Baton Rouge Newsletter · October 2026 Ashley's October Newsletter
Hi friends,
October is the month a cool front will come through South Louisiana. It will not be dramatic. You will walk outside one morning, the air will feel different, and every person you pass will mention it. That's our version of a season change, and our favorite time of year.
Our porches change first. Pumpkins show up where there were ferns in August. The houses that go all out have already started decorating, and by next week, you can drive through neighborhoods in our area and already tell exactly who takes this seriously.
I love that we are proud and loud, and neighborly too. Halloween in the Baton Rouge area is a neighborhood event. People drag chairs to the end of the driveway. Somebody sets up a folding table. The kids do a few laps and play in yards together, and the adults stand in the street talking to people they have not spoken to since spring.
This makes us really love where we live.
Location, Location, Location. Just like that. It was ingrained in my mind from the moment I became a licensed Realtor. Sure, the reason anybody cares where they live has to do with convenience, views, and yard size too, but that sense of togetherness, the sense of home extending outside of our walls, that's the South Louisiana way.
What else do I witness every October? Somebody calls and says they want to sell, but surely it is too late in the year, so they want to plan for spring. Here is the honest answer. It is not too late, but it depends on your individual situation. Always call so we can have a real conversation, rather than a hypothetical one. If we should wait, I'll be the first to suggest it, and then start formulating our plan. There is more further down about what that actually looks like.
By the way, this is a newsletter, so here is the news... I have had a great year. Yes, rates are now up, and the market is weird. No, there is no doom and gloom here. Again, location is key. Every house, street, price range, zip code, etc. has a different story. Some zips are performing better than others. It is MOST important to be prepared and stand out! News in real estate is not "one size fits all".
Whatever you have going on, go outside some this month, and call me if you want to chat. Here are some great reasons to leave the house, including one of my favorite businesses to visit in October...
Sincerely,
Ashley
Local Events
OCTOBER 3-4 · 9AM - 4:30PM
Harvest Days at the LSU Rural Life Museum
The historic village fills up with blacksmiths, woodworkers, soap makers and cooks doing it the nineteenth century way, plus folk music, tractor rides and cracklins and cane syrup to taste. Twelve dollars for adults, ten for ages four to eleven, free for the little ones. This is the one to take out of town family to. Tickets online or at the door.
OCTOBER 17 · LIKELY BTWN 11AM-12PM
LSU Homecoming vs Mississippi State
Kickoff was still TBA when I wrote this, but it is in the early window, so plan on a morning. McNeese comes to Tiger Stadium on the 3rd at 6:45 if you want a night game instead. Both in Baton Rouge, which does not happen every October.
OCTOBER 17, 18, 24 AND 25 · 9:30AM-4PM
Boo at the Zoo
Four days of it this year at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo, and it is the merry-not-scary version, so it works for the little ones who are not ready for anything with a chainsaw. Costumes, treat stations, and the animals get their own Halloween enrichments. Ten dollars for adults, seven for ages two to twelve, free for members. Last entry is four, and buying online ahead of time saves you the line.
OCTOBER 30 · 7PM
Fifolet Halloween Parade
Downtown. This is the big one, and the whole Fifolet weekend runs the 29th through the 31st, with the zombie pub crawl Thursday evening and the costume ball on Halloween night itself. Go stand on Third Street and watch what this city does with an excuse to dress up.
Ashley's Favorite of the Month
Party Time
No bones about it… Party Time is THE place to shop for Halloween in Baton Rouge! From costumes and decorations galore to party supplies, balloons, and everything spooky in between, they've got your Halloween covered! They have it all for just about any party, including your tailgate! Not to mention, custom banners and other printing, baking supplies, and much more. Planning a wedding? Need to make a wreath? The list goes on. They are my go-to for ordering a custom balloon bouquet, and really for all of the above. This is definitely the time of year to go check it out! It's a fun place to go! Make sure you visit their website first for a coupon. Who doesn't love a discount!?
Something Worth Knowing
Here is the timing talk. If you list in early October, you can still be closed before Christmas. If you list at the end of the month, you are most likely closing in January or later. The bigger question is, will we find the buyer quickly? What are the facts: there are fewer homes on the market than there will be in the spring, and the people out looking are serious. They are more focused on touring the houses they may actually buy. So, would you rather be one of a handful of listings now, or one of hundreds later? There is more to it, though.
We have to be serious too... targeted pricing and looking sharp.
Whether it's a good idea also depends on your price range, the condition of your home and yard, where you are going, and more.
So, again, let's talk it out. You will be glad you did.