In their wake .... - 03/30/11 03:00 PM
We have spent several years sharing thoughts and observations about the collapse of the real estate world that existed as recently as 2006.  Depending on the writer's profession, fingers have been pointed at everyone else. Today, the market is limping along with little hope for dynamic recovery at any time in the near future.
That's where we are today. Those of us that have managed to survive continue to face challenges. Breathing room is never more than 45 days away.
We don't share much about the folks we meet now. We don't really let the world know about the casualties. Those … (3 comments)

7601 Dew Wood Drive, Derwood, Maryland $515,000 - 03/27/11 08:18 PM
Maybe you have a job with an office in downtown Washington DC. Maybe you work in Rockville or Bethesda. There's a good chance that where ever you spend your day earning your hard earned pay, it is part of the giant urban concrete jungle that extends from Alexandria to Rockville. At the end of the day, you will face the same challenges everyone else faces in just getting home.

Wouldn't it be nice if home made the daily grind worthwhile? There are so many things to consider when buying a home, wouldn't it be nice to know that you have … (1 comments)

How do I price my home for sale? - 03/27/11 01:18 PM
How do I price my home for sale? The answer to that question takes a little more thought and creativity than it used to take in days gone by.  In the Montgomery County and Washington, DC markets, we watched prices explode and almost double over a period of a few years ending in the late to mid-2000's.  Then, we watched in horror as home prices peaked and exploded, falling in a rush to levels equal to or below the pre-rise numbers.  It has been like reliving the explosion of the space shuttle... lofty dreams of uncharted areas being reached turning to … (0 comments)

Need I Say Anything More ... - 03/25/11 08:23 PM

… (7 comments)

12107 Red Stream Way Columbia Maryland $525,000 - 03/23/11 10:33 AM


It would be easy just to share the pictures of this home. People have been telling me that "a picture tells a thousand words". Maybe. But maybe pictures only tell part of the story.  You can visit the virtual tour by clicking on this LINK.  You will experience a snap shot in time.  The house has been cleaned and the kids toys have been put away.  The owners have dusted and polished. Everything was done to show the home in the photos.
I sold the Johnson's this house.  It was perfect for them at the time.  As I walked … (2 comments)

First Time Buyer Grant Money Is Now Available - 03/14/11 11:33 AM

First time buyer grant money is now available in the DC area.  There are several sources of this money. The amount can be as high as $7,500. It almost sounds to good to be true!  There must be a catch. Right?  Well, there is no catch, you only need to qualify for a loan from one of the lenders participating in the plan.  This is grant money.  After you live in the home for five years, it is completely forgiven. (If you move prior to five years, it is forgiven on a pro-rated basis).
Who is funding the plan?  Well, … (0 comments)

You need a Real Estate Agent ... Confused by your choices? - 03/09/11 12:41 PM
YOU DON'T NEED 8,230 REAL ESTATE AGENTS.  

YOU NEED ONE. Local resident for over 30 years. Represented Buyers (such as your self  in hundreds of transactions). Offers complete representation from initial consultation through settlement. Nationally recognized educator in the industry. Author of  books, articles, blogs and Examiner column. When asked about John MacArthur, David H. Stevens, Assistant Secretary - FHA Commissioner at HUD responded,  “John is a true real estate professional who combines passion, integrity, and a deep knowledge of real estate to produce outstanding results” Don't leave your largest purchase to chance! CALL  301-509-5111   TODAY John MacArthur Remax … (0 comments)

The Second Step in Home Buying - 03/08/11 11:25 AM
The second step in home buying is making a careful determination of your needs. This determination should include, but is not limited to the size, type and location of your new home.  As mention in my earlier article (The first step in Home Buying), you should have already spoken with a lender regarding how much money you are comfortable spending on your new home.  Don't be surprised if the figure is impacted by other monthly costs associated with the home you choose.  You have a monthly payment amount that is in your comfort zone. In addition to the cost of your … (1 comments)

Cattail Creek ... 15 minutes more and a world away - 03/05/11 11:59 AM

Isn't it time you came home to serenity?
You have done your time. The kids are grown, educated and out on their own.  You've had the AARP  membership card in your wallet for over 5 years.  You've moved up the professional ladder. Isn't it time you enjoyed the fruits of your labor?  The house seems a little bigger now that it has become and empty nest.  A lot of your long time neighbors have moved and a younger group of people is gentrifying your neighborhood.  You still like to stop and chat and you feel surrounded by people that communicate … (0 comments)

The First Step in Home Buying - 03/03/11 09:59 AM
The first step in home buying is making an honest evaluation of your current situation. This review should include several factors. Of course, you may be emotionally charged about some of your reasons. I would caution you to sit back and put everything on a pad of paper.
Right now, you might not even be aware of the things you need to consider. It is quite possible, you have read an article or had a conversation with someone and now you think it is time to buy. Let’s take a look at some of the arguments for and against buying now. … (4 comments)

Five Steps to Home Buying - 03/01/11 12:07 AM
Five steps to home buying is an overview of the home buying process. As time goes by, I will review each of the five steps to home buying individually. I will be the first to agree that it is not rocket science, but I do believe that the process is made much easier with the help of a buyer's agent. (A buyer's agent is a real estate agent representing the buyer via a buyer-broker agreement).
The five steps to home buying are:
Honest evaluation of your current situation. Careful determination of your needs. Thorough review of possible homes. Negotiation of  your … (3 comments)

 
Jmacnow Rainmaker_large

John MacArthur Licensed Maryland/DC Realtor

Metro DC Homes

Washington, DC

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Frankly Real Estate

Address: 6304 Crosswoods Circle #102, Falls Church, VA

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