Moving Soon?

Buyers and sellers that have a move date based on school schedules (summer break) are starting their search now. Not only are these buyers and sellers dealing with the more obvious realities of winter time real estate – tight inventory, quick contracts and of course the cold – they are also faced with the obvious obstacles – staging, price negotiations, appraisals, inspections, etc.

Another reality of moving is the physical act of getting all that “stuff” from the attic or the basement. Did you realize that you had that much when you moved in? Although some people prefer to gather friends and make the move an almost social event, others prefer to simply pass this large task on to a moving company.

Having made many moves myself, I have explored both the “do it yourself option” as well as the moving company.

I have found both options to have their advantages, but if you are one of those that choose to have the moving company take care of it, you should definitely make sure that you touch on the following:

Price/Payment Options

• What is the standard charge for packing? Is there an unpacking fee?  
• Does it include boxes? If not, what do they cost and will you deliver them?
• Is there an additional charge to deliver some items to a storage unit?
• Do you accept credit cards? Check or cash?  
• Any hidden fees or items we have not discussed?
• What is the deposit?

Insurance Concerns

• Who do I call if I have a damage claim that needs to be addressed?
• What kind of insurance options do you provide and is there an additional cost? 
• What all does your insurance cover? Can items I packed be covered? 
• What is the maximum insurance that can be purchased? 
• If items are covered by my Homeowner’s insurance, whose insurance pays first?

Unusual Items and Requests 

• Can you move my vehicle(s)? Do you tow them or are they on a trailer? 
• Are there any extra charges for shipping ATV, golf carts, small tractors, etc.?  
• Do you have a list of items that cannot be shipped? 
• If you are unable to pack and load everything in one day, can you leave out our essentials until the last day? (beds, needed dishes and other basics)

Timeframes

• What are you available to complete our move?
• How long do you expect it to take to pack and load our items? 
• When will our items arrive at the designated location(s)? 
• Can you store/hold my items should there be any delay with my next house? Additional charge?

Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process. Having a celebratory moving party can be one way to make the process a little easier, but if you do decide to pass this on to a moving company, hopefully following these suggestions will make your dealings with the moving company very simple.

Until next time - Stay on Top of the Market.  

Erik Hart
REALTOR®, GREEN
"Happy, Humble, Hardworking"
Severna Park Office
Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
(O)410-544-4000 (C)443-889-6860
http://erikhart.lnf.com
http://topofthemarket.blogspot.com

Or simply Google me, your Maryland Realtor Erik Hart.

Your referrals are always a great compliment.

November 2013 -Baltimore Metro MarketWatch

This is a great snapshot of whats happening in and around Central Maryland.

Keep on Top of the Market

Erik Hart
REALTOR®, GREEN
"Happy, Humble, Hardworking"

Severna Park Office
Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
(O)410-544-4000 (C)443-889-6860 

http://erikhart.lnf.com

http://topofthemarket.blogspot.com

Your referrals are always a great compliment. 

Fireplace and Chimney Tips

Relaxing with your favorite book…Sipping on a tasty beverage…Warming up your feet after a jaunt in the snow…

These activities can all be done in front of a warm and toasty fireplace.

But what do you do to maintain and operate your fireplace and chimney?

Although a fireplace can be a nice, cozy addition to any household, if not cared for, an unchecked fireplace or chimney can cause some unwanted problems.

Check out some of these tips before you set out to start your next fire…

Schedule a yearly, professional, inspection to insure there are no structural or mechanical issues with your fireplace.

A fire needs three things to survive: oxygen, fuel, and an ignition source.

Before making any fire, be sure to check inside the damper for any obstructions – such as a nesting animal or various yard debris.

Never add questionable fuel – only burn clean, seasoned wood, manufactured logs and non-glossy, white paper.

Never use “green” wood. Un-seasoned wood creates creosote – a combustible by product of charred wood.

Always keep the area around the front of the fireplace clear and free of obstacles (and potential dangerous fuel sources).

If you do not have a glass window on your fireplace, make sure you are using a wire mesh screen. Wire mesh is also a good idea to have on top of your chimney.

Ashes and creosote are a source of calcium – clean out your chimney and then sprinkle the ashes in your flowerbeds for a nice fertilizer addition.

Make sure there are no trees over or up against your chimney.

Install, check and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Following some of these simple tips will not only keep you warm this winter, but will also help ensure your safety througout the cold season. 

Until next time - Stay on Top of the Market.  

Erik Hart
REALTOR®, GREEN
"Happy, Humble, Hardworking"
Severna Park Office
Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
(O)410-544-4000 (C)443-889-6860
http://erikhart.lnf.com
http://topofthemarket.blogspot.com

Your referrals are always a great compliment.

Turkey Trots and Fun Runs

November is not only a great month to view some spectacular changes in foliage, but it also provides some great opportunities to get out and be active in the community. Turkey Trots and fun runs are happening all over the county. Some of these events are just for fun, while others are coordinated to support local charities and drives.

Here is a quick recap of three local events that may be of interest:

25^th Annual Anne Arundel Community College Turkey Trot

Who: Open to public, but you must be able to finish in an hour

What: Timed 5k and one mile jaunt

Why: Help support the community college and replenish the campus food pantry

When: November 27^th, early registration rates end today

Where: Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold

Extras: Refreshments provided, no pets or bikes and a free t-shirt for the first 300 participants

More information – www.aacc.edu/healthfitness

Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot

Who: Open to public

What: Timed 5k Race and 1 mile fun walk

Why: Help support SPAN – Serving People Across Neighborhoods

When: November 23^rd, registration closes November 20^th

Where: Kinder Farm Park

Extras: Prizes for top 3 finishers in specified age groups

More information – www.spanhelps.org

Dashing Through the Show 5k Run

Who: Open to the public, but you must be able to finish in an hour

What: 5k Fun Run with the Annapolis Striders Running Club

Why: Proceeds benefit Anne Arundel County Medical Center

When: November 22^nd

Where: Sandy Point State Park

Extras: No bikes, headphones, pets, baby joggers. Enjoy the light show at your own pace.

