Thursday, December 28, 2017

Not What You Expected? Let Us Help......

Hi Everyone and thanks for stopping by.....

As I started my blog today, a thought had occurred to me....How many people missed the mark on a Christmas gift with the one they love and ended up, well kinda of looking like this guy. 

Well here at Lynn Nichols Real Estate we are always here to help. What better gift then a home of their dreams. We have a few to chose from and would be more then happy to show them to you. 

First take a look at 8203 Forest Glen Drive located in Pasadena....This is totally rehabbed house, that is really a new home.


Next take a look at 608 Waterview Drive in Clearwater Beach....With an all new sun room, upgraded kitchen, new carpet, remodeled bathrooms and fresh paint, this is an awesome home. 

We only limited pictures, but we have a new listing coming in the market January 26th, this is located in Severna Park. This house is only four years old and looks like a model home. Set on 2/3 of an acre. Please contact us for more details.


Please let us help, so you can start to look like the happy couple below instead of the man in the doghouse. 


Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's Blog. Please share with friends. Visit us at            www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com



Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...
Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works
mainly surrounding Central Maryland.
For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 




Wednesday, December 27, 2017

So Are Hardwood Floors A Good Investment For Selling A House?

Good Day All.... Now is the time if you are thinking about selling your house anytime soon is to get things started for the sale. I found this article in Realtor.com today about hardwood floors. It is a great article about adding an investment and from what I see in the article and working with buyers it is worth the investment. Need some more information? As always you contact us at


Hardwood floors are durable, easy to clean, and look great. But will installing hardwood floors actually pay off when it comes time to sell your home?
Real estate professionals affirm that this type of flooring is highly desirable for many buyers.
“Most buyers nowadays are expecting hardwood,"  I have seen this time and time again. "They want things move-in ready, and don’t want to do any work. Seeing carpet could make them pass on your place.”

Hardwood floors give you a good return on investment

Besides being an attractive amenity for potential buyers, hardwood floors have proven to have a good return on investment for homeowners. The average ROI for installing hardwood floors hovers in the 70%–80% range, depending on the specifics of the project, flooring layout, and your property’s location, according to Alex Biyevetskiy, a home remodeling expert with RemodelingImage.com. When done right, he says new hardwood floors can add up to 2.5% to the sale price.
Refinished hardwood flooring was also one of the projects that are most appealing to the buyers, according to the 2017 Remodeling Impact Survey from the National Association of Realtors®.
And hardwood doesn't just look great—it's also durable.
“With correct installation, proper maintenance, and refinishing, hardwood floors have the longest life span compared to other flooring materials," says Kimberly Villa, marketing manager for Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling in San Diego.

Cost of hardwood floors

But installing all that hardwood doesn’t come cheap. Villa says the average cost for popular woods such as oak, maple, walnut, or cherry is around $5 to $10 per square foot. Installation is typically around $4 to $8 per square foot.
It's an expense that a majority of experts say is well worth it.
“While this may seem a little pricey for an initial investment, you must take into consideration the fact that these floors can outlive you,” Villa says. “They will also increase the market value of your home quite a bit. Old carpets can be a major eyesore and can really turn a home buyer off. They can also negatively impact those who have allergies. Invest in hardwood flooring now, and reap the benefits for decades to come.”

Faux hardwood floors: Less expensive, similar payoff

Less expensive options such as faux hardwood floors still give the look and feel of the real thing; they're also engineered to withstand more wear and tear. The physical cost of faux versus real hardwood varies depending on the species of wood, but where you'll really see a difference in price is in the installation. Biyevetskiy says installing faux hardwood is easier and can be done by novices, while real hardwood should be installed only by professionals. 
So when it comes to choosing flooring for your place, investing in some type of hardwood is likely to go far with future buyers. It’s one home improvement investment that just may pay off down the line, but like any other investment, there are no guarantees.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's Blog. Please share with friends. Visit us at            www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com


Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...
Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works
mainly surrounding Central Maryland.
For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Is It Time To Buy or Sell a House?????

