Dear Clients & Friends- THANK YOU!

‘Coming Soon’ Listing Status Now Available on MRIS!

This is great news for potential home sellers! Agents will to able to enter their listing’s information up to 21 days in advance of the listing becoming active. New listings can generate buzz while sellers are getting the home ready to show without accruing Days on Market. As an agent, I'll be able to add photos, documents and more to prepare a listing so that it is fully marketable the moment it goes Active. Buyers and sellers alike will be able to make informed home buying and selling decisions based on homes currently on the market, as well as future listings.

Things keep in mind: 

-Only properties with a listing agreement and seller’s permission may use the Coming Soon status. 

-Properties are not to be shown while under the Coming Soon listing status.

-Properties must be ready within 21 days. After 21 days they will automatically switch to ‘Active’. A listing that was once under the Coming Soon status cannot revert back to the Coming Soon status.

Looking to buy or sell? Have questions? Contact me today!

magan@magandrane.com

410-493-6854

Housing Inventory Snapshot: Novemeber

I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date. Housing Inventory Snapshot November 27, 2014   Average List Price for active listings Median List Price for active listings Average DOM: for active listings/ for sold listings Allegany County, MD Single Family under $180K $92,807 $89,900 161  / 180 Single Family over $180K $293,470 $259,903 234  / 187 Condo/Townhome under $300K $82,725 $70,000 284  / 163 Anne Arundel County, MD Single Family under $500K $325,691 $329,000 116  / 121 Single Family over $500K $962,293 $699,900 165  / 191 Condo/Townhome under $300K $189,584 $214,900 117  / 108 Condo/Townhome over $300K $435,995 $379,990 109  / 124 Baltimore City, MD Single Family under $500K $203,766 $195,000 118  / 129 Single Family over $500K $882,088 $649,000 148  / 192 Condo/Townhome under $300K $109,735 $93,000 123  / 116 Condo/Townhome over $300K $476,979 $395,000 97  / 81 Baltimore County, MD Single Family under $500K $252,320 $234,900 116  / 130 Single Family over $500K $929,332 $694,500 156  / 133 Condo/Townhome under $300K $122,823 $115,000 116  / 118 Condo/Townhome over $300K $453,490 $384,000 90  / 82 Calvert County, MD Single Family under $500K $300,151 $299,500 147  / 186 Single Family over $500K $740,487 $599,900 203  / 61 Condo/Townhome under $300K $223,812 $231,990 160  / 123 Condo/Townhome over $300K $377,841 $332,900 278  / 190 Caroline County, MD Single Family under $500K $195,980 $182,000 216  / 176 Single Family over $500K $827,517 $750,000 199  / N/A** Carroll County, MD Single Family under $500K $317,458 $314,900 124  / 134 Single Family over $500K $736,092 $649,000 156  / 156 Condo/Townhome under $300K $184,175 $184,500 94  / 113 Condo/Townhome over $300K $344,896 $330,000 88  / N/A** Cecil County, MD Single Family under $500K $250,116 $249,900 149  / 132 Single Family over $500K $861,878 $699,900 242  / 168 Condo/Townhome under $230K $131,277 $130,000 100  / 110 Charles County, MD Single Family under $500K $309,455 $308,995 131  / 134 Single Family over $500K $851,708 $625,000 197  / 90 Condo/Townhome under $300K $169,080 $155,000 101  / 109 Condo/Townhome over $300K $322,112 $319,990 100  / N/A** Dorchester County, MD Single Family under $500K $192,129 $159,900 225  / 173 Single Family over $500K $1,214,751 $799,000 292  / N/A** Frederick County, MD Single Family under $500K $313,443 $319,900 128  / 124 Single Family over $500K $781,965 $639,990 137  / 164 Condo/Townhome under $300K $206,918 $211,000 99  / 109 Condo/Townhome over $300K $378,704 $374,990 92  / 90 Garrett County, MD Single Family under $500K $202,594 $167,700 198  / 217 Single Family over $500K $794,026 $644,800 275  / 132 Condo/Townhome under $300K $177,808 $188,800 268  / 176 Condo/Townhome over $300K $432,062 $349,000 233  / 159 Harford County, MD Single Family under $500K $299,945 $299,000 124  / 126 Single Family over $500K $744,835 $635,000 210  / 210 Condo/Townhome under $300K $179,907 $174,900 106  / 135 Condo/Townhome over $300K $412,040 $359,990 156  / 169 Howard County, MD Single Family under $500K $370,098 $379,000 98  / 104 Single Family over $500K $794,567 $699,990 157  / 149 Condo/Townhome under $300K $212,982 $225,000 92  / 100 Condo/Townhome over $300K $406,779 $379,990 76  / 83 Montgomery County, MD Single Family under $1M $547,203 $514,900 108  / 97 Single Family over $1M $1,972,661 $1,595,000 136  / 121 Condo/Townhome under $600K $292,608 $285,000 84  / 92 Condo/Townhome over $600K $1,080,640 $724,990 109  / 79 Prince Georges County, MD Single Family under $500K $288,901 $274,900 114  / 109 Single Family over $500K $667,899 $599,900 167  / 144 Condo/Townhome under $300K $155,852 $159,000 95  / 112 Condo/Townhome over $300K $461,837 $424,180 62  / 124

