Bacardi's Corner: Sellers what to do?

Well Good Day: It is me Bacardi your friendly and hopefully one of your favorite canine. So Lynn is making me work today, oh the nerve of her, I wanted to be taking a nap. So I was thinking about what do people do with their dogs while a house is for sale??? Some folks just don't know, well never fear Bacardi is here to help.

Having a dog there at the house while it is being shown can be a real distraction, whether the potential home buyer loves dogs or is afraid of dogs. Here are my suggestions

1. Make sure that your Real Estate Agent has arranged it so that you have enough notice to take us out of the house during the showing.

2. If  an appointment has been set  during a time you work, one option have a neighbor or friend come and walk the dog or take it to a doggie daycare.

3. If you are going be home around that time take the dog for a walk until the showing is complete.

4. This one I love, the appointment is set and my owner takes me on a day trip, that is my favorite.

We are dogs and will protect our house most of the time, so for someone coming in and we are barking can be very bad for that person  and scary. Keep in mind it might of been someone that would of bought your house, and left really quick. So just go that extra mile.

As always if you have any questions contact us here at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Energy-Efficient Mortgages Gain Popularity

Great way to save money with your mortgage, contact us today with any questions at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

More home buyers and current home owners are weighing the merits of a "green" mortgage, according to U.S. News & World Report. Energy-efficient mortgages allow home owners to finance "green" home improvements, such as solar panels, geothermal heating, tank-less water heaters, and newer, more energy-efficient heaters or air-conditioning systems. 

Fannie Mae, the Federal Housing Administration, and the Veterans Administration offer loan programs that include energy-efficient mortgages. On FHA loans, the cost of improvements usually can't exceed 5 percent of the property’s value, but is capped at $8,000. With VA loans, veterans can usually add up to $6,000 in energy-efficiency improvements, according to U.S. News & World Report. On conventional loans, funding for energy improvements often is capped at 10 percent of the appraised value of the completed property. 

Lending experts warn that borrowers need to be careful in making sure they're comfortable with the higher monthly mortgage payments that often result from taking out these loans. But over the long-term, the decrease in the home's energy costs may make up the difference. Indeed, many lenders won’t even process an energy-efficient mortgage unless it will result in a net cost savings. 

The average home owner spends about $2,200 annually on energy bills, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Star Program. The Environmental Protection Agency says that adding insulation and improving the sealing of a home has the potential to curb total energy costs by 10 percent. According to Energy Star, programmable thermostats can save home owners $180 annually; replacing single-pane windows can offer a $500 annual savings; solar water heaters offer a $140 savings; and energy-efficient HVAC systems can offer $200 or more in savings. 

Source: “How an Energy Efficient Mortgage Can Save You Money,” U.S. News & World Report (Feb. 10, 2014)

Again if you have any questions, you can leave them here under the comment section or contact us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Boomerang Buyers Making Moves to Return to Home Ownership

Looks like things are turning around for a lot of folks that had trouble in the past. If you had trouble in the past and want to get ready to get back into home ownership, than contact me at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014

Now that the worst of the foreclosure crisis is in the rearview mirror, former home owners who lost their homes to a short sale or foreclosure are re-entering the housing market. They've spent the last few years rebuilding their credit — and they're ready to buy again. 

"We're about three years past the peak of the foreclosures, and that's about the time when most people would qualify for another loan," says Daren Blomquist, spokesman for RealtyTrac. "The market really needs boomerang buyers to maintain the current recovery."

Some boomerang buyers heading back to the housing market may find they have to make down payments of at least 20 percent to qualify for a loan, but others are finding opportunities to put down as little as 3.5 percent or 5 percent. 

The wait times for qualifying for a loan can vary depending on the former home owners' circumstances. Typically, the wait times following a short sale or foreclosure are as follows: 

• Seven-year wait for home owners with a previous foreclosure before they can qualify for a new mortgage through mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. If the foreclosure was  included in a bankruptcy, the borrower has to wait only four years.
• Two-year wait for home owners who underwent a short sale before they're eligible for another Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae loan. 
• Three-year wait for home owners seeking a Federal Housing Administration loan after a foreclosure or short sale. Some home owners who underwent a foreclosure because of at least a 20 percent cut in their pay may be able to qualify for a new mortgage after just a year through FHA's Back to Work program. 

Source: "'Boomerang' Buyers Get Another Chance at Homeownership," Sun Sentinel (Feb. 24, 2014)

Did you know there are grants for Disabled Veterans?

This is great information for any disabled Veteran, please if you know of one share the information.

