Elizabeth's Blog

+++703 Clara Ter. Bel Air MD 3 bed 2.5 bath+++

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:24:47 -0500

Roxanne Simons | Keller Williams Realty | 410-808-2974,410-342-4444

703 Clara Terrace, Bel Air, MD

Traditional Colonial Style Home!

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $310,000

Year Built	1987
Sq Footage	1,664
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	10,236 sqft
HOA/Maint	$6 per month

DESCRIPTION

Affordable single family home in Bel Air. Traditional colonial style house. Huge, fully fenced backyard w/ brick patio. Lots of space in the basement for entertaining. Appliances 3 yrs old, upgraded master bath, water softener system, cable & phone in every room, security system, home warranty,fireplace being repaired in family room, laundry area on main level, make appt!
If this home doesn't meet your criteria and/or would like a list of other properties, go to www.freerealestatetips.net.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Hardwood floor	Family room	Living room
Office/Den	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Attic	Basement	Washer
Dryer	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Cul de Sac street, 12 miles from APG, close to restaurants and shops

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 1	Photo 3
Photo 1	Photo 2

Contact info:

Roxanne Simons

Keller Williams Realty

410-808-2974,410-342-4444

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 23, 2009, 11:01am PDT

+++2 bed 1.5 Bath, Old North Point Rd. 130K++

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:17:58 -0500

Roxanne Simons | Keller Williams Realty | 410-808-2974,410-342-4444

715 Old North Point Road, Baltimore, MD

Semi-detached home in the county but very close to the city life.

2BR/1.5BA Townhouse

offered at $130,000

Year Built	1924
Sq Footage	1,092
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	4,825 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Adorable, well maintained-owner takes pride, semi-detached, 2BR-can be converted back to 3, 1 1/2BA, LR/DR combo, large kitchen with table space, enclosed porch with slider to deck, front porch, long driveway with lots of parking space, enjoy the garden. New air conditioner unit. Full, walkout bsmt with lots of storage space. For more pictures please email me, can't get them all on, file too big.
If this home doesn't meet your criteria and you would like a list of distressed properties or other listings please visit my website at www.roxannerocksrealestate.com.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Living room
Dining room	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Basement	Washer	Dryer
Balcony, Deck, or Patio

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

Contact info:

Roxanne Simons

Keller Williams Realty

410-808-2974,410-342-4444

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 6, 2009, 6:45pm PST

+++846 Reinhardt 2 BED 2 BATH TOWNHOME IN BALTIMORE!!!!!!!++

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:11:34 -0500

Roxanne Simons | Keller Williams Realty | roxannes@kw.com | 410-808-2974,410-342-4444

846 Reinhardt Street, Baltimore, MD

Beautiful rowhome close to 95, downtown, stadiums, marc train.

2BR/2BA Townhouse

$1,200/month

Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Parking	None
Pet Policy	Cats, Small dogs (< 25lbs)
Deposit	$1,200

DESCRIPTION

Beautiful 2bed/2bath w/hardwood floors, granite, stainless steel appliances, wood cabinets in kitchen. Finished LL with full bath. Lots of exposed brick, wainscoting and molding detail. Deck off one of the bedrooms. Close to 95, marc train, stadiums, downtown. Call to setup your appointment today! If this home doesn't meet your criteria please call or email me for other listings.

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

Air conditioning	Central heat	Hardwood floor
Family room	Living room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances	Basement
Washer	Dryer

LEASE TERMS

minimum 12 month lease, pets on case by case, vouchers welcome.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Roxanne Simons

Keller Williams Realty

roxannes@kw.com

410-808-2974,410-342-4444

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 8, 2009, 5:34pm PDT

Mortgage Rates hit RECORD lows!

