Events in Montgomery County, MD - 03/30/12 08:20 AM
Just outside of the nation’s Capitol, Montgomery County, MD offers a taste of music, food, mystery and more!  For a preview of this weekend’s events, scroll down.  There’s something for everyone!
 
Shen Yun 2012 World Tour at the Kennedy Center Opera House
3/30
8400 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD
Colorful and vibrant performances that represent the old-world Chinese culture, incorporating grace and virtue into dance with music.
 
Jazz Fridays @ Zed's Cafe
3/ 30
8225 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
Stop in for Jazz and food with friends.
 
Murder Mystery Dinner
3/31
7711 Eastern Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20912 The area’s best murder … (0 comments)

Home Affordability Programs - 03/29/12 09:25 AM
The Obama Administration is serious about helping homeowners avoid foreclosure, and has implemented a variety of programs to assist homeowners in keeping their American dream.  This is why the Making Home Affordable Program was created.  There are several plans within this program, specific to the needs of individual borrowers. 
If you are interested in refinancing or modifying your current mortgage, you may qualify for one of the following programs:  The Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) can lower your monthly mortgage payment to 31% of your gross income, which in turn could result in a 40% reduction...READ MORE HERE 
… (0 comments)

Prepare Your Home for the Spring Market in Silver Spring, MD - 03/27/12 09:06 AM

There are many things that come to mind when I think of Spring, such as Spring flowers, Spring cleaning, and my personal favorite, the Spring real estate market.  This is the time of year when buyers begin canvassing the Silver Spring, MD community in hopes of finding their next home.  As a seller, this is THE time to begin preparing your home to list with a Realtor.
The first (and possibly most important) thing you can do as a seller is remember what is was like to be a buyer.  If you thought like most, chances are that house hunting … (0 comments)

If you are facing foreclosure or thinking about a short sale, here are some FAQs that can help... - 03/26/12 07:53 AM
Here are some questions that are answered on my foreclosure help site.
Do I qualify for a short sale? What is a mortgage modification? Why would a lender modify my mortgage? What do I need to qualify for a mortgage modification? How do I qualify for a mortgage modification? What if I don’t qualify for a mortgage modification, can’t afford my home, and owe more than it’s worth? What is a Home Affordable Refinance? What are the qualifications for a Home Affordable Refinance? … (1 comments)

Warren Buffett’s Best Investment for 2012 is the Single Family Home - 03/26/12 07:44 AM

In an interview with CNBC, Warren Buffett has gone on record saying that single family homes are currently the best investment.  Due to low interest rates and low prices, he feels there is not a more appealing asset class at the present moment.  In fact, he even goes so far as to say that he would “load up on them” if he had a way to manage them, admitting that management poses a challenge since they are individual homes, unlike condos.
So why aren’t buyers snatching up single family homes at lightning speed?  It boils down to consumer/buyer psychology:
“If … (3 comments)

Events in Silver Spring, MD this Weekend! - 03/23/12 10:37 AM
Silver Spring, MD has an abundance of performances and activities for the family this weekend.  Support the local talent and experience the culture of this eclectic DC neighbor.  You won’t be disappointed!
 
The Giver
March 23 - April 1, 2012 at 8:00 pm
240.644.1100
Round House Theatre at 8641 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD
In Jonas’ world is perfect, there is no fear, war, or pain. Every decision is already made and each person has a specific job in their neighborhood. But things change when Jonas turns 12 years old and he has to begin his sensitive training to become … (0 comments)

Short Sale versus Foreclosure - 03/22/12 12:09 PM

In these challenging economic times, more and more homeowners are finding themselves weighing the pros and cons of a short sale versus a foreclosure.  It may go without saying that you want to try to avoid foreclosure at all costs.  But after months, if not years, of battling overwhelming debt and an underwater property, foreclosure might seem appealing due to the shear fact that it’s easier.  However, the long term effects of a foreclosure might be more difficult than you realize.
For starters, there is your credit score to consider.  A foreclosure can adversely affect your credit score by 100-200 … (1 comments)

Why NOW is a Great Time to Sell Your Home - 03/20/12 07:06 AM

It might still be a “buyer’s market,” but that doesn’t mean now isn’t a great time to sell.  In fact, it means quite the opposite.  Right NOW might be the perfect time for certain homeowners to sell.  Inventory is very low, and properties are receiving multiple offers.  So how do you know if selling is the right move for you?  You can start by contacting Montgomery County’s Real Estate Specialist, Emcee Arah, and discussing a few important points:
Do you have equity in your home?  If not, what would you need to bring to the table in order to at … (2 comments)

Questions Investors Should Ask Before Buying - 03/19/12 06:16 AM

Before you commit to purchasing an investment property in any particular area, it is important to meet with a Realtor who has their CIAS (Certified Investor Agent Specialist™) certification.  This certification ensures that your real estate agent has the knowledge and tools earned through comprehensive education and experience to assist residential real estate investors, and streamline the process to increase returns for investors. 
Once you find your CIAS certified Realtor, you will want to ask some very important questions about the local market.  Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I receive from investors:
Q.  Why were people … (0 comments)

Things To-Do in Montgomery County, Maryland This Weekend! - 03/16/12 10:19 AM
Silver Spring, MD is just minutes from our nation’s Capitol.  Whether you decide to stay in town or venture into the city, there is always plenty to do for everyone!
 
