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As we step into February 2025, the real estate market is buzzing with opportunities and challenges. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or investor, staying informed about current trends can help you make smarter decisions. Here are the key real estate trends to watch this month:

1. Winter Market Activity

While winter is traditionally a slower season for real estate, February often marks a turning point. With spring just around the corner, many sellers begin preparing their properties for the market, and motivated buyers aim to close deals before competition heats up. If you’re considering buying or selling, now is a great time to act before the spring rush.

2. Mortgage Rates

If you’re planning to purchase a home, locking in your rate sooner rather than later could save you money. Sellers, on the other hand, should be prepared for potential buyers to negotiate more aggressively due to tighter budgets.

3. Demand for Energy-Efficient Homes

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it's a key driver in today’s market. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing energy-efficient features such as solar panels, smart thermostats, and well-insulated windows. If you're selling, highlighting these features can make your property more appealing.

4. Urban Revival

After years of suburban migration, urban areas are making a comeback. Cities are drawing in younger buyers and renters with new amenities, better job opportunities, and a focus on walkability. This shift is driving demand for condos and townhomes in revitalized downtown areas.

Tips for Buyers and Sellers in February

For Buyers:

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage to strengthen your position when making an offer.
• Work with a real estate agent who understands your local market trends.

For Sellers:

• Declutter and stage your home to make it more attractive to buyers.
• Price your property competitively, keeping current market conditions in mind.

Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest, February 2025 offers plenty of opportunities in the real estate market. By staying ahead of these trends, you can position yourself for success. Need personalized advice? Contact us today to discuss your real estate goals! 941-743-4200. 

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Level: Easy Total: 20 min Prep: 10min Cook: 10 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 cup hot sauce, such as Frank's Red Hot
12 small rolls, such as Hawaiian or Parker House rolls, buttered and griddled
Ranch dressing, for serving 1 cup blue cheese crumbles Tomato slices, for serving
Green leaf lettuce, for serving
Directions:
1 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2 Heat a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
Add in the oil. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken. with salt, pepper, the brown sugar, paprika and
cayenne. Sear both sides of the chicken until golden, about 4 minutes. Add
in the hot sauce to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and then place in the oven to finish off, and
the chicken registers 160 degrees Fon an instant-read thermometer.
3 Let the chicken cool, and then pull the meat with your hands. Adjust the seasoning if necessary,
and then place back in the oven at BROIL until crusty and caramelized on
top, about 4 minutes.

4 Sandwich Build: Place some chicken on the bottom buns, top with ranch, blue cheese crumbles,
tomatoes and then lettuce. Serve.

                                The Perfect Guide to Real Estate for the Holiday Season

As the holiday season rolls in, there’s a unique magic in the air. Families gather, streets are adorned with lights, and the spirit of togetherness flourishes. But for those in the real estate market, this season also offers a golden opportunity—whether you're looking to buy, sell, or invest. Here’s how you can make the most of the holidays when it comes to real estate.

Why the Holidays Are a Prime Time for Real Estate

While some assume the market slows down during the festive months, savvy buyers and sellers know otherwise. Here’s why:

1. Motivated Buyers and Sellers: Those in the market during the holidays are serious about making a move. Sellers are often eager to close deals before year-end, and buyers are motivated by holiday bonuses and tax benefits.
2. Seasonal Charm Sells: Homes look their best during the holidays. Sparkling decorations, and a welcoming aroma of baked goods can turn a house into a dream home.
3. Less Competition: Fewer listings mean your property stands out more. For buyers, the reduced pool allows for more focused decisions.

Buying a Holiday Home: What to Look For

Dreaming of a beachside getaway? Here’s what to consider:

1. Location, Location, Location: Look for areas that align with your holiday traditions, relaxing by the ocean, or celebrating in a bustling city.
2. Seasonal Accessibility: Ensure roads, utilities, and services are reliable year-round, especially in remote locations.
3. Rental Potential: A holiday home can double as an investment property. Check local regulations on short-term rentals and estimate potential income.

Selling During the Festive Season

If you're selling, the holidays provide a chance to highlight your home's cozy and inviting qualities. Here are some tips:

1. Deck the Halls (But Not Too Much): Tasteful decorations can enhance your home’s appeal, but avoid cluttering spaces or using overly personalized items.
2. Highlight Winter-Friendly Features: Showcase energy-efficient windows, or heated flooring. These can be major selling points during cooler months.
3. Professional Photography: A picture-perfect home adorned with twinkling lights can make your listing stand out online.

The Gift of Real Estate

A new home is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give yourself or your family. Whether it’s creating a cozy holiday retreat or finding your forever home, the festive season can be the start of a beautiful new chapter. Ready to explore the perfect property this holiday season? Let the festive spirit guide your journey, and with the right strategy, you might just unwrap the home of your dreams. 🏡✨

Happy holidays and happy house hunting!

Turkey and Stuffing Casserole

1 C. salted butter

1 C chopped onion

1 C chopped celery

½ C all-purpose flour

6 C chicken or turkey broth

4 ½ C shredded cooked turkey

1C frozen peas

½ C heavy cream

1 TBSP fresh thyme

¾ tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

¼ tsp turmeric

Nonstick cooking spray

2 (6oz.) herb stuffing mix

¼ c chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 350

Spray a 9X13 baking dish with cooking spray. In a pan melt butter, add onions, carrot and celery cook about 3 min. sprinkle in flour and stir, cook 1 more min. Gradually add 4 C broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to med-high, stirring often for about 5 min or until sauce begins to thicken, add turkey, peas, cream, thyme, salt, pepper and turmeric. Return to simmer and cook for 3 more min.

