Scott Smolen's Anne Arundel County and Bowie, Md. Real Estate Blog

Virtual staging is becoming a more popular strategy among those in the real estate industry, allowing them to use computer software to replace vacant properties with virtual furniture and decorations. This detailed representation of what the house might look like after it has been moved into can help potential Buyers picture themselves living there, making for an even more attractive listing!

In contrast to classic staging, virtual staging offers an expedited timeline and is less expensive. When you add furniture and decorations virtually to a listing, they can be quickly modified or substituted in accordance with the potential Buyer's wishes. Not only does this save time but also allows for more flexibility.

Transforming an empty room into something extraordinary is the purpose of virtual staging. Professional stagers are equipped with all they need - software, hardware, and a creative eye - to make it happen. They can even incorporate carpets, curtains, window treatments and pieces of art to accentuate the space further for maximum impact.

Virtual staging is a fantastic way for real estate agents and home sellers to demonstrate potential Buyers what their home could look like once it's completed. With virtual staging, the creative possibilities are endless and can make an incredible impact on viewers. If you want your property to stand out in this competitive market, then make sure you are working with a Realtor who offers virtual staging.

Additional Home Selling Tips for Maximum Market Value

Home maintenance may not be the most exciting thing to do, but it’s still important! In fact, many people don’t think about home maintenance until something goes wrong. That’s why we’ve compiled these three easy DIY home maintenance ideas that will help you keep your home running smoothly all season long, so you can get back to enjoying what matters most—your family and friends!

1)  Change your HVAC filters

HVAC filters can be a forgotten part of your home. If you neglect them, you might notice a drop in your heating and cooling efficiency. Changing your HVAC filters on a regular basis is essential to keeping air quality high and maintaining efficient operations in your system. Check with your HVAC provider to find out when they suggest changing yours! An easy way to remember when it’s time to change your filter is to write it down in a calendar or set an alert on your phone. It’s easier than ever these days!

2)  Fill in cracks around your windows & doors

It’s really easy to fill in air gaps around windows and doors. Fill them with caulk or foam weather stripping and you’ll find your energy bills start to come down as a result. What’s more, if you’re not already an energy-efficient homeowner, caulking your doors and windows will help make your home more comfortable (and attractive!) by sealing out drafts that can chill your rooms and make you feel cold even in springtime warmth.

3)  Clean out your gutters

It’s important to not only clean your gutters, but also check their condition. Look at your gutters and downspouts to see if they’re clogged with debris such as twigs or leaves that can lead to water backup. If you see any signs of damage, it might be time to replace them. A few contractors who are experienced in roofing services are still offering free inspections during April and May—to get on their schedule, call now! 

This is a question that we are getting more and more frequently.  We have all seen the increased values in homes over the last 2 years.  In the Maryland suburbs we have seen the average sales price increase from $444,836 in Quarter one of 2019 to $532,034 in Quarter four of 2021.  That is an increase of nearly 20%. 👇🏼

The answer to this question is not the same for everyone.  The first thing that you have to ask yourself is how long you plan on owning the home you are thinking about purchasing.  Life can always throw a curveball at any of us, but if you are planning to own your next home (not necessarily living in it) for at least 3 years or more, then it probably is a good time to pull the trigger and purchase.  Although mortgage interest rates have started to move up, they are still at historically low levels.  This is a great time to grab a FIXED rate mortgage and take advantage of the cheap money that is still available.  This fixed mortgage will keep your payment the same (with the exception of any changes in taxes or insurance) and give you peace of mind.  

If you believe that you will not be owning your next home for at least the next 3 years, then it probably would make sense to wait and rent for the time being.  The property values likely will dip a bit over the short term and you do not want to get having to sell before they rebound.  With the inflation that we are seeing in the market, you should be prepared to see your rent increase over the next couple of years.  If you are able to lock in a 2-3 year lease, then it likely will prove to be advantageous.  

We all saw property values fall in 2008 when the real estate bubble popped.  There are several different factors surrounding the current rise in property values that should stop that from happening again.  The main difference is the amount of cash that Buyers have been using as their down payments when they have been purchasing their homes.  Prior to 2008, there were more exotic loans where many Buyers were using little to cash for their down payments.  This helped to create the mess we went through back in 2008.  This is not the case today.  We are more likely to see a more normal correction.  

Over the long run, real estate has consistently proven to be a solid investment.  In spite of the market dropping dramatically in 2008, it did rebound.  The chart below shows the average sales price for the Maryland suburbs over the last 10 years.  As you can see, the average price in Quarter one of 2011 was $296,768.  The average price in Quarter four of 2021 is now $532,034.  That is an increase of approximately 79% in ten years.  This data supports the fact that buying real estate as a long term investment tends to be a very solid investment over time. 👇🏼

Every individual circumstance has varying factors.  If you would like to discuss the possibility of buying or selling your home, please feel free to reach out to us anytime for a free, no obligation consultation.  We would be happy to do anything we can to help you with your decision process.