Richard's Blog

Patricia Kennedy scores journalistic coup!

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:00:51 -0600

It's not every real estate agent who can say they were quoted in the newspaper. And make that the NY Times, no less. Quite the journalistic coup for an Active Rain celebrity. Pat Kennedy made the cut yesterday with a quote about sellers and agents getting out of their listing agreement.

Eat your heart out Washington Post.

I won't cut and paste because of copyright protections, but there is nothing wrong with including a link to the article, if you're interested. Here's the link to "What your real estate agent isn't telling you."

Congratulations Pat...and your comment was right on too.

Motivational Monday - Risk

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:58:52 -0600

RISK

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out to others is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken,
because the greatest hazard in life is to do nothing.

The person who risks nothing,
does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing.

They may avoid suffering and sorrow,
but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.

Chained by their attitudes, they are a slave,
they forfeited their freedom.

Only the person who risks can be free.

"Author unknown"

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 - This is what you get when you send a guy out to buy Christmas decorations

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:41:00 -0600

As it turns out, this isn't the first big Santa I've bought. I had one a couple of years ago that was tied to the tree to the right to keep him from blowing away. Sadly, the poor guy couldn't get away one night when some vandals sliced him up pretty good. I couldn't keep a straight face when the police came over to make a report. The Crofton police department have a good sense of humor.

My wife won't let me go shopping alone any more.

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.

Crofton MD - Toys for Tots and Long and Foster Drop Off Point

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 08:46:29 -0600

The Crofton MD office of Long and Foster has a long history of working with the United States Marine Reserves and their Toys for Tots program. For years, agents and community residents have been dropping their toys off at the Long and Foster collection point.

Toys can be dropped off at 2191 Defense Highway, Suite 120, Crofton, MD 21114. The office is open M - F until 7 PM and weekends until 6 PM.

The generosity of Crofton area residents over the years has been amazing. I've been in the office when a donor would bring in two brand new bicycles. Bags of toys are often brought through the door to put under the tree. Many donors bring their children, I'm sure teaching them a valuable lesson about sharing with those less fortunate.

Agents are encouraged to work with their spheres to get additional donations. Not only does this work, it's a great way to get in touch with your sphere one more time during the holidays.

We've already had one pick-up of new toys by the Marines and I'm sure we'll have several more in the coming weeks. If you're a resident in the Crofton MD area, stop by with your new toy and make a worthy child's Christmas a bit brighter.

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 - Santa arrives at the City Dock in Annapolis, MD

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:19:56 -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

An A for creativity, an A+ for stupidity

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:51:57 -0600

I was talking to my brother today. He's an Optometrist in New Jersey and owns his own business, along with his wife. The business is large enough to employ a Doctor to perform exams and write prescriptions.

Apparently, a couple called the doctor to make a legitimate appointment for an eye exam. When they were being examined, they were also telling the doctor that they just moved into the area and would love to work for him. Of course, they mistakenly thought that he owned the business. They then went on to direct him to a website where he could read several complaints about the people at the front counter...the real owners, my brother and sister in law.

As it turns out, that same couple were the ones who posted these false complaints as a way of trying to get an employee fired so they could replace them in the job. In this case it backfired.

I know its a tough job market, but posting false complaints about people in an attempt to get them fired is about as low as you can go. Where do they think of stuff like this?

On the other hand, since it was on the internet it must be true, right?

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 - Leave Some For The Birds

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:18:31 -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 tawt i taw a puddy tat!

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:51:08 -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

A One Picture Photoblog

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:43:02 -0600

I'm not sure you can actually have a one picture photoblog, but lets give it a try. The original picture was taken this year at St. Michaels, MD. Just one of a gazillion pictures of sailboats. From my perspective it was an ok picture, a keeper but not something to go ga-ga about.

The pictures below the original are faux paintings of the original created in software. Created in Dynamic Auto Painter, a simple to use, one button picture creator.

Could these styles be done in Photoshop? Probably, but not with my PS knowledge. The Dynamic Auto Painter does it pretty simply. Import a picture, choose a style (there are 20), click start, and watch the picture being drawn on the screen. I believe that if you just leave it, the program will continue to draw your selection...forever. You can pause it at any time and when you stop it, the selection is set.

Below you can see the original picture and 9 iterations of the original in different picture painting styles. Pretty neat actually, and requires no technical image editing skills.

Original

Aquarelle

Cezzane

Felt tip

Klimt

Monet

Starry Night

Water color

Sunflower

Wet on Wet

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

Communicating in Style, Theirs

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:10:10 -0600

REALTORS® are like the Swiss Army Knives when it comes to communicating with clients. Whatever their style is, we adapt. That being said, I've found that communicating with clients can pretty much be generalized by age.

At the upper end of the maturity range, the preference seems to be more personal. Meeting in person and telephone calls seem to dominate how seniors prefer their communications. This doesn't mean that cell phones are out, but I find it pretty rare that they would like to text. If my own eyesight is an example, I know the reason here.

I'll sort of glump the next age group into the 30 - 50 range here. Their preferred style seems to be the good old email. Texting and phone are alright too, but email dominates. If they don't know you well enough, you'll get a free email account. I always find that the more serious clients give me a work account or one from the major ISPs.

At the youngest end of the scale we're more frequently texting than anything else. I don't need to know your life story, just give me the info in short bytes. Very efficient, pretty impersonal, but effective nonetheless.

Personally, I haven't seen anyone who prefers to communicate their real estate transaction through any of the social networking sites, but I'm ready when they are.

