Our Client Appreciation Blog Postings
about the Real Estate Market

Our Newsletters are broken down into subject categories.  You can look at all of the newsletters on a specific topic:

Buying a Home — Financial Literacy — Home Improvement

Lawn and Garden Care — Personal Development

Real Estate Market — Selling Your Home — Technology

Every month we send out a newsletter to our best clients, friends and customers.  Each one of the newsletters provides information about a different, carefully chosen topic.  We believe that they are always relevant and contain valuable information that can be used by everyone.

The year 2020 was filled with twists and turns that no one could have predicted.  It wasn’t always easy, but now we have entered into 2021.  It’s time to shift our focus toward a brighter future.

The economic uncertainty of 2020 had many people concerned.  We are here to bring some peace-of-mind for 2021 when it comes to the housing market.  The information here provides a well-rounded snapshot of the 2021 real estate market.  It also notes a few trends to watch as the year unfolds.  We are also including a short quiz.  It will help you figure out if now is the right time for your family to make a move.  This will be especially valuable if your needs have changed since last year.

Some people aren’t able to move due to the economic trouble and housing market in 2021.  In order to help them, too, we are providing tips on how you can Maximize your space at home.  If you need to have work done on your home, we can help you with that, too.  Whether you need some simple repairs or a renovation, our licensed contractors can make it happen.  You can benefit from our Homeowner Concierge Service program.

We hope this information provides you with clarity on the market.  We want to help you to better prepare for 2021.  Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions about the latest trends!  Remember that real estate is still local.  We’re happy to shed some light on how our area’s market is looking this year.

To invest or not to invest, that is the question!  An investment in real estate, if done responsibly, can significantly build your financial portfolio.  It can be difficult to know where to start, but once you dive in, the return on investment can be quite lucrative.  We are sharing information to help you with building generational wealth with real estate.  It contains the things to know before you decide to buy. You can get insights on choosing the right property, understanding the costs and working with tenants.  You will also learn about the benefits of owning an investment home and the wonders it can work for your equity.

If you’re considering buying a second or third property in the near future, give us a call!  We own investment real estate ourselves, so we will be happy to discuss what that process would look like for you.  We can also offer some potential places to look into so that you make the smartest possible investment.

Discount and online brokerages can seem like an easy alternative to buying or selling a home with a real estate agent, but when it comes to these deals, everything is now always what it seems.  We’re sharing the Real Deal with Discount and On-Line Brokerages.  There are differences in the type of service you will get.  When you’re searching for a home, doing it all online can severely limit your options.  We want to make sure you can make an intelligent decision about what is likely going to be the biggest purchase of your life. 

In a world where you can buy or sell a home with the click of a button, the work of a real estate agent becomes even more critical. Sure, you may be able to perform an actual sale on the web.  The Not-So-Hidden Talents of Your Real Estate Pro, the extra perks an agent provides, simply can’t be replaced by the internet.  If you’ve ever worked with a real estate pro before, you know that this process is much more than just a clickable transaction.

To show you what we mean, we are sharing a few of the things that we do to help our clients with the process.  These are some skills, benefits and knowledge we provide in addition to assisting you with buying or selling or renting your home. You’ll also find a few numbers speaking to the high-quality work real estate agents provide for their clients. It is our hope you grasp a completely new perspective on what a great real estate professional can do for you. 

If you’ve ever worked with a real estate pro before, you know that this process is much more than just a clickable transaction.  If you are going to sell your home, you need good information provided by a licensed agent.  You don’t need on-line “guesses” about the value of your home. 

We are sharing with you the truth about I-Buyers.  These are mostly on-line companies that allow you to request an offer for your home, sight unseen.  If you accept, the company will purchase your home, list it and sell it so someone else.  Typically, the offer they make to you is lower than what you would get in a fair market sale with a licensed real estate agent.

Only 34% of Americans own their homes free and clear.  All other homeowners have a mortgage that they are chipping away at every month.  Some experts believe that the interest paid on home mortgages is “good” interest because it is deductible for tax purposes.  However, it may be to your advantage to work towards Getting the Mortgage Monkey Off Your Back by paying it off early.  If you are one of those people, then you may want to consider paying it off early.  We’re providing seven strategies to help you do just that!  These tips could also help you pay off other forms of debt more quickly, too.  Paying off any debt could improve your credit score and help you increase your wealth. 

