Are you thankful for this?

Ahhhh, Thanksgiving!? It’s more than a day to stuff your face with turkey and mashed potatoes (and mac and cheese because it’s cheese y’all).? It's a day to reflect on what we are thankful for in our lives.? With higher property tax bills and soaring homeowner insurance rates, what on earth is there to be thankful for about owning a home you may ask.? I’m happy to answer that question for you!

First, security.? Having a sense of security in where you live is priceless.? Having a landlord tell you to move out within 30 days because they have plans for the property or want to move back into the property can be panic-inducing.? Moving costs a ton.? Being in control of when and where you move on your own terms helps you plan for the future with a sense of security.??

Second, personalization.? Your house is your castle!? If you want to paint every wall topaz and hang disco balls from all the ceilings, go for it (and invite me over when you have a party!).? Being able to design and style a home, or even remodel as life needs change, can give you a greater sense of peace and comfort where you live.? If gardening is your therapy, having a back or front yard to cultivate as you wish can have endless rewards.? Creating the life you want to live in your own home enhances a sense of self-confidence that shines through when you invite others over for dinner or fun events.??

Third, equity.? Once you’ve gained equity in your home you can use it if you wish.? It’s there, growing every day in most cases.? Try asking your landlord to put a bit of the rent you pay each month back into a savings account for you, lol.? Being able to build equity in your home can help with your financial planning and goals.? Have a ton of equity and want to start that business you’ve dreamed of for years?? Look into the options of taking out your home equity to get started.? We are blessed enough to live in a metropolitan area that continues to grow and appreciate in value.? And for that, I’m very thankful!?

Fourth, a sense of community.? When we choose home ownership, we choose to show up in a community.? In most cases, we now have a heightened sense of awareness as to what goes on around us and actually take the time to get to know our neighbors.? We care about our property value and that translates into caring about those around us and the community we live in.? We are far more likely to join a group, volunteer, or take on a leadership role in a place where we are paying to improve with our own money.? Yes, taxes and HOA dues can be heartburn-inducing, but knowing your street will not be filled with potholes and your neighbor can’t start that front yard flea market is worth it.? Not to mention the positive amenities such as pools, parks, and playgrounds you get to use and enjoy.??

So when you get to use your double ovens this year, pick fresh herbs out of your garden, or fit the whole family in your formal dining room, look around your house and be thankful for it and all it allows you to do for yourself and others.? Homeownership isn’t without its woes, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives when it’s all said and done.? If you are not a homeowner yet, plan to take that leap in 2024 and contact me today.? If you are cozy in your custom kitchen on Thanksgiving morning with plenty of space to cook and entertain, be thankful for your home.? And then give me a call and let’s look into purchasing that vacation home you’ve always wanted!?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!? I’m truly thankful to each of you for reading my newsletter :)

Oh, and here’s the cheese…..

(Side note, I was told that cheese has no place at Thanksgiving.? I won’t out you on this newsletter, but I need you to know you’re wrong.? Just wrong.? Cheese is universal.? Cheese is forever.)

Pecorino: pasteurized or raw sheep’s milk, semi-firm to hard, cooked and pressed

GRATEABLE | SALTY | PIQUANT

From the Italian word for sheep, pecora, Pecorino is synonymous with aged sheep’s milk cheese from Italy.? Whether it is fresh (fresco) or aged (stagionato), Pecorino has a reputation as a bright, salty cheese with a lovely, even texture and incredible versatility in the kitchen.? A requisite ingredient in classic Italian pasta dishes, from cacio e pepe to spaghetti al amatriciani, Pecorino is as essential as olive oil or tomatoes in regional cuisine.?

Pair with Chianti or Verdicchio.? Serve alongside dark honey and pistachios. Shave over lemony bitter greens or grate into cacio e pepe pasta with plenty of olive oil and black pepper.?