Section: HOM

Signs of a strong spring market

unknown@hometownannapolis.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00

With the very mild winter we've had so far, early signs of spring are popping up everywhere. The crocuses are coming up; the daisies and tulips have begun to push their way through the mat of winter decay, and yesterday we spotted some robins milling around the backyard. Old man winter could still smack us down since there's still a lot of time left for the white stuff to leave those robins wishing they'd wintered a bit longer in t...

On the Level: Wiring doubtfully cause of trouble; check with electrician

unknown@hometownannapolis.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:00

We’ve lived in our home for 42 years. It was three years old when we bought it. It started out as a 1967 all electric home and is served by a 200 amp panel. The wiring is all copper and we have a certificate showing that the electrical contractor that did the wiring won an award for the job they did.

The only thing we have done to the system is install several three pronged outlets in different rooms in the hou...

Home of the Week: Presidents Hill couple gets it 'write'

unknown@hometownannapolis.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:00
President Hill is a section of Eastport that bears the names of 12 American presidents; 14 if you count John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams, plus Teddy Roosevelt and his cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Strangely, Presidents Hill bears streets named after the first eight presidents, and No. 10, John Tyler, but not No. 9, William Henry Harrison. Later presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Herbert Hoover and William McKinley have been honored with s...

The Realities of Real Estate:�Health of the market: looking back and going forward

unknown@hometownannapolis.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00

Every so often we look at the overall performance of the real estate markets, and based on what the numbers tell us, try to glean a glimpse of what the future might hold. As with many things, the beginning of a new year is an appropriate time to get some fresh perspective.

In evaluating the market, it's important to distinguish between national trends and what's happening in our area. The health of housing can vary dramatically ...

On the Level: Leak is likely from toilet upstairs, not PVC pipe

unknown@hometownannapolis.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00

I just discovered a small amount of water dripping from the black - approximately 6 inches wide - PVC drain pipe where it exits the ceiling in the basement. I checked the elbow and the water is coming from above that joint. This is the toilet waste pipe that has the leak. I have this sinking feeling that the drywall from the first floor to the second will have to be torn out to locate the leak.

Is there another ...

Kater on the Home Front: How to restore and maintain order at home

unknown@hometownannapolis.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00

It must be difficult, being disorganized and feeling out of control. Or not being able to solicit cooperation from those you live with. Even walking into your home and not having it the way you want can be disconcerting. Then one day, sick and tired of being sick and tired, you wake up to find yourself motivated, ready to restore and maintain order in your life.

To begin, decide what it is that you want; then make every decision line up...

Home of the Week: House showcases love of ski, safari travels

unknown@hometownannapolis.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00

'Wipe your paws" requests a wooden sign at the front entrance of the Murray Hill abode of Jennifer Squillario and her husband Ian Taylor. We paused and dutifully wiped our hind paws on the mat.

Right inside the front door, we were grabbed in an enthusiastic embrace and sniff test by the home's real owners, Buddy, a 3-year-old Labrador, and Kirby, an 8-year-old Bassett hound, both adopted from rescue groups. Nearly knocked b...