Lifestyle • Restaurants • April 14, 2023

Healthy Eating in Cape Girardeau County

by Ellen Kirchdoerfer

Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. In Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, health-conscious diners can find an array of locations that serve up delicious and nutritious foods that will tantalize their taste buds. Let’s dive into some of the top locations for healthy eating in Cape Girardeau County.

Healthy Eating in Cape Girardeau County

Cape Girardeau Missouri

SuperFresh Kitchens – On the go? No problem; healthy eating options are available. Stop by SuperFresh Kitchens in Cape Girardeau to pick up a salad, rice bowl, meal bar, or soup. These locally sourced fresh foods can be enjoyed individually or bundled for a full day on-the-fly. Their knowledgeable staff will help you decide which options are best for your individual needs. A busy schedule does not have to sacrifice healthy eating. Stop by SuperFresh Kitchens today and find out why this will become your favorite stop on those busy days.
Fresh Café – Fresh Cafe is a popular eatery located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, known for its healthy and delicious menu options. They focus on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for a variety of wholesome meal choices. They cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The cafe also offers freshly made smoothies, juices, and coffee drinks, providing a refreshing and energizing experience for diners. With a cozy and inviting atmosphere, Fresh Cafe is a go-to spot for health-conscious individuals looking for tasty and nutritious meals in Cape Girardeau, MO.

Jackson Missouri

Vitality Market – Vitality Market is a health-focused grocery store located in Jackson, Missouri that also carries grab-and-go healthy meal options. They offer a wide range of natural and organic products to help customers make informed and conscious choices for their well-being. From fresh produce and bulk foods to vitamins, supplements, and natural beauty products, Vitality Market provides a diverse selection of high-quality, wholesome options for those seeking a healthier lifestyle. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff are available to provide guidance and answer questions about healthy living and nutrition.
Pulse Nutrition – Pulse Nutrition is a nutrition-focused location in Jackson, Missouri. Offering meal prepping, grab-and-go meals as well as shakes and smoothies they help customers achieve their fitness and wellness goals with a wide range of health products to support optimal nutrition and performance. Their knowledgeable staff is trained to provide personalized recommendations and guidance, making it easier for customers to find the right products for their individual needs. Pulse Nutrition offers a convenient and reliable source for all your nutrition needs.

Try these healthy food options and treat yourself to a wholesome and satisfying dining meal that nourishes your body and delights your taste buds.

Looking for some other dining options? Try some of Cape County’s Best BBQ. Click here for more information.

Downsizing • Selling A Home • April 12, 2023

A Smaller Home Could Be Your Best Option

by Ellen Kirchdoerfer

Many people are at the stage in their lives where they must choose where they will live after they retire. If you’re a homeowner who is about to enter this stage, you may be wondering if a small home could be your best option. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

(more…)

Restaurants • April 7, 2023

Cape Girardeau County’s Best BBQ

by Ellen Kirchdoerfer

If you’re a fan of BBQ, then Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, is the place for you. This county has some of the best BBQ restaurants in the state, each with its own unique flavors and styles. Here are some of Cape Girardeau County’s Best BBQ restaurants.

Cape Girardeau County’s Best BBQ

Wib’s Drive-In – Looking for BBQ in Jackson, Missouri? Wib’s Drive-In has been the go-to since 1947. This locally owned restaurant has maintained much of its early diner charm and continues to provide excellent BBQ and hometown service. Plan to have a Wib’s BBQ Sandwich and fries for lunch today!

Charlie’s Smokehouse BBQ – A trip to Charlie’s Smokehouse BBQ in Burfordville is worth the drive! Delicious smoked meats like ribs, tenderloin, pulled pork, and much more are on the menu here along with some of the best sides. This is a great place to enjoy a meal with family and friends.

Dexter Bar-B-Que – Dexter Bar-B-Que has been serving mouth-watering BBQ since 1984. They use only the freshest ingredients, and their meat is slow-cooked over hickory wood for hours to give it that authentic BBQ flavor. Their menu includes everything from pulled pork and ribs to smoked chicken and brisket.

True-Que – Stop by True-Que for mouth-watering, slow-cooked meats smoked for hours. The warm hospitality and laid-back atmosphere keep customers returning. Pick up some BBQ meat and a variety of sides today. We promise you will return for more!

Mary Jane Bourbon & Smokehouse – In addition to great food, BBQ restaurants also offer a unique dining experience. The best cuisine is combined with specialty bourbons and drinks at Mary Jane’s to provide a complete dining experience. You must take advantage of this special dining opportunity!

