2024 Winter Newsletter by Living Room Realty

R E A L E S TAT E S A L E S

PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT

RENTER SERVICES

FIXERS PROPERT Y MAINTENANCE

Living Room WINTER 2024

INDULGE P.4

RELEVANCE P.6

Learn how to make a cozy winter salad

Gain an understanding about the power

of beet, arugula, and hazelnut with

of HELOCs for financial security and

maple hazelnut vinaigrette.

opportunity.

C A L EN DAR

Local Events January

Rose City Classic Dog Show January 17–21 This 5-day event offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of animals and pets. Exhibitors can present their offerings to a broad audience and gain insights from industry experts while consumers can expand their knowledge about animals and pets, discovering the latest products and services. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast or a pet lover, the Rose City Classic Dog Show 2024 is the ultimate event.

Preschool Walks at Hoyt Arboretum Mondays and Saturdays from 10–11:15 Experience the joy of the great outdoors with your young one through Tree Time! The knowledgeable staff and trained Arboretum volunteers will acquaint your family with the diverse flora, trees, insects, fungi, and more that can be found at Hoyt Arboretum. Each Tree Time walk offers a distinctive, seasonally-inspired encounter with the beauty of nature.

February

March

Portland Winter Lights Festival February 2–10

Musical Olympics March 3

The Portland Winter Light Festival (PDXWLF) is a yearly celebration organized by the non-profit arts organization, the Willamette Light Brigade that converges art, technology, and inclusivity to enliven the city of Portland during the winter season. This event offers a platform for remarkable light installations, projections, and interactive exhibits that together create an immersive and captivating experience.

OR EGO N SYMP HO NY

The 2018 launch of Portland’s Folk Festival at McMenamins White Eagle provided a gathering point for local musicians, fostering unity and a celebration of their vibrant music scene. This year, at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, the festival will once again unite artists and fans in celebrating a diverse array of traditional, Americana, and roots music genres, continuing the annual tradition.

P O RTL AND’S FOL K FES T IVAL

Portland’s Folk Festival January 12–14

Portland Farmers Market At Portland State University February 17

Portland International Auto Show February 22–25

Located on PSU campus, the farmers market unfolds beneath the sprawling canopy of majestic elm trees. This vibrant market plays host to as many as 10,000 enthusiastic shoppers. Residents of the Portland area, renowned chefs, and visitors from all corners of the globe converge on this bustling marketplace to explore a diverse array of up to 100 vendor stalls.

Take the wheel in one of the numerous Ride & Drive events, witness live custom car construction, and delve into the most recent developments in electric vehicles and autonomous technology, which are rapidly approaching. The event caters to all age groups, offering a dedicated kid’s zone, virtual reality simulators, motorcycles, and a myriad of other attractions.

Ideal for both music enthusiasts and sports aficionados, this performance is a surefire winner. With John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and other epic melodies, this show is bound to be a resounding success. Join in with your competitive spirit and help the Oregon Symphony reach the finish line!

7th Annual Shamrock Cruise March 10 Embark on a three-hour voyage aboard the Portland Spirit, where you can savor live performances by the DREOS and Katie Jane bands, along with captivating Irish dance performances by Christina and Victoria White!

Kell’s St. Patrick’s Festival March 10–17 Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub, a genuinely Irish downtown spot with warm ambiance, wood, brass, and a huge malt scotch selection, offers traditional Irish fare, sports, and live music.

