Happy New Year

                                                                              Lynn Nichols Real Estate would like to wish you a very                                                                               Safe and Happy New Year.

Job Growth to Drive 2014 Housing Market

Read a great article today about how the housing market will so be growing in 2014, only down side is that the mortgage rates will more in likely start to rise above 5% in the second half of the year, now is time to get off the fence. If you would like to talk about the housing market feel free to contact me or visit my website at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013

The housing recovery is expected to remain strong in the new year, driven by economic growth and an improving employment picture, economists say. 

In fact, job growth likely will be one key to driving housing growth in the new year. An estimated 2 million or more jobs will be created in 2014, predicts Lawrence Yun, National Association of REALTORS(R)’ chief economist.

As employment picks up, greater demand for housing is expected to occur and a surge in homebuilding activity. Celia Chen, housing economist at Moody's Analytic, predicts a “homebuilding boom” in 2014 that will spark even more jobs -- from construction workers to manufacturers -- and bring about greater demand for housing overall. 

"The homebuilding boom in 2014 drives our strong economic forecast," Chen said. "Homebuilding generates a lot of jobs.

The housing recovery is expected to continue on its path in the new year with home prices continuing to rise (although at a slower pace); sales to rise slightly; and the foreclosure crisis expected to finally draw to an end. 

"For the general consumer, the market will be good in 2014," says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®. "Home values will continue to rise, but not sharply, but there won't be a decline."

Yun notes 2014 will be the second consecutive year of a “very respectable recovery,” marked by a 20 percent cumulative rise in existing-home sales over the past two years and nearly a 20 percent increase in home values. 

However, he notes that existing-home sales will likely plateau in 2014. Sales have already been slowing in the latest reports. 

Yun says home prices rose 11 percent in 2013, but growth will likely be slower in 2014 at a pace of 5 percent. The reason for the slowing pace of home prices, he says, is mostly being driven by “less affordable conditions from higher prices and higher mortgage rates.” Thirty-year fixed-rate mortgages are expected to rise above 5 percent in the second half of 2014 (up from a current average of 4.47 percent this week).  

"While rates will be higher than what they were, they won't be at a level that will discourage home purchases," says Jay Brinkmann, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association. MBA is predicting interest rates to also average about 5 percent in 2014. 

Meanwhile, the distressed housing crisis is expected to fade away in 2014. Daren Blomquist, vice president at RealtyTrac, says that 2014 will likely be the year “we transition back to normal.” About 85,000 foreclosure filings a month nationwide are expected by the first quarter of 2015. 

"The market has worked through most of the bad loans that triggered the crisis to begin with," Blomquist says. Still, some loans need to be “cleaned up.” 

Thanks for stopping by and visit us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Bacardi's Corner-Holiday Safety Tips For Your Pets

Well the season is upon us and here I am back again, Bacardi. Lynn thought it would be a great idea if I wrote an article about pet safety for Christmas. Well my first tip is I don't know if it is really about safety, but go easy on us on the clothes. I am so afraid this sweater makes me look fat, LOL. Well, onward with pet safety but to be honest I used an article that Dr. Becker wrote (don't tell Lynn though she pays me in dog biscuits). Everyone have a very Merry Christmas!!!

10 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Hectic Holiday Season

1. Secure your Christmas tree by screwing a hook into the wall or ceiling and running string or fishing line around the tree trunk and fastened to the hook.
   
   This will anchor your tree and prevent it from being tipped or pulled over by a curious cat or a rambunctious dog.
   
   It will also keep water at the base of the tree from spilling. Stagnant tree water can harbor bacteria and isn't something your pet should be drinking, so make sure it isn't easily accessible.
2. Place electrical cords, wires and batteries out of your pet’s reach to prevent a potentially deadly electrical shock or burns from a punctured battery.
3. Especially if you are owned by a cat, skip the tinsel. It’s a real temptation for kitties because it’s sparkly and fun to bat around. But ingestion of tinsel can obstruct your pet’s GI tract and bring on vomiting. Vomiting causes dehydration. And if the situation is dire, surgery could be required to remove the tangle of tinsel inside your pet and repair any damage.
   
