We did get two big projects completed this year at home, which I had been wanting to get done for several years.  First we replaced the lower ½ of our driveway, which had been crumbling away; especially after last winter.  We found an awesome concrete man who was fast and very fair.  Most everyone else was just too busy.  That seems to be so normal for sub-contractors;  it takes them a month to even come out and give an estimate.  So if you need an awesome concrete man,  just call me.

Then we finally textured and painted our garage interior walls and ceiling.  It looks so nice and clean.   I was having garage envy every time I went into a new home that had a finished garage.  Perhaps next summer we will finish the floor with an epoxy type paint.   Just makes me happy every time I drive into the garage.

Small upgrades that make a big impact

Changing the color of cabinets can breathe new life into a drab kitchen space. Paint the lower cabinets one color and keep the upper cabinets neutral for a clean, balanced look. If you have light floors and countertops, go for dark colors and vice versa. Think navy blues with whites, pastels and wood, or gray with bold colors, etcetera.  If you are not up to the task of painting your cabinets.   There is a place in Boise called N-Hance Wood Refinishing   to get that factory finish,  they are also on facebook if you want to check them out.  Plus they do floors.

I am seeing a lot of subway tile this year.  Replacing small details such as your drawer handles and cabinet knobs can make a huge aesthetic difference.

Get Ready for Winter

I was pleasantly surprised I did not see more damaged homes this year due to last Winter’s ice dams.  Remember all that snow last winter on our roofs!  Yikes!  It would be a good idea to have the gutter’s cleaned out!  This old house.com had a good video on how to install ice melting roof cables.

Shut all your foundation vents.              

Disconnect your outdoor hoses from the faucets.                                                                  

As Jim  has been mowing up the leaves,  I have him put the clippings around my roses bushes to help them winter over  -          

Definitely a good time to check your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors  (yes I have a carbon monoxide dectector!) ,  I even have a smoke detector up in our attic.          

We also have a fire extinguisher, which Jim will turn over and tap with a rubber hammer to loosen up the retardant powder.  I have one in the kitchen and one in my office.     

When it starts getting really cold,  I have Jim put straw bales on the outside of the house where we have an outside wall bath faucet  plumbing and where the laundry plumbing is also on an outside wall, so they will not freeze up. 

 

Applesauce Oatmeal Cake- Healthy right?   It has Applesauce and Oatmeal!

·         1 1/4 cups applesauce

·         1 cup Old Fashioned oats

·         1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

·         1 cup sugar

·         1 teaspoon vanilla

·         2 eggs

·         1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

·         1 teaspoon baking soda

·         1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·         1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

·         1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

·         3/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut

·         1/2 cup packed brown sugar

·         1/3 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

·         1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

·         3 tablespoons milk

Cake:

1.      In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, cook applesauce until just beginning to boil. Stir in oatmeal. Set aside; let stand for 20 minutes.

2.      Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Make sure oven rack is at least 6" from top of oven. Coat a 9" x 9" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.

3.      In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

4.      In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla and eggs, mix until combined. Add flour mixture to butter mixture in two additions; mix until just combined after each addition. Add applesauce mixture and mix until just combined.

5.      Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until cake has browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Topping:

1.      In a small medium bowl, combine coconut, brown sugar, walnuts (I like pecans) , melted butter, and milk. Mix until combined and all ingredients are moistened. Carefully spread topping over hot cake, and return to oven. Turn over to broil, and cook 1 to 2 minutes or until top is golden and bubbly. Remove cake from oven. Cool 30 minutes, and serve warm

.

Market Update  -  October’s numbers in the Boise area have continued to remain strong.  The median sales price is  $269,900 which is down  just a little down from last month, this is normal for inventory in the average price range for this time of year.  Looking over this year numbers our Boise average price is up 7.1%.   Wow….  We only have 1.9 months of inventory.  If you are considering  selling your home, this is a great opportunity for you.   I would welcome this opportunity to talk with you about your current real estate position.   I am also available to help you, your friends and family with all your Real Estate needs.

Jim and I thank you for your support and all your referrals.  We  also wish you a Warm and Peaceful Christmas and a Wonderful New Year full of good health and fun adventures !  With Thanks,

Beccie McDonell, Broker                           208-850-3062

McDonell Homes Realty                  8642 So. McDermott Rd.,                Kuna, ID 83634          BeccieM@gmail.com                                             ps.  I love getting your Christmas cards with your family updates,  we are thankful for you!