FROM OUR LIVING RO O M

Our Living Room

BY JENELLE ETZEL

THE LIVING ROOM REALT Y HEADQUARTERS at 421 SE 10th & Stark is

one of only a handful of Modernist buildings in Oregon protected by the National Register of Historic Places, and one of even fewer that are open for the public to tour. Our building has won the highly prestigious DeMuro Award given for “Superior Restorations and Outstanding Leadership in Historic Preservation” that celebrates Oregon’s built environment and diverse history. Awards and accolades are lovely. It’s been an honor to share our building with an appreciative audience. Yet the real award is less tangible but just as meaningful. It’s a sweet secret dream I held from my childhood, that I’m reminded of each day I go to work. Our main office is a Modern Movement, International Style building built in 1962 for the Postal Employees Credit Union. At this time in history, financial institutions embraced the language of Modernism as a way of casting off long-held public perception that all banks were traditional and stuffy. Having your business in a Modernist building was a way to demonstrate openness and friendly convenience to a growing middle-class customer base. Before they built the building we are in today, the former home of the Postal Employees Credit Union was a Grand Renaissance style building with a fortress-like exterior. A fortress by definition is “a building not susceptible to outside influence or disturbance.” So moving from a building that communicated “keep out” to “welcome in” was a radical shift in how the bank wanted to be perceived by the community. Sometimes a move or change is necessary to express our true selves and the dream of what we want our lives or businesses to be. The architecture we love is often an expression of our thoughts and goals and those goals are often rooted in our deepest desires and dreams, whether we are conscious of it or not. This is something we as agents enjoy getting to be a part of and exploring with our clients. Our unique histories and life experiences often shape the type of homes and neighborhoods we desire to live in. Under the goal of homeownership is always a unique story and dream. Purchasing our southeast headquarters was an expression of my team’s dreams come true, and also my own, both professionally and personally. Professionally, the building’s Modernist style puts emphasis on openness and friendliness, which reflects our company’s mission of “Living Room For All”, to work towards making home ownership accessible for as many as possible. Personally, it’s an expression of my own dreams as well. I was raised by a single mother who was a postal employee herself. My brother and I would sleep on the mail room floor for the first hours of her early morning shift until 7 o’clock when our daycare opened. Weekends were spent with both sets of my grandparents, who lived in mid-century modern ranches in Portland’s Bridemile and SW Healy Heights neighborhoods. I attended mass and Sunday school at St. Thomas Moore with my mother’s parents, a gorgeous Modernist building designed by the famous Pietro Belluschi. I associated these Modernist spaces with love, security, ease, hope, abundance, success and beauty. It was at this time I declared to my mother I wanted to be a nun. Stunned, my mother asked me “Why?” and I replied I loved the music and stained glass. If you come visit our headquarters you will see the high ceilings in our great room have lofted ceilings that arch towards

the light and giant stained glass windows. And our team always has music playing. It makes me smile that I built a life of service with all the elements I was attracted to as a kid in my own way. Punk Rock Real Estate Nun? If you can dream it you can be it I suppose….. And to this day, anytime I step into a mid-century building or home those same positive feelings and associations wash over me. Sometimes in our search, we are trying to return to a feeling and sometimes we are trying to turn away from it. For my clients with stories of dusting the baseboards of old bungalows and farmhouses as a child they turn towards the clean lines of a Modernist home. For the children who grew up in unhappy split levels they want nothing more than the dust of a baseboard on a bungalow. Our built environment invokes memories and is often a part in making our long held dreams come true. Our jobs as Realtors, on many levels, are about making sure we understand the numbers, the comparables, the home values, market trends, mechanicals of a home, and the amenities of the neighborhood surrounding the property. But at the heart of our jobs, we must also be great at listening and reflecting back the dreams and desires of our clients to ensure that they make choices not only aligned with the health of their finances but also with the desires of their hearts and dreams. There is no greater feeling of satisfaction than when you walk into a space with someone when they find the “one”. Many agents share how they can feel it and see it when it happens for their clients. It’s absolute magic, and it would be our greatest honor to serve you by helping you make your own dreams come true. Thank you for sharing your dreams with us, it’s what makes our own come true. In gratitude + joy, JENELLE ETZEL OWNER, LIVING ROOM REALTY

REL EVA N CE

Seasonal Cooking

Beet, Arugula, Hazelnut Salad with Maple Hazelnut Vinaigrette

THIS COLORFUL fresh salad hits all

YIELD: MAKES 4-6 SERVINGS

—LAUREN CHANDLER

Our Perfect Day

VILL AGE COFFEE

MULTNOMAH ARTS CENTER

Start the busy day with caffeine and a pastry from Village Coffee, in the heart of Multnomah Village. This cozy and unique coffee spot, is complete with vintage theater seats that provide the perfect vantage point for people-watching.

Make your way to the Multnomah Arts Center and explore their diverse range of arts classes suitable for all skill levels, including beginners. These classes encompass drawing, painting, textiles, metalwork, ceramics, photography, woodworking, and dance, ensuring there’s something that piques your interest.

the right notes—nutty, peppery, sweet, and earthy. And It’s gorgeous to boot. Add lentils or chicken for a more filling alternative.

