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VA Loan obtainable through mortgage companies, banks
Thursday, January 21, 2021 Lauren BuntingMost people are familiar with the VA Loan, which is a loan program through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Real estate market closes strong despite 2020 chaos
Thursday, January 07, 2021 Lauren BuntingThe year 2020 in real estate ended very strong. Here’s an “at a glance” recap of some of the various market stats.
• The average sales prices varied monthly throughout the year, but June had the highest sales price average increase for Worcester county at 20 percent higher than last year,
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Real estate year-end observations
Thursday, December 24, 2020 Lauren BuntingThis year has produced noticeable real estate market shifts, and in many cases the surge in real estate demand was fueled by the effects of covid-19.
Here on the shore, we saw increases in feeder market sales due to the consumers desire to have a safe, drive-to vacation spot.
Various other factors
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Record-setting low interest rates benefit home buyers
Thursday, December 10, 2020 Lauren BuntingThere are so many advantages to owning your own home, and even with prices on the rise, affording a new home may be easier than you think due to continued record-setting low interest
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Different levels of insurance policy coverage
Thursday, November 12, 2020 Lauren BuntingMost commonly used in the state of Maryland to protect a buyer and ensure that title to a property is clear and marketable in a real estate transaction, is the purchase of a
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Undersupply of homes sets up bidding wars
Thursday, October 29, 2020 Lauren BuntingWith two months left in this bizarre 2020, and the continuation of a very strong sellers market, many buyers are asking what impact continued economic uncertainty could have on home prices and will
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ReStores offer discounted home furniture, appliances
Thursday, October 22, 2020 Lauren BuntingHabitat for Humanity of Worcester County operates a ReStore located at 9026 Worcester Highway in Berlin.
The
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Lenders seek verification of cash deposits in accounts
Thursday, October 15, 2020 Lauren BuntingCash may be king in a sellers’ market, but buyers need to understand that the same is not true with financial institutions.
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Pandemic creates growing homeowner dissatisfaction
Thursday, October 08, 2020 Lauren BuntingInformation from a recent Sears Home Services survey is showing that the pandemic has prompted homeowners to reevaluate their homes.
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Accessory Structure helps Wor. Homeowners
Thursday, October 01, 2020 Lauren BuntingIn Worcester County, homeowners may utilize the zoning use called the Accessory Structure to gain additional living quarters.
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Housing prices increase, but appraisals lag behind
Thursday, September 24, 2020 Lauren BuntingWith “for sale” inventory limited in many price points, sellers may be able to ask more for their home.
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Housing market could be stronger
Thursday, September 17, 2020 Lauren BuntingThe National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, released a video report that dissects the latest homes sales numbers, talks about what could make the market even stronger, and forecasts what’s ahead
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Flood insurance program may expire Sept. 30
Thursday, September 10, 2020 Lauren BuntingThe National Flood Insurance Program’s authority to provide flood insurance is currently scheduled to expire on Sept. 30.
The National Association of Realtors is making every effort to secure a long-term reauthorization of the
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OC area remains in higher demand with low inventory
Thursday, September 03, 2020 Lauren BuntingAt the beginning of the summer, we reported that demand has been very strong in the Ocean City market and surrounding areas since the end of April.
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How sellers can get best offer on houses in market
Thursday, August 20, 2020 Lauren BuntingWhen listing a home for sale, sellers should make sure they really “come out of the gate running.”
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Law allows tax deferral for like-kind property exchanges
Thursday, August 13, 2020 Lauren BuntingSince 1921, U.S. tax law has recognized that the exchange of one investment or business-use property for another of like-kind results in no change in the economic position of the taxpayer, and therefore,
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Prepare for storms with insurance, actions
Thursday, August 06, 2020 Lauren BuntingWith the recent Tropical Storm Isaias impacting our coastal area, the importance of having a plan in place for storm events to protect your property is top of mind.
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New state legislation impacts HOA and condo associations
Thursday, July 23, 2020 Lauren BuntingBelow is the final summary of the 2020 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly on items that were passed and put into legislation affecting the real estate industry as it relates to
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Md. legislation affects real estate industry and taxes
Thursday, July 09, 2020 Lauren BuntingBelow is a summary of the 2020 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly on items that were passed and put into legislation affecting the real estate industry as it relates to affordable
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Points to weigh prior to purchasing condo
Thursday, July 02, 2020 Lauren BuntingCondo sales have been soaring in the Ocean City and surrounding beach markets.
Purchasing a condominium differs
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Appraisal of home important part of real estate process
Thursday, June 11, 2020 Lauren BuntingThe appraisal of a home is an important step in the real estate process, one that can certainly make or break a deal.
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OC housing market strong because of low interest rate
Thursday, June 04, 2020 Lauren BuntingDemand has been very strong in the Ocean City market over the past month due to both being in our spring market (although somewhat postponed due to covid-19) and historically low interest rates.
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Differences between down payments and closing costs
Thursday, May 28, 2020 Lauren BuntingSome of the biggest misconceptions in buying a home are related to down payments and closing costs.
