Ken's Blog

What Drives Annapolis Real Estate Sellers Crazy?

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:59:19 -0500

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.

Annapolis First Time Homebuyer Math: The Countdown Continues

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:01:51 -0500

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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Has the Annapolis Real Estate Market Stabilized?

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:39:26 -0500

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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How Waiting For Annapolis Real Estate Prices to Fall Further Could Put a Dent in Your Home Buying Plans

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:29:40 -0500

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.

Annapolis Real Estate Sellers: Here's Why You Should Love the Nosey Neighbors

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:34:40 -0500

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.

Come Join The Moss Haedrich Team this Weekend at One of our Two Open Houses in Annapolis

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:13:17 -0500

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.

A Few Words About the $8,000 Tax Credit for Annapolis Area First Time Homebuyers

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:09:43 -0500

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.

Riva Trace Condos: An Annapolis Real Estate Market Update

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:21:11 -0500

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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Riva Trace Condo - Pottery Barn Perfect - 2706 Summerview Way #101

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:04:34 -0500

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

Chartwell Home Sale: Another Happy Ending in Severna Park

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:13:37 -0500

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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Annapolis Waterfront Home: 2992 West Friends Road - Cape St. John

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 07:26:26 -0500

One-of-a-Kind Waterfront Property - Double Lot - Nearly 2/3 Acre - Expansive and Hypnotic South River Views

Click here for virtual tour:

Been looking for the perfect piece of Annapolis waterfront? Then look no further. Just minutes from 50/97 in lovely Cape St. John, this gorgeous property consists of a solid 3 bedroom home on a double lot (2/3 acre) with incredible South River Views. Don't miss the virtual tour - call today to arrange for a private showing.

AA7028967 - $1,725,000

If We're Annapolis Realtors, Then Why on Earth Are We Selling This Home in Alpharetta, Georgia?

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:04:02 -0500

Well, We Aren't, Really. But One of Our Clients Is, So We Thought We'd Give Her Home a Little Plug. Besides, It's Not Everyday We Get to Show You a Home That's So Gorgeous It's Been Featured in Several Magazines

So, just in case you or someone you know is moving to the Atlanta area, pay attention - here's a home that's eye-poppingly pretty.

The address is 400 Autry Ridge Point, in Alpharetta, within a subdivision called The Falls of Autry Mill, a swim-tennis community. It's close to all the major highways you'd need to access.

Our client tells us that the community has a clubhouse, lake, 2 swimming pools, 12 lighted tennis courts, and a tennis pro - apparently, they're serious about their tennis around here. The subdivision has 500 homes, and - she says - there are great schools nearby.

As for the home, I'll let the virtual tour - one of best one I've ever seen - tell the story. I, for one, fell in love with the kitchen. It's a regular beauty pageant of ultra high-end appliances and finishes, including German-made cabinetry and black honed granite countertops. Really incredible.

Did I mention the home's heated pool with tanning area and 8-person spa?

If you'd like additional information, email me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com and I'll send it right along.

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Name This Annapolis View, Win a Prize

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 08:02:03 -0500

We've Just Listed This Waterfront Home in Annapolis. Tell Us Where It Is, and We'll Send You a Gift

Fridays are for fun on this blog, and since it's been a while since we've had a Fun Friday post we're going to make this one extra-special.

So here's the deal: look closely at the photo, taken from the garden of our new listing. Now, do a little research and figure out where it is.

If you're one of the first 3 people to email me with the address of the property, I'll send you a gift card for $10 to one of three great new Annapolis restaurants at the new Annapolis Towne Centre - Brio, P.F. Chang's or Gordon Biersch - courtesy of us, The Moss Haedrich Team of Keller Williams.

Email your response to kenhaedrich@gmail.com along with your name and phone number. If you're one of the lucky ones I'll call and let you know.

Here's a clue: the home is listed for more than a million, but less than $2 million. Hope that helps. Have fun.

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Who Reads This Blog Besides You? A Revealing Look at the Visitors to AnnapolisHomeDigest.com

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:50:26 -0500

In Case You've Been Wondering Who You Are, I Have Some Answers

I imagine it's the same with other bloggers, but I find it quite interesting - and instructive - to keep track of who is reading this blog and what you're reading. For one thing, it helps me figure out what sort of information you want more of. (Just for the record, that's a generic WHO - other than subscribers, I can't tell who you are.)