No matter which BBQ restaurant you choose to visit in Cape Girardeau County, you’re sure to be in for a treat. Each of these restaurants has its own unique flavors and styles, making them worth a visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

After enjoying your BBQ, consider making plans to visit your favorite winery. Click here for Wineries In and Around Cape County.

Uncategorized • April 5, 2023

Trying To Buy a Home?

by Ellen Kirchdoerfer

We’re still in a sellers’ market. And if you’re trying to buy a home, that means you’re likely facing some unique challenges, like difficulty finding a home and volatile mortgage rates. But keep in mind, there are some benefits to being a buyer in today’s market that give you good reason to stick with your search. Here are a few of them.

Trying To Buy A Home?

Long-Term Benefits Outweigh Short-Term Challenges

Owning a home grows your net worth – and since building that wealth takes time, it makes sense to start as soon as you can. If you wait to buy and keep renting, you’ll miss out on those monthly housing payments going toward your home equity. Freddie Mac puts it this way:

“Homeownership not only builds a sense of pride and accomplishment, but it’s also an important step toward achieving long-term financial stability.”

The key there is long-term because the financial benefits homeownership provides, like home value appreciation and equity, grow over time. Those benefits are worth the short-term challenges today’s sellers’ market presents.

Mortgage Rates Are Constantly Changing

Mortgage rates have been hovering around 6.5% over the last several months. However, as Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, notes, they’ve been coming down some recently:

“Economic uncertainty continues to bring mortgage rates down. Over the last several weeks, declining rates have brought borrowers back to the market . . .”

Lower mortgage rates improve your purchasing power when you buy, and that can help make homeownership more affordable. Hannah Jones, Economic Data Analyst at realtor.com, explains:

“As we move into the spring buying season, mortgage rates have ticked lower, a welcomed sign of progress towards affordability.”

The recent drop in mortgage rates is good news if you couldn’t afford to buy a home when they peaked.

Home Prices Will Increase

According to the Home Price Expectation Survey, which polls over 100 real estate experts, home values will go up steadily over the next few years after a slight decline this year (see graph below):

Rising home prices in the coming years mean two things for you as a buyer:

Waiting to buy a home could mean it’ll become more expensive to do so.
Buying now means the value of your home, and your net worth will likely grow over time.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been trying to buy a home, hang in there. Mortgage rates have ticked down some recently, home prices are forecast to increase in the coming years, and the long-term benefits of homeownership outweigh many of the short-term challenges.

Resources

More resources for your homeownership journey:

Lifestyle • Restaurants • March 31, 2023

Best Coffee in Jackson MO

by Ellen Kirchdoerfer

Looking for a delicious cup of Joe? Despite its small size, Jackson has several coffee shops that provide a cozy atmosphere and delicious coffee for locals and visitors alike. Here are a few options for the best coffee in Jackson MO.

Best Coffee in Jackson MO

The Ground-A-Bout

The Ground-A-Bout coffee shop is a popular destination in Jackson, Missouri. Located on East Adams Street in Uptown Jackson, it is a cozy and inviting space that offers a variety of coffee beverages and snacks. The shop is known for its quality coffee and excellent customer service. Many locals and visitors frequent The Ground-a-bout for its relaxed atmosphere and comfortable seating areas. The shop has become a community hub with regulars often gathering to catch up or work on projects. The Ground-a-bout coffee shop has become a fixture in Jackson. It is a testament to the power of a well-crafted coffee experience.

Scooter’s Coffee

Another local favorite is Scooter’s Coffee, located on East Jackson Boulevard, making it a convenient spot for coffee lovers on-the-go. Scooter’s Coffee offers a wide range of coffee drinks, including lattes, blenders, and iced coffees, as well as smoothies, teas, and pastries. The shop is known for its friendly service, it is a popular destination for those looking for a quick caffeine fix. With its convenient location and delicious drinks, Scooter’s Coffee is another favorite among locals and visitors alike in Jackson, Missouri.

Molon Coffee

Frequently, the Molon Coffee coffee trailer can be found in the Jackson City Park. This veteran-owned business travels around Cape Girardeau County and is a popular stop everywhere it goes. Molon has a full drink menu of cold drinks including iced coffee, iced lattes, and fraps; as well as hot drinks including lattes and even hot chocolate. When you spot this mobile coffee shop around Cape County, it will be surrounded by coffee-loving visitors enjoying a tasty, well-crafted coffee drink.

If you’re in the Jackson, Missouri area and looking for a cozy and welcoming place to grab a cup of coffee, there are several options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a drive-thru option or a sit-down experience, there is a coffee shop in Jackson to suit your needs. So why not grab a friend, a good book, or your laptop and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at one of these local spots?

