Laurel Real Estate Blog

Home Sales Laurel Maryland

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:10:08 -0600

There are some interesting developments when you compare home sales in Laurel Md from last October 2008 with October 2009.

Both the average sold price and the median sold price for Laurel real estate increased this October over last October. The average sold price increase $20,000. This is significant when you think that for the rest of the year these two numbers have been declining.

Despite this price increase, homes in Laurel Maryland have sold at a quicker pace. Last October it took about four months to sell a home in Laurel. This past October it took just over two months to sell a home.

So despite the price increase, Laurel real estate is selling more homes at a faster pace.

One reason for this development may be the uncertain status of the tax credit from the federal government. Buyers and sellers did not know if the tax credit would be extended or not. This uncertainty may have created a rush of home sales in all Maryland real estate.

Also the average sold price $270,000 is a great starting point for many first time home buyers.

For more information on Laurel Maryland and other Maryland communities, visit Maryland real estate.

Home Sales Greenbelt Maryland

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:20:04 -0500

2009 2008 % Change

Total Sold Dollar Volume:	$ 2,805,612	$ 3,659,720	- 23.34 %
Average Sold Price:	$ 187,041	$ 243,981	- 23.34 %
Median Sold Price:	$ 180,000	$ 242,000	- 25.62 %
Total Units Sold:	15	15	0.00 %
Average Days on Market:	128	95	34.74 %
Average List Price for Solds:	$ 206,761	$ 269,646	- 23.32 %
Avg Sale Price as a percentage of Avg List Price:	90.46 %	90.48 %

As you can see from the above chart comparing home sales in Greenbelt Md from last Septermber 2008 with this September 2009, there have been some changes.

In September 2008 the Average Sold Price for a home was $243,981. In September of 2009, the Average Sold Price for a home was just $187,041. That is over a 23 % decrease in price.

Comparing the Median Sold Price over the same time period, we see a drop from last September with this September 2009 of over 25%! In September 2008 the Median Sold Price was $242,000, but in September 2009 the Median Sold Price was just $180,000. That is over a $60,000 price drop.

All buyers should be considering Greenbelt Md for the purchase of a home. The city is in a great location with Interstate 95 and the Baltimore Washington Parkway nearby.

For more information about Maryland home sales, visit Maryland real estate.

Home Sales Columbia Maryland

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:08:11 -0500

2009 2008 % Change

Total Sold Dollar Volume:	$ 13,826,278	$ 13,071,235	5.78 %
Average Sold Price:	$ 288,047	$ 326,781	- 11.85 %
Median Sold Price:	$ 290,000	$ 335,000	- 13.43 %
Total Units Sold:	48	40	20.00 %
Average Days on Market:	115	91	26.37 %
Average List Price for Solds:	$ 307,862	$ 344,803	- 10.71 %
Avg Sale Price as a percentage of Avg List Price:	93.56 %	94.77 %

The above chart displays a comparison between this Speptember 2009 and last September 2008 of home sales in Columbia Maryland 21045.

The statistics abover are consistent with many areas of Maryland real estate. Total Sold Dollar Voume is up about six percent. Both the Average Sold Price and the Median Sold price for Columbia Md 21045 have declined about 12% and about 13% respectively.

The Average list price for Solds has dropped over ten percent from $344,803 to $307,862. This lower listing price has probably helped the number of sales in Columbia Md increase by twenty percent from 40 to 48 houses.

Burtonsville Md real estate and Laurel Md real estate

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:58:54 -0500

September 2009 as compared to September 2008 was very different for two local Maryland cities.

For Burtonsville Md real estate the numbers this September look good compared to September 2008. Total Sold Dollar Volume was up almost 80 percent and the total units sold doubled! Sellers were getting a little more of their list price than the previous September.

However, for Laurel Maryland in Howard County, the numbers are a little different. September 2009 was not as good as September 2008. Total Sold Dollar Volume down almost 40 percent. The number of homes sold dropped from 28 to 18, a 35% decline.

