Southern Maryland Real Estate's blog

California MD 20619! Wildewood Community - $379,000

Wildewood Community, California MD 20619! $379,900

 Colonial with 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath in desirable Wildewood Community situated in a quite cul-de-sac. Large step down family room with marble fireplace, custom eat in kitchen with 42" maple cabinetry in porcelain finish, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances. Brazilian Cherry flooring through out house. Master bath has ceramic tile flooring. Public sewer and water. Close to shopping and Patuxent Naval Air Systems Command

Wildewood Community offers the best of both worlds. It's quiet, secluded and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River and tributaries. So relaxing walking paths, ball fields, community pool, & clubhouse. Yet it's also just minutes from Patuxent Naval Air Systems Command and  major shopping  Wildewood Shopping Center, Visit Tourism near Wildewood.

If your interested in buying or selling a home in the well sought after Wildewood Community please feel free to search my website for homes avalaible in Wildewood or email me for a market value of your Wildewood home: Wildewood Homes.

The History of Valentines Day

Every year Hallmark makes millions, HERSHEY'S bombards every store with kisses and heart chocolates, Ty or any other toy company takes the initiative to get adults to by cutesy plush animals for their special someone. Movies come out with a tangle of love stories. Couples are a little more affectionate, sometimes crushes or secret admirers are revealed. but when we take away all the commercialism, all the chocolate, all the roses, the root of Valentines Day is LOVE. It is a day celebrating LOVE. We actually have a holiday dedicated to love. Weird huh? But how did this happen? What is Valentine's Day really about? Truth is, noone is really sure.

 

Let's start with St. Valentine. In Rome, he was a catholic priest. (as one theory goes) During his term, or whatever you call it, the Romans decided that men without wives and children made better soldiers. So, the decided to out law marriage for all young men. Valentine, being the hopeless romantic that he was, thought this was unfair. He defied his emperor and married young lovers anyway. When Emperor Claudius II found out, he sentenced poor Valentine to death.

The second story is that Valentine, still a priest, helped tortured and dying christian prisoners escape from Roman jail. (they were held due to their beliefs) Again, Valentine was caught. He had fallen in love with the jailer's blind daughter. He sent her the "World's First Valentine" before his execution. On the letter it said, from your Valentine. He was sainted because it is said, he cured the girl of her condition right before his execution.

Well, I guess love is in the air, and in honor of our martyr saint I found some love story's centered around Southern Maryland.  

Jane Deborah Vincent's Charming Novel based in our very own St. Mary's County!

It's a love story of a local and an aristocrat. Adorable: Hard Crabs and Cultured Pearls: A Southern Maryland Love Story

Here is another heart warming article about a widow and a widower who found comfort on the Chesapeake Bay: Chesapeake Bay; A love story

All the chocolate must be going to my head!

Well, here's another story about two local lovers. Ever heard of Indian Head, MD 20640? Wondered how it got the name? Legend has it that an Indian Princess of the Algonquin tribe, was set to be married to the Son of the Chief from a neighboring tribe. However, her heart told her no, and just before the marriage she fell in love with a young warrior from Virginia. They planned to escape, but were discovered. He was executed. It was to be a warning to all neighboring tribes. When the Europeans discovered it, they named the area Indian Head. So there you have it. I didn't say it was a happy love story. But interesting!

CENTURY 21 New Millennium - St. Mary's County Events - Annual Charity Auction

CENTURY 21 New Millennium - St. Mary's County Events - Annual Charity Auction

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium - St. Mary's County Events - Annual Charity Auction

CENTURY 21 New Millennium believes that it is important to be an active member in the community. Throughout the year we host various events to give back to the community. The Volunteer Tent Event is a one of a kind event which brings local organizations together with community members who are interested in voluntarism but do not know how to go about getting the process started.

