Kingston Living

06/28/2025

We're open 7am–2pm, 7 days a week now! See you soon for breakfast or lunch.

06/28/2025

Hometown Harmony: The Many Sounds of Peter Dean Morgan

Cover Feature by Julie Dillon, photos by Stefanie Palmacci Photography

In a home just off one of Kingston’s quieter roads, music flows as naturally as conversation. That’s because Peter Dean Morgan, a 2017 graduate of Silver Lake Regional High School, and his family, parents John and Deana, siblings Emma and Ben, are a naturally musical bunch. Raised in Kingston since 2006, Peter’s life has been steeped in harmony, performance, and a desire to turn sound into story and vice versa. And now, nearly a decade out of high school, Peter’s voice, both literal and metaphorical, continues to resonate in our local community and far beyond.

Now 26, Peter balances a dynamic life as a freelance musician, audio producer, and performer. You might catch him at Soundcheck Studios or volunteering at Levitate, but just as easily hear his voice on a podcast intro, a Spotify single, or even in a national musical theatre production. From performing backup vocals with artists like Ben Folds and David Archuleta to subbing in as a lead singer and rhythm guitarist for a touring band at Somerville’s Porchfest, Peter's career has spanned coasts, genres, and generations.

Currently, Peter works Bergsten Music, Inc. in Hingham, where he focuses on audio equipment organization and preparation, live audio mixing for shows and events, and the intricate behind-the-scenes work that helps live music shine. He’s also a go-to live audio mixer, often working with local band The Shedheads, and continues to pursue songwriting, studio vocals, and musical theatre.

“Being a musician today means you have to do all the things,” Peter explains. His sound, a blend of storytelling pop inspired by jazz fusion and musical theatre, mirrors his multifaceted identity as both a performer and creator. “I’ve always loved how music can be both deeply personal and incredibly communal. It brings people together, even when the lyrics are about something hard.”

It’s a philosophy that extends beyond the stage. At the heart of Peter’s mission is the connection between artist and audience, between past and present, between identities that often don’t coexist publicly. His original rock-pop musical, The Rainbow Academy, showcases that spirit. Written, cast, arranged, and produced by Peter, it explores the intersection of q***r and spiritual identities. With 27 music videos, a cast album, and live performances, the project represents both an artistic triumph and a personal one. “I want music to be a mirror for listeners, not just a spotlight on me,” he says.

Kingston locals may remember Peter’s standout high school performances, like playing Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, but his reach has only grown. He headlined Fiddler on the Roof as Tevye for a 12,000-person audience in Utah and performed at the legendary Bluebird Café in Nashville, an open mic so competitive it’s a miracle to snag a spot.

“I like to think Taylor Swift’s bench across from me in Centennial Park sent me good luck,” he laughs. The song he played? “I Would Follow,” a love song about wedding day slow dances, is available now under his full name: Peter Dean Morgan.

And that name change? A practical move. “After the well-loved reggae artist Peetah Morgan passed away, I started getting condolence messages. That and being confused with the creator of The Crown—made me realize it was time to rebrand with my full name,” he jokes. His music moving forward will be available under Peter Dean Morgan on all streaming platforms.

But the music doesn’t stop at the studio. Peter also offers custom commissions, turning journal entries into ballads, crafting jingles for local businesses, or writing personalized theme songs.

“If someone wants their own anthem or a musical keepsake for a wedding, I’m here for that.”

Peter’s workdays are filled with creativity, whether mixing a horror short film score or baking pumpkin whoopie pies for his family during the holidays. (King Arthur’s yellow cake recipe is a personal favorite to experiment with.) When not producing music, he’s out exploring Kingston’s open spaces with his cat Ralph, a seven-year-old tuxedo munchkin who’s quite the character. “He even has merch, okay, just one magnet on Redbubble, but still!”

Ralph, Peter says, is his “adoptive son,” and can often be found backflipping after a string toy or peering out the window during birdwatching sessions. “He refuses to comment on the disappearance of local chipmunks,” Peter adds, tongue firmly in cheek.

Peter shares his life with his partner Dan, whom he met via Facebook Dating. Together, they’ve traveled to Acadia and the Great Smoky Mountains, often finding peace in nature’s grandeur. Hiking, Peter says, has become another form of meditation and storytelling.

“I’ve stood in salt deserts, red rock mazes, and even accidentally wandered into a forest fire. Nature grounds me. It teaches you to listen differently.”

