Richard's Blog

Crofton MD "Leafapaloozza" In Full Swing

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:57:50 -0600

We Crofton MD residents do love our tall, stately Oak Trees for the beauty and shade that they provide all summer.

Now that summer is over though, all I can say is, UGH!

The annual Crofton chore of leaf collection is in full progress from now until mid to end December. As a matter of fact, those last few dead leaves will probably still be there in the Spring.

It doesn't matter how many times you rake and bag them, the next day it looks like you didn't do a darn thing.

There are some people on my block that rake leaves every day. That's not a hobby, that's an obsession. I'm good for once every week or two.

The pile you see here is from this weekend.

Anne Arundel County MD trash collection has a special leaf pickup on Mondays during this time of year. They do have to be bagged and placed at the curb. At the height of the season, they'll send trucks in over the weekend to get ahead of collections.

I'm done for today. Last leaf blown, picked up and bagged. Sigh...there is never a "last leaf" in Crofton.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

All photos and written content were produced by Richard Iarossi. Copyright 2009 - All Rights Reserved. This content may not be reproduced or reprinted, except for Active Rain Re-blogging, without express written permission of Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®, Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc., Crofton, MD.

A Question I Get Asked Often...And My Answer Is Always The Same

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:38:17 -0600

"Rich, how much will the seller take for the house? Well, taking the rest of the contract into consideration, the seller will more than likely accept the listing price." Frankly, what the heck else did you expect me to say?

Even though some agents ask that question, thats really not what they're after. There is usually a pause after I tell them the seller will accept the listing price. What they frequently say next is, "my client wants to make an offer, but I don't want to waste your time." I don't know about you, but for me, its never a waste of my time to review a written offer with my sellers. Thats my job.

At least be honest. It really is about wasting your time, having to write an embarrasingly low offer, isn't it? If you're working with a client who thinks they can grab some listing by offering 50 cents on a dollar, you probably are wasting your time. As a buyer's agent, you really need to ask yourself whether your client is a serious buyer.

Experienced agents know whether their buyer clients are serious, or just tire kickers. You would be surprised how many people fall asleep in front of the tv and wake up in the middle of the night to an infomercial. "Real estate riches for 50 cents on the dollar, or less." This is where many of them hook up with an unsuspecting agent to do their dirty, time wasting work.

If your buyer client is wasting your time, I'm sorry. If you have an offer, even a low one, send it over. I never consider it a waste of time to do my job.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

I Love Working With Professionals

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:57:41 -0600

Give me a "no drama" settlement every time. I love being bored in between an accepted offer and settlement. This isn't to say that "stuff" doesn't happen. Of course it does. Real estate transactions are complex, and expensive, and demand and deserve a lot of attention to detail.

The difference in making an entire real estate transaction relatively smooth has a lot to do with the agents involved.

Professional agents take action. I know some agents that believe that if they ignore a problem in a real estate transaction, that it just goes away. Professional agents know better. Real estate isn't like wine making. Problems tend to get worse with age. Professional agents attack problems as they occur. No waiting around, fix it and get it off the table.

Professional agents don't let their emotions get in the way. I'm sure you've all dealt with screaming agents, cussing agents, and everything in between. In my experience, that isn't a particularly effective strategy for getting anything done. I've never seen one item on a home inspection report that "self corrected" after being yelled at. Make sure you swear at that lender...that will make the loan commitment smoother. This industry does attract more than a few "drama queens."

Real estate is complex, but it isn't rocket science either. Experience and training, addressing items as they occur, understanding the contract. All these and a few more will go a long way to making a successful transaction.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Speechless Sunday - Superboy Attempts A Takeoff

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:08:34 -0600

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Wordless Wednesday - I'm Biased, But This Is The Best Real Estate Sign I Know

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:35:13 -0500

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Buying A Crofton MD Foreclosure

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:36:19 -0500

It doesn't take much research to know that there are a large number of foreclosures on the market, including some Crofton, MD homes for sale. Picking up a foreclosure property in Crofton, MD could be a great investment, but buyers do need to be careful.

