Created Exclusively For:

Ilunga & Deona Kalala

Presented By: Danai Mattison

The Mattison Group at Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 7700 Old Georgetown Road Suite 120

Bethesda, MD 20814 Office: 301-215-7653 x4

Email: danai@themattisongroup.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Mattison Group

It’s All About the Experience

Meet the Mattison Group

The Home Buying Process

Part I: Agency & The Buyer Broker Agreement

Part II: Determining Your Needs & Objectives

Part III: Knowing the Area & Neighborhoods

Part IV: Determining Your Purchase Power

Part V: Previewing Homes

Part VI: Drafting Your Offer & Contingencies

Part VII: Contract Negotiations & Acceptance

Part VIII: Title Companies, Attorneys and Title Insurance

Part IX: Pre Settlement Preparation

Part X: Settlement Day & Beyond!

It’s All About The Experience

The Mattison Group Long & Foster Real Estate Inc.

It’s All About The Experience!

Starting your search for a new home can be daunting—and a little intimidating. Should I buy a condo, a townhouse or a detached house? Which neighborhood should I live in? How long will my commute be? Which area is best for schools? Do I have easy access to shopping and restaurants? Do the local parks offer tennis, golf or any of my other favorite leisure time pursuits? What kind of financing should I choose? How do I approach this process?

Who should I rely on to guide me through this critically important time and en-sure that my buying experience is a memorable one? This person, or group of people, should make my priorities their priorities, answer all my questions, even the ones I don‘t know to ask, provide me with the well orchestrated plan to reach the goal and offer help in all related aspects of this process.

If this sounds like something that could happen only in your dreams, it‘s time to wake up and meet The Mattison Group.

When we say, ―It’s All About the Experience,‖ we mean that our number one goal is to provide the planned approach to make this transaction smooth, anxiety free, seamless and transparent. Our team leader, Dale Mattison, has expressed the importance of understanding that you are not simply our cli-ent—you are our responsibility. He always says, ―Buying a home isn‘t just about the ‗bricks and the sticks, it‘s about the people and their lives!‘ Remember that our clients are real people, with real needs and a lot of other things going on in their lives. It‘s our job to work tirelessly to find them the perfect place and make the whole experience, from pre-approval through closing and beyond, an incomparable one—one which they can‘t wait to tell their friends and family about.‖

Meet Our Team

Webster‘s dictionary defines a team as ―a number of persons associated in some joint action.‖ The

Mattison Group offers you a team of professionals who go well beyond that definition. From the be-

ginning of your home search through closing and beyond, The Mattison Group‘s goal is to exceed your

every expectation. In this age of mediocre service, we aim to astonish you with our passion. We work

hard to make sure that satisfaction is the only outcome to your experience.

Our REALTORS®—Dale Mattison and Danai Mattison— are committed to helping you find the

property that‘s exactly what you want. You know the one—you walk in and think, ―Yes, this is it!‖ Dale

and Danai are enthusiastic, energetic, sensitive, savvy and accessible. They use all of our specialized tools,

neighborhood and industry knowledge, negotiation skills, technology tools and they draw from a wealth

of experience. Any time you have a question or need guidance, they‘re just a phone call away.

Our marketing team, Real Support Inc, is instrumental in this process. These marketing gurus keep

The Mattison Team name visible in the marketplace, making sure that our image and reputation stand out.

This effort gives our team many opportunities for advance notification of deals in the area, makes for ease

of negotiations with seller‘s agents and in turn, gives you the advantage of having a first look at the some

of the hottest offerings in the area. When you are ready to sell a property, the marketing team are key to

the promotion and success of our sales efforts.

To learn more about The Mattison Group, please visit our Web site at www.themattisongroup.com.

