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June Piper-Brandon CDPE, CIAS, ePro, Assoc. Broker
More about me… Century 21 New Millenium Address: 6300 Woodside Court, Columbia, MD, 21046 Office Phone: (410) 730-8888 Cell Phone: (410) 292-0100 Email Me
Buying a house, selling a house, home buying tips and advice, Advice, Market Conditions, Listings in Baltimore.
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Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Top Ten Reason's You Need a Buyer's Agent to Buy a Home
Monday, November 19, 2012
The Price is Right: The Best Days for Holiday Shopping In 2012
The Price is Right: The Best Days for Holiday Shopping In 2012
Everyone loves the holidays. But not everyone loves the long
lines that come with it. Have no fear! Savings.com unveiled a Best Times to Buy
Holiday Gifts guide to help consumers navigate through Black Friday, Cyber
Monday and the holiday shopping season to find the best deals for all their
gift-giving needs.
Savings.com analyzed more than 1.5 million deals from 25,000 retailers and polled leading consumer and shopping experts, in order to find the best times to buy popular holiday gifts.
November 22, Thanksgiving: Black Friday sales begin on Thanksgiving this year, the new and unofficial kick off to the shopping season.
November 23, Black Friday: Electronics and apparel are the best gifts to shop for on Black Friday, as well as the days immediately following.
November 26, Cyber Monday: The best gifts to shop for on Cyber Monday are electronics, apparel, toys & games, and items for the home & garden.
November 27-December 7: Get the best deals from major toy retailers.
December 17, Free Shipping Day: There is another spike of great deals from apparel brands on the last day free shipping is available to holiday shoppers looking to get their purchases delivered in time for Christmas.
December 20-25: If you are thinking of buying a food & wine gift, the best deals are available the few days before Christmas.
"Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great days to shop and save, and we have already seen from our partners that this year is going to be huge for savvy shoppers," says Loren Bendele, co-founder and President of Savings.com. "In fact, in a recent survey of Savings.com members, 99 percent said they planned to shop and use deals on those days. However, we have also found that great deals are available for products throughout November and December, and we want to share our insight and give shoppers confidence that they are getting the best deal possible."
Source: www.Savings.com.
If you are thinking of buying or selling an home in Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market. Century 21 New Millennium is part of the largest nationwide relocation company and can assist with your move here in Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad. Ask me how.
Savings.com analyzed more than 1.5 million deals from 25,000 retailers and polled leading consumer and shopping experts, in order to find the best times to buy popular holiday gifts.
November 22, Thanksgiving: Black Friday sales begin on Thanksgiving this year, the new and unofficial kick off to the shopping season.
November 23, Black Friday: Electronics and apparel are the best gifts to shop for on Black Friday, as well as the days immediately following.
November 26, Cyber Monday: The best gifts to shop for on Cyber Monday are electronics, apparel, toys & games, and items for the home & garden.
November 27-December 7: Get the best deals from major toy retailers.
December 17, Free Shipping Day: There is another spike of great deals from apparel brands on the last day free shipping is available to holiday shoppers looking to get their purchases delivered in time for Christmas.
December 20-25: If you are thinking of buying a food & wine gift, the best deals are available the few days before Christmas.
"Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great days to shop and save, and we have already seen from our partners that this year is going to be huge for savvy shoppers," says Loren Bendele, co-founder and President of Savings.com. "In fact, in a recent survey of Savings.com members, 99 percent said they planned to shop and use deals on those days. However, we have also found that great deals are available for products throughout November and December, and we want to share our insight and give shoppers confidence that they are getting the best deal possible."
Source: www.Savings.com.
If you are thinking of buying or selling an home in Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market. Century 21 New Millennium is part of the largest nationwide relocation company and can assist with your move here in Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad. Ask me how.
In keeping with saluting our heroes, during 2012 I am waving flat fees for active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve I will waive the flat fee at settlement. This is a $395 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give me a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-730-8888 or I can be reached directly at 410-292-0100.
June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker, CDPE, CIAS, ePro
Dine Safely this Thanksgiving - Turkey Tips
Dine Safely this Thanksgiving - Turkey Tips
Many people have ceased to cook our stuffing inside our birds,
like grandma used to do it. But what are some other food safety tips you can
follow? The National Restaurant Association (NRA) estimates that more than 30
million Americans enlist the help of restaurants for their Thanksgiving feast by
dining out or using takeout, but cooking at home remains popular during this
holiday. Preparing that meal safely will ensure an enjoyable holiday with family
and friends, so the experts at the NRA offer food safety tips for holiday meals:
Thaw your turkey in the fridge. While you can thaw a frozen turkey under running water or in the microwave, the best way is in the refrigerator overnight (or longer). Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Store raw turkey away from ready-to-eat food. Make sure your raw turkey is covered and stored in a leak-proof container on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. You want to keep it away from foods that are ready to eat, such as desserts and salads, to avoid the risk of cross-contamination.
