Homes By Karen Willis

04/10/2026

Your Pepco bill could be going up
Pepco recently filed a request with state regulators for a major distribution rate increase. If approved in full, here is what the breakdown would look like this coming year:

Summer rates: 15% increase (5 months/year)
Winter rates: 33% increase (7 months/year)
Total weighted average: a 23% hike overall
This isn’t a one-time jump. If this plan is approved as it stands, distribution rates will have skyrocketed by an average of 63% since 2020 and a staggering 132% since 2016.

Make your voice heard
The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold two virtual hearings to receive public input on PEPCO's proposal to increase its electric distribution rates.

Participate in virtual hearing: The hearings will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6 p.m. and Friday, April 17, 2026 at 6 p.m. You are welcome to attend one or both hearings.

To participate at the virtual hearing, attendees should email [email protected] by 12 noon on Friday, April 10 for the first hearing and by 12 noon on Wednesday, April 15 for the second hearing. Attendees will receive a link for the virtual meeting. A recording will also be posted to the Commission’s YouTube channel.

Submit written comments: Written comments may be submitted electronically through the Commission’s website, in the Public Comments Dropbox. First-time users of the portal will need to register and then can submit their comments in Case No. 9820.

Comments may also be sent by mail (by June 1, 2026) and should be addressed to:
Andrew S. Johnston, Executive Secretary
Maryland Public Service Commission
William Donald Schaefer Tower, 16th Floor
6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Evidentiary hearings in this case are scheduled to begin April 27, 2026 with a Commission decision in early August.

02/16/2026

Lovely Condo Upper Marlboro. 2 br 2ba with loft, balcony, secure bldg, and reserved parking.

02/16/2026

In case you haven't heard, there is a proposal for a new shopping center for our area. A 73,000 square foot commercial shopping center is proposed for 8901 & 8935 Dyson Road, 12800 Missouri Avenue, 12801 Robert Crain Highway (US 301) (see attached photo). The development will include retail shops, a small grocery/convenience store, and a 5,000 square foot gas station with an associated convenience store (possibly a 7-11), and EV charging stations. All of the tenants have not been secured yet.

I am curious to know, how do you feel about this proposed shopping center? What types of businesses would you most like to see in this development?

02/09/2026

“Home Value + Wealth” (best for homeowners who might sell later)

Homeowners: if you’re thinking long-term, solar isn’t just “green”—it can be a wealth move.

Why?
🏡 it can reduce your monthly overhead
📈 it can increase buyer appeal in some markets
💰 it can help protect against future rate hikes
🔒 it gives you more predictability

I’m doing a Solar Value & Equity Check (FREE):
• solar eligibility check
• estimated payment vs current electric spend
• incentive check
• “sell later” impact overview
DM VALUE

01/23/2026

The moment we gain insight is often when we realize we've been prepared all along.

01/10/2026

Seafood Alfredo

01/09/2026

On January 8, 2026, Trump announced that he had instructed his representatives to buy $200 billion of mortgage bonds (specifically agency MBS tied to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) to influence mortgage rates and monthly payments

Let me break this down in regular language 👇

The government helps keep mortgages affordable by buying home loans.
When they step in:
• Rates come down
• Buyers qualify
• Homes sell

When they step back:
• Rates rise
• Buyers disappear
• Homeowners feel stuck

That’s why housing policy matters locally — not just nationally.

Prince George’s County | DC | Maryland homeowners feel this first.

01/08/2026

🏡 OPEN HOUSE – Upper Marlboro
📍 9709 Lake Pointe Ct #301
🕛 Sunday -1/11/26 @ 12–2 PM

Come tour this updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo featuring a loft and open living space.
Perfect for buyers looking for comfort, space, and low-maintenance living.

✔ Updated interior
✔ Open layout
✔ Great Upper Marlboro location

Stop by, take a look, and see if this is the right fit for you.

📞 Karen Gaddy Willis, REALTOR®
📱 240-779-4884

12/10/2025

12/10/2025

Desygner.com

12/10/2025

Open House Saturday Dec. 13 2pm-4pm

Desygner.com

11/08/2025

🏠 PART 2: How to Qualify Under the NEW Credit Rules

Now that lenders can use VantageScore 4.0, many people who were once denied for a mortgage may finally qualify — but only if you know how to position yourself! 🙌

Here’s what you need to know 👇

✅ Who Benefits Most:

First-time buyers or renters with little to no credit history

People who pay rent, phone, or utility bills on time

Anyone who hasn’t used credit recently but has a long history of paying responsibly

Borrowers with good credit at one bureau — VantageScore looks at all three

✅ How to Set Yourself Up for Success:
1️⃣ When applying, ask:
👉 “Do you accept VantageScore 4.0 for loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?”
2️⃣ Track your rent and utility payments — use third-party services that report them to the credit bureaus.
3️⃣ Ask your landlord for written proof of on-time rent.
4️⃣ Check your credit under both systems (FICO and VantageScore) to see which one favors you.

💡 Tip: VA and several Federal Home Loan Banks already accept the new model!