That same attentiveness infuses his local involvement. From supporting the Kingston Public Library to collaborating with neighborhood songwriters, Peter is intentional about giving back. He finds joy in open mics, community concerts, and anything that helps others feel seen and heard.

“Music is a powerful tool for emotional regulation and shared understanding. Whether it's helping produce a radio show that gives voice to different perspectives or writing a song someone needs to hear, I want to be a part of that.”

If there’s a message Peter hopes to share with his neighbors, it’s simple:

Support local artists, seek joy through music, and protect your hearing.

“We want to keep enjoying music for a long time. Wear ear protection to concerts, especially the loud ones!”

With humor, heart, and an unwavering dedication to his craft, Peter Dean Morgan is a hometown artist who continues to make Kingston proud, one lyric, harmony, and open mic at a time.
To explore his music or commission a song, visit:

https://linktr.ee/petermorgan1234

06/15/2025

Congratulations!

06/15/2025

Congratulations to the Silver Lake Softball Team on their D2 State Championship win! Way to represent!!!!

06/03/2025

A decade of precision. A decade of trust.

As we celebrate 10 years of serving the South Shore community, we extend our sincere gratitude to every client who has entrusted us with their vehicle.

Whether it’s a daily driver or a finely-tuned European performance machine, we’ve built our reputation on care, integrity, and technical mastery. Thank you for making SSA your destination for excellence in automotive service.

Here's to the next ten.

06/02/2025

05/27/2025

🌟 What Makes Coaching with Marybeth Sheehan Different? 🌟

When you work with Marybeth, you’re not just getting a spiritual and mind/body coach — you’re working with a gifted medium who brings a whole new level of insight to your journey.

As a medium, Marybeth can see beyond what most coaches can:
👁️‍🗨️ She tunes into energetic imbalances before they manifest
🕊️ She receives guidance from spirit that sheds light on your deepest blocks
🌀 She helps you realign with your soul’s path — not just your goals
😇She can see generational patterns and help heal to create transformation

This is coaching that moves beyond mindset. It’s intuitive, embodied, and deeply transformative.

💫 Heal. Align. Awaken — with support that sees the full you.

05/27/2025

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸
On this day, we remember and honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

From the Kingston Living family to yours, we extend our deepest gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to the families who carry their memory forward every day.

May we never forget the cost of freedom, and may we always strive to live in a way that honors their legacy.

05/26/2025

The Moquin Family: A Home-Grown Legacy of Love, Softball, and Community Spirit

By Julie Dillon
Photos by Stefanie Palmacci Photography

Tucked into the heart of Kingston’s MacFarlane Farms neighborhood, the Moquin family is the kind of family everyone seems to know, and for good reason. With deep roots in local sports, strong community ties, and a whole lot of heart, Wally and Missy Moquin, along with their three children Andrew (20), Delaney (17), and Reagan (10), have built a legacy centered around love, teamwork, and showing up for one another.

Their story is grounded in shared passion and partnership. Wally and Missy met at Roger Williams University in 1995. He was a baseball player, she was on the softball team, and the two were introduced at a party over Columbus Day weekend. Fast forward nearly 30 years and 23 years of marriage later, they’re still each other’s biggest teammates. Some of their favorite memories are simple but powerful, like a spontaneous trip to Disney World where the whole family unplugged and reconnected.

“No work, no school, no sports,” Missy recalls. “We just spent time together... and were able to enjoy each other.”
The Moquin household buzzes with energy, whether it’s bouncing between practices, organizing tournaments, or hosting backyard hangouts. Wally, a Criminal Justice graduate, and Missy, who holds a Biology degree, have managed full-time careers while staying deeply involved in Kingston’s youth sports programs. Wally coached baseball and softball for more than a decade, sometimes running from Andrew’s baseball game on B4 to Delaney’s softball game on B5 in the same afternoon. Missy coached Delaney from her earliest T-ball days, even while pregnant with Reagan. In fact, Missy and Wally headed to the hospital directly from one of Andrew's baseball games at Candler Field. Little Reagan, less than a week old, soon made her debut in the dugout of Delaney's softball games, becoming a beloved mascot for the team.

"The kids on the team loved it," Missy remembers. "Reagan was always hanging out, and the girls would help watch her. Other parents and older siblings were always offering a hand, it's one of the things I love about our community."

Life in MacFarlane Farms has been a perfect fit.