Clean and sanitize your sink and counters. After rinsing your raw turkey thoroughly, properly clean and sanitize the sink and surrounding area before starting to prepare any other food.
Cook your turkey to safe internal temperature. Use a properly calibrated meat thermometer to check that your turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Insert the thermometer to the dimple on the stem in the thickest part of the breast and thigh for accurate readings.
Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Prep salads, cranberries and other colds items first and store them in the fridge until ready to serve. Then prep your hot dishes closer to serving time so they stay hot. Keep all food items outside the "temperature danger zone" (41 to 135 degrees) as much as possible.
Safely reheat leftovers. Whether from a meal prepared at home or picked up from a restaurant, leftovers are part of the holiday tradition. Store each dish separately in clean, sealable, leak-proof containers and reheat to 165 degrees when you're ready to enjoy round two of your Thanksgiving meal.
Sources: www.FoodSafetyMonth.com, www.restaurant.org
Thaw your turkey in the fridge. While you can thaw a frozen turkey under running water or in the microwave, the best way is in the refrigerator overnight (or longer). Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Store raw turkey away from ready-to-eat food. Make sure your raw turkey is covered and stored in a leak-proof container on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. You want to keep it away from foods that are ready to eat, such as desserts and salads, to avoid the risk of cross-contamination.
Clean and sanitize your sink and counters. After rinsing your raw turkey thoroughly, properly clean and sanitize the sink and surrounding area before starting to prepare any other food.
Cook your turkey to safe internal temperature. Use a properly calibrated meat thermometer to check that your turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Insert the thermometer to the dimple on the stem in the thickest part of the breast and thigh for accurate readings.
Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Prep salads, cranberries and other colds items first and store them in the fridge until ready to serve. Then prep your hot dishes closer to serving time so they stay hot. Keep all food items outside the "temperature danger zone" (41 to 135 degrees) as much as possible.
Safely reheat leftovers. Whether from a meal prepared at home or picked up from a restaurant, leftovers are part of the holiday tradition. Store each dish separately in clean, sealable, leak-proof containers and reheat to 165 degrees when you're ready to enjoy round two of your Thanksgiving meal.
Sources: www.FoodSafetyMonth.com, www.restaurant.org
If you are thinking of buying or selling an home in Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market. Century 21 New Millennium is part of the largest nationwide relocation company and can assist with your move here in Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad. Ask me how.
In keeping with saluting our heroes, during 2012 I am waving flat fees for active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve I will waive the flat fee at settlement. This is a $395 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give me a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-730-8888 or I can be reached directly at 410-292-0100.
June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker, CDPE, CIAS, ePro
Friday, November 16, 2012
Pumpkin Pie Recipe - From My Family to Yours
If you are thinking of buying or selling an home in Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market. Century 21 New Millennium is part of the largest nationwide relocation company and can assist with your move here in Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad. Ask me how.
In keeping with saluting our heroes, during 2012 I am waving flat fees for active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve I will waive the flat fee at settlement. This is a $395 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give me a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-730-8888 or I can be reached directly at 410-292-0100.
June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker, CDPE, CIAS, ePro
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Don't Forget to Fall Back - The End of Daylight Savings Time
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| Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight at 2:00 am and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors.
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In keeping with saluting our heroes, during 2012 I am waving flat fees for active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve I will waive the flat fee at settlement. This is a $395 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give me a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-730-8888 or I can be reached directly at 410-292-0100.
June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker, CDPE, CIAS, ePro
Monday, October 8, 2012
Preparing Your Home for Winter's Wrath
Prepare Your Home for Winter's Wrath
By Keith Loria
With winter right around the corner, now’s the time to make sure your house is in tip top shape so that it can withstand the cold temperatures that are likely on their way. If your home is on the market, it’s even more important to take the time to clean up and even repair any minor damage that your property may have suffered throughout the summer and fall.
If a powerful storm came through your area during the last several months, it’s a smart idea to check your roof for any damage and ensure there are no missing shingles or cracks around any skylights. It’s also a good idea to head into the attic and look up to see if there is any discoloration of the decking or plywood surface. If any of these conditions are present, it could mean a problem with the roof itself.
You should also check to see if there is any light penetrating in from around plumbing vents or the chimney, as this means the roof’s flashing needs to be replaced. If the problem is caught right away, fixing it shouldn’t be too costly. However, if you let the problem go, it could create a potential disaster.
The next step should be checking and cleaning the gutters. Clogged gutters and downspouts can keep water from being carried away from your roof and can cause leaks and other damage to the home.
Possible gutter damage includes holes, cracks or sags, all of which can be easily fixed.
