Diva Home & Lifestyle Podcast

A home inspection is not required by the lender but a home inspection can save you thousands of dollars. Whether you are purchasing - New construction - A traditional sale - Short Sale - Foreclosure - Even a Home sold “As Is Get a Home Inspection because no house is perfect! A home inspection costs between $250 – $500 depending on the home square footage A home inspection can provide you with information that may not be included on the disclosure form A disclosure form is a legal requirement in Maryland and it is completed with the seller when the listing agents takes the listing, they must upload disclosure forms into the MLS system for all agents to see The disclosure form gives the seller an opportunity to truthfully expose any latent defects such as - Asbestos - Mold - Cracks - Lead paint - Broken appliances The home inspector checks the roof, exterior, interior, foundation, basement, fireplace, attic, insulation, ventilation, doors, windows, heating system, cooling system, plumbing system, and electrical system Also, be sure that your buyer's agent add a home inspection contingency in contract to protect your earnest money deposit. Home Inspections are paid for by the buyer and includes a detailed report with photos, explanations Note – a seller can also get a home inspection to know what to expect during the home inspection and even get a head's up on the repairs that will have to be made to the house This makes the buyer aware of what costs, repairs and maintenance the home may require immediately, and over time. If a buyer isn't comfortable with the findings of the home inspection, it usually presents one last opportunity to back out of the offer to buy.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial investments that you will ever make. So naturally, you may feel afraid and uncertain or even have doubts. Affirmations are a great way to control your thoughts and keep you grounded and positivity. Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to overcome self-sabotaging, negative thoughts. The first time that you play this, I want you to simply listen and then the next time and thereafter I want you to see it over and over again until you have a strong conviction. These positive mental repetitions can reprogram your thinking and train you to hope for the best meaning the achievement of becoming a homeowner.

You've got questions so I've got answers. In this episode, I will share some questions that home buyers have before, during and after the home buying process. Feel free to SUBSCRIBE and SUBMIT your real estate question to realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com    

Every one of us have items in our homes that we no longer use or wear. Taking the time to declutter your house will not only make the house appear larger to buyers but it will also help you to enjoy your home investment enough to retain and preserve it. When you have an excess amount of items, the best thing to do is donate, sale or trash unusable items. In this episode, I share some common items that you may have that you may have in the home that you can get rid of.  Out with the old and in with the new. I hope this helps. Secure the keys to homeownership! Brenda Douglas, Real Estate Agent Samson Properties Bowie Phone: (202) 930-Diva (3482) / Office: (301) 850-0255 www.brendadouglas.samsonproperties.net FBook Fan Page: DouglasIntegrityGroup www.youtube.com/c/dcmetrodiva JOIN on FBook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeownersrus

Most people struggle with bad credit or not having enough money for the upfront costs to purchase a home. Having a side hustle can help you generate more income.    In this seller's market, Prince George's County home prices were up 10.7%, in March 2022, compared to last year.  Now, the median sold price is $405K. On average, homes in Prince George's County sell after 23 days. The loan product (FHA, VA, Conventional) determines how much to put down. So if you get a FHA loan 3.5% down is required. So if you purchased a home for $360k x 3.5% down = $12,600 down payment and that does not include the 1-3% deposit, inspections, and other fees. So you should save save save as soon as you have a desire to #buyahome   Mastering the skill of being able to generate extra income will not only help you to procure a home investment but it could also help you retain it and even preserve the investment when unexpected home maintenance or repairs are needed.   Key points to Remember: 1. Focus on side hustles that can making AT LEAST $20+/per hour 2. Do something that you enjoy 3. Do side hustles that could become a home based business for tax write offs 4. Do gigs that pay NOW rather than later   Secure the keys to homeownership! Brenda Douglas, Real Estate Agent Samson Properties Bowie Phone: (202) 930-Diva (3482) / Office: (301) 850-0255 www.brendadouglas.samsonproperties.net FBook Fan Page: DouglasIntegrityGroup www.youtube.com/c/dcmetrodiva JOIN on FBook: Homeowners R Us

When you are in the process of #buyingahome or #sellingahome, you can have so many things going on in your mind and in your emotions. This will cause #stress. During this time, you could be dealing with so many moving parts whether indirectly or directly. You will be dealing with all of the partners needed to make the transaction a success. In this seller's market, you may have to deal with having your offer rejected several times due to the high number of buyers vs the low housing inventory or as a seller, you may be concerned about having a buyer for your home but not being able to quickly find another place. Therefore, it is crucial that you take the time to  relax, breathe deeply and practice these suggested #stressremedies Secure the keys to homeownership! Brenda Douglas, Real Estate Agent Samson Properties Bowie Phone: (202) 930-Diva (3482) / Office: (301) 850-0255 www.brendadouglas.samsonproperties.net FBook Fan Page: DouglasIntegrityGroup www.youtube.com/c/dcmetrodiva JOIN on FBook: Homeowners R Us  