Good Day Everyone!!!! I really hope everyone had a Fantastic and Blessed Christmas.

Answer to the questions in the Title Question, YES it is time to buy or a house, and here are some reasons why.


Sellers, this is one thing you want to think of, so many folks that sell wait until Spring. What does that mean to you as a seller? There is a lot more houses listed and a lot more competition, but if you list in the next months there is a lot less inventory, if your house priced right and in good condition, chances are it will not be in the market long. Only serious buyers are out really looking in the months of January and February. This Realtors favorite time of the year to list is early February.

Buyers, so do you buy now? Rates are still very low, you can still get good deals. Some buyers want to wait until Spring, just like sellers, again more competition with other buyers. Why not start looking now.  There's a good chance you will find a home, and how awesome would it be to be settled and moving in that new home in early spring. Then you can sit back and enjoy your summer.

Here at Lynn Nichols Real Estate we have an awesome team. Our lenders, Title, Inspectors, Showing Agents, we can get you in a new Home or get your House sold and have you enjoying your summer. Please contact us anytime, we would love to help you. Please visit out website as well, there are plenty of great resources for buying and selling houses.


Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's Blog. Please share with friends. Visit us at            www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com


Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...
Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works
mainly surrounding Central Maryland.
For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 


Monday, December 25, 2017

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!! We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday......Enjoy your Family and Friends.....


Thursday, December 21, 2017

Classic and Modern Eggnog

Good Day Everyone. Can you believe Christmas is just around the corner? Well today we are going to talk Eggnog....A lot of folks don't realize all the variations. So I went to this website Spruce and wow!!!!! I have provided a link to their website. Keep in mind if you need any Real Estate help contact us here at LynnNicholsRealEstate.com.....





Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's Blog. Please share with friends. Visit us at            www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com


Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...
Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works
mainly surrounding Central Maryland.
For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 


Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Maryland Christmas Lights

Goods Day Everyone, who doesn't light Christmas Lights???? For me it is one of most awesome things about Christmas. Just love them and wish they were up all year long. Now, one of the great things about Maryland there are all kind of light displays. So we here at Lynn Nichols Real Estate have found a link with fourteen different light displays around the state. Hope you get to stop by a few of them and see these spectacular display of lights. 





Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's Blog. Please share with friends. Visit us at            www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com


Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...
Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works
mainly surrounding Central Maryland.
For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 


Monday, December 18, 2017

All You Want For Christmas is........

All You Want For Christmas is.........A New Home and here it is. Located in Pasadena, MD at 8203 Forest Glen Drive.  This is a totally rehabbed house, well really it is a new home. Everything in this house was gutted, I am talking insulation added, all new studs, drywall, electric, plumbing, roof, gutters, siding, windows, A/C and fireplace as well. Not to mention bathrooms, kitchen, etc. Please don't let this one get away. Call Lynn Nichols Real Estate For your personal today.






Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's Blog. Please share with friends. Visit us at            www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com


Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...
Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works
mainly surrounding Central Maryland.
For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 




Friday, December 15, 2017

The Most Awesome Christmas Gift!!!!

Good Day Everyone:

So your looking for that perfect Christmas gift, well here is a great idea from your friends at Lynn Nichols Real Estate. One of our listings just went back on the market and is for sale again. Home Ownership, the perfect gift. This house at 608 Waterview Drive is the perfect place to call home, so many updates. Take a look at the video and then call me for your personal tour.





Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's Blog. Please share with friends. Visit us at            www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com


Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...
Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works
mainly surrounding Central Maryland.
For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 




Monday, December 11, 2017

Who Is Eligible For A VA Loan

Good Day Everyone:

On Friday of last week I had blogged about an article of the benefits of a VA Loan. There are many Veterans or spouses of Veterans that don't realize they are eligible for a VA Loan. So I have taken directly from the US Dept. of Veteran Affairs the Eligibility for securing a VA Loan. You may of been on the fence about buying and didn't think you could do it and didn't realize you qualified. So please take a look at the requirements and if you have any questions please contact us here at LynnNicholsRealEstate.com, or go right to www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/


Certificate of Eligibility

After establishing that you are eligible, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE verifies to the lender that you are eligible for a VA-backed loan. This page describes the evidence you submit to verify your eligibility for a VA home loan and how to submit the evidence and obtain a COE.