Pour mixture into the 9X13 pan. Place the remaining butter in a large microwave safe bowl. Heat 1 min. to melt, add remaining 2C broth and parsley, stir in stuffing. Let stand for 2 min. Top the turkey mixture evenly with the stuffing. Bake until golden brown. About 30-35 min.

Campfire Mules

1 ½ oz. smoked bourbon or whiskey

½ oz. lemon juice

¼ oz. pure maple syrup

4 oz. ginger beer

Marshmallows for serving

Fill a rocks or wine glass with ice. Add bourbon, lemon juice and syrup, gently stir to combine, top off with beer and stir again. Toast 2 marshmallows put on a stick and lay over the glass.

LET’S GET SPOOKY

Fun Facts About Halloween

* Illinois produces more pumpkins than any other state. 630 million pounds.

* Trick or Treating was put on pause during WWII because of sugar rationing, once it was over the candy companies encouraged trick or treating again.

* Candy corn used to be called chicken feed in the 1800’s. After WWI it was changed to candy corn.

* Harry Houdini died on Halloween.

* The worlds heaviest jack-o-lantern weighed 2,684 pounds 2 oz. in Germany 2021.

 * In Germany it is tradition to hide your knifes on Halloween night to prevent returning spirits from getting hurt.

* In the 19^th century people carved turnips instead of pumpkins.

* Pumpkins are a fruit, not a vegetable.

* Reese’s cups are Americas favorite candy according to Candystore.com followed by M&M’s and Hot Tamales. Least favorite is Circus Peanuts.

Witches’ Brew Lemonade

Ice

3 oz. Empress 1908 Indigo Gin

3 oz. sparkling lemonade

½ oz. Blue Curacao

1 fresh rosemary sprig

Bloody Mary Syringes

2C. Tomato juice

8 oz. vodka

2 Tbsp. Wor. Sauce

1 Tbsp. horseradish

2 tsp. hot sauce

Juice of ½ a lemon

Freshly ground black pepper

Plastic Syringes from a party supply store.

Spider Web Taco Dip

16 oz. can refried beans

2 Tbsp. taco seasoning

¼ c taco sauce

Guacamole – 1 ripe avocado, 1 tsp. lime juice, ½ tsp. salt, pinch of garlic powder

½ c sliced ripe black olives

1c shredded cheddar

½ c chopped ripe tom.

1 green onion (thinly sliced)

½ c sour cream

2-3 Tbsp. milk

Plastic squirt bottle

Tortilla chips

Stir together beans, taco seasoning and taco sauce. Warm in microwave. Spread it on the bottom of a glass pie plate. Mash the avocado and stir in lime juice, salt and garlic powder. Spread over top of bean mixture. Mix sour cream with enough milk to make it easy to come out of the squirt bottle. Draw a spider web on top of the guacamole with the sour cream mixture. Sprinkle olives, cheese, tom. and green onions around the edges. Place a plastic spider in the middle. Serve with tortilla chips.

ARE YOU LOOKING TO BUY A HOUSE?

1. Make sure you are ready to buy – You have paid off all of your debt, you have saved up an emergency fund, you can afford monthly mortgage payments and home maintenance, you have a good down payment, you can pay your moving expenses, you are planning to stay put for a while, and you have a real estate agent you trust.
2. Figure out how much you can afford – set your home-buying budget, no more that 25% of your monthly take-home pay (this includes principal, interest, property taxes, home insurance and private mortgage insurance, finally don’t forget to take homeowners association fees into consideration).
3. Save for a down payment – Aim for putting 20% down and for closing cost, you should save around 3%, moving and other expenses (get a quote ahead of time).
4. Get preapproved for a mortgage – The best way to buy a home is with cash. But if you get a mortgage, getting preapproved is the first step to securing a home loan (a mortgage lender can prequalify you to buy a house or preapprove you which takes a few more steps). What kind of mortgage should you pick? A fixed rate conventional loan? An adjustable loan? FHA or VA? Or a 15- or 30-year term loan? So many types of loans, your mortgage lender will help you sort all of this out.
5. Find the right real estate agent – Make sure your agent is full time, has great communication skills (will answer calls, text and emails promptly), make sure they know the area you are looking to buy in and finally they need to provide a detailed plan on how they are going to help you.
6. Go house hunting – make a list of the features your new home MUST have and a list of things you would like it to have. THINK LONG TERM – Don’t compromise on location or layout, buy the least expensive home in the best neighborhood you can afford, pay attention to home values in the area, research the school districts if you have children. When you start house hunting you need to be prepared for it to take a while.
7. Make an offer on a house – once you have found the right house submit an offer and sign a purchase agreement with the sellers.
8. Get a home inspection and appraisal – once you get to this step you will be officially under contract. As a buyer you have the right to a professional home inspection before you purchase the house. If you are getting a home loan, your lender will also require an appraisal to assess the value of the property. An appraisal protects you from paying more than the home’s true value.
9. Be patient getting your mortgage finalized. If you are getting a home loan you will need to wait for the loan to be approved. This is NOT the time to spend money. Your lender will be finalizing your mortgage and maybe monitoring your accounts.
10. Close on your house. YOU DID IT! Before you get the keys for your new home, you have one more job to do! Bring on the hand cramps – PAPERWORK!!