Winter Warm Up

The Groundhog's prediction is in and he's calling for 6 more weeks of winter!  Don't be discouraged! Use this opportunity to create warmth in your home with the following fun and cozy ideas!

1. Layer with blankets. Add cozy throw blankets and quilts on chairs and the end of your bed. They give a warm look to the home while being practical at the same time!

2.  Use candles to light up winter nights. Group together and cover in a glass vase to reflect the light.

3.  Bring touches of nature inside with winter flowers, rocks, branches or potted plants.

4.  Fluff up the pillows!  Bring out the pillows and layer for an extra cozy look.

5.  Add drapes or window coverings to warm up the look of your home and keep the cold drafts out.

What do you do to warm up your home during the winter?

Valentine's Day Treats

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! If you're looking for some fun treats to make as a family that don't require hours in the kitchen we can help!

Sugar Cookie Hearts

Store bought sugar cookie dough shaped into hearts then decorated with red and pink sprinkles. Stick in a popsicle stick before baking for an easy to eat treat!

Raspberry Trifles

This show stopper of a dessert looks like it took hours to make! Simply layer graham cracker crumbs, vanilla pudding and raspberries for a delicious and beautiful treat! Top with whip cream!

Sweet and Salty Pretzel Treats

Dip pretzels in icing and decorate with all of your favorite Valentine sprinkles and sugars! Yum!

Greenery - Color of the Year

The 2017 Pantone Color of the Year is "Greenery" - a yellow-green shade that brings the beauty of nature in.

Greenery is a color that can be used in all seasons and pairs well as a neutral.  For example, Pantone put together several palettes that can be used both indoor and out.



Aren't ready to take the plunge and pull out the paint brushes?

Incorporate Greenery by using pillows, rugs, window treatments or accent chairs.

Selling Your Home This Winter

Despite the above average temperatures it still is January here in the South.  If you need to sell your home, the dead grass, bare trees and dark evenings may have you concerned.  There is good news though!  Here are a few tips to help you sell quickly so you can move on to your dream home!

- Price Competitively:  Look at comparables and make a decision based on what has sold within the last 3 months.

- Curb Appeal: Brighten up your home's exterior with some winter friendly plants and landscaping.

- Declutter: Make sure any seasonal decorations are put away, remove too many personal items and create a clean, neutral palette in the home.

- Paint: If your home needs a new color scheme - choose a neutral such as an off-white to make the home feel brighter in the dark winter months.

- Interior Touches: Make sure your home is well lit and warm! Add a cozy blanket on the couch.  Focus on the rooms that you spend the most time in - kitchen and master bath especially.

Don't worry! There are buyers in the winter and now is the time to sell before it gets too competitive in the Spring.

Preparing for Snow

The South is often a target of sarcasm when it comes to preparing for potential winter weather. And though there may or may not be actual snowflakes - it is always wise to be prepared for weather events of any kind. Including snow!

So how should you prepare?

Here are a few practical ways:

- Prevent pipes from bursting by wrapping exposed pipe with insulation or newspaper.
- Allow faucets to drip a little during extreme cold to prevent freezing
- Bring pets indoors and cover plants
- Limit travel when roadways may be icy
- Have emergency supplies for power outages such as candles, matches, blankets
- Fully charge phones or other electronic devices
- Never use an outdoor heating device or generator in an indoor space
- Have bottled water and canned goods in your pantry
- In case of loss of heat, have blankets and layered clothing easily available

The best thing to do is plan for a cozy day at home - off the roads and away from harm.

Enjoy the winter weather responsibly and safely!

Quick Christmas Treats

Merry Christmas!  The shopping, get-togethers, travel, and holiday parties have arrived. With only a few days to go it may feel overwhelming - but no fear! We have quick festive treats you can put together without ever turning on an oven.

So relax and enjoy this wonderful time of year!

Take regular brownies and make them festive with green icing, sprinkles and candy cane accents!

For a sweet treat that's healthy too - use grapes, bananas, strawberries and marshmallows!

Snowmen liven up any party with donuts, mini chocolate chips and candy corn 

Roll up cranberrie, feta cheese and onion in a tortilla for a tangy treat

Increasing Interest Rates

According to the latest reports, the Federal Reserve is planning a series of gradual increases to its federal fund rate - a decision that will lead to an increase in interest rates for home mortgages.  While this has made for glaring headlines for some - the real concerns about this change are over rated.

The housing industry has been aware for years that the current interest rate levels were unsustainable and put into place only to assist a struggling housing market.  Housing is now back on its feet and will be able to weather gradual changes to the interest rates.

So what do you do as a buyer?  Plan.

Evaluate your budget in light of possible interest rate increases. A good rule of thumb is that for every .05% increase in interest rate, there is a $100 increase to the monthly mortgage payment cost on a 30 year mortgage - for a home that costs about $300,000.  This may help you plan for your monthly payments depending on what price home you are looking to buy.

Ensuring that your credit score is is in the best shape possible is one way to lower the cost of your mortgage.  Pay off any outstanding debts before looking to acquire a mortgage and don't make any other large purchases prior to buying a new home.

Save more!  Save more for a down payment to help offset any additional monthly payment costs due to increases in interest rates.

The best way to prepare for changes in the housing market is to understand your total financial picture and talk with financial companies and builders you trust.  Ask the experts for their opinion and learn from their experiences in the always changing housing industry!