Don't Forget to Fall Back - The End of Daylight Savings Time

Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight at 2:00 am and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors.



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

Century 21 New Millennium

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.

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

Century 21 New Millennium

Not All Sunsets Are Beautiful

Not All Sunsets are Beautiful

In 2007, the Mortgage Debt Relief Act was passed in an attempt to help the millions of homeowners who, due to the housing crisis and economic crash, suddenly found themselves in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure.

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. 

 

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

Century 21 New Millennium

 

11 Best Days of Summer - The Maryland State Fair

The 11 Best Days of Summer at The Maryland State Fair Starts Today

The 11 best days of summer at the Maryland State Fair begins today. The fair opened this morning at 10 am and will run through September 3, 2012 (Labor Day).
Friday August 24 - Comptroller Day - Open 10 am to 10 pm - Ride Special $22 pay one price ride from open to close (sold noon to 6pm) $17 with $5 off Food Lion Coupon.
Saturday, August 25 - Department of Natural Resources Day, MD Pork Day at Maryland Foods Pavillion - Open 10am - 10pm
Sunday, August 26 - Governor's Volunteer Day, M & T Bank Day - Open 8am for RH Competitions to 10 pm
Monday, August 27 - 9 am for competitions - buildings open at Noon until 8pm
Tuesday, August 28 - Open 8:30 for competitions, Most buildings open Noon to 8pm. Ride Special $22 pay one price ride from open to close (sold noon to 6pm) $17 with $5 off Food Lion Coupon.
Wednesday, August 29 - MD Fruit & Veggie Day - Maryland Foods Pavillion, M & T Bank Dollar Day Open 9:00 am for competitions, buildings open noon to 8pm. Ride Special $22 pay one price ride from open to close (sold noon to 6pm) $17 with $5 off Food Lion Coupon.
Thursday, August 30 - Governor's Day/MD Agriculture Day, MD Million Day - Open 9:00 am for competitions, buildings open noon to 8pm. Ride Special $22 pay one price ride from open to close (sold noon to 6pm) $17 with $5 off Food Lion Coupon.
Friday, August 31 - Toyota Day, Baltimore County Day, MD Lamb Day - Maryland Foods Pavillion - Open 9:00 am for competitions, buildings open 10 am to 10 pm -
Saturday, September 1 - Maryland Lottery Day, Handy International World Record Crab Cake Day - Open 10 am to 10 pm
Sunday, September 2 - Open 8:30am for competitions, buildings open at 10 am until 8pm, some exhibits until 10pm.
Monday, September 3 - Open 8:30 for competitions, buildings open 10 am to 8pm. Ride Special - $22 Pay one price 10am to 10pm.
Come out and support exhibitors from all over Maryland and take a look at what people have been making, painting, baking over the last year. It's a great time!!

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

Century 21 New Millennium

How-To: Help Your Kids with Their Homework

How-To: Help Your Kids with Their Homework

It has been decades since you tackled some of the topics your kids are bringing home from school—but that doesn’t mean you can’t help them with their homework.  And, some of it, I'm sure might as well be written in some obscure foreign language that you've never seen.  But, statistics so that students who do their homework consistently tend to have better grades. It's not always easy to get them to do their homework, especially after a busy day, but these tips can help:

Talk to your children about their homework. It's important that your kids understand why it's important to do their homework and the positive impact it has on grades. Homework helps them practice what they've learned as well as prepare them for upcoming classes. Plus, by doing their homework they develop the discipline and skills they need to be successful throughout their school years and beyond. 

Talk to the teachers. Different teachers might expect different things from parents, so be sure to talk to them to figure out what your role will be. For example, some teachers prefer parents review their kids' homework; others prefer parents make sure kids do their homework. Teachers can also tell you how much time your child should spend doing homework and what to do if the homework is too easy or too difficult.

Select a fixed time to do homework. The best time to do homework is the one that works best for your child and you. It can be before or after playing, watching television or dinnertime. What's important is that homework time is consistent. Avoid leaving it for the end of the day, when your child is tired and sleepy.  For my son, when he gets home from school he has a snack and then sits down at the dining room table, we go through his planner and set out his books and the tools he'll need to complete his homework and we turn off all distractions until he is finished his homework.
Pick a quiet area and eliminate distractions. To help your children focus on homework, pick a place in the house where there's plenty of light and no distractions. It doesn't have to be fancy. It can be the kitchen table or a desk. Make sure the TV is off and put away electronic devices, unless they're essential to doing homework.

