Realty Executives Midwest
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. If you’re like most people, you might be scrambling at the last minute to come up with some new recipe ideas. Never fear – we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we will share 25 recipes that will save your holiday feast. From sweet treats to savory dishes, there is something for everyone. So, relax and enjoy the holidays – let us take care of the brainstorming!
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. A lot of people like to have sweet things at their holiday feast. That’s why we’re starting with recipes for sweet treats.
1. Cranberry-Pistachio Biscotti: A festive twist on a classic Italian cookie, these biscotti are perfect for dipping in your morning coffee or tea. Set some aside as small gifts for unexpected visitors.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies: These simple yet delicious cookies are a holiday staple in many households. Shape them into festive shapes for added decor.
3. Gingerbread Men: A holiday favorite, these gingerbread cookies are perfect for decorating with the kids. If you are short on time, you can purchase them instead of baking them in advance.
4. Peppermint Bark: A festive and easy-to-make treat, peppermint bark is perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself! Consider grabbing some decorative tins to help turn the bark into a sweet gift.
5. Spiced Hot Cocoa: This rich and creamy hot cocoa will warm you up on a cold winter day. Add a little extra holiday cheer with a shot of rum or brandy.
6. Pumpkin Pie: A classic Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie is always a hit- even on other holidays. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
7. Apple Crisp: This comforting dessert is perfect for using up any leftover apples from your holiday baking. There are few ingredients in a crisp, so it is a great recipe for those who are short on time or supplies at home.
8. Pecan Pie: A Southern favorite, pecan pie is a must-have at any holiday gathering. Not up for making a full pie? Try pecan pie muffins instead or brownies for a fresh spin. You can also make this dessert in advance and freeze it until needed.
9. Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic cookie that is always a hit, chocolate chip cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Add nuts, pretzels, or other treats to boost the flavor.
10. Sugar Cookies: Another classic cookie, sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with the kids. Use different shapes of cookie cutters to maximize the fun.
11. Fruitcake: Love it or hate it, fruitcake is a holiday tradition in many households. Give it a try this year! Make sure to set aside plenty of time. With a multitude of ingredients, this recipe takes well over two hours from start to finish.
12. Eggnog: A holiday favorite, eggnog is rich and creamy and perfect for sipping by the fire. Make it even more special by adding a shot of rum or brandy. There are plenty of eggnog options at the local grocery but making it at home will allow you to put your special spin on it.
13. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This popular fall drink can also be enjoyed during the holidays! Best of all, you can make a big slow cooker version for easy serving.
Savory snacks are perfect for satisfying your hunger between meals, and they come in all shapes and sizes. From chips and crackers to dips and spreads, there is sure to be a savory snack that fits your taste buds.
1. Cheese Ball: A holiday party classic, cheese balls are always a hit. Serve with a variety of crackers or crudités for dipping. This is one of the most versatile savory options on our list- ingredients range from onion and bacon to cranberry and almond.
2. Deviled Eggs: A delicious and easy-to-make appetizer, deviled eggs are perfect for any holiday gathering. You can make variations with ingredients like sriracha, cheese, chives, and more.
3. Sausage Balls: A tasty and kid-friendly snack, sausage balls are great for munching on during the holidays. Plus, serving them is as simple as putting a toothpick in them for guests to grab easily.
4. Pigs in a Blanket: Another crowd-favorite, pigs in a blanket are perfect for snacking on during holiday movies or gatherings. This is one of the easiest recipes to put together- crescent rolls and any kind of sausage will work.
5. Holiday Crackers: A festive twist on regular crackers, these are perfect for enjoying with cheese or dips.
6. Candied Bacon: A delicious and unique appetizer, candied bacon is perfect for any holiday party. If the oven is occupied with other holiday dishes, try cooking this in the air fryer.
7. Mini Quiche: A bite-sized version of a classic brunch dish, mini quiches are perfect for any holiday gathering. Choose your favorite mix-ins (bonus points for meat and veggie options) and whip up something special.
8. Spinach Artichoke Dip: A creamy and flavorful dip, spinach artichoke dip is perfect for enjoying with crackers or crudités. In the unlikely event that there are leftovers, use the dip as a stuffing for chicken. It’s an indulgent dinner you won’t forget!
9. Guacamole: A party favorite, guacamole is perfect for any holiday gathering. Serve with chips or use it as a condiment for tacos or burritos.
10. Chicken Wings: A favorite party food, chicken wings are perfect for any holiday gathering. There are all types of marinades, dry rubs, and sauces for those who want to switch it up from the classic buffalo wing. You can also bake, fry, and grill the wings, depending on the recipe. Remember to serve the wings with a variety of sauces for dipping.
