Food September 26, 2023

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs, such as crumbled Oreo cookies (filling removed)
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted (I used a 1/4 cup)

Filling

  • 1/2 cup raspberry preserves (I used a raspberry pie filling)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 5 eggs (I used 4 eggs)
  • 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped into chunks

Optional Garnish

  • 2 ounces shaved white chocolate (optional)
  • Fresh whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees.
  2. Create a water bath by placing a large pan filled with about 1/2-inch of water into the oven while it preheats.
  3. Combine the raspberry preserves with 1/4 cup water in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 1/2 minutes on high in your microwave. Stir until smooth. Strain to remove the raspberry seeds, then let the strained preserves sit to the side to cool.
  4. Measure 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs into a medium bowl. Mix in 1/3 cup melted margarine. Press the crumb into a 9-inch spring form pan that has been lined on the bottom and side with parchment paper. Use the bottom of a drinking glass to press the crumb mixture flat into the bottom of the pan and about 2/3 the way up the side.
  5. Wrap a large piece of foil around the bottom of the pan to keep the cheesecake in the water bath. Put the crust in your freezer until the filling is done.
  6. Use an electric mixer to combine the cream cheese with the sugar, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix for a couple minutes or until the ingredients are smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl and then add them to the cream cheese mixture. Blend the mixture just enough to incorporate the eggs.
  7. Remove the crust from the freezer and sprinkle 4 ounces of white chocolate chunks onto the bottom of the crust.
  8. Pour half of the cream cheese filling into the crust. Drizzle the raspberry preserves over the entire surface of the filling. Use a butter knife to swirl the raspberry into the cream cheese. Pour the other half of the filling into the crust.
  9. Carefully place the cheesecake into the water bath in the oven. Bake for 12 minutes at 475 degrees, then turn the oven down to 350 degrees and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the top of the cheesecake turns a light brown or tan color.
  10. Remove the cheesecake from the oven to cool. When the cheesecake is cool, use the foil from the bottom to cover the cheesecake and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
  11. Before serving, sprinkle the entire top surface of cheesecake with 2 ounces of shaved white chocolate.

Uncategorized September 4, 2023

September…not quite summer but not quite fall

Community June 18, 2023

Best Father’s Day Wishes!

Father’s Day is a special occasion to celebrate and honor fathers and father figures. It’s a day to show gratitude and appreciation for all the love and support they provide. Whether it’s your biological father, stepfather, grandpa, or any other father figure in your life, take the time to let them know how much you care. Use this day as an opportunity to create unforgettable memories and cherish the time you have with them. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there!

First Time Buyer June 4, 2023

First Time Buyer

There are only a few things scarier and at the same time, as exciting as purchasing your first home. It is one of the biggest, most important investments you’ll make. Through out the month of June, I will be posting tips on my social media pages to alleviate some of the fear you might have about the 10 step process. So, if you have been thinking about buying or know of someone who is, be sure to follow my social media pages to grab those tips. If you want more one-on-one information, I will be happy to personally go over the buying process from start to finish. We can focus on those items that are crucial for first time buyers. Just give me a call!
To grab a copy of my complete buyer’s guide and sign up for my monthly newsletter:
Uncategorized May 21, 2023

What if I could show you how to get more offers with one simple hack?

Seriously, one of the least expensive investments you can make has a huge impact. Lots of folks ask about should they paint or remodel their bathroom to attract buyers to their properties. Now if your walls are purple or your bathroom has shag carpet dated back to the 1970s, those items certainly need to be addressed.  But, in most homes, the important things cost nothing at all. Cleaning = Free. Decluttering = Free. Organizing = Free. Bright and matching light bulbs have the most impact!

For less than $100 you would be amazed by the difference it makes.  I work with buyers every day that walk into homes that have so much potential, but it can’t be seen because it is too dark or because the improper lighting casts the wrong shadows.  Look at the professional photographs of properties listed for sale.  What is the most common thing about them? They are bright!  Do yourself a favor. Get those new light bulbs in place.  Huge Impact!!