If you know someone who is considering buying or selling a home, please give me a call. I will provide professional & courteous service along with knowledgeable guidance through the process.

Sincerely,     Magan Marie Drane, Realtor®, ABR® Relocation Expert Direct (410) 493-6854 Office (410) 235-4100 Fax (410) 558-6761 Magan@MaganDrane.com www.magandrane.com Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Protect Your Pipes as the Cold Weather Settles In!

It's December, the cold weather is here to stay... for a few months at least. With the cold comes freezing pipes and the possibility of water main breaks!

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works has this to say about the effect of these lower temperatures on our pipes:

"Water mains and water meters can freeze when the temperature remains below 25 degrees for extended periods of time. That can pose a threat to water service, as can temperatures that dip in and out of freezing, which causes the ground to buckle and sometimes bends and breaks water lines.

"Last winter we saw hundreds of broken water mains in January and February, inconveniencing our customers and stretching our maintenance crews and contractors," said Director Chow. "We are already seeing an increase in water main breaks, so our customers should be sure they are prepared for winter's challenges."

Here are a few tips to help protect your water lines during periods of cold weather:

• Insulate pipes located in unheated parts of your house. This is especially a good tip for those who have had frozen pipes in the past.
• Let a thin stream of cold water run from a basement faucet. The stream should be a continuous flow, about the thickness of pencil lead. This water can be caught in a bucket and used later as laundry or dish water.
• If a pipe should freeze, gently warm it with hot air from a blow dryer at the point where it enters the house.
• Be sure you know the location of the water shutoff valve in your home. Check it periodically to ensure that it works properly.
• Be sure to shut off water to outside faucets.
• Periodically monitor your sump pump. A frozen drain pipe could result in a flooded basement.
• Keep bottled water on hand. Figure on needing a gallon of water per person per day.

The Department of Public Works maintains outdoor water lines up to and including the meter. For water emergencies call 311 or 410-396-5352 in Baltimore County.

Water lines running from the meter to the house, as well as internal plumbing, are the responsibility of the property owner. Check with your homeowners insurance carrier to see if your interior pipes are covered in the event they freeze and rupture."

http://moncs.baltimorecity.gov/Home.aspx

These are important tips to remember every year when the temperature drops. 

Selling Your Home in the Winter

Think Seasonally!

Take advantage of the cozy feeling the season brings about. Fill your home with the sights and smells of the season. 

• Stage your home in order to make it feel warm in the cold days of the winter. If you have a fire place, make it the center of attention in whichever room it's in. Let in as much natural light as possible.
• Be sure to make your home feel cozy. Keep the thermostat at a comfortable temperature to help buyers forgot about the temperature outside. 
• Don’t go over board with the holiday decorations. Homes tend to look their best during the holidays, but keep it simple. Too much and/or too big will crowd your home, making it seem small, and distracting buyers.
• Curb appeal! As trees start to lose their leaves and yards begin to look more bare, the exterior of your home becomes extra important.
• Quality photos make all the difference! I always use a professional photographer to capture every homes unique beauty. With colder weather approaching people are less likely to go look at a bunch of homes, and will limit their showings to those homes which gave them the best first impression.
• Keep your steps, walkway, entry, etc. free and clear of snow and ice! I can't stress this one enough. However, since this also means you, agents and potential buyers will be bringing salt and/or sand into you home, you also need to maintain the interior cleanliness (think floors-- try to clean them after every showing)!
• Lastly, be flexible! Everyone is busy this time of year, but you must make time for buyers. If someone is interested in seeing your home, be ready. Make your home available as often as possible!