   Also forego breakable tree ornaments. Glass shards can injure pet paws, mouths, and can be very dangerous if swallowed.
4. Candles are very popular holiday décor, but make sure to never leave lighted candles unattended. Use appropriate holders that prevent candles from being knocked over by curious pets. Take care when using scented candles, especially the food-scented variety, that the smell doesn’t encourage your dog or cat to sample the goods. Candle wax isn’t species-appropriate nutrition for your pet!
5. Pets and sweets don’t mix, so make sure your dog or cat has zero access to holiday goodies like candy, cookies, chocolate and other sugary foods, including any food that is artificially sweetened.
   
   And to be on the very safe side, also prevent your pet from counter surfing in the kitchen, sniffing the table at meal time, and nosing around in the garbage. Believe it or not, there's a long list of people foods that are toxic to pets, so don't even chance it.
6. Beverages should also be kept out of your pet’s reach. Beer, wine and liquor can make your dog or cat quite ill, and can even be life threatening.
7. It’s also a good idea to keep pets separated from tipsy guests. So if the party is getting lively, it’s your cue to tuck your four-legged family member away in a safe, quiet location of the house.
8. Provide your pet with a quiet place to retreat during holiday festivities. Dogs and especially cats get overwhelmed and over-stimulated just like kids do. Make sure your companion has her own out-of-the-way spot stocked with fresh water, a few treats and toys, and comfy bedding to snuggle up in.
   
   New Year's celebrations can be a special problem for pets, so keep yours a safe distance from confetti, streamers, noise makers and other dangers.
9. Resist the irresistible -- those cute and colorful pet toys and stocking stuffers that show up on store displays this time of year. No matter how adorable that stuffed dog toy is, chances are some part of it will wind up inside your pooch. Stick with safe, healthy dog gifts like all-natural dental bones, yummy high-protein treats, and stimulating puzzle toys.
   
   If there's a cat on your Christmas gift list, go for toys that stimulate his hunting instincts or how about a new scratching surface? You can also consider a toy that allows you to interact with him and gives him some exercise at the same time, like a laser beam toy or a feather teaser like Da Bird.
10. Did you know many holiday plants and flowers are highly toxic for dogs and cats? Holly is one. So are many varieties of the lily. Mistletoe is a no-no, as are poinsettias. Take a pass on live holiday plants and opt for silk or plastic greenery instead.

In addition to these tips, it's also very important for your pet's health and stress level to maintain her normal daily routine during the holidays.

Happy holidays to you and your pet!

By the way you can contact Lynn anytime you would like at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com, thanks for stopping by...

Mortgage Rates Climb on Strengthening Economy

With rates going up, if you are on the fence about buying now is the time. Please feel free to call us if you would like more information, you can also visit us on our website at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2013

Fixed-rate mortgages were on the rise this week, following a 25 percent monthly jump in new-home sales and an improving job outlook report, Freddie Mac reports in its weekly mortgage market survey. 

Freddie Mac reports the following national averages for mortgage rates for the week ending Dec. 5: 

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.46 percent, with an average 0.5 point, rising from last week’s 4.29 percent average. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged more than a full percentage point lower at 3.34 percent. 
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.47, with an average 0.4 point, rising from last week’s 3.30 percent average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 2.67 percent. 
• 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.99 percent, with an average 0.4 point, jumping from last week’s 2.94 percent average. Last year at this time, 5-year ARMs averaged 2.69 percent. 
• 1-year ARMs: averaged 2.59 percent, with an average 0.4 point, dropping from last week’s 2.60 percent average. A year ago at this time, 1-year ARMs averaged 2.55 percent. 

Source: Freddie Mac

Thanks for stopping by and again visit us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Nearly Half of States Within Reach of Peak Home Prices

What a great article I found, great news, looks like now is the time to sell, especially with inventory so tight.