More information: www.annapolisstriders.org

Get outside, maybe meet some new people and maybe help make someones November a great one. 

Erik Hart
REALTOR®, GREEN
"Happy, Humble, Hardworking"

Severna Park Office
Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
(O)410-544-4000 (C)443-889-6860 

http://erikhart.lnf.com

http://topofthemarket.blogspot.com

Your referrals are always a great compliment. 

 

Home Defense

With fall comes cool mornings, changing landscapes and more of the “keep us warm” cooking. Fall also can bring opportunities to do some simple home maintenance that can help prevent future costly repairs.

Here are some maintenance tips that all require minimal effort and can definitely provide some comfort for you as the homeowner.

-          Hose check – Remove garden hoses to prevent water back up and potential freezing/cracking of pipes. While you are at it, shut off supply lines to exterior faucets to prevent any slow (and possibly costly) leaks.

-          Take care of your sprinkler system – Turn off the main supply valve to the system and then open your drain valves to completely empty out the system. This can also be a good time to remove sprinkler heads, drain and replace.

-          Seal it up – Grab some color matching caulk and take a tour around the exterior of your house. Take time to seal up cracks between trim and siding, window and door frames and where wires and pipes enter the house. Not only will this prevent water from entering the house, but it can also seal up costly air leaks.

-          Gutter review – Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can turn into some very costly repairs. Clean out gutters of any debris and take time to tighten any gutter hangers, downspouts and replace as needed. Also – downspouts need to extend at least 3 feet away from the foundation of the house.

-          Proof your roof – Give your roof a thorough review. Damaged or missing shingles should be replaced immediately. Pay special attention to any type of growth as this can be a definite sign of possible decay or rot underneath.

-          Furnace inspection – Fall is a great time to get your furnace checked out. Consider getting on a regular maintenance plan as this can not only save you some money but it will also ensure that you are on the top of the list for check-ups. Do not forget to replace your filters while you are at it.

-          Trim the trees – Fall not only brings changes to the colors of leaves, but it also empties the leaves of the summer growth. This is the best time to prune up everything to keep growth at least a few feet away from the house. Doing this not only prevents water runoff onto the house, but it can also be beneficial in preventing damage to the house during times of high winds.

Although this list is not all inclusive, taking the time to check these off of your to do list will give you some comfort in knowing that you are being proactive instead of reactive – which can directly translate to cost savings. Your home will also appreciate it!

Erik Hart
REALTOR®, GREEN
"Happy, Humble, Hardworking"

Severna Park Office
Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
(O)410-544-4000 (C)443-889-6860 

http://erikhart.lnf.com

http://topofthemarket.blogspot.com

 Your referrals are always a great compliment. 

Halloween Tips

Tonight is the night that kids can enjoy dressing up as their favorite super hero, mythical creature or anything in between. Tonight is when the kids are actually encouraged to try and get candy, and then are usually allowed to eat much more than considered normal. Tonight is also the night that streets will be filled with kids running around, yelling and generally having a great time.

As you venture out into the darkness tonight, be sure to consider the following:

1.       ALWAYS have an adult inspect candy before eating.

2.       Watch out for unfamiliar pets.

3.       Carry a glow stick or flashlight.

4.       Consider wearing reflective tape on costumes.

5.       Only visit well lit houses.

6.       NEVER enter a stranger’s house.

7.       Travel in small groups with at least one adult.

8.       Make sure children know/have emergency contact information.

9.       Choose face paint over masks that can obstruct vision.

10.   Stick to neighborhoods that you are familiar with.

Following these simple recommendations will ensure that you have a wonderful Halloween night.

Erik Hart
REALTOR®, GREEN
"Happy, Humble, Hardworking"

Severna Park Office
Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
(O)410-544-4000 (C)443-889-6860 

http://erikhart.lnf.com

http://topofthemarket.blogspot.com

Your referrals are always a great compliment. 

Rain Defense

The next few months in Maryland can be wet. Very wet.

Below are a few recommendations to ensure that your home is ready for this annual rainfall that helps make Maryland so green and fills all of our waterways…

1.       If you are comfortable with a ladder and being on your roof, take a look for any missing flashing or roof tiles. This is also a good time to check around any exterior drain/ventilation pipes to ensure that they are sealed.

2.       If you do not have gutter covers this would also be a good time to clean them out, inspect for any damage and ensure that they are functioning properly.

3.       If you are not comfortable with a ladder – get off of it and definitely call someone. This will give you time to check that your downspouts are connected and extended at least three feet away from your foundation. Your home would appreciate it.

4.       Basement…? If you have a rear entrance to your basement, you probably have a drain located outside that door. Make sure this is clear of debris as your basement floor could depend on it.

5.       Still in the basement…? Go give your sump pump a test. This is nothing more than lifting the float to ensure the pump is functioning. This is also a good time to consider your sump pump back up options if you are frequented with power outages.

So take a moment, preferably when it is not pouring down rain, and check these of your list. You do not want this happening…

For more information about the upcoming wet season, check out this link from the National Weather Center:


http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/

Until next time, stay on Top of the Market - 


Erik Hart
REALTOR®, GREEN, BPI Analyst
Severna Park Sales 
Long and Foster Realtors
410-544-4000 Office
443-889-6860 Cell
www.erikhart.lnf.com
www.topofthemarket.blogspot.com