INGREDIENTS 4 medium-sized beets, tops and tails removed Extra virgin olive oil 1 shallot, minced 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar 2 teaspoons pure dark maple syrup 1 1⁄2 teaspoon dijon mustard 3 tablespoons roasted hazelnut oil (or extra virgin olive oil) 6 cups arugula 2 tablespoons chopped mint 4 ounces ricotta salata, very thinly sliced or shaved with a vegetable peeler 1⁄2 cup roughly chopped Oregon Orchard roasted hazelnuts Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

L AUREN CHANDLER COOKS

is a plant-centered chef, educator, and recipe developer. She teaches cooking classes for team-building and wellness through organizations in person and virtually from her sweet little chef’s cottage that a Living Room broker helped her buy. Contact her at lauren@ laurenchandlercooks.com for a cooking class for your team!

Multnomah Village, nestled in SW Portland, captivates with its small-town allure. Lined with locally-owned shops, cafes, and bookstores, the village exudes a welcoming atmosphere. Charming streets invite leisurely strolls, and a sense of community thrives in this eclectic neighborhood, making it a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike.

7781 SW CAPITOL HWY, PORTLAND, OR 97219

7688 SW CAPITOL HWY, PORTLAND, OR 97219

R ECIP E

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Preheat the oven to 425° 2 Place the beets in a roasting dish and fill

with water 2/3 of the way up the beets. Add a generous 3-4 glugs of olive oil, and 2-3 generous pinches of salt and pepper. Roll the beets around, so that they’ve been coated on all sides, then cover with parchment paper and tinfoil.

3 Cook for 30 minutes, then remove from

the oven, carefully pull back the tin foil and parchment paper and rotate the beets so that the side that was submerged in the liquid is above the surface. Re-cover and continue to cook for 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the beets. They are done when a chef’s knife can easily slide through the center of the beets.

4 While the beets are in the oven, make the

dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the shallot, vinegar, maple syrup, and mustard. Continue whisking, and slowly drizzle in the hazelnut oil. Season with salt and pepper.

5 When the beets are cooked, carefully peel

back the foil and parchment and use tongs to transfer the beets to a plate or dish to cool. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skins with your hands, wearing gloves if you wish to prevent your hands from staining. Slice the beets into wedges or rounds.

6 In a large bowl, toss the beets, arugula,

mint, ricotta salata, and hazelnuts with the dressing and season with salt and pepper.

Why it matters that Living Room Realty is a Certified B Corporation A B CORP REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE prioritizes financial success alongside positive

societal impact, diverging from traditional models to focus on well-being. Living Room Realty was the first real estate brokerage to achieve B Corp status and was recognized as a top global B Corp in 2023. These brokerages dedicate themselves to creating value for clients, employees, communities, and the environment. Social responsibility involves initiatives like affordable housing and community development. Environmental stewardship includes sustainable practices like energy efficiency and green building standards. Employee well-being is prioritized through competitive wages and positive workplace culture. Transparency and accountability are maintained through annual reports, fostering trust. Legally committed to social and environmental responsibility, B Corps consider the impact on all stakeholders. In essence, B Corp real estate brokerages uphold a triple-bottom-line approach, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable industry. Learn more at bcorporation.net.

BLUEBIRD THAI PDX

SHOPPING

YALL A

RENNER’S

Once you’ve built up an appetite, take a stroll to the food cart pod nestled at the heart of the village. Among the delectable options available, our winter favorite is Bluebird. Indulge in their Thai curries or noodle dishes, which offer a delightful harmony of sweet, spicy, sour, and salty flavors. Bluebird prides itself on using top-notch ingredients and crafting each dish from scratch in adherence to traditional methods..

After your delicious lunch, treat yourself to a relaxing stroll through the charming shops of Multnomah Village. You’ll find a diverse array of options, from local-themed items at Community to carefully curated everyday necessities at JP General. We suggest picking up a book at Annie Blooms and of course, no shopping excursion is complete without selecting a toy from Thinker Toys!

Yalla, a Mediterranean smokehouse, serves as the ideal dinner destination to cap off our perfect day. Operated by the Sesame Collective restaurant group, it opened its doors in the summer of 2020 and offers a menu featuring a delightful array of smoked meats, vegetables, and comforting dishes.

To conclude the evening, make your way across the street to Renner’s, a historic bar that has been a beloved part of Portland since 1939. This family-owned and operated establishment is a cherished favorite among locals. Its iconic neon sign stands as a warm beacon in this charming neighborhood, making it the ideal spot for a nightcap!