11. Vegetable Tray: A healthy and festive option, vegetable trays are perfect for any holiday party. Arrange the veggies on the plate to minimize empty space and emphasize the gorgeous colors. Serve with a variety of dips or hummus.
12. Hummus: A delicious and healthy dip, hummus is perfect for any holiday party. Serve with a variety of vegetables, crackers, and pita for maximum flavor. Consider adding in garlic, olives, roasted red pepper, and more to create delicious variations.
With all these ideas for holiday food, the most difficult part will be deciding what to serve. Grab those ingredients early so you have them on hand and enjoy spending time with family and friends this holiday season.
Source: Realty Executives
Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com
Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains a key part of the American Dream. In fact, the 2022 Consumer Insights Report from Mynd found the majority of people polled still view homeownership as a key life achievement. Let’s explore just a few of the reasons why so many Americans continue to value homeownership.
One possible reason homeownership is viewed so highly is because owning a home is a significant wealth-building tool, and it provides meaningful financial stability over renting by locking in your monthly housing payments for the length of your home loan. An article from Forbes explains:
“Understanding the potential benefits of homeownership helps individuals see the value of owning property instead of renting. . . . household wealth among homeowners is a whopping 1,469% higher on average compared to renters, excluding home equity, making the allure of homeownership even more enticing.”
Over time, owning a home not only helps boost your own net worth, but it also sets future generations up for success as you pass that wealth down. That may be why the Mynd report also says:
“Most Americans (78%) still associate homeownership with the ‘American dream.’ And nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) see homeownership as a means of building intergenerational wealth.”
While the financial benefits of owning a home are important, becoming a homeowner impacts you on a social and emotional level, too. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist for First American, says:
“. . . buying a home is not just a financial decision. It’s also a lifestyle decision.”
Your home provides feelings of achievement, responsibility, and more. 3by30 highlights the top 10 benefits homeowners enjoy. A few non-financial advantages include:
If your definition of the American Dream involves greater freedom and prosperity, then homeownership could play a major role in helping you achieve that dream. While it may feel challenging to buy a home today as mortgage rates and home prices rise, if the time is right for you, know that there are incredible benefits waiting for you at the end of your journey. You’ll have a place you can grow your wealth, call your own, and feel most comfortable.
Like the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:
“. . . research has consistently shown that homeownership is also associated with multiple economic and social benefits to individual homeowners. Homeownership has always been an important way to build wealth.”
Buying a home is a powerful decision and a key part of the long-term dream for many Americans. And if homeownership is part of your dreams this year, connect with a local real estate advisor to start the process today.
Source: Keeping Current Matters
Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com
As you look ahead to the winter season, you’re likely making plans and thinking about what you want to achieve before the year ends. One of those key decision points could be whether or not you want to move this year. If the location or size of your current home no longer meets your needs, finding a house that better suits your lifestyle may be a top priority for you. But with today’s cooling housing market, is it really a good time to sell your house, or should you wait?
If you’re ready to make your decision, here are three reasons you may want to consider selling before the holidays.
Typically, in the residential real estate market, homeowners are less likely to list their houses toward the end of the year. That’s because people get busy around the holidays and deprioritize selling their house until the start of the new year when their schedules and social calendars calm down.
Selling now, while other homeowners may hold off until after the holidays, can help your house stand out. Start the process with a real estate professional today so you can get your house on the market and get ahead of your competition.
Even though housing supply has increased this year as buyer demand has moderated, it’s still low overall. That means there aren’t enough homes on the market today, especially as the millennial generation reaches their peak homebuying years. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:
“While not the frenzy of 2021, the largest living generation, the Millennials, will continue to age into their prime home-buying years, creating a demographic tailwind for the housing market.”
Serious buyers will still be looking this winter and your house may be exactly what they’re searching for. If you work with an agent to list your house now, you’ll be able to get in front of the eager buyers who are hoping to make a move before the year ends.
Don’t forget, today’s homeowners have record amounts of equity. According to CoreLogic, the average amount of equity per mortgage holder has climbed to almost $300,000. That’s an all-time high. That means the equity you have in your house right now could cover some, if not all, of a down payment on the home of your dreams.
And as you weigh the reasons to sell before winter, don’t lose sight of why you’re thinking about moving in the first place. Maybe it’s time to buy a house that’s in a better location for you, has the space you and your loved ones have been craving, or simply gives you that sense of home. A trusted real estate advisor can help you determine how much home equity you have and how you can use it to achieve your goal of making a move.
If you’re thinking about selling your house so you can find a home that better suits your needs, don’t delay your plans. Work with a local real estate professional to accomplish your goals before winter.
Source: Keeping Current Matters
Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com
While the Federal Reserve is working hard to bring down inflation, the latest data shows the inflation rate is still high, remaining around 8%. This news impacted the stock market and added fuel to the fire for conversations about a recession.