At CENTURY 21 New Millennium, we're not just a business, we're a part of the community. We are sincerely committed to making our world a better place. We actively support a variety of charitable institutions. HelpStMarys 2010 events

     

Southern Maryland Real Estate - Latest Furniture Trends for Your New Home

 

Bright and Bold: Roll in the red carpet! ...I mean, couch! Since wall colors are becoming more neutral (grays, off whites) a bright something has got to stand out. Don't over do it though. Pick one piece, a bright carpet, a vibrant green chair, then decorate around it with softer tones.

Modern Shine- The sleek modern home is jazzing up the living space with metallic accents. Surrounded by more black and whites.Dinner parties are going to feel more like the Oscars. (Or maybe like a Lady GA GA music video) Go sheek, clean and fabulous.

 Go Green- It seems social consciousness is the new black. Not only does environmentally friendly furniture have a cool back story (i.e. this used to be toxic waste and now its wood!) but it really is helping us save the planet. They look great! And when your trendy college kids come home from college, they're sure to be impressed.

Granny's Attic Makeover: Those old antiques are suddenly catching your eye again. Or perhaps its your not so hefty wallet. In this lovely economy people are going back to what they have and making it new. Refurbishing antiques, adding a distressed look to that old coffee table, or white washing your tired cabinets are all the rage. It seems people can be resourceful in times of need.

Southern Maryland Real Estate welcome's Bright and Bold, Modern Shine, Go Green and Granny's Attic Makeover! If you are interested in selling or buying in Southern Maryland please feel free to give me a call or email: moniquehailer@mris.com or (443)532.5407.

VALLEY LEE, MD 20692 - 357 Ft. of Waterfront on Herring Creek $799,900

VALLEY LEE, MD 20692 - 357 Ft. of Waterfront on Herring Creek $799,900

Magnificent price for this elegant custom waterfront home with charming views on Herring Creek situated on 2.2 acres! Privacy & nature at its best! Owner's Suite w/sitting Rm, large open cook's KIT with granite, cook top, double oven, built-in microwave, icemaker. Stunning Family room with gas fireplace. Living room features large fireplace wood floors. , Hobby Room, huge Laundry, separate dining room, covered back porch. 2nd level features additional Bedrooms and baths and office. Huge 3rd level for future additional space.  Above Grade Finished: 4000 and Above Grade Unfinished: 1500. Property sold As-is (brand new, never occupied), bank owned. If you are interested in viewing this bank owned waterfront home please feel free to contact Monique Hailer: Mobile: 443.532.5407 or Email: moniquehailer@mris.com

 

 

Energy Star Fact Sheet

"Change the World: Start with Energy Star"

Via Morgan Mason (Sun Realty - Outer Banks, NC):

The Environmental Protection Agency is launching a year-long "Change the World: Start with Energy Star" campaign. The EPA is asking consumers to pledge to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and combat climate change. These steps include replacing at least one light with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent light and choosing Energy Star-rated products when replacing appliances. Individuals can take the pledge online at: www.energystar.gov/changetheworld.To celebrate the launch of the campaign ENERGY STAR sent over some facts to help you reduce your footprint:

• If every American home replaced just one light with an ENERGY STAR, we would prevent 9.3 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year. (6 billion kWh, $642 million, 773,000 cars)

• If every American household added insulation to their attic, we would prevent 24 billion lbs. of greenhouse gas emissions per year. (12.6 billion kWh, $1.8 billion, 2 million cars)

• If every American household serviced their heating and cooling systems, inspected their ducts for leaks and programmed their thermostat to save energy while they’re away or asleep, we would prevent 169 billion lbs of greenhouse gas emissions per year. (78 billion kWh, $14 billion, 14 million cars)

• If each desktop and monitor in U.S. homes was to sleep when not in use, we would prevent more than 16 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year (10.7 billion kWh, $1.1 billion, 1.4 million cars)

• If each TV, DVD, and home theatre system purchased in the U.S. this year was ENERGY STAR qualified, we would prevent more than 3 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year (2.5 billion kWh, $269 million, 324,000 cars)

• If every home office product purchased in the US this year were ENERGY STAR qualified, we would prevent 2.9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year (1.8 billion kWh, $200 million, 240,000 cars).

