realtor tagged posts

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 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...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about air quality.

Homes are designed to be energy-efficient over the cold winter months and block out heat in the summer. When frigid winds start outside, homeowners seal cracks in insulation and block out any drafts. However, those measures to keep heat in also seal in allergens and pollutants inside of the home. Indoor air quality can dramatically decline over the course of a single winter month.

What Pollutants and Allergens Impact Indoor Air Quality?

• Mold and mildew
• Pet dander and hair
• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Germs, viruses and airborne bacteria
• Tobacco smoke
• VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be found in the bonding agents used for carpet, upholstery and paneling
• Asbestos
• Carbon monoxide
• Lead
• Household ...

Thanks to our friends at StorageUnits.org for this informative guest blog.

Storage space – you can never have enough. Clutter piles up, closets overflow and garages fill up quickly with your belongings. If you’re low on space, you don’t have to remodel your interior and add more closets. The simple solution is self-storage. With a self-storage unit, you can keep your stuff in a dedicated place away from home and have it nearby when you need it.

What is Self-Storage?

Self-storage comes in handy for anyone who needs to make space in their home or business. Storage facilities provide a convenient service for keeping and protecting your belongings in individual units...

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...

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.