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.

 

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 

'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

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.

Want a Chance to Win $50,000??

  You could win $50,000 just by downloading my KW app to your phone, not to mention this is a great search engine for homes. If you are in a neighborhood, you can see what homes are for sale right where you are at, or make up a search. Best of all there is no charge to you. Just click on the photo and it will take you to the website where you can download the app, you can also go to www.LynnNicholsApp.com. Thanks for stopping by today.                                                        

                                                                            

5 Low-Cost Kitchen Redos Buyers Will Love

With the Spring almost here, it is time to get your house in the market. The kitchen is one of the most important places to make sure it is looking sharp. Besides having it very clean, here are some items that will just make it pop and lot better. If you are looking to sell your house please call us, we don't put your house on the market, we put it in the market. Feel free to start the process by receiving a free CMA on your property go to www.FindMyMarylandHomeValue.com

Kitchens are one of the features buyers compare most closely when they’re shopping for a home. Here are cost estimates for some of the low-cost kitchen upgrades that listing agents often recommend to sellers:

1. Hardware.
Replacing cabinet hardware, such as handles, knobs, and hinges is a quick, DIY way to enhance kitchen space. According to HouseLogic.com, an average kitchen is 200 square feet with 30 linear feet of cabinetry, which equates to about 40 handles and knobs. Averaging between $2 and $20 per knob or pull, a home owner can expect to spend from $80 to $800 for this enhancement.

2. Faucet.
There are myriad options today in terms of height, spouts, pullout hoses, and folding necks, with quality faucets starting at around $200.

3. Lighting.
Adding an LED undercabinet light can have a dramatic effect for about $40.

4. Organization.
Buyers today choose functionality over elaborate decoration, says Jamie Goldberg, a National Kitchen & Bath Association–certified designer. Practical storage in the kitchen will go a long way. Over-the-door hooks, baskets in the pantry, drawer organizers, wall hooks for pots and pans, and stackable shelves for cabinets will add appeal, typically for less than $100.

5. Countertops.
Laminate can mimic the contemporary look of granite at a significant discount. The cost for an average kitchen with 30 linear feet of laminate countertop is roughly $1,575; the same space in granite would be about $2,400.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and again visit us at www.FindMyMarylandHomeValue.com

4 Million Homes Return to Positive Equity

Great news for Home Owners. If you have any Real Estate questions please contact us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS 

Rising home prices helped many home owners welcome the return of equity in their homes last year. In 2013, 4 million homes returned to positive equity, bringing the total to 42.7 million, CoreLogic reports in its fourth quarter 2013 Equity Report.

Of the 42.7 million residential properties that now have positive equity, 10 million – or 21.1 percent – have less than 20 percent equity, CoreLogic reports. More than 1.6 million residential properties have less than 5 percent equity.

About 6.5 million residential properties with a mortgage – or 13.3 percent – remained in negative equity territory by the end of 2013.

“The plight of the underwater borrower has improved dramatically since negative equity peaked in December 2009 when more than 12 million mortgaged home owners were underwater,” says Mark Fleming, chief economist for CoreLogic. “Over the past four years, more than 5.5 million home owners have regained equity, reducing their risk of foreclosure and unlocking pent-up supply in the housing market.”

The bulk of home equity for properties with a mortgage is concentrated at the higher-end of the housing market, with 92 percent of homes valued at more than $200,000 having equity compared to 81 percent of homes valued at less than $200,000, CoreLogic reports.

Five states alone account for nearly 37 percent of the negative equity in the U.S. CoreLogic reports that the following five states have the highest percentage of mortgaged properties in negative equity:

• Nevada: 30.4%
• Florida: 28.1%
• Arizona: 21.5%
• Ohio: 19%
• Illinois: 18.7%

Source: CoreLogic

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

Lynn Nichols, Your Realtor

The Hottest Outdoor Trends for 2014

Wow talking about turning your backyard into a paradise!!! If this don't help you sell your house....

Spaces by Dc Metro Home Builders National Association of Home Builders

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

A home’s inviting outdoor space may be just enough to get a home buyer to fall in love. TheAmerican Society of Landscape Architects recently surveyed nearly 180 landscape architects asking them to rate the expected popularity for 2014 of a variety of residential outdoor elements.

Across all categories, respondents rated the following as “somewhat” or “very in-demand” for 2014: lighting, seating/dining areas; fire pits/fireplaces; grills; installed seating, such as benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps, and boulders.

“Home owners know that designed landscapes add value to their lives as well as their property values,” says Nancy Somerville, ASLA executive vice president and CEO. “They’re interested in livable, open spaces that are both stylish and earth friendly.”

Here’s a breakdown of how home owners are sprucing up their outdoor spaces, and some of the top trends that landscape architects pinpointed for 2014 in each category.

