Rich's Blog

Market Statistics, Pasadena Maryland, April 2009

Mon, 11 May 2009 20:04:03 -0500

Market Statistics for Pasadena, MD in April 2009:

Number of Homes Sold - 49

Average Sold Price - $279,263

Median Sold Price - $260,000

Average Days on the Market - 118

Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price - 90.93%.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

I'm not a big fan of Average and Median Sold Price Numbers. Many variables can skew the data. A large sale ($1-$2 Million Dollars) can raise the average sold price but not be characteristic of what's going on throughout the entire market. In April, 49 homes sold. 38 of those homes sold between $200,000 to $399,999 range.

We know that the market has significantly slowed down but it bears repeating with the help of numbers. As you can see, it took an average of 118 days to sell these 49 homes in Pasadena, MD. 29 homes sold in less than 120 days on the market and 20 sold with more than 120 days on the market. The main theme I want to say here is that homes are still selling! No matter how "bad" the media or others say the housing market is houses will sell. It may take close to 120 days in Pasadena, MD to sell them, but houses are selling.

So what's the 90.93% mean? Well, it means that a house, in April 2009 in Pasadena, MD, sold for 90.93% of the original asking price. In other words, if a house is listed for $100,000 it sold for $90,930 in April. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any).

All this adds up to the simple fact that we all know....it's a buyer's market. If you're a seller, you need to be prepared to understand that you may not receive the full price you're looking for and you may need to entice buyers with incentives. If you're a buyer, you're looking at great deals with great interest rates.

One last thing to mention - we get it. Michelle and I understand that there are sellers who have put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into their home and we want to help them, realistically, get all they can for the price of their home. If you're a buyer, we understand that you're sitting and waiting for the bottom of the market to hit before you buy. Question is, when will you know when the market bottoms out? Answer is, when the market makes a comeback and it's too late for great deals!

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.operationhomefront.net. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

Rich is a licensed assistant to Michelle Bowman of Keller Williams Select Realtors in Severna Park, Maryland. To learn more about Michelle Bowman, including contact information, please visit her website at www.michellebowman.com.

Mother's Day Thought for the Day!

Sun, 10 May 2009 11:59:48 -0500

"Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible." Marion C. Garretty, quoted in A Little Spoonful of Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul.

On this special day I want to thank my Mom for all the fuel she provided to me in my life! Without her I would not be where I am today.

I would also like to take this time to wish all the Mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day!

7653 Lake Drive, Pasadena, Maryland, 21122

Sat, 09 May 2009 19:02:59 -0500

.34 Acres on Hines Pond in water privileged community of Venice on the Bay. Bay Views, private, beautiful location, surrounded by nature. Fish and kayak right outside your front door! Great opportunity to build your dream house on the water. Needs new septic, perked in 2007.

For more information about this property, cal Michelle at 443-904-2124.

2309 BAUERNSCHMIDT DR, ESSEX, MD 21221 - PRICE REDUCED!!!!!!

Thu, 07 May 2009 11:58:32 -0500

Great opporitunity to live in sought after water privileged community of Bauernschmidt Manor. Large double lot, fenced yard, large shed, waterviews from back yard/deck. Community park/boat ramp. Cozy cape cod with hardwood floors, tile, fresh paint,eat in kitchen, clubroom, laundry room, work shop. Close to marinas, parks, school, shopping. Listing price is now $289,000. Maryland Waterfront Realty - 443-250-5423/443-904-2124.

In-Depth Market Statistics - Crownsville, MD

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:21:18 -0500

Now that we have the first quarter statistics for the Crownsville, MD market, let's look at some of the revealing and not so revealing numbers.

A total of 8 homes have sold in the Crownsville area. It has taken over a year to sell. The most compelling statistic in the Crownsville area is the number of houses that have sold in the $300,000 to $399,999 range. This year, 2 homes have sold in this price range yet there are now 24 active listings in that price range. That's an increase of 8 active listings in Crownsville, MD this year so far!

