Benefits of a Home Inspection | Baltimore Real Estate

Benefits of a Home Inspection | Baltimore Real Estate

This is Helene and welcome to my blog. 

Today I’m coming at you with a on Monday video and blog.  This is a very popular and great question I get often. I am a buyer, what is the Benefit of a Home Inspection?  I’m going to answer that for you right now. I’m Helene and I am a 12 year real estate agent with Exp Realty in Baltimore Maryland.  I serve Baltimore and the surrounding areas. If you have not been to my Youtube channel, make sure to visit https://www.youtube.com/c/HeleneKelbaugh and subscribe.  If you subscribe, you are notified every Monday when I upload amazing and super helpful videos filled with information. 


You can watch the video below or keep reading. 


One of the popular questions I get, I get a ton, but one I get all the time is, “Do I need a home Inspection and what are the benefits?” Excellent question!! 

There are buyers buying new construction, resale and renovation homes. 

“New construction has never been lived in, do I really need it?”  

“Renovations have had a lot of work done and everything (or most things) is new, still worth it?” 

“Resale homes have a seller living in it, must be ok, right?”

In my humble opinion, YES! It is strongly advised that you get Home Inspections for a home you’re considering purchasing.  Whatever category the home may fall into. 

While there are a ton of reasons to get a Home Inspection, I truly could write a book, there are 3 that stick out the most.  

OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT THE HOUSE
While you’re shopping with your agent, you’re trying to gather as much info as you can about your family needs, decor and if the house fits.  Your agent is also trying to gather info and most likely sending you listings based on your criteria. You may even be receiving listings via email or text alerts also. But your Inspector is going to give you the most relevant and important information about the condition, safety and repair of the house. For example your Inspector is going to find out what is working, not working and not working properly, what’s working now but may not be working very soon, etc.  

That is important information that you need to know as a buyer, and here’s why.  Also my second reason for getting a home inspection. 

OPPORTUNITY TO ASK FOR REPAIRS
You’re paying attention to the home layout, space and other important cosmetic factors.  As well you should. Your Inspector, however, is paying attention to the condition and how it’s functioning. The inspector is going to let you know how the home is functioning.  Once you have the report back from the Home Inspector, this is your opportunity to ask for repairs from the seller.

Now, there are some exceptions to this.  In Maryland, if the home is being sold As-is, you absolutely should still get your home inspection.  After your home inspection you find that you are happy with the report, you can terminate the contract and receive your deposit back.  No questions asked. Again, only if it’s being sold as it. As-is means the seller is not doing any repairs. There are several reasons a seller may take this option. Be sure you know the status before writing an offer. 

Now, if this is a traditional sale, you can absolutely ask for repairs from the seller.  A couple of things to keep in mind. That repairs request list is not necessarily an opportunity to renegotiate the contract.  It is an opportunity for the seller, if they agree, to address some or all of your concerns from the home inspection requests. If the seller chooses to address any repair requests. Sellers are not obligated. Be sure to get clarity from your Realtor®

PEACE OF MIND
The third and last big reason is getting this makes buyers feel more confident in their decision to purchase the home.  Once you know the condition of the house, what you can take on, etc. You’re more comfortable. 

Hopefully that answers your question and if you have any additional questions or need more advice feel free to reach out to me.  Make sure you talk to your agent and to confirm how it works!

I’ll see you next Monday for some more great information.

Who Pays Realtor Fees in Baltimore Md

Who Pays Realtor Fees? | Baltimore Real Estate

by Helene Kelbaugh, REALTOR® Exp Realty

Today I’m coming at you with a video and blog.  This is a very popular and great question I get often.

 "I am a buyer, so pays for the real estate agent?"  I’m going to answer that for you right now. I’m Helene and I am a 12 year real estate agent with Exp Realty in Baltimore Maryland.  I serve Baltimore and the surrounding areas. If you have not been to my Youtube channel, make sure that visit My Youtube Channel and subscribe.  If you subscribe, you are notified every Monday when I upload amazing and super helpful videos filled with information.  

If you would rather watch the video you can do that here or just continue reading! 

Let’s take a look at this questions from the Buyer’s perspective.   If you’re a buyer and you need an agent, typically the seller(s) pays for your Buyer agent.  Essentially were are free for you to use and provide advice, knowledge, support and everything from start to finish and after for free!  How cool is that?

