Cheesy Baked Ziti and Why Fall is a Great Time to Sell Your Home

Did you catch my first Instagram LIVE?! I was so nervous, but in the end I had a lot of fun and might just do it again! But, in case you missed it (you can of course go back and watch) I’m sharing the recipe here! We’re making a cheesy baked ziti while I share some tips for why fall is a great time to sell your home, and how you can get ahead if you plan to sell this winter! But first, let’s make some baked ziti!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

• 2 ½ to 3 cups ragu or tomato sauce (try my Easy Everyday Marinara Sauce)

• 8 ounces mozzarella, thinly sliced

• 1 cup grated Parigaino-Reggiano or pecorino cheese

• About 10 basil leaves torn in pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

2. Cook the ziti until al dente

3. In a large bowl, blend 2 tablespoons of the sauce into the ricotta

4. Spread about ¾ cup of the sauce on the bottom of a 9x13x2 inch baking dish

5. When the ziti is done, drain and then toss with the ricotta

6. Spread half the pasta in the baking dish. Evenly spoon over it ¾ cup more sauce. Cover with the sliced mozzarella, the basil and ½ cup of the Parmigiano. Top with the rest of the pasta, 1 cup more of sauce, and the remaining ½ cup grated cheese.

7. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until bumbling.

8. Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting into portions. Serve hot.

Why Fall is a Great Time to Sell Your Home

Autumn isn’t just for pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters—it’s also a fantastic time to sell your home. With cooler temperatures and fewer buyers actively looking, there’s less competition, which means your property has a better chance to stand out. Plus, buyers who are still searching in the fall tend to be serious, often hoping to close before the holidays or the end of the year. And with the beauty of fall foliage, curb appeal gets a natural boost, making homes look warm and inviting.

If you’re planning to sell during the winter, now’s the perfect time to take listing photos. Vibrant autumn leaves, seasonal decor, and green lawns will show your property in its best light, even if your listing hits the market in January. And if you have a pool or outdoor space, showcasing it while it's still open will help buyers imagine enjoying the home year-round. A little prep now ensures your listing looks bright and appealing—no matter the season!

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