Expand Your Living Space Outdoors

Bring the outdoors in by expanding your living space into your backyard and garden. Make better use of your outdoor space by creating a place to entertain or a quiet sanctuary for relaxing. Gardens are becoming the new living rooms as people go outdoors for added living space.

The concept isn't new. Ancient Greeks and Romans shaped their homes around statuary, fountains and flower gardens, connecting indoor and outdoor rooms with columned porticos. Asian cultures included rocks, sculpted sand gardens, and wildlife in their home designs. Today outdoor rooms can include weatherproof stereo gear, stainless steel barbecues, copper fire pits, propane heaters, teakwood furniture, ping pong tables -- whatever fits your lifestyle.

You can hire contractors and landscape architects to design and build your garden "rooms" or you can do-it-yourself, starting small and adding something new each year. Here are some ideas to get you started without sending in the bulldozer:

• Go formal with a wrought-iron table and chair set, perfect for alfesco dining. For a soft, romantic setting, grace the table with a hurricane lamp and place a few torches nearby.
• Shade a pillowed porch swing in a sturdy vine-covered arbor to create a cozy reading or napping nook.
• Nestle a couple of comfy Adirondack chairs and a small table in a shady corner. Screen it with flowering shrubs for privacy and a wonderful aroma. Install a small fountain or pond to make your oasis even more relaxing.
• If you have a large, open lawn, create a game area. Set up a net and store volleyballs and badminton racquets in a storage bench that can double as seating for fans. Or a small shed on the sidelines could house equipment for pick up games of soccer, baseball or football, maybe a croquet set, whatever your family likes to do.

Rethink your outdoor space. It can be much more than a rectangle of grass you have to mow every week. Break up your yard into useful "rooms" and design each to meet a purpose. Connect one area to another with walkways, curved garden beds, stepping stones, etc. to create a flow through your yard. It's summer and the livin' is easy -- especially if you live in your outdoor rooms where Mother Nature takes care of the dusting and vacuuming!

For more ideas from your friends at Homes Buy Day, click our blog post to visit our website. We can help you find your dream home or sell your home when it's time to move on. And in the meantime, we'll help you find ways to enjoy your home while you're living in it.

Style Guest Bathroom To Impress

Want to impress your friends with your stylish home decor? What room should you choose as your signature room, the room on which you'll lavish time, thought and money, the showcase room in your home? The guest powder room, says decorative artist Michael Boudreault. It's the one room where guests close the door and spend some time alone, notes Lee Stratton in the Columbus Dispatch.

"They can look at everything in the room -- and they will look," Boudreault says. "Your finishes, the molding and the trim will be scrutinized."

Fortunately, these secondary bathrooms located near the front of the house are generally small, so you aren't apt to break the budget splurging on fabulous wallpaper or upgrading the fixtures. Shopping for the perfect accessories can be fun. Use towel colors, decorative soaps, wall art, a basket of silk flowers, a strikingly framed mirror -- whatever strikes your fancy -- to develop the theme or style for the room. An afternoon spent poking through flea markets, antique shops, craft shows, gift or specialty stores can lead to the discovery of a unique item that can define your theme and serve as a focal point.

Pay attention to the little details; your guests will. As Boudreault says,

"It's the jewel box of the house. Shoot for the stars on this one."

For information and tips on buying or selling your home, visit our Homes Buy Day website. Our experience, market knowledge, and customer service are unmatched in the Maryland real estate market. We'll work with you every step of the way, whether you're buying or selling. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Avoid Common Home Decorating Mistakes

Many of us like to dabble in home decorating. Myriad television shows shower us with more ideas than we can try in a lifetime. The temptation to sample too many different styles can lead to a disjointed look that is more unhappy chaos than the restful sanctuary you hoped to create.

