PUCKETT PROPERTY PARTNERS
December 2022 Newsletter
MARKET SNAPSHOT: West Alabama
(Bibb, Fayette, Green, Hale, Perry, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, & Walker Counties)
578
Active Listings

173
Sold Listings*
$264,808
Average List Price*

$297,663
Average Sale Price*
79 Average Days on Market

*Indicates previous month's statistics
COMMENTS FROM THE EDITOR:

Why is everyone running scared from interest rates? Mid 6% rate is not a bad interest rate. Would you rather pay $20,000-50,000 (sometimes higher) over market value at a 3% interest rate (like 2020-2021), or pay market value (sometimes lower) at a 6% interest rate that can be refinanced when rates come down? I have relationships with lenders that have programs to help first-time home buyers navigate this process. And before you worry about the cost to refinance, I also have a lender that will waive that fee in 2023 if you’re a first-time home buyer looking to buy now. WHY ARE YOU RENTING? WHY PAY SOMEONE ELSE’S MORTGAGE? Start building your own wealth today!

As more and more homes become available, let’s find that home for you now. There is data that Fannie Mae predicts a lower rate in 2023 (4.5% range) and if that happens, we may see another home buying frenzy. Wouldn’t you want to secure a market priced home now and refinance later with less competition over the same home? LET’S TALK about your HOME GOALS! No obligation on your part, but I feel this conversation is important. I’m always happy to help.
What's Happening Around Town?
There are a ton of holiday events happening in Tuscaloosa and Northport this month! Here are a few of our favorites:

The parade will make its way through downtown Tuscaloosa starting at 6:30 pm. There will also be a tree lighting ceremony beforehand at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse at 5:15 pm.

December 6 - Dickens Downtown
Visit downtown Northport from 5-8 pm for this free family-friendly event. Enjoy activities, shopping, and music throughout the downtown area.

TSO's annual holiday concert will take place at UA's Moody Concert Hall beginning at 7 pm. Tickets available at tsoonline.org.

Find more events HERE.
A Design Trend Sticking Around For 2023: Dried Flowers
Natural textures were one of the biggest trends of 2022, and they aren't going anywhere any time soon. One way to get great natural texture is dried flowers. Try one of these four ways to dry flowers from realhomes.com:
  1. Air drying
  2. Use a flower press
  3. Dry them in a vase
  4. Use silica gel
Global Corner:
Sun and Sand on Portugal's Algarve Coast
If you are looking into international real estate investments, the Southern region of Portugal, called the Algarve, is a great place to start. It is nearly among the best in Europe in terms of real estate returns for savvy investors. Among the appeal is fabulous weather, beautiful beaches, and delicious seafood. It is also safe and peaceful with a low cost of living.

With interest rates as low as 0.9% or less, the area is great for rental investments, since a well-managed property is likely to turn a nice profit. According to internationalliving.com, "It’s possible to find a two-bedroom home for sale in Portimão for $219,000 (monthly rentals from $800), in Albufeira for $299,000 (monthly rentals from $1000), and in Tavira for $275,000 (monthly rentals from $1200).
THIS MONTH'S RECIPE
Green Bean and Corn Casserole
Growing up, one of our family's go-to recipes for every holiday was Green Bean and Corn Casserole. It has always been one of my absolute favorites (quite the vote of confidence coming from someone who doesn't like green beans)! Until lately, I had never seen anyone else do a Green Bean AND Corn Casserole, and I always got funny looks from people when I clarified that it wasn't in fact two separate casseroles. Suddenly this year, I've seen similar recipes posted and was even served a similar casserole at a get-together! But of all the variations I've seen, this is still my favorite.

So here is our family-favorite holiday recipe! I hope you love it as much as we do!

-Bethany
Do you have a family-favorite holiday recipe? We would love for you to share it with us! Send it to us at debbiepuckett@kw.com for a chance to be featured in a future newsletter as well as WIN A $50 GROCERY GIFT CARD to help with the holiday meals! Entries must include your name, email, phone number, and recipe. Entries must be received by Monday, December 19 at 8 am.
Debbie Puckett
205.657.8563
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