According to Lowe’s home improvement guide, if you notice a pinhole when inspecting the gutters, use an abrasive pad to clean the area. Then, cut a piece of gutter material that is one-inch larger than the hole on all sides. Using a stiff brush, spread a bit of gutter repair compound on the area around the hole and place your patch over the top. Cover the patch with another layer of compound to ensure a good seal.
To repair minor sags, simply add a new hanging bracket to the sagging area or replace an existing one if it’s old or damaged. Then, screw in the bracket until the gutter is back in proper alignment. Be sure to use hanging brackets that are designed for your type of gutter system.
Next, check your property for trees that may have been damaged in a heavy storm. Branches often die out or get dislodged and fall—but get stuck in the tree—and these can be dangerous when snow comes and forces them down. Have any dead branches cut down and make sure the tree is healthy and continues to grow.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your fencing is secure, your deck hasn’t lost any bolts and no windows around the house have been cracked.
Sometimes storm damage is unavoidable. But making quick repairs can help ensure your home is safe, sound and dry before the next storm arrives.
For more tips on preparing your home for winter, contact our office today.
If you are thinking of buying or selling an home in Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market. Century 21 New Millennium is part of the largest nationwide relocation company and can assist with your move here in Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad. Ask me how.
By Keith Loria
With winter right around the corner, now’s the time to make sure your house is in tip top shape so that it can withstand the cold temperatures that are likely on their way. If your home is on the market, it’s even more important to take the time to clean up and even repair any minor damage that your property may have suffered throughout the summer and fall.
If a powerful storm came through your area during the last several months, it’s a smart idea to check your roof for any damage and ensure there are no missing shingles or cracks around any skylights. It’s also a good idea to head into the attic and look up to see if there is any discoloration of the decking or plywood surface. If any of these conditions are present, it could mean a problem with the roof itself.
You should also check to see if there is any light penetrating in from around plumbing vents or the chimney, as this means the roof’s flashing needs to be replaced. If the problem is caught right away, fixing it shouldn’t be too costly. However, if you let the problem go, it could create a potential disaster.
The next step should be checking and cleaning the gutters. Clogged gutters and downspouts can keep water from being carried away from your roof and can cause leaks and other damage to the home.
Possible gutter damage includes holes, cracks or sags, all of which can be easily fixed.
According to Lowe’s home improvement guide, if you notice a pinhole when inspecting the gutters, use an abrasive pad to clean the area. Then, cut a piece of gutter material that is one-inch larger than the hole on all sides. Using a stiff brush, spread a bit of gutter repair compound on the area around the hole and place your patch over the top. Cover the patch with another layer of compound to ensure a good seal.
To repair minor sags, simply add a new hanging bracket to the sagging area or replace an existing one if it’s old or damaged. Then, screw in the bracket until the gutter is back in proper alignment. Be sure to use hanging brackets that are designed for your type of gutter system.
Next, check your property for trees that may have been damaged in a heavy storm. Branches often die out or get dislodged and fall—but get stuck in the tree—and these can be dangerous when snow comes and forces them down. Have any dead branches cut down and make sure the tree is healthy and continues to grow.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your fencing is secure, your deck hasn’t lost any bolts and no windows around the house have been cracked.
Sometimes storm damage is unavoidable. But making quick repairs can help ensure your home is safe, sound and dry before the next storm arrives.
For more tips on preparing your home for winter, contact our office today.
If you are thinking of buying or selling an home in Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market. Century 21 New Millennium is part of the largest nationwide relocation company and can assist with your move here in Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad. Ask me how.
In keeping with saluting our heroes, during 2012 I am waving flat fees for active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve I will waive the flat fee at settlement. This is a $395 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give me a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-730-8888 or I can be reached directly at 410-292-0100.
June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker, CDPE, CIAS, ePro
Friday, October 5, 2012
Not All Sunsets Are Beautiful
Not All Sunsets are
Beautiful
The act has helped many distressed homeowners
find solutions to avoid foreclosure and opened up options to them that were
previously unavailable.
The Mortgage Debt Relief Act, however, was only
intended to be a temporary solution and is now set to expire at the end of
2012. There is a bill in Congress that would extend it, but it is unclear if it
will pass. For distressed homeowners, this means that time is limited to take
advantage of this program.
Time is running out. But there is still a
chance to change your financial direction and avoid foreclosure.
If you are behind in your mortgage payments and not sure what your options are please contact me. If you are behind in your mortgage payments and wish to sell your home by way of a short sale, I can help you. If you have received a foreclosure notice, it is not too late to look at the alternatives.
In keeping with saluting our heroes, during 2012 I am waving flat fees for active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve I will waive the flat fee at settlement. This is a $395 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give me a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-730-8888 or I can be reached directly at 410-292-0100.
June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker, CDPE, CIAS, ePro
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