Tips to help sell your Home - 12/31/07 08:25 PM
10 tips to improve your selling karma
Videotape your house, inside and out, and watch the tape as if you were a prospective buyer. Is the lawn weedy or the garden bare? Is your home uncluttered and spotlessly scrubbed? Sparkling-clean houses sell faster than those that look too lived-in or show an abundance of the owner's personality. 
Take a second look at your listing price. Visit open houses in your neighborhood. Are similar homes priced lower? Selling prices may have dropped since your first comparative market analysis.  In a hot market, if you haven't sold your home within one month, chances are good that … (1 comments)

Top 10 overpriced Places in the US - 12/31/07 07:19 PM
The 10 most overpriced places in the U.S.
From Forbes Magazine
How we ranked themTo compile our list of the 10 most overpriced places in the United States, we started with the largest 112 metro areas of the 200 included in Forbes' 2006 list of the Best Places for Business and Careers. The areas are ranked from No. 1 (best) to No. 200 (worst) on various factors, among them job growth and cost of living.
We took the job-growth and cost-of-living rankings, and added to the mix a housing affordability index from research firm Moody's Economy.com and a salary index from Seattle-based compensation collection … (8 comments)

Don't Rush to Payoff your Mortgage - 12/30/07 04:28 PM
You normally don't think of people who prepay their mortgages as being wasteful or careless.
But a recent study suggests these households blow more than $1.5 billion a year, or $400 per household, by accelerating their mortgage payments instead of contributing more to their retirement accounts.
The research found that at least 38% of those who were making extra payments on their mortgage were "making the wrong choice." Instead, these households would get back 11 to 17 cents more on the dollar by putting the money into a workplace retirement plan like a 401(k).
The study, titled "The Tradeoff Between Mortgage Prepayments and Tax-Deferred … (1 comments)

How to avoid the Housing mess pitfalls. - 12/30/07 04:16 PM
Know the value of your home. Selling probably isn't your first choice, but it's important to know whether the house could be sold for enough to pay off the loan, plus closing costs. Ask a real-estate agent for a free estimate, while mentioning that you have no immediate plans to put the house on the market. Also check out Zillow.com, an online real-estate information Web site that provides home-value estimates.
Consider refinancing. If your credit is poor, refinancing may not be possible or will carry big fees, but if a deal sounds good, get an estimate in writing. You can consider … (0 comments)

The housing mess will continue till Fall of 2009 - 12/30/07 04:12 PM
U.S. housing prices will continue to decline at least through the end of next year and may not begin creeping upward again until 2010, executives from the nation's biggest mortgage financiers said Monday.
Officials with government-sponsored mortgage companies Fannie Mae (FNM, news, msgs) and Freddie Mac (FRE, news, msgs) and CEOs from two major mortgage banks told the Mortgage Bankers Association's annual convention that the continuing spike in foreclosures and a glut of unsold homes will prevent any quick price rebound.
"It's going to be a long time before we see it bottom out and recover," said David Lowman, chief executive of JPMorgan … (3 comments)

Ultimate News Years Gift - 12/28/07 07:51 PM
As 2008 approaches I have a tip that was given to me yes.
Invest In Yourself! 
It sounds simple but how many of us do it?  Sure we take the educational classes we need and classes and seminars to get or stay motivated.  But do we truly invest in ourselves?  95% of the active realtors came from other professions to which we had two weeks of vacation.  We looked at these two weeks as a benefit. Now that we work for ourselves we look at those two weeks as a luxury. We need to invest that time back to ourselves to recharge … (3 comments)

Coping with Stress - 12/27/07 06:31 PM
Coping with Stress
Stress is a fact of life, but it need not be a way of life. There are many things in life that you can't control, but very few that you can't learn to manage, including the negative aspects of stress.
The positive aspect of stress is that it can help you concentrate, focus, and reach peak performance. Many people do their best work when under moderate pressure. Then, when the challenge has been met, they take time to relax and enjoy their achievement. This relaxation response enables them to build up the physical and emotional reserves to meet … (3 comments)

Resolutions You Can Keep - 12/27/07 06:19 PM
New Year's resolutions often begin with "I will lose five pounds" or "I promise to quit smoking." But, without keeping the following suggestions in mind, your resolutions may become nothing more than fodder for frustration. Be committed. You must think through what you want to change and commit yourself to the long-term process. You then need to come up with a realistic plan to help you reach your goals. For example, if you want to shed some pounds, create a weight-loss schedule and an achievable diet and exercise plan. If your family and friends are supportive, tell them about your goals. … (2 comments)

Top Ten New Years Resolutions - 12/27/07 06:13 PM
Top Ten Alternative New Year's Resolutions
Resolutions are all about making a fresh start. So, here's a fresh twist -- this year make a resolution you can stick to! The following resolution ideas are not only good for you, but you actually might enjoy them, too! Of course these are only starting points. Feel free to mix, match, and add to, as desired!
Make New Traditions. Choose something that you, or you and the family, will enjoy growing with month after month, or year after year.
Slow Down. Pause and take a moment each day to yourself.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors. … (1 comments)

Relocation to Maryland - 12/25/07 08:14 AM
Looking for Things to Do in Maryland? Places to Visit?
WELCOME TO MARYLAND!
Whether you are relocating to Maryland, or already live here, look no further than the website for Maryland Department of Tourism to learn about places to visit and things to do in Maryland.
You will find information for Planning a Maryland Visit, including information about and links to Western Maryland, Central Maryland, Southern Maryland, the Capitol Region, and the Eastern Shore, including maps, photos and descriptions of counties in each of these areas.
There is a family-friendly Kid's Room, with information about Maryland history, topography, interesting facts, interesting places to visit, and even … (0 comments)

Severn Area Demographic Facts - 12/25/07 07:33 AM
Population (year 2000): 35,076
… (0 comments)

Seasons Greeetings - 12/25/07 06:02 AM
I wish all of the AR family a Happy and Safe Christmas.  As you enjoy your family and friends during this season please don't forget the less fortunate among us.  I'm sure each of us knows someone that as had a rough year in 2007.  * If you don't look around your office and see how many agents have left the profession. So as you eat till you're over stuffed and open that gift you real didn't want take time to reflect on those of us who can't spend time with friends and loved ones or can't afford food or gifts.    … (3 comments)

Choosing an Agent - 12/23/07 07:03 PM
Choosing an agent can be confusing, especially when there are so many to choose from. Among questions about an agent's experience, local market knowledge credentials, cost and marketing plan, here are 13 questions to ask an agent before deciding he or she is the right one for you.
Do you work full-time or part-time as a real estate agent?
Full-time work typically means more attention for you.
•1.                    How many homes have you sold in my neighborhood?
An agent who specializes in the area in which you are selling your home is preferable. This agent will be the most familiar with recent sales … (0 comments)

Buyers with cold feet - 12/23/07 06:59 PM
It is not unusual for first-time buyers,especially, to view the house buying process as a nerve-wracking one. Understandably, some buyers have second thoughts as they review their decisions to buy. "Buyer's remorse" is an emotional response that some people have to a real estate transaction. Forsome homebuyers, these feelings are probably related to the uncertainty that results from relinquishing control. Other buyers' feelings of uncertainty are coupled with the fear of making long-term commitments. Whatever the reason, buyers should address any remorseful feelings they might have with their agents, who can reiterate the good reasons they had for buying in the … (2 comments)

Nottingham Townhouse - 12/22/07 06:45 PM

http://www.postlets.com/rem/203520
… (0 comments)

Protect Your Children from Pesticide and lead Poisoning - 12/20/07 06:37 AM
Protect Your Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings
These simple steps can help you save children from environmental hazards around the home:
1. Always store pesticides and other household chemicals, including chlorine bleach, out of children's reach -- preferably in a locked cabinet.
2. Read the Label FIRST! Pesticide products, household cleaning products, and pet products can be dangerous or ineffective if too much or too little is used.
3. Before applying pesticides or other household chemicals, remove children and their toys, as well as pets, from the area. Keep children and pets away until the pesticide has dried or as … (1 comments)

Tax Benefits for Homeowners - 12/20/07 06:34 AM
Tax Benefits For Homeowners
We all know the old adage about nothing being certain except death and taxes. However, on a more positive note, you can also be certain of tax benefits if, that is, you are a homeowner.
Purchasing a home can provide valuable tax savings to homebuyers. Mortgage interest, property tax, and other payments associated with financing a home can apply to your tax deductions. They may decrease the amount of income tax you must pay to the federal government.
Another financial advantage to owning a home is that as you begin to pay off your mortgage loan, you … (0 comments)

