Brian Spain Broker
DIRECT:(407) 494-1444
OFFICE:(321) 303-2850
Brian@LRFlorida.com
Lakeside Realty
1811 Edgewater Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
Selling Your Home This Spring? Start NOW to Get the Best Price
BRIAN SPAIN – If you’re planning to sell your home this spring in Orlando, you might think you have plenty of time to prepare. However, the most successful home sales often begin months in advance. Early preparation allows you to make key updates, address necessary repairs, and showcase your home in a way that appeals to local buyers. Here’s how to maximize your home’s value in Orlando’s competitive market while keeping costs reasonable and considering Florida’s unique climate.
FOCUS ON LOW-COST, HIGH-IMPACT UPDATES Orlando buyers value homes that balance style and practicality, especially in a market known for its sunny weather and outdoor lifestyle. Rather than investing in expensive renovations, prioritize affordable updates that make a big impact.
• Paint Refresh: A fresh coat of paint is a simple way to make your home look clean and modern. Neutral tones like soft beiges, greys, or whites work best and appeal to a broad range of buyers.
• Enhance Curb Appeal: Orlando’s year-round greenery makes curb
appeal a critical selling point. Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and consider planting tropical flowers like hibiscus or bougainvillea to create a welcoming vibe. Add a new welcome mat or
give your home a fresh look without breaking the bank.
• Declutter and Depersonalize: Orlando is a melting pot of buyers, so make your home feel open and inviting by packing away personal items and
repaint your front door in a cheerful color to make a memorable first impression.
• Update Fixtures: Replace outdated fixtures, such as faucets, cabinet handles, and ceiling fans, with sleek, modern options. These small upgrades can
excess furniture. This helps buyers envision themselves in the space.
ADDRESS
NECESSARY REPAIRS
While cosmetic updates attract buyers, neglected repairs can derail deals. Taking care of essential
maintenance now will save you stress later.
• HVAC System Maintenance: In Orlando’s warm climate, a fully functional air conditioning system is non-negotiable for buyers. Have your system inspected and serviced to show it’s in top shape.
• Roof and Gutter Check: Florida’s rainy seasons can take a toll on roofs. Repair any loose shingles or leaks and clear out gutters to avoid concerns during inspections.
• Plumbing Repairs: Fix leaky faucets and running toilets to avoid raising red flags.
• Address Moisture Issues: Florida’s humidity can lead to mold or mildew problems. Address any signs of moisture in bathrooms, basements, or closets to reassure buyers of the home’s condition.
UNDERSTAND BUYER PSYCHOLOGY AND PREFERENCES
Spring is Orlando’s peak real estate season, and understanding local buyer preferences is key to standing out.
MAYO CLINIC Q & A: EXERCISE TIPS FOR HEART HEALTH
MAYO CLINIC NEWS NETWORK -
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Finding the time to exercise with my busy work schedule seems impossible. How much exercise do I need to benefit my heart, and what kind? If I like to play pickleball, is that a better form of exercise than say, weightlifting?
ANSWER: Finding time within busy schedules can feel difficult, but if you dedicate at least 30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis, that can be enough. And any type of exercise is good for your body, even if you’re just climbing the stairs for five minutes. Any type of physical activity that you perform on a daily basis will benefit your body. Even doing everyday housekeeping such as gardening is a good way to get in some physical activity.
Dr. Angie Brown is a clinical associate professor at Quinnipiac University, where she uses her experience as an orthopedic specialist to teach students about the musculoskeletal system. Brown offered a lesson on knee health in an article for the Conversation. We recommend that you exercise for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, such as walking at a brisk pace (that’s around 30 minutes five times a week or 50 minutes three times a week) or 75 minutes per week of more of intense activity such as running or jogging. If you run or jog, 75 minutes can be enough.
Sometimes, we dedicate that time to other things like checking social media or watching TV. It’s a matter of finding the right time for you to exercise, such as catching up on Instagram or the news while on the treadmill. Trying to remain active is the key.
Remaining active as much as possible has been shown to be one of the best ways to control stress. Another one of the biggest benefits of exercise is how it positively affects our sleep. After daily physical activity, you tire, and it’s easier for you to fall asleep. Getting enough sleep is important in preventing chronic conditions in the future, such as heart attacks, diabetes and strokes. For optimal heart health, sleeping at least seven to eight hours per night is usually recommended. This allows enough time for your body to recover and be ready for the next day. Fewer hours than this can lead to
BARBARA INTERMILL - I visited our local library recently and was surprised to see a cheerful sign at the door that invited patrons in for “Books and Brews!” Not brews that may first come to mind. These were various teas and coffees lovingly prepared by librarians (another reason why I love our small town) for those of us who like to nestle with our computers in quiet corners.
When I asked for a chai spice tea sweetened with a small stick of honey (25 cents extra) the young lady behind the desk asked, ““Are you a tea drinker?”
“Yes, but I love coffee as well,” I admitted. “Me, too!” she continued. “But this time of year, I really enjoy a nice cup of tea.”
Same. Especially when sniffles or sneezing come my way, I gravitate toward tea over my beloved coffee. And probably for good reason.
According to the Global Tea Institute at the University of California Davis, before tea was a common beverage, it was considered a medicine. In fact, these experts say that “tea plays a healthy role in maintaining the human body, mind, and spirit.”