What is strange is that these two communities border each other. Burtonsville Maryland is in Montgomery County and Laurel Maryland 20723 is in Howard County.

Why did one community seem to have a better September than the other?

I am not sure.

However, if we take a look at the Average and Medium Sold Price categories, they may offer a clue.

Laurel Maryland Medium price for sold homes, dropped almost 15% to $269,000. Burtonsville Md Average Sold Price had a much smaller drop to $260,000.

My experience with buyers indicates to me that a significant portion of first time home buyers, are much more comfortable with the lower price point. As we say sales, there are a lot more fish in that lower price range. Burtonsville, was already there and was good alternative for some buyers.

For more information on Maryland home sales, visit Maryland real estate.

Burtonsville Real Estate

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:17:50 -0500

Burtonsville Maryland borders Laurel Maryland. While most of Laurel is in Prince Georges County, all of Burtonsville is in Montgomery County Maryland.

Home Sales in Burtonsville Md increased significantly this September as compared to last September 2008.

Despite declining prices, the total dollar volume of homes sold almost doubled in September 2009 as compared to September a year ago. Total sold volume of Burtonsville Md homes went from just over two million dollars in homes last year to almost four and half million dollars a year later.

This increase was also marked by the number of homes sold increasing 100% over last September. In September of 2008 in Burtonsville Md, ten homes were sold. However, in September of 2009 twenty homes were sold in Burtonsville.

This increase was helped by the ten percent decrease in prices of homes for sale Burtonsville Md., this Septemeber as compare to last. Governement incentives and aggressive loan programs also helped sales in Burtonsville Md.

For more information on Maryland real estate, visit Maryland home sales.

Prince Georges County Home Sales

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:45:55 -0500

2009 2008 % Change

Total Sold Dollar Volume:	$ 149,595,973	$ 155,954,854	- 4.08 %
Average Sold Price:	$ 225,976	$ 285,632	- 20.89 %
Median Sold Price:	$ 212,925	$ 266,000	- 19.95 %
Total Units Sold:	662	546	21.25 %
Average Days on Market:	133	141	- 5.67 %
Average List Price for Solds:	$ 255,230	$ 317,455	- 19.60 %
Avg Sale Price as a percentage of Avg List Price:	88.54 %	89.98 %

The above chart is a comparison of home sales this September with September of 2008 in Prince Georges County Maryland. Laurel Md real estate is located in Prince Georges County.

As you can see, the trend of falling prices in Prince Georges home values continue. Both the Average Sold Price of $225,976 and the Median Sold Price of $212,925, have fallen about 20 percent from last September. This has been the trend for most of 2009.

Also consistent with the trend of 2009 is the increase in the number of homes sold in Prince Georges County Maryland. Home sales in Prince Georges this September increased over 20 percent from last September. One of the big reasons for the increase in sales has been the impending deadline for the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers.

Homes are selling faster as well. The Average Days on Market dropped from 141 days to 133 days.

For more information on Maryland home sales, visit Maryland real estate.

One Way To Help The Housing Market

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:49:27 -0500

Make the 203K rehab loan available to investors.

A 203K or rehab loan is used by buyers of vacant homes to repair damage. One of the best aspects of a rehab loan, is it allows the buyer to buy the property "as-is", with money included in the loan to make repairs on a property.

This loan is ideal in this market, because of all the foreclosure properties. Most foreclosures are in need of repair and are sold "as-is". Many first-time home buyers may qualify for a loan on a foreclosure, but do not have the money to do any repairs. Most banks will not lend money to a home needing extensive repairs unless the work being done is some how written into the contract.

This is an issue many potential buyers of Laurel real estate are having to deal with.

However, the worst part for first-time home buyers is dealing with a bank as a seller. Where as, a buyer is just one or two people, a bank is a very different thing. A bank is a large bureaucratic institution that does things in slow methodical way. Worse even still, many banks are overwhelmed with the amount of foreclosures they have to deal with.

