In The News
What the $2 Billion Realtor Lawsuit Means for Homebuyers and Sellers
What the $2 Billion Realtor Lawsuit Means for Homebuyers and Sellers Change is coming to the real estate business following a big legal win for
Curated
After a $1.8 billion verdict, the clock is ticking on the 6% real estate commission
By Anna Bahney, CNN 5 minute readUpdated 9:34 PM EST, Sun November 5, 2023 Washington, DCCNN — Using a travel agent to buy a plane ticket or
test copy post
Norovirus is a common and highly contagious stomach bug that causes diarrhea and vomiting. If you’ve ever had it before, you know how miserable it
Financing
Mortgage Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification
When you decide to buy a home, one of the first steps in the homebuying process is getting your finances in order. Understanding the difference
Management
Vacation Rental Management: Tips for Success
Vacation rentals have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering travelers a unique and comfortable alternative to traditional hotels. For property owners, managing vacation rentals
Management
Tenant Retention Strategies: Keeping Good Tenants Happy
As a property owner or manager, one of your primary goals is to maintain a stable and profitable rental business. Achieving this goal hinges largely
Management
Smart Home Technology: Enhancing Property Management Efficiency
The real estate industry has been undergoing a significant transformation in recent years, driven by advancements in technology. Smart home technology, in particular, has emerged
Homeowners
Comparing Home Insurance Policies: What to Look for When Shopping Around
Homeownership is a significant milestone in one’s life, often representing years of hard work and financial planning. Protecting your investment with a comprehensive home insurance
Homeowners
Home Insurance Coverage: Dwelling vs. Personal Property
Homeownership is a significant milestone in one’s life, and it often represents one of the most substantial investments an individual or family can make. Protecting
Homeowners
Home Insurance Claims: What to Do After a Disaster Strikes
Disasters can strike at any moment, leaving behind a trail of destruction and chaos in their wake. Whether it’s a natural disaster like a hurricane,
Marketing
Creating an Effective Property Website
In the fast-paced world of real estate, staying ahead of the competition is crucial. One powerful tool that can give you a competitive edge is
Sellers
How to Price Your Home Right: Market Research for the FSBO Seller
Selling your home without the help of a real estate agent, a strategy known as “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO), can be a rewarding venture,
Sellers
Selling Your Home on Your Own
The real estate market is ever-evolving, and so are the ways homeowners can sell their properties. A growing number of homeowners are choosing to forgo
Buyers
A Comprehensive Guide to the Final Walkthrough Prior to Settlement
Purchasing a home is a monumental decision, both emotionally and financially. Once you’ve made the choice, navigated the negotiation, and signed the paperwork, the last
Sellers
What Sellers Should Look Out for in Contract Offers
In the world of real estate, the devil is often in the details. When you are selling a property, receiving an offer is an exhilarating
Buyers
How to Pick the Right Mortgage Lender
The process of buying a home can be overwhelming, especially when you’re seeking the best mortgage lender to finance your dream. Selecting the right lender
Buyers
A Comprehensive Guide to Fees Charged by Title and Escrow Companies for Buyers
When purchasing a property, there are various fees and costs to be aware of that go beyond the property’s selling price. One set of fees
Buyers
What to Know After the Keys Are Yours
The exhilarating feeling of finally owning a home, especially for the first time, is undeniably one of life’s great milestones. As the door closes on
Homeowners
Title Insurance and Why Every Homebuyer Should Understand It
The journey of purchasing a home is both exhilarating and complex. While it’s a time to celebrate the possibility of owning your sanctuary, it’s also
Sellers
The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your Home for Sale
Selling your home is a monumental decision, often imbued with emotional, financial, and logistical complexities. One of the most important aspects of the selling process
Buyers
The Ultimate First-time Homebuyer’s Guide
For many, buying a home is a rite of passage; a transition from the impermanence of renting to establishing roots in a place to call
Buyers
The Mortgage Maze
Purchasing a home is often considered a cornerstone of the American Dream. However, the process can be a labyrinthine endeavor, especially for first-time buyers. One
Home Improvement
The Hidden Costs of Foundation Repairs
The foundation of a building serves as its very backbone, ensuring safety, stability, and longevity. However, like any other aspect of a home, foundations aren’t
Buyers
The Crucial Role of Property Disclosures in the Home Buying Process
For many, the dream of homeownership is a journey filled with anticipation and excitement. However, this journey also demands attention to detail, diligence, and informed
Marketing
Staging Versus Decorating: What’s the Difference?