Now let’s say you’re a seller and you may even be a buyer who is also a seller.   The seller pays for the listing agent.  So you get all those professional services and assistance with your seller agent. The sellers agent also will pay for a buyer agent if there is a buyer agent involved on the other side of the purchase.   

Hopefully that answers your question and if you have any additional questions or need more advice feel free to reach out to me.  Make sure you talk to your agent and to confirm how it all works!

I’ll see you next Monday for some more great information.

Contact:

If you want to talk to me about Baltimore real estate feel free to email me at helenesellshomes@gmail.com or call (443) 465-8443. Helene Kelbaugh of eXp Realty 🏡 in Maryland 443.465.8443 c 888.860.7369 d

BOLD: Business Objective, a Life by Design in Baltimore

BOLD: Business Objective, a Life by Design in Baltimore

by Helene Kelbaugh of Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan

Let's Chat! Sellers & Buyers: (443) 465-8443

Meet Team Leader at our Office

To help real estate agents increase their profitability, KW MAPS Coaching offers BOLD: Business Objective, a Life by Design.

Written by Dianna Kokoszka, BOLD teaches techniques that propelled Kokoszka’s million-dollar real estate career and secured her place as the industry’s “queen of systems and scripts.”

BOLD conditions agents with powerful mindset exercises, language techniques, and lead generation activities. This transformative program increases sales through the relentless pursuit of leads and business-building activities. Discover the transformational results BOLD will have on your life and career. Choose abundance for your life. Last year, BOLD graduates INCREASED their CLOSED TRANSACTIONS by 50% and INCREASED their INCOME by 114%.

BOLD conditions you on how to think and act bold, completely redesigning your business, life and earning potential.

BOLD is delivered by a coach hand-picked by Dianna Kokoszka, and is delivered in your local market area. Every coach meets a standard set by Dianna and MAPS and is based on past real estate sales experience, coaching experience and other factors. BOLD: Written by Dianna Kokoszka, CEO of MAPS Coaching, BOLD includes the strategies, skills and scripts that have propelled Kokoszka's own million dollar real estate career and secured her place as the industry's Queen of Systems and Scripts.

At this FREE event you will leave with proven sales techniques that you will implement the very same day! You will leave with referrals in hand and a greater ability to influence those you come in contact with. This program is designed to get you thinking differently. The bigger you think the more money you earn! You owe it to yourself to attend. It could virtually change the way you approach your real estate career and life. 

BOLD Facts:

• On average agents close 14 contracts during the 7 weeks period
• Nationwide, BOLD increased production volume of attendees by 154% 
• Attendees with 4 – 6 years of experience in the business had 48% more written units, 21% more sold units, and 19% more GCI than those with 4 – 6 years of experience who did not attend BOLD
• Attendees with 7 – 10 years of experience in the business had 103% more written units, 49% more sold units, and 30% more GCI, than those with 7 – 10 years of experience who did not attend BOLD. Thus BOLD is even more impactful for more experienced associates

Personal Experiences

I've personally taken BOLD 4 times.  BOLD is truly focused on mindset more than scripts and calls.  Scripts and calls are important.  During BOLD, I found myself talking differently, feeling differently even more confident.  My words and thoughts were more clear.  I wasn't nervous making calls or talking to sellers, buyer or my sphere.  Making these calls and talking to your sphere, even strangers can be scary and uncomfortable.  Yet it doesn't have to be, when you come from contribution and step into BOLD with an open mind.  Allow BOLD to stretch your mind and what you can do.  You will amaze yourself. 

Details and Location

The first step to BOLD is FREE!  It's worth attending and coming to the 1st step even if you aren't sure that you may register just yet.  Come see what BOLD is about and why successful agents take it over and over again.  Remember, I've taken it 4 times and still continue to grow everytime I take.

The first FREE step to BOLD will be held at:

Martin's East

9000 Pulaski Highway

Baltimore, MD 21220

Who is BOLD for?

YOU!

REGISTER NOW!