"We love our neighborhood," Missy says. "So many kids for Reagan to play with and a great sense of community."
Its proximity to Silver Lake Regional High School, where Andrew and Delaney spent their high school years and where Reagan will soon follow, has been incredibly convenient for the family's busy schedule of games and school events. You can often find them down at Pottle Street Fields, enjoying the food trucks at Hilltop where the kids connect with friends, or cheering from the sidelines at high school sports games and fundraisers.

Wally's Plympton roots and his own time at Silver Lake Regional High School create a deep connection to the Kingston community they now call home. Their shared love for live music and concerts, while not always experienced together due to their varied tastes, is a constant source of potential family outings. And their unwavering support for the Boston Red Sox often leads to summer adventures to Fenway Park.

Wally served as Commissioner of the Kingston Youth Baseball and Softball League (KYBSL) from 2019 to 2023 and played a key role, along with Missy and the whole family, in taking over the Kingston Invitational Softball Tournament, which brings together over 20 teams and 600 spectators annually. The entire Moquin crew gets involved, including grandparents Linda and Walter, who were familiar faces on the sidelines and among the volunteers.
Their commitment extends beyond their local community. They are passionate supporters of the American Liver Foundation, a cause close to their hearts as Wally's sister, Sarah, has dedicated herself to fundraising and running marathons in honor of their father. Attending the Boston Marathon to cheer on Sarah has created cherished family memories.

The Moquin kids have grown up in the heart of all this action. Andrew is currently attending Massasoit Community College and working full-time while exploring his interests in digital media, including production, directing, and editing. He also gave back to Kingston by working as a counselor at the Kingston Recreation Camp in high school. Andrew and Reagan, despite their ten-year age difference, share a special bond through their July 14th birthday.

Reagan, the youngest, is full of energy and enthusiasm. She plays softball and basketball, dances, and plans to try volleyball this summer. She’s surrounded by a tight-knit group of neighborhood friends and brings laughter and creativity to everything she does.

Delaney, the middle child, is carving out a path that has the entire community cheering her on. A standout student-athlete at Silver Lake High School, she’s played Varsity softball and volleyball all four years and is committed to playing Division 1 softball at Fairfield University next fall.

Delaney’s love of softball began early, shaped by her parent's backgrounds and a childhood spent on the field. One of her earliest memories was winning the state championship with Kingston’s 10U All-Star team. The group went on to the New England Regionals in Connecticut and even earned a spot in the Babe Ruth World Series. That experience sparked something lasting in her.

She stuck with the sport even when it wasn’t easy.

“Sometimes it’s tough to be motivated to go to lessons or practice, especially when my friends are hanging out,” Delaney admits. “But I know it’s part of the process. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to adapt and find a balance.”

With the help of private coaches, travel ball out of Rhode Island, and plenty of dedication, Delaney built the skills and mental toughness needed to compete at the next level. She spent weekends traveling for college showcase tournaments, emailing coaches, and visiting campuses. When she arrived at Fairfield, she just knew it felt right.
Her commitment was a full-circle moment for the whole family. It was years of weekends spent at tournaments in Tennessee, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York. It was siblings who celebrated birthdays on softball fields without complaint. It was a family dream, realized together.
Her Silver Lake coaches praise her leadership and mindset.

“Delaney is the kind of player every coach wants on their team. She works hard, she leads by example, and she’s constantly pushing herself and her teammates to be better. Her mental toughness sets her apart, she’s the whole package,” said Tony Pina, Varsity Softball Coach.

As Delaney prepares for graduation and the next chapter at Fairfield, she remains grounded.

“I’m not sure what I want to study yet,” she says, “but I know I’m going to make the most of the opportunity I’ve been given.”

Her advice to younger athletes is simple yet profound: "Be a good teammate. Keep working hard and know that failures are going to happen. But, you have to keep moving forward."

The Moquins are more than a sports family. They’re a community family. A living reminder of how far a little teamwork, a lot of heart, and a deep love for one another can go. As Delaney heads off to Fairfield with the lessons learned from the dugout, her coaches, and her home in Kingston, she brings with her not just a talent for softball, but the heart of a family, and a town, cheering her on.

Congratulations to Delaney on recently achieving her remarkable 500th career strikeout!

Thank you to SG Photo for the additional photos!

