Lynn's Real Estate News and Tips: 6 Tips to Reduce Your Debt

Lynn's Real Estate News and Tips: 6 Tips to Reduce Your Debt: So many of us have debt, I found this great article that will help you to shrink debt. If you ever need to get in touch with us please conta...

6 Tips to Reduce Your Debt

So many of us have debt, I found this great article that will help you to shrink debt. If you ever need to get in touch with us please contact us at www.LynnNicholsRealEstate.com.

Start your financial spring cleaning with these debt-busting strategies.

MARCH 2013 | BY MAGGIE SIEGER

1. Assess your debt.

Zero debt is what you’re aiming for, right?  Not necessarily. There’s good debt, and there’s bad debt. The good kind is debt that will produce a return in the future—or, at the very least, it’s deductible. Credit card debt is always bad debt. Pay it off first.

2. Set a monthly financial target. 

Do the math, and determine how much money you need each month to return to stable financial ground. Getting there may require cutting expenses or it may require finding another source of revenue, such as a second job. Don’t damage personal relationships by counting on family or friends for credit. And don’t dip into retirement savings—or stop funding your retirement—unless it’s unavoidable. Compounding is your biggest ally.

3. Identify smart savings. 

If you do have to make cuts, try to find savings that won’t hurt your household or your business. For example, it might be OK to go without letterhead for a month or cancel your cable TV, but don’t fall behind on the office or car lease since late payments have a way of multiplying the problem. As you learn to live with less, gradually increase the amount going into savings or toward paying off debt.

4. Look ahead. 

Always be aware of new revenue opportunities and expenses that may lie down the road. On the revenue side, don’t get so wrapped up in the day-to-day work that you forget to prospect for tomorrow’s deals. That includes maintaining networks and your connections to allied professionals. They can be an invaluable source of trends or links to new clients. On the expense side, keep an eye on what you may need to replace or renew over the next five years. Will you need a new car three years from now? How much should you save annually to make sure there’s a substantial down payment or, even better, enough for a cash purchase when the time comes?

5. Prepare for the worst. 

Ask yourself: If the next three sales fall through, how will I pay my mortgage? Putting together a simple “what-if” plan to deal with worst-case scenarios can be comforting because you know there’s already a solution in place.

6. Develop a savings habit. 

Like any good habit, saving money can be difficult. People tend to drift away from things that are hard or that they don’t like or aren’t good at. But keep plugging away anyway. The literal payoff will be seeing your debt decrease and your savings increase.

Sources: Small Business Administration; Kevin F. Schulz & Associates, Financial Insight Group, Bellevue, Wash.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Looking for a great home App????

Looking for a great home app???? Well look no further than www.LynnNicholsapp.com. With this app you can do a home search anywhere in the US with this GPS app. You can view the houses that you are near or rentals and the best thing is you can view all the details. Best of all this app is FREE!!! Have fun with it.

Please take a listen this Sunday Morning

Hi Everyone:

Just wanted to send out an invite to everyone. This Sunday morning I will be on 105.7 Fan Radio station along with Freedmont Mortgage. I'm the guess speaker and we are talking about, well if you said Real Estate you guessed right. So if you want to take a listen anytime from 9AM-11AM, please tune in and any questions you may have please feel free to call me there and you will be on the air, 410 583-1057.

If you are too shy to call the station but have some Real Estate needs please visit my website and you can contact me from there at www.MarylandHomesbyLynnn.com

Study: Rental Payment History Can Help Boosts Credit Scores

Came across this great article about renting. Seems a good rental history can help boost your credit score. If you have any questions or need any help please contact us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014

The addition of rental payment data to credit files may help more potential renters become home owners.

Experian became the first credit reporting agency to add on-time rental payments to its database. It recently conducted an analysis to determine how the added rental information has aided consumers’ credit files. The study found that subprime and nonprime residents saw the greatest positive score impact by the addition of rental histories. Nineteen percent of the study participants that were considered subprime moved to at least one higher – or less risky – risk segment by the addition, opening them up to more affordable credit and additional credit opportunities, the study noted.

For the previous unscoreable, adding the rental data has now allowed them to have a credit score, with the majority now falling in the least risky prime category too, Experian’s analysis shows.

“Consumer financing rapidly changed during the economic upheaval, and regulatory changes forced lenders to tighten the standards for the underwriting process,” says Genevieve Juillard, president of Experian Consumer Information Services. “This excluded many Americans from the opportunity to attain credit due to a limited or no credit history. Residents who pay their rent on time month after month should be rewarded and not overlooked simply because they rent instead of own the place they call home.”

