Winter-Ready: December Home Tips & Holiday Highlights
As we wrap up December, I wanted to share some winter wisdom that's been on my mind. As both a realtor and a mom in our community, I'm seeing this season from all angles. The recent cold snap has turned my attention to those sneaky drafts we all feel by our windows - you know, the ones that suddenly become super obvious when temperatures drop! I've been doing my own home checks lately, especially after learning that a shocking 30% of home heating fires stem from unmaintained chimneys (yes, I'm that person who gets concerned about safety stats!).
Wow, December has flown by and we are all deep in the holiday season.
Since it finally got cold, this is a great opportunity to walk around your home and check for drafts— they become very obvious in colder weather. If you feel an area that is very drafty, try and put some curtains over it if you can, or a window insert until you can replace the window. Trust me, it will help.
Also, please clean those chimneys before lighting them. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, 30% of home heating fires are caused due to dirty equipment, primarily in chimneys. This is due to creosote buildup, which wouldn’t be there if you took the time to get it cleaned. Protect the investment and your family.
If you know me you know I love a good gift giving season… it is the perfect time to shop local! If you follow me on socials, you know I have been highlighting some of my faves with some great friends. If you need any recommends, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Real Estate news… I have been reviewing all of our annual reports, and the biggest trend I am seeing is that inventory is still very low in some places, and it is drove median prices up in those areas. I can’t wait to do an email just on that… stay tuned (it will be in Jan).
To my fellow Moms, or those around kiddos this holiday- the cold weather is making spirits a little moody (at least in my house)… If you want a break from the baking and gingerbread making, I absolutely love this tree craft. It is so easy, I can even confidently do it.
Jess Watts
Organizations Making a Difference Some of my favorite nonprofits doing incredible work right here in our backyard: 914Cares , Westchester Land Trust , Hope's Door , The Pantry , Community Center NW, and the Suzanne Grant Foundation . Each one addresses critical needs, from food insecurity and domestic violence support to land conservation and community programming. How We Give Back Together After every sale, I make a donation in my client's name to an organization of their choice. It's a simple gesture that creates real impact. But more importantly, it introduces people to the vital work happening in their new community. When you learn about your neighbors' needs and the organizations serving them, you don't just move to a place—you become part of it. This Holiday Season: Let's Hit the Give Back Program Hard The holidays are the perfect time to amplify our impact. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply wanting to make a difference, let's support these organizations together. A percentage of my profits goes directly back into the community, and I'm challenging myself—and you—to give even more this season. Keep Showing Up Giving back isn't a one-time event. It's about consistently showing up for your community, learning what's happening in your own backyard, and helping your neighbors assimilate and thrive. When we all contribute, even in small ways, we create stronger, more connected neighborhoods. Ready to make a difference? Reach out to learn more about the give back program, or pick your favorite local organization and support them today.
The holiday season is magical, but let's be honest—crafting with kids can sometimes feel more stressful than festive. Between the glue spills, the scissors mishaps, and the inevitable meltdowns, holiday activities don't always go as planned.
As a real estate agent who's helped dozens of New York City families relocate to upstate properties over the past few years, I've witnessed a transformation that goes far beyond real estate transactions.