If an investor is the seller in the transaction, much of the hassle of dealing with a bank is eliminated. The deal is transacted in a much quicker and smoother way. When buyers are dealing with an investor, they are only dealing with one other person.

Right now, inverstors are being shut out of a portion of the housing market. Many vacant foreclosed homes could be renovated and sold if investors were allowed to use 203K loans. Allowing investors to purchase rehab loans would put more money into the economy and would be much more pleasant experience for buyers.

For more information on Maryland home sales, visit Maryland real estate.

Will Tax Credit Be Extended?

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:38:53 -0500

I just read an email from Remax. The information was about extending the tax credit. As many of you who are considering buying Laurel real estate know, the tax credit ends at the end of November.

There is currently a big rush of buyers trying to purchase a home before the end of November. Most buyers who call me are well aware of the dead lines.

In addition, there are several other programs in Maryland that can be used with the $8000 tax credit. The Down Payment On Your Dreamprogram in Prince Georges County Maryland. In Anne Arundel County, there is the Mortgage Assistance Program. Both of these programs offer buyers up to $20,000 in additional funds to buy a home.

Even better, according to the email, each tax credit purchase pumps about $60,000 into the local econmy.

If you want to get involved contact Senator Ben Cardin's office.

919 Langley Drive Silver Spring Maryland 20901

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:11:54 -0500

Beautiful Updated Large Brick Home In Silver Spring Maryland

Four Bedrooms, two and half baths offered at $350,000

Immaculate four bedroom, two and half bath brick home in Silver Spring. This home has over $100,000 in recent upgrades. Updated, kitchen, bathroom, roof and much more. This home has breakfast room and a separate den, finished basement. Central air conditioning. Within minutes to DC and downtown Silver Spring.

To see much more of this home visit 919 Langley Drive

Back To School Night At Martin Luther King Middle School

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:26:02 -0500

Like many children in West Laurel, my daughter started the seventh grade at Martin Luther King Middle School in Beltsville Maryland.

Last night was back to school night for the parents. I was amazed at how many cars were in the parking lot and in the over flow on the grass fields. The class rooms were full of parents and a few of the students as well.

All these parents at Back To School night made me feel good about he community. Its nice to see so many parents wanting to take part in their children's education.

As we switched from class to class, the hall ways were full of people. This reminded me of when I was in school back in the 1970s. The halls were decorated with banners and pennants from various colleges across the country.

All the teachers I met last night at Martin Luther King Middle School in Beltsville seemed excited about the school year. All of them encouraged parents to visit "unannounced" to see how the children were doing in school.

My daughter did not seem to like the idea of me visiting unannounced and watching her in the class room.

My daughter is studying Algebra in the seventh grade. I didn't take Algebra till the ninth grade.

After visiting the school last night, I feel more confident that my daughter is getting good education at King Middle School in Beltsville Maryland.

For more information about Beltsville Maryland and if you are considering buying a Maryland home in the area visit Maryland home sales

Another Reason To Pick The Right Lender

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:33:30 -0500

As I have mentioned before in this Blog, there are many great down payment assistance (DPA) programs available to buyers.

Programs like the Prince Georges County Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Many first time home buyers are eligible for the NSP's Down Payment On Your Dream loan. In Anne Arundel County you have the Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP). In Montgomery County Maryland you have the HOC down payment assistance program.

Buyers state wide in Maryland have access to the DSLP program.

All of the these down payment assistance programs are available in Maryland. However, not every lender has access to them.

Many, if not all of these programs are available only to buyers that use a direct lender. In most cases, these programs are not available to Mortgage Brokers.

Ask your lender if they are a director indirect lender. If they are a direct lender, have them put that in writing for you. Direct lenders usually have access to Maryland state and Maryland county DPA programs. Mortgage Brokers are indirect lenders and in most cases, do not have access to State and County DPA programs.