3518 SW MULTNOMAH BLVD, PORTLAND, OR 97219

3925 SW MULTNOMAH BLVD, PORTLAND, OR 97219

7850 SW CAPITOL HWY, PORTLAND, OR 97219

7819 SW CAPITOL HWY, PORTLAND, OR 97219

MARK ET N EWS

Unlocking Home Wealth The Power of HELOCs for Financial Security and Opportunity HAVE YOU BEEN enjoying the increasing

value of your home? What if I told you there’s a way to make that house wealth work for you? We affectionately call it “house wealth,” and it’s flourishing in our town! Now, you might be content letting your equity grow quietly in the background of your daily life, but I have a suggestion—consider adding a HELOC, or home equity line of credit, to your financial toolkit. A HELOC is like a friendly neighbor to your existing mortgage, always there “just in case.” It’s incredibly flexible, allowing you to use the funds for anything you like. Whether it’s home improvements, debt consolidation, or just a safety net for the future—a HELOC is a versatile financial friend! Here’s the thing about HELOCs— they’re like a special credit card, and you can only get it when you qualify. The catch is, the moment you might need it most could be the same time you don’t qualify anymore. You need credit, verified income, and property value to set it up. I recently had a poignant reminder of how a HELOC can act as a safety net when unexpected challenges arise, like falling behind due to unforeseen medical events. Let’s chat if you’re curious about what you can access today. We offer HELOCs for both primary residences and rental properties. Let’s add some financial protection to your 2024! Reach out to me at james@pdxhomeloan.com or call 503-445-6033. Your financial well-being matters to us! JAMES ADAIR NMLS 272766

Stats

Average prices for single family homes, attached homes, and condos

Here’s how the numbers looked in November 2023 Percent change compares August 2023 to the average price over the past 12 months (Nov. 2022–Nov. 2023)

Vancouver, WA

$542,871 +3.3% North PDX

$483,200

N. Washington County

-7.6%

$760,400 -1.0%

Northeast PDX

$586,000 -1.4% Hillsboro/Forest Grove

$551,200 -0.6%

Beaverton/Aloha

$541,800 -2.5%

West PDX

$705,900 -5.3%

Southeast PDX

$513.200 -6.0%

Tigard/ Wilsonville

$656,100 +0.9% Where sales price increased over the past year AREA

Lake Oswego/ West Linn

$1,043,700 +3.2% Oregon City/ Canby

INCREASE

Vancouver ................ 3.3% LO/West Linn........... 3.2% Tigard/Wilsonville ...0.9%

Portland Metro Market Averages NOVEMBER 2023 Stats via RMLS for Areas 141–152

$598,900 -2.7%

$669,750 Avg. Sales Price

Avg. Days on Market

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

LI STINGS

Our Listings

Here are just a few of the beautiful homes we have for sale.

Gresham/ Troutdale

Revitalized Laurelhurst Gem, Where Timeless Charm Meets Contemporary Artistry

$476,900 -5.3%

Milwaukie/ Clackamas

$576,400 -3.6%

1970s Split-Level Haven with Endless Potential

$371,639 Avg. Sales Price

Avg. Days on Market

CONDOS

1133 Bexhill Street This rare 1970s split-level home is on the market for the first time since 1978. It’s a customizable gem with a living room, fireplace, dining room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, and potential ADU or treehouse in an expansive backyard. In the Willamette neighborhood, near downtown, Tualatin River, and easy 205 access. Explore possibilities! 4 bed | 3 bath | 1,996 sq, ft. $540,000

Corner Studio with Spectacular Views, Modern Updates, and Unlimited Potential 1205 SW Cardinell Drive Perfect condo at Cardinell View Lofts! This corner studio with oversized windows, tree and city views, includes an updated kitchen, spacious walk-in closet, spotless bathroom, new mini-split, roof, paint, and added outlets. It could be a great rental, with extra storage, minutes to downtown PDX. No rental cap. 0 bed | 1 bath | 599 sq. ft. $195,000

3482 NE Pacific Street Discover the reimagined Laurelhurst gem, seamlessly blending bold design with vintage charm. The main floor features two bedrooms, a wood-burning fireplace, and restored oak floors. It features new elements, from steel railings to a glass cloud chandelier, showcasing artistic expression. Other features include a redesigned kitchen, primary suite with custom rain shower, lower-level family room, and a landscaped backyard with pergola-covered patio. A harmonious blend of old and new awaits. 4 bed | 3 bath | 2,416 sq. ft. $1,100,000 Given the nature of real estate, these homes may already be pending or sold. See more on our website: livingroomre.com

B U Y IN G & SE L L I NG

Your Stories We are in the business of sharing stories— stories of the people we work with and of the neighborhoods we know and love that make up the great city of Portland.