 

  

 

18 Tips For Living In Your Home While It’s For Sale by Helene Kelbaugh of Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan

18 Tips For Living In Your Home While It’s For Sale

by Helene Kelbaugh of Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan

It's one of the largest and most expensive assets most of us will ever own. It's where we lay our head down at night, the place we make memories and call home. Selling it can be one of the most overwhelming and stressful experiences you may ever go through. So here are 18 tips for living in your home while it's for sale to help you through the process:

1. Yes, make the beds every day!
2. If you smoke, don't do it in the house! And if you've smoked in the house it would pay to have a restoration company come try to treat it or consider having it completely painted to rid the smell.
3. Dishes up. :)
4. Keep closets and storage areas organized, the larger they appear the better!
5. Keep it smelling nice. If you cook something strange, air it out!
6. Keep the temperature comfortable and season appropriate.
7. Fresh flowers inside and out are always a nice touch.
8. Keep your refrigerator clean and organized in case they look.
9. Keep your trash cans emptied.
10. Keep the floors vacuumed.
11. Keep the yard tidy.
12. Leave whenever possible and take pets with you; it makes the buyers feel more at ease. You want them to take the time to appreciate your home, right?
13. Don't talk to the other agent or buyer directly more than you have to. You hired your agent for a reason, so let them do their job.
14. Be prepared for lights to be left on, doors left unlocked, and heaven knows what else I've had happen over the years. It's not often but it's also not the exception to the rule unfortunately these things happen sometimes.
15. Wait patiently for feedback from your agent. Sometimes it takes a few days to hear back from the other agent and the buyer.
16. Be as patient as you can throughout the process and try not to blame your Realtor if it doesn't sell right away. If you chose the right agent, they have no reason in the world not to do everything they can to get your home sold as soon as possible and for that matter, for as much money as possible. They don't get paid unless and until you get paid.
17. Remove any really valuable items. Consider taking them to a safety deposit box or storage unit just to be safe.
18. Breathe. When it's meant to sell, that right buyer will come along. :)

  

Why You Should Only List Your House Once by Helene Kelbaugh of Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan

Why You Should Only List Your House Once

by Helene Kelbaugh of Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan
Let's change the meaning of YOLO from "you only live once" to "you only list once". When you decide to list your house for sale, list it like it is the first, last, and only time you are going to. Because, if you list it more than once...it's going to hurt you.

Selling your Maryland home begins in a hopeful manner.

When you decide to list your home for sale, you probably don't expect it to not sell the first time you list it for sale. Quite the opposite... Most people think their house will sell quickly. And hopefully in a bidding war. You hire a real estate agent. Pictures are taken. The house is entered into the multiple listing service. Open houses are scheduled for the first weekend. Ads are run... ...and the house gets put on the Internet in more places than you can ever imagine, with just the click of a few buttons. How could it not sell?

Avoid withdrawing or expiring.

But a lot of times, homes don't sell quickly. Or at all... If a house doesn't sell quickly, many homeowners start to get discouraged, even after just a few weeks. It gets worse if it starts stretching into months and months. Many homeowners start to wonder if their real estate agent isn't getting the job done. And they start considering either "withdrawing" their listing, or letting their contract with the real estate agent "expire", and plan on hiring a different agent. Some homeowners have total faith in their real estate agent. They want to stick with the agent they have hired. But they think it would be good to withdraw their listing, and pop it back on the market so it looks like a new listing, hoping to get buyers' attention. This is a mistake. Back in the day, this little trick could work. But, it isn't fooling anyone anymore, and it can have a less than desirable effect.

Big brother is watching.

Remember this from earlier? With just a few button clicks, your house gets distributed all over the Internet... In some ways, this is great. Your house is exposed to the entire market quickly and efficiently. In some ways it's bad, though... Not too long ago, it was pretty difficult to figure out if a home had been listed more than once, or for how long it was on the market. Real estate agents had access to the information, but consumers did not. Now, everybody and anybody can see:

• If a house has been listed before.
• How many times it has been listed.
• How long it's been on the market.
• And even more information...like if there's any pending foreclosure, for instance.

Basically put, more information is available than you would ever want made available. And you have no control over it. Nor does your real estate agent. All of this information is "scraped" and aggregated by real estate websites, like Zillow and Trulia. Back in the day, it was no big deal to withdraw your listing, or let it expire, and relist it. Few people would be aware of it, unless a real estate agent dug up the information and chose to share it with their client. Now, a buyer would almost have to deliberately avoid seeing this information.

So, what's the big deal?