Make sure you work with a real estate agent who is aware of these facts and can direct you to lenders who have programs that may save you thousands of dollars.

For more information about Maryland home sales, visit Maryland real estate.

West Laurel Maryland List Serve Doing its Job

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:53:41 -0500

Every day several times a day I get email from the West Laurellist serv. Throughout the day I get constant updates on things going in and around West Laurel.

I learn about parking issues on Riding Stable Road in front of the Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital. I am able to give feedback on the pros and cons of putting a sign up in front of our community. Sometimes I even see issues resolved on the list serv before they get out of hand.

I even get the opportunity to volunteer for various community activities. I get updates on current work being do on the playground equipment at the local park and Bond Mill Elementary School.

Many times, if I need to contact someone, I can find them on the West Laurel list serv.

This is a great example of technology bringing people closer together.

For more information about West Laurel Maryland and other Maryland communities, visit Maryland real estate.

Time Running Out On Federal Tax Credit For First Time Home Buyers

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:49:05 -0500

First time buyers of Laurel Md real estate, need to hurry. The $8000 federal tax credit for first time home buyers is about to expire. If you are interested in taking advantage of the tax credit you probably need to be under contract within the next 30 days.

If you have been reading the paper, you probably know that the amount of Maryland homes for sale has been shrinking. To take advantage of the tax credit and have more choices, first time Maryland home buyers need to buy very soon.

As of this post, there is no indication the government will extend the $8000 tax credit.

There are still state programs and county programs in Maryland that you can use for for down payment assistance.

Some of these programs are the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the Mortgage Assistance Program and the Maryland state wide DSLP program.

For all your Maryland real estate needs, visit me at home sales Maryland.

Exciting First Day Of School For Many Laurel Md Students

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:20:20 -0500

Laurel High School on Cherry Lane in Laurel Marylandwas the scene of much excitement on the first day of school last week.

Laurel High School was visited by Prince Georges County School William Hite on Monday. Hite had good reason to be at Laurel. The school's new wing will be opening this week. Almost a year after it was started the new state-of-the-art facility will be in use by Laurel students and teachers.

Laurel High School also was being visited by County Councilman Tom Dernoga. Dernoga was instrumental in getting the funding for the new wing and the 800 seat auditorium. The auditorium is set to open this December.

Dernoga, Hite, Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and state school Superintendent Nancy Grasmick all visited James Harrison Elementary in Laurel Maryland. James Harrison Elementary achieved Adequate Yearl Progress, for the first time this past year.

All in all, it was a busy day for Laurel Maryland schools.

Interested in buying or selling a home in Maryland? Visit Maryland home sales.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program Creating Opportunities

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:47:48 -0500

I have a buyer who is looking for a home in Prince Georges County Maryland. Ideally, he would love to be in either Laurel Maryland or Upper Marlboro Maryland.

This past weekend we went out and visited properties in both Laurel and Upper Marlboro. My buyer liked a property he saw in the Kettering area of Upper Marlboro. It was a very nice two level town home.

Because the property was in good shape, vacant and a foreclosure, it was an excellent candidate for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The program is also known as Down Payment on your Dream.

This home is the type of home that will probably have multiple offers. My buyer wants to make a good bid, but he does not have that much cash.

However, the NSP, Down Payment on Your Dream program can provide my buyer with up to 7 % of the purchase price towards his down payment and closing cost. With the little bit of cash my buyer does have and the 7% from the NSP, he can now make a competitive bid on this Kettering property.

We wrote the offer on Sunday night. We shall see what the seller says. But, at the very least, with the help of the NSP, my buyer has made his best bid on the home.

For more information on the Down Payment on Your Dream program, please contact me at 301-604-0198. Or email me at berard@mris.com

To find your dream home, please visit Maryland real estate

Home Sales Across The Country Improving

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:26:47 -0500

According to a recent report released by the National Association of Realtors, home sales in July increased just over seven percent over July of last year. The report added this was the largest month to month gain since 1999.