Dale Mattison Realtor®

Danai Mattison Realtor®

RealSupport Inc. Team Carrie, Erica, Jen, Lori, Chelsea and Megan

The Home Buying Process

The Buying Process

Searching for and buying a property, whether it’s your first or your fifth, can be a little nerve-racking. Through our years of experience helping buyers in the DC Metro area, we’ve

learned a lot about how to make the process a buyer-friendly one. From the moment you start working with one of our REALTORS®, we’ll treat you with the care and dedication for

which The Mattison Group is well known. We’ll break the entire buying process down into easily manageable steps and work at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Whenever you

need answers, guidance or reassurance, we’re just a quick click or phone call away.

It’s All About You Our goal is to make you feel comfortable every step of the way. One of the first things we do is counsel with you, really listen to and identify your wants, needs and wishes. Tell us about the style of home, the type of neighborhood, commuting concerns, number of bedrooms, budget and other must-haves. Are you downsizing to an urban condo, looking to accommodate your growing family or seeking a town house close to shopping and dining? Don‘t hold back—tell us everything. The more we know about your lifestyle, the more closely we can zero in on your dream home. How Our REALTORS Can Help The Mattison Group‘s REALTORS® are dedicated to making your search an outstanding experience. We are exceptionally qualified and continue to keep up with the newest trends and developments in real estate. We will help you negotiate the best terms, provide you with financial information, refer you to lenders and other service providers, and act on your behalf in every aspect of the buying experience. We are sure you‘ll appreciate the extra level of service and the intense attention to detail. Determine Your Purchase Power Talking about money isn‘t always easy. But it is helpful to know what you can realistically afford or want to spend before we go shopping. The Mattison Group works with a group of experienced, reputable lenders who can qualify you for a mortgage. We‘ll advise you on what information, documents and paperwork needed by the lender. It‘s a simple, painless process. Once you know the numbers, our agents will target that particular property that falls within your price range.

The Buying Process

Get to Know the Neighborhoods No one knows the ins and outs of the various communities in Washington, D.C., suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia like The Mattison Group. Our team leader, Dale Mattison, has been working in real estate here for more than 37 years and shares his insider‘s view and intimate area knowledge with everyone on the team. We‘ll review the information you share in the initial interview to help you find the best neighborhoods and the homes within those areas that are the right fit for you. Viewing Homes Now comes the fun part! We search all of the available homes on the market to find ones that best meet your needs. We‘ll set up an appointment and review the top contenders. We use multiple techniques for this. We can search and view significant numbers of property on-line. You‘ll have a detailed photo tour of the interiors and exteriors of each home without having to get up out of the comfortable chair. This saves you lots of time and allows us to take you only to those homes are have real possibilities. We‘ll set up a personal viewing schedule that‘s convenient and visit as many or as few as you choose. Additionally, we have the ability to save specialized searches and automatically email you new offerings that come to market that may meet your criteria. This way until we find just the right place, no possibilities will go untouched. The Purchase Offer All that searching has paid off—you‘ve found ―the one!‖ Now, it‘s time to write an offer that will be favorably considered by the seller. At The Mattison Group, we are very proud of our ability to help clients construct offers that are likely to be accepted, while protecting your rights as a buyer. We‘ll help you negotiate the details, list any contingencies (such as inspections, appraisals, financing approval, etc) and present it to the seller. We will monitor the progress of the offer closely. We keep you informed about the status of your offer.