If you're interested in including foreclosure properties in your home search, make sure you have a qualified, local Realtor to assist. The process to buy a foreclosure does differ a bit from a regular residential resale. Also, buyers agents usually get paid from the seller in a transaction. Even if the property is a foreclosure, where the owner is a bank.

There are three distinct phases of foreclosure activity. Once an owner stops paying their mortgage the lender will file for a notice of default. Remember all those documents you signed at closing. One of them gave the lender the right to do this. At this stage its really called a preforeclosure.

The bank has an obligation to post a public notice in the paper several times before they can go to court and take the property back. Once the court ordered foreclosure is complete, the bank can sell the property at auction on the courthouse steps in Annapolis, MD. Thats right, the auctioneer is on the courthouse steps and announces each property for sale. If there are no buyers at a price acceptable to the bank, the property reverts back to the lender, and will soon go on the market.

Banks aren't real estate companies, so their properties are listed for sale with a local brokerage. These are called REO properties, meaning Real Estate Owned.

Most buyers agents will tell you that they prefer working with a foreclosure than a short sale any day. Banks seem to have their act together on foreclosures, while short sales still have serious process problems, in many cases.

I can help if you're interested in looking at foreclosures anywhere in the Annapolis MD area. If you're not already working with an agent, give me a call at 443-995-9595.

Crofton, MD has 10 bank owned foreclosures for sale, and more in the preforeclosure stage. If you would like a listing of the Crofton, MD foreclosures, just eMail me at Rich@RichSellsHomes.com.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Am I Being Unsocial In A Social Media World?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:55:27 -0500

I am on Facebook, and Twitter, Linked In, and something called Yammer. Probably a couple of others I don't even remember. I will confess though, that I'm not the most prolific user, by any means. There is this pesky thing called work that keeps getting in the way.

For me, its been an evolution adding social media to my real estate toolbox. Some tools, like Active Rain, I use every day because the benefits are immediate and relevant to my business. Others are like the hex wrenches at the bottom of the toolbox...I use them every once in a while.

I've got followers and friends all over the place, and sometimes I don't know why. I'm really not that interesting but somehow people keep showing up wanting to follow me or be my friend. I even have Karl Rove following me on Twitter. Besides being a little scary, I guess he doesn't have much to do since the election.

I wonder though, am I overthinking this Facebook friends thing? First, let me say I don't really believe in coincidences, and I'm only a little paranoid.

In the last three days I've had over 20 requests to be my "friend" on Facebook. Go figure. What characterizes all of these requests is that they're all 20 somethings, which I don't have a lot in common with, and, I don't know one of them. I'm sure they don't know me either. OK, so why the heck do they want to be my friend?

I know I'm overthinking this, so I ask, do you just add Facebook friends whenever someone requests it, or are you more selective?

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Speechless Sunday - National Cathedral

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:23:07 -0500

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Rainout - Yankees Will Have To Wait Until Tomorrow

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:32:50 -0500

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Speechless Sunday - Man's Best Friend

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:03:22 -0500

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Neat Application For Those Of Us With Multiple Computers

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:15:29 -0500

Not only is it a neat application but it's free too, for up to 2 GB of storage. Like many of you I have multiple computers. A desktop, a laptop, and a netbook, and yes, I use them all. If I have a file on my desktop that I need on my laptop, I can transfer it over the network or put it on a USB thumb drive.

Along comes this application called Dropbox. Pretty simple really. Download the free software on each of your computers and it creates a "Dropbox" folder in your "My Documents" folder. Whatever you put in that dropbox folder on any of your pc's, now gets populated in the dropbox folder on your other PCs. No fuss, no muss, you don't have to do anything, the file will automatically populate on all your pc's. All you need is an internet connection, or a connection at a later time. If you don't have access to one of your PCs, go to the Dropbox website and the file is there too, for download. To find out more information, you can access the Dropbox website here.

2 GB comes with the free account. You can order 25 and 50 GB of storage, for a reasonable monthly fee.

Not only does it work on your pc's, but there is also an iPhone application and yes, your files will automatically populate to your iPhone.