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2013

Twenty-three states are within 10 percent of their 2006 home price peaks, CoreLogic reports in its latest housing data report reflecting October data.  

Home prices have increased 12.5 percent year-over-year. However, prices had a more modest month-over-month gain of 0.2 percent from September to October. CoreLogic’s Home Price Indexalso reflects distressed sales. 

“In terms of home price appreciation, the housing market appears to be catching its breath as we head into the final months of 2013,” says Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic. “The deceleration in month-on-month trends was anticipated as strong gains in home prices over the spring and summer slow in line with normal seasonal patterns and the impact of higher mortgage interest rates.”

The following five states have seen the highest home price appreciation year-over-year: 

• Nevada: +25.9%
• California: +22.4%
• Georgia: +14.2%
• Michigan: +14.1%
• Arizona: +14%

The only state in the CoreLogic index that has seen prices fall is New Mexico, where home prices fell 0.5 percent year-over-year.

Soaring home prices are allowing more states to catch up to their home price peaks in 2006. Sixteen states are all within 5 percent or less of their peak home prices: Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wyoming, and Alaska.

“The slowdown in appreciation is positive for the housing market as almost half the states are now within 10 percent of their respective historical price peaks,” says Mark Fleming, chief economist for CoreLogic.  

Meanwhile, the following five states remain the furthest from their peak values as of October, according to CoreLogic:  

• Nevada: -40.7%
• Florida: -37.4%
• Arizona: -31.5%
• Rhode Island: -29.3%
• West Virginia: -28%

The National Association of REALTORS® recently reported that its existing-home sales index saw home prices tick up 12.8 percent in October year-over-year. A persistent tight inventory of homes for sale is holding back sales but pushing up home prices in most areas of the country, Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, said in the report. 

--REALTOR® Magazine Daily News

Feel free to contact us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com, thanks for stopping by today.

5 Ways to Slash Your Heating Bills

Great article for slashing your heating bills...If you would like anymore information please contact us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com


Now that temperatures are dropping across the country, its time to think about how you can slash your heating bills for the season. Here are five low-cost and/or no-cost moves to help you save money while staying comfortable at the same time.

1. Add insulation. Adding insulation and weather stripping can slash your annual energy costs up to 30% by keeping out the cold or heat and minimizing the stack effect. Start by sealing large gaps around the chimney, furnace flue, plumbing pipes, ductwork, light fixtures, and soffits in your attic. Then lay insulation between attic-floor joists and on the hatch or door, or add more if it’s already there. Look for insulation that’s become dirty, a sign of air movement that reveals other gaps you must fill. Also, insulate ducts running through the attic.

2. Seal up the leaks. Caulking and weather-stripping cracks and gaps around your home are some of the most cost-effective steps you can take to conserve heat. Focus on the attic, basement, windows, and doorways. Also. check near pipes, vents, or electrical conduits that go through the wall, ceiling, or floor. When sealing leaks, use “no-VOC” or “low-VOC” caulking to minimize potentially harmful indoor gases. Look for these products at your hardware store or online.

3. Program thermostats for savings. Shave up to 20% off your heating costs by lowering the thermostat 5 degrees F at night and 10 degrees F during the day if no one is home. Most electronic setback thermostats let you set different schedules for weekdays and weekends. Some automatically switch from heating to cooling, and many tell you when it’s time to change your furnace or air-conditioner filter.

4. Save money on hot water. Insulating hot-water pipes and lowering the temperature on your water heater from 130 degrees to 120 degrees can help you save up to 5% on your energy bills.

5. Shorten showers. Showers account for two-thirds of your water-heating costs, so even shaving off a few minutes can help. Replacing a showerhead that’s more than 12 years old with a low-flow model can save up to half the hot water used for showering.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to visit us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Mortgage Rates Fall to Four-Month Lows

Great news for buyers, mortgage rates have dropped. Good article to read, if you are thinking about buying now is the time, we do not know how long they will stay down. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com.