Source: Experian

NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S DINING ROOM TABLE

Don’t know what to do with that old piece of furniture someone left you here are some great articles to help you out.  If you would like to talk with us and get more ideas contact us at  www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Written by Jaymi Naciri on Monday, 26 May 2014 10:16 am

That heirloom piece your grandmother or your great aunt or your godparents left to holds special memories. But let's face it: it's ugly.

It is. It's Ugly.

It's not your style, it doesn't match your stuff, and you can't possibly figure out how to incorporate it into your home without it looking like exactly what it is: the thing someone important gave to you that has no business in your home in its current state. Before you stuff that old dining room table or sideboard or settee up in the attic, check out these tips for making it new again.

Stain it.

An older piece of furniture that has a dated oak or pickled finish can be brought up into this century with a new stain. A mahogany stain can bring out contemporary lines and a black stain can make a dated piece feel modern again. You can also make your own DIY stain if you're looking for ways to keep the toxicity down.

Paint it.

Whether you go for something super bold, aged, fancy, or neutral, panting a piece of furniture can breathe new life into it and help it to fit in to a more modern space.

See more ideas here.

Embellish it.

Two words: gold leaf. Yes, you could get a similar look with gold spray paint and stencils, but it wouldn't be nearly as rich.

If you're planning to use gold leaf, or any leaf for that matter, remember that it is fragile, and a little goes a long way. Check out this video for more info.

Upholster it

No one said you have to live with that tired, dusty old pattern on the dining room chairs you inherited. Give them an easy update by reupholstering them in a fresh fabric.

This is an easy DIY project depending the construction of the chair. This video will help.

Decoupage it

For a fun look - and a fun family project - try this ancient art whose origin is "thought to be East Siberian tomb art" from the 12th century, according to Wikipedia. A project that includes gluing and layering strips of paper, fabric, or other textiles, and varnish to a table or other object is something the kids can get in on too as long as you take precautions. Another benefit is that the finished product will be unique to you. You can get some more decoupage ideas on HGTV.

Change the height

That old sofa table your grandmother decorated with her collection of old crystal candy dishes would be ideal as a desk, if only it wasn't so tall.

Have the legs cut down, and now you have a beautiful piece that is also functional.

Repurpose it.

You love that old fancy sideboard your husband's great-grandmother left to your family. But you're all set in that area. So, turn it into something totally new.

A sturdy dresser, cabinet, or sideboard can be turned into a one-of-a-kind bathroom vanity with a little ingenuity and a good power saw. You get to keep the memories, and you get a fab bathroom too.

 

VA Home Loans-Do you qualify???

With VA rates so low and no money down this is a must read. Many Veterans do not realize that they qualify for VA benifits as well as active duty Military. Please take a look and if we can help you in way contact us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Eligibility

You must have suitable credit, sufficient income, and a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to be eligible for a VA-guaranteed home loan. The home must be for your own personal occupancy. The eligibility requirements to obtain a COE are listed below for Service members and Veterans, spouses, and other eligible beneficiaries.

VA home loans can be used to:

• Buy a home, a condominium unit in a VA-approved project
• Build a home
• Simultaneously purchase and improve a home
• Improve a home by installing energy-related features or making energy efficient improvements
• Buy a manufactured home and/or lot.

Eligibility Requirements for VA Home Loans

Service member’s and Veterans

To obtain a COE, you must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and meet the service requirements below:

Status	Qualifying Wartime & Peacetime Periods	Qualifying Active Duty Dates	Minimum Active Duty Service Requirement
Veteran	WWII	9/16/1940 - 7/25/1947	90 total days
	Post-WWII	7/26/1947 - 6/26/1950	181 continuous days
	Korean War	6/27/1950 - 1/31/1955	90 total days
	Post-Korean War	2/1/1955 - 8/4/1964	181 continuous days
	Vietnam War	8/5/1964 - 5/7/1975 *For Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam, the beginning date is 2/28/1961	90 total days
	Post-Vietnam War	5/8/1975 - 9/7/1980 *The ending date for officers is 10/16/1981	181 continuous days
	24-month rule	9/8/1980 - 8/1/1990 *The beginning date for officers is 10/17/1981	24 continuous months, OR The full period (at least 181 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty
	Gulf War	8/2/1990 - Present	24 continuous months, OR The full period (at least 90 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty
Currently On Active Duty	Any	Any	90 continuous days
National Guard & Reserve Member	Gulf War	8/2/1990 - Present	90 days of active service
	Six years of service in the Selected Reserve or National Guard, AND Were discharged honorably, OR Were placed on the retired list, OR Were transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable, OR Continue to serve in the Selected Reserve

*If you do not meet the minimum service requirements, you may still be eligible if you were discharged due to (1) hardship, (2) the convenience of the government, (3) reduction-in-force, (4) certain medical conditions, or (5) a service-connected disability.

