Home Sale Statistics for March

4 great ways to create an outdoor living space

Today more than ever, homeowners are seeking ways to maximize the footprint of their home - both inside the four walls and out. Outdoor environments can serve many purposes and are a perfect way to customize a space that is right for you.

hether you plan to live in your home for years to come, or have an upcoming listing on your mind, now could be a great time to create an outdoor living space.

As you consider creating a beautiful, yet functional outdoor area, here are some key elements to keep in mind:

Outdoor kitchens are in demand

Whether you keep it simple with a built-in grill, some counter space and a sink, or go grand with a brick pizza oven and abundant seating at a granite-topped counter, an outdoor kitchen is becoming a must. In fact, according to Realtor.com, home buyers will pay a premium of more than 26 percent for a home with an outdoor kitchen.

As with the indoor kitchen, many outdoor kitchens include a cooking area, sink, storage and refrigeration. As with your indoor kitchen, the faucet outside can be the perfect marriage of beauty and function. You can find a variety of kitchen faucets from manufacturers such as Danze that fulfill all your outdoor needs. Need the ability to put water exactly where you want it in your outdoor workspace? A pulldown faucet from Danze offers great looks and exceptional versatility.

Media makes it way outdoors

Many of the technology wonders you enjoy indoors are making their way into outdoor environments. From built-in flatscreen TVs that can stream video, to video gaming systems, Wi-Fi and surround sound, outdoor entertainment has gone high tech.

Whenever you're incorporating electronics and electricity in an outdoor environment, weather proofing and proper wiring are essential. Keep these critical aspects in mind while planning your outdoor space, and deciding what media you'll incorporate and where it will be placed.

Bars are big

Outdoor bars, like traditional tikki bars, may increase your home value by nearly 14 percent, according to Realtor.com. Whether you're thinking of adding a bar in tandem with your outdoor kitchen space, or want to simply expand your entertaining area, an outdoor bar requires a few basic elements.

A fully operational sink with a high-functioning bar faucet are a go-to when it comes to outdoor bars.  Storage for beverages and glassware, a drink chiller, ice storage and seating can make your outdoor entertaining area an envy in the neighborhood.

Room for relaxation

While plenty of comfortable, attractive seating tend to be a significant part of outdoor living spaces, modern outdoor spaces are re-defining relaxation and entertainment. In addition to seating and dining areas, homeowners are incorporating recreational elements such as ping pong and billiards tables, putting greens, hot tubs and infinity pools.

Firepits and fireplaces are also popular for adding ambiance, and deliver the added bonus of extending the outdoor living season well into cooler months. Whether you choose to build a full-wall fireplace that doubles as a brick pizza oven, or stick with a more modest, portable firepit, adding heat and comfort to your outdoor space can also add value (upwards of 21 percent according to Realtor.com). 

Outdoor living spaces offer a multitude of benefits and creative options. Even the simplest of designs can make a home feel larger, increase the property's resale value and bring years of enjoyment.

Economic Snapshot for March

A New Year! A New Home!

Do you want to start the new year in a new home? Meet with this Windle Group this weekend at Third Monday Trade Days

Do you want a home for the holidays? Let's get started now!

Easy Upgrades for Holiday Entertaining

Holiday gatherings call for an extra touch to make the celebrating special. Since many holiday festivities are centered on food, focus some attention on the refreshments for a simple way to upgrade your next holiday party.

From the presentation to the pairings, it's easy to make an ordinary spread extraordinary this holiday season. Take this year's event to the next level with these easy tips that bring the wow-factor to your gathering:

Make it look as pretty as it tastes. Even simple platters of crackers and cheese can feel extra special when presented on a pretty plate. If you're serving food buffet style, use a colorful tablecloth and stack sturdy boxes of varying sizes underneath to serve as risers that create some visual interest for the spread. Incorporate seasonal decorations such as ornaments or sprigs of holly and poinsettia blooms. For a plated meal, a table-runner adds just the right pop of color and a tasteful centerpiece of candles or evergreen dressed with holiday trinkets elevates an everyday table.

Offer the perfect pairings. When planning your menu, consider the types of beverages you'll serve along with the appetizers and dishes. When paired properly, food and cocktails complement one another, making the flavors more vibrant and the overall experience more impressive. A good starting place is cheese. Pair alpine-style cheese such as Roth Grand Cru with Riesling; creamy blue with gin; smoky blue with merlot; Havarti with pinot noir; Spanish-style such as Roth GranQueso with scotch; and Gouda with prosecco.