Super easy and free. Just what Realtors like.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

With Apologies To My Friend Patricia Kennedy

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:08:22 -0500

God was missing for six days. On the seventh day, Michael, the archangel, found him - resting. He inquired, "Where have you been?" God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds. "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."

Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?" "It's a planet" replied God, and I've put life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test Balance." "Balance?" inquired Michael, "I'm confused." God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, he said, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things."

God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."

The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and asked, "What's that one?" "That's Maryland, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, ocean, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and plains. The people from Maryland are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things."

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, "But what about balance, God?

You said there would be balance..."

God smiled, "Right next to Maryland is Washington, DC. Wait till you see what I put there."

If You Want To Blame Me For Not Getting Into My Listing...As They Say, Fine!

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:48:01 -0500

It didn't take long after our board discontinued the use of one day showing codes, for the first agent to call me complaining that they couldn't get into one of my listings. On October 1st, Anne Arundel County Board of Realtors blocked the one day code from being used in the Sentrilock lockboxes. Since our conversion to Sentri, agents without keys, non-updated keys, lost keys, etc., were able to get into listings via a 4 digit one day showing code.

According to the board, the one day showing codes were blocked because of security. OK, thats what they said, even though there are about a bazillion combo lockboxes out there too. Since they're the controlling Board, it didn't matter what the reason. It was their decision, and, as members, we all live by it.

It was a nice feature, but now its gone. Despite this, I got a call from the showing service the other day asking for permission to give out a one day code. Sure, but I don't think it will work. Sure enough, a couple of minutes later I get a call from Sentrilock support asking my permission for the same thing. Didn't work for him either. It's blocked, period, end of story.

After several unsuccessful attempts to circumvent the system, the agent calls. "I guess you don't want your listing shown if you don't allow agents to get a one day showing code." When I explained to her that these were no longer allowed, it didn't really matter. At that point she was just posturing for her buyers by yelling at me. I even offered to go out and let her in, but she would have none of it.

I guess she didn't get the memo about the one day codes being blocked. To me it doesn't matter whether they allow a one day showing code or not. I have a key and I keep it updated.

How any real estate agent can function without a real estate key, to the Board approved lockbox system, is a mystery to me. Frankly, if you want to be a real estate agent, you have to pay the price. Purchasing a key, and a yearly subscription, should not be discretionary.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Davidsonville MD - Real Estate Statistics, September 2009

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 22:16:55 -0500

	2009	2008	% Change
Sold Dollar Volume	$6,624,523	$6,284,900	5.40%
Average Sold Price	$662,452	$897,843	-26.22%
Median Sold Price	$702,500	$850,000	-17.35%
Total Units Sold	10	7	42.86%
Average Days on Market	116	204	-43.16%
Average List Price for Solds	$730,022	$1,138,843	-35.90%

Davidsonville, MD is never an easy zip code to analyze for real estate statistics. Clearly, one of the most expensive areas of Anne Arundel County to live, Davidsonville, MD rarely has monthly sales that are in the double digits.

With the median home price over $700 thousand dollars, this shouldn't be a surprise.

58 of the 73 current active listings in Davidsonville are priced over $700 thousand dollars.

Despite the relatively low number of transactions, Davidsonville, MD has seen a decreasing inventory in the last couple of months.

If you're looking for an upscale neighborhood, with an easy commute to Washington, DC, Baltimore and Annapolis, Davidsonville, MD is the place to be.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Odenton, MD Real Estate - Where Are Buyers Getting Their Loans To Buy Odenton, MD Homes?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:02:36 -0500

As you can imagine, home buyers in Odenton, MD, frequently take advantage of VA loans. I'm pretty sure that this is one of the few communities around where VA loans exceeded Conventional loans for home purchases in September, 2009.

Of course, Ft. Meade, home to the NSA is the cause of so many VA loans.

In September, 2009 though, FHA loans were at the top of the list with 10. This loan type is very attractive for first time home buyers since it only requires 3.5% of the purchase price as a down payment.

If you're looking for a home in Odenton, MD, I work with an outstanding lender who can secure the best financing to meet your needs.

