Lanette in Bel Air

A "Shout-Out" to CHASE BANK

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:52:31 -0600

I've got to give a big ole shout out to Debra High at Chase Bank for her diligence in getting my latest short sale done.

We hear all the the time about how crazy short sales are, how long the bank/3rd party takes to make a decision on the buyer's offer, how frustrating it is to submit and re-submit documents that mysteriously disappear from the file...the list goes on.

However, here's a story about a short sale that went well thanks to a lady that was on the job.

How about a negotiator who actually responded to e-mail (and v-mail) in a timely manner, resulting in:

an acceptance to the buyer's offer in mere days
a settlement extension turn-around mere days
a 2nd settlement extension turn-around in a day
a 3rd settlement extension turn-around in a day

Best of all, there was coordination between "the left hand and the right hand".

No DUH...somebody in loss mitigation actually conveyed to somebody in foreclosure that there was a contract on the property and, oh yeah...

"PLEASE, DON'T FORECLOSE ON THE PROPERTY!"

And, somebody actually listened.

The foreclosure sales date was postponed.

Thank you, Ms. High, for doing your job so well that everyone else involved in this real estate transaction could do theirs and, ultimately, get this property sold. I do realize that y'all have a ridiculously heavy work-load as well as tremendous expectations from all sides. Therefore, it's especially nice to see someone go above and beyond to get the job done!

So now, when all is said and done, the buyer has a great house, the sellers avoided a foreclosure on their credit, and the bank/investors got paid. One down, many more to go....NEXT!

Now, as for the settlement extensions....hmmm, that's fodder for a whole other blog.

You wouldn't believe it if I told ya.

Looking to buy or sell? Call me, we'll talk!

Regards,

Lanette in Bel Air

FREE! What a loverly word...

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 28 May 2009 23:25:52 -0500

Hi y'all ---

Just had to pass along this little ditty to all my friends and family. You know who you are...

Did you know that your kids can bowl free all summer long at AMF bowling centers?

No? Didn't know that?

Well...now you do!

Just go to KIDSBOWLFREE.COM and sign your child(ren) up. I did it for my two girls and they've been enjoying bowling since the beginning of May.

The program goes throughout the summer ('til early September) and it's for children 15 and under. There is the option for a family pass (I'm guessing this is how they make money off this deal...) where parents (grandparents, sitters...) can join in the fun as well. It's quite a deal at $24. You don't have to purchase this to take advantage of the 'kids bowl free' option, though.

I've really enjoyed bowling with my girls. I'm imagining those pins are annoying buyers; the kind that want to see all 54 of the hits off the MLS.

This weekend.

Great stress-reliever. I'm averaging nearly 200. BaHa...

Did I mention it was for the entire summer?

Go on over to the site, find a center near you, and sign up, y'all.

Bye for now,

Lanette in Bel Air

Just in Time to Help the Distressed Homeowner

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:38:29 -0500

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE

DATE: April 27, 2009 / BEL AIR, MD

RE/MAX 1ST ADVANTANGE IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT:

LANETTE BRANCH EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE

Lanette Branch of RE/MAX 1^st Advantage in Bel Air has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by “distressed” homes in the foreclosure process.

A short sale allows the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this scenario is all too common. A successful short sale can save a homeowner from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly (for the lenders) than foreclosures.

In the Bel Air area, a huge number of homes are in danger of foreclosing . It is happening in all price ranges and local experts say that even higher-priced “luxury’ homes are not immune.

“I’m pleased to have gained such extensive training in the area of distressed properties; this CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales,” said Branch. “It’s a true pleasure to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure and their credit from its devastating effects.”

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Branch with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales and can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to a foreclosure which virtually destroys the credit rating. He further detailed that these experts also may better understand market conditions that can help sellers through the emotional aspects of foreclosure.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training for the CDPE -- the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales. Less than 1% of the nations real estate professionals have attained this coveted designation.

“Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible,” Charfen said.

For more information contact Lanette Branch by phone at 410-893-1349 or 410-258-0663, email at Lanette@BranchSells.com , , or on the web at BranchSells.com.

RE/MAX 1^st Advantage is home base to Realtor Lanette Branch and is conveniently located in Bel Air, Maryland at 1204 Agora Road, 21014 in the Amyclae Shopping Center. Bel Air is the county seat of Harford County and is in close proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground, BRAC location for military families relocating from Ft. Monmouth, NJ.

