Setting Real Estate Goals For The New Year

Hey there, fellow Nester!

Welcome to our very first edition of The Nest Notebook Newsletter! In every issue, we aim to offer valuable insights to support you in all aspects of home life—whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or already settled in your nest.

I’ll be honest: I personally have a hard time reading through long-winded emails, only to discover a tiny sliver of actual value at the end. (Seriously—who has time to sift through a 10-minute newsletter?) That’s why my goal is to keep this publication concise, relevant, and packed with insights you can actually use.

This week, we’re focusing on Setting Real Estate Goals for the New Year. A fresh start is the perfect opportunity to align your housing plans with your lifestyle and financial aspirations. Let’s explore some key strategies specifically for each group of Nesters!

As always, read through the entire newsletter (which I highly recommend) or go straight to the section that applies to you personally.

Happy reading!

For Home Buyers

Planning to buy in 2025? There’s no such thing as being overly prepared for what might be one of the biggest investments in your life. Even if your timeline is flexible, setting clear goals now will help you move confidently when the time comes.

• Defining Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves Think about non-negotiables like the number of bedrooms, commute distance, or school districts. Then consider extras—perhaps a backyard deck or updated appliances—that would be nice to have. This clarity streamlines your future search and prevents decision fatigue.
• Pre-Approval Readiness Meet with a lender or mortgage broker to understand your budget and pre-approval options. Getting this done early helps you narrow down choices and show sellers you’re serious—giving you a head start in competitive markets. Not all lenders are created equal. Do your research.

For Home Sellers

Ready to move on and start a new chapter? Selling a home is about timing, pricing, and knowing how to present your property in its best light. A well-thought-out plan can ease the process and maximize your return.

• Determining if It’s the Right Time to List Assess whether your current home still meets your needs. If you’re finding it cramped or too big, or the market is in your favor, it may be time to list. You can also ask a local real estate agent for a comparative market analysis to get a sense of potential pricing.
• Goals for Market Positioning Decide what matters most: a swift sale or the highest possible price. Your marketing strategy—staging, photography, open houses—will hinge on these priorities. Clarity here sets the tone for everything from listing price to promotional efforts.

For Renters

Embracing the flexibility of renting, or itching to settle down? Renting can be ideal for those exploring new areas or not ready for the responsibility of homeownership. Still, it’s important to reassess if it continues to align with your long-term goals.

• Creating a Rent-to-Buy Timeline Pick a target date for potential homeownership—whether it’s one, two, or even three years away—and plan backward. This might mean saving for a down payment, building credit, or researching neighborhoods so you’re ready when the time is right.
• Evaluating If Renting Still Fits Your Future Think about your career path, family plans, and lifestyle desires. If you crave stability or want to invest in an asset, homeownership may be worth exploring. If not, renting could remain your best option while you maintain flexibility.

For Homeowners

Settled into your nest but looking to upgrade or maintain wisely? Homeownership is a journey of continuous care and improvement. Setting clear goals now can make your to-do list more manageable—and potentially increase your property’s value.

3 Steps to a Home Improvement Plan

Prioritize Projects: Identify what’s most urgent (like fixing a leaky roof) versus purely aesthetic upgrades.

Gather Estimates: Get multiple quotes and timelines, focusing on both quality and cost.

Schedule & Budget: Map out projects over the year to avoid financial strain and renovation overload.

Budgeting for Annual Maintenance Regular upkeep—like servicing HVAC systems or cleaning gutters—helps prevent costly emergencies. By setting aside a small amount each month, you’ll be ready for routine maintenance and less likely to face big, unexpected repairs.

These insights are just the starting point—little nuggets of knowledge to spark curiosity and help you think strategically about real estate. If any of these topics piqued your interest or raised questions, I’d love to dive deeper with you. Every situation is unique, and I’m here to offer clarity, guidance, and tailored advice to help you navigate your real estate journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always happy to help.

Thank you for joining me for this first issue of The Nest Notebook Newsletter! I hope these insights help you set clear, actionable goals—no matter where you are on your real estate journey.

Here’s to a successful and fulfilling year in every nest we call home.

Warmly,

Wanda- Your Fellow Nester

The Nest Notebook Newsletter

The Curated Corner

Ode to Grandma- The Carrot Cake

For my very first curated gem pick, I couldn't think of anything more amazing, and more delicious, than my favorite recipe for carrot cake.

Now, as a kid, when my grandma would visit from back home, she'd asked me to bake a cake made carrots with her. I thought she had lost her mind. But that very first bake with my Abuelita turned out to be something truly memorable- I had created a ‘core memory’ with her. And so, as an adult, every carrot cake that I order at a restaurant (those hardly ever hit the mark), every carrot cake I make at home and every recipe that I come across is a beautiful ‘core memory’ moment.

A couple of years ago, I came across "the one"- In my humble opinion, the best carrot cake i've ever had and most likely the best carrot cake you’ll ever have too.

Now I get it, some of you are not carrot cake fans( and you've likely stopped reading when you saw what my curated gem this week was about). But if I haven’t lost you yet, i can promise you a life-altering recipe for carrot cake- with 2 minor tweaks that will already be suggested in the recipe:

1- I suggest instead of applesauce, use the crushed pineapple to bring moistness and a 'je ne sais quoi' to the cake- you'll thank me later. And

2, if you are not allergic to nuts, definitely lightly toast the pecans (or walnuts)... totally worth the extra effort.

Carrot cakes... they only remind me Grandma. Every. Single. Time.

If only I had more time with Grandma… and more carrot cake.

Here's the link to the best carrot cake you'll ever have:

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Until next time, happy reading!