Severn Area Townhouse - 12/19/07 10:29 PM
The home has plenty of potential. Bring your imagination and contract and make this the home of your dreams. Investors looking for that prefect rental opportunity. Come view this home and make you best offer. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 Baths, dining area, large open great room area with sliders to fenced rear yard. Basement is unfinished and offers plenty of options to the new buyer. … (0 comments)

Rosedale Area Townhouse - 12/19/07 10:13 PM
… (0 comments)

Everyday Recycle Tips - 12/19/07 09:14 PM
Buy plain white paper, tissues and paper towels. Dyed paper pollutes.Instead of ammonia-based cleaners, use vinegar and water or baking soda and water.Walk or ride a bike instead of using a car for short trips.Reuse your grocery bags or buy a canvas bag you can carry your groceries in.Use mulch and natural ground cover in gardens to contain moisture and conserve water use.Turn off lights in rooms you are not using.Repair leaks and drips as soon as they occur. A moderate drip wastes two gallons of water or more per hour.Buy rechargeable batteries.Water lawns at night to eliminate evaporation.Reduce your use … (2 comments)

Save Water Outdoors - 12/19/07 09:06 PM
Cover pools and spas to avoid evaporation. Sweep your driveways and sidewalks with a broom instead of spraying them off with a hose. Check outdoor faucets, pipes, hoses and pools for leaks. Change your lawn mower to a 3-inch clipping height and try not to cut off more than one-third of the grass height when you mow. Use a bucket of soapy water to wash your car, or simply place a shut-off nozzle on the end of your hose. Visually inspect your sprinkler system once a month. Fix any tilted, clogged or broken heads. Avoid watering your landscape during the hottest … (1 comments)

Save water Indoors - 12/19/07 04:11 PM
Here are few tips to save water indoors
If you wash dishes by hand, fill one half of the sink with soapy water and the other with clean water instead of letting the water run. Place a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of letting the tap run to get a cool drink. Select one glass to use for drinking each day. If you do this, your dishwasher will take longer to fill up and it will not need to be run as frequently. Thaw foods in the refrigerator or in a bowl of hot water instead of using running water. … (0 comments)

Home Warranty as a Gift - 12/18/07 01:03 PM
I have been debating on whether or not to start giving home warranties as a gift for my buyers.  I have not normally done this but in the interest of referral business have considered it more and more lately.  The cost would add up considerably based on our current business volume, but the trade off may mean more business in the future.  What do you think? … (14 comments)

Looking for a new smartphone. Any suggestions? - 12/16/07 08:56 PM
I'm looking for a new smartphone to replace my current phone.  I have no preference as to what phone I would use. I'm looking for suggestions from the AR family as to what phones to look at or not look into.  The basics I want in a phone are; email / text ability, PDA functions. Any and All suggestions are appreciated. … (7 comments)

Do you want your desktop to speak to you? - 12/14/07 02:15 PM
 
There is a program that is very inexpensive you can download that will enable your computer to talk to you.
Listen to your e-mails, documents, help files, or anything you can copy to the clipboard.  It will even remind you of appointments.
You can even create talking webpages with this software!
So where can you get this nifty tool.  Check it out on the shadisoft site here, very inexpensive there is a free trial, a $9.95 version or the delux version for $19,95.
If any of you have already tried this what did you think, any comments as to how you liked it appreciated.
So let's … (6 comments)

New Credit Card Scam - 12/14/07 02:06 PM
Credit Card Scam
The Holiday Season is just a little bit down the road and the bad guys are already trying to get free stuff
by using your credit.
New Credit Card Scam Snopes.com says this is true. 
This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it.  This information is worth reading.  By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself. One of our employees was called on … (2 comments)

Motivational Speakers - 12/14/07 01:54 PM
 
Are you as suspicious of real estate motivational speakers as I am?
They come in to incite us into action ... give us a lot of razz-ma-tazz ... rah-rah-rah sis-boom-bah ... the whole eye of the tiger thing!
They tell us that they were Realtors® once upon a time and now they're sharing ALL their knowledge so we can become good, fired up agents ready to change into top producers.
My skepticism has always been that if they were such good agents, why aren't they still in the business.
Um-m-m, could it be that they realized they could make more money being on the speaking circuit … (1 comments)

Best Bet Home Improvements - 12/04/07 06:32 AM
… (1 comments)