real estate: National Park Seminary - 10/08/07 10:02 AM
The National Park Seminary is a historic district in the Forest Glen area of Silver Spring, MD, which includes a wooded glen and two dozen Victorian era buildings, including a magnificent 3-story ballroom, a windmill, castle and a Japanese pagoda. The first building, "Ye Forest Inne," was constructed in 1887. Early suburban developers acquired the land above Rock Creek, laid out lots, and built the hotel to attract prospective homeowners. By 1894, the hotel failed and the inn was converted to a women's post-secondary school. For nearly 50 years, the National Park Seminary and College was one of the most prestigious … (0 comments)

real estate: What Is Your House Worth? - 09/01/07 05:47 AM
Frankly, the answer to this question is "what a buyer is willing to pay". I know this sounds blunt and it is, but it is also the truth. Yes, pricing your home near the comparables or below the comparables of the last sale in your neighborhood is the accepted practice in today's market, but ultimately the buyers are in control right now. They see the large inventory of homes available and they know this gives them choices and time to make their decision. That's why homes are staying on the market longer.What's up with the market? It breaks down to 2 … (0 comments)

real estate: Mortgage Crisis? - 04/21/07 05:48 AM
I would love to hear from lenders in the network who are willing to talk about the current mortgage crisis.  I know when the market was HOT, subprime lenders were fat and happy handing out loans to barely qualified, and sometimes unqualified clients.  Real estate agents participated in this as well, this is not an attempt to blame lenders.  For the most part, Lenders (and real estate agents) are honest and ethical people trying to make a living.  But we all can admit, there are/were "slugs" in the business who prayed on people and their desire for the american dream.
People are … (6 comments)

real estate: Hearthstone Village - Silver Spring, MD - 03/28/07 09:45 AM

HEARTHSTONE VILLAGE     Silver Spring, MD 20902     $435,000
Minutes from Wheaton Metro, Wheaton Shopping Mall, Restaurants, Wheaton Regional Park and Brookside Gardens.
Beautiful End-Unit Townhome style condo in sought after Hearthstone Village. 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Baths, Garage, Gourmet Kitchen w/Oak Cabinets, Upgraded Black Appliances. Vaulted ceilings in upper level. Master Bedroom w/vaulted ceilings, Master Bath w/Double Vanity and separate shower. Tile Floors in Kitchen & All Baths. 5 Ceiling Fans. Very close to Metro, Shopping & Restaurants. Home Warranty.
For more information, to view more pictures or to view a virtual tour, please visit http://www.thebrannigangroup.com or contact Tom Brannigan at 240-417-6175 or tom.brannigan@longandfoster.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
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real estate: MI (Mortgage Insurance) will be Tax Deductible in 2007 - 12/29/06 07:26 AM
New advantages for the 2007 tax year make mortgage insurance an attractive alternative to second loans.
Brand new legislation, approved by Congress in December 2006, now allows for 100% deductible mortgage insurance (MI), to those who qualify.
This increases the buying power for thousands of consumers who are unable to come up with the traditional 20% down payment:
Now, just like second loans, mortgage insurance is tax deductible. But, unlike second loans, there's no potential payment increase with MI.
The new legislation is expected to save nearly one million Americans a total of $91 million when they file their tax returns in … (3 comments)

real estate: Hearthstone Village in Silver Spring, MD - 12/28/06 09:42 AM
Hearthstone Village is a Condominium Community off of University Blvd in Silver Spring, MD.  The community consists of 2 Bedroom/2 Bath units and 3 Bedroom/2.5 Bath units all with 1 car garages built by Beazer Homes beginning in 2001.  I have been 'farming' and selling homes in Hearthstone Village for the past 3 1/2 years.  I have come to know many of the homeowners in the community and I hope they have come to know me as well.  I mail informational cards to the community every month and help keep the homeowners aware of their home values and the market activities.  … (0 comments)