The Buying Process

Purchase Offer Negotiation and Acceptance Once you‘ve submitted the offer, there are a number of scenarios that can follow. Your offer may be accepted exactly as written or it may be returned with a counter-offer. In a counter-offer, the seller proposes somewhat different terms from the ones originally offered. Your Mattison Group agent will keep you informed of your offer‘s progress and provide guidance on how to deal with any situation that may arise. Once you and the seller have each agreed to terms and signed the offer, you have a ratified contract and are on your way to a smooth closing. Title Companies, Attorneys and Title Insurance The title company oversees an important part of the sale transaction, ensuring that the current owners have clear title to the home and are legally able to transfer it to you. Attorneys may also be involved in the sale, reviewing contracts and making sure that all the legal details are in order. Our agents and transaction manager will monitor this process and make sure all details are attended to so that you experience a problem-free settlement. Pre-Settlement Preparation Once the contract has been accepted, we will navigate the road to closing by coordinating inspections, appraisals, loans, the walk-through, utility set-up, moving needs and any other details that will make the process go as easily as possible. Settlement Day and Beyond We‘ll prepare you for closing day, giving you details on what you need to bring and what to expect as you sign the final papers and receive the keys to your new home! We can also recommend service providers—everyone from locksmiths to landscapers; painters to plumbers. Even after you‘ve moved in, The Mattison Group stands ready to help you with any questions you have about assessments, property taxes, or anything else related to your home. In short, we want to continue our relationship with you on the way to becoming your REALTOR® for life.

Part One: Agency & The Buyer Broker Agreement

Agency & The Buyer Broker Agreement

Agency is a word used to describe the relationship between you and your REALTOR®. At The Mattison Group, each of our real estate professionals is committed to representing your best interests throughout the entire buying process. The Buyer Broker Agreement is a written, agreement between you and the REALTOR®, outlining the terms and expectations of the relationship. This agreement protects both you and your agent. While it is not necessary to sign a formal agreement, doing so guarantees a greater commitment and level of service from your agent. Without this agreement, the agent is only required to give a minimal level of service. This agreement includes seeking transaction terms that work to your advantage, providing financial information regarding the property and the costs you will incur and maintaining client confidentiality. In addition, your Mattison Group agent will always treat you honestly, ethically and comply with all laws, and disclose all known facts about the physical condi-tion of the properties you see. We do this to protect you, so that you move through this process feeling that there is someone there to smooth the way. As in all relationships, a commitment to The Buyer Broker Agreement by you and The Mattison Group translates into a superior experience for both parties. You can be rest assured that your Mattison Group agent is committed to providing you with the best possible experience as you search for and buy your dream home!

Part Two: Determining Your Needs & Objectives

Your Needs & Objectives

We understand that buying a home or property can be an emotional and stressful decision. We want to help make it as smooth as possi-ble by defining and meeting your expectations. In order to best meet your expectations, we have a few questions to ask:

1. YOUR MUST HAVES: if the property does not have these items, you won't buy it! 2. WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: but you can live without them. 3.YOUR WISH LIST: Unexpected Extras that would seal the deal.

A

E

I

B

F

J

C

G

K

D

H

L

A

E

I

B

F

J

C

G

K

D

H

L

A

E

I

B

F

J

C

G

K

D

H

L

Your Primary Concerns

What are the most important factors influencing your buying decision?

1=Least Concerned 5=Most Concerned

Schools 1 2 3 4 5 Down Payment 1 2 3 4 5 Payments 1 2 3 4 5 Points/Other Costs 1 2 3 4 5 Closing Costs 1 2 3 4 5 Neighborhood 1 2 3 4 5 Security/Crime 1 2 3 4 5 Neighbors 1 2 3 4 5 Utility Costs 1 2 3 4 5 Floor Plan 1 2 3 4 5 Parking/Garage 1 2 3 4 5 Gas/Elec Co. 1 2 3 4 5 Yard Space 1 2 3 4 5 Large Vehicle Parking 1 2 3 4 5 Lack of Steps 1 2 3 4 5 Room for Furniture 1 2 3 4 5 Cleanliness 1 2 3 4 5 Construction 1 2 3 4 5 Pool 1 2 3 4 5 Closing Time 1 2 3 4 5 Inspection 1 2 3 4 5 Termites 1 2 3 4 5 Commute Time 1 2 3 4 5 Storage 1 2 3 4 5 Kitchen 1 2 3 4 5 Family Room 1 2 3 4 5 Bathrooms 1 2 3 4 5 Alley 1 2 3 45 Fire Station 1 2 3 4 5 Police Station 1 2 3 4 5 In-law Suite 1 2 3 4 5 Other* 1 2 3 4 5 *_______________ 1 2 3 4 5 Close to:

