baltimore county tagged posts

Thanks to Mark Hines of Fidelity Bank for this episode of Tips from the Pros about mortgages.

As expected the Feds raised interest rates 25 bps to 5.25% on Wednesday, noting that job growth has been “strong” and inflation has been close to their 2.0% target.  In addition, a larger majority of members (12 up from 8 last meeting) now expect an additional 25 bps hike by year-end and three more hikes in 2019.

The Prime rate is for short term lending like revolving charge accounts and HELOC’s (Home Equity Line Of Credit). This also affects the construction loans that rely on the prime rate as their benchmark.

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

Some people believe if their home is clean, it’s organized. That is not necessarily true. Clutter can be hidden in closets or under beds. People may have trouble finding things because they don’t have storage containers clearly labeled.

How do you make sure you don’t take these organizing missteps?

Kitchen counters

You don’t have to have your kitchen counters completely clear. If you use your toaster every morning, keep it on the counter. Putting it away and taking it out every day is a waste of time. However, if you only use it every now and then, it makes sense to keep it off the counter.

Entryway

A completely clear entryway can make it hard to find a place for your coat,...

Thanks to Tom Benisch of State Farm for this episode of Tips from the Pros about what to store in the garage.

It’s easy for a garage to turn into a catchall storage unit. For most items that’s fine, but some things simply don’t belong in a garage, and they can even become a home hazard without proper storage protection. This list of common red-flag items can help identify what doesn’t belong in the garage.

• Extra fuel. Stashing portable gas cans and propane tanks in the garage can be dangerous: Highly flammable fuel poses a leaking risk. If you store any fuel in the garage, do so only in dedicated, leak-proof containers out of the reach of children and pets and away from potential sources of ignition such as water heaters or power tools...

7830 Charlesmont Rd.

Very well maintained Dundalk end of group townhome at 7830 Charlesmont Rd. This home has an enclosed front porch with off street parking...

34 Elinor Ave.

Here it is, the one you’ll want to call home! This delightful single family colonial at 34 Elinor Ave., Baltimore County is perched on a large corner lot...

201 Janet Ct.

So much more space than one would imagine in this meticulously maintained Chartley home. It’s located at 201 Janet Ct...

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.

September Calendar of Events

Lots of activities are happening in September around Baltimore. There is still time to celebrate outdoors. Many events are taking place include music, food and O’s games.

Image: Hampden Fest.

Get your beehive ready for Hamdenfest, September 8 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Image: Baltimore Magazine’s Music Festival

Baltimore Magazine’s Music Festival at Union Collective. Check it out in Baltimore on September 22, 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Image: Power Plant Live!

Around the World Pub Crawl at Power Plant Live downtown, September 22, 2-10 p.m. Tickets

Image: Pigtown Main Street

Don’t miss the 17th Annual Pigtown Festival, September 22 from 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Image: Power Plant Live!

Leinenkugel’s presents Oktoberfest Live!. See it September 29, 2018 from 3:00- 7:0...

Thanks to Mark Hines of Fidelity Bank for this episode of Tips from the Pros about mortgages.

It looks like last week everything leveled off a bit even in the wake of the possible collapse of Turkey’s economy. In US news, July Housing Starts +0.9%– Building Permits +1.5%.  Weekly jobless claims -2,000 to 212,000.  News is mortgage interest rate neutral.

As everyone knows by now FHLB is out of funds till January 2019.

There are other down payment assistance p[rograms that have funds to help 1^st time buyers. Feel free to reach out to me if you have questions on any of these valuable programs. Construction loans are becoming popular with the lack of inventory. I do have a one-time close construction loan...