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Annapolis, MD Real Estate News

By Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,CRS,GRI,ePRO - SEMPER FI!
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
Freedom & Individualism When you rent, you are normally limited on what you can do to improve your home. You have to get permission to make certain types of improvements. Nor does it make sense to spend thousand of dollars painting, putting in carpet, tile or window coverings when the main person who benefits is the landlord and not you. Since your landlord wants to keep his expenses to a minimum, he or she will probably not be spending much to improve the place, either. When you own a home , however, you can do pretty much whatever you want. You get the benefits of any improvements you make, plus you get to live in an environment you have created, not some faceless landlord . For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/ TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL...
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By Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,CRS,GRI,ePRO - SEMPER FI!
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
When preparing to buy a home, the first thing many homebuyers do is look at "homes for sale" ads in newspapers, magazines and listings on the internet. Some potential buyers read "how-to" articles like this one. The next thing you should do - before you call on an ad, before you talk to a Realtor, before you shop for interest rates - is look at your savings. Why? Because determining how much money you have available for down payment and closing costs affects almost every aspect of buying a home - including how you write your purchase offer, the loan programs you qualify for, and shopping for interest rates. Mortgage Programs If you only have enough available for a minimum down payment, your choices of loan program will be limited to only a few types of mortgages. If someone is giving yo...
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By Michael Hamby
(Champion Realty, Inc)
The Hamby Real Estate Group, LLC (a full service real estate company) is proud to announce the development and release of its new website www.HambyRealEstate.com . This website was designed to increase the interactivity between the internet and the consumer. Some new features developed specifically for the site include: Shopping Cart Technology-This allows the consumer to "save" their favorite properties and submit one request for multiple properties, thus saving the consumer a great deal of time and allowing them to preview their selections prior to submittal. In a remarkable change from the "norm" the Hamby Group promises: You won't get added to any mass marketing list.I won't keep bothering you.Your email address will not get shared with anyone, ever. Other features include:Up to Dat...
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By Diane Donnelly, Anne Arundel County, MD Real Estate
(Keller Williams Flagship)
I was working with a seller this morning in Annapolis, Maryland.  They bought a home last year and are looking to move out of state for work.  After doing my analysis on the comparable homes for sale and the homes that have recently sold in the Annapolis area, I knew we were going to need to be very aggressive in our marketing approach. Each real estate sale is different.  Each buyer demographic may value something different than the other.  As a realtor, it is my job to define who the target market it, ascertain the means to reach this profile then devise a marketing strategy to achieve the sale. How do you know who the buyer profile is? First, make sure you have an experienced real estate agent working for you who can do this in their sleep.  Where do we think the buyer will be moving...
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By Martha Brown, Your Homes Around Annapolis Agent
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Annapolis MD 21403)
A few years ago I started a tradition of dinner out once a month with friends. With so many old established restaurants as well as some more recent and new entries to the Annapolis dining scene this would give us an opportunity to enjoy good company along with, hopefully, good food. Our August selection was one of the newer restaurant entries, The Chop House. Out and About Loving Annapolis   The Chop House is located just off Forest Drive and Route 2 in the The Annapolis Towne Center complex. It's 2nd floor location offers an elevator to whisk you up but this night I decided to take the stairs instead. I am glad I did as along the walls are beautiful old photos of Annapolis in years gone by. As a born and bred Annapolitan I love old photos of our area but since we were meeting our frien...
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By Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,CRS,GRI,ePRO - SEMPER FI!
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
Most experts agree that one of the best ways to avoid roof trouble is to inspect your roof twice a year: In the Fall, for sun damage and in the Spring for Winter damage. By doing this, you will be able to identify any problems early, before you start having leaks. Use binoculars from the ground to check for problems. If you have asphalt shingles (petroleum based material covered with sand-like granule), look out for a roof surface that is not smooth and the edges of the shingles are curled and warped. Check for crooked shingles. Scan the roof for any shingles that may have been lifted by the wind or are missing altogether. Bumps can indicate that the roofing nails below have become loose. Look for bald spots where the mineral granules have worn away. With wood shingles, check for curled...