So I make it my business to keep track of what pages you're landing on when you come here, and the search terms you use to arrive. Often there's little surprise - blogging about particular neighborhoods, like South River Colony, always gets lots of traffic. And sometimes, plenty of surprise: I still can't figure out how the person who Googled "sock monkeys for sale in Target" ended up here, but they did.

You Like To Search For Annapolis Area Homes and You're Smitten With the Fifty Dollar House

Many of you land directly on the home search page of the site, which tells me you've probably bookmarked that page for convenience. I'm glad you're looking, because now's a great time to buy. Is there a home we can show you?

A ton of you have been searching for news about the Fifty Dollar House, which, sadly, you did not win. Somebody else did, and we're selling the home for her. Perhaps you'd like to buy it?

When I do a post about home sales statistics for the Annapolis area, that draws a lot of interest, too - I need to do more posts like this - as well as posts on subjects related to the Naval Academy. A number of you used the search term "Plebes no more," a reference to one long-standing Academy tradition.

Search terms about home staging bring regular traffic because I've written about it often. Some people end up here by searching for our team stager, Linda Donnelly - the best in the business. When you use her services to get your home looking perfect, we reimburse you at settlement.

More than a few of you are using search terms like "trustworthy agent" or "untrustworthy agents" and you're finding us that way since I published this story. Apparently, finding an agent you can trust is in the forefront of your mind, and it's a good thing.

I'm afraid I must have disappointed the people who ended up here after searching for "math's chalkboard", "new home digest" and "bad stockbrokers." Google must have been having a bad night when these poor souls were directed this way.

You Like a Good Laugh...

...which explains why some of you are searching for bad MLS photos. We have some doozies.

Not surprisingly, lots of you found us by searching for Keller Williams Annapolis or Keller Williams Culture, our culture - we believe - being one of the things that sets us apart as a company.

I can't tell who you are, specifically - but I can often tell where you work. Some of you are affiliated with institutions of higher learning, which makes me think we attract a smart crowd. I like that.

And many of you work for large government entities. I won't say which ones, because if you're reading this blog instead of delivering mail, eavesdropping on bad guys or searching for cures to nasty infectious diseases, that's between you and your boss.

As for the person who just yesterday typed "do you like living in Annapolis" into the Google search engine, I - for one - love it.

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387 Walnut Trail, Crownsville MD 21032: Cute Contemporary in Great Water Privileged Community

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:24:38 -0500

Water-Privileged Community - 3 Bedrooms/2 Baths - Open Floor Plan - First Floor Master - Large Eat-In Kitchen - Separate Dining Room - Spacious Deck/Fenced Back Yard - Great Value

Home Sweet Home! This attractive contemporary has room to spread out and an open floor plan you're sure to find appealing. The large living area features a stone fireplace with woodstove insert, semi-private dining room, and a spacious kitchen with plenty of room for several cooks. There's a first floor master, 2 full baths, and two open, loft-style bedrooms upstairs. Nice private deck out back is the perfect place for a party. Call today to schedule a preview - this one will leave you pleasantly surprised.

See more photos here. AA7003751

1 Poplar Point Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037: The Much-Publicized "Fifty Dollar House" is For Sale

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:52:12 -0500

The Winners of This Recently Raffled Home You've Been Hearing About in the National Media Have Decided to Sell This Beauty

6 Bedrooms - 4 1/2 Baths - Gorgeous Open Floor Plan - Stunning Gourmet Kitchen - Private Guest or Au Pair Suite - Nearly 2 Acres - New Construction/Renovation

You probably heard about this home on the news. It's the "Fifty Dollar House" that CNN, NBC and so many others reported on. We're representing the new owners in the sale of this home that features a beautiful, spacious open floor plan, the kitchen of your dreams, and private wing for guests or au pair. Call us today for a private preview.

See more photos of 1 Poplar Point Rd

The Bad News: You're Not the Winner of the Fifty Dollar House. Good News? It's For Sale

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:32:13 -0500

That's Right! And You Could Do a Heck of a Lot Worse Than Pay $799,900 for a Home That Appraised in November for $1.2 Mil

Unless you've been living in a cave somewhere in the Annapolis area, you know all about the now famous Fifty Dollar House. It was raffled off in January to one lucky winner - Karen McHale of Idaho Springs, Colorado - whom you met here shortly after she heard the exciting news.