In my market area we frequently work with clients who are with the NSA over at Ft. Meade. I could tell you how we communicate with them but then I'd have to kill you :)

I'm not a big fan of generalizing but this communications scenario plays out too frequently to be just mere coincidence. Successful real estate agents adapt to their clients, not the other way around.

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

How did that shortcut work out for you?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:25:31 -0600

I just recently listed and sold a listing agent's dream townhouse here in Crofton, MD. New roof, new HVAC, new HWH, new windows, great condition. Could use some updating but one of those listings where all the heavy lifting was already done. The home inspection should be a snap.

Kind of surprised when the home inspection called out the 6 month old hot water heater. Seems like the plumber neglected a few critical components required in 2009. No water shutoff valve and no gas shutoff valve. The home inspector was right of course. Since it was recently replaced, the installer was required to bring it up to code for 2009, not when the townhouse was originally built.

A call to the plumber elicited this response; "we can come out to do the necessary repairs. Our charge is $75/hour." To say that that response elicited a bit of anger by the seller is an understatement. A quick call to the County showed that they never pulled a permit to do the work.

Armed with that information, the second response by the plumber was a bit different. "No charge for the repair, we'll be out tomorrow at 1 PM, is that OK? A homeowner not getting a permit for work gets a slap on the wrist from the County, and maybe a fine. A licensed professional puts themselves, and their license, at greater risk.

That shortcut by the original installer cost them an additional four hours to make the necessary repairs. As agents, we're frequently tempted to take shortcuts during the course of a real estate transaction.

Agents should resist taking any shortcuts,
they rarely pay off, and can cause serious trouble.

It's your license and your livelihood. Don't put
either at risk by taking inappropriate shortcuts.

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 Arundle County, Maryland, October 2009.

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:51:43 -0600

It was only a few short years ago that agents recommended to sellers not to accept contracts that had FHA and VA loans, in favor of conventional loans. Back then, there was frequently multiple contracts on every property and the thinking was that a conventional loan would be easier to close.

FHA loans today are affordable, and as you can see, most frequently used last month to finance home purchases in Anne Arundel County, MD.

With our proximity to Ft. Meade and the Naval Academy, VA loans accounted for 13% of all funding last month. Another great loan product for our military home buyers.

Rates are still low and there is a wide selection of inventory in Anne Arundel County, MD. Combined with government tax rebate programs, now is a great time to buy.

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, October 2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:40:38 -0600

October - 2009	2009	2008	% Change
Sold Dollar Volume	$8,616,700	$6,271,700	+37.39%
Average Sold Price	$319,137	$391,981	-18.58%
Median Sold Price	$308,000	$355,000	-13.24%
Total Units Sold	27	16	+68.75%
Average Days on Market	83	79	+5.06%
Average List Price for Solds	$340,054	$412,113	-17.49%

Several of the Crofton, MD home sales statistics looked better in October, 2009 compared to October 2008.

More units are being sold, but in the lower price ranges. 25 of the 27 sales were in the price range under $500,000, while fully 22 of the 27 listings were under the $400,000 price range.

During the month of October, 2009, 37 new listings were added to the Crofton, MD home inventory, while 27 were sold.

In a peek at the near term future, 46 homes went under one of the various contract categories. Despite that, more houses were added to the Crofton MD inventory in October, than went off.

From the data, it looks like first time home buyers were fueling the Crofton, MD home sale increases in October. That makes sense since there was an urgency to buy because the $8,000 tax credit was set to expire on November 31st. That has since been changed by Congress taking some of the sense of urgency off first time home buyers.

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.

SOURCE: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc.
Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.

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

The DC Memorials To Veterans

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:36:27 -0600

Living in suburban Maryland, I'm only a short trip to Washington DC and the many memorials to our Veterans of all wars. I'm not able to go down there today but I've been there many times in the past. Here are a few photos from the past years visits.

The military remembers it's own at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetary. Dedicated to those soldiers who's remains couldn't be identified. Known only to God.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24/7/365 by one of their own. The Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb is meticulous in its execution, and compelling in its meaning.

With a precision only the military can achieve, the gravesites can be seen in any direction. Together forever.

It took far too long for the country to honor those veterans from WWII with their own Memorial. Many of the veterans never got the chance to see how the country chose to honor their huge accomplishment to humanity. Every day you can see the last of the generation sitting on stone benchs with their memories.

Too bad the "War To End All Wars," didn't.

The Memorial consists of two large, identical, pavillions. One dedicated to the war in the Atlantic, and the mirror image to the war in the Pacific. Smaller memorials dedicated to each State and Territory who sent their own to fight for freedom.

The wall of stars in front of a small reflecting pool. I was told by a park employee that each star represents 100 Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. There are 4,000 stars on the wall. Far too many.

Korea, the forgotten war. Statues of soldiers on patrol, thousands of miles from home. Its seems like that's always the case.

Large numbers that many of us have forgotten.

No truer words were ever written, especially on Veterans Day.

Reflecting wall with the ghostly images of veterans of the Korean War.

There is no more compelling Memorial than the Vietnam Memorial. The start black granite, with the names of soldiers who never returned can't adequately be described. When you experience it, you will never be the same.

The reflections of the crowd on this day was a very surreal effect. The mixing of the reflections of the living with the names of the dead.

Nothing needs to be said here.

The contribution of the nurses who served in Vietnam can never be diminished.

These pictures belong to the nation and you're free to use them with the respect that they deserve.

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

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