A 2020 article in Frontiers in Immunology credits various substances in green and black teas (same plant, just different processing methods) with their role in boosting the body’s ability to ward off diseases and infections. Those include nutrients like zinc, copper and manganese as well as “bioactive” ingredients
side effects that can negatively affect your heart and your overall health.
One of the tips I always recommend to my patients is to try to get into a schedule in which you’re going to sleep at the same time and waking up at the same time. Consistency is very important for sleep and building exercise habits. In addition to getting daily physical activity not too close to bedtime, we recommend that you turn off any type of electronic device at least an hour and a half to two hours before bed to set up an environment that is easier for your body to fall asleep. Sometimes it starts little by little,
just by taking baby steps. It’s always better to take baby steps and remain constant than take huge leaps you’re not able to handle later on. When you start little by little, maybe with 5-10 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis with a progressive increase in the time to achieve your physical activity goals, this is going to become a habit. Don’t let it go. Keep trying. If you want to remain healthy for your kids and see them grow and thrive in life, the best time to start is now.
©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
that enhance the immune system. And the relaxation we feel when sipping tea? It’s real, due to substances such as theanine, an amino acid that can have a calming effect on the body and mind.
Coffee, too, has real benefits, according to a recent study published in Nature Biology involving almost 23,000 participants from the U.S and the U.K. These scientists tracked how three different levels of coffee drinking— less than 3 cups a year, up to 3 cups a day or more than 3 cups a day—correlated with the type or amount of certain bacteria in the gut (home to our microbiome).
They found that coffee intake stimulated the growth of 100-plus types of good bugs in the gut—especially one called
Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus. This beneficial gut bacteria was up to eight times more abundant in high coffee drinkers compared to those who rarely drank coffee.
And good news, these effects held true with both caffeinated and decaffienated coffees. These researchers attributed this change in microbes to the presences of polyphenols— antioxidant substances known for their role in stimulating a healthier mix of good gut bacteria.
So, take some time, if you choose, for a nice cup of tea or coffee. It just might bring you some peace and good will.
RECENT SALES IN 32804
TOWNHOMES:
Based on information from the Stellar Multiple Listing Service for the period of 1/1/2025 through 1/31/2025. This information may or may not include all listed, expired, withdrawn, pending or sold properties of one or more members of the Stellar Multiple Listing Service.
COLLEGE PARK FITNESS STUDIO: WHERE PERSONALIZED TRAINING MEETS COMMUNITY
BRIAN SPAIN – At College Park Fitness Studio, Ben and his family have created a personal training space where fitness goals are not just met—they’re exceeded. Located in the heart of College Park, this studio offers a personalized, results-driven approach to fitness, and has become a trusted cornerstone of the community over the last 13 years.
FROM REAL ESTATE TO FITNESS: BEN’S JOURNEY
Ben’s path to fitness wasn’t always a clear one. Having worked in real estate during the foreclosure crisis, he decided to switch careers 13 years ago to pursue his passion for fitness. As a Type 1 Diabetic who had successfully lost 100 pounds as a young adult, Ben’s experience with personal transformation fueled his desire to help others achieve their own fitness milestones. With years of dedication to the gym, he realized fitness wasn’t just a hobby—it was a calling.
Though initially considering opening a large gym, Ben opted for a more intimate personal training studio. He didn’t want to risk compromising his vision by involving multiple partners. Thus, College Park Fitness Studio was born—a space focused on individualized training in a supportive, personalized environment.
stay up to date with the latest fitness science to make sure each session is customized to the individual’s specific needs.”
WHY PEOPLE DON’T HIRE TRAINERS
A lot of potential clients hesitate to work with a trainer because they feel they’re not “fit enough” to start. Others worry about injury, affordability, or simply feeling too intimidated.
Ben sees this frequently. “People often think they need to get into shape before they can begin training,” he says. “That’s like cleaning up because the cleaning crew is coming. We meet people where they are—no matter their starting point.”
A TRAINING PHILOSOPHY BUILT AROUND YOU
Unlike the typical gym, College Park Fitness Studio is about more than just equipment. It’s an open-concept space equipped with strength and functional training tools, but the real focus is on the most powerful tool of all: your body. Ben, along with five highly skilled trainers—including his son—work with clients of all backgrounds. Whether you’re a high school athlete training for competition, a postpartum mother returning to fitness, or a busy professional needing flexibility and accountability, the team specializes in creating tailored, goal-oriented programs. “We don’t use proprietary systems,” Ben explains. “We
In fact, about 25% of College Park Fitness Studio’s clients start at “Level Zero.” Whether they’re dealing with a lack of fitness experience or a medical condition, Ben and his trainers enjoy helping these clients make significant, life-changing improvements. Many people also fear that personal training means intense, punishing workouts. But at College Park Fitness Studio, the focus is on gentle yet motivating guidance. Clients can expect a positive, encouraging environment where their goals are met at a comfortable pace.
For those worried about medical conditions, Ben—a Type 1 Diabetic himself—knows firsthand that exercise is not only possible but beneficial for individuals with autoimmune diseases, asthma, emphysema, and other conditions. The key is working with the right trainer who can safely tailor each session.
And if you’re concerned about the cost? At College Park Fitness Studio, rates are designed to make personal training accessible for everyone. One-on-one sessions shake out to about $30 each, and small group or couples sessions are less than $20 per person.
YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY STARTS HERE
New clients begin with a free consultation, which can be easily scheduled online at CollegeParkFS.com. During the first session, trainers perform a comprehensive assessment that includes strength, mobility, balance, and core fitness. From there, they develop a personalized plan based on your goals—whether you’re looking to increase strength, improve mobility or balance, or train for a specific sport.