With a touch of regret - she says it would have been delightful to own a second home near the Chesapeake, but her retirement plans will take she and her husband west, not east - Mrs. McHale has decided to sell the property. And she's hired us - The Moss Haedrich Team - to help her do just that.

We'll be bringing you regular updates about the home - 1 Poplar Point Road in Edgewater. For the moment, suffice to say that it's a beautiful 6 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath home with real style (contemporary Cape Cod meets historic charm; part of the original structure dates back to the 1800's!) and modern appeal.

One outstanding feature is a separate wing - with full kitchen, bedroom and office/study area - that would do beautifully as an in-law, guest or au pair suite. The main gathering area of the home is open living/kitchen space, with fabulous hardwood floors, granite and stainless steel appliances - just stunning.

If you'd like a peek, you can see some photos of 1 Poplar Point Rd. If you'd like to see the MLS listing, just email me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com and I'll be happy to send it along.

Stay tuned for more about this lovely property. Meanwhile, if you'd like to arrange for a private preview, email me or call Bev at 410-353-2469.

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Tuscan-Inspired Fare Is On the Menu at BRIO, The Latest Gem at Annapolis Towne Centre

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:07:19 -0500

My Daughter Is Living in Tuscany Until June and She Wants Us To Come Visit. This Is Probably As Close As We'll Get

As invitations go, this one was a no-brainer: We're opening a new restaurant at the Annapolis Towne Centre - BRIO - and you're invited. This is a private, invitation-only event; the masses will have to wait. All you have to pay for is drinks, and be as understanding as possible if our staff-in-training brings you the wrong order or drops linguine in your lap.

Okay, so I made that last part up - but show up we did. Everyone knows that if you invite Realtors to anything, your chances of a turnout are much better if you include food, since most of us are too busy to eat.

See the ladder leaning up against the roof? They really are putting on the finishing touches even as you read this. You wouldn't have known it, however, judging by the food, the service and the interior - which is drop-dead elegant and evocative of a Tuscan country villa.

They make good use of fabric and floor runners to keep down the background noise. The kitchen is open, but you don't hear all the clatter and noise that drives us nuts over at Macaroni Grill. I like to converse when I'm out for dinner, not compete with cooks yelling at one another.

The food? In a word, excellent. For starters we tried the Lobster Bisque and BRIO Chopped Salad, both wonderful, though you should order conservatively if you start with the rich bisque.

The Wood Grilled Salmon - which our server Tracie told us was the company's best-seller nationwide - was beautifully done and served on delicious Romano-Crusted Tomatoes. The Shrimp Scampi on Angel Hair Pasta was a real winner as well.

It's exciting to see such fine establishments opening at Annapolis Towne Centre, only a stone's throw from our Keller Williams office on Old Solomons Island Road. BRIO joins a growing list of great places to shop, eat and live - and I'm referring now to the luxury condos at GrandView at Annapolis Towne Centre.

If you'd like to know more about these condos - prices, availability and/or to arrange for a tour - just call one of us, Ken or Bev, at 410-353-2469 and we'll fill you in.

Meanwhile, get over to BRIO - they open next week - and sample the goods.

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Been Timing the Annapolis Real Estate Market? Thanks to the Fed, It's Time to Make a Deal

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:35:51 -0500

The Federal Reserve Announced Wednesday That It Will Inject $1 Trillion Into the Financial System By Purchasing Treasury Bonds and Mortgage Securities

Bottom line for Annapolis area home buyers? The best interest rates you're likely to see for a while. I just got off the phone with a lender who told me he's quoting rates of 4.75% on 30-year fixed rate conforming loans and 5% on FHA loans.

He also told me this: the appraisers he's been talking to in the last couple of weeks are coming in with appraisals that are above selling price - a good indication that home prices have bottomed out.

From the street level, we sense something is happening here. Buyer confidence is on the rise as the stimulus package gains traction. Showings on our listings are up and more buyers are calling to schedule home previews. In the past week, we've received four offers on listings we have. These are all very encouraging signs.

The recently announced $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers has been a real boost, as well.

If you've been trying to time the market and think it might be time to strike, give us a call or send us an email. We - The Moss Haedrich Team of Keller Williams - work with an experienced team of advisors who can help you figure out whether this is the right time for you to buy. No pressure, no hassles - just sound advice you can use.

Our email address is kenhaedrich@gmail.com and our cell is 410-507-7222.