Women, Wine, and Art Making Workshops
When:  March 16, 7:00 – 9:30 pm
Where:  CREATE Arts Center at 1816 Thayer Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910
What:  $30, BYOW, snacks and art materials will be provided; call 301.588.2787 to register
 
Tiny Tots
When:  March 17, 10:00 – 10:30 am
Where:  the Puppet Co. at 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD 20812
What:  $5, Join master puppeteer Bob Brown, ages 0-4; … (0 comments)

Three Tips for Real Estate Investing - 03/12/12 02:51 PM
Whether you're a seasoned real estate investor or a complete “newbie,” you'll likely agree that it really helps to have someone provide insight and advice. Everyone can use input on ways to save time and money, right? Here are a few tips which you may find helpful as you continue down the road to successfully investing in real estate.
First, don't be an “information addict.” Sure, a little knowledge is a good thing, but there's such a thing as educational overkill. This isn't to say that there aren't terrific resources out there – books, bootcamps, and tools galore. But you need … (4 comments)

What's Happening in Montgomery County Next Week? - 03/09/12 01:56 PM
Spring is in the process of, well, SPRINGING! Silver Spring home owners, it's time to get out and enjoy the wonderful places to go and fun things to do right here in our own town. Here's a look at just a few of the possibilities available for your enjoyment this week:
On Saturday, March 10, bring the kids out for Amphibians at Maydale. Hike a mile or two along a dirt trail searching woodland vernal pools for salamander and frog eggs. Ages 3+. Register at www.parkpass.com.
Sunday, March 11 at 2am marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. Don't forget … (0 comments)

More Banks View Short Sales and Preferable to Foreclosures - 03/08/12 03:39 PM
According to a recent CNN Money article, banks are bending and stretching further and further to avoid foreclosure. In fact, many banks are agreeing to sale prices lower – often far lower – than the mortgage balance just to avoid this move which, while devastating to a home owner, is quite costly for the lender.
During the fourth quarter of 2011, short sales were 15% higher than during the same period in 2010. And short sales comprised 10% of all home sales during that same period, according to recent data released by RealtyTrac.
Homes in some stage of foreclosure accounted for … (0 comments)

It's Time to Sell! - 03/06/12 03:58 PM
Aside from the monetary issues, selling your Silver Spring home is a BIG deal – one of life's major changes. You may be moving to a new city or a new job; the kids may be attending new schools. Everyone in the family will be making new friends. Not only is a huge change, but selling your home is a complex process.
The first thing most sellers ask is, “What's an acceptable offer?” We'd all love to have a mass of potential buyers just clamoring to buy our homes. But in this economy, there are some factors that you should … (0 comments)

Do You Have an Strategy for Investing in Real Estate? - 03/05/12 04:48 PM
The real estate market and the financial market have one thing in common: They both go up and down. When you're a smart and judicious real estate investor, the down times in our market are what set you apart from other investors who may do well just by being lucky.
If there's a key to being a truly successful real estate investor, it's this: Have a strategy that's flexible. That way, whether the market goes up or down, your strategy will work for you over the long haul.
According to online magazine Bigger Pockets, a perfect strategy for ANY market will … (1 comments)

Things To Do, Places To Be: Montgomery County Has It All! - 03/02/12 03:32 PM
Ask any Silver Spring home owner, and they'll tell you: We have a incredible number of terrific places to go and fun things to do just for YOU. Here's a look at just a few of the possibilities available for your enjoyment this week:
Get the weekend off to a wonderful start on Saturday, March 3 with "Visions of the Earth," a fundraiser for ALS featuring artists Betsy Kimball Baden,Yolanda Prinsloo and Mary Hawkins. The opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. The artists will depict the Earth and at times using materials from the Earth to represent our lives, … (0 comments)

Is Your Mortgage Out of Balance with Your Budget? - 03/01/12 01:26 PM
Is your mortgage out of balance with your budget? It can happen quickly.
An expensive car repair, an unexpected hospital visit, a missed week of work – just a few little things and the life you’ve worked so hard to build can feel like it’s tipping dangerously out of balance.
READ MORE HERE-->
Emcee Arah - "the REALTOR with Architectural Dimension" – is both a Certified Distress Property Expert (CDPE) and a Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS). He is uniquely equipped to assist you in navigating today's residential real estate market. Contact us onlineor by phone at (301) 452-5252. And … (0 comments)

 
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Emcee M. Arah, CDPE, CIAS, REMAX ~Sil Spr, MD~ EMA Real Estate Group

Silver Spring, MD

More about me…

Remax Excellence Sil Spr, MD, VA & DC.

Address: 10230 New Hampshire Avenue, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD, 20903

Office Phone: (800) 666-3705 x 208

Cell Phone: (301) 452-5252

Email Me

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