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LWB Real Estate Report: Tax Prep to Purchase
Sunday, January 01, 2017 Lauren BuntingFor those considering a purchase of a new home in 2017, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself financially. The first step is to contact a local mortgage broker that can help review your current financial situation—but the two most important aspects to define are
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Best return on investment key for remodeling
Friday, February 06, 2015 Lauren Bunting"Remodeling” magazine issues an annual “Cost vs. Value Report” that highlights the remodeling projects that offer the best bang for your buck.
This year’s report touted the following projects as top on the list as far as return on your investment:
• New Entry Door: replacing your entry door with
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Buyer protection often comes from title insurance
Friday, January 30, 2015 Lauren BuntingMost commonly used in the state of Maryland to protect a buyer and ensure that title to a property is clear and marketable in a real estate transaction is the purchase of a title insurance policy.
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FHA takes steps to help underserved
Friday, May 16, 2014 Lauren BuntingThe Federal Housing Administration (FHA) issued a news release announcing its "Blueprint for Access".
This blueprint outlines the additional steps the FHA is taking to expand access to credit for underserved borrowers. These steps include encouraging a broader use of housing counseling and homebuyers will qualify for
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Web site offers real estate investment starting tools
Friday, April 11, 2014 Lauren BuntingHave you ever dreamed of delving into real estate investments but didn't know how to get started?
There is an online, free resource called BiggerPockets.com that offers real estate networking and information resource platforms, created for professionals, investors, homeowners, and other aficionados. With over 150,000 members, their
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Alternative mortgage loans made available
Friday, March 21, 2014 Lauren BuntingMany buyers are aware of both FHA 3.5 percent down loan and the USDA 100% financing loan. Both of these loans require upfront mortgage insurance fees as well as monthly insurance premiums that can really push up the monthly cost of their loan, which reduces purchase power.
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NAR provides information on Reach program
Friday, January 10, 2014 Lauren BuntingThe National Association of Realtors recently released information about REach, the strategic accelerator for technology startups created and managed by the NAR's investment fund, Second Century Ventures.
Applications to join the second-year class are being accepted
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Important First Steps When Thinking of Buying a Home
Tuesday, January 01, 2013 Lauren BuntingReal Estate Report: Important first steps to buying a home
With affordability on the rise, and interest rates at all time lows, more people are asking the question—should I rent or buy? The most important first
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What to do with your money??
Wednesday, February 01, 2012 Lauren BuntingHolding out to try and find the lowest price is not always the best strategy...
Are your feet stuck in the sand when it comes to investing? Not sure what to do with your money in today’s economic climate? Here’s an interesting perspective on today’s financial opportunities from
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FHA Waives Anti-Flipping Rules through 2012
Sunday, January 01, 2012 Lauren BuntingBuyers looking to purchase a home with an FHA backed loan will continue to have more leeway to purchase directly from banks or investors with a recent decision by the Federal Housing Administration to extend its waiver on property anti-flipping rules through 2012.
FHA rules typically prohibit
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Move Up Buyers Stuck in Mud?
Monday, August 01, 2011 Lauren BuntingReal Estate Report: "Move Up" Buyers Stuck in Mud
Our real estate market is missing an important element these days. Many homeowners who would like to upgrade to a larger home, commonly referred to as the "move up" buyer, have to hold off making a move.
A
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Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Landlord
Friday, July 01, 2011 Lauren BuntingReal Estate Report: Do You Have What it Takes to be a Landlord
Investing in a rental house can single handedly secure a college education or provide for a more comfortable retirement, but do you have what it takes to be a landlord?
Success in real estate investing,
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What is a QR code?
Wednesday, June 01, 2011 Lauren BuntingHave you looked at real estate ads lately, and wondered if there was a printing error that caused a box of squiggly lines to appear??
Well, it's no mistake. It's one of the newest mobile internet technologies using 'bar codes", or more specifically dubbed QR codes.
A QR (Quick Response)
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3 Helpful Hints to Save on Homeowners Insurance
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 Lauren BuntingReal Estate Report: Three Helpful Hints to Save on Homeowners Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance is a necessity if your home is mortgaged, and this type of insurance covers the structure of your home and your personal property, as
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Real Estate in the New Year
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 Lauren BuntingAs we say goodbye to 2010, it's time to look into this new year with rose colored glasses, but let's temper that optimism with some reality mixed in. In 2010, some of our beach markets saw foreclosure and short sales (collectively referred to as distressed properties), dominate
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Recently Joined Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County as a Board Member
Sunday, August 01, 2010 Lauren BuntingI'm proud to announce that I've increased my activities with our local Habitat for Humanity and was invited to join their Board of Directors.
I've been working with HFH for over a year now, mostly helping with their fundraising activities and publicity, but will now take a more active role
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Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certification Obtained
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Lauren BuntingI've just received my SFR designation, which stands for Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource. This is a nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association of REALTORS® offers the SFR certification to REALTORS® who want to help
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Recent Posts
- Agricultural use assessment in Md.
- VA Loan obtainable through mortgage companies, banks
- Real estate market closes strong despite 2020 chaos
- Real estate year-end observations
- Record-setting low interest rates benefit home buyers
- Different levels of insurance policy coverage
- Undersupply of homes sets up bidding wars
- ReStores offer discounted home furniture, appliances
- Lenders seek verification of cash deposits in accounts
- Pandemic creates growing homeowner dissatisfaction
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