#Foreclosure, #shortsales or #bankruptcy happens to the best of us. But not to worry, You CAN own a home again. In this episode, I share the timeframe that you have to wait to purchase again as well as actions that you can take NOW to prepare for #buyingahome. You CAN own a Home Again! Credit Reports: annual credit report.com Self Credit Builder Account: https://self.inc/refer/10973311 Secure the keys to homeownership! Brenda Douglas, Real Estate Agent Samson Properties Bowie Phone: (202) 930-Diva (3482) / Office: (301) 850-0255 www.brendadouglas.samsonproperties.net FBook Fan Page: DouglasIntegrityGroup www.youtube.com/c/dcmetrodiva JOIN on FBook: Homeowners R Us Blog: Secure the keys (WPress)

The US is in a seller's market right now. Knowing what type #realestate #market your area is in will help you not only plan and strategy to win the #home as a buyer or net more money as a seller but it will also help you to know your negotiating power. The strategies that you would use in a seller's market is different than that of a buyer's or balanced market. In this episode, I define the 3 Types of real estate markets, share the indicators as well as strategies to help you WIN! Please LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT

Spruce up Your Garden How does your garden grow? In this episode, I share tips to help you spruce up Your Garden so that your it grows

Procuring, retaining and preserving your home investment means understanding what to expect as a homeowner, being proactive and taking control of unexpected expenses and  being responsible for preserving your home investment

#PrinceGeorges County Council in #Maryland is currently voting to require that 240-volt electric charging stations be included in the building of new homes or multiple stations within multifamily communities within the next few years. Average range of ev vehicles is 257k miles, 2-hour charge time. Charge membership may be required. This requirement will supposedly increase the value of the homes including commercial and also contribute to a cleaner environment. Additionally, resale homes can have charging stations build for around $5k.  Secure the keys to homeownership! Brenda Douglas, Real Estate Agent Samson Properties Bowie Phone: (202) 930-Diva (3482) / Office: (301) 850-0255 www.brendadouglas.samsonproperties.net FBook Fan Page: DouglasIntegrityGroup www.youtube.com/c/dcmetrodiva www.facebook.com/groups/homeownersrus    

Spring is here! And to whom much is given much is required. In this episode I'm going to share some ways that you can preserve your home investment through Home Maintenance. When you are a renter you let other people do that for you however when you are a homeowner maintenance is your responsibility along with shopping for the best deals and choosing someone who is responsible enough to not harm your investment    

#Teamwork makes the #dream of homeownership work! It is critical that you and your agent work well together.  Both parties should have mutual respect for one another and both strive to get the best deal possible for YOU.  #Buyingahome or #sellingahouse can be emotionally stressful for all parties involved. The more you and your agent cohesively get along, the smoother the transaction and the faster you can reach your goals. Hire an agent who makes you feels honored so that in return you can respect and appreciate the value that your agent brings to the table.  Happy Househunting

The ability to build and maintain a good #creditscore is important for a variety of reasons. Whether you plan to #buyahome, stay in a home or not, knowing these 5 factors that make up your #credit score will empower you to achieve an 850 credit score so that you can pay less in interest rates, prepare for unexpected times or live without financial worries.    A credit score can range from 300-850 and there are 5 factors that determine that credit score. Listen, enjoy and then execute strategies that will build and maintain your credit score. An excellent credit score is up to you!   Secure the keys to homeownership! Brenda Douglas, Real Estate Agent Samson Properties Bowie Phone: (202) 930-Diva (3482) / Office: (301) 850-0255 www.brendadouglas.samsonproperties.net FBook Fan Page: DouglasIntegrityGroup www.youtube.com/c/dcmetrodiva JOIN on FBook: Homeowners R Us Blog: Secure the Keys  

Knowing where you spend your money can help you develop better spending habits and also make adjustments as necessary to #save money to #buyahouse. #MarylandRealtor #realestate realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com

Knowing how you spend your money can help you develop better spending habits because adjustments may be necessary to #savemoney to #buyahouse realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com #MarylandRealtor #Realestate    Secure the keys to homeownership! Brenda Douglas, Real Estate Agent Samson Properties Bowie Phone: (202) 930-Diva (3482) / Office: (301) 850-0255 www.brendadouglas.samsonproperties.net FBook Fan Page: DouglasIntegrityGroup www.youtube.com/c/dcmetrodiva FBook Group: Homeowners R Us  

