Life with Laura

FREDERICK COUNTY HUD HOMES ~ OWNER OCCUPIED

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:19 -0600

Property Case	Address	Price	As-Is Value	Bed/Bath	List Date	Bid Deadline	Priority
241-792434	1581 ANDOVER LN FREDERICK, MD 21702	$135,375	142,500	3/1	11/06/09	11/15/09	Owner Occupant

View Map View Property Details

RE/MAX Realty Group's FOOD DRIVE to benefit Gaitherburg HELP -2009

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:58:10 -0500

This is the perfect oppurtunity to get more involved in the community.

We will be collecting cans around the office, and at every OPEN HOUSE that one of our agents conducts through November 20th ,2009.

All cans & non-perishables will be donated to Gaithersburg HELP

Last years goal was 500 lbs. and we tripled it !

Can we bring in a TON this year ?

Cans and Non-Perishables can be donated in the following ways

Drop off cans at one of our two local offices *
Visit any one of our OPEN HOUSES during November
Contact your favorite REALTOR in our office and he or she will gladly arrange for a pick-up of collected food

* RE/MAX Realty Group

6 Montgomery Village Avenue #200

Gaithersburg , Md 20879

301-258-7757

RE/MAX Realty Group

205 E Ridgeville Blvd.

Mount Airy, Md 21771

301-831-5600

Wordless Wednesday - A Year through the Eyes of "Vicky"

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:26:03 -0500

"Hot" Buttons for Todays Homebuyers !

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:06:53 -0500

When I was a "Rookie" agent , my first manager gave me a "Buyers Interview" package to use when I conducted my first appointment with a potential client.It was a fairly standard set of forms using mostly "Fill in the Blank" applications. But the one thing it did do is enable the "Buyer" to focus on what features were important to them.From curb appeal to interior features and/or location everything was covered in this small but powerful package. I thought it would be fun to review the difference over the years.

90's......

Suburbs
Master Bath w/Garden spa bath
Office/Den
9' ceilings
Kitchen w/ island
Family Room off of kitchen
Walk-out basement w/ Berber carpet
Fireplace
Guest bedroom
Garage

The "BOOM" Years.............

1. Country or Estate setting
2. Master Suite w/ garden spa tub , adjoining shower and private water closet
3. Hardwoods thru-out
4. Office w/ multiple media hook up
5. Gourmet Kitchen w/ Butlers pantry
6. Multiple Fireplaces
7. Full finished basement w/ walk-out or area-way
Full bathroom in every bedroom (ie. Jack & Jill , Princess Suites)
Functional "bar" in basement complete w/ wine chiller, dishwasher,microwave & wet sink
Theater room w/ surround sound

Today's HomeBuyers........

Not a "SHORT SALE" property
NO MOLD ! or other foreign substances
Possible FORECLOSURE/REO
"Move-In" condition Foreclosure or REO
Urban or Mature Suburb, within walking / biking distance to metro station or job for E-Z commute
Qualifies for potential"Green" building material updates or already renovated using "Green" building materials.
Lot large enough for a Vegetable Garden , or small flat area
Smaller square footage to reduce "Carbon" footprint
Affordable
Settlement date before Dec 01, 2009

My how things have changed over the years ..........................

Have you adjusted your business to stay connected with the buyer YOU are working with ?????

I know that every local area has it's own "Hot" Buttons for today's buyers , what are some of your clients Must haves and I wants ?

VoicePad - Instant Information on any home for sale in Maryland , Washington DC & Virginia

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:19:50 -0500

In today's fast paced market Buyers face many frustrations to obtaining the house of their dreams. This NEW Automated System can save you time and enable you to purchase the home of your dreams FASTER.

Some of the hurdles "Home Buyers" face are listed below:

Is the home they just drove past a Foreclosure/REO , a Short Sale , an Estate Sale , or a regular resale ?
How many Bedrooms and Bathrooms does it have ?
Is it in our price range ?
Does it have the features that are a "Must Have" on my list ?
They don't have a "Buyers" agent and don't know who to call.

As many "Buyers" know , they can not always reach an agent at the exact moment they are sitting in front of the driveway. By the time they do reach an agent that particular house may be "Under Contract , or offers are being presented that night creating even more frustration for the home buyer.