If you're a first time home buyer you should take a serious look at the numbers here. The interest rates for loans are outstanding, the first time buyers credit is out there, and there has been an influx of active listings in a great price range.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

Market Statistics, Crownsville, MD

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:32:57 -0500

Market Statistics for Crownsville, MD in March 2009:

Number of Homes Sold - 3

Average Sold Price - $739,667

Median Sold Price - $650,000

Average Days on the Market - 535

Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price - 74.74%.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

We know that the market has significantly slowed down but it bears repeating with the help of numbers. As you can see, it took an average of 535 days to sell these 3 homes in Crownsville, MD. 1 home sold in less than 120 days on the market and 2 sold with more than 120 days on the market. The main theme I want to say here is that homes are still selling! No matter how "bad" the media or others say the housing market is houses will sell. It may take close to 535 days in Crownsville, MD to sell them, but houses are selling.

So what's the 74.74% mean? Well, it means that a house, in March 2009 in Crownsville, MD, sold for 74.74% of the original asking price. In other words, if a house is listed for $100,000 it sold for $74,740 in March. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any).

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

In-Depth Market Statistics for Annapolis, MD

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:14:18 -0500

Now that we have the first quarter statistics for the Annapolis, MD market, let's look at some of the revealing and not so revealing numbers.

A total of 61 homes have sold in the Annapolis area. It has taken anywhere between 5 - 7 months to sell. The average price is a number that can be greatly skewed by the sale of a $1 million dollar home, so we'll leave that statistic alone. The Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price over the 3 month period ranges from 85% - 88%. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any). In other words, sellers should expect to get between 85% - 88% of their asking price. A most compelling statistic in the Annapolis, MD market is the increase in number of active listings that have come on the market in the $350,000 - $399,999 range. At the beginning of the year, there were 417 active listings in Annapolis. At the end of March, there were 464 active listings. That's an increase of 47 active listings for the year. Consequently, there were 27 active listings between $350,000 and $399,999. At the end of March, there were 35. That's an increase of 8 active listings in that price range. Doing the math, 18% of the increased active listings that have gone on the market in Annapolis, MD are priced between $350,000 - $399,999. Remember, that in Annapolis, there is a large variety of homes for sale that range in price from $250,000 to $5,000,000 and over.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

Thought for the Day

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:32:28 -0500

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." Marcel Proust

What a wonderful quote to use to talk about the current housing market. To me, "having new eyes" simply means changing how I look at the current market and getting that message across to clients. I have heard, from so many, that they wish they would have sold their home when the market was hot. Sure, they would have received an inflated price for their home that would have pocketed a few dollars, but they also would have paid an inflated price for their next home. No one can have it both ways.

Now that we are in a buyer's market, most sellers will not get what they could have received a few years ago BUT they also will get a great deal when they buy another home!!! Now doesn't that look better than what the news is showing?

I chose this picture because everything is pure in the eyes of a child. Their thoughts, unlike our own, are not clouded by constant rationalization, or the woulda, coulda, shoulda scenario. They see everything as new in their eyes. As adults, we must change our way of thinking about the housing market and see everything as new and not think about what might have been.

Market Statistics for Annapolis, MD March 2009

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:15:26 -0500

Market Statistics for Annapolis, MD in March 2009:

Number of Homes Sold - 23

Average Sold Price - $502,135

Median Sold Price - $315,900

Average Days on the Market - 177

Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price - 85.09%.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

I'm not a big fan of Average and Median Sold Price Numbers. Many variables can skew the data. A large sale ($1-$2 Million Dollars) can raise the average sold price but not be characteristic of what's going on throughout the entire market. In March, 23 homes sold. 14 of those homes sold between $150,000 to $399,999 range.

We know that the market has significantly slowed down but it bears repeating with the help of numbers. As you can see, it took an average of 177 days to sell these 23 homes in Annapolis, MD. 8 homes sold in less than 120 days on the market and 15 sold with more than 120 days on the market. The main theme I want to say here is that homes are still selling! No matter how "bad" the media or others say the housing market is houses will sell. It may take close to 180 days in Annapolis, MD to sell them, but houses are selling.

So what's the 85.09% mean? Well, it means that a house, in March 2009 in Annapolis, MD, sold for 85.09% of the original asking price. In other words, if a house is listed for $100,000 it sold for $85,090 in March. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any).

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

In-Depth Market Analysis - Odenton, MD

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:13:23 -0500

Now that we have the first quarter statistics for the Odenton, MD market, let's look at some of the revealing and not so revealing numbers.