Spouses

The spouse of a Veteran can also apply for home loan eligibility under one of the following conditions:

• Unremarried spouse of a Veteran who died while in service or from a service connected disability, or
• Spouse of a Servicemember missing in action or a prisoner of war
• Surviving spouse who remarries on or after attaining age 57, and on or after December 16, 2003
  (Note: a surviving spouse who remarried before December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, must have applied no later than December 15, 2004, to establish home loan eligibility. VA must deny applications from surviving spouses who remarried before December 6, 2003 that are received after December 15, 2004.)
• Surviving Spouses of certain totally disabled veterans whose disability may not have been the cause of death

Other Eligible Beneficiaries

You may also apply for eligibility if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Certain U.S. citizens who served in the armed forces of a government allied with the United States in World War II
• Individuals with service as members in certain organizations, such as Public Health Service officers, cadets at the United States Military, Air Force, or Coast Guard Academy, midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy, officers of National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, merchant seaman with World War II service, and others

Restoration of Entitlement

Veterans can have previously-used entitlement "restored" to purchase another home with a VA loan if:

• The property purchased with the prior VA loan has been sold and the loan paid in full, or
• A qualified Veteran-transferee (buyer) agrees to assume the VA loan and substitute his or her entitlement for the same amount of entitlement originally used by the Veteran seller. The entitlement may also be restored one time only if the Veteran has repaid the prior VA loan in full, but has not disposed of the property purchased with the prior VA loan. Remaining entitlement and restoration of entitlement can be requested through the VA Eligibility Center by completing VA Form 26-1880.

Thanks for stopping by today and you can search all Maryland Homes at www.MarylandHomesLocator.com

Study Suggests New Homes are Cheaper to Maintain

Well with this article, I can say this, I know several great home builders and can find you a great home. Visit us today at www.AnneArundelCountyReal.Estate.  

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DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS

New homes – those that are four years old or less – can be cheaper to maintain than older homes, according to data from the American Housing Survey.
Twenty-six percent of home owners spend $100 or more a month on various routine maintenance expenses for their home. However, the study shows that 73 percent of new home owners spend less than $25 a month on routine maintenance costs.
Home owners of new homes tend to spend less on energy costs too. Home owners on average spend 81 cents per square foot per year on electricity. In comparison, home owners of new homes tend to spend 68 cents per square foot per year.
Utilities tend to be less expensive too. All home owners spend, on average, 28 cents per square foot per year on water bills. But on new homes, home owners tend to average 22 cents.
The studies also suggest that owners of new homes also tend to pay less on insurance too: The median cost of all home owners for property insurance is 39 cents per square foot compared to 31 cents per square foot for new homes.
“These data highlight that a new home offers savings over the life of ownership due to reduced operating costs,” according to the National Association of Home Builders’ Eye on Housing blog. “These reduced expenditures represent one of the many reasons that the current system of appraisals needs updating to reflect the flow of benefits that come from features in a new home.”

So tell us what you think and thanks for stopping by today and contact us anytime if you have an Real Estate need. 

6 Ways to 'Green' a Home

Here are some great tips on how to "green" your home. Don't forget to stop and visit us at www.AnneArundelCountyReal.Estate

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS

More home owners and buyers are ranking energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home features high in surveys.
AOL Real Estate recently highlighted a few easy steps home owners can take to make their homes more “green”:

• Swap out the light bulbs: LED light bulbs are known as being 80 percent more energy efficient and lasting as much as 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
• Have a programmable thermostat: These devices that allow you more easily to adjust the temperature can save a home owner about $180 a year in energy costs, according to Energy Star.
• Trade in the old water heater: A heat pump hot water heater is known to be more than twice as efficient as standard electric resistance tanks, according to the AOL Real Estate article.
• Add aerators to faucets and showerheads: These devices can limit the amount of water that is used.
• Add ceiling fans: “Energy Star-qualified fans are 50 percent more efficient than conventional units and can save up to $15 per year on utility bills,” according to AOL Real Estate.
• Use Energy Star appliances: For example, replacing a dishwasher that was made before 1994 with an Energy Star-certified one can save $40 on utility bills by using less water. Energy Star-rated refrigerators can save home owners from $200 to $1,100 over the life of the appliance.

