Feeling cooped up this winter? 🏡⛄ Escape the cold and treat yourself to a warm, inviting meal at some of the best local spots in NKY & Cincinnati! Here are our top picks for a cozy dining experience:

🍗 The Eagle OTR (Cincinnati) | 1342 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH – Famous for its crispy fried chicken, gooey mac & cheese, and craft beer, all served in a rustic and inviting atmosphere. 🍻🔥

🍝 Sotto (Downtown Cincinnati) | 118 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH – A romantic underground gem serving handmade pastas and wood-fired meats in a cozy Italian setting. ❤️🍷

🥨 Hofbräuhaus (Newport, KY) | 200 3rd St, Newport, KY – Experience Bavarian charm with hearty comfort food, live music, and authentic German brews. 🍺🎶

🌮 Mazunte (Cincinnati) | 5207 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH – A vibrant Mexican spot serving up fresh tacos, tamales, and house-made salsas. 🌶️😋

🍗 Greyhound Tavern (Fort Mitchell, KY) | 2500 Dixie Hwy, Fort Mitchell, KY – A Northern Kentucky staple known for its legendary fried chicken and home-style comfort food. 🏡🍽️

Support local businesses and shake off the winter blues with a delicious meal! ❄️🍴 Which spot will you try first?

Stay warm & happy dining! 🍽️💖
Melissa & Danielle
This Girl Sells Houses Team – ERA

www.ThisGirlSellsHouses.net

859-512-4444

We hope this blog finds you well! As your trusted real estate expert, I wanted to share a quick update on how the Northern Kentucky housing market is performing.

📉 Market Trends: Inventory is tightening, meaning fewer homes are available—creating more competition for buyers!

📍 Key Market Stats:
🔹 Average Home Price: $305,000 — Up 9% from last year 📈
⏳ Days on Market: 45 days — Homes are selling slower than this time last year
🏦 Current Mortgage Rates: 7.14%
⚖️ Market Type: Seller’s Market – A great time to sell!

With low inventory and rising home prices, sellers are in a strong position to get top dollar for their homes. Buyers, don’t worry—it’s still possible to find your dream home with the right strategy!

📩 Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s chat! I’d love to guide you through the process and help you make the best move for your future.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon! 😊

#NorthernKentuckyRealEstate #MarketUpdate #ThisGirlSellsHouses

The colder months are here, and with them come higher heating bills. But staying warm this winter doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Small adjustments around your home can help you conserve energy, increase comfort, and put more money back in your pocket.

Here are some smart, easy-to-implement tips to make your home more energy-efficient this season:

1. Seal Drafty Areas

Even tiny gaps in your doors, windows, or baseboards can let cold air in and warm air out. Use weather-stripping and caulk to seal cracks, keeping the cozy warmth where it belongs—inside your home!

2. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Set your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you’re asleep or away. A difference of just a few degrees can significantly reduce your heating costs while keeping your home comfortable when you need it.

3. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Did you know ceiling fans can help in winter, too? Switch your fan to spin clockwise at a low speed to push warm air back down into the room. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference!

4. Maintain Your Furnace

Regularly changing your furnace filter keeps your system running efficiently and prevents unnecessary energy waste. A clean filter also helps improve air quality—something we all appreciate during flu season!

5. Let the Sunshine In

Take advantage of free solar heat! Open your blinds and curtains during the day to let sunlight warm your home naturally, then close them at night to keep the warmth from escaping.

Bonus Tip:

Consider scheduling a professional home energy audit. This service can identify hidden problem areas where your home is losing heat—and ultimately losing money!

If you have any questions about maintaining your home or are thinking about buying or selling, I’d love to chat. Let’s make sure your home fits your needs and budget, no matter the season!

Melissa Maxwell & Team

ERA

Hello, 2025!

🎉 A fresh year brings fresh opportunities, and we at This Girl Sells Houses Team are ready to help you kickstart your real estate goals in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. Whether you’re looking to find your dream home, sell your current one, or invest in your future, we’ve got you covered! 🏠❤️

What’s Trending in 2025?

★ Market Insights: The local real estate market is shaping up to be exciting. With interest rates steady and inventory gradually increasing, now is a fantastic time to make your move! 🚀 ★ Hot Neighborhoods: Keep an eye on the ever-charming Fort Thomas, scenic Devou Park, and the luxurious Triple Crown community. These areas are buzzing with activity and are highly sought after! 🏙️

Why Choose Us?

With 24 years of real estate expertise 💪 and a passion for helping our clients succeed, we bring unmatched knowledge and energy to every transaction. Our fun, friendly approach ensures that your experience is as smooth as it is enjoyable. Plus, we love what we do—and it shows! 🌟

Thank You for Your Support!