The VA provides grants to Service members and Veterans with certain permanent and total service-connected disabilities to help purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home to accommodate a disability. Two grant programs exist: the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant.

To read more about the two grants available please visit http://benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp

As always you can contact us at anytime for more information at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Big Listing Announcement

Looking for a great old house, check out this one. Highly motivated seller is offering all closing cost up to $10,000. House does need some work, we have had a contractor go through and give estimates on updates needed in house, all the estimates from the contractor are in the document section of the website. Go to www.6841BABlvd.com 

Getting your house ready to sell

The selling season is upon us, and I know so many of my sellers want top dollar for their house. I have found an article written by Elizabeth Weintraub that really is helpful. For me there are two things that I would add and advise my clients to do without a doubt.

1. Get your home pre-inspected, that way there are no surprises, and the sellers can have the items repaired before the house is even put in the market. A few times when my sellers did this, the buyers just used that home inspection. Again it helps to bring up the value on your house.

2. Have your home pre-appraised, it takes so much guess work on where to price. Also with that appraisal in hand it gives you so much negotiating power. Everytime one off my clients have done this they got very close to asking price, within a few percent.

If you have any questions you can reach us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Now for the article "Great tips on prepping your house for sale"

Prepping a house to sell. Every seller wants her home to sell fast and bring top dollar. Does that sound good to you? Well, it's not luck that makes that happen. It's careful planning and knowing how to professionally spruce up your home that will send home buyers scurrying for their checkbooks. Here is how to prep a house and turn it into an irresistible and marketable home.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Seven to 10 Days

Here's How:

1. Disassociate Yourself With Your Home.
   • Say to yourself, "This is not my home; it is a house -- a product to be sold much like a box of cereal on the grocery store shelf.
   • Make the mental decision to "let go" of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours.
   • Picture yourself handing over the keys and envelopes containing appliance warranties to the new owners!
   • Say goodbye to every room.
   • Don't look backwards -- look toward the future.
2. De-Personalize.
   Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can't see past personal artifacts, and you don't want them to be distracted. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You don't want to make any buyer ask, "I wonder what kind of people live in this home?" You want buyers to say, "I can see myselfliving here." 
3. De-Clutter!
   People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it.
   • If you don't need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
   • Remove all books from bookcases.
   • Pack up those knickknacks.
   • Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
   • Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
   • Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.
4. Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets. 
   Buyers love to snoop  and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well. This means:
   • Alphabetize spice jars.
   • Neatly stack dishes.
   • Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way.
   • Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction.
   • Line up shoes.
5. Rent a Storage Unit. 
   Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Since your bookcases are now empty, store them. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don't want buyers scratching their heads and saying,"What is this room used for?" 
6. Remove/Replace Favorite Items.
   If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, she won't want it. Once you tell a buyer she can't have an item, she will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary. 
7. Make Minor Repairs
   • Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
   • Patch holes in walls.
   • Fix leaky faucets.
   • Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
   • Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls.
     (Don't give buyers any reason to remember your home as "the house with the orange bathroom.")
   • Replace burned-out light bulbs.
   • If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!
8. Make the House Sparkle!
   • Wash windows inside and out.
   • Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
   • Clean out cobwebs.
   • Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
   • Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
   • Clean out the refrigerator.
   • Vacuum daily.
   • Wax floors.
   • Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
   • Bleach dingy grout.
   • Replace worn rugs.
   • Hang up fresh towels.
   • Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows.
   • Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.
9. Scrutinize. 
   • Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you?
   • Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer.
   • Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense.
   • Make sure window coverings hang level.
   • Tune in to the room's statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?
   • Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You're almost finished.
10. Check Curb Appeal.
    If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside.
• Keep the sidewalks cleared.
• Mow the lawn.
• Paint faded window trim.
• Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive.
• Trim your bushes.
• Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

Wow lot of great information but after doing all that in no time you should have this sign in your yard.

Great Incentive from HomePath

With this being the buying season coming up now is the time to act on this great incentive. Fannie Mae is offering up to 3.5% in closing cost help for a limited time. Give me a call today so I can help you find a property. You can also visit me at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Closing cost assistance is available. Act now...offer ends soon! Fannie Mae is offering up to a 3.5% incentive for owner-occupant buyers who request the incentive at their initial offer during the First Look period, purchase a HomePath property in select states on or before March 31 and close on or before May 31, 2014.* To be eligible for this incentive: All actively listed properties in select states** are eligible. Buyers or their agents must request closing cost assistance at initial offer. Initial offers must be submitted on or after February 14, 2014, but not later than March 31, 2014. Property sales must close on or before May 31, 2014. Buyers must reside in the home as their primary residence or be a public entity — auction, pool and investor sales are excluded.