Silver Lake Regional High School
Fairfield University

Kingston Youth Baseball & Softball, MA

05/14/2025

Kingston Public Library Foundation: A Community Pillar Celebrates 15 Years

By Julie Dillon

For 15 years, the Kingston Public Library Foundation (KPLF) has played a pivotal role in enhancing the Kingston Public Library, ensuring that it remains a vital resource for the community. As a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, KPLF works tirelessly to fund resources, technology, and special programming while advocating for continued support of the library. This year, as the Foundation celebrates its milestone anniversary, past and present leaders reflect on the organization’s journey and its ongoing impact.
The KPLF was founded in 2009, thanks to the vision and dedication of its first president, Fran Botelho-Hoeg. Recognizing the library’s need for additional financial support, she worked with Library Director Sia Stewart and a committed team to establish a fundraising foundation. With the help of local attorney George Boerger, the KPLF officially became a registered nonprofit, allowing it to raise funds for the library’s enhancement.
“Our first fundraisers, including a community-wide mailing and a concert featuring local talent, helped set the stage for years of success,” recalls Fran. “One of our most memorable early donations came from Solstice Restaurant, which raised over $25,000 in a single event. This kind of community support showed us just how much people value their library.”
Ellen Cook, the Foundation’s second president, took the helm during one of the most challenging times in its history. KPLF had secured a Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners grant to help fund a new library building, but the project required additional town funding. “Despite a dedicated campaign, the town ultimately voted against the funding,” Ellen remembers. “It was a heartbreaking setback, but we continued to focus on strengthening the library however we could.”
Stephen Clinch, who served as the third president, saw firsthand how the KPLF’s resilience transformed disappointment into progress. “After the vote, we channeled our energy into making the existing library even better,” he says. “Our fundraising efforts have led to meaningful improvements, from an updated children’s room to a dedicated teen space and an electronic sign to keep the community informed.”
Now under the leadership of current president Debbie Grace, the KPLF continues to evolve, ensuring that the library meets the needs of today’s patrons. “The library has always been more than just books,” says Debbie. “One of my favorite things to share with people is our ‘Library of Things,’ where residents can borrow everything from a garment steamer to outdoor party games. The library is a hub of practicality, learning, and connection.”
The KPLF’s fundraising efforts remain strong, with two annual appeal letters and popular community events. “Our 2020 Gala was canceled due to COVID, but donors insisted we keep their contributions, which we used to update the children’s room,” Debbie shares. “In 2024, we hosted another Gala, ‘Endless Possibilities,’ celebrating the boundless opportunities that come with a library card.”
Another standout event is the ‘Librewery,’ first held in 2019 and again in 2022, where local breweries pour samples for attendees. The 2022 event featured nine breweries, with Castle Island Brewing Co. winning ‘Best in Hops.’ The next Librewery is set for September 2025, promising to be bigger and better.
Beyond fundraising, the KPLF fosters a strong sense of community. One of its most heartwarming initiatives fundraisers involved helping families manage the stress of a certain mischievous holiday visitor with creative parent helper kits. “This event has fostered a sense of community that we did not expect. We have families that count it as part of their holiday tradition.It’s small moments like these that show how much we care about making life easier and more enjoyable for local families all while supporting the Library. It's a win-win,” says Debbie.
Volunteerism remains key to the Foundation’s success. “Many hands make light work,” Debbie notes. “We welcome anyone who wants to help, whether it’s serving on the board or simply lending a hand at an event. It’s a great way for high school students to earn community service hours, too.”
“One of my favorite things about being a part of this foundation is how we join together as a group to support our library. Everyone has a voice and I feel we work well as a team. I’m very excited for library patrons to see and enjoy our upcoming projects” shares Vice President Jess Fitzgerald.
As the Kingston Public Library Foundation celebrates 15 years, past and present members take pride in all they have accomplished. Former board member Lindsey Benham reflects, “Serving on the board was incredibly rewarding. The sense of collaboration and commitment to literacy made our efforts deeply fulfilling. I’m proud of what we built and excited to see how the Foundation continues to grow.”
The KPLF has come a long way from its early days of piggy bank fundraisers and grassroots efforts. With dedicated volunteers and unwavering community support, the Foundation is poised to continue its mission of enriching the Kingston Public Library for years to come.
For more information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, email [email protected].
You can also check out the KPLF website at www.kplf.org or on Facebook at Kingston Public Library Foundation.