A total of 57 homes have sold in the Odenton area. It has taken anywhere between 4 - 5 months to sell. The average price is a number that can be greatly skewed by the sale of a $1 million dollar home, so we'll leave that statistic alone. The Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price over the 3 month period ranges from 87% - 92%. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any). In other words, sellers should expect to get between 87% - 92% of their asking price. A most compelling statistic in the Odenton, MD market is the increase in number of active listings that have come on the market in the $300,000 - $349,999 range. At the beginning of the year, there were 170 active listings in Odenton. At the end of March, there were 193 active listings. That's an increase of 23 active listings for the year. Consequently, there were 28 active listings between $300,000 and $349,999. At the end of March, there were 38. That's an increase of 10 active listings in that price range. Doing the math, 44% of the increased active listings that have gone on the market in Odenton, MD are priced between $300,000 - $349,999. Equally as curious is the percentage of active listings that range between $200,000 and $399,999. At the end of March, there were 111 active listings in that price range from a total of 193 active listings. Another way to say this is that 58% of the active listings in Odenton fall between $200,000 - $399,999.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

Market Statistics for Odenton, MD March 2009

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 09:56:38 -0500

Market Statistics for Odenton, MD in March 2009:

Number of Homes Sold - 24

Average Sold Price - $284,011

Median Sold Price - $277,250

Average Days on the Market - 129

Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price - 90.15%.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

I'm not a big fan of Average and Median Sold Price Numbers. Many variables can skew the data. A large sale ($1-$2 Million Dollars) can raise the average sold price but not be characteristic of what's going on throughout the entire market. In March, 24 homes sold. 22 of those homes sold between $200,000 to $399,999 range.

We know that the market has significantly slowed down but it bears repeating with the help of numbers. As you can see, it took an average of 129 days to sell these 24 homes in Odenton, MD. 11 homes sold in less than 120 days on the market and 13 sold with more than 120 days on the market. The main theme I want to say here is that homes are still selling! No matter how "bad" the media or others say the housing market is houses will sell. It may take close to 130 days in Odenton, MD to sell them, but houses are selling.

So what's the 90.15% mean? Well, it means that a house, in March 2009 in Odenton, MD, sold for 90.15% of the original asking price. In other words, if a house is listed for $100,000 it sold for $90,150 in March. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any).

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

In-Depth Market Statistics for Severna Park, MD

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:41:35 -0500

Now that we have the first quarter statistics for the Severna Park, MD market, let's look at some of the revealing and not so revealing numbers.

A total of 29 homes have sold in the Severna Park area. It has taken anywhere between 2 - 7 months to sell. The average price is a number that can be greatly skewed by the sale of a $1 million dollar home, so we'll leave that statistic alone. The Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price over the 3 month period ranges from 80% - 95%. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any). In other words, sellers should expect to get between 80% - 95% of their asking price. A most compelling statistic in the Severna Park, MD market is the increase in number of active listings that have come on the market in the $500,000 - $599,999 range. At the beginning of the year, there were 201 active listings in Severna Park. At the end of March, there were 217 active listings. That's an increase of 16 active listings for the year. Consequently, there were 35 active listings between $500,000 and $599,999. At the end of March, there were 42. That's an increase of 7 active listings in that price range. Doing the math, 44% of the increased active listings that have gone on the market in Severna Park, MD are priced between $500,000 - $599,999. Equally as curious is the percentage of active listings that range between $350,000 and $599,999. At the end of March, there were 109 active listings in that price range from a total of 217 active listings. Another way to say this is that 50% of the active listings in Severna Park fall between $350,000 - $599,999.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

Market Statistics for Severna Park, MD March 2009

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:38:36 -0500

Market Statistics for Severna Park, MD in March 2009:

Number of Homes Sold - 8

Average Sold Price - $464,328

Median Sold Price - $456,750

Average Days on the Market - 64

Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price - 95.28%.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

I'm not a big fan of Average and Median Sold Price Numbers. Many variables can skew the data. A large sale ($1-$2 Million Dollars) can raise the average sold price but not be characteristic of what's going on throughout the entire market. In March, 8 homes sold. 4 of those homes sold between $300,000 to $399,999 range.

We know that the market has significantly slowed down but it bears repeating with the help of numbers. As you can see, it took an average of 64 days to sell these 8 homes in Severna Park, MD. 7 homes sold in less than 120 days on the market and 1 sold with more than 120 days on the market. The main theme I want to say here is that homes are still selling! No matter how "bad" the media or others say the housing market is houses will sell. It may take close to 60 days in Severna Park, MD to sell them, but houses are selling.