Thanks again for stopping by today and feel free to contact us with any Real Estate questions you may have.

How to Choose the Right Neighborhood

I really think this is a great read, when you are buying a home the neighborhood is so very important. When you are starting your home search go to www.MarylandHomesLocator.com, there you will find all Maryland homes. Please call us anytime with any Real Estate questions.

By:Michele Lerner

Any good Realtor will share the mantra “location, location, location” when talking about the attributes that help a home hold its value and potentially appreciate. However, no one neighborhood is right for every buyer. Determining which community meets your needs and your budget requires research and some soul searching about your priorities.
Establish Your Priorities
Before a Realtor can begin to help you look for a home, you (and your spouse or partner) should develop a list of needs and wants. For some buyers, the home itself is of paramount importance: they want a particular style or size or a big yard. For others, the neighborhood is more important. If you have an unlimited budget you may be able to find the perfect home in a desirable neighborhood, but since most buyers need to meet a budget, you may have to compromise on either the house or the community.
Next, think about what amenities you’d like to have nearby or whether you’d like to live in a rural area without neighbors. If you like to swim or golf or play soccer or your kids do, facilities for those sports should be on the list of things you look for in a neighborhood. On the other hand, you could be more focused on easy access to cultural amenities or nightlife. Think about whether you’d like to live in place where residents interact often or whether you prefer to have cordial but distant relationships with your neighbors.
Schools Matter – Even If You Don’t Have Kids
If you have children or are planning to have a family in the future, buying a home in a community with good schools is already likely to be a priority. Even if you don’t have children to educate, though, you should be aware that homes located in a good school district typically hold onto their value better than those in less highly regarded districts. In fact, Redfin real estate company completed a nationwide study in 2013 that shows that Americans pay $50 per square foot more for homes served by a top-ranked school than for homes served by an average-ranked school.
The Fair Housing Act prevents Realtors from providing information directly to buyers about specific schools, but they can share links to websites that rate schools and to local school systems.
Transportation Issues
A major consideration for most home buyers when it comes to choosing where to live is how they’ll get to the places they go regularly. In communities near or in a city, prime locations are typically close to public transit options. Many suburban communities are being designed around a ‘town center’ concept so that residents can walk to restaurants, shops and entertainment and sometimes even to work.
When you’re looking for a home, you should consider how convenient it is for you and for future potential buyers when you’re ready to sell.
Homes that are located close to a subway station or to popular commuter routes are often more costly than those that require a longer commute to a city center, so ask your Realtor to show you areas that may have similar attributes but are less expensive. Alternatively, if living in a particular neighborhood is your number one priority, you may need to compromise in terms of the size home you buy or its condition.
How to Compare Communities
It’s important to visit a prospective neighborhood at various times of day and on both weekdays and weekends to get a feel for what it would be like to live there. Look at how the homes are maintained to see if they meet your standards. Try to talk to residents about what the community is like and test out your commute at the time of day you typically go to work.
Finding the right neighborhood takes some legwork, but it’s important to choose a place to live where you want to come home every night.

Bacardi's Corner:Getting your Canine friend prepared for the Warm Season

Hey everyone it is Bacardi from Bacardi's Corner. I don't know why but Lynn has not ask me to write anything lately, so I figured I would step up to the plate. I know you all come here for great Real Estate tips, but I am taking it upon myself to make this checklist for all my canine brothers and sisters. Don't worry it some of the list will also help with your house keeping it cleaner and if you are selling that is important

-First thing you should do if you have stopped heart worm medicine for the winter, please start it back up,now is the time.

-Start back our flea and tick medicine, besides you don't want those bugs in your house, especially if you are trying to sell it.

-Have us groomed, remember dogs can only sweat through their tongues and paws.

-Please remember we get allergies also, so when we come in from outside wipe us down, we are constantly cleaning ourselves and will adsorb those allergens.

-Right now a lot of folks are doing yard work, spraying things on their yard, fresh mulch, please clean our paws good (it will also keep your carpet clean).

-Don't forget we like to exercise outside as well (been a long winter) so please if you take us for a hike or anything remember to pack some water and a dish for your canine buddy.

Well folks I have to get back to being a lovable, cute dog...Have a great week and feel free to leave me a comment on here.

