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Rates have gone up. The market is crazy. Everything's a multiple offer situation. There are so many competitive bids out there. Is it even worth trying to buy a house? There are lots of reasons like that, that I hear people say every day and I'm here to tell you that especially if you're renting, you may not want to wait until the market crashes or wait until things cooled down. Yes, rates have ticked up just a little bit, but they are still historically low. Also, if you think about the fact that a $300,000 home with 5% down, your mortgage payment is going to be somewhere around just under $1,800. If you put 5% down, your rent may be $1600, $1700, $1,800 right now. Think about it this way. That year that you're waiting for that market to cool off, you will be spending $1,600 a month paying the equity in your landlord's mortgage. Wouldn't you rather be building the equity towards your own future, paying off your own home than paying somebody else's? Also, just like home prices are going up, rental prices are going up at the same time. So, don't wait so long that you get stuck in a cycle of having to continue to pay rent while the prices continue to go up just because you're waiting for some imaginary crash. Don't wait for it. It's probably not going to happen for a really long time. If you're thinking about buying a house or just dreaming about buying a house, give me a call. Send me a message. Ask me a question. I'm happy to talk to you and I'd love to walk through whether or not it is really a good time for you to buy.

Spring is finally here, but the spring market feels like it's been here for a while. If you have been paying any attention at all to the real estate market lately, you probably have heard a good bit about multiple offers, prices increasing, interest rates, and short days on market. But what does it all mean, and what does it mean for YOU and your real estate goals? I'm going to break down some of the info here for you, and give you my assessment (based on experience and research, but obviously not guaranteed) on what it all means, and how it impacts you. I've heard lots of people say they've thought of waiting to buy until the market cools, or until it "crashes." Here are my thoughts on that: the market is unlikely to "crash," at least not anytime soon. This is not a bubble in the sense of the last bubble ('06-'08). The problem there was primarily that lenders were loaning money to anyone, with very low standards proving they could pay it back. The market now is really a product of a few factors- The last bubble burst, putting some builders out of business, and causing most to slow down or stop building "spec" homes completely. A whole new generation of buyers has dropped into the buying pool (Hi Millenials!) Rates have been at all time lows for the last couple of years (yes, they have ticked up a bit, but they are still comparatively low to the "average" market.) Covid/quarantine/work and school from home...the list goes on regarding how we live in our homes, and how that has changed over the past couple of years, so more people are moving to accommodate those things. In the end, this crazy market is really a result of basic supply and demand. There are simply not enough homes for all the people who want or need to buy a home. So...will prices go down? Well, my thought is that prices won't go down anytime soon. The good news? They likely won't continue to increase at the same rate as they have been. If you're a buyer, what does all that mean? Well, my sentiment is always that if it's the right time for YOU to buy, it's a good time to buy. That is to say, sometimes there's no way to "outsmart" the market if you're buying a home to use as your primary residence. If you're going to be paying to live somewhere, and you usually are, you may as well be paying towards your own equity, rather than someone else's. Even if rates are higher than you'd like. You can always refinance if/when they go down again. If you're looking to buy an investment property, that's a trickier thing, because there aren't a lot of deals happening right now. (There are some, though, so it's not impossible!) In either case, talking through the possibilities, and the market conditions, in the area you're looking, BEFORE you find that place you want to call home, is invaluable in this market. The most important things you can do when buying in this market: Have realistic expectations (many people are writing 4-6 offers before they're getting to one that "sticks") Have a plan (know how much you can and are willing to spend, how much of a down payment is reasonable, and what your payments will be) Be ready to move forward quickly (and have all of those ducks in a row, including a pre-approval letter from a lender) when something comes on the market that you love If you're selling- yes, it is still a great time to sell, and things are going very quickly, often with few contingencies, and in many cases, OVER the asking price. That doesn't mean you can just throw a sign in the yard, though! Doing the prep work to get your home ready still makes a difference if you want to maximize the offers and the final selling price. This means cleaning, maybe a bit of yard work, staging, and overall, just making sure your house shines in its best light. It also means working with an agent who uses professional photography, who will do all the same things to market your property in this market that they will in a less "hot" market, and who will walk you through those things that will maximize the return on your investment. The difference that will make really is surprising, and can mean the difference in 5 offers vs 25. But, you say, "we can only accept one, though." True. But having more competition pushes everyone to build a better offer, giving you better terms, and a better price. Trust me. It's worth it. Do you want more details on the market or the neighborhood where you live (or want to live?) Reach out to me. I'd love to help you navigate the process, or just help you determine if it is a good time to buy or sell.  