While enjoying your morning coffee, consider making plans to visit your favorite winery this weekend. Click here for Wineries In and Around Cape County.

Selling A Home • March 30, 2023

The Best Time To List Your Home

by Ellen Kirchdoerfer

If you’re thinking about selling this spring, it’s time to get moving – the best time to list your home is almost here.

The Best Time To List Your Home

Experts at realtor.com looked at seasonal trends from recent years (excluding 2020 as an uncharacteristic year due to the onset of the pandemic) and determined the ideal week to list a house this year:

“Home sellers on the fence waiting for that perfect moment to sell should start preparations, because the best time to list a home in 2023 is approaching quickly. The week of April 16-22 is expected to have the ideal balance of housing market conditions that favor home sellers, more so than any other week in the year.”

If you have been waiting for the right time to sell, now is it. But remember there may be a few things to do to get your house ready before you put it on the market. If you haven’t started yet, you’ll need to move fast. Here are some things to remember.

Work with an Agent To Determine Which Updates To Make

Start by making a list of the most important updates. In February, realtor.com asked more than 1,200 recent or potential home sellers what changes they made to their house before selling it (see graph below):

As you can see, the most common answers included landscaping and painting. Work with a trusted real estate agent to determine what projects make the most sense for your goals and local market.

Plan To Have Your House Staged

Once you’ve fixed up and updated your house as needed, you might want to think about having it staged. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says that 82% of buyer’s agents said that staging a home made it easier for a buyer to imagine living there. Also, almost half of the buyers’ agents said that home staging changed how most buyers thought about the house in general. Staged homes usually sell faster and for a higher price because they make it easier for potential buyers to picture themselves living there.

Bottom Line

Do you want to sell this spring? Let’s connect to plan your next steps. You can start by making a list of what you think your house needs to get ready. Then we can work together to figure out what’s most important on your list and move forward.

Are you ready to sell your home? Perfectly pretty home listing photos will attract more buyers. Click here for tips on getting great listing photos.

Buying A Home • March 17, 2023

Buying a Home in Spring 2023

by Ellen Kirchdoerfer

There is still a shortage because there are fewer houses for sale than in normal years before the pandemic even though there are more houses for sale now than there were at this time last year. Here’s what Realtor.com has to say about buying a home in Spring 2023 in their Monthly Housing Market Trends Report :

“While the number of homes for sale is increasing, it is still 43.2% lower than it was before the pandemic in 2017 to 2019. This means that there are still fewer homes available to buy on a typical day than there were a few years ago.”

Buying a Home in Spring 2023

The lack of homes on the market right now will affect how you are buying a home this spring. Because there aren’t many homes on the market, buyers who think about what they need and what would be nice will do better in their search.

How do we start? Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval helps you figure out how much you can borrow for your home loan, which is important when putting together your list. You don’t want to fall in love with a home that you can’t afford. Once you know your budget well, making a list of all the features you want and need in a home is the best way to figure out their order of importance.

Here’s a great way to start thinking about them:

Must-Haves: A house won’t work for you and your way of life if it doesn’t have these things.
Nice-To-Haves: These are things you’d like to have but don’t need. Nice-to-haves aren’t deal-breakers, but if a home has all of the must-haves and a few of these, it’s a strong candidate.
Dream State: This is a place where you can think big. Again, you don’t need these features, but if you find a home in your price range that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it’s a clear winner.

Lastly, once you’ve made your list and put it into groups that make sense to you, talk to your real estate agent about it. They can help you make the list even more specific, give you advice on how to stick to it, and find a home in your area that fits your needs.

Thinking about buying a home this spring? Send us a message and get a copy of our Spring 2023 Home Buying Guide.

Resources

More resources for your homeownership journey:

Events • March 9, 2023

Women’s History Month

by Ellen Kirchdoerfer

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women. It is a time to honor women who have broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and advanced the rights of women everywhere.

March Is Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month has its roots in International Women’s Day, which was first celebrated on March 8, 1911. In the United States, Women’s History Week was first observed in 1982, and it was expanded to a full month in 1987. Since then, March has been a time to reflect on the achievements of women in politics, science, art, and culture.

Throughout history, women have fought for their rights and worked to overcome obstacles that stood in their way. From Susan B. Anthony, who fought for women’s suffrage in the United States, to Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban for advocating for girls’ education, women have proven time and again that they are forces to be reckoned with.

In the 21st century, women continue to make strides in all areas of life. Women continue to make their voices heard and are changing the world for the better.