Schools 1 2 3 4 5 Church 1 2 3 4 5 Shopping 1 2 3 4 5 Public Transportation 1 2 3 4 5 Hospital 1 2 3 4 5 Parks 1 2 3 4 5

Day Care 1 2 3 4 5 Sport Centers 1 2 3 4 5

Part Three: Knowing The Area & Neighborhoods

Finding the Right Neighborhood

What’s the right neighborhood for you? The DC Metro area has so many different types of communities, ranging from traditional urban locations to wide-open country spaces, that the choices may seem overwhelming. From our years of experience working in this market area, we know all the different communities and what they have to offer. From the availability of common services such as grocery stores and pharmacies to the distance to public transportation and schools, each neighborhood has its own selling points that we will help you discover. Your Mattison Group agent will spend time discussing the various options with you and then work to find the neighborhoods that match your lifestyle. If you haven‘t quite made up your mind, your agent will arrange a tour of the different communities so that you can get a feel for which ones best suit you. That‘s just another way we at The Mattison Group work to personalize your buying experience.

Part Four: Determining Your Purchase Power

Your Purchase Power & The Mortgage Process

Determining what you can realistically afford is a critical first step in the home-buying process. At The Mattison Group, we recommend that you talk with a lender who can ap-prove you for a mortgage. This way, both you and your agent will have a realistic baseline from which to begin your property search. Becoming approved in advance is a must for being ready to submit a strong and winning offer to purchase. The Mattison Group can assist with your understanding of mortgage options and help determine your optimal price range. Choice of lenders today is a critical check point. This is one of the areas buyers pay little attention to but can have the most important long term ramifications. Our advice on choice of lenders will enable you to take advantage of proven results that insure long term benefits.

Applying for a Mortgage Mortgage lenders will require the following information from you before granting a loan. Employment & Income: The lender will verify information about your income and employment. In addition to the amount of money you earn, the lender wants to see a consistent and stable job history. Debts & Expenses: Your lender will verify what you owe and whether your bills are paid on time. Most of this information will be verified in a credit report provided to your lender by an independent credit bureau. If you are aware of a problem in your credit history, don‘t wait until the last minute to address it. Problems can often be explained away or cleared up during the application process. However, this often takes time and may delay your plans to buy if not addressed and resolved early in the process. Down Payment & Closing Costs: You will need to document that you have enough funds to pay the required down payment and to cover closing costs. Most lenders require that a certain percentage of the purchase price be paid from your own funds. This amount will depend on the type of loan you have selected. Your lender will also want to know the source of your funds (i.e. sale of stocks, savings, inheritance or gifts). Most lenders have very definite rules about this requirement; be sure to tell the lender about your specific situation.

Your Purchase Power & The Mortgage Process

Debt Ratios: Debt ratios are commonly used by lenders to de-termine if you can afford to pay the mortgage each month. It is important to both you and your lender that you do not over-extend your fi-nancial resources. Two indicators commonly used to determine your budgetary limits are 1. Housing Expense Ratio: Your total proposed housing costs compared to your in-come AND 2. Long-Term Debt Ratio: The total of all your monthly payments on long-term debts of more than 10 months added to your housing costs and compared to your in-come. When applying for the loan, you will probably be asked for a check in the amount of $400-$600 to cover the costs for a property appraisal, credit report and application fee. Additional deposits or fees may be required to ―lock-in‖ a specific loan program or a particular interest rate. The appraisal indicates to the lender whether the property value serves as sufficient col-lateral for the full amount of the loan you are requesting. The percentage of the property value that the loan amount covers is known as the Loan-To-Value (LTV) Ratio. The applicable interest rate and other loan terms may vary depending upon the LTV Ratio. After you submit all required information and documentation, your file is reviewed by a loan underwriter for final loan application approval. After approval, the file is transferred to a closing processor who is responsible for making certain all outstanding conditions have been met. The processor prepares all the loan documents for settlement and sends them to the title company for your signature at clos-ing.