Orange Ginger Roasted Carrots Who's ready for spring? Easter? Outdoor picnics, and colorful produce? This is great for Easter, or anytime you want an easy, colorful side, and so much better than those bland cooked carrots from my childhood. (I could make a joke here about every bunny loving them, but I won't do that to you.)      Ingredients 1 Large Orange, Unpeeled 12 oz (or so) Carrots 2 T Olive Oil 2 Garlic Cloves (unpeeled) 6 Thyme Sprigs 1 t Ground Ginger 1/8 t Kosher Salt Dusting of Cayenne Pepper (optional) Drizzle of Honey Cut your unpeeled orange in half. Cut one half into thin slices; toss with carrots, olive oil, garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, ground ginger,  and 1/8 tsp. kosher salt on a baking sheet. Dust with cayenne and drizzle with honey. Roast at 450°F 15 minutes, stirring once. Turn on broiler; broil 2 minutes. Discard thyme. Peel garlic; place garlic and carrots on a platter. Squeeze remaining orange half over carrots. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. kosher salt. (I use Jennifer Fisher Spicy Salt on this, and everything. It's unreasonably delicious, and just adds something special. Not paid, just a fan.)

What would Valentine's Day be without something a little sweet? (And most likely, chocolate?) If you want to make a homemade treat that is a wow, but also super simple, these shortbread hearts are a favorite of mine. I usually dip half in chocolate, but you can also drizzle them with chocolate, white chocolate, or icing, add a touch of sprinkles or a dusting of pink sugar, or press some colorful sprinkles in before baking. Whether your vibe is "love, love, love" with the kids, a little romance, or a solo evening of "treat yourself" with a plate of cookies and a good rom-com, these are always a great idea   Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Hearts 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) 3/4 cup sifted confectioner's sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract (the good stuff!) 2 cups sifted all purpose flour 1/2 tsp. salt 3- 4 oz of semisweet chocolate (chocolate chips will work, but disks or bars are better.) 1 tsp. canola or vegetable oil Preheat oven to 300. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until combined in a stand mixture with the paddle attachment. On slow speed, beat in flour and salt until combined. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/16-to-1/8 inch thick. (Remember, these won't rise, so where they are raw is basically where they'll be cooked.) Cut out hearts with a 2-inch heart cookie cutter. Transfer cookies to an ungreased baking sheet; chill for 30 minutes. Get creative! Make designs with a fork, press sprinkles into the tops, whatever! Bake until just beginning to brown around the edges, about 18 minutes. (Cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature about 5 days.) Melt chocolate in microwave, 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, then stir in oil when fully melted. Dip cooled cookies half in chocolate, or drizzle chocolate over with a spoon. (While chocolate is still warm, you can also add sprinkles, a little sea salt, chopped pistachios or pecans...there's no limit!) Happy Valentine's Day!

So you want to buy a home in the new year? Here are some great tips to help get you started so that your plan gets off on the right foot. Tips for Buying a Home in 2022 First of all, find an agent that's going to work with you, you're going to feel comfortable with sharing all your hopes and dreams and some of your financial information. Next, you really want to start getting your financial information together and talk with a lender. A local lender is best and one that your agent works with on a regular basis is crucial and tremendously helpful as you go through the process. I have some great tools to not only help get your financial information ready, but also help you narrow down what exactly you're looking for in a home. Reach out to me and let's get you started on the process of buying. I'm here to answer any questions you might have!

