CourtneyHoustonGroup
JANUARY ENERGY Fresh Start
WHAT I AM LEANING INTO
Spending Time Outside, etc.
SEASONAL PRODUCE Winter Nourishment
YUMMY RECIPE
One of My Go To Meals
COZY MOCKTAIL
Participating in Dry January?
GEARING UPPCS SEASON It’s Time to Prepare Now
A REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER
JANUARY ENERGY fresh new start January always arrives with a lot of noise. Fresh start this. New year that. And while I love the idea of turning a page, I do not love the pressure we put on ourselves to suddenly become a different version overnight. Life doesn’t work that way. This month, I am focusing on finding pockets of time where energy feels good and letting things build naturally from there. No rush. No overhaul. Just spending this time enjoying and figuring out how to be the best mama I can be!
WHAT I AM LEANING INTO spending more time outside Spending time outside, even if it’s cold. Does anyone else’s baby sleep better after they come in from being bundled up playing outside because, same! Cooking warm hearty meals, pot roast, chuck roast, stews, and chilis- yum!! Checking in with myself instead of trying to check every box and showing up in small ways where I can.
SEASONAL PRODUCE
fall home checklist
Winter eating is all about nourishment and warmth. This month, lean into: • Citrus like oranges, grapefruit, and lemons • Sweet potatoes and winter squash • Carrots, parsnips, and beets • Kale, collards, and cabbage • Pears and apples These foods support digestion, immunity, and energy when the days are short and the weather is cold.
YUMMY RECIPE
one of my go to meals One of my go to meals this month is a simple roasted veggie and protein tray. • Chopped sweet potatoes • Carrots and red onion • Brussels sprouts or kale • Olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary Roast everything at 400 degrees until caramelized. Add your favorite protein on top. It is warming, filling, and easy to throw together on a weeknight.
COZY MOCKTAIL participating in dry january For those participating in dry January or just wanting something cozy without alcohol, this one has been on repeat. • Sparkling water • Fresh grapefruit juice • A squeeze of lime • A splash of cranberry juice • Rosemary sprig or orange peel It feels festive without being heavy.
GEARING UP FOR PCS SEASON start preparing now January is when PCS conversations start quietly happening. If you know there is even a chance you may be selling in the coming months, now is the time to prepare without panic.
FOR MY PCS SELLERS: How should I prep and when should I list? I would start by decluttering slowly. One drawer. One closet. One corner at a time. I would take a look at the yard and make a simple plan to freshen it up. This does not mean a massive trip to the nursery. Sometimes it is trimming, mulching, or replacing a few tired plants. Most importantly, I would interview agents early. Find someone you trust. Set a strategy. Talk through photos, timing, and what actually matters for your specific home. Having an agent in place takes one big thing off your checklist and gives you a partner who can help action items as they come up.
FOR MY PCS BUYERS: Should You Rent or Buy Right Now? I would start by decluttering slowly. One drawer. One closet. One corner at a time. I would take a look at the yard and make a simple plan to freshen it up. This does not mean a massive trip to the nursery. Sometimes it is trimming, mulching, or replacing a few tired plants. Most importantly, I would interview agents early. Find someone you trust. Set a strategy. Talk through photos, timing, and what actually matters for your specific home. Having an agent in place takes one big thing off your checklist and gives you a partner who can help action items as they come up. Renting Makes Sense When: • Your orders are only for a short tour • You’re unsure about how long you’ll stay in the area • You want flexibility • The market is not trending in a direction where buying would make sense on when you needed to sell or rent to get your return on investment Buying Makes Sense When: • You plan to stay longer (two years or more) • You want to build equity instead of writing monthly rent checks • You want control over your space (no landlord restrictions) • The home has rental or selling potential if you need to PCS again
CLOSING THOUGHT
A lot of conversations I have behind the scenes are about small one off questions, I am looking to move to this area, do you have someone who could help? Or I am thinking about wanting to build my portfolio and add a rental, do you know of good markets that would be attainable? Whatever it is, I would love to be your sounding board to help. However this looks for you, I am here to help you feel supported!
COURTNEY HOUSTON BROKER/REALTOR®
(252) 245-1902
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Brokered with: (CA) Joshua Tree Modern #:02119114, (SC) Charter One Realty #:132941, (NC) Our Town Properties #:333255