Part Five: Previewing Homes

Viewing Homes

This is the fun part! To make the most efficient use of your time, your Mattison Group agent will provide you with information about a number of homes that match your lifestyle needs. We‘ll review them online together so that you can select the ones that look like the best fit. Once you‘ve selected the homes you‘d like to visit, we‘ll take you out to see them. Viewing a prospective home can be a very emotional experience. It‘s your chance to ―try on‖ the property as you would try on clothes in a store. You and your agent will check out the details of the home including the usability of the floor plan, structure and age, condition of systems and appliances, and location. When you leave the home, review all the positives and negatives so that you have a good understanding of how it fits your needs and objectives. We recommend bringing a small notebook in which you can jot down impressions. After visiting the house, ask yourself, ―Does this feel like it could be home?‖, ―Does it have most of the features that are important to me?‖, ―What would it feel like to wake up here in the morning?‖ and, most importantly, ―Is this home within my affordable price range?‖ Remember that no home is going to have every feature you want. It‘s up to you to decide what‘s most important and make concessions in other areas. If the answer to any of the above questions is ―no,‖ your Mattison Group agent will be happy to keep looking until you find ―the one.‖ If the answer is ―yes,‖ it may be time to stop looking and make the decision to buy. Once you‘ve made that decision, it‘s time to move onto the next step—drafting an offer.

Part Six: Drafting Your Offer

Drafting Your Offer

Drafting a successful offer requires careful and real-istic consideration. Your Mattison Group REALTOR® will help you draft an offer that not only reflects the price you wish to pay, but makes sure that you, the buyer, are protected in the case of any contingencies that may arise (e.g. non-working systems, construction flaws) dur-ing the transaction. The offer includes your proposed price and any inspec-tions or conditions of sale. Additional documentation may also be required to substantiate your financial ability to complete the purchase, such as an approval letter from your lender, your earnest money deposit and a completed financial information form. We will let you know about any additional paperwork that is necessary. The contract for the purchase of a home is an intricate and detailed legal document. We can counsel you on all responsibilities and obligations noted in the contract. As experienced, professional REALTORS®, we have in-depth knowledge of real estate, financing and terminology; we also know all the ins and outs of the local real estate contract forms.

Part Seven: Contract Negotiations & Acceptance

Contract Negotiations & Acceptance

Once your contract offer is written and you have signed, initialed and dated it in all the appropriate places, the contract will be presented by your agent to the sellers or the sellers’ agent. Once the sellers receive your offer, they will review the contract terms. If there are multiple offers, they will compare the conditions in each to determine which offer best suits their needs and objectives. The sellers have several options. They can accept or reject your offer as it is, counter your offer with adjustments that you can either accept or reject, or choose to go with another offer. Only 1 in 21 offers are accepted ―as-is‖ – the other 20 offers are renegotiated at least once. If you receive a counter-offer from the sellers, you have the opportunity to renegotiate and submit another offer in which you try to obtain your objectives without weakening your position with the seller. Your Mattison Group agent will advise you on how best to present a resubmitted offer. To increase the chance of sellers accepting your offer as written, we at The Mattison Group investigate the sellers‘ objectives and needs prior to writing the contract. Are the sellers relocating and, therefore, looking for a timely sale? Are they thinking of downsizing and, consequently, more relaxed in their timeframe to move? Each situation requires a different strategy when submitting an offer. Once the sellers accept your offer and all terms have been fully agreed to in writing by both parties, your contract is officially ―ratified.‖ Congratulations! You‘re getting closer to moving into that new home. The next phase of the process involves the steps necessary to take you to closing.

Part Eight: Title Companies, Attorneys & Title Insurance

Title Companies, Attorneys & Title Insurance

Once your contract is ratified, it will be sent to the title company or settlement attorney‘s office. Our contract manager will coordinate and monitor all aspects of contract process including working with the title company as they prepare to provide closing service. You will also receive a checklist of items required to complete the closing. The title company or settlement attorney‘s office will do the following in preparation for your settlement: Order and review the title search Order and review a Housing Location Drawing Obtain Seller’s payoff figures Contact the HOA or condo management company, as applicable Prepare the Title Insurance Binder for the lender Obtain current property tax information Prepare settlement documents including final settlement statement Conduct the settlement and signing As part of the purchase process, you will be required to obtain title insurance. Title Insurance protects mortgage lenders and owners from unexpected title risks. There are many situations for which title insurance provides coverage: Forged deeds and other title instruments False impersonation of a true owner Deeds by persons of unsound mind or capacity Mistakes in recording legal documents Undisclosed heirs and divorce settlements There are two types of title insurance: Lender’s title insurance (mandatory) will be required by the mortgage lender providing the funds for your purchase. Owner’s title insurance (optional) is purchased and paid for at settlement for an addi-tional one-time premium based on the purchase price of the property. We recommend that you purchase owner‘s title insurance for your own peace of mind. If you would like more information about owners title insurance, our contract manager can put you in touch with the appropriate person for discussion.

Part Nine: Pre-Settlement Preparation

Pre-Settlement Preparation

Closing day is approaching. The Mattison Group will make sure that every step goes smoothly.

Things are getting exciting –now is a good time to start planning the logistics of your move. Moving can be a detailed and stressful process. We can help you take some of the pressure away by signing you up with Long & Foster Home Service Connections. This is a special service we provide to organize any local or long distance move. Our Home Service Connections specialists have years of experience helping moves be trouble-free. They can refer you to experts who can pack, clean and load and unload the van. In addition, they offer hassle-free help in setting up all your utility connections—electric, gas, cable—at your new home. The final walk-through takes place just prior to settlement. During the walk-through you along with your agent make sure that the property is in the same condition that it was when you contracted to buy it. All utilities will be on and all appliances and systems will be operational, unless otherwise specified in the contract. Generally, the property will be free of all personal belongings and trash and will be ―broom clean.‖ If you have any concerns as a result of the walk-through, you should let your agent know so that the two of you can address them either prior to, or at settlement, before signing any papers.

Part Ten: Settlement & Beyond!

Settlement & Beyond

A guide to what happens at the settlement table The big day is almost here! As soon as we coordinate the time and location of your settlement, we will let you know. The closing generally takes place at the settlement company offices or at our offices at Long & Foster Real Estate. We will tell you what you need to bring to the settlement and one of our team members will accompany you to provide advice, monitor the process and answer any questions that arise. We’re still here for you even after closing And if you need reliable service providers to help with that leaky faucet, squeaky floor or creaky door, please call us. We have a roster of experienced people who can come to the rescue. It‘s all just part of our never-ending efforts to become your REALTOR® for life. The Mattison Group‘s commitment to you doesn‘t end even after you‘ve moved into your new home. We know that issues can arise at any time and you can rely on us to provide the answers. Call us with any concerns about deciphering your property tax bill, understanding a tax assessment statement or anything else that needs attention. It‘s never a bother—it‘s our pleasure to continue to serve you. Once your transaction concludes we will have a major void in our life. By this time we have spent hours and days together. A multitude of visits, phone calls and emails. The relationship has grown stronger. Now we ask that you identify persons you know that you would want to have the same experience you have just completed. Our business depends on referrals. Just as we have served you we com-mit to extend the same consideration to people you care about. Why have them go through this process without understanding and enjoying the experience. Please remember to pass on those names to us and we will be forever grateful. By now you‘ve come to understand our passion for going the extra mile to make your buying experience unlike any other. From our first meeting, where we listen to and understand your needs, through helping you after the move, The Mattison Group will provide the most enjoyable, rewarding and caring service you‘ve ever re-ceived. That‘s our promise. Because, with The Mattison Group,

It’s All About the Experience!

Settlement & Beyond

“We found this article years ago and it goes far to embody our attitude and princi-ples!” - The Mattison Group

Take A Walk In Your Realtor’s Shoes…

What do real estate agents do to earn their commission? Here’s a summary—though not necessarily complete—from a Tennessee home inspector who has worked closely with real estate practitioners. --By Jim McGehee

“Why, they just stick a sign in the yard and make easy money. I could do their job any day of the week.” Well, maybe you could. But it won’t be just any day of the week. And if you intend to be successful at it (which means satisfying a bunch of clients, mortgage lenders, appraisers and countless other associates) it will probably be EVERY DAY of the week as well as most nights, weekends, holidays, anniversaries, special occasions, sick days, snow days and unpaid vacation days. Understand, there are real estate agents and then there are good real estate agents. Just like doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs. This article is about the good ones, the ones who go to work before, during and after times mentioned above. To serve their clients and stay competitive in their profession, today’s real estate agents are expected, assumed, requested, required and/or demanded to perform, be knowledgeable of or have access to the following: Information brokerage services, tax rate advice, appraisals, mortgage lending, financial planning, legal counsel, credit sources, city planning, (read fortune telling), building inspection, chauffeuring, shuttle service, travel agent, tour guide, delivery, order taking, public relations, therapy, marriage counseling, family doctoring, nursing, baby sitting, advertising, general contracting, construction, estimating, and supervising, and subcontracting—not to.

exclude locksmithing, yard work, maintenance, garbage collection, plumbing, electrical work, and decoding for alarm systems and programmable thermostats! Real estate professionals are often perceived as the bad guy or gal when interest rates go up, when your house doesn’t sell by 10 a.m. the next day and when you’re discouraged from looking at properties that are $50,000 over your budget. It’s helpful if real estate agents’ talents include being a diplomat, a negotiator, a referee (similar to those used in Roller Derby and Monday night wrestling) and, in general, walking bureau of information for everything about anything, including whose check is good and whose wife or husband isn’t. They must know about schools, churches, governments, public utilities, crime rates, world affairs, this week’s jail terms for this week’s Environmental Protection Agency violations; future developments that no one ever dreams up yet, transportation, shopping and day care. This list goes on—soccer, T-ball; how many termites it takes to eat a house, every homeowners association formed since 12 B.C. and what kind of fences they don’t allow; should you water and fertilize the Bermuda grass, before, during, or after mowing; the best place in town for pizza; if you can buy beer on Sunday, and at least two dozen other skills and talents that I don’t have room to mention. So be nice to your real estate broker/agent. Next time you start thinking they have it so easy, go spend a day with him or her. You’ll realize that, like most of us, they work hard for their money, and your satisfaction is really important to them. Published in REALTOR® News, November 1994 and reprinted with permission of the National Association of REALTORS®

We Recommend

Lender: Bay Capital Mortgage

Matthew Nader 443.716.1237Office 240.882.8006 Cell

Settlement Company:

Settlement Ink Joy Siegel, Attorney

301.907.8800

Home Inspection: Joe Knows Homes

Joe Trimble: 301.852.8418

Termite Inspections/Treatment: Dixon‘s Pest Control

202.882.6565 Bugs Be Gone

Landscaping:

Bethesda Lawn and Maintenance David Shekarchi

301.977.6259

General Construction/Maintenance: Juan Sanchez – small to medium repairs

301.455.4718

Locksmith: Doc‘s Locksmith Service, LLC

David ―Doc‖ Colvin 301.657.0930

Home Warranties:

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty 1.800.775.4736

HMS Home Warranty 1.800.843.4663

Hazard Insurance:

Long & Foster Insurance Agency 866-275-4534