• If every refrigerator, dishwasher and clothes washer purchased in the US this year were ENERGY STAR qualified, we would prevent 4.5 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year (2.6 billion kWh, $663 million, 380,000 cars)

• If every decorative light string purchased in the US this year were ENERGY STAR qualified, we would prevent 4 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year. (2.6 billion kWh, $ 277 million, 330,000 cars)

• If every American household took part in the pledge, we would save more than 110 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, more than $18 billion in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 18 million cars.

Courtesy of Energy Star

Southern Maryland Waterfront and Real Estate Services! Feel Free to subscribe to my blog to keep up to date with my latest posts about Southern Maryland Waterfront Properties and Real Estate for sale: Calvert County, St. Mary's County & Charles County Real Estate. Keep up to date on Community information & local events.

Websites:  Southern Maryland Real Estate   Southern Maryland Waterfront

Buying Southern MD Homes?  Click on "VIP Buyer's Program"

Selling Southern Maryland Homes?  Click on "Free Market Analysis

 

A Buyer's Guide: The NEW 2010 HUD1 & Good Faith Estimate

The new HUD1 Settlement Statement and the new Good Faith Estimate

Via Steve Combs (First County Mortgage, LLC):

Are you considering the purchase of your next home?  

Have you heard of all the changes that have occurred January 1st?  

Are you a little confused and feel like you need more information?  

You're not alone and that's why we've developed this quick 30 minute presentation outlining both, the new HUD1 Settlement Statement and the new Good Faith Estimate.

The new 3-page GFE that went into effect on January 1, 2010 certainly does its part to outline the costs involved in a loan transaction for buyers and sellers - but there is one important topical mention that it lacks ...suitability!  We will demistify this.  What's more...

You'll learn what the intention was for the GFE and the "why" behind it;

You'll learn how to quickly and effectively read both documents;

You'll learn how the GFE directly effects the HUD1 Settlement Statement in a side-by-side comparison ...and how to read it;

How the new GFE should be explained to you by your lender;

How to avoid unnessessary delays in going to settlement on time;

Why now more than ever, you need a trusted mortgage advisor.

For an updated list of webinar events for Home Buyers, Home Owners, Home Sellers and Real Estate Professionals, please visit www.BuySOMD.com

REGISTER HERE FOR THIS EVENT: Mon, Jan 18, 2010 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM EST

Thanks for reading! 

STEVE COMBS, REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT - FIRST COUNTY MORTGAGE, LLC 

First County Mortgage, LLC is an affiliate of National City, now a part of PNC.

CLICK HERE to Schedule Your Free Consultation!

Apply Online in 15 minutes HERE

Bellingham Home Inspector (King of the House) -- Decks

 Maintaining  your deck and preventing rot and promoting safety!

Via Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc):

Here in the Pacific Northwest, or the Pacific Northwet as a friend of mine called it, we inspectors see many decks that have some decay present. If the structural lumber is pressure treated then often that will be okay. However the flat surface wood decking boards will frequently have a soft/decayed surface that can even be unsafe. I have known people to step on a deck and go right through -- one leg hanging lower than another.

The flat surfaces are the most exposed and, when rain hits, the water will soak into the wood. And, over time, that causes rot. Carefully cleaning as required, and treating the deck surface, can help prolong the decking boards. When you see vertical cracks in the decking, rain will soak in and that will cause rot quite rapidly. When you see moss and algae, that is a sign that rot will not be far behind.

Speaking of rot not being too far behind. Here are a couple photos that are typical.

  

Wood will rot at moisture levels of twenty percent and above so, needless to say, keeping exterior wood from rotting in the northwest takes careful planning and maintenance.

