March is National Nutrition MonthPut your best foot forward with FREE healthy cooking demonstrations in Prince George's County, MD! Learn how to prepare delicious, healthy meals and snacks in these step-by-step cooking demonstrations.  Afterwards, enjoy a sample of delicious creations. All ages; no registration required.Thursday, March 9, 7-8 p.m.Spice it Up! Experiment with Spices to Season FoodsHerbert Wells Ice Rink – 301-277-3717 Saturday, March 11, 12 Noon-1 p.m.Smooth SmoothiesHarmony Hall Regional Center – 301-203-6040 Tuesday, March 14, 6:15-7:15 p.m.Stack the Healthy SnacksGood Luck Community Center – 301-552-1093 Thursday, March 16, 5-6 p.m.Smooth SmoothiesUpper Marlboro Community Center – 301-627-2828 Saturday, March 18, 12 Noon-1 p.m.Eating for the DiabeticGlenn Dale Communi... 03/04/2017

Foreclosures ExplainedThere are a lot of alarming statistics out there about foreclosures. But when you understand what a foreclosure is and how it works, it takes some of the fear out of the unknown. To break it down to its bare bones, a mortgage foreclosure happens when a lender exercises its lien against a borrower's home in order to sell the house to pay off the mortgage loan. This, of course, only happens after the borrower has failed to make mortgage payments for an extended period of time, has ignored notices that the payments are behind, hasn't bothered to call the lender to see what can be worked out. So how did we get from popping the champagne cork on closing day to having our belongings set out on the lawn? It certainly didn't happen overnight: Step 1 - Notice of default is ... 03/02/2017

Should You Rent Your Home?If you, like 68 percent of Americans, own your own home, the thought has probably crossed your mind: if you were to be offered your dream job out of state, should you sell or rent your home? Naturally there are many factors to weigh before making such an important decision. First, you'll want to think about your reasons for keeping ownership of the home. Do you like the home so much that you want to hold on to it in case you ever move back? Are you looking for an extra tax break through property depreciation? Do you want to use the home as a basis for retirement investment? These are all fine reasons for retaining ownership, but there are other factors to consider that may outweigh the perceived benefits. For instance, are you prepared to be a long-distance lan... 02/25/2017

14711 HAMPSHIRE HALL CT, Upper Marlboro, MD Get Directions Click Here Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure $ Click for current price 2 BEDROOMS | 2 (2 full ) BATHROOMS | 1500 SQUARE FEET 14711 Hampshire Hall Ct, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772  TO BUY A HOME IN Upper Marlboro: Call 301-613-2043 TO SELL A HOME IN Upper Marlboro: Call 301-613-2043   Click To  View This House or similar homes for sale in Upper Marlboro  Keji Ogunleye , Fairfax Realty, Inc 301-613-2043 www.metrohomesrealty.com keji@metrohomesrealty.com You definitely have to Fire Your Landlord with this fabulous  and spacious townhouse in Upper Marlboro. This elegant townhouse is ready for buyer(s) with taste , Cozy and spacious with eat in kitchen, and separate dinning room. The main entrance welcome you to the... 02/14/2017

Why Do People Live here?Beechtree is a beautiful neighborhood of single family homes, townhomes and estate homes located in Upper Marlboro, MD.  This premier luxury home community has truly spectacular homes that provides residents with an unsurpassed affordable lifestyle and all just minutes from services, shoppoing and the beltway.  It is not uncommon to see families walking their dog, takings walks on the trails, playing on the golf course or seeing children riding their bike in the streets.Looking for a home in Beechtree?Interested in finding homes for sale in the Beechtree Community?  Click that link to find all the currently available homes in this area of Beechtree and Upper Marlboro, MD. What's the Neighborhood Like?The homes you would expect to find for sale in the Beechtree Ne... 02/14/2017

 GRANT ASSIST: MARYLAND’S GRANT TO PAY CLOSING COSTSGrant Assist is designed to assist homebuyers with closing costs associated with purchasing a home in Maryland using the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP). The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers a first mortgage loan that is accompanied by a grant to pay closing costs. The grant cannot be used for a down payment.  Highlights of the ProgramCLOSING COST ASSISTANCE: Grant Assist includes a grant of 4% of the MMP loan amount (first lien). The grant is to be used for the closing costs of the mortgage loan and home purchase at closing. If the 4% exceeds the total closing costs needed for the transaction, the excess funds will be applied by the lender to a principal curtailment.The grant is available under th... 02/12/2017

