Maryland Real Estate Authority

Do Your Best to Sell Your Home and Then Move On

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 02:17:07 -0700

Over dinner recently I heard a story about a woman who had done everything right to prepare real estate to sell fast. This story happened in VA but it could have happened with Dunkirk, MD real estate or Las Vegas real estate or anywhere in the country. The woman went through a divorce and she got the house, but decided to sell it so she could have a fresh start. It was a nice house in a nice neighborhood and had certainly increase in value since she and her ex-husband had purchased it in the 1980s. Still, it needed some attention. So to impress potential buyers she repainted and renovated the kitchen, got some landscaping help to re-do her front and backyards. And the most ambitious project of all was adding a brand new bathroom to the house. All of this work was costly and time-consuming. It was probably inconvenient to live in a house over a year or so with different renovation projects going on, but she put up with the inconveniences and supervised the work because she felt that she would be able to sell faster and for a better price with the improvements. This woman was able to shed her attachment to her home as it been in the past and get the house ready for sale and her efforts paid off! The person telling the story was a neighbor and friend of the woman, so the friend had seen all of the changes right from across the street. The house has been sold... to a couple that decided to tear it down to build a brand new home with entirely different landscaping. The neighbor is horrified after her friend did all the work, but the seller has moved into a new place with a new boyfriend.John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Getting Mentally Prepared to Sell Your Home

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 04:02:27 -0700

Selling Maryland real estate involves a number of subject that people take in school--math and finance (to understand crunching the numbers), art (to see the big picture), language arts (to communicate effectively with clients and then sell properties to buyers) and finally psychology. As a top Maryland real estate agent, I know all of the ins and outs of home staging and can tell clients how they can prepare a home to sell fast. However, I know that selling a home involves more than the actions one takes, because your mindset will also greatly affect the home selling process. If you, as the seller cannot shed the emotional attachment to your existing home, we are going to have a tough time selling it. You can even make repairs and to all the necessary work, but somehow, buyers will enter and sense that they cannot wrench the property from your grasp. Reluctant home sellers can sabotage the sale process without realizing it. If you know that it is time to sell but cannot let go, you not only have to do work on the house, you also have to do some work on yourself. When you are mentally ready to let go, you will joyfully get your home ready for someone else to live in and look forward to the next phase of your life. This means that it is easier for a real estate professional to work with you and get your home sold quickly for a price you will like. Give Yourself Permission To Set Yourself Free! Pretend that the house you live in is not yours Focus your emotions on where you are going to move, not what you are leaving. Don’t take it personally, it’s business. I know, I know, your house is different, it’s special etc., like I said, its business. John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Home Buyers Are Looking For Places to Call Home for Years to Come

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:50:32 -0700

These days a number of people who want to buy Maryland real estate are not looking to get into a home and the sell it in a few years. Instead, they are looking for a home that is in a neighborhood where they can see themselves spending a decade or more. People are looking at real estate as an investment, but not the kind of investment that you can flip quickly; instead home buyers want to invest in themselves and in a neighborhood. Staying in a house for at least five years has been a general rule of real estate, but during the heady times of the housing boom, people felt as if these kinds of rules did not apply. There was a feeling that real estate could be bought and sold at will and that there was lots of money to be made. While no one sets out to lose money on a real estate purchase, today's home buyers are not thinking of buying a home as a ticket to easy money. Even if they do end up taking out a home equity loan in the future, people are not buying homes so they can borrow against them. Mentioning neighborhood amenities is a part of selling Annapolis real estate and it is more important now than it has ever been. Because people plan to stay for awhile, they want to know that the place they are buying is either already a thriving community or on its way to soon becoming one. It was not that long ago that people were looking to buy up property that they hoped to make a profit with quickly. Now prospective home buyers, whether they want to raise families or not, are looking for homes where they can stay in for years to come. John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Why Banks Can’t Unload the Foreclosures They Have