In the real estate market, a well-presented home can be the decisive factor in a successful sale. For many homeowners, this raises a crucial question:
Home Improvement
Roof Maintenance and Replacement
For homeowners, the roof is not just an architectural component; it’s a shield that protects your family, belongings, and investments from the whims of nature.
Home Improvement
Plumbing Nightmares: The Economic Drain of Emergency Plumbing Issues
A house’s plumbing system is analogous to the circulatory system in the human body. Just as our veins and arteries transport life-essential blood, the plumbing
Buyers
Optimizing Small Spaces
As modern living spaces continue to shrink, homeowners are constantly on the lookout for smart ways to make the most out of the limited square
Marketing
Open House Strategies That Actually Work
The real estate market can be fiercely competitive, and when it comes to selling a property, hosting an open house remains one of the most
Marketing
Online Listings: How to Write Descriptions that Sell
In today’s digital marketplace, the way you present your products or services online plays a crucial role in your sales figures. Often, your online listing
Sellers
Negotiating Tactics for Home Sellers: When to Hold and When to Fold
The real estate market is a complex interplay of supply and demand, seasoned with a dose of human emotion and urgency. When it comes to
Disclosures
Making Disclosures: What You Must Share When Selling Your Home
The process of selling a home involves numerous tasks—staging, listing, negotiating, and ultimately, transferring the deed. However, one aspect that often gets less attention but
Home Improvement
Landscaping Ideas: Designing Gardens, Patios, and Outdoor Spaces that are Both Functional and Beautiful
Landscaping is a union of art, science, and personal preference. For homeowners, the outdoor space often becomes an extension of their personality and can provide
Buyers
Is Now the Right Time? Deciphering Housing Market Trends
The decision to buy a house is among the most significant financial commitments most people make in their lifetimes. A house is not just a
Home Improvement
Interior Design Trends
The world of interior design is a fluid one, constantly evolving as tastes change, technologies advance, and lifestyles shift. For homeowners looking to imbue their
Home Improvement
Home Automation and Smart Homes
In an increasingly digital age, the dream of a connected home is becoming a reality for homeowners worldwide. Home automation and smart homes, once relegated
Buyers
From City Center to Suburbs
Selecting the right location for your home is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll ever make. From the bustling streets of a city center
Home Improvement
Flooring Options
Selecting the right flooring for your home can feel like a daunting task. The choice of flooring not only impacts the aesthetic of your home
Home Improvement
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Living
In today’s world, where climate change is an urgent concern, homeowners are constantly looking for ways to live more sustainably. Eco-friendly practices such as rainwater
Buyers
Down Payments Demystified
The journey to homeownership is dotted with various milestones, and perhaps one of the most daunting is the down payment. This upfront payment can be
Buyers
Comparative Market Analysis: What It Is and How to Use It
In the real estate market, understanding the value of your property is crucial for a variety of reasons, whether you are buying, selling, or simply
Home Improvement
Beyond Aesthetics: Practical Features Every Home Should Have
When you’re in the market to buy a home, it’s easy to be swept off your feet by a stunning kitchen or a spacious living
Buyers
Becoming a Landlord: Tips for Buying a Home with Rental Potential
For many, homeownership represents not just a milestone of personal achievement but also an opportunity for financial growth. While some people view their homes merely
Home Improvement
Basement and Attic Conversions: Transforming Unused Spaces into Functional Rooms
In the modern household, optimizing space is more than just a luxury – it’s a necessity. Two of the most commonly underutilized areas in homes
Buyers
10 Questions to Ask When Attending an Open House