Your Canine Buddy,       

Bacardi 

How to Get a Mortgage With Bad Credit

Here at Lynn Nichols Real Estate I am always to trying to find articles that are helpful, here is something for folks with soft credit. One thing I would say is never think your credit is too bad to talk to lender, always talk to a professional, that is what they do and you may be closer to buying that home than you think...As always if you have questions feel free to contact us at www.AnneArundelCountyReal.Estate

By: Michele Lerner

 If you have a credit score that’s considered fair, poor or even bad, you may be assuming that qualifying for a mortgage is out of the question. While that’s true for some would-be borrowers who need to improve their finances as well as their credit, there are some mortgage options for homebuyers with less than perfect credit.

Your Credit Profile

Mortgage lenders rely heavily on your credit score to evaluate your qualifications for a home loan because your score indicates how you have handled credit in the past, which serves as a predictor of your future repayment pattern. According to Credit.com, excellent credit gets a score of 750 or above; good credit, 700-749; fair, 650-699; poor, 600-649; and bad credit is a score under 600.

Rather than guess at your credit profile, you need to request your free credit report and pay a small fee to get your credit score from www.annualcreditreport.com. Fix any errors and take steps to improve your score with improved financial behavior before applying for a mortgage loan. A lender can help you determine which steps will boost your credit score fastest, but depending on your situation it could take at least several months or even a year before you can push your score high enough to qualify for the lowest interest rates on a conventional loan.

Loans for Borrowers With Poor Credit

In the thick of the housing boom borrowers were approved for home loans without providing documentation of their income and assets. Subprime lenders approved loans for borrowers with low credit scores, although they often charged higher interest rates to those borrowers. Since the housing crisis, the majority of subprime lenders went out of business, but, depending on your circumstances, you may still qualify for a home loan.

The most commonly used loan product for borrowers with lower credit scores is the Federal Housing Administration’s loan program. The FHA insures lenders against potential default and requires a minimum credit score of 580 or above for a loan with a down payment of 3.5%. Most lenders, though, require a credit score of 620 or 640 and above to approve an FHA loan. In addition to your credit score, you will need to provide full documentation of your income and assets and meet the lender’s debt-to-income ratio, which is typically a maximum of 41% to 43% of your monthly gross income that goes toward the minimum payments on all of your revolving and installment debts.

The downside of FHA loans is that they have higher mortgage insurance requirements than conventional loans. The mortgage insurance payments must be made for the entire life of the loan unless you make a larger down payment. However, FHA mortgage rates are comparable to conventional loans regardless of your credit score, so you won’t be stuck paying a higher-than-average mortgage rate.

Special Programs for Credit Challenges

The financial crisis and recession hurt a lot of consumers who lost their homes and jobs. If your bad credit is a result of a personal financial hardship rather than your own mismanagement, you may qualify for the FHA’s “Back to Work” program, which allows borrowers to qualify for a home loan more quickly after a period of unemployment or reduced income.

The only way to know with certainty about your ability to qualify for a mortgage is to meet with a lender who can go over your individual financial circumstances. There is no charge to consult a lender, so even if you are not ready yet to get a loan approval, you can still benefit from a lender’s advice about how to prepare for a loan application.

'Heartbleed' Bug Prompts Call to Change Internet Passwords

Good Morning Everyone and thanks for stopping by. About two weeks ago I got a huge virus on my computer, it took the Geek Squad six hours to get it off of it. I saw this article in the Realtor Magazine about bugs in your computer and I strongly believe in constantly changing passwords and by the way that is what the Geek Squad recommended as well.

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014           

A massive security flaw exposed on websites could put at risk your private information, such as credit card numbers and other data. The bug is known as Heartbleed, and security experts are warning Internet users to change their passwords on sites they use — and then be prepared to change them again soon.
Researchers uncovered the vulnerability in a Web security measure known as OpenSSL. Websites that have a lock next to the URL typically indicate that the site is encrypted and that third parties will not be able to read or receive the information you send. But the Heartbleed bug potentially could break the encryption and expose users’ personal information.
Researchers believe that up to two-thirds of websites could be affected. Google, Facebook, and Yahoo! recently confirmed that they had been affected and said they were applying fixes to their systems, The New York Times reports.
Administrators to websites are upgrading their software and applying added protections from Heartbleed. Still, security experts are advising consumers to change their passwords at any site that holds their sensitive data.
But beware: “Changing your passwords before sites were patched could simply lead to re-exposure,” says Bruce Schneier, a cryptographer and security consultant who discovered the OpenSSL flaw on his own site. He urges people to find out if the sites they use have fixed the problem — or if they were ever at risk — before changing their passwords.
The company LastPass has set up a “Heartbleed test” for consumers to check specific sites to see whether they are safe from the bug.
Companies will likely begin contacting customers soon about resetting passwords, but Brian Krebs, a security researcher, says consumers may want to be proactive in changing passwords now even if it means they may need to do it again later.