In addition, the data pointed towards first time home buyers as the key to the increase. If you have been reading my blogs, this should be no surprise to you.

Home prices have not become more affordable for the first time home buyer. The previous seller's market shut-out the first time home buyer. Many families making somewhere between 40 to 50 thousand a year could not afford a home.

But with prices dropping, first time home buyers have increased sales numbers in Maryland and across the country

Not only have prices dropped to more affordable levels, but government incentives have become to tempting for buyers. The $8000 tax credit has done it's job in motivating potential home buyers to get off the fence and purchase a home.

Locally, Prince Georges County Maryland's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), offers buyers up to $20,000if the buy a vacant foreclosed property. In Anne Arundel County Maryland, the Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) also offers buyers down payment assistance of up to $10,000 or more.

The buyers I am currently working with in Laurel Md, are all aware of the government $8000 tax credit for purchasing a home. The NSP and MAP programs are also getting Laurel buyers excited as well.

More Money For Buyers Of Maryland Real Estate

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:01:57 -0500

Ok, last time I discussed the Neighborhood Stabilization Program's (NSP) Down Payment On Your Dream. As you recall the NSP could give a buyer of a foreclosure in Prince Georges County Maryland up to $20,000 towards the purchase of a home.

In Anne Arundel Country Maryland, there is the Mortgage Assistance Program. This program also offer's qualified Maryland home buyers up to $40,000 in a zero interest loan!

Programs like this will not be around forever. Now is the best time to buy Maryland real estate.

Lets say you buy a home in Prince Georges County Maryland for $250,000. If you put the minimum down, your monthly payment, all things included, is around $1800 a month.

At this price point you may qualify for about $17,500 from the NSP program. The seller pays your closing cost so you get into the house for about $2000 total.

So now, you the buyer are up $15,500 and you just moved in to your new home.

Now at the end of the year, you get an $8000 tax credit. Add that to your $15,500 and now you are up $23,500!

But wait, there's more. Don't forget the tax deduction on your mortgage payment. For arguments sake it is $3000.

So now you have made a total of $26,500 in the first year of home ownership.

Lets subtract out the $1800 a month you paid for your mortgage. That number is $21,600.

Simple math: $26,500 - $21,600 = $4900.

Basically, the government paid your entire first years mortgage and gave you a $4900 bonus!

Now is a great time to buy Laurel Md real estate!

Prince Georges County Buyers Get Up To $20,000 In Down Payment And Closing Cost Assistance

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:38:38 -0500

The Government of Prince Georges County is offering qualified buyers of vacant foreclosed properties up to $20,000 for down payment and closing cost.

The money is part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program or NSP.

This part of the NSP is called the Down Payment On Your Dream. It has three possible scenarios:

The lesser of 3.5% or $15,000 of the purchase price of a vacant foreclosed property in one of 33 eligible zip codes.

The lesser of 7% or $20,000 of the purchase price of a vacant foreclosed property in one of 12 targeted zip codes.

The lesser of 7% or $20,000 of the purchase price of a vacant foreclosed property in one of 33 eligible zip codes as workforce housing. Workforce housing is defined as foreclosed upon houses in the 33 eligible zip codes, purchased by teachers, police officers, nurses, firefighters, Or employees purchasing a home within a three mile radius of place of employment.

What are the terms of Down Payment On Your Dream loan?:

0% interest deferred payment loan

Must be primary residence for at least 10 years

Loan repayment requirement declines the longer purchaser remains in the home

No repayment if purchaser stays in home for 10 years or more.

Who is this program for?:

First time home buyers only or can not have owned a home anywhere in the last three years.

Ok, there you go. More reason to buy a home now. Don't forget, this does not impact the federal government giving you an $8000 tax credit at the end of the year.

Now is the best time to buy Maryland real estate.

