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Resources for Residents

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:50 +0000

In today’s economic times, it’s often hard or impossible for couples to simultaneously hold down traditional jobs while raising a family. And while the job market has somewhat stabilized, there are still many single and married Americans unable to find work, or who are finding themselves in need of a supplemental income. This is where the idea of entrepreneurship comes into the picture. But even though the thought of owning one’s own business sounds wonderful, it can often be difficult to know how or where to get started. Enter the Maryland Technology Development Corporation TEDCO, which has created the Maryland Entrepreneur Resource List, an source aimed at assisting entrepreneurs both new and old in their quest for successful entrepreneurship. This leads the way towards mentorship and networking, and also offers assistance with commercializing a proposal. To learn more about this new resource, please visit: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001hoHH7Ep1xbwq6J8XVSggNGTg0Dq3DtXCMPQQQYeDgKjjUjMuXXpNHW8UX_zabGWnRKzmB6

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A Treasure of a Deal

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:00:31 +0000

Are you ready to clear the clutter from your home? Or perhaps you’re ready to find that bargain basement deal! Whichever the case, head out to Blg Yard Sale at the Grace Lutheran School in La Plata on Saturday to search for your treasure or sell your wares. The sale runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and money made from the $15 space rentals as well as any funds brought in from donated items will go to the LMS Southern Maryland Compassion Center. For questions, call (301) 932-0963 ext 110.

Professional Women

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:00:53 +0000

According to the Department of Labor, women earn 20% less than their male counterparts. This statistic underscores the reason that women should look to each other to help achieve success in the business world. A great way to do this is to attend the National Association of Professional Women, Waldorf Chapter. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., and is a group dedicated to helping women make business connections through mentoring, marketing and networking. To find out more, please visit: www.napw.com

Check Your Deck: May Is National Deck Safety Month

CCRealEstate — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:29:29 +0000

www.PatuxentRenovations.com

As homeowners rev into full spring and summer entertaining season, everyone should make time to check their decks for safety concerns that could lead to accidents and injuries.

“Many of us have delayed home repairs and improvement until they are absolutely essential,” says Rob Haislip, vice president of Archadeck. “Even then, sometimes homeowners don’t have enough information to decide when something is optional or truly a safety hazard that could result in an injury.”

To help ensure safety, especially for decks that are more than 10 years old, Archadeck is sharing seven deck safety inspection guidelines with the acronym of “BE SAFER”:

Boards: Look at the condition of your deck boards. While most wood will show some minor cracks and splits over time, boards should be good and not rotting or damaged.
Every Connection: Decks should be built using a variety of fasteners and metal hardware connectors. Check every connection on the deck to make certain that they are not corroded or compromised. Look for nails backing out, red rust and other signs of corrosion that can weaken the integrity of the deck.
Structure: If visible, look at the posts, beams and joists that provide the structural framework of the deck. Is there any noticeable sagging between supports?
Attachment: The attachment of the deck to the house is where most deck failures occur. Ensure that the deck is properly attached to the house with bolts and is properly flashed for water protection. Nails should never be used.
Foundation / Footings: The foundation / footings support the weight, also known as the load, on a deck and the columns that bear on them. A footing that is sinking may cause a noticeable sag in an area or a column to separate from a beam.
Exits: Check the areas where people exit from the deck, usually stairs. Check the condition of the material used on the stair stringers, stair treads and risers. Do the stairs require a handrail? Is there adequate lighting to safely use the exits at night?
Rails: Look at the condition of the rail posts and sections of railing to make sure that they aren’t loose or wobbly. Verify that the pickets/balusters are fastened securely and spaced no more than four inches apart.

Source: http://www.archadeck.com/

Click here to start your Charles County, Southern Maryland real estate property search today.

Adopt a Stuffed Pet!

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:00:04 +0000

If the kids have been begging for a pet, yet a new pet isn’t a feasible option, then head to the Humane Society of Charles County’s 5^th Annual Stuffed Pet Adoption Day on Saturday, May 12. Children will get to learn the importance of being a responsible pet owner by adopting a stuffed animal and visiting stations that will teach them how to meet their pet’s needs. The children will be able to keep their adopted stuffed animal and take it home with them. Cost is $6.50 per adopter. Contact Stacy Cage for more information at 301-645-1063 or scage@humanesocietycc.org.

