6 Costly Mistakes to Avoid Before Buying a Home

Annapolis, MD - A new report has just been released which identifies the 6 most common and costly mistakes that home buyers make before buying a home.

Mortgage regulations have changed significantly over the last few years, making your options wider than ever. Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small differences in the way you structure your mortgage, can save or cost you literally thousands of dollars and years of expense.

Whether you are about to buy your first home, or are planning to make a move to your next home, it is critical that you inform yourself about the factors involved before you buy. In answer to this issue, Industry Insiders have prepared a FREE special report entitled "6 Things You Must Know Before You Buy".

Having the right information before hand can undoubtedly make a major difference in this critical negotiation.

To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-596-1821and enter 1004.  You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to find out what you need to know before you buy a home.

This report is courtesy of John P Ogle Champion Realty, Inc. 410-224-0660. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2013

Welcome to my blog - The Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist

The Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist

With 25-Years Experience Selling Real Estate and Homes for Sale in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland,

 Loyalty, Commitment And Excellence In All That We Do!

We guarantee to sell your waterfront home in 60 days or less!

Annapolis Real Estate and Relocation, Anne Arundel County, Eastern Shore Homes For Sale,and Properties in the Surrounding Counties of Maryland

Welcome to AnnapolisHomes4You,BlogSpot.com your source for real estate information on buying and selling real estate property and more!

At AnnapolisHomes4You,BlogSpot.com you can find information on local schools, weather, local information, links and other local resources for the Annapolis area and its surrounding communities.

Pat Ogle of Champion Realty, Inc, can assist you with a variety of real estate services, such as assisting buyers to find their next Annapolis real estate property or Annapolis home, and assisting sellers in selling their Annapolis home or Annapolis real estate property and getting the most for their Annapolis real estate property.

Are you looking to buy Annapolis real estate? Are you looking for something particular? Please let us assist you find your next Annapolis home by completing our VIP Home Request form. We will send you listings that match your criteria as soon as we get them.

Are you selling real estate in Annapolis? Need to know how much your home or real estate property is worth? Feel free to request a FREE Home Value Request. Tell us a little about your Annapolis home or real estate property and we will let you know how much you can expect to earn from your property.

Buying or selling your next Annapolis home or Annapolis real estate property can be the single the most important transaction in your life, therefore it is important you work with someone who has the experience, professional expertise and integrity to make your next Annapolis real estate transaction pleasurable and stress-free.

If you have further questions about the Annapolis area or Annapolis real estate markets, please don't hesitate to call Pat Ogle at 410-224-0660 or send an email. .

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986
Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
(800) 847-9990 (O) 410-224-0660 (D) 443.569.2736 (C)
A HomeServices Of America Company
A Member Of The Berkshire-Hathaway Family Of Companies
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
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Using Native Plants in Landscaping

Here is so information from my monthy e-News Letter

Native plants are plants that have adapted to the geography, rainfall levels, and climate of a particular region. Native plants occur in communities, that is, they have evolved together with other plants. As a result, a community of native plants provides habitat for a variety of native wildlife species such as songbirds and butterflies. Who doesn't like those?

The reason you might want to consider incorporating native plants into your landscape is that they provide a beautiful, hardy, drought resistant, low maintenance area to your landscape, while benefiting the environment. Native plants, once established, save time and money by eliminating or significantly reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, water, and lawnmowers.

Which plants attract birds and butterflies?

For song birds: sunflowers, blazing star, white prairie clover, compass plant, prairie dock, big bluestem, downy serviceberry, hackberry, dogwood, juniper, elderberry, and hawthorn.

For hummingbirds: columbine, jewelweed, native phlox, native honey-suckle, and cardinal flower.

For butterflies: milkweed, aster, purple cone-flower, blazing star, native phlox, black-eyed Susan, dogbane, New Jersey tea, coreopsis, joe-pye weed, goldenrod, vervain, and ironweed.

Useful native plant info links:
• Wild Ones Natural Landscapers is a 23-year-old non-profit organization devoted to restoring native ecologies and promoting environmentally sensitive horticultural practices.
• The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center has a comprehensive list of resources for every state.
• National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program tells the basics for starting a backyard wildlife habitat.
• The Environmental Protection Agency's Green Landscaping site has information about reducing energy consumption through the use of native plant landscapes.
• Ken Robertson's write-up on the tallgrass prairie of Illinois features excellent photos of many dry prairie species.
• There's lots of info about milkweeds at the Monarch Watch site.

