Benefits for Home Sellers Who Brave the Cold

As we hunker down and prepare ourselves for the wintry chill ahead, many home sellers consider taking their home off the market. However, there can be some real benefit for those home sellers who brave the cold and keep their homes on the market during the winter months.
Though it is true that spring and early summer are the heavy selling seasons, not many realize that selling in winter can be just as profitable, and it may even be a better time to feature your property.
During the winter months there tends to be less homes on the market which means less competition. Less competition gives home sellers more opportunity to showcase their property and make their home stand-out from the rest.
Selling during the winter season will also let home sellers take advantage of the holiday decorations which help to make homes look more cozy and inviting. The lack of leaves on trees can let the light in, and also highlight a wonderful view that would normally be shrouded in spring and summer.



Here are several tips to help you market your home successfully during the winter months.
Clear debris from your gutters to keep ice and snow at bay. Remove fallen leaves and other foliage before the first snow fall. If it does snow, make certain that all entrances to the home and driveway are easily accessible and clear of any ice. Be sure to wash the windows to take advantage of any spectacular views, and light a fire during an open house if you have a fireplace.
Of course, work with your sales professional to ensure that your property is properly priced for the market. Don't forget that while there may be fewer buyers in the market during the winter, there are still buyers out there who are looking for a deal and their perfect home.

Looking to buy or sell? Give me a call, I would be happy to help!

Homeownership is Still the American Dream

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released its annual Housing Opportunity Pulse Survey which questioned Americans from across the nation on their attitudes towards homeownership.  According to the survey, homeownership still features prominently as the American dream as nearly 8 out of 10 respondents believe buying a home is a good financial decision.


Also according to NAR and its Pending Home Sales Index, pending home sales have increased for the second consecutive month rising 4.3 percent to 82.3 based on contracts signed in August. The data reflects contracts and not closings. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.

That number is still low when compared to August of 2009 when it was up 103.0, but it is still a sign of improvement and we'll take it.  It's clear that we still have a ways to go towards a full housing market recovery.  Most industry experts agree that we must have further job creation and healthier consumer confidence to achieve that goal.  Those surveyed also agreed that job insecurity and the lack of jobs continue to be the primary obstacle to home ownership and market recovery at this time.
For those in a position to buy, it is still a prime opportunity with historically low interest rates and a wide selection of homes that are more affordable now than ever. NAR's survey respondents agreed, with more than two-thirds of respondents (68 percent) saying that now is a good time to buy a home.


If you are currently in the market to purchase a home, be aware that industry insiders are watching inflation rates closely right now. If inflation rates begin to rise, then so will mortgage rates.  If mortgage rates rise, it could price many buyers out of their dream home.
To see what specific trends are taking place in your market area, feel free to contact me so I can provide you with a detailed analysis. 

New Listing Alert! 108 Longwood Road in Roland Park

Don't let this one get away! Lovely 7 bedroom, 3.5 bath Roland Park home has been renovated from top to bottom while keeping its charm & history intact.



Updates include eat-in kitchen, enclosed wrap around porch with bead board ceiling and slate floors, restored pocket doors, butler’s pantry, fully finished basement with in-law suite and more. All this and located within walking distance to the Library, Eddies, Starbucks, and shops.


For additional photos and info go to: http://www.homefindbaltimore.com/ I will be holding an open house from 12-2pm this Sunday. Feel free to contact me for a private showing.
If you're in the market to buy/sell give me a call, I would be happy to help!

New Listing Alert! 712 Pacific Street in Historic Stone Hill

Dear Clients and Friends,

I want you to be the first to know about my new listing located in one of Baltimore's most hidden historic neighborhoods, Stone Hill.

712 Pacific Street is a 3 bedroom, 2 full bath semi-detached home built in 1846 and was home to mill workers back in the mid to late19th century. Truly a step back in time..
As you can imagine this 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home is unique and filled with character from the bygone era such as the glass sunroom, stone walls, original oak floors and woodburning fireplace among so many others.
Yet it has been carefully renovated to today's living standards boasting new HVAC, stainless steel appliances & concrete countertops, recently insulated basement, new gutters, new roof on porch and bead board ceiling.
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, it makes this neighborhood and home a one-of-a-kind treasure. Priced at $315,000 it's a must see!
We will be open this Sunday from 12-2pm if you'd like to stop by. Otherwise, give me a call or send me an email for additional details or a private showing.