Book Club Recommendations
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (Debbie Grace’s pick)
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (Jenna Judge’s pick)
The Women by Kristin Hannah (Sarah Urtz’s pick)
Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes (Jess Fitzgerald’s pick)
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (Jennifer Burt’s pick)
The Moth Presents A Point Of Beauty by Mike Birbiglia ( Anne McKenna's pick)
Whether you're looking for a gripping historical novel, a heartwarming tale of unexpected friendships, or a story of resilience and strength, these books come highly recommended. Happy reading!

KPLF Members:
Amy Belmore
Jennifer Burt
Jessica Fitzgerald - Vice President
Shannon Gauthier
Debbie Grace - President
Sean Hagan
Jenna Judge
Anne McKenna
Lauren Mello
Howard “Chip” Schlansker - Treasurer
Kimberly Sprague
Sarah Urtz
Heather Wilson

03/23/2025

Joe “Momo” Howard: A Kingston Legend on the Ice

By Julie Dillon

Forty-three years ago, Kingston’s Joe “Momo” Howard experienced an accident that redefined his life. At just 15 years old, Joe lost both of his legs after being hit by a train. Waking up from a month-long coma, his first thought wasn’t about himself but about his mother. “My first thought was that my mom’s going to kill me,” Joe recalls with a laugh. “I felt bad for her. My mom was really strong. She pushed me to get out of my wheelchair and learn how to walk again. Learning how to walk again was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
Yet, Joe’s resilience would lead him far beyond walking. A hockey player since the age of four, Joe initially believed his accident marked the end of his time on the ice. “I wrote hockey off. I never thought I would do it again,” he said. That changed when someone saw him skiing and invited him to join a Dorchester hockey league for players with disabilities. “I fell in love with the sport again,” Joe shared. This rekindled passion led him to a storied career in sled hockey, a sport adapted for athletes with physical disabilities.
Joe’s journey from that invitation to international glory is the stuff of legend. As a four-time Paralympian, Joe and his teammates have brought home numerous medals: gold in the 2002 Salt Lake City Paralympics, bronze in 2006 in Italy, and gold again in the 2010 Vancouver Paralympics. Along the way, they also secured a silver medal at the 2004 World Championships in Sweden. In 1998, Joe set a Paralympic record by scoring six goals in a single game,a feat that remains unmatched to this day.
Joe’s achievements are a testament to his unyielding determination. Reflecting on his journey, Joe explained, “After my accident, I wasn’t like, ‘Why me?’ I was like, ‘Now what?’ I wasn’t depressed. Things come up. Either deal with them or you don’t, and if you don’t, then what are you doing?”
That philosophy carried him through challenges on and off the ice. At the 2002 Paralympics, Joe’s team defied expectations as a wildcard entry, clinching gold in a dramatic double-overtime shootout against Norway. Joe was named MVP of the gold medal game after scoring three goals and assisting on another. “That victory was special because I fulfilled a promise to my mom, who was battling cancer at the time,” Joe said. “She always told me, ‘God’s got a plan for you,’ and she was right.”
Joe also used this moment to mark a personal milestone, proposing to his girlfriend, Carol Tribuna, at center ice after a win over Estonia. Today, Carol spends her days as a Fear Free Certified Veterinary Technician working as the practice manager at Marshfield Animal Hospital, and the couple has called Kingston Shores home since 2002.
Carol reflects on their relationship with heartfelt admiration. “We met on a blind date 28 years ago and instantly hit it off. He’s my best friend. Obviously, I met Joe after his accident, so I’ve never known him any other way. Joe is the most able-bodied disabled person you’ll ever meet. There is nothing he can’t do. I am so lucky we found each other and that he chose me to join him on this incredible journey.”
When Joe isn’t reminiscing about his days on the ice, he enjoys the quiet beauty of Kingston with Carol and their beloved “fur babies.” Their canine family includes now retired 12-year-old Grand Champion Rottweiler Banner (short for “Star-Spangled Banner”), 2-year-old Champion Rottweiler Captain (Captain America, a nickname of Joe’s), and the spirited Dorothy Hatfield, a feisty French bulldog who rules the roost. Their household also includes a miniature donkey named Texas Ranger and a rescued miniature horse named Solo, lovingly cared for by Carol.
Joe’s connection to Kingston runs deep. He cherishes the strong sense of community in the town. A regular guy by his own description, Joe is modest about his accomplishments but hopes to inspire others. “You don’t know how strong you can be until it’s the only choice you have,” he often says.
In recent years, Joe has added yet another feather to his cap. For the past two years, he has modeled clothing designed by Boston’s top fashion designer, Joe Malaika. This annual fashion show for amputees not only showcases adaptive fashion but also raises funds to help those in need acquire prosthetics they otherwise couldn’t afford.
Although retired from competitive sled hockey, Joe remains deeply connected to the sport. He’s been known to lend a hand with the Great Blizzards of Massachusetts Inclusive Hockey Team, a program that fosters inclusion and development through hockey. “I’ll always be part of the game one way or another,” Joe said.
Joe’s impact has been recognized far and wide. In 2022, he and his 2002 Paralympic gold medal team were inducted into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, the first Paralympic team to receive such an honor. This achievement followed his 2002 induction into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame and numerous other accolades, including the USA Hockey Bob Johnson Award and the Olympic Spirit Award. Most recently, Joe and his team were inducted into U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame this past December, being the first Paralympic team to achieve this as well.
Joe Howard’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. From the ice rinks of Boston to the world stage, he’s shown that even life’s toughest challenges can lead to remarkable triumphs. Through his athletic achievements and quiet contributions to the community, Joe embodies the spirit of Kingston: resilient, caring, and proud.
As Joe reflects on his journey, he remains focused on the future. “I’m just a guy who loves his wife, his dogs, and his town. If I can inspire someone along the way, that’s more than enough.”
Kingston is proud to call Joe Howard one of its own.
The story of this amazing gold medal run can be read in a the hardcover book entitled Hockey’s Hidden Gods: The Untold Story of a Paralympic Miracle on Ice by S.C. Mesale.

