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Finding the Perfect Home & The Comfort of Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Lainie Eilenberger

By Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger

What makes a house a home? Is it the warmth of green chiles roasting in the oven, the laughter echoing around the dinner table, or the peace you feel stepping into a space that’s truly yours? Just like a bubbling dish of green chile chicken enchiladas fresh out of the oven, the perfect home should wrap you in comfort and leave you feeling satisfied. Whether you’re hunting for a dream kitchen to bring bold recipes to life or a backyard built for Sunday get-togethers, West Texas living brings the spice, soul, and space to make every day feel like home.

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

For the Enchiladas:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
8–10 corn tortillas
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)

For the Sauce:

1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup diced green chiles

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced green chiles, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Make the Sauce:

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour until bubbly.
Slowly add chicken broth and milk, whisking until thickened.
Stir in sour cream and green chiles. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Assemble & Bake:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly heat tortillas in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll, and place seam-side down in a greased 9x13" baking dish.
Pour green chile sauce over the enchiladas and top with remaining cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

These enchiladas are the kind of dish that brings folks together and warms you from the inside out—just like the perfect home.

Real Estate & the Heart of the Home

At Key & Slate Real Estate Group, we know that a home is more than four walls. It’s where flavor meets function, and where memories are seasoned with laughter and love. Whether it’s a kitchen for cooking comfort food or a patio made for enchiladas under the stars, Lainie Eilenberger will help you find the space that fits your lifestyle like the perfect tortilla wraps around a filling.

Real Estate Tip:

Finding the right home is a lot like crafting the perfect enchilada—it’s all about the layers. Look beyond the surface and consider long-term needs like kitchen layout, storage, neighborhood amenities, and resale potential. With the right recipe (and Realtor), your dream home is just a few steps away.

Why West Texas Tastes Like Home

There’s something about West Texas that just feels right. Maybe it’s the rolling plains, the unbeatable sunsets, or the community spirit that makes every neighbor feel like family. It’s a place where traditions matter, where bold flavors thrive, and where homes are built to last.

Communities We Proudly Serve

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves Lubbock and these welcoming West Texas communities: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Discover More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group

🔹 LainieEilenberger.com – Explore Lubbock and West Texas real estate listings, tips, and resources.

🔹 Key & Slate Real Estate Group on Keller Williams – Meet our team and browse current homes for sale.

🔹 One Ford Road Community – Discover luxury homes in one of Lubbock’s most desirable neighborhoods.

🔹 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Real estate with heart and hustle in Lubbock and the South Plains.

🔹 Lainie Eilenberger on YouTube – Tour homes, learn about the market, and get expert advice.

Your Home, Your Comfort, Your Future

Like any great dish, the perfect home starts with the right ingredients. Whether you’re ready to buy, sell, or just gather ideas, I’m here to walk with you through every step of your real estate journey. Let’s find the home that brings you comfort, joy, and a whole lot of flavor.

📩 Contact me today—and let’s cook up something amazing for your future!

Cozy West Texas kitchen at sunset with rustic wood cabinetry, adobe walls, and green chile chicken enchiladas fresh out of the oven on a colorful countertop, capturing the warmth and comfort of West Texas living. — Warm and welcoming, this West Texas kitchen showcases rustic charm and a fresh dish of green chile chicken enchiladas—perfect for highlighting the comfort of home and flavorful Southwest living. Ideal for real estate and lifestyle content centered on Lubbock and West Texas homes.

Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades That Add Value

Lainie Eilenberger

By Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger

In West Texas, where summer heat and winter chills can take a toll on our homes—and our wallets—making your home more energy-efficient isn’t just smart, it’s an investment. Whether you’re selling or staying put, these eco-conscious upgrades not only improve comfort and lower utility bills but also increase your property’s value. Let’s explore the top energy-efficient improvements that can turn your home into a high-performing powerhouse!

Why Energy-Efficient Upgrades Matter 🔋🌎

Energy efficiency means doing more with less—less energy, less waste, and fewer surprises on your electric bill. When you upgrade your home with smart, energy-saving solutions, you’re building equity, saving money, and creating a more sustainable space for your family and future buyers.

💡 Reduces Utility Costs – Lower your monthly bills by optimizing your home's energy use.

💰 Increases Resale Value – Eco-conscious buyers are willing to pay more for energy-saving homes.🌱 Protects the Environment – Smaller carbon footprint = bigger impact on the planet.

Top Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades That Boost Value 🛠️✅

1. Install a Smart Thermostat 🏡📱

Smart thermostats learn your habits and optimize heating and cooling schedules for maximum efficiency.

Control temps remotely with your smartphone.
Reduce heating/cooling costs by up to 15%.
Attract tech-savvy buyers.

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows 🪟💨

Modern double- or triple-pane windows with Low-E coatings prevent heat loss and block UV rays.

Keep your home cooler in summer, warmer in winter.
Lower your HVAC system’s workload.
Boost curb appeal with sleek, modern frames.

3. Improve Insulation & Air Sealing 🧱🕳️

In older West Texas homes, upgrading insulation is a game-changer.

Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and attic spaces.
Add blown-in or spray foam insulation for high R-values.
Enjoy better comfort and fewer drafts.

4. Switch to LED Lighting 💡

Swapping out old incandescent bulbs for LED options is an easy win.

Use up to 90% less energy.
LEDs last 25x longer than traditional bulbs.
Create a brighter, more welcoming home.

5. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances 🧺🔥

ENERGY STAR-rated appliances are a must for modern, value-driven homes.

Replace outdated washers, dryers, and refrigerators.
Look for models with low water and electricity usage.
Highlight these upgrades when listing your home.

6. Upgrade HVAC Systems ❄️🔥

If your HVAC is over 10-15 years old, it may be time for a more efficient model.

Choose ENERGY STAR systems with variable-speed motors.
Pair with proper ductwork and insulation upgrades.
Boost comfort and lower bills year-round.

7. Install a Tankless Water Heater 🚿

These compact units heat water on demand, using less energy.

Eliminate standby heat loss from traditional water heaters.
Free up space in your utility closet or garage.
Appeal to buyers looking for modern conveniences.

8. Upgrade to a Cool Roof 🏠🌤️

Reflective roofing materials reduce heat absorption, keeping homes cooler in the Texas sun.

Reduce cooling costs by up to 20%.
Extend the life of your roof.
Pair with attic ventilation for best results.

9. Install Ceiling Fans for Efficient Air Circulation 🌀

Ceiling fans help maintain a comfortable temperature and reduce HVAC use.

Reverse direction for winter to push warm air down.
Stylish and functional upgrade for any room.
Popular feature in West Texas living rooms and patios.

Energy Upgrades & Real Estate Value 💵🔑

Energy-efficient upgrades are among the top improvements you can make for ROI. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and lower utility costs when searching for their next home.

🔹 Sell faster – Energy-smart homes stand out in competitive markets.

🔹 Price higher – Green certifications and updated systems drive up value.

🔹 Offer long-term savings – Market your home as both beautiful and budget-friendly.

Communities We Proudly Serve 🌾

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves Lubbock and these vibrant West Texas communities: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Discover More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group 🔍

📌 LainieEilenberger.com – Explore Lubbock & West Texas real estate listings, tips, and resources.📌 Key & Slate Real Estate Group on Keller Williams – Learn about our team and view homes for sale.

📌 One Ford Road Community – Discover upscale homes in this exclusive Lubbock neighborhood.📌 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Personalized real estate services for Lubbock & South Plains.

📌 Lainie Eilenberger on YouTube – Virtual home tours, market insights, and expert tips.

Let’s Upgrade Your Real Estate Experience 🌟

Upgrading your home with energy-efficient features not only improves your daily comfort—it’s a smart strategy for building long-term value. Whether you’re planning to sell this year or just want to enjoy a more efficient home, I’m here to help you every step of the way.

As your Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, I bring passion, precision, and purpose to every real estate journey.

📞 Contact me today and let’s find a home—or sell yours—with energy and excellence!

Modern single-story West Texas home with brick and siding exterior, energy-efficient windows, and well-maintained landscaping, ideal for spring maintenance and real estate value. Represented by Lainie Eilenberger, Top Lubbock and West Texas Realtor. — A modern, cozy West Texas home featuring energy-efficient windows, fresh landscaping, and smart curb appeal—perfectly prepped for seasonal maintenance and added home value. Listed with Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger.

Finding the Perfect Home & The Spice of Blackened Catfish with Homemade Cajun Dirty Rice

Lainie Eilenberger

By Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger

What makes a house feel like home? Is it the scent of seasoned cast iron sizzling away on the stove, the joy of gathering around the table, or the comfort of a space that’s truly yours? Just like a plate of perfectly blackened catfish paired with savory Cajun dirty rice, the perfect home should be full of flavor, warmth, and soul. Whether you’re looking for a cozy kitchen to bring your favorite recipes to life or the dream home that checks every box, let’s embrace everything that makes West Texas living unforgettable—in both real estate and cooking!

Blackened Catfish with Homemade Cajun Dirty Rice

Ingredients:

For the Blackened Catfish:

4 catfish fillets
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp melted butter
Cast iron skillet (for best results)

For the Dirty Rice:

1 cup long grain white rice
1/2 lb ground sausage or chicken livers
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dirty Rice:

In a large skillet, brown the sausage (or chicken livers) until cooked through.
Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until veggies are soft.
Stir in rice and Cajun seasoning; toast for 1–2 minutes.
Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover.
Simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and garnish with green onions.

Blacken the Catfish:

Pat fillets dry and brush with melted butter.
Generously coat both sides with Cajun seasoning.
Heat cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
Carefully place fillets in the skillet; cook for 2–3 minutes per side.
Fish should be crisp on the outside and tender inside.

Serve the catfish over a hearty scoop of dirty rice and enjoy the Southern comfort of a meal that brings folks together.

Real Estate & The Flavor of Home

A home should be just like this dish—full of flavor, character, and comfort. Whether you're dreaming of a kitchen made for Sunday suppers or a backyard perfect for fish fries and summer evenings, I’m here to help you find a space that’s every bit as inviting and fulfilling as your favorite recipe.

Real Estate Tip:

Just like getting that blackened crust just right takes timing and balance, buying the right home requires the right blend of price, location, and lifestyle needs. Don't overlook key ingredients like school districts, commute time, and neighborhood vibe when shopping for your dream home.

Why West Texas is the Place to Be

From wide open skies to neighborly waves, West Texas is more than a place—it’s a way of life. Whether you're looking for a home with space to grow or one that's already seasoned with charm, there’s a corner of West Texas just for you.