Sweet Traditions: W+M’s Holiday Cookie Favorites

Celebrate the season with the cookies we love most! Our W+M agents share their cherished holiday recipes to sweeten your celebrations.

Brown Butter Sugar Cookies

Rich with caramel notes and a hint of nutty brown butter, these soft, chewy cookies are sure to become a favorite!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Kaitlyn Ward

Cozy Chai Cookies

Chai vibes all the way! These chai spice cookies are infused with the delightful spices of your favorite milky chai tea latte, including cinnamon, ginger, and allspice.

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Jenny Roope

Photo courtesy of @dessertfortwo

Pistachio Pudding Cookies

Bright, nutty, and oh-so-easy to make—these pistachio pudding cookies, topped with a maraschino cherry, are a festive treat everyone will love!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Emily Johnson

Russian Tea Cakes

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Russian Tea Cakes, also known as Snowballs, are a holiday classic with a nutty twist and a dusting of powdered sugar. A beloved holiday classic and a must-have on any cookie tray! Here are two of our fave recipes!

Get Lara’s fave recipe here

Get Diane’s fave recipe here

Submitted by Lara Burchfield and Diane LeBlanc

Walnut Squares

Walnut squares are a nostalgic holiday treat, with a rich, buttery flavor and the perfect crunch from walnuts—always a favorite to bake with loved ones!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Amy Ascencio

Dark Chocolate Chunk Pistachio Cookies

These dark chocolate pistachio chunk cookies are rich, elegant, and packed with festive flavor—perfect for the holiday season!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Michelle Schwinghammer

Photo courtesy of @pineapple_and_coconut

Hawaiian Snowballs

These sweet, buttery cookies with macadamia nuts offer the perfect balance of texture and flavor for the season.

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Angela Spangler

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Infused with rich brown butter, these chocolate chip cookies feature a perfect contrast of crispy edges and chewy centers, offering an elevated twist on a beloved classic.

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Claudia Ramirez

Photo courtesy of Becky Elhardt

Almond Cardamom Holiday Cookie

These vegan and flourless almond cookies are a fragrant blend of cardamom, orange zest, and pistachios, offering a deliciously unique flavor profile with the added richness of dark chocolate drizzle—a delightful choice for making occasions sweeter!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Becky Elhardt

Sugar Cookies

From classic to creative, these sugar cookie recipes prove that the simplest treats can be the most fun—perfectly sweet, endlessly customizable, and always a holiday favorite!

Get Kathleen’s fave sugar cookie tree recipe here

Get Emily’s fave classic recipe here

Get Kendra’s fave classic recipe here

Submitted by Kathleen Male, Emily Lawless, and Kendra Clark

Buckeyes

Buckeyes combine the smoothness of peanut butter with rich chocolate, creating a sweet, indulgent treat that’s always a hit with everyone.

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Elizabeth Fischer

Date-Nut Pinwheels

Date-nut pinwheels are a delightful combination of sweet dates, crunchy nuts, and buttery dough, making them a unique and irresistible holiday treat that’s both flavorful and fun to make!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Emily Hayduk

Pecan Tassies

A buttery cream cheese pastry filled with sweet, toasted pecans makes for a decadent bite-sized treat that's impossible to resist!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Alicia Duncan Coulter

Photo courtesy of @halfbakedharvest

Vanilla Hot Chocolate Molten Cookies

Warm and gooey, these vanilla hot chocolate molten cookies are a cozy blend of rich cocoa, melty dark chocolate, and a hint of sea salt—perfect for sharing the magic of the season!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Michelle Schwinghammer

Make Your House the Top Thing on Every Buyer’s Wish List This Season

With the holidays right around the corner, homeowners planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait?

Some may even consider taking their house off the market until next spring. But is that the best choice? Because at this time of year, your home can really stand out.