Anyone searching for a home during the colder months most likely has a good reason to do so, which means they’re motivated. Be sure to target buyers on a deadline. Buyers who are looking during the winter season are serious buyers who typically need to buy.

Check out this article from RealtorMag: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2014/11/17/rush-buy-homes-during-holidays

*Remember, I am always available! Just because the Holiday season is here does not mean I work any less.*

My Newest Review

Check out my most recent review from my truly amazing clients. So glad to have been able to help you with your home buying process!

See what others have to say here: https://www.zillow.com/profile/magandrane/

If I can be of any help too you, contact me today!

Housing Inventory Snapshot

I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date. Housing Inventory Snapshot October 28, 2014   Average List Price for active listings Median List Price for active listings Average DOM: for active listings/ for sold listings Allegany County, MD Single Family under $180K $93,109 $89,900 163  / 157 Single Family over $180K $288,349 $259,900 215  / 139 Condo/Townhome under $300K $79,715 $69,000 270  / 156 Anne Arundel County, MD Single Family under $500K $328,638 $330,000 108  / 123 Single Family over $500K $967,511 $699,999 154  / 174 Condo/Townhome under $300K $187,973 $210,900 109  / 106 Condo/Townhome over $300K $436,531 $379,000 103  / 84 Baltimore City, MD Single Family under $500K $204,808 $194,000 117  / 123 Single Family over $500K $856,894 $650,000 134  / 92 Condo/Townhome under $300K $113,056 $99,000 121  / 122 Condo/Townhome over $300K $467,329 $395,000 92  / 91 Baltimore County, MD Single Family under $500K $254,774 $234,900 112  / 124 Single Family over $500K $898,113 $675,000 140  / 97 Condo/Townhome under $300K $125,444 $118,000 114  / 122 Condo/Townhome over $300K $444,235 $379,990 84  / 93 Calvert County, MD Single Family under $500K $306,518 $310,900 148  / 130 Single Family over $500K $751,891 $599,000 183  / 194 Condo/Townhome under $300K $227,224 $235,000 186  / 181 Condo/Townhome over $300K $383,820 $339,900 272  / 49 Caroline County, MD Single Family under $500K $194,884 $181,000 219  / 129 Single Family over $500K $764,186 $629,000 240  / N/A** Carroll County, MD Single Family under $500K $325,143 $324,000 120  / 136 Single Family over $500K $747,058 $649,000 152  / 172 Condo/Townhome under $300K $186,884 $189,500 93  / 145 Condo/Townhome over $300K $333,149 $321,973 57  / 171 Cecil County, MD Single Family under $500K $258,471 $259,900 147  / 183 Single Family over $500K $851,086 $699,900 232  / 308 Condo/Townhome under $230K $137,061 $140,900 107  / 50 Charles County, MD Single Family under $500K $317,724 $325,000 127  / 148 Single Family over $500K $813,471 $625,000 186  / 189 Condo/Townhome under $300K $170,829 $165,000 98  / 106 Condo/Townhome over $300K $318,260 $319,990 66  / 39 Dorchester County, MD Single Family under $500K $191,723 $165,000 219  / 150 Single Family over $500K $1,147,391 $799,000 255  / 182 Condo/Townhome under $200K $130,126 $136,845 196  / N/A** Frederick County, MD Single Family under $500K $323,502 $329,900 117  / 122 Single Family over $500K $769,286 $635,000 132  / 139 Condo/Townhome under $300K $209,402 $210,000 89  / 103 Condo/Townhome over $300K $379,018 $374,990 83  / 82 Garrett County, MD Single Family under $500K $208,155 $179,500 188  / 227 Single Family over $500K $870,475 $675,000 270  / N/A** Condo/Townhome under $300K $183,217 $190,000 259  / 1,611 Condo/Townhome over $300K $425,720 $349,999 208  / N/A** Harford County, MD Single Family under $500K $304,322 $299,900 118  / 145 Single Family over $500K $757,710 $631,000 207  / 121 Condo/Townhome under $300K $181,504 $180,000 95  / 100 Condo/Townhome over $300K $409,488 $359,990 138  / 108 Howard County, MD Single Family under $500K $373,142 $375,000 90  / 98 Single Family over $500K $809,630 $699,900 141  / 117 Condo/Townhome under $300K $212,275 $224,900 79  / 98 Condo/Townhome over $300K $400,218 $378,000 72  / 98 Montgomery County, MD Single Family under $1M $551,894 $524,900 99  / 101 Single Family over $1M $1,972,765 $1,600,000 124  / 130 Condo/Townhome under $600K $297,760 $290,000 76  / 95 Condo/Townhome over $600K $1,059,871 $750,000 95  / 59 Prince Georges County, MD Single Family under $500K $291,085 $275,000 113  / 117 Single Family over $500K $663,292 $594,495 145  / 112 Condo/Townhome under $300K $156,809 $160,000 90  / 115 Condo/Townhome over $300K $445,084 $409,900 58  / 135