Whether it's right, wrong, or somewhere in between, the number of times your home has been listed, and the length of time your house has been on the market, affect how buyers perceive your home and its value. This stinks, because you can have absolutely valid reasons why your home isn't selling quickly... Perhaps it's a supply and demand issue. (Too many houses available and too few buyers buying houses.) Or maybe you have a high-end home, and there just aren't many sales in the price range, so it takes quite some time to sell. Those sorts of reasons are valid. There's nothing you can do to affect that. And it's awful (for sellers at least), but the Internet and available information can cause buyers to sense that the house isn't selling because "something is wrong". Or buyers may feel like, "since the house has been on the market for so long, the owner has to be negotiable or desperate." There's plenty of other legitimate reasons a house may linger longer on the market... But way too often, the reason houses linger on the market is because homeowners list their home for way too much money. And, quite often, don't reduce their price to be in line with the market and actual value. That you can, and should control... Otherwise, you're causing buyers to dismiss, overlook, or undervalue your home...because the Internet.

So, here's what you do...

Control what you can control.

• Make sure you hire a real estate agent who gives you an honest assessment of your home's value.
• Do not hire an agent that simply says your home is worth the amount you want to hear. Or one who agrees to list your house for a higher price than they recommend, just to appease you and get your listing.
• Price your home appropriately within the market. Price it to sell...not to linger. (This does not mean "give your house away". There's a fine line and balance. A good agent will help you find that perfect balance.)
• Don't withdraw your listing, or let it expire, if at all possible.
• If your home is not selling, assess whether the price is reasonable for the market. If it's, be patient. Keep it on the market. Stay the course.

Ignore this advice if...

If you have hired a good real estate agent, and he or she disagrees with this, listen to them. Real estate is "local". Your agent will know what may help or hurt you in your area, more than a general article. But, if you and your agent are discussing withdrawing or relisting your property, maybe you should bring up what you have read here. Your agent may never have even thought about this angle. At least it can lead to an in depth conversation about the pros and cons of withdrawing or relisting your home, before just doing it because it seems like a good thing to do. Again, there are valid reasons a home can linger on the market. Things you and your agent can't control. It's not the end of the world. It doesn't spell doom for your sale. A good agent isn't going to let a buyer get your house for a steal, just because of some information the buyer has seen on the Internet. However, what they find and see on the Internet will certainly fill their mind with thoughts. So, try not to give them anything to think about, other than making a full price offer as quickly as possible.

Get Your FREE Home Value Now

Helene Kelbaugh, Realtor of Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan 410-342-4444| 443-465-8443 | 2936 Odonnell Street |HeleneSellsHomes@gmail.com | www.HeleneSellsHomes.com

Career Day and Career Night @ Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan

Career Day and Career Night @ Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan
by Helene Kelbaugh of Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan

Let’s Chat!  (443) 465-8443

Schedule Appointment

Have you ever thought about a career in Real Estate? Wonder what it may be like to help people with the biggest financial decision they may make in their lives?  Or, are you currently licensed or working at a brokerage office and considering making a move for other options?
Join Us for Career Day or Career Night at Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan.
Register Here:


This event is a great opportunity to learn about Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan and what it takes to get your Real Estate License.
At Career Day or Career Night at Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan you will learn about the Technology, Productivity Coaching Program, Mentor Program, Training, Education, Teams and more!  This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn.
When you arrive at Career Day or Career Night at Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan, you will receive a packet with lots of information on Keller Williams and information on what you will need to get licensed and the requirements for the state of Maryland and school information on where you can register for the licensing course.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to hear from agents that currently work in the office to learn more about the "day in the life of an agent".  You will learn about how the day looks, tasks of the agents, background of the agents and more.
Real Estate is an industry that all of your work experience will surely help.  Many of us, did not grow up in Real Estate and made change from a previous career.  There are agents who were in Technology, Law Enforcement, Hospitality, Banking, Teaching, Nursing and many other backgrounds.
Come check us out and learn more about a career in Real Estate!

Register

Downpayment Assistance Programs in Baltimore

Down Payment Assistance Programs in Baltimore - HeleneSellsHomes.com of Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan

by Helene Kelbaugh of Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan

Let's Chat! Sellers & Buyers: (443) 465-8443
Schedule Appointment

There are market here is Baltimore, Maryland is officially HOT!!  Yes. It is HOT!!  By hot, I mean there is limited inventory on the market right now.  There are lots of buyers in the market right now who want to be homeowners. However, there aren't as many listings to go around for all the current buyers to choose from.  This then turns into what we refer to in the industry as a "multiple offer" situation or possibly using an "escalation clause".  An escalation clause is used when there are multiple offers and you indicate how much over the highest over you are willing to go.   Pretty crazy right?  One of my buyer clients asked me, "Helene, if the market is this crazy, what can I do to get ready and be prepared to buy a home in Baltimore?"  Excellent question I told them! In addition, after working with many buyers and sellers and getting them prepared for the home buying and selling season, this is what I tell them.

