Expert Insights

Mandatory Lead Paint Inspections, It’s the Law! Starting January 1, 2015, owners of residential rental properties built before 1978, are required to comply with Maryland’s Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Act. What does that mean and why is it significant? That means all residential rental properties must undergo mandatory lead paint inspections. Estimates of up to ninety-five percent of the housing units built in Maryland before 1978, contain this product. The purpose of Maryland’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is two-fold. First, the focus is the reduction of the incidence of childhood lead poisoning, and secondly maintaining access to affordable,

The Benefits of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection   It used to be that the only thing a seller needed to worry about was curb appeal. And while curb appeal is still significant, it is only half of what buyers are looking for. In today’s real estate market a seller has to consider Inspection Appeal as well. Home inspections tend to send all parties back to the negotiating table. However, real estate professionals and home inspectors alike are encouraging sellers of the benefits of a seller’s pre-listing home inspection. Often the buyers have the upper hand during a deal as they

Importance of Mold Testing for Your Home Whether your home is ten years or 100 years old, it may contain a hidden danger and health risk: mold. There are up to 12 different types of mold that may present and consequently related to health issues you and your family are experiencing. Many kinds of mold are benign, meaning harmless. And there are a few, such as penicillin that are extremely helpful. Your house is not only your biggest investment but also the place you live and raise your family. So, you want the healthiest environment possible. For that reason mold

The Importance of an Indoor Air Quality Test According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollutants are cause for concern. Specific pollutants may be especially harmful to children, the elderly, or those with health problems. These substances cause health problems ranging from sore eyes to headaches and fatigue. In severe cases, when exposed over long periods of time, people may develop serious illnesses such as heart disease or cancer. And, what’s more, exposure to individual pollutants such as carbon monoxide can even cause death. That is why it is imperative to test for indoor air quality in your

Maryland Smoke Alarm Law Did you know that your home may be in violation of Maryland Fire Safety Laws? As of January 1, 2018, the state updated its laws regarding smoke alarms. And, for a good reason. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), on average, seven people die every day in U.S. home fires. Furthermore, 3 of every 5 home fire deaths occur in homes with no alarms. And, in fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, almost half (46%) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries. Maryland is hoping to