Making my Guardian Selections

Last night I had my meeting with Guardian. This was an exciting meeting for me because I was looking forward to putting some technology in my home. I went into the meeting with an idea of the things I wanted to add and only changed my mind a few times while there. I'm very happy with my selections and thought they offered some pretty cool options as "included." Here is what I added:

 

• For this community Guardian offered the base package of the alarm system and home automation for free (aside from paying the $50/month for the service). This means I will be able to control my door, garage door, alarm system, and thermostats from my phone. It will also come with a motion detector for the main level (a special pet friendly one that only picks up motion in people/objects greater than 40lbs). The only thing I added was a window sensor for the basement window.
• Smart connections package: this package will take care of my cable and Ethernet connections. This was important to me since I like to use my Apply TV and Roku and sometimes notice a lag with streaming over Wifi. I added cable and Ethernet hookups in the rec room (basement), main level, master suite, 1 spare bedroom, and the attic loft.
• I added 1 wall mount set up for the TV on the main level. I would like to install a full motion TV mount in this area so I can turn the TV to face the kitchen or living room. This will feature will allow the HDMI cable and outlet to be behind the TV so you don't notice any wires hanging behind the TV.
• Home entertainment system to allow music to be played wirelessly throughout the rec room and living room/kitchen. Two speakers will be installed in the rec room ceiling and 2 speakers will be installed in the main level (living room and kitchen). I will have wall control units for each area to be able to adjust the volume and power it on/off in individual rooms. This will run primarily from my phone via Bluetooth.
• 4 ceiling fan rough-ins. 1 in the attic, spare bedroom #1, master suite, and living room. I will start shopping for ceiling fans of my choice closer to move in time.
• 4 recessed lights in the living room.

 Overall I'm really excited about the options I included. I can't wait to see how everything will look!

While I was there, I got a better picture of the new community sign

 

Buying and Building my FIRST Home!

I've thought about buying my own home for many years. I always knew it was something I wanted to accomplish, but didn't think it was possible. For as long as I can remember, I've been drawn to anything water and have often thought about how amazing it would be to own a home on the water. After moving to Baltimore, I would find myself going to open houses in the area that were waterfront or close to waterfront but would experience sticker shock at the prices and property taxes. One day, while doing my "weekly "Redfin search of the area, I came across new construction townhomes in Dundalk, MD that were waterfront on Bear Creek in Lynch Cove. It looked too good to be true! I immediately decided I needed to go out to explore the area for myself. On February 5th my dad came to Baltimore and we made our first trip to visit the community and meet with Brittney, one of the sales representatives. From the second I pulled into the community I was sold! The community features Mozart and Mozart with attic floor plans. The homes were neutral colors but had a nautical feel to them. There were a mixture of waterfront lots as well as interior lots. As soon as I walked into the model home I fell in love. I knew this was the place for me.

On February 12th I returned to the community to sign a contract on my soon-to-be home. I brought the expert panel (Mom, Dad, and Holly) for assistance and guidance. My original intention was to sign a contract for the Mozart floor plan (without attic) on waterfront lot #44. The day before signing the contract I spent the day/evening thinking about the attic and how it could improve my resale value and add storage space. Although it is only going to be me and my chihuahua and cat living there, I wanted to look ahead to the future. From walking around the community, it seemed like the buyers in the existing waterfront building had all opted for the attic. I decided I would too. Adding the attic not only added a 4th floor, but it also added a "roof top deck" in addition to the deck on the main level and a second HVAC unit.

Signing the contract was made incredibly easy because of my awesome sales rep, Brittney. She made the process fun, exciting, and easy to understand. I still can't believe I have a contract on my first home! I look forward to updating everyone as this process continues!

 

Putting the "Sold" sticker on the master plan!

Putting the "sold" sticker on my home site 

It's mine! 

View from my home site 

Looking at the community pier and onto the boat slips 

 

 

 New Ryan Homes boat slips to the left, existing boat slips to the right