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

The Fed

As it now stands, the Fed has penciled in three 25 basis-point hikes in 2019.  However, the chances of those projected rate hikes actually seeing the light of day are declining rapidly.  While the Fed is expected to bump their short-term benchmark rates 25 basis points higher next week Wednesday — the futures markets are showing investors are now assigning 50-50 odds to the likelihood the Fed will raise rates even once in 2019. 

Believe it or not, the end of the tightening moves by the Fed is not particularly good news for the prospects of steady to lower mortgage interest rates...

In this issue of Tips from the Pros, here is a blog from Chuck Graham an acupuncturist.

The study of the 5 elements is the study of relationships in nature. It is, along with yin and yang, the basic philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine. The ancient Chinese observed these relationships in nature, and applied them to their understanding of the human body.

The five elements, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood, are not simply the foundation of this beautiful system of medicine: they are the foundation and spirit of all nature around us. The five elements are alive both around us and in us: they are a way to describe the movement of all life and all energy. They embody all the qualities that we encounter in Nature...

In Tips from the Pros, here are some thoughts about weatherproofing your home for the cold weather from Chimney Sweep Maryland. 

Fall is here, and winter is right around the corner, which means that you should take some time to complete all of your regular fall maintenance tasks. Thankfully, Clean Sweep Maryland is here to help!

Check Your Slate Roofing

Fall is a great time to check your slate roofing for any issues since it’s months before the weight of snow will be pressing down upon it. Broken or missing shingles can lead to major problems and structural damage over the course of the winter. Your slate roof should also be checked for gaps in the flashing around your skylights, chimney and roof vents...

In this issue of Tips from the Pros, WelGuard shares valuable information about the cold weather and your well.

Or, If the well is outside during the winter, why doesn’t the water freeze?

Cold conditions generally shorten the lives and usage of mechanical and electrical equipment used outside.  This generally includes all of the dozens of man made parts that make up a well.  But the answer to the question of cold affecting well performance is no – there is very little affect.

Cold has no apparent negative affect on the equipment and well, in part because the well is sealed/enclosed on the outside. Your well cap and casing serve as a bit of “insulation”, and this stops the cold air and rain from getting into the well, even when it is freezing cold outside.

The lateral p...

December Calendar of Events

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

Image: Allevents.in

The Tipsy Bee (Adult Spelling Bee) Tuesday, December 4, 8:00-9:30 pm at Old Major, 900 South Carey Street, Baltimore.

Image: Allevents.in

47th annual Downtown Partnership Monument Lighting, Thursday, December 6, 5:00-8:00 pm at the Washington Monument, 699 N. Charles Street, Baltimore.

Image: Allevents.in

Holiday Pet & Family Portraits Waverly Ace Hardware, December 8, 601 Homestead Street, Baltimore, 10 am.

Image: Maryland Fire Museum

Fire Museum of Maryland Holiday Train Garden, Open December 2, 9, 16, 27-30 ate the Fire Museum of Maryland, 1301 York Rd., Lutherville, MD 21093.

Image: Miracle on 34th Stree...

Everyone loves Thanksgiving dinner, all the games on tv and a long weekend, but there are some interesting facts that you might not know about this holiday. Check out this month’s Item of Value and read the full story about Thanksgiving and its traditions we all love. Football, balloon animals and Pilgrims are a part of the holiday, but how did all of the customs that we take for granted get started?

Click here to get the full e-report.

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

Home mortgage rates

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

As most of you know FHLB (Federal Home Loan Bank) grant program ran out of funds in early October. The date funds will be available again for us to use is January 14, 2019. Fidelity Bank Mortgage again has $1,000,000 to use for its borrowers/buyers. Currently Baltimore County SELP still has funds and certainly MMP or the Maryland Mortgage Program.

More buyers are electing to build a new home as the inventory of existing homes is low. Fidelity Bank offers a 1 time close construction loan as well as the HomeStyle and FHA 203k renovation loans.

We are seeing less seller help on contracts and usually multiple offers resulting in a big win for sellers.

As always feel free to u...

Thanks to Tom Benisch of State Farm for this episode of Tips from the Pros on creating an evacuation plan.

Getting out and making sure everyone is safe: That’s the crux of a fire evacuation plan. It doesn’t have to be complicated; in fact, simpler is better — and fast is key. Create your own plan and follow these practice reminders so you can act immediately if there’s a fire in your home.

Make a plan

1. Sketch a map of your house.
2. Draw two escape routes from each room — one out a door, one out a window.
3. Designate and “star” a meeting spot a safe distance from the house (for example, the mailbox across the street).
4. Hang the plan where everyone can see it regularly.

Practice fire evacuation — exactly as you’d do it in real time

1. Sound the smoke alarm.
2. Leave everything ...

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