October Market Update and Newsletter

I often get asked whether now is a good time to buy or sell a home, so let’s look at each scenario and break it down.

If you’re thinking about selling, consider the reasons behind your move. Is it for a job relocation? Are you retiring or needing more (or less) space? Maybe a life change, like marriage or a family transition, has prompted you to think about selling. If you’re motivated by one of these reasons, now is a great time to sell.

Why? Because inventory levels are low, which means less competition for you as a seller. Plus, interest rates are currently at their lowest point in two years, so buyers are out there looking! If your home is priced well and in good condition, and properly marketed, you’re in a strong position to sell. And with fall in full swing, buyers are eager to make a move before the holidays. It’s a time when people are focused on settling in before winter, which can make for motivated and serious buyers. If you’re ready, this season offers a perfect window of opportunity to sell your home.

Fall is often considered a sweet spot in real estate. The weather is cooler, making it more comfortable for buyers to view homes, and the natural beauty of fall can showcase your home in its best light. The changing leaves, cozy atmosphere, and crisp air help buyers picture themselves settling into a new space before the holiday season kicks off. Plus, homes tend to look even more inviting with festive fall décor, making them easier to envision as a place for family gatherings and celebrations. Selling in the fall allows you to tap into buyers’ desire to find a home and get settled before the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

For buyers, fall is also a fantastic time to make your move. Interest rates have dropped, and there are homes available in a variety of price ranges and locations. The demand is strong, and if rates dip further, it could lead to even more competition, making it harder to find the right home. Prices are still rising, though at a slower pace, so waiting for “rates or prices to drop” likely means paying more down the road. Fall also offers a cozy, beautiful backdrop for house hunting—imagine finding your dream home before Thanksgiving or the first frost! If you find a home that fits your needs, is in the right location, and works with your budget, now is the time to act! Remember, if rates fall, you can always refinance later. As the saying goes, “Don’t wait to buy real estate; buy real estate and wait.” (I like that one!).

If you have any questions or want to discuss your situation further, feel free to reach out today. Let’s make this fall season the perfect time for you to achieve your real estate goals!

It’s a good life.

Chris

 

Dreaming of a Warm Escape?

Consider a Vacation Rental Investment!

As the colder months approach, are you dreaming of a second home in a warmer climate? Vacation rentals offer a unique opportunity to not only enjoy personal getaways but also generate passive income. With the ability to charge premium rates during peak seasons, vacation rental properties can deliver higher returns compared to traditional long-term rentals. Plus, you have the flexibility to use the property when you want and rent it out during the rest of the year.

When choosing a vacation rental, location is key. Beachfront properties, mountain retreats, and homes near popular attractions, such as national parks or resort towns, tend to have high occupancy rates year-round. Consider investing in areas with strong tourist appeal, ensuring both a rewarding experience for you and a consistent income stream. Proper property management, along with effective marketing on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, can make all the difference in attracting bookings and maximizing your investment.

Additionally, maintaining the property’s quality is crucial to your success. Investing in comfortable, stylish furnishings and keeping up with maintenance will boost guest satisfaction and secure positive reviews, leading to repeat bookings. Leveraging technology, such as property management software, can also streamline your operations and help you manage bookings with ease.

Vacation rentals also offer the potential for long-term value appreciation. As property values in prime vacation destinations often rise over time, your investment could grow beyond just rental income. Coupled with the tax advantages of owning a rental property, this can make a vacation home a solid financial strategy.

Now is the perfect time to explore this exciting opportunity. Contact us today — we have REALTOR® partners across the country ready to help you find the ideal vacation property to fit your lifestyle and financial goals!

 

Recipe of the Month | Healthy Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

By: AmbitiousKitchen.com

The best healthy pumpkin bread made with an entire can of pumpkin puree! This cozy, healthy pumpkin bread recipe is loaded with pumpkin spices and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup. It’s perfectly moist, topped with the most addictive maple glaze and can easily be made into pumpkin muffins!

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup (75g) butter
  • 1 (15 ounce) (425g) can pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup (156g) pure maple syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cup (198g) whole wheat pastry flour (or white whole wheat flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon*
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon allspice

Glaze:

  • ½ cup (57g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk (any milk will work), if necessary to thin glaze

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Line an 8 ½ x 4 ½ inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Add butter to a saucepan and place over medium heat. The butter will begin to crackle and then foam. Make sure you whisk constantly during this process. After a couple of minutes, the butter will begin to brown and turn a nice golden amber color on the bottom of the saucepan. Continue to whisk and remove from heat as soon as the butter begins to brown and give off a nutty aroma. Immediately transfer the butter to a medium bowl to prevent burning. Set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes or until cool enough to touch.
  • Add pumpkin puree, pure maple syrup, eggs and vanilla to a large bowl. Whisk together until smooth. Whisk in browned butter.
  • In a separate large bowl, stir together whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice until well combined. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top with a spatula. Bake for 50-65 minutes until a tester comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Allow bread to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove bread from pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once bread is completely cool, make the maple glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup and almond milk (only if necessary to thin the glaze). Pour over the pumpkin bread, then cut into slices and serve!

 

Monthly Home Maintenance Tips

  • Check your chimney and schedule a cleaning if needed to prevent any fire hazards before using your fireplace.
  • Rake and remove leaves from your yard to prevent lawn damage and maintain curb appeal.
  • Reverse ceiling fan direction to push warm air down and improve heating efficiency during colder months.
  • Inspect your driveway and walkways for cracks, sealing them before freezing temperatures cause further damage.
  • Check exterior lighting and replace bulbs to ensure proper illumination as daylight hours shorten.