A mortgage may seem daunting at first.  It actually saves you money in the long run.  Committing to a mortgage payment is often cheaper than paying monthly rent in most places.  We’re sharing information about Why Homeowners Are Actually Saving Money.  We believe that it will help you.  You may be better off owning a home and paying a monthly mortgage than renting and paying off someone else’s mortgage.  If you have any questions about your specific housing situation, feel free to Contact Us today.  We can arrange a referral for you, for your family or for your friends to one of the great lenders in our Business Directory with whom we work so that we can help you review your options.

UPDATE PENDING —

The U.S. Housing Market Outlook … The National Market As We Begin 2019 — Although it’s impossible to predict the future, current trends and statistics create a picture of the market’s health.  This information covers the entire United States as a whole.  Obviously, each State and even every County or City or Neighborhood could be different due to the local dynamics.  If you want to find out exactly what’s going on in your neighborhood, be sure to Contact Us so that we can provide you with a FREE market analysis for your home or specific information about your neighborhood.  We have our fingers on the pulse of our real estate market!

Contact Me for All of Your Real Estate Needs! — Whether you have questions about our local real estate market, are thinking of buying or selling or would like a referral to a service or trades professional in our area, we can help.  Through our Nationwide Agent Referral Network, we can connect you with qualified and well-trained real estate agents all over the County and Canada.  We also have contacts in most service and trades who can help you with anything you need.  Contact Us so that we can arrange a referral for you, for your family or for your friends.

Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal — If you are thinking of selling your home this year, we would be very happy to help you decide which of the projects in this month’s information would net the best value based on our experience.  We have some great contractors who work with us and they will be glad to discuss all of your options.  Feel free to Contact Us to discuss your plans … we’ll be glad to help!

Planning to Sell?  Think Like a Buyer — Although the majority of homebuyers initially search on-line for the right home to purchase, more than 63 percent will walk through the home and nearly half will drive by it to get a view of the exterior.  Photographs are great for first impressions,but driving by the property provides a different perspective that allows buyers to get an idea of the home’s current status.  We’re providing some ideas of how you can “think like a buyer” when you assess the condition of your home.  Don’t hesitate to Contact Us if you have questions about the real estate market or the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.  Our highly-trained agents can answer all of your questions.

Five Reasons to Give Me a Call Today! — Did you know that we can do more than help you buy or sell a home?  In fact, we offer a variety of services to all of our great clients, regardless of whether we’re currently working with them on a home purchase or sale.  Whether you need advice on making repairs to your home or on finding a reliable business to help you with whatever you need, Contact Us so that we can connect you with someone in our business network.

The Buying Process — Are you in the market for a home?  If it is your first time attempting to purchase a home, you may wonder what to expect during the buying process.  Even if you’ve purchased a home before, the process has many variables and may not be the same every time.  If you are considering buying a home, Contact Us so that we can walk you through the process.

House Hunting Check-List — The average home buyer views 10 homes before they find the one they want.  When you view that many homes, it can be difficult to remember the details of each one.  We are providing you with a check-list to help you remember the features of each home you visit and your impression of the home and surrounding neighborhood.  Feel free to print out as many copies of this check-list as you need … and be sure to Contact Us to help you with the home-buying process.

Home Selling 101 — Selling a home may be a stressful experience, espeically for first-time sellers.  One of the best ways to ease anxiety and reduce stress is to know what to expect.  We outline the process for you here. If you are considering listing your home for sale, Contact Us so that we can walk you through the process.  This is also valuable information if you plan to list your home for rent.

Boost Your Home’s Online Appeal — One of the first steps buyers take when they begin their home search is to look online at properties for sale or for rent.  In fact, more than 50% of buyers (and tenants) found the home they ultimately purchased in an online search.  We’re providing you with five keys to great listing photos.

Seven Features That May Sell Your Home Faster — If you are thinking about putting your home on the market this spring, then this information will help you to get started with the process.  It outlines seven features that make a home more attractive to potential buyers, including energy-efficient windows and appliances and hardwood floors.  Contact Us so that we can discuss the process of listing your home for sale so that you can get the highest value possible.

How to Pay for Your Home Renovation — If you are thinking of starting a home improvement project soon, then this information will be very helpful to you.  It outlines several ways to pay for the project, including several lending options.  We know what renovations and improvements will give you the most “bang for your buck” and also have a large number of very qualified (licensed and insured) contractors that are available to help you with the process, too.  Contact Us if you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss your options.