Thanks for stopping by and as always if you have any Real Questions or needs please contact us at www.AnneArundelCountyReal.Estate

Looking for a New Home???? Here are two Candidates

Looking for that new home???? Here are two great candidates... Just click on the picture and it will take you to a website about that property.

If you are looking to buy a new home you can also visit us at www.MarylandHomesLocator.com and continue your search there.

Keep Water at Bay

Your home is a huge investment, and last thing you want is something water damage to happen and have a huge bill to fix it. So this article is great for preventive measures, take a read please. As always you can contact us at anytime with questions you may have at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Keep Water at Bay

Here are 5 tips for protecting a home from water hazards.

BY BARBARA BALLINGER

There’s no need yet to acquire an ark, but water certainly has become a bigger menace in many parts of the country. Even storms that don’t escalate into the next Katrina or Sandy can still destroy basements, foundations, roofs, and interiors that once seemed immune to heavy rains.
To prevent damage and avoid large out-of-pocket expenses, home owners should stay on top of maintenance and repair needs. The average water damage insurance claim between 2008 and 2012 for a worst-case flood totaled more than $38,000, according to National Flood Insurance Program data.
These are key steps home owners should consider to protect their property from the ravages of water.

1. Block Water From Entry Points:
   • Roof shingles that are missing or damaged need to be replaced. Curling shingles can allow water to leak in, and rusty nails or cupping shingles may indicate damage.
   • Gutters and downspouts that are too narrow, aren’t cleaned periodically, or aren’t pitched properly may permit water to come too close to a house, seep in, and damage the foundation, according to Wayne Owczarzak, owner of Mr. Handyman in Wheaton, Ill.
   • Windows and doors with broken glazing will likely allow in water and should be repaired or replaced.
   • Foundations, basement floors, and walls with cracks are additional sources of water entering from the ground, says Owczarzak. White haze, baseboard warping, and paint cracking are all warning signs.
2. Put in a Second Line of Defense:
   • Sump pumps collect water and send it away. Because they operate electrically, a home owner may want to consider purchasing a generator in case power goes out during a storm. Pumps need to be cleaned periodically so silt from yard waste doesn’t settle, says Randon Gregory withRam Jack, a foundation repair company in Ada, Okla.
   • French drains collect water along the perimeter of a home and direct it to a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing offers even more protection.
   • Interior drain tiles direct water that gets in to a drainage system under the floor, which pumps it out.
   • Boilers and furnaces should be elevated to keep from being flooded, says builder Jeffrey Collé of East Hampton, N.Y.
   • Window wells should drain properly and be accessible for debris removal. Precut plywood to cover window glazing is useful for hurricane-prone areas.
   • Alarm systems in your home can connect to a computer, the Internet, or a mobile device to warn you of impending disaster. ConnectSense, for example, makes sensors that monitor water and temperature extremes.
3. Buy the Right Insurance:
   • While home owners in high-risk zones must carry flood insurance, it might be wise for others who live near water, whether a creek or an ocean, to do so as well. “Many claims come from low-risk areas,” says Lisa S. Jones, owner of Carolina Flood Solutions LLC. Advise your clients to buy a policy that covers all possibilities, including “sudden water damage.” Condo owners also need coverage. Take inventory, photograph valuables, and save receipts of significant purchases for possible insurance claims.
4. Act Fast if Water Pours in:
   • Water damage should be dealt with immediately to avoid more costly problems, says Will Southcombe with PuroClean, a property damage restoration franchise. “Time is your greatest enemy. Bacteria can become activated, resulting in sour smells and contamination. The cost [of waiting] can be five times greater,” he says.
   • Turn off pipes once water starts flowing.
   • Call in a damage restoration company—it can determine where water has gone and where it’s headed. Pros will help stop the flow, remove damaged property, dry the interior, decontaminate to avoid mold, and demolish unsalvageable materials.
   • Prioritize people and pets. If water comes in fast and furiously, get everyone out, says Southcombe. Never touch wires that could shock you. Lives matter more than a house and its contents.
5. Protect Your Pipes:
   • Insulated pipes won’t freeze and burst in cold weather. Master water valves should be turned off in vacant homes, or if home owners in a cold climate leave for a while.
   • Open cabinet doors to allow in warmer air and let faucets drip, both help avoid freezing when temperatures plummet.