Patience is key when it comes to fitness. After all, bad habits and poor health take time to develop, and it can take time to undo them. In addition to workouts, Ben and his team also work with clients to identify small, sustainable lifestyle changes. For instance, if you’re outsourcing tasks like yard work or dog walking, or keeping unhealthy snacks around, making small tweaks can lead to big results.
“Find those ‘linchpin’ behaviors—the habits that, when changed, create a ripple effect in other areas of your life,” Ben suggests. Increased daily activity, like engaging in enjoyable hobbies or chores that burn calories, can help speed up metabolism and push you closer to your fitness goals.
At College Park Fitness Studio, training goes beyond the gym. It’s about creating lasting habits, sustaining progress, and building a relationship with a trainer who genuinely cares about your success.
A PROUD PART OF COLLEGE PARK
For Ben and his family, College Park isn’t just the location of their business—it’s home. They’ve been part of the neighborhood for a long time, and the studio has become a well-loved fixture within the community.
“I love College Park,” Ben shares. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with my friends and neighbors. We feel honored to be a part of such an amazing community, and we’re committed to staying here for the long haul— that’s why we’ve renewed our lease for another 11 years.”
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TODAY
Ready to kickstart your fitness journey? Schedule a free consultation today by visiting collegeparkfs.com or calling 407-826-1640. You
Selling Your Home This Spring?
CONTINUED FROM COVER
• Move-In Ready Appeal: Many buyers want a home they can enjoy immediately. Emphasize move-in-ready features like fresh paint, updated fixtures, and a wellmaintained HVAC system.
• Outdoor Living Spaces: Orlando buyers love outdoor spaces, so highlight patios, screened lanais, or pool areas in your listing. Adding outdoor furniture or string lights can help buyers imagine themselves enjoying the Florida lifestyle.
• Energy Efficiency: With high utility costs in warm climates, energy-efficient features like updated windows, programmable thermostats, and LED lighting are attractive selling points.
• Flood Preparedness: Homes in Orlando’s lowlying areas may benefit from emphasizing features like proper drainage, sump pumps, or flood-proof landscaping.
THE POWER OF STAGING
Staging your home can help you stand out in a crowded market. It’s a proven way to attract buyers and often leads to faster sales at higher prices.
• Highlight Key Areas: Focus on staging spaces where buyers form the strongest impressions, such as the living room, kitchen, master bedroom, and outdoor areas.
• Maximize Natural Light: Florida’s sunshine is one of its greatest assets. Open blinds, clean windows, and add extra lighting to brighten your home.
• Add Subtle Touches: Fresh flowers, tropical décor, and light scents like citrus or ocean breeze can create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
• Professional Photography: Most Orlando buyers start their search online. Invest in high-quality photos to showcase your home’s best features and generate interest.
HOW I CAN HELP YOU BUY OR SELL YOUR HOME
As your real estate agent in Orlando, I’m here to make your home-selling experience smooth and successful. With my local market expertise, tailored advice, and effective marketing strategies, I’ll help you achieve your goals.
• Local Market Knowledge: I’ll analyze trends, recent sales, and buyer preferences in Orlando to price your
INGREDIENTS
SERVES 8 TO 10
q Salt and pepper
q 1 pound elbow macaroni
q 1 (28-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
q 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
q ½ cup all-purpose flour
q ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
q 4 cups half-and-half
q 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
q 4 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
q 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
© 2025, America’s Test Kitchen. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
home competitively.
• Customized Guidance: From suggesting impactful updates to helping with staging, I’ll provide actionable advice to make your home stand out.
• Effective Marketing: With high-quality listings, targeted advertising, and open-house strategies, I’ll ensure your property gets noticed.
• Negotiation Support: I’ll represent your best interests to secure the most favorable terms.
Let’s work together to make your home-selling journey stress-free and rewarding. Call me today at 407.494.1444 to get started!
START NOW FOR A STRESSFREE SPRING SALE
Selling your home is a major decision, but starting preparations early can help you achieve the best outcome. By focusing on affordable updates, addressing necessary repairs, and catering to local buyer preferences, you’ll be ready to take full advantage of Orlando’s active spring market.
Ready to get started? Begin preparing today, and watch your efforts pay off this spring!
MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH TOMATOES DIRECTIONS:
1. COOK MACARONI: Adjust oven to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and the macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain pasta and return to pot. Pour diced tomatoes with their juices over pasta and stir to coat. Cook over mediumhigh heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
2. MAKE SAUCE: Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until foaming. Stir in flour and cayenne and cook until golden, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in half-and-half and broth until smooth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Off
heat, whisk in cheeses, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper until cheeses melt. Pour sauce over macaroni and stir to combine.
3. Scrape mixture into 13-by-9-inch baking dish set in rimmed baking sheet and bake until top begins to brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
MAKE AHEAD: Macaroni and cheese can be made in advance through Step 2. Scrape mixture into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, let cool, lay plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pasta, and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until the top is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
I MOVED DURING THE PANDEMIC, BUT NOW I’M BACK IN THE OFFICE.
CAN I MOVE AGAIN WITHOUT LOSING MONEY?
Dear Brian,
When my office went remote in 2020, my wife and I moved an hour away. I didn’t think the commute would be that bad when I returned, but I was wrong! We’ve considered moving back, but the math is discouraging. How can I move again without losing money? -Derek J.
