’s Really Behind the Curtain on Your Next Move
Buying or selling can look straightforward from the outside. The decisions happening behind the scenes are where strategy really matters.
This month, Scott Carpenter, Todd Liguzinski of Revolution Mortgage, and Janelle Keifer of Ohio Real Title are breaking down what buyers and sellers may not see at first glance, from financing and timing to negotiations, title, and the details that can shape a transaction.
If a move is on your radar, this conversation will help you understand what deserves a closer look before you make your next decision.
📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 Zoom & Facebook Live
Join the RoundtableHome Buying & Selling Tips
Buying before selling takes careful planning on both sides of the transaction. Whether you're preparing to buy your next home or sell your current one, having a clear strategy can help you make confident decisions and avoid unnecessary surprises.
“TIPS FOR HOME BUYERS”
🏡 Look Behind the Charm
Get a Professional Home Inspection
Ask About Roof and Heating System Age
Check for Signs of Basement Moisture
Review Repair and Service Records
Budget for Needed Repairs
“TIPS FOR HOME SELLERS”
🏠 Skip the Scary Surprises
Service Your Furnace Before Winter
Address Leaks and Minor Repairs
Clear Leaves From Gutters and Walkways
Brighten Rooms for Fall Showings
Have Repair and Service Records Ready
Lender Insider Tips
Nothing to Fear: Buying and Selling This Fall
By Matt Panigutti, Revolution Mortgage
Every October, people enjoy a good scare. But fear of rates, credit, or making the wrong move can leave buyers and sellers feeling stuck long after Halloween.
After more than two decades in this business, I’ve learned that many real estate fears become manageable once you understand your options. The goal is to replace assumptions with a plan built around your numbers.
Five Mortgage Myths to Put to Rest
1. “I need a huge down payment.”
Some loan programs allow smaller down payments, and assistance may be available depending on your circumstances. Veterans and service members may also have specialized options. Before ruling yourself out, ask what you could qualify for with the savings you have.
2. “My credit has to be perfect.”
Credit matters, but perfection isn’t required. If you aren’t ready today, a lender can help identify the changes that could put you in a stronger position. Sometimes a few targeted improvements over several months make a meaningful difference.
3. “Preapproval will wreck my credit.”
A mortgage credit inquiry can have a small effect on your score. Scoring models generally group mortgage inquiries made within a limited shopping window. The bigger concern is shopping without knowing your budget, available financing, or how much cash you’ll need at closing.
4. “I should wait for the perfect rate.”
Focus on a payment that works for your household today. Refinancing may become an option if rates improve, but it isn’t guaranteed. Your purchase should make sense with the financing available now, without depending on a future rate drop.
5. “I’m self-employed, so I can’t qualify.”
Self-employed buyers may have financing options, including programs that evaluate income differently. The right documentation and an early conversation with your lender can help clarify what is possible.
What Should Actually Make You Pause?
Dated paint, worn carpet, and old light fixtures can look intimidating, but they are often manageable improvements. Water damage, foundation concerns, unsafe electrical systems, roof problems, and poor drainage deserve closer investigation.
Some property conditions can also affect whether a home qualifies for certain loan programs. Bring your agent, inspector, and lender into the conversation before assuming a repair is simply a cosmetic issue. Understanding the condition and financing requirements early can help you avoid expensive surprises.
For Sellers: Remove the Real Scares
Fall buyers may have practical reasons to move, from a job change to an expiring lease. A home that is priced realistically and prepared thoughtfully can still attract interest.
Overpricing, deferred repairs, clutter, odors, weak photos, and slow responses can make buyers hesitate. Address visible problems before listing, and pay attention to conditions that could complicate financing. A buyer’s loan needs to close for your sale to move forward.
Preparation Is the Best Antidote to Fear
For buyers, preparation means a solid preapproval, a comfortable monthly payment, and a clear picture of the cash you want to keep after closing. For sellers, it means realistic pricing, a repair plan, expected sale proceeds, and knowing where you’re going next.
Headlines can’t tell you whether a move works for your household. Your equity, savings, timing, and goals matter more than someone else’s situation.
If credit, down payment, affordability, or buying and selling at the same time has you worried, reach out. We’ll look at your actual numbers and turn those questions into a practical plan.
Matt Panigutti is a Loan Originator formerly with APM
and now with Revolution Mortgage.
You may contact him directly by phone 📞 (216) 366-8202 or by
email 📧mpanigutti@revolutionmortgage.com.
Trusted Vendors
MoJay’s
From the Weekly Table to Thanksgiving Dinner
This month, we’re featuring MoJay’s, Monique Rhodes’ business, and two ways they can make mealtime a little easier as we head into the holiday season.
Weekly Table
Not every week leaves much time for planning, shopping, and cooking. MoJay’s Weekly Table is a convenient place to see what’s being offered each week and add something ready-made to your dinner plans.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Already thinking ahead to Thanksgiving? MoJay’s is also offering Thanksgiving dinner, giving you another option for getting a holiday meal on the table without taking on all of the cooking yourself.
Visit MoJay’s online to see the current Weekly Table, Thanksgiving menu, ordering information, deadlines, and pickup details.
View the Menu & Order Our Exclusive List of Trusted Vendors Recommend a VendorAnd Finally. . .
Every Halloween, I buy far too much candy.
I don't go crazy decorating the house. We carve pumpkins, put candles inside and set them out front. I usually carve one that's supposed to be scary, although I keep it cartoonish enough that a five-year-old will still be willing to make it up the porch steps.
After all, I bought all that candy. I need customers.
The older kids are another story.
For them, I'll put on some scary music and occasionally add a little theater.
One of my favorites is answering the door, reaching out with the candy and, just as they're about to take it, suddenly acting as though someone, or something, has grabbed me from behind the door.
I get violently yanked backward.
"HELP! HELP!"
Their eyes get huge.
Some scream. Some jump. A few turn around looking desperately for their parents, who, I should point out, are usually standing on the sidewalk laughing.
Then I let them off the hook. I come back to the door. Everyone laughs. They get their candy. Nobody has to call the police.
The funny thing is, they come back.
Some of these kids return year after year knowing perfectly well that something is going to happen at my house. They don't know exactly what. They just know they're probably going to get scared.
And they love it.
I've even had parents stop me in the neighborhood after Halloween to tell me how much fun their kids had.
Maybe that's part of why we like Halloween. For one night, we get to knock on the scary door. We get to wonder what's waiting on the other side. Our hearts beat a little faster, we scream, and a few seconds later we're standing there laughing with a handful of candy.
The scariest part of any house is usually just what you haven't looked at yet.
And sometimes, getting your heart racing a little is half the fun.
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