December 2022 Newsletter

THE JOURNEY HOME®

December 2022 illuminations, the decora-
tions, the shopping, the
Inside this issue: family get togethers - oh,
the joy of it all!
Homes of the Future 1
2 While we’re celebrating
Market Trends 2 though, let us remember
some of the reasons we par-
Technology for the take in these festivities.
Home Remember to embrace the
bonds we build with our
Real Estate 2 family, friends, and com-
Financing munity. Continue the tradi-
tions and have fun with
Featured Area Events 3 new ones. Remain warm
and welcoming to new fac-
DIY & Decorating 3 It’s December and so begins do and embarking on a new es. Be benevolent, remem-
Tips the countdown to the end of career in real estate has bering folks who are less
what has been another fasci- been an immense joy for fortunate. Show care for
Good Eats 3 nating year! For me, the me in many ways. I’m those who live alone, or
Words of Wisdom 4 adventures of change have grateful for some experi- who may be in need of
come in both my personal ences and others are - well, some inspiration - some-
Current Market Data and professional lives. I can better forgotten. Nonethe- thing to have faith in.
recall at times it seemed as less, each has been a lesson
 Average 30 year fixed though I couldn’t quite tell learned and I’m beholden As we close this year, be
mortgage rate - 6.84% the difference between the to the treasure of wisdom. good to yourself and keep
two I was having so much This year has been fruitful stress to a minimum. Don’t
 Average15 year fixed fun! indeed. overexaggerate your fi-
mortgage rate - 6.13% nances. Keep your wits
Though I was enjoying the December is always a lively and your good spirit about
 Central Virginia Median blend for a while, I soon re- and lovely time of year. you and most of all. . .enjoy
home sale price - $340,000 alized there needed to be a With celebrations of Christ- yourself!
definitive boundary between mas, Kwanzaa, Hannukah,
Source: Forbes Advisor & Cen- them and so, I had to adjust. and many others, the activ- Joyful Holidays &
tral Virginia Regional MLS It’s great to enjoy what you ities are abundant. The A Blessed New Year!

Homes of the Future

Climate change has inspired nowned architect of which stands for New Orle-
coastal cities to find ways to Schopfer Associates, LLC. ans Arcology Habitat, in an
get ahead of the effects of It’s slated to house about effort to rebuild the city.
rising sea levels like float- 15,000 people in a buoyant, The idea is to expand cities
ing mega cities. These actu- crisscrossing structure on without disturbing existing
ally float on the water just the Boston Harbor. It in- structures while promoting
beyond a metropolis. For cludes condos, hotels, offic- human ecologies. Read
example, the Boston Arcolo- es, stores, and more. The more about this idea at
gy (BoA) is an architectural same concept would be www.inhabitat.com and
concept designed by E. Kev- crafted on the Mississippi search the term “Boston
in Schopfer, a world re- River and called NOAH Arcology.” Good read!

Page 2

Housing Market Trends - Rental Demands Hit Breaking Point

Over the past year, prices in the rental housing market soared
making leasing for some significantly unaffordable. Paired with
inflation, hikes in interest rates, and significantly increasing
costs of goods and services, many have decided to stay put or
they have resorted to alternative housing arrangements, such as

home sharing. Some financial and business sources like Bloom-
berg suggest these factors long with lagging wages, will send
rental demand in a reverse trend. Rents along with housing
prices have put landlords in a predicament where they will incur
financial losses if rents aren’t reduced or don’t bounce back in the

spring.
Along with such housing crises comes the probability of increased
homelessness and poverty. Additionally, a plethora of other ad-
verse issues for landlords such as an increase in property crimes
and inability to meet their own mortgage obligations may force a
decrease in rental prices. Even with a record number of newly

constructed apartment complexes, continued inflated rental rates
will keep units vacant.

