A Number of Things – But Here’s Ken’s Video Post About the ONE THING That Takes the Cake

They’ve actually done surveys to get the public’s opinion about how real estate agents measure up against other professionals. The results, I have to tell you, are not pretty if you’re one of us: in the public’s eye, we rank right up there with used car salesmen.

In our defense, being a Realtor is not an easy job. The hours and demands are many. Still, there’s no excuse for certain behaviors, as I mention here. Have a look, and let me know what you think.

 

 

Waiting is Not a Great Strategy if You Plan to Get a Slice of the $8,000 Tax Credit Pie Uncle Sam is Serving

Waiting is human nature. I usually wait too long between dentist appointments, wait to say my prayers until I buy a lottery ticket, wait until I’m pretty fried before I take a vacation. Most of us can relate.

But if you’re waiting to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit that’s available to eligible first time homebuyers, you need a serious kick in the pants.

If you’re thinking the offer will be extended, don’t count on it. Uncle Sam’s pockets seem to be getting shallower by the day. All that Cash for Clunkers, you know…

If you’re waiting for interest rates to go lower, you’re probably dreaming at this point.

And if you’re waiting because you think there’s plenty of time, think again. The program ends on November 30, 2009. If you haven’t gone to settlement by that day, you’re out of luck.

Say it takes you 30 days to find your dream home. Now you’re in the middle of September. Next, figure 4 to 6 weeks to get to the settlement table. If there are any delays or glitches at all – and there often are, with loan applications, inspections, and agents whose cell phones don’t get service in Tahiti – you’re cutting it very, very close.

So, step lively. And give us a call if you really want to buy your dream home and take advantage of this credit. (Don’t forget, you’re considered a first time homebuyer if you haven’t owned a home in 3 years.)

Not only are we at The Moss Haedrich Team ready for the last minute rush of new clients…we’re offering anyone who buys a new home with us by the end of 2009 a $250 moving expenses credit at settlement. Send us an email at KenHaedrich@gmail.com or call us at 410-507-7222 and we’ll tell you all about it.

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That All Depends On the Data You Read, How You Interpret It, and How Much – Frankly – You Really Want to Move

That’s the question everyone wants to know the answer to: has the market stabilized? Realtors hear it all the time, but any Realtor who pretends to know the answer is probably telling you something you want to hear.

Which is not to say there’s no reason for optimism both nationally and locally.

The Case-Shiller Home Price Indices released on July 28th showed home values up in 15 of its 20 tracked US markets – the first period of broad growth in home prices in 34 months. (Though on a year-over-year basis, home prices nationally are still down 17%.)

By comparison, the average home sale price in Anne Arundel County during the last 12 months is down 10.82%. That stings, but it’s a far sight better than the national average. And more good news: compared to July of ‘08, July ‘09 saw 491 homes sold in our county – an increase of nearly 20%.

People without jobs or in fear of losing one don’t typically buy homes. Here in Anne Arundel County we’ve seen a jobless rate increase of 2.8% since June of last year. But at 6.9% we are still below the national unemployment rate of 9.4% – yet another plus for the Annapolis real estate market.

So, has the Annapolis real estate market stabilized?

I think we can be guardedly encouraged by the data, so long as we don’t forget that all real estate markets are local – often down to the micro (street) level…and that home values will always reflect that.

Too, we have to accept the fact that it’s impossible to predict how events that play out on the national and world stage will impact our local market.

Data, market trends, statistics – these are important tools we use to guide buyers and sellers who work with us at The Moss Haedrich Team, to help them make good decisions.

For Most of Us, Real Estate Transactions Engage Not Just the Head, But the Heart, Too

“Waiting for the market to stabilize” makes sense, but trying to time the real estate market – like trying to time any market – is risky and may come with a price.

Sure, you don’t have to make that move to San Diego. But what have you gained if you wait 5 years to sell, hoping for the market to recover, only to miss the first 5 years of your grandchild’s life? Or – what if you wait to buy a home until prices slide a little lower, only to find yourself able to afford less home because interest rates have taken a jump?

These are all pieces of the real estate puzzled that need to be factored in when you’re considering a move.

If you’re confused about whether or not this is a good time to make a real estate move, give us a call. We’ll sit down with you, listen to your story and help you to sort things out so you can decide what makes sense for you. No pressure, no obligation. I can be reached at 410-507-7222 or by email at KenHaedrich@gmail.com.

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So you’ve been sitting on the fence, waiting for the perfect time to buy a home here in the Annapolis area. But when IS the best time? When home prices appear to have bottomed out? And is it even possible to time the real estate market? As you’ll see in the video here, there’s a little more to the affordability equation than meets the eye. Have a look. And if you’d like to talk me about home affordability, interest rates, buying or selling a home – just send me an email at KenHaedrich@gmail.com, or you can reach me on my cell – 410-507-7222. We’d love to hear from you.

 

 

If you're selling your Annapolis home, or thinking about it, chances are you're wondering about open houses...whether or not they work (something I'll talk about in an upcoming video)...and the dreaded Nosey Neighbors.

Not to worry: if they're nosey, they probably like to blab, too - and that's a good thing. If you're wondering why, just watch this video.