 Plays & Exhibits in Prince George's County, MD Freedom Before Father Abraham: "...natural freedom is the right of all men."Surratt House MuseumClinton, MDThru Feb 24  J'Nell Jordan: Hair StoriesPublick PlayhouseCher, MDThru March 19  Peter and the StarcatcherBowie PlayhouseBowie, MDFebruary 10-25 The Importance of Being EarnestClarice Smith Performing Arts CenterUniversity of MarylandCollege Park, MDFebruary 10-18  Black History Festival:Expressions of A PeopleHarmony Hall Regional CenterFort Washington, MDFebruary 12 Out of the Shadows: Illuminating African AmericansRiversdale House MuseumRiverdale Park, MDThru February 26 Barriers & Gateways ExhibitMontpelier MansionLaurel, MDThru March 12 Ulysses Marshall: The Spirit Within Harmony Hall Regional CenterFort Washington, MDThru March 1... 02/10/2017

When you’re house hunting, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You’re making a big investment. You want to find a place which is “just right” for you (and your family). You can even get a little addicted to touring houses, always convinced the perfect home is just about to hit the market. Sometimes inability to pull the trigger on a house can cause serious buyer’s remorse. You could miss out on a home that, in retrospect, was ideal.  SO HOW DO YOU KNOW A HOME IS “THE ONE”? Here are some useful ways to check your buying power and know when it’s time to make an offer: 1. The home fundamentally meets your needs. There’s plenty of compromise in house hunting, so when you find one that has the basics covered, take note. 2. You’d consider renovating for those luxurious little extras. Maybe the home... 02/09/2017

211 GRAIDEN ST, Upper Marlboro, MD Get Directions Click Here Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure $ Click for current price 3 BEDROOMS | 3 (2 full, 1 half ) BATHROOMS | 2416 SQUARE FEET Another House Sold in Kettering - Upper Marlboro Find out How Much Your House is Worth Now in Upper Marlboro  This lovely large detached house in Upper Marlboro received an offer that is over full price offer with just 37 days!!! This large split level in Kettering was updated with newer kitchen- granite counter to, stainless steel appliances along with updated bathrooms.    Pricing and condition is very important when selling a property and it can make a difference in quickly getting an offer or lingering in market.    The owner of this property did an excellent job in presentation of... 02/07/2017

 HOAs - Some Love'em, Some Don't Many people tend to cringe when they hear "homeowners association" or "HOA.  A homeowner's association can be described as the governing body of the development or complex, usually comprising homeowners who have volunteered to serve on the HOA board. The entire purpose of an HOA is to maintain a higher quality of life for its tenants and homeowners.Homeowners' associations (HOA) are common in many new, single-family housing developments, as well as in condominium and townhouse complexes. If you buy a home with an HOA, membership is mandatory and monthly, quarterly and/or annual fees are collected. In return an HOA offers  amenities, such as a clubhouse, golf course, private park, security, or community pool. Some also handle trash, snow removal, water/se... 02/06/2017

Dispelling 7 Credit Myths: Fallacy versus FactWhen purchasing a home, credit reports and credit scores play an important role in the home buying process. Buyers, as well as consumers in general, are constantly attempting to discern facts from fiction when it comes to this topic. So let’s dispel seven fallacies with the truth. Myth 1. Credit bureaus are sanctioned with governmental authority.  FACT: No credit bureau is empowered by any kind of governmental authority, although the credit bureau will tell you otherwise. Credit bureaus are for-profit companies and are in the business of selling information that is obtained through subscribers who in turn buy that compiled information from the credit bureau.  Myth 2. The information on your credit report is unchangeable and cannot be changed... 02/05/2017

Events in Prince George's County MD (Week of February 5)Black History Month Exhibition: "Shout For Joy": African American Sacred Music TraditionsMontpelier Arts CenterLaurel, MDThru February 2810 a.m. – 5 p.m.   Music In Mind: Four Strings Around the World - A Global Tableau of Solo Violin RepertoireThe Clarice Smith Performing Arts CenterCollege Park, MDFebruary 5 U.S. Marine Band Public ConcertThe Clarice Smith Performing Arts CenterCollege Park, MDFebruary 5  John Early & Kate Berlant: 555 presented by VimeoHoward TheatreWashington, DCFebruary 5 Karaoke TuesdayHalf Note Lounge4881 Glenn Dale Road, Bowie MDHosted by DJ Fresh. Free admission February 74 p.m. - midnight  I Am JAZZ WednesdaysHalf Note Lounge4881 Glenn Dale Road, Bowie MDFebruary 84 p.m. – 11 p.m. Enjoy The Music! image c... 02/04/2017

Seller, I Need Some Answers  If you thinking about selling your home, you will certainly need a Realtor ® to help you through the process. However, before making the call, it is helpful if you are prepared to answer some specific questions prior to setting an appointment. The following list provides some of the specific questions you should expect to be asked: Why do you want to sell? How soon do you want to sell? How long have you lived in your present home? What “major improvements” have you made to your home? Where are you moving? What do you think your home is worth and how did you arrive at your asking price? How long have you lived in the home? Who is on the title? Do you have a mortgage? If yes, who is on the mortgage? Do you have your most recent mortgage statement? Are there an... 01/24/2017