Here’s the thing: there are plenty of buyers out there who want to be in a new home by the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. As an article from Redfin says: 

“. . . there is typically less inventory in the housing market this time of year, allowing your home to easily stand out among the available inventory. And though there are technically fewer buyers overall, the homebuyers that are looking are far more serious about finding a home within a specific timeframe. . . selling your home during the holidays might be your best present this year.”

Here are four key reasons you may not want to wait to sell your house.

1. Serious Buyers Are Looking Right Now 

The holiday season doesn’t put a pause on the desire to own a home. Sure, some buyers might delay their search until next year, but others have a reason they need to move now. These buyers are highly motivated and ready to make a serious offer. As Investopedia says:

“Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”

2. You Have an Inventory Edge

While there are more homes coming to the market right now, overall, the number of houses available to buy is still low. 

So, what does that mean for you? If you work with a trusted agent to price your house right, it could still sell pretty quickly. That’s because today’s buyers are on the hunt for quality options – and your home may be exactly what they’re searching for.

3. You Have Control Over Your Showings 

Selling during the holidays doesn’t mean constantly disrupting your schedule. You have the flexibility to set up showings at times that work best for you. This is especially helpful during a busy season, and many buyers are likely to be more flexible with their schedules since they often have extra time off around the holidays.

Now, it’s always better to offer more flexible access to your house. But the reality is, you don’t have to stop the process entirely – especially when you have a great agent to help you navigate each step along the way.

4. Holiday Décor Can Make Your House Shine

For many buyers, a tastefully decorated home can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s easy for them to imagine holiday gatherings and cozy nights in a space that feels just right. Keep your choices simple to let your home’s charm shine through. An article on holiday home-selling advises:

“If you’re selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure they accent—not overpower—a room. Less is more.”

Bottom Line

There are plenty of good reasons to put (or keep) your house on the market during the holidays. Reach out to a local real estate agent and see if this is your moving season.

Read more like this at Keeping Current Matters

Related Links

• Difficulties of Renovating Your Homes Exterior During The Winter

• These 3 Old-School Home Feature Are Making a Comeback, According to Pros

• Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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How Co-Buying a Home Helps with Affordability Today

Buying a home in today’s market can feel like an uphill battle – especially with home prices and mortgage rates putting pressure on your budget.

If you’re feeling stuck, co-buying could be one way to help you get your foot in the door. Freddie Mac says:

“If you are an aspiring homeowner, buying a home with your family or friends could be an option.”

But there are some things you’ll want to consider first. Let’s explore why co-buying is gaining popularity right now among some buyers and see if it may make sense for you too.

What is Co-Buying?

Co-buying means buying a home with someone like a friend, sibling, or even a group of people. And, with today’s high home prices and mortgage rates, it’s an option more people are turning to.

According to a survey done by JW Surety Bonds, nearly 15% of Americans have already co-purchased a home with someone, and another 48% would consider doing it.

Why Consider Co-Buying?

The same survey also asked people about the perks of co-buying a home. Here are some of the top responses (see graph below):

Sharing Costs (67%): From saving for a down payment to managing monthly payments, buying a home is a big financial step. When you co-buy, you split these costs, making it easier to afford a home.

Affording a Better Home (56%): By pooling your financial resources, you may also be able to afford a larger or higher-quality home than you could have on your own. This may mean getting that extra bedroom, a bigger backyard, or living in a more desirable neighborhood.

Investment Opportunity (54%): Co-buying a home can also be an investment. You could buy a house with someone so you can rent out, which could help generate passive income.

Sharing Responsibilities (48%): Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities, including maintenance and upkeep and more. When you co-buy, you share these commitments, which can lighten the load for everyone involved.

Other Co-Buying Considerations

While co-buying has its benefits, there’s something else you need to consider before deciding if this approach is right for you. As Rocket Mortgage says:

“Buying a house with a friend or multiple friends might be a great way for you to achieve homeownership, but it’s not a decision you should make lightly. Before diving in, make sure you understand the financial and logistical hurdles you’ll face, as well as the human and emotional elements that might affect the purchase or, more importantly, your relationship.”