To all our wonderful clients who made 2024 unforgettable, THANK YOU! ❤️ Your trust and referrals mean the world to us. This year, we’re excited to build on that momentum and create even more success stories together. 🎉

A Little Help from Our Friends 🥰

Know someone who’s thinking of buying or selling a home? Send them our way! Referrals are the heart of our business, and we’d love the chance to provide your friends and family with the same top-notch service that you’ve come to know and love. 💌✨

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media for updates, tips, and the latest listings! Don’t forget to share our posts with anyone who might need a little real estate magic this year. 🎨✨

Here’s to making 2025 the best year yet! Let’s work together to turn dreams into addresses. 🛏❤️

Cheers,
This Girl Sells Houses Team

‘Tis the season to reflect on all the wonderful moments of 2024, and WOW, what a year it’s been! 🏡 From helping families find their dream homes to putting up SOLD signs for our amazing sellers, we are so grateful to have been part of your real estate journeys. 💕

As we cozy up with some hot cocoa ☕ and twinkling lights, we’re already looking ahead to 2025. And guess what? We’d love YOUR help to make it even more amazing! 🎉

Do you know someone who…
🔑 Is ready to buy their first home?
🏠 Wants to upgrade or downsize?
📈 Is curious about selling their home in 2025?

Send them our way, and we promise to take great care of them—just like we’ve done for you! 🙌 Plus, sending a referral is the ultimate holiday gift. 🎁

This season, we’re counting YOU as one of our biggest blessings. Thank you for trusting us, supporting us, and letting us do what we love every day. ❤️

Here’s to a holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and maybe even a little house hunting or selling magic. 🪄✨

Cheers to YOU and a fabulous New Year ahead! 🥂
— This Girl Sells Houses Team  Melissa & Danielle 🏡🎉

📲 P.S. Need to chat about real estate before the New Year? We’re just a call or text away!

The holiday season is upon us, and nothing lights up this time of year quite like a dazzling display of festive cheer! Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner under twinkling lights or bundling up for a family drive to admire the most stunning holiday light shows, we’ve got you covered with the best spots in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. Let’s make your season merry and bright!

Top Holiday Light Displays to Explore

1. The Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights 

• Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
• Why Go? With over 4 million LED lights, the zoo transforms into a winter wonderland. Don’t miss the Wild Lights Show and delicious hot cocoa!
• Pro Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and snag the best parking spot.

2. Light Up the Levee 

• Location: Newport on the Levee, Newport, KY
• Why Go? A riverside experience with synchronized light shows and an opportunity to enjoy local dining and shopping.
• Pro Tip: Pair your visit with dinner at one of the Levee’s fantastic restaurants for the ultimate holiday evening.

3. Coney Island’s Christmas Nights of Lights 

• Location: Coney Island Park, Cincinnati, OH
• Why Go? Drive through this 2.5-mile display of over 1 million synchronized lights to music. It’s a family favorite!
• Pro Tip: Tune your car’s radio to the suggested station for the full audio-visual experience.

4. Fort Thomas Holiday Walk 🇺️

• Location: Downtown Fort Thomas, KY
• Why Go? Stroll through charming streets decked out with lights, live music, and festive cheer. A perfect spot to support local businesses!
• Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for Santa’s appearances along the walk.

Dining Under the Lights

1. Covington’s Main Strasse Village

• Holiday Vibe: Quaint streets strung with lights set the mood for a magical dining experience.
• Where to Eat: Check out Otto’s for delicious comfort food or Bouquet for a fine dining experience.

2. Fountain Square Ice Rink & Light Show 

• Holiday Vibe: Enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants and then head to the square for a festive ice-skating session surrounded by twinkling lights.
• Dining Spot Suggestion: Via Vite offers cozy indoor seating and a fantastic view of the square.

Create Your Own Holiday Light Tour

Want to stay close to home? Load up the car with snacks and hot cocoa, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and visit these neighborhoods known for their jaw-dropping home displays:

• Fort Thomas’ Candy Cane Lane 
• Independence’s Holiday Drive 
• Anderson Township’s Twinkling Trails 

No matter how you choose to celebrate, we hope your holiday season is full of love, laughter, and plenty of sparkle! Share your favorite holiday light photos and tag us on social media @ThisGirlSellsHouses. We’d love to see how you’re making memories this season.

Happy Holidays from all of us at This Girl Sells Houses Team!

Melissa Maxwell & Danielle Hornsby 

The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time to make your home shine—whether you’re staying put or thinking about selling. A festive, well-maintained exterior can make your home feel inviting and add that extra sparkle to your neighborhood. Here are some simple ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal this December:

1. Light It Up

Tasteful holiday lighting can make a big impact. Stick to a cohesive color scheme or soft white lights for a timeless look. Highlight walkways, trees, or architectural details to create a welcoming glow.