Bel Air Real Estate in Review -- Week 21

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:17:50 -0500

Bel Air, Maryland

WEEK 21 - 2009

Here’s the week in review for Real Estate Activity in Harford County’s Bel Air, Maryland

(zip codes 21014 and 21015):

For the week beginning Sunday, May 17th and ending Saturday, May 23rd, the following statistics apply*—

Listings
•   There were 24 (47) new listings that came on the market.
•   List prices ranged from $129,000 to 550,000 ($139,900 - $679,975).
•   0 (24) are currently under contract and/or sold
•   13 (24) are single family properties, 5 (11) are townhomes , 5 (12) are condos.

Sales
•   There were 14 (17) homes sold for the week listed above.
•   Sales prices ranged from $150,000 - 695,000 ($147,000 - $575 ,000).
•   10 (10) were single family, 4 (4) were townhomes, 0 (3) were condos

If you’d like more information and/or have any questions about the Bel Air area give me a call or drop me a quick line at Lanette@BranchSells.com. I’m sold on Bel Air and surrounds** I’d be pleased as punch to sell you on Bel Air as well!

It’s a pleasure to be of service,

Lanette Branch, REALTOR

RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.
410-893-1349 Office direct
410-258-0663 Mobile

*Information was obtained from our local MLS-Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS) and is believed to be accurate, but should not be relied upon without verification. Accuracy of square footage, lot size and other information is not guaranteed.

**Surrounds includes ABERDEEN/ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, ABINGDON, BELCAMP/RIVERSIDE, CHURCHVILLE, EDGEWOOD, FALSTON, FOREST HILL, and JARRETTSVILLE.

Figures in parentheses are for year 2008.

Selling Your Overpriced Home: It Ain't For the Faint of Heart

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 10:28:58 -0500

Selling your home in today's marketplace is hard. Selling your overpriced home in today's marketplace is downright MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE.

You're doing yourself, your home, and your agent a huge disservice by overpricing your home in the current buyer's market. Overpriced homes get shown last, if at all, and they sit un-sold much longer than homes that are priced right. You think that old strategy of pricing higher than your absolute minimum acceptable sales price will work because now you're adding some ‘padding'?

Seriously?

You think that's a good strategy?

Uh...no, it's not.

It's a terrible strategy and it absolutely does not work in today's market. Moreover, you're doing a great thing for your neighbors' agents. You see, by pricing your home too high, you are helping to sell your competition's homes -- hard pill to swallow, but oh-so true.

Today's market is not the market of just a few years ago and your home will sit on the market while the seasons change, the well-priced competition goes to settlement, and the days roll by.

Do yourself a favor and listen to your well-informed, professional real estate professional. This is what we do. As Realtors we research your specific area and give you a price range that reflects myriad factors affecting your home's saleability. We listen to your needs, your wants, and your motivation in order to create a marketing plan specific to your home.

Personally, I spend lots of money out-of-pocket on the marketing of your home and I won't touch your home with a 10-foot pole if you and I are not on the same page when it comes to pricing. Why bother? Why waste time, energy, and MY money? A broke Realtor + a frustrated Seller = 1 Hot Mess.

You want sell your overpriced home? -- change that ACTIVE status to PENDING and then SOLD? Realize the gold mine you have at your disposal. Your agent did the hard work, researched the information you needed to make a decision, and provided that information to you quickly and efficiently, right? Now, the onus is upon you to use that information to make a well-informed decision and price your home right the first time. Don't get caught ‘chasing the market'!

What's ‘chasing the market', you ask?

Well, ‘chasing the market' is...another blog altogether!

New and Revised (and Redundant) HomeBuyers Workshop!

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:11:32 -0600

Following is a synopsis of my newly revised Homebuyers Workshop. We cover a lot of information in the workshop and it's divided into 13 sections. Hmmm...where are my Triskaidekaphobians?

Agents, feel free to borrow/use whichever portions you need for your own Workshop/Seminar!

Buying a House...It Ain't For The Faint Of Heart

Subtitle: Wimps need not apply

•1. So, you want to buy a house?

•2. Homeownership, it ain't for everyone

•3. It's a mindset, Baby

•4. Choosing a Lender

•5. Whoa! When's the last time you paid that bill?

•6. Choosing an Agent

•7. Finding your dream home

•8. Negotiate to win!

•9. Ready, set, go!...timeline to settlement

•10. Be sure to pencil in The six-hour Home Inspection

•11. Home is...where the mortgage is

•12. Your New Home

•13. The end?

Don't Believe The Hype! ~ Not Every House In Every Market Is Buyers vs. Sellers ~ Some Housing Markets Are Buyers vs. Buyers...

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:01:51 -0600

New Jersey Realtor, Amber Noble-Garland is a girl after my own heart. If you think 'Buyer's Market' means you as a buyer can get any house you want at any time you want for whatever price you want, think again...

