8,000 Reasons For You To Get Off The Fence

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! If you’re thinking about purchasing your 1st home…don’t miss out! Every penny helps.  Take advantage of the $8000 tax credit.  If you have questions or concerns and you’re in the Maryand area:  Batimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince Georges County or surroundings areas visit www.HousingMarketFacts.com or contact me at 410-227-7998.    

I’m here to help you save valuable time and money.

Healthy Gardening

This is our  second year planting a organic garden in the back yard.  Last year we grew cucumbers,  and cherry tomatoes.  This year expanded a little… squash, large tomatoes,  cucumbers, and green peppers.  We’ve picked several  tomatoes and cucumbers and made a salad.  The tomatoes are really sweet.  I’m not sure what is happening with the green peppers.  The plants are growing, but do not see the green pepper.  Maybe it is too early.  It’s truly gratifying to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

There are studies that find gardening improves health conditions, including hypertension and depression.  Here are tips for safe gardening.

1. Stretch for minutes before heading out to the garden.
2. Bend your knees and take frequent breaks from bending over to avoid back strain.
3. Choose gardening tools with padded handles to protect joints in hands and fingers from excess pressure.
4. Use a cart or wagon to move heavy materials like bags of mulch or fertilizer.
5. Make sure to drink water every 30 minutes or so as it’s easy to lose track of time and get hydrated.
6. Start small – try container gardening.  If you start big and it’s too much work, you may get overwhelmed and lose interest.

Now  enjoy what you’ve grown!!!

Packing Like a Pro

The big day is approaching…moving into your new home!    Here’s some tips I’m sure you’ll find helpful:

1. Develop a master “to do” list so you won’t forget something critical.
2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need.  Have a garage sale donate to a charity, or recycle.
3. Don’t throw out everything.  If your inclination is to just toss it ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no longer had it.
4. Decide what if anything you plan to move yourself.  Precious items such as family photos valuable breakables or must-haves during the move, should probably stay with you.
5. Use the right box for the item.  Loose items encourage breakage.
6. Don’t over-pack boxes and increase the chances they will break.
7. Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes.
8. Label every box on all sides.  You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.
9. Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in.  Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.
10. Keep your moving documents together, including phone  numbers, driver’s name, and van number.  Also keep your address book handy.
11. Back up your computer files before moving your computer.
12. Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.
13. Remember, most movers won’t take plants.

HAPPY MOVING DAY!!!

Preparing for Homeownership

1. Decide how much home you can afford.
2. Develop a wish list of what you would like your home to have.  Then prioritize the features on your list.
3. Select the neighborhood(s) you would like to live in.  
4. Determine if you have enough saved to cover your downpayment and closing costs.  
5. It’s extremely important to have your credit in order.  You can obtain a copy of your credit report from the following agencies:  Equitax – 1 – 800-685-1111, TransUnion – 1 – 800-916-8800, Experian – 1 – 888-397-3742.
6. Determine how large a mortgage you can qualify for.  
7. Organize all the documentation you will need to provide to your lender.  

Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

1. Be picky, but don’t be unrealistic.  There is no perfect home.
2. Do your homework before you start looking.  Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you.
3. Get your finances in order.  Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your downpayment and your closing costs.
4. Don’t wait to get a loan.  Talk to a lender and get a preapproval  for a morgage before start looking. 
5. Don’t ask too many people for opinions.  It will drive you crazy.  Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion.
6. Decide when you could move.  When is your lease up?  Are you allowed to sublet?  
7. Think long term.  Are you looking for a starter house with the idea of moving up in a few years or do you hope to stay in this home longer? 
8. Don’t let yourself be “house poor”.  If you max yourself out to buy the biggest hoe you can afford, you’ll have no money left for maintenance or decoration or to save money for other financial goals.
9. Insist on a home inspection and, if possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects within one year.
10. Last but not lease… ENJOY your new home!