October Pink Press

CREDIT TIPS

RECIPES

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

The Pink Press VOL. 003

CREDIT TIPS

EVENT CALENDAR

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

FOR ME, IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT CLOSING DEALS; IT’S ABOUT BRINGING VALUE TO MY CLIENTS AND BUILDING MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS THAT GO ABOVE AND BEYOND REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS. AT SPENCER REAL ESTATE, OUR FOCUS IS TO GLORIFY GOD THROUGH THE SERVICE OF OTHERS.

ONE OF THE WAYS I SERVE MY CLIENTS IS THROUGH THIS PUBLICATION. EACH ISSUE WILL BE PACKED WITH USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT THE LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET, TIPS FOR BUYING AND SELLING HOMES, AND OTHER HELPFUL INSIGHTS. ALSO FUN CONTESTS, ARTICLES AND INVITATIONS TO STOP BY OUR OFFICE FOR A FREE GIFT, OR A COMMUNITY EVENT.

THIS IS MY WAY OF THANKING THOSE WHO HELP ME BUILD MY BUSINESS BY PUTTING THEIR TRUST IN ME TO HELP THEM THROUGH THE MOVING PROCESS.

OCTOBER 2023

MARKET UPDATE

CLARKSTON, MI

53 PENDING

53 SOLD IN SEPTEMBER

The Clarkston real estate market is likely to remain competitive, with prices expected to continue their gradual increase. However, buyers should keep an eye on interest rates, as any significant increases could impact affordability. Sellers may continue to benefit from the limited inventory, but it's crucial to price homes realistically to attract the right buyers.

Clarkston offers a stable and competitive real estate market as of the third quarter in 2023. Buyers and sellers alike should stay informed about local market conditions and work with experienced real estate professionals to navigate this dynamic environment effectively. As always, it's essential to conduct thorough research and seek professional guidance when making real estate decisions in Clarkston or any other area.

WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING:

HIGHLY RECOMMEND SPENCER REAL ESTATE! AFTER SEARCHING FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS

WE FOUND OUR HOME WITH THE HELP OF SPENCER REAL ESTATE. THEY WERE AMAZING AND TREATED US LIKE FAMILY. BUYING A HOUSE IS A HUGE DECISION TO MAKE BUT THEY WERE SO PATIENT WITH US AND VERY TRUSTWORTHY. EVEN AFTER WE BOUGHT OUR HOUSE THEY STILL KEEP IN TOUCH AND TREAT US LIKE VIP!

-JUNE CARLSON

PINK PAL REFERRAL PARTNERS

OUR BRAND IS KNOWN

NATIONALLY, SO NO MATTER WHERE LIFE TAKES YOU, WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Word Search

PROVERBS 24:3-4

BY WISDOM A HOUSE IS BUILT, AND THROUGH UNDERSTANDING IT IS ESTABLISHED; THROUGH KNOWLEDGE ITS ROOMS ARE FILLED WITH RARE AND BEAUTIFUL TREASURES.

DO YOU WANT TO ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS AND MAKE VALUABLE CONNECTIONS WITH LIKE-MINDED, FAITHBASED BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS? WE BELIEVE YOU ARE WHO YOU SURROUND YOURSELF WITH, AND SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH OTHER PURPOSEDRIVEN ENTREPRENEURS WILL ALLOW YOU TO RISE WITH THE TIDE. AT CLARKSTON BUSINESS NETWORK, WE UNDERSTAND THESE NEEDS AND PROVIDE YOU WITH SOLUTIONS THAT MEET THEM WHILE HONORING YOUR VALUES.

OWNED AND OPERATED BY JESICA SPENCER AND MADELINE CECELIA DUNN

SNICKERDOODLES

IN A MEDIUM BOWL, WHISK FLOUR, CREAM OF TARTAR, SALT, AND BAKING SODA UNTIL COMBINED. IN A LARGE BOWL, USING A HANDHELD MIXER ON MEDIUM-HIGH SPEED, BEAT BUTTER AND 1 1/4 CUPS SUGAR UNTIL CREAMY. ADD EGGS, ONE AT A TIME, BEATING TO BLEND AFTER EACH ADDITION. BEAT IN VANILLA. ADD DRY INGREDIENTS AND BEAT ON LOW SPEED UNTIL JUST COMBINED. COVER AND REFRIGERATE UNTIL CHILLED, AT LEAST 1 HOUR OR UP TO OVERNIGHT. PREHEAT OVEN TO 350°. LINE 2 BAKING SHEETS WITH PARCHMENT. IN A SMALL BOWL, WHISK CINNAMON AND REMAINING 1/4 CUP SUGAR. USING A MEDIUM COOKIE SCOOP (ABOUT 2 TABLESPOONS), SCOOP DOUGH AND ROLL INTO BALLS. TOSS BALLS IN CINNAMON SUGAR AND ARRANGE ON PREPARED SHEETS, SPACING 2" APART. BAKE COOKIES UNTIL PUFFED AND EDGES ARE JUST SET, 10 TO 12 MINUTES. LET COOL ON BAKING SHEET 5 MINUTES, THEN TRANSFER TO A WIRE RACK AND LET COOL COMPLETELY.

