[Red Leader]

Originally Posted by SunDeck

Okay, this is where it gets a little complicated.
The BEST possible thing to do is this:
aerate, topdress, fertilize and then overseed

However, most homeowners don't want to topdress, which is a pretty labor intensive process. But topdressing is the thing that puts your seed into contact with some kind of medium that will be conducive to germination. Additionally topdressing with organic matter is great because that stuff falls down into the holes created by the aerator...which is like injecting your lawn with a soil conditioner.
But, like I said, most homeowners don't want to take this on, and you will need a way to create a good environment for the grass seed to germinate. So, I tell them to rough up the brownest patches, then overseed, then mow with a mulching mower. It's a cheat, basically. The mown grass will provide a mulch cover in which the seed can germinate. If you keep it watered then that grass will take root. For the brown spots, I recommend roughing up and leaving the dead stuff. Overseed then rake lightly, just like planting new seed. But keep it watered- newly germinated grass needs water.

Still, I think it's best to do this before the temperature drops below the 80s in the day time. You could aerate before you do this, but if you are not topdressing, I'd aerate after the new grass has been mowed a couple times.

Sorry SunDeck. With the trade deadline yesterday and the site crashing I didn't get a chance to respond to you, but thank you very much for all of your help and advice. It is very much appreciated.