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Hello Friends! ☀️
August always seems to remind us to savor the last full month of summer. Before school routines return and fall arrives, it's the perfect time to enjoy long evenings, family gatherings, weekend getaways, fresh produce from the farmers market, and all the little moments that make this season so special.
I hope you're finding time to slow down, relax, and make lasting memories with the people you love.
In this month's newsletter, you'll find the latest real estate market updates, helpful home and garden tips, a delicious seasonal recipe, and practical ideas to help you enjoy and maintain your home during these warm summer days.
If buying or selling a home is on your mind, be sure to check out my Buyer and Seller Guides, linked at the bottom of this newsletter. They're filled with helpful information to answer common questions and make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Thank you, as always, for allowing me to stay connected with you throughout the year. Your friendship, referrals, and continued trust mean more than you know, and I'm grateful to be a part of your journey whenever a real estate need arises.
Wishing you a wonderful August!
| | August Home Maintenance Checklist | | |
The dog days of summer are barking and Labor Day is just around the bend, signaling the end of yet another epic season in the sun. But before you give your flamingo pool float one last hurrah, take a break with some home maintenance prep for the changing season ahead.
We know what you’re thinking: It’s still summer, and you’re being a buzzkill! Why worry now about what you can do next month? Well, as it turns out, some home maintenance tasks are best tackled in August, before temperatures start dipping.
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August Lawn and Gardening: End of Summer Yard Cleanup
| | As the summer comes to a close, it’s a good time to do a little end of season cleanup to prepare for the fall season just around the corner. Check out these tips. | | August Home & Decor: Sail Through the Summer With a Nautical Burlap Wreath | | With every change of season comes a change in home decor. For summer, get craftsy and make this simple nautical burlap wreath to embellish any part of your home. It’s the unique piece that will tie a nautical theme together and impress anyone who visits your home! | | August Fun Stuff - Monthly Bucket List | |
August Real Estate News
More Homes, Better Prices: A Buyer's Summer
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If you’ve thought about buying a home in the past few years, you may have run into two frustrations: asking prices that kept climbing and too few homes to choose from.
In many places, both sticking points are letting up this summer, with lower asking prices and more homes for sale. Let’s look at the trends, and what they mean for your search.
| | Did the Value of Your Home Change Last Month? | | It's completely natural for homeowners to feel curious about their property values for a multitude of reasons—perhaps you're contemplating selling, considering refinancing, or simply wondering how much your home has appreciated since your purchase. | | |
175 Millers Crossing Court Winston-Salem | NC | $447,500
Welcome to 175 Millers Crossing Court—a beautiful home tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac that's perfect for relaxing and entertaining!
- Freshly painted main level (2026)
- Updated deck with new decking (2026)
- Gorgeous kitchen with granite countertops, soft-close cabinetry, huge island & 5-burner gas cooktop
- Cozy window seat overlooking a peaceful wooded backyard
- Soaring two-story living room with gas fireplace
- Spacious primary suite with two closets, double vanity, separate shower & oversized jetted tub
- Finished lower level—perfect for guests, a home office, hobbies, or recreation
- Kitchen appliances plus washer & dryer all remain!
Enjoy the charm of Ardmore while being just minutes from hospitals, shopping, dining, and vibrant downtown Winston-Salem.
If you’ve been searching for a home that is move-in ready, 175 Millers Crossing Court is truly something special.
More Photos
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327 Hillcrest Drive
Advance | NC | $354,900
Welcome home to this beautifully renovated country cottage, originally built in 1946 and thoughtfully updated in 2023, while preserving its timeless character.
Spend your evenings relaxing on the wraparound back porch, hosting backyard barbecues, or simply soaking in the peaceful country setting.
🏠 New roof, HVAC, windows, insulation & vinyl siding
🍽️ Gorgeous kitchen with granite countertops & stainless steel appliances
🛁 Updated kitchen & bath cabinetry, lighting, plumbing fixtures & more
🚗 Massive 40' x 28' detached double garage with new roof plus adjoining storage—perfect for vehicles, a workshop, hobbies, gardening, or even small animals!
📍 Just minutes from:
📚 Shady Grove Elementary (2 miles)
🎓 Ellis Middle School (3 miles)
🛍️ Bermuda Run shopping & dining (3.5 miles)
⛳ Golf courses, medical facilities & places of worship
💲 Low property taxes make this move-in-ready country retreat even more attractive!
More Photos
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A Recipe for You: Heirloom Tomato Toasts
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Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 4 to 5 heirloom slicer tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 cup blueberries, blackberries, or cherries (or mixture of all three)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup sherry vinegar
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 or 5 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 to 2 baguettes, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 pound burrata or good-quality mozzarella
- Fresh herbs of choice (basil, dill, tarragon)
- Sea salt
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes, shallot, and berries together with the salt, pepper, vinegar, oil, and sugar. Let sit until the tomatoes have released their liquid and the shallots are softened, 20 to 30 minutes. Taste for seasoning.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic and butter; set aside. Grill or toast the baguette pieces for 1 to 2 minutes, until lightly browned. Spread generously with the garlic butter and grill for about 30 seconds (you can also do this under a broiler).
- Spread the burrata onto the warm bread and top with the marinated tomato-berry mixture. Drizzle the remaining juice from tomato-berry mixture over the top and garnish with fresh herbs and sea salt.
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HAPPY AUGUST TO YOU AND YOURS!
Summer always seems to fly by, and it's hard to believe August is already here! We have wonderful memories of our time in Myrtle Beach earlier this summer. The beautiful weather, gentle ocean breeze, and relaxing days by the water were just what we needed to recharge. There's something about listening to the waves and watching the tide roll in that makes the worries of everyday life melt away.
For a change of scenery, we celebrated Allen's birthday with a stay at the beautiful Biltmore Inn in Asheville mid July. Swapping sandy beaches for breathtaking mountain views was the perfect reminder that peace and relaxation can be found in so many places. Whether it's the sound of crashing waves or the quiet beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, taking time to slow down and appreciate God's creation is truly refreshing.
August is also a more reflective moment for our family as we remember all of the celebrations for my Mom's birthday on July 19. While we miss her every day, it brings comfort to know she is celebrating in Heaven. Her love, kindness, and the many wonderful memories she gave us continue to be a blessing, and we carry her with us in our hearts each day.
As we enjoy these final weeks of summer, I hope you're taking time to savor the season—whether that means one more trip to the beach, a mountain getaway, evenings on the porch, tending your garden, or simply spending quality time with family and friends. Before we know it, the colors of fall and the excitement of a new season will be upon us, so let's make the most of these warm August days.
I'd love to hear what you've been up to this summer! Have you discovered a new favorite destination, completed a home improvement project, or simply enjoyed the comforts of home?
Wishing you a wonderful August filled with sunshine, laughter, cherished memories, and many blessings.
Pam and Allen
P.S. Your confidence in me by sending referrals means the world. Should anyone you know need assistance with their real estate journey during the upcoming months, I'm here and ready to lend a hand. Additionally, for those looking to list or sell homes beyond my area, I have a network of fantastic Realtors across the country that I can introduce you to. Just reach out anytime.
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