Being eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money or even a lot of time. Sometimes, you don’t have to look any further than your own pantry to find the ingredients you need! Here’s a basic “recipe” for a window cleaner; feel free to check out the whole article by visiting the link below. The first time you clean your windows with a homemade vinegar solution, include a few drops of dish detergent to eliminate the waxy buildup. [...]
Some people have heard of grant money that is available to help first-time homebuyers achieve their dream of owning a home, but most don’t know how to find it. Check out this great article written by my real estate team’s leader on decoding some of the grant money mysteries: http://essex.patch.com/articles/free-money-available-for-first-time-homebuyers My team and I work with some great lenders in the Maryland area that can walk you through this process. Feel free to give me a call or send me [...]
Did you know that more than 70% of the energy used in our homes is for appliances, refrigeration, space heating, cooling, and water heating? Replacing old appliances and equipment with those that are ENERGY STAR labeled can help you save significantly on your utility bills. Each state and territory has selected its own set of ENERGY STAR qualified products to rebate, based on this DOE list of recommended appliances: – Boilers – Central air conditioners – Clothes washers – Dishwashers [...]
Last week I discussed some of the benefits of buying a foreclosure or a short sale property. Today I want to mention a few things to be aware of before committing to a distressed home. 1. Sometimes these types of properties are in very poor condition and require a lot of repairs to make them livable and comfortable. If you find one that you’re really interested in, take a qualified inspector or contractor to see it with you BEFORE you [...]
Depending on your perspective, buying a foreclosure or a short sale property may seem like either the best or the worst idea in the world. This week I will discuss a few benefits to buying in this type of market, and next week I’ll discuss some of the things you should watch out for when buying a distressed home. 1. When properly researched, a distressed property may yield a significant amount of equity in a very short period of time. [...]
Interested in taking a chance on a distressed property, but not really sure how to pay for the repairs it will need? A 203k Rehabilitation Loan may be just what you’re looking for! * Loan amounts up to county limits, which includes the sales price AND the cost of repairs * Up to 6 months to complete the work * Eligible expenses can be included in the cost of the rehab * Improvements can be structural, modernization, health or safety [...]
Think you missed out on getting help to buy a house? The tax credit may be gone, but there are still many programs available to qualified buyers through select lenders. There are a variety of grants and fund-matching programs that offer thousands of dollars towards closing costs and even your down payment! Don’t miss out on these opportunities–funds ARE limited, and it’s first-come, first-serve. Contact me for more information!
We’ve all heard the saying, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, but we don’t always think of it when we’re selling our homes. If your home has been on the market for a while, take a good look at your surroundings. Do you have a Barbie Pink nursery, a Bananarama Yellow playroom, or a Ravens Purple man-cave? While those colors may be perfect for you and your family, they may also be causing potential buyers to envision weeks [...]
From that first day of school, to our first date, to that crucial job interview, we all want to create the best first impression possible for the most important events in our lives. Why? Because we all know that making a solid first impression increases our chances for success! Selling your home is a very important event, so why not make the best first impression to increase your chances of selling it in a timely manner? Over 90% of buyers [...]
Hello visitors! I’m very excited to be bringing you real estate information via “The Real Deal”, my new blog on BaltimoreAgent.net! Here you will find helpful tips, important real estate news, and interactive discussions on everything real estate. Keep checking in, and feel free to comment!