3 C. (360

G.) ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR

2 TSP. CREAM OF TARTAR

1 TSP. KOSHER SALT

3/4 TSP. BAKING SODA

1 C. (2 STICKS) UNSALTED BUTTER, ROOM TEMPERATURE

1 1/2 C. (300 G.) GRANULATED SUGAR, DIVIDED

2 LARGE EGGS

1 TSP. PURE VANILLA EXTRACT

1 TBSP. GROUND CINNAMON

PUMPKIN PIE

STEPS

HEAT OVEN TO 425°F. IN MEDIUM BOWL, MIX FLOUR, 1/2 TEASPOON SALT AND THE OIL WITH FORK UNTIL ALL FLOUR IS MOISTENED. SPRINKLE WITH COLD WATER, 1 TABLESPOON AT A TIME, TOSSING WITH FORK UNTIL ALL WATER IS ABSORBED. SHAPE PASTRY INTO A BALL. PRESS IN BOTTOM AND UP SIDE OF 9-INCH GLASS PIE PLATE. IN LARGE BOWL, BEAT EGGS SLIGHTLY WITH WIRE WHISK OR HAND BEATER. BEAT IN 1/2 CUP SUGAR, THE CINNAMON, 1/2 TEASPOON SALT, GINGER, CLOVES, PUMPKIN AND MILK.

TO PREVENT SPILLING, PLACE PASTRY-LINED PIE PLATE ON OVEN RACK BEFORE ADDING FILLING. CAREFULLY POUR PUMPKIN FILLING INTO PIE PLATE. BAKE 15 MINUTES.

REDUCE OVEN TEMPERATURE TO 350°F. BAKE ABOUT 45 MINUTES LONGER OR UNTIL KNIFE INSERTED IN CENTER COMES OUT CLEAN. PLACE PIE ON COOLING RACK. COOL COMPLETELY, ABOUT 2 HOURS.

IN CHILLED MEDIUM BOWL, BEAT WHIPPING CREAM AND 2 TABLESPOONS SUGAR WITH ELECTRIC MIXER ON HIGH SPEED UNTIL STIFF PEAKS FORM. SERVE PIE WITH WHIPPED CREAM. STORE IN REFRIGERATOR.

FILLING

2

EGGS 1/2

CUP SUGAR

1

TEASPOON GROUND CINNAMON 1/2

TEASPOON SALT 1/2

TEASPOON GROUND GINGER 1/8

TEASPOON GROUND CLOVES 1

CAN (15 OZ) PUMPKIN (NOT PUMPKIN PIE MIX)

CAN (12 OZ) EVAPORATED MILK

PASTRY 1 1/3

CUPS GOLD MEDAL™ ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR 1/2

TEASPOON SALT 1/3

CUP VEGETABLE OIL 2

TABLESPOONS COLD WATER

SWEETENED WHIPPED CREAM

3/4

CUP WHIPPING CREAM

2

TABLESPOONS SUGAR

IF YOU SCROLL YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM, OR PRETTY MUCH ANY OTHER FORM OF SOCIAL MEDIA RIGHT NOW YOU’LL PRETTY MUCH RUN INTO TWO OPINIONS ON THIS MATTER, AND BOTH POLAR OPPOSITES. ONE WILL BE PEOPLE TELLING YOU IT’S STILL THE PERFECT TIME TO BUY, AND THEY’LL BEND OVER BACKWARDS TO EXPLAIN WHY. ANOTHER WILL BE PEOPLE TELLING YOU THE WORLD IS GOING TO COLLAPSE TOMORROW SO HOLD ONTO YOUR CASH AND YOU’LL BE ABLE TO BUY A HOUSE FOR $5 AND A BAG OF PORK RINDS AFTER “2008 2.0”. WHICH ONE IS RIGHT? WELL, NEITHER. NOW LET ME EXPLAIN. BUYING A HOME IS A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, AND AS MUCH AS IT IS SO DEPENDENT ON YOUR OWN PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, NO ONE CAN (AND SHOULD) JUST WALK UP TO YOU AND TELL YOU ONE OR THE OTHER IS RIGHT FOR YOU WITHOUT FIRST UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOUR CURRENT SITUATION IS. THERE IS NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL SOLUTION IN REAL ESTATE AND MORTGAGES. IF YOU DON’T WALK AWAY FROM A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR REALTOR AND LENDER FEELING LIKE YOU UNDERSTAND WHY IT IS OR ISN’T IN YOUR BEST INTEREST TO BUY, SELL, OR REFINANCE, THEN YOU’RE NOT TALKING TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE.