The 33 eligible zip codes are:

20607,20608,20613,20623,20705,20710,20715,20716,20720,20721,20722,20743.20735,20740,

20747,20744,20769,20770,20781,27082,20783,20784,20785,20706

20707,20708,20712,20745,20737,20746,20748,20772,20774

The 12 highlighted zip codes above are target zip codes. Prince Georges County have designated these 12 zip codes as areas where buyers can get up to the lesser of 7% or $20,000 of the purchase price.

Potential buyers of Laurel real estate will note that both Laurel Md zip codes are part of the Down Payment On Your Dream loan prgram. In fact, Laurel zip code 20708 is one of the targeted zip codes.

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and its Down Payment On Your Dream loan program make buying a home very affordable.

Prince Georges County Sales Up 59%!!!

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:09:19 -0500

Great news for owners of Laurel real estate. Prince Georges County Maryland home sales are up 59% over last year.

This increase in sales as occurred while home prices continue to drop. Homes are much more affordable in Prince Georges County than at anytime in the last three years. The whole Maryland real estate market has improved in home sales over last year.

Home inventories continue to shrink along with home values throughout the area.

Now is the best time to buy a home.

Remember, the government $8000 tax credit only has three more months left.

For more information on the Maryland houseing market, visit Maryland real estate.

Time Running Out On $18,000 Gift To Home Buyers

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:48:13 -0500

If you are considering buying Laurel Md real estate, you better hurry.

The government's $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers is set to end at the end of November. In addition, the $10,00 grant for first time home buyers is running out of money.

Thats $18,000 of FREE money you could miss out on if you don't buy a home soon!

If you have a $300,000 mortgage, $18,000 would pay for your first nine months in the house. Throw in your interest deduction and you are practically living in the home for FREE the first year.

If you are considering buying Maryland real estate, you need to call me today!

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Call me at 301-604-0198

The Governor Visits Laurel Maryland

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:45:51 -0500

Laurel Marylanddoes matter. We are important. To prove it Governor Martin O'Malley visited us last Friday.

Speaking in Laurel Lakes with County Councilman Dernoga, Maryland Senator Rosapepe, and Maryland Delegates Pena-Melnyk and Barnes in attendance, the Governor answered questions.

One of the hot topics were Maryland's budget cuts and how they might affect Laurel. The government of Laurel has been pretty thrifty in managing their money. However, the Governor has to make cuts and Prince Georges County will have their fair share.

In Maryland, the law states the budget must be balanced. You can make arguments wheather this is a good thing or a bad thing for our state. Over time Laurel Md will feel the impact of these cuts.

How this may affect the Maryland real estate is anybodies guess. However, the federal government is still providing incentives for home buyers. Prices and interest rates are still low. More Maryland home sales will help the economy and lessen the impact on Laurel and other Maryland cities.

For information on Maryland and other local communities visit, Maryland real estate.

No Slots In Laurel Maryland

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:12:06 -0500

Looks like there will not be any slots in Laurel Maryland. The Laurel Racing Association had asked the Maryland Court of Appeals to hear their case. However, the court of Appeals has ordered the Ann Arundel Circuit Court to dismiss the case.

The Laurel Racing Association (LRA) had hoped to get slots at the Laurel race track in Ann Arundel County. But the LRA failed to submit the required fees with their bid. LRA's bid was rejected because of the lack of fees. The LRA claimed they did not submit the millions of dollars in fees because they feared they would not get the money back if they were not successful.

The LRA is clearly running out of options. Right now it looks like the Laurel community will not have slots.

For more information concerning Maryland communities, visit Maryland real estate.

The Dangers Of Not Haveing An Agent

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:14:04 -0500

My sister-in-law lives in Northern Idaho. The family has a business in the city they live in. Recently, they decided to sell the business.

My sister-in-law and her husband seem to be good with money. They have a nice home, no children, and they seem to pay their bills on time.

For some reason, my sister-in-law decided to sell the family business without the help of an agent. They didn't even call me, here in Maryland, for any advice.