Dear Derek,
This is a tough spot to be in, and you’re not alone. The good news is you can move back and make it work, you just need to be strategic: sell high, buy low, and borrow smart!
1. SELL HIGH
In today’s market, a top-of-the-market or even average-market price is not guaranteed. To come out ahead on your purchase, you must position your existing home to sell for the highest price possible
Buyers in our area have a lot of neighborhoods to choose from and have become increasingly discerning. To maximize competition and raise your final price, you’ll need to clear out, fix up, and cosmetically update your home where needed. Focus on “high impact, low cost” jobs that generate a high return, not expensive remodels.
After that, stage your home to look better than the competition while pricing it in line with the market. If your home looks gorgeous without appearing to be overpriced it will get a lot of attention in today’s market, especially if it’s marketed aggressively and intelligently. When buyers compete, your final price goes up.
You’ll be surprised by how much these strategies can lift your price, and that’ll help offset the impact of higher rates on your purchase.
2. BUY LOW
“Buying low” doesn’t mean downgrading or buying a money pit. It means spending less on a home (including on fixups) than its full potential market value
Bargains hit the market every day, but most are disguised as unattractive full-market sales. Look for a home priced normally that has good bones but doesn’t show well. If it’s cluttered or has cosmetic issues it’s probably not getting much traction, and this gives you negotiating power. Use your imagination to see its potential and don’t be afraid of a little fix-up. This does not mean buying an “as is” fixer-upper, that could be a nightmare if you’re not a seasoned flipper!
Buying low stretches your budget further, and if you have extra sale proceeds from selling high you’ll have even more mileage. This will make your move possible without having to downgrade.
3. BORROW SMART
The final step is “borrowing smart.” A half percent reduction in interest may not seem significant, but it could shave hundreds off your payment and add tens of thousands to your loan. You can lower your rate by:
• Shopping around. Get quotes from at least three banks or work with a reputable mortgage broker. This is the surest but
most overlooked way to get the best rate.
• Increasing your credit score. Even a small improvement in your score can lower your interest rate. About 30 days before applying for a loan, do not open any new loans and pay down your existing credit cards as much as possible (but don’t close them). Your outstanding balance to available credit has a big bearing on your score, and you can change it quickly!
• Consider a rate buydown. Ask your lender about a 3-year rate buydown credit. In exchange for a lump sum you’ll reduce your interest (and payment) for a period of time. Depending on the lender, this could mean a higher preapproval.
If you don’t qualify for the full loan you need, you can pay off short-term debts that have low balances to increase your preapproval. A $300 car payment with 15 months remaining might cost you $4,500 to eliminate, but that could raise your preapproval $45,000!
HIRE AN EXPERT
The big caveat to these strategies is that you’ll need an experienced agent to help you execute them. These days the market requires expertise in home prep, pricing, marketing, and negotiation to help you come out ahead.
If you haven’t already hired an agent, give me a call, I’m eager help make your move a success!
Brian Spain Broker DIRECT:(407) 494-1444 OFFICE:(321) 303-2850
Brian@LRFlorida.com Lakeside Realty 1811 Edgewater Drive Orlando, FL 32804
ASK BRIAN SPAIN
PERSONAL FINANCE
SURVEY:
EXPERTS SHARE THE TOP OVERLOOKED INVESTMENT THEMES THAT DESERVE MORE ATTENTION IN 2025
BRIAN BAKER, CFA - Stocks were mostly on a tear in 2024, with the S&P 500 up more than 23% as of mid-December. But the strong performance has left stocks trading at elevated valuations, and the Federal Reserve has signaled it needs to see more progress on inflation in order to cut interest rates further in 2025.
So, what should investors look out for as they plan for 2025? Bankrate’s Fourth-Quarter Market Mavens survey asked market pros what overlooked themes investors should consider, how monetary policy will impact stock market performance, and what risks and opportunities investors should watch out for as the GOP takes control of Congress and President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.
The analysts surveyed expect a fairly normal, but slower-paced 7% return for the S&P 500 over the coming year, but there are still risks to watch out for.
“There’s a world of uncertainty facing investors, including the variables of fiscal and monetary policy here at home,” says Mark Hamrick, Bankrate’s senior economic analyst. “What will the president and GOP-led Congress do? How will the Federal Reserve respond? What will inflation and growth look like? It is prudent to assess both the risks and opportunities.”
FORECASTS AND ANALYSIS:
This article is one in a series discussing the results of Bankrate’s Fourth-Quarter 2024 Market Mavens Survey:
• Bond forecast: Pros see 10-year Treasury yield falling modestly in 2025
• Survey: Experts share the top overlooked investment themes that deserve more attention in 2025
• Survey: Pros say stock market investors should brace for a slower pace of returns over coming year.
HOW WILL THE FED IMPACT STOCKS IN 2025?
Monetary policy can have a significant impact on how investors view risk assets such as stocks. According to the latest data, 70% of survey respondents see Fed policy being supportive for stocks in 2025. Just 10% see monetary policy as a negative for stocks next year, while 20% view it as neutral. The survey period ended a few days before the Fed’s final Federal Open Market Committee meeting of the year, where it signaled a slower pace of rate cuts in 2025.
“Rate cuts tend to be supportive of equity performance, but the core driver is the growth outlook,” says Dec Mullarkey, managing director at SLC Management. “With inflation down and earnings estimates up, that provides compelling fundamental support for stocks to do well.”