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 03:46:21 -0700

If you have gotten to the point where you are contemplating foreclosure, you will need an experienced top Maryland real estate agent [http://www.homes-database.com/about/] to help. The same is true if you think you want to buy foreclosed Maryland property [http://www.homes-database.com/foreclosed/]. The foreclosure process has never been simple, but these days, the banks are not reacting quickly and there is more red tape than in the times when foreclosure was something few people knew about. Many foreclosure cases remain unresolved with more being added daily. With so many people in financial hot water and unable to afford to keep up with payments and maintenance on their homes, you would think that there would be more of an effort to assist these people so they could be relieved of their burden. What some don't realize is that, whether it is justified or not, banks feel as if they are being burdened as well. Even if the banks as corporate entities are not actually overwhelmed, the individual workers at these financial institutions certainly feel that way. (This is evidenced by the scandal of some workers pushing record numbers of foreclosures through without really examining documentation.) In some cases banks are not swooping in to take over a property; instead they are just letting the owners who do not pay just remain there. Some banks reason that if they just sit tight, and don’t rush in to take over distressed properties, then the economy will get back to normal and people will pay again. And to be fair, the laws are more complicated so more resources are needed to complete the process than process than before. Whether you want to buy foreclosed property or start the foreclosure process, you need an expert at your side who has your interests in mind and who has dealt with banks on these matters before. John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Why Owners Should Not Be Present for an Open House

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:50:40 -0700

While you may think that no one knows your home like you do and no one can show off all of its unique features like you can, you do not want to present for an open house. As an experienced Maryland real estate agent, I can tell you that having the owner there is likely to make a prospective buyer uncomfortable. While it is hard to imagine people looking over your Annapolis real estate, it is even harder to have them looking at it while you are there. Letting it go for the length of an open house can be good practice for the time when you have to let it go completely because it has been sold. Comfort Factor You want buyers to feel free to ask questions, take notes, consult the partner/friend/agent that is with them. They cannot do this if they feel as if the owner is watching. People who don't feel free to ask questions and make comments are less likely to buy. On the other hand, you will not want to be there to hear offhand comments from prospective buyers. Open houses can attract serious home shoppers and people who are merely curious; people in both groups can say things that may not be to your liking as they scrutinize the property. Staying Neutral Beyond the fact that an overeager owner can possibly annoy a prospective buyer, there is also the possibility of revealing too much. While you must work with an agent to make sure you disclose all that is legally required, getting comfortable and chatting with a buyer may mean saying too much. A buyer doesn't need to know that you think your neighbors are annoying, for example. A real estate agent can answer questions and present a neutral perspective.John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Marketing to Local Investors Who Want to Improve Their Area

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 02:32:31 -0700

It is certainly not good to have a property languish on the market unsold. As a Maryland real estate agent, I work hard to get my clients' properties sold before that happens. One of the ways to accomplish this is to be certain to market Annapolis real estate and other Maryland properties aggressively. This means looking for innovative ways to market and seeking new ways to get the word out. More and more investors are putting money into their local real estate market. These are not the typical "flippers" of before who wanted to buy a home and then sell it quickly. These investors are not in it for money to change hands quickly. A number of them are in it to change the place where they live for the better. They are willing to roll up their sleeves to not only make a property better, but they want to help neighborhoods improve as well. These kinds of buyers are looking in various kinds of areas--some may want a fixer-upper in an area that has seen better days, while others may be interested in a distressed property in a stable area. So how can you appeal to these well-meaning real estate investors who have the cash and the desire to buy local real estate? Try to vary your marketing approach. Some investors really are looking for a project, but they may find the idea that they are needed to save a desperate owner unappealing. Instead focus on how buying and maintaining certain properties could make a difference in the neighborhood. The idea of helping an area regain its footing can be very enticing for some buyers. This will not work in all areas, but if you are careful about when and where you take this marketing approach, you may find that local real estate investors will come your way. John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Selling With The Microwave Mentality

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Tue, 31 May 2011 03:27:51 -0700

People talk about how we are used to having things ready in an instant and you may not think about it much, but a "microwave mentality" applies when you want to sell Maryland real estate as much as it applies anywhere else. The desire to have things ready rather quickly is a good reason for you to put time into working on the curb appeal of the property that you want to sell. You can catch (or lose) the attention of potential buyers in an instant, so make your house instantly appealing to those who drive by and see a “For Sale” sign and those e who come for an open house: -Put mulch on the bare ground around shrubs and trees to keep weeds at bay and give the landscape a more uniform appearance. -Get flats of seasonal flowers in one color or two coordinated hues and make an appealing display. -If the paint on your fence, railings or front door looks worn, give these things a fresh coat of paint. -If you have a mailbox that is leaning over or looks outdated, replace it. -If the numbers on the front of your house/front door are worn or faded, replace them with new ones. Another influential force in our society is cable and the DIY culture. Years ago, people did see hours of television where experts help people make their homes go from acceptable to amazing. After being drawn in by curb appeal, some buyers will walk into your home and expect perfection. Let’s say you have great Annapolis real estate in a good condition in a prime location, some buyers will still expect to see a designer’s touch. This is when you can offer a price discount to cover the cost of cosmetic changes like new carpet or paint to seal the deal. John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Set the Right Price to Sell a Property Quickly

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Mon, 23 May 2011 05:06:58 -0700

One of the best ways to get a house sold quickly is to make sure that the price is right. Sometimes people can do many other things right--including fixing flaws and picking the time of year when most people in their area are house hunting--but if the price is too high, they may not get much interest. Over the years selling Annapolis real estate, it has become clear that sometimes an owner’s sentimental feelings about their home can cloud his or her thinking when it comes to setting a price. The New York Times recently observed that: The challenge seems to lie in accurately assessing what factors might make a house less than immediately salable — and in knowing just how much money those negative factors should chop from the price tag." (In House Pricing, Own Up to Flaws) This is one way to look at it and they make a valid point. There are a lot of great houses out there, but even the best houses have their flaws like an obstructed view or being too close to a highway. When you examine this issue from the other side of the spectrum, you also have to ensure that you do not add too much for the price for what the owner believes to be wonderful improvements. For example, some of the home theaters and "man caves" that are still popular are not in demand the same way they once were. Part of what I do as a Maryland real estate agent is to help owners look at the pluses and minuses of their homes. Rather than list only the things that can detract from the price, it is helpful to also note the assets that a house has as well. Setting a price involves factoring in what is great and what is not-so-great about a property.John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

How should you hold Title to your new Home?

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 08:14:47 -0700

how you should hold title to your new home? How you hold title to property can have a big impact later. There are more and more people buying homes with friends, relatives, co-workers and investors. Before you go to settlement you will need to know how you are going to hold title with the other person or group of persons involved. Sole Ownership is the easy one. That is you and you alone. Tenants in Common is when two or more people have ownership in one property. The ownership percentage in relation to the sales price may or may not be equal. The distinct difference with tenants in common is that you or the other parties involved can sell their interest to a third party. You may still retain your share of the property while other co-owners sell their interest in the property. Tenants in Common has right of survivorship. That means when you die your share of the property can be willed as you please. The heirs can then maintain or sell their interest in the property. Joint Tenants is when two or more people purchase a property in equal shares and at the same time. One owner cannot sell a portion of the property to a third party. And with this form of ownership you cannot choose who your share passes to upon your death. The property passes to the remaining owner(s) with an automatic right of survivorship. Lastly, Tenants by the Entirety is another form of ownership. This is really designed for husband and wife. Together the husband and wife hold title to the property with a right of survivorship. In this case unlike other forms of ownership the survivor will have automatic, sole ownership. This survivorship will be to the exclusion of the deceased spouse’s heirs that may be named in a will. It is wise to check with you attorney as to which way may be best for you in your situation. I am not an attorney and cannot and should not suggest any form of ownership. I would be interested in your hearing your suggestions regarding future blogs about the world of real estate.John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Price Your Home To Sell

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 01:03:29 -0700

Pricing your home to sell fast for more This video/slide show was developed to help you sell your home fast in today's buyer's market. In order to sell fast for more, sellers must participate in the preparation and pricing aspect of the home selling process. Many sellers ask me to price their home at the top of the market to leave room for negotiation. This is not a good pricing stragety if you want to sell your maryland home fast for more. Sellers, it takes time, research and a realistic analysis to price your home to sell in this market. The approach outlined in this video has positive proven results for today's seller. Sellers should seek counsel from professionals including, appraisers, real estate agents and home stagers before placing their home on the market. They should interview these professionals they way the would interview a doctor before a surgery. Understand what they are suggesting, why they are doing it and how it will benefit you. This pricing stragety works John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Annapolis Open House Saturday 23 October

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:26:46 -0700

Great price on this corporated owned home in Revell Downs Annapolis. Open this Sat. Oct. 23 from 11 Am to 1 PM. Fresh paint, Fresh Carpet, some new appliances, large yard and deck. Hey you! This is a great value, no joke, stop in and see great deal on Saturday open house. See full virtual tour [caption id="attachment_2434" align="aligncenter" width="768" caption="Open House Annapolis"][/caption] Great price on this corporated owned home in Revell Downs Annapolis. Open this Sat. Oct. 23 from 11 Am to 1 PM. Fresh paint, Fresh Carpet, some new appliances, large yard and deck. Hey you! This is a great value, no joke, stop in and see great deal on Saturday open house.John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Sell Your Home Fast for More in this buyer's market

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:30:16 -0700

Sell your home fast today in this buyer's market John Day of Long and Foster knows what it takes to sell homes fast in a buyer's market. Sellers need to prepare their home for marketing, they need to stage it today and price it right. I am not talking about giving it away, I am talking about setting the price correctly the day it goes on the market. John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

What is Title Insurance and Who Needs It?

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:05:38 -0700

What is Title Insurance and Who Needs It? Title insurance is an insurance policy protecting you, the buyer, from past and in some cases future conditions that could affect clear title of your home. See the link below on 70 ways to loose your property. There are owner policies and lender policies. At settlement you will most likely be required to pay for the lender,s policy. This, as it implies protects the lender from defects and other clouds on the title of your home. If you were to loose your home due to a large cloud on the title the lender would be protected for the loan amount but you may not. What types of things are we talking about? Standard policies cover things like forgery, deeds not properly on record, lack of access rights to a property, undisclosed but recorded prior mortgages and more. Many companies offer extended and upgraded coverage if requested. Upgraded coverage may cover things like post settlement forgery and more. I am not in the title insurance business and years ago, I thought this might just be another one of those "funny" settlement charges we all hear about. Today, more than ever, you should strongly consider this insurance. The lender is going to require it so they are covered in case of loss. With all the title issues with foreclosed properties today, I feel it essential. It's best to do your research and make an informed decision regarding title insurance coverage. Click the link below to learn more about title coverages. As always, please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate related questions. http://www.firstam.com/fatic/html/cust/1150.htmlJohn Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Annapolis Revell Downs Home For Sale

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 08:50:29 -0700

1635 Cananaro Drive Annapolis, Revell Downs For sale Annapolis Revell Downs Home for Sale John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

How you hold title to property can have a big impact later

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:37:45 -0700

How you hold title to property can have a big impact later. There are more and more people buying homes with friends, relatives, co-workers and investors. Before you go to settlement you will need to know how you are going to hold title with the other person or group of persons involved.Sole Ownership is the easy one. That is you and you alone.Tenants in Common is when two or more people have ownership in one property. The ownership percentage in relation to the sales price may or may not be equal. The distinct difference with tenants in common is that you or the other parties involved can sell their interest to a third party. You may still retain your share of the property while other co-owners sell their interest in the property. Tenants in Common has right of survivorship. That means when you die your share of the property can be willed as you please. The heirs can then maintain or sell their interest in the property.Joint Tenants is when two or more people purchase a property in equal shares and at the same time. One owner cannot sell a portion of the property to a third party. And with this form of ownership you cannot choose who your share passes to upon your death. The property passes to the remaining owner(s) with an automatic right of survivorship. Lastly, Tenants by the Entirety is another form of ownership. This is really designed for husband and wife. Together the husband and wife hold title to the property with a right of survivorship. In this case unlike other forms of ownership the survivor will have automatic, sole ownership. This survivorship will be to the exclusion of the deceased spouse’s heirs that may be named in a will.It is wise to check with you attorney as to which way may be best for you in your situation. I am not an attorney and cannot and should not suggest any form of ownership. I would be interested in your hearing your suggestions regarding future blogs about the world of real estate.John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Bowie Home For Sale

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:13:21 -0700

Bowie Cape Cod, Just Listed, For Sale, Corporate Owned $229,900 John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Sellers Prepare Your Home to Sell it Fast for More!