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate these achievements and recognize the ongoing struggle for gender equality. It is a time to educate ourselves and others about the contributions of women, both past and present. And it is a time to support and empower women as we work together to build a more just and equitable world.

Learn more about Women’s History Month at https://womenshistorymonth.gov/.

Let’s celebrate Women’s History Month this month. A time to recognize accomplishments and the ongoing fight for gender equality. It is a time to honor the women who have come before us and to support the women who are shaping our future. Let us use this month as an opportunity to learn, grow, and work together to create a more just and equitable world for all.

Looking for a great restaurant to celebrate? Here are some options:

Lifestyle • Outdoors • March 6, 2023

Wineries In and Around Cape County

by Ellen Kirchdoerfer

Looking for a place to kick back for the afternoon or enjoy some tunes with friends? Check out these wineries in and around Cape County for a relaxing weekend break.

“A bottle of wine begs to be shared; I have never met a miserly wine lover.”
– Clifton Fadiman

Wineries In and Around Cape County

With their warm and welcoming atmosphere and delicious wines, these wineries are a must-visit destination for any wine lover in and around the Cape County area.

Apple Creek Vineyard and Winery

Apple Creek Vineyard and Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. The winery sits on the picturesque banks of Apple Creek where the property includes a vineyard, tasting room, and event space. They produce a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines, using grapes sourced from Missouri and other regions. The tasting room offers snacks and small bites to pair with the wines and Apple Creek Vineyard and Winery hosts regular events, including live music and food and wine pairings, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening with friends and family. Apple Creek is very well-known for its Friday Steak nights with hand-cut ribeyes and a few other mouth-watering dining options.

Hemman Winery

Hemman Winery is a charming family-owned winery located in Brazeau, Missouri. Situated in southern Perry County, the winery offers stunning views of the surrounding rolling hills and countryside. Hemman Winery is known for producing high-quality, handcrafted wines using traditional winemaking techniques, focusing on locally grown grapes. Visitors to the winery can enjoy a tasting of the winery’s award-winning wines and simply relax with a glass of wine on the spacious outdoor patio. Plan to attend their special events throughout the year including fall grape stomping and the Brazeau Old Fashion Christmas Walk in December.

River Ridge Winery

River Ridge Winery is a charming winery nestled in Commerce, Missouri. You will enjoy the beautiful drive to River Ridge. The Winery produces a wide range of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines, using locally grown grapes. Visitors can enjoy tasting the winery’s offerings from the outdoor patio while enjoying the live entertainment or the Fermentation Cafe also offers a light menu and small bites to pair with the wines. River Ridge Winery hosts regular events, including live music and food and wine pairings, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Choose from a variety of gifts at the Yule Log cabin is open from September to December.

Alto Vineyards

Alto Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in the rolling hills of southern Illinois. Founded in 1985, the winery has been producing high-quality wines using locally grown grapes for over three decades. The vineyard features a variety of grape varietals, including Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, and Norton. The winery also hosts regular events, including live music and food and wine pairings, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

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Finance • February 23, 2023

Saving Money On Energy Costs

by Ellen Kirchdoerfer

On average, electricity costs are up nearly 10%. That can translate into a lot of cash at the end of a year. Here are a few ways for saving money on energy costs in your home.

5 Tips for Saving Money On Energy Costs

Swap out your old light bulbs for energy-efficient LED bulbs. Not only do they last longer, but they also use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs. Just spring for the better brand upfront so you aren’t left with flickering bulbs in a year.
As your appliances need to be upgraded, update them to Energy Star-certified models. These appliances are designed to be more energy-efficient. Here’s some additional information about upgrading to Energy Star-certified appliances. Click here.
Install a programmable thermostat. On average you save 1% on your energy bill for every degree you adjust your thermostat for 8 hours. So program your thermostat while you’re away so your HVAC runs less. Better yet, install a smart thermostat and let the computer do it for you!
Turn off lights and other electronics when you’re not using them. It’s a simple habit, but it can make a big difference in your energy usage.
Use a ceiling fan to circulate the air in your home. In the summer, ceiling fans can help make rooms feel cooler, and in the winter, they can actually help push down the warm air from your ceiling and bring it into the livable part of the room.

Bonus Tip: Use a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or air fryer instead of an oven or stovetop. These smaller appliances use significantly less energy than traditional cooking methods. Plus, in the summer, they heat up your house less, meaning your HVAC isn’t fighting your oven while you pay for both!

Many small improvements can equal saving money on energy costs. That could mean big savings at the end of each month. Follow me for more home tips!

Thinking about buying a home? Here are some resources that can help: