Security & Safety

These are the very first things you should do after buying a house (for obvious reasons):

1. Change locks. Spares could be floating around anywhere.

2. Hide an extra key in a lockbox. Thieves look under flower pots.

3. Reset the key codes for garage doors, gates, etc. The former owners might've trusted half the neighborhood.

4. Test fire and carbon monoxide detectors. Who knows when the last time was. Definitely install them if there are none.

5. Check the temperature on your water heater, especially if you have young ones, so it won't accidentally scald. Manufacturers tend to set them high. (but the best temperature setting for hot water is 120 degrees).

6. Make sure motion lights and other security lights have working bulbs.

7. Put a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and each additional floor.

Maintenance Planning

Start your master maintenance plan (and good home-keeping habits) by setting reminders in your calendar to do these basic maintenance tasks:

8. Clean out the dryer hose and vent yearly. Clogged ones burn down houses. And you don't know the last time the previous homeowner did it.

9. Change your HVAC filters at least once a season. You'll save on heating and cooling — and your unit will last longer. (While you're at it, go ahead and stock up on them, too.)

10. Schedule HVAC maintenance for spring and fall.

11. Clean your fridge coils at least once a year. It'll run better and last longer. (Don't see any coils? Lucky you! Newer fridges often have coils insulated, so there's no need for annual cleaning.)

12. Drain your water heater once a year.

13. Clean your gutters at least twice a year.

14. And if all items on your inspection report were not addressed, make a plan to fix them — before they become bigger and more expensive repairs.

Emergency Preparedness

You really really don't want to be figuring any of this out in a real emergency. Do it now. You'll sleep better and be less likely to ruin your home.

15. Locate the main water shut-off valve. Because busted pipes happen to almost every homeowner at least once. And water damage is value-busting and pricey to fix.

16. Find the circuit box, and label all circuit breakers.

17. Find the gas shut-off valve, too, if you have gas.

18. Test the sump pump if you have one. Especially before the rainy season starts.

19. List of emergency contacts. You already know 911. These are the other numbers you often need in an emergency. You should have them posted where they're easy to see. In fact, here's a worksheet you can fill out and post.

• Your utility companies
• Your insurance agent
• Plumber
• Electrician

20. Assemble an emergency supply kit. Some key items are:

• Flashlights and batteries
• Non-perishable food and water
• Blankets and warm clothing
• A radio, TV, or cell phone with backup batteries

Home & Mortgage Documents

In case there's a dispute with your mortgage lender or a neighbor over property lines, or if you're a bit forgetful about due dates.

21. Store copies (the originals should be in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box) of important home documents so they're readily available. Go paper, cloud, or better, yet, both.

• Lender contact information
• Property survey
• Inspection report
• Final closing documents
• Insurance documents

22. Set mortgage and other bills to auto-pay so you're never late.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  https://www.houselogic.com/buy/first-time-home-buyer/first-things-to-do-after-buying-a-house/?site_ref=mosaic

The buyer pays the cost of a home inspection but can always wave the right to an inspection. That's not a good idea. You should make a home inspection a mandatory part of the home-buying process. You need unbiased documentation of the home's condition. This goes for both the purchase of a pre-owned home as well as new construction.

via EnviroShield

Unseen and Unpredicted Problems

You can fall in love with a home for various reasons. You might love the size of the home, the open floor plan, the home's exterior or the layout of the kitchen. While the home may look to be in excellent shape, the home's aesthetics can hide real problems.

You need an inspector to climb into the attic and inch around in the crawl space. The inspector can discover real and expensive problems that are not always apparent when you view the home with a real estate agent.

The home might not look good on top and underneath. It's much more than the red door curb appeal. A great home is more than interior decorating and a good paint job. It's about what's in your walls and not what's on them.

More Options

When you and the seller reach an agreement on the home, you are under some legal obligation to finalize the sale. A home inspection gives you ways to get out of the deal. Once the home inspector completes a report, you can renegotiate with the seller. You might want to have certain items repaired, or you could seek to have the cost of the home reduced. If an agreement is not reached on the items in the report, you can back out of the deal. A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors found that 14% of sales are never finalized due to the home inspection, the third largest reason.

It's going to educate you about one of your greatest purchases. You are also learning very practical information about the home like where the main water shutoff valve is located and where the main fuel shutoff is.

Cost Efficient

Cost is not an inhibiting factor for a home inspection. An inspection on a condominium can be as little as $300 while the cost of a single-family home inspection ranges from $350 to $500. Specialized radon and HVAC inspections add a little bit more to the cost. In the end, the money is worth the investment. A quality home inspection can keep you from having to pay tens of thousands of dollars in repairs costs. You will always benefit more than the cost of your home inspection.

Structural Problems

The home inspector will look at the foundation and other structural elements of the house. If the house is not structurally sound, the inspection report will identify the problems. Structural problems are major red flags when buying a house. You don't want to get stuck with a home that is not well built.

Leaks

A new roof can cost $10,000 or more to replace and is one of the more expensive maintenance costs of owning a home. The inspector will look at the roof and identify the roof's age in order to decide whether it is in proper working order. The report will point out any problems with the roof.

Safety

An important part of the home inspection is to make sure the home is safe. The inspector will look at the electrical system and make sure it is in proper working order. You don't want to live in a home with an unsafe electrical system. If you choose to get a radon test, you will understand if the radon levels in the house are at safe levels. Radon is an odorless gas that can cause lung disease.

Maintenance Costs

A home requires ongoing maintenance. Things wear out and break. When putting together a budget for buying a home, you need to include maintenance costs. The amount of money that you budget will depend on the home's condition. A newer home is less likely to need maintenance than an older home. Most inspection reports include the cost of deferred maintenance. These are things that will have pending replacements in the next five years.

Negotiation Leverage

You have a huge amount of leverage with an inspection report. You can ask the seller to fix the problems in the report, renegotiate the asking price or ask the seller to contribute more to the closing costs. You are in the driver's seat if the inspection report shows major problems with the house.

Peace of Mind

An inspection report guarantees that you understand the condition of the home when the sale finalizes which can ultimately bring you peace of mind. All in all, you don't want any major surprises shortly after moving into your new home.

Peace of mind can't be overrated. You have actual physical documentation that informs you of the condition of the home. This is true even on new construction. For example, the air ducts could not be placed correctly.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  https://www.homes.com/blog/2018/06/reasons-you-need-a-home-inspection/

Whether you're looking to sell your home or simply improve its overall appearance, consider upgrading the landscape. These six tips will help you utilize landscaping to increase your home's curb appeal:

1. Freshen your mulch

Mulch eventually dulls and blends in with the surrounding plants and shrubs. Adding new mulch doesn't cost very much and can greatly improve the appearance of your flowerbeds.

2. Add potted plants

Container plants allow you to add mobile color to your home. Add attractive containers to your porch, driveway or any other place that company enters your home.

3. Plant shrubs

Make sure to trim existing bushes for a well-manicured appearance. Adding additional shrubs in sparse areas gives your yard a lush look. Shrubs also add privacy to your home and property. For additional springtime appeal, invest in flowering shrubs.

4. Spruce up your porch

Add a porch swing with comfortable, colorful cushions to create an inviting atmosphere. Rocking chairs are another way to add some old-world charm to your home and porch.

5. Plant trees

Even smaller trees have a big impact on the beauty of your property. Plant a few trees that have interesting blooms and trunks, like dogwoods or Japanese maples. Trees also help with your home's energy efficiency by providing cover from the sun and storms.

6. Add landscape lighting

Choose a style of landscape lighting that complements your home and its amenities. There are various types of outdoor lighting available, each priced to work within a certain budget. Some types of landscape lighting also double as security lights.

Conclusion

Landscaping will enhance the value, enjoyment, and appearance of your home. A few fundamental improvements to your yard will help your home entice prospective buyers or keep your family comfortable for years to come.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/item/1017167-20180510-the-right-landscaping-can-increase-your-homes-value?rtmpage=

If you've fallen in love with a new property, it's easy to dismiss its shortcomings. That's why, when looking at prospective new digs, it's important to focus on the parts of the space that you don't like and would change later on. Ask yourself, "How will I feel about this space in a decade?" You may come to realize that some design trends and characteristics – such as lackluster landscaping, a swimming pool or a noisy location – may actually be less desirable and make your dream home harder to sell in the future.

When it comes to buying a house, most people know what they prefer: a bungalow or a condo, a hot neighborhood or a sleepy street.

Mortgages, too, come in many styles — and recognizing which type you should choose is just slightly more involved than, say, knowing that you prefer hardwood floors over wall-to-wall carpeting.

First things first: To pick the best loan for your situation, you need to know what your situation is, exactly. Will you be staying in this home for years? Decades? Are you feeling financially comfortable? Are you anxious about changing loan rates? Consider these questions and your answers before you start talking to lenders. (And before you choose a lender, read this.)

Next: You'll want to have an understanding of the different loans that are out there. There are lots of options, and it can get a little complicated — but you got this. Here we go.

Mortgages Are Fixed-Rate or Adjustable, and One Type Is Better for You

Let's start with the most common type of mortgage, that workhorse of home loans — the fixed-rate mortgage.

A fixed-rate mortgage:

• Lets you lock in an interest rate for 15 or 30 years. (You can get 20-year loans, too.) That means your monthly payment will stay the same over the life of the loan. (That said, your property taxes and insurance premiums will likely change over time.)

It's ideal when: You want long-term stability and plan to stay put.

Here's what else you need to know about fixed-rate mortgages:

• A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage offers a lower monthly payment for the loan amount (for this reason, it's more popular than the other option, the 15-year).
• A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage typically offers a lower interest rate but a higher monthly payment because you're paying off the loan amount faster.

Now let's get into adjustable-rate, the other type of mortgage you'll be looking at. 

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM): 

• Offers a lower interest rate than a fixed-rate mortgage for an initial period of time — say, five or seven years — but the rate can fluctuate after the introductory period is over, depending on changes in interest rate conditions. And that can make it difficult to budget.
• Has caps that protect how high the rate can go.

It's ideal when: You plan to live in a home for a short time or you expect your income to go up to offset potentially higher future rates.

Here's what else you need to know about adjustable-rate mortgages:

• Different lenders may offer the same initial interest rate but different rate caps. It's important to compare rate caps when shopping around for an ARM. 
• Adjustable-rate mortgages have a reputation for being complicated. As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advises, make sure to read the fine print.

A general rule of thumb: When comparing adjustable-rate loans, ask the prospective lender to calculate the highest payment you may ever have to make. You don't want any surprises.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  https://www.houselogic.com/buy/how-to-buy-step-by-step/difference-between-adjustable-and-fixed-rate-mortgages/?site_ref=mosaic

Does walking into your kitchen make you want to walk right back out? A kitchen that's outdated or just plain drab can be depressing, but so can the realization of how much it will cost to renovate it. The good news is that you don't need to do a complete overhaul to get happy in your space again. Little changes can actually make a big impact, and many of them can be done inexpensively, easily, and without having to hire someone.

New faucet

It's amazing how a little thing like a new faucet can change how you feel about doing dishes. Especially if your existing faucet doesn't have a modern design or is lacking features like a sprayer, a new version will be much appreciated. Go crazy and get a touchless faucet for some cool technology the whole family will love.

Backsplash

A new backsplash can make your whole kitchen look fresh, and it's generally an inexpensive update (unless you pick some kind of super-fancy, limited edition, hand-forged, imported tiles). With a little instruction - check out this step-by-step guide from Home Depot - you may be able to do it yourself in a few hours.

Paint

Anyone who's even painted their own kitchen cabinets will tell you it's not an easy or pleasant job. But, in the end, it's worth it to have a kitchen that looks brand new - not to mention the savings. Opt for a professional paint job, and you can be looking at spending several thousand dollars!

If you're going for it, make sure you do your research and your prep work. You don't want to spend all that time only to end up with a splotchy, streaky, or uneven finish. This DIY how-to will help.

Hardware

"Think of hardware as kitchen jewelry - add new metal or glass knobs for an easy kitchen cabinet update," said Better Homes and Gardens. If you're using metal hardware, choose one finish for the scheme. Be sure to count the number of doorknobs, handles or drawer pulls before heading out to stores, garage sales, or flea markets. And if the new hardware doesn't fit the old holes, simply buy some backplates to cover the gaps and then drill new holes.

Get new lighting

If you have an island or breakfast bar, consider hanging pendant lighting. A series of three pendants give you sufficient lighting and is also in line with today's trends.

Chalkboard paint

Modern kitchens are a place for the family to gather, and designating a space for young kids to have some fun is an easy way to foster that togetherness. "Chalkboard paint inexpensively turns a ho-hum kitchen into a hip family-friendly hangout," said HGTV. "Simply paint a wall or section of smooth cabinet doors, then tell your family they can write on the walls." We love the fact that chalkboard paint comes in all sorts of colors now, and you can also get whiteboard paint and magnetized paint.

Glass panels

New cabinets are expensive! You can lighten up the look of your cabinets without changing them out completely by popping out the panels and replacing them with glass; this will give you a more updated look and also bring more light into the space. "Replacing existing doors with glass-paneled ones looks like a major upgrade," HGTV's Scott McGillivray told Good Housekeeping. "Opt for frosted glass, if you feel like your shelves aren't display-worthy."

Create your own unique open shelving

You've seen it all over TV. Open shelving is a kitchen trend, and it's one you can easily create without much fuss by completely removing a cabinet or two from the walls. Or, you can create this unique look that's even easier to accomplish. "Create the look of a built-in china cabinet by simply removing a set of cabinet doors and filling the space with shelves displaying your favorite dishes," said HGTV. "For added pop, line the back of the cabinet with wallpaper or paint it in a complementary color."

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/item/1016164-20180326-small-kitchen-updates-that-make-a-big-impact?rtmpage=null

Home staging versus interior design: What's the difference? And which one do you need? While both share the goal of making your home look its best (and many pros offer both services), each serves a very distinct purpose. Here are some questions to ask to help you decide which one is right for you.

Are you selling your home soon, or staying put?

To begin, consider whether you're planning a move in the near future. If a sale is on your mind, a home staging company is the right choice.

Home staging is all about prepping your house so it will appeal to as many buyers as possible.

Home staging can include changing out paint colors, adding new pictures and artwork, and bringing in furniture and accessories. This service is generally viewed as a temporary one that's done in order to garner bids and result in a sale.

But if you're settled into your home for the foreseeable future, an interior designer would be more suitable.

An interior designer is knowledgeable about building construction, remodeling, and structural details.

While a designer may also offer home staging services, this professional offers a much broader range of services, from complete overhauls (ripping out walls, installing new flooring) to simple color updates (paint, carpet, drapes, upholstery).

A designer will create a beautiful, functional space for her client that will last.

Do you want to express your personal style, or fetch top dollar when you sell?

Home staging often has pretty rigid sales tactics (e.g., rolling three towels just so in the powder room, or displaying shiny green apples on the dining table nearly every time). This isn't to say there aren't different approaches to home staging, but the majority of a stager's tweaks will be impersonal and on the generic side.

A home staging company is concerned with placing furniture to best sell the property and won't necessarily take into account what the client really likes.

With home staging, you'll receive firm suggestions.

The upside, however, is that on average, a staged property sells 88% faster and for 20% more than a nonstaged one.

Hire an interior designer, on the other hand, and you get a lot more creative control. Do you want a bright-green laundry room and a tricked-out master bath? A designer will work to meet your needs.

This professional operates as your partner to handle paint consultation, light fixtures, improved plumbing, new furniture, finishes, artwork, and rugs—all of which is approved by the client.

Are you on a tight budget or want to spend big?

Home stagers charge based on the size and scope of the project, averaging around $500 per month for each room you want staged. This can go up if you're renting furniture or artwork to stage your home.

However steep that may seem, an interior designer will charge more—anywhere from $100 to $500 per hour, depending on her expertise.

Staging tends to be cheaper because it's usually a one-time consultation, sometimes paired with the selection of rental furnishings or artwork. Interior design, on the other hand, is a much more expansive service, so that's reflected in the price.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/home-staging-vs-interior-design-difference/

So, you're getting ready to buy your first home, and you feel like you're at the mercy of the market. And your mortgage lender. In some ways, it might even feel like they're working against each other - especially if you're in a really hot market in which you can't qualify for the amount you'd need to buy what you want.

When it comes to providing pre-approvals for would-be homebuyers, lenders today are more careful than they were in the years leading up to the market crash, and that means your financial picture will be more rigorously scrutinized to determine your credit-worthiness and develop your max approval amount. Trust us, that's a good thing. The last thing you want is to be house poor. Having a great place to live that you can't enjoy or furnish or even leave because you have no money left won't be fun.

Just because a lender says you can afford a certain mortgage doesn't mean you should. Consider your take-home pay - what actually goes into the bank after taxes, health insurance, and savings for retirement and college. Then add up all your monthly bills, not just debt but also things like utilities, phone, and groceries. You want to feel comfortable that you can cover all your household obligations while still meeting your other financial goals and keeping six months of expenses in an emergency fund.

That's why it's so important to consider all of your monthly expenses related to buying a home. Beyond the principal, interest, taxes, and insurance that the lender, there are other line items to weave in that will help you determine your purchasing power and also help you to be comfortable from month to month.

Increased commuter costs

Are you moving out to the 'burbs? That hour-long commute each way is going to add to your bottom line. Of course, you'll be using more gas. Will you also incur tolls? Then there is the wear and tear on your car, which could mean additional costs. You can estimate your commuter costs here.

Higher utility bills

A larger place could mean higher utility bills. Then again, more energy-efficient appliances, windows and doors, and HVAC could potentially result in lower bills, which could be a reason to look for a newer home over something older. It's not out of line to inquire about utility bill costs from the existing owner (through your Realtor is probably best). This information could be critical in helping to make the best decision when buying a new home.

Homeowner's Association

Your pre-approval amount is an all-in number, but that number only includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. If you are buying in a community that has a Homeowner's Association, your fee will be a separate cost that needs to be considered. An HOA fee can range greatly depending on your location, the number of homes in the community, and the amenities and services included.

Home improvements

You're likely going to have a mailbox full of credit card pre-approvals and offers from places like Home Depot and Lowe's after you close escrow - and they can be tempting. Reeeaaallly tempting, especially if you need new appliances or countertops or flooring (or all of the above). Ditto for furniture stores, because, like Lowe's and Home Depot, those offers are often zero-interest deals. It may make sense to take advantage of one (or more) of them to make some necessary or wanted updates to your home - if you can swing the payments. They obviously add to your monthly obligations, even at no interest. And keep in mind that if you miss, or are late on, a payment, that zero interest is replaced with a much larger number, and that means you'll face a much larger balance to pay.

Landscaping

If you're coming from an apartment or a rental where the outside maintenance is taken care of by someone else, get ready to either: buy a lawnmower and an edger and spend your Saturday mornings in the yard, or pay someone else to take care of it.

Warranty

If you're buying a brand-new home, you'll typically have a warranty provided by the builder or developer, often for one year. You have the option of extending that, or buying/extending an existing warranty on an older home, and all of those options will cost you.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/buyersadvice/item/1015317-20180222-how-much-home-can-you-really-afford?rtmpage=null

Homebuyers make a lot of mistakes that hurt their chances of getting a mortgage pre-approval from their lender. You don't want to join their ranks and sabotage your home purchase.

To find out what those missteps are, we talked to two lending experts: Casey Fleming, a mortgage advisor with C2 Financial Corp. in San Jose, California, and Heather McRae, a senior loan officer with Chicago Financial Services in Chicago.

Here are the six common mistakes they see borrowers make — and tips to avoid them:

1. Closing credit accounts

Once you've paid off a credit card or revolving debt account, you might be tempted to close the account so you don't run it up again. But doing so actually hurts your credit, Fleming cautions. In order to get  a mortgage pre-approval, you'll need at least two current lines of traditional credit with at least a two-year payment history; the longer you've had them the better, Fleming says. Check with a mortgage broker to find out how much your score would be affected by closing paid-off credit accounts before you make any decisions.

2. Paying down only high-interest credit cards

Although this is the right approach most of the time, it actually helps more to pay down balances that make up a higher percentage of your available credit, a situation known as a higher credit utilization ratio. When the credit utilization ratio reaches more than 50%, it can damage your chances of getting a mortgage pre-approval, McRae says. For example, if you have a credit card with a $10,000 limit and the balance exceeds $5,000, your credit score is hit pretty hard, she says. Although it's generally best to have a credit utilization ratio below 30%, if you have high utilization across several credit cards, paying those accounts down at least below 50% can dramatically help your chances of earning your lender's stamp of approval.

3. Taking out major loans

This one seems like a no-brainer, but both McRae and Fleming say they see many borrowers make this mistake. Don't be one of them. Avoid taking out large car or student loans until after your home purchase closes. Otherwise, your debt-to-income ratio will be higher — and your chances of getting a mortgage will be lower — because you're adding new debt to your plate while your income stays the same, Fleming says.

4. Paying off old debts you don't need to repay

If you have debts that have been in collections for several years, you may not have to pay them off. It's possible, depending on your state's statute of limitations, that the debt is no longer collectible and won't affect your credit score, Fleming says. Generally, states impose a limit of three to six years for collection agencies to collect debts, but the law varies from state to state, so you might want to check with an attorney to see if you have old debts you must repay.

5. Changing from salary to commission

Mortgage lenders typically require a two-year history of commissions or self-employment income for a mortgage preapproval. If your income is 25% or more based on commission earnings, that means you must have documented proof over two years for loan preapproval, McRae says.

6. Waiting to cash in investments

Generally, you need to have at least three months' worth of cash reserves available in order to show the lender you can continue making monthly mortgage payments if you lose your income unexpectedly. Securities such as stocks, mutual funds and other investments are counted as part of your asset reserves for mortgage underwriting purposes. Typically, though, cash assets need to be in hand for two or three months, depending on the lender, to be counted. The value of securities fluctuates, and it costs money to sell and convert those investments into cash, which is why mortgage underwriters consider them to be worth only 65% to 75% of their actual value when evaluating your creditworthiness, Fleming says.

"Because we're not counting securities at full value, a borrower can appear short on cash reserves even though they have plenty of money," Fleming says. "As a result, we can't get pre-approval for the mortgage loan." If you need to beef up your cash reserves, sell your securities before you seek preapproval so the lender will consider their full value — less any costs you incurred selling them — Fleming says.

Next steps for mortgage pre-approval

If buying a home is on the horizon, it's worth sitting down with a mortgage professional now to learn how you can more easily get preapproved for a mortgage when you are ready to buy.

There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they are married and have a family, others might think they are too young, and still, others might think their current income would never enable them to qualify for a mortgage.

We want to share what the typical first-time homebuyer actually looks like based on the National Association of REALTORS most recent Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers. Here are some interesting revelations on the first-time buyer:

You may not be much different than many people who have already purchased their first homes. Meet with a local real estate professional today who can help determine if your dream home is within your grasp.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2018/01/16/wondering-if-you-can-buy-your-first-home/

If you're looking to sell your home during prime house-shopping season this spring, you'd better get cracking now. After all, it's not as easy as slapping an ad on Craigslist; if you want your humble abode to stand out from the competition, that could take months to do right. So, here's how to whip your place into shape by fixing any problems and upgrading the eyesores. Because like it or not, your home has sustained some wear and tear over the years. Here's how to assess the damage and find out which renovations will pay off down the road.

1. Tally the age of various items

No matter how great your home looks at first glance, any savvy buyer will point to various parts and pop the question: How old? And since guesstimates won't cut it, it's time to gather some paperwork. If you've purchased your home in the past few years, check your home records or seller's disclosure for the age or last repair of big items (namely your roof, HVAC system, water heater, and gutters), or dig up copies of your own maintenance records or receipts.

How long items last depend on a lot of factors such as the model and how well it's been maintained, but you can get a general idea of average lifespan from the National Association of Home Builders.

2. Do your own walk-through

• Channel Sherlock Holmes and go through your home, room by room. Look for signs of damage that might drag down its value. Look for these common problem spots:
• Wood rot around outside door frames, window ledges, and garage doors. Condensation and rain can cause these areas to weaken and rot.Water stains on the ceiling or near doors and windows. This can indicate a leaky roof or rain seeping in from outside.
• Leaks under sinks or around toilets.
• Bulges under carpet or discoloration on hardwood floors, which can indicate flooding problems or an uneven foundation.

Next, test what's called the "functionality" in every room. For example, "Cracks visible in the walls and floor, doors that don't shut right, broken handles on cabinetry, basically anything that doesn't work perfectly should be repaired. And don't forget to inspect the outside. A lot of sellers skip the outside, but it is so important. That is where buyers will make their first impression.

3. Bring in the pros

Once you've done your own walk-through, you may want to have a pro take a second look. These people can spot flaws you overlooked because either you're used to them or you didn't realize they could cause trouble. You can enlist a Realtor or hire a home inspector to do an inspection (or pre-inspection) to pinpoint problems from bad wiring to outdated plumbing.

While the cost varies, people pay $300 to $500 for a home inspection. Go to the National Association of Home Inspectors to find an inspector in your area. It may cost a bit, but it will buy you the peace of mind of knowing you're not in for any surprises down the road. In fact, having a home inspection report handy to show buyers can inspire confidence that they (and you by association) aren't in for any nasty surprises as you move toward a deal.

4. Decide what needs renovating

Once you know what in your house could stand for repairs or upgrades, it's time to decide where to infuse some cash. Don't worry, not everything needs to be done before your home's on the market. And while you're probably not jumping at the idea of renovating a property you're going to sell, certain fixes will give you an edge over the competition, which means more/better offers. Remember, real estate is an investment!

But don't just obsess over the obvious—e.g., your kitchen could stand for new cabinets. After all, many buyers will want to tweak cosmetic details to their own tastes, so you could be throwing money down the drain. Instead, focus on fix-its that are less susceptible to personal preferences that buyers like to know are in good shape.

For example, a recent study by the National Association of Realtors® found that upgrading hardwood floors reaps an estimated 100% return on investment, essentially paying for itself. Upgrading your insulation can net you a 95% ROI, a new roof a whopping 105%! Because what buyers don't like to know they've got a solid roof over their heads?

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/whip-your-home-into-shape/

Buying Secret #10: Keep Your Money Where It Is

It's not wise to make any huge purchases or move your money around three to six months before buying a new home. You don't want to take any big chances with your credit profile. Lenders need to see that you're reliable and they want a complete paper trail so that they can get you the best loan possible. If you open new credit cards, amass too much debt or buy a lot of big-ticket items, you're going to have a hard time getting a loan.

Buying Secret #9: Get Pre-Approved for Your Home Loan

There's a big difference between a buyer being pre-qualified and a buyer who has a pre-approved mortgage. Anybody can get pre-qualified for a loan. Getting pre-approved means a lender has looked at all of your financial information and they've let you know how much you can afford and how much they will lend you. Being pre-approved will save you a lot of time and energy so you are not running around looking at houses you can't afford. It also gives you the opportunity to shop around for the best deal and the best interest rates. Do your research: Learn about junk fees, processing fees or points and make sure there aren't any hidden costs in the loan.

Buying Secret #8: Avoid a Border Dispute

It's absolutely essential to get a survey done on your property so you know exactly what you're buying. Knowing precisely where your property lines are may save you from a potential dispute with your neighbors. Also, your property tax is likely based on how much property you have, so it is best to have an accurate map drawn up.

Buying Secret # 7: Don't Try to Time the Market

Don't obsess with trying to time the market and figure out when is the best time to buy. Trying to anticipate the housing market is impossible. The best time to buy is when you find your perfect house and you can afford it. Real estate is cyclical, it goes up and it goes down and it goes back up again. So, if you try to wait for the perfect time, you're probably going to miss out.

Buying Secret # 6: Bigger Isn't Always Better

Everyone's drawn to the biggest, most beautiful house on the block. But bigger is usually not better when it comes to houses. There's an old adage in real estate that says don't buy the biggest, best house on the block. The largest house only appeals to a very small audience and you never want to limit potential buyers when you go to re-sell. Your home is only going to go up in value as much as the other houses around you. If you pay $500,000 for a home and your neighbors pay $250,000 to $300,000, your appreciation is going to be limited. Sometimes it is best to is buy the worst house on the block, because the worst house per square foot always trades for more than the biggest house.

Buying Secret #5: Avoid Sleeper Costs

The difference between renting and home ownership is the sleeper costs. Most people just focus on their mortgage payment, but they also need to be aware of the other expenses such as property taxes, utilities and homeowner-association dues. New homeowners also need to be prepared to pay for repairs, maintenance and potential property-tax increases. Make sure you budget for sleeper costs so you'll be covered and won't risk losing your house.

Buying Secret #4: You're Buying a House – Not Dating It

Buying a house based on emotions is just going to break your heart. If you fall in love with something, you might end up making some pretty bad financial decisions. There's a big difference between your emotions and your instincts. Going with your instincts means that you recognize that you're getting a great house for a good value. Going with your emotions is being obsessed with the paint color or the backyard. It's an investment, so stay calm and be wise.

Buying Secret #3: Give Your House a Physical

Would you buy a car without checking under the hood? Of course you wouldn't. Hire a home inspector. It'll cost about $200 but could end up saving you thousands. A home inspector's sole responsibility is to provide you with information so that you can make a decision as to whether or not to buy. It's really the only way to get an unbiased third-party opinion. If the inspector does find any issues with the home, you can use it as a bargaining tool for lowering the price of the home. It's better to spend the money up front on an inspector than to find out later you have to spend a fortune.

Buying Secret #2: The Secret Science of Bidding

Your opening bid should be based on two things: what you can afford (because you don't want to outbid yourself), and what you really believe the property is worth. Make your opening bid something that's fair and reasonable and isn't going to totally offend the seller. A lot of people think they should go lower the first time they make a bid. It all depends on what the market is doing at the time. You need to look at what other homes have gone for in that neighborhood and you want to get an average price per square foot. Sizing up a house on a price-per-square-foot basis is a great equalizer. Also, see if the neighbors have plans to put up a new addition or a basketball court or tennis court, something that might detract from the property's value down the road.

Today, so many sellers are behind in their property taxes and if you have that valuable information it gives you a great card to negotiate a good deal. To find out, go to the county clerk's office.

Sellers respect a bid that is an oddball number and are more likely to take it more seriously. A nice round number sounds like every other bid out there. When you get more specific the sellers will think you've given the offer careful thought.

Buying Secret #1: Stalk the Neighborhood

Before you buy, get the lay of the land – drop by morning noon and night. Many homebuyers have become completely distraught because they thought they found the perfect home, only to find out the neighborhood wasn't for them. Drive by the house at all hours of the day to see what's happening in the neighborhood. Do your regular commute from the house to make sure it is something you can deal with on a daily basis. Find out how far it is to the nearest grocery store and other services. Even if you don't have kids, research the schools because it affects the value of your home in a very big way. If you buy a house in a good school district versus bad school district even in the same town, the value can be affected as much as 20 percent.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source: http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/10-best-kept-secrets-for-buying-a-home

If you can afford it, it might be simple to pay off your mortgage earlier. But should you? That's a complicated question.

Homeowners with low mortgage rates may be better off putting extra money in a Roth IRA or 401(k), both of which might offer a higher return than paying off the mortgage.

Then there's the college aid factor. If you're applying for need-based aid for your kids, that home equity could count against you with some colleges because some institutions view equity as money in the bank.

If, after those caveats, you want to pay off your mortgage early, here are four ways to make it happen.

Refinance with a shorter-term mortgage.

You can pay off the mortgage in another 15 years by refinancing into a 15-year mortgage.

Let's say you got a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for $200,000 at 4.5 percent. Then, five years later, you can refinance into a 15-year loan at 4 percent. Doing so pays off the mortgage 10 years earlier and saves more than $60,000 (if you exclude closing costs on the refi).

Those shorter-term mortgages often carry interest rates a quarter of a percentage point to three-quarters of a percentage point lower than their 30-year counterparts.

Refinancing isn't quick or free. It requires filling out the application, providing documentation and having an appraiser visit. There are closing costs.

And even with a lower interest rate, that quicker payoff means higher monthly payments. And this method is a lot less flexible. If you decide that you don't have the extra money one month to put toward the mortgage, you're locked in anyway.

Unless the new interest rate is lower than the old rate, there's no point in refinancing. Without a lower rate, you'll get all the same benefits (and none of the extra costs) by just increasing your payment a sufficient amount.

Pay a little more each month.

Divide your monthly principal and interest by 12 and add that amount to your monthly payment for a year. Result: You make the equivalent of 13 payments in 12 months.

Let's say you got a $200,000 mortgage at 4.5 percent. After five years of making the minimum payments, you add an extra 1/12 of a month's principal and interest to each monthly payment. Doing so pays off the mortgage three years and three months earlier and saves more than $18,000 interest.

Before you make anything beyond the regular payment, call your mortgage servicer and find out exactly what you need to do so that your extra payments will be correctly applied to your loan.

Let them know you want to pay "more aggressively" and ask the best ways to do that.

Some servicers may require a note with the extra money or directions on the notation line of the check.

In any event, if you're putting extra money toward your loan, always check the next statement to make sure it's been properly applied.

Make an extra mortgage payment every year.

Instead of paying a little more each month, make one extra monthly payment each year. One way to do this is to save 1/12 of a payment every month, and then make an extra payment after every 12 months. This gives you the flexibility to use the extra savings for something else if a more pressing expense arises.
Let's say you do this starting the first month after getting a 30-year mortgage for $200,000 at 4.5 percent. That would save more than $27,000 interest, and you would pay off the mortgage four years and three months earlier.

Throw 'found' money at the mortgage.

Get a bonus? A tax refund? An unexpected windfall? However it ends up in your hands, you can funnel some or all of your newfound money toward your mortgage.
Let's say you got a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for $200,000 at 4.5 percent. Then, five years later, you can make an extra $10,000 lump-sum payment. Doing so pays off the mortgage two years and four months earlier, and saves more than $19,000 in interest.

The upside: You're paying extra only when you're flush. And those additional payments toward the principal will cut the total interest on your loan.

The downside: It's irregular, so it's hard to predict the mortgage payoff date. If you throw too much at the mortgage, you won't have money for other needs.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  http://rismedia.com/2017/11/26/ways-pay-your-mortgage-early/

Moving can be a daunting task for many people. There is a lot of packing involved and unpacking once you get to your new home; however, with proper planning, you may even find yourself enjoying the moving process...unless you get stuck. This guide serves to offer you simple ways to move into your new home.

Get Prepared

It is advisable to plan at least eight weeks before you're going to relocate. A last-minute rush can bring a lot of confusion and stress. To plan this far ahead, though, you need a list of tasks to do. Select the items that you will be taking with you and leave items that you haven't used in the last year. Be selective and make sure you're not packing unnecessary items. You can donate the rest of your belongings to the needy or give out to friends.

Pack Items in Order

Do not pack your clothes, shoes, and bags in one big box. It can be quick to do so, but it will be a nightmare when it comes to unpacking. Organize the items in different clean boxes and label them with a marker. This way, you will have an easy time unpacking, and the movers will know which room to place the boxes. You should have an emergency box where you can keep all the essential items, such as clothing and kids supplies, that you'll need for the first 24 hours after you move. Moving can be tiresome, especially if you are working and have a family. It's okay to take a break and have a drink if you're feeling too stressed out.

Ask for Assistance

It can be challenging to ask for help; however, many people know the experience of moving and how hard it can be. Talk to family and friends and agree on a day to come over and help you pack. It could be an opportunity to spend time with them, especially if you are moving far away. Afterwards, you can all go out for a meal. If no one is available, you can call packers to help you with moving heavy boxes.

Check the Moving Details

The last thing you want to do is end up relocating before the moving date. When you buy a property, get in touch with your real estate agent to make sure of the exact time you're supposed to move. Also, when renting a property, don't just assume the date given in the lease is when you are supposed to get into your new home. Make a call to the landlord or agent and double-check the day. It can save you a lot of time and hassle.

Call a Moving Company

Packing takes a large amount of time and energy. You should be careful to avoid breakages that will result in extra costs. If there are expensive items, ask for assistance; there is a lot of information about moving insurance for valuable items. After being sure that you have packed all the necessary things, it is time to call a moving company. Moving companies in Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, or any other major city offer high-quality services to their clients. Make sure that the company is licensed and insured for the safe delivery of your items to your new location. In case of any breakages, you are sure to have the piece replaced.

When you follow the above tips, moving will be an enjoyable task. Eat well to boost your energy levels. Carry enough snacks on a moving day, especially if you are going far. Also, make sure you have enough water to stay hydrated. When you get to your new home, do not unpack everything at once. You should first rest and start unpacking carefully to avoid damage.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  http://blog.rismedia.com/2017/5-tips-make-moving-less-stressful/

Considering all the blood, sweat and tears (not to mention money) it takes to make your dream renovation a reality, you'd expect to be handsomely rewarded with a boost in your home's value. Unfortunately, not every remodeling project will bring a handsome return on investment -- and some might even repel future buyers. You might want to think twice about springing for these so-called upgrades.

Over-the-top improvements.

When it comes to renovations, bigger isn't always better. While bringing your post-war bathroom into the 21st century will increase your home's market value, installing a steam shower and carved marble tub probably won't pay off. Before your minor upgrade turns into a home-improvement bender, ask yourself whether potential buyers in your area are likely to pony up for posh upgrades. "People should be careful about over-improving for their neighborhood," advises Stephanie Singer, a spokesperson for the National Association of Realtors. "If you're in a neighborhood with traditional kitchens, and you put in a Viking stove and granite countertops, that's fine. But keep in mind that buyers probably aren't going to value that to the extent that you do." To get the best return on your investment, scour local listings to see what's standard in your area, and then bring your decor up to speed -- but don't leave the Joneses in the dust.

Home office overhauls.

If you work from home, a designated workspace is a must-have (and a potential tax deduction). But according to a report from Remodeling magazine, overhauling your office won't pay off when you sell your home -- especially if you borrow usable space from a bedroom, living room or garage. Treat yourself to that mahogany desk and built-in bookcase if you'd like, but keep in mind that you'll only earn back about 50 percent of the job cost.

Swimming pools.

Is there anything better than lounging by the pool with a book in one hand and a margarita in the other? Well, it depends on who you ask. "Some people see a swimming pool as a major enhancement. Others might see it as a major headache," Singer says. Your backyard oasis could actually deter those buyers who don't want to deal with skimming, filtering, PH-balancing, heating, repairing and winterizing this high-maintenance amenity. Unless you live in a Southern state where pools are the norm, don't expect to recoup the money -- anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 -- that you've spent on the big dig.

New roofing.

Cedar shakes, clay tile or architectural shingles can instantly transform your house, but they probably won't have the same effect on your sale price. After all, buyers think of a roof as a bare necessity -- not a luxury that will inspire them to shell out extra cash. Still, don't put off a much-needed roof repair just because you're worried about the return on investment. If buyers notice a leaky roof or cracked shingles during their home inspection, they're likely to demand a concession for the repairs -- so you may as well fix it now and enjoy it 'til you sell.

Specialized spaces.

Maybe your recent trip to Tuscany inspired you to convert your basement into a wine cellar. Or you've always dreamed of replacing your boring front door with a working drawbridge. Or your kids convinced you to install a fireman's pole between floors. Whatever your pet project may be, don't expect every potential buyer to share your enthusiasm. "There's a limited audience for that kind of thing," Singer explains. "People just don't see the utility." Quirky renovations can personalize your home (and maybe earn you some bragging rights!) but buyers probably won't be willing to pay a premium for them.

Of course, even if a project won't drive up your home's resale value, that doesn't mean it's a waste of money. "Remodeling a home is a personal decision anyway, so sometimes there are projects you just want to do for yourself," Singer says. "You do have to live in the home; you're not always thinking about resale. Is it a worthwhile project for you? Is it going to increase your enjoyment of the house?" If you're not planning to sell anytime soon, and a new koi pond just screams "home sweet home" to you, go ahead and break out the toolbox.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source: http://www.hgtv.com/design/real-estate/5-worst-home-updates

When you're in the real estate market, you may have an idea of the type of property that you're looking for in a specific area. Although most people want plenty of square footage or a stunning bathroom, there are particular home features that are often considered to be must-haves. Here are a few essential home features to look for when shopping around:

Laundry Room

Many people want to own a home that features a laundry room due to the convenience that it offers. Laundry rooms are increasing in popularity because they provide a space to fold laundry and hang delicate clothes that need to air-dry.

An enclosed space for the washer and dryer will also prevent the noise of the appliances from inconveniencing other family members who may want to spend time in a quiet setting. You also won't have to worry about having piles of clean laundry in your living room or home office with a space that is designated for cleaning your clothes.

Patio

More and more people want to spend time outside and get use out of their backyard. A patio addition is a desirable feature that makes it easy to spend more time outdoors. Patios make for a great place to entertain when you want to barbecue or dine outside with your guests. You can also use the space to lounge around, read or relax while taking in the views. Most buyers look to buy a house that features a ground-level patio that is hardscaped and features plenty of patio furniture.

Hardwood Floors

Although carpet was a popular flooring material that was commonly used in residential properties in past decades, more people are looking for homes that have hardwood floors. Hardwood floors contribute to the design of the interior setting and can boost your home's value due to their durability and appearance. You won't have to worry about dirt or grime showing up in areas of traffic.

Those who are on a budget can look for homes that feature pre-finished hardwood flooring, which is color-treated and has a high level of appeal.

Well-Maintained Neighborhood

It can be easy to fall in love with a home without taking a close look at the neighborhood. Check the surrounding area by inspecting the other lawns and houses to determine if they're in good condition. You'll want to live in an area that is maintained well, which will affect the value of your home.

It's also necessary to determine the distance of the property to your job, local schools, and parks that are available. Some people don't want to travel too far when they need to shop for groceries or find a Christmas tree sale in the area.

Updated Kitchen

The kitchen is considered to be the most used room of the home where many people spend time with family or entertaining. The kitchen should be updated with new cabinets, a decorative backsplash, and an island that offers more storage space. You should also have plenty of space to cook and prepare food with the amount of counter space that is available.

When you're looking for a new property on the real estate market, it's important to look for features that are currently popular and are considered to be must-haves. By finding a quality home to purchase, you can get more use out of the home and enjoy various aspects that will enhance your quality of life.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs including finding that quality home that's perfect for you!

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  http://blog.rismedia.com/2017/must-features-real-estate-home-features/

Found a Home Listing You Like? Watch Out for These Warning Signs

As the summer real estate season rolls on, true to form, more and more homes are listed and competition remains stiff. Another thing you can rely on – a seller and their agent are going to paint the home as beautifully as they can to secure a sale. But if you're looking to buy, you have to be careful you don't fall for such crafty salesmen tricks.

Pay attention when you visit a home and do your own careful inspections to look for any signs that the house you're walking around in isn't the home that's being promised by the Realtor. Here are four key warning signs to keep an eye out for that will tell you the home listing isn't all it's cracked up to be.

#1: Cracks in the Foundation

If you or your professional inspector discover cracks in the home's foundation, this is a serious red flag. Such cracks can cause untold amounts of damage and they can be extremely expensive to repair.

For instance, if water has seeped into the home and mold formed as a result, you can expect to pay up to (or even over) $5,000 for mold remediation. And that's not including the cost of repairing the foundation. Be extra wary, as foundation cracks are often the very reason why the sellers are trying to get out.

#2: Old or Faulty Electrical Wiring

Old homes are often priced lower than their modern counterparts, but there are reasons why they're priced to sell. One such reason is knob-and-tube wiring.

Knob-and-tube wiring is a very old, inefficient, and even dangerous form of household wiring. It is not suitable for newer appliances and the wires are usually so old that the insulation is often broken off in places. This not only makes the wiring a high fire risk, but it's also very expensive to have the home updated to a safer, newer wiring system.

#3: Old or Damaged Roof

The 2016 Cost vs Value Report for Los Angeles, California puts the cost of an average midrange roof replacement at $26,306. That is a tremendous amount of money to have to put out right after buying a home.

Bearing in mind that a good quality roof can last as long as 30 years, depending on the climate you're buying in, once a roof pasts its normal lifecycle, the amount of damage that can occur to the interior of the house can be very costly. Before you sign on the bottom line, have the roof inspected by a professional.

#4: Zoning Regulations

If you're like most people, when you shop for a home you think about what you can do with it, like taking a wall down here, adding a bathroom there, installing a deck outside, and so on. But, all too often, the local zoning regulations don't exactly comply with your wishes and dreams.

The last thing you want to do is to buy a home only to find out later that the local zoning regulations are impossibly strict. So, don't rely on the seller's or the agent's words when discussing these matters. Visit the local zoning board personally to find out what the municipality's rules and regulations are before you buy.

Keep a Watchful Eye Out
If you're thinking about buying a new home this year or the next, keeping a watch out for these house listing red flags will help ensure you avoid buying a money-pit. Almost everything else in a home can be fixed somewhat affordably, but missing the above four problems could wind up costing you more than might imagine.

https://www.homes.com/blog/2017/08/4-signs-a-home-listing-isnt-all-its-cracked-up-to-be/

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  https://www.homes.com/blog/2017/08/4-signs-a-home-listing-isnt-all-its-cracked-up-to-be/

Ready to purchase your first home? Though the process may seem overwhelming, knowing where to start is half the battle. Follow these five tips to help ease your stress and prepare for a smooth home buying experience.

Clean Up Your Credit Score

Having good credit is one of the most important factors when qualifying for a loan. Depending on where your score stands, it may take six months to a year to improve your credit. Although scoring requirements vary from lender to lender and there is no magic number that qualifies you to purchase a home, a low score could mean higher interest rates and fewer mortgage options. Check your credit early and make a financial plan to increase your number. A mortgage professional can pull your credit for you and create a plan to improve your score.

Evaluate Your Monthly Cash Flow

It's important to understand what your assets and liabilities are before considering purchasing your home. What is your current debt? What is your monthly income versus monthly expenses? Do you have a considerable amount of money to put away at the end of each month or are you on a shoestring budget? Take a couple months to track your cash flow to see where your money is going, and if affording a home is feasible.

Have your Finances In Order

Lenders evaluate your debt-to-income ratio to see if you're qualified for a loan. If you have too much debt in relation to your monthly income, you might have trouble qualifying. Your mortgage payment cannot exceed 31% of the gross effective income. And the total recurring monthly obligations cannot exceed 43% of the gross effective income. Before shopping for a home make sure you understand what you can realistically afford, have a down payment ready (Can vary depending on the type of financing. Can be anywhere from 0% – 20% down), and are preapproved.

Define Exactly What You Want/Need in a Home

Consider what your lifestyle currently is and what you plan it to be in the future. Will this be a starter home or somewhere you would like to put down roots and raise a family? Will you need an extra bedroom or two full bathrooms? Is garage space important to you or a large kitchen? Consider the neighborhoods and communities where you would like to live. Do research on the schools in the area or accessibility to local amenities. How far are you willing to commute? Take some time to write a must-have list for features the home needs fit into your life and a wish list for things you want, but could live without.

Find a Savvy REALTOR®

If you're mulling over the idea of purchasing a home, it's helpful to speak to a REALTOR® first. Hiring a knowledgeable REALTOR® you can trust is the best way to ensure you're making informed decisions throughout the process.

Call Denny today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

Source:  https://askhomesale.com/2017/06/05/five-tips-for-first-time-homebuyers/

Clean Up the Yard

Rake dead leaves and debris in your lawn. Don't let overgrown vegetation block the windows or path to the entrance. Cutting bushes and tree limbs will let the sun inside and showcase the exterior of your home. Cut away summer vines and cut down dead flowers. Make the most of the autumn weather in the fall real estate market.

Create Autumn Curb Appeal

The most popular autumn flowers are chrysanthemums (or mums), and they bloom for a long time. I am also partial to marigolds for fall. Both mums and marigolds are available in yellow, which is my number one home selling color.

Plant them in pots. Place pots on the steps and along the sidewalk. Accent with pumpkins or other types of squash.

Dress the Windows

Rain and wind from over the summer months can make your windows dusty and streaked by autumn. You might not notice smudges, but buyers will, if only on a subconscious level.

To sell a home, your windows need to sparkle. Even though I am not selling my home, my cats routinely rub their little noses on the inside glass while walking along window ledges, so I need to wash my windows inside and out every autumn. Remove screens and spray them down.

Check the HVAC

You want the air inside your home to smell fresh. When was the last time you changed your furnace filter? You can buy 90-day furnace filters. Have the HVAC system checked before you need to turn on the heat. Besides, the buyer will ask a home inspector to look at your HVAC. If you discover problems with your furnace, it's better to fix them before your home goes on the market.

Clean Out the Fireplace for the Fall Real Estate Market

Ah, nothing smells like autumn than smoke from a wood-burning fireplace. However, in some parts of the country, burning wood indoors or outdoors is outlawed. In Sacramento, we have certain days when we are not allowed to burn wood in the fireplace. If you have a gas fireplace, light it when buyers come through. If the fireplace is filled with cobwebs because it hasn't been used for months, vacuum it out and wash it down. Some home stagers arrange knickknacks in the fireplace in place of wood logs.

Prepare Autumn Edibles

Speaking of autumn scents, you might set out freshly baked pumpkin cupcakes or simmer hot apple cider on the stove. Put a tray of cinnamon sticks on the counter, dotted with whole cloves. One of my favorite autumn treats as a kid was snickerdoodle cookies. Prop open a cookbook to an autumn stew. Fill a bowl with crisp red apples.

Set the Mood for Fall Real Estate Musically

When I think of autumn music, beyond "See You in September" and "California Dreamin'," polka music and accordions come to mind. German beer fests are always held in October. But that doesn't seem appropriate for autumn home selling unless you're entertaining a frat house. I suspect a home seller is better off with Enya's "The First of Autumn" or George Winston's new age piano album "Autumn."

Utilize Autumn Accent Colors

You don't need to dump a lifeless sofa when you can accessorize its dullness with bright red, orange and/or golden yellow pillows.

Toss a quilt or autumn-colored throw over a chair. After you've cleared away the clutter and depersonalized each room, bring a little bit of autumn hues to each room by placing bold-colored accent pieces in odd groupings such as 3's and 5's. Create an autumn centerpiece for the dining room table by arranging pine cones and nuts around orange candles, stick in a few leaves from the yard.

Turn on the Lights Everywhere

Above all, bring in the light. When days get shorter, the sun sets lower in the horizon and casts wider shadows. Pull up the blinds, open the shutters, push back the drapes on every window. Turn on every light in the house, including appliance lights and closet lights. Brighten darker rooms with few windows by placing spotlights on the floor behind furniture, and for goodness sakes, turn off the TV.

Offer Parting Treats to Potential Buyers

I like to leave a guest book by the door for people to leave comments about the home. Gathering buyer feedback can be crucial. And buyers will feel more compelled to leave you a note if you give them something in return. Like tiny packets of candy corn or those snack-sized candy bars -- oh, I love Snickers bars like no tomorrow. Or you can go all-out and leave a tray of individually wrapped caramelized apples, tied with a curling ribbon.

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven

Source:  https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-sell-a-home-in-autumn-1799056

 1. You're overconfident

Being in a seller's market might mean that your home will get snapped up for premium price, no matter its condition. But that isn't a strategy to count on. "Sometimes homeowners and agents get overconfident in a seller's market and get lazy about 'Home Selling 101,'" says Sep Niakan, broker and owner of HB Roswell Realty in Miami, FL.

Solution: Be realistic from day one. Although you may love your house, brace yourself for it to potentially sit on the market for quite some time. And no matter the market, it's still important to "position your home to sell well," says Niakan. "What does that mean? Staging, staging, and more staging."

2. The house is priced too high

Classic supply and demand conditions come into play in a seller's market: There's high demand, yet low supply. Therefore, you can usually expect to get more money for your home. But that doesn't mean the sky's the limit when it comes to your listing price. "In a seller's market, a seller may feel comfortable pushing the asking price a bit higher, and this can be a huge mistake," says Chase Michels of Brush Hill Realtors in Downers Grove, IL. "Determining the best asking price for a home is one of the most important aspects of selling a home. If your home is listed at a price that is above market value, you will miss out on prospective buyers."

Solution: Make sure that you and your agent are certain of the value of your home in your market and price it right. "Get an analysis of the local market with a professional agent, solid comparables, and specific market trend data," says Jill Olivarez, a Miramar Beach, FL, real estate agent.

3. The home needs some TLC

It can be a bitter pill to swallow to pay for home improvements that you may not enjoy for long. But if you want to sell for full asking price, you might need to get your house in a condition that warrants it — and not base this number only on price per square foot. "Retail buyers understandably still want the most house for their money," says Barbara Grassey, author of How to Sell Your House Fast in a Slow Market and founder of the West Florida Real Estate Investors Association.

Solution: "The seller should have amenities comparable to other properties for sale in that price range and should really upgrade certain amenities," says Grassey. Some upgrade examples, she says, include a pull-down gooseneck faucet, an upgraded ceiling fan, a double-bar towel rack, or upgraded door handles. They sound simple, but a few small changes can make a big impact.

4. There's a problem with the title

"Title" in this case doesn't mean the cute name you might have given your place ("The Laurels," "The Conners' Corner Cottage," etc.). Rather, it's the document that shows ownership. "One reason a house won't sell is because there is a problem with the title to the house that spooks buyers," says David Reiss, law professor at Brooklyn Law School in Brooklyn, NY. Here are some examples he gives of title problems:

Conveyance without a recorded deed (can sometimes happen in transfers between family members).
A paid-off mortgage that is still showing up as a valid lien on the house.
A mechanic's lien that was filed for work done on the house by a subcontractor.
Solution: "Some [title] problems just require a little time to resolve," says Reiss. Contact the title company to find out what you need to do to prepare for selling — then do it.

5. Advertising photos are subpar

It's said that you have seven seconds to make a first impression — and the same goes for your house: 90% of buyers start their search online and make a decision about whether to come see your house based on a quick skim of your listing photos. If there are few or no photos, or if the photos look bad because they weren't professionally taken, or because the house is cluttered (which shows in the photos), many buyers will move on to the next listing. "When there are a lack of pictures, buyers often assume the worst," says Amber Dolle, a Los Angeles, CA, agent.

Solution: Get your home staged and photographed by pros. You may think it's an unnecessary expense, but according to IMOTO photography, professional real estate photos have the ability to generate 118% more online views and sell listings 50% faster — at 39% closer to list price. They're worth it.

6. Your agent doesn't seem to care

Sometimes there's nothing wrong with your house at all: It's priced right and is well-maintained. But your agent could be turning people off. "The agent is your front-line representative," says David Kean, a Beverly Hills, CA, agent with Douglas Elliman. He notes, however: "Some agents have little to no personality, some are burnt-out, some don't care, and others have no social skills."

Solution: "Hire an agent you would invite to a dinner party," Kean astutely adds. "If you don't find [an agent who's] interesting and pleasurable to deal with, who will?" You may need to break up with your current agent before moving on to greener pastures.

7. The house smells bad

There's a saying in real estate: "If I can smell it, I can't sell it," says Joshua Spotts, a Memphis, TN, agent. If you're immune to the smell of your home, get a friend's honest opinion. "There is nothing like entering a house and smelling a refreshing scent," says Spotts.

Solution: Sometimes the remedy is a scented candle or freshly baked cookies. But if your house's odor is persistent, it's a good idea to determine what's causing it and address it. Take care of mold and mildew buildup, pet urine on the carpet, or set-in smoke odor.

8. Your appliances are old

Stainless steel is in, and old, yellowing-white refrigerators are out, says Seth Lejeune, a Collegeville, PA, agent. Although potential buyers realize they can replace a refrigerator, if your appliances look as if they belong on That '70s Show, buyers might wonder what else might need replacing. "As for HVAC, heaters, and boilers, those are less noticed by prospective buyers during initial walk-throughs but are almost never overlooked at inspection," notes Lejeune.

Solution: "Update your appliances so they don't look like they're on their last legs," Lejeune says. This advice goes for the unseen too — if your HVAC has a problem, you're going to have to pay to fix it, or at least come down in your asking price.

Source:  https://www.trulia.com/blog/how-to-sell-a-house-8-reasons/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

If it is a seller's market, simply finding your dream home and submitting a standard offer might not be enough. When there are more buyers than there are available homes for sale you need to prepare for a competitive bidding war. Luckily, there are strategic moves you can use to guarantee success. Follow the five tips below to push your offer to the front of the line.

Make a clean offer.
This means the offer should have as few contingencies as possible. Though some contingencies are fairly standard such as inspection or pending sale, with each additional condition you are providing reasons why you might break the contract. This could cause them to lose confidence that you will follow through on the transaction. It is important to show the seller you are motivated and committed to purchasing their home. On the other hand, your offer could be refused because you have asked for too much. Another, the less demanding offer will become more attractive.

Add an escalation clause.
An escalation clause in the contract shows you are willing to outbid other offers – up to a maximum price. For example, if you offer full price for a $200,000 home you can add an escalation of $2,000 up to a specific amount you determine. It's a safe way to make your offer stand out by letting the seller know you are willing to pay more for the house, but without the risk of offering more than what is needed to get a contract.

Get preapproved for a conventional loan.
Providing a pre-approval letter with your offer demonstrates to the seller that a lender has verified your income and all required documents, (this is not to be confused with a pre qualification letter which only states based on information provided you could qualify for a loan). In some cases, sellers prefer buyers to have a conventional loan rather than an FHA or other government loans. Although both loans are acceptable, the larger down payment conventional loans require can boost a seller's confidence.

Offer the seller one month of free occupancy.
When you purchase a home with a mortgage, the payment doesn't come due until a month after closing. If you aren't working within a strict timeline, offer that extra month to the seller as free "rent". Having to vacate a property in a short amount of time is stressful, so why not give them extra time if it means a stronger offer?

Write a letter.
Letting the seller know why you want to live in their home will improve your chances of winning the bid. If you're not sure what to write, speak from the heart to connect on a personal level. Tell the seller how important their house is to you; that you will take good care of it, or how you see your family grow in their home. Sellers are more inclined to give their home to someone they have something in common with or know.  Sellers love their home and leaving is an emotional experience. Providing the "human factor" during the transaction could be what sets your offer apart from the rest.

Source:  https://askhomesale.com/2017/08/28/five-ways-to-make-your-offer-stand-out/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Whether you've lived in your home for a few months or a few decades, you probably think you know it best. But that doesn't mean you're the most qualified person for the job when the time comes to sell it.

Many folks are tempted to take the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route believing they'll save a bundle by not paying an agent's commission. They may imagine it's a simple as sticking a sign in the ground and watching a qualified buyer magically appear. While that may happen occasionally, the vast majority of that time it doesn't work like that. At all.

Consider these FSBO pitfalls and the lessons homeowners can learn from them.

1.Do you know how to price it accurately?

Coming up with the right asking price requires doing your due diligence. Researching what comparable homes in the area recently sold for is key. You may also want to hire an appraiser to be sure you're not over-pricing or under-pricing your property, as both will end up costing you. Also, beware: Those who've gone the FSBO route note that very often buyers are hoping for a deep discount knowing sellers aren't paying anyone a commission. So even if you've listed it for a fair price, be prepared to negotiate.

2. Are you a marketing maven?

If only selling your home were as simple as sticking a few 'For Sale' and 'Open House' signs around town and watching the offers roll in! But there's a lot more to it than that. Most buyers and agents will first find your property online. That means you'll want to be sure to develop a stellar Internet strategy. Your home should be easily viewable on your local Multiple Listing Service site. (Expect to pay a fee for this!) You'll want flawless photos too, of course, so put that iPhone away! You may also consider creating a website that shows off your place in all its splendor. Are you ready to make up flyers, post it on Craigslist or other online forums, put signs in prominent locations on your open house days? All of this takes time and effort but is the only real way to guarantee foot traffic.

3. Do you have the time to show it?

Sadly, not all prospective buyers will want to see your home between noon and 2 p.m. on a Sunday. You'll need to be available during the day and evening. Even if you work locally, dropping everything for an impromptu showing gets old pretty fast. And what happens if you're not accommodating? Chances are your potential buyers are going to move on.

4. Are you up on the latest trends?

Think your home is perfect just as it is? It may be, but unless you're in the know when it comes to exactly what homebuyers are looking for, you can end up losing a potential deal thanks to outdated bathrooms and overflowing closets. Never underestimate the value a licensed real estate pro brings in terms of helpful home staging and cleaning hints.

5. Are you certain buyers are pre-approved?

Nothing is worse than thinking you're this close to striking a deal only to find out your would-be buyer won't be able to come up with the financing. Can you confidently separate the real prospects from the lookie-loos? Agents vet potential buyers, saving you time, money, and serious aggravation. If you're going it alone, be sure to ask for a pre-approval document before taking your home off the market.

6. Can you remove the emotion?

Even though you're ready to sell it, you may still feel some attachment to your home. So, when you hear that buyers want to gut it, level it, or possibly take a sledge hammer to those granite countertops you spent hours selecting, it can strike a nerve. At that point, reason can take a backseat to emotion and you'll blow a potential deal by not putting the big picture ahead of your feelings.

7. Are you ready to field calls night and day?

Once you've got a buyer on the hook, get ready for all sorts of calls and requests to show the place to every relative they've ever met. They also may have a sudden urge to stop by at 10 p.m. to measure for a new couch. You may be too afraid to tell them "no" for fear of losing them. This is where an agent will often step in and keep those demands to a minimum.

8. Will you understand all the documents?

OK, here's where things get really complicated. How well-versed are you in homebuying and selling vernacular and legalese? When you sell a home yourself, everything you're stating needs to be accurate or the buyer may be able to come back to you for reparations later. For example, did you advertise that your floors are hardwood when they're actually veneers? A real estate pro is aware that the devil is often in the details. Are you?

9. You may lose money

Even if you really put your heart and soul into selling your place yourself, you still may not come out ahead. According to a 2015 report by the National Association of Realtors, the average home sold by its owner sells for $210,000, while one sold by an agent goes for $249,000. Now, of course, studies have also pointed out that owners are more likely to try to sell their homes themselves in markets with lower price points, making that disparity seem greater than it might be. But, when you consider the time and effort that go into selling your home on your own, it may make (dollars and) sense to hire a local real estate professional.

Source:  http://oa3.engage121.com/email/a.php?content=6882ae654f5a1d7e6cf489a61d049a0b_82abbcdc188099cd1a6a6dc2f5a51a35&m=now

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Deciding on where to live can be one of the most important and stressful decisions you and your family will make. So many aspects of your life is linked to where you live, including where you work, what schools your family will go to, the friends everyone will meet, the types of activities that will fill your days, and the opportunities to enjoy the world around you. But like any other daunting task, the decision of where to live can be best accomplished by breaking it down it smaller choices, then narrowing the field from there. Take into consideration a place's climate, arts and culture, history, economic strength, schools, and more. It's important to not only weigh and prioritize your own preferences, but also the preferences of the family that will join you. If you have children of any age, try to involve them in the process. Listen to what they say about what they want to find in a home or neighborhood. You may not be able to check off everything on their wish list, but simply being included in the process can dramatically improve their happiness and satisfaction with your final choice. Regardless, know that there is almost something great about every city you might choose from, and there probably is not one perfect choice, since each borough, town, city and metropolis has their own wonderful things to offer.

Weather and Climate

Whether you're thinking of moving to sunny Sacramento, California or snowy Grand Rapids, Michigan, it's important to take into consideration your future home's weather and climate. Whether it's heavy snow in the winter or summer heatwaves, each city has its own weather-based challenges. Consider what type of weather you and your family prefer – rainy or dry, hot or cold, sunny or cloudy – and compare it to the climate of the city.

Activities

Especially if you have kids, what to do when out on the town is something to keep in mind. Annual events and festivals provide a chance to connect with the city and meet new friends. Special events can also be a wonderful way to pass the time and enjoy specific aspects of a city's heritage. But on the other hand, if noises and crowds might not appeal to you, you might want to first check the areas in which events are held and then avoid purchasing a home in close proximity to those areas.

Culture

Culture is what makes a city truly unique and memorable. Music, history, art, theater, diversity, and many other facets all help separate one city from another. Consider also the general rhythm of a city – is busy New York, New York or laid-back Charleston, South Carolina more your family's style? Also keep in mind that the pace at which you and your family moves might change over time. A hectic, vibrant nightlife just around the corner might be an exciting plus when you're in your 20's, but might lose its appeal after you have children.

Food

Author Virginia Woolf once said, "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." Whether you are a gourmet foodie or simply a person who enjoys a good home cooked meal, food is often an important element in developing a person's character and outlook. Many communities are known for a particular type of food, and whether you love it or hate it, that category of food can often pervade many aspects of local life. If you go crazy over the smell of barbecue, then Nashville, Tennessee or Austin, Texas, might be a good place for you. Love seafood? Give Boston, Massachusetts or Seattle, Washington a try.

Schools

Even if you don't have kids, the quality of a city's schools is an important metric to keep in mind. A well-educated city makes for a stronger economy, and the city's schools often reflect the overall quality of other public services that can be harder to measure. The quality of schools can also have a dramatic impact on local real estate cost as property taxes are often linked to the funding provided to local school systems. Don't forget to look at ratings for both K-12 and higher education.

Economy

The economy is often a family's main pull when looking to move. Consider not just any jobs you might have already lined up, but the wider economic state of the city. Is it growing or shrinking? What's the cost of living? What's unemployment like? What's the average household income, and how does that compare to the national average? Is there a higher local minimum wage? These factors may only indirectly impact your particular situation, but they will impact the economic welfare and the vitality of the community at large.

Crime

Crime rates are a serious consideration when choosing a new neighborhood. Most larger cities have higher crime rates than the national average, but there's still a lot of variance between cities, and crime rates in rural areas can be higher for certain types of crime. When considering a place to live, it's important to try and find a map of crimes by neighborhood, since some neighborhoods are much safer than others. This information can often be obtained online from local government sources, or ask your real estate agent for a report on local crime.

Transportation

Transportation is an often overlooked aspect of living in a new place. How long is the average commute in the city? How far is the neighborhood you're looking at from where you'll be working? Does the city have robust public transportation, whether buses, trains, or subways? Are there any bus stops or metro stations near your potential house? Is public transportation easy to use and accessible? Is it on time? Are the roads in good condition, or full of potholes? Are the roads easy to navigate? According to the U.S. Census, the average travel time to work in America is 25.4 minutes each way. That amount of time and associated costs in fuel and vehicle maintenance can be an important factor when deciding on where to live.

Source: http://www.homes.com/blog/2017/07/factors-consider-deciding-live/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Finding the perfect starter home is a journey as well as a destination. You've got to know what you want, then adjust expectations to meet the reality of the market. In the end, you don't have to settle on your "forever home"—just a place you'll call home for at least five to seven years.

But that's a long time in homeowner years, especially if you wake up each day in a place you wind up hating.

So how do you know what's going to stand the test of (a decent amount of) time? You've never done this before. You're taking a leap of faith that you have the money, skills, and temperament to maintain the biggest purchase of your life so far.

We know—it's scary. And overwhelming. But there is a foolproof formula to picking the right starter home.

1. Manageable monthly expenses

If you've been renting all your adult life, you'll be surprised by how much owning a home actually costs. There's a mortgage, real estate taxes (usually wrapped into your mortgage), insurance premiums, utilities, and the drip-drip-drip of maintenance costs. And here's the fun part: All these costs usually increase with time!

New homeowners are often not aware of how expenses can add up when they own a home. When calculating how much you can spend on a house, figure in all these costs, and then add a little more for unexpected expenses. Like replacing LED lightbulbs at $20 a pop. Or hiring a pro to prune that gorgeous oak in the backyard. Or maybe replacing your Grand Palais range that spontaneously combusted.

Make sure your final choice truly fits your budget. Got it? That may mean buying something smaller, older, or farther out than you originally intended.

2. Low maintenance

Maintenance costs are the great unknown in homeownership—the older the house, the more it will cost to keep running. So unless you have the handyman skills and desire to fix whatever comes up, it's better for your starter house to be newer construction (less than 10 years old).

You may even want to consider brand-new construction, which costs more but whose parts are typically covered by a warranty. Standard coverage would be a one-year warranty for labor and materials, two years' protection for mechanical defects—plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems—and 10 years for structural defects.

Whether you buy a new or existing home, don't forget to hire a good home inspector to thoroughly identify potential problems. Even if the home buyers are handy, they may not want to be spending their time up on the roof looking for a leak or in the basement up to their knees in water.

3. Room to grow

Your family may consist of a spouse and a golden retriever today, but even if you aren't thinking about expanding, your nuclear unit could look vastly different in a few years. You may add a baby or two, or you may decide to help care for your elderly parents. Since you never know what the future holds, buy as much house as you can reasonably afford. Talk with your lender and get pre-approval for the largest mortgage you'll qualify for.

Use that purchase power to buy space, which is much more important than fancy finishes. You can always upgrade a drab kitchen and knock out a wall to create an open floor plan. But adding more square footage by popping the roof or pushing out an exterior wall is extremely expensive and a major hassle.

4. Easy transition

Change is hard, and moving is particularly stressful. So don't pick a starter home that will drop you into a totally unfamiliar lifestyle and location far away from the people and activities you love.

If you enjoy grilling with old friends on weekends, make sure your new barbecue pit isn't hours away from your buddies who, no matter what they say, will not frequently drive the distance to have a perfectly seared blood sausage with you. If art galleries and professional theater rock your boat, don't buy a starter house in a community that doesn't embrace those activities.

Most of all, buy a place reasonably close to work. A daily commute is time-consuming and expensive, and will soon get old if you're adding two or three hours to your work life. Remember this. You'll be glad you did.

Source:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/4-things-first-home-needs/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Home pricing is more of a science than an art, but many homeowners price with their heartstrings instead of cold, hard data. Here's why crunching the numbers is always the better route to an accurate home price — as well as what can happen when home sellers overlook those all important data points.

The Pitfalls of Overpricing

Homeowners often think that it's OK to overprice at first, because — who knows? — maybe you'll just get what you're asking for. Although you can certainly lower an inflated price later, you'll sacrifice a lot in the process. The most obvious damage: A house that remains on the market for months can prevent you from moving into your dream home. Already purchased that next home? You might saddle yourself with two mortgages.

You lose a lot of time and money if you don't price it right. And worse: Continually lowering the price could turn off potential buyers who might start wondering just what is wrong with your home. Buyers are smart and educated, you're probably going to lose them.

The Pricing Traps

It's easy for homeowners to stumble into two common traps:

Conflating actual value with sentimental value — how much they assume their home's worth because they lived there and loved the time they spent there. Assuming renovations should result in a dollar-for-dollar increase in the selling price — or more.

Many homeowners think, 'Of course my home is worth a bazillion dollars. If they put in a few thousand dollars worth of new flooring, for example, they might overestimate the upgrade's impact on the home's value into the tens of thousands.

A Texas home came with a built-in renovation trap: It was already the nicest home in the area, making it harder to sell. Major additions had inflated the square footage — and the price, according to one appraiser — without accounting for the surrounding neighborhood. That created a disconnect for buyers: Wealthier ones who might be interested in the upgraded home disliked the neighborhood, and less affluent buyers couldn't afford the asking price.

"Don't buy the nicest home on the block" is common real estate advice for this reason.

That's not to say that renovations aren't worth it. You want to enjoy your home while you're in it, right? Smart renovations make your home more comfortable and functional but should typically reflect the neighborhood. A REALTOR® can help you understand what certain upgrades can recoup when you sell and which appeal to buyers.

Another culprit for many a mispriced home is online tools, like Zillow's "Zestimate," that prescribe an estimated market value based on local data.

The estimate is often wildly inaccurate. A Virginia-area real estate company, McEnearney & Associates, has compared actual sold prices with predicted online estimates for several hundred homes in the area for the past few years and concluded the predictions failed half of the time.

The Right Stats for the Right Price

The best pricing strategy? Consult a real estate agent, who will use something called comps (also known as "comparable sales") to determine the appropriate listing price. They're not just looking at your neighbors; they're seeking out near-identical homes with similar floor plans, square footage, and amenities that sold in the last few months.

Once they've assembled a list of similar homes (and the real prices buyers paid), they can make an accurate estimate of what you can expect to receive for your home. If a three-bedroom bungalow with granite countertops and a walk-out basement down the block sold for $359,000, expecting more from your own three-bedroom bungalow with granite countertops and a walk-out basement is a pipe dream.

After crunching the data, they'll work with you to determine a fair price that'll entice buyers. The number might be less than you hope and expect, but listing your home correctly — not idealistically — is a sure way to avoid the aches and pains of a long, drawn-out listing that just won't sell.

Knowing When the Price is Too High

Once your home is on the market, you'll start accumulating another set of data that will serve as the ultimate price test: how buyers react.

There's an easy way to tell if you've priced too high: If you have no showings, it's way too high. Lots of showings and no offer means you've marketed well — but it's overpriced once people get inside.

It all boils down to location, location, location. When it comes to finding a buyer, pricing your home according to data — and the right data, at that — is crucial to making the sale.

Source:  https://www.houselogic.com/sell/how-much-is-my-home-worth/?site_ref=mosaic

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Buying a luxury home isn't as straightforward a process as one might think. This market has a lot more variables when it comes to each property, making it difficult to establish an exact market value on a home. That being the case, buyers may wonder if they're getting a fair price on a luxury piece of property. If you're in the expensive real estate market, here are some steps to take to ensure that the price for your home is fair.

Compare

It should be said that comparing two luxury homes isn't the same as comparing other types of real estate. When you buy a "normal" home, your REALTOR® will look at similar homes in the area, keeping in mind the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. However, luxury homes aren't built with that in mind. When you compare these types of homes, you may want to look at features like great views (if it's a penthouse), privacy, sports features, etc. This gives you an idea of what's on the market.

Know What You're Looking For

Once you've looked at a couple of properties and have had a chance to compare them, you should be able to develop a "must-have" list. Think about your financing options as well. All of these will become a factor once you're ready to buy.

Hire an Expert

Like any other profession, the real estate market has professionals that specialize in high-end homes in certain areas. These REALTORS® know what properties in the area are going for and how to find good deals.

Additionally, quality real estate professionals can tell you what types of transportation amenities are in the area. This is especially important if you're moving into an area that's very different from your current location. Hiring someone who knows how the flow of a geographic area works will be better able to steer you toward a good location.

Timing and Motivation

Once you've done the first three steps, you'll finally want to start narrowing down the properties you're looking at. It's at this time that you'll be able to make an offer on a home and more importantly, hopefully, get it at a fair price.

Luxury homebuyers should consider the timing of their purchase. They may be able to get a better deal on a home in the winter than in the summer. The same can be said for homes that go up for sale at the end of the year. These homeowners may want to get rid of the property by year's end for tax purposes.

Additionally, you may also be able to secure their luxury home at a reasonable price if the seller is motivated to sell. But be warned. Homes priced to sell go fast, in sometimes as little as two weeks. If you find a luxury home at an excellent price, be sure to ask your real estate professional to make an offer on it.

Buying luxury real estate at a good and fair price is a process. You should start by doing some research and by hiring a real estate professional who specializes in the luxury market. From there, compare the different homes on the market. Finally, once it comes time to buy the home, look for a motivated seller. This factor, combined with all of the previous work you've done, will help ensure that you've gotten the best price for your new place.

Source:  http://blog.rismedia.com/2017/expensive-real-estate/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Ready to purchase your first home? Though the process may seem overwhelming, knowing where to start is half the battle. Follow these five tips to help ease your stress and prepare for a smooth home buying experience.

Clean Up Your Credit Score

Having good credit is one of the most important factors when qualifying for a loan. Depending on where your score stands, it may take six months to a year to improve your credit. Although scoring requirements vary from lender to lender and there is no magic number that qualifies you to purchase a home, a low score could mean higher interest rates and fewer mortgage options. Check your credit early and make a financial plan to increase your number. A mortgage professional can pull your credit for you and create a plan to improve your score.

Evaluate Your Monthly Cash Flow

It's important to understand what your assets and liabilities are before considering purchasing your home. What is your current debt? What is your monthly income versus monthly expenses? Do you have a considerable amount of money to put away at the end of each month or are you on a shoestring budget? Take a couple months to track your cash flow to see where your money is going, and if affording a home is feasible.

Have your Finances In Order

Lenders evaluate your debt-to-income ratio to see if you're qualified for a loan. If you have too much debt in relation to your monthly income, you might have trouble qualifying. Your mortgage payment cannot exceed 31% of the gross effective income. And the total recurring monthly obligations cannot exceed 43% of the gross effective income. Before shopping for a home make sure you understand what you can realistically afford, have a down payment ready (Can vary depending on the type of financing. Can be anywhere from 0% – 20% down), and are preapproved.

Define Exactly What You Want/Need in a Home

Consider what your lifestyle currently is and what you plan it to be in the future. Will this be a starter home or somewhere you would like to put down roots and raise a family? Will you need an extra bedroom or two full bathrooms? Is garage space important to you or a large kitchen? Consider the neighborhoods and communities where you would like to live. Do research on the schools in the area or accessibility to local amenities. How far are you willing to commute? Take some time to write a must-have list for features the home needs fit into your life and a wish list for things you want, but could live without.

Find a Savvy REALTOR®

If you're mulling over the idea of purchasing a home, it's helpful to speak to a REALTOR® first. Hiring a knowledgeable REALTOR® you can trust is the best way to ensure you're making informed decisions throughout the process. As experts in the real estate market, agents are able to provide advice and planning tips that inexperienced buyers may overlook.

Source:  https://askhomesale.com/2017/06/05/five-tips-for-first-time-homebuyers/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

10 Tips for Making Your Home More Sellable

Selling a home isn't always a sure thing. With so much inventory on the market, a home needs to really stand apart from the crowd if the seller wants to draw the attention of buyers. The last thing you want to do is have a messy, congested home when it comes time for your agent to host an open house or to schedule a showing.

The trick to making your home more appealing to buyers is to make it as clean and neutral as possible. You want the buyer to be able to imagine themselves living in the home, and nothing will help you achieve that goal better than the following ten expert tips.

#1: Get Rid of the Clutter

Nothing distracts buyers more than a bunch of clutter. It's all they focus on and that means that they're not seeing the potential your home offers. So, the first thing you need to do is to completely de-clutter your home.

#2: De-Personalize the Home

Even though your home is still technically your home until it sells, you should remove any personal touches. For instance, if you have a lot of family pictures on the walls, you should take them down. Or, if your child's room has a personalized mural painted on the walls, you should paint over it.

This goes a long way toward the buyer being able to envision themselves living in the home. They can't do it as effectively if all they see is your family everywhere they look.

#3:  Paint Everything a Neutral Color

Paint color is another way homeowners personalize their homes, but not everyone has your sense of taste or color preference. So before putting your home on the market, be sure to apply a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint on the walls.

#4: Update Your Lighting if Necessary

Lighting can change the feel and tone of a room, so if your lamps are outdated, replacing them with more modern ones will help. Buyers don't want to feel like they're looking to buy their grandmother's house.

#5: Address Any Pet Issues

If you have a dog or cat, odds are your home probably has stains, odors, or both. These can be serious deal breakers for a lot of buyers so you will definitely want to address these issues.

Remove any stains and get rid of any odor-causing issues. You will also want to make plans to remove your pets during the times your home is being shown to buyers. The same concept applies to smoking odors and stains.

#6: Make Minor Repairs

Minor problems can stick out like sore thumbs, and if you think buyers aren't going to see that loose bathroom door or chipped kitchen tile, you're wrong. Before listing your home, take time to fix any minor problems in and around your home. The less problems your home has, the more appealing it is going to be.

#7: Give the Home a Thorough Cleaning

Just as with clutter, dusty tables, a sink filled with dishes, and dirty toilets and bathtubs will seriously detract from your home's appeal. You should always ensure that your home is in show-worthy shape while you are trying to sell it. After all, your Realtor could call at any time to request a showing for a buyer.

#8: Have Your Home Inspected

Yes, it is the buyer's responsibility to have the home inspected if they want to buy it, but you should have one performed prior to selling it so you can be aware of any potential issues that could prevent it from selling. The more you know, the better off you will be.

#9: Enhance Your Curb Appeal

The first thing buyers see when they arrive at your home is its exterior. So, you want to make it as inviting as possible. Clean up any debris in your yard, keep the grass mowed in the summer and the walkways clean in the winter. Power-wash the mildew or dirt from your siding and clean out the gutters. Plant some inviting flowers and just clean everything up.

#10: Listen to Your Real Estate Agent

Before you choose a real estate agent to list your house, you should thoroughly research their reputation and results. You want the best one you can find. Then, once you make your pick, you should trust their advice when they give it. Your agent is well-versed in what buyers look for and what turns them off, so if your agent makes a recommendation to you, you should probably take it.

Source:  http://www.homes.com/blog/2017/05/how-to-make-your-home-more-appealing-to-buyers/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Whether you're new to homeownership or have been making mortgage payments for years, it never hurts to find ways to slash your costs. Here are three tips that can help you save thousands.

1. Accelerate a 30-year loan when you can't afford a 15-year term

One major advantage to getting a 15-year mortgage, as opposed to a 30-year loan, is that you'll generally be eligible for a much lower interest rate. For example, last week, 30-year fixed mortgage rates averaged 3.97%, while 15-year fixed rates averaged 3.23%. The downside, however, is that because you'll be paying off your loan in half the time, despite the lower interest rate, your individual monthly payments will be considerably higher.

If you're looking to benefit from some of the interest savings of a 15-year loan but are afraid to commit to a more sizable monthly payment, a good solution is to get a 30-year loan and simply pay it off faster. You can accomplish this by doubling your monthly mortgage payment when you have extra cash available or by making extra lump-sum payments toward your mortgage as you're able.

Say you have a 30-year, $200,000 fixed mortgage at 4% interest, and you use a performance bonus you receive at work to make a $5,000 payment toward your mortgage during the second year of your loan. That move alone will save you close to $10,000 in interest and shave more than a year off the life of your loan.

If you want to attempt to pay off your mortgage early, just make sure your loan doesn't come with prepayment penalties. Otherwise, you'll be charged a fee for the privilege of wiping out your mortgage debt sooner.

2. Pay your mortgage every two weeks instead of once a month

The typical 30-year loan comes with 360 payments, or 12 payments per year. But if you take your monthly payment, divide it in two, and pay that amount every two weeks, you'll wind up making the equivalent of one extra monthly payment each year while saving yourself a huge chunk of interest in the process. And that single extra payment won't hurt much, unlike a big lump-sum payment, especially if you work your new payment schedule into your monthly budget.

Say you're looking at a 30-year, $200,000 mortgage at 4%, which would normally translate into 360 monthly payments of about $955 each, or roughly $11,460 a year. If you were to switch to a biweekly payment schedule, you'd pay $477 every other week, or roughly $12,400 a year. But in doing so, you'd actually save yourself over $23,000 in interest over the life of your loan.

3. Refinance to a shorter term

One drawback of refinancing a mortgage is that it often resets the clock on your repayment schedule, which can not only cost you more money than necessary in interest, but drag out the repayment process so that you're less likely to have shaken your housing debt by the time you retire. For example, say you've been making payments on a 30-year loan for five years, and then you refinance to another 30-year loan at a more favorable rate. While you'll lower your monthly payments, you'll also be five years older when you finally get that mortgage paid off.

On the other hand, if you refinance to a shorter term (say, from a 30-year loan to a 15-year loan) to take advantage of a more favorable rate, you'll save money on interest and avoid extending the amount of time you're saddled with mortgage debt. Of course, this strategy only works if you can actually afford a larger monthly payment. (Remember, while you'll benefit from a lower interest rate, your actual payment will still be higher if you switch from a 30-year loan to a 15-year mortgage.) But if your earnings have increased substantially since you first signed your loan, and you have room in your budget for higher monthly payments, you'll come out ahead in the long run.

Homeownership is an expensive prospect, so it pays to take steps to lower your costs. These tricks will help you spend less on your mortgage and keep more of your money where it belongs -- in your pocket.

Source: https://www.fool.com/mortgages/2017/04/27/3-mortgage-tricks-every-homeowner-should-know-abou.aspx

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

It's one thing to dream of buying a home, but it's another thing to actually do it. Buying a home is a complex process and if you aren't at least somewhat familiar with how it works, the experience could be confusing, and in some cases even frustrating, right from the start.

The reality is, buyer confusion is one of the main reasons why people get into trouble with their home loans, and it was just one of many factors that caused the housing market to go south a few years ago. That's why it's so important to have a basic understanding of the terms used throughout the home buying process. This guide will help you learn all of the fundamental terms you're likely to hear when buying a home.

Common Mortgage Terms

Mortgage: Your mortgage is the loan you are borrowing from your bank or lender so you can buy your home. The terms "mortgage" and "home loan" are essentially the same thing.

Prime Loan: A prime loan is a loan that is made to a borrower who the bank considers an ideal, low-risk borrower.
Subprime Loan: A subprime loan is a loan that is made to a borrower whom the bank considers to be more of a risk due to the borrower having a higher debt-to-income ratio.

Borrower: The borrower is the person who is buying the home and taking out the mortgage. You are the borrower.

Lender: The lender is the financial institution that is giving you the money to buy your house. A lender can be a bank, a credit union, or any other lending institution.

Interest: When you borrow from a lender, you have to pay interest on the amount. The amount you pay in interest is determined by the interest rate set on your loan.

Down Payment: When buying a home, you are going to have to put a down payment on it. This is usually between 15 and 20% of the selling price of the home, and it is paid immediately when the loan is made. The down payment is often looked at as proof to the lender that the borrower is able to handle the mortgage.

Points: Some lenders will allow you to pay extra fees known as interest points at the start of the loan. By paying points upfront, you will be able to lower your interest rate, which will equate to lower interest amounts in your monthly payments.

Underwriting: Underwriting is a process in which the lender reviews your financial standing to better gauge your risk level. The underwriting process determines what type of mortgage, and how much, you qualify for.

Principal: Every month you pay your mortgage payment, a certain amount goes toward interest, taxes, and principal. Principal is the amount remaining on your home loan. In a 30-year mortgage, very little goes toward the principal in the first 15 years because the borrower is essentially paying the loan's interest in advance over that time.

Escrow and Title: Buying a home is a sizable monetary transaction. Because of this, a neutral third party is used to handle the transfer of funds between the borrower and the lender. The money being held is called escrow and the company handling the transfers is the Title Company. Usually, title insurance will also be required to protect the lender's interest in the property.

Foreclosure: If a borrower cannot keep to his or her mortgage payments and they fall into default, then the lender can initiate foreclosure proceedings in which they will stop the mortgage and eventually seize the house if the lender cannot bring their loan current in time. Foreclosure laws differ in each state.

?Source:  http://www.homes.com/blog/2017/03/beginners-guide-to-understanding-home-loans/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Moving is usually a time when anxiety goes through the roof and nerves start to wear thin with every new unanticipated plot twist. Still, does moving home or office really have to be all stress and no cookie? No, it doesn't: all it takes for you to take the hassle bit out of the move equation is to plan the endeavor with due care ahead of the time. Here are six useful tips you can try that will make the relocation go easier on your nerves and total budget.

1. Plan the budget for the move

Running short on money or time is the worst-case scenario that can happen during the move. To avoid losing a small fortune through sheer neglect, it's best to make a list of costs you expect to incur during or in relation to the move. For instance, you can write down anticipated transport expenses such as fuel costs or moving company fee, costs of packaging material and cleaning supplies, insurance, backup transportation costs, and all other expenditures that may impact the final move budget.

2. Start packing ahead of time

To avoid last-minute panic, buy necessary packaging materials ahead of time and start packing at least a few weeks before the move. Ideally, you should start packing 8-12 weeks prior to the move day, and you can also make a countdown list and inventory of items to pack on a weekly and daily basis. If you are moving office, you can close your business for a few days leading up to the move, and use the time to pack all the gear and clean up the space together with your team.

3. Have a backup plan in place

Lots of things can go wrong during a move: transportation failures, shipping delays en route, and transport vehicle capacity hitches. To stay on the safe side of the transportation agenda, you can go over the price of truck hire services and see whether and which removal companies offer the option of last-minute vehicle rentals if your preferred mover fails to show up on move day. Also, you can have a plan B in place for cleanup services, outdoor storage, and professional packaging and loading: after all, it's better to be safe than stressed out on D day.

4. Label everything properly

Few things feel worse than arriving at a new home and realizing you have no idea where critical gear such as underwear, cutlery, and bedclothes are. To avoid unpacking hassle, label all boxes with lists of items they contain. It would be ideal to load boxes into the removal van or truck based on priority of need, and to secure them in place. For instance, essentials such as dishes, mugs, and fresh clothes should be the first in line for unloading and unpacking, whereas things you don't use every day can be taken out and organized in the final stage of the moving.

5. Keep your valuables safe

During all the moving hustle and bustle, your valuables can get lost or misplaced, which is why it would be best to store them in a safe place before the move day. For an added safety layer, you can get an insurance policy for breakable or particularly valuable items, and you should back up important files on your PC to stay on the safe side of digital data should something go wrong in transit. If possible, place extremely precious valuables such as jewelry, antiques, passbooks, and important documents in a bank safe or have a friend or family member hold onto them until the move is over.

6. Put deliveries on hold

Many homeowners forget to put deliveries on hold or sign up for mail redirection with the post office for the duration of the move. Before you begin packing, be sure you've notified the bank, tax administration, post office, and other relevant authorities about a change of residence. Also, it would be smart to leave the new home address with a neighbor or your postman so that mail which winds up delivered to your old home could reach you without a problem.

Ready to move home or office? Get down to packing, and use the tips above to avoid stress and make the move go easier on your nerves. Good luck!

Source:  http://realtytimes.com/advicefromagents/item/1001388-6-tips-for-a-hassle-free-move?rtmpage=oliviastill

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Remodels to Avoid

Luxury Rooms

An indoor basketball court, wine cellar, sauna, or even a movie theater won't often recoup the high building costs. Luxury add-on rooms are hard to pitch to buyers unless you're living in an upscale housing market—the average homebuyer won't be willing to pay for them. Further, rooms that depend heavily on wired electronics, like home theaters, are hard to keep current because TVs and speakers are constantly advancing.

Swimming Pool

The average cost to build a pool is $39,084, a hefty price tag that is seldom recovered once the home is sold. It's widely accepted throughout the industry that a homeowner will lose money by adding a swimming pool. Homebuyers don't want to deal with the maintenance cost of a pool (which can cost as much as $2,000 a year), the added insurance premiums, and—if they have young kids—the safety issues.

Gaudy Accents

Though gold-plated crown molding or mosiac-tile backsplashes may feature prominently in your ideal vision for your home, they often turn out to be the average homebuyer's worst nightmare. Passing fads or niche trends rarely stick around long, so if you miss the brief window when your remodeling choices are in, you'll end up paying for it later.

Changes Contrary to Area Standards

If you aren't watching the trends common to your area, you could end up losing a lot of money. A home that totals $600,000 after all the renovations won't sell in a neighborhood where homes are netting half that price. Likewise, knocking down the walls of extra bedrooms for an open layout won't be appealing in a family-oriented neighborhood.

Remodels that Pay

Steel Doors

You don't want to go cheap on a standard front door. At roughly $1,000, steel doors are comparatively affordable, durable, low maintenance and burglar resistant. As an added bonus, the National Association of Realtors® reports that steel door upgrades show the highest return on investment of any home remodel, at over 100 percent of the cost.

Solar Panels

As the price of solar panels continues to drop, the energy payback on installing them is becoming greater and greater. The average rooftop solar system is now paid off in seven and a half years. After that, panels are a big money-saving asset. A study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory notes that homebuyers "consistently have been willing to pay more for a property" with solar panels—a premium of around $4 per installed watt, on average.

New Siding

The exterior of your house is the first thing potential homebuyers see when they come to your home, and you want to make the best first impression. This is part of the reason redoing your siding is so profitable. New siding recoups around 80 percent of the initial cost, according to the National Association of Realtors®, thanks largely to the increased curb appeal and improved energy efficiency it provides.

Broadband Access

Access to broadband speeds is considered an essential utility for today's connected homebuyer. Research shows that faster internet speeds increase your home value by as much as 3 percent. Homeowners can prepare their homes for higher broadband connectivity by working with area providers to install requisite equipment and wiring. Building out wall ports and cable-hiding baseboards is a good move to attract buyers, too.

Even if you're not considering selling your home just yet, keep potential selling benefits in mind. Intrepid homeowners know that the best remodels will increase both quality of life and listing price, so take care to invest in projects that will net the biggest returns.

Source: http://blog.rismedia.com/2017/home-renovations-hurt-property-value/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841 Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Finding your dream home can be difficult for many reasons, one of which is that your budget often restricts your choices. Keeping a healthy budget coupled with strategic house-hunting practices can yield the best possible property that not only fits your personal budget but also meets your lifestyle needs. Here are four things to keep in mind during your search.

Determine Your Budget

You can't make a budget if you don't know how much you make and spend every month. Sit down and write the hard numbers. Are you mortgaging a house as a single buyer or as a couple? The implications of each option are noteworthy and can greatly impact your finances in the long run. You'll want to have a wide positive margin between your income and expenses if you are to pay off your monthly mortgage premiums successfully.

Work With a Real Estate Agent

Working with a real estate agent helps you tailor your choices to a specific set of properties that meet your personal criteria, such as budget, location, the number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and other included amenities. A real estate agent has the ability to point out pros and cons of each prospect in an objective manner. Be sure to vet your prospected real estate agent. Professional realty firms can simplify the process of picking and choosing a property.

Move to a Location You Know

It can be a location that you grew up as a child or a place that's heavily covered by the media for being a real estate hotspot. Move to a location that you know is safe and has access to the public facilities you will need, such as a school system for your children, libraries, hospitals, etc. If you are planning to resell the property in the next decade or so, it also makes sense to pick a location that has the potential for growth and demand.

Declutter Your Current Household

Unnecessary possessions result in higher moving expenses and can take up valuable space in your new house or condominium unit. Declutter your current household so that you avoid this avoidable cost and space consumption. You can resell your unneeded items through a garage sale or a digital marketplace, like eBay.

Finding a home that meets your criteria for price and lifestyle needs can seem daunting thanks to the countless variables at play. Using the four tips above, you can avoid the background noise and focus on the core elements that really matter.

Source:  http://blog.rismedia.com/2017/find-house-meets-needs/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841  Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

 

Never underestimate the importance of a pretty face…on your home or a client’s home. A curbside “facelift” is money well-spent, whether prepping to sell your house, increasing its equity value, or just for your own pleasure.

 

These new ideas and trends should get your creative juices flowing.

 

Re-Think the Front Door

REALTORS® have long advised that the front doorâ€"one of the first things a visitor touchesâ€"should look well-kept and attractive. The cheapest option is to repaint it, and people are getting more adventurous with color choices for doors. No longer feel bound to match your door to the window and shutter hue. Contrast is good, and some homes benefit from brighter colors.

 

For just a few more dollars, replace old, corroded hardwareâ€"knobs, kickplate, etc. For a professional look, and to save yourself some time and clean-up, install the new hardware after painting.

 

Replacing the entire door might cost you or your client $500 or more, but if you are bored or unhappy with your plain door or if the door will affect the value of the home, peruse the latest new styles.

 

If you really want a big change, consider adding an arched doorway, windows on either side or expanding to a double-door. Ironically, one new trend is to go old and ornate.

 

Light the Way

Some home-building companies scrimp on the porch or entrance-way lighting. If you or your client weren’t involved in the original lighting decisionsâ€"or even if you wereâ€"over time, glass fixtures become dim from dirt, dead moths or old bulbs.

 

Cleaning globes and replacing bulbs instantly brings new life to your evening facade. New fixtures are inexpensive and can usually be owner-installed. You will likely be delightedâ€"no pun intendedâ€"to discover that advanced lighting technology has gone beyond fluorescent with the introduction of LED bulbs. LEDs provide more lumens with less power, resulting in brighter entryways while saving on electricity.

 

The options are nearly limitless for affordable and novel ways to illuminate your home’s front porch or portico.

 

Install Stone Veneer

For many homes, a major transformation from common, run-of-the-mill appearance to a luxury look is achieved with stone veneer. No doubt about it: stone veneer is an up-and-coming trend for home upgrades. Once installed, stone veneer is nearly indistinguishable from full stonework. The key difference is cost and ease of installation.

 

Stonework speaks to craftsmanship, and veneer gives your home this expensive look for less. Stone veneer also has advantages beyond cosmetic:

 

It’s rugged and never needs painting.
It comes in a wide variety of textures and colors.
You can use it for an entire house, a single wall or just the skirting.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how it sets your home apart from others on your street while increasing its value and marketability.

 

Refinish Sidewalks and Driveways

Just as the upscale look of stone upgrades exterior walls, stone or brick makes a huge improvement to unsightly cracked concrete walks and drives. Different types and shapes of stone can create a variety of patterns, and hiring a professional installer on a complete tear and replace will save time and your back.

 

If your property’s asphalt or concrete drive is in good condition, bordering it with brick pavers can add a touch of class. Trims can be a do-it-yourself project requiring minimal skill, effort, and cost.

 

Add Color to Landscaping

You’ll want the lawn and hedges manicured. Go further. Green is great, but dots of color lift your yard to a higher level of beauty.

 

Over the last decade, most cities have upgraded cosmetics, realizing that public street-corners beg for flowers and professional landscaping. Eyes have come to expect more color and design street-sideâ€"and in desirable neighborhoods, and that expectation translates over to the look of your curb.

 

Again, a tiny expenditure equals a major step up. Bulbs, shrubs, borders, fencing and mulch are all things to consider.

 

Check Your Mailbox

In many neighborhoods, another first curb-appeal object is literally at the curb: the mailbox. It’s often not seen for what it is: an eyesore.

 

Sure, you can spend a pile for a pile of bricks to dress up your mailbox. But a recent trend is less costly: unique and artsy mailboxes and posts. Visit an arts and crafts show and you may find hand-crafted mailboxes for a reasonable price. At the least, meet a local artist who would enjoy crafting something special for you. If you prefer to do it yourself, concrete footing, a post, wood trim, paint and of course, your mailbox, will go far.

 

On a street where all the mailboxes look the same â€" and where the houses also may be cookie-cutterâ€"you can set yours apart. That’s the point of all these improvements. Give your house its own attractive identityâ€"and for less than you might expect.

 

 

Source: http://blog.rismedia.com/2017/popular-curb-appeal-trends-for-2017-new-ideas-for-first-impressions/

 

 

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

 

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841  Click here to visit his website

 

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty’s footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

 
 

The most recent Pending Homes Sales Index from the National Association of Realtors revealed a slight bump in contracts with an increase of 1.6% in December. This news comes as existing home sales are also forecasted to be on pace for 5.54 million in 2017, a 1.7% increase over 2016, which was the best year for sales in a decade.

The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed.

According to NAR's Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun,

"Pending sales bounded last month as enough buyers fended off rising mortgage rates and alarmingly low inventory levels to sign a contract."

So, what's the problem?

Buyers are searching for existing homes, but supply is not keeping up with their demand!

Yun went on to explain,

"The main storyline in the early months of 2017 will be if supply can meaningfully increase to keep price growth at a moderate enough level for households to absorb higher borrowing cost. Sales will struggle to build on last year's strong pace if inventory conditions don't improve." (emphasis added)

Bottom Line

Buyers are out in force right now! If you are considering selling your home this year, the early months of 2017 will be your best option. Contact a local professional today to capitalize on current market conditions.

Source:  http://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2017/02/08/buyers-are-searching-for-your-house/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841  Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Sellers write contingencies into counter offers more often in seller's markets than in buyer's markets. But it's not uncommon to see a seller ask a buyer for the right to find a replacement property before fully committing to the purchase agreement.

Many sellers worry that if they sell their home without finding a new home right away, they might end up putting belongings into storage and renting. Or worse, sleeping under a freeway bridge next to a stolen grocery cart.

It's an emotional time for sellers, separating themselves from the past and looking into an unknown future. In some ways, selling and buying a home is like child birth. If all women could clearly recall what they went through to give birth, there might be fewer children in the world.

Contingent on Seller Finding Replacement Home

Depending on specific local real estate law and custom, some contracts will contain a single line making the transaction contingent on the seller finding a replacement home. The problem with that, from a buyer's point of view, is such a clause could allow the seller to cancel the transaction at any time, even on the day it is scheduled to close. Few buyers would accept those terms if they knew what the clause meant.

I've written purchase contracts when selling my own homes that specified: "This offer is contingent upon closing concurrently with the purchase of the seller's new home." That type of language is vague, open-ended and I can't believe that buyers and their naive agents have agreed to it.

After all, I didn't name the property, its address or give a closing date because there was no property at the time the contract was signed.

Buyers are entitled to some protection. What happens if the seller can't find a suitable new home? Is the buyer out in the cold? Here are terms that protect both parties in the purchase contract:

Make it Clear the Contract is Contingent

State that the offer is contingent on the seller signing a purchase agreement to buy a replacement home. Sellers should receive a reasonable amount of time such as one to three weeks to find a new home, at which time, it is expected that the seller will withdraw the contingency or cancel the contract.

If the parties cannot agree on a contingent contract, the seller's best options are to either reject the offer or ask for much longer closing period such as 60 to 90 days.

Specify Time Period for Other Contingencies

Determine the day the clock starts ticking on other contingencies in the contract such as home inspections, lead-based paint inspections, pest inspections, approval of CC&Rs and so forth, because obviously the clock should not start until the seller has removed the contingency to buy another home.

Real estate contracts, by federal law regarding lead-based paint, give the buyer 10 days to inspect. Some inspection periods are longer. The specified day that an inspection period begins can be, for example, the day after the seller removes the contingency or any other mutually agreed upon day.

1. It's going to take time

Sometimes, people go into buying a fixer-upper with an idea that they can fix it up and re-sell within a few short months. This is generally not possible unless you have unlimited funds for a construction crew to work on your house every day. Fixing up a house takes a lot of time. Just accept it, embrace your new life as an owner of a fixer-upper, and settle in for a long ride. This is definitely a marathon instead of a sprint!

2. You're going to need help

Even if you plan on doing most of the work yourself, there will be certain jobs that you cannot (or should not) do yourself. Get recommendations for local handymen that can work with you to help with your renovations. I talk more about this here in our post about how to save money during home renovations.

If you have helpful local family and friends, ask them if they'd be able to help for a day. It's amazing how much can get done! We did this for a painting day – pay everyone in pizza and snacks, and give everyone a roller to help paint. Just make sure you make yourself available to help them when they're in need of some extra hands with their house projects, too!

3. Things will not go according to plan

You can have the best and most thought out plan for your renovations, but things will not go according to plan. Make sure you have some extra funds saved for an emergency (we had to use ours on our burst water pipe in our small bathroom).

Be flexible! Our porch ended up costing more than double what we budgeted because we uncovered rotting support beams when we started our renovations. We were able to sit down with our budget breakdown and find funds that we could move around from other rooms in the house. We sacrificed in certain areas of the house so we didn't go over our original budget.

4. You're going to need patience

Coming from a very impatient person – this is key! You will find yourself being frustrated time and time again when projects are taking a lot longer than you anticipated. For me, it was stripping wallpaper! It seemed like I would be stripping wallpaper for years!

Try to take a step back when you're feeling impatient. Take a LOT of pictures through your renovations and then look back at the "before" pictures often! It's a great reminder of just how far you've come even when you feel like you're moving at a snail's pace.

5. It will be worth it

Fixing up a house is a lot of work, but it is so worth it. You're going to learn so much, and you'll have a wonderful sense of pride about your home. You'll have stories for every corner of the house, and it makes it so much more of a home.

Source:  http://porch.com/advice/buying-fixer-upper/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841  Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Buying a new house is an exciting adventure to embark on. Whether you are a newlywed just beginning your life with your significant other or a retiree looking to downsize, purchasing a new home is a time of new beginnings. Despite all of the anticipation of owning a new home, there are some housekeeping items that should be taken care of prior to settling in.

Committing to a Final Walk Through

As eager as you may be to finally move in after weeks of paperwork and waiting, completing a final walk-through with your REALTOR® and/or inspectors is beneficial. This is the time to make sure all of the requested updates and repairs have been corrected prior to signing the final binding paperwork. Have your inspector ready to make any last minute notes or perform any additional tests to confirm the state of the home. Investing just a few minutes in this process can save you thousands in expensive repairs later on.

Make Sure You Have Adequate Homeowner's Insurance

Prior to closing on your new home, it is often required to provide proof of homeowner's insurance. As a new homeowner, it is your responsibility to do your due diligence in researching insurance companies and selecting the best fit for our needs. Be sure to consider different coverage and research terms, such as "replacement cost," "actual cash value," and "depreciation" to help you better understand what you are paying for. Examine your policy thoroughly, select appropriate deductibles, and make changes as necessary.

Consider Different Contracts

While homeowner's insurance covers many catastrophic events, what happens if your furnace goes out or you have a power surge off-premises that kills your refrigerator? This type of coverage steps in at times like these to help cover losses that are not otherwise covered by homeowner's insurance. A home warranty can be a lifesaver when it comes to issues that are not detected at the time of purchase or during the walk-through. Home warranties are often serviced by different entities than insurance providers, so homeowners may be out the cost of two policies. However, many think that being safe rather than sorry is worth the cost.

Complete Renovations Prior to Moving in

Do you really despise that carpet in the family room? Would you prefer to paint the walls in the bedroom? If so, it is best to complete any renovations or household changes prior to moving in. It becomes much more difficult to make these changes when there are people, furniture and belongings in the way. Deciding on what changes you wish to make and establishing a timeline for completing these changes prior to moving in allows your family to plan accordingly.

Switch the Utilities to Your Name

If your new home had previous residents, it would be beneficial to consider changing the utilities over into your name immediately. Some utility companies require a security deposit that will be refunded later after making payments on time. Other companies charge additional fees if services are turned off by the previous owners and then must be turned back on.

Change Your Mailing Address

One of the most simple, yet overlooked tasks in new home ownership is the process of contacting the post office to have all mail forwarded to your new address. It can take four to six weeks to get this process fully instated. You can also set up online payments for essential bills or contact companies directly to make sure no important paperwork is overlooked during the transition.

Source:  http://blog.rismedia.com/2016/settle-new-home/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841  Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Homes cost a lot of money to maintain. But are you spending extra money unnecessarily on the upkeep of your home? Here are 10 of the most expensive mistakes you could be making in your home.

1. Using Traditional Light bulbs

If you still have incandescent light bulbs in your home, you could be throwing a lot of money away every month on inflated electric bills. Over its life span, an incandescent bulb can use $180 worth of electricity. A CFL will only use $41 worth of electricity over the same time period. Even better is the LED bulb, which only uses $30 per bulb. Think what replacing every light bulb in your home could do to your home's bottom line.

2. Ignoring a Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet that drips one drop per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, which is enough water to take more than 180 showers. Some of us live in areas where water is plentiful, but for those of us in areas plagued with drought, this could be costing you a fortune. Fix or replace your leaky faucet and save a ton on your water bill.

3. Using the Wrong Air Filter Size

We all sometimes forget to change out the air filters for our HVAC systems or accidentally buy the wrong size. But using the wrong filter or a dirty filter can increase your power bill and cause expensive problems for your furnace down the road. Use the correct filters for your system, and set a reminder to change them after the recommended amount of time. You won't regret it.

4. Not Customizing Temperature

Invest in a customizable thermostat. If you're away at the office all day, you can program your heater to shift down a few degrees while you're gone and then shift back up shortly before you return home. Heating or cooling an empty home wastes a lot of money in energy costs.

5. Not Adjusting Air Vents Properly

Is one room in your home hot, while the others are cold? Oftentimes homeowners will crank up the air conditioning in the whole house to combat hot temperatures in one area. Instead, adjust air vents to direct the flow of air more evenly throughout your entire home. Professionals will come regulate this to ensure that your entire home is receiving the same amount of air conditioning or heating.

6.Over Watering Lawn

Many homeowners have their sprinkler systems programmed to come on in the early morning hours for optimum lawn health. This can become a problem, however, if you're never around to see what you're actually watering. A broken sprinkler head could be causing a fountain, or the trajectory of your sprinkler may be directed at a fence instead of your lawn. Periodically run your sprinklers during the day so you can see how they are performing when you're not around.

7. Water Heater Temperature Set Too High

Unless you have a tankless water heater, your water heater is keeping the water in its tank hot 24/7. If you don't keep an eye on the temperature as each season changes, you may be paying too much to heat your water. Decrease the temperature in the summer, and bump it back up when winter comes.

8. Leaky Windows and Doors

Leaky windows and doors are great places for cold, winter winds to enter your home. Many homeowners simply ignore them and crank up their heaters. Caulk leaky windows and put rubber seal around doors to keep winter winds out and warmth in.

9. Paying a Handyman

Don't pay a handyman for a job that is simple enough to do yourself. If you're unsure of how to do something, look up video tutorials online. Doing simple tasks yourself can save you a lot of money.

10. Ignoring Curled Shingles

It may be easy to ignore problems on your roof, but it will only lead to bigger problems later. If you see any possible issues with your roof, repair them as soon as possible, as this will save you significant costs later.

Source:  http://blog.rismedia.com/2016/top-10-expensive-mistakes/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841  Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets. Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. 

Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Nearly all home buyers hire a professional home inspector to take a close look at their new house before closing. You can speed things along by analyzing the condition of your home and making necessary repairs now, before the house is under contract.

Whole-home inspections cover numerous systems within the house, but there are a handful of hot-spots that concern buyers the most.

Mold & Mildew

Mildew stains and odors scare buyers, especially now that toxic black mold is such a hot topic.

You likely won't even get an acceptable offer if mold and mildew are present. Even if the mold in your house is the normal variety, treat it and address the source of the problem.

Damp Basements and Crawlspaces

Mildew odors signal that a basement is too moist. Buyers and home inspectors will look closely at the walls and floors for patches of mildew and signs of dampness. The inspector might use a meter to determine how much moisture is present in these spaces, because moisture deteriorates building materials and attracts insects.

Cover exposed earth in basements and crawl spaces with plastic to help keep moisture levels down.

Most foundation "leaks" are a result of poor drainage that funnels water towards the foundation. To address this issue, consider the following steps:

• Make sure gutters are clean so that rainwater flows toward downspouts instead of spilling over gutter sides along the foundation.

• Point drainage downspouts away from the house.

• Check water flow through buried drainage lines by flooding them with water from a hose. If water comes back towards you, the line is plugged and should be cleared.

If foundation problems do exist, and you cannot make repairs, you might need to lower the price of the house upfront, with the understanding that the price reflects the problem.

Another option is to give the buyers an allowance to make repairs after closing.

Roofs and Chimneys

Deteriorated shingles or other roof coverings are one of the first things home buyers and home inspectors notice. If the elements underneath the shingles are moist or rotted, repairs will likely be requested.

Make sure flashing around the base of the chimney is watertight, and that mortar and bricks are in good condition.

Inspect the fireplace to make sure it is functioning properly.

Plumbing Problems

Fix leaks long before the home inspection takes place. The inspector will check water pressure by turning on multiple faucets and flushing toilets at the same time. The inspector will also run the dishwasher.

The home inspector might check the septic system. One method uses dyes that are flushed down a stool. The inspector waits to see if the dye surfaces on top of the septic drainfield, which would indicate a drainage problem.

Inadequate or Inferior Electrical Systems

The electrical panel and circuit breaker configuration should be adequate for the needs of the house.

If you're a first time home buyer, you're in luck. Why? Because the new home building trends that are currently at work in the real estate market are exactly what a new home buyer wants to see.

But, if there's one thing that's certain about the real estate market – things change very quickly! Therefore, if you're thinking about buying a home this year, then you need to get serious because who know how long these trends will last.

Here's a breakdown of the new home building trends that are great for first-time home buyers.

Homes Are Affordable, But Who Knows for How Long?

Homes prices are still relatively affordable around the country, but that is changing. Gradually, home prices are starting to climb back up, so if you're looking to buy your first home, you will want to get active and start looking now while the prices are still affordable.

Banks Are Becoming More Accommodating With Their Mortgage Approvals

Just a few short years ago, it was virtually impossible for someone with less than a perfect 800 credit rating to qualify for a mortgage. But today, underwriting standards have become (a little) more relaxed, meaning it's possible for the average Joe or Jane with a good credit rating and an appropriate down payment to get approved for a mortgage.

Fewer All-Cash Buyers Are Competing for Homes

Over the last few years, all-cash buyers flooded the market, scooping up any property that was suitable for investment purposes. Of course, when competing against all-cash buyers, any first-time buyer trying to get financing is probably going to lose. But these days, all-cash buyers have gone the way of the dodo bird, so there's less competition out there for first time buyers to worry about.

Fewer Distressed Properties Are on the Market

Just like buying your first car, it was once thought that one's first home should almost always be a fixer-upper. But these days, first-time home buyers don't have to bring their toolboxes along on closing day because there are far fewer distressed properties on the market, especially with last year seeing the most brand new single family homes being built since 2008.

With affordable prices, easier to obtain loans, and a generous amount of brand new homes available, it's a great time to buy your first home!

The Suburbs Are Hot, Hot, Hot

In a case of what's old is new again, first-time home buyers are more interested in buying in the suburbs than they are in more urban areas. In fact, according to the Bank of America Homebuyer Insights Report, 52% of first-time buyers are looking to the suburbs for their home-buying goals, with 75% interested in purchasing single-family homes.

The primary reason is cost. Urban living has become extremely popular in recent years, and as a result, prices have skyrocketed in the inner city. Good luck making your first home purchase this year!

Source:  http://www.homes.com/blog/2016/11/new-home-building-trends-why-first-time-buyers-are-in-luck/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841  Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets. Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Mortgages might not be as much fun to shop for as new shoes or a new car, but if you know how to do some smart comparison shopping, you're going to save yourself a lot of hassle … and a huge chunk of change. Some of this will require an attitude shift. Because while most of us already know full well that you'll need to see lot of houses before you find The One, many people take the first mortgage that comes along.

In fact, almost half of consumers don't shop around at all for a mortgage, according to a report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

But that's a big mistake. Don't just go with the first option you think of, even if it's the one with the coolest ads or from your own bank right down the block. It pays to look around. Here's why, and how to shop for a mortgage right.

What to look for in a lender

Here are several solid reasons why it pays to compare and review your options when choosing a mortgage:

• Lenders offer different rates: Even if the mortgage product they are offering is essentially the same—say, a 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan—rates can vary by more than a half-percent, and that half-percent can add up fast. Let's look at a $250,000 mortgageas an example. If your interest rate is 3.0%, your monthly payment will be $1,054, and you'll pay $129,444 in interest over the life of the loan. If your interest rate was a half-percent higher, at 3.5%, you'd pay $1,123 every month for a total of $154,140 in interest. That's almost $25,000 more in interest payments alone over the life of the loan.
• Lenders have different programs: Because there are so many different types of mortgages, you'd do well to talk to someone who can really sit down and articulate the pros and cons. Some borrowers are better suited to a fixed-rate conventional product, while another who isn't planning to stay in the home longer than 10 years or so might end up paying a lot less with a 15-year loan or an adjustable-rate mortgage. Each homeowner's situation is different, so it's vital to talk through the various options with a knowledgeable lender.
• Lenders have different specials: Mortgage lending is a business obviously, so lenders need to make money. In a competitive environment, you might find that some are offering to pay closing costs or provide other perks while others might tout quicker processing. Shopping around allows you to find the best deal for you.
• Lenders charge different fees: Many lenders charge a lengthy list of fees: loan origination, title insurance, loan application, rate lock (which protects you from rate fluctuations during the process), and more. You'll want to find out what fees each one charges and see if any of the lenders you are considering are willing to negotiate by curtailing or all-out dropping a few of those fees.
• Lenders have different standards: Have a blemish on your credit history that could keep you from getting a good loan? Different lenders have different standards, so just because one turns you down or doesn't offer you a great interest rate doesn't mean that others will, too.

Where to look for a home loan

There are three main places you can get a mortgage:

• Banks: Your bank may be the first entity you think of, because one-stop shopping for your financial matters can greatly simplify your life. A bank can be a great choice if you already have a solid working relationship. If you have been a trustworthy customer over the years, your bank can often offer excellent rates. However, sometimes you have to have a little more financial savvy when working with a bank to make sure that its proprietary products are the best ones for you and your situation.
• Mortgage brokers: These professionals are also a great option mainly because they are specialists. They know more about the vast variety of loan programs that are available and can be better equipped to help you think through creative options. Since they work with a wide variety of lenders, they can do a lot of the homework to find you the best rate and specials from a variety of offerings. But, you'll want to make sure that they are reputable and have your best interests—not the lender's—at heart. Check their credentials online and talk to several before settling on a provider.
• Online: These days, everyone shops for everything online, so why not mortgages? At realtor.com/mortgage/rates, you can compare offers in your area.

Source:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/finance/how-to-shop-for-mortgages-guide/

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841  Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets. Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Packing to move can be drudge work, but it's an even worse task if your labor results in broken glassware, tangled jewelry, busted gadgets, and lost electrical cords. Leaving your home for a new one is stressful enough without these added woes.

To the rescue, here are some brilliant hacks that'll get your stuff loaded up with nary a crack—and almost no sweat—from experts who live and breathe packing.

Plates

Don't just grab your dinnerware from the shelf and stack it in a box—it's more apt to break. As counterintuitive as it sounds, it's better to pack them sideways instead. Just make sure the box is small enough so that the plates fit with only a bit of wiggle room on each side where you can insert bubble wrap or other cushioning.

Packing plates sideways can help prevent breakage. Bronx-based Katie McCann, a home and office organization coach with Maeve's Method, expands on this approach. "Wrap each plate in packing paper, then wrap each set of 6 to 8 again to reinforce them," she explains.

Randy Shacka, president of Two Men and a Truck in Lansing, MI, will sometimes insert paper plates between ceramic ones before standing them up in boxes.

Glasses and cups

Put your tube socks to good use: Insert your stemware into them (one per sock, of course) to prevent cracks. Mim King, a professional organizer in Minneapolis, recommends turning the handles of coffee mugs and pitchers inward in boxes to save space. "You can also pick up wine or beer boxes with the cardboard separators to pack glasses and other fragile items—liquor stores give these away for free," she notes.