Thanks for stopping by,

Steven L. Smith

Southern Maryland Waterfront and Real Estate Services! Feel Free to subscribe to my blog to keep up to date with my latest posts about Southern Maryland Waterfront Properties and Real Estate for sale: Calvert County, St. Mary's County & Charles County Real Estate. Keep up to date on Community information & local events.

Websites:  Southern Maryland Real Estate   Southern Maryland Waterfront

Buying Southern MD Homes?  Click on "VIP Buyer's Program"

Selling Southern Maryland Homes?  Click on "Free Market Analysis

Waterfront in St. Mary's County $585,000

Avenue, MD 20609 - Waterfront in St. Mary's County $585,000

Excellent Condition! This waterfront brick rambler has awesome waterfront views and situated on 1.62 acres of level land !!! Deep water on Whites Neck Creek, large screened porch, Private pier with covered boat house, boat lift, jet-ski lift, electric and water on protected Whites Neck Creek in St. Mary's County - Avenue Maryland!. New kitchen with flat surface cook top Built-in microwave, cabinets. Four Bedrooms and 2 full baths on main level, approx 1624. Integral Garage is 600 sq. ft. and concrete driveway!
Basement features outside entrance and large recreation room, wood fireplace and new carpet, approx 1024 sq. ft. Large open living room with hardwood & fireplaceand leads to screened porch overlooking Whites Neck Creek! Spectacular views of the Creek and the Potomac River on The Virginia side. Approximately 8 miles to Virginia. If your interestd in buying St. Mary's County Waterfront or have a waterfront home and would like to receive a free market anaylis please feel free to give me a call or send an email with any questions. moniquehailer@mris.com M: 443.532.5407 Monique Hailer

Southern Maryland Home Owners Insurance

Southern Maryland Home Owners Insurance 

 Whether you own a house or condominium, or live in rental property, we have a policy that is right for you.

• We protect the roof over your head and everything under it, especially your sense of security.

State Farm^® has been writing homeowners insurance for over 60 years. Today, we insure about 13.5 million homes. to obtain more information about Southern Maryland Home Owners Insurace please call Wayne Shemaker: (410) 535-0434.

We offer broad protection that you can trust, plus affordable rates, and outstanding service. The State Farm Homeowners Insurance Policy offers protection for your dwelling, as well as your personal possessions and personal liability. If something like fire makes your home uninhabitable, State Farm covers the increased costs of a place to live until you can move back in. We can replace personal belongings at replacement value - not the depreciated value. Homeowners insurance can help protect you in case of a liability lawsuit against you. This could occur in a situation where you are held responsible for:

• Injury to another person
• Damage to another person's property

This could apply whether the incident occurred within your residence or elsewhere.

• When you purchase your homeowners and auto insurance from State Farm, you could be eligible for premium discounts on both policies.

You may qualify for premium discounts for having such devices as fire or smoke detectors, or burglar alarms (this may not be available in some states or provinces).

In addition, you may be able to lower your premiums with higher deductibles.

Higher deductibles lower your premium, but increase the amount you must pay out of your own pocket if a covered loss occurs.  Ask yourself how much you are willing to pay in order to save on premium. Not available in some states or provinces.

Wayne Shoemaker, CASL, ChFC, CLU, LUTCF www.wayneshoemaker.net

Phone: (410) 535-0434
Toll Free: (877) 678-7968
Fax: (410) 535-5949
Mobile: (410) 980-5045

Southern Maryland Home Owners Insurance - Wayne Shoemaker - State Farm

Southern Maryland Waterfront and Real Estate Services! Feel Free to subscribe to my blog to keep up to date with my latest posts about Southern Maryland Waterfront Properties and Real Estate for sale: Calvert County, St. Mary's County & Charles County Real Estate. Keep up to date on Community information & local events.

Websites:  Southern Maryland Real Estate   Southern Maryland Waterfront

Buying Southern MD Homes?  Click on "VIP Buyer's Program"

Selling Southern Maryland Homes?  Click on "Free Market Analysis