Whether you are buying or selling a home, EVERYONE has to put some skin in the game to make your dream of owning a home come true.  In this episode, I share some tips on how #homebuyers and #sellers can move towards their goal of homeownership. FREE Credit reports annually - https://www.annualcreditreport.com/ Pull all 3 reports: Transunion, Equifax, Experian   Secure the keys to homeownership! Brenda Douglas, Real Estate Agent Samson Properties Bowie Phone: (202) 930-Diva (3482) / Office: (301) 850-0255 www.brendadouglas.samsonproperties.net FBook Fan Page: DouglasIntegrityGroup www.youtube.com/c/dcmetrodiva FBook Group: Homeowners R Us

Realty Q & A: Where am I going to live if I were to sell my home? People always have realty questions and that's why real estate agents are licensed to provide expert opinions, strategies for success and solutions to your real estate problems. In this episode, one of my followers write in to ask me a question about selling their home and transition into another.   Listen like and share so that you will have the solution for selling your home in today's HOT market were there are more buyers looking to buy a home then there are homes for sale. Also feel free to join the Homeowners United group on Facebook to discover the realities of homeownership as well as get resources. I also invite you to leave comments or feedback. If you are interested in receiving a free note obligation home selling guide or if you have a real estate related question, feel free to contact me at realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com   Secure the keys to homeownership! Brenda Douglas, Real Estate Agent Samson Properties Bowie Phone: (202) 930-Diva (3482) / Office: (301) 850-0255 www.brendadouglas.samsonproperties.net FBook Fan Page: DouglasIntegrityGroup www.youtube.com/c/dcmetrodiva FBook Group: Homeowners United

Know important deadlines, why HOAs exist and more

Researching neighborhoods is important for your well-being

Some people love home owner associations or HOA's and for others it is an absolute deal breaker. Either way, here is some must know information about HOA's, insane rules, pros and cons and questions to ask before purchasing a home within a community that has a HOA

#Podcast Episode 6 – RESEARCHING NEIGHBORHOODS. https://divahomeandlifestyle.podbean.com   Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investment that you will make in your lifetime and it is a 15-30 year commitment. So you want to feel safe about the area. Here are some tips for conducting research so that you don't fall in love with the eye candy home and know nothing about the area. Your agent will find you the best house for the right price but it is YOUR responsibility to learn about the community even if you have lived there in the past or if you are familiar with the area because demographics change often. Don't be a victim to eye candy! Do your research! Thanks for listening. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE. Whether you are buying or selling a home, keep your head up, your hopes high and remember that it is not over until the keys are exchanged!The websites mentioned includes: Websites Mentioned:Researching Homes: realtor.com and homesnap.comDemographics: city-data, Movoto, The Census Bureau, City websites, County websites, Neighborhoodscout, GoogleCrime: Neighborhoodscout, spotcrime, city-dataSex Offender Registry: The Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services (public information) realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com 

#Podcast Episode 5 – THE STEP BY STEP PROCESS FOR BUYING A HOUSE https://divahomeandlifestyle.podbean.com Whether you are a 1st time home buyer or you haven't purchased in years, this podcast is for you.  Learn the step by step process of purchasing a home so that you will know what to expect during the process and be empowered to make informed decisions about the biggest investment that you will purchase - buying a home.  In this episode I will share the home buying process from the start of making the decision to finalizing the deal and getting the keys.  Additionally, I share insights on how you can be a savvy home shopper and the best deal possible.  So if you are a newbie or need a refresher, LISTEN & SHARE this podcast with anyone who is in the market to buy a house. www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda #RealEstateDivaBrenda

#Podcast Episode 4 – Home Modifications to help you Age in Place https://divahomeandlifestyle.podbean.com While the cost of retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes are increasing and the fear of some folks not having enough money for retirement is a concern, many retirees are choosing to save money by aging in place and live out their later years in the home that they are familiar with and have lived in for years. In order to accomplish this, baby boomers and silent generation homeowners are choosing to make modifications to the home. SHARE & LISTEN for some creative ways to make modifications to every room in the home so that Seniors can live out their older years comfortably. www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda #RealEstateDivaBrenda

#Podcast Episode 3 – How to Identify an Overly Active Neighborhood https://divahomeandlifestyle.podbean.com Do you know how to identify an over active neighborhood? Purchasing a home is a 30 year commitment and so you want to make an informed decision especially if you are relocating/moving out of state. If an overactive neighborhood is of concern to you Listen & SUBSCRIBE

#Podcast Episode 2 – Is Rent to Own Worth the Risk?  https://divahomeandlifestyle.podbean.com Rent to own is a controversial topic but some people want to own a home so badly that they choose the fastest available option without realizing that there could be some serious consequences including losing all of the money that they have invested every month. Listen & protect yourself from becoming prey as a result of the anxiety to own a home quickly.  Listen & SUBSCRIBE #RealEstateDivaBrenda

Episode #1-The purpose of this episode is to introduce myself and the purpose of this podcast that caters to current & prospective homeowners. LISTEN & CONTINUE the Conversation in the Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/divahomeandlifestyle