Ann Hayward's Blog
Posted on 03/29/2020
Key Components of a Real Estate Contract
Photo by Mohamed Hassan via PixabayBuying and selling real estate is a complicated process that takes time. Because you are making a life decision and dealing with strangers, you should always have a valid purchase contract. Real estate agents use a standard contract, but the buyer and/or seller may make changes to that contract. In making changes, be...
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Posted on 03/22/2020
Which Home Improvement Tasks Should You Tackle before Sale?
Photo by Rudy and Peter Skitterians via PixabayWhen you’re prepping your home to sell, your “to do” list can get quite long, quite quickly. Which projects do you really need to tackle before listing, and which are best left undone? Talking to your real estate agent is a good first step, but this guide will also give you...
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Posted on 03/20/2020
GAMBRILLS, MD Real Estate Market Update
Click here to view GAMBRILLS, MD blog post which has information on the constantly changing market...
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Posted on 03/15/2020
What to Expect when Purchasing a Foreclosure
Image by Steve Heap from Shutterstock An active housing market has reduced the number of foreclosed homes in inventory, but there will always be foreclosed homes available to purchase. Many buyers are not aware of what to expect when purchasing a foreclosure. Here are some home truths about buying a distressed home. You’re not always getting a deal....
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Posted on 03/08/2020
Real Estate Values and Climate Change
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Natural disasters including flooding, hurricanes, mudslides and wildfires affect real estate values. Some recent examples of real estate transactions being influenced by these increasingly intense and frequent events include: A Charleston, South Carolina, homeowner deciding to demolish her house after three years of flooding caused by hurricanes that led to 11 failed...
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Posted on 03/01/2020
3 Facts about Selling or Renting an Inherited House
Photo by Dave Frisch from Pexels If you've inherited a house you'd rather not live in, here are some things to consider—before you accept it. Before we get to the selling or renting part, calculate the cost of: Repairs and renovations. Any debt that would pass to you with the home. Annual property taxes. Yes, you may decline...
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Posted on 02/23/2020
The Differences Between a Condo and a Townhouse
Photo by Pixabay via Pexels When it comes to home ownership, you have many options beyond buying a single-family home. A condominium and a townhouse are two such options. Before you consider making one of these your permanent home, it's important to understand the differences between them. Condo Ownership When you purchase a condo, you own the entire...
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Posted on 02/16/2020
Decor and Taxes: Working from Home
Photo by RawPixel via Pixabay The sky's the limit for cloud-based documents and files. Remote working is on the rise. The ranks of independent entrepreneurs are growing. For many, home is a place to live and work. Here are three elements to consider for your work-from-home space. 1. Choose Your Workspace Pick a bright spot. Daylight inspires! Will...
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Posted on 02/09/2020
Prepare for a House Search
Before you launch a home search, it helps to prepare for the property buying journey as much as possible. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to get ready to find your dream house. Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you prep for a home search. 1. Establish Homebuying Criteria If you know you...
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Posted on 02/02/2020
Factors to Consider Before You Counter an Offer to Purchase
You don't need to be a home selling expert to counter a buyer's offer to purchase your house. In fact, sellers who know what factors to consider as they evaluate a homebuying proposal may be better equipped than others to submit a successful counter-offer. Now, let's take a look at three factors a seller should consider before countering a...
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Posted on 01/26/2020
What Does It Really Cost to Sell a Home?
Believe it or not, selling a home may prove to be expensive if you are not careful. However, if you understand the costs associated with selling a house, you can budget accordingly. Now, let's take a look at three expenses that home sellers commonly encounter. 1. Home Repairs Cracked siding, floor damage and other home issues are worrisome, particularly...
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Posted on 01/19/2020
From Fixtures to Appliances - Designing Your New Home
Photo by Jean van der Meulen via Pixabay You are nearing the end of a building project when your general contractor reminds you that it will soon be time to finalize your lighting, fixtures and appliances. You have been looking and saving different ideas for months, so it seems it should be easy to make your final decisions...
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