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2013

Fixed mortgage rates dropped to their lowest levels since this summer, giving a lift this week to the housing recovery. 

"Mortgage rates slid this week as the partial government shutdown led to market speculation that the Federal Reserve will not alter its bond purchases this year,” says Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. 

Mortgage rates have been dropping since September when the Federal Reserve decided to delay tapering its $85-billion per month bond purchasing program, which has been keeping rates low. 

Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending Oct. 24: 

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.13 percent, with an average 0.8 point, dropping from last week’s 4.28 percent average. That’s the lowest average for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage since June 20. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged 3.41 percent. 
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.24 percent, with an average 0.6 point, falling from last week’s 3.33 percent average. Last year at this time, 15-year rates averaged 2.72 percent. 
• 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 3 percent, with an average 0.4 point, falling from last week’s 3.07 percent average. A year ago, 5-year ARMs averaged 2.75 percent. 
• 1-year ARMs: averaged 2.60 percent, with an average 0.5 point, dropping from last week’s 2.63 percent average. A year ago, 1-year ARMs averaged 2.59 percent. 

—REALTOR(R) Magazine Daily News

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to visit our website at MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Halloween Pet Safety with Bacardi

Well finally Lynn decided to let me pick out an article again that I found on Halloween Safety website, it's Bacardi for those of you that don't know me. I think this is very important for all owners to know with Halloween this week. So please read. By the way Lynn has a great website, so please take time to look at  www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

It's Halloween night and the door bell is continuously ringing. This may be very frightening to your dog or cat or other pets. You need to have a game plan for them, as well, on Halloween night. Have a room set up for them and keep them behind closed doors during trick-or-treating hours. Have food, water, a toy or two and a litter box if needed all set up for them. You saw the cutest costume for your pet! Just because you think a certain Halloween costume for your fur person is cute doesn't mean that they will enjoy wearing it! Try it on them in advance and see how they react. If they don't like it, don't force them to wear it. If you own a cat and let it go outside, remember that this a bad time of year for cats. Vicious people tend to find Halloween an excuse to hurt or kill them. Keep them inside for a few days and nights. While they may whine a bit because they are used to going outside, they'll be safer in the house where you can keep an eye on them. There's no need for a pet to run free anyway, keep it home where it's safe all year long. Having an adult party? Remember, dogs, cats, birds and other animals do not like being intoxicated. Some people at the party may think it's funny to get an animal drunk or high but it can kill them. It's better to hurt someone's feelings by telling them to leave the party than to deal with a seriously ill beloved pet. Here are some tips to keep your pets happy on Halloween. As much as your dog or cat may beg for some of your Halloween candy, always remember that chocolate is deadly to them in any amount. There's a chemical that naturally occurs in chocolate that they can not tolerate.   If you work in a pet store, remember that this is the time of year that can be deadly for black cats. Some sick people who play at being what they'll call a Satanist will buy them to "sacrifice" If you can, don't take any black cats or sell them during October. Many pet stores won't take them anyway, just for this reason. The wrappers, such as tin foil, can get stuck in your pets digestive tract and make them ill or cause death. There are plenty of recipes for making home made dog and cat treats, you can always make them on a Halloween theme if you want to make something special for your pet. Large dogs can have lethal tails when it comes to wagging them. I've seen a German Shepherd that we used to have clear a coffee table in two seconds flat when she got excited. Don't leave any lighted candles or Jack-O-Lanterns where they could be knocked over by a swinging tail or by a curious cat. Not only could your pet start a fire but they could severely burn themselves in the process. If you are going to dress your pet in a costume, keep in mind that unless the dog or cat is extremely receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing it discomfort and stress. Some animals don't mind at all but others do not want to be bothered with this kind of thing. They'll be under enough stress with the festivities going on outside and people constantly at the door so don't cause them any more stress then you have to. You may love to dress in costume but then, you aren't a dog or a cat.  If a pet costume comes with a mask, don't use it. While some dogs will love dressing up, they usually aren't too keen on masks. If you do use a mask on your pet, make sure that it's eyes have plenty of room to see and that there is nothing covering it's nose or confining it's mouth. If you are having a indoor party, make sure that you put your dog or cat in a room where they won't be disturbed. Even if your pet is ultra friendly and doesn't mind loud noises, music and lots of people you should keep them separate for the night. Also, be careful your cat or dog doesn't dart out through the open door as you hand out candy. Best bet is to just put them in a room with some food and water for the night and check on them once in a while to let them know everything is fine. Thanks for stopping by and again visit Lynn's website at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Surey:Most People Open to Buying a Haunted House