It doesn’t matter if you are buying or selling your first home or if you’ve bought and sold a few during your lifetime.  It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a new home directly from a home builder or buying land on which to build.  The one thing that you need for any real estate transaction is a well-trained, licensed real estate agent.  While some people believe that you can buy or sell your home on your own, if you’re not familiar with the process (or the laws), it may lead to more frustration and aggravation than it’s worth.  We are sharing the Nine Reasons You Need an Agent to Help You with the Real Estate Process.  

The most important thing at a home buyer wants from their real estate agent is help finding the ideal home.  The most important thing that sellers want from their real estate agent is property marketing of the home to the right buyers and selling within their specific timeframes.

The National Association of Realtors reported that 87% of buyers and 89% of sellers worked with a real estate agent during their transaction.  If you’re thinking about buying a home or listing your current one, you may be wondering if it is a good time.  The truth is that it depends on your local market.

The agents at DMS Properties, LLC … Residential Real Estate Services are available to help you in any way that we can.  Feel free to Contact Us so that we can help you with whatever real estate transaction you are considering.  Also remember that we’re never too busy to help your family, friends and co-workers!

UPDATE PENDING — 

UPDATE PENDING — 

Five Tips for Navigating the Real Estate Transaction — For many buyers and sellers, especially first-timers, the real estate process can be overwhelming.  This report is designed to help ease your mind about the process and offers five tips to prepare to list your home for sale or buy a new one.  If you need specific information about our market in Maryland or your specific neighborhood, Contact Us and we’ll help you begin the research.

Thank You for Being Our Client — Because much of our business comes from referrals, your business and referrals are essential to our continued success.  Remember that we at DMS Properties, LLC … Residential Real Estate Services are always here to serve you, whether you have questions about your home’s current value, or need a referral to a reputable contractor.  Contact Us about all of our real estate needs.

Advice for Today’s Home Seller — Selling a home is an emotional process for many sellers, especially first-time sellers and those who have lived in their homes for a long time.  People sell homes for many reasons, but whatever your reason it, we’re providing you with information to help you handle it.  Be sure to Contact Us so that we can discuss your home buying options and provide you with additional information and support.

Stage Your Home to Sell — If you want your home to sell faster, then you may want to consider Staging it.  We’re providing tips that you can apply throughout the house and in each room.  When you’re thinking about selling, Contact Us so that we can discuss your home and help you get it ready for listing.

Seven Tips to Help You Navigate the Buying Process — The home buying process can be confusing, especially for first-time buyers.  Not only is the market always changing, but the average buyer purchases a home once a decade.  While today’s buyers have access to more information now than in the past, they don’t have the experience to process and understand what they read.  Contact Us so that we can discuss your home buying options and make sure the process goes smoothly.

Four Steps to Take Before You Start Your Home Search — Although the average buyers’ home search takes approximately 12 weeks, many buyers begin preparing for the process well in advance, especially first-time home buyers.  The prepare by saving for a down payment, paying down or paying off debt and exploring potential neighborhoods where they might want to live.  If you know you want to buy a home someday, these steps will get you started.  Be sure to Contact Us so that we can discuss your home buying options and provide you with additional information and support.

Ten Reasons You Need a Real Estate Pro to Sell Your Home — Whether you have lived in your home for many decades or less than five years, one thing is certain — you need an experienced real estate professional in your corner to help you through the process.  Some sellers may initially try to sell their home themselves, but soon realize that they need help.  Contact Us so that we can discuss your options and make sure the process goes smoothly.

Five Tips to Get Your Home Ready to Show — Although the majority of buyers will see your home on-line before they see it in person, the time to prepare your home for showings is before you list it. Here are some tips to get you started.  Be sure to Contact Us so that we can discuss your options and provide you with additional information and support.

How to Find the home that’s Right for You — For the majority of homebuyers, finding the right property to buy is often the most difficult step of the home buying process.  We’re providing you with four important things to consider as you begin the search.  We would urge you to Contact Us today so that we can help you with the process.

Using the Internet in Your Home Search — An overwhelming majority of homebuyers are using the Internet to help them find a home.  More than 89% of buyers use the Internet during their home search to look at listing, find information about neighborhoods or learn more about the mortgage processes.  You can also feel free to Contact Us about your home search… regardless of whether you are buying or renting.  We can provide you with the most current information about homes that are available.

