Docks, Docs, and Southern Maryland Shores: The Ultimate Guide to Waterfront Living

Are you dreaming of a waterfront home in Southern Maryland with your own personal dock? The good news is that you're not alone! Many people are drawn to the beauty and tranquility of waterfront living, and the ability to have a dock is just the cherry on top. But owning a waterfront home with a dock can be a lot of work, as well as incredibly rewarding. So, in this blog, we'll provide you with some helpful tips on maintaining your dock and home exterior, as well as detailed information on waterfront communities in Southern Maryland. Tips for Maintaining Your Dock & Home Exterior 1. Regular inspections Regularly inspect your dock for damage or wear and tear. Check the wood planks for any signs of rot and look for any loose nails or screws. If you find any issues, be sure to address them promptly to avoid further damage. 2. Pressure washing Pressure wash your dock at least once a year to keep it clean and looking new. This will also help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. 3. Wood treatment Treat the wood on your dock every few years to protect it from the elements. A sealant or stain can help prevent water damage and keep the wood looking beautiful. 4. Home exterior maintenance Keep the exterior of your home clean and well-maintained. Living on the waterfront can mean exposure to salt water and harsh winds, so regular cleaning and upkeep is key. Now that you have some tips on maintaining your dock and home exterior, let's talk about some of the best waterfront communities in Southern Maryland: Search Southern Maryland Waterfront Homes for Sale Here Chesapeake Beach This charming waterfront town has a variety of homes with docks, from cozy cottages to luxurious waterfront estates. Residents can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the Chesapeake Bay. The community also offers a boardwalk, waterpark, and a variety of summer events and festivals. Solomons Island Located on the Patuxent River, Solomons Island is a popular destination for boaters and water enthusiasts. The community has a variety of homes with private docks and is also home to several marinas. Solomons Island boasts a variety of restaurants, shops, and waterfront activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding. Hollywood This waterfront town is located on the banks of the Patuxent River and offers a variety of homes with private docks. Residents can enjoy fishing, crabbing, and boating right from their own backyard. Hollywood also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and community events. St. Mary's City This historic waterfront town is located on the St. Mary's River and is home to St. Mary's College of Maryland. The community has a variety of homes with private docks and residents can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding on the river. St. Mary's City also offers hiking trails and museums, making it the perfect location for nature and history enthusiasts alike. Real Estate Documents Required for Selling Waterfront Properties in Southern Maryland The Chesapeake Bay Act is a critical law governing waterfront properties in Maryland. It was passed in 1970 to protect the Chesapeake Bay from pollution and overdevelopment. The law requires that any development or redevelopment in the Chesapeake Bay watershed meet certain criteria to help prevent pollution and protect the Bay. This act also affects the sale of waterfront properties in Southern Maryland. Before a property can be sold, the seller must obtain a Water Quality Certification (WQC) from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). This certification ensures that the property meets the requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Act and will not contribute to pollution in the Bay. When buying or selling a waterfront property, it's important to work with an experienced real estate agent who is familiar with the CBCA and can guide you through the process. In addition to the CBCA, there are also regulations under the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) which may affect the sale of a waterfront property. The CBPA is designed to protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries by regulating land use and development in the watershed. The act affects properties within 1,000 feet of tidal waters or wetlands and can require additional documentation for the sale of a waterfront property. While these regulations may seem daunting, there are solutions available to both buyers and sellers within the state. Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent who is familiar with the CBCA and CBPA can help streamline the process and ensure that all necessary documentation is in order. Owning a waterfront home with a dock in Southern Maryland is a dream for many, and with proper care and maintenance, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. From inspecting your dock for damage to regularly treating the wood, there are steps you can take to ensure that your dock and the exterior of your home remain in top shape. With a variety of waterfront communities to choose from and knowledgeable real estate agents to guide you through the process, owning a waterfront home in Southern Maryland may just be the perfect fit for you.

Moving Day, How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways…

One. Yes, only one. I love Moving Day because it speaks of adventure, new vistas (literally) and new life. Everything else about moving is hard, backbreaking, and sometimes painful. While we’ve been cooped up during the pandemic, moving day still looms near right now for many families who will be transferring with their company, with the military, moving Mom & Dad to a new place, or just a move across town for you. When my husband was in the Navy, we moved 15 times in 12 years. I learned so much along the way and thought I’d share some of the things that helped make it easier. Start Early At least 3 months in advance, decide if you want to hire a moving company or if you plan to do the move yourself. I’ve done both and each has its challenges. If you are local to Southern Maryland, reach out and I’ll share some companies that are worth checking out. You’ll need to call shipping companies very early to get on their schedules. They need to visit your home to get an estimate of approximate weight and supplies needed. Packing takes 1-3 days. On packing days, be sure that you remove items that you do NOT want packed, to your car or other safe space. Think laptop, purse, medicine, suitcases even your trash cans. Yes, they will not only pack your trash, but they’ll pack your cat if you aren’t careful! There is a price tag attached that runs into the thousands and you may expect at least some breakage. If you plan to move yourself, choose a rental truck provider. Do not schedule this online. I’ve used them all and all have issues. Contact your local representative to schedule the move. It pays to be nice, pay in advance (at least a deposit) in person, and once the reservation is made and printed, call to ensure all is still on track one week prior to the pickup date and again two days prior to the pickup date. This method has never failed me. Be sure to rent a hand truck, blankets and straps when reserving the truck. Over time I developed a system for moving yourself. Start by picking a staging room/area for boxes once they are packed. Move any furniture into a group and keep a clear pathway into the room/area. Next – find boxes. The best advice I can give on choosing boxes is don’t skimp. You can purchase new or used boxes from local shipping companies and/or rental truck companies. Furniture stores are a good source. And there are always the liquor store and grocery store boxes. Be sure to buy lots of medium boxes. You’ll need some reinforced boxes for kitchen appliances and dishes, and some wardrobe boxes for hanging garments. A few large boxes can be used for light items like sheets and towels. Do not buy cheap tape. Do not buy cheap tape. (Worth repeating) Get several large rolls. Cheap tape gets warm in heat and comes loose. Also buy Sharpie markers with the big tip in different colors for labeling the boxes. There are lots of apps and label options to use, but the simplest thing is to label the boxes directly. You’ll need paper – packing paper, newspaper, recycled paper. Be aware with newspaper, ink get transferred onto objects you touch. Bubble wrap is nice too. Get more of everything than you think you’ll need. It is easier to return unused items than to stop packing when you’re on a roll to go get more supplies. Choose a room, unload your supplies. The kitchen is the toughest but everything else will be a breeze if you get that done first. Choose one Sharpie color for kitchen boxes. Your first box should be filled with 1 dish, bowl, set of silverware and cup for each family member, a frying pan, pot, a good, sharp knife, grater, can opener, spatula and large spoon for stirring. These will be your kitchen items until you unpack in the new location so don’t seal it. Pack any personal or decorative items first. Refrigerator magnets and pictures, catch-all baskets. This is a good time to purge the junk drawer. Once the kitchen is stripped of personalization, move on to the glasses – they are the easiest. Line the bottom of a medium box with a sheet or two of slightly crumpled paper. Wrap each glass individually and lay on its side until box is full. Label it as “KT – glasses” with the Sharpie on the top and at least 1 side. Set in the staging area when full. If you have room left, you can add in other dishes that are not part of a set. Next do the plates and bowls. Then the breakable baking dishes and storage bowls. Countertop appliances are next. Use a reinforced box for the heavy items. Wrap breakables and fit as many as you can in the box as long as it is not too heavy. Move on through the pots & pans, trays and cutting boards. Try to find one box that is sized just right to hold all your utensils. Try to fill each box as full as possible with like items and label each one. Food items stay out and become the last thing you pack. You can now unpack that very first box and place in one of your now many empty cupboards for use until moving day. If you have dishes in a dining room, this room should immediately follow the kitchen. Sometimes I use linens to wrap sentimental items securely. The towels are coming with me anyway! Rooms to pack next vary – if you have children, save the family room for last. I like to do bedrooms next. Pack items you’ll wear during the move. Be sure to consider the weather, then remember shoes, underwear and jackets. Place those items in a safe location (not the staging room!) and pack everything else in your closets. Use wardrobe boxes if necessary for hanging items that folding may damage. Otherwise, pack it in a box. Leave them on the hanger by layering one group of clothing at a time into the box and laying the hanger diagonally, altering the direction with each layer. Try to keep like items together and label appropriately. Mark each room’s boxes with its own color, so easy to unpack later. Move all boxes into the staging area and stack it to the ceiling with the heavier boxes on the bottom. When you get to the bathrooms, pack liquid items including shampoo, lotion, etc, in Ziplock bags. Continue until all you have left are the items you’ll use during the move. Be sure to keep one set of sheets for each bed, or use sleeping bags. I’ve skipped the plate-saving and gone paperless for many moves, but you end up using a lot and it is nice to have your own dishes to use. Plus Mother Earth approves. Work to complete all your packing except for food by at least 1 week prior to the actual date of loading the truck. You’ll never make it but try anyway. Two weeks before the move, contact the USPS to let them know your new address and your utility companies to schedule service termination. Some can be done online, some you must call. In all cases, try to leave your utilities in your name for one day beyond your actual move date. This will save you if the day of moving arrives and the truck breaks down or someone gets sick. You can call and extend if needed. But if you wake up that morning and you’ve canceled service for that day, you could be loading in the dark with no air conditioning or heat. Two days before the actual move date, disassemble any furniture that is too big to travel intact. By this time you should have more room to store these items. Use Ziplock bags to store screws, bolts, etc. and tape the bag to the bottom of the furniture. It is also time to pack the food. Only pack food that is boxed, canned or packaged properly. I always take my cornstarch, flour, etc, but I bag it first. Everything must be sealed – you never know when critters might find your stash during a move. Refrigerated items you intend to keep can be placed in coolers the day of the move. Plan to use us as much food as possible during the last month so that you have less to pack. Most of our moves were from one part of the country to another so most of my food that was left over went to friends and neighbors on moving day, load heavier items toward the front of the truck or trailer bed. If you stack items, be sure to strap them. Use the blankets between your furniture and the truck walls to protect. Go slow and use the dolly. At your new home, the colored labels will help you unload each box into the proper room. Four Final Tips One: if you do not have a full time job and you can devote most of your time to packing, you can probably pack a regular three bedroom house in under a month. If you are working and packing, plan to be packing for 1-3 months. Yes, months, not weeks. Two: moving is the second most stressful event in your life, second only to the death of a loved one. Take care of yourself and your family during this time. Remember to speak kindly and forgive easily when someone loses it. Because someone will lose it – probably you if you’ve done most of the packing! Three: if you have pets, be extra attentive. Moving is very stressful for our pets. Be sure you give them lots of extra attention and be aware that they may bolt if given the opportunity. Four: if you have friends help you move, BE PREPARED! By this I mean have the little, personal detritus of life in each room already packed and away. Pack the personal items and things you are worried about being broken before they even arrive. Then you can just tell them to pack away and they won’t have to ask you a million questions about each item. If you have help, use it wisely by getting them in the kitchen and dining rooms first. Have plenty of tape and tape dispensers, plenty of packing paper and plenty of boxes – enough supplies so that you don’t run out. Have a start time and an ending time for each packing session so your friends know they are not chained to your home until all is complete. And be sure to feed them well. If your packers enjoy a cocktail, have that as well. Beer just happens to be my personal favorite packing supply! Happy moving!   Julie Fuller, REALTOR®, PSA, CREN, SRES     For more information on moving and packing, try these websites: https://www.realtor.com/advice/move/  https://lifehacker.com/the-start-to-finish-guide-for-moving-to-a-new-place-5591389  https://www.cheapmovingtips.com/tips-plan-prepare-pack-move/ https://www.moving.com/tips/rights-and-responsibilities-when-you-move/ 

Owning a Home and Celebrating Easter: The Joy and Chaos of Homeownership

Homeownership is a wonderful thing, isn't it? The pride of owning your own property, the joy of fixing things up just the way you like them, and the occasional panic attack when you realize you're the one responsible for everything that goes wrong. But, despite the challenges, there's nothing quite like celebrating a holiday in your own home. And Easter, with its celebration of new beginnings, is the perfect time to do so. One of the joys of owning a home is being able to decorate it just the way you like. And what better way to welcome in the spring than with a festive Easter display? You can fill your home with pastel colors, Easter bunnies, and of course, lots and lots of eggs. Whether you're going for a classic look or something more modern, the options are endless. And don't forget to stock up on candy, because what's Easter without a little sugar rush? But, as any homeowner knows, things don't always go according to plan. Maybe your carefully crafted Easter egg display gets knocked over by your over-excited dog, or maybe your kids decide to use your new couch as a canvas for their Easter egg dyeing. It's enough to make you want to scream, but instead, take a deep breath and remember that these are the moments that make life interesting (and give you great stories to tell later). Of course, owning a home means more than just decorating it for the holidays. There's also the never-ending list of repairs and maintenance tasks that need to be done. And, if you're anything like me, those tasks have a tendency to pile up until they can't be ignored any longer. But, with Easter just around the corner, it's the perfect time to tackle those projects and get your home in tip-top shape. So, go ahead and fix that leaky faucet, replace that burnt-out light bulb, and clean out that cluttered closet. Not only will you feel a sense of accomplishment, but you'll also be ready to welcome in friends and family for an Easter celebration that they won't soon forget. At the end of the day, owning a home is about more than just the physical structure. It's about creating a space that you can call your own, where you can make memories with your loved ones and celebrate the important moments in life. And what better way to do that than by welcoming in the spring with a festive Easter celebration? So, go ahead and embrace the chaos (and the occasional disaster) that comes with homeownership. After all, it's all part of the adventure. Happy Easter, everyone!

The Joys and Pains of Homeownership: From DIY Disasters to Community Connections

So, you finally did it. You're a homeowner now! You have your own space to decorate however you want, and you don't have to worry about those pesky noisy neighbors anymore. But, let's not kid ourselves here, homeownership can be more of a nightmare than a dream at times. Sure, you're building equity and creating your own personal piggy bank, but that comes with a never-ending list of home maintenance tasks. It's like you've been given a full-time job as a plumber, electrician, and landscaper all rolled into one. And let's not forget the costs of these tasks that seem to drain your wallet faster than a gold digger on a first date. And just when you think you've got everything under control, something always breaks down. You can't just call the landlord anymore. Now, the repairs fall on your shoulders, and let's face it, unexpected repairs are never cheap. It's like the universe is playing a prank on you by breaking something right after you've spent a ton of money fixing something else. But wait, there's more! Despite all of these headaches, homeownership is still worth it. You get to feel like a part of the community and actually know your neighbors. You might even join a homeowners' association and be a part of the exclusive club that complains about how high the HOA fees are. And let's not forget that owning a home provides stability for your kids, who will finally have a sense of belonging in the community. So, the next time you have a plumbing disaster or a leaky roof, just remember that it's all part of the joys of homeownership. You're building generational wealth and a sense of community, one repair at a time. And if all else fails, just grab a glass of wine and laugh it off with your fellow homeowners at the next neighborhood barbecue.