Lawns - Fall Grass Routine?

Okay I'm not the savviest yard kind of guy, but i would like to see it improve some next spring/summer without getting crazy about it. What is the usual basic routine for prepping for next year in terms of seeding, fertilizing, or whatever in the early fall season? I'm gonna try and get the basics right this year. I live in the coastal Virginia area.

Seed now and apply starter fertilizer,do it soon so the seed establishes itself before you start raking leaves on it or leaves lay on it.Find a local hardware,garden center etc that has people with knowledge to buy your products instead of a big box which sells lesser quality products or versions of products and has no knowledgeable help.

Around mid winter apply winter formula fertilizer.

Around late February apply preemergent crabgrass control plus fertilizer.

Be sure to tell your saleshelp where you shop,if they don't ask first,the conditions of your yard such as shade,moss etc.If the lawn is mossy you might need a shot of lime somewhere in the mix but that can wait till next spring if it isn't so bad it interferes with seeding.

Also as for seed you want a fescue or fescues that suit your conditions especially if you have a shady or partially shady lawn.

Look for a Scott's Lawn Pro dealer.they will carry a premium product line that includes products not available at any other Scott's retailer.Scott's produces a lower end product for big box stores formulated to meet a price point,lawn pro dealers sell the better stuff.

Otherwise also Southern States is a good second choice for quality product in your area,not far from me in Richmond.

Very good....thanks! I'm out to the store as soon as the rain stops.