Question of the Day

CCRealEstate — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:30:21 +0000

Q: When is the best time to sell a home?
A: The best time to sell is when you are ready, or when you must. That is, when you have outgrown the space in your current home, or you prefer to trade down to something smaller. Perhaps your marital status has changed, which necessitates a move, or you need to relocate for a job.

Market conditions also play a role, as do seasonal conditions. For example, your chances of getting top dollar for your home are more likely in a seller’s market, when demand outweighs supply, than in a buyer’s market.

Local and national economic factors also may dictate when to sell. If a major employer in your area is laying off workers, it may not be a good time to put your home up for sale. People will be cautious about buying when the future seems so unpredictable or bleak.

Most agents agree the best time to sell is in the spring. This is when the largest number of potential buyers hit the market. Your home is likely to sell faster and at a higher price, although sales begin to pick up as early as February and start to slack off in July, the slowest month for real estate transactions.

Click here to start your Charles County, Southern Maryland real estate property search today.

Auctioning for Aquatics

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:00:13 +0000

What better way to spend an evening than enjoying a delicious food and drink while enjoying activities such as a silent auction? A Cattails and Cocktails Reception and Dinner will be held on Friday, May 11 form 6 to 9 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Family Life Center. The event is to kick-start the 2 Day Waterfowl Show, and will feature dinner from Outback Steakhouse and an open bar. It is $50 to attend, which is hard to say no to when taking into consideration all that the evening has to offer! For more information please call 301-885-0108 or www.somdgiving.org. Paying in advance is requested.

Mortgage Rates Reach Another Record Low

CCRealEstate — Fri, 04 May 2012 21:29:46 +0000

Mortgage rates fell for a fourth consecutive week and the fifth time in the past six weeks, with the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping to 4.05 percent, according to Bankrate.com’s weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.45 discount and origination points.

The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate retreated to 3.25 percent – also a record low – while the jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage nosed higher to 4.62 percent. Adjustable mortgage rates were mixed, with the average 3-year adjustable inching higher to 3.07 percent, while the 5-year ARM tied a record low of 3.02 percent initially set in February.

News of disappointing economic growth in the first quarter and continuing elevated unemployment claim filings propelled mortgage rates lower. The looming jobs report is likely to be the catalyst for further rate movement but the tepid theme of recent economic data is sure to keep a lid on bond yields and mortgage rates in the coming weeks. Mortgage rates are closely related to yields on long-term government debt.

The last time mortgage rates were above 6 percent was November 2008. At the time, the average 30-year fixed rate was 6.33 percent, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,241.86. With the average rate now 4.05 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $960.60, a difference of $281 per month for anyone refinancing now.

Bankrate’s national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.

Click here to start your Charles County, Southern Maryland real estate property search today.

A Barbershop Extravaganza

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:00:47 +0000

Take an afternoon to go out and enjoy an American pastime. A Barbershop Extravaganza, presented by the College of Southern Maryland, will be held this Saturday at 2 p.m. at the college’s La Plata campus. The event will feature guest artists as well as CSM’s Southern Mix Barbershop Ensemble. Don’t miss the opportunity to come out and support local artists, all the while taking in some truly American culture. Tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door. For more information, please visit www.csmd.edu/arts or call 301-934-7828.

Annual Heritage Bike Race

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:00:45 +0000

Get out your helmets and grease up your bikes for the 11^th Annual Heritage Bike ride in Nanjemoy on Saturday, May 19. With three different courses to choose from, 100k, 50k or 25k, check in begins at 7:30 a.m. These bike rides, beginning and ending at Nanjemoy Community Center and running through Western Charles County, will showcase the beauty and tranquility inherent in the area. Preregister by May 7 for a guaranteed souvenir t-shirt. Registration is $25 for residents, $27 for non-residents and $5 extra for registration the day of. For more information, call 301-246-9612.