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:23:40 -0500

Mortgage rates hit new lows

Baltimore Business Journal - by Ed Duggan Contributor

Mortgage rates not seen since the 1950s have sparked a tsunami of applications for refinancing as well as a slight uptick in new purchase loans, according to the latest weekly survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Data indicates that 78.5 percent of applications were for refinancing, up from the already elevated 72.9 percent of the preceding week.

Orawin Velz, associate vice president of economic forecasting for the MBA, said in a news release that the rate drops followed the Federal Reserve's announcement of the U.S. Treasury bond and mortgage-backed securities purchase programs.

The drop offered a "sizable refinance incentive" for most homeowners and sparked the pickup in refinance activity, Velz said.

Total activity was up 31.4 percent from the previous week and up 18 percent from the same week a year ago.

Based upon an 80 percent loan-to-value ratio, average 30-year fixed rate mortgages dipped to 4.63 percent from 4.89 percent in the prior week. Points decreased to 1.13 from 1.23, including the origination fee.

That rate is the lowest since the MBA began its weekly surveys in 1990 and the data covers approximately 50 percent of all retail mortgage applications made by mortgage bankers, commercial banks and thrifts.

The 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage dropped as well to 4.48 percent from 4.89 percent in the prior week. Points were down to 1.07 from 1.18, as all fixed rate plans continued to decline.

The out-of-favor, one-year adjustable-rate mortgage rate increased to 6.22 percent from 6.20 percent in the previous week. ARM applications made up only 1.4 percent of the applications, down from 2 percent in the prior week.

The four-week moving average of activity - a longer-range view of what's happening in the mortgage market - was up 13.9 percent overall, with new purchase activity up 1.7 percent and refinancing up 18.7 percent.

Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore says region 'holding its own'

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:18:09 -0500

Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore says region 'holding its own'

Baltimore Business Journal - by Ryan Sharrow Staff

Greater Baltimore is riding out the recession better than most of the top 25 U.S. cities, according to recent data compiled by the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore.

The organization found that Greater Baltimore had the third-lowest unemployment rate, 5.4 percent, as of December 2008. The region's employment rate decline of 0.2 percent was also the seventh smallest drop nationally.

The group's report, released Monday, compared economic indicators in the top 25 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Most of the data was from the end of 2008.

Greater Baltimore also ranked sixth, with a 3.2 percent increase, in the growth of professional, scientific and technical services. Baltimore's metropolitan median home price drop was 5.5 percent, the second lowest among the major U.S. cities.

"While the recession continues to negatively impact every major U.S. market, Greater Baltimore is holding its own, cushioned by its high concentration of employment in more insulated industries - such as information technology, health care, and education - as well as the region's relatively low exposure to foreclosures and dramatically declining home prices," CEO J. Thomas Sadowski said in a statement.

Sadowski also cited a Forbes study ranking Baltimore as a top city for job growth in 2009.

The Alliance attributes the strong rankings to Baltimore's core base of education and health care institutions.

Home Sales UP 5.1% !!!!!!!!!

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:13:07 -0500

Home sales up 5.1% in U.S.

Sales of existing homes increased 6.1 percent in the South, which includes Maryland, in February.

On a national level, existing home sales were up 5.1 percent in February, according to a report released today by the National Association of Realtors.

But sales in the South are still soft -- more than 11 percent lower than February 2008.

More than 40 percent of sales in February across the nation were of foreclosed properties, or properties in default that were being sold for less than the mortgage balance.

Most of the sales nationally were concentrated at the bottom of the price ladder. Because more expensive homes are selling less well, the sales records continue to show dropping median prices.

The median price in the South was $146,700, down 10 percent from a year ago.

++10 Year historic tax freeze, BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION, 4 bed, deck, HOME WARRENTY INCLUDED+

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:10:39 -0500

Liz Etzel | Keller Williams Realty | 410 599 4161

2000 Fleet St., Baltimore, MD

10 -Year Historical Tax credit for this 4 bedroom 4 level w parking- brand new custom-built Townhome!

