Prepare Your House Before Leaving on Vacation

It's vacation time. The kids are out of school, the city is hot and muggy, work is dragging, summer chores are piling up -- looks like you need a vacation! Traditionally, August is when most Americans go on vacation. They flock to the seashores, tramp through the mountains, relax around hotel pools, visit friends and relatives, take in a festival, visit the state fair -- you name it, we do it!

Prepare your house before you leave on vacation to prevent unwelcome surprises when you return.

• Security. If you have a security system, alert your service. If not, you'll want to purchase a few light timers at your local hardware store. Make sure you set them so your lights go on and off at different times to simulate normal activity patterns. Park your spare car in the driveway to make it look like someone's home. Stop the mail and the newspaper. Ask a neighbor to check your house every few days to make sure everything looks OK and pick up advertising circulars, etc.
• Maintenance. Particularly since August is usually a fairly dry month, most lawns won't start to look overgrown for 10 days to two weeks. If you'll be gone longer, hire your neighbor's energetic son or daughter to mow the grass. By now bedding plants should be well enough established to survive with normal rainfall. However, if you have hanging baskets or container plants, you might want to ask a neighbor (or that energetic kid) to drop by and water every few days.
• Final check. Before you leave, give your house a final check. Make sure your stove, dishwasher, coffeepot, iron, etc. are turned off. Unplug your TV, stereo, DVD, computer, etc. to protect your electronics in case of an electrical storm. You don't want a power surge to create a fire. Clean leftovers out of the fridge and empty the trash. Make sure outside hoses are turned off. Make sure the garage door is closed and locked.

A few simple precautions and a little planning before you leave and you'll be able to vacation with peace of mind. Enjoy yourself!

Snoring Rooms Save Marriages!

It's like they say, everything old is new again! Fashions recycle. Ford brought back "the good old days" of the 1940s with the PT Cruiser. Fashion constantly recycles the look of bygone eras. And housing styles change, marrying nostalgia with modern convenience. Our quest for a good night's sleep has put a new spin on a 1930s habit most of us left in the dust long ago.

In the 1930s is was not unusual for married couples -- particularly those in higher income brackets -- to have separate bedroom suites. Driven by the Victorian mores of the time, husband and wife typically slept and dressed in their own suite of rooms. Women might even receive more casual female visitors in their private sitting room. Men might retire to theirs for a brandy and a cigar at the end of the day.

While not embracing the mores, modern couples are recognizing the advantages of separate sleeping quarters to guarantee a good night's sleep. Snoring rooms are on the rise, according to the 2007 What's In, What's Out for Homebuyers survey.

"[Snoring rooms] are an emerging boomer trend" says Mark Nash, survey administrator. "It's more important to get sleep than to lie awake all night
next to a buzz saw."

A standard feature in many new homes, particularly upscale models, "sleeping closets" can be added to most homes without too much fuss. Slightly larger than the size of a single bed, a snoring room can be carved out of existing space with minimal remodeling. Contractors have converted the sitting area of a bedroom suite, an office adjoining a bedroom, a large closet, a landing alcove, a portion of a guest room. Depending on the extent of the remodeling, a snoring room might cost a few thousand dollars for construction and sound-proofing, but that's a small price to pay for a happy -- and well rested -- spouse.

If you're married to a buzz saw, finding a home with space for a snoring room could save your marriage -- or at least make for a happier spouse. With his intimate knowledge of the Maryland and metro DC housing markets, veteran realtor John Day can help your find that perfect new home with plenty of space for all your needs.

This is a great time to be shopping for a new home. Inventory is up, prices are down and interest rates are low. If you crave a good night's sleep, don't wait another night. Call John Day now, give him your wish list and let John find the home of your dreams -- one without a buzz saw soundtrack! Visit John Day's website to take a virtual tour of thousands of homes in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. If you're buying or selling a home, John Day is your key to success.

How to Use Photos to Sell Your Home

Nearly 80% of home buyers start their search on the internet, according to the National Association of Realtors. The quality of the photos your realtor posts can entice a potential buyer to schedule a walk-through or cause him to click onto the next property. It your home doesn't look appealing on the internet, it isn't going to generate any attention from potential buyers.

Photos play an important roll in the successful marketing of your home. "You're giving buyers a reason to go and see this house," explains professional real estate photographer Joseph Cooper.

Just any old photo won't do. A single shot of your home's exterior might garner a glance at the listing sheet, but a full series that includes multiple interior and exterior shots is more likely to result in a phone call to your agent. Studies by the National Association of Realtors have shown that listings featuring six photos generate the greatest number of viewing calls.

More than point and click. A good real estate photograph should be properly staged. Shoot on a sunny day, open the curtains, turn on the lights, remove the clutter, add a flower arrangement. Your realtor should take multiple shots of each room and the exterior so he can choose the best photos for your listing layout.

Go with a pro. Veteran realtor John Day understands the importance of good photographs in creating a listing that will bring potential home buyers to your door. Click the post title to view a sample of John's dynamic visual listings. To see the full listing for this beautiful property at 158 Colony Crossing in Edgewater, Maryland, click here. You'll note that not only does John allow home buyers to view multiple photos of your home, he includes a dynamic slide show, a virtual tour, mapping and neighborhood information -- everything a potential buyer might want to know about your home.

John Day's extensive knowledge of what buyers want to know and his ability to create a highly professional listing have helped make John one of Long & Foster Realtors top sellers. John Day knows how to get buyers in your door. And once in the door, John knows how to sell your house and close the deal.

Visit John Day's website and check out his featured listings in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area to see how John uses photographs as part of his unique dynamic marketing plan. In today's highly competitive market, you need every edge you can get to sell your home. John Day gives you that edge. If you're selling or buying a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success. Call John today.

Charming Home in Beverly Beach, Maryland Ready for Move In

This rare find in exclusive Beverly Beach exudes charm. Lovingly cared for and tastefully decorated, this impeccable home is ready for move in. Enjoy all the waterfront community of Beverly Beach has to offer -- a lovely community beach, picnic area, boat slips and more -- when you move into this delightful home located at 304 Lakeview Avenue in Edgewater, Maryland.

You'll have plenty of room with three spacious bedrooms and two full and one half baths. Entertain guests in the separate dining room or go casual in the open, airy modern kitchen. A beautiful large fenced yard with a lovely deck invites friendly gatherings, playing children and happy pets. You'll enjoy plenty of off-street parking when your friends come visiting.

Click the post title to take a virtual tour of this wonderful Beverly Beach home. You'll want to schedule your personal tour right away. Call veteran realtor John Day before someone else discovers this gem. On John's Homes Buy Day website, you'll find hundreds of other beautiful homes available in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. If you're buying or selling a home, John Day is your key to success.

Real Estate Investments Pay Dividends

When you're investing for the future, don't neglect real estate. Real estate investments provide significant advantages, particularly as part of a diversified portfolio. Real estate gives you a tangible investment that will stand the test of time.

• Real estate is tangible. You can reach out and touch it, and you'll need to periodically when the roof leaks or the shutters need painting. For some, the need to maintain a real estate investment is a joy; for others, a time-consuming curse. Fortunately, there are property management companies and repair/maintenance services available for investors who prefer not to be hands-on owners.
• Real estate is satisfying. You can derive a lot of pleasure from owning real estate, whether it's your primary home, a vacation home or a money-making rental property. Real estate is useful, practical and fulfills a purpose. That's a lot more satisfying than most investments.
• Real estate stands the test of time. The housing market may swing up or down periodically but it always equalizes and generally improves over time. A rule of thumb is that, if you own a property for five or more years, you will almost always recoup your investment and make a profit. Our growing population insures that land values will remain high.

With high inventories and low interest rates, investing in real estate is particularly attractive today. The Maryland/Washington DC metro area is a particularly lucrative housing market. It's an area that is and will remain constantly in demand because:

• Government centers offer thousands of jobs that attract a constant influx of people.
• Maryland is located in the compacted East Coast/Atlantic States population center.
• The Maryland/Washington DC area is a commercial powerhouse and transportation hub.
• Maryland's natural beauty, sea coast and wildlife preserves soothe the soul.
• The state offers significant leisure and recreation opportunities.

This is an excellent time to invest in real estate in Maryland and the greater Washington DC metro area. Contact veteran realtor John Day, a top agent at prestigious Long & Foster Realtors. John has the experience and expertise to guide you in choosing an excellent investment property -- or a home for your personal use. Visit John's website to preview the latest listings, then give John Day a call. If you're buying or selling a home, John Day is your key to success.

Aging Boomers Driving Home Gym Trend

Busy homeowners are discovering it makes sense to stay in to work out. No commute, no lines, no fees and no pressure to look good before you go to the gym are just a few of the reasons homeowners give for letting their health club membership lapse in favor of a home gym.

Home gyms are a hot commodity these days. Today's home gyms go way beyond a stationary bike plopped in front of the TV. Increasingly homeowners are dedicating or even designing an exercise room, both to stay fit and as a selling point.

One-third of new and potential home buyers cite a home exercise room as either essential or desirable, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Between 2000 and 2006 there has been a 30% increase in the number of people who exercise at home, says the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.

The trend is driven primarily by aging Baby Boomers concerned about their health. Seeing themselves as 15 years younger than their actual age, Boomers in their 50s and 60s are increasingly concerned about health and fitness. They have embraced healthy diets and daily exercise as a way of life and want the convenience to pursue it in their own homes on their own schedule.

A typical home gym may include popular cardio-vascular equipment like a treadmill, bike, recumbent machine, stairs or step blocks. A television, stereo, large window or mirrored wall are often included. Requests for spas, saunas and meditation rooms to counteract stress are also on the rise. Locations vary, but many homeowners like the convenience of locating the home gym near the bathroom or bedroom.

Third on the list of most popular special function rooms -- behind #1 home offices and #2 media/home theaters -- home gyms are one of the housing market's hottest new trends.

If you want a home gym in your next home, talk to veteran realtor John Day. Give John your complete wish list and let him find the home of your dreams. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success. Click the post title to visit John Day's website and check out the latest listings, then give John a call today.

How to Prepare for an Open House

The weekend open house parade is in full swing. Summer is the peak home shopping season, especially for families who want to move in and get their children enrolled in the new school district before classes start in August and September.

Holding an open house is an effective way to market your home. Generally, your realtor will first hold an open house specifically for other realtors so they can preview the new listing. Periodic open houses, traditionally on Sundays, will then be held to encourage potential home buyers to view your home. While most buyers start their search online, if they're curious about your home, they'll want to see it up close and personal. Open houses also encourage unplanned visits from people casually shopping for a home in your neighborhood. Any time you get people in the door of your home, you have a better chance of making a sale. In fact, 47% of all home buyers go to open houses.

Here's how to prepare your home for an open house:

• Turn on all the lights, even during the daytime. Turn on all room lights, outdoor lights, and those in closets, basement and attic.
• Turn off the TV, radio and stereo.
• If you have pets, fence them, crate them, take them to the park or ask a neighbor to babysit. Make sure you pick up the yard and clean and cover the litter box.
• Place an attractive tablecloth on the dining room table.
• Put out decorative hand towels in the bathrooms. Remove personal towels and kitchen towels and washrags.
• De-personalize your rooms. Remove family photos, knick-knacks and clutter.
• Make sure rooms, cupboards, drawers and closets are neat. Buyers poke around everywhere. Count on them to open kitchen cabinets and drawers, etc. to check the space.
• Put vases of fresh flowers around the house.
• Light scented candles in the bathrooms and kitchen and anywhere odors might linger.
• Sprinkle a couple of drops of vanilla extract in your oven and turn it to low to fill the kitchen with a fresh-baked smell. Remember to turn your oven off when the realtor arrives.
• Lock up your valuables, jewelry and money. Your realtor will be onsite but won't be able to watch everyone every moment. The likelihood of theft is small, but better safe than sorry.
• Take the day off. Visit friends, take the kids to the zoo, spend the day shopping or on the golf course, just get out of the house. It's hard for potential home buyers to relax when the owners are present, and you don't want to inadvertently say something that may discourage them from buying your home.

If you're planning to sell your home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, contact veteran realtor John Day. A top seller with prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John will market your home aggressively and has the proven expertise to sell your home quickly and for the best possible price. Click on the post title for more excellent tips for home sellers. Visit John Day's website to learn more about his dynamic marketing plan for selling your home. If you're buying or selling a home, John Day is your key to success.

Caring for Your Lawn in Summer's Heat

We may have had our tongue planted firmly in our cheek when we talked about AstroTurf replacing real grass lawns in our last post (July 12). Sure it's happening in some places and people in our area are definitely devoting more of their outdoor space to hardscape features such as stone patios, paths, ponds, pools and outdoor rooms. But it's unlikely that Maryland homeowners will desert real grass in the near future.

If you're like most Maryland homeowners, your lawn represents a considerable investment in time and money. A lush green lawn is inviting and a much better selling point and much less susceptible to disease and pests than a dry, brown dormant yard.

With low or sporadic rainfalls this spring and summer, many communities are being forced to implement watering restrictions. Here is what you need to know to make the most of the watering time you're allowed and keep your lawn and plants happy and healthy.

Lawns

• Water slowly, deeply and more thoroughly. You won't need to water as often, and this method will promote moisture build up in the soil, encouraging roots to grow deeper.
• Deeper roots will stay cool and moist even when the upper two inches of soil are bone dry.
• In most soils, this can be accomplished by watering 1 inch per week. Set a rain gauge in the path of your sprinkler to help you figure out how long you need to water to achieve 1 inch.

Plants and Trees

• When watering established trees and plants, don't water at the base of the trunk; you're wasting water.
• The most important area to water is from 4 to 6 feet inside the drip line of a tree to about 8 feet beyond it.
• Set a sprinkler to cover the desired area or coil a soaker hose in concentric rings around the tree or plant at the drip line and somewhat beyond.
• You should let the water run for one and one-half to three hours to soak the ground to a one-foot depth. Check progress by plunging a shovel into the soil and pulling it to one side. This should be relatively easy when the soil is well soaked

By following these simple guidelines you'll maintain a lush green lawn and healthy trees and plants this summer while all around you lawns are turning brown and leaves are curling up and crisping in the heat.

Watch this blog for more great tips on taking care of your home. If you're planning to buy or sell a home in Maryland or the Washington DC area , visit John Day's website. You'll find great tips for buyers and sellers and lots of information about thousands of beautiful homes in hundreds of great communities. Take virtual tours, then call John Day to schedule personal tours of your favorites. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, experienced realtor John Day is your key to success.

As Real Grass Lawns Fail, Popularity of Hardscapes Rises

With much of the country at draught or near-draught levels, many communities are implementing watering bans. Some homeowners have turned to artificial turf in a drastic attempt to save water -- and wear and tear on their lawn mowers!

Admittedly, people trading their Kentucky bluegrass for non-plant alternatives probably don't find any joy in spending their Saturdays weeding, mowing, fertilizing and sweating; but hardscape landscapes have a marked appeal for busy professionals who might enjoy exercising their green thumb if they only had the time.

Hardscaping includes the installation of walkways, retaining walls, patios, built-in barbecue grills, fences, hot tubs, swimming pools and ponds. Low-maintenance materials like stone, concrete, crushed rock or shredded bark are used in place of grass. Busy lifestyles, the trend toward outdoor rooms and the desire to spend leisure time recharging the old batteries, not battling the weeds are driving the trend. According to the National Gardening Association, lawn and garden sales are decreasing while sales of hardscape materials are on the rise.

For those who don't don't want to live in a rock quarry, but long for the look of a green, well-manicured lawn without the upkeep, there's artificial turf. Yep, it's the same stuff they put on football fields.

"The blades are significantly shorter. It's like a manicured lawn," said Trevor Brooks of NewGrass in Scottsdale, Arizona. While the company's biggest sales are in the Southwest, water conservation is piquing the interest of East Coast residents. "It's a little more expensive upfront," Brooks said. "But there's no maintenance. No water costs. You don't have to mow the lawn. In the long run the (artificial) grass pays for itself in three years. There's also a manufacturer's warranty on color fade. It won't show any wear and tear."

Made from polyethylene, the same compound use to make water bottles, NewGrass comes in three lengths and sells for $3.79 to $4.99 per square foot. Maintenance free, dust free and allergy free, NewGrass looks as real as its living counterpart. Talking about his own NewGrass lawn, Brooks confided, "Our looks so real I've had people come up to me and ask how much water it needs."

Whatever you're looking for in a home, you'll find it on Homes Buy Day. Visit our website and take a virtual tour of thousands of beautiful homes in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. Give your wish list to veteran realtor John Day and let John find the home of your dreams. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Wine Cellars Growing in Popularity

Wine is big business and wine cellars are increasingly popular with home buyers. I have friends who are dedicated wine connoisseurs. They bought a home for the 1950's bomb shelter in the basement. A little remodeling and it now houses their growing wine collection.

The installation of refrigerated and climate controlled wine cellars is the current rage. According to the Wine Market Council, per capita wine consumption in the U.S. reached a record high last year. Homeowners are remodeling basement nooks, under stairway space, spare rooms and (like my friends) bomb shelters to house cases of their favorite vino. Many builders are including wine cellars in new upscale home plans.

To protect wine and keep precious vintages from turning into expensive vinegar, wine cellars must maintain a temperature of 52 to 55 degrees and a humidity of 50% to 70%. Wine cellar walls must be insulated, a cooling unit and racks installed, often a custom floor and lighting are included, and special doors that seal in the temperature and humidity are required. Wine cellars run the gamut from utilitarian pre-fab kit rooms to opulent custom cellars with mahogany racks and tasting bars with seating.

Even if a full wine cellar doesn't fit the budget, many homeowners are adding a small wine rack and a wine cooler to the kitchen or bar. A few tips from wine connoisseurs:

• Store bottles horizontally so the cork stays moist which keeps oxygen out and prevents the wine from turning to vinegar.


• Place racks out of the sunlight which can prematurely age wine.


• Keep wine at a constant temperature. Red wines at 50 to 55 degrees; whites slightly lower.


• Keep wine at a humidity of 50% to 70%.

No matter what special feature you're looking for in a home, veteran realtor John Day can help you find it. John has years of experience in real estate and an intimate knowledge of the Maryland and Washington DC area markets. Visit John's website to preview thousands of beautiful homes; then give John a call to schedule personal tours of your favorites. If you're looking for a home or need to sell your home, John Day is your key to success.

4-Step Plan for Rookie Home Buyers

With prices and loan rates low and inventory high, this is an ideal time to buy a home. Many first-timers are taking the plunge, but it pays to have a plan first. The high foreclosure rates show what can happen if you buy without doing your homework.

Responsible buyers can follow these four steps to ensure they're financially prepared to purchase and own a home:

• Credit check. Order a credit report and assess your credit. Most mortgage lenders use FICO scores to determine loan eligibility. Generally the higher your FICO score, the lower your interest rate. If your score is higher than 650, you shouldn't have any trouble qualifying for a mortgage. If it's under 600, try to reduce your debt before applying. If you spend more than 36% of your gross monthly income on debt, lenders are less apt to consider you a good loan risk.
• Do the math. Figure out how much you can comfortably borrow. It's not always a good idea to borrow the full amount offered. Many mortgage lenders will loan you up to 33% of your gross income, but financial planners say you're smarter to borrow no more than 25%.
• Leave some breathing room. If you've been renting, you're used to calling the landlord when the sink leaks or the A/C goes on the fritz. As a homeowner you'll be shouldering all the maintenance costs of your new home. Don't forget to factor into your budget a monthly amount to cover present and future maintenance, repairs and improvements.
• Save first. Save enough money to cover purchase costs before you buy a house. The mortgage amount won't generally cover closing costs or a home inspection, appraisal or warranty. Closing costs run from 3% to 6% of the purchase price depending on where you live. Your realtor can give you a fairly accurate figure.

An experienced realtor like John Day can help you prepare for buying your first home. A good listener and patient teacher, John will guide you effortlessly through every step of your home purchase from prequalification to closing and escrow. Visit John Day's website for more valuable information for home buyers. (You'll find great tips for sellers too!) Take a virtual tour of hundreds of the latest listings in the Maryland and Washington DC metro area. Give John a call and start shopping for your dream house today. If you're buying or selling a home, John Day is your key to success.

Build Your Dream Home on This Gorgeous Lot in Lothian, Maryland

It's time to make all your dreams come true! This beautiful 11-acre lot in the heart of charming Lothian, Maryland is the perfect setting for the home you've always dreamed of building. Set amid the scenic rolling hills of southern Anne Arundel County, this property backs up to lush, green woods and is totally surrounded by horse country. AND you're only a short hop from all the excitement and cultural attractions of Washington DC.

Located at 204 Marlboro Road in Lothian, Maryland, the site is ready to build. The building permit is already approved and in hand and house plans are available. The site is zoned RA (residential/agricultural) so bring the horses and animals.

This is your opportunity to design and build the home of your dreams. The setting is beautiful, serene and very private, and only a short drive from the excitement and power of Washington. Click the post title for more information. Click here for an aerial image of the lot and surrounding area on MapQuest. In the upper right hand corner of the MapQuest map, you'll find a button to toggle to a street map view to help orient yourself.

To view this exceptional property, call veteran realtor John Day. A top agent with prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John knows all the ins and outs of buying property and building in Maryland. Visit John's Homes Buy Day website to view all the newest listings in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. If you're buying or selling a home, John Day is your key to success.

Two New Listings in Maryland Available for Quick Sale

Enjoy a BBQ or picnic with the family and some fireworks this 4th of July, then get ready to check out some great homes in Maryland this week. We've highlighted just two of our newest listings below. Visit John Day's website to take a virtual tour of all our new listings; just click the post title. Give veteran realtor John Day a call when the holiday is over and schedule your personal tours of these great Maryland homes.

12905 Victoria Heights in Bowie, Maryland

The original owners are selling this lovely cape cod. Priced for a 30-day sale and quick settlement, this home has newer windows, AC, roof and siding and has been extremely well cared for. Four bedrooms and two full baths give you plenty of space for the whole family. The rear sunroom provides a delightful oasis and lovely view of the backyard. Click here to take a virtual tour.

614 63rd Place in Seat Pleasant, Maryland

If you're willing to invest a little sweat equity, this home may be just what you're looking for. An estate sale, this home is in a prime Seat Pleasant location. The home is very livable with four bedrooms and one full bath but needs some updating. The bright airy sun porch provides lots of light and a wonderful view of a lush backyard. This is a great lot for loads of room for kids and pets. Click here to take a virtual tour.