 Seller Strategies for Success   If you are planning to put your home on the market now or in the near future, here are some strategies to help you prepare. 1.  Declutter.  Before you put your home on the market, clear the clutter that has accumulated over the years.  The most effective way may be to tackle one room at a time and divide your items into three groups: keep, donate, and toss.2.  Pack certain items.  You don't want to pack all your belongings, but it helps to start boxing up items you want to keep, but won't use for a while.  This could be clothes that are no longer in season or equipment.  This is also a time when you want to pack up items with sentimental value.3.  Make repairs and improvements.  Start with your home's curb appeal by doing minor repairs and improvements i... 01/07/2017

Five Preparation Tips for Buyers Although spring has traditionally been the time that many buyers are motivated to enter the real estate market, buyers search for homes throughout the year.  If you are in the market for a new home, here are some tips to help you get prepared. 1.  Get your credit in shape. Unless you are making a cash purchase, check your credit history.  This is especially important if you are a first-time buyer.  That way you can make corrections to any errors, make sure your information is up-to-date, and give your credit score a boost.  Federal law allows you to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting company.  Order a copy from www.annualcreditreport.com.2.  Get pre-approved for a mortgage.  Prior to contacting a Realtor®, me... 01/05/2017

 "Pathway to Purchase" Offers Up to $10,000 Down Payment and Closing Costs for First Time Home Buyers in Prince George's County      The Prince George's County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is launching a new home ownership program, entitled "Pathway to Purchase." This new program offers first-time home buyers up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Home buyers can purchase a home anywhere in Prince George's County. Eligible residential properties include: new construction, resale, short sales and foreclosures. DHCD will start accepting Pathway to Purchase applications on Monday, January 9th.      Pathway to Purchase is a 0% interest loan program that must be paid back when the home is sold, transferred or ceases to be the primary residence of... 12/30/2016

Sellers (FSBO), Are You Prepared to Negotiate? Selling your home without the services of a real estate agent could save you thousands of dollars in commissions, but it's not as easy as you think.  Selling your home involves a lot of work and the ability to negotiate is essential since it will determine whether you get the best deal.If you decide to sell your home on your own, keep in mind that you must be prepared to negotiate with other people and various companies.  The list includes, but is not limited to, the following: Buyer who is seeking the best deal. Buyer's agent who has the best interests of the buyer. Buyer's lender if the mortgage is structured for seller participation. Appraisers if there is a question about property value. Home inspection companies who may identify proble... 12/28/2016

                          Questions to Ask BEFORE RENTING Your Home  Are you pondering whether to rent your house instead of selling it?  You should answer the following questions to determine if this is the right choice for you and your family. 1.  INSURANCE LIABILITY - Have you talked with your insurance agent about the possibility of increased premiums since liability is greater in a non-owner occupied home?2.  PETS - Will you allow pets? Dogs - how large? Cats? On a case-by-case basis?3.  REPAIRS - Who will take calls from tenants when repairs are needed?4.  REPAIR PERSONS - Do you have a list of repair persons (plumber, electrician, HVAC, Handypersons, etc.) readily accessible to handle these repairs?5.  INSPECTIONS - How often will you perform a physical inspection of the property... 12/27/2016

As we head into the winter season, it’s important to take a few moments to prepare your home for the cold weather. Let’s look at 7 things to help get you started. Reverse Ceiling Fans. If your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, use it to run the  fan’s blades in a clockwise direction after your heat is turned on. According to Energy Star, the fan will produce an updraft and push down into the room heated air from the  ceiling. Examine The Roof. If you can scan the roof closely with binoculars, look for loose or missing shingles that may leak from melting snow. If necessary hire a roofer or a handyman to handle any repairs. Also check for breaks in the flashing seals around vent stacks and chimneys. Caulk Windows and Doors. If gaps between siding and window or door frames are bigger than ... 11/28/2016

                              Maryland SmartBuy - a New Homeownership Initiative   Student loan debt is a barrier for many first time homebuyers. If you are looking to move out from under student debt and into homeownership, there is a new homeownership initiative designed with you in mind! Maryland SmartBuy, within the Department of Housing and Community Development, is the first program of its kind in the nation and will make move-in-ready homes available to qualified buyers while eliminating student loan debt burden, which is often a significant barrier to homeownership for younger homebuyers.  This law, which was introduced by the Hogan Administration in the 2016 Legislative Session, authorizes the department to make direct payments on student loans in conjunction with other financ... 11/25/2016