Why Buying a Home Before the End of the Year Can Be a Smart MoveYou might think the holidays are a quiet time for real estate, but actually, buying a home before the end of the year can have some significant advantages. First, there are tax benefits. If you close before December 31, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and even points paid to lower your mortgage rate on this year’s taxes.  Every little bit helps when it comes to planning your finances.Then there’s the motivation factor. Many sellers want to wrap things up before the new year, so they might be more willing to negotiate on price or other terms. You might find a home that has been on the market for a while and is priced just right, because the seller wants a year-end closing.Interest rates are anoth... 11/14/2025

Home Hacks Everyone Can UseEvery home has its quirks, but a few smart hacks can make daily life smoother, and even a little fun. Take pool noodles, for example. Slice one and place it on walls or doors to prevent dents or slip a piece over a shelf  in garage to stop or soften when opening the car door.  Foam never looked so useful! Magnetic strips aren’t just for knives either. Stick one in the garage for screwdrivers, wrenches, or scissors, or inside a closet for small metal items like keys or clips. Everything stays visible, and digging through junk drawers becomes a thing of the past.Binder clips are surprisingly versatile tools. They can help keep cords untangled, hold stacks of papers together, and even clip gloves and hats in a closet. A tiny metal clip can have a big organization... 11/04/2025

  Don't be Late for ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE   Time to Fall Back!  It’s that cozy time of year again—Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 2nd, at 2:00 AM!Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour and enjoy that well-deserved extra sleep.  While you’re at it, check all your timekeepers—phones, microwaves, car clocks, and those favorite watches that might not be quite so “smart.” Remember: “Spring Forward, Fall Back” keeps us right on track.Enjoy the gift of an extra hour… and don’t be late for ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE! 10/31/2025

 Many people are concerned about the high cost of housing in Baltimore County and feel like homeownership is out of reach. However, if you dig a little deeper, you might be surprised at the options available to you! Here are two homes in Baltimore County, both listed under $350,000. If you're serious about finding the right home, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help you navigate the Baltimore real estate market. 3123 Betlou James Place, Baltimore, Md. 21207  This charming home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, an eat-in kitchen, and a convenient driveway leading to the kitchen. With three levels and recent updates, including new systems, roof, heat, air conditioning, and even a generator, it’s ready for you to move in and start making memories.=8602 David AveBaltimore, Md 2123... 10/27/2025

The Gardenview StoryOne of my favorite transactions in real estate has to be the journey of Jimmy and Daniel and their incredible home on Gardenview Road. It’s remarkable how sometimes a house can become a part of your own story, and this one is no exception.I first met Jimmy and Daniel 14 years ago when they bought my listing at 3506 Gardenview Rd.   Gardenview 14 years agoGardenview Today Back then, the house needed more than TLC, but there was something uniquely charming about it that captured their heart. Definitely, love at first sight!  I had the joy of witnessing the transformation of that house into a spectacular home.   Check more photos of Gardenview. The first thing that strikes you about 3406 Gardenview Rd is the light; every window has been replaced and enlarged, fitted wit... 10/17/2025

October 7th Zoom ChallengeThe challenge: Share a dream listing in a down market and five suggestions for selling it. Here are mine:-Photography -Love letter -Video, -Opens-Marketing  Photography Change the feature MLS listing picture weekly.  Thank  Debe Maxwell, CRS , for this tip from Tuesday's Zoom. Have the house rephotographed for a seasonal change or by a different photographer who may view the home from a different perspective. Love LetterHave the seller write a letter of love to the house. Here's one example.  VideoHave a friend who is also a wonderful Realtor® create a video capturing the highlights, set to music, blog it, and post it on social media. That AR member is Andrea Bedard.  Here is the link.  Open HouseOver the years, I have done many impromptu short open houses, but... 10/09/2025

The Myth of Guaranteed Home Value: Not All Upgrades Pay OffWhen it comes to selling a home, many homeowners assume that any improvement automatically increases its value. This is a myth. While certain updates can make your home more appealing, not every project translates into a higher selling price.Major kitchen and bathroom remodels often come to mind as investments that can significantly boost a home's resale value. Not all remodels are equal. A high-end, ultra-modern kitchen in a historic home may not appeal to potential buyers. And a lavish bathroom renovation with highly personalized features may not appeal to the broader market. These improvements may limit your pool of buyers if the design choices are too specific. Necessary maintenance, such as replacing a roof, fixing structur... 10/06/2025