We all have that fear of hearing we’re getting audited by the IRS. However, less than one percent of Americans get audited. State agencies also have the right to look at your returns.

People most likely to be audited are those with no income and those making more than $1 million. If you still use the old paper methods instead of using an online service or having a professional prepare your taxes, you up your chances of an audit.

Click here to read the full infographic report in my monthly Item of Value.

Contact me if there is anything I can do to help you buy or sell your home.

Oh, by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals.

Thanks to Cindy Bernstein of Aim4Order for this episode of Tips from the Pros about clutter and your mindset.

When I think about organizing my home, I like to take a step back and look at it from an outsider’s point of view. Think about a real estate agent coming over to tell you how you need to reduce the clutter in order to show your home. You be the real estate agent and look around your own home.

Make a list of things that you see that need work. Write it down so you have that list and don’t forget anything.

Do shelves seem like they have too much on them? 

Too many photos, nicknacks, books or other items can make your home look cluttered just because there is so much there. Think about what you can part with and what gives you joy...

One aspect of a home that you can’t change happens to be the MOST important; location...

February Calendar of Events

Lots of activities and events are happening in February around Baltimore. Get the scoop on what’s happening and where.

Come see A Year with Frog and Toad at the Dundalk Community Theatre from February 23 – March 3. Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

True Treats: African American Confections at the Baltimore County Public Librar...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about slate roofs.

As a realtor, you probably see almost every type and quality of roofing imaginable, from roofs that seem to have more bare spots than shingles to traditional composite shingles. However, many realtors lack experience with slate roofing. This high-quality roofing material can last for up to 150 years if it’s properly installed, and it adds major value to homes.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofing can match almost any exterior aesthetic thanks to the wide range of textures and colors that the material comes in. It’s also completely recyclable once it has worn out. Slate roofing requires expert maintenance and specialized installation to give homeowners the best experience possible.

When Selling a Hom...

Thanks to Mark Hines of Fidelity Bank for this episode of Tips from the Pros about mortgage rates.

Don’t forget Fidelity Bank Mortgage now has the lock and shop to insure the rate does not go up while searching for the home of their dreams. See attached.

Long term trend provided by Market Alert, Inc.

Some may be wondering where all the furloughed government workers claims for jobless benefits are?  As is normally the case with federal workers — they have a different system than the average Joe on the street.  There are more than 10,500 government employees who have sought benefits through the week ended January 5th, the latest period for which numbers are available.  

The federal jobless benefits are higher than those paid to ordinary citizens – but unlike regular citizen...

I am happy to answer any of your questions about our local real estate market, buying, selling or looking for a referral for a service in Baltimore and surrounding counties.

I can help in any of these areas:

• The value of your home
• The state of the market
• A home renovation 
• Selling a home
• Looking for a new home or investment property
• Moving out of the area or purchasing a vacation home
• Financing or refinancing information

Read the full report in my monthly Item of Value by clicking here.

Contact me if there is anything I can do to help you buy or sell your home.

Oh, by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals.

My business to business partners and clients will take part in a cooking class. As a result, we will learn to make complete meals to help feed the needs of our community. We’ll meet at For the Love of Food on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 6:30 pm.

Join me, in cooperation with Steve Preis at Primary Residential Mortgage for a unique cooking experience. This is a chance for us to give back to the less fortunate.

Together we will prepare meals from scratch. The food will be donated to The Baltimore Station, a shelter for homeless veterans. 

If you are interested in joining me, please visit the For The Love of Food page to sign up or contact me for additional information.

Congratulations to all of my clients who are new home owners! Take a look at my home sales for 2018.

If you are considering buying or selling a home, contact me today!
Oh by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals.

If you are moving out of the area, I can help yo...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about proactive chimney sweeping.

A Partially Closed Damper

If you opened the damper for your fireplace, it’s possible that something on the interior or exterior is preventing it from opening fully. Soot buildup and water damage could lead to a damper in need of repair. Clean Sweep can examine the damper and complete any necessary repairs for it to work properly again.

No Pilot Light

If you have a gas fireplace, the pilot light can be extinguished by a strong gust of wind or downdraft. Try turning the pilot light back on by turning the control knob to the pilot position. Hit the red button that lights the pilot and hold it for about a minute before turning the knob on...