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986
Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
(800) 847-9990 (O)  410-224-0660 (D)  443.569.2736 (C)
A HomeServices Of America Company
A Member Of The Berkshire-Hathaway Family Of Companies
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit http://www.annapolishomes4you.com/
Visit http://www.annapolisrealestatehomesforsale.com/
Visit http://annapolishomesforsale.tv/
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

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Saving Thousands When You Buy Your Home!

Buying a home is a great investment, possibly the largest investment you will ever make, so it seems logical that you would want to invest your money wisely when the time comes to purchase a new home. The following report will tell you simple but often-overlooked procedures that will allow you to maximize the dollars you spend on your new home.

Most homebuyers have two primary considerations when they start looking for a home. First, you want it to meet your needs and desires, and secondly, you want to get the best buy possible to obtain your new home. Successful homebuyers emerge from a sale with the features they want in their new home at the best price available in the market.

For starters, you must know what you are looking for in a home. You must have a list of needs as well as a list of desires, but be sure when choosing the actual home that you go with the one that fulfills most of your needs. It is not uncommon for someone to start out with very specific needs and wants but fall in love with a home offering different features. Ideally a house will come along that has all of your needs and desires, but sometimes that doesn't occur. Be careful not to get caught up in the excitement of home shopping and end up with a home that is not as close to perfect as possible.

You should be pre-approved for a loan by a professional mortgage lender. By understanding what you can afford, you will not spend time looking for homes that are out of your price range. You also need to understand the various financial aspects of the sale, from whether to spend more up front or make a smaller down payment and work with a larger loan. There are several costs to consider in the process of buying a home. Your REALTOR® can recommend a reputable mortgage lender who has the reputation of providing excellent service and good rates.

Choose your Agent wisely. Any agent will show enthusiasm and will want to help you locate your new home; they need
A. Experience at assisting buyers in locating the best home.
B. Ability to use technology to search the market thoroughly.
C. To review with you comparable home sales in the area you choose.
D. Information pertaining to new homes coming on the market that other agents do not know of.

Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Choose your agent by asking questions of him or her. Find out how knowledgeable they are about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold. Can your agent recommend a good lender that has the reputation of excellent customer service and low rates to assist your new buyer with financing? A good listing agent can get your house sold quickly at TOP DOLLAR and help you find a new home.

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:
http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
(800) 847-9990 (O) 410-224-0660 (D) 443.569.2736 (C)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit http://www.annapolishomes4you.com/
Visit http://www.annapolisrealestatehomesforsale.com/
Visit http://www.annapolishomesforsale.tv/
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

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Money-Saving Tips for Your Home

Thinking of saving money, according to the Alliance to Save Energy, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, American consumers and businesses spend some $21 billion annually, on lighting alone, and could cut their costs in half with energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures while improving the environment. Installing efficient lighting in American homes and businesses would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 140 million tons each year--as much as eliminating all the carbon dioxide produced by the state of New Jersey! Isn't that amazing?We found a website (sponsored by the EPA and the DOE) that shows how to save money on energy bills by incorporating their energy efficiency suggestions. It's http://hes.lbl.gov/.

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986
Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
(800) 847-9990 (O)  410-224-0660 (D)  443.569.2736 (C)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit http://www.annapolishomes4you.com/
Visit http://www.annapolisrealestatehomesforsale.com/
Visit http://www.annapolishomesforsale.tv/
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

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Renn Fest

It's that time of year again here in Annapolis. The Renaissance Festival is in full swing. This actually starts in late August and runs every weekend until the end of October. Click the title of this post for a link to their website. You will find lots of fun stuff going on at the Renn Fest. Despite what they say about it being, "White and Nerdy" the Festival is definitely fun for all ages. Personally, I'm partial to all the amazing food they have there. Ya gotta love cheesecake on a stick dipped in chocolate. Frankly, I would love anything dipped in chocolate. Of course there's loads of wonderful entertainment as well. The cast of the royal court are really good. I remember when I was in high school visiting the festival to write a report about it. The "King" noticed me taking notes on something and came over to ask what I was doing. He was shocked to learn that girls go to school where I come from. He played the role very well. If you're looking for some good fun for the whole family then this will fit the bill. But, hurry, because it will be over before you know it. Then you'll have to wait another whole year before you can get your hands on some of that awesome fried cheese. Hmm, Methinks it be time to embark on a quest for that which is fried in grease and served on a stick. Let us away to Revel Grove and join in the merriment.

photo courtesy of www.rennfest.com

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:
http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT:  LICENSED SINCE 1986

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
(800) 847-9990 (O)  410-224-0660 (D)  443.569.2736 (C)  
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisRealEstateHomesForSale.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomesForSale.tv
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