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $649,900

Year Built	2007
Sq Footage	3,000
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 2 partial
Floors	4
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	3,000 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

10 YEAR HISTORIC TAX FREEZE--4 stories and over 3000sqft of brand new construction!Custom-rooftop deck, enormous party room with fabulous granite bar, 2 Jacuzzi tubs, Mr. Steamer shower in master suite, marble fireplace, gourmet-granite kitchen, gorgeous fixtures, custom rod-iron, ATTACHED GARAGE, hardwoods throughout, energy efficient everything, intercoms in every room, HOME WARRENTY INCLUDED!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Living room	Bonus/Rec room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Jacuzzi/Whirlpool	Sauna

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

High efficieny appliances, custom rod-iron staircase, Marble Fireplace and HUGE wet bar upstairs

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

EXTERIOR	Kitchen
Fireplace	wet bar upstairs
walk up jacuzzi	rooftop deck

Contact info:

Liz Etzel

Keller Williams Realty

410 599 4161

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 31, 2009, 8:56am PDT

+++ 3 Bedroom Townhome, Nicely Updated WITH PARKING++++

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:07:08 -0500

Liz Etzel | Keller Williams Realty | 410 599 4161

1800 East 30th St., Baltimore, MD

Lovely End of Unit Home with parking pad and 3 Bedrooms

3BR/1.5BA Single Family House

offered at $149,900

Year Built	1928
Sq Footage	1,475
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1
Lot Size	1,425 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Well maintained end of group townhouse, lovely front porch, parking pad in the back, updates done in the last year-windows, carpet, kitchen and bath. Open floor plan with a large living room and dining room with hardwood floors, finished basement with lots of space, home warranty is provided. This is a great home, call and schedule your appointment today!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Hardwood floor	Family room
Living room	Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den
Dining room	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Basement	Washer	Dryer
Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Lake

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 1	Photo 2

Contact info:

Liz Etzel

Keller Williams Realty

410 599 4161

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 18, 2009, 5:26pm PDT

+++Investors DREAM! 2 unit home available NOW! +++

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:05:09 -0500

Liz Etzel | Keller Williams Realty | 610 220 5057

907 Patapsco, Baltimore, MD

Spacious 2 Unit property. Great Front Porch, FENCED Back Yard,
GREAT Potential!

3BR/2BA Multi-Family, 2 units

offered at $47,900

Year Built	1935
Sq Footage	960
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	1,402 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This great 2 Unit property has a great yard, deck and roof that is still under warranty. This place has tons of potential.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Balcony, Deck, or Patio

Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Porch, Fenced yard, Roof under warrenty

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5

Contact info:

Liz Etzel

Keller Williams Realty

610 220 5057

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 23, 2009, 11:39am PDT

+++Fully furnished, UTILITIES INCLUDED Chalet style apartment with GORGEOUS VIEW!+++

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:52:19 -0500

Liz Etzel | Keller Williams Realty | 410 599 4161

4223 Echo Valley Rd., Glen Arm, MD

This Chalet Apt. is located on a private road and comes FULLY FURNISHED! It's equipped with phone, fax and high speed internet! Beautiful outdoor scen

Furnished 1BR/1BA Apartment

$2,500/month

Bedrooms	1
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Parking	2 dedicated
Pet Policy	No pets
Deposit	$2,500

DESCRIPTION

This Chalet Apt. is located on a private road and comes FULLY FURNISHED! It's equipped with phone, fax and high speed internet! Beautiful outdoor scenery with private deck. All appliances included. MUST SEE!

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

Air conditioning	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Family room	Living room
Office/Den	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard	Cable-ready
High-speed internet

LEASE TERMS

short term leases can be arranged. 1 year lease preferred. 60 days notice.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 3
Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 4	Photo 5

Contact info:

Liz Etzel

Keller Williams Realty

410 599 4161

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 6, 2009, 2:28pm PST

+++TOWSON CONDO! 2 bed and 2 full bath! Furnished if needed!+++++

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:43:57 -0500

Liz Etzel | Keller Williams Realty | 410 599 4161

13 Mullingar Ct., Lutherville, MD

Fabulous and spacious CONDO, 5 min from downtown TOWSON, safe and quiet neighborhood! TONS of storage!

2BR/2BA Condo

$1,350/month

Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Parking	2 dedicated
Pet Policy	No pets
Deposit	$1,350

DESCRIPTION

This fabulously spacious condo is ready for you! 2 HUGE bedrooms, plus 2 FULL baths... balcony w/ extra storage, huge laundry room IN UNIT! THere is nothing left out... lowest priced condo available! MUST SEE!

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

Air conditioning	Central heat	Walk-in closet
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Dining room	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard	Cable-ready
High-speed internet

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Guest parking

LEASE TERMS

60 days notice to vacate. 1 year min. lease

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Liz Etzel

Keller Williams Realty

410 599 4161

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 2, 2009, 9:16am PST

++CANTON RENTAL 3 Bed. 2 full bath CANTON rental! 1350 per month!+++

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:40:57 -0500

Liz Etzel | Keller Williams Realty | 410 599 4161

2318 Cambridge St., Baltimore, MD

3 Bedroom CANTON Townhome, quiet street, fireplace, hardwood floors, 2 full bath, CAN'T BEAT IT!

3BR/2BA Townhouse

$1,350/month

Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Parking	None
Pet Policy	No pets
Deposit	$1,350

DESCRIPTION

3 Bedroom, 2 full bath, BRICK-CANTON-townhome, equiped with full kitchen, FIREPLACE, large closets, hardwoods, back yard all located on a quiet, tree-lined street.

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

Air conditioning	Central heat	Fireplace
Hardwood floor	Living room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

LEASE TERMS

60 days notice to vacate 1 year lease preferred

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 2	Photo 1
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Liz Etzel

Keller Williams Realty

410 599 4161

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 31, 2009, 9:05am PDT

Rentals...

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 13:58:15 -0600

Has the "shifted market" got you down? Do you feel like none of your potential clients are EVER going to get off the fence and make a move???

Yes, I think we all feel that way sometimes. However, in an effort to take a proactive approach to the current market situation and my clients hesitation, I've decided to shift my thoughts to something faster that more people are leaning to now more than ever!

RENTALS! Yes, I said it... RENTALS... guess what. If your not showing properties or selling them...instead of "checking out" you may want to consider doing RENTALS. Of course, you can state your terms... only taking rentals that are "this much, " or in "this area," OF COURSE.

Just an idea.

Why this "time of year" shouldn't be overlooked....

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:55:01 -0600

Okay, it's "The Holiday's..." but does that mean the market will just STOP? NO... and guess what... it DOESN'T!

There are more and more people I talk to who say, "well, things will pick up in the spring, I don't really need to PUSH right now. It's the holidays, no one does anything."

This makes me cringe. This is a GREAT time to get something done ESPECIALLY because that is the mind set of SO MANY OTHER AGENTS! Maybe they are just burnt out, but there are ALWAYS listings to be taken, contracts to be sent off and deals to be CLOSED! No matter WHAT time of year it is!

Think of it THIS way... because it IS "that time of year," it makes some people who NEED to relocate even MORE motivated to find that home BEFORE their day of celebration!

Therefore, if YOU are that agent helping those people, then guess what... YOUR going to be THAT AGENT who closes that deal and gets paid. Case closed.

If you don't seek the business, it won't come to you. We are not in that market anymore. You get what you give, so give give give and you'll recieve... maybe JUST in time for the holidays! :-)

How to Select a Neighborhood When Buying a House

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:04:04 -0600

How to Buy a Great House

There are many factors to consider when selecting a neighborhood that is right for you. Below are just a few of the many factors -- you may think of others that are important to you.

Neighborhoods have characteristic personalities designed to best suit single people, growing families, two-career couples, or retirees.

SCOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD!

It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person. You live in more than your house.

Talk to people who live there.

Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week and on weekends.

Look carefully at how well other homes in the area are being maintained; are they painted, are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition, etc.

NEIGHBORHOOD FACTORS TO CONSIDER --

Look for things like access to major thoroughfares, highways, and shopping.

Listen for noise created by commerce, roads, railways, public areas, schools, etc.

Smell the air for adjacent commerce or agriculture.

Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information about the area.

Research things like soil and water.

Look at traffic patterns around the area during different times of the day and drive from the area to work.

Find out if the neighborhood is near parks, churches, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools, etc.

Find out if the neighborhood belongs to a Homeowner’s Association.

How to Select a Neighborhood When Buying a House

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:03:24 -0600

How to Buy a Great House There are many factors to consider when selecting a neighborhood that is right for you. Below are just a few of the many factors -- you may think of others that are important to you. Neighborhoods have characteristic personalities designed to best suit single people, growing families, two-career couples, or retirees. SCOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD! It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person. You live in more than your house.  Talk to people who live there.  Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week and on weekends.  Look carefully at how well other homes in the area are being maintained; are they painted, are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition, etc. NEIGHBORHOOD FACTORS TO CONSIDER --  Look for things like access to major thoroughfares, highways, and shopping.  Listen for noise created by commerce, roads, railways, public areas, schools, etc.  Smell the air for adjacent commerce or agriculture.  Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information about the area.  Research things like soil and water.  Look at traffic patterns around the area during different times of the day and drive from the area to work.  Find out if the neighborhood is near parks, churches, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools, etc.  Find out if the neighborhood belongs to a Homeowner’s Association.

The 10 Commandments when applying for a Real Estate Loan

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:58:08 -0600

When your applying for a Real Estate Loan, it's EXTREEMLELY important that you follow these guidelines... if not, you will be VERY unhappy when your loan falls through...

The Ten Commandments

When Applying for a Real Estate Loan

1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job.

2. Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it)!

3. Thou shalt not use charge cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind.

4. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing.

5. Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application.

6. Thou shalt not buy furniture.

7. Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit.

8. Thou shalt not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer.

9. Thou shalt not change bank accounts.

10. Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone.

Renting vs. Owning

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:23:37 -0600

Renting vs. Owning

Although some renters believe that renting is “maintenance free,” they are actually paying for maintenance in their rent – whether they need it or not. Renting offers you no equity, no tax benefit, and no protection against regular rent increases. If you’re paying rent, you’re really just paying someone else’s mortgage. Let’s compare.*

Rent vs. Own


Monthly Payment	$1,000	Monthly Payment	$ 855
Insurance	$ 30	Insurance	$ 50
Taxes	$ 0	Taxes	$ 260
		MIP Insurance	$ 45
Total Payment	$1,030	Total Payment	$1,210

*Savings*
Interest Deduction	$ 0	Interest Deduction	$ 175
Tax Deduction	$ 0	Tax Deduction	$ 75
		After Tax
Net Monthly Payment	$1,030	Net Monthly Payment	$ 960

* Approximate Payment/Cost Comparison based on estimated annual tax results. Based on 2.5 tax bracket and on estimated first year interest and taxes. Recommend consulting with tax expert. Payment based on FHA 30-year fixed rate loan with 7% interest rate, sales price of $125,000 and a loan balance of $121,250. Interest rate/rental rates, prices, terms, and availability subject to change without notice. See a qualified tax consultant for more details.

STAGING... WHY it works!

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:43:27 -0600

When you walk into someone’s home, what's the first thing you notice? Clutter, dust, decorating style (or lack thereof) the list goes on. Probably one of the things that won't make the top of your list would be size and number of rooms, the yard, things that stay with the house once someone moves out.

In all actuality, those are the things that matter when buyers are looking to buy a house, but many times these buyers can't seem to get past the fact that there are toys and dog hair all over your house, so therefore they are not interested because they can't see what a great house you really have!

Of course, you've heard the drill from your Realtor, "CLEAN THE CLUTTER, VACUUM AND DUST THE HOUSE, BAKE COOKIES..."

However, if your Realtor has not told you the importance of staging, they need to listen up. Staging your home starts by putting away all personal items such as: photos, taking down personal decor that may only appeal to the current owner and other things along those lines. Also, when a professional home stager comes into your home, they will re-arrange your furniture so that it looks more appealing and also emphasizes the size or charm of the room.

Moreover and maybe most importantly, when a home is staged, it can sometimes sell up to 70 times faster than it would un-staged. The cost of staging is like a drop in the bucket when you think that you are most likely going to be able to sell your home for more money in less time. It's a no brainer.

Interest Rates DROP!

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:40:15 -0600

Rates Drop!

Mortgage Rates Fall as U.S. Expands Rescue - NOVEMBER 26, 2008

By Jon Hilsenrath and Deborah Solomon- THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

The Fed, whose traditional lending role has been to make emergency loans to banks, plans to purchase in coming months up to $600 billion of debt issued or backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and Federal Home Loan Banks, all mortgage-finance businesses with close ties to the government…..

The intervention, the latest in a series of unprecedented government actions, immediately pushed down rates on 30-year mortgages by as much as one-half percentage point. Lower rates could help borrowers looking to refinance or buy homes, and potentially bolster ailing housing markets.

What does this mean?

For Buyers: Basically because the rates have dropped to 5.75% on conventional loans and 5.75% on FHA loans, this means that buyers who are on the fence should MAKE A MOVE NOW! Check out the chart below that illistrates just HOW MUCH you can save on your monthly and overall payments with these new rates...

For sellers: This means that if your thinking of selling, NOW IS THE TIME! or you have a property currently listed, this means that buyers are going to be more competitive over properties, which is always good for sellers and it also means for those sellers who want to sell but who are on the fence, they should take advantage of this buyers market by putting their house on the market, especially when the rates are sooo great!

Rate and Payment Chart Example:

Financial Details	Financial Details
Home price $150,000.00	Home price $150,000.00
Down payment 5.000 %	Down payment 5.000 %
Total amount financed $142,500.00	Total amount financed $142,500.00
Payment amount $809.10	Payment amount $924.25
Total payments $291,275.47	Total payments $332,732.43
Interest rate 5.500 %	Interest rate 6.750 %
Interest compounding Monthly Total finance charge $148,775.47	Interest compounding Monthly Total finance charge $190,232.43

* this chart is for example purposes ONLY!

Canton Living NOW

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:36:53 -0600

Well, you've read my blog about the history of Canton... so what's going on now? Well... for starters, located directly on the square lies a project that was initiated last year in which residents could purchase a brick that would be inscribed with their name could then be placed on the square, replacing the current bricks. This project showed signs of progression but it will probably continue next spring.

Moving up O'Donnell Street, make a right onto Conkling and you will run into probably the biggest project that Canton/Brewer's Hill has seen in a long time. Not only is there going to be a 5 story building called "Domain," but they are also incorportating shops and restaurants into this building which will house and entertain hundreds of Baltimore residents. This project is going to be finished by the end of Nov. 2008.

More info to come....

For Sale by Owner, what NOT to do...

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:42:04 -0600

Question: What are some thoughts that run through potential buyers minds when they’re on their way to see a “For Sale by Owner” property?

1. This house must be a deal since it’s not listed with a Realtor…
2. I wonder if the sellers are shy or pushy. Are they going to get one over on me? (Already their guard is up)
3. Do I need to hire someone to do paperwork?

So they are greeted at the door by the owner who starts showing them around the house.
What sorts of thoughts are they thinking now? “Wow, I hate this color granite,” or maybe “neon-green tiled bathroom??? I wonder how much this is going to cost to replace.”

Here’s the problem: the buyer is now forced to hold these thoughts inside their head because they do not want to hurt the seller’s feelings and they feel like they are obliged to say, “oh how nice!” So imagine how the potential buyer feels once he or she leaves the property? Well, they probably have a sense of relief since for the last 20 minutes they have not been able to say what they are really thinking and voice their concerns out loud.

This example is one of the main reasons that it’s so worth it have a buyer’s agent, if you are a buyer and have a seller’s agent, if you are seller.

Buyers don’t want to feel like you are selling your house to them; it leaves them feeling like you were being “pushy” which in turns creates a bad taste in their mouth and negative thoughts in their head.

In all actuality, if the seller would have listed their house with a Realtor, any potential buyers would have had to have a buyer’s agent take them thought the home without the sellers present.

Therefore, potential buyers are able to voice their true opinion and concerns out loud to their buyers agent who would be more apt to give them their honest opinion and tell them truthfully about how much it would cost them to fix this or change that, or just assure them that carpet and paint color are a very easy fix. Buyers need someone else there to share opinions and to hear them out loud for themselves and sellers need to understand that when they show the home themselves, they are oftentimes turning off potential buyers.

email: LizEtzel@KW.com for answers, advice and help

Buyers, Take Control!

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:16:16 -0600

BUYERS! Where are you? It's not called a "buyer's market" for nothing!

Maybe you thought you found your "perfect home" and then found out that someone else had snatched it up.... now your in hiding... Well, here is SOLUTION... email me and I can you a HOT list of properties that ARE NOT EVEN ON THE MARKET YET! Wow... how about THAT!

With some of these properties buyers can even choose THEIR OWN COLORS, FLOORS, GRANITE AND MORE! Why wait? GET IN ON THIS TODAY!

Buyers, it's time to take back what's yours, TAKE CONTROL and call me to get information about these HOT PROPERTIESS that are not even listed yet!

LizEtzel@KW.com

410 599 4161

Canton Dining- Nacho Mama's

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:33:06 -0600

Nacho Mama's may just be the only place in Canton that is completely dedicated to Elvis, Natty Boh and great Mexican food.

The first thing you'll notice when approaching the place is the life-size statue of Elvis located at the door to Nacho Mama's. Not only hilarious, it also makes for a great picture.

Once inside, you'll notice strange and funny Elvis, Natty Boh and Baltimore memorabilia hanging from the ceiling and walls.

Nacho Mama's has a very substantial menu too, nothing is left out. Also, if you read the menu close enough, you might just find some funny inside jokes that you'll want to figure out.

There is one MUST do when your at this place... that is to order a hubcap! What is that you ask? Something that goes on my car? Oh NO... actually if you ask for a "hubcap" at Nacho Mama's, your going to get a huge hubcap shaped bowl filled with tequila and margarita mix. Completely delicious...

1107 East Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224 LOCATION IS AMAZING

Elizabeth Todorov (Keller Williams) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:15:20 -0600

Liz Etzel | Keller Williams Realty | lizetzel@kw.com | 410 599 4161

1107 S. East Ave., Baltimore, MD

Spacious interior with NEW WINDOWS (in most of the house) and a new roof. 1 block from the water (Canton Crossing) 2 blocks from Canton Square!

3BR/1BA Townhouse

offered at $169,900

Year Built	1920
Sq Footage	1,308
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	None
Lot Size	975 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

BEST LOCATION IN CANTON! 2 blocks from the water, 2 blocks from the square, quite and large street with plenty of parking! This property has so much potential, it's a MUST SEE!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Living room	Dining room	Basement
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Liz Etzel

Keller Williams Realty

lizetzel@kw.com

410 599 4161

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 22, 2008, 10:27am PDT