From House Hunt to Home Sweet Home: Buying a Townhouse in NW Portland ABOVE

A Credit Worth Celebrating: How we Made It Happen for Sara & Joseph ABOVE We fulfilled Sara and Joseph’s home dreams. Referred by delighted past clients, the journey involved exploring numerous homes, shared giggles, and family moments with Emmy, the honorary “acoustics inspector.” Despite getting close to one house, the perfect-fit home awaited. With boundless opportunities and a fantastic backyard, it’s ideal for their three pups and family gatherings. Negotiations post-inspections were navigated smoothly, securing a substantial credit for their new home. Cheers to Sara and Joseph’s new beginning!

Jennifer, seeking change, found a townhome through our listing. With a clear vision, we explored options. We swiftly organized Jennifer’s home search. After viewing several properties, the perfect one stood out. Jennifer promptly made an offer, and our seamless collaboration secured the deal. Thanks to the dream team, including Olivia Paulson as the lender, the transaction was smooth. Cheers to Jennifer and her new journey in the beautiful townhome!

A First-Time Homebuyer in Cedar Mill LEFT We assisted Nate, a first-time homebuyer, in finding his dream townhome. After exploring various options, we discovered a charming place just blocks away from his desired neighborhood. Now a proud homeowner, Nate is surrounded by parks and wetlands. The semi-furnished home adds excitement to move-in day. A heartwarming journey, and we are thrilled for Nate’s next chapter!

BUYING & SE L L ING

Keeping It Cool RIGHT Kudos to resilient buyers Lily and Joe! Their home buying journey, amidst competition in the sought-after Mt. Tabor neighborhood was a rollercoaster. After a prolonged search, they found a promising home in August 2023. Despite a challenging negotiation, they secured the deal, only to face inspection complications leading to a halted transaction. Undeterred, they revisited the home when it reappeared on the market, navigating obstacles with grace and persistence. In 27 days, keys in hand, they triumphed. A testament to their fortitude and a learning experience for all involved. Congratulations to Lily, Joe, and their growing family!

Sometimes You Have to Get Creative NOT PICTURED

A First Time Home Buyer Key Day Story! RIGHT Jeannette and her partner, first-time homebuyers, found their dream home in Portland’s Argay Terrace. Their checklist included a single-level accessible home with character, a yard for gardening, and 3 beds, 2 baths. The neighborhood’s mid-century modern charm captivated them. The smooth transaction led to a timely closing. Handing the keys over marked a special moment, affirming their ability to overcome challenges. The house, tastefully updated with vintage highlights, embodies their vision for a new, old Portland home.

In navigating a challenging market, addressing high interest rates for a buyer seeking property financing and positive cash flow was a priority. Employing creativity led to negotiating seller financing with interest-only payments for five years, ensuring a mutually beneficial outcome for both the buyer and the seller. Specializing in investment properties involves offering tailored, creative solutions, and we love delivering for our clients!

“Handing the keys over marked a special moment, affirming their ability to overcome challenges. The house, tastefully updated with vintage highlights, embodies their vision for a new, old Portland home.”

Read more stories on our blog: livingroomre.com/blog

Homeowner FAQs

Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or in the market for your first home, buying and owning real estate can be complicated. We put together this list for our readers who might want a refresher on some of the most frequently asked questions. Remember to reach out to your Living Room agent if you’re ready to make a move!

QUESTION & ANSWER

PRO TIP

How do I qualify for a mortgage? To secure a mortgage, your credit score, income, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio are key factors that lenders consider.

Some buyers qualify for special types of financing. Ask your agent for tips and then ask your lender what programs they support.

What is the difference between a fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage? A fixed-rate mortgage maintains a constant interest rate, while an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) may have a variable rate that changes periodically.

Talk to your lender and make sure you have a thorough understanding of the loan type you are applying for.

What is a down payment, and how much do I need? A down payment is an upfront payment when buying a home, usually a percentage of the purchase price, typically ranging from 3% to 20%.

Larger down payments aren’t the right choice for everyone. Ask your agent or lender for more information.

What is private mortgage insurance (PMI)? PMI is often required for down payments below 20%, protecting the lender in case of borrower default.

Homeowners may request PMI cancellation if they believe their home’s value has increased through improvements or market changes. Ask your lender if requesting cancellation is a good fit for you. A reappraisal is often required.

What are closing costs? Closing costs encompass fees in real estate transactions, shared by buyers and sellers. They include lender fees, title insurance, and legal fees.

Sometimes the seller pays the fees, sometimes the buyer does. Your Living Room agent will help you negotiate the terms.