Other analysts said investors should watch how long-term interest rates respond to the federal deficit.
“All else equal, a Federal Reserve removing policy restraint is a supportive factor for stocks,” says Patrick J. O’Hare, chief market analyst at Briefing.com. “How much support comes through in that action will have a lot to do with how the bond market deals with deficit issues. The Fed doesn’t control long rates, which impact equity valuations. A spike in long-term rates wouldn’t bode well for equities.”
Chris Fasciano, senior portfolio manager at Commonwealth Financial Network, sees monetary policy as a negative for stocks in 2025.
“Rates will come down, but not to the extent the market will be hoping for,” Fasciano says. “However, fiscal policy will possibly offset this impact as 2025 unfolds.”
RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTORS AS GOP TAKES CONTROL OF CONGRESS, WHITE HOUSE Investors appeared to cheer the results of the November elections, as Republicans took control of Congress and President Trump was reelected to the White House. Stocks and other assets rallied on the possibility of lower taxes and fewer regulations, but there are still risks to watch out for.
“The challenge with evaluating the GOP economic agenda is that it contains the prospects of stimulus from tax cuts and lighter regulation but also comes with offsets from the threat of tariffs and deportations,” Mullarkey says. “That mix is hard to handicap, but markets are betting that growth will be prioritized and the net effect will be market friendly.” Other analysts are more optimistic.
“The first Trump administration slashed regulations and it seems like they are going to do it again,” says Kim Forrest, chief investment officer at Bokeh Capital Partners. “It was a huge driver of the economy and we believe that it will enable companies to show higher growth again.”
Still, Trump’s unpredictable nature could create confusion and uncertainty around which policies will actually be implemented.
“It’s difficult if not impossible to discern when President Trump is bluffing, posturing, or actually pursuing policy,” says Michael Farr, CEO of wealth management firm Farr, Miller & Washington.
“It’s purposefully disruptive and upsetting to markets. Trump can use these tools to a productive end, but the process can be very messy.”
OVERLOOKED INVESTMENT
IDEAS TO CONSIDER
With stocks not far off all-time
highs, driven by strong returns for large-cap growth companies, it can be difficult to find attractive investment ideas. But the analysts surveyed still see underappreciated ideas and themes for 2025.
“During periods of high growth, but high geopolitical risk, one investing style that deserves attention is large-cap high-dividend companies,” Mullarkey says. “Across the S&P 500, many of the top dividend payers are real estate, financials, utilities and consumer staples. This group derives most of its revenue from domestic sources and could be a decent hedge against geopolitical risk and the threat of tariffs.”
Some analysts still see opportunities around the boom in artificial intelligence.
“To date, most of the excitement (and returns) has accrued to the largest players in the space,” says O’Hare. “The AI trade will remain prominent, although we expect the AI ‘underlings’ to outshine the largest AI players in 2025 as investors broaden their return horizons in the AI space.”
However, others are more skeptical about whether AI can deliver returns on the timeline investors expect.
“I think Wall Street is assuming that productive uses of generative AI are right around the corner and I think the timeline is too short,” Forrest says. “Investors getting excited about a technology in the beginning, then disappointed that it is taking too long to show economic uses is a theme in technology investing. I think we are nearing the time when investors ask the hard questions of what problem does this solve and who is willing to pay for it.”
‘PICASSO AND PAPER’ EXHIBITION IS A RARE LOOK INSIDE THE MIND OF A GENIUS
JUSTICE B. HILL - I don’t know if any great artist has produced more work than Pablo Picasso, whose art I’ve seen in Asian and European museums. For certain, no artist has covered more “ism” periods than he has.
From Cubism to Surrealism to Neoclassism and combinations in between, Picasso created art under it. To see the depth of his work, you need to do nothing more than visit the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Until March 23, the art museum is featuring an exhibition titled “Picasso and Paper,” an in-depth exploration of his creative use of various mediums. The exhibition has over 300 pieces of Picasso art, much of it borrowed from a Paris museum.
Now, our art museum has its own collection of Picassos (Le Vie), but without help, its curators couldn’t put together an exhibition as they have now.
Yet, for all the Picasso art the
museum has on display, I thought it missed a significant period of his work, his African-influenced Period. I first discovered this Picasso period in Auckland, New Zealand, an unusual place to find it.
But from 1906 to 1909, Picasso painted in a style with a heavy influence on African sculpture.
Traditional African masks, their jagged, angular form, had no European predecessor, and during this period, ancient Egypt also shaped Picasso’s work, which might seem peculiar for an artist who studied and created mostly around likeminded masters in Europe.
I don’t think anyone who enjoys the classics should find this altogether surprising, no more than they would to look at the body of work of Andy Warhol or Mark Rothko and not expect to see it has influences beyond the obvious.
Picasso certainly had his artistic
influences, daringly so. Yet, he appeared to have his own vision of art, which I see in the exhibition.
I’m proud of how our art museum has integrated the borrowed Picassos with the works it owns. Those pieces remain on display outside “Picasso and Paper,” but what I found most appealing about the exhibition was what I learned about Picasso. He was a hoarder. He kept letters, envelopes; he saved scraps of paper seemingly so insignificant that I wondered why he would have bothered to. I feel blessed that he did, because those letters, those papers give art fans a glimpse at what drove Picasso to greatness.
THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PAPERS
Shortly after the exhibition opened in early December, I went to view it. I didn’t, however, see thousands of his papers in the gallery exhibition.