Whether you are in the market for a new home or looking sell, give me a call or send me a quick email since I would love to help!

It's a Great Time to Buy!

The renting versus homeownership debate has taken center stage in the headlines lately.  Wall Street Journal columnist Brett Arends provided readers with 10 Reasons to Buy a Home. While readers were able to ponder those 10 reasons, the same week the Today Show featured a segment weighing the pros and cons of renting and buying.


All this information can be a lot to digest for many consumers, who are weighing whether to make the most significant financial commitment and investment of their lives. For some people, the decision to buy a home isn't so much about dollars and cents - it's more of an emotional decision based on the desire to have a home that they can call their own. Many people simply want to be their own landlord, with no worries about an expiring lease hanging over their heads.


Almost everyone expects their real estate agent to say:"It's a good time to buy!" Right now, there are several factors that make that statement especially true. Buyers have a wider selection of properties to choose from, at more attractive and affordable prices. Mortgage interest rates are historically low, helping to improve affordability even more. Additionally, homeowners can also save on taxes by deducting mortgage interest from income taxes.


Home prices have stabilized in most markets, and in the long run home values typically enjoy modest gains.  According to a recent survey by Fannie Mae, a majority of Americans still believe housing is a safe investment. 

6 Things You Think Add Value to Your Home -- But Really Don't

Thought this was a great article! I can't stress enough the issue of inconsistent upgrades.

http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/110874/things-that-dont-add-value-to-your-home?mod=realestate-homeimprove

New Cell Phone Law Begins Today!

Just a quick reminder that the new cell phone law begins today. No driving while using a handheld cell phone so get out your earpieces before hitting the road today.

Check out the link for additional info about this new law- http://chevychase.patch.com/articles/marylands-cell-phone-ban-begins

Baltimore City Paves the Way for Building Green

(Baltimore, MD – August 31, 2010) Baltimore Housing in partnership with the Planning Department displeased to announce the release of the Baltimore City Green Building Standards (BCGBS). The BCBGS are meant to be a quicker, less expensive alternative to the traditional LEED certification currently required under the Baltimore City Code. The standards will apply to newly-constructed or extensively-modified nonresidential or multi-family residential buildings that have or will have at least 10,000 square feet of gross floor area.
The new standards are innovative and designed to achieve certification for green buildings with guidelines that work with Baltimore’s unique building and land use issues. As awareness of environmental and energy issues has increased, demand for green buildings has also grown as. The BCGBS incorporate elements of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and will serve as an ‘incentive’ for green development without additional cost to developers. They are also designed to best achieve the goals of the Baltimore Sustainability Plan.
“The development of the Green Building Standards is another opportunity to show the City’s commitment to being environmentally responsible,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

“Baltimore City’s Green Building Standards give developers an incentive to go green,” said Housing Commissioner Paul T. Graziano. “We understand the challenges facing developers and have created a plan that addresses their needs and our commitment. The new standards are sensible, effective, enforceable and will be seamless and transparent.”
Compliance with these standards will, among other things: protect and restore the City’s water supply, reduce Baltimore’s urban heat island effect, encourage alternative transportation and promote and improve access to more green spaces throughout the City
“Certification for green building projects in Baltimore will take less time, because they will be reviewed as part of the City’s existing development review processes,” said Tom Stosur, Director of the Baltimore City Planning Department. “Baltimore City is committed to being eco friendly and this is just another step towards that end.”

So What's the Real Deal?

Any homebuyer or seller who peruses the news headlines can become quickly disheartened or elated depending on which publication, blog, or news station they are following. There is no doubt that conflicting information is being reported on the real estate industry on a daily basis.
The information reported is not necessarily false, but the reality is that real estate is a very local business. What is happening in regards to sales, pricing, or foreclosures nationally or even state-wide, may not be the reality in your local community.
Understanding how this information impacts you directly can also be difficult to navigate. The National Association of Realtors®, the leading source of information for the real estate industry, just reported that the national median existing-home price for all housing types was up 0.7 percent in July from a year ago; a very positive sign that home prices and the market have stabilized. Yet completed transactions dropped 27.2 percent in July from June; initiating news reports that the market is far from recovery.
So what's the real deal? How should this data impact your home buying or selling decisions? Is the market stabilizing or flailing?
Its times like these that I can provide you with the solid facts that are relevant to you in your local area.
I not only have the experience and knowledge to assist, but deal in the local marketplaces everyday and have access to pertinent local data that can help you make sound home buying and selling decisions.
Whether you are a home seller who needs professional guidance to price a property appropriately, or a home buyer who needs a responsible representative who will lead you through the process, I can advise you, dissect those national headlines, and give you the right kind of information to help you make the decisions that are right for you.
For help navigating the real estate landscape, please contact me.