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Renovating Your Annapolis Real Estate? Want to Know If You Even Should? Read On

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:45:56 -0500

About to Spend Big Bucks on that Annapolis Fixer-Upper? You Might Want to Call This Guy First and See If You Can Realize Your Homeowner Fantasies Without Busting Your Budget

So you've picked out the cutest little Annapolis bungalow you've ever seen and you're thinking about making an offer.

But you've got some...concerns. You're not sure how an expanded kitchen would fit into the overall design. You're wondering if the new master bedroom is going to change the roof line. And you'd really like to see your new home "go green" as much as possible. Where do you turn?

To someone like Chris Neumann, design consultant, who deals with these sorts of issues all the time. Chris is a former owner and manager of one of the DC area's top Design Build Remodeling firms, where he was the design director. He oversaw many large and small scale renovation projects and you can check out a number of them at his Website. That's one of his projects in the photos above, before and after.

You can see a summary of the services Chris offers at his Website, so I won't go into much detail here. But briefly, he can do a pre-purchase consultation or advise on renovation possibilities. He can do a feasibility analysis and consult on the design process, zoning limitations, material choices and budget trade-offs.

He'll also do a sustainability survey and advise on how to save energy, conserve water, and incorporate "green" products and technology into your project. If it was my call, I wouldn't go near a reno without first talking to Chris.

FULL DISCLOSURE STUFF - I can attest to the quality of Chris' work because we're selling his Annapolis home, which he transformed from drab to fab.

OTHER STUFF - If it's a fixer-upper you're looking for in the Annapolis area, we have plenty of homes we can show you. Just email me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com, tell me what area/s you're interested in and what price range, and I'll email you a list of the best prospects right away.

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Sellers: 5 Things Buyers Really Don't Like About Your Annapolis Home

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 18:03:21 -0500

As Elsewhere, Buyers Are Calling the Shots in the Annapolis Real Estate Market. Here Are 5 Ways to Really Get Their Goat

I was reading Active Rain the other day and came across an article with a very similar title to the one above. It doesn't beat around the bush, and that's a good thing: the market is too competitive right now for bush beating. I've cribbed the 5 "things", but the observations are mine.

#1. Odors. If your home has off odors, you're a dead duck. Odors have essentially the same irritating effect on buyers as an alarm that goes if when they enter and never stops until they leave. You may not even smell the odors anymore, which is why you need an outside opinion. Do whatever it takes to eliminate the offensive odors - replace carpet, clean air ducts, etc - if you expect a sale.

#2. Cleanliness. Your home should look like you could eat off the floor, not as if you just did. There are no shortcuts here or places to hide because buyers will open every cabinet, look behind every door, in search of dirt. The best few hundreds bucks you spend when you sell a home might be hiring a professional cleaning crew.

#3. Clutter. Clutter and cleanliness go hand in hand: where you find one, you almost always find the other. Pack up the clutter, rent a storage unit - you're moving anyway, right? - and get it down to just a few things on every surface and wall. Your home should emit a sense of calm, not chaos. Chaos confuses buyers, and confused buyers don't buy.

#4. Sellers at Home. Imagine, if you will, a waiter who hovers at your table when you're out on a date. That's how buyers feel when sellers stay in their home during a showing. Doesn't matter if the buyers and their agent say it's fine if you stay. They're lying.

#5. Unfinished Projects. Buyers want to imagine The Good Life in your home, a life of leisure. The last thing they want is to inherit a list of projects you never got around to. Trust me: the house down the street doesn't have any unfinished business and it's priced better besides. That's what you're up against.

Finally, none of the above matters if you're home is overpriced for this market - which is the main thing buyers don't like about your home. But if that's the case, they probably didn't even bother to make an appointment in the first place!

Shameless plug: If you're thinking of selling your Annapolis home - or buying one in the area - give us a call. We can help you avoid these 5 mistakes, among many others, and have a great real estate transaction. We can be reached at 410-507-7222.

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Home for Sale: 1015 Wayson Way, Davidsonville, MD 21035

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:58:00 -0600

Fabulous, Spacious Contemporary on Almost 3 Acres

4 Bedrooms - 3 Full baths - More than 5,000 sf finished living space - Built 1984 - $850,000

If you think the outside is beautiful, wait until you see the inside! Gorgeous just-remodeled kitchen with new flooring, new s/s appliances, SileStone countertops - sunken living room with 15' cathedral ceiling - main level master suite - fully finished lower level with second master - solarium - heated 2 car garage and so much more.