FROM EACH OF THESE GROUPS THAT PREACH EITHER “BUY NOW” OR “DON’T BUY”, YOU’LL PRETTY MUCH HEAR THE SAME TWO ARGUMENTS. “RATES WILL GO DOWN, YOU CAN REFINANCE LATER” OR “HOUSING PRICES ARE GOING TO PLUMMET AND YOU’LL BE STUCK”. HERE’S THE ISSUE: NO ONE CAN PROMISE EITHER OF THOSE THINGS, SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK YOURSELF THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO DETERMINE WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU. COULD RATES COME DOWN OVER THE NEXT 6, 12, OR 18 MONTHS. SURE! THEY ALSO COULD STAY THE SAME OR GO HIGHER. COULD HOUSING PRICES GO DOWN OVER THAT SAME TIME PERIOD? SURE! BUT THEY COULD ALSO GO UP!

At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself the right questions to determine what your goals are with homeownership. Are you currently renting? Maybe it’s the perfect time for you to buy since average rent has skyrocketed alongside rates. Do you rent because you are never in the same place for more than 6 months or a year? Then maybe it isn’t the time for you to buy. Personally, I would always suggest someone who is renting explore purchasing a home, regardless of where interest rates are, because as the saying goes, the interest rate on rent is 100%, which is a lot worse than 7%.

Regardless, if you pick up the phone to talk to a real estate agent or mortgage lender and ask them if you should buy. If their answer is immediately “Absolutely!”, then you should hang up and call someone else. There needs to be a conversation to understand what your needs are and if buying now would be the solution. Interest rates can seem scary right now, but with the right guidance, you won’t put yourself in a situation that you can’t afford.

Sean Smith

Senior Loan Officer NMLS 1465055

Sean@indlending.com

O: 248-565-3292

C: 248-875-1622

www.indlending.com

Lessons in Leadership

From the desk of Jesica

Spencer

In our fast-paced world, the value of building genuine relationships within our communities often takes a backseat. However, the bonds we form with those around us are the cornerstones of vibrant, supportive, and resilient business. In this article, we'll expl

Liste

The foundation of any meaningful relationship is listening. In order to fill a need in the community you must first seek to listen to learn the problem. This simple yet powerful practice involves giving your full attention to others when they speak It's about more than just hearing words; it's about understanding emotions, needs, and perspectives. Communities thrive when individuals within them feel heard and valued. Whether you're chatting with a neighbor, participating in a community meeting, or attending a local event, listening fosters empathy and creates a sense of belonging.

Volunteer

Once we have found the issue that needs resolving the most effective ways to build relationships within a community is through volunteering to improve it. When people come together to contribute their time and skills to a common cause, they form connections that go beyond superficial interactions. Volunteering allows individuals to share their passions, work toward shared goals, and develop a sense of purpose. Whether it's helping at a local shelter, cleaning up a park, or mentoring youth, volunteering not only benefits the community but also strengthens the person putting in the work.

Collaborate

Community-building often involves collaborative projects that bring people together.

These projects can be big or small. Collaborative efforts encourage teamwork and a sense of accomplishment. They also provide opportunities for people to get to know each other and build lasting friendships.

CONNECT

Building relationships within a community also means being there for each other during hard times. Establishing support networks and resources for people facing difficulties, whether it's providing meals for families in need, offering emotional support, or organizing community fundraisers, strengthens the bonds within the community. These acts of kindness not only help those in need but also create a sense of solidarity among neighbors.

Our community is beautiful because of our connection with those around us. Building relationships in Clarkston requires listening, volunteering, collaboration, and support networks. When the people in Clarkston take the time to connect, engage, and care for one another, we create a thriving, resilient, and closely-knit social fabric that benefits everyone. So, let's connect.

God Bless,

Upcoming Events

IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN A PART OF OUR PIE DAY IN PREVIOUS YEARS, BE SURE TO SET ASIDE A FEW MINUTES OF YOUR DAY ON THE 22ND TO SWING BY SPENCER

REAL ESTATE AND PICK UP YOUR FREE PIE!

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR A FUTURE ANNOUNCEMENT WITH DETAILS AND PIE FLAVORS!