Via Amber Noble-Garland, Marlboro NJ Realtor also serving Manalapan, Freehold & more (Direct line ~ 917-723-5645 ~ Weichert Realtors):

Recently I received one of those dreaded calls that none of us as Realtors ever want to get; "Uh Amber, I don't know how to say this but um..."

Needless to say, my breathing paused for a secone and I felt like my heart dropped to the floor.

The agent on the other line continued with something along the lines of "my sellers have decided to take a different offer."

So of course my next question was...

Is the other offer for the full price listing amount?"

He said it was not a full price offer but much better than our agreed to offer and it was an ALL cash deal.



There hadn't been any "action" on this home in the nearly 6 months it had been listed, so they did another price reduction.

Now that I brought in qualified buyers, with no contingencies, nothing to sell in order to get a mortgage in order to buy this home and a 30% down-payment, the home was finally going to sell but not to my buyers.

This should've been a piece of cake, right? I mean it IS a "buyers market" right? WRONG!

At first I was really annoyed by it all; I mean think about it, this guy gets no traffic on a home he has listed for a long time, I bring him A+++ buyers, buyers & sellers agree and sign-off, paperwork goes to the attorneys and we're in New Jersey mandated 3-day attorney review period. After 3 days (or as soon as all parties agree), we'd officially be "under contract."

I have a great rapport with my buyers, and am confident I will sell them something else when the right property comes along.

The feelings of frustration didn't last very long, because as much as I disagree with how things happen in the real estate biz at times, "business is business...never personal."

The greatest sense of disappointment I felt was having to call my buyers. It killed me to hear the sound of defeat in my client's voice when I told him he'd have to tell his wife that the dream house he promised to purchase for her no longer within reach. They are such wonderful people, and I'd never want to let them down. The husband resigned to the belief that it must not have been meant to be, but I could still hear that he was bummed out about it; not with me, but with the idea that they lost out on the house.

Here are the 3 lessons for ALL home buyers to be learned from this:

1. Any true financial wiz will tell you the name of the game is to "buy low and sell high." So when your Realtor tells you that there are a lot of buyers in the market right now I stronly encourage you to give that some serious thought. Interest rates are at a nearly 40 year low and buyers are coming out in droves to purchase homes. Don't believe it? Checkout this story for proof.



2. Please DO NOT assume that no one else is able to actually get a mortgage but you. There are tons of people with great credit scores over 740 and money in the bank looking at houses everyday in this current climate. Often times they are cash buyers. As we've all been told, CASH IS KING!

3. The one-size fits all generalized notion that it's a "buyers market" is FALSE. While there are plenty of "so-so" houses to go around in many areas across the country, in New Jersey where I specialize in selling homes(especially in towns like Manalapan, Marlboro, Freehold, Old Bridge) there ARE NOT enough drop-dead gorgeous, appropriately priced houses on the market right now to go around. This NOT a "put-on"...this is the truth!

Therefore when really HOT houses pop on the market (especially once the price gets reduced), you have a bunch of qualified buyers ALL vying to purchase the same house. It's like a bunch of people fighting over the last new video game in the height of the holiday shopping season at Target.

In fact we're seeing the reemergence of multiple contracts being presented. This means that it's not necessarily the buyers having the upper hand on the sellers anymore, but rather the "buyers" battling it out with "other buyers."

4. Never take anything for granted or assume you're the only one eyeing a particular house. If YOU really LOVE a house, chances are there may be other qualified buyers lurking who LOVE it too! Please don't get YOUR heart broken. If it feels like the right house, it probably is the right house. Have your agent write an offer ASAP before someone else does.

Stay positive & motivated,

Amber

Weichert, Realtors (Marlboro office)

455 Route 9 South

Manalapan, NJ 07726

917-723-5645 - cell

732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

GEICO, what the 'gecko' are you doing?

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:18:26 -0600

The new GEICO commercials are just too weird. There -- I said it!

Money with eyes?

What’s up with that?

I’ve always been on board with GEICO’s innovative approach to advertising.

There’s the gecko (that finds himself in the strangest situations), the caveman (that inspired his own television series), and the celebrity 'translators' (movie-trailer-voice guy was awesome). Also, we can't forget the print advertising touting the huge savings that awaited new customers. That's the ad campaign that really pulled me in.

Above and beyond the myriad spokesmen and/or mascots used, the fact that many were used at the same time is what elevated GEICO above the average advertiser for me. I’ve really applauded their novel, creative ideas.

But, this?

The money with the eyes?

How in the hell did that one slip through marketing?

Just plain creepy, if you ask me.

People are talking about it (I wrote a blog about it, wanna to read it?) but, is this the kind of attention GEICO’s looking for? Is it a case of any kind of attention is better than none at all?

I’d never aspire to cause a buzz for my business just for the sake of causing a buzz. I want positive, awe-inspiring, funny issues associated with my brand***, not creepy things.

So, GEICO, take it from a loyal customer of many years, get a grip and pull the creepy eye-on-the-money thingee.

You’re freaking me out.

_______________________________________________________________

***'cause I’m a positive, awe-inspiring, funny kind of gal -- humble, too…

RE/MAX 1st Advantage is proud to announce the opening of its new Property Management Division

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:57:29 -0600

January 12, 2009/Bel Air, MD

RE/MAX 1^st Advantage, located in Bel Air, Maryland, proudly announces the opening of its new Property Management Division. Headed up by Broker Sharon Crossett, the new Property Management Division meets the needs of investors and owners alike who desire hands-on management of their properties. This full-service property management company offers a variety of services ranging from rent/lease collection to eviction services and everything in between.

Because of the division's symbiotic relationships with inspection, pest control, maintenance, and insurance professionals, the division ensures proper safeguarding of the client's property.

The division serves both property owners and tenants alike by offering outstanding Maryland home rental services.

RE/MAX 1^st Advantage Property Division assists their clients with the various facets of property management from selection of the property to completion of essential paper work. Additionally, the division helps to secure financial funding by helping clients navigate through the maze of available loan programs to find the one that matches perfectly with the client's needs.

RE/MAX 1^st Advantage is home base to Realtor Lanette Branch and is conveniently located in Bel Air, Maryland at 1204 Agora Road in the Amyclae Shopping Center. Bel Air is the county seat of Harford County and is in close proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground, BRAC location for military families relocating from Ft. Monmouth, NJ.

Musings From Bel Air: I'm Starting To Take It Personally

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 17:48:57 -0600

I really am starting to take this all personally.

Did everyone I sold a property to in the last few years default on their mortgage?

No?

Then...if they haven't defaulted yet, are they about to?

I'm serious here. It's all too much for a girl to bear. I get a phone call or two each month now with a former client on the other end. Most times these calls are asking for guidance on what to do now that they need to sell their home -- the home they just bought 2 or 3 years ago.

That's not good, because these are not investors; they were in it for the long haul -- or so I thought.

I have to tell them the cold, hard facts about today's world of real estate. They probably owe more on the house than the house is worth.

I'm really tired of saying this over and over again.

I wish I didn't have to.

I've morphed into an HRC (Home Retention Consultant) the latter part of 2008 and I ain't gettin' paid extra for that!

Listen up, guys. If you absolutely, positively have to move (job relocation, no income to pay any mortgage, etc.) then call me to sell your home. I'll start the short sale process poste-haste and hope like hell your lender isn't Countrywide (or Popular or People's First).

But --

If you can stay in your home, please do just that.

Stay and pay (your mortgage, that is) and grow your equity the old-fashioned way -- with time. Maybe a loan modification is in order? I'm well-versed in that process and can certainly help you on your way. That's where the HRC part comes in. The past is just that and the wacko double digit appreciation we enjoyed just a relatively short time ago is gone, gone, gone.

This ain't your Mama's real estate reality, that's for sure.

It's 2009 and guess what?

I'm still standing -- but I'm starting to take it all personally, too.

Bel Market Snapshot: Week 52!

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:11:34 -0600

THE LAST WEEK OF 2008 in Bel Air, Maryland...

a total of $2.7 million in real estate was SOLD!

9 Houses SOLD
Average Days on the Market (DOM) for houses sold - 159 (OUCH!)
Average Sales Price for houses sold - $297,444

Highest Sales Price - $380,000 originally listed at $409,900
19 yr-old BRICK Colonial on 1/4 acre
4 Beds/4 Full
116 DOM

Lowest Sales Price - $217,500(originally listed at $205,000)
21 yr-old Condo
3 Beds/1 Full, 1 Half Bath
132 DOM

Above data is for week beginning Sunday, December 28th and ending Thursday, December 31st for zip codes 21014 and 21015. Actually, it's not even the entire week since the year ended on a Thursday!

Happy New Year!

Interested in more information on what's happening in Bel Air or looking to buy or sell some real estate of your own? Contact Lanette and let's get started.

Information is obtained from our local MLS and is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.

Here It Is -- Our Newest Arrival!

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:08:15 -0600

Since she's 14 years old, we can't exactly say she's the first one born in the New Year, but I think you get the picture.

Presenting,

(drum Roll, please...)

Bel Air's

Very First

Listing

Of 2009!

(Ta-Dah...)

309 Quilting Way in Country Walk

Weighing in at whopping 1416 sqft.
Brick-Front Townhouse
3 Bedrooms
2 Full/2 Half Baths
Finished lower level
$249,000

Almost brings a tear to your eye as you remember your first, huh?

Makes you wanna run right out and get your own, don't it?

Makes you lose all sense of grammar (and subject/verb agreement, too), apparently...

Call me if you wanna see it! Call me if you wanna sell one just like it! Call me if you wanna sell one twice the size! Aw heck, just call me...

Happy New Year, Y'all!

Bel Market Snapshot: Week 51

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:14:52 -0600

LAST WEEK in Bel Air, Maryland...

a total of $.9 million in real estate was SOLD! Not quitE a cool mil', but ,hey -- CHRISTMAS WAS SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS WEEK, FOLKS!

3 Houses SOLD
Average Days on the Market (DOM) for houses sold - 101 (OUCH!)
Average Sales Price for houses sold - $307,667

Highest Sales Price - $443,000 originally listed at $549,900
19 yr-old Porch-Front Colonial on slightly less than 2 and 1/4 acres
4 Beds/2 Full, 1 Half Bath
113 DOM

Lowest Sales Price - $280,000(originally listed at $310,000)
60 yr-old Brick Colonial
3 Beds/3 Bath
23 DOM

Above data is for week beginning Sunday, December 21st and ending Saturday, December 27th for zip codes 21014 and 21015.

Interested in more information on what's happening in Bel Air or looking to buy or sell some real estate of your own? Contact Lanette and let's get started.

Information is obtained from our local MLS and is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.

How About That 6 Hour Home Inspection?

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:56:59 -0600

I'll preface this post by saying that I always advise my buyers to hire a home inspector and have a thorough inspection done on the property they've decided to purchase. Additionally, I always add,

"I wouldn't buy a house without getting an inspection done!".

Then, I give my buyers the contact info. for 3 inspectors that I know and love, one of whom is the inspector I used for my own residence. I tell 'em that since they have the right to use any inspector they want, they should not feel obligated to use my list (and might want to ask family or friends for a recommendation or even use the Yellow Pages or the internet, if they so desire).

O.K., now that all of the disclosures are out of the way -- this is the story of the buyer who went on-line to find the...

Inspector Extraordinaire,

The Inspector of all Inspectors,

The Inspecto-rama-nator-inator,

The guy who took 6 & 1/2 hours to inspect a 1100 square foot, 22 year old house.

I am not pulling your leg this wonderful New Year's Eve.

When this kook was done, he had nearly 6 pages of single-spaced, type-written "issues" with the house --

Yes, if you're counting (and as anal analytical as myself) that would translate to slightly less than 1 page o' issues per hour.

I had a home that was missing an anti-tip bracket on the stove (among a million other things) and a first-time buyer that was completely wigged out.

She didn't know her elbow from her...

But, I digress.

Guys, I've been doing this real estate thing for a minute or two and, although I am not an inspector, I've attended an inspection or two over the years. Subsequently, I've come to one conclusion --

It does not take 6 hours to inspect an 1100 square foot house.

It doesn't.

The purpose of the home inspection, and thus the inspector, is to inform the buyer. The buyer needs to know about the condition of the house and the inspector is there to help uncover any structural and/or mechanical defects within the property. Additionally, the inspector should be there to explain to the buyer that some things are truly repairs that need to be addressed by the sellers, yet other things are upgrades that the buyer should be alerted to, and still other things are maintenance issues that the buyer should be aware of having to do at certain intervals.

There are differences between repairs, upgrades, and maintenance items.

Granted, deferred maintenance items on the part of the seller, could indeed become a bonafide repair item at any given inspection -- don't get me wrong. However, I do not need Inspector Alarmist to provide a laundry list of everything that's wrong w/this house without tempering the issues. My job is hard enough. It's his job to put everything into perspective and not leave my buyer with her head spinning.

My buyer ran from this house. Literally.

She did not buy it or the other 2 houses that this kooky inspector inspected.

And he's not on my list of 3 contacts, either (never was, never will be).

All that to say -- A good home inspector is truly a buyer's best friend. Don't buy a home without one. I wouldn't.

5 Reasons Why I Love The Baltimore Ravens

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:37:53 -0600

I penned this one about a week and a half ago; just wasn't able to post it until now. Darned buyers, don't they know it's the Holidays?!

O.K., so, without further ado...

5 Reasons Why I Love The Baltimore Ravens

1. They just beat the Cowboys like they stole something -- Boo-Yah!

2. They have Ray Lewis.

3.They have Ed Reed.

4. I'm Wacko for Flacco.

5. I love the color purple.

Those are just 5. There are lots more reasons why I love the Ravens but I'll keep 'em under wraps until they make the playoffs.

