Wendy Shapiro Real Estate Professional

12/12/2022

The ball is going to drop soon… will interest rates follow?

While no one has a crystal ball, here is what the experts tell lies ahead for real estate in the coming year…

On the second to last day of 2022, I’m sharing 2 new year market predictions with you:

- Home prices will cool by 5-10%, but the decrease only brings sellers back to early 2022 — around 32% above where home values were in March 2020.As prices level out, buyers can expect a calmer market where they’ll be able to regain a little leverage. Inventory will be low but will increase as spring arrives.
- The wild card will be interest rates. Some predict rates will keep climbing, possibly near 8.5%, while others think it’ll be closer to 7-7.5%. The most optimistic analysts say they may drop to 5%, but that low of a drop could indicate a recession.

There's no question that real estate is always changing — just one small reason I love what I do.

I’ll be watching it closely as we head into the new year and am happy to answer any questions you have about buying, selling, or investing in 2023. DM me, and let’s have a chat!

12/09/2022

Let me introduce you to a Holiday favorite in this household: Buttery Breakfast Christmas Casserole

You read that right... the word buttery is in the TITLE of this recipe.

The focus of the holidays is always on the dinner

But what about feeding hungry house guests the morning of or the morning after a big holiday sha-bang?!

This one is a crowd favorite and requested year after year (sorry turkey and ham) and is SO easy to prep ahead of time!

Instructions for this Recipe can be found on New York Times Cooking - Or abbreviated below!

Step 1
Tear croissants into large bite-size pieces, set aside

Step 2
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add sliced scallions and sausage meat, breaking up meat with a fork, until mixture is well browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in sage and remove from heat.

Step 3
In a large bowl, toss together croissants and sausage mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, 1½ cups cheese, salt and pepper.

Step 4
Oil a 9- x 13-inch baking dish. Turn croissant mixture into pan, spreading it out evenly over the bottom. Pour egg mixture into pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hrs. or overnight.

Step 5
Ready to bake? Heat oven to 350 degrees. Scatter remaining cheese over top. Bake until golden brown and firm to the touch, 45 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Garnish with sliced scallion tops before serving.

12/05/2022

Fill in the blank: 'I want to sell my home, but ____________'

If you're considering selling your home this year, but aren't sure if it's the right move, this post is for you! Swipe to take the quiz to find out if now is a good time for you to sell your home, or if you should hold on to it.

Every home and homeowner has their own unique story. Before deciding to sell — or deciding to wait — talk with you real estate agent (me!)

Share your results from the quiz in the comments!

🔥

12/02/2022

Looking for a swoon-worthy gift to give the real agent in your life this December? Good news! I’ve got the inside scoop on what they’d love most.

Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning. (And P.S. - All of these are clutter-free gifts which you know is giving me all kinds of holiday cheer!)

- Tickets to a show or concert coming to town that you know your agent would enjoy.
- A gift card to a favorite restaurant, boutique, or coffee shop.
- A donation to a charity near and dear to your agent’s heart in their name.
- A 3- or 6-month subscription to a meal-planning service.
- The best gift of all? Your referral of a friend or a family member!

Just like any gift, it really is the thought that counts! Have a gift idea you want to share? Drop it in the comments below.

11/25/2022

Umm. Don't panic...but if you’re thinking of selling FSBO, you may be giving buyers a Black Friday Deal on your home. Here’s why:

The average FSBO home sold for $260,000 in 2020.
The average agent-assisted home sold for $318,000 in 2020.

That’s a difference of $58,000, folks! Factor in agent commissions ($19K), and you still have a difference of $40,000 when you use the professional services of an agent.

(Not to mention agent homes sold on average 20 days faster than FSBO listings that were forced to renew on the MLS.)

The Black Friday takeaway? If you’re thinking of selling, don’t leave thousands on the table that should be in your pocket.

Work with an agent who knows your neighborhood, the market, and how to price your home just right.

Looking for an agent like that? I’d love to help! Send me a message, and let’s chat.

11/24/2022

Today my heart is as full as my plate, and it's all because of YOU!

Happy Thanksgiving to the best clients, friends, and neighbors I could ever ask for. It has been the highlight of my year helping you reach your real estate goals.

Enjoy the day with your family and friends, and from my home to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

11/21/2022

Good news for all of us this Thanksgiving — cooking well doesn’t mean cooking fancy.

To back that up, I thought I share my favorite Thanksgiving recipe. It’s oh-so-simple but melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Serves 6

Enjoy — and Happy Thanksgiving!

11/17/2022

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? You have now! Here are 6 gifts that’ll have the new homeowners in your life swooning this holiday season:

- A candle that never melts - Check it out at the Everlasting Candle Co.
- Custom house portrait - Find it on Etsy.
- Personalized address stamp or stationery. Your pick!
- Pizza baking stone - try Crate and Barrel’s Emile Henry Stone.
- New zip code pillow - Etsy again!
- The Always Pan - IYKYK.

What do you think? Drop your go-to gift recs in the comments!

11/17/2022

We are a few days away from one of our favorite holidays. Cooking and trying to have everything ready could be overwhelming. Here's a list of restaurants that still have availability for reservations on Thanksgiving Day!

11/16/2022

What a fabulous new listing this is in amenity rich winding cypress. Just $675,000! Call me today for a private showing. 239–919–6839

11/11/2022

11/07/2022

Seems like ages ago that you made that very first call to your agent. It’s been a whirlwind, but now, you’re in!
Well, okay, technically, you’re in. That kick-up-your-feet feeling? That’s still a few dozen boxes away.
To keep you focused and motivated amid the cardboard chaos, here’s a checklist for after the big move. Cross these off one by one, and you’ll be kicking back in no time!

The first few days after move-in day are so exciting…and exhausting. Don’t worry — it’s only temporary.
Don't forget to bookmark this post for later!