Evidence Needed

The evidence you need depends on the nature of your eligibility. Consult the table below to determine your category and the evidence you will need when applying.
CategoryEvidence To Apply
VeteranDD Form 214 - required to have a copy showing the character of service (item 24) and the narrative reason for separation (item 28).
Current or former National Guard or Reserve member who has been activated Federal active service
Active Duty ServicememberA current statement of service:
  • signed by (or by the direction of):
    the adjutant, personnel office, or commander of the unit or higher headquarters
  • showing:
    Your full name
    Social Security Number
    Date of birth
    Entry date on active duty
    The duration of any lost time
    The name of the command providing the information
Current National Guard or Reserve member who has never been Federal active serviceStatement of service:
  • signed by (or by the direction of):
    the adjutant, personnel officer or commander of your unit or higher headquarters
  • showing:
    Your full name
    Social Security Number
    Date of birth
    Entry date on duty
    The total number of creditable years of service
    The duration of any lost time
    The name of the command providing the information
Discharged member of the National Guard who has never been activated for Federal active serviceNGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service, for each period of National Guard service
-OR-
NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, and proof of the character of service
Discharged member of the Selected Reserve who has never been activated for Federal active serviceCopy of your latest annual retirement points statement and evidence of honorable service
If you are a Surviving Spouse in Receipt of DIC (Dependency & Indemnity Compensation) benefits
Submit VA form 26-1817 and veteran’s DD214 ( if available)
Include veteran’s and surviving spouse’s social security number on the 26-1817 form
If you are a Surviving Spouse and are not receiving DIC (Dependency & Indemnity Compensation) benefits
Submit the following to the appropriate Compensation and Pension office:
- DD214 (if available)
- Marriage License
- Death Certificate or DD Form 1300 – Report of Casualty
- Please find the mailing address for your state to send the VA 21-534 on the following link. PMC States 

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's Blog. Please share with friends. Please visit us on our website at www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com


Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...
Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works
mainly surrounding Central Maryland.
For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 

Friday, December 8, 2017

Some Facts About VA Loans

Good Day and thanks so much for stopping by today. Today I would like to talk a little about VA Loans, which have so many great benefits to them. I myself work with a good amount of military and VA Loans. I'm actually Chairperson of the Military Affairs Committee with the Central Chamber of Commerce, in which we work closely with the Ft. Meade Base in Maryland.
So today I thought I would do an article that really is geared towards our active military and our veterans, which they and their families have given so much. 
Because of the bravery and sacrifices of veterans and active military, the rest of the country’s civilians can live the American dream in safety. As one tangible way to say "thank you for your service," current and former members of the military have access to Veterans Affairs home loans. These unique mortgage options allow veterans and those still serving to own a piece of the American dream by potentially qualifying for homes they might have thought were out of reach.

1. No down payment. 

This is one of the most valuable and touted benefits—and for good reason. Saving enough for a down payment can be the biggest obstacle to buying a home. But a VA loan eliminates that roadblock. Although keep in mind you will need to consider keep in mind that there are closing cost, Ernest Money Deposit, as well as cost of inspections, the one inspection exception is termite, that is paid by seller.
Although I will say I have worked with many of VA Loans and have been able to work it out so that my buyers get all closing cost help. 

2. More lenient loan requirements

The required credit score for a VA loan can be lower than for a conventional loan—around 620 for a VA loan compared with a range of 650 to 700 for most conventional loans.
In addition, the required debt-to-income ratio for VA loans is often more flexible than for conventional mortgages.

3. No mortgage insurance

Most conventional buyers have to pay private mortgage insurance if they put less than 20% down. FHA loans come with their own forms of mortgage insurance. But a VA loan waives that insurance requirement.
And trust us—this one's important.
"This can be a huge savings in monthly payments, since PMI typically runs around $200 a month.
Even though there's no mortgage insurance, there is a "funding fee"—an upfront cost applied to every purchase loan or refinance. The proceeds help the VA cover losses on the few loans that go into default. But borrowers can roll it into their monthly payment, or pay it all at once. Plus, it's tax-deductible. And veterans with a service-connected disability don’t have to pay the funding fee at all.