If you're not already working with a Realtor® to find a home in Odenton, MD, I can help.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Odenton, MD - Real Estate Statistics, September, 2009

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:50:18 -0500

	2009	2008	% Change
Sold Dollar Volume	$7,744,500	$9,012,593	-14.07%
Average Sold Price	$297,865	$333,800	-10.77%
Median Sold Price	$298,750	$320,000	-6.64%
Total Units Sold	26	27	-3.70%
Average Days on Market	77	116	-33.62%
Average List Price for Solds	$318,532	$358,518	-11.15%

Odenton, MD real estate sales in September, 2009 compared to the same month in 2008 were not trending upward.

The number of units sold was almost the same so the reduction in average prices is reflective of the price ranges that are active. 24 of the total 26 homes sold in Odenton, MD during the month of September, 2009 were under $400,000.

Crofton, MD, a neighboring community had 8 homes sold over $500,000.

The Odenton, MD homes for sale inventory remains high at 198. It grew slightly since 42 new listings came on the market while 26 were settled.

Taking a peek at the future it looks like the trend is turning around. 38 homes went into one of the contract stages.

Interestingly, houses are selling faster in Odenton, MD in September of this year compared to last, even while the inventory continues to grow.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Crofton MD Real Estate - Where Do People Get The Money To Buy Crofton, MD Homes?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:28:46 -0500

It wasn't all that long ago that FHA loans were rejected by sellers in Crofton, MD pretty routinely. Look what happens when the market turns.

In September, 2009, FHA loans outnumbered any other type of financing for Crofton, MD home buyers. Conventional financing was a very close second with VA financing pretty strong as well.

Two buyers came up with the cash to purchase their Crofton, MD home. I don't know why, but this still amazes me. Especially when you consider the average Crofton, MD home was $353,841 in September, 2009.

As you can see, if you're a Crofton, MD home buyer, you should consider an FHA loan. Right now, you can receive an FHA loan with 3.5% of the purchase price as a down payment.

If you're not already working with an agent to find your Crofton, MD home, I can help.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Crofton MD - Real Estate Statistics, September 2009

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:33:10 -0500

	2009	2008	% Change
Sold Dollar Volume	$13,799,800	$10,567,800	+30.58%
Average Sold Price	$353,841	$340,897	+3.80%
Median Sold Price	$325,000	$320,000	+1.56%
Total Units Sold	39	31	+25.81%
Average Days on Market	80	94	-14.89%
Average List Price for Solds	$381,069	$360,958	+5.57%

As you can see from the data above, Crofton, MD home sales had a pretty good month in September, 2009 compated to September 2008.

It's been pretty rare to see every category improve.

Prices are increasing, more units are being sold, and homes are selling faster.

During the month of September, 2009, 35 new listings were added to the Crofton, MD home inventory, while 39 were sold.

In a peek at the near term future, 46 homes went under one of the various contract categories.

A deeper look at the data seems to indicate that pretty much all price ranges are selling in Crofton. Surprisingly strong was the $500,000 - $599,999 price range where 8 homes went to settlement.

From the data, it looks like more than just first time home buyers are fueling the Crofton, MD home sale increases.

If you're not already working with a Realtor® to find that perfect Crofton, MD home, I can help. Call me at 443-995-9595 any time.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Speechless Sunday - Wait Until Next Season

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:52:03 -0500

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Hanover MD Real Estate, New Listing at 6439 Skipton Drive, Hanover, MD 21076

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:22:46 -0500

Location, Price, Condition. This house has it all. If you're looking for the best priced, single family, 4 bedroom home in Hanover,your search is over. Screened in deck, skylights, cathedral ceilings, large family room, marble fireplace, large bedrooms, three full baths, two car garage, workshop in lower level, move in ready...more.

http://www.6439Skipton.com

$375,000
Split Foyer
4 Bedrooms
3 Full Baths
LR/DR
Eat in Kitchen
Recreation Room
Screened in Porch

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

I Loved His Enthusiasm, His Logic Was A Bit Flawed Though

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:38:06 -0500

I may not look like Mr. Spock, but I sure think like him. My personality has been tested so many times when I worked in Corporate America. It always came out the same...high analytical.

