This Week in Real Estate (and Ribeyes): Why You Should Stop Sleeping on Both

There’s something exciting about finding a hidden gem. In real estate, it might be an overlooked neighborhood that’s about to explode in value. In food, it might be a dish you didn’t see coming — the one that makes you stop mid-bite and say, “Wait… what just happened?”

This week, I found one of those gems. And, believe it or not, it came from Carrabba’s.

The Steak That Stole the Show

Let me set the stage. I’m holding a $50 Carrabba’s gift certificate I’d just won (because sometimes the steak fairies smile upon you). Naturally, I’m thinking pasta, maybe chicken marsala… but then I see it: the ribeye.

Now, I’ve eaten enough steak in my life to have my own personal leaderboard. I’ve had them from high-end steakhouses, hole-in-the-wall diners, and backyard grills that could rival any chef’s. But this ribeye?

Let me be clear — Carrabba’s isn’t a steakhouse. But this was a steakhouse-quality ribeye that somehow snuck into an Italian restaurant’s kitchen and decided to stay.

What made it special? It came topped with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon butter, and basil. Sounds unusual, right? But the flavor combo? Pure magic. Every bite was a perfect balance of richness, tang, and freshness.

What Steak Can Teach Us About Real Estate

You might be wondering, “Okay Larry, what does a ribeye have to do with the housing market? ”Everything.

Right now, real estate headlines are buzzing:

• Rates are moving (again).

• Some buyers are hitting pause.

• Inventory is shifting.

It’s a time where a lot of people are making quick judgments based on first impressions — and that’s where the Carrabba’s lesson comes in.

Just like nobody expects an Italian chain to deliver a Top 10 ribeye, many people overlook properties, neighborhoods, or even financing options that could be their perfect fit.

Sometimes:

• The listing photos don’t do the house justice.

• The “up-and-coming” neighborhood becomes the hot spot in two years.

• The loan program you never considered ends up saving you thousands.

In both steak and real estate, you win big when you stay open to the unexpected.

Why This Matters Now

The market is shifting, and the people who succeed in it are the ones who can spot opportunity where others see “just another listing.” This is the season for creative thinking — whether it’s finding a home that checks all your boxes in a neighborhood you never explored, or using a financing strategy you didn’t know existed.

It’s also a reminder to enjoy the process. Life is too short to only eat at the same places, and it’s too short to only consider the obvious choices when buying, selling, or refinancing.

Final Bite

So, my challenge to you this week:

• Try something new. Order the unexpected.

• Drive through that neighborhood you’ve never considered.

• Let’s talk about your real estate goals while enjoying a steak that’ll surprise you.

Because when you stay curious, you don’t just find great meals — you find great deals.

Stay Hungry, My Friends. 

If you’re looking to buy, sell, refinance, or just want to grab a bite and talk real estate, reach out. I’m here to help you find your next hidden gem — on the plate and on the map.

Larry,

That Mortgage Foodie