Uncategorized May 8, 2023

Professional Photography is a MUST

“About 99 percent of home buyers between the ages of 23 and 56 used the internet to find homes in their home buying process.”

Then let’s show your home in the best way. Accordingly, professional photography is a MUST! That first impression is the most important impression. I want your property to make the best first impression possible, and that’s why I use a professional real estate photographer for my listings. Your goal in marketing your property is to bring as many buyers as possible. So if your pictures don’t show it in the best light, you are likely missing out.

Lots of others don’t.

Market Info April 23, 2023

Getting Ready for Market

 

Considering selling this spring? Here are 3 tips to get your home ready for the market.

1) Clean & organize. End to end, clean everything! While you are cleaning, declutter. Remove unnecessary items. If you aren’t going to use it before you move, pack it up. Less clutter makes for roomier appearance and easier to keep clean.

2) Catch up on deferred maintenance. Drippy faucets can be tightened up or easily remedied with a new gasket. Have HVAC units inspected and serviced. Put a new coat of paint on exposed wood. It could save you from issues arising during inspection periods

3) Remove highly personalized items. You may love your collection of hello kitty clocks, but others may find them distracting or unattractive. Pack them up so that they will be ready for the move to your next home. Additionally, if you have very boldly painted walls, you might consider painting them a more neutral color.

When potential buyers call you out for these things, it may seem petty. None the less, all these things can impact the value they see in your home. My goal is for sellers to net the best potential profit from the sale of their property. If you would like a constructive opinion of the preparation that would have the most impact, give me a call.

*BONUS TIP* Make sure all light bulbs are operational and, for the best impression, change them all out to matching bright tones.

 

Uncategorized March 26, 2023

Are you living in your dream home?

Uncategorized February 26, 2023

HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR HEROES

Attention:
Veterans
Active Duty
National Guard
Reservists
Firefighters
Police
EMT
Paramedics

Starting March 1st (NEXT WEEK!)
THDA loan program “HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR THE BRAVE” will change its program to “HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR HEROES.” What this means is they are extending its benefits to all of those listed above. Homeownership for the Heroes is a type of Great Choice Home Loan that offers financial assistance along with these added benefits:

• Reduced interest rate by half percentage point (0.5%)
• Waive requirements to be a first-time homeowner in all areas of Tennessee for qualified military or veterans.
• Borrow up to 100% of home’s purchase price with a VA or USDA-RD loan or 96.5% with FHA loans.
• 30-Year Term – Your monthly payments are spread out across 30 years to keep them affordable.
• Fixed Interest Rate – The interest rate never changes throughout the entire life of the loan.
• Minimum Credit Score – The credit score of everyone on your loan application must be at least 640. If you do not know your credit store, your lender can check for you. If your credit score is too low, you can work with a THDA-certified counselor to improve your score.
• Household income and purchase price limits – The maximum of your total household income and the price you can pay for a home and still qualify for the Great Choice Home Loan program varies by county. See the full chart of income and purchase price limits.
• Down Payment Assistance – Homeownership for the Heroes includes the option for our Great Choice Plus financial assistance with your loan-related expenses, including down payment (if borrowing less than 100%) and/or closing costs.

Pairing this loan program with my complimentary home warranty for the same group makes March 1st a great day to start your home ownership journey. I am a THDA approved REALTOR® so give me a call to learn more about this fantastic opportunity.

Uncategorized February 12, 2023

Stressed?

Did you know that green is the most visible color to the human eye? It’s true! In fact, green is the most visible color to the human eye due to its wavelength, which is located smack dab in the middle of the visible light spectrum. So not only is green aesthetically pleasing, it also provides the most rest for your eyes! Be sure to keep that in mind the next time you’re choosing home décor.

#Green #ColorPsychology #RealEstate #StressRelieving #homedecortips
#ColdwellBankerBarnes #Expectmore