Maryland Ranks on Top 100 Best Places to Live

  Livability.com recently came out with their second annual ranking for the Top 100 Best Places to Live 2015; small to mid-sized cities in the United States.  Some new places made list, some moved up or down and some continue to score well. Over 2,000 cities were ranked, so every city on the list is…

How to Prepare for Relocation

Are you relocating? Perhaps you are looking for a change of scenery or are taking on a new job. Either way, you want to be prepared when you make the big move. Here are a few tips to consider, and don’t forget your Homesale real estate professional will also be well equipped with knowledge if you have…

Short Sale: 5 Mistakes to Avoid

  A short sale occurs when a property is sold at a price less than the amount the homeowner owes on the mortgage, and the homeowner’s mortgage lender(s) agrees to the “short” payoff. A lender may accept a short sale with the property worth less than the balance of the mortgage if: the borrower is…

Open Houses: Are you asking the right questions?

  Are you in the Market for a New Home? If so, then it’s a good idea to find yourself a buyer’s agent.  A buyer’s agent will always look out for your best interests and will provide you with the most up-to-date information about homes that fit your criteria.  However, you’ll still want to be…

The Rent Trap

  If you are currently renting, you could get caught in the continuous cycle of increased rents, without realizing the long-term impact on your future ability to save for a down payment. Purchasing a for-sale home still remains highly affordable for buyers who are able to save for a down payment and capitalize on low mortgage…

Financial Benefits of Homeownership

  Which is a better option, renting or buying a home?  This question is difficult to answer and depends on one’s current financial situation.  However, it is important to note that homeownership does come with major financial rewards that are not applicable to renters.   1.) A Leveraged Investment Owning a home allows a homeowner…

Interior Design Rules You Should Break

“The first rule of decoration is that you can break almost all the other rules.” Decorating your new/current home can be stressful and intimidating, but it can also be fun and exciting! Whether you are preparing to sell your home, just purchased a new home or are looking for some inspiration, here are a few creative…

12 Things You Should Know About Pennsylvania

1.) Off To Market You Go…. Source: Roots Country Market and Auction No matter which county you move to in Pennsylvania, you’ll see a vast amount of roadside stands and indoor/outdoor farmer’s markets where you can get fresh produce. You should venture out of the grocery stores and load up your reusable bags with fresh…

Renting vs Buying

If you are a potential buyer searching for the perfect place to live, your gut reaction is probably that it is cheaper to rent a home than it is to buy one. However, according to Trulia’s chief economist Jed Kolko, that is not the case. On average in the United States, it is 38 percent…

House Hunting Tips

Ideally, we’d all love for house hunting to be a quick and easy process that results in the perfect home. Unfortunately not all homes come equipped with a two-story pool and a waterfall, so this is not always the case. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to find a place that…

Why Use a Realtor?

Are you considering buying or selling a home?  A real estate transaction is most often one of the largest financial decisions that you will make in your lifetime.  It is important to work with someone who has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the real estate process.  Check out the Top 10 Reasons to Hire…