By avoiding common decorating mistakes, you can meld several ideas into a pleasing result. Karl Lohnes of Home & Garden Television suggests avoiding these common do-it-yourself errors:

• Don't choose wall colors that are too pale or washed out. Don't like bold, bright colors? Opt for a darker, richer shade to create the depth needed in a larger room.
• Don't paint skinny, wimpy trims and moldings white or another contrasting color. Trims less than 3 1/2 inches should be painted the same color as the wall so they disappear. This makes the room appear larger.
• Don't hang artwork too high. As a rule of thumb, the bottom of a picture should be 8 to 10 inches above the top of a piece of furniture, 4 to 6 inches for large pictures. The middle of artwork hung in a hallway or stairwell should be 66 inches off the floor.
• Don't clutter the room with too many accessories. Decorate with just a few, carefully chosen pieces, even if it takes a while to find the perfect piece. Group collections together to create a visual impact.
• Don't leave window treatments last when planning a room. Window fashions should be an integral part of your decorating scheme. They can add height to a room, dress it up or down, allow more or less light into the room, or frame the view through a window.

By following these tips and others in an article by Rosemary Friedmann that appeared in the Columbus Dispatch, the novice home decorator can create a stylish, well-appointed home. (Click the post title to read Ms. Friedmann's article.)

For more hints and tips about buying or selling your home, visit our website at http://www.homes-database.com/index.php and don't forget to read our newsletter at http://www.homes-database.com/tips-articles/newsletter.php. Whether you're buying or selling, we'll be there with you every step of the way. Call us today.

The Worst Mistake A Seller Can Make

The worst mistake a seller can make is choosing the realtor who suggests the highest list price. It's easy to get caught up in the possibilities of an unexpected windfall when deciding on a sales price. It's like being mentioned in Great Aunt Tilly's will and then finding out the old gal had boxes of cash squirreled away in the attic! The realtor starts talking about a list price thousands of dollars more than you anticipated and you start thinking luxury home, in-ground swimming pool, exotic vacation -- or if you're more practical -- college fund for the kids.

"The truth is it doesn't really matter how much money you think your home is worth. Nor does it matter what your agent thinks or 10 other agents just like her. The person whose opinion matters is the buyer who makes an offer," says Elizabeth Weintraub in an article on About.com (click the post title to read the article).

No two home appraisals are ever exactly the same. There is an art to pricing a home that is part experience and part science. A realtor provides an educated opinion based on his experience, selling prices of similar properties, market movement, and present inventory in the area. Weintraub reminds, "It's only an educated guess and the market will dictate the price."

In choosing a realtor, look for one with long experience in the area. He'll make sure your home is priced to attract multiple offers while maximizing its earning potential. He'll know the market and be tuned into its fluctuations so your home won't languish in the listings. He'll be knowledgeable about competing listings and the unique features your home offers over the competition. An experienced and savvy agent will sell your home at the best price in the current market and save you money by selling while your home is still fresh in the listings.

With 30 years of experience as a licensed realtor in Maryland, I am uniquely qualified to sell your home. A top seller with Long and Foster Realtors, I have the demonstrated experience and expertise to market your home to sell quickly at the best possible price. Visit my Homes Buy Day website at http://www.homes-database.com/index.php for listings and information on my multi-media approach to selling your home. Contact me for a free appraisal and market analysis. Or check out my blog and monthly newsletter which provide tips and trends for both buyers and sellers, as well as useful information on schools, shopping, and area attractions. No realtor will do more to help you sell your home. Contact me today; just click the link in the right column. I look forward to meeting you.

Regular Home Maintenance Insures Resale Value

Your home is the most important investment you'll probably make in your lifetime. Regular home maintenance is essential to maintaining the value of your investment and will pay off in higher resale prices when you sell. Home repair and maintenance should take priority over remodeling or cosmetic changes, whether you plan to sell or live in your home for the next decade.

You should inspect your home annually and repair any problems. Some things to look for include:

• Roof - Check for leaks from loose or missing shingles or ice damage. Remember to clean gutters and drainpipes.
• Chimney - If mortar is missing or crumbling, tuck-pointing is indicated. Install a cap to prevent animals from nesting.
• Exterior - Inspect for flaws or wear on exterior finish. Is the paint flaking? Are there any loose siding panels?
• Porch or deck - Test for loose or splintering floorboards, railings, etc. Clean with a pressure sprayer and protect with sealer.
• Driveway and walkways - Watch for cracks and uneven surfaces that may pose a danger to pedestrians.
• Major appliances - Annually inspect furnace, air conditioner, humidifier, water heater, sump pump, etc. Replace furnace filters at least quarterly and humidifier filters annually.
• Basement - Look for cracks and signs of moisture along cracks and foundation joints.

Address any issues as soon as they appear while they're relatively easy and inexpensive to repair. A well maintained home will maximize your investment at resale. Homes Buy Day can help you get the most out of your home, whether you're buying or selling. For more tips, click our post title or visit our website at http://www.homes-database.com/index.php.

Credit Score Questions Answered

Your credit score affects your ability to get a mortgage, the size of the loan, and its interest rate. Some of the most common questions buyers have about their credit score were answered by Lee Stratton in a recent article in The Columbus Dispatch. (Click our post title to read the article.)

What credit score do I need to qualify for a mortgage?

• A FICO score of 620 is considered the minimum needed to obtain a mortgage, according to Steve Carter, Chase bank loan officer. A buyer might qualify with a lower score by showing missed payments were the result of a temporary problem such as divorce, medical bills or job loss. However, a record of on-time payments before and after the problem period would be necessary.

Does a better credit rating result in lower interest rates?

• While a few mortgages have tiered pricing based on credit scores, most do not. However, buyers with better scores may need to produce fewer documents to prove their creditworthiness and their higher score may be taken into consideration if they fall short of the income ratio. Buyers with lower scores may not qualify for the loan they seek.

What factors affect a credit score the most?

• Experts agree paying bills on time is the biggest consideration. Other factors include amount of debt and number of credit cards. A maximum of 3 or 4 open accounts, including charge cards and car loans, is preferred according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Credit card balances should not exceed one-third of your line of credit.

Homes Buy Day can answer all your questions about buying or selling a home. We'll work with you every step of the way to help you find and buy the home of your dreams. Visit us today at http://www.homes-database.com/index.php.

Expand Living Space Outdoors

The summer's hottest home improvement trend won't keep you cooped up inside breathing plaster dust this summer. Expand your living space by pushing the indoors out.

"Creating an outdoor room is a great way to expand your home's living space without the cost of an addition," says Larry Bedosky, an expert on outdoor design for Durasol Awnings. "Homeowners are demanding outdoor design elements that really echo the personality of their home."

Keep the 4-Fs -- function, furnishings, flooring and flexibility -- in mind when designing an outdoor space.

• Function: How will you use your outdoor room? Do you want a place to entertain or a quiet oasis? Will you be cooking or serving food?
• Furnishings: Your outdoor furnishings should complement what's inside your home. Wood furniture with comfy cushions complements a casual home; wicker lends itself to a country theme; and elegant wrought iron makes a formal statement.
• Flooring: Consider the amount of traffic the room will get. Durable outdoor carpet will take a lot of wear and tear. Waterproof tile or natural stone is a good choice if swimmers will be passing through.
• Flexibility: Too much sun can decrease the comfort of your outdoor room. Lattice roofs provide filtered shade and retractable awnings allow you to adjust the amount of sun or shade.

A well-planned outdoor room can expand your living space, augmenting the usefulness and pleasure your home provides. For more ideas, read the article at abc11tv.com by clicking our post title. At Homes Buy Day we believe home improvement projects should be undertaken to enhance YOUR enjoyment of your home. When you decide to sell your home, these enhancements will make it more attractive to buyers. For more tips on selling or buying a home, visit our website at HomesBuyDay. We want you to enjoy every moment you spend in your home and when it's time to move, see us. We'll take the stress and worry out of saying good-bye to your old home and falling in love with your new one.

Questions To Ask Before Purchasing A Home

Whether you're purchasing your first home or your fourth, there a few critical questions you should ask yourself, according to Ilyce Glink of Tribune Media Services. (Click on our post title to read the whole article.)

• Where does this purchase fit in my cycle of life?
  Think about why you are moving and how long you plan to stay. Most people live in a house 5 to 7 years.
  
• How much do I want to spend?
  In addition to mortgage, insurance and taxes, budget for the cost of maintaining, repairing and renovating the property. If the home is a vacation property, you'll need to consider the cost of having a third party do this in your absence.
  
• Should I buy my own place of a piece of something else?
  Second home or investment property accounted for 40% of the homes purchased last year. Time shares, hotel condominiums, high-end vacation clubs and other forms of partial ownership are becoming increasingly popular given the expense of second home ownership and maintenance but may be hard to sell and may not retain their purchase value.
  
• How much should I consider location and lifestyle amenities?
  Depending on your stage of life, school districts, work commute, distance to friends and family, crime statistics, recreational opportunities, closeness of shopping, library and place of worship, all may factor into your decision.

Take your potential new neighborhood out for a test drive. Visit the local library and school, take the kids to play in the local park and eat in local restaurants to determine whether the location works for you. Homes Buy Day can help you find the right fit. You'll find my website and newsletter packed with helpful information about the area. A longtime resident myself, I'm familiar with every aspect of the area and can help you find a home in the neighborhood that's right for you. Call me today.

Mortgage Rates Slip A Bit

Rates on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages were down slightly last week, slipping from 6.67% to 6.62%, according to mortgage company Freddie Mac. Last week rates on 15-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.23% from 6.26%. One-year adjustable-rate mortgages similarly slid from 5.68% to 5.63%.

Does this herald the beginning of a new downward trend in mortgage rates? Probably not; it's more of a bump in the road. Rates are still expected to climb slowly another half percentage point before leveling off. For a more detailed analysis on mortgage rate trends, read the article in our monthly newsletter by clicking the post title or go to http://www.homes-database.com/tips-articles/newsletter.php.

Using Experienced Realtor Insures Smooth Sale

Attention to details makes the difference when selling or buying a home. Bumps in the road can occur between striking a deal and closing escrow causing unneeded aggravation and stress.

"Complex legal issues, documentation, inspections, the mortgage process and other matters that arise during escrow sometimes can create stumbling blocks," writes Jerry White in Real Estate Matters for Booster HomeLife.

An experienced and knowledgeable professional realtor can smooth the road and take care of:

• buyers or sellers with cold feet
• inspection delays
• documentation delays
• changes in credit ratings

and a host of other potentially deal-breaking issues that can pop up during escrow.

"The sale of a home is one of the most complex and time-consuming transactions any of us will do in our lives," White says. The key to a successful sale or purchase is finding a good realtor. Homes Buy Day is dedicated to helping our clients every step of the way. See what we can do for you by clicking our post title to visit our website at http://www.homes-database.com/index.php.

Savvy Buyers and Sellers Use Internet

The percentage of potential home buyers who use the internet as part of their housing search process went from 2% in 1995 to 77% in 2005, according to the National Association of Realtors. SearchEngineWatch.com reports that traffic to real estate websites has grown 23% in the past year. Savvy consumers are using the internet to research and preview potential home locations. In addition to traditional print ads and Multiple Listing Service exposure, Homes Buy Day makes maximum use of the internet to help you buy or sell your home.

Especially for Sellers: As part of our master plan for selling your home, Homes Buy Day gives you your own page on our highly trafficked website. I personally choreograph a virtual tour of your home and/or stage digital photos to showcase your home's best features for posting on our website. With additional postings on the Long and Foster Realtors sales website, Active Agent HomesDatabase Network, and Homes Buy Day Network, I ensure that your home receives maximum exposure.

Especially for Buyers: Our Homes Buy Day website provides listing pages, photos and virtual tours of area homes. With just a click you can check out area schools, learn about the community and activities or research mortgage rates. Our monthly online newsletter provides information on everything from loans to local movie listings.

Read our blog for buying and selling tips and other useful information for both sides of the housing market. Click our blog post title to visit the Homes Buy Day website and see what I can do for you.

Use Flower Power to Sell Home

Want your home to make an instant good impression on potential buyers? Add fresh flowers.

"The simple presence of flowers has an immediate impact on a
person's emotional state," according to a recent study by
Rutgers University psychology professor Jeannette Haviland-Jones.

Delivering gifts, including a bouquet of flowers, to a wide range of women, researchers recorded facial expressions. In evaluating their data, Haviland-Jones and her students looked for a Duchenne smile, the genuine smile that results in crinkles by the eye. The results were shocking, she said in an article that appeared in The Columbus Dispatch (click our blog post title to read the entire article). Of the 150 subjects tested, "100% of them had a Duchenne smile." Results were identical with men.

You can capitalize on the power of flowers when you sell your home. Plant a flat of bright annuals in your front garden or place an attractive container by the front door. Nurseries sell lovely container gardens in decorative pots at very reasonable prices. A series of small to medium pots of various flowers, one on each step, is another effective, and quick, way to increase your curb appeal. Add a small bowl of fresh flowers in the bath and a vase of cut flowers in the kitchen to bring color and a wonderful aroma to those rooms.

For just a few dollars, you can guarantee that potential buyers will enter and leave your home with a smile. For more home selling tips, visit my website Homes Buy Day.

Choosing The Right Real Estate Agent

The most critical decision you make when putting your house on the market or deciding to purchase a new home is selecting a real estate agent. Listing with the right agent will ensure that your home sells quickly and at top dollar. If you're buying, the right agent can direct you to the neighborhoods that fit your needs and lifestyle and help you find the perfect house within your budget.

Ask these questions to determine whether an agent is qualified to help you. (For more information on home buying and selling from about.com, click our blog post title.)

• Is the agent a licensed realtor? A licensed realtor is uniquely qualified to guide you through the intricacies of home sale or purchase. He has the the training, tools and experience to sell your home or find your new home quickly and professionally.
  
• Does the realtor live and work in the area? A realtor with long experience in the area will have an intimate knowledge of the community. He knows the location and quality of schools, parks, recreational venues, shopping districts, theaters, restaurants -- all the things that will help you determine which neighborhood is the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.
  
• Does the agent use a variety of marketing tactics? In which newspapers do his print ads run? Large dailies and local weeklies? Does he have a website and what does it include?
  
• Will your agent place your house in the MLS immediately? The Multiple Listing Service is a shared information network that makes your home available to every affiliated agent, greatly increasing the buyer pool.
  
• Don't forget the nitty gritty: What's the commission rate? How long do you have to list your home with the agent? What's the average length of time it takes to sell a house in the area and what is the agent's average?
  
• Will the agent hold an open house for other agents? For buyers?
  
• How are showings handled? How much advance notice will your receive? Will a lockbox be used to make a key to your home available to other agents? Ask the agent to explain how this works. If you have pets, how will the agent handle visits?
  
• Will the agent provide buyer feedback and how often? Buyer feedback is a great tool for improving subsequent visits and helps point to any problems that may need to be corrected to ensure a sale.

I am a licensed realtor specializing in buying and selling homes in Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Crofton, Dunkirk, Chesapeake Beach, North Beach, Pasadena, Waldorf, La Plata, Odenton, Huntingtown, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Prince George's County, Calvert County and Charles County.

A long-time area resident, I know the neighborhoods and can help you find the right fit and the perfect house. A top-selling realtor affiliated with Long and Foster, I have access to the full resources of Maryland's largest and most prestigious realty company. In addition to full MLS exposure, my website Homes Buy Day, blog and monthly newsletter reach millions of potential buyers in the greater Washington, DC metro area.

Whether you're buying or selling, I'll be with you every step of the way to ensure that the purchase of your new home or sale of your current home go smoothly. Call me today at 1-888-559-9686 ext. 90551 and let me know what I can do for you. For more information on services, listings and area information, visit the links below:

Homes Buy Day website: http://www.homes-database.com/index.php
Homes Buy Day newsletter: http://www.homes-database.com/tips-articles/newsletter.php
Homes Buy Day blog: http://www.homes-database.com/weblogs/blogger.html