Get them the resources they need. You don't have to be an expert in all subjects to help your kids with homework. However, you need to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed. If you need expert help, you can always take them to the library or help them with their search online. You can also visit kids.gov to find information on homework topics. The Department of Education also has several resources to help your child with homework in different areas, including math, reading and writing.  My partner is a whiz at math and science and I'm not and Skip is often here when Liam gets home from school and I'm not so we plan our day I do the morning and Skip does the homework and after school.  This works for us, it might not work for you but figure out what works and stick with it. 

Resource: GobiernoUSA.gov and USA.gov

Orange You Glad It's Back To School?

Orange you Glad It's Back to School?
I was out shopping with my son, Liam this afternoon to get a few last minute things for back to school.
School's all across the country are preparing to go back and parent's are stressed with the endless lists of supplies that seem to increase in size every year. And, for those parents preparing to send their kids off to school for the first time - it will be ok, your children will be fine.
Here are a few things I've learned over the years and 5 children later:
Get into a routine now so your kids will be ready when they start back and they'll be able to get up in time for school.
Breakfast IS the most important meal of the day. If your kids don't like breakfast, breakfast drinks are often a great way to get those nutrients in their bodies. I make a great breakfast shake: 1/2 banana, 1 scoop of whey protein powder, 1/3 c. low fat vanilla yogurt, 1/3 c. cranberry juice, 1/3 c. frozen blueberries, 4 ice cubes - put all ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth. I am not a big breakfast person but this is delicious and keeps me going until lunch time.
My son just graduated from middle school and is off to high school in a week. He prefers to bring his own lunch rather than buy the one at school. Let your child help choose what they'll eat for lunch. We get our bread from the H & S Bread Store in Fells Point. It's a great place and helps save money. We get potato bread and he chooses two or three lunch meats for his sandwich. Cheese doesn't travel well so he doesn't have cheese on it. Then we buy Utz Potato Chips in a variety pack and he takes one bag. Sometimes he has cookies, baby carrots are popular. We got a cooler lunch bag that has space for an ice pack. Liam says that it takes too long to stand in line and wait for lunch and it doesn't given him enough time to eat it that's why he wants to bring his lunch.
Kids grow really fast. Goodwill Stores often have great deals and great prices on children's clothing. In Maryland we have Value Village stores too. Both will from time to time have brand new clothes with the tags still on them. If your parents live nearby and are over 60 on Wednesdays Value Village has 50% off all clothing in the store. When my older kids were still in school I used to go with my neighbor and she'd help me buy back to school clothes. I would come home with a large black garbage bag full for about $50 with Levi's, Banana Republic, GAP and other brand name clothes for the kids, and with the tags still on them.
Starting in June Staples has a Back to School Savings Pass that gives 15% off school supplies from June 10 until September 15. The pass excludes technology, ink and toner, flash drives, calculators, case paper and furniture. Also starting in June/July Staples has special weekly sales that offer special items for very cheap prices. I check back weekly and pick up only the items offered for sale. Last week they had refill paper for 1 cent per package, limit 5 with a $10 purchase. Starting today they have spiral bound note books for 1 cent each and Timberland Back Packs are 50% off. Over the years I have purchase 9 TI 83 calculators. The cheapeast place I have found them is on Amazon.com, I wish I would have kept my middle sons calculator but that was 8 years ago and I thought the technology would have changed but it hasn't.
For the first week of school walk your kids to the bus stop. Caution them about talking to strangers, taking rides to school (even from people they know) and to keep their eyes open and watch for people driving who might not be paying attention for children going back to school.

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

Century 21 New Millennium

Spring Showers Bring Beautiful, Lush Lawns

Spring Showers Bring Beautiful, Lush Lawns



Season after season and year after year, you do everything you can to get your lawn looking lush and vibrant. You know, just like your neighbor's lawn. You've done it all - from dedicating weekends to covering your lawn in fertilizer to inspecting every inch of your lawn on all fours. But despite your greatest efforts, you still have somehow managed not to achieve the awe worthy lawn you want. If getting that picture perfect lawn feels like a feat that will never come to fruition then perhaps there are still some steps you've missed in your lawn care routine.

Lawn aeration and over-seeding are not only essential steps to your lawn care routine, but can also be the answer you've been looking for. Over the previous summer, your lawn will have been subjected to a lot of traffic that can cause soil compaction, which if not alleviated can lead to a variety of problems. Lawn aeration doesn't just loosen the soil, it increases oxygen flow, water and nutrients absorption, and helps eliminates thatch. Following up with over-seeding promotes new growth, ensuring your lawn stays thick and dense making it much harder for weeds to come along and call your lawn home.

When it comes to lawn care, timing is everything, and could be the difference between achieving that picture perfect lawn and not. That's why kick starting your lawn care routine in early spring is the best thing you can do. Since that is when your lawn is awakening from the winter thaw and actively growing, allowing it to recover from the lawn aeration quickly and grow more lushly from the over-seeding.

Source: GreenLawn.