Magic Bars and How to Spot the Hidden Potential When House Hunting
When you're house hunting, it’s normal to compare the ones filled with dated cabinets, funky kitchen layouts, and overgrown backyards to the ones that are updated and beautifully decorated. That can make it difficult to favor the ones that just need some elbow grease and a good paint job. But I’m going to help you to spot the hidden potential on your next home tour. First, let’s make some Magic Bars!
Ingredients:
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 2/3 cups (10-ounce package) peanut butter chips
1 2/3 cups (10-ounce package) chocolate chips
1 cup walnuts, chopped
Here’s How to Do It:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Mix well and press into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9 inch baking pan.
Sprinkle peanut butter chips over crust; then sprinkle coconut over peanut butter chips.
Next, layer chopped walnuts over coconut, then pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over walnuts.
Sprinkle top with chocolate chips
Bake for 20 minutes or until set and lightly golden brown on top.
Cool completely in pan before cutting into bars. See how it’s done here.
How to Spot the Hidden Potential When House Hunting
Look Beyond Pinterest-Perfect Homes
Keep this in mind – homes that look like they're straight off of Pinterest might have a higher price tag and cause you to sacrifice some of the features that were initially most important to you. While picture-perfect homes can be tempting, they may not align with your priorities or leave room for personalization.
Use Your Imagination
Here's a tip – keep your priorities in mind when looking at homes and work around what you might not love about a house. Don't dismiss a property simply because the current style or decor doesn't suit your taste. With some imagination and a bit of elbow grease, you can transform a space to reflect your personal style.
Embrace Cosmetic Updates
Maybe just a few simple updates could give the space a makeover that you'd be really happy with. A fresh coat of paint, new rugs, swapping out the pendant lights, and adding new cabinet hardware in the kitchen could make the space look entirely different and wouldn't require taking the kitchen down to its studs or starting from scratch!
Make It Your Own
After all, the beauty of buying a home is making it your own. Instead of being swayed by picture-perfect listings, keep an open mind and envision the potential each property holds. With some creativity and a willingness to roll up your sleeves, you can turn a seemingly ordinary home into your dream abode, tailored to your unique style and needs.
Want more recipes and real estate tips? Sign up for my newsletter and be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. From My Kitchen to yours!