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If not for U.S. Marines, I would have completely lost hope in America a long time ago

I got this in an E-Mail and I just have to past it on. It has nothing to do with Real Estate just life. Police investigate.   The 71-year-old retired Marine who opened fire on two robbers at a Plantation Florida sub shop late Wednesday, killing one and critically wounding the other, is described as a former pilot for two presidents. John Lovell. ``He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he works out every day.'' Lovell was a man of action Wednesday night. According to Plantation police, two masked gunmen came into the Subway at 1949 N. Pine Rd. just after 11 p.m. There was a lone diner Lovell, who was finishing his meal. After robbing the cashier, the two men attempted to shove Lovell into a bathroom and rob him as well. They got his money. But then Lovell pulled his handgun, opened fire, shooting one of the thieves in the head and chest and the other in the head. When police arrived, they found one of the men in the shop. K-9 units found the other in the bushes of a nearby business. "They also found cash strewn around the front of the sandwich shop" said Detective Robert Rettig of the Plantation Police Department. Both men were taken to Broward General Medical Center, where one, Donicio Arrindell, 22, of North Lauderdale died. The other, 21-year-old Frederick Gadson of Fort Lauderdale is in critical but stable condition. White, a longtime friend of Lovell, was not surprised to hear what had happened. ''He'd give you the shirt off his back and he'd be mad if someone tried to take the shirt off your back,'' he said. White said Lovell worked as a pilot for the Marines, flying former Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He later worked as a pilot for Pan Am and Delta. Lovell is not married and does not have children.He is not expected to be charged, authorities said. ''He was in fear for his life,'' Rettig said.  These criminals ought to realize that most men in their 70's have military backgrounds and aren't intimidated by idiots.Something tells me this old Marine wasn't "in fear" even though his life was definitely at risk. He better not be charged, more like rewarded! The only thing he could be charged with is participating in an unfair fight, one 71 year young Marine against two punks. Two heads and one center body mass shot- good shooting! Even better would have been to double tap them both. Let's hope the scumbag in critical condition kicks.   That'll teach them to get between a Marine and his meal. If not for U.S. Marines, I would have completely lost hope in America a long time ago. Don't you just love a story with a happy ending? Semper Fi! Pat The Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist - With 25-Years Experience Selling Real Estate and Homes for Sale in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland

Annapolis Real Estate and Relocation in Anne Arundel County, the Eastern Shore, and Surrounding Counties

TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT:  LICENSED SINCE 1986  
Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, 
Internet Marketing Specialist, REALTOR  
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) 
Certified Internet Marketing Specialist (e-PRO) 
Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) 
Certified Residential Investment Specialist (CRIS)  
Certified Historic Property Specialists (CHPS)  
Champion Certified Buyer Representative (CCBR) 
Member of the Champion Realty Hall of Fame  
Champion Realty Lifetime Achievement Award 
Awarded the Realty Alliance  National Sales Award (2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2010) Awarded Best-of-the-Best by Champion Realty in Settled Real Estate Transaction Sales 
Life Time Member of the Distinguished Sales Achievement Club of the Anne Arundel County Board of Realtors (DSAC)

The AnnapolisHomes4You.com TeamChampion Realty, Inc.

A HomeServices Of America Company

A Member Of The Berkshire-Hathaway Family Of Companies

711 Bestgate Road Annapolis, MD 21401 
Business:(410) 224-0660    Toll Free:(888) 204-0535  Cell Phone:(443) 569-2736    

 PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com

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Just Settleted On A New Home In Annapolis, MD 21409

Annapolis Real Estate and Relocation - Anne Arundel County, the Eastern Shore, and Surrounding Counties in Maryland

TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR® Visit Us At AnnapolisHomes4You.com

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Offering to Purchase Real Estate- the Basics - Part 1

Annapolis Real Estate and Relocation - Anne Arundel County, the Eastern Shore, and Surrounding Counties in Maryland

Writing an Offer to Purchase Real Estate

Once you find the home you want to buy, the next step is to write an offer – which is not as easy as it sounds. Your offer is the first step toward negotiating a sales contract with the seller. Since this is just the beginning of negotiations, you should put yourself in the seller’s shoes and imagine his or her reaction to everything you include. Your goal is to get what you want, and imagining the seller’s reactions will help you attain that goal.

The offer is much more complicated than simply coming up with a price and saying, "This is what I’ll pay." Because of the large dollar amounts involved, especially in today’s litigious society, both you and the seller want to build in protections and contingencies to protect your investment and limit your risk.

