Pre-Inspection Inspection

If you're a buyer, you know how important it is to have a home inpsection. This step alone will keep you from making a huge mistake or give you a peace of mind about purchasing the home you're interested in.

Did you know that there are things you can look for before an inspection that can give you a clue about the condition of the house? Here are five things that all home buyers should be on the lookout for when looking at houses.

1. Use your eyes and nose. Be on the lookout for water damage, leaks, or mold. Look beneath counters, behind shower curtains, and around sinks. Do you see evidence of leaks or of moisture build-up? Are there tiles rotting off walls or dampness under sinks? And don't forget to use your nose. You can smell moisture as soon as you enter some homes. This goes for the basement as well. They are notorious for harboring mold, leaks, and moisture. By the way, this also gives you a great opportunity to inspect joists for rot or termite damage as well as wall damage, which could indicate foundation issues.

2. View the attic. You can tell alot about a house by looking at the attic. Is it well insulated? If not, find out what the average heating and cooling bills are. Check the wiring too. Are they safely installed?

3. Age and state of some of the more costly repairs and replacements. Look at the appliances, water heaters, siding, and paint. Asking about the age and functionality of these items will alert you to when you'll need to replace them and can help you at the negotiating table.

4. Walk around the house. You will want to be able to see the foundation and look for any visible cracks. Large trees to close to the house can cause issues for both plumbing and foundation because of its large roots.

5. Take a look at the neighborhood. What kind of condition are the houses in? How do they look? Are people taking care of their yards? Is the neighborhood noisy? Does it smell good?

So there you have it. These are tips only and does not in any way substitute for a professional inspection of the property. They just give you some real clues as to whether this home is what you're looking for or willing to get into.

I'm Lisa Longest with Exit Gold Realty. I specialize in residential real estate in Stevensville Md and surrounding areas, such as Chester MD. Feel free to contact me at 443-786-4200 or email me at LisaLongest@ExitGoldRealty.com

I'm "The Realtor That Will Be With You The Longest"

1678 Justin Dr Gambrills Md For sale in the Neighborhood of Hermitage

This is my latest listing that I wanted to share with you: 1678 Justin Drive Gambrills Md.

The home is located in an exclusive community known as Hermitage Hills in Gambrills Maryland. This Traditional home has been well maintained and features well over 3600 square feet of living space,4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, hardwood floors, energy efficient windows through out, gas fireplace, beautiful gourmet kitchen, and a fully finished lower level. It also offers an attached 2 car garage as well as a detached 2 car garage. The property sits on 2 acres of land with mature landscaping and a back yard complete with an in-ground pool and large private patio.

Hermitage is an established community with large 2 acres estates and has tennis courts for the homeowners. Hermitage is centrally located to Route 50, 97, and 301. Within 5 miles of Waugh Cahpel Shopping Cemter, within 2 miles of the Walden and Crofton Country Clubs for those interested in golf, and only 10 minutes to Annapolis for those interested in Entertainment.

Just to give you an idea of how hard it is to get into this community: One home sold in 2011 and only 2 homes sold in 2010. So don't wait. Schedule your private showing now and become a homeowner in this much sough after community of hermitage Hills.

My name is Lisa Longest at Exit Gold Realty. I specialize in real estate in the Davidsonville and Gambrills Md location and other nearby cities. If you have any real estate needs, or know someone who does, please call me at 443-786-4200

7000 Main St Queenstown, MD

This is a listing I have and I wanted to share it with you because it has alot of history behind it. I thought it was very interesting and wanted to share it with you.

This home is located within the town limits of Queenstown and was constructed somewhere between 1870-1877 and was used as the town store; most likely as a general merchantile business. The store, referredto as the "Mitchell Store", was owned and operated by 2 brothers. They advertised the sale of "fertilizers, stoves,and pumps" . The building was occupied from 1897 until 1902 by Mary S. Sweeney, who operated a millinery shop. The building was converted into a residence in 1906, so the integrity of the material, design, workmanship and feeling has been compromised throught the modification and additions.

The house is a two story house that rests on a brick foundation with concrete block infill. The walls are clad with wood siding that is currently covered with aluminum siding. The roof is sheathed with metal and a pair of chimneys punctuate the roofline of the building.

A one story shed is attached to the rear of the building. All of this is located on a half acre and has it's own private lane off the main street.

Now the history of the town. Queenstown is one of the oldest, continously-occupied communities in Queen Anne's County. Established in 1707, Queenstown served as the first county seat. In 1762, the town contained a courthouse, a jail, and 5 or 6 dwellings.

During the 19th century, Queenstown served as a regional commercial center. The area's economy was dominated by agriculture and fishing. The town became an important shipping terminus for goods produced on the Eastern Shore. In fact, Queenstown also became a processing center for Chesapeake Bay oysters and agricultural products.

Most of the town was surrounded by property associated with the Bolingly estate until after the Civil war. In 1877, the town now contained about 36 buildings, including two churches, 13 commercial buildings, which includes the house listed above) 2 hotels, 1 school, and 13 residences.

In 1892, the town was incorporated and Queenstown became the terminus of the Queen Anne's County railroad, however, in 1902, the railroad shipping terminus was moved to Love Point. It was also about this time that the economy of Queenstown declined.

During the 20th century, Queenstown continued to serve as a commercial center for the surrounding area and as a destination for summer residents. Local businesses included a lumberyard, several canneries, and a dry goods store. The Queenstown Bank, established in 1899, provided financial services and occupied a prominent location in town.

In 1822, 20 acres associated with the Bolingly estate were sold at public auction. Residential construction occurred in the area between 1890 and 1930's. A second residential area opened for development in 1914, when another portion of the Bolingly estate was sold. Construction in this area continued until the 1950's.

Since the 1950's, Queenstown has become increasingly a residential community, thanks to the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Route 301. Located nearby is the Queenstown Harbor golf course and the large outlet mall.

So there you have it. The house located at 7000 Main St Queenstown Md is for sale at a suggested price of $102,500. For those who would like to renovate it to reinforce the town core historic character, I would have to say that there is a great deal of the house that needs to have major work done to it. For those who want a new home, feel free to tear down and start fresh. Since the home is located within town limits, I have town zoning and what they will allow to be built there. They will accept residential or commercial.

I'm Lisa Longest with Exit Gold Realty. I specialize in real estate in Stevensville Md and surrounding towns. feel free to contact me at 443-786-4200.

The Realtor That Will Be With You The "Longest"

MarketWatch Videos | RBI

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This is updated every month on the 20th of the month. If you would like to check it each month, visit my website at www.StevensvilleHomesForSale.net
I'm Lisa Longest and I specialize in real estate in Stevensville and surrounding cities. Contact me at 443-786-4200.

Social Media Revolution Socialnomics 2011

This was shared with me during a technology course that I attended today.

MarketWatch Videos | RBI

MarketWatch Videos | RBI

EXIT Realty is Growing! - Your EXIT Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Network

EXIT Realty is Growing! - Your EXIT Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Network