How to Assess the Real Cost of a Fixer-Upper HouseWhen you buy a fixer-upper house, you can save a ton of money, or get yourself in a financial fix. Read
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Copyright 2014 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Tour one of my newest listings this weekend - Sun. Jan. 12 from 1 to 3pm!
This beautiful home features four good-sized bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It's in excellent condition . . . everything's been updated or renovated. ALL NEW open kitchen with top-grade cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counters. A fully remodeled lower level. New roof, HVAC system, water heater, hot tub, sump pump, decking & washing machine. Solid hardwood floors on the main & upper levels. A lovely glass-enclosed sun porch. The fully landscaped lot is a gardener's delight. Includes a one-year home warranty! MLS# AA8227806
Call me, Jerry Kline, for more info! (443) 924-7418
Until recently, homeowners had been postponing remodeling projects. But with home prices improving, contractors are experiencing a renewed demand for their services. Home Remodeling Business Posts Big Turnaround
Beginning July 1, homeowners and landlords will need to periodically update battery and hard-wired systems to improve safety
Maryland homeowners face stringent new mandates relating to the smoke detectors in their homes, as a result of new rules set to take effect July 1.
Under legislation (HB 1413 & SB 969) approved by the Maryland General Assembly and expected to be signed by the governor, homeowners must update the smoke detectors in their homes to newer sealed-battery systems if the smoke detectors are battery operated and are over 10 years old or malfunction when tested. Smoke detectors that are hard-wired also must be updated every 10 years or when those systems malfunction.
For homeowners selling their properties, sellers must disclose in writing whether their smoke detectors are more than 10 years old and whether the systems use a 10-year sealed battery. The required notice will be added to the seller “Property Condition Disclosure” Form, one of the documents realtors use to process the home-sale transaction.
The new legislation also requires that at least one smoke detector be located on every floor of a home by 2018.
Requirements for Landlords
Landlords of one- and two-dwelling units also face new requirements. They must upgrade battery smoke detectors to new, 10-year sealed battery units whenever there’s a change in occupancy or when those systems are 10 years old or malfunction.
Landlords for buildings with more than two units also are affected. The legislation assigns tenants of those units responsibility for testing the smoke alarms and notifying their landlords of any problems. Where problems occur, the landlords are required to replace or repair the broken systems.
Jerry Kline is a Realtor with the Odenton, Md., office of Keller Williams Flagship Realty (1216 Annapolis Rd., Odenton.) For more information on the local real estate market, contact him at (443) 924-7418.
6 Curb Appeal Ideas to Make You the Star of the NeighborhoodA few hours of exterior home and yard work can add thousands to your home’s value. Read
(New!)Yo, Stallone! Do Your Homework Before Hiring a ContractorSylvester Stallone has learned about hiring contractors the hard way. To avoid hauling your kitchen remodeler into court, read this. Read
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Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Open House Timeline: Countdown to a Successful SaleAn inviting open house can put your home on buyers’ short lists. Read
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Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Lots of great tips here!
2011-12 Cost vs. Value: Big-Bang Remodeling Projects. This report, published in the March 2012 edition of Realtor Magazine, looks at the estimated cost and expected resale return of 35 midrange and upscale remodeling projects in 80 of the nation's housing markets. Interesting stuff.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?Tankless water heaters cut energy bills but aren’t the right choice for everyone. Here’s how to figure out if going tankless makes sense for you. Read
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Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
(New!)Deceptively Easy Ways to Get the Stainless Steel LookOur “Why You Should Fake It” series continues today with bright ideas so you can get the stainless steel look at the price of a cheap dinner. Read
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Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