In an effort to remove as many obstacles as possible I am offering to all "Buyers" the ability to access information without speaking to anyone through a service called VoicePad. By dialing the number listed below . and then entering only the house number and automated system will then tell you all of the houses that are currently "Active" listings that match the house number that you have input.

You can then select which house ( by street) you want to hear about from the menu and all of the information regarding that house is given to you directly from the data that was input in the MRIS system when the property was listed.This includes price changes and any other updates that may be pertinent. If you want to speak to me directly you can leave a message via your cell phone number or e-mail ,as the system will send me your contact information directly via my Blackberry.

Feel free to access this number as many times as you like to learn about the home that you are interested in. When you are ready to start the "Purchase Process" feel free to contact me directly.

Hail to the Redskins - A day at FedEx Field

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:24:21 -0500

One of my Business Affiliates Chris Lunn and fellow ActiveRainer invited me and my husband to attend the Washington Redskins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game this past weekend. This was definitely an opportunity we could not pass on as my husband is a die-hard Redskins fan. Just the thought of spending the day at FEDEX field was creating such a smile on his face even I wondered what he was up to.

As you can see it was perfect football weather and the crowds were all dressed in their favorite colors of Burgandy and Gold.Fedex Field is much larger than our old stadium , as our fan base covers Maryland , Washington DC and Virgina. I do not follow football as closely as I should , but I did know that the "Skins" really needed to beat Tampa Bay or Head Coach Jim Zorn would be looking for a new job by Sunday night. So I just knew that the game would be lovely , if for no other reasons than our fans would become quite vocal if the plays were not called and executed to perfection.

If I remember correctly , this play was NOT one of those. It was a frustrating first half , but the Redskins have always been known as a second half team in the past and I was confident they would "show up" after half-time. My husband has a habit of yelling at the television when he watches a game which I have never truly been able to understand.

I was relieved to find out that , there are many people that must do the same thing as they were all yelling at the players or coach or referee's at any given time of the game. I was very relieved to find out he was "normal" after all , at least when it comes to watching a football game !

Of course no game would be complete without the dance and cheers that are so proudly displayed by the "Redskinettes".Sorry guys I could not re-size this anymore or you could not tell what was in the end zone.

The men in our suite were very polite when the "Ambassadors" for the Redskinettes showed up in the suite. But the sad truth is that the game had started by then and the guys did not stay distracted for very long. We enjoyed a halftime show byt he Junior Redskinettes , which are young girls from the area that practice a dance and cheer routine with the Redskinette cheerleaders and perform it during the home games.

They were all very cute and I am sure their parents were proud of their performance.

The day was a success for the team and the coach as the Redskins won making them 2 and 2 in our division. From what I understand everyone was eager to see a game played later on that night in regards to the positioning of another division's leader , but that is all beyond my knowledge of the game.

But what I do know is that the food ,drinks, and company was excellent and we had a great time. We all were wearing our "Redskins" gear as you can tell from the picture to the left of Chris and I , which added to the spirit of the day. But the best thing of all was that our hometown team won and can look forward to the next scheduled game. I imagine it is like the feeling we get when we hear that our clients contract is ratified after a few rejected ones.

GO REDSKINS !!!!!!!!!!

VINTAGE JAZZ WINE FESTIVAL - October 17 & 18 , 2009

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:21:35 -0500

Enjoy Jazz in October............

2009 VINTAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL - Join us at the vineyard in October for two great bands, an assortment of artisans, delicious wine tastings and a lot of fun! This festival is the last festival of the 2009 season - outstanding music, great wines and fun times - you will want to mark this one on your calendar

2009 VINTAGE JAZZ
October 17-18, 2009 (Rain or Shine)
$15.00 (21 and older)
$10.00 (18-20 years old)
Under 18 free with adult.
Photo I.D. Required for Wine Tastings
GATES OPEN AT 11:00am.

