home buying: Do NOT do any of these things once you apply for a mortgage - 03/19/14 12:44 AM
Do NOT do any of these things once you apply for a mortgage

I hear stories of buyers who have been approved to buy a home, ratified a contract, and are waiting for settlement day to come to purchase their new home… and then something  bad happens!
There are times when the Buyer does something that sabotages the sale!

Do Not Do The Following:
Create new debt
Open or apply for any new credit cards or increase balances on existing credit cards and lines of credit or allow anyone to pull your credit report. It is the buyer’s responsibility … (0 comments)

home buying: Why Buy a Home in Montgomery County MD Instead of Paying Rent? - 06/15/12 12:02 AM
Why Should You Buy a Home in Montgomery County MD Instead of Paying Rent?

 
Whether you are Buying or Selling a Home in Montgomery County, MD I can help you get the best price!
 
 
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home buying: Home Buyer Seminar Thurs., Feb. 23, 6:30 pm at Weichert Realtors Silver Spring, MD 20906 office - 02/21/12 09:07 PM
Home Buyer Seminar
Thursday, Feb. 23, 6:30 pm
at Weichert Realtors, Leisure World Plaza Shopping Center
3816 International Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20906
Montgomery County, Maryland
featuring...
Homeownership Mortgage Programs
HOC Mortgage Purchase Program

 
First Trust Mortgage Purchase Program
This program provides low interest rate first mortgage financing for first-time home buyers purchasing a home in Montgomery County
Montgomery County Closing Cost Assistance Programs
 
Revolving Closing Cost Assistance Loan Program
Available to first-time home buyers who need funds for closing costs and/or downpayment.  Must be used with the HOC First Trust Mortgage Purchase Program (Exception the HK4E Program)
Are you … (1 comments)

home buying: One-stop shopping for your complete home buying process - 01/22/12 11:08 AM
One-stop shopping for your complete home buying process Here's why you should be glad that Weichert offers one-stop shopping.

Even with a signed contract in hand, there's still a lot to deal with before the house you found can become the home you live in. Through Weichert Gold Services*, we can take most of the details out of your hands and into ours, smoothly streamlining the delivery of mortgage financing, home insurance, title insurance, and even vital home connections services to save you time and make the transition easier.
Unless you have a mortgage credit approval, obtaining financing in time … (1 comments)

home buying: Considerations for Homebuyers when thinking about a home with gas systems and appliances - 09/10/11 04:11 AM
Considerations for Homebuyers when thinking about a home with gas systems and appliances
Natural gas is America's most popular home-heating fuel because it is efficient, clean and reliable. Because of this, there is a high likelihood that the home you are considering purchasing has natural gas fixtures.
When properly installed and routinely maintained gas fixtures, such as the clothes dryer, stove and furnace, are safe and trouble-free. However, homebuyers should factor in these considerations when thinking about a home with gas systems and appliances:
Prior to your purchase, hire a professional inspector who can thoroughly evaluate the condition of all the … (0 comments)

home buying: Now is the ideal time to purchase your second home with amazing opportunities for vacation-home buyers. - 02/18/11 08:57 AM
Now is the ideal time to purchase your second home with amazing opportunities for vacation-home buyers.
If you have visions of long summer weekends at a country or beach house, now is the ideal time to purchase your second home. Not only do low mortgage rates and affordable prices provide amazing opportunities for vacation-home buyers, but those who buy now can close on their home in enough time to enjoy it this summer.

Here are some reasons why the time is right to invest in a second home:
Prices and mortgage rates are about as low as they go. Today's … (0 comments)

home buying: Both homeowners and current renters believe that owning a home is a smart decision over the long term. - 01/28/11 09:28 AM
Both homeowners and current renters believe that owning a home is a smart decision over the long term.
A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors showed that a substantial majority of both homeowners and current renters believe that owning a home is a smart decision over the long term. The American Attitudes About Homeownership survey of 3,793 adults found that even in today's challenging economy, 95 percent of owners and 72 percent of renters believe that over a period of several years, it makes more sense to own a home.
Other findings of the American Attitudes About Homeownership … (1 comments)

home buying: Buyers often ask me for an estimate of Utility Bills for a particular home for which they are considering a purchase. - 01/12/11 02:31 AM
Buyers often ask me for an estimate of Utility Costs for a home for which they are considering a purchase.
Active Rain CHALLENGE: Never Answer the Same Questions Twice!
  
ENERGY EFFICIENCY DISCLOSURE NOTICE:
Before signing a contract for the sale of a single-family home, Sellers of Montgomery County, Maryland properties must provide Buyers with:
A. Information about home energy efficiency improvements, including the benefit of conducting a home energy audit.
Sellers are required to disclose to potential Buyers, prior to entering into a Contract, Information regarding Home energy efficiency, AND Copies of Electric, Gas and Home Heating Oil Bills OR cost … (0 comments)

home buying: First Time Home Buyers Often Ask Me The Following Questions ... Should I Rent or Buy a Home? Can You Give Me Some Advice as a Realtor, Which Way Should I Go? - 01/12/11 01:28 AM
First Time Home Buyers Often Ask Me The Following Questions ...
Should I Rent or Buy a Home? Can You Give Me Some Advice as a Realtor, Which Way Should I Go?
Part of a Active Rain CHALLENGE: Never Answer the Same Questions Twice!
 
