Linda Bass Yaffe

Realtor®

410-902-1100

Email Us

How to Fix Your Garbage Disposal

Broken Garbage Disposal?

We have all experienced that pesky broken garbage disposal!  Did you know that often times you can fix your garbage disposal yourself?

Many times, the issue with your garbage disposal is simple.  Either the garbage disposal is clogged or it needs to be reset.  Both of these issues are easy to solve.

How to Fix Your Garbage Disposal

Watch our short video to learn these easy steps to fix your garbage disposal and avoid the costly plumber!

YouTube Preview Image

Easy Steps:

  1. Turn OFF your garbage disposal.
  2. Look into your drain.  If you see an obstruction, carefully reach into the drain and remove the object causing the obstruction.
  3. If you do not see an obstruction, make sure your hands are out of the disposal, and turn on the disposal.  Listen to what noise, if any, your disposal is making.
  4. Turn OFF your garbage disposal.
  5. If you heard no noise at all when you turned it on, you need to get under the sink and locate the red button.  Press this red button, which will restore power to your garbage disposal.
  6. If you heard a humming noise, then you need to locate the wrench that came with your disposal.  Get under the sink and put the wrench into the slot and turn the wrench.  This will restore power to the disposal.

Baltimore Metro MarketWatch Video – March 2011

YouTube Preview Image

Anne Arundel County Market Statistic Update – Piney Orchard & Ft. Meade

The numbers look great in Anne Arundel County!  Great momentum coming from the BRAC moves.

We expect a very strong 2011 for the area.  If you are a Landlord thinking of renting out your home, we need you!  We  have more tenants than available rentals.  Contact me directly or go to www.ChesapeakePropertyManagement.com for more information.

Anne Arundel Market Stats – March 2011

Statistic Values YoY MoM
Total Sold Dollar Volume $144,542,001 +5.52% +31.6%
Closed Sales 394 -4.14% +23.9%
Median Sold Price $276,500 -3.83% -3.54%
Avg Sold Price $366,858 +10.07% +6.21%
Avg Days on Market 129 days -0.77% +1.57%
Avg Sold to Orig List Ratio 90.3% -2.27% +0.26%

Baltimore City Market Statistic Update – Canton, Federal Hill & Fells Point

The numbers are up but average price is way down! 

I see that as a good sign.  The investors are out and see opportunities to clean up some of these old homes.  That is GREAT for our city.  With so many renters in town from Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland, we need more rental properties.  We also need affordable housing.  All good signs.  As this excess inventory gets gobbled up, we will see prices rise.

Baltimore City Market Stats – March 2011

Statistic Values YoY MoM
Total Sold Dollar Volume $47,844,728 -26.73% +5.38%
Closed Sales 487 +3.18% +19.66%
Median Sold Price $52,000 -52.51% -1.89%
Avg Sold Price $98,244 -28.99% -11.93%
Avg Days on Market 132 days +6.45% +10%
Avg Sold to Orig List Ratio 76.67% -8.01% -4.46%

Baltimore County Market Statistics Update

Baltimore County is humming along.  Number of sold homes are up and average price is down.  That is ok.  We are on the rebound and expect a strong 2011 and an even stronger 2012.

Baltimore County Market Stats – March 2011

Statistic Values YoY MoM
Total Sold Dollar Volume $110,362,314 -22.92% +34.22%
Closed Sales 483 -14.21% +51.41%
Median Sold Price $190,000 -11.63% -6.4%
Avg Sold Price $228,493 -10.16% -11.36%
Avg Days on Market 138 days +21.05% -6.76%
Avg Sold to Orig List Ratio 87.22% -4.75% +0.17%

Carroll County Market Statistic Update – Eldersburg & Westminster

Wow – Carroll County numbers are a pleasant surprise! 

With Carroll County being a suburban/rural area, I was not sure that it would rebound so quickly.  But all indications look excellent.  An easy drive to the Owings Mills Metro (if you are commuting to Baltimore) and an easy down 32 to Ft. Meade, make Carroll County an excellent housing choice.

Carroll County Market Stats – March 2011

Statistic Values YoY MoM
Total Sold Dollar Volume $22,564,180 -13.3% +62.26%
Closed Sales 85 -7.61% +60.38%
Median Sold Price $221,400 -16.29% -7.75%
Avg Sold Price $265,461 -6.16% +1.17%
Avg Days on Market 214 days +52.86% +38.06%
Avg Sold to Orig List Ratio 86.03% -5.82% -2.12%

Harford County Market Statistic Update – Aberdeen & Belair

Harford County looks great!  Volume and sales are way up!

Once again, this is not a surprise.  With an excellent employment base at Aberdeen Proving Ground, close proximity to Baltimore City and a variety of housing prices and neighborhoods, Harford County is an excellent housing choice.  I predict a strong 2011 for this area.

Harford County Market Stats – March 2011

Statistic Values YoY MoM
Total Sold Dollar Volume $51,270,327 +14.9% +66.49%
Closed Sales 209 +14.84% +68.55%
Median Sold Price $210,000 -5.7% -7.59%
Avg Sold Price $245,313 +0.06% -1.22%
Avg Days on Market 146 days +17.74% +9.77%
Avg Sold to Orig List Ratio 90.53% -1.62% +0.53%

Howard County Market Statistic Update – Columbia & Ellicott City

No Surprise Here…The numbers look good for Howard County!

Even though average prices are down, momentum is up.  Days on Market is down, month over month volume is up.  All good signs for Howard County.  With BRAC employees in nearby Anne Arundel County and award winning Howard County schools, Howard County is going to have a strong 2011!

Howard County Market Stats – March 2011

Statistic Values YoY MoM
Total Sold Dollar Volume $72,572,940 -20.29% +32.45%
Closed Sales 204 -14.64% +53.38%
Median Sold Price $311,500 -8.47% -19.09%
Avg Sold Price $355,750 -6.61% -13.65%
Avg Days on Market 107 days +30.49% -20.15%
Avg Sold to Orig List Ratio 92.56% -2.29% +1.44%

Home Maintenance in Baltimore Property Management is a 2 Way Street

Home Maintenance is a 2 Way StreetAt Chesapeake Property Management we hear so many interesting stories every day regarding home maintenance.  Often times we are asked, “whose responsibility is it” to maintain a rental property…the Tenant or the Landlord/Property Manager?

The answer is simple…BOTH! 

Home Maintenance is a 2 way street! 

Since the Tenant does not own the property it is not their responsibility to fix major issues that arise.  However, with that said, it is the Tenant’s responsibility to report issues as soon as they do arise.  The Landlord is counting on the Tenant to keep their eye on the property to make sure that everything is functioning as it should. 

This is not typically an issue for Tenants as many of the issues that arise directly affect the Tenant, therefore Tenants typically want the issues resolved quickly.  After all, why would a Tenant want to pay rent to live in a home that is not maintained properly!

On occasion though, a Tenant may fail to notify the Landlord or Property Manager of a specific issue.  What happens then? 

For example, if a pipe leaks and the tenant does not report it, and subsequently ruins the floors, cabinets, etc., who is responsible?  We say the Tenant.  The Tenant has a responsibility to report leaks and repairs ASAP.  Tenants are also responsible for basic maintenance – like turning off the water to a leaking sink or toilet or, at a minimum, at least not using it until the repair is completed.

This really does come down to common sense.  If a Tenant sees a problem, even if it is small, they should report it right away to the Landlord or Property Manager.  The Landlord or Property Manager can then make the decision on how to resolve the issue right away.

If this ever happens to you, be sure to check with your insurance company  to see what is covered.  Contact Juli Stein, jstein@yaffeteam.com, our property manager, for more information.

Yaffe Real Estate New Listing Update – Owings Mills Rental

9324 Vanguard Court, Owings Mills, MD 21117 – Rental $1700/month

YouTube Preview Image

OWINGS MILLS KENSINGTON TOWNHOME W/ 2-STORY BUMPOUT FEATURES GLEAMING WOOD FLOORS, OPEN LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM, STORAGE ROOM, COUNTRY KITCHEN W/ ISLAND BREAKFAST BAR & BRIGHT FAMILY ROOM W/ VAULTED CEILINGS. MASTER SUITE OFFERS VAULTED CEILING, WALK-IN CLOSET & PRIVATE BATH W/ SOAKING TUB & SEPARATE SHOWER. FINISHED WALKOUT LOWER LEVEL W/ EXTENDED REC ROOM, 1/2 BATH & LAUNDRY/STORAGE AREA.

MLS: BC7572216
Price: $1700/month
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sq Feet: 2144
Year Built: 2001
# of Floors: 3