The process of buying a home is exciting but also fraught with complexities. As you embark on this significant financial and emotional investment, one of
Buyers
Maryland Contract Addenda
If you’re buying or selling a home in Maryland, there are a few important things to know about contract addenda. These documents can help protect
Healthy Neighborhoods Home Renovation Loan
Healthy Neighborhoods offers loans to homeowners who live in designated “Healthy Neighborhoods” to renovate their homes. These loans range from $5,000 to $20,000 and can
Renovation Incentives
Vacant Dwelling Property Tax Credit
The Vacant Dwelling Property Tax Credit is a program that aims to promote the renovation and reuse of residential properties that have been vacant for
Tax Credits
Public Safety Officers Tax Credit
The Public Safety Officers Tax Credit is a program that offers a credit against the real property tax imposed on the principal residence of full-time
Tax Credits
Maryland Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit
The Maryland Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit program is aimed at providing relief to homeowners by capping the amount of property taxes they are required to
Tax Credits
Maryland HomeCredit
The Maryland HomeCredit Program is a mortgage credit certificate program that allows eligible homebuyers to claim a federal tax credit equal to 25% of the
Renovation Incentives
Maryland Historic Revitalization Tax Credit Program
The Maryland Historic Revitalization Tax Credit program provides homeowners with a state income tax credit for renovating historic homes. Under this program, homeowners may be
Tax Credits
Homestead Property Tax Credit
The Homestead Property Tax Credit program aims to limit the yearly increase in taxable assessments for eligible owner-occupied properties. This program helps protect homeowners from
Renovation Incentives
Home Improvement Property Tax Credit
The Home Improvement Property Tax Credit is designed to incentivize homeowners to make improvements to their primary residence that increase the assessed value of the
Renovation Incentives
Historic Restoration and Rehabilitation Property Tax Credit
The Historic Restoration and Rehabilitation Property Tax Credit program serves to motivate homeowners to undertake improvements on properties situated within Baltimore City’s designated historic districts.
Tax Credits
Fallen Hero Tax Credit
The Fallen Hero Tax Credit program provides property tax relief to the surviving spouse of a “Fallen Hero,” as defined by the Fire and Police
Down Payment & Closing Costs
Vacants to Value Booster
The Vacants to Value Booster program is available for properties that have been issued a vacant building notice for at least one year prior to
Down Payment & Closing Costs
Maryland Mortgage Program House Keys 4 Employees
Partner Match Programs are designed to offer eligible borrowers who are using a Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) loan with additional assistance for down payment and/or
Down Payment & Closing Costs
Maryland Mortgage Program Community Partners Incentive Program
Partner Match Programs offer additional down payment and/or closing cost assistance for qualified borrowers utilizing a Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) loan. Participating partnersprovide assistance to
Down Payment & Closing Costs
Live Near Your Work
The Live Near Your Work program is a collaboration between Baltimore City and participating employers, aimed at promoting homeownership in close proximity to places of
Down Payment & Closing Costs
Greater Mondawmin and Coppin Heights Incentive by NHS
The Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore offers the Greater Mondawmin and Coppin Heights Incentive, which is a deferred loan of $10,000 to encourage prospective homebuyers
Down Payment & Closing Costs
Baltimore City First-Time Homebuyers Incentive Program
Baltimore City offers first-time homebuyers assistance up to $10,000 towards down payments and closing costs. If the property is located in “Impact Investment Areas”, the
Down Payment & Closing Costs
BayBrook Boost
The Baybrook Boost is a partnership between Greater Baybrook Alliance and NHS Baltimore. Homebuyers must purchase a home in the Brooklyn and Curtis Bay neighborhoods.