SATURDAY:
12-3pm.
The Greg Hatza ORGANization
Want a preview?
http://www.greghatza.com

3:30 - 6pm.
The David Bach Consort
Want a preview?
http://www.davidbachmusic.com

SUNDAY:
12-3pm.-
The Greg Hatza ORGANization
3:30 - 6pm. -
The David Back Consort

· Multiple artisans

· Food vendors

· Tour

• WineTastings

Enjoy good music , great wine and tasty edibles from the local region. Take advantage of our Indian Summer and the begining of the fall colors as they start to change the moutain landscape.

I hope to see you there !

Plant and Be Counted !!! $25.00 Coupon to Plant a Tree - Maryland

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:30:41 -0500

The State of Maryland as instituted a few programs to help reach their new found appreciation of Mother Earth. Our fair state is known as "Little America" , we have the Atlantic ocean on our Eastern Shore , many Agricultural areas in the middle and of course , the Applachain Trail toward the West.

With this in mind , the Governor , Martin O'Malley , along with the guidance of many committees has developed a few unique oppurtunities to help Maryland citizens to Go GREEN. The NEW logo says. "MAryland- Smart, Green & Growing"

I found the following program of interest as I my little part of the world is not near the shoreline:

"Plant and be counted !"

Today the State of Maryland is partnering with businesses, communities and citizens like you to help fund and plant new tree cover. Our State agencies are working to plant 1 million new trees by 2011, and we're asking private citizens to join us by planting 50,000 trees by 2010.

Well , I have printed my coupon and will be scouring the local nurseries for a great Tree to plant that will fit into the natural landscape of the yard. After I started thinking about it , this also would make a great "Housewarming Gift" for many of our clients ! To find the right tree : LIST of ACCEPTABLE TREES

Maryland State has a goal of 50,000 trees to be planted by 2010 and I am sure that if the Realtors of this fine state help with this program it would speak volumes toward our dedication to going green in our own backyard first !

Here is the that is updated weekly as of September 16, 2009 only 16,930 trees have been planted. My fellow Marylanders we have a long way to go !

P.S. Don't forget to join your fellow citizens in achieving our 50,000 tree goal by registering every tree you plant.

Women Build Barn Dance - Frederick, Md - Habitat for Humanity

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:59:58 -0500

Women Build Barn Dance is Announced

Frederick---The Women Build Committee of Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County is holding their first BARN DANCE event on October 10^th. The fundraiser will be held at the Frederick County Fairgrounds e-ventplex (Building #9) located at 797 East Patrick Street in Frederick. 5:00PM to 11:30PM. Parking will be FREE.

Please consider supporting the effort of making an affordable home a reality for deserving families in Frederick County. Come out and enjoy an evening of music, food, and socializing while supporting your community.

The evening will include performances by The Brandy Stills Band, a Country trio and the ESP dance troupe. BBQ and picnic fare will be available along with soda, beer, and wine. Purchase tickets in advance (Adults $15, Children under 12, $10) by calling 301.698.2449, or pay at the door when you arrive (Adults $20, Children under 12, $12). Tickets are also available for purchase at the Habitat ReStore located at 1109 East Patrick Street, or by calling 301.662.2988.

For more information on Women Build, go to http://www.frederickwomenbuild.com

20 Windbrooke Circle , Gaithersburg , Md 20879

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:34:58 -0500

Laura Gray | RE/MAX Realty Group | 301-921-2658

20 Windbrooke Circle, Gaithersburg, MD

One Level Living at it's BEST !

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $234,900

Year Built	1985
Sq Footage	1,360
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	3,611 sqft
HOA/Maint	$334 per month

DESCRIPTION

Large master suite w/walk-in closet,over-sized 2nd BR w/ built-ins in closet,spacious eat-in kitchen w/granite countertops,sun-drenched sunroom w/ceiling fan & Travertine marble flr,library/den,covered patio w/garden, sep laundry rm, Formal living room w/ wood-burning fp, alarm system and many upgrades.Free parking and pets welcome.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Living room
- Office/Den	- Dining room	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Granite countertop	- Washer	- Dryer
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Guest parking

- Swimming pool(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Unlimited Parking - Unassigned Spaces

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front	Entrance
Kitchen	Living Room
Dining Room	Master Suite

Contact info:

Laura Gray

RE/MAX Realty Group

301-921-2658

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 20, 2009, 9:33am PDT

The Home Buyers Poem

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:28:54 -0500

This little Poem should become every homebuyers mantra. As the amount of time left on the $8000 tax credit winds down there will be more and more Buyers flooding the market and competing for what little inventory is available.