Top Outdoor Design Elements

1. Gardens and landscaped spaces

2. Outdoor living spaces (kitchens, entertainment spaces)

3. Outdoor recreation amenities (pools, spas, tennis courts)

4. Sustainable design practices

Top Outdoor Living Features

1. Lighting

2. Seating/dining areas

3. Fire pits/fireplaces

4. Grills

Top Outdoor Recreation Amenities

1. Decorative water elements, such as ornamental pools, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels, or bubblers

2. Spa features (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpools, indoor/outdoor sauna)

3. Swimming pools

4. Sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce ball, etc.)

Top Landscape/Garden Elements

1. Low maintenance landscapes

2. Native plants

3. Fountains/ornamental water features

4. Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards/vineyards, etc.

Top Sustainable Design Elements

1. Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants

2. Drip/water-efficient irrigation

3. Permeable paving

4. Reduced lawn

Top Outdoor Structures

1. Terraces/patios/decks

2. Fencing (includes gates)

3. Pergoals

4. Decks

Thanks for stopping by and contact us anytime at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

8 Quit Tips For A Tired Bathroom

Selling season is upon us and maybe you are ready to sell your house and move on to the next phase of your life. Any Realtor will tell you it is very important to have good looking and clean bathrooms. Here are some tips to get your bathroom ready for sale that are really good on a low budget. If you would like to find out more or have any questions please contact  us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com  

8 Quick Fixes for a Tired Bathroom

 Remodeling a home can be expensive and exhausting. But you can breathe new life into tired rooms with just a small budget, a little sweat equity, and a healthy imagination.

California decorating consultant Gina Fulton suggests eight quick fixes to freshen the look and increase the functionality of an old, drab bathroom:

• New paint – Choose a color that brightens the space and shines with personality. Paint one wall in a bold shade. Or wallpaper one – or all four walls – in a whimsical or elegant design that says something about you.
• Vanity – Choose a new one if you can afford it – or paint the existing vanity in a bold or pastel color that offsets or complements the color of the walls.
• Drawer pulls and towel racks – The bathroom is a small space, so you may want to splurge on unique hardware that adds a touch of class.
• Sinks or faucets – If it’s been a while since you’ve perused the hardware aisle, you may be amazed at the wide variety of affordable sinks and faucets. Consider an art-glass basin or a high-arcing faucet that adds fresh perspective to the bath.
• Lighting and mirrors – Replace a small mirror with a larger one. Surround it with dressing-room lights. Or frame it to match or contrast the walls.
• Flooring – Install inexpensive tile, hardwood or bamboo flooring that updates and complements your new design.
• Artwork – Choose a theme – perhaps impressionist prints, French boudoir prints, or even a series of framed family vacation photos. Keep visual interest in mind, but be sure to use surfaces that won’t suffer from steamy air.
• New towels and shower curtain – Whip up a sink skirt for a stand-alone sink. Embellished towels and coordinating shower curtain can pull your new design scheme together and enhance the updated look.

 By Barbara Pronin

Thanks so much for stopping by and feel free to visit us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

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

Dress Up the Laundry Room With Staging

Well, the home selling season is quickly coming upon us, before you know it people will be scrambling to get their houses ready to sell. With this cold snap and having to stay in why not start now. I found an article written by Melissa Dittmann Tracey of the Realtor magazine, I thought this was really good because it is about staging your laundry room, a very overlooked area. So you know staging is not necessary remodeling but is so much about cleaning and being in good repair. You should enjoy this article.

If you have any Real Estate questions or need help please don't hesitate to contact us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Traditional Laundry Room by Decatur Interior Designers & Decorators Colordrunk Designs

Laundry rooms are an important part of the house for home buyers, but this space can often get overlooked when it comes to staging. After all, how much can you really do to spruce up a washer and dryer, particularly if the laundry room is only a small room or even inside a closet?

But regardless of how much space your listing has, you’d be amazed at what a little staging can do to make buyers consider the laundry room a more inviting space and not just a dreaded space for chores.

Here are some ideas you that should help you.

Add storage: There are plenty of options, from cabinets, shelves, hanging rods, baskets, to drawers under the washer and dryer. Storage can be an important part of making a laundry room more functional and less cluttered. Home owners will want a place to tuck away all of those laundry supplies and a the space that leaves an impression as clean as the clothes coming out of the washer and dryer.

Create a folding station: Find a place for a countertop, such as over cabinets or even a countertop over the washer and dryer. If the room is large enough, you could even do a table or folding station island in the middle. If it’s smaller, a small table may suffice. But have an area devoted to folding clothes or at least big enough to store a laundry basket, besides the floor.

Enhance with color: Warm the laundry room up with a comforting color on the walls, such as a soft blue. Or, add a colorful rug or even a fun print – such as in damask — to an ironing board cover. If your listing’s laundry room is in a closet, add shelves above the washer and dryer and use wallpaper behind the shelves to dress it up.

Click on the following  link and it will provide  you more images from Melissa Images of Laundry Rooms.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, and please visit us anytime at MarylandHomesbyLynn.com