Necklaces and bracelets

Don't let all of those pretty chains get tangled in knots! To prevent bracelets and necklaces from ending up in this sad state, grab a few empty toilet paper rolls or drinking straws. Thread each chain through the roll or straw, and then fasten the clasp. Lay them gently in a box and cover with a layer of clothing to keep them in place.

Earrings

These tiny objects need their own packing compartment—and your old egg cartons are just the solution. Pop a few pairs into each nesting cup and then top with a few cotton balls. Close the carton and seal it with a bit of packing or masking tape. You could also poke your earrings through a paper towel tube, secure them with backs and then wrap the whole roll with plastic wrap or a soft T-shirt.

Clothing

Moving a dresser is easier without the drawers in it, but if you're hoisting it full of clothes, take some heavy-duty plastic and wrap it around the entire piece so the drawers don't slide out. Shrink wrapping your dresser and other furniture will keep drawers and clothes in place.

Wes Taft, co-founder of moveCHECK, a mobile app designed to save time and ease stress during a move, likes to slide trash bags over hanging clothes while they're still on the rod of the closet to make them easier to carry or stack.

Linens

Soft items like towels, sheets, and dishcloths can do double duty when you pack them. Shacka suggests rolling up wooden and plastic utensils and other kitchen items in dish towels, while King uses cloth napkins and T-shirts to wrap or separate fragile items. "Pack pillows at the top of boxes to add extra cushion and wrap artwork in blankets," she adds.

Electronics

Much like jewelry, cords might get balled up and separated from their devices, so make a special effort to keep these organized.

Taft recommends repurposing those plastic tabs that come with loaves of bread to secure cords. "Be sure to label them so you don't lose track of which cord goes to which piece of equipment," he says. You can also take a photo of your electronics before unplugging them so that you remember which cords fit into which sockets. Label your wires and cords for easier reassembly later.

Your daily necessities

It seems so obvious—until you're standing, exhausted, amid towers of boxes wishing you had your toothbrush and slippers. Pack this special box and fill it with the essentials you need on the first day and night in your new house, including toilet paper, pajamas, a spare set of clothes—and a bottle of Champagne!

Source:  Realtor.com ~ Weird Packing  Trickks That Actually Work

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841  Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets. Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

When it comes to selling a house, online marketing is more important now than ever before. Today, buyers normally check online listings before doing anything else, while sellers want a high price in return. An enticing listing is the key to a seller's success. Here are five tips to listing your home.

Amp Up the Resale Value

If you want a higher price for your home, the best way to do that is to make some improvements. Make renovations where it is needed and repair appliances that need to be fixed. Give the house a nice paint job, or change the landscape to make it more aesthetically pleasing.

Have Beautiful Photography of Your Home

The more photographs a house has, the more views it will gain. Potential buyers prefer to have a thorough sense of what the house is like before they buy it. Use a high quality camera or hire a photographer to take some professional shots of the place. It's a good idea to make sure the house actually looks good before taking these photos. Do a thorough cleaning of the house, including wiping down the walls, the floors, the carpets and the appliances. When taking the photos, make sure to have decent lighting and angles. Capture an image of every room so that the buyers are not in the dark about what to expect.

Write an Interesting Description

Many real estate listing sites give the seller the option to describe the house that is being listed. This is an opportunity to pique the interest of potential buyers. If you aren't much of a marketer yourself, hire a REALTOR® to help advertise your home.

Price Fairly

First, find out how much the house is actually worth. There are online calculators and tools that can estimate the price range of a house. Also compare your home to other houses in the neighborhood. Give it a high enough price to be competitive, but don't overprice it and scare off potential buyers.

Explore Your Options

There are various real estate resources, like websites similar to DennyBandt.com, which sellers and buyers use to educate themselves on realty. Check out the different websites yourself or find an article that compares the different sites, and empower yourself with knowledge. These can be useful for finding listing prices in the area you're looking to buy or sell in.

Congratulations! After years of renting, you feel ready to buy your first home. But the home-buying process can be a terrifying edge-of-your-seat endeavor, especially for first-timers. But the whole thing will seem a whole lot less scary if you arm yourself with a few facts.

Here's what every first-time home buyer needs to know to dive into house hunting with confidence—and with as few curveballs as possible.

1. Figure out how much home you can afford

Homes cost a bundle, so odds are you'll need a home loan, aka mortgage, to foot the bill, along with a hefty down payment. Still, the question remains: What price home can you really afford? That depends on your income and other variables, so punch your info into realtor.com®'s home affordability calculator to get a ballpark figure of what you can manage.

In general, experts recommend that your house payments (mortgage, maintenance, taxes) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. So, for example, if your monthly (before-tax) income is $6,000, multiply that by 0.28 and you'll see that you shouldn't pay more than $1,680 a month on your home.

But online calculators give just a ballpark figure. For a more accurate assessment, head to a lender for mortgage pre-approval. This means the bank will assess your credit history and other factors, then tell you whether you qualify for a loan, and how much. Mortgage pre-approval also puts home sellers at ease, since they know you have the cash to back up your offer.

2. Pick the right real estate agent

You buy most things yourself—at most, sifting through a few online reviews before hitting the Buy button. But a home? It's not quite so easy. Buying a home requires transfer of a deed, title search, and plenty of other paperwork. Plus there's the home itself—it may look great to you, but what if there's a termite problem inside those walls or a nuclear waste plant being built down the block?

And did we mention there's a whole lot of money involved?

All of which is to say, you will want to have a trusted real estate agent by your side to explain the ins and outs of the process and help you make the best decisions at every step. Make sure to find an agent familiar with the area where you're planning on purchasing; the agent will have a better idea of proper expectations and realistic prices, says Mark Moffatt, an agent with McEnearney Associates in McLean, VA. "Finding a Realtor is not hard, but finding one that is best-suited for you and your purchase is a challenge," he adds.

You can search on realtor.com/realestateagents to find agents in your area as well as information such as the number of homes sold, client reviews, and more. Make sure to interview at least a couple of agents, because once you commit, you will sign a contract barring you from working with other buyer's agents—this ensures the agent's hard work for you pays off.

3. Know there is no such thing as a perfect home

It's your first home—we understand if you've dreamed about the ideal house and don't want to settle for anything less. We've been there! But understand that real estate is about compromise. As a general rule, most buyers prioritize three main things: price, size, and location. But realistically, you can expect to achieve only two of those three things. So you may get a great deal on a huge house, but it might not be in the best neighborhood. Or you may find a nice-sized house in a great neighborhood, but the price is a bit higher than you were hoping for. Or else you find a home in the right neighborhood at the right price, but it's a tiny bit, um, cozy.

Such trade-offs are par for the course. Finding a home is a lot like dating: "perfect" can be the enemy of "good." Or even "great."  So find something you can live with, grow into, and renovate to your taste.

4. Do your homework

Once you find a home you love andmake an offer that's accepted, you may be eager to move in. But don't be hasty. Don't purchase a home without doing your due diligence and add some contingencies to your contract—which basically means you have the right to back out of the deal if something goes horribly wrong.

The most common contract contingency is the home inspection, which allows you to request a resolution for issues (e.g., a weak foundation or leaky roof) found by a professional.

Another important first-timer addition: a financing contingency, which gives you the right to back out if the bank doesn't approve your loan. A pre-approval makes this possibility much less likely, but a pre-approval is not a guarantee.

You also might want to consider an appraisal contingency, which lets you bail if your lender values the home at less than what you offered. This will mean you will have to come up with money from your own pocket to make up the difference—a tough gamble if cash is already tight.

5. Know your tax credits

The first-time home buyer tax credit may be no more, but there are a number of tax breaks new homeowners may not be aware of. The biggie: Mortgage interest deduction is a boon for brand-new mortgages, which are typically interest-heavy. If you purchased discount points for your mortgage, essentially pre-paying your interest, these are also deductible. Some states and municipalities may offer mortgage credit certification, which allows first-time buyers to claim a tax credit for some of your mortgage interest paid. Check with your Realtor and local government to see if this credit applies to you.

Source: realtor.com ~ 5 Things Every First-Time Home Buyer Needs to Know

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841  Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Buying a home is so hard, they should make it an Olympic event. It's not just the paperwork; it's the terminology, the fees and the number of people involved. It's natural to want to agree to whatever, sign everything and just get through the process as fast as you can. But while that may make you a medalist in downhill skiing, it won't earn you many style points in life's uphill battle to financial well-being.

Here are some of the most useful homebuyer programs that you might overlook if you rush the process. They may score you some big savings.

FHA                     

This is the go-to program for many Americans, especially first-time homebuyers and those who have a credit history that's … let's sayshaky. The Federal Housing Administration guarantees a portion of home loans, which frees lenders to broaden their acceptance standards. With FHA backing, borrowers can qualify for loans with as little as 3.5% down. You can search a list of FHA lenders near you at HUD.gov.

VA

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs helps servicemembers, veterans and surviving spouses buy homes. The program is especially generous, often requiring no down payment or mortgage insurance. But like a lot of military operations, the approval track is built for accuracy, not speed.

USDA

This one may surprise you. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a homebuyers assistance program. And no, you don't have to live on a farm. The program targets rural areas and allows 100% financing by offering lenders mortgage guarantees. There are income limitations, which vary by region.

Home upgrade programs

Here are a couple of programs that allow you to buy more home for your money.

• The Energy Efficient Mortgage program extends your borrowing power when you buy a home with energy-saving improvements or upgrade a home's green features. If you qualify for a home loan, you can add the EEM benefit to your regular mortgage. It doesn't require a new appraisal or affect the amount of your down payment. The program simply allows your lender the flexibility to extend loan limits for energy efficiency improvements.
• There are also HUD 203(k) loans, designed for buyers who want to tackle a fixer-upper. This special FHA-backed loan considers what the value of the property will be after improvements and allows you to borrow the funds to complete the project as part of your main mortgage. 

Good Neighbor Next Door

This initiative was originally called the Teacher Next Door Program but was expanded to include law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical technicians, hence the snappy "Good Neighbor" name. A HUD-sponsored program, it allows 50% discounts on the list price of homes located in revitalization areas. Yes, half off. Who knew? You just have to commit to living in the property for at least 36 months. These homes are listed — for just seven days — on the Good Neighbor Next Door sales website.

Dollar Homes

This sounds like one of those late-night television offers, but HUD claims to offer $1 homes that have been acquired by the FHA through foreclosures. Needless to say, this is a tiny pool of houses. At last check, only a handful of listings appeared on the website. Curiously, one home we checked out in the Dollar Home category seemed to be listed for $17,900. We're not sure what that's about, but shop carefully.

Fannie and Freddie

They sound like classic '70s rock bands, but Fannie Maeand Freddie Mac are the engines behind the home loan machine. These government-sanctioned companies work with local lenders to offer some appealing mortgage options, such as 3% down payments.

Even more help

In addition to these national programs, many state and local governments offer assistance to homebuyers. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has links to additional information.

Tapping one of these resources may help you buy a home with less of a down payment, lower your interest rate, or even find a bargain in your neighborhood. Then you can have your own opening ceremony in your new home.

Source:  NerdWallet.com - 7 Programs that help first-time home buyers.

Call Denny Brandt today.  He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

(717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841  Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

You just finished signing the last of the papers at closing, and have OFFICIALLY jumped from a renter to a first-time homeowner! The days of signing a lease, asking permission to paint a wall, hammer in a few nails, or ever having to answer to a landlord again are now behind you. Give yourself a pat on the back and celebrate for all your hard work and savings. This is such an exciting time in your life. After the excitement, you may become a little overwhelmed and make some mistakes that can jeopardize all that you have worked so hard for.

Fear not, for we are here to help! Take a few moments to breathe and calmly check out these tips to help ensure that your first home becomes the place of comfort and financial freedom you've been waiting for.

1. Don't Overspend on Furniture and Remodeling:

Money is tight for most first-time homeowners – not only are their savings depleted, their monthly expenses are often higher as well, thanks to the new expenses that come with home ownership, such as water and trash bills, and extra insurance.

You are probably eager to personalize your new home and upgrade from your temporary apartment furniture. But don't try to upgrade all of your furniture and decorations all at once. Give yourself time to become familiar with the expenses of home ownership and to rebuild your savings – the new couch will still be waiting for you when you can more comfortably afford it.

2. Save for Unexpected Problems:

You determine when or stop things like your dishwasher from breaking, but you can set some cash aside to pay for unexpected replacements. As a general rule of thumb, you should try to save around 1-3% of your home's initial price each year so that you can afford unexpected problems, and avoid not being able to fix the problem.

3. Don't Ignore Important Maintenance Items:

One of the new responsibilities that accompanies home ownership is taking care of home repairs. You no longer have a landlord to contact if your sink is clogged or your roof is leaking. It is now up to either take it upon yourself to fix the problem or call someone to fix the maintenance issue for you. While you should exercise restraint in purchasing the nonessentials, you shouldn't neglect any problem that puts you in danger or could get worse over time, turning a relatively small problem into a much larger and costlier one.

 4. Don't Confuse a Repair with an Improvement:

Unfortunately, not all home expenses are treated equally for the purpose of determining your home's basis. The IRS considers repairs to be an integral part of home ownership -something that preserves the home's original value, but does not enhance its value. This may not always seem true. For example, if you purchased a foreclosure and had to fix a lot of broken stuff, the home is obviously worth more after you fix those items, but that is irrelevant to the IRS, since you already received a discount on the purchase price due to those unmade repairs. It's only improvements, like replacing the roof or adding central air conditioning, which will help decrease your future tax bill when you sell your home. For gray areas, such as remodeling your bathroom because you had to bust open the wall to repair some old, non-working plumbing, consult an accountant.

5. Start Keeping Records:

Every improvement or repair you make to your home – from adding caulk around your bathtub to installing a new roof. Make sure you keep track of all of your hard work from the start. Keep your receipts and put everything in a filing cabinent and/or put it into a spreadsheet.

Bottom Line:

With the great freedom of owning your own home comes greater responsibilities. You must manage your finances well enough to keep the home and maintain the home's condition well enough to protect your investment and keep your family safe. Don't let the excitement of being a new homeowner lead you to careless decisions or oversights that jeopardize your financial or physical security.

Call Denny Brandt today.  

He's here for all your Real Estate needs.

 (717) 653-2646 or 717-371-7841

Click here to visit his website

The Homesale Family of Companies is the leading real estate company serving the Baltimore, Maryland, South Central and Southeastern PA real estate markets.  Homesale Realty has more than 27 offices with over 1,200 REALTORS®. Homesale Realty's footprint includes Maryland real estate offices in Baltimore City, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Westminster, and Timonium. Pennsylvania real estate offices include York, Lancaster, Wyomissing, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Schuylkill Haven.

Home sellers are inan advantageous position this summer, with demand high and sales at their strongest in close to a decade. Planning to list your home in the coming weeks? Get the most for your house before the season's up by making it accessible to buyers—with information. 

Every homebuyer wants to know specific aspects of homes they're considering purchasing—information that may seem premature to advertise initially, but could ultimately be determining factors in their decision to make an offer.

Elizabethtown College (or E-Town as it is fondly referred to by area residents) is located in western Lancaster County's Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.  A short drive from Harrisburg, Hershey, and Lancaster, almost 20,000 people call Elizabethtown home with more than 1,900 students enrolled at Elizabethtown College during the school year.

Elizabethtown College History
Chartered in 1899, by members of the Church of the Brethren, Elizabethtown College was founded as an institution of higher education to support their denomination's beliefs.  The founder's charter stated the goal of Elizabethtown College was "to give such harmonious development to the physical, mental, and moral powers of both sexes as will best fit them for the duties of life and promote their spiritual interests." Today, the College's mission is dedicated to the same philosophy of "educating students intellectually, socially, aesthetically and ethically for lives of service and leadership as citizens of the world."

Elizabethtown Academics
Educational opportunities are excellent at Elizabethtown College. In addition to its professional studies, sciences and liberal arts programs, students have the opportunity to participate in service-learning programs, including student-faculty research, internships, fieldwork, and studying abroad.

The student-faculty ratio is 12:1, with 19 academic departments offering 53 majors, and 90+ minors.

E-Town is More Than Just School Books
E-Town takes a holistic approach to education, seeking to encourage not only academic education, but also personal growth and maturity. Education is more than its market value, but also a means to performing service to those around us in need. At Elizabethtown College, education expands beyond the classroom to include practical, real-life experiences through a variety of service and internship programs. These lead to valuable connections and networking opportunities, contributing to the high rate of post-graduation success E-Town students enjoy.

Elizabethtown Home Away from Home
Elizabethtown College's faculty and administrators strive to make each student feel as if E-Town is their home away from home.  The College provides a comfortable and safe environment with multiple dining locations, housing options, recreational and entertainment opportunities, college store, post office, and bank.  The campus is well-lit, and well-maintained with 24-hour security.

Elizabethtown College brings a wide variety of people to the area. Students, staff, and educators bring something special to the Elizabethtown. If you are ready to find a home in Elizabethtown and experience all the area has to offer, contact Denny Brandt with Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty for the most comprehensive listings and friendliest service in Lancaster County.