So for all of you looking to take advantage of this market please make this your Golden rule to follow as your look at homes this summer.

The Home Buyers Poem

The house that you look at today

and

want to THINK about until tomorrow

will

be the house another BUYER looked at yesterday

and

made an OFFER on today !!

Mid-Summer Pool Party !!!

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:19:08 -0500

Mid-Summer Pool Party

Where: Coldstream Pool

When: Saturday , July 25 , 2009

What Time: Noon to 5:00 PM

Entertainment

* Stilt walking characters

* Mimi & her Posse

* Famous Balloonologist - Mike Kenyon

* Music by DJ Val Dickerson

FEATURING

* Comedy Skills by Mike Rosman **

Two shows scheduled

Hire wire act and more !!!

Support your local Boy Scouts

Food & Beverages Sold by Boy Scout Troop 371

Come on out and have some fun and party with your neighbors !!

** A featured act at the Maryland Renaissance Festival

Frederick County Investment Oppurtunities !!!!!

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:11:54 -0500

927 MOSBY DR
FREDERICK, MD 21701

$204,250

Price Reduction

215,000

3/2.5

04/20/09

Daily

All Bidders

700 HEATHER RIDGE DRIVE 13F
FREDERICK, MD 21702

$65,600

Significant Price Reduction

82,000

2/1

03/30/09

Daily

All Bidders

8377 REVELATION AVE
WALKERSVILLE, MD 21793

$88,200

Price Reduction

98,000

3/1.5

04/20/09

Daily

All Bidders

Call a HUD Certified Agent* to access and bid on these properties.

* I have been a HUD Certified Agent since 1995

Montgomery County Investment Oppurtunities !!!

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:39:05 -0500

446 GIRARD ST Unit No. 313
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877

$99,000

Price Reduction

110,000

3/2

04/20/09

Daily

All Bidders

19014 Mills Choice Rd. Unit No. 5
MONTGOMERY VILLAG, MD 20879

$92,000

Significant Price Reduction

115,000

2/2

03/30/09

Daily

All Bidders

Both of these HUD homes* are available on s DAILY bid rotation. Feel free to contact to view any of the HUD homes* with me

* HUD Certified since 1995

That 70's Pool Party - Coldstream Pool

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:24:48 -0500

THAT 70's POOL PARTY !

When: Saturday June 20 ,2009

Where: Coldstream Pool

When: Noon to 5:00 PM

Experience psychic magic, thought transference and mind reading featuring "Mentalist" Jym Elders

Shows & Audience Interaction between 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Balloonologist Mike Kenyon's Wild & Crazy creations

Music by DJ Val Dickerson

Food & beverages SOLD by Local Boy Scout Troop #371

Come out and have a Groovy time with all of your neighbors and friends !

Wine Festivals - Rock 'n' Roll Festival - June 27-28,2009

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:02:40 -0500

LINGANORE WINECELLARS

Great Wines , Fun Times

WINE FESTIVALS

Rock 'N' Roll Festival

When: June 27 and 28 , 2009

$15.00 (21 and older)
$10.00 (18-20 years old)
Under 18 free with adult.
Photo I.D. Required for Wine Tastings
GATES OPEN AT 11:00am.

Featuring:

Never Never - Saturday 12:00 - 3:00 PM Sunday 3:30-6:00 PM

Uptown East - Saturday 3:30-6:00 PM Sunday 12:00-3:00 PM

Want a preview?
http://www.myspace.com/neverneverlive

· Multiple artisans

· Food vendors

· Tour

• WineTastings

alive@five - June Concerts

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Fri, 29 May 2009 09:28:36 -0500

BEER * WINE * MUSIC * FOOD

alive@five

HAPPY HOUR 5-8 PM * 2ND & 4TH THURSDAY

CARROLL CREEK AMPHITHEATRE DOWNTOWN FREDERICK

21 & OVER ONLY * $5 COVER * CASH BAR

June 11

BO WEEVIL & ROTTIN' COTTIN'

June 25

ilyAIMY

Season Passes * Now Available

Concerts run thru Septemebr 10 ,2009

Enjoy local food and music and get to know your neighbors !