Found this great article in the Realtor magazine and thought I would share it considering we are so close to Halloween. If it is a haunted house that you seek, please give me a call, or visit my website at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com.

Real Estate News 

  |  

Oct 18, 2013

  |  

By: Realtor.com Team

More than half of home buyers are open to buying a haunted house, according to realtor.com’s 2013 Haunted Housing Report. Also, 35 percent of the nearly 1,400 people who took the survey say they have lived in a haunted home.

Today realtor.com released the results of its Haunted Housing Report, which ran on realtor.com from Sept. 25 to Oct. 1 and explored consumer sentiments around haunted real estate. Survey results reveal consumer thresholds for purchasing haunted houses for sale, past experiences with spooky homes, popular “warning signs” of a haunted home, expected discounts when buying haunted houses for sale and intolerable scary occurrences.

“When purchasing a home, buyers want to know what they are getting into and that includes anything potentially spooky,” said Alison Schwartz, vice president of corporate communications for Move Inc., which operates realtor.com. “Our data reveals that while the majority of consumers are open to purchasing a haunted home, many buyers conduct research on a home’s history to be aware of any weird incidences. Additionally, realtor.com data finds that while some respondents are willing to purchase a haunted home at a discounted price, many say levitating objects, ghost sightings and objects moving from one place to another would deter them from purchasing a home.”

Sentiment regarding a haunted home purchase:
• 26 percent indicated they would consider purchasing a haunted house for sale;
• 36 percent might consider a haunted home purchase;
• 38 percent would not consider a haunted home purchase.

Consumer experiences with haunted real estate:
• 51 percent heard about someone else’s haunted home experience;
• 35 percent lived in a home they suspected to be haunted;
• 25 percent have researched a home’s history to find out any eerie past incidents.

Most popular warning signs a home could be haunted:
• 61 percent thought a cemetery on the property could be an indication;
• 50 percent thought homes over 100 years old could be haunted;
• 45 percent considered quick transitions in owners could be a sign;
• 45 percent believe that an unexplainable low price on the home is alarming;
• 43 percent suspected homes in close proximity to a battlefield could be haunted.

Of the respondents who would consider purchasing a haunted home, many indicated that they would expect  discounts on a property:
• 12 percent would pay full market value or more for a haunted house for sale;
• 34 percent would purchase a haunted home if it were discounted 1 to 30 percent;
• 22 percent would purchase a haunted home if it were discounted 31 to 50 percent;
• 19 percent would purchase a haunted home if it were discounted 51 percent or more.

Among the respondents who would contemplate purchasing a haunted home, the following spooky occurrences would scare them away:
• 75 percent, levitating objects;
• 63 percent, objects being moved from where they were placed;
• 63 percent, ghost sightings;
• 61 percent, supernatural sensations;
• 61 percent, flickering lights/appliances;
• 60 percent, strange noises (footsteps, doors slamming);
• 34 percent, warm or cold spots.

Thanks for stopping by our blog and remember is you ever have any Real Estate needs or questions stop by our www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com,there you will find lots of information and can contact us as well.

Remodeling? don't forget the permit.