I doubt the museum had the gallery space to put so much out there for museumgoers like me.
What I saw was Picasso’s genius, which the museum showcased, as it combined the various artistic schools into this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition.
I’m blessed that I live in a city where a museum like ours exists. No, I can’t compare it to the Louvre, the Hermitage or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but what art museums do compare to those?
Ours is a pearl that shines in the heart of University Circle. I just wish more people would appreciate it the way I do. Then again, perhaps not. For not having the overflow crowds there allowed me to do something I couldn’t do when I visited the Louvre last summer: stroll leisurely through art like Picasso’s.
©2025 Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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powered by Circana BookScan ©2025 Circana. HARDCOVER FICTION
1. “James” by Percival Everett (Doubleday)
2. “Wind and Truth: Book Five of the Stormlight Archive” by Brandon Sanderson (Tor)
3. “The Women” by Kristin Hannah (St. Martin’s)
4. “The House of Cross” by James Patterson (Little, Brown)
5. “The Book of Bill” by Alex Hirsch (Hyperion Avenue) 6. “Counting Miracles” by Nicholas Sparks (Random House)
7. “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore (Riverhead)
“Wicked Collector’s Edition: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire (Morrow)
9. “To Die For” by David Baldacci (Grand Central)
10. “Now
Never” by Janet Evanovich (Atria) HARDCOVER NONFICTION
“The Backyard Bird Chronicles”
Amy Tan (Knopf)
4. “Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir” by Ina Garten (Crown)
5. “Guinness World Records 2025” by Guinness World Records (Guinness World Records)
HOME & LIVING
HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN THIS YEAR WITH THESE 4 TOP TRENDS
BPT - The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where you gather with loved ones for meals and conversations and make memories and traditions. To achieve these connections (while still making delicious meals), warmth and welcome are key.
If you’re worried about being out of step with the modern and minimalist design trends of the past few years, consider this: experts have seen a desire among clients for cozier and warmer designs.
Are you interested in changing your kitchen and staying in style? Here are four 2025 upcoming trends from design experts across the country who can help you step into the new year on trend.
1. LUXURY THROUGH PERSONALIZATION
While homeowners are seeking a luxury feel for their kitchens, they don’t want them to be exactly like that of their neighbors, friends and family members. Instead, there is a desire among clients for personalization while still maintaining a luxe style.
“I am seeing a shift toward extremely personal customization,” said Jennifer Hutton, Creative Director and Principal Designer at Grau Design Studio. “That’s anything from bespoke storage options to specialized cabinet interiors to an emphasis on personal hobbies like creating craft cocktails, baking or even using certain types of cooking equipment.”
Andrea Harvey, founder of ASH Interiors and Design, has also noted that homeowners want to add personal lifestyle details to their kitchen design.
“As always, luxury is about personalization,” said Harvey. “Luxury clients want their spaces to be uniquely theirs. They want details that are all about how they live. They would prefer to be ‘the only one’ than feel they are copying their neighbor or friend.”
2. A RETURN TO COLOR AND WARMTH
Gone are the days of bright whites and cold neutrals. More and more clients are seeking to infuse color and warmth into their kitchen space.
“No more gray!” said Ariana Lovato, Founder + Principal Designer
of Honeycomb Home Design. “Warm tones and oak finishes will still prevail next year, but people are not shying away from color when it comes to an island or perimeter cabinetry.”
Hutton has also had clients ask for a darker, warmer aesthetic with textural and colorful interest.
“I see luxury kitchen trends taking a turn to a deeper, moodier style, a far cry from the bright white, pristine kitchens from a few years ago,” said Hutton. “My clients are looking for unique marbles, lots of texture, organic materials and rich colors.”
3. MULTIPLE ZONES
Recent home kitchen designs have mimicked the style and function of professional kitchens that have all you need in one place. However, homes are already departing from this modern trend.
“We anticipate our luxury clients’ desire for ‘multiple zones’ to continue to strongly impact 2025 kitchen design,” said Linda Engler, founder of Engler Studio. “By multiple zones, I mean specific function areas beyond a primary kitchen: coffee and beverage stations, prep kitchens, sculleries and baking centers.”
Engler goes on to say that the multiple-zone approach uses a variation of materials and finishes to visually distinguish these stations from the primary kitchen. Because of these zones, designers and
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clients should expect an increase in appliances, as each zone will require its own package.
Another aspect of multiple zones is that homeowners are rediscovering the kitchen as a gathering place.
“It’s an exciting time in kitchen design because we’re starting to see a shift from the super sterile modern kitchen,” said Lovato. “Clients want islands that have wrap-around seating for casual conversations and built-in seating options like a nook or a custom banquette attached to the back of an island.”
4. TRANSITIONAL DESIGN
Are you stuck between designing a modern or traditional kitchen? You can have the best of both worlds by aiming for a transitional design aesthetic.
The term “transitional design” can be difficult to nail down, but you can generally think of it as a style that incorporates modern elements like clean, sleek lines with traditional details that are homey and welcoming.
“I view transitional design as the bridge that connects traditional and modern,” said Engler. “It’s the middle ground between two extremes.”
A simple yet effective way to combine modern and traditional kitchen design is through careful hardware and appliance choices.
“Things like faucet style, hardware
and light fixtures are examples of elements that can read as transitional and can be switched out over time if needed,” said Hutton. “Appliance style also plays a role here. Very professional, grand pieces tone down the modern style and add an ‘old school’ flair which can neutralize the ultramodern aesthetic.”