So what's the 95.28% mean? Well, it means that a house, in March 2009 in Severna Park, MD, sold for 95.28% of the original asking price. In other words, if a house is listed for $100,000 it sold for $95,280 in March. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any).

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

In-Depth Market Statistics for Pasadena, MD

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:09:01 -0500

Now that we have the first quarter statistics for the Pasadena, MD market, let's look at some of the revealing and not so revealing numbers.

A total of 101 homes have sold in the Pasadena area. It has taken anywhere between 3 - 5 months to sell. The average price is a number that can be greatly skewed by the sale of a $1 million dollar home, so we'll leave that statistic alone. The Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price over the 3 month period ranges from 80% - 92%. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any). In other words, sellers should expect to get between 80% - 92% of their asking price. A most compelling statistic in the Pasadena, MD market is the increase in number of active listings that have come on the market in the $600,000 - $699,999 range. At the beginning of the year, there were 445 active listings in Pasadena. At the end of March, there were 465 active listings. That's an increase of 20 active listings for the year. Consequently, there were 22 active listings between $600,000 and $699,999. At the end of March, there were 34. That's an increase of 12 active listings in that price range. Doing the math, 60% of the increased active listings that have gone on the market in Pasadena, MD are priced between $600,000 - $699,999. Equally as curious is the percentage of active listings that range between $200,000 and $399,999. At the end of March, there were 253 active listings in that price range from a total of 465 active listings. Another way to say this is that 54% of the active listings in Pasadena fall between $200,000 - $399,999.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

Market Statistics for Pasadena, MD

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:06:06 -0500

Market Statistics for Pasadena, MD in March 2009:

Number of Homes Sold - 51

Average Sold Price - $282,073

Median Sold Price - $265,000

Average Days on the Market - 152

Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price - 88.42%.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

I'm not a big fan of Average and Median Sold Price Numbers. Many variables can skew the data. A large sale ($1-$2 Million Dollars) can raise the average sold price but not be characteristic of what's going on throughout the entire market. In March, 51 homes sold. 41 of those homes sold between $150,000 to $399,999 range.

We know that the market has significantly slowed down but it bears repeating with the help of numbers. As you can see, it took an average of 152 days to sell these 51 homes in Pasadena, MD. 27 homes sold in less than 120 days on the market and 27 sold with more than 120 days on the market. The main theme I want to say here is that homes are still selling! No matter how "bad" the media or others say the housing market is houses will sell. It may take close to 150 days in Pasadena, MD to sell them, but houses are selling.

So what's the 88.42% mean? Well, it means that a house, in March 2009 in Pasadena, MD, sold for 88.42% of the original asking price. In other words, if a house is listed for $100,000 it sold for $88,420 in March. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any).

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

In-Depth Market Statistics for Stevensville, MD 21666

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:17:57 -0500

Now that we have the first quarter statistics for the Stevensville, MD market, let's look at some of the revealing and not so revealing numbers.

A total of 8 homes have sold in the Stevensville area. It has taken anywhere between 4 - 6 months to sell. The average price is a number that can be greatly skewed by the sale of a $1 million dollar home, so we'll leave that statistic alone. The Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price over the 3 month period ranges from 85% - 90%. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any). In other words, sellers should expect to get between 85% - 90% of their asking price. The most compelling statistic in the Stevensville, MD market is the number of homes that have come on the market in the $250,000 - $299,999 range. At the beginning of the year, there were 136 active listings in Stevensville. At the end of March, there were 160 active listings. That's an increase of 24 active listings for the year. Consequently, there were 15 active listings between $250,000 and $299,999. At the end of March, there were 23. That's an increase of 8 active listings in that price range. Doing the math, 33.33% of the increased active listings that have gone on the market in Stevensville, MD are priced between $250,000 - $299,999.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

Market Statistics for Stevensville, MD 21666

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:55:17 -0500

Market Statistics for Stevensville, MD in March 2009:

Number of Homes Sold - 2

Average Sold Price - $312,345

Median Sold Price - $312,345

Average Days on the Market - 164

Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price - 88.63%.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

I'm not a big fan of Average and Median Sold Price Numbers. Many variables can skew the data. A large sale ($1-$2 Million Dollars) can raise the average sold price but not be characteristic of what's going on throughout the entire market. In March, 2 homes sold. One was in the $250,000 to $299,999 range and one was $350,000 to $399,999.