Short Sale Denied - Despite Cancer Diagnosis

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:17:42 -0600

Wendy Rulnick, Realtor in Destin, Florida, posted the following to her blog just a few days ago. I felt the need to RE-blog. Never done that before, but this situation is just beyond ridiculous. Banks that operate like the one mentioned in Wendy's post need a fire or two lit under their little arses, that's for sure.

Any wonder why we're in the middle of an economic meltdown? Read it for yourself and tell me what you think.

Via Wendy Rulnick "Its Wendy!" Destin Florida Real Estate (Rulnick Realty, Inc.):

I am writing about a very disturbing short sale situation. The property is a lot in Windswept Estates, a golf course community in Freeport, Florida. The mortgage is held by Peoples First, "Florida's Community Bank". After several months of price reductions on my seller's lot, we finally got a short sale offer of $29,900- fair market value. The mortgage balance is $183,000.

My seller's husband has just been diagnosed with kidney cancer, age 36. She herself has lost about half of her income in the past year, as assistant to a financial advisor and another part time job. Her charge card balance is around $60,000 - she used credit to keep making mortgage payments. She has struggled to make the interest-only payments on the lot - around $800 a month- as her partner, a real estate agent, has little income to contribute.

When my seller found out about her husband's kidney cancer about a month ago, she stopped payment on the check she had sent to the bank. Peoples First called her when they received notice and left a voicemail message that the manager would be "furious" and would start foreclosing.

Today, Peoples First just told me they will NOT do a short sale, period.  When I talked to them I mentioned the diagnosis of kidney cancer, wondering how this woman could keep up with her payments. I also asked, "Why would your company not consider a short sale in this economy?" I was told they had "not given any subprime loans, they were well-capitalized, and when they lent money, they expected to get it paid back". I said, "So you'd rather foreclose?" They said "Yes".

I then got a call from another party at the bank, who reiterated they don't do short sales.   I mentioned I would write about the situation in my national blog. I was told "I caution you not to do that."

Well, guess what? I am writing about it.

It's Wendy!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR     Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Search Destin FL real estate

Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Email itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick specializes in real estate sales, short sales, traditional sales on Emerald Coast of Florida: Destin Florida real estate, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain Beach, Freeport, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field.   Wendy Rulnick, Broker and Realtor, has been selling real estate for almost 20 years. She has won numerous awards, including the coveted ADDY for advertising design. An expert marketer of real estate listings, she also negotiates successfully to her buyers' and sellers' advantage. She is supported by a team of top buyer specialists. Wendy lists and sells homes, condos and townhomes.

All Rights Reserved. *Short Sale Denied - Despite Cancer Diagnosis* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity. Copyright © 2008 by Wendy Rulnick.This site, Wendy Rulnick or Rulnick Realty, Inc. is not providing legal or tax advice. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only.  It is recommended that sellers considering a short sale should consult an independent legal and tax advisor for more information.

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What's Happening in Bel Air Right NOW?

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 23:34:36 -0600

What's Happening in Bel Air Right NOW?

Here's an up-to-the-minute snapshot of Real Estate activity in Harford County's Bel Air, Maryland (zip codes 21014 and 21015):*

There are a total of 397 homes that are currently FOR SALE in Bel Air, MD
56% are detached single family homes, 22% are townhomes, and 22% are condos.
Asking prices range from $112,000 to $1,350,000.

The inventory is abundant; there's something for everyone's taste and budget. What to buy? Choose from a 2 yr-old, 6 bedroom colonial priced at a cool $1.35 mil to a 35 yr-old 1 bedroom condo priced at a mere $112,000. Whichever you decide, now's an exceptional time to buy.

So, whether you're looking for that perfect first home, a decent fixer-upper, or your next buy-up -- call me for the best deals available.

If you'd like more information and/or have any questions about the Bel Air area give me a call or drop me a quick line. I'm very familiar with all that Bel Air has to offer and if you are a military family relocating to the area (probably due to BRAC), I look forward to assisting you with your move. Edgewood, Abingdon, and Bel Air are just some of the several areas close to Aberdeen Proving Ground and I'd be happy to show you homes in these areas, too. I'm sold on Bel Air and I'd be pleased as punch to sell you on Bel Air as well!

It's a pleasure to be of service,

Lanette Branch, REALTOR

RE/MAX 1^st Advantage Realty, Inc.

410-638-6661

800-975-7895

_________________________________________________________________________

Bel Market Snapshot: Week 50

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:44:28 -0600

LAST WEEK in Bel Air, Maryland...

a total of $2.5 million in real estate was SOLD!

