Sweet Summer Delights: Strawberries, Real Estate, and a Berry Delicious Recipe!

by Don & Susie Karstedt

June is upon us, and you know what that means—summer is knocking on our doors, and so is the delectable strawberry season! Some of you may know that Don and I have a pretty good-sized garden, and one of the things I gave a little more space to in the garden this year is strawberries. There's nothing quite like biting into one that's bright red all the way through. You just know it is going to be good. However, I've discovered that I'm not the only one who loves strawberries. It seems our furry friends in your yard, the bunnies and squirrels, enjoy them too. Although it means I get fewer strawberries than I'd like, I couldn't really not share with them.

To get your summer off to the right start, here are a few fun facts to share at your BBQ party while waiting for the food:

Just one cup of strawberries provides more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs.
Strawberries have been enjoyed since ancient Roman times, where they were used for medicinal purposes.
California produces about 80% of the strawberries in the United States, which is enough to cover a four-lane highway from Los Angeles to New York City!
There are approximately 200 seeds on the outside of a strawberry.
Strawberries are a type of rose.
Strawberries can be a variety of different colors.
Strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges.
Americans eat eight pounds of strawberries per year.

Strawberries: Nature's Candy

Strawberries are the crown jewels of summer fruits. They’re like nature’s candy, but without the guilt. Whether you’re picking them fresh from a local farm or grabbing a pint from the farmer’s market, strawberries bring a burst of joy with every bite. They’re versatile, nutritious, and let's be honest—who doesn’t love a good strawberry shortcake? Here are a few locations where you can either buy strawberries or pick them yourselves.

Picha Farms Puyallup
Spooner Farms Puyallup and Orting
Grandpa's Farm Maple Valley
Harvold Berry Farm Carnation
Lewis County Farms Ethel
Pigmans Organic Patch Olympia

A Berry Wonderful Recipe: Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Before we dive into the real estate goodness, here’s a delightful recipe to celebrate the strawberry season. This Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a refreshing treat that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
1/2 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
4 cups cold water
Ice cubes
Lemon slices and whole strawberries for garnish

Instructions:

In a blender, puree the strawberries until smooth.
In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, basil leaves, lemon juice, and honey. Muddle the basil leaves a bit to release their flavor.
Add the cold water and stir well.
Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the strawberry basil lemonade, and garnish with lemon slices and whole strawberries.
Sip, relax, and enjoy the taste of summer!

Strawberries and Real Estate: A Juicy Connection

Now, you might be wondering, “What do strawberries have to do with real estate?” Well, just like strawberries, listing your home requires patience, timing, and knowing what type of market you are in. Here are a few ways getting your home listed and sold is just like picking strawberries:

When you're in a strawberry patch, you need patience and a keen eye to find the ripest, juiciest berries, ensuring you're selecting only the best. Similarly, when selling your home, it's essential to highlight its finest features, stage it beautifully, and make any necessary repairs to appeal to potential buyers. You want buyer's to understand that they are buying the best home out there.
Timing is also crucial in both activities; strawberries must be picked at their peak ripeness, just as your home should be listed when market conditions are most favorable. By approaching the sale of your home with the same thoughtfulness and care as picking strawberries, you'll maximize your rewards and achieve the best results.
When you finally decide to list your home, it's essential to price it with the current market conditions in mind. Is it a seller's market or a buyer's market? This is similar to buying strawberries—you don't just pick the most expensive ones; you look for the best value, considering which berries are the freshest and most flavorful. You also take into account whether you're at the beginning or end of the strawberry season. Similarly, understanding the nuances of the real estate market will help you price your home strategically to attract the best offers.

Summer: The Season of Home Buyers

As the temperature rises, so does the real estate market. Historically, summer is the season when buyers come out in full force, and this year is no exception. With mortgage rates currently hovering around 6.125%, the market is starting to heat up! Families are eager to move before the new school year, and the longer days make house hunting a pleasant adventure.

As you enjoy your Strawberry Basil Lemonade in the early days of summer, consider that selling your home is similar to savoring the perfect strawberry—it’s about timing, patience, and entering the market at the right moment. When you're ready to sell, let us know. We'll update you on current market conditions, help you prepare your home accordingly and get you on the market at the right time. For expert guidance through the process, reach out to us we are ready to help you in this next stage of your lives.

Happy Strawberry Season! 🏡🍓