For More Information : 301-698-8118 or downtownfrederick.org

PRESENTING SPONSOR : Downtown Frederick Partnership

It just got better !!! Montgomery County HOC Program !!

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:57:29 -0500

They will loan the borrower 5%, up to $10,000 for down payment or closing costs!!!!!!!

The best program in Montgomery County, now even better.

"HOC RAISES INCOME LIMITS"

PLEASE SHARE THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION WITH ALL !!!!!!

CONTACT YOUR CLIENTS AND POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS !!!!

EFFECTIVE WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2009 the Housing Opportunities Commission approved the INCREASE IN THE INCOME LIMITS for the Mortgage Purchase Program and Closing Cost Programs.

NEW INCOME LIMITS:

Household        Maximum
Size                  Income
   1                $  86,268
      2                 $ 123,240
   3                 $ 143,780

NO CHANGE to the MAXIMUM SALES PRICE: $ 429,619 Existing and New Properties

12927 Pickering Drive , Germantown , Md 20874

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Fri, 15 May 2009 08:24:54 -0500

Laura Gray | RE/MAX Realty Group | 301-921-2658

12927 Pickering Drive, Germantown, MD

Back yard paradise complete with Deck , patio and Hot Tub
surrounded with a privacy fence

3BR/3.5BA Townhouse

offered at $274,900

Year Built	1984
Sq Footage	1,814
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	2,240 sqft
HOA/Maint	$90 per month

DESCRIPTION

Fabulous end-unit TH,neutral decor w/crown moulding,Sep DR,TS kitchen , living room. Spacious Br's upstairs with 2 Full baths. Full finished walk-out basement w/ slider access to a very private fenced yard that boasts a Hot Tub , pation & deck for the nature lover. Military family shipped out,soldier heading to Iraq needs our help ! Call helpful LA w/ any ?'s

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Walk-in closet
Living room	Bonus/Rec room	Dining room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Basement	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Main Front	Deck
Hot Tub	Back Yard
Entrance	LR & Sep DR

Contact info:

Laura Gray

RE/MAX Realty Group

301-921-2658

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 15, 2009, 5:12am PDT

Recession gardens - Could they be growing in your neighborhood !

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Thu, 14 May 2009 07:53:23 -0500

Recession Gardens are back in style again and are becoming popular through out the country. In the last few months I have seen more than one article referencing the phenomenon and its revival throughout our country. They require hard work and the effort of the community but the pay off is well worth it. Locals are joining together to "clear" vacant lots in their community of trash and debris and then planting vegetable gardens for each one of the members/families that helped to clear the lots.

By pooling their resources of time , manual labor and money the benefits for the many outweigh the benefit to any one member. We all know that seeds , some fresh dirt and fertilizer is not expensive , but what do you do with 142 green bean plants. Why you share them of course ! Recently there was an article on how 19 families joined forces and cleaned up an eyesore in their community in an effort to afford fresher greener produce than their current budgets allow for.

Should this curriculumn be required learning for our children in school ?Does this inspire you to contact your local gardening club ? Have you ever wondered about the local co-op and how it can benefit you and your family ? I think these are questions many Americans should be asking themselves considering the current economy.

I walked through a Big Box store the other day and one whole aisle was dedicated to canning supplies. Cases of jars in all sizes and shapes , boxes of lids and rubber seals to match. In the book and media department they had displays set up promoting healthy living , How-to books on canning any many other back to basics ideas. My office is in no way located in the country so this is not a natural idea for our community but it does seem to be catching on. So for those of you that live in a farming community and can't figure out what the fuss is all about , remember this is all NEW to the urban environment.

For all of our high tech living and network socializing it just goes to show you that getting outside and playing in the dirt with the other children is still just as fun today as it was all those years ago.It creates a belly to belly bond that creates memories and friends for a lifetime. I am sure that all of the people that worked together to create these "Recession Gardens" are happier and healthier in more ways than they realize and it sure beat surfing the internet on where to buy produce and have it delivered to their home.