Basically, make sure you and your co-buyer are on the same page about things like how costs will be split, who will handle what responsibilities, and what will happen if one of you wants to sell your share of the home in the future. Leaning on an expert can help you weigh the pros and cons to make that conversation easier.

Bottom Line

If you're looking to get your foot in the door but are having a tough time at today's rates and prices, co-buying could be an option to make your move happen. But, it’s important to plan carefully and make sure that all parties are clear on the details. To figure out if co-buying makes sense for you, connect with a local real estate agent.

Read more like this at Keeping Current Matters

Related Links

• Difficulties of Renovating Your Homes Exterior During The Winter

• These 3 Old-School Home Feature Are Making a Comeback, According to Pros

• Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Difficulties of Renovating Your Home’s Exterior During the Winter

Renovating your home's exterior during the winter months may seem daunting, but it can be a rewarding and practical choice.

Given the unique challenges of cold weather, it's important to approach these projects with a strategic mindset and proper planning. With potential hurdles like icy conditions and lower temperatures affecting materials and timelines, understanding how to navigate these aspects is key. Additionally, the winter season offers the opportunity to engage contractors who may be more readily available and able to focus on your project. Whether it's roof repairs, window replacements, or painting, there are benefits to tackling these tasks now, ensuring your home is ready to shine when spring arrives.

Understanding the Challenges of Cold Weather Renovations
Redoing your home exterior during the winter brings unique challenges that differ from warmer-season projects. The cold temperatures can affect materials like paint, concrete, and caulk, which might not set or cure properly, leading to longer drying times and potential issues with adhesion. Workers must also contend with less daylight, which can extend the time it takes to complete a project since their working hours are shorter. Additionally, safety is a primary concern, given the potential for icy conditions that can make ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops slippery and hazardous. It's important to consider these factors when planning home exterior projects in cold weather to ensure that the work can be done safely and effectively.

Preparing for Roof Repairs in Winter
Roof repairs during the winter can present several logistical and material-related challenges. Cold weather can make roofing materials more brittle and difficult to manipulate, increasing the risk of damage during installation. Furthermore, snow and ice on roofs can create additional hazards for workers, potentially leading to delays as conditions need to be safe before they can proceed. The fluctuating temperatures can also impact the adherence of roofing materials, necessitating careful scheduling to take advantage of milder days. It's best to hire professionals, like those at Brown's Roofing, for any necessary repairs, and to have a contingency plan in place, as unexpected weather conditions can disrupt timelines and progress.

Navigating Paint and Finishing Work
Winter's cool and often damp conditions can impact exterior painting and finishing, demanding careful consideration of timing and product selection. Many paints and stains require a minimum temperature to apply and dry correctly, and cold weather might necessitate the use of specialized products formulated for lower-temperature application. Properly managing moisture levels is crucial, as excess humidity can alter the elasticity of a finish, leading to premature cracking or peeling. Completing such tasks during intermittent warmer spells can help improve outcomes, as these conditions allow for more effective drying. Homeowners should be prepared for extended project timelines, as the unpredictability of winter weather affects when outdoor tasks can be safely tackled.

What to Expect When Replacing Windows
Replacing windows in cold weather requires careful preparation and timing, as exposure to the elements can significantly impact interior comfort. Windows should ideally be replaced one at a time by professionals to minimize heat loss while new units are being installed. The installation process may take longer due to potential complications with caulking and insulation, which are more challenging to apply and cure in lower temperatures. Exterior sealants need to be chosen specifically for cold conditions to ensure they adhere properly and perform well. Despite these challenges, replacing windows in the winter is possible with thorough planning, appropriate materials, and motivation to learn more about the process.

