Ten Must Do To Prepare to Buy A House

Want to know how to prepare to buy a house? If you think this will be the year to put your rental days in your rear-view mirror and move into a home of your own, it’s time to start planning now. Even if you won’t be ready to buy for six more months or even a year, here are 10 straightforward steps to take today. One tip I did forget to put in here, is first contact Lynn Nichols Real Estate. Crossing these items off your list will make it easier for you to find and finance the home of your dreams.

1. Check your credit

A good credit score is essential to buying a home, since it proves you've got a good track record paying off past debts (such as your credit card bills and college loans). A higher credit score makes it easier to qualify for the lowest which in turn make your purchase more affordable.  

2. Start Saving

You’ll need cash reserves to buy a home, and you’ll need to prove to a lender that you can afford housing payments that may be higher than what you're currently paying in rent. In other words, start saving now!

3. Earn extra cash

If you’re low on cash, as most first-time buyers are, consider taking drastic steps to cut spending. Or try out some ways to increase your income, such as selling some of your stuff or taking a part-time job.

4. Consult a lender

The sooner you visit a lender, the faster you’ll know where you stand on what your buying power is, and the steps you need to take to improve your situation.

5. Investigate down payment assistance programs

6. Decide how much you want to spend. It pays to explore down payment assistance programs—you don't have to be destitute to qualify.  

A lender can give you an idea of what your buying power is, but you have to create a personal budget to decide how much you will be comfortable spending on your mortgage payment.

7. Attend a seminar or take classes on buying a home

Want to learn more? Lenders and agents often offer free seminars that explain the home-buying process. Many local government and nonprofit agencies also offer classes that can help you prepare for the financial responsibility of owning a home.

8. Start looking at neighborhoods

Unless you already know where you want to live, take the time to visit a variety of potential neighborhoods. You'll want to scout out areas that meet your needs in terms of transportation options and other amenities. Exploring different locations will help you narrow your priorities.

9. Visit open houses

Going to open houses early in your search will let you see what’s available in your area that might fit your budget. You can then begin to see what matters most in your decision: the location, room to entertain or outdoor space. 

10. Interview real estate agents

At each open house you’ll meet a real estate agent who represents the seller of the home. As long as you don’t plan to make an offer on that particular home, there’s nothing wrong with striking up a conversation with the agent regarding your plans for buying a home.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope  today's Blog was informative. 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 

MarylandHomesByLynn.com

Ten Shortcuts To A Not-So-Scary Basement

Good Day Everyone and thanks for stopping by. With the Spring Real Estate Season right around the corner, the one thing that is very overlooked in houses that are listed is the basement. here from Bob Vila is great tips to make that basement not so scary and more functional. Any Real Estate questions you may have or any needs please contact us here at Lynn Nichols Real Estate

Ten Shortcuts To A Not-So-Scary Basement

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope  today's Blog was informative. 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 

MarylandHomesByLynn.com

Join Us This Sunday For An Open House

Good Day Everyone and thanks for stopping by. This Sunday, January 28th from 12 PM until 2 PM,  Lynn Nichols Real Estate will be hosting an open house at 109 Brenda Joyce in Severna Park, please stop in and see us. When you see this house you will not be disappointed. House is set on .70 acre. Take a sneak peak below.

109 Brenda Joyce Lane

   

  

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope  today's Blog was informative. 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 

MarylandHomesByLynn.com

The Property Brothers Reveal 5 Home Decor Nightmares Everyone Needs to Avoid

Good Day Everyone and thanks for stopping by. I found this article that was written by Lisa Johnson Mandell. Sometimes when showing houses, well the buyers see these exact things written about in this article and walk away. So please, if you are going to sell your house one day, stay clear of these Decor Nightmares....

Before: Clutter greets guests when they enter the home.

HGTV

1. A cluttered foyer

When Drew and Jonathan meet the family for the first time, they walk into a narrow, cluttered entry hall full of bags, clothes, and kids' stuff. Drew gently chastises them, explaining that homeowners say a lot about their house by what greets guests behind the front door.

"All you're saying in this house is 'There's no storage, there's no room,'" he tells them. It all makes the house appear much smaller than it really is.

2. Mirrored walls

The mirrored walls might work for Jonathan, but not for potential buyers.

HGTV

Dan and Chandra thought that a mirrored wall would make the small home look more spacious, but not so, according to Jonathan.

"It makes it feel like an '80s dance hall," he says, as he strikes a pose in the mirror. He usually likes full-length mirrors, he says, but "these mirrors have got to go!"

3. Wall-to-wall carpeting

In case you were wondering, wall-to-wall carpeting is really, really over.

"Nobody today is looking for wall-to-wall carpet," Jonathan states. "Especially wall-to-wall carpet that has a decade's worth of mysteries in it."

4. Popcorn ceilings

OK, by now we all know that popcorn ceilings have been out for several decades and that their removal is tricky. But were you aware that, as you take them down, they might reveal problems with the ceiling, or, god forbid, the roof?

As Jonathan removes the molding along the ceiling, he finds that the nails holding it in place are rusted.

"Rust means moisture," he says as he climbs into the attic to find out if there's a leak. If there is, it could add thousands of dollars to the couple's $50,000 renovation budget.

Everyone holds their breath as Jonathan crawls around the attic. He's relieved to find that the previous owners had simply piled great chunks of insulation up there, thinking that it would keep the heat from rising through the roof. But the insulation also blocked the vents, so the warm, moist heat rose and had nowhere to go. Fortunately, Jonathan can easily remedy this problem by removing the insulation.

5. Loud wallpaper

That wallpaper though...

HGTV

There is some seriously loud wallpaper in the living room that practically makes the Scotts' eyes water.

"It looks like you have petri dishes sitting on doilies," Jonathan says of the busy, blue circular pattern.

"It's designer wallpaper," Chandra says in protest.

"Just because you paid a lot of money for it doesn't mean it's the best for the space," Jonathan responds. Then she confesses that she found it in overstock, but she really likes it.

"I don't care what you like," Jonathan replies. "I care what buyers like, because if buyers like it, it's going to get you a higher dollar amount, and it's going to sell faster."

Jonathan might be right, but it certainly doesn't win him many warm-and-fuzzy vibes from Chandra, who whispers to her husband: "Drew is nicer."

Wow it is interesting to look at the decor from a contractor's point of view, but a lot of great information and things so think about with that. 

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope  today's Blog was informative. 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 

MarylandHomesByLynn.com

Facts About Radon

Good Day Everyone and thanks for stopping by. When working with buyers and I have the initial contact with my buyers, we start talking about the different inspections that should take place. One inspection I stress above all other is the Radon Inspection. Radon is a gas that you cannot smell, but if your house has radon and you are not aware it can give lung cancer to you and your family. So to me it should be no question to get it tested. Also if you have owned your home and have not had it tested, I would strongly advise that you do. Please take look at the link below, this will direct you to my Number 1 Home Inspector's website......

More Information On Radon

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope  today's Blog was informative. 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 

MarylandHomesByLynn.com

Baby It's Cold Outside!!!!!

Good Day All:

Needless to say here in Maryland it is bitter cold. It can be very dangerous out there for you and your pets. Everyone has to be thinking as well about their cars and their houses. 

Today I found an article from the Buffalo News on tips for all of these items. Even though it is from Buffalo, New York there are a lot of great tips. Please everyone read through and be safe out there, it does not look like it is going to warm up for a good long time. 

Here are some winter driving tips from AAA:

• If you notice your battery is slow to turn when you try to start it up, get it checked.

• Park in a garage, if possible, to keep the battery warmer.

• Drive your car regularly, even if it’s just for a bit, so the battery gets some use, unless it’s not safe to drive.

• Check the tire pressure before driving and fill with air if needed. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by one PSI for every 10 degrees.

• Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability.

• Dress warmly and carry extra clothes, including an extra hat, gloves, socks and blanket.

• Make sure your emergency road kit includes a shovel, water, snacks and a car charger.

• Keep your gas tank full.

• When you are going for a drive, let someone else know where you are headed and keep in touch. Don’t travel alone unless you have to.

Walk like a penguin

It’s icy out there this week and it’s easy to wipe out on an ice-caked sidewalk.

A  tip on how to walk on ice and snow safely: “Walk like a penguin.”

“The waddle keeps your center of gravity over your front leg and will keep you upright. Spread your feet out slightly, to increase your center of gravity, and take small steps,” the show said.

And if you do feel yourself falling, tuck and roll.

“If you feel yourself losing balance, tuck into a ball, make yourself as small as possible and keep your head and face away from the fall, experts say. Don’t put out your hands to catch yourself, or you’ll risk breaking your arms or wrists. Try to land on the fleshy part of your body rather than your knees or spine".

Frozen pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Spots where pipes are vulnerable to freezing include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

To prevent your home’s water pipes from freezing, which can be a messy and expensive disaster, here are some tips from the American Red Cross:

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes.

• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.

• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

If your pipes do freeze, here’s what you can do to thaw them:

• Keep your faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.

• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open-flame device. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.

• If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

Protect your pets

The freezing temperatures and snow and ice on the ground in the Buffalo area can make trips outside treacherous for your pet.

Here are some tips from the ASPCA on taking care of your pets – and their tender paws – this winter.

• If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside.

• Don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather. Cars hold in the cold and can cause animals to freeze to death.

• When walking your dog, bring a towel to clean off their paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals – and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes. Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation.

• Don’t shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is short-haired, consider dressing it in a coat or sweater.

• Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin.

• Be sure to clean up any leaked antifreeze from your vehicle. It is lethal for dogs and cats.

• Feed your pet a little bit more during the winter months.

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 

MarylandHomesByLynn.com

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.

 Virtual Tour for Forest Glen Drive

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. 

Virtual Tour for 608 Waterview Drive

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 

MarylandHomesByLynn.com

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.

www.MarylandHomesByLynn.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 

MarylandHomesByLynn.com

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.

Category	Evidence To Apply
Veteran	DD 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 Servicemember	A 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 service	Statement 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 service	NGB 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 service	Copy 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: - VA form 21-534 - 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 

MarylandHomesByLynn.com

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....

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

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 

MarylandHomesByLynn.com

Open House This Sunday December 3rd....

Good Day Everyone!!!!!

Just wanted to invite everyone to an Open House this Sunday December 3rd, from 10:30AM until 1:30PM. Being held at 8203 Forest Glen Drive in Pasadena. This house is awesome, it is a total rehab. The investors completely gutted this house, added more insulation in the walls, that is just the beginning. There is a new roof, gutters, siding. All new kitchen, fireplace added, very open floor plan. All new bathrooms, with all new bedrooms. All the electric and plumbing has been completely redone. This house is really a new house. Please stop by Peter Henry will be hosting.

Thanks for stopping by today and 

if you every have any Real Estate Needs

please contact us at 

www.MarylandHomesByLynn.com

Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...

Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works

in Central Maryland, she also helps people find Realtor's
when they are Relocating to different areas.

For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at

Thanksgiving Day Dessert Recipes

Wow!!!! Can you believe tomorrow is Thanksgiving, so as we promised we have several dessert recipes to share for you. What I did was try a few different kinds of recipes. Of course I gave one recipe that is baked over and over at Thanksgiving, it is my Apple Pie Recipe and I add now sugar to it whatsoever and it comes out so delicious.  So that recipe follows:
-Ingredients
*Two Pillsbury Pie Crust
*8-10 Honey Crisp Apples
*Two Tablespoons of Cinnamon
*Dash of Nutmeg
*Four packets of Stevia
*Two Tablespoons of Butter

First take and put one pie crust into a pie plate, if glass I spray mine so they don't stick. Cut up the apples into slices, then add three packets of Stevia, One and a half Tablespoons of Cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. Mix it with the apples well, if you taste them and it does not taste sweet enough just add another packet of Stevia. Place the apples in the pie plate. Take butter cut it up and put over apples. Next the second pie shell and put one top and then mold together the edges. Cut several slits in to pie. Then take remaining Cinnamon and one pkt of Stevia mix together put on the top. Put tin foil around the edges then place in 300 degree heated over, cook for 25 minutes, then take out remove tin foil. Then bake until golden brown and apples have softened.

Here are some more recipes I found....

Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Pie

Apple Harvest Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze

Cranberry Almond Biscotti

Thanks so much for stopping by today, I hope

these recipes are helpful to all....

Thanks for stopping by today

Lynn Nichols, Realtor, CRS, MRP of Douglas Realty...

Lynn is a Realtor that serves Maryland and works

in Central Maryland.

For any Real Estate Needs please contact her at 

MarylandHomesByLynn.com