If you are in the market to buy or sell your home … or even if you are renting a home, it’s important to have an advocate in your corner to help you navigate through the real estate process.  We’re providing you with a list of just a few things we can offer when you are thinking of getting into the real estate market.  We’re always here to help you in any way that we can.  Read about the Why You Need a Trusted Real Estate Professional in Your Corner.  Our agents are available to help you in any way that we can.  Don’t hesitate to Contact Us so that we can help you with whatever real estate transaction you are considering … and remember that we’re never too busy to help your family, friends and co-workers, too!

Improve Your Home Search Using These Three Free Apps — According to a recent study by Google, more buyers are using their mobile device during the home search than ever before.  In fact, millennials are twice as likely to look for real estate information on their mobile devices than other generations.  We’re providing you with 3 free Apps that can help you find the home of your dreams.  You still need to call us, though, to help you with the purchase!!

Staging Your Home for Great Listing Photos — Because the majority of home buyers and potential tenants start their home searches on-line, photos have become one of the most important components of a listing.  If the photos don’t pique a buyers’ or tenants’ interest right away, they’re likely to scroll right past it.  Here are some staging tips to make your home stand out!

A Mid-Year Review of the National Real Estate Market — if you are thinking about buying a home or listing your current one, now is a perfect time to get started.  Whether you are considering a jump into the housing market or are just curious about what shape it is in, we are providing you with the facts!

The Home Seller’s To-Do List — When you are selling your home, there are a million things to do.  We are providing you with a checklist of the basic tasks to complete once you have decided to list your home for sale.  If you want more tips to help you prepare your home for its debut on the market, give me a call or send a message!

Improve Your Home’s Value This Spring — One of the most common questions homeowners have is “How do I improve my home’s value?”  Whether you’re a new homeowner or you’ve been in your home for decades, you may wonder if there are things that you can do to improve your home’s value.  It offers tips and solutions to help you boost your home’s curb appeal — the first impression that potential buyers and passersby have of your property, and also focuses on the five renovations that offer the biggest returns, from replacing your front door to adding an attic bedroom.

Three Benefits of Pricing Your Home Right — Spring is a popular time for sellers to list their homes on the market; it involves more than getting it ready for its close-up with potential buyers.  If you want to grab the attention of potential buyers and sell your home quickly, it is essential to price it right.  We will show you three of the biggest benefits of pricing your home right.

Five Things to Consider Before Making an Offer — When you begin your search for a home to purchase, here are five things that you should consider before we write an offer on it.

Thank You for Allowing Me to Be Your Trusted Real Estate Professional — We appreciate the business we receive from all of our clients … homeowners, tenants, sellers and buyers.  Your support is vital to our success; we enjoy helping great people like you achieve your real estate goals.

Should You Buy or Sell This Year? — “How’s the market?” is one of the most popular questions that real estate professionals are asked.  Nationally, home prices are still considered affordable, homes are on the market for less time, interest rates are still low and more than two-thirds of Americans say that now is a good time to buy.

How to Prepare for a Bidding War — In many areas around the U.S., low inventory is causing a bidding war to erupt between buyers.  According to a recent study, over half of buyers faced competition on an offer they wrote.  How can you outbid other buyers and get the house you love at a price you can afford?  We’re providing some simple tips to make that happen.

Why Now is the Time to Enter the Housing Market — The housing market has been steadily improving over the last few years and 2014 should be a great year.  Here are the top reasons why now is a great time to buy or sell.

Do You Have Different Home Buying Habits than Your Parents or Children? — Did you ever wonder if there are generational differences in the ways people of different ages approach the home-buying process?

Three Reasons to Speak with Your Real Estate Professional Today — Your real estate agent knows the market and can be a great resource to help you protect your biggest investment.

The Goal of Homeownership — Home ownership is a goal for many people and also a tool for accumulating wealth.  We know how to help our clients do that!

The Impending Housing Shortage — Some Realtors knew very early on that we would be facing a housing shortage … we believe that it will last until 2017.

We mail out the newsletters on a monthly basis … some by postal mail and some by e-mail (depending upon what they would like).  Many of our clients tell us about how this information has helped them in one way or another.  We would love to hear which of these articles you find useful.  You can Contact Us for more information about any of these articles or about our Client Appreciation Program and the special benefits we offer.