We know that the market has significantly slowed down but it bears repeating with the help of numbers. As you can see, it took an average of 164 days to sell these 2 homes in Stevensville, MD. Both homes took over 120 days to sell. The main theme I want to say here is that homes are still selling! No matter how "bad" the media or others say the housing market is houses will sell. It may take close to 160 days in Stevensville, MD to sell them, but houses are selling.

So what's the 88.63% mean? Well, it means that a house, in March 2009 in Stevensville, MD, sold for 88.63% of the original asking price. In other words, if a house is listed for $100,000 it sold for $88,630 in March. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any).

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

Thoughts for the Day

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:28:07 -0500

"If you view all the things that happen to you, both good and bad, as opportunities, then you operate out of a higher level of consciousness." Les Brown

What a great quote! Seems so fitting, especially now during the current housing market, that everyone from potential home buyers/sellers to real estate agents has opportunities RIGHT NOW! It's tough to help people understand, when you add all the negative media out there, that opportunity is sitting right there in front of you and you are letting others sway your decisions.

During the "boom" everyone seen opportunities to buy and sell homes. Sellers seen it as an opportunity to sell at a higher price and buyers seen it as an opportunity to upgrade from their existing home.

Now, people are afraid to buy and sell. Consider the following as a seller - you sell your house at a price that is going to be lower than what you could have received a few years ago, but do you see the opportunity to buy another house at a price that's lower than what you would have paid a few years ago?

Buyers - With interest rates as low as they are, do you think that they will stay that way forever? Is there a chance, in the future, that interest rates will go up?

Everyday, opportunity stares us right in the face....take the time to realize your opportunities at a "higher level of consciousness!"

"It's better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared." Young Whitney, Jr.

Thought for the day

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 10:53:59 -0500

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." Buddha

The perfect quote for this picture. This was a photo I took, with my phone no less, on our vacation in Key West. This is Sunset pier. People line up along the wall and watch the sunset. As I set and watched I thought to myself how beautiful nature can be. It's a shame that I never take full advantage of the daily gift of sunsets.

After the sun "falls behind the water" everyone claps. It was awesome. It was as if everyone was applauding nature on its performance.

I'm glad I took the opportunity to live in the present moment. It was great. No worries about tomorrow and no thoughts about yesterday.

Take the time to live in the here and now and refresh your mind, body, and soul. Have a great day!

Thought for the Day

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 11:50:35 -0500

"The longer we live, the more that we know, Old Age is the time for wisdom to show...Who knows how much good some word we might say......Could do for that one who's wandered away?" Our Daily Bread

The first thought that came to me when I read that quote was of a mentor. Mentors know the way, go the way, and show the way. Now I'm not saying that everyone is old but I am asking you to take a moment at the end of the day and ask yourself if you've mentored someone today?

Thought of the day

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 06:37:17 -0500

From the Desk of Rich Shull...................

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that have built against it." - A Course In Miracles.

So what does this quote say to you?

This is so true in every facet of my daily life, not just about love. Think about it for a minute. What is the only thing that stops us from accomplishing our goals in life? Is it fear? Is it lack of desire? Is it attitude? Maybe the opinion of others? All these things are nothing more than barriers, and as I see it, there are four ways to go from point A to point B with a barrier in between the two. You can go around, plow through, go underneath, or fly over. So, which person are you?

Have a great barrier-removing day!

Rich

Market Statistics, Odenton, MD, February 2009

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 04:10:48 -0500

From the Desk of Rich Shull...........

Market Statistics for Odenton, MD in February 2009:

Number of Homes Sold - 13

Average Sold Price - $301,495

Median Sold Price - $280,000

Average Days on the Market - 138

Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price - 92.32%.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

I'm not a big fan of Average and Median Sold Price Numbers. Many variables can skew this data. A large sale ($1-$2 Million Dollars) can raise the average sold price but not be characteristic of what's going on throughout the entire market. In February, the bulk of the homes sold in Odenton, MD (11 homes) fell between the price ranges of $200,000 and $399,999.

We know that the market has significantly slowed down but it bares repeating with the help of numbers. As you can see, it took an average of 138 days to sell these 13 homes in Odenton, MD. 5 homes sold in less than 120 days while 8 homes took over 120 days to sell. The main theme I want to say here is that homes are still selling! No matter how "bad" the media or others say the housing market is, houses will sell. It may take close to 140 days in Odenton, MD to sell them, but houses are selling.