And by the way, if you are indeed thinking about selling your Annapolis area home - or would like to talk about the nosey neighbors...or perhaps have a question about buying a home in the Annapolis are - feel free to get in touch. You can call me, Ken Haedrich, direct at 410-507-7222 or email me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com.

Look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

So, you're in the market for an Annapolis home...this rain we've been getting is driving you batty...or you're just dying to talk with a Realtor about how the Annapolis real estate market is REALLY doing.

Whatever the case may be, we know you're anxious to get out and about this weekend - so why not attend one of the two open houses we're holding, one in Riva Trace and one in Eastport.

I've provided the details in the short video below. Hope to see you there.

 

 

 

 

If you're a first time homebuyer, you've probably heard that Uncle Sam wants to give you $8,000 to buy a home this year. We've been getting a lot of calls about this credit, so I decided to make a short video about the most important thing you need to know about it. Have a look.

 

 

 

 

A Quick Look at How Things are Selling at these Perennially Popular Annapolis Condos

Funny how many people you meet who don't know about the condos in Riva Trace. Perhaps it's because there's only one road in and out - no through traffic.

Or perhaps it's because everyone is distracted by the smart looking townhomes here, too, or the carefully manicured landscaping at every turn.

The Setup: The Riva Trace condo complex is a series of nine, 3-level buildings constructed 20 years ago - though the buildings are so well maintained that they hardly show their age.

The units on the 1st and 2nd levels are a mix of 1- and 2- bedroom homes with about 1,200 square feet. The 3rd floor units are 2- and 3-bedroom homes with lofts, averaging about 1,900 square feet. There are 12 units per building, 6 on each side of two wings.

The Community: The condos are part of the larger Riva Trace community, which has its own community pier and tennis courts. The tree-lined streets and sidewalks are favored by the many residents who enjoy a brisk walk - often with their four-legged companions - almost any hour of the day.

In addition to the condos and townhomes, there are two single family home neighborhoods - Spring Race and Autumn Chase - and a third that Ryan homes is building where the Riva Trace Baptist Church used to stand.

The Condo Market at a Glance

A total of 7 Riva Trace condos have sold in the last year.

Currently there are 5 condos for sale, including a lovely 1 bedroom unit we just listed in building #2706. It's been beautifully updated and has had custom French doors installed between the living room and sunroom, turning the sunroom in multi-function space you could use as a spare bedroom or office. The list price is $285,000.

The most recent sale was a second level 2-bedroom unit that just went for $287,500 on April 30th, with a $500 seller subsidy. You'd have to go back to September 2008 to find a 3rd level unit that sold; they just don't come to market that often. That one sold for $330,000.

If You Would Like a More Detailed Snapshot of the Riva Trace Condo Market...

...send me an email at kenhaedrich@gmail.com. I'll put you on our Riva Trace Condo Hot List. You'll get not only an email with the most recent listings. But each time there's an update - a sale, contract, or new listing - you'll be automatically notified.

Finally, if you're thinking about selling your condo - or buying one here - give us a call or send us an email. We've sold nearly $7,000,000 in property in Riva Trace, so we know the neighborhood quite well.

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1 Bedroom/Lives like a 2-Bedroom - Gourmet Kitchen/Separate Dining Room - Master Suite w/Spa-Like Bath - Custom French Doors to Sunroom/Home Office/Guest Quarters

Private, pristine, Pottery Barn Perfect, this lovely 1-bedroom has 2 bedroom attitude (and as much square footage as the other 1st/2nd level 2 bedrooms. Lovely updates throughout, clean as a whistle, close to the best Annapolis has to offer. Check out the virtual tour for 2706 Summerview Way #101.

AA7050279    

 

Why Is This Cute Couple All Smiles? You Would Be, Too, If You Just Purchased This Great Home in Severna Park

Here at The Moss Haedrich Team, we like to say that we have the best clients in the world. Maybe it's the Law of Attraction at work or something, but the homebuyers and sellers who find us and work with us - by referral, through this blog, or whatever - are just a real pleasure.

Take this happy couple here, John Haines and Dina Duncan. We'd been working with them for about six months to help them locate and preview homes that would fit their needs and lifestyle. When we finally had the opportunity to show them this one - 101 St. Ives Drive in Severna Park - they knew right away it was "the one."

Says Dina, "My favorite style is Mid Century Modern and it was amazing to find such a great example of this architectural style." Chartwell's family-friendly reputation was a big draw, according to Dina, as was the home's proximity to The Severn School, which her children will attend.

Great as it is, John and Dina have a vision for the home that will make it even more modern, unique and personal. They're already working with local a local design-build firm - LangKuhn of Arnold - to make some changes. Says Dina: "We have a wonderful canvas to work with. The size of the rooms and the amount of natural light - we'll maintain these great features as we update."

John, who grew up in Severna Park, and Dina (whose Atlanta area home is featured in the post below) say that they're very excited to be part of the Annapolis area community for years to come. We're certainly excited to have them here.

By the way, if you'd like keep an eye on the Chartwell real estate market, just send me an email at KenHaedrich@gmail.com and ask to be put on our Chartwell Hot List. You'll be notified each time a new home in Chartwell comes to market, goes under contract or is sold.

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