7 Houses SOLD
Average Days on the Market (DOM) for houses sold - 247 (OUCH!)
Average Sales Price for houses sold - $350,486

Highest Sales Price - $579,900 originally listed at $650,000

6 yr-old BRICK Colonial on slightly less than 1/2 acre

4 Beds/4 Full, 1 Half Bath

68 DOM

Lowest Sales Price - $175,000(originally listed at $205,000)

8 yr-old Condo

2 Beds/2 Bath

350 DOM

Above data is for week beginning Sunday, December 14th and ending Saturday, December 20th for zip codes 21014 and 21015.

Interested in more information on what's happening in Bel Air or looking to buy or sell some real estate of your own? Contact Lanette and let's get started.

Information is obtained from our local MLS and is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.

T Minus 9 Days And You Still Need A Gift?

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:45:38 -0600

It's nine days until Christmas and you still haven't found the perfect gift for those special people on your list. What will you do?

Are you kidding me? What in the world have you been doing all year? Certainly not selling houses -- the Media said so!. You knew Christmas was coming this time last year! Uggghh...

I digress...

Here are some cool, SIMPLE, inexpensive gift ideas that you can whip up fairly quickly. Yes, they are homemade, but they won't have to look homemade, if you put a little thought into 'em--

1. Give the gift of THEM THEM. You're a blogging maniac and I know you have loads of GREAT photos just waiting to be released from your MY PICTURES purgatory. Release 'em already! This is one of my favs. I did this for my niece one year and she's raved about it ever since. I gathered a couple pix of her 2 kids (ones she had no idea I'd taken!), uploaded them to Walmart.com's photo page, then picked them up at the store an hour later. I didn't even have to buy frames since I buy frames like some women buy shoes (and always for a song!) so it was easy enough to pop some into frames, wrap 'em and call 'em a gift.

2. Give the gift of YOU YOU. Write 'em a letter. Hand write your Dad (who has everything already, right?) a letter from the heart. Tell him what he means to you, tell him about how you've come to appreciate those "mean" things he did to you in childhood (now that you are an adult w/your own lovely tykes). Tell him you remember when he first took you to the zoo, or how he always made you pancakes on the weekends. Tell him how much you appreciate the time he spends w/his grandkids now. The sky's the limit on this one. However, word to the wise, don't write a cotton' pickin' novelette...short and sweet, that's the ticket! And put it on some nice paper, too! Maybe frame it, I like frames...

3. Give the gift of Food. Yes, food! Everyone loves food. Just don't do the fruitcake thing. Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookies (yeah, that's all in CAPS, 'cause it's important!) in a gorgeous container, or your signature dish, whatever it may be, is always appreciated. There are several variations on this one, too. You could layer the ingredients for the cookies in a mason jar or some other decorative see-thru container (layer of sugar, topped w/layer of chips, layer of flour...) and top w/a bow. And you could should include the recipe (in a frame?..).

4. Give the gift of Notoriety. Write a blog about 'em. You're a blogging maniac, remember? This is similar in concept to #2 but now you're taking it to a ho nuvah level.

These are just the tip of the iceberg. Your imagination is the limit. Just keep in mind that you don't have to spend hours in the mall or all of your money (that the Media says you don't have) to give a really great, inexpensive, yet unique gift. All you need to do is stretch your creative wings and give the gift of your thoughtfulness. People like gifts like that. That eat that stuff up (see #3).

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

What's Happening in Bel Air Right NOW?

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:34:37 -0600

What's Happening in Bel Air Right NOW?

Here's an up-to-the-minute snapshot of Real Estate activity in Harford County's Bel Air, Maryland (zip codes 21014 and 21015):*

There are a total of 413 homes that are currently FOR SALE in Bel Air, MD
57% are detached single family homes, 19% are townhomes, and 24% are condos.
Asking prices range from $101,145 to 1,350,000.

The inventory is abundant; there's something for everyone's taste and budget. What to buy? Choose from a 2 yr-old, 6 bedroom colonial priced at a cool $1.35 mil to a 78 yr-old 2 bedroom bungalow priced at a mere $101,145. Whichever you decide, now's an exceptional time to buy.

So, whether you're looking for that perfect first home, a decent fixer-upper, or your next buy-up -- call me for the best deals available.

It's a pleasure to be of service,

Lanette Branch, REALTOR

RE/MAX 1^st Advantage Realty, Inc.

410-638-6661

800-975-7895

_________________________________________________________________________

Bel Market Snapshot: Week 49

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:05:25 -0600

LAST WEEK in Bel Air, Maryland...

a total of $2.4 million in real estate was SOLD!