Down Payment Assistance Programs

Meet with your REALTOR  and find out what amount you may be preapproved for a mortgage.  I know, it's very tempting to want to start with shopping for the perfect house first.  Especially after watching many episodes on House Hunters on HGTV!  However if you don't know what you are preapproved for, how do you know what price ranges you should be shopping in? You don't.  Not without speaking to a lender.  Unless you are using cash.  Not to mention, after you meet with your REALTOR, you could find out more information about down payment assistance programs that you may be qualified for.  Down payment programs are a plenty right now. These programs will greatly reduce if not eliminate the dollar amount (down payment) a buyer has to bring to the table.  In my experience, I have had a buyer who only needed to bring $0.00 to the table!  No that is not a typo!  $0.00! How cool is that?  For the amount that was left over, we were able to apply it to the buyers priciple.  Thus reducting the amount of the morttgage balance.  This reduced the amount of the loan.  For another buyer, they only had to bring $500.00 to closing.  As their REALTOR,  I was able to successfully negotiate the seller covering all of the closing costs. It was a great feeling to help my buyer this way!
Initially the buyer has to or should have an idea of where they want to live.  Some programs are based on the location of the property.  This is key.  If you want to live in Baltimore County and go to the requirement for Baltimore City, you have not qualified for the program.  Once you have that narrowed down, next step is to learn the terms of the program.
For example

• Is the program forgiveable after so many years of living in the home?
• Do you have to pay any of the program back if you sell within in a certain period of time?
• Can you prepay your mortgage without penatly?
• Is the program recorded as a second mortgage or lien against the property?

The terms of the program are crucial.  Be sure that you learn all these ahead of time prior to making the committment.

Down Payment Assistance and Partner Match Programs

Down Payment Assistance and Partner Match Programs may be used for things like down payment, closing costs, and prepaid/escrow expenses.  They may be available in the form of zero-interest deferred loans, forgivable loans, or outright cash grants.

The Maryland Mortgage Program provides help in the form of Down Payment Assistance, as well as a some Partner Match programs from certain employers, some developers and various community organizations that can help you cover these down payment and closing costs.  These programs may make it possible for first-time homebuyers to afford a mortgage when they would not be able to do so the conventional way.

• The zero interest loans are due upon transfer, sale or refinance of the property mortgage
• Forgiveable loans are amortized (dimminished) over a certain period of time as long as you make timely payments and follow the terms of the agreement
• A grant (cash) that is made is given and not paid back 

Maryland Mortgage Program's Down Payment Assistance Program

The Maryland Mortgage Program features Down Payment Assistance, which is an additional loan available to anyone who is eligible for a Maryland Mortgage Program mortgage, helps borrowers put together a suitable down payment on their home. This loan, which can be up to $5,000, is a zero percent deferred loan, which means that you only ever pay back the principal (there’s no interest) after you complete all payments on the main Maryland Mortgage Program mortgage, or if you refinance, sell or otherwise vacate the home.

Partner Match Programs

The Department of Housing and Community Development has partnered with a range of organizations that can provide you with additional funds (sometimes grants, sometimes loans) to help you purchase your first home, and which will be matched by the Maryland Mortgage Program up to $3,500 (as a zero-interest deferred loan - some conditions may apply). These partner organizations include:

Further Assistance from Local Governments

In addition to the Department’s Down Payment Assistance and Partner Match programs, many local governments throughout Maryland offer additional support to purchase a home in their community.  These local governments often work with employers and community organizations to provide local partner assistance beyond state programs already described above.  This assistance can be combined with the Department's Down Payment Assistance and Partner Match Programs to help you with upfront homeownership costs.

For more information on these programs, contact me today. 

Ref:  Maryland Mortgage Program 

Helene Kelbaugh REALTOR® & Internet Marketer, Keller Williams Legacy Metropolitan 410-342-4444 | 443-465-8443 | 2936 Odonnell Street |HeleneSellsHomes@gmail.com | www.HeleneSellsHomes.com |wiseintro.co/helenekelbaugh

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