Alive@Five

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Tue, 12 May 2009 08:55:44 -0500

BEER * WINE * MUSIC * FOOD

alive@five

HAPPY HOUR 5-8 PM * 2ND & 4TH THURSDAY

CARROLL CREEK AMPHITHEATRE DOWNTOWN FREDERICK

21 & OVER ONLY * $5 COVER * CASH BAR

MAY 14

JAH WORKS

MAY 28

SILENT J

Season Passes * Now Available

Concerts run thru Septemebr 10 ,2009

Enjoy local food and music and get to know your neighbors !

For More Information : 301-698-8118 or downtownfrederick.org

PRESENTING SPONSOR : Downtown Frederick Partnership

BIRD WALKS - Band Birds for Tracking - Volunteers Needed

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Sun, 10 May 2009 08:29:12 -0500

Audubon Society of Central Maryland

Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary

13030 Old Annapolis Road

West of Mt. Airy

When: May 16, 2009 **

Help the society capture and band birds for tracking.

Birds are released and unharmed

Walks will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather

No restroom facilities at Sanctuary.

Directions: From Eaglehead go North on Boyers Mill Rd, . cross Gas House Pike onto McKaig Rd., follow McKaing to the intersection with Old Annapolis and the entrance to the sanctuary is about one quarter mile Detrick road.

** The 5/16 walk will offer two sessions, one starting at 7:30 AM, the other at the usual 9:00 AM start time.

Why is the Loan Officer delaying our settlement ??

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Sun, 10 May 2009 07:26:42 -0500

I received this e-mail from a First-Time Homebuyer this week. At first I just sat there and blankly stared at the comment with a slightly confused look on my face. This is a dual career professional couple , both are highly educated and are very comfortable in the current stage of life. So this question , from them stopped me in my tracks and caused me to pause............ and think about the following.

What does a Pre-Approval letter from a Direct lender really mean ? I have found that from many "Buyers" perspective it means that they are done with the financial aspect of the home search. Now they can go look at houses with the Realtor of their choice and make an offer on their Dream home. After all they have a PRE-APPROVAL letter , but for some reason when the loan officer was explaining any credit issues or items of concern these intelligent buyers heard the same thing Charlie Brown did in class. WHa Wha , Wha Wha Wha....

Let me give you a short synopsis of what a PreApproval letter DOES NOT mean to you the Buyer.

It DOES NOT mean that you can pay late on any of your credit card bills moving forward.
It DOES NOT mean that the Underwriter will not ask to pull your credit again days or even hours before settlement.
It DOES NOT mean that you can go out and buy that NEW car , furniture or decorater items and put it all on credit.
It DOES NOT mean that you can skip out on the last months rent of your rental before moving into your NEW house.

Most importantly it DOES NOT mean that you have been given a "Clear to Close" from the underwriter.

It means that you take that "highlighted" credit report that the loan officer reviewed with you and start cleaning up all of those errors. Start paying off the "collections" that have been sitting on your account for the last three years and get your credit re-scored now. Provide the documents to your loan officer that are necessary in re-scoring your credit , find those old receipts and letters of redemption.

Don't wait until the week before settlement to start contacting creditors to resolve thess issues. It takes time for them to do their research as well , they do not issue blanket statements regarding pay-offs. Don't expect them to take a personal check from you on Monday and issue a letter of redemption on Wednesday. Pay the outsatnding debt with your debit card and print out a bank statement showing that the transaction has been posted. Help the loan officer do his job and you will get to settlement on time.

So Mr. & Mrs. Buyer , now that you have a Pre-Approval letter and have found the perfect house , please call your loan officer and re-review any credit issues of concern with him/her and start cleaning up your credit report , so that we may make an offer on the Home of Your Dreams !

It's a Small World After All - Marketing to International Clients

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:52:01 -0500

I have been corresponding with several clients via e-mail for the majority of this morning. Many of these e-mails are really G-mail conversations ,the ability to string the e-mails together into one converstion helps me to keep the transaction moving forward. If I can't remember if i informed someone in the transaction about an event or occurrence it is very easy for me to track. I am constantly forgetting to update my Top Producer database every time I e-mail or call someone , so the g-mail is my safety net.