Well sure enough, after a period of time, they got a buyer. The buyer did not have an agent either. So no agents are involved in the transaction.

They quickly agreed on a price and set a settlement date about 45 days from contract ratification. I don't really know if the contract was ever ratified, I am just making an assumption.

The forty-five days came and went with no settlement. My sister-in-law spoke with the buyer as to why he would not be able to settle. He explained to her it was the bank's problem. It seems the bank did not give him good terms, so he was going to try a different bank.

Ok, these things happen and she did not have a reason not to believe him. They set a second settlement date.

The second settlement date came and went. Again the buyer told my sister-in-law it was the banks problem and he was going back to his original bank.

In the mean time, my sister-in-law, came to visit us here in Maryland. She knows I am a Maryland real estate agent here in Laurel Maryland. We talked briefly about her situation, she was confident she could trust the buyer and that things would get resolved quickly.

Well they didn't.

My sister-in-law had her attorney call the buyer's bank. The bank indicated the buyer had been approved for his loan again. This is not what the buyer told my sister-in-law.

The buyer lied to my sister-in-law. Normally, the seller does have recourse, like keeping the buyer's security deposit. However, my sister-in-law is not holding the security deposit and doesn't know what the contract says about the security deposit.

Worse yet, my sister-in-law dosn't have any money to pay her employees. She has no back-up plan, no other buyers.

This happened about three weeks ago. My sister-in-law has not asked me for any advice and has not kept me and her sister up to date on whats happening.

Most of this, if not all of it, could have been avoided if there were licensed agents involved. For my sellers, I make sure the contract protects them and gives them legal recourse to take any necessary action.

In addition, if it was my buyer, I am under legal obligation to make sure my buyer behaves in a fair, honest and ethical matter.

Had my sister-in-law had a licensed agent looking out for her interest, she would not be in the mess she is in now.

Maybe you don't need an agent if a deal goes smoothly. However, with contracts currently at 50 pages or more, most deals don't go smoothly.

It is too late for my sister-in-law. Don't make the same mistake she did, hire a professional.

For more information on buying Maryland homes, visit Maryland real estate.

Laurel Maryland School Of Music Celebrates 20 Years

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:11:30 -0500

The Laurel School of Music located in Laurel Maryland at the corner of Main Street and 7th Street is celebrating its' 20 year anniversary.

Both my daughter and I have attended the Laurel School of Music. My daughter currently is a voice and piano student at the school. Her teachers are Laurel's own Dr. Mack Statham for piano and Rebecca O'Campo for voice.

Alvin "Al" Roda has owned the school for the last five years. According to an article in the Laurel Leader, when Al first took over the school was facing financial difficulty. Al started an aggressive program of marketing, which included a free concert at my church, First United Methodist on Main St in Laurel.

According to the Laurel Leader, Al has worked hard at getting all types of people interested in the school. He stated he wanted students and their parents to take classes. As I stated before, my daughter and myself took classes.

The most interesting thing in the article was that the Laurel School of Music had started a "Rock Band" class. This class has become very popular and numerous students have already signed-up for it again.

The Laurel School of Music is another great business located in Laurel Maryland. Congratulations to the school.

For more information on Laurel Md and other communities, please visit Maryland real estate.

Maryland Real Estate Prices Falling

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:51:55 -0500

Maryland real estate prices in Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties continue to fall. Every month since January the average sold price and medium sold price has declined significantly.

This price decrease has resulted in more sales this year as compared to last year in Maryland.

First time home buyers have been coming back into the Maryland real estate market for over a year now. Low interest rates, low prices and numerous government incentives have help to push buyers off the fence.

Some markets in Maryland have seen multiple offers on homes. I have worked with a buyer who has been beaten out on three homes in Silver Spring Maryland.

Buyers are now considering foreclosure homes that need work. The FHA 203K rehab loan is becoming more and more popular. These homes are bought way below market and banks are giving buyers money to rehab the homes.

For more information about Maryland home sales, visit Maryland real estate.