Appliances from luxury brand Signature Kitchen Suite’s new Transitional Series are perfect for homeowners seeking clean lines with timeless charm. The series includes wall ovens, induction cooktops, insert hoods, traditional and undercabinet refrigerators, dishwashers and builtin wine columns.
These panel-ready units feature satin stainless steel panel and handle kits as well as leading-edge True to Food technology. Not only do they look good, but they allow home chefs to show others their passion for the culinary arts.
OPENING YOUR HOME’S HEART TO STYLE AND COMFORT
Using these four trends, you can say goodbye to a purely clean and functional aesthetic and hello to a cozy kitchen you and your loved ones will want to spend time in. To learn about more design trends and how you can achieve them in the new year, visit SignatureKitchenSuite.com.
©2025 Brandpoint.
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TOP HOME DÉCOR STYLES FOR 2025
JAY HOLLAND - Home décor styles for 2025 are a mix of sustainability, functionality, and individuality. With a growing focus on creating personalized, comfortable, and ecofriendly spaces, homeowners are finding innovative ways to blend modern aesthetics with timeless design. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or redecorating an entire home, these styles are sure to inspire.
1. SUSTAINABLE AND ECOFRIENDLY MATERIALS
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of modern design in 2025. Homeowners are embracing materials like bamboo, cork, recycled glass, and reclaimed wood. These options not only add a touch of nature to interiors but also reduce environmental impact. Furniture crafted from upcycled or vintage pieces is gaining popularity, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward conscious consumption.
2. WARM AND EARTHY TONES
Neutral color palettes dominated in recent years, but 2025 is all about warmth. Think terracotta, rust, olive green, and mustard yellow. These hues bring a cozy and inviting atmosphere to any home. Pair them with natural textures like rattan, linen, and wool to create depth and comfort.
3. MAXIMALISM WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
Minimalism takes a backseat in 2025 as maximalism gains traction. This style celebrates bold colors, layered patterns, and a curated mix of old and new. The emphasis is on showcasing individuality, with spaces telling stories through their
décor. From gallery walls filled with personal art to heirloom furniture, homeowners are finding ways to make their spaces uniquely theirs.
4. SMART AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL FURNITURE
With more people working and spending time at home, functionality is a top priority. Smart furniture, such as coffee tables with built-in charging stations or beds with under-storage, is in high demand. Multifunctional pieces make the most of limited spaces, blending seamlessly with contemporary aesthetics.
5. BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Biophilic design continues to influence home interiors by emphasizing a connection to nature. Large windows, indoor gardens, and water features bring the outdoors in, creating serene and rejuvenating environments. Biophilic elements help improve mental well-being, making them a staple in 2025 décor.
BTP - When it comes time to sell your home, not all rooms are created equal. Sure, potential buyers will walk through the entire house, but their opinion of a few primary rooms can ultimately determine whether they choose to offer or walk. Your bathroom(s)—especially your master bathroom—are among these key rooms. As you prepare to put your home on the market, it’s time to take an honest look at these spaces. What do the bathrooms say about your house? Do they say “buy me now” or “no thanks”? If it’s the latter, then it’s time for a few home improvements that will turn the sale of your house from stale to sold.
REPLACE THAT OLD FLOORING
Carpet and tiny tile flooring—offering two different looks and feels—are both similarly outdated when it comes to bathroom decor. Alternately, hardwood floors can add a more current, upgraded touch and can be achieved with water- and stain-resistant ceramic tile that looks like hardwood. This delivers a distinctively modern look in a medium ideal for the humid bathroom environment.
A NEW LOOK FOR A FAMILIAR SOAK
Nothing conveys the comfort of an extraordinary bathroom like a luxurious soak in the tub. To set your bathroom, and your home, apart from the competition, replace your existing tub with the Studio Fold Over Edge tub from American Standard. This tub uniquely allows for a custom finish to the front apron to match wall tile and décor, creating a handsomely coordinated room. Plus, the tub’s spacious bathing well and extra lumbar support mean relaxation and enjoyment for you before the sale.
SHED A NEW LIGHT
FIND A FIRST-RATE FAUCET
6. TEXTURAL DIVERSITY
Texture takes center stage in 2025, adding richness and dimension to interiors. From boucle armchairs to ribbed glass and stone finishes, mixing textures creates an engaging sensory experience. Combining soft, plush fabrics with rougher, raw materials achieves a balanced, tactile aesthetic.
7. VINTAGE AND RETRO REVIVAL
Retro styles from the 1970s and 1980s are making a comeback. Think bold geometric patterns, curved furniture, and vibrant colors. Vintage items add character and nostalgia, while blending seamlessly with modern pieces for a unique, eclectic look.
8. OPEN SPACES AND SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS
Open-plan living continues to be a favorite, but 2025 focuses on seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large sliding doors, patios with cozy furnishings, and
outdoor kitchens make homes feel larger and more versatile.
9. STATEMENT LIGHTING
Lighting becomes a statement piece in 2025, blending form and function. Oversized pendant lights, sculptural chandeliers, and customizable LED systems are popular choices. Layered lighting—combining ambient, task, and accent lighting—ensures a welllit and stylish space.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The top home décor styles for 2025 reflect a desire for balance—between bold self-expression and eco-conscious living, modern technology and timeless design. Whether you’re adding a touch of greenery, updating your lighting, or investing in multifunctional furniture, these styles offer something for everyone. Personalize your space, embrace sustainability, and let your home tell your story.