I was reading back articles of the Realtor magazine and came across this article about getting permits to do even a small job and thought it was very important and helpful. Please enjoy, and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me, you can find all my contact information at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Home owners who fail to get a building permit for a remodeling project can jeopardize a sale.

SEPTEMBER 2011 | BY MELISSA DITTMANN TRACEY

When home owners take on a remodeling project, they’re often far more focused on choosing glistening fixtures for a new bathroom or debating the type of granite to use on a kitchen countertop than, say, navigating the intricacies of the building permit process. That could be a huge mistake, however, and it may not even come to light until the house is put up for sale. Ignoring local approval requirements not only poses safety and legal problems but also can potentially derail an otherwise smooth sale.

Home owners using licensed contractors for remodeling work typically don’t have to get involved with permitting. Most licensed contractors will handle the cumbersome process for them—filling out the paperwork with the municipality, collecting fees, and being present for the required inspections, says Michael Hydeck, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. But when home owners tackle do-it-yourself projects or use unlicensed contractors, they risk problems later.

The permit process varies widely from city to city and state to state). But the purpose of the document is the same everywhere: It offers ­assurance by a municipal building department that the work being done meets all safety codes.

Ask Sellers Before You List

Home owners may be asked about permits in the process of selling a home. At closing, they may have to disclose any remodeling work they did and verify permits. A home inspector evaluating a property for a buyer may want to know whether a permit was obtained. Furthermore, the buyer’s appraiser may want to see permit records to check the legality of any home renovations.

“If no permits are found and it’s obvious the home has been renovated, the bank will likely refuse to make the loan,” according to the American Bar Association’s book Legal Guide to Home Renovation(Random House Reference, 2006). If the permitless work isn’t discovered until after closing, the home’s value could even be subject to a lawsuit, such as in cases when an addition added extra square footage to the home’s value but the construction wasn’t done legally with a permit.

That’s why contractors and legal experts say real estate practitioners are well advised to ask sellers before they take on a listing for a renovated home: “Did you get a permit for that?”

Remodeling contractor John Price in Merced, Calif., has been called in to help home owners after permit problems have been uncovered. He once worked with a home owner who installed siding by himself, but added it too far down along the wall of the house, so it rubbed up against dirt and picked up moisture. Eventually the poor installation led to mold growing in the drywall throughout the inside of the house.

Some home owners, however, are tempted to sidestep the permit process not wanting to pay the fees (municipalities generally charge a minimum issuing fee—such as $25—as well as an additional fee—sometimes 1 percent—of total construction costs), or they might not want to risk delaying a project or a sale by waiting for city inspections (obtaining permits can take anywhere from a day to six weeks or more).

“People have strong incentives to cheat, and some of that lays squarely on the feet of policymakers who have sometimes created a system that is time-consuming and frustrating,” Price says.

But caught without a permit during resale, home owners may face big consequences. They may have to pay fines (possibly up to quadruple the original permit cost) or may have to tear the project down and redo it.

Virtually No Job Is Too Small

Home owners making any changes to the structures of a home will likely need a permit—and you may need more than one, Price says.

While kitchen and bathroom remodels and housing additions are obvious permit candidates, people may not realize they might also need one for such projects as installing a window, adding a new light switch, or replacing a shower. “There are not too many jobs you don’t need a permit for,” Hydeck adds. “It’s better to be safe than sorry

Thanks again for stopping by and don't forget to visit us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Fall Home Maintenance

Found this great article on MilitarybyOwner.com, but it would be great for any homeowner

Fall has officially arrived and while the number of military service members making a PCS move this time of year is lower than in the spring or summer; for military homeowners, this is an opportune time to complete home maintenance items which can pay dividends, particularly if military relocation is on the horizon.

• HVAC system –Inspect & Service:

Scheduling a service appointment for your HVAC system before you need it is essential to make sure the heat will be there when you need it. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations of trustworthy and reputable professionals.

• Fireplace/Chimney – Clean & Inspect:

Schedule to have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected before the cold nights arrive. Checking gas lines, potential obstructions and damper functions will keep you both safe and warm.

• Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Change batteries:

Batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced twice a year and the perfect time to plan this chore is when daylight savings time ends in the fall and begins in the spring. Even if you live in an area that does not “fall back”, you can still plan this item for when the rest of the country observes this time change.

• Air Filters – Clean/Replace:

Air filters are an “out of site, out of mind” household item, so let the changing from air conditioning to heat remind you that these important filters need to be cleaned or changed. Remember to dust the intake cover as well.

• Electric Baseboards – Vacuum/Dust:

If radiant panel radiators or electric baseboard heaters heat your home, it is important to remove dust and lint to avoid potential fire hazards.

• Dryer Vent – Clean Hose:

Pull out your dryer and vacuum the lint from the top of the hose and from behind the dryer. Hire a reputable company to blow out lint that has accumulated in your dryer hose. Performing this easy maintenance item can significantly reduce a potential fire hazard.

• Well Water/Reverse Osmosis Systems – Test/Replace Filters:

If you rely on well water, it is recommended to have the water tested for contaminants or high mineral content. If you use a reverse osmosis system to provide filtered drinking water, do not ignore the light indicating that the filters need replacing.

• Vinyl Siding – Power Wash:

A licensed professional, to reduce the risk of future mold or algae growth underneath the siding, best performs this maintenance item. Cleaning your siding in the fall may very well eliminate the need to perform this task again when your list of PCS items grows. Get one step ahead and cross this item off of this list now.

• Rain Gutters – Clean/Repair:

Clean out debris from rain gutters and repair/replace areas that are damaged and do not drain properly. Eliminating the debris will allow rainwater and snow thaw to move away from the roof and home efficiently, eliminating the potential for water damage.

• Lawn – Mulch/Aerate/Seed/Fertilize:

We have discussed the importance of both real estate photography and curb appeal when it comes to successfully renting or selling military housing, and the condition of the lawn can greatly affect the first impression.

Living in a region that experiences falling leaves and temperatures that stunt the growth of lawn through the fall and winter, will benefit from a pass of the mower to mulch up leaves, naturally fertilizing the lawn and eliminating the chore of raking.

Aerating lawn in the fall will break up soil and create holes in the lawn providing deeper penetration of seed and fertilizers, resulting in a lush, green lawn come spring, just in time to take the perfect photographs for your advertisement on MilitaryByOwner.com.

Distribute seed, paying special attention to drop seed into holes created by aerating and bald spots. Schedule sprinkler system for regular watering or place manual sprinkler system to promote sprouting and growth.

Fertilize young grass seed before the cold of winter arrives. Taking these steps in early fall will pay dividends in the spring.

• Shrubs/Trees – Prune/Mulch:

Take regional guidelines into account when pruning and fertilizing shrubs and trees. In cold weather regions, protect shrubs and trees with a thick layer of mulch, which not only beautify the landscape but also will ensure proper growth, greening and blooming in the spring. 

Homeownership is both joyful and burdensome and this is increasingly true for military homeowners who often relocate with very little notice. Keeping up on home maintenance items will ease the intensity of PCS preparation and will increase the success of renting or selling a military home.  Click below to download more Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Thanks for visiting us today

Fill free to visit our website at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Why It Might Be Cheaper To Buy Now

Found this great article in the Realtor magazine about why it maybe cheaper to buy this year, with interest rates going up, it is really something to think about. As always you can contact Lynn Nichols with any questions or check out my website at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Mortgage rates are nearing the 5 percent mark, prompting many home buyers to rush to take advantage of rates while they’re still low. 

“Most people agree it is only a matter of time before rates hit 5 percent,” Peter Grabel, a mortgage loan originator at Luxury Mortgage Corp. in Stamford, Conn., told realtor.com®. “The housing market has clearly turned the corner in most areas. I think a year from now, people will look back and realize that this was a great buying opportunity.”

