Maryland Day is a holiday celebrated annually on March 25th in the state of Maryland, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The holiday commemorates the founding of the state of Maryland and its role in the history of the United States. On March 25, 1634, a group of English settlers arrived at St. Clement’s Island, located in what is now St. Mary’s County, Maryland. They were led by the Catholic nobleman Lord Baltimore, who had been granted a charter by King Charles I to establish a colony in the New World where Catholics could worship freely. The arrival of the settlers marked the beginning of the colony of Maryland, which became an important center of trade and commerce in the 17th and 18th centuries. The colony was also known for its religious tolerance, with Catholics and Protestants living side by side and practicing their respective faiths without persecution. Today, Maryland Day is celebrated with a variety of events and activities across the state. Many schools and museums offer special programs and exhibits highlighting Maryland’s history and culture. Some communities hold parades or reenactments of the landing of Lord Baltimore and the first settlers. The holiday is also an occasion for Marylanders to celebrate their state’s unique heritage and identity. The SmartHomes Group LLC has the privilege of serving 11 states, Maryland represents approximately 60% of our total annual revenue.We love you Old Line State. ~Bill

Why are contracting/ remodeling prices going up if we are coming out of the pandemic?In my industry, I provide a service that consists of 3 components. Labor, Materials and Overhead.My Overhead is relatively low (happy hours and a few trips to Italy a year) so it really doesn’t need to factor in this discussion.So let’s start with the Materials aspect of contracting.This is a complex problem and unfortunately it doesn’t look like the trend is going to shift anytime soon. And before anyone chimes in with a tHaNkS biDeN (OR Trump) or any other political references, No it is not political and has nothing to do with the current or former administration.So let’s start with the obvious. Clearly the supply lines are still being affected. There was the cargo ship, Ever Given that blocked the Suez Canal recently. Roughly 13% of the global shipping (or $9 billion daily) navigates through that passage and commerce will feel the ripple effect for several months to come. There’s also the fact that people have been home so they’re engaging with more online shopping. Personally, I almost never shopped online (pre-pandemic) and was the “jump in my car and go grab whatever I needed at the store guy”. No more! I’m even ordering a lot of our renovation materials and having them shipped directly to the properties. Inevitably sending more trucks on the road which continues to strain supply lines. Finally among the biggest factors is the reduced need for paper. As a country we continue to shift to a digital presence. That combined with a massive shift in a workforce working from home there are lower needs for large orders of office paper. When making lumber, many of the mills transfer (sell) pulp and other wood byproduct to the paper mills. With paper mills needing to produce less paper they are having to either warehouse or find other means of disposing of this byproduct. Now take a lumber mill who was being paid a lot of money for the byproduct who now has to either “hazardous dispose” of the waste or warehouse it, until disposing, their operating cost skyrockets.Voila! A deck costs 400% more than 9 months ago. Any by the way, will continue to go up.Now let’s focus on labor. There has been an ongoing trend in the contracting industry. With the popularity of remodelling homes and growing interest in renovations you would think that the industry would be booming. It isn’t, it’s actually shrinking. Statistically speaking, each day someone becomes a new contractor, 10 leave the industry. This is where things become a little more speculative. So here’s a formula where you have a growing need for people who are trusted and skilled to do work on homes and a shrinking pool of tradesmen capable of doing it. For my remodeling company, we have been and remain extremely busy. I have been scrambling to help new clients while focusing on agents needing properties worked on for listings and of course, my investors.I’m lucky I don’t have clients waiting several months for projects to begin on their home but many contractors do. This is not how I’d like to operate its just reality.So what does all of this mean in terms of real estate? Well, with interest rates where they are if you’re looking to buy, buy now! With a shortage of inventory if you’re looking to sell, sell now! And if you need work done, contact a trusted, experienced contractor and do the work NOW. Contracting prices will continue to rise and the demand will continue to increase as well. ~Bill

Spring is here and that means rain rain rain. 🌧 It’s a good time to contact a trusted roofer for a free inspection. Here are 5 signs you will need a new roof. Age: The age of your roof is a major factor in determining whether you need a new one. Most roofs have a lifespan of 20-25 years, after which they start to deteriorate and lose their effectiveness. If your roof is approaching or has passed its expected lifespan, it’s time to start considering a replacement. Missing or Damaged Shingles: If you notice missing or damaged shingles on your roof, it’s a clear sign that you need a new one. Shingles that are cracked, curled, or missing altogether can allow water to seep into your home, leading to water damage and other issues such as mold. Leaks: If you notice water stains on your ceiling or walls, or if you see water coming through your roof during heavy rain or snow, you likely have a leak. Even if the leak is small, it’s important to address it promptly before it causes more damage. Sagging or Drooping: If you notice any sagging or drooping in your roof, it’s a sign that the structure is compromised and may be at risk of collapsing. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including water damage, rot, and a weakened structure. Energy Bills: If you’ve noticed a steady increase in your energy bills, it may be a sign that your roof is no longer properly insulated. This can be caused by wear and tear over time or damage to the roof. If you’re experiencing higher energy bills than normal, it’s worth having your roof inspected to determine if it’s time for a replacement. Do not put off getting a new roof! It’s your first line of defense against the elements and when damaged or in need of replacement, can cause repair expenses to skyrocket if not addressed. There is also a possibility that your homeowners insurance will replace the roof FREE or at the expense of your deductible. As a licensed insurance restoration company, The SmartHomes Group LLC can assist with this process and even negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf for your best replacement. If you need any information or are in need of a new roof, please contact me directly.We have financing options available.Roof now, pay later. Yes really! ~Bill

When preparing your home for sale, it’s important to focus on repairs and renovations that will provide the highest Return On Investment (ROI). Here are some repairs that tend to have a high ROI: Kitchen and bathroom renovations: These rooms are some of the most important in a home, and buyers often look for modern, updated features. Upgrading appliances, countertops, cabinets, and fixtures can give these rooms a fresh look and increase your home’s value. Painting: A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference in the appearance of your home, and it’s a relatively inexpensive way to update the look. Stick to neutral colors to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Flooring: Replacing old or worn-out flooring can also make a big difference in the appearance of your home. Hardwood floors are popular with buyers, but if you have carpet, make sure it’s clean and in good condition. Curb appeal: First impressions matter, so make sure your home’s exterior looks its best. This could include repairing or repainting the front door, adding some plants or flowers, and making sure the lawn is well-maintained. Lighting and fixtures: Updating outdated lighting and fixtures can give your home a more modern look and feel. Consider replacing old ceiling fans or light fixtures with newer, more energy-efficient models. Ultimately, the repairs and renovations that will provide the highest ROI will depend on the specific market and the condition of your home. It’s always a good idea to consult with a real estate agent for advice on what updates will be most effective in your area. If you or anyone you know is planning to sell a home, we’re happy to refer you to our network of trusted real estate professionals to assist in this important process. At The SmartHomes Group LLC we can help with repairs needed and defer all costs until closing. For more information, please feel free to contact me directly. ~Bill

Sorry but I’m a little late for the 2020 recap. In so many ways it has been the best year and the worst year for me. As a business owner and a contractor it has been one of the busiest years of my life. SmartHomes remains one of the few companies to offer full renovation services and deferring payments for up to 14 months no interest or payment until closing. In response to a changing public need, we have added other services to our platform. We can assist you with buying or selling your home. We can also help in transitioning, downsizing, investment or vacation properties. And finally my passion project, Foreclosure Rescue. Yes, we are saving families from losing their homes. (6 so far)Our company has expanded from Virginia, DC and Maryland into Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Charlotte NC and Tampa/Clearwater Florida with Chicago, NYC, WV and Atlanta coming in ’21.There have been many hurdles along the way. The many challenges the pandemic has placed on us, severely limited building supplies. The travel restrictions and curfews implemented in various states. Especially going job to job and seeing how it affects my crews and their families.We had a few crew members become very ill and passed it to their families. I’ve lost a few dear friendships and relationships but as life so often does, found some new ones along the way.I was in New York early in the pandemic. I will never forget walking down 1st Avenue and not seeing another person for several blocks. Walking past Bellevue and seeing the refrigeration trucks and the hundreds of sick people in and around the hospital.  Seeing many of my friends lose their jobs and life savings, reading post after post about people suffering financially, physically, mentally and driving past food banks and seeing dozens of cars lined up for food. Unimaginable and absolutely heartbreaking. Seeing the amount of suffering over the past year has made me a better person and a better contractor. Reflecting on 2020, I am extremely grateful. I am grateful that in spite of working every single day, I have remained healthy. I’m grateful to be walking again after my back injury. I’m grateful Betty is still healthy and alive. I’m grateful to have friends, a home, food and a job. Something a shocking number of others can’t say. And finally grateful for the opportunity to serve our clients and the support from each of you. Every recommendation, like, share and comment just widens our platform and I am so deeply privileged to be in a position to serve you. As a reminder to you all, my team remains at your service. ~Bill

I remember when I was 14 years old. My father had recently passed away so my mom would send me to stay with my Aunt and Uncle during the summer. My Uncle was extremely handy. One summer I was his laborer while building a 4000 square foot home on the golf course in Pinehurst NC. That was the moment I was bitten by the building bug. It was fascinating to me, seeing this giant mound of dirt become transformed into a giant concrete hole in the ground. Each day it would change. Ever so slightly incremental changes but it started to take shape. The homeowner was an engineer. He personally drew up the plans for the home and was at the job site often. This home was being built in an exclusive neighborhood and my Uncle spared no expense when hiring skilled subcontractor tradesmen. What started to become equally fascinating were the assortment of artists who showed up for work. These are people who rarely have the ability to assimilate into a normal life but have a gift to create. I often would see them show up for work late or sometimes not show up at all. Each day there was a no show would cause delays and having to call audibles to what needed to be completed. I asked my Uncle why do they not show up when they are being paid by the job. His response, “that’s just the way it is.” With today’s customer service driven society, that is no longer acceptable. Missing a day on a job site can cause a ripple effect costing a client thousands of dollars. Perhaps even the ability to list their home. At SmartHomes we take deadlines and a multi trade renovation very seriously. Recently we started a full renovation. The day we were removing the roof (2nd day on the job) the governor announced a state wide quarantine through June 10th. The property had been in our clients family for generations. She had recently rented the property out and the tenant caused a great deal of damage. With Spring market fast approaching we were under an aggressive timeline to complete the job. The quarantine, curfew, supply shortages, delays were all justifiable reasons for the project to be delayed. Maybe even halted. However, we had a signed contract and a client who was expecting us to deliver. Initially we asked for 45 days and we completed the renovation in 32. The house sold in 6 days, $10k above list. Needless to say had we not finished on time, that offer wouldn’t have happened for our client. When a colleague and I were chatting he asked “how did you do it”? I told him we did not have a choice. When I signed the contract, I did not sign with the intention of finishing on time in a perfect world. I understood the expectation was for me to finish on time. Period. While I would like to take full credit for this, the reality is I am as good as my people. My assortment of artists who still sometimes struggle with assimilating into society are the best in the business.