So what's the 92.32% mean? Well, it means that a house, in February 2009 in Odenton, MD, sold for 92.32% of the original asking price. In other words, if a house is listed for $100,000 it sold for $92,320 in February. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any).

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

Market Statistics for Odenton, MD, January 2009

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:23:11 -0500

From the Desk of Rich Shull...........

Market Statistics for Odenton, MD in January 2009:

Number of Homes Sold - 20

Average Sold Price - $329,690

Median Sold Price - $302,745

Average Days on the Market - 118

Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price - 87.49%.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

I'm not a big fan of Average and Median Sold Price Numbers. Many variables can skew this data. A large sale ($1-$2 Million Dollars) can raise the average sold price but not be characteristic of what's going on throughout the entire market. In January, the bulk of the homes sold in Odenton, MD (18 homes) fell between the price ranges of $200,000 and $399,999.

We know that the market has significantly slowed down but it bares repeating with the help of numbers. As you can see, it took an average of 118 days to sell these 20 homes in Odenton, MD. 12 homes sold in less than 120 days while 8 homes took over 120 days to sell. The main theme I want to say here is that homes are still selling! No matter how "bad" the media or others say the housing market is, houses will sell. It may take close to 120 days in Odenton, MD to sell them, but houses are selling.

So what's the 87.49% mean? Well, it means that a house, in January 2009 in Odenton, MD, sold for 87.49% of the original asking price. In other words, if a house is listed for $100,000 it sold for $87,490 in January. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any).

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

Market Statistics for Annapolis, MD, February 2009

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:18:57 -0500

From the Desk of Rich Shull...........

Market Statistics for Annapolis, MD in February 2009:

Number of Homes Sold - 21

Average Sold Price - $588,205

Median Sold Price - $375,000

Average Days on the Market - 171

Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price - 88.58%.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

I'm not a big fan of Average and Median Sold Price Numbers. Many variables can skew this data. A large sale ($1-$2 Million Dollars) can raise the average sold price but not be characteristic of what's going on throughout the entire market. In February, the bulk of the homes sold in Annapolis, MD (14 homes) fell between the price ranges of $200,000 and $499,999.

We know that the market has significantly slowed down but it bares repeating with the help of numbers. As you can see, it took an average of 171 days to sell these 21 homes in Annapolis, MD. 9 homes sold in less than 120 days while 12 homes took over 120 days to sell. The main theme I want to say here is that homes are still selling! No matter how "bad" the media or others say the housing market is, houses will sell. It may take close to 170 days in Annapolis, MD to sell them, but houses are selling.

So what's the 88.58% mean? Well, it means that a house, in February 2009 in Annapolis, MD, sold for 88.58% of the original asking price. In other words, if a house is listed for $100,000 it sold for $88,580 in February. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any).

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.

Market Statistics, Stevensville, MD, February 2009

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:48:09 -0500

From the Desk of Rich Shull...........

Market Statistics for Stevensville, MD in February 2009:

Number of Homes Sold - 6

Average Sold Price - $245,417

Median Sold Price - $209,950

Average Days on the Market - 124

Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price - 85.65%.

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS)

I'm not a big fan of Average and Median Sold Price Numbers. Many variables can skew this data. A large sale ($1-$2 Million Dollars) can raise the average sold price but not be characteristic of what's going on throughout the entire market. In February, the homes sold in Stevensville, MD fell between the price ranges of $150,000 and $399,999.

We know that the market has significantly slowed down but it bares repeating with the help of numbers. As you can see, it took an average of 124 days to sell these 6 homes in Stevensville, MD. 3 homes sold in less than 120 days while 3 homes took over 120 days to sell. The main theme I want to say here is that homes are still selling! No matter how "bad" the media or others say the housing market is, houses will sell. It may take close to 120 days in Stevensville, MD to sell them, but houses are selling.

So what's the 85.65% mean? Well, it means that a house, in February 2009 in Stevensville, MD, sold for 85.65% of the original asking price. In other words, if a house is listed for $100,000 it sold for $85,650 in February. It's called a contract sales price. It does NOT take into account factors such as closing costs or closing help (if any).

Never forget that freedom is not free. There are many men and women who are sacrificing for us at this very moment. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others are recovering from injuries sustained fighting overseas. Here's one way you can help these heroes: http://www.anysoldier.com. Thank you to all the men and women at Fort Meade, The Naval Academy, Andrews Air Force Base, and everywhere around the globe for your patriotism and sacrifice.