In an offer to purchase real estate, you include not only the price you are willing to pay, but other details of the purchase as well. This includes how you intend to finance the home, your down payment, who pays what closing costs, what inspections are performed, timetables, whether personal property is included in the purchase, terms of cancellation, any repairs you want performed, which professional services will be used, when you get physical possession of the property, and how to settle disputes should they occur.

It is certainly more involved than buying a car. And more important.

Buying a home is a major event for both the buyer and seller. It will affect your finances more than any other previous purchase or investment. The seller makes plans based on your offer that affect his finances, too. However, it is more important than just money. In the half-hour it takes to write an offer you are making decisions that affect how you live for the next several years, if not the rest of your life. The seller is going to review your offer carefully, because it also affects how he or she lives the rest of their life.

That sounds dramatic. It sounds like a cliché. Every real estate book or article you read says the same thing.

They all say it because it is true.

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Pat Ogle and The AnnapolisHomes4You.com Team are dedicated real estate professionals specializing Waterfront Homes for Sale and Properties in Annapolis, Arnold, Severna Park, Edgewater , Anne Arundel County, The Esatern Shore, and the Surrounding areas in Maryland.

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TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo

#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401

410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)


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Eight Ways to Improve Your Credit

Credit scores , along with your overall income and debt, are a big factor in determining if you’ll qualify for a loan and what loan terms you’ll be able to qualify for.

1. Check for and correct errors in your credit report . Mistakes happen, and you could be paying for someone else’s poor financial management.
2. Pay down credit card bills. If possible, pay off the entire balance every month. However, transferring credit card debt from one card to another could lower your score .
3. Don’t charge your credit cards to the maximum limit.
4. Wait 12 months after credit difficulties to apply for a mortgage . You’re penalized less for problems after a year.
5. Don’t purchase big-ticket items for your new home on credit cards until after the loan is approved. The amounts will add to your debt.
6. Don’t open new credit card accounts before applying for a mortgage. Having too much available credit can lower your score.
7. Shop for mortgage rates all at once. Too many credit applications  can lower your score, but multiple inquiries from the same type of lender are counted as one inquiry if submitted over a short period of time.
8. Avoid finance companies . Even if you pay the loan on time, the interest is high and it will probably be considered a sign of poor credit management.

This information is copyrighted by the Fannie Mae Foundation and is used with permission of the Fannie Mae Foundation. To obtain a complete copy of the publication, “Knowing and Understanding Your Credit,” visit http://www.homebuyingguide.org.

TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit http://www.annapolishomes4you.com/
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

Please Don't Forget to Show Your Support for Our Troops!

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:  http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

8 Must Know Steps that help your buyer mentally move in.

Pat Savani of Champion Realty always has some great stuff. Here are 8 steps to help the buyers mentally move in.

Pat Savani (Champion Realty, Inc.)Staging is an important part of preparing a property for sale. It can make the difference between languishing on the market and having a competitive advantage over similarly priced properties. Staging does not take the place of pricing the property correctly but in a competitive environment it may tip the scales to your advantage. Most of staging is focusing on lots of little things that collectively make a big difference.

1. Immaculate kitchens and baths are a must with fresh towels and empty counter tops.


2. Odors are a real turn off to buyers, so litter boxes and other types of pet odors and strong food smells must be addressed.


3. Lights are important, keep them on, have light switches in bedrooms associate to lamps that are prepared to light up. Keep lights on so the house always looks bright and cheery, it is a small expense that gives large returns.


4. Front doors need to be clean, freshly painted and no cob webs or debris.


5. Clean out corners that accumulate extra pieces of furniture and knick knacks.


6. Clutter is the enemy when selling a house. Pack, toss or sell extra stuff, it will make every room more spacious.


7. Clean around your furnace and change the filter. A dirty filter makes a buyer wonder whether routine maintenance has been performed on the property.


8. Lastly, eliminate strong statements of personal taste. When a room is too personalized it makes it difficult for the buyer to imagine moving their things in.

The reason for staging is too help the prospective buyer mentally move in; when you stage you give the buyer the space, and neutral palette to do that.

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:
http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best…you very often get it” Somerset Maugham

"Expect the Best" Pat Ogle

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

Please Don't Forget to Show Your Support for Our Troops!

A Video Testimonial from a Satisfied AnnapolisHomes4You Team Customer

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:
http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best…you very often get it” Somerset Maugham

"Expect the Best" Pat Ogle

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

Please Don't Forget to Show Your Support for Our Troops!

American Home Styles - Splits

Now let se what our friends at Wikipedia have to say about Splits.