©2025 Discover Publications.
Proper lighting is essential in any bathroom and up-to-date light fixtures are a great way to increase the wow factor for potential buyers. If your bathroom currently displays the outdated style of exposed bulb fixtures, try replacing them with contemporary wall sconce lights to create a look that is sure to draw your visitors’ attention. 5 6 3 2 4
Even a perfectly functional bathroom can be discredited by potential buyers if it showcases dated brass faucets and accents. If your space is guilty, try replacing the existing faucet with an American Standard Patience bath sink faucet. Offered in widespread or single handle models, these classically chic styles allow for easy operation by all users in the home. Plus, the choice of popular polished chrome or brushed nickel finishes provides a high-style look to entice home buyers, while delivering a water-efficient performance.
SINK THAT OLD SINK
Those rounded-edge Formica sinks had their share of the limelight, but now their time has passed. Today’s modern bathrooms have become edgier, especially when it comes to sinks. Straight-edge designs, made from natural stone, quartz or contemporary solid surface material, are popular sink solutions today. Replacing your old sink with a newer style helps ensure your bathroom isn’t left behind. Home buyers notice sinks, and this is one project you should tackle for higher return when you sell.
SHOWER YOUR BATHROOM WITH A NEW UPGRADE
Your showering experience should be as customizable as it is enjoyable. The GROHE SmartControl thermostatic trim offers intuitive, push-and-turn button operation for water temperature and flow rate control, all in a sleek, low-profile design. Available in both round and square styles, in stylish chrome, brushed nickel or white finishes, it’s the shower system you’ll enjoy every morning—and so will your home’s next owners.
JUST FOR FUN
created by Crosswords Ltd.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
PUZZLE ANSWERS
1 Sign of shock 5 __ shop 9 Pottery and
1 “Goodness me”
2 Heating pad target
3 One guarded on a soccer pitch
4 Fabled food that’s bear-ly eaten?
5 Competition series that features Mystery Box and Pressure Test challenges
6 So much
7 “Mozart in the Jungle” star Kirke
8 Electric company?
9 Keys on a piano
10 “She put the Miss in misdemeanor when she stole the beans from Lima” singers
11 Low digits
12 Texting inits.
14 Breed from Honshu
19 Work with one’s buds?
21 Mantis of “Guardians of the Galaxy,” for one
24 Gambling mecca near Hong Kong
25 Dark aspect of one’s persona
26 More aloof
27 Change of fortune?
29 Skirt
30 Mint family herb
31 Fence-sitter’s deterrent
33 Stadium suite
37 Goes underground
39 Three-time Best Director of the 1930s
__ noodle 48 “That’s what you’re bragging about? You do you ... “
“Say what?”
Japanese mushroom
Smudge
Emily Oster’s subj.
Disallow
Shutter part
42 Mollifies
44 Court apparel
46 Having clear boundaries
48 Soyinka who was the first Literature Nobelist from subSaharan Africa
49 Head space?
50 Sword-wielding animal on Sri Lanka’s flag
51 A crow’s twig, e.g.
52 Cajun staple
53 Catwoman player
54 Oil in some pet treats, for short ©2025 Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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MOIRA MACDONALD - You can see the fire almost immediately. Rachel Morrison’s stirring sports drama “The Fire Inside” mostly focuses on boxer Claressa Shields’ teenage years (in which she’s played by Ryan Destiny), but in a brief prologue, we meet Claressa at perhaps 10 years old (played by Jazmin Headley). Watching her run determinedly through the streets of her weary Flint, Michigan, neighborhood in the cold blue light of winter, we quickly learn everything we need to know about this child: She is strong and athletically gifted, she is uncannily focused, she has something to run from … and she’s looking for something to run toward. That something is hiding at the local boxing gym, where the slow smile of volunteer coach Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry) shows us that there’s something special in this fierce little girl.
Morrison, an Academy Award-nominated cinematographer whose credits include “Mudbound” and “Black Panther,” here makes her feature directing debut, and while it ticks all the expected boxes for a sports drama, it’s also something more. Barry Jenkins’ script doesn’t simply take us to Claressa’s moment of glory at the
2012 London Olympics, where many movies might have stopped. It shows us what happened next: how Claressa returned to Flint to find that her life of struggle hadn’t really changed, how the world of sports marketing may not be welcoming to a young Black woman boxer (“It’s hard with sports people don’t like to see women in,” an agent explains), how she needed to find a way to tune out the noise outside. There’s a lovely, quiet scene in her messy teenage bedroom, with yellow light from the window catching her face as she turns over her gold medal, its sparkle seeming to come from another world. Newcomers to boxing will learn a few things (the sport’s Olympic trials, apparently, take place in a ballroom, with chandeliers and people sipping wine), but honestly you don’t need to love sports to be caught up in this movie. Destiny is entirely believable both as a champion boxer (known as “T-Rex,” because of her short, powerful arms) and a young woman finding her way, and Henry has a moving, gentle toughness as the coach who couldn’t quite climb the heights himself, but helps her get there. Their relationship is rocky and complex — he sees himself in her — but its arc
754 E Wildmere Avenue • LONGWOOD
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2478 Rosecrans Court • APOPKA
3 bed/2 bath, 1976 sq ft, single story in Arbor Ridge. Open floor plan. 2 car garage. Large lot. Community pool and volleyball.
$400,000
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