I'm excited to share the first edition of my Quarterly Magazine for 2024 with you! Thank you so much for taking the time to read it. This year, I'm aiming to enhance the content by including Market Insights, Local Spotlights, and Home Trends. I would love to hear your feedback on what you'd like to see. As always, I truly appreciate you and I hope you have an amazing year ahead!
MARKET INSIGHTS
2024: A Year That Will Be Defined By A Strong Competitive Market" from Greater Nashville REALTORS:
1. There was a further 4% decrease in home sales in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, indicating a slower market towards the end of the year.
The real estate market in Nashville experienced a 16% decrease in the number of home sales in 2023 compared to 2022, however, the median home sale prices remained steady
2. Despite the overall decrease in home sales, there was a significant 16% increase in pending home sales in December 2023, suggesting a strong demand in the market.
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3. Based on these trends, the outlook for 2024 indicates a strong competitive market in Nashville's real estate sector
These details are sourced from an article on the Greater Nashville REALTORS' website.
(https://www.greaternashvillerealtors.org/news/2024/01/14/real-dealcolumn/2024-a-year-that-will-be-defined-by-a-strong-competitive-market/) ↩
2023
From the least expensive county to the most expensive
Winter Food Recipe:
It is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, capturing the soul of Nashville in every bite. The spicy kick of the Nashville Hot chickpeas, the smoky sweetness of the roasted sweet potato, and the creamy tang of the vegan ranch dressing come together beautifully. Enjoy this flavorful salad as a refreshing lunch, a hearty side dish, or a satisfying light meal.
INGREDIENTS:
Greens: A bed of mixed greens like romaine, baby kale, and arugula (around 4 cups)
Nashville Hot Crunch:1 cup chickpeas, cooked and tossed in your favorite Nashville Hot sauce (oil-free for vegan option)
1/2 cup vegan bacon bits or crumbled tempeh (skip for oil-free)
Sweet & Smoky:1/2 cup roasted sweet potato cubes
INSTRUCTIONS:
I1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained 1/4 cup crumbled smoked tofu (optional) Creamy Nashville:1/4 cup vegan ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Prep the Nashville Hot Crunch: Toss cooked chickpeas in your chosen Nashville Hot sauce for a spicy kick. If using vegan bacon bits or tempeh, crumble or chop and lightly pan-fry for a crispy texture.
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1. Roast the Sweet Potato: Dice sweet potatoes and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
Assemble the Salad: Layer the bed of greens in a bowl. Top with Nashville Hot chickpeas, roasted sweet potato cubes, black beans, and crumbled tofu (if using).
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3. Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle with creamy vegan ranch dressing and sprinkle with chopped red onion, fresh parsley, and dill pickles. Add a final hot sauce drizzle for extra Nashville heat (optional).
Winter Drink Recipe:
This creamy and comforting latte infuses the aromatic spices of chai with the natural sweetness of honey, perfect for sipping by a crackling fire on a chilly Nashville day.
INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:
I1 cup water
1 black tea bag
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of cloves
1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
2 tablespoons honey
Optional:
Whipped cream
Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
Steep the tea: In a saucepan, heat water to a simmer. Add the tea bag, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
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1. Warm the milk: While the tea steeps, heat the milk in a separate saucepan or microwave until warm and frothy, if desired.
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Combine and sweeten: Strain the tea into a mug and discard the tea bag. Add the warm milk and honey, stirring until combined.
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Top and enjoy: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar (optional). Sit back, sip, and savor the warm spices and honeyed sweetness of this delightful winter latte.
Seal Windows and Doors: Block drafts and leaks.
Check Insulation: Keep heat in and cold out.
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Inspect Heating Systems: Ensure your heater is running efficiently.
Protect Pipes: Insulate to prevent freezing.
Clean Gutters: Prevent ice dams and water damage.
Test Smoke Detectors: Ensure safety with working alarms.
Dreaming of owning a home in 2024? To make this dream a reality, let's explore eight habits to ditch and ways to overcome them.
1. Negative Self-Talk: You deserve your dream home. Keep this positive outlook throughout your journey.
Procrastination: Start your journey today, not tomorrow. The sooner you begin, the closer you are to your dream home.
2. Over-Extending Yourself Financially: Prioritize your spending and live within your means to get closer to homeownership.
3. Mindless Spending: Be conscious of your expenses; every dollar saved is a step closer to your dream home.
4. Late Payments: Paying on time helps maintain a good credit score, crucial for securing a mortgage.
5. Fear of Failure: Don't let fear stop you. Explore all paths leading to homeownership.
6. Lack of Budgeting: A well-planned budget is a roadmap guiding you to your goal.
7. Ignoring Your Credit Score: A good credit score can get you a better mortgage deal. Let's work on improving it together.
8. By letting go of these habits, you're paving the way to become a homeowner in 2024.
What I’m Reading
THIS IN Q1 OF 2024
"What Makes the Great Great"
by
Dennis P. Kimbro, Ph.D.
"The Millionaire Real Estate
Investor" by Gary Keller
"Copywriting Secrets" by Jim Edwards.
Atomic Habits by James Clear on Audible.
2024 Goals
The increase in interest rates may have left some first-time homebuyers feeling discouraged, and I completely understand and empathize with them. But here's the good news - I've had the pleasure of helping countless first-timers find their dream homes, surpassing their expectations along the way. If you happen to know a first-time homebuyer who has a stable job but could use some guidance in other aspects, I'd love to connect with them. Together, we can smoothly navigate the entire process.
This year, I aim to help an additional 10 First Time Homebuyers accomplish their goals.