Category Home Tips

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about problems house inspectors might not catch.

Chimneys are not just a way to create a comfortable and welcoming ambiance in a home, they are also a critical piece of the house that requires regular maintenance to avoid any safety issues. Home inspections are a common part of the buying and selling processes. Home inspectors do not have the same level of expertise in inspecting a chimney. Additionally, they don’t have the same tools as chimney inspectors. What are some of the common problems that they might miss?

Hidden Creosote Build-Up

Creosote buildup within chimneys is a significant concern and a potential fire hazard. However, it can be challenging to detect creosote accumulation without specialized tools...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about what parts of the chimney to check when listing your home.

When your clients are getting ready to list their homes on the market, there are many different parts of the home that need to be inspected. One of the most important things is the chimney. As a real estate agent, you aren’t expected to be performing these inspections. However, it’s a good idea to have a base level of understanding about the different parts of the chimney so that you can answer some questions for your clients. Here are some of the different parts of the chimney that are checked when you are listing or selling a home for your client.

Chimney Cap

Chimney caps are installed on the very top of a chimney...

Thanks to Dundalk Renaissance for sharing this info with me. Find out if you are eligible for a home buyer grant that can be used for homes in Dundalk.

Our Next Home Buyer Event is March 19 at 6:30 PM

Our next home buyer event will be March 19 in the Forge.  Our Be a Buyer class starts at 6:30pm.  Registration is open online. The class will be taught by Advance Realty Direct and My Mortgage.  

Our $5,000 home buyer grants can be used ANYWHERE in Dundalk! In order to access the grant money, home buyers must: 

1. Be income qualified and provide proof of income.  Incomes must be between 80%-120% of the are median income. Not sure if you qualify? Check out our chart. 
2. Attend 1 home buyer event (like this March’s upcoming Be a Buyer class).
3. Attend 1 marketi...

Congratulations to all of my clients who are new home owners! Take a look at my home sales for 2018.

If you are considering buying or selling a home, contact me today!
Oh by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals.

If you are moving out of the area, I can help you fin...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about proactive chimney sweeping.

A Partially Closed Damper

If you opened the damper for your fireplace, it’s possible that something on the interior or exterior is preventing it from opening fully. Soot buildup and water damage could lead to a damper in need of repair. Clean Sweep can examine the damper and complete any necessary repairs for it to work properly again.

No Pilot Light

If you have a gas fireplace, the pilot light can be extinguished by a strong gust of wind or downdraft. Try turning the pilot light back on by turning the control knob to the pilot position. Hit the red button that lights the pilot and hold it for about a minute before turning the knob on...

Thanks to Cindy Bernstein of Aim4Order for this episode of Tips from the Pros about organizing your goals.

As the year is coming to an end, thoughts turn to 2019 and what you can accomplish in the new year. Setting goals can be a challenge, but there are some ways to make it easier.

The first step is deciding what goals you want to achieve in the coming year before you figure out how to achieve them.

People who write down their goals are much more likely to make them happen. There are several ways to do that.

Make a list of the goals you want to achieve in the year, month-by-month or even week by week. You can break down the big goals into components that you need to accomplish in order to reach that goal...

Smoke detectors in Maryland homes

As you probably know, the law changed on January 1, 2018 about smoke detectors in Maryland.

You now must have a 10 year battery and the alarm needs to have a silence or hush feature. You have to have a smoke detector in every level of your home, including the basement. The smoke detector must be less than 10 years old.

If you don’t have the required smoke detectors in your home and you are selling the home, you are subject to a fine. Avoid the fine and update your smoke detectors to the required hardware.

Get the full details about home smoke detector legal standards by clicking here for a PDF infographic with all of the information you need.

If you’re a BGE customer with a working window AC unit or dehumidifier, take advantage of the BGE recycling program and get a $25 rebate for your troubles. This incentive by the energy company is to help you recycle the units and reduce what goes into the landfill. Each BGE customer is eligible for two donations. This is an opportunity to get a little cash back for something you no longer need.

Window AC and dehumidifier event:

The recycling event will take place on Saturday, June 2, 2018, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Columbia Athletic Club, 5435 Beaverkill Rd, Columbia, MD 21044. 

Bring your BGE account number or a bill along with you to receive credit. BGE helpers will even unload the items from your car in order to make it easier for you.

According to BGE, about 95% of the units c...

I’m honored to be the subject of an article in my coaching company’s publication, the Buffini & Company Magazine. As my clients know, I work by referral. This article talks about how coaching has helped me work this way through the years.

To read the article, please click on the link:  Your Best Investment = Yourself

By using a house hunting checklist, you will be more organized in your home shopping process. Buying a new home is a complicated matter and after seeing a few, they all start to blend together. If you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll view several houses before you find the one you want to make your “home.” How can you remember the details of each? Please utilize this checklist to help you keep track of what you like and don’t like about each home you visit. Use it to help you decide which home you would like to buy.

Click here for the checklist.