How do property taxes work? Local governments impose property taxes based on property value, usually paid annually or as part of the monthly mortgage payment.

If you lump your taxes into your monthly mortgage payment, review your statement to see exactly how much you’re currently paying.

What is homeowners insurance, and is it required? Homeowners insurance shields against property damage and liability. While not mandatory, lenders often require it as a mortgage condition.

Periodically photograph your home to document your belongings. This may help the claims process run more smoothly if your property is ever damaged in a fire or other covered event.

How do I maintain my home? Home maintenance involves routine cleaning, repairs, and seasonal upkeep, ensuring property value is preserved.

Maintaining your home is a great way to avoid some costly repairs.

Can I make changes to my home, and do I need permits? Depending on the project scope, home improvements may need permits. Always check local regulations before major renovations.

Homes with unpermitted work may be more difficult to sell, and insurance companies may not cover damage to (or caused by) unpermitted work.

What is equity, and how do I build it? Equity, the difference between home value and mortgage balance, grows through appreciation, mortgage payments, and home improvements.

Building equity has a number of advantages. Homeowners often borrow from their equity to fund renovation projects or other investments. Read “Unlocking Home Wealth” on page 6!

How do I refinance my mortgage? Refinancing, replacing an existing mortgage, can secure lower rates, adjust the loan term, or access home equity.

If you have a high-interest loan, keep an eye on what rates are doing and ask your lender about the costs and benefits of refinancing.

What happens if I want to sell my home? Selling involves pricing, marketing, and negotiations. For a seamless transaction, partnering with a real estate professional is recommended.

Your Living Room agent would love to connect with you and answer any questions you have. Please reach out any time!

H OROS CO P E S

Horoscopes

Guidance from the stars for each of the zodiac signs this fall.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

DEC 22— JAN 19 Capricorn, winter’s grounding energy balances your ambition. Plan a cozy retreat to recharge. A reflective mood guides thoughtful New Year resolutions.

JAN 20—FEB 18 Aquarius, January sparks your innovative spirit. Unleash creative energy for new projects. Social connections bloom; embrace unexpected friendships. Set intentions for an inspired year ahead.

FEB 19—MAR 20 Pisces, February brings love and creativity. Open your heart to romance. Express your artistic side. Share dreams with others; they’ll support your aspirations. A soulful project takes flight.

MAR 21—APR 19 Aries, the chill in the air ignites your fiery spirit. Channel energy into personal goals. Adventure calls; plan an active winter escape. Relationships deepen, bringing passion and harmony. Manifest success.

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

APR 20—MAY 21 Taurus, winter brings stability. Focus on home and family. Spruce up your space; host cozy gatherings. Financial endeavors prosper. Strengthen bonds with loved ones; find comfort in traditions.

MAY 22—JUN 21 Gemini, winter inspires communication. Express your ideas boldly. Socialize with diverse groups. Take a spontaneous trip. Career opportunities arise; seize them. Embrace change for personal growth.

JUN 22—JUL 22 Cancer, the colder months of the year emphasize emotional connections. Strengthen bonds with loved ones. Explore your creativity and passions. Financial ventures thrive; invest wisely. Seek balance for overall well-being.

JUL 23—AUG 22 Leo, winter sparks your vibrant energy. Shine in the spotlight. Plan festive gatherings. Strengthen romantic bonds. Focus on self-care and well-being. Career advancements beckon; seize the spotlight.

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

AUG 23—SEP 22 Virgo, chilly months call for organization. Tend to health and routine. Embrace new fitness goals. Nurture relationships with family. Creativity soars; pursue artistic interests. Balance work and play.

SEP 23—OCT 22 Libra, the wintertime brings harmony. Strengthen partnerships. Socialize with friends. Career ambitions soar; trust your instincts. Nurture your emotional well-being. Plan a peaceful retreat.

OCT 23—NOV 21 Scorpio, the frosty air ignites passion. Embrace transformation. Strengthen emotional bonds. Financial opportunities arise; invest wisely. Pursue creative endeavors. Manifest abundance and success.

NOV 22— DEC 21 Sagittarius, the new year inspires adventure. Plan exciting travels. Nurture spiritual growth. Strengthen family ties. Focus on career aspirations; bold decisions lead to success. Embrace gratitude.

United in our efforts, we know we can do more to effect change and have a greater impact on the world around us. We became a certified B Corp in 2013 and joined a community of global leaders who make choices to intentionally serve the greater good. We consider the impact of our decisions on our staff, agents, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. When you work with us, you’re also intentionally making a choice for the greater good.