Hope this was helpful and gave you good information. Again you contact us for any questions, or if you are looking to buy or sell a home at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Save Green Indoors and Out with Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

Whether you are a first time home buyer, home buyer or selling your house this is a great read which will help you to save a lot of green, and add value to your home.  Have any questions contact us here at www.AnneArundelCountyReal.Estate.

Spring is the perfect time to think green. For some it’s spurred by the coming of Earth Day, others the renewed greening of our lawns. And many are motivated by the desire to save a little green in their wallets with a fresh new season of home repairs. If you’re one of these people, you can help save some green for the planet, as well as your hard-earned cash, by making energy efficient upgrades throughout your home.

Helping the world stay green gained traction with the first Earth Day held March 22, 1970, as declared by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. As a nation, much has been accomplished with the environmental movement, yet there are also easy things you can do at home to “go green” and save money at the same time. Here are some tips for home energy-efficient upgrades indoors and out.

1. Cool efficiently.

   When it comes to home energy bills, heating and cooling accounts for as much as half of the average home’s utility costs, according to energy.gov. Get ready for the hottest days of summer by tuning up your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system so it’s operating efficiently. Change your HVAC filters regularly. In addition, if your cooling system is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with one that has a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 20.00 for better savings. Trane’s XL20i, for example, can mean a savings of up to 60 percent on your annual cooling costs – that’s cool cash in your pocket.

2. Programmable temperature controls.

   A programmable HVAC control can reduce energy consumption by up to 15 percent compared to traditional nonprogrammable thermostats. Today’s HVAC control systems, like the Trane ComfortLink II Control, now monitor indoor and outdoor temperatures, plus home energy use over time, to help you manage energy and comfort even further.

3. Conserve water.

   Remember, water isn’t free. Indoors, lower water bills by installing low-flow water fixtures including toilets, showerheads and faucets. Outdoors, add a water-saving spigot for the garden hose. To avoid water evaporation, water your plants early or late in the day, and when your green lawn starts to grow, don’t mow too low. If you have lawn sprinklers, double check that they are set to water grass and shrubbery instead of the driveway or sidewalk. Rather than hose down your deck to clean it, save water by sweeping instead.

4. Lighting.

   About 10 percent of the energy your home uses goes to lighting costs, according to energy.gov – in fact, by just replacing five of your home’s most frequently used lights with energy efficient ENERGY STAR bulbs, you could save $75 a year in energy costs. Compared with traditional incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescents can yield as much as 75 percent energy savings and last six times longer. You can save even more energy and wasted heat by switching to LEDs. Outdoor lights using CFLs or LEDS save energy, too, so look for ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures designed for outdoor use.

By taking these steps, you can help make the world a little greener, keep your home a little greener, and save even more green where it really hits home – in your wallet.

Thanks for stopping by today and again visit us at www.AnneArundelCountyReal.Estate

14 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home

Found this great article on Realtor.com, and if you are getting ready to buy a home, great advice. If you would like to get your home search started now feel free to go to www.MarylandHomesLocator.com,

When you’re buying a home, it’s easy to let emotions get in the way of reality. “Sometimes we want something so badly, we’re not willing to ask all the questions we should,” says Leslie Levine, author of “Will This Place Ever Feel Like Home?” To make sure your dream home isn’t a mirage, follow these 14 tips:

1. Visit at various times of day.
The windows that let in so much light during the day may be a peeping Tom’s dream at night. That seemingly quiet residential street may be a noisy, highway-feeder street during morning or evening rush hour. The adjacent school may seem like a nice perk if you’re buying in the summer, but during the school year, daily playground noise and extra traffic may be more than you bargained for.

2. Research recent local news.
You need to look at more than the house: Examine the factors you can’t see. For example, perhaps the municipal water well has high levels of contaminants, or a perhaps a high-voltage power line may soon be coming through your back yard. You can also check with the city or county to see if there are any proposed projects.

3. Talk to neighbors.
How many people in the neighborhood own their homes? What do neighbors say are the pros and cons of the area?

4. Ask if the neighborhood has an association.
“Is there a newsletter for it? How often does the neighborhood get together? Do they have a block party every year?” Levine asks. “The fact that they’re having a gathering says they care about their community, that they want to get to know each other, that they’re willing to socialize that way. People who behave that way are building a community. They’re going to look out for your kids; they’re going to look out for your house.”

