Friday, November 24, 2017 / by John Murdock -- CityScapeMetroGroup
Sure, the District might be part of the Mid-Atlantic region, but it feels more like the North Pole during the holidays thanks to the National Christmas Tree, countless holiday markets, one-of-a-kind seasonal light displays, Christmas-themed bars and lots more. Here are some of the best, can't-miss ways to experience the holidays in Washington, DC.
1Cross visiting the National Christmas Tree off your bucket list
Richard Ricciardi
The National Christmas Tree is DC’s claim to fame during the holidays, and for good reason. The gorgeous conifer lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it's surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories and is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. The display is free to visit and open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. while the National Christmas Tree is lit each day from 4:30-10 p.m.
2ZooLights takes over ...
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dc, dc metro area, real estate, community, did you know?, dc events, fun in dc, what to do in dc, happy holidays, holiday 2017
Monday, November 13, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
Homeowners association rules can be what attracts someone to a new home ... or what drives them away. But if you're on the fence about whether you want to live in an area with an HOA and abide by the rules, it's worth investigating the particular neighborhood and finding out more.
The difference of opinion on homeowners associations, or HOAs, depends on several factors, including individual personalities and preferences and the quality of the particular HOA. Rules and dues vary but, in general, homeowners who live in an HOA must abide by its regulations and pay a monthly, quarterly or annual fee that pays for management and maintenance of the community.
HOA benefits
Many homeowners prefer to live in an HOA for several reasons, including:
Community appearance: Homes within an HOA must meet the standards set by the association or face a fine, so you're less likely to see unkempt lawns, peeling paint or a garishly painted house. Some HOAs have am ...
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dc, dc metro area, real estate, dmv, did you know?, selling your home
Monday, November 13, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
When you go through the process of buying a house, you might have to change the real estate closing date. It's actually fairly common for the buyer or the seller to request this kind of adjustment, so don't be alarmed if it happens to you. Let's take a closer look at the closing process and why someone would want to reschedule a closing date in the first place.
What is closing on a home?
Closing represents the scheduled day, after a seller accepts a buyer's offer, when the parties meet and sign the final paperwork. The whole process from accepted offer to closing typically takes an average of 50 days. During that time, attorneys draw up contracts, and dozens of other parties—from title agents to mortgage lenders—finish completing the transfer of a property.
Why change a real estate closing date?
But sometimes the buyer or seller wants to speed up or slow down the process, and that requires changing the closing date.
m ...
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dc, dc metro area, real estate, community, dmv, buying a home, did you know?, selling your home, new home
Monday, November 6, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
Congratulations, you just ratified the contract on your future home! Now you are getting a call from your agent stating that you need to let them know the best day to have the home inspection within your deadline... WHAT??
Do I even NEED to be there? I have no clue what to look for!!
Not to fear.... we can help!
What is a home inspection?A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.
What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) publishes a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics I ...
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dc, dc metro area, real estate, community, buying a home, did you know?, new home
Monday, October 30, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
You're in the process of purchasing your dream home and your realtor asks you if you have ordered your homeowner's insurance. "Wait a minute..." you think (or say). "I thought we did not ask for a homeowners insurance when we negotiated our contract?"
If this was (is) you when you purchased your home, you may have been confusing your home WARRANTY with your home INSURANCE. Your next thought or answer may have been that you don't think you need either. Read more below to not only understand the difference between the two but to also see how both can be a huge help to your home!
It is more and more common for people to be offered home warranty coverage when they buy a new home. Although both home warranties and home insurance can provide you with coverage when an emergency comes up, the two are very different.
Your home insurance policy is not a home warranty. Whether you are a first time home buyer, moving into your second or third home, a new condo or even you aree ...
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dc, dc metro area, real estate, community, buying a home, did you know?, selling your home, home warranty, home insurance