When trying to determine when is the right time to purchase a home, there are some basic questions you will need to ask yourself to help determine the best answer based on your current situation.

Renting vs. Buying?1. Here are Some Good Reasons That Would Indicate Your Lifestyle May Be More Suitable to RENT:
MobilityIf you … (1 comments)

home buying: The Final Walk-Through Is Your Opportunity to Make Sure All Contract Terms Have Been Met! - 10/08/10 10:05 AM
The Final Walk-Through Is Your Opportunity to Make Sure All Contract Terms Have Been Met!
Before you close on a real estate purchase, you will need to do a final walk-through of the home. This is your opportunity to make sure that all of the terms of your contract have been met and that the home is in the same condition as when you agreed to purchase it.
In advance of the walk-through, review your purchase contract to remind yourself of the items that are to be left in the house and any other details. Here are some of the things you should … (0 comments)

home buying: Consumers may not fully grasp the significance of the current rock-bottom interest rates - 09/03/10 09:36 AM
Consumers may not fully grasp the significance of the current rock-bottom interest rates
Mortgage interest rates continue to remain at all-time lows, yet trends show that many potential homebuyers stand to miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they present. According to a recent survey of nearly 500 visitors to Weichert.com, consumers may not fully grasp the significance of these rock-bottom rates.
While the survey shows that consumers are still responding to affordable prices, it also seems that they have become accustomed to low rates. For example, nearly half (45 percent) of those surveyed would view interest rates as high at 6 … (1 comments)

home buying: Economic Benefits of Homeownership - 08/21/10 01:53 AM
Economic Benefits of Homeownership
The economic benefits of homeownership are well known. From tax incentives and building equity to the boost the housing sector provides to the overall economy, it is no surprise that owning a home continues to be an essential element of the American dream.
In addition to the financial benefits, homeownership has also been proven to offer substantial social benefits for families, communities and the country. The most recent evidence appears in a new report from the National Association of Realtors, called "Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing."
Some of the report's notable findings include:
Stronger Communities: … (0 comments)

home buying: Is Moving Up a Smart Decision? - 08/06/10 12:20 PM
Is Moving Up a Smart Decision?
There are many reasons why someone would want to move into a bigger or nicer home. Some of these are based on necessity, such as adding another child to the family, having aging parents move in or starting a home-based business. In other cases, a new home is desired purely for location, size or other features.
Because a home purchase is a major decision, it is important to thoroughly research whether or not moving up is a smart choice. Here are some things to consider:
Interest Rates: Mortgage interest rates are at all-time lows now, making a home purchase more affordable, but … (3 comments)

home buying: Figuring out financing can be a daunting task - 07/26/10 04:46 AM
Figuring out financing can be a daunting task.
For many homebuyers, figuring out the details of financing their purchase can be a daunting task. After all, a home is likely the largest purchase a person makes in their lifetime. One of the decisions to be made is whether to go with a standard or low down payment mortgage.
Tim McLaughlin, a senior vice president for Weichert Financial Services, offers these tips:
Amount of Cash On Hand and In Reserve. Standard mortgages require at least a 20 percent down payment, while with an FHA loan you can put down as little as … (1 comments)

home buying: Home Buyer Checklist - Here's a Road Map for Buyer's That Takes You Through Every Step of The Homebuying Process - 03/01/10 01:46 PM
Home Buyer Checklist - Here's a Handy Road Map for Buyer's That Takes You Through Every Step of The Homebuying Process
Use this Home Buying Checklist as you work with your Realtor from start to finish.  It will help you understand the whole process of homebuying and gives tips on what you need to do throughout the time between making an offer to final settlement.

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home buying: BUYING A HOME? A REAL ESTATE AGENT CAN HELP! - 02/13/10 07:25 AM
BUYING A HOME?  A REAL ESTATE AGENT CAN HELP!
Whether it's your First Home, Move Up Home or Downsizing in Retirement, an Experienced Real Estate Agent Can Help You Throughout the Homebuying Process!
  
A Real Estate Agent...
Has the most information in one place about what is on the market. Has full access to homes listed by other real estate professionals. Can help you choose a home that fits your needs - features, size, location, etc. Can provide information regarding local taxes, utility costs, schools, churches, shopping, transportation, etc. Selects and researches qualified properties. Explains basic real estate principles. Helps … (0 comments)

home buying: There has never been a better time to buy a home! - 02/09/10 09:32 AM
There has never been a better time to buy a home!

First-time buyers who act now can save $10,000 on their new home in the first year alone.
The first $8,000 is the amount of the tax credit eligible first-time buyers can receive if they get under contract by April 30, and close by June 30.
The other $2,000 comes as a result of the historically low interest rates that are currently available. It is expected that mortgage rates will increase when government support ends in late March, meaning there is an opportunity cost for waiting even an extra couple … (2 comments)

 
Barbara Michaluk, Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR (Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office)

Barbara Michaluk

Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Silver Spring, MD

More about me…

Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office

Address: Leisure World, Silver Spring, Rockville, Potomac, Olney, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Bethesda, No. Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Brookeville, Ashton, Sandy Spring, Kensington, Columbia, Crofton, Laurel, Silver Spring, MD, 20906, 20832, 20852, 20853,

Office: (240) 506-2434

Mobile: (240) 506-2434

Contact Barbara
Interested in selling your home? Contact me to get a professional estimate of your home's value.
Barbara Michaluk
Call: (240) 506-2434
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