Down Payment & Closing Costs
Baltimore City Employee Homeownership Program
The Baltimore City Employee Homeownership Program is a benefit offered to full-time, permanently employed individuals paid through the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City,
Loans
NHS Rapid Rehab Loan
This new rehabilitation loan program provides eligible customers with up to $20,000 at a fixed interest rate of 4% for a term of up to
Loans
Maryland Mortgage Program SmartBuy 3.0
The Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 program is designed to assist homebuyers burdened by student debt in purchasing a home. This program allows borrowers to pay off
Loans
Maryland Mortgage Program HomeAbility
Maryland Mortgage Program HomeAbility is a special loan product designed to assist disabled Maryland homebuyers finance their home purchase. PROGRAM BENEFIT This program allows you
Loans
Maryland Mortgage Program 1st Time Advantage Direct
The Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) helps homebuyers in Maryland achieve their dream of homeownership through a range of programs that make purchasing and owning a
Loans
Healthy Neighborhoods Purchase & Rehabilitation Loan
Healthy Neighborhoods offers a loan to help you purchase and renovate your new house on Healthy Neighborhoods’ target blocks. Eligible homebuyers receive a below-market interest
Loans
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake Homeownership Program
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake partners with a unique group of deserving individuals— hardworking people who make enough money to pay a monthly mortgage
Loans
203K Rehabilitation Mortgage
The 203K Rehabilitation Mortgage enables homebuyers and homeowners to finance both the purchase (or refinancing) of a house and the cost of its rehabilitation through
Buyers
Refinancing Your Home
Are you thinking about refinancing your home? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, according to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors,
Buyers
New Construction vs Resale
Are you trying to decide between buying a new construction home or a resale home? Both have their pros and cons, but it really depends
Home Improvement
DIY Home Renovation Tips
Tackling a home renovation project? Great! You can save a lot of money by doing it yourself. But before you start tearing down walls, there
Marketing
Property Marketing 101
If you’re thinking of selling your home, it’s best to start planning and preparing now. Marketing your property can seem like a daunting task, but
Sellers
FSBO Pitfalls
If so, you’re not alone. According to recent statistics, For Sale By Owner (FSBO) listings account for about 10% of all home sales. While going
Buyers
The Hidden Cost of Homeownership
Owning a home is often touted as the American dream. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s important to be aware of the hidden
Sellers
‘We Buy Houses’ Companies
“We Buy Houses” companies have become a prominent feature in the real estate market. They are known for their aggressive advertising campaigns, promising quick sales
Buyers
The Property Inspection Process
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis
Renters
What to Consider When Renting a Property
Renting a property is a significant decision that can have a substantial impact on your daily life. Whether you’re a first-time renter or a seasoned
Buyers
Settlement Costs
Purchasing a home is a significant financial undertaking, and one of the most crucial aspects of this process is understanding settlement costs. Settlement costs, also
Management
Property Management Tips
Property management is a multifaceted field that requires a unique blend of skills and knowledge to be successful. Whether you are an experienced property manager
Financing
Seller Financing
In the world of real estate transactions, various financing options are available to both buyers and sellers (check out our other articles that discuss the
Title
Understanding Settlement Statements
In the realm of real estate transactions, settlement statements play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accuracy. These documents provide a comprehensive breakdown of
Renters
Apartment Building Rentals vs. Private Owner Rentals
When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, renters are faced with a critical decision: should they rent from an apartment building
Renters
Your Rights as a Renter
Renting a home is a common and practical choice for many individuals and families. Whether you are a first-time renter or have been renting for
Renters
Should You Sell Your Home or Rent it Out?
The decision to sell your current home or rent it out when purchasing a new property is a significant financial and lifestyle choice. It requires
Homeowners
Do You Need a Property Manager?
Investing in rental properties can be a lucrative venture, but it often comes with a plethora of responsibilities and challenges. One crucial decision every rental
Financing
Interest Rates
Purchasing a new property is one of the most significant financial decisions a person can make in their lifetime. It involves careful consideration of various
Buyers
Housing Trends
The real estate market is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape that can be influenced by a multitude of factors. Whether you are a potential buyer
Buyers
Renting vs Buying
The age-old debate of whether to rent or buy a property continues to perplex individuals and families alike. Each option comes with its own set
Homeowners
The Necessity of Homeowner’s Insurance
Homeownership is a significant milestone in many people’s lives, representing not only financial stability but also a place of comfort and security. However, owning a
Buyers
HOAs, Condos, and Co-Ops
Homeownership is a significant milestone in one’s life, but it can come with a variety of housing options, each with its own unique set of
Title
Title Companies: Unveiling Their Vital Role in Real Estate Transactions
In the intricate world of real estate transactions, there exists a crucial player behind the scenes: the title company. While it may not be in
Buyer Steps
Buyer Step 10: Appraisals
What exactly is an appraisal? Simply put, it’s an estimate of the value of a property. Appraisals help to ensure that buyers and sellers are
Buyer Steps
Buyer Step 12: The Settlement Process
Congratulations- you’ve made it to settlement! Now that you’re at the finish line, what happens? There are so many forms to sign and fees to
Buyer Steps
Buyer Step 8: Third Party Vendors
In this post, we’ll be discussing buyers third party vendors. What are they? What do they do? And most importantly, why should you care? Sit
Buyer Steps
Buyer Step 9: Inspections
Home buying is a whirlwind process – you find the perfect place, make an offer, and before you know it you’re packing up your life