5. Quiz the sellers about house problems.
What past problems are the sellers aware of? Even if the issues have been fixed, it’s good to know that the house may be prone to, say, ice dams or water leaks so that you can take preventive measures rather than find out the hard way. If you know that the basement flooding was solved by building up the landscaping in a particular area, you won’t level the ground there.

6. Get a home inspection.
Virtually all houses have defects. Some are obvious, and most are curable. But knowing what needs repair can help you negotiate a lower price — or at least prepare you for costs you’ll soon incur. Strongly consider getting inspections for lead paint, radon and wood-eating pests, too.

7. Get detailed records on past improvements.
This isn’t always possible. But if you’re told the house’s exterior was painted two years ago — and then see a receipt noting the whole project cost just $1,000 — then you’re forewarned that cheaper materials were used and that you may be looking at repainting sooner than you thought.

8. Don’t assume remodeling will be easy.
If you voice your ideas to the sellers, you may glean valuable insights. For instance, perhaps that shower is in an odd location because, when the previous owners remodeled 10 years ago, they discovered a costly structural impediment to putting a shower where it would seem more appropriate.

9. Consider the view.
“So many neighborhoods now have teardowns,” Levine notes. “So look at the two houses on either side of you.” Do the adjacent houses look like they might be candidates for a teardown? Is the next lot empty? Does the neighborhood or town have restrictions about what your prospective neighbors can build there? “They may build some behemoth structure that affects your light or the way your house looks or your view,” Levine says.

10. Ask for utility bills. 
You may adore the Cape Cod architectural style or the high ceilings and glass walls in a modern home, but those winter heating and summer cooling bills may not fit your monthly budget. Ditto for the water bills that come with maintaining a pristine landscape.

11. Pay close attention to taxes.
Don’t just ask about the seller’s most recent tax bill; ask the amounts for several recent tax bills. In some areas, houses are re-appraised — and taxed at higher rates — frequently. That great deal and good investment may not seem quite so grand if the property taxes skyrocket year after year. Look at local news and talk to your Realtor about how taxes are used in this area. In some cities, schools are substantially funded through property taxes, which means you can count on yours increasing regularly.

12. Check with city hall.
Look into the property’s and the neighborhood’s zoning, as well as any potential easements, liens or other restrictions relating to your property. The seller should disclose these facts, but it’s better to be proactive. If you’re using a buyer’s agent, they should be able to help.

13. Reconsider the bells and whistles.
Are you sure you can live with a one-car garage, or a detached garage, or on-street parking? The pool may be a nice bonus, but can you afford the upkeep?

14. Explore the surrounding area.
If you’re new to the area, you may not know that only three blocks away, this pretty neighborhood backs up to a dumpy commercial zone or a less-than-savory part of town. If the home is near an airport, fire station, police station, hospital or railroad track, expect to hear trains, planes or ambulances throughout the day and night. Make sure you’re not too close to an agricultural area that may generate odors or kick up dust or other airborne problems.

Diane Benson Harrington wrote this article

Thanks again for stopping by and seeing us today.

For a Limited Time, DHCD is Offering Special Maryland Mortgage Plan Rates for Military Personnel, Veterans and Disabled Veterans

To all Maryland military personal, veterans and disabled veterans, this is a must read. If you have been on the fence about buying now is the time. Please take time to read this and if you have any questions please contact me today at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com, time is limited.

Crownsville, MD – DHCD is offering special mortgage rates and significant down payment assistance for veterans and active duty military personnel and an even lower rate for disabled veterans.

The special rates are through the Maryland Homefront: The Veterans and Military Family Mortgage program and is in appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

But the special rates are for a limited time only. The initiative ends at the close of business on May 30.

Through the Maryand Homefront program, veterans and active duty military personnel are eligible for a special interest rate of 3.5 percent for a 30-year, fixed rate mortgage. Disabled veterans can qualify for a 3.0 percent rate. Qualified borrowers can utilize the conventional, FHA, VA or Rural Home Service programs and they can purchase a home anywhere in Maryland.

Veterans purchasing under the program may utilize the $5,000 Down Payment Assistance program plus any applicable funds through DHCD’s Partner Match program. Working with employers, developers, local governments and community organizations, the Partner Match program often can make the difference for families that have the income and the credit they need to qualify for a home but not the down payment and settlement costs.

Maryland Homefront is one of several new homeownership initiatives coming this spring and summer. They are designed to help families take advantage of low prices, competitive rates and significant down payment assistance available  through the Maryland Mortgage Program, the state’s flagship homeownership program.

To learn more about the Maryland Homefront program, click here.