10/29/2024

October Real Estate: Haunted House or Hidden Gem?

Article by Michelle Koppang and Sandra Smith, Local Real Estate Experts

October is upon us on the South Shore—a time when the air turns crisp, the leaves transform into vibrant shades of red and gold, and the eerie charm of Halloween fills the town. But while the season is perfect for pumpkin patches and haunted hayrides, it’s also an excellent time to dive into the real estate market. Whether you’re buying or selling, October offers unique opportunities—and a few spooky pitfalls—to keep in mind.

Haunted House or Hidden Gem?
As you tour homes this October, you may wonder if that creaky old Victorian on Main Street is a hidden gem or a haunted house. The fall season can mask certain issues in a home that might scare off potential buyers in the spring or summer. For instance, lush fall foliage can obscure roof damage, while the cooler weather might temporarily hide issues with a home’s HVAC system. To avoid buying a property that’s more trick than treat, it’s wise to conduct a thorough inspection, paying close attention to these seasonal cover-ups.

Another spooky phenomenon to watch for is the “phantom buyer.” These are interested parties who appear eager but vanish without a trace before closing the deal, leaving sellers in limbo. This can be particularly common in the fall, as buyers may start to second-guess their timing with the holidays approaching. Sellers should be vigilant and work closely with their real estate agent to ensure potential buyers are serious before getting too excited.

Fall Into Your Dream Home
Despite these spooky tales, October is actually an ideal time to find your dream home in Kingston. The cooler weather makes for more comfortable house hunting, and the seasonal decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere in every open house you visit. There’s something about a crackling fireplace and a cozy, pumpkin-spiced aroma that makes a house feel like home.

Additionally, sellers are often more motivated in October. With the end of the year fast approaching, they’re eager to close deals before the holiday season, which can lead to more favorable terms for buyers. You may find that sellers are more willing to negotiate on price, throw in extra perks like covering closing costs, or agree to quicker closing times.

Don’t Let the Market Trick You
However, navigating the real estate market in October isn’t without its tricks. One common “trick” is overpriced homes left on the market from the summer. Sellers who didn’t receive the offers they hoped for may still be holding out for a higher price, even though the market has shifted. Buyers should do their homework, comparing prices of similar homes and asking their agent for guidance on reasonable offers.

On the flip side, October can also be a time for “treats” in the form of reduced competition. With fewer buyers actively searching in the fall, you may have more leverage in negotiations, especially if a home has been on the market for a while.

The Best Advice: Ask the Experts
For the best advice on navigating October’s real estate market—whether you’re looking to avoid tricks or treat yourself to the perfect home—reach out to local real estate experts Michelle Koppang and Sandra Smith. With their extensive knowledge of the Kingston market, they have all the answers to your spooky questions and can help guide you to a hidden gem. Don’t let the Halloween season scare you away—let Michelle and Sandra make your real estate experience a treat!

Michelle Koppang Realtor/ Marketing Specialist
Sandra Smith, Realtor - Advisors Living Real Estate