Split-level homes

A split-level home (also called a tri-level home) is a style of house in which the floor level of one part of the house is about half way between a floor and its ceiling of the other part of the house. The one story section typically contains a family room, living room, dining room, and kitchen. There are typically two small sets of stairs that attach the one story section of the house to the two story section. One set leads up, typically to bedrooms and a bathroom. The other set leads down to a large family room and basement area. Often, the basement level also includes the garage and is level with the driveway. The first floor is built halfway between the basement and second floor, with the second floor being above the basement. Alternately, both halves of the house may be two stories tall, with a basement beneath the "first story" section described above. Additions to the house are possible by adding a third floor above the first or expanding outward from any side.

A sidesplit is where the split level is visible from the front elevation of the home. A backsplit is where the split level is only visible from the side elevation. The front elevations shows only a single story and the two stories are in the back.

Includes two short sets of stairs and two levels. The entry is between floors. The front door opens to a landing. One short flight of stairs leads up to the top floor; another short flight of stairs leads down. The top floor tends to be full height ceilings with the Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Bedrooms and Bathrooms. The lower floor often has lower ceilings and is partially below ground. However, in many modern split foyer homes the lower level is at grade, which necessitates an outdoor staircase to reach the front door. These homes often also have very high ceilings on the lower level to accommodate the home's HVAC ducting.

Stacked Split Level

The stacked split level has four or five short sets of stairs, and five or more levels. The entry is on a middle floor between two levels. The front door opens into a foyer, and two short sets of stairs typically lead down to a basement and up to some sort of living area (often the kitchen or the living room). The next living area is on top of the foyer (containing either the kitchen or the living room), and another short set of stairs typically leads to at least one bedroom, located on top of the first living area. Often additional bedrooms are 'stacked' on top of the second living area, hence the name 'stacked split level'. This type of construction is typically used for townhouses.

Split Level

The split level has two or three short sets of stairs, and three or four levels. The entry is on a middle floor between two floors. The front door opens directly into what is usually the formal living area. This mid-level floor houses Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, and has a short flight of stairs leading up to bedrooms, and another short flight of stairs leading down to informal living areas and garage.

Split Entry-Foyer

The Split Entry has two or three short sets of stairs, and three or four levels. The entry between floors. The front door opens in a foyer or entry area located in a wing off the main house. From the entry, a short flight of stairs leads up to the top floor and another short flight leads down. Usually resembles a three-level or split-level from the exterior, but is actually a bi-level with an entry wing. In most cases this entry area is part of a garage wing. In others, the entry area might be a separate living room wing.
Raised Ranch

The raised ranch has one full flight of stairs, and two levels. The entry at lower floor. A full flight of stairs, usually near the front door, leads up to the living level. Top floor tends to be full height ceilings with the Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen and Bedrooms. Lower floor often has lower ceilings. Although door is at or nearly at grade, sometimes the back and/or a side of the house is partially below ground. Many have the appearance of a ranch house that has been stretched upward and had the door lowered.
Advantages

The split-level home offers a convenient way to accommodate uneven property during construction. Since the main floor is about halfway above the basement, the house can be built into the side of a slope or soft hill, providing a very efficient use of space.

Moving throughout this type of home can be easier for people with disabilities, since fewer steps are required to go from the bedrooms to the rest of the house when compared with a traditional two-story house.

In an area where the amount of floors is limited by local law, split-level home offers more floors while in the same time adhere to the local law.

Disadvantages

Since the first floor and driveway are at uneven levels, stairs must be built to connect the entrance to the driveway, which can pose safety threats in icy conditions. Also, this type of house tends to include many stairs, which can be a problem for the elderly and others with impaired mobility, children must also be watched more attentively due to the many flights of stairs that they could fall down.

Homes may also be more prone to uneven heating and cooling, but this varies from house to house. The split-level design, however, aggravates the problem.

In contrast to traditional and historic homes, the primary focal point for pedestrians of a split level home tends to be the large garage doors presented to the street, rather than the doorway. Many architects and urbanists have been critical of this element due to its celebration of cars rather than inhabitants.

The garage to the front's resemblance to a snout and bedroom windows to eyes have led to the nickname 'pig houses' in some circles.

Regional Variance in Usage

In some regions such as the Northeastern United States, the term "split level" is used to refer to a bilevel house with a split entry. This style of house is also known as a "split foyer." This is a two-story house that has a small entrance foyer with stairs that "split"—half a flight of stairs go up (usually to the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms) and half a flight of stairs go down (usually to a family room and garage/storage area). This style is very popular in other areas of the country as well.

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