House to Home: February Edition

HOUSE

to HOME FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION

Featuring...

Tips to winterize your home from the cold Creamy Potato Soup recipe Why you should start the buying process now What’s happening in our local market

Winterize Your Home

It's essential to take measures to protect your home from potential issues that can arise due to winter weather. Here's a summary of key actions to safeguard your house during the cold months:

Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors

Check for drafts and seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors. This helps prevent heat loss and keeps your home energy-efficient.

Winterize Pipes

Insulate pipes in unheated areas to prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting. Consider using pipe insulation or heat tape for added protection.

Clean Gutters

Remove leaves and debris from gutters to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and water damage.

Check Heating Systems

Schedule a professional inspection of your heating system. Clean or replace filters, and ensure that the thermostat is working correctly.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Check and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test their functionality to ensure your family's safety.

Winter Landscaping

Trim tree branches that could potentially fall on your home during winter storms.

Clear debris from the yard to prevent slips and falls.

Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 large white onion, chopped ½ teaspoon sea salt 4 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 4 cups vegetable broth 1½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, about 5, chopped

1½ cups cooked white beans, drained and rinsed ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika Freshly ground black pepper

Directions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Sauté 6 to 8 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic, stir, and cook 2 more minutes. Stir in the white wine vinegar and cook, continuing to stir for 30 seconds, then add the broth, potatoes, and white beans. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer half of the soup to a blender with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, and paprika. Blend until smooth and return the pureed soup back to the pot.

Use a potato masher to gently smash the potato chunks and beans. Season to taste with more salt and pepper and serve with desired toppings.

HOMES

for SALE 2942 Springhaven Drive Listed at $360,333 Classic ranch offers 3 bedrooms on the main, 2 full and 1 half baths; playroom, bedroom, 2 garage spaces and storage in the basement. Walk up attic for easy access. Deck and nicely sized backyard.

481 Brookberry Farm Circle

GREATER WINSTON SALEM

MARKET

update 511

NEW LISTINGS

$315,906

AVG SALES PRICE

Listed at $1,589,000 A harmonious blend of timeless elegance and cutting-edge design, uncompromising attention to detail and adorned with premium finishes, this 5 bedroom, 4 full and 1 half bath home sets a new standard for luxury living.

Start the Buyer ProcessNow While January may not be the peak season for home buying, it presents unique advantages for those looking to make a purchase, including potential cost savings and a less competitive environment.

Motivated Sellers

New Listings Emerging

Less Competition

Negotiating Power

Sellers who have their homes on the market during January may be more motivated to close deals. This can provide buyers with leverage in negotiations and potentially result in favorable terms.

With fewer buyers actively searching for homes in January, there is reduced competition. This can give you an advantage and increase the likelihood of securing your desired property.

Quicker Mortgage Approval

Lenders often experience a lighter workload in January, which can lead to quicker mortgage approval processes.

Buyers may find that financing is processed more efficiently during this time.

While the market may be slower in January, new listings still emerge. This provides buyers with fresh opportunities to explore and potentially find the home that meets their criteria.

With sellers eager to close deals and fewer competing buyers, January buyers may have increased negotiating power. This can lead to more favorable terms and conditions.

Beat the Spring Rush

Buying in January allows you to complete the process before the traditionally busier spring season, reducing the risk of being caught up in a competitive market.

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LISTINGS SOLD

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DAYS ON MARKET

For the year, 2023 continued trends we saw during the second half of 2022. Rates hit the highest numbers seen in over 20 years settling around 8% at one point. Because many people locked into the low rates of the past years, resale listings suffered the most creating low inventory for that category of the market. If people did not have to sell due to life events, many folks chose to hold out and stay in their home.

However, builders took advantage of this opportunity to fill inventory gaps and new home sales rose significantly.

What will happen in 2024? Many experts in the financial industry predict the interest rates will continue to drop into Spring which should help spark a true Spring Market.

Data reflects all closed residential sales from Triad MLS as of the end of December. This area includes Forsyth, Davie, Davidson, and Stokes Counties.

Sarah Llano BROKER/REALTOR®

336.682.9182 Sarah.Llano@BHHSCarolinas.com www.SarahLlano.BHHSCarolinas.com

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110 Oakwood Drive, Suite 110 Winston Salem, NC 27103 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC.