Got a contract in a few days after new floors..... - 06/30/07 11:55 AM
It's amazing what new flooring can do.  We suggested replacing flooring and carpet in a house we had for sale when we first listed it, but the seller didn't want to spend the money.  That is totally understandable.  His family was telling him not to spend the money.  But 83 days later, no offers.  Finally he decided to put the flooring on a credit card.  New carpet was put in, carpet taken out of the kitchen (!) and one piece laminate put in, nothing fancy.  Within 4 days we had 3 showings, all interested and one offer in writing.  Never underestimate … (1 comments)

Convert your adjustable rate to a fixed rate loan - 06/14/07 10:34 AM
If you're planning on being in your house for awhile, it's a good time to consider switching from your adjustable rate loan.  30 year fixed rates are still at historic lows and they take the uncertainty out of your future.  With prices going up on a lot of different things (gas, electricity, etc.), and the risk of inflation, no one knows if/when the rates will be going up so if you are in an adjustable rate loan, you could end up taking a hit in the future.  Of course if you are in a career field where you know your income … (0 comments)

All Granite and Cabinets in Crofton - 06/14/07 09:43 AM
We've all driven past this place many times - it's right behind the Nautilus Diner at Rt. 3 and Rt. 424.  It's in a long brick, non-descript building, but you need to go inside.
Beautiful granite, several different price points and styles to choose from.  They also carry quality cabinetry and their prices are really good.  I went over to price a kitchen remodel with a client.  This is for your average Crofton townhome, a galley style kitchen, so it is on the small side, but after getting a $10,000 estimate from another place, we went over to All Granite and Cabinets.  … (2 comments)

Using your home like a 401K - 06/14/07 09:34 AM
I just read an article about using your home as a 401K and they really had some good points.  When you invest in your home and keep it up to date, it's just like money in the bank.  Many improvements will get you back more than what you invested and others will help your house show better and sell quicker so it's like getting a big discount on the work.  Your home is one of your biggest investments and historically, they go up in value over the years so it's definately a good place to bank your money. 
Especially when you … (0 comments)

Don't forget depreciation.... - 06/13/07 07:14 PM
Did you know if you own a rental property, you can depreciate it and save even more on your taxes?
You have a lot of ways to save money when you invest in real estate.  You have the interest for the loan, upgrades and maintenance, and you can depretiate the house as well.  Basically you take the value of the home (not the land), divide it by 27 years, and that is the amount you can deduct from your taxes.
Ask your CPA to run the numbers, but with this added tax benefit, investing in a home this year might be part of … (0 comments)

Investors Alert! - 06/13/07 07:12 PM
Now is definately the time to invest in real estate in Maryland!  I am amazed at some of the prices homes are closing at.  Here we are in June, when the buyers should all be out and things are still surprisingly slow.  There is more inventory than demand and you know what that means - many more homes to choose from and good prices!  There are some neighborhoods that seem to have rebounded from this past winter, but others where prices are still pretty depressed.  Not good for sellers but great for buyers!
We have a townhome listed in Annapolis where an … (0 comments)

More Foreclosures - 06/13/07 06:45 PM
We're seeing more foreclosures lately.  Here's a website that you can use to search for foreclosures in the area:
 http://www.buybankhomes.com/
 There are others, here is one that has government owned properties:
 http://www.buybankhomes.com/
 Many homes are put into the multiple-list system so that they show up on www.realtor.com.  Some foreclosures are a real deal, some you can submit a low offer and see if they take it.  Other times you might be able to get a good deal, maybe as good or better on a "distressed" property.  Especially properties that have been listed for awhile, maybe 6+ months, or maybe a divorce situation, or a property where the … (0 comments)

Why buy if you're only going to be in Maryland for 3 years? - 06/13/07 06:33 PM
It might make sense for you, even if you are military and going to be here for 3 years.  Home prices in the area have settled a bit the past year, but with the BRAC, Base Realignment and Closure, many different military bases are closing and we are expecting thousands more families to move into the area in the next several years. 
We think prices this year are among the lowest you'll see in a long time if ever again.  Now of course we don't have a crystal ball, but when you look at supply and the future demand for housing … (0 comments)

Relocating to Maryland? - 06/13/07 06:25 PM
If you're thinking of relocating to Maryland, visit our website at www.webberteam.com.   We were both born and raised in Anne Arundel County and are very familiar with the area and helping folks relocate to Maryland from all around the country and overseas.  We work with military families and have helped many relocate to Maryland, helping them negotiate the VA loan process, and helping them get the closing costs paid for them. 
Give us a call at 410-320-0230 and we can discuss different areas, get a feel for what type of neighborhood you are interested in, and send you detailed listings of homes … (0 comments)

1713 Greentree Court, Crofton - 06/11/07 08:28 AM
This great townhome is located in the heart of Olde Crofton, not far from the Crofton Country Club.  As a resident, you can join the country club with a social membership which includes the swimming pool, dinners, restaurant and bar priviliges.  Or you can join with a full golf membership.  The home is in an established neighborhood, yet the feel is very modern as the sellers have painted the walls modern colors, and have updated it throughout.  The front yard features a huge Japanese Maple which the owners have been offered $16,000 for!  Truly magnificent, you don't see Japanese Maples this … (0 comments)

1370 Hazel Nut Court - 06/11/07 08:00 AM
This is a really cute townhome, perfect for the first-time homebuyer or investor, located in Annapolis.  This is a homewhere you can be at a break-even renting it.   It has 3 bedrooms, is freshly painted throughout the entire home, has good curb appeal, good sized kitchen, and a nice, fully fenced back yard.  There are now freshly planted flowers in the front.  Move in ready, but if you do a little cosmetic upgrading, you'll add great value to this one.  The house next door with upgrades including new appliances, sold for $298,000!  Great location, right off Rt. 50, so it's an easy commute … (4 comments)

Be Careful of Scams.... - 06/10/07 04:26 PM
We just heard of some creative financing that is going on in the area.  Apparently these people are even giving public seminars to potential homebuyers.  Basically what happens is a house "appraises" at $525K.  Now we all know the "appraised" value is not the same as market value.  So the seller lists the house at $450K.  But buyer pays $500K with the extra $50K going to the "program".  Then through the program, the buyer gets their first 2-5 years of mortgage payments made for them.  Win-win?  Watch out!   Anything that sounds too good to be true, probably is.  Should the house … (1 comments)

Try installing some flooring.... - 06/10/07 04:15 PM
Even if you aren't normally a "do it yourselfer" I encourage you to try putting in laminate flooring for your next home project.  It's not as hard as you think!  Carpet absorbs so many odors and so much dirt, it really is not a good choice for high traffic areas, much better for bedrooms.  The new laminate floors give such a clean look and make a room look spacious.  Check consumer reports - some of the laminate floors get highe marks than hardwood for durability.  You'll notice that you'll be sweeping every day, especially if you have dogs and children, but … (2 comments)

So Far So Good..... - 06/05/07 07:58 PM
We're at RE/MAX now, in the swing of things.  Yesterday we started the Brian Buffini course.  It's along the lines of what we are doing now, just a little more structured which is good.  Having a daily plan is important so you don't feel as if you are being pulled along by life, you're running the show more. 
We're going to be focusing more on our customer appreciation program, narrowing down our database and focusing on working with people that we can bring business to and vice versa. 
All of our signs are in and we've replaced the signs at a … (0 comments)

 

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