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:10:11 -0700

FIRST IMPRESSIONS... Sellers, make the first impression a great one. There are many, many things that people think they need to do in order to sell their homes. I sometimes get to the listing appointment and have the sellers give me a huge laundry list of things they have done or plan to do to their home. "We just put in new windows, a new roof, a patio and the new orange counter top". I am amazed at people who do all the things they wanted to do while living there but didn't do them until it was time to sell. It's great to make improvements to your home and ready it for the market. It is important to make your home attractive to potential buyers, but there is a thing called overkill. New home builders often hire very talented interior design companies to stage their models. I was well aware of this when I worked for new home builders. The "model effect" is what sellers should be striving for. You say, "how in the world can we do that, we live in our home, our dogs and cats and 4 year old live with us." You can't ship the cats and dogs out and put them in storage, you can't take little Laura and put her in storage, I understand that. But you can do some of the following things to help yourself out. First, take an objective look at the exterior of your home. Ask a friend or neighbor to take a look with you. Are their weeds in the garden, does it need mulch, does the yard need raking? Are there flowers growing out of the gutters that you always admired but the potential buyer may not. I have sent crews to some of my customers homes and just had them clean up the whole yard. You may not have the time to do this so get an agent to handle it or hire it out. The first thing potential buyers see is the front of your home. Make it cozy, put a wreath on the door with a bow, put some candles in the window (don't leave them lit), pick up ANY and ALL debris, dog stuff etc. that is in the yard. We live in our homes, some of us much more than others. Many sellers loose touch with reality. The hole in the wall near the bathroom door has been there so long it looks like home to them. The crayon drawing on little Laura's wall was done when she was in kindergarden so to you it's cute. This list goes on and on. I have seen it all. You must get rid of the clutter. That means all the magazines, books, clothes, 40 weeks of junk mail, nic nacks etc. Either throw out or pack it up. Get the 150 notes and pictures off the front of the refrigerator and keep the kitchen counter very clean. Put some candles, or fruit in a bowl or something attractive on the counter. You might consider leaving the table set when you are not home. If you need paint touch up get it done. If its dark green or red or something equally lovely, consider painting a fresh coat of a neutral color. Make the beds and hang up ALL clothes, please don't leave stuff on the floor or chairs. Use something to freshen the air especially if you have pets. I have sent professional cleaning crews in to assist with this, maybe you could consider that. Get an objective opinion on the amount of clutter and the cleanliness of your home. Replace the filters in the heat pump or furnace. That's one of the first things home inspectors look at. It scares people that notice those things. When they are full of hair and dirt it makes the buyer feel like the home they may by buying is dirty and can really turn them off. Sellers, use your agent for this process. They should be very candid with you about the condition of your home and what you need to do to make it more attractive. Before you spend money to make major improvements discuss it with your agent, why spend $10,000.00 to get $5,000.00 more for your house. You may be able to spend $500.00 for professional cleaning and save the $9,500.00. I recently sold two homes in Chesapeake Beach Maryland less that 15 days each because the sellers followed these suggestions. John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

South river colony homes for sale open house

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:13:04 -0700

See other information about South River Colony http://www.tourfactory.com/662243 www.homesbuyday.com John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Edgewater Townhome For Sale in South River Colony

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:57:14 -0700

Edgewater Townhome For Sale South River Colony. One of the Best Prices in South River Colony 3 Finished Levels, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, Recreation Room LL with walkout and Fireplace Garage Unit as well. Kitchen with Granite counter Tops Much More!!!! 2315 Abby Road, Edgewater, MD South River Colony Home For Sale South River Colony community offers two swimming pools, clubhouse, golf course, multiple playgrounds, walking trails and over 800 homes within the 1400 Acres. Edgewater has many homes for sale but few as nice as this. This is a bank owned home and shows beautifully. Priced at only 376,900 in a community where average prices are much higher, you should consider calling John Day to see this home. The full virtual tour is available for your viewing. If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in the Edgewater area, find out why John Day should be your top choice real estate agent. To see a community profile of Edgewater and to see all Edgewater homes for sale and foreclosures just visit me on the web. John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401

Severna Park Home for sale, open house in Oak Grove Oct. 2, 2010

John Day (Long and Foster Real Estate Inc.) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:13:49 -0700

Severna Park Colonial for sale in Oak Grove..Open Oct 2, 11 am to 2 pm This is a beautiful Severna Park Home, located in the popular community of Oak Grove. Situated on a large corner lot, with mature trees, side load garagemake this a dream come true. Propery will be open for viewing Saturday October 2, 2010 from 11 am to 2pm please come by for your buying pleasure. Oak Grove has 4 community beaches, its a hop and skip from the B&A bike and hiking trail, it's a mature community with a variety of home types and prices. This home has a great master bath with claw foot tub, kitchen with breakfast bar, open foyer with hardwood floors and a lower level that's just waiting for your finishing touches. Nearby you have plenty of shopping options within Severna Park and neighboring Annapolis. We welcome you to come see this home and other Severna Park homes for sale. If you want to discuss your options for listing and selling your Severna Park home why not find out why John Day sells more?John Day agent CRS,GRI,SFT Long and Foster Real Estate Annapolis, MD 21401