Recognizing the Benefits of Winter Renovations
Despite the challenges, winter exterior renovations offer some unique advantages. Contractors often have greater availability and flexibility during this season, which can mean reduced wait times for starting a project. Without the summer rush, you might also experience greater attention to detail and more personalized service, as crews aren't juggling as many simultaneous jobs. The lack of foliage and plant growth around the home also makes it easier to access and assess exteriors, facilitating work on vegetation-obscured areas. Additionally, completing projects during the off-season means that your home is prepared and looking its best once the warmer weather arrives.

Embarking on winter exterior renovations can certainly come with its set of challenges, yet the potential benefits make it an appealing option for many homeowners. By understanding the unique conditions of the cold season and planning accordingly, you can successfully navigate through any obstacles. With professionals at your side and the right materials in hand, your renovation project can not only enhance your home's curb appeal but also prepare it for the seasons to come. Winter is a quieter time for renovations, which means you might enjoy more attention to detail from your chosen crew. As you move forward, these efforts can pay off in a beautifully updated home that greets the spring with the fresh look it deserves.

Read more at Housecall

Related Links

• 11 Illuminating Kitchen Lighting Ideas Homeowners Need To Try

• Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back From Selling Your House

• The 12 Best Places for Ice Skating in (and around) Denver This Winter

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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These 3 Old-School Home Features Are Making a Comeback, According to Pros

Some home designs are cool forever, like basically anything touched by Frank Lloyd Wright.

But even so, trends are cyclical — it’s not uncommon to see what’s old become new again. Home features also go through their fair share of deaths and revivals. Jessica Feuerstein and Elina Edelman, two real estate agents based out of Armonk, New York, tell me the old trends that they’re seeing buyers ask for right now as they search for houses.

Butler’s Pantries

Named for the area where a home’s staff (ha!) might store fine china and polish silverware, the butler’s pantry was a popular feature in high-end homes during the 19th century. They also acted as a transitional space between the kitchen and the formal dining room. While a regular pantry serves more as a dry food storage area, the butler’s pantry features cabinetry and countertop space, making it more suited for food prep. Eventually they fell out of fashion due to space restrictions and societal changes — but they’re making a comeback.

“Butler’s pantries are returning as functional spaces hidden away from the main kitchen,” Feuerstein explains. “The return of the butler’s pantry reflects a desire for organization and functionality, especially in open-concept homes where clutter can be more noticeable.” 

While the butler’s pantry originated in historic homes as a space for storage and food prep — and they’re often used for the same purposes today — many modern homeowners convert their butler’s pantry to suit their needs, such as a coffee station or even wine storage. 

Freestanding Bathtubs 

“Freestanding bathtubs are making a comeback because of their luxurious and calming appeal, catering to people’s desire for relaxation and wellness at home,” Edelman says. “They add a spa-like element to the bathroom that feels indulgent yet functional.” 

Most homes today have showers as standard features, and some may not even have tubs at all. But freestanding tubs were commonplace until well after the advent of modern plumbing, due to their ability to hold water in a home that may not have had running water. It wasn’t until the 1960s that running water became completely ubiquitous across the United States, even in rural areas, thus the popularity of the shower or shower bathtub combination grew. 

Today, people want the bathtub to be a place to relax and unwind, rather than simply wash the day off. 

“Freestanding bathtubs are being reimagined as luxurious spa-like centerpieces in modern bathrooms,” Edelman says.

Wallpaper

For a long time, wallpaper had kind of a bad rap in interior design. Just uttering the word reminded people of a stuffy, outdated home. But with its intricate designs and statement-making appeal, wallpaper has been making a comeback. 

“Today’s homeowners are looking to inject personality and creativity into their spaces,” Feuerstein says. “And wallpaper offers an easy way to make a bold statement.”

Wallpaper can easily be added to any room, whether a homeowner is trying to evoke an updated callback to the history of their home or to create a modern statement wall in their bedroom. 

Read more like this at Apartment Therapy.

Related Links

• 11 Illuminating Kitchen Lighting Ideas Homeowners Need to Try

• Home sales surged in October, just before mortgage rates jumped

• Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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