I am sure you are wondering why I didn't just pick up the CELL phone and call everyone on my list today and I thought about that as well. Then I went through my list of clients for the morning, many are First-Time Homebuyers. Talk about being a small world !

My first client is in Ghana , he is working there for the next six weeks and is reviewing properties that were auto-e-mailed to him from our MRIS database. He saw one that he wants to make an offer on and requested I show it too his brother.His brother will video it and upload him a copy.
Client #2 - Is traveling to Damascus , no not Maryland , but Syria , and the seller has countered his offer and I have e-mailed it to him to counter or accept based on our e-mails conversation.
Client #3 - Has just been shipped out to Iraq , and he has additional orders and documents from his commanding officer that need to be added to his "Short Sale" package.
Client #4 - Is visiting family members in Japan and showed them pictures of the two houses that she could not make a decision on. The family has helped her pick one and she wants to make an offer. Thankfully her family helped her to pick the RESALE which is move-in condition vs the REO which needs alot of work.
A new Buyer has contacted me from Germany , they are being reassigned to this area and want to correspond with me via SKYPE. Needless to say I do not know what that is nor do I know how to use it , but that will be todays project.

With all the concerns we have about with Global Economy , Global Warming and Global Relations it made me stop and reflect on the one most important factor of being a Realtor. It is all about the people we service and the other ones involved through out the whole transaction. Because at the end of the day everyone wants a HOME to call their own , for their themsleves and their family, no matter what language they speak.

So my fellow "Rainers" how do you market/ or communicate to your International Client base ?

Sales Statistics for New Market - March 2009 Zipcode 21774

Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group) — Tue, 05 May 2009 08:41:15 -0500

Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. ZIP Code Statistics - <$100K to >$5M Format

ZIP Code: 21774 New Market, MD
From: 03/01/2009 to 03/31/2009 Statistics generated on: 04/08/2009

	Residential Unit Sales Number of Bedrooms	Active Listings		Time on Market
Price Class	2 Or Less	3	4 or More	Condo Coop	Ground Rent	Residential	Condo Coop	Ground Rent	of Units Sold (No. of Units)
Under $100,000	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1 -30 Days	2
$100,000 - 149,999	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	31-60 Days	2
$150,000 - 199,999	0	0	0	0	0	3	4	0	61 - 90 Days	1
$200,000 - 249,999	1	1	0	0	0	8	0	0	91-120 Days	0
$250,000 - 299,999	0	2	1	0	0	23	0	0	Over 120 Days	6
$300,000 - 349,999	0	1	2	0	0	22	0	0	Total	11
$350,000 - 399,999	0	0	0	0	0	11	0	0
$400,000 - 449,999	0	0	2	0	0	10	1	0	Type of Financing of Units Sold (No. of Units)
$450,000 - 499,999	0	0	0	0	0	10	0	0
$500,000 - 599,999	0	0	0	0	0	14	0	0	Conventional	4
$600,000 - 699,999	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	FHA	2
$700,000 - 799,999	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	VA	2
$800,000 - 899,999	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	Assumption	2
$900,000 - 999,999	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Cash	1
$1,000,000 - 2,499,999	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Owner Finance	0
$2,500,000 - 4,999,999	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	All Other	0
$5,000,000 & Over	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Unreported	0
Totals	1	5	5	0	0	106	6	0	Total	11
Grand Totals	11	112

2009 2008 % Change

Total Sold Dollar Volume:	$ 3,119,638	$ 3,671,898	- 15.04 %
Average Sold Price:	$ 283,603	$ 333,809	- 15.04 %
Median Sold Price:	$ 286,900	$ 320,000	- 10.34 %
Total Units Sold:	11	11	0.00 %
Average Days on Market:	175	199	- 12.06 %
Average List Price for Solds:	$ 339,964	$ 367,227	- 7.42 %
Avg Sale Price as a percentage of Avg List Price:	83.42 %	90.90 %

Total NEW listings:	26
Total Properties Marked Contract:	6
Total Properties Marked Contingent Contract:	9
Total NEW pendings (Contracts + Contingents):	15

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. - MLS Resale Data
Copyright 2009 - Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.