I confess. I love the New Year. Clean slate, fresh planner, new goals...so many possibilities... It's one of my favorite times of the year for sure. Ever since I can remember, I've started the year with a list or a plan. But, for the last few years, I've chosen a word of the year as well, and let that guide not only those goals, but also my year. As woo woo as I can be, I was pretty shocked at how well it worked for me the first time, so obviously I've kept it up. This week, this weird week between Christmas and New Year, that's what I'm working on. I completed my business plan weeks ago, but this week is about recalibrating after the holidays, reflecting on the year, looking back on the things that worked or didn't, and looking forward to 2022. Tips on Choosing Your Word of the Year I have my short list that I'll decide on later this week, but here are my tips if you have never chosen a word of the year and want to try it this year: Think about where you want to be, or what you want to accomplish, in the year to come. Make a list of those things. You'll likely see a common thread. Would you like things to be easier? More simple? Are you looking for more balance in your business, relationships, etc.? Growth? Adventure? Once you make a list of those things, that word, or spirit, will likely start to speak to you. If you're looking for some inspiration for YOUR word, I've included a list below of 100 words to get you started. Focusing on Your Word of the Year Remember, it doesn't have to mean anything to anyone but you! Pro tip- when you have it, make it your Lock Screen, get a piece of jewelry with your word (this is what I do), write it on your mirror, a post it in your car, or wherever you're going to see it all the time! Adventure Soar Peace Bountiful Ease Peace Balance Drive Vibrant Bloom Blossom Gratitude Grace Learn Mindful Explore Persistence Drive *my word for 2019 Power Freedom Rebirth Transformation Growth Amplify Ascend Transcend Sparkle Ambition Flourish Maximize Minimize Breathe Comfort Perseverance Vitality Create Ignite Reflection Positivity Progress *My word for 2020 Movement Release Centered Thoughtful Steady Flow *My word for 2021 Fearless Energize Liberate Influence Affinity Acceptance Abundance Service Empower Simplify Faith Boundless Giving Cleanse Yes Build Confidence Committed Enough Grounded Imagine Manifest Passion Serenity Resolve Speak Strength Lead Worthy Authenticity Celebrate Connection Hope Purpose Sparkle Love Life Synergize Truth Achieve Nourish Stretch Strength Liberate Overcome Wholeness Richness Success Conquer Momentum Becoming Challenge Change Belief Have fun choosing what will be inspiring to you. Good luck, and whatever your word is, have a beautiful, bountiful, New Year!

The Best Gingersnaps Recipe These are my must make holiday cookies, and keep really well in a closed container for a few weeks (or so they say, I seldom have them last that long.) The dough freezes well, too, and they make great gifts or treats with coffee or tea. Gingersnaps 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup molasses 4 1/2 cups all purpose flour 3 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Additional sugar. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle. Roll into 1 inch balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets and flatten slightly with a glass. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-12 minutes or until puffy and lightly browned. Cool for one minute before removing to wire racks. Yield: 11 dozen

Selling Your Home During the Holidays So you've been thinking about selling your home, but time got away from you, you've been busy, there was a lot to do (and forget about any updates or repairs that required building materials this year), and now it's the holiday season. You may as well just wait, right? Not so fast! While generally it is true that the market slows a bit during the winter and around the holidays, this market is different. Yes, I know I sound like a broken record, but just stick with me, and I'll explain. Benefits to Selling During the Holiday Season There are a few benefits of selling around the holidays, in any year, and in any market. First and foremost, there is just not as much competition. While you may not have a flood of showings, you can rest assured that those buyers looking around the holidays are actually looking to buy, and not just curious neighbors or folks out for a walk. But this year? Well, it's all that and then some. As I've mentioned before, this market is not a bubble (like the one back in '07-'09), but really is driven by a housing inventory shortage coupled with interest rates lower than we've seen in years. That means we've not really seen any of the normal drops in the market over the last year. In fact, the days on the market for our entire MLS area is still hovering right around 7 days. (That's the average, too, not the median.) Additionally, we're still at only 1.1 months inventory throughout our MLS area. That's still a long way from a balanced market (6-7 months of inventory). Even though it's a seller's market, there are still some special ways to prepare when you're selling in the holiday season. Top Tips to Sell Your Home During the Holidays Focus on your curb appeal! It matters more now than ever, when things tend to be a little more brown, gray, and the light is not as warm. Clean, clean, clean! Clean those windows, the entry area, and yes, even the trim. Add a fresh, new door mat, maybe a wreath, and a couple of containers with something evergreen. Tone down the outdoor holiday decor, if over the top is your style. Don't go totally Clark Griswold on the house if you want buyers to actually see the house, and not be distracted by the decorations. (I literally cannot stress this enough.) Use a Realtor® to list your home. (I know, sounds biased, but it really does make a difference.) Let's amend that to, "Use a Realtor® who works with a great professional photographer." Having professional photos is a non negotiable these days. I don't care how good your phone camera is. Pro photos will show your house off better. Every single time. Knowing your "perfect buyer." Your agent will know not only "who" your target buyer is, but how to reach them. Especially this time of year, when inclement and chilly weather is the norm, having an agent who will do a video, multiple photos, floorplans, or the like definitely makes it easier for buyers to know whether it's a favorite or a maybe before they even ring the door plan. Go easy on the indoor decor too. The line between great decor and too much is not actually that fine. Think more "warm and cozy holiday cheer" and less "where are we going to put our 900 piece Santa collection." (Pro tip- keep those in the box so they're ready to go to your new home.) Make sure it's easy to move around, and doesn't look cluttered. Got loads of wrapped presents? Keep those to a minimum, too, and if you've got the hottest video game console to be wrapped, just tuck it in a closet. No need to tempt anyone unnecessarily. There's also the bonus of the kids not easily finding their gifts before the big day. Doing some holiday baking? Good smells sell! Keep the feast of the seven fishes to the restaurants this year, but go nuts with the cookies, rum cakes, spiced cider, etc. Again, warm and cozy is never unwelcome in the winter! Perhaps the MOST important, price it to sell! I'm never going to be the agent who wants you to underprice your home, but especially in the winter months, when there are in theory fewer buyers out there looking, not shooting the moon with the price helps position you better in the market. If you're working with me, or any good agent, we'll sit down with you to review the comparables, their sold prices, and how your home stacks up to that. We'll use all the data available to come up with a great plan to help you maximize your investment, your time, and get you to your goals. What questions do you have about selling your home during the holiday season? I'd love to help you determine if now is a good time for you to sell!

Did you know that in my "former life," I owned a restaurant/cafe/catering business in Carytown named Gourmet Delights? One of the things we were known for were our carryout catering items. This was waaaay before supermarkets had the plethora of ready made items they do now, so being able to stock your freezer with delicious pasta dishes, soups, and and side dishes was a big deal. And one of the top sellers, especially around the holidays, was this one. Party Potatoes. Easy to make ahead, easy to travel, and always a hit. Did I mention make ahead? (Around the holidays, that certainly deserves a second mention!) Party Potatoes Ingredients 8 cups mashed potatoes (about 8 - 10 russet potatoes) 8 tbsp butter 8 oz cream cheese 8 oz sour cream 1/3 cup chopped fresh chives 1 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper Instructions Grease a 9x13 baking dish with one tablespoon of butter. In a large bowl, mix together the prepared mashed potatoes (I highly recommend using a ricer for these!) with six tablespoons of the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, salt,  and pepper. Fold in the chopped chives. Transfer the party potatoes to the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with the remaining one tablespoon of butter. At this point you can cover the dish with plastic wrap and store overnight in the refrigerator.       When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and remove the plastic wrap. Bake the potatoes for 50 - 60 minutes. *This dish also freezes well, just make sure you thaw completely before baking. What a way to make Thanksgiving just a little easier!

No matter where I go, the question on everyone's mind lately is not just "How's the market?" but "Is this a bubble?" The short answer? No, it's not a bubble. Then what the #%(@ is going on?? Well, that answer is not so short. In the past couple of years, a whole new generation of homebuyers have dropped into the market. After the mortgage crash that happened 15 or so years ago, building seriously slowed (No one was buying, many builders got into bad financial positions... so, why bother building?), leaving us with simply not as many homes as buyers. On top of the home shortage, and all the new buyers, we have extraordinarily low mortgage interest rates, so borrowing money is simply "cheaper" than it is in a normal market. All of these things combine to form this unprecedented (yes, I am as sick of that word as you are) market. For sellers, there are a lot of benefits, for sure. While we have started to see a bit of a shift, things are still quite competitive. We may not be seeing as many 25 offer situations, but we're still seeing plenty of five or ten offer situations. Along with those multiple offers, we're seeing buyers trying to do all they can to make their offer the best- from waiving inspections, or portions of inspections, waiving appraisals, paying well above asking price, offering free "rent back" to the sellers, and so much more. Who, when you're selling, doesn't love getting an offer that basically lets you write your own ticket? But what if you're a buyer? Should you "just wait?" This market can indeed be a bear if you're looking to buy, and I totally understand your frustration. Many buyers are writing offer after offer and losing the battle. It's exhausting, and I know it can make you want to throw in the towel. But wait? Hold up. Here's why: Date           Avg Home      Rates         Payment  Sept 2018     $262,000      4.63%             $1361 Sept 2019     $260,000      3.61%             $1230 Sept 2020    $290,000      2.89%             $1247.75 Sept 2021     $320,000      2.91%.             $1350 Waiting for a normal market could cost you. Right now, there is simply not enough supply, but all signs point to that leveling off to a degree. For the market to "cool," it will most certainly be because rates have gone up to a "normal" range. Unlikely that an uptick in rates is going to drastically impact prices overall, so that lands us back at somewhere in the neighborhood of a rate of 4.63% in a normal market, and that same home you've been eyeing at $320,000 would now be $1600 per month rather than $1350. Not an insignificant difference. But with the rates as they are now, hovering right around 3%, you can actually go over that asking price, even by $30,000, for only an additional $125 or so in your payment. Still better per payment than what you're likely to get when waiting. Yes, it's not quite that simple, but if I got into all the details, I'd surely have lost you by now. If you're still reading, maybe you have questions? Reach out and let's talk!