Website links to various associations, community organizations, product suppliers and manufacturers and vendors that service home owners. NOTE: Michelle Buckman Does not Endorse any of the companies and or the products listed.The use of these products, companies and or services is at the discretion of the individual.
Michele Buckman has put together some videos discussing the current DC market and what the future may hold for the real estate market in the Washington DC area.
For most Washington, DC homeowners, their property is their largest investment. (Hence the old adage, "A man's home is his castle.") But maintaining your castle can be costly. Keep expenses in check by following these smart tips:
Don't "over-claim" on your insurance policy. While it might seem fine to make claims on the policy, making several small claims on the property can make it appear the home has problems. The National Association of Independent Insurers suggests taking care of the small issues (under $500) yourself. Homes now have insurance ratings, much like a credit rating for buyers, which can make them seem more expensive to care for.
Don't let maintenance chores slide. Regular maintenance can be a burden, but it can be a bigger burden on your wallet later.
Don't over-remodel. If you want so many changes that you will use up your equity to have them made, consider a new home where all the bells and whistles are already installed. Plus, having the most expensive home in a neighborhood can be a difficult spot to be in when it comes time to sell.
At Buckman Realtors, we'd be happy to advise you specifically about your home's current market value and point you toward types of homeowners' insurance policies. In addition, we can help you evaluate the "value added" worth of your remodeling ideas and share any names of local contractors with you. Give us a call anytime. We're proud to serve homeowners in the Washington, DC metropolitan areas, including Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and Chevy Chase, MD.