Buyer Beware- Permit Needed

I want to share with you something that has come up for one of my buyers that anyone purchasing a home should be aware of.

After moving into their newly rehabbed home, which had previously been a shell, these new homebuyers received notification from the Baltimore Housing Authority informing them that no “Use and Occupancy Permit” had been issued and that there would be fine if this was not completed by a fast approaching deadline.

After following up on this with the city, and paying $25 for an application for a permit, they still need an inspection, possible repairs made, final inspection, and final permit from the city. All of which is costing time and money for something that was to be completed prior to selling the home for, residential use, by the seller. After speaking with the lender and title company, we have found that it is not common for the title company to research this permit unless the lender requires it for the loan and that’s usually only when financing new construction.
We are still working on this in order to obtain reimbursement from the seller but going forward I recommend checking with the Baltimore Housing Authority for any outstanding violations and permits on all property when making a purchase and if the property was a shell or is new construction, asking for an “U&O Permit” is a good idea so you don’t get this nice welcoming gift from the city.
Check out http://www.baltimorehousing.org/ for additional information and if you’re in the market to buy/sell, give me a call.

A Great Way to Keep Track of Your Valuables and Determine Insurance Needed

I was just reading about a neat way to keep track of all of your belongings and quickly see how much it would cost to replace them. You can create a room by room inventory and determine insurace amount to claim. You can even add images and receipts and the best part is that its FREE.

Check it out at:
http://whatyouown.org/index.html

Thanks for the great article in Realtor Magazine!

Latest Client Testimonial!

Dear Clients and Friends,

I want to share my latest client testimonial that I happily received today.

I would recommend Magan Drane to any potential seller that is serious about selling their home.  Magan utilizes every marketing strategy, including emerging technologies such as social media, to help her clients sell their homes.  This is an extremely helpful yet under-utilized asset in today's market.  She is also incredibly easy to make contact with and is prompt in her responses.  Magan does an excellent job representing her client's needs and desires.  She also had great insight into what helps homes sell and takes the time to work with her clients to make their home "show" ready.  With Magan's marketing tools and good preparation advice, we had our home on the market less than a day before we had an offer!  This was unbelievable considering the 2010 housing market and the glut of real estate available within our zip code.  
Thank you Magan,


Jamie

Thanks so much to Jamie and Zach for choosing me as their Realtor and providing me with this feedback. It was a pleasure working with you.
If you are in the market to buy and/or sell, give me a call since I would be happy to help!

New Listing Alert! 12108 Tullamore Court #301

~This top floor condo shows like a model~ 1BR/2FB, fresh paint, recessed lighting, wood floors, huge master bedroom with seperate full bath & walk-in closet. Has a 2nd full bath and seperate den which could easily become a 2nd bedroom, vaulted ceilings, natural light throught, and nice size balcony. Tons of storage throughout and includes full washer and dryer ~Listed for $325, 900~

Contact me for a private showing today! If you are in the market to buy/sell, give me a call since I would be happy to help.

BRAC Counties Include Baltimore County and Baltimore City & Open to Anyone Buying in these Jurisdictions!

The new initiative will provide $100 million in mortgage loans 10 jurisdictions, lowering the interest rate to 4.5%, and these mortgages are open to anyone buying a home in these areas- not just BRAC-impacted homebuyers!!

http://www.federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=110&sid=1998208

Not Your Typical Real Estate Search Engine..It's Actually Creative and Fun!

I just had so much fun testing this new search engine out. Whether your on the house hunt or not this is really a nice change of pace. Give it a shot and let me know what you think!

http://www.coldwellbanker.com/BlueScape

Columbia/Ellicott City No. 2 "Best Place to Live" by Money Magazine

http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2010/07/12/daily4.html?surround=lfn

New Mortgage Program on its way to 10 MD Counties Due to BRAC

For further details check out: http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2010/07/05/daily18.html

This should be helpful to the families relocating as well as for the sellers in these counties right now.

I'll continue to keep you posted!

Market Update

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimated that a million homes were sold due to the Tax Credit extension this past spring. With the spring rush, real estate sales professionals, title service providers, and mortgage brokers have worked overtime to ensure those homebuyers not only found their dream home, but closed in time to meet the June 30 closing deadline.

In a recent release, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, estimated that 180,000 home buyers would miss out on the credit for not closing in time.

Industry movers and shakers have supported legislation to extend the closing date to allow those buyers to get through the title log jam. At the eleventh hour the Senate passed a House bill bringing much relief to those buyers who were under contract by April 30, by allowing them an extra 90 days to close their home purchase.

The proposal will not have a significant impact on future home sales, but will significantly help those 180,000 homebuyers scrambling to achieve their homeownership dreams.

For homebuyers who didn't take advantage of the tax credit, the time is still ripe for those who want to purchase a home. Interest rates are still holding at all-time record lows providing homebuyers an opportunity to get in the market.

It has been speculated by industry watchers that interest rates will climb in the near future as the economy recovers. Even the slightest bump in interest rates can price a buyer out of their dream home. The key message here is don't wait, or you could miss your opportunity.

Inventory is still plentiful as well. Home sellers who missed the early spring rush aren't necessarily making a mistake by putting their home on the market now. Over the past few years, the buying season trend has extended into the summer months as new home buyers want to ensure they are moved in to their new home before school starts in September.

Home prices have also stabilized in many areas of the country ensuring more affordable housing. The mind set now is that a property isn't just an investment, it is a home. It is a place to call your very own.

Overall, there are opportunities to be had, and not to be missed.

For more information about real estate trends in your community, please contact me.

Look What We Did!

I want to thank all of my current and previous clients for helping me rank in the top 25 company sales for the month of May.

I couldn’t do it without fantastic clients and fantastic referrals! I look forward to keeping up the momentum.

If you or someone you know is looking to buy and/or sell, I hope you will keep me in mind. Thank you!

JUST SOLD IN MOUNT WASHINGTON!

~6105 Eastcliff Drive~

Offer received within 24 hours on the market! Congratulations to Zach and Jamie on their new adventure in California!

Looking to buy/sell, give me a call since I would be happy to help!

Possible Tax Credit Settlement Extension

The Senate voted to extend the closing deadline of the home-buyer tax credit from June 30th to September 30th. The bill still needs passage by both chambers of Congress, but if successful will allow home buyers who signed a contract by April 30th to still get the full benefits of the home-buyer tax credit provided they settle by September 30th, 2010.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/senate-oks-extending-home-buyer-credit-deadline-2010-06-16

JUST SOLD IN FEDERAL HILL!

~ 519 East Clement Street in Federal Hill~

We acted quickly to get this house under contract within 2 days of being on the market, beating out another offer!

Congratulations to Lindsay and Chris!

If you're looking to buy or sell, give me a call since I would be happy to help you through the process every step of the way!

JUST SOLD IN MOUNT WASHINGTON!

~2600 Ken Oak Road~

Just sold in Mount Washington and within 6 days of hitting the market! Congratulations to Scott, Tammy, and Genevieve! I cant wait to stop by and see how you have it all set up. Thanks for being so patient every step of the way!

Positives that Shouldn't be Ignored

Starting May 1, the day after the Federal Tax Credit expired, numerous news outlets were already reporting doom and gloom projections from industry analysts. It's true that with the end of the credit, real estate industry watchers are anticipating that sales will slow.

There are some positive factors however that shouldn't be ignored. Many industry watchers also agree that the Tax Credit did what was intended, reduce inventory, and sell homes.

Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), agreed, "The tax credit has been very effective in drawing down excess inventory, with about one million additional sales resulting directly from the stimulus."

Housing inventory is an important barometer and is defined by the number of properties for sale at any given time. A month of supply is the number of months it would take to sell the inventory. On average, to sell a home in four to six months represents a normal level of inventory. Typically, with higher levels of inventory, it remains a buyer's market.

Some regions of the country are currently experiencing a lack of inventory. When this occurs, home prices tend to stabilize and/or rise. NAR recently reported in the release Home Prices Rising in More Metro Areas, First Quarter Sales Up From a Year Ago that in the first quarter of 2010, 91 out of 152 metropolitan statistical areas showed higher median existing single-family home prices in comparison with the first quarter of 2009, including 29 with double-digit increases.

This could be a result of lower inventory levels, but it could also signify that consumer confidence is finally rebounding. According to Bloomberg.com in an article posted on May 3, consumer spending rose by the most in 6 months and incomes climbed for the first time this year.
When consumers feel comfortable with their financial position, they feel more comfortable making those major life changing purchases.

NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, said in the same release that there's been a change in market psychology. "Buyer confidence is back, and home buyers have long-term views. The typical buyer plans to stay in their home for 10 years, so we've put the flipping mentality behind us and most people see housing for what it is - shelter that provides social benefits and is also a good long-term investment."

The reality is this current environment has made homes much more affordable as sellers price their properties appropriately. To determine the buying trends in your area, please contact me.

Will the Minimum Bid Become the New Market Value for HarborView?

Sounds like an incredible opportunity although a shame for the current owners in and around HarborView.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/real-estate/bs-bz-pier-homes-auction-20100602,0,4355379.story

JUST SOLD AND ABOVE LIST PRICE!!

~Just Sold Above List Price and with Multiple Offers in the Wings~

Completely renovated one-of-a-king property in Tuxedo Park, on the edge of Roland Park with incredible walkability.

If you're looking to buy or sell give me a call so that I can put my real estate expertise to work for you!

New Listing Alert! 219 East Avenue S. in Patterson Park/Highlandtown

Charming, light and airy, HUGE eat-in kitchen, beautiful pine floors, 2 skylights, New roof in '09, exposed brick throughout, 9+ ceilings, brand new carpet on stairway/hallway, adorable fenced patio. Excellent walkability to Highlandtown Elementary, The Creative Alliance, Patterson Park, & all of the shops and restaurants on Eastern Avenue. All of this and priced at $199,900!

I will be holding an open house from 12-2pm on Sunday 4/18, just in time for the Highlandtown Wine Festival. I hope you will stop by to say “hi” or feel free to contact me for a private showing.

If you are in the market to buy or sell please let me know since I would be happy to help!

New Listing Alert! 6105 Eastcliff Drive in Mount Washington

Listed at $349,000 this Mid-Century Modern home has breathtaking views of the wooded neighborhood, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, 1^st floor in-law suite, a truly unique sunroom/breakfast room- perfect for an indoor garden, and underwent an extensive remodel in ’98 which includes new windows, plumbing, and roof- essentially a new house!

We will be open from 12-2:30pm next Wednesday 4/7 and Sunday 4/11 from 12-2pm. Feel free to give me a call for a private showing.

Whether you are in the market to buy or looking to sell, I would be happy to help!

Thank you,

Magan Drane

New Listing Alert! 4621 Keswick Road in Evergreen

Located in the charming neighborhood of Evergreen, this detached home boasts an enclosed sun porch, large eat-in kitchen, adorable backyard with deck for entertaining, and even off street parking.

3 bedrooms which include a huge finished attic that could be used as bedroom/office/playroom/addtl living area with incredible views overlooking the fenced back yard. 2 full baths, formal dining room off of kitchen. This home has so much to offer and priced at $389,900,

I will be holding an open house from 12-1pm this Sunday and again next Wednesday from 12-2:30pm. I hope you will stop by to say “hi” or feel free to contact me for a private showing.

Whether you are in the market to buy or looking sell, give me a call or send me a quick email since I would love to help!

FHA Upfront MIP Fee Increasing April 5th!

Please remember that the upfront MIP fee will be increased from 1.75% to 2.25% April 5th so if you are an FHA buyer, we need to get you under contract as soon as possible.

All other speculated changes (increase down payment, decrease seller contribution) will not be effective until a later day. I'll continue to keep you posted.

The spring market is in full swing so now is a great time to give me a call if you are considering buying/selling!

New Listing Alert! 715 Deepdene Road in Tuxedo Park

~Just Listed~

This property is truly unique! Completely renovated from top to bottom with an open floor plan and a modern and trendy feel. Open this Wed 12-2:30pm and Sunday 1-3pm.

http://magandrane.com/PropertyDetails?fl_hook=1361581939&show_virtual_tour=yes&show_description=yes&show_address=yes&presented_by=yes

New Legislation Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in all Baltimore Homes

Beginning March 1st each level of your home which has a bedroom must have a carbon monoxide detector. See link below for details.

http://wjz.com/local/carbon.monoxide.baltimore.2.1513904.html

Just Listed! ~925/927 Charles Street South ~

Priced at $499,900 this is an excellent investment opportunity! Two adjoining buildings with retail space on 1^st floor and two separate 2 bedroom, 1 full bath apartments above. All are currently tenant occupied and separately metered.

Commercial property being used as an art gallery with four large rooms, half bath, and basement. Current tenant has occupied this property for 12yrs.

Apartments consist of two levels served by a common stairway and accessible from rear walkway.

Whether you are in the market for a new home or looking sell, give me a call or send me a quick email since I would love to help!

http://magandrane.com/MyListings?operation=Details&listing_id=1360154745&ls=MRIS

JUST LISTED IN FEDERAL HILL!

This charming row home boasts exposed brick, wood burning fireplace, hardwood floors, renovated kitchen w/ SS appliances, new windows throughout, roof replaced in '05, new hot water heater, & a back deck perfect for entertaining. Located on a one-way street w/ permit only parking!

1304 MARSHALL ST, BALTIMORE, MD 21230

New Program Beginning August 1st for First Time Homebuyers!

Community Development Block Grant

CDBG's First Time Homebuyer Program

What is it?

Beginning August 1st, the Office of Homeownership established a new program designed to

assist first time homebuyers. The program, the Community Development Block Grant

Program, can give qualified first time homebuyer $5,000 toward down payment and

settlement expenses.

Who is eligible?

First-time Baltimore homebuyers with a counseling certificate from a City Approved

Counseling Agency.

Upon receiving a counseling certificate, the borrower can then find a property and sign a

contract to purchase. Once executing a contract, the borrower must bring that contract back

to the Counseling Agency to have the CDBG program application completed. The property

must be inspected utilizing an HQS inspection. Please be absolutely certain that there is no

peeling, flaking, chipping paint inside or outside the purchased property.

Additionally, active City employees may already qualify to receive $3,000 in home buying

incentive funds. If you attend the Eastside Trolley Tour September 12th at City College High

school, you may qualify for another $3,000. Also, if you purchase before November 30, you

may qualify for the $8,000 Homeownership Federal Tax Credit.

What are the benefits?

A possible combined amount of $11,000 in incentive money and a possible $8,000 tax

credit.

What are the restrictions/loan terms?

The funding source for the CDBG program have 80% median income limitations. You must

be within the income limitations to qualify for this program. The income limitations are as

follows:

1 person $44,800

2 person $51,200

3 person $57,600

4 person $64,000

5 person $69,100

6 person $74,250

7 person $79,350

8 person $84,500

Open House Sunday 2/14 12-2pm in Roland Park!

I hope to see you at my upcoming open house this Sunday! ~This one-of-a-kind Roland Park home is not to be missed~

205 LONGWOOD RD, BALTIMORE, MD 21210

TAX CREDIT OPPORTUNITY - THE CLOCK IS TICKING

Many first time home buyers and current homebuyers have already taken advantage of the extended tax credit, but the deadline for this unprecedented window of opportunity is quickly approaching. With the average home buying process taking about 60 days, buyers should be searching now. Meanwhile, sellers should have their properties on the market to comfortably meet the April 30th deadline to be under contract.

A first-time buyer, which includes anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past three years, may be eligible for up to an $8,000 credit on the purchase of a primary home. Current homeowners looking to move up or downsize to another primary residence may be eligible for up to a $6,500 credit.

The initial tax credit and recent extension were great news for the housing market and overall economy. Sales began to increase and the economy saw signs of recovery.

Some buyers received tax credit checks within a few weeks of filing their amended returns, enabling them to replenish savings for closing costs, make upgrades to their new homes or simply put away some extra cash.

This enormous opportunity still awaits buyers and sellers today. Coupled with historically low interest rates and unprecedented home affordability, it is an opportunity not to be missed, but time is of the essence.

If you or someone you know would like to discuss how to take full advantage of either tax credit before the April 30th deadline, or to discuss selling your home, I have the expertise to assist you.

HGTV Coming to Baltimore!

http://http://www.baltimoregrows.com/2010/01/28/hgtv-coming-back-to-baltimore-looking-for-homeowners/

JUST SOLD AND ABOVE LIST PRICE!!

I am proud to announce that I just SOLD 5906 Brackenridge Avenue 21212 for above asking price and with multiple offers in the wings!

Looking to buy/sell? Give me a call and put my expertise to work for you!

Upcoming Changes to FHA Loans

Great article that came out today outlining the upcoming changes to FHA loans.

http://http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704320104575015013235518270.html?mod=WSJ_HomeAndGarden_sections_RealEstate