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Maryland is home to over six million people, with the majority of the state’s diverse population being concentrated around the Washington, DC, and Baltimore metropolitan areas. It may be the ninth smallest state in the nation, but Maryland packs a lot of geographical diversity into its majestic 12,400 square miles.
From the coastal plain of the Chesapeake Bay in the east to the Appalachian Mountains in the west, the state of Maryland offers visitors a snapshot view of the best parts of the eastern half of the United States. A variety of industries have designated Maryland as their headquarters, and the state’s proximity to the Washington, DC, metro area means that the median household income is higher than the national average. Public transportation makes commuting to the District from suburban Maryland (and vice versa) a relatively straightforward journey.
The Maryland portion of the DC metro area extends from Frederick County in the north, down to Charles County in the south, and out to Calvert County in the east. Similar to Northern Virginia and the District, median home values and listing prices tend to be higher than in other parts of the country. Based on recent real estate trends, however, buyers looking in Maryland will find more price differentiation than they will in Northern Virginia.
Montgomery County and Prince George’s County have seen a significant boost in home sales and listing prices. To keep up with buyer demand, builders and real estate investors are turning to townhouse and condominium developments as well as popular mixed-use centers. The areas of Bethesda and Silver Spring, with their highly rated school systems, continue to be sought-after destinations for young families.
Buyers on a budget who want to stay close to the countless amenities and attractions of the District are moving to Greenbelt and Bowie. Kensington and Rockville are known for their low rates of crime, a rare find in a major metropolitan area. Regardless of which area you choose, a home in suburban DC is a smart investment.
Homeowners in the Maryland and suburban DC areas experience all four seasons each year, so consistent home maintenance is important to preventing problems such as water damage, roof leaks, and clogged gutters.
Water that doesn’t drain from the yard in a timely manner can be the cause of a host of problems in your home’s crawl space or basement. If you see water puddling around your property—particularly if the puddles are close to your house—contact a drainage specialist for an assessment.
A few times per year, do a brief visual inspection of your roof. Be on the lookout for damaged flashing and loose or missing shingles. Take note of any leaks inside your home, and call a roofing professional with your concerns. An inadequate attic vent system can contribute to many common roof problems, so installation of a dual-vent system may be one of the roofer’s recommendations.
Gutters should be cleaned twice per year—once in the spring, and once in the fall—to prevent buildup of leaves and other debris that can cause water to spill out onto the home’s foundation. Overflowing gutters and downspouts can lead to water seepage and mold or mildew growth around the house. If you see evidence of mold, don’t try to clean it up yourself; instead, call a specialist immediately.
When it’s time to update your home, whether for comfort and esthetics or purely for resale purposes, homeowners in the Maryland suburbs of DC find that energy-efficient upgrades and remodeled kitchens and bathrooms typically result in the greatest return on investment.
Many older homes in the DC suburbs were constructed with a more traditional floorplan, which often translates to a cramped, closed-off kitchen and small bathrooms. Renovation gives homeowners a chance to modernize their homes with the open-plan kitchens and larger bathrooms that modern homebuyers love. Green upgrades, such as new insulation or high-efficiency, double-pane windows, can lower utility bills significantly and increase a home’s resale value.
Our professional, A-rated Best Pick companies are at the ready to help with your home maintenance and improvement projects. With our extensive research and insurance and license verification process, we take the guesswork and uncertainty out of hiring a contractor.
If you have a DIY project in the works first, take a look at the links below to ensure you fully understand any regulations that apply to your situation.
Most home improvement projects require a permit or license, especially if electrical or plumbing work is necessary or if the project involves major structural changes. These regulations are in place for safety reasons; failure to adhere to them may result in significant penalties.
I can tell a lot of work goes into making this book. When I go online, I can find 50,000 plumbers, and I can't tell which ones are better than others. Best Pick Reports is quality over quantity; the companies in it are solid.
