Deconstructing Houses

David Goldberg  -  Home Inspector 

 Reliable Home Services, Inc. Home Inspections                                                                   
phone:  301-913-9213

fax:  301-774-4554
  
                                     
Reliable Home Services, Inc.

   
   PO Box 5159
  Laytonsville, MD 20882
 ASHI Member #101584
   MD License #29322
                            

                      *          *          *          *          *
If You have a remodeling project in mind, contact us for a list of professionals we’re proud to recommend

Effective on or about April 5, 2010 FHA will increase the Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium from 1.75% to 2.25%.

This is the amount that gets added to the base loan amount.

Example #1

Existing (1.75%)

Sales Price                        $250,000

Base Loan                           241,250

UFMI Premium                        4,222  (1.75%)

Total Loan Amount:     $245,472   

Example #2

New (2.25%)

Sales Price                    $250,000

Base Loan                       241,250

UFMI Premium                    5,428  (2.25%)

Total Loan Amount:  $246,678

****  More changes are expected to follow.

___________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Use our free MLS property search…

              Frederick Real Estate          Frederick Real Estate        
                                             
                                                                                                                                                          
                                 
The Highland Real Estate Group                      
        Chris & Karen Highland * 
Frederick County MD Real Estate Agents
                                Specializing in Frederick County Real Estate 
                                                
 301-831-9947        
                                            Real Estate Teams, LLC
                                              
isell4u2@msn.com  

Feb

3

Realtor Magazine published a recent article listing the top ten wish-list of buyers: 

  1. Large kitchens with islands
  2. Energy efficiency, including energy-efficient appliances, super insulation, and high-efficiency windows.
  3. Home offices
  4. Main-floor master suite
  5. Outdoor living space
  6. Ceiling fans
  7. Soaking tub in the master suite and/or an oversize shower with a seating area
  8. Stone and brick exteriors rather than stucco or vinyl
  9. Community walking paths and playgrounds
  10. Two-car garages, but three-car garages are even more desirable

This, according to a presentation by Paul Cardis, CEO of Avid Ratings, which provides surveys to home builders accross the US.  You’ll be interested to read the Kitchen & Bath Trends for 2010, results from a recent survey by the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

___________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Use our free MLS property search…

              Frederick Real Estate          Frederick Real Estate        
                                             
                                                                                                                                                          
                                 
The Highland Real Estate Group                      
        Chris & Karen Highland * 
Frederick County MD Real Estate Agents
                                Specializing in Frederick County Real Estate 
                                                
 301-831-9947        
                                            Real Estate Teams, LLC
                                              
isell4u2@msn.com  

Not really real estate related… but I had to mention this.  Mark your calendars for the week of March 8th - 14th, Frederick’s First Annual Restaurant Week.  IMHO Frederick has some of the finest restaurants in Maryland, all within a short distance.

During the week, the 16 participating restaurants will be offering their lunches and dinners at a fixed price.  All you have to do is call and make reservations.  Check out the website above for more details.  It’s a great opportunity to visit your favorite place, or try something new. 

Frederick has some of the best restaurants!

A recent report from the Urban Land Institute, based on research by John McIlwain, a senior resident fellow, cites trends in consumer behavior which he believes will drive the housing recovery.  However, the drive will be in a slightly different direction than we’ve seen in the past.

The report highlights 4 major demographic waves that will change home ownership in the next decade:

1.  Aging Baby Boomers (ages 55 to 64) - Many will forego retirement out of neccessity or choice.  Those who will be able to move will choose active mixed-age living environments rather than the traditional retirement locations. 

2.  Younger baby boomers (ages 46 to 54) - This group will face a tough time selling suburban homes, keeping them from the traditional “move-up” in their prime earning years.  Because of lack of equity, the 2nd home market will suffer. 

3.  Generation Y - This group numbers about 86 million, greater than the baby boomers.  These folks place a higher value on community, on places to gather to share ideas, and are far less interested in homeownership than the previous generation.  Whether skepticism of the market, or lack of ability, this group will rent for more years than their parents.  They are interested in walkable, close-in communities rather than suburbs, and will choose green, energy efficient homes over other types.

4.  Immigrants - About 40 million, both legal and illegal.  They tend towards multi-generational households, preferring larger homes if they could afford them, in neighborhoods with a strong sense of community.

Mr. McIlwain concludes that “The suburban century is over.  This is the urban century.”

Read the entire report.

If you are thinking about selling your home in the near future, you might be interested in home decorating trends.  If you’re buying a home this year you might want to know what’s Hot in 2010 for home decorating. 

Decorating trends 2010According to Decorator Secrets yellow is THE color of the year.  Representing Hope and Enlightenment, yellow is the color to represent the new decade.  Green is also the color we’re seeing a lot of this year, but not the sage green of the 90’s.  You’ll see moss green in a lot of high-end decorating.  The new color of the season is Lavender, a hot color for the bedroom, creating a luxurious feeling, yet toned-down. 

As far as neutrals, brown and beige are on the way out and grey is in.   

Just as last year’s decorating trends were focused on the environment, this year’s trends are focused on the economic times.  According to the Decorating Diva, while feeling the strain of tightening budgets, many are opting for a “small touch of luxe”.  Small makeovers can give you the touch of style without breaking your budget.  Small elegant touches of “glimmer and shine” can make a big impact.

Outdoor RoomThe Outdoor Room is big this year.  Look for ways to spread out with living rooms in your backyard.  HGTV’s new show “The Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie” is evidence of the growing popularity of outdoor rooms.  (He’s got some great design ideas, too.)Universal Design principals

 If you are doing any renovations, remember to keep the principles of Universal Design in mind.  Many homeowners are taking steps towards “aging in place” and even if you aren’t planning for that option for yourself, chances are that if you ever sell your home, prospective buyers will have it in mind and will appreciate the thoughtful designs you’ve installed.

___________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Use our free MLS property search…

              Frederick Real Estate          Frederick Real Estate        
                                             
                                                                                                                                                          
                                 
The Highland Real Estate Group                      
        Chris & Karen Highland * 
Frederick County MD Real Estate Agents
                                Specializing in Frederick County Real Estate 
                                                
 301-831-9947        
                                            Real Estate Teams, LLC
                                              
isell4u2@msn.com  

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6-10 >