Technology for the Home Home security systems are an excellent way to protect
your investment. Your home is your safe haven from the
outside world and the installation of a adequate, quality
system can help keep you, your family, and property safe.
A home security system includes hardware like doors,
locks, alarms, cameras, motion detectors, and lighting. It
is recommended to have a security company professionally
install your system however, if you are on a limited budget,
a basic DIY system can be good added security as well.
Costs to purchase and install systems vary by sophistica-
tion and the components included. Keep in mind that even
with the best security systems, personal security practices
are just as important. Always be mindful to lock doors and
windows, keep valuables hidden, and be smart about your
hide-a-key plan. These are just a few ways to practice
safety so, be vigilant and most of all STAY SAFE!!

Real Estate Financing

The housing market continues to shift with increased inventory and long-
er listing times. That said, what has taken place over the past two years
has created a challenge for some potential buyers and sellers, With rates
increasing so does the challenge of homeownership. Some organizations
are making an effort to assist with lease purchase programs. Others are
promoting self-sufficiency programs for those who have housing vouchers.
However, one of the things that may be keeping buyers at least interested
in the market right now are the grant programs offered by some lenders
and new construction companies, as well as some seller concessions. I’ve
seen a slight increase in owner financing options as well. All of this to
say, there are many options available to finance a home. Always do your
research on grant and homebuying programs and of course, always con-
sult with your realtor - we are here to educate, assist, an inform!

Page 3 Featured Area Events Photo courtesy of www.virginia.org
Photo courtesy of www.virginia.org
Photo courtesy of www.lewisginter.org It’ holiday time and Virginia is lighting up every-
Photo courtesy of www.nauticus.org where! Here are just a few of the events happen-
ing around the state. There’s the colorful Festival
of Lights at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
in Richmond. The unique WinterFest on the
USS Battleship Wisconsin in Norfolk. There’s
great fun to be had with the Northern Lights
Snowtubing in Massanutten. Finally, the charm-
ing WinterFest at King’s Dominion in Doswell
promises to not disappoint. There’s so many
things to see and do for the holiday. Check area
local listings or go to www.virginia.org for other
events, festivals, shopping, and light shows!

DIY & Decorating - Holiday Floating Candles

This is an easy DIY project that will add a nice festive touch to your
holiday decorating. You will need:

 3 glass vases
 1 bag of clear water beads
 1 pack of acrylic holiday pieces
 1 pitcher of plain water
 3 round votive candles
 Wand butane lighter
Take one of the vases place a handful of the water beads to cover the
bottom. Place a few of the acrylic pieces on top of the water beads.
Place more water beads on top of the acrylic pieces. Insert more
acrylic pieces situating them randomly. Place more beads in the vase
to cover the acrylic pieces. Repeat until filled as desired leaving
about one inch from the top of the vase empty. Pour enough water in
the vase to cover the beads and acrylic pieces, leaving about one inch
from the top of the vase empty. Remove or add beads as needed.
Place the votive candle on top of the water and light the votive candle.
Repeat these steps for the remaining two vases. Use other items like
acrylic cranberries, pine cones, etc. or remote waterproof LED candles
in the bottom. Enjoy the light display!

Good Eats - King Crab Appetizers Directions:

An quick appetizer full of flavor! Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190
Ingredients (12 servings): degrees C). Lightly grease 12 tartlet
2 (12 ounce) packages refrigerated pans. Divide rolls in half and press
biscuit dough into the prepared tartlet pans. Set
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, aside. In a large bowl, combine cream
softened cheese, crab, mayonnaise, Parmesan
1 (6 ounce) crab meat, chopped cheese, Cheddar cheese, green onions
2 tablespoons sour cream and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon 1
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese teaspoon of mixture into tarts and gar-
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese nish with paprika. Bake at 375 de-
2 tablespoons minced green onion grees F (190 degrees C) for 15 to 20
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce minutes, or until light brown. Let cool
then enjoy!

Kimberly J. Kyle, REALTOR®
9011 Arboretum Parkway, Suite 120

N. Chesterfield, VA 23236

Phone: (804)359-9200
Direct: (804)246-7522
Website: KimberlyKyle.UnitedRealEstateRVA.com
Email: [email protected]

Here to Help You With
Your Journey Home

© - December 2022 - Kimberly J. Kyle, REALTOR®