2. Door Décor

A wreath is an easy way to make your front door pop. Consider adding one with fresh greenery, pinecones, or a splash of holiday color. Bonus points for a matching doormat!

3. Seasonal Planters

Swap out your summer blooms for planters filled with evergreens, winter berries, or birch branches. It’s a simple way to keep your porch looking lively through the colder months.

4. Clean and Tidy

Keep walkways free of debris, clear snow promptly, and make sure your house numbers are visible. A neat appearance is inviting and helps potential buyers or visitors find your home easily.

5. Subtle Touches

If you’re selling, less is more. Skip the inflatable displays and opt for understated decorations that highlight your home’s best features without overwhelming them.

A little effort can make your home the star of the block this season!

If you’re considering buying or selling, I’d love to help you navigate the market during this magical time of year. Feel free to reach out—I’m here for all your real estate needs.

Melissa Maxwell-ERA

859.512.4444

ThisGirlSellsHouses@Gmail.com

www.ThisGirlSellsHouses.net 

I’m thrilled to share some great news about our neighborhood! A new Italian restaurant, led by two veterans of Greater Cincinnati’s dining and hospitality scene, has just opened its doors in Covington.

Carmelo’s, located at 434 Madison Ave., is situated near the former IRS site, an area soon to be transformed with new apartments, townhomes, and retail spaces. This exciting concept is the brainchild of Billy Grise, former director of food and beverage at Thunderdome Restaurant Group, and Chef Mitch Arens, known for his innovative work with Beard & Bellies BBQ and Grub Local, as well as his role as founder and executive chef of Southernly, a private chef company.

Named in honor of Grise’s grandfather—an Italian American immigrant, devoted family man, and restaurant owner—Carmelo’s brings classic Italian American dishes to life in a warm, rustic yet modern setting. The ambiance echoes Nono Carmelo’s welcoming and joyful spirit, a tribute to the cherished grandfathers who have left their mark on generations, the team shares.

As a real estate agent and member of our community, I love seeing vibrant new places that bring neighbors together and add even more value to our area. If you’re exploring the neighborhood or looking for a new dining experience, Carmelo’s is worth a visit!

https://www.eatatcarmelos.com/

Supporting local businesses is just one way we keep our community thriving.

I’d love to hear your thoughts after you visit!

Melissa Maxwell-ERA

A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING – The Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Television Network will celebrate the start of the holiday season with the classic special, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20 (8:00-8:30 & 8:30-9:00 p.m., ET), on the Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Television Network. In the 1973 special “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” Charlie Brown wants to do something special for the gang. However the dinner he arranges is a disaster when caterers Snoopy and Woodstock prepare toast and popcorn as the main dish. Humiliated, it will take all of Marcie’s persuasive powers to salvage the holiday for Charlie Brown. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

Thanksgiving is almost here, and whether this is your first time hosting or you’re a seasoned pro, the holiday can sometimes bring a few unexpected surprises. As your real estate agent, I know how important it is to keep your home the warm, welcoming space it was meant to be! Here are the top five hosting “fails” to avoid and simple tips to make your home feel cozy and ready for guests.

1. Overcrowding Your Space

• Tip: Keep the main entertaining area free of clutter and give guests room to gather comfortably. If you have a smaller space, consider setting up a “drink station” or extra seating in a secondary room, like a cozy den or enclosed patio, to avoid crowding.

   

2. Not Enough Room in the Fridge

• Tip: Refrigerator space can quickly fill up, especially with all the sides and desserts. Clear out non-essentials and consider placing coolers with ice in your garage or mudroom for drinks. That way, your kitchen fridge has room for all the Thanksgiving essentials.

   

3. Limited Kitchen Space for Cooking and Serving

• Tip: Kitchens can feel tight on big cooking days! Set up a “buffet” or serving station on your dining table or a side counter. If you have an island, reserve it as a prep station and encourage guests to help with small tasks, giving everyone space without creating congestion.

   

4. Lack of Guest Comforts

• Tip: Small touches can make a big difference. Add soft blankets to your living room, adjust the thermostat for the extra body heat, and make sure there’s a designated area for coats and bags. If you’re expecting out-of-town guests, add fresh towels and a few toiletries to your guest bathroom to make them feel right at home.

   

5. Post-Dinner Clean-Up Overload

• Tip: Clean as you go! Empty the dishwasher before the meal so you can load dishes right away, and keep extra trash bags handy. Having food storage containers on hand lets guests take leftovers home – less clean-up and a fun way for them to remember your delicious meal!

   

A well-organized home can be the key to a smooth, memorable holiday. Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with joy, laughter, and lots of room for everyone. And if you know anyone who’d like to find a new space to make these holiday memories, I’d be happy to help!