Some forecasts show rates could edge even higher to 5.5 percent or even 6 percent in 2014. The Federal Reserve has announced that it will soon start tapering its $85 billion monthly bond-purchasing program, which is expected to send mortgage rates rising from recent record lows. 

Currently, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are averaging 4.2 percent, according to Freddie Mac. 

In a recent blog post, realtor.com® illustrates the effect of rising mortgage rates on buyers’ pocketbooks: 

1. Example: A buyer gets a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at a 5 percent interest rate on a $300,000 loan.
   Monthly payment: $1,610.46
   Total payment: $579,569.69
   Total interest: $279,769.69
2. Example: A buyer gets a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6 percent interest rate on a $300,000 loan.
   Monthly payment = $1,798.65
   Total payment = $647,515.44
   Total interest = $347,515.44

The buyer with a 6 percent interest rate would pay about $67,746 more over the life of a loan than the buyer who was able to get an interest rate at 5 percent. 

Source: “Buy a Home Now or Pay More Later?” realtor.com® (Oct. 8, 2013)

Thanks again for stopping by and please stop by my website at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

More tips on how to prepare for a PCS Move

Since I work a lot with military families during their PCS moves, I thought that I would share this article I found today on the web to help make the move a little bit easier.

Guest Author - Sherrie Knoller

In the last article "PCS Move" I touched on some ways to make moving easier. In this article, I will touch on more ways to prepare. Preparing for a PCS move may seem difficult but it can be easier for you and your spouse by communicating and sitting down to discuss the move. The first step, when you received your orders read them. It is very important make sure all information is correct. If the orders are for overseas duty make sure it states your dependents if they are accompanying. Certain branches of the service require that all dependents  names be listed on the orders. If there are any discrepancies bring those concerns up with personnel. 

Make some copies of your orders that can be provided to companies such as cell companies. If you have to end your contract with Cell Phone Company you will need to provide your orders to show that you are moving. Also if you are moving overseas you will need to make many copies for traveling purposes. It is a good idea to have enough copies just in case. 

You will need to give notification to your place of residence. Government housing requires a 30-day notice so that they can schedule preliminary inspection and the final inspection. If you live outside of military base, notices may be different so contact them as soon as possible when you receive your orders. You will also need to contact your bill collectors to give notice and schedule a termination date. If you have children and they are in school or daycare you will need to let them know you are moving. That way the teacher or daycare center has time to prepare. 

If you are moving overseas taking your car may not be an option plus it is expensive to get the fixed overseas. You may want to sell your car or have it stored. If you have more than one car (depending on the branch of service) you will only be allowed to stored one vehicle with the government at no cost. The other car will need to be stored at your own expense. Get in contact with the DMV if you are storing your vehicles you will need to do a Non-operation. Talk with your insurance company and lenders if you are still paying on your vehicle that it will be stored. 

Since you are it is a good time to do some spring-cleaning. Some do a PCS move yard sale. When you move you are only allotted a certain weight and it also depends on pay grade. So when you start you PCS move process House Hold Goods will let you know your weight limit. Weight limit is based on pay grade. 

Gather all your important documents such as birth certificates, passports if needed, marriage license, social security cards, military orders, insurance documents, etc. When I was moving I bought an accordion file folder that way I can easily access the documents. Once the movers come make sure you get a copy of the inventory. It is important that you keep that inventory. When I moved the movers misplaced the inventory list but I had my list. So that is why it is extremely important to keep it with you that way if there is anything missing or damaged it can be located or claimed. 

Just remember take the time to think and make a list of things that you will need to be done before you move. It makes it easy to see it and check it off when done. That way there is no mistake that you forgot something. 


If you need any Real Estate help or have any questions please feel free to contact us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com 

Welcome to Lynn Nichols Real Estate News and Tips

Hi and welcome to my new blog named Lynn Nichols Real Estate News and Tips. I am excited about the new blog and hope you come back often to check it often. Please visit our website at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com for great Real Estate ideas.