Courtney H oustonGroup
WHAT’S IN SEASON THIS MONTH?
Fresh Fruits & Veggies RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Apple & Sweet Potato Salad FOOTBALL IS BACK REAL ESTATE CORNER
What is a Short Sale?
HOUSE & YARD MAINTENANCE
September Checklist PCS SEASON PREP ECU - Go Pirates!
WHAT’S IN SEASON fresh fruits and veggies
HI FRIENDS,
Can you believe we’re already stepping into September? The days are still warm, but there’s that little hint of fall sneaking in. With the change of season comes football, fresh flavors at the farmers market, and for many of my military families, the early whispers of PCS season. This month, I want to give you a blend of home tips, local love, and some real estate insights that have been popping up in conversations with clients.
September is one of my favorite produce months because we get the best of both worlds—the tail end of summer fruits and veggies plus the beginning of fall harvests. Here’s what’s in peak season:
• Fruits: apples, pears, figs, grapes, late-season peaches, plums
• Veggies: sweet potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, squash, mushroom
RECIPE OF THE MONTH apple and sweet potato salad
HERE’S A SIMPLE DISH THAT WORKS FOR BOTH WEEKNIGHT DINNERS AND TAILGATE SIDES:
INGREDIENTS:
2 SWEET POTATOES, CUBED
2 CRISP APPLES, CUBED
OLIVE OIL, SALT, AND PEPPER
CRANBERRIES
¼ CUP WALNUTS OR PECANS (TOASTED)
OPTIONAL: DRIZZLE OF LOCAL HONEY OR MAPLE SYRUP
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. ROAST SWEET POTATOES AT 400°F WITH OLIVE OIL, SALT, AND PEPPER FOR 25–30 MINUTES.
2. ADD APPLES TO THE PAN FOR THE LAST 10 MINUTES.
3. TOSS EVERYTHING WITH GREENS AND NUTS, FINISH WITH A DRIZZLE OF HONEY.
*
IT’S NOURISHING, SEASONAL, AND FEELS LIKE THE PERFECT BRIDGE BETWEEN SUMMER AND FALL
FOOTBALL IS BACK go pirates
For all my fellow ECU alumni and Pirate fans – it’s that time again! Saturdays are for football, and there’s just something about the energy of game day that makes this season so fun. Whether you’re tailgating, cheering from home, or sneaking peeks between kids’ activities, here’s to a season full of spirit and (hopefully!) wins. �� Pro tip: Pair that roasted sweet potato & kale salad with some grilled chicken wings, and you’ll have a tailgate spread that feels just as good as it tastes.
REAL ESTATE CORNER
what is a short sale
What’s a Short Sale?
LATELY, A FEW CLIENTS HAVE ASKED ME ABOUT SHORT SALES. HERE’S THE QUICK BREAKDOWN:
A SHORT SALE HAPPENS WHEN A HOMEOWNER SELLS THEIR PROPERTY FOR LESS THAN WHAT’S OWED ON THE MORTGAGE, AND THE LENDER AGREES TO ACCEPT THAT AMOUNT TO AVOID FORECLOSURE.
PROS FOR BUYERS:
POTENTIAL TO GET A HOME BELOW MARKET VALUE
LESS COMPETITIVE THAN TRADITIONAL SALES
FOR SELLERS:
CONS FOR BUYERS:
THE PROCESS CAN BE SLOW—LENDERS HAVE TO APPROVE EVERYTHING
HOMES ARE USUALLY SOLD AS-IS, MEANING REPAIRS ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
CAN AVOID FORECLOSURE AND THE BIGGER HIT IT BRINGS TO YOUR CREDIT.
GIVES YOU A CHANCE TO MOVE FORWARD, EVEN IF YOU’RE UPSIDE-DOWN ON YOUR MORTGAGE
It’s not the right fit for everyone, but in certain situations, it can be a smart option. If you ever find yourself curious about it (or worried it could apply to you), I’m always here to walk you through it.
HOUSE & YARD maintenance checklist
AS SUMMER WINDS DOWN, HERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU CAN DO TO KEEP YOUR HOME IN TOP SHAPE:
• CLEAN GUTTERS BEFORE LEAVES START TO PILE UP.
• CHECK WEATHER STRIPPING AROUND DOORS/WINDOWS TO GET AHEAD OF CHILLY DRAFTS.
• AERATE AND SEED YOUR LAWN IF YOU WANT IT LUSH FOR SPRING.
• SERVICE YOUR HVAC NOW BEFORE YOU SWITCH FROM COOLING TO HEATING.
A LITTLE ATTENTION NOW SAVES A LOT OF HEADACHE LATER!
PCS SEASON PREP
it is never too early
If you know you may be moving next spring or summer, now is the perfect time to get a head start
For Sellers:
• Start tackling small home projects now (painting, decluttering, yard work)
• Schedule a fall deep clean so you aren’t scrambling when orders hit
For Buyers:
• Research potential duty stations
• Ask for agent recommendations from families already stationed there (I’m always happy to connect you)
• Narrow down your non-negotiables so the home search is smoother when the time comes
September is one of my favorite months, and also my little girl’s first birthday month! A mix of fresh starts, community energy, and cozy traditions right around the corner. Whether you’re savoring local apples, catching a football game, or starting to plan for PCS season, I hope you find moments of joy and connection this month.
UNTIL NEXT TIME,
Courtney Houston