Enhance traditional favorites. Putting a fresh, elegant spin on the basics instantly elevates your menu and the overall experience for your guests. Even a staple like cheese can get some special dressing for the occasion. This recipe combines three rich, flavorful cheeses for a fondue that's sure to delight guests.

Explore more ideas for exceptional holiday entertaining at rothcheese.com.

Culinary Education Center House FondueCook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

3/4       pound Grand Cru Original, shredded
3/4       pound Grand Cru Reserve, shredded
1/2       pound Roth Fontina, shredded
16        ounces Pinot Grigio or other light- to medium-bodied white wine
1          loaf crusty artisan bread
            fresh apples, grapes and pears
            black and white pepper (optional)
            nutmeg (optional)

Combine cheeses and wine in ceramic fondue pot and stir to combine. Allow mixture to soak 15-30 minutes.

Heat mixture over low heat, approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly with wooden spoon. Do not allow mixture to boil. When cheese has melted completely, remove from heat and transfer to tabletop burner.

Serve fondue with chunks of bread and fruit. If desired, provide pepper and/or nutmeg guests can sprinkle onto a plate and use for dipping bread and cheese. Pair with chilled dry Riesling and a shot of authentic Swiss kirschwasser.

10 Reasons to List Your Homes During the Holidays

Homebuyers need to purchase homes all year long, so there might be some advantages to placing homes on the market during the holiday season. Some of these  benefits include: 

1. People who look at property during the holidays are serious buyers and are more ready to make a decision.

2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays, so property has less competition.

3. Houses "show better" when decorated for the holidays with the wonderful lights and festive colors associated with the season.

4. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays and often base their decision on the warmth and good feeling they receive when viewing your house.

5. Buyers have more time to look for a house during the holidays because they have designated time off from work to purchase a home.

6. Many people want to buy before the end of the year for financial and tax reasons.

7. January is traditionally the month for transfers. Transferees can't wait until the Spring to buy. Your house must be on the market to capture these buyers.

8. You may restrict showings during your own personal family events and still take advantage of your spruced up and decorated "show ready" property.

9. You can sell now, but specify a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year if you so desire and if agreeable to the other party.

10. By selling now you have an opportunity to buy during the spring, when more properties are on the market.

6 Tips to Protect the Things You Love Indoors and Out

Whether the family dog gets his muddy paws on the couch, an ice cream cone melts all over the backyard hammock or a sudden storm soaks your new patio cushions, life is filled with unexpected messes. There's no time like the present to plan ahead so you're ready for whatever mess life throws your way.

Here are some simple steps you can take to protect the things you love both indoors and out, so they last well beyond the season:

Indoors

Clean upholstery: Sofas and chairs are vulnerable to surface stains, so cleaning upholstery on a regular basis is important. Start by vacuuming the furniture to remove as much surface debris as possible. Then use a damp, soapy cloth to gently spot treat the fabric, allowing it to soak in, reaching dirt beneath the surface. Once dry, protect the material withScotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector, which helps repel liquids and stains, preventing future messes.

Remove rug and carpet stains: Whether it's red wine, tomato sauce or berries, spills and dropped food can create unwanted stains, damaging your rugs and carpet. Tackle these messes as soon as they happen with a quick and easy DIY recipe. First, sprinkle the spot with baking soda, let it sit for 10 minutes and then vacuum. Mix a tablespoon of dish soap, a tablespoon of vinegar and two cups of warm water. Blot with a clean sponge until it disappears. 

Clean your curtains: After using your curtains as a barrier between the outdoors and your living space all summer long, they likely collected dust. Most curtains can be steam cleaned, but taking them down and putting them back up again can be a hassle. To limit this, dust or vacuum your curtains every week as part of your cleaning routine. You can also use a lint roller to remove embedded dirt and grime that the vacuum can't handle.

Outdoors

Waterproof outdoor fabrics: With cooler temperatures coming, winter elements are sure to make landfall in your backyard. Protect your favorite outdoor cushions with the Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield – moisture and liquids just roll right off.

Protect your footwear: As you break out your suede boots to step out in style this season, keep them looking great by protecting them from salt stains and snow with a water- and oil-repelling leather protector.

Care for your car: From muddy boots to coffee spills, messes often make it to car seats and floor mats when we least expect it. To clean these surfaces, mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap with 2 tablespoons of hot water and baking soda. Use a cleaning brush to lightly work through the stain in a circular motion. Wipe the area with a cloth and let the space air dry. To help prevent future stains, use an auto interior fabric protector.

Join the Windle Group for our Annual Third Monday Trade Days Halloween Event