Greetings! May is here and the year is moving right along. I can remember as a child, this was the time of year we would start counting down the days until the end of the school year. It seems we were really busy getting things in order before the year ended. We made our crafts for Mother’s Day just as we were instructed and began preparation for those pesky end of year assessment tests. What a bore to a young child, but the challenge and friendly competition amongst us was the bright side of it all. Oh and let us not forget about the magnanimous warm days of late spring that made recess all the more enjoyable.
Not much has changed. There’s still a lot going on this month to enjoy Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, the Preakness horse races, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day and so much more! May is sometimes referred to as the unofficial start of the summer season. Folks keep saying the month seems to have arrived much more quickly than usual. It hasn’t of course yet, some of us have been procrastinating and deadlines are coming due. I like the idea of not waiting for a particular date to start something. If the situation calls for a change, why limit yourself to a specific date if you don’t have to. If you can get started on something that will make a positive change in your life, do it now. Make it happen. Success loves the speed of implementation!
Blessings, Light & Love-
Current market data
Average 30-year fixed mortgage rate - 6.76%
Average 15-year fixed mortgage rate - 5.92%
Source: www.freddiemac.com
Central Virginia Median Home Price - $531,000
Source: www.virginiarealtors.org
Market Trends
The housing recession continues with a 5.9% slow-down in sales, according to economists of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Current year trends are showing low consumer confidence and even with home prices decreasing, it has not been enough to address the demand for housing. Paired with affordability challenges, the dream of homeownership seems to still be out of reach for many. A typical household (defined as two adults and one child) may still find it difficult to buy in the current market with less than half of homes being affordable, this is indicative that the housing market is still weakening in strength. The direction the market will go in is still unclear however, basic economic principles applied here are key indicators that the housing market will rebound, but only with lower interest rates and more affordable home prices. The next two quarters of the current fiscal year will have to reverse the current housing market significantly in order for FY2026 to start strong and be successful.
Real Estate financing
Consider this question. Do you know why you want to buy a home? Buying a home is a significant decision and it is important to understand the reasons you want to buy. Not understanding your “why” could result in you regretting your decision later. Before you move forward with seeking loan options and searching for homes, be truthful with yourself and purposeful in your actions in following through. This includes establishing a household budget and a savings plan. Next, ensure your credit profiles from the thee major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) are accurate and up to date and that you know your credit scores. You may obtain your reports at www.freecreditreport.com. Scores may require additional fees. Finally, contact a real estate agent (like me) to help guide you through the process. Starting with these steps will help make your homebuying journey a better experience.
Homes of the Future
Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates in West Asia/Middle East. It is a beautiful city boasting of some of the most unique architecture and interconnected communities in the world. However, what makes Masdar such a unique city is that it is fully self-sustaining located in the middle of a desert. The entire city is powered by solar panels and all modes of transportation are run by electricity eliminating the need and use of fossil fuels. Buildings are constructed with low carbon materials and use about 40% less energy than similar construction. It is deemed an ideal location for international business opportunities with plans for enhanced transportation and metro networks. There is so much to discover about this self-sustaining city! Visit www.masdarcity.ae to discover more and maybe even plan a visit!
Technology for the Home
What in the world is a steam closet? Well, it’s quite an interesting apparatus to say the least. It’s a type of home technology used to clean and refresh clothes using steam to remove stains, allergens, and toxins - just as if you had them professionally cleaned. It’s an ideal alternative to limit trips to the dry cleaner or eliminate them altogether and without harsh dry cleaning chemicals. The steam closet stands approximately six feet tall and about two feet wide, weighing about 165 pounds. Not only does it clean clothes, it can be used to clean plush toys, rugs, bulky bedding, and more! The manufacturer LG Technology makes this stream closet which retails from $1,000 on up. Save time and money!
Henrico SkyGlow - Henrico County Recreation & Parks
6:00 - 9:00 pm - Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park - 3400 Mountain Rd. Glen Allen, VA
Support Henrico PAL Dance Team - www.richmondkickers.com
Remarkable Women’s Luncheon - The Metropolitan Business League
12:00 - 2:00 pm - The Boathouse@Sunday Park - 4602 Millridge Pkwy. in Midlothian, VA www.thembl.org/events
The Silent Party - Unlocking RVA
7:00 - 10:00 pm - 100 N. 17th Street in Richmond, VA www.unlockingrva.com
Richmond Symphony Big Tent - City of Richmond, Bellemeade Park
5:30 - 7:30 pm - 1800 Krouse St. in Richmond, VA www.rva.gov/parks-recreation
The Virginia War Memorial - The Commonwealth’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
11:00 am - 12:00 pm - 621 S. Belvidere St in Richmond, VA www.vawarmemorial.org
kimberlykyle.samson-properties.com• 888.245.3876•
DIY & Decorating - Firefly Lanterns
A flowered mirror can be a great gift for Mom to be able to see her beautiful smile on Mother’s Day. It’s an easy and pretty DIY project that will make a gorgeous gift.
Items you will need:
36” inch thin, round wooden or acrylic disc
24” inch mirror
40+ artificial flowers
Polyurethane adhesive
Sawtooth picture hanger or plate stand
If using a sawtooth hanger, fasten it to the center top part of the disc. On the back side of the mirror, generously apply the adhesive ensuring the edges are covered. Place it in the center of the disc and press firmly. Allow a few minutes to cure. On the bare edges of the disc around the mirror, place adhesive randomly and place the flowers on top filling in any gaps to desired fullness. Allow at least two hours to dry. Enjoy the reflection of great creativity!
Easy Edibles - Mashed Potato Cakes
Oh my! This one is a delicious breakfast favorite!
You will need:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked mashed potatoes
1 3/4 cup flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
https://www.hoteatsandcoolreads.com
1. Sauté onion and garlic in 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat until tender. Remove from heat.
2. Combine onion mixture, potatoes, flour, eggs, cheddar, parsley, salt and pepper until mixed.
3. Heat one teaspoon olive oil in a non stick skillet over medium high heat until hot. Drop potato mixture by rounded tablespoons into the skillet, flatten slightly and cook three minutes on each side until golden. Drain on paper towel to cool.
4. Repeat with remaining potato mixture adding oil to skillet as needed. Serve immediately garnished with more chopped parsley, sour cream, cheddar, or sliced green onions. Enjoy!