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By Stephen Howell, Annapolis MD Homes For Sale 443-994-8043
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
What's next for the real estate market? Since December last year we've been on a steady climb from the bottom. But, the buyer's market is not where near over. While Months of Inventory has fallen to 8.2 months this August, last year it was 10.6. And, while that represents a 23.0% decline in available inventory in Anne Arundel County, there are still 3,706 active listings - down from 4,601 this time last year. Sold prices are off 3.4% year-over-year in Anne Arundel County, but, have declined 10.2% in Annapolis since last year. While it is optimistic to think that the local area real estate market has stabilized, there is still a long road ahead before there is a shift from buyer's market to seller's market. The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index for the Washington DC marketplace improved ...
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By Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,CRS,GRI,ePRO - SEMPER FI!
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
Another benefit of owning a home is Forced Savings. Some people are just lousy at saving money, and a house is an automatic savings account. You accumulate savings in two ways. Every month, a portion of your payment goes toward the principal. Admittedly, in the early years of the mortgage, this is not much. Over time, however, it accelerates. Second, your home appreciates. Average appreciation on a home is approximately five percent, though it will vary from year to year, and in some years may even depreciate.. Over time, history has shown that owning a home is one of the very best financial investments. For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit: http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/ TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE1986 Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, ...
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By Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,CRS,GRI,ePRO - SEMPER FI!
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
Pat Savani again use some goodcommomn sense in her bog on the impact of rising intrest rates. Rising rates usually affect home prices to some extent. This was evident in the most recent boom when affordability was up in the 140% range, rates were low and CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit: http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/ TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986 Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR® Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales Champion Hall of Fame Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 #1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo #1 Relocation si...
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By Ken Haedrich
(Keller Williams)
  A Number of Things – But Here’s Ken’s Video Post About the ONE THING That Takes the Cake They’ve actually done surveys to get the public’s opinion about how real estate agents measure up against other professionals. The results, I have to tell you, are not pretty if you’re one of us: in the public’s eye, we rank right up there with used car salesmen. In our defense, being a Realtor is not an easy job. The hours and demands are many. Still, there’s no excuse for certain behaviors, as I mention here. Have a look, and let me know what you think.    
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LITTLE BEN'S DOG-FRIENDLY CRUISE FOR COMPASSION Harbor Queen departing from the Annapolis City DockCity Dock, Downtown Historic AnnapolisAnnapolis, MD, US 410-263-8683earsup@pawspetboutique.com  Map VISIT WEBSITE Mark your calendars for Little Ben's Dog-friendly Cruise for Compassion! Date:  September 18, 2009Time:  7 PM to 10 PMAdmission: $55/ person (dogs are free when accompanied by adult)Benefiting: Animal Legal Defense Fund 4th Annual Ben's Cruise for Compassion is a perfect way to start your weekend on the water with your dog. Dan Haas with Ben's Bones will perform live aboard the Harbor Queen - Complimentary finger foods donated by businesses like Whole Foods of Annapolis, Cabot Cheese and Punk's Backyard Grill - Cash Bar - Amazing Silent Auction aboard thanks to local businesses...
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By Martha Brown, Your Homes Around Annapolis Agent
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Annapolis MD 21403)
Out and About Loving Annapolis   Chesapeake Bay Lighthouses One of the nicest things about living in Annapolis is being so close to the Chesapeake Bay and it's tributaries. Whether you are a sail boater, a power boater, love kayaking, canoeing or anything in between the Annapolis Md waterways offer many splendid moments full of good times and beautiful sights. One of my favorite sights while out on the bay are the lighthouses. The Maryland part of the Chesapeake Bay has a total of 22 lighthouses and three of those are located just off Annapolis. The first and most famous is The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. Constructed in 1875, it is the only screw pile light still standing in its original location. Once manned by the Coast Guard the decision was made in 1972 to discontinue manning and...
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About Hospice Cup MissionHospice Cup's mission is to raise funds for and awareness of hospice care for our participating hospices. RegattaHospice Cup is a charity sailing regatta, sanctioned by the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association (CBYRA). The regatta takes place on the Chesapeake Bay and is a highlight of the area's racing season, counting for the CBYRA season-long High Point competition. Spectator BoatSponsors, donors and invited guests can enjoy the races from the decks of a luxury charter boat, complete with open bar and catered lunch. On board race commentators will help bring the race alive as they discuss sailing maneuvers and boat positioning during the race. Shore PartyAfter the Races, head to the Shore Party and partake in the much anticipated wine auction, bid on one ...
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By Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,CRS,GRI,ePRO - SEMPER FI!
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
Most experts agree that one of the best ways to avoid roof trouble is to inspect your roof twice a year: In the Fall, for sun damage and in the Spring for Winter damage. By doing this, you will be able to identify any problems early, before you start having leaks. Use binoculars from the ground to check for problems. If you have asphalt shingles (petroleum based material covered with sand-like granule), look out for a roof surface that is not smooth and the edges of the shingles are curled and warped. Check for crooked shingles. Scan the roof for any shingles that may have been lifted by the wind or are missing altogether. Bumps can indicate that the roofing nails below have become loose. Look for bald spots where the mineral granules have worn away. With wood shingles, check for curled...
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By Carlyn Lowery, Realtor Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Maryland
(Lowery Home Team at eXp Realty)
Annapolis real estate agents, like agents across the country, are reaching the time of year when we size things up - where are we with respect to our annual goals, what can we change to do better. This year is a good year for my business, and it's a good year for my brokerage, Keller Williams Select Realtors of Annapolis, Maryland. We are expanding market share, in one of these cases of "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." This office provides ongoing training in how to deal with this changing market, including handling foreclosures and short sales, using first-time homebuyer programs and incentives, and presenting listings to sell. The education and experience is proving its value in today's challenging market, as we succeed in helping our clients meet their goals while al...
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By Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
If you're familiar with the Annapolis MD area, you must have heard or read of the trials and tribulations of the Market House, on the dock in Annapolis MD. Defective or undersized HVAC, mismanagement, contract issues, vendors leaving, etc. It's been sitting with one vendor, Vaccarros, for quite some time. It looks like the Market House is finally making a comeback and residents and visitors to Annapolis MD couldn't be happier. Without a doubt, the Market House is sitting on one of the prime pieces of Annapolis MD real estate. Right in front of the dock, right at the base of Ego Alley, in downtown Annapolis MD. Whenever I was in Annapolis MD, I used to enjoy visiting the Market House for something to eat. Just a couple of years ago there were many vendor stalls you could visit. It wasn't...
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By Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,CRS,GRI,ePRO - SEMPER FI!
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
Mistake #1 -- Pricing Your Property Too High Every seller obviously wants to get the most money for his or her product. Ironically, the best way to do this is NOT to list your product at an excessively high price! A high listing price will cause some prospective buyers to lose interest before even seeing your property. Also, it may lead other buyers to expect more than what you have to offer. As a result, overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price. Mistake #2 -- Mistaking Re-finance Appraisals for the Market Value Unfortunately, a re-finance appraisal may have been stated at an untruthfully high price. Often, lenders estimate the value of your property to be higher than it actually is in order to encourage re-financing...
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By Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,CRS,GRI,ePRO - SEMPER FI!
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
Stable Monthly Housing Costs When you rent a place to live, you can certainly expect your rent to increase each year – or even more often. If you get a fixed rate mortgage when you buy a home, you have the same monthly payment amount for thirty years. Even if you get an adjustable rate mortgage, your payment will stay within a certain range for the entire life of the mortgage – and interest rates aren’t as volatile now as they were in the late seventies and early eighties. Imagine how much rent might be ten, fifteen, or even thirty years from now? Which makes more sense? For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit: http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/ TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986 Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR® Certifi...
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By Stephen Howell, Annapolis MD Homes For Sale 443-994-8043
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
It seems that the cash for clunkers program has been a big success.  Manufacturers and local dealers were all advertising the program.  The program has been so successful that the government added additional funds to keep it running. The U.S. Government's bucks for first-time home buyers (the $8,000 tax credit) has not been so successful.  Although some first-time buyers in the real estate market expect to take advantage of the program, this is a rare group indeed. While both programs were aimed at stimulating the economy, the cash for clunker program may in the final analysis have done more for the automobile industry than the bucks for first-time buyers program will have done for the real estate industry.  There are several ways in which these programs differed that may have made the ...
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By Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,CRS,GRI,ePRO - SEMPER FI!
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
Jim Williams and Rachel Oslund at Pillar To Post put this great fire safety list together: Residential fires take their toll every year in lost lives and destroyed property. The fact is, many conditions that cause fires can be avoided or prevented by homeowners. Taking the time for some simple precautions and preventive inspections can help prevent fire in the home - and can even save your life should disaster strike. Any electrical devices including lamps, appliances, and electronic equipment should be checked for frayed cords, loose or broken plugs, and exposed wiring. Never run electrical wires under carpet or rugs. Wood-burning fireplaces should be cleaned by a professional chimney sweep each year to prevent a dangerous buildup of creosote, which can cause a flash fire in the chimne...
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