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  Weather is cooling off and this is perfect!  Don’t forget some parmesan bread to pair.  Ingredients For the Soup: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot) 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small yellow onion, diced 3–4 garlic cloves, minced 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce) 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes 2 tsp Italian seasoning 1 tsp dried basil 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste) ½ tsp black pepper 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces For the Cheese Topping: 1 cup ricotta cheese 1 cup shredded mozzarella ½ cup grated Parmesan 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional) 🍳 Instructions Cook the sausage In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over...

Closing Costs You Might Not Expect (But Should Plan For) When most people think about buying or selling a home, they focus on the big numbers — the sales price, the down payment, the mortgage rate. But in almost every transaction, there are closing costs hiding just beneath the surface that can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re on the buying or selling side of the table, here are a few of the most commonly overlooked closing costs — and how to plan for them. Title Policy & Title Company Fees For sellers: In Texas, it’s common for the seller to pay for the owner’s title policy (unless negotiated otherwise). This protects the buyer from any issues with the title after...

Hope it starts cooling down soon.  This is a perfect recipe to kick off Soup Season! Ingredients 2 Tbsp. Butter 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into coins 1 stalk celery, chopped Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts 3 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 3/4 lb. baby potatoes, quartered 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth  Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish   In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add carrots and celery and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add flour and stir until vegetables are coated, then add chicken, thyme, bay leaf, potatoes, and broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer and...

When the Federal Reserve makes a move—or even hints at one—buyers and sellers in the Austin area feel it. Mortgage rates don’t follow the Fed directly, but the Fed’s decisions set the tone for the bond market, which in turn impacts mortgage rates. Understanding this connection is key if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in today’s market.   How the Fed Influences Mortgage Rates The Fed controls the federal funds rate, the interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. While mortgage rates are tied more closely to the 10-year Treasury yield, the bond market reacts to what the Fed does (and says about future policy). If the Fed raises rates → bond yields rise → mortgage rates tend to follow....

This one is a family favorite with a sweet and tangy flavor.  Best if grilled! Ingredients For the grilled chicken: 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs ¼ cup lime juice 3 Tbsp honey 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp salt ¼ tsp black pepper  For the honey-lime finishing sauce: 2 Tbsp lime juice 1 Tbsp honey 1 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro (I added Smoked Paprika to this sauce and we loved it)  Instructions Make the marinadeIn a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped cilantro, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper  Marinate the chickenAdd the chicken thighs and coat well with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to...

If you own a home in Texas—or plan to—2025 is bringing some serious game-changer legislation that could impact your wallet, your HOA, and your long-term property strategy. Here’s a breakdown of the most important new laws you should know about (without the legal mumbo jumbo):  1. Bigger Property Tax Breaks Are Coming Thanks to Senate Bill 4, the standard homestead exemption is increasing from $100,000 to $140,000. For seniors and folks with disabilities, it could go up to $200,000. Why it matters:This translates into hundreds to over a thousand dollars in annual tax savings—real money back in your pocket. If you’ve got a homestead exemption filed, this could be your biggest win in 2025.  2. Solar Tile Protection: HOAs Can’t Block You Anymore With House...

How to Unlock Cash from Your Home Without Selling It  If you’ve owned your home for a while—especially here in Central Texas—there’s a good chance it has appreciated in value. Maybe you need extra funds for a renovation, college tuition, investing in another property, or just want a little financial breathing room. But what if you don’t want to sell your home (and let go of that sweet low interest rate you locked in a few years ago)? Here are smart ways to unlock your home’s equity without putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard: 🔁 1. Cash-Out Refinance This is a classic option. You refinance your mortgage for more than you owe and take the difference in cash. ✅ Pros: Potential to lower...

If you’ve spent any time around real estate investors, you’ve probably heard of the “7% rule.” But what exactly does it mean, and how does it apply to today’s market? Let’s break it down  What Is the 7% Rule? The 7% rule is a benchmark that helps investors quickly evaluate whether a rental property is likely to generate a solid return. It suggests your gross annual rent should equal at least 7% of the purchase price. Formula:Annual Rent ÷ Purchase Price = Rental Yield (%) Example: A $300,000 property should bring in $21,000/year (or about $1,750/month) to meet the 7% mark. The 7% rule is a starting point in how to analyze deals. In some markets—especially those with higher taxes, insurance, or interest rates—you will...

Here is another favorite that my family loves!! Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Chicken6 Cloves Garlic, minced (divided)1/2 C Grated Parmesan3/4 C Panko Bread Crumbs1-2 TBSP Lemon Zest2 TBSP Fresh Parsley, minced 1 tsp Salt1 tsp Black Pepper2 TBSP EVOO2 TBSP Butter1.5 tsp Flour1 C Chicken Broth1/2 Lemon, juiced2 TBSP Capers How To: 1) Combine ground chicken, half of the garlic, grated cheese, panko, parsley, lemon zest, salt & pepper. Combine. 2) Add extra virgin olive oil to a hot skillet and place mini meatballs. Rotate and cook until browned on all sides. Remove to a plate and set aside.3) Add butter and remaining garlic to the same skillet and sauté, being sure to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot. 4) Whisk in...

🥔 Ingredients: 4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed clean 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon paprika (optional) ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil Chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional) 📄 Instructions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix together: Melted butter Parmesan cheese Garlic powder Paprika (if using) Salt & pepper Pour the butter-parmesan mixture directly onto the parchment paper and spread it out to match where your potato halves will lay. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and brush the cut side with olive oil. Place each potato half cut-side down onto the butter-parmesan mixture on...