Keep Winter Pests Where They Belong: Outside

Well here we are freezing across many parts of the country, I don't think we are the only ones, the critters outside must be as well. You want to make sure they don't get into your house,  so here are some helpful hints published by the Realtor Magazine to keep them out!!!

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2014

With record low temperatures and accumulating piles of snow driving you into the comforts of your home, remember that it's never too late to make sure you don't have unexpected company as bugs and other pests look for shelter as well.

Advice site Lifehacker.com recently reminded its readers to protect against four different kinds of infestations: spiders; mice, rats, and other rodents; attic critters such as squirrels and raccoons; and bugs that nestle in firewood.

A partial solution shared by the first three problems is making sure that all points of entry are sealed, from tiny cracks to holes in the roof. Once that's accomplished, Lifehacker says, stringent cleaning should vanquish problem spiders. Rodents can be dissuaded from settling in by making sure they can't find any food; along with cleaning, storing food properly in containers vermin can't claw or gnaw into will help avoid attracting them. "Cleaning the kitchen, putting away pet food, and keeping dry food in sealed plastic containers all help to ensure any rodents don't find a buffet," says Lifehacker writer Eric Ravenscraft.

Before sealing points of entry for larger animals on the roof, conduct an audit to make sure none have entered yet; you don't want to trap them inside. Humane traps can be used for bait and release strategies. Once you're confident the house is clear, you can seal the roofs's cracks and vents.

Finally, if you keep firewood handy,  keep it on a raised plastic platform away from the house. Storing it under sheets of plastic can help keep insects out and might even raise the temperature under the plastic to a level they can't survive in. As you  bring in firewood,  inspect it for infestation. Many bugs can settle into firewood, but termites are an obvious first indication of infestation.

With these guidelines in mind, you should be much closer to a distraction-free winter with only the approved residents of your homes.

As always thanks for stopping by and if you every have any Real Estate questions please contact us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Which Veterans Are Eligible For VA Home Loan Benefits?

I found a great article about VA loans for military and veterans. A lot of veterans don't realize that they qualify for a VA Loan, which is a great product. You do not have to have any money down for the loan it is 100% financed, although you do have to think about closing cost. Dan Green really writes a great article on who qualifies, Dan is a mortgage lender. Please if you have any questions feel free to contact me at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

VA Home Loans : Eligibility Standards

As a program for military borrowers, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requires that all VA mortgage applicants meet certain minimum standards related to military service. Standards vary depending on whether you served during wartime or peacetime.

For example, individuals serving during World War II, the Korean War, and/or the Vietnam War, must show at least 90 days on active duty, and discharge under any condition other than dishonorable.

Individuals servicing during peacetime from 1947-1981 must show at least 181 days of continuous duty, and discharge under any condition other than dishonorable.

In both of the above examples, service-connected disabilities preclude the minimum 90- and 181-day standards.

Service After 9/7/1980 (Enlisted) And 10/16/1981 (Officer)

VA home loan eligibility standards change for servicemen and servicewomen enlisted after September 7, 1980; and for officers serving after October 16, 1981.

If your dates of military service include the dates above and you have since separated from the service, you must show at least 24 months of continuous active duty, or the complete period for which you were called to active duty then discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

For veterans with fewer than 181 days of service, proof of discharge from a service-connected disability must be shown, or evidence that the discharge was tied to involuntary reduction, specific medical conditions, or "government convenience".

Special provisions are also made for individuals discharged because of Hardship (10 USC 1173) or Early Out (10 USC 1171).

Gulf War Service From 8/2/1990 To As-Yet-Undetermined Date

Gulf War veterans have specific VA home loan eligibility standards, too.

Mortgage applicants with Gulf War experience must show 24 months or more of continuous active duty, or the complete period for which they were called to active duty then discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

For Gulf War vets with fewer than 90 days of service, eligibility is granted for individuals discharged for service-connected disabilities, and for those whose discharge is linked to involuntary  reduction, certain medical conditions, and "government convenience".

Individuals discharged because of Hardship (10 USC 1173) or Early Out (10 USC 1171) are granted VA home loan eligibility as well.

Selected Reserves And National Guard Members

VA home loan eligibility is extended to members of the Selected Reserves and National Guard, assuming several initial conditions are met :

• Borrower must have served at least 6 years
• Borrower must have attended weekend drills
• Borrower must have attended 2-week active training for duty

Borrowers who continue to serve today are eligible, as are the Selected Reserves and National Guard members who were honorably discharged, placed on the retired list, or transferred to the Standby Reserve or Ready Reserve after honorable service.

Individuals with fewer than 6 years of service are eligible if discharged for a service-related disability.

Surviving Spouses And Spouses Of POW/MIA Servicepersons

In some cases, VA home loan benefits extend to spouses of military personnel, too -- specifically, to unremarried surviving spouses and spouses of POW and MIA servicemen and servicewomen.

Surviving spouses who remarry after attaining age 57 may be VA home loan-eligible, too.

Other Eligible Military Borrowers

Lastly, the Department of Veterans Benefits makes the VA Home Loan Guaranty program available to members of certain organizations, including :

• Public Health Service officers
• Air Force, Coast Guards and U.S. Military cadets
• U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen
• National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officers
• Merchant season with WWII experience

Again visit us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Moving Tips For Your Pets brought to you by Bacardi

Hey Everyone, Bacardi here from Bacardi's corner. Lynn wanted me to write an article about moving tips for your pets. Well Folks I am going to be honest I cheated, I took an article from the Realtor Magazine. Selling season is around the corner and it is never too soon to think about moving and you have to take care of your four legged friends. Hope this article is helpful, if you have any questions get in touch with Lynn because I can't answer the phone, you can find her at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. 

1. Update your pet’s tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.
2. Ask for veterinary records. If you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet’s medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request. Depending on your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Have your current vet's phone number handy in case of an emergency, or in case your new vet would like more information about your pet.
3. Keep medications and food on hand. Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can’t write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods — purchase an extra supply in case you can't find the food right away in your new area.
4. Seclude your pet from chaos. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a “Do Not Disturb! Pets Inside!” sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates on the market if you choose to buy one. However, make sure your pet is familiar with the new crate before moving day by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is well-ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers; otherwise, a nervous pet could escape.
5. Prepare a first aid kit. First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared and knowing basic first aid could save your pet's life. A few recommended supplies: Your veterinarian's phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages, towels, and hydrogen peroxide (3 percent). You can use a door, board, blanket or floor mat as an emergency stretcher and a soft cloth, rope, necktie, leash, or nylon stocking for an emergency muzzle.
6. Play it safe in the car. It’s best to travel with your dog in a crate; second-best is to use a restraining harness. When it comes to cats, it’s always best for their safety and yours to use a well-ventilated carrier in the car. Secure the crate or carrier with a seat belt and provide your pet with familiar toys. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to injury and theft. If you’ll be using overnight lodging, plan ahead by searching for pet-friendly hotels. Have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand, and keep your pet on its regular diet and eating schedule.
7. Get ready for takeoff. When traveling by air,check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you’ve prepared your pet for a safe trip. Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, depending on the animal’s size, but you’ll need to purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat in front of you. Give yourself plenty of time to work out any arrangements necessary including consulting with your veterinarian and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If traveling is stressful for your pet, consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel.
8. Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital. Before you move, ask your vet to recommend a doctor in your new locale. Talk to other pet owners when visiting the new community, and call the state veterinary medical association (VMA) for veterinarians in your location. When choosing a new veterinary hospital, ask for an impromptu tour; kennels should be kept clean at all times, not just when a client’s expected. You may also want to schedule an appointment to meet the vets. Now ask yourself: Are the receptionists, doctors, technicians, and assistants friendly, professional and knowledgeable? Are the office hours and location convenient? Does the clinic offer emergency or specialty services or boarding? If the hospital doesn’t meet your criteria, keep looking until you’re assured that your pet will receive the best possible care.
9. Prep your new home for pets. Pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings. Upon your arrival at your new home, immediately set out all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Pack these items in a handy spot so they can be unpacked right away. Keep all external windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised, and be cautious of narrow gaps behind or between appliances where nervous pets may try to hide. If your old home is nearby, your pet may try to find a way back there. To be safe, give the new home owners or your former neighbors your phone number and a photo of your pet, and ask them to contact you if your pet is found nearby.
10. Learn more about your new area. Once you find a new veterinarian, ask if there are any local health concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet may require. Also, be aware of any unique laws. For example, there are restrictive breed laws in some cities. Homeowner associations also may have restrictions — perhaps requiring that all dogs are kept on leashes. If you will be moving to a new country, carry an updated rabies vaccination and health certificate. It is very important to contact the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country or state to which you’re traveling to obtain specific information on special documents, quarantine, or costs to bring the animal into the country.

Again thanks for stopping by and visit Lynn at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com