5 Houses SOLD
Average Days on the Market (DOM) for houses sold - 165 (OUCH!)
Average Sales Price for houses sold - $475,300

Highest Sales Price - $872,500 originally listed at 1,165,000

5 yr-old BRICK Colonial on 1 1/4 acres

4 Beds/4 Full, 1 Half Bath

173 DOM

Lowest Sales Price - $170,000(originally listed at $184,900)

7 yr-old Condo

2 Beds/2 Bath

232 DOM

Above data is for week beginning Sunday, December 7th and ending Saturday, December 13th for zip codes 21014 and 21015.

Interested in more information on what's happening in Bel Air or looking to buy or sell some real estate of your own? Contact Lanette and let's get started.

Information is obtained from our local MLS and is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.

Want To Know If You're Buying In A "Safe" Neighborhood?

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:29:55 -0600

So...you're a savvy buyer and you really like the house, but how do you know if the neighborhood if "safe"?

"Is this a safe neighborhood?" you wonder.

Well, if you're working w/me and you ask me that question, I'll tell that, as a REALTOR, I can't answer that question for you.

I'll tell you that "safe" is totally subjective, and you need to check out that type of information for yourself.

Then I'll guide you to the information you need to make an informed decision.

I'll tell you to go to CrimeReports.com, put in the address of the home you are interested in buying, and then evaluate the results.

Try it out for yourself. The information provided is absolutely awesome.

It includes--

an interactive map
details of the specific crime that was reported by the local jurisdiction
the specific ADDRESS of the crime!
ad-free site for official police-to-public communication
the opportunity to sign up for FREE reports to be sent automtically to your inbox

Best of all, it's all FREE and everyone likes FREE, don't they?

Wait a minute!

Maybe you shouldn't go to this site. I may never sell a home again once word gets out. Afterall, I have yet to enter an address and get a result of 0 hits!

Bel Air Christmas Parade: Trust Me, You Don't Want To Miss This! - Part II

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:15:21 -0600

You missed it didn't you?

Well, we didn't.

So, we did the parade thing on Sunday in the bitter cold. Totally The Sydster's decision to continue the tradition and march in the parade, thereby foregoing the final game of her basketball tourney.

-the tourney where her team kicked butt in several games throughout Friday and Saturday.

-the tourney that took place in a nice, toasty gym.

But, I digress...

So, Syd marched and the family supported and...

To Recap--

This was the 19th annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and The Sydster was scheduled to march.
Last year's parade was cancelled because of the weather (frigid cold, ice, sleet, general nastiness).
This year's parade was not cancelled.
It was cold as a snowman's nose out there.
Half of the poor souls who braved the weather left before Santa & Mrs. Claus even arrived to signal the end of the parade!
I think they all snuck off to the hot chocolate spot.**
This year's parade should have been cancelled.

**Most were probably muttering under their breath, "How low can it go?! Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr."

Did I mention that it was cold?

Add-A-Caption!

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:07:46 -0600

O.K., so this is the ways it works. I'll offer up an interesting photo and you add a caption. Couldn't be simpler.

Hope it's fun, though.

This brilliant idea came to me as I helped my daughter with a class project. The class is creating its own newspaper and she has volunteered to create a comic strip for the paper. Pretty cool first one, actually; didn't know The Sydster had such talent in there. You go, girlie!

Anyways, just trying in my own little way to spark some creativity with my ActiveRain friends -- provide some sort of positive outlet for all that imaginative energy, so to speak.

Goodness knows, we need a positive oultlet; I've seen what you guys are capable of (using your awesome powers of creativity for evil...BaHa!)

Let's kick off the festivities with the photo below. I'll even add MY own caption to start it off.

What's Happening in Bel Air Right NOW?

Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR (RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:38:02 -0600

Bel Air, Maryland, Maryland

Here's an up-to-the-minute snapshot of Real Estate activity in Harford County's Bel Air, Maryland (zip codes 21014 and 21015):*

There are a total of 419 homes that are currently FOR SALE in Bel Air, MD

58% are detached single family homes, 20% are townhomes, and 22% are condos.
Asking prices range from $101,145 to 1,350,000.

The inventory is abundant; there's something for everyone's taste and budget and now's an exceptional time to buy. So, whether you're looking for that perfect first home, a decent fixer-upper, or your next buy-up -- call me for the best deal available.

If you'd like more information and/or have any questions about the Bel Air area give me a call or drop me a quick line at Lanette@BranchSells.com. I'm very familiar with all that Bel Air has to offer and if you are a military family relocating to the area (probably due to BRAC), I look forward to assisting you with your move. Edgewood, Abingdon, Belcamp/Riverside, and Bel Air are just some of the several areas close to Aberdeen Proving Ground and I'd be happy to show you homes in these areas too. I'm sold on Bel Air and I'd be pleased as punch to sell you on Bel Air as well!

It's a pleasure to be of service,

Lanette in Bel Air

______________________________________________________________________