Do NOT miss the virtual tour. Click here.

Annapolis Open House: Come and Keep Me Company This Sunday in Eastport at 1027 Boucher Ave

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:42:41 -0600

The Weather - and The Real Estate Market - Are Warming Up in Annapolis - and Home Buyers are On the Move

Spring is the best time for holding open houses. Everyone's got cabin fever and they're anxious to get out. Home buyers are anticipating their need to find a home by April or May and get settled by summer.

It's not too hot, which always puts the kabosh on open house turnout. Or too cold, which does the same.

The weather this Sunday is supposed to be stellar, so why don't you join me at an open house I'll be holding in Eastport, at 1027 Boucher Ave? You can take a tour by clicking on the photo of this home in the right margin, but frankly I'd rather you stopped by and had a look in person.

I know you're out there: nearly 7,000 of you have visited this blog since its birth last year. It would be best if you all didn't show up at the same time, however - try to stagger it between 1:00PM and 3:00PM, which is when I'll be there. Thanks.

Even if you're not looking for a $750,000 home, come anyway. We can talk about the market and what you're looking for. Or we can talk about a home you're thinking of selling. Or one you haven't been able to sell. Whatever.

Some people avoid open houses. They're afraid to engage real estate agents because they think we're all pushy, slip pills into your drinks and make you sign contracts and agreements you didn't intend to. But trust me: it's been weeks since I've tried anything like that.

I hope to see you there!

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This entry was posted on Saturday, March 7th, 2009 at 3:28 pm and is filed under Buyers, Sellers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Home For Sale in Eastport: 1027 Boucher Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:48:35 -0600

Beautiful Contemporary in Eastport - Architect-Owner Showcase Home

3 Bedrooms - 2 full baths - 2 half baths - Built 1983 (Renovation complete in 2008)

Lovely home in one of Eastport's great neighborhoods. Gleaming hardwoods main level, gourmet kitchen, finished lower level, stone fireplace in living room, new stone entryway, in-ground pool, a real gem.

Click here for more information and to view Virtual Tour

The Eastport Real Estate Market: Homes For Sale, $750,000 and Under

Ken Haedrich (Keller Williams) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:18:51 -0600

17 Homes Active, 2 Under Contract, and 9 Sold in the Last 90 Days

Last week I posted market information for homes $750,000 and up in the Eastport, which you can find here. As you may know, Eastport is the peninsular neighborhood of Annapolis more-or-less circumscribed by Spa Creek to its north, back creek to the south, and the Severn River at its tip.

It's an eclectic neighborhood, with million dollar homes and modest bungalows often coexisting side-by-side - an arrangement that seems to suit the citizens of Eastport just fine, thank you.

Things are changing, of course. Every year, more and more of the old bungalows are being renovated or torn down and replaced by modern homes. But still, Eastport holds onto its charm and friendly, small town feel.

The Eastport Market in a Snapshot

Of the 17 active properties in this price range, the average days on market is 267, with an average list price of $510,394.

Please note that the average days on market includes one home on Chester Ave that has been listed for 1,222 days. The most recent active listing, on Jefferson St, has been on the market for 6 days.

Two homes are under contract, including one on Moss Haven Court listed at $649,500. It's around the corner from a lovely home we have listed on Boucher Ave.

Average days on market for the nine Eastport homes in this price range that sold in the last 90 days was 164.

Our Boots-on-the-Ground Analysis of the Eastport Market

Of the many areas around Annapolis where we sell homes, the Eastport market is always a big draw. Our open houses here are well attended and buyers come here with the understanding that Eastport is a vibrant, diverse neighborhood featuring unique homes in a wide range of prices.

Even in the tentative market that we're in, we feel as if the demand for competitively priced homes in Eastport will remain strong.

Sign Up for our Eastport Hot List

Are you watching the Eastport real estate market? Keeping an eye on the homes for sale in Easport? Then sign up for our free Eastport Hot List, from which this data was taken.

Email me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com and we'll set you up to receive automatic email updates each time an Eastport home comes to market, goes under contract or is sold. It's an easy way to keep on top of things.

And if you have an Eastport home to sell, email or call me at 410-507-7222 and I can show you how we use our jumbo marketing toolbox and the latest technology to get our Eastport clients' homes sold.

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