Winter-Ready: December Home Tips & Holiday Highlights
As we wrap up December, I wanted to share some winter wisdom that's been on my mind. As both a realtor and a mom in our community, I'm seeing this season from all angles. The recent cold snap has turned my attention to those sneaky drafts we all feel by our windows - you know, the ones that suddenly become super obvious when temperatures drop! I've been doing my own home checks lately, especially after learning that a shocking 30% of home heating fires stem from unmaintained chimneys (yes, I'm that person who gets concerned about safety stats!).
Wow, December has flown by and we are all deep in the holiday season.
Since it finally got cold, this is a great opportunity to walk around your home and check for drafts— they become very obvious in colder weather. If you feel an area that is very drafty, try and put some curtains over it if you can, or a window insert until you can replace the window. Trust me, it will help.
Also, please clean those chimneys before lighting them. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, 30% of home heating fires are caused due to dirty equipment, primarily in chimneys. This is due to creosote buildup, which wouldn’t be there if you took the time to get it cleaned. Protect the investment and your family.
If you know me you know I love a good gift giving season… it is the perfect time to shop local! If you follow me on socials, you know I have been highlighting some of my faves with some great friends. If you need any recommends, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Real Estate news… I have been reviewing all of our annual reports, and the biggest trend I am seeing is that inventory is still very low in some places, and it is drove median prices up in those areas. I can’t wait to do an email just on that… stay tuned (it will be in Jan).
To my fellow Moms, or those around kiddos this holiday- the cold weather is making spirits a little moody (at least in my house)… If you want a break from the baking and gingerbread making, I absolutely love this tree craft. It is so easy, I can even confidently do it.
Jess Watts
I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you today – I've recently been honored with the White Plains Sales Achievement Award from Howard Hanna Rand Realty! This recognition means the world to me, and I couldn't have achieved it without the incredible support from my clients, friends, and community.
In today's economy, finding ways to cut costs without sacrificing comfort is more important than ever. While energy companies continue to raise rates, there's a simple trick that can significantly reduce your monthly bills—and it's right on your wall.
Your dream home deserves more than just a real estate transaction. It deserves someone who can see beyond the obvious, someone who understands not just the current value, but the hidden potential waiting to be unlocked. That's where my unique background makes all the difference.