4. Limited closing costs

Legally, veterans are allowed to pay for certain closing costs, which include the following:
  • Appraisal
  • Credit report
  • Origination fee
  • Recording fee
  • Survey
  • Title insurance
But there are some fees that veterans are not allowed to pay. And the VA allows lenders to charge no more than 1% to cover the costs of originating and underwriting the loan.
So for example, if the purchase price is $280,000, the veteran might offer $300,000 and ask for 3% back to cover the closing costs.
“In this way the veteran is essentially financing their closing costs into the loan, meaning less out of pocket at the start.

5. Extra assistance with appraisals

When a home that a veteran is considering purchasing is having trouble reaching the appraisal price, buyers and lenders can ask the VA appraiser to consider adjusting the valuation before making a final determination.
Appraisers notify lenders in the event the appraised value is likely to come in low, giving buyers and real estate agents 48 hours to supply additional information that the appraiser might not be aware of to help justify the home’s value.
The listing agent should of brought together a list of all improvements and upgrades that can help get the appraisal up to the contract price.
This process "gives the agents an opportunity to assist the appraiser in making sure they have the whole picture of the home and gives the local agent an opening to help an appraiser be educated on specific local values,” she adds.
It's just another benefit of VA loans aimed at helping our service men and women buy the home of their dreams.
Tomorrow I will right another follow-up about VA Loans. 

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's Blog. Please share with friends. Please visit us on our website at www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com


Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...
Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works
mainly surrounding Central Maryland.
For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 



Thursday, December 7, 2017

Festivals This Weekend

Good Day All and thanks for stopping by. So the weekend is just around the corner and Christmas is slowly creeping up on us. One thing I love about Christmas are all the different festivals, especially with the crafters and being able to find those one of a kind gifts. Some of my most treasured gifts I have received are very unique and hand made. Also so many light festivals in Maryland (don't forget to check out 34th Street in Baltimore), they are spectular!! Why would anyone want to live any place else besides Maryland? Of course if you don't live here and are considering moving here, give us a call at Lynn Nichols Real Estate we can make that happen! So here are a few links of fun things so do...





Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's Blog. Please share with friends. Please visit us on our website at www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com


Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...
Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works
mainly surrounding Central Maryland.
For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 




Tuesday, December 5, 2017

5 Holiday Splurges to Avoid If You Hope to Sell Your Home Next Year

Good Day Everyone and thanks for stopping by....So many people wait until the spring season to sell their house and don't want their house to be listed during the holidays, which is fine. At the same time even though you are waiting until Spring here are some great tips to make it easier when spring comes, because we all know we can go overboard at the Christmas season. Please take a look at today's article I found on Realtor.com....




Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's Blog. Please share with friends. Visit us at            www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com


Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...
Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works
mainly surrounding Central Maryland.
For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 

Monday, December 4, 2017

Pet Safety Tips For Christmas Time



Good Day Everyone and thanks for stopping by. Since everyone is getting into full swing for the Christmas Season, thought I would give you some pet safety tips. We never can forget our furry friends, after all they are family as well. These tips are courtesy of the ASPCA.


As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations.
Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations
·       Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
·       Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
·       Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
·       That Holiday Glow: Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
·       Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract.
Avoid Holiday Food Dangers
·       Skip the Sweets: By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
·       Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
·       Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
·       Selecting Special Treats: Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer.
Please visit our People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets page for more information.
Plan a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering
·       House Rules: If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
·       Put the Meds Away: Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
·       A Room of Their Own: Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

·       New Year's Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's Blog. Please share with friends. Please visit us on our website at www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com


Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...
Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works
mainly surrounding Central Maryland.
For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 



Check this "Sweetheart of A Deal" out.

What a "Sweetheart of a Deal" just in time for Valentines Day. Great starter home or if you are looking for an investment property...