You’re likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as you watch the cost of goods and services climb. The pinch it’s creating on your wallet and the looming economic uncertainty may leave you wondering: “should I still buy a home right now?” If that question is top of mind for you, here’s what you need to know.
In an inflationary economy, prices rise across the board. Historically, homeownership is a great hedge against those rising costs because you can lock in what’s likely your largest monthly payment (your mortgage) for the duration of your loan. That helps stabilize some of your monthly expenses. James Royal, Senior Wealth Management Reporter at Bankrate, explains:
“A fixed-rate mortgage allows you to maintain the biggest portion of housing expenses at the same payment. Sure, property taxes will rise and other expenses may creep up, but your monthly housing payment remains the same.”
And with rents being as high as they are, the ability to stabilize your monthly payments and protect yourself from future rent hikes may be even more important. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains what happened to rents in the latest inflation report:
“Inflation refuses to budge. In September, consumer prices rose by 8.2%. Rents rose by 7.2%, the highest pace in 40 years.”
When you rent, your monthly payment is determined by your lease, which typically renews on an annual basis. With inflation high, your landlord may be more likely to increase your payments to offset the impact of inflation. That may be part of the reason why a survey from realtor.com shows 72% of landlords said they plan to raise the rent on one or more of their properties in the next year.
Becoming a homeowner, if you’re ready and able to do so, can provide lasting stability and a reliable shelter in times of economic uncertainty.
The best hedge against inflation is a fixed housing cost. If you’re ready to learn more and start your journey to homeownership, connect with a real estate professional today.
Source: Keeping Current Matters
Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com
Does the latest news about the housing market have you questioning your plans to sell your house? If so, perspective is key. Here are some of the ways a trusted real estate professional can explain the shift that’s happening today and why it’s still a sellers’ market even during the cooldown.
While the supply of homes available for sale has increased this year compared to last, we’re still nowhere near what’s considered a balanced market. A recent article from Calculated Risk helps put this year’s increased inventory into context (see graph below):
It shows supply this year has surpassed 2021 levels by over 30%. But the further back you look, the more you’ll understand the big picture. Compared to 2020, we’re just barely above the level of inventory we saw then. And if you go all the way back to 2019, the last normal year in real estate, we’re roughly 40% below the housing supply we had at that time.
Why does this matter to you? When inventory is low, there is still demand for your house because there just aren’t enough homes available for sale.
And while homes aren’t selling as quickly as they did a few months ago, the average number of days on the market is still well below pre-pandemic norms – in large part because inventory is so low. The graph below uses data from the Realtors’ Confidence Index by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to illustrate this trend:
As the graph shows, the pre-pandemic numbers (shown in blue) are higher than the numbers we saw during the pandemic (shown in green). That’s because the average days on the market started to decrease as homes sold at record pace during the pandemic. Most recently, due to the cooldown in the housing market, the average days on the market have started to tick back up slightly (shown in orange) but are still far below the pre-pandemic norm.
What does this mean for you? While it may not be as fast as it was a couple of months ago, homes are still selling much faster than they did in more normal, pre-pandemic years. And if you price it right, your home could still go under contract quickly.
Buyer demand has softened this year in response to rising mortgage rates. But again, perspective is key. Getting 3-5 offers like sellers did during the pandemic isn’t the norm. The graph below uses data from NAR going back to 2018 to help tell the story of this shift over time (see graph below):
Prior to the pandemic, it was typical for homes sold to see roughly 2-2.5 offers (shown in blue). As the market heated up during the pandemic, the average number of offers skyrocketed as record-low mortgage rates drove up demand (shown in green). But most recently, the number of offers on homes sold today (shown in orange) has started to return to pre-pandemic levels as the market cools from the frenzy.
What’s the takeaway for you? Buyer demand has moderated from the pandemic peak, but it hasn’t disappeared. The buyers are still out there, and if you price your house at current market value, you’ll still be able sell your house today.
If you have questions about selling your house in today’s housing market, talk to a trusted real estate professional. An agent can help provide context around what’s happening now, so you’re up to date on what you can expect when you’re ready to move.
Source: Keeping Current Matters
Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com
Realty Executives agents are real estate experts. They have the education and expertise you need to navigate through the process of buying or selling a home. From listing at the right price to making the best offer, our Executives have witnessed the best - and most regrettable - decisions homeowners and homebuyers can make. Every day, they are immersed in every aspect of real estate that includes comparable home price analysis, property surveys, credit reports, open houses, HOA agreements, lenders, title companies, homeowners’ insurance, walk-throughs, terms of sale or purchase, repairs, concessions and closing documents. Let our accomplished Executives help navigate you through the process of buying or selling a home.