When your name and telephone number is so "out there," we do tend to get calls from lots of folks trying to part us from our money. I don't care that much that they call, after all, they're just doing their job. I rarely if ever buy anything, but it doesn't stop them from trying.

Got one of them today from an internet website company. Of course, their product is better than all the others out there. Yada, yada, yada. He didn't really have anything new, but he was one enthusiatic son of a gun.

I always ask where they got my telephone number, especially if they call on my cell phone. As it turns out, he did an internet search for real estate agents in my area. No surprise that I showed up there.

He then proceeded to tell me how he could get me an internet presence. Huh? So, his logic started to break down immediately. He found me on the internet, so he's calling to get me an internet presence. Spock would be appalled.

I do check keyword searches in my market area every day to see my own positioning, as well as my competition. When I asked him how many of his company's websites were in the first three pages of Google keyword searches for my area, he didn't know the answer. I did, none!

Like so many others before him, he then hit my hot button when it dawned on him I wasn't going to be buying anything today. "Rich, I guess you're not really interested in growing your business and making more money." This is such an insulting comment, I really don't understand why so many phone salespeople use it.

When that line is used on me I lose interest immediately. Before he hung up though, he had to trash logic and common sense just one more time. "So Rich, I understand you may not be interested right now, but could you give me the names of some of your competitors, so I can call them."

I laughed so hard, coffee came out of my nose.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Last Day To Text Legally While Driving A Car In Maryland

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:33:33 -0500

It sounds kind of bizarre to state it like that, considering how dangerous texting while driving really is. Tomorrow, the law takes effect that drivers can no longer text while driving. It is still legal to read a text message, but sending one could get you a ticket.

With the traffic we have here in the Suburban Maryland area, any distraction while driving is just plain stupid. As a Realtor who spends a lot of time in the car, I see dumb mistakes being made every day by drivers talking on cell phones.

I believe that some day, talking on cell phones will be banned entirely, but not yet. It took the State of Maryland legislators this long just to ban texting while driving. Good grief, why?

If you just have to get that last text message in...do it today. Better yet, don't do it at all...its probably not that important anyway.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Wordless Wednesday - A View Of St. Michaels MD

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:48:03 -0500

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

First Time Homebuyers Can Get An Additional $500 By Using Prosperity Mortgage

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:24:05 -0500

Prosperity Mortgage, a joint venture of Wells Fargo and Long and Foster, is offering a $500 discount on their fees for eligible first time home buyers. This non-cash offer will be applied at closing.

Contracts to purchase a home have to be ratified on or after 9/26/09 in order to qualify. Loans have to be closed no later than November 30, 2009. The time is short but the benefit is great.

Couple this with the $8,000 federal tax credit and you have a powerful incentive to move quickly on finding that first home.

For additional information and eligibility requirements you can contact Ann Burke, Home Mortgage Consultant, Prosperity Mortgage, at 410-721-6207.

If you're not already working with a Realtor buy your first home and to take advantage of the $8,000 federal tax credit, I can help. Call me at your convenience at 443-995-9595. Don't wait too long because the time is quickly running out. This is the only tax credit on the table right now, and there is no guarantee that it will get extended.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

Financing Types - Anne Arundel County MD, August 2009

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:55:19 -0500

Statistics in Anne Arundel County MD are in and one of the interesting pieces of data to look at is where people are getting their money to purchase homes.

As you can see, 175 buyers used FHA financing to purchase their home. FHA financing is very attractive right now because of the lower down payment requirements. If you qualify, you can get an FHA loan by putting down 3.5% of the purchase price of a home.

In Anne Arundel County MD, the number of conventional loans were just under those funded by FHA.

VA loans are still popular because you can get a VA loan without putting any money down. Considering the amount of military installations in the county, VA loans will continue to remain popular.

I don't know about you, but I was surprised to see that 41 homeowners were able to purchase their house with cash. I'm impressed, considering the Average Price of a home in Anne Arundel County MD was $360,557.

If you're SEARCHING for a home anywhere in Maryland, click here to view ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist