Unlock Income Potential: Dual-Living Gem Ready for Investment or In-Law Comfort

Thanks to L. K. Benson for sharing with us.

Investment Markets

Investment markets started the year much the same way they ended 2023. US Large-Cap Stocks led the way again with a 10.6% return in the quarter. Eeveloped market international stocks and US Small-Cap stocks were not far behind at 5.8% and 5.2%, respectively. Those three asset classes posted the strongest returns in 2023 as well. Growth stocks continued to outperform Value stocks, though the margin narrowed from last year. Volatility remained quite low in the markets, with the Volatility Index (VIX) at the lowest level since 2017. The S&P 500 made 22 all-time highs in the first quarter after not making any new all-time highs in 2023.

When markets start hitting all-time highs, many investors worry that they should get o...

Our homes are more than just structures; they are our sanctuaries, our safe havens. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, maintaining a pristine house and yard is essential. Not only does it enhance your quality of life, but it also has several tangible benefits. Taking care of our most valuable asset is crucial and how it can positively impact our well-being, finances and community relationships.

The Value of a Pristine Home

1. Financial Benefits

• Higher Resale Value: A well-maintained home and yard can significantly increase its resale value. When it comes time to sell, potential buyers are drawn to properties that exude curb appeal and cleanliness. A fresh coat of paint, neatly trimmed hedges and a clutter-free interior can make a world of difference.
• Reduced Maintenanc...

Thanks to Cindy Bernstein of Aim4Order for this episode of Tips from the Pros on getting organized.

“A stitch in time saves nine.”

This old proverb means that if you sort out a problem immediately it may save a lot of extra work later.

I’m thinking about short cuts and hacks to getting organized and decluttered. If we can prevent clutter from starting, that sounds like a really great short cut — right?

Here are some ideas to get your decluttering enzymes going:

1. When you are tempted to buy the latest hot selling book, first go to Libby and order a digital sample. Another option is to go to Amazon and order a FREE SAMPLE to see if you even like what you are reading...

Thanks to the University of Maryland/Maryland Grows this informative article on why you should grow peas.

Grow Peas

Spring is the time to plant peas! We are nearing the end of our pea-planting window, so if you want to grow them this year, get them in the ground soon. Sowing peas is very weather- and temperature-dependent. There’s a tradition of planting them on St. Patrick’s Day, which is not a bad guide, but obviously, if there’s snow on the ground that day, or it’s pouring rain or freezing cold, you might want to hold off.

Peas are very hardy, and since we’ve had a recent trend of warm...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about how regular gutter cleaning can boost property value.

While there are plenty of seasonal maintenance tasks that homeowners dread, gutters are near the top of the list. Cleaning the gutters can be messy, wet, and gross. That’s if you aren’t afraid of heights or standing on a ladder! However, cleaning the gutters is still critical. How can gutter cleaning help boost property value for your real estate clients?

Curb Appeal Matters

First impressions matter when it comes to selling a home. Clogged, overflowing gutters not only detract from the aesthetic appeal of a property but also signal possible neglect to potential buyers...

Embarking on one of these 5 home renovation projects is an exciting yet daunting task. You may be adding extra space, revamping the heart of your home or transforming forgotten corners. Understanding the financial investment required is crucial. While each renovation project comes with its unique set of challenges and expenses, we’ll delve into the typical costs associated with five common endeavors: home additions, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), kitchen remodels, basement remodels and second-story additions.

Home Additions

Expanding your living space with a home addition is a substantial investment that can significantly enhance your home’s value and functionality. The costs for home additions vary widely depending on factors such as size, materials, and location...

Thanks to the University of Maryland/Maryland Grows this informative article on beetle pollinators.

As we mentioned in previous posts, when we think about pollinators, we tend to think of butterflies and bees. However, we rarely consider the super-important hoverflies or other groups of organisms. In today’s post, I want to tell you about another of those little-known pollinator groups. Let’s talk about beetles that act as pollinators!

Beetles: “hard-shelled” pollinators

From a taxonomic perspective, beetles are a group of insects that belong to the Order Coleoptera. Among other important characteristics, they are recognized by their extremely well-protected body, in particular by structures called “elytra...

Welcome home to 6203 Knolls Ct; your dream home located in the sought-after community of Willowood in Elkridge, MD. This lovely townhome offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and style.