If you know someone who is considering buying or selling a home, please give me a call. I will provide professional & courteous service along with knowledgeable guidance through the process.

Magan Marie Drane, Realtor®, ABR® Relocation Expert Direct (410) 493-6854 Office (410) 235-4100 Fax (410) 558-6761 Magan@MaganDrane.com www.magandrane.com Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Who Says Fall isn’t a Good Season to Sell a Home?

While it is widely believed that the optimal time to put a home on the market is in the spring, selling a property during the fall months has several distinct advantages for homeowners to consider.

During the fall, there are typically fewer homes available for sale than in the spring and summer. Buyers most likely will be touring less properties overall. This means less competition and properties on the market are more likely to make an impression. This offers the chance to have a home stand apart in the market. 

Fall presents an opportunity to spruce up a home and make it shine to fit the upcoming holiday season. Open the blinds and curtains to let in more natural light and stage the home with pumpkins, wreaths and other festive decorations. Set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature, warm and welcoming, if cold has settled in outdoors. If the home has a fireplace, arrange furniture so it is the centerpiece of the room. Staying on top of a property’s upkeep shows buyers the current owners have been diligent about maintaining their home in good condition. Rake leaves regularly, and clean gutters and downspouts. Bare trees will make flaws in a home’s exterior more visible, so fall is a good time to power-wash and touch up exterior paint.

Tips for the Fall Market:

• As stated above, maintain the exterior of the home. You're home is more exposed in these cooler months, and any flaws can be seen more easily.
• Make sure your home is presented flawlessly on the web. It's the buyers first impression and if the photos look good, they'll want to go see the home in person.
• Ideally, you want the home to be move in ready. Buyers don't want to be completing home updates and projects when it's colder outside.
• Maintain the interior of the home. People coming in and out of your home will be bringing dead leaves and eventually, forgive me for mentioning, snow and salt in with them. Having windows shut constantly, air gets stale and dust seems to collect quicker too. Keep up with cleaning the floors and dusting, etc.
• Brighten up your home! As the days go on, the darker it gets outside- and inside your home. Focus on having bright, warm lights and lamps throughout the home. Try to keep shades up/curtains open to let in as much natural light as possible.

Using data gathered from your specific community, I can provide and explain the specific factors that could impact your decision making process. You just may discover that fall really is the perfect time to move forward with the lifestyle you desire and I am happy can help!

3 Must See Homes- Open This Weekend

4309 Norwood Road, Guilford

www.4309NorwoodRoad.2seeit.com

  Sunday, Nov 2nd, 2014: 11am-1pm  

Previous owners spent 32 years here. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage-- this home is a perfect fit for any family! Tastefully updated kitchen with breakfast nook, butler’s pantry and formal dining room. Living room with wood burning fireplace opens to sun-room. Surprisingly large master bedroom with en-suite. Private backyard patio and 2 car garage. Shows pride of ownership. Three full levels of living space awaits new owners!

1202 West 41st Street, Hampden/Medfield

www.1202West41st.com

  Sunday, Nov 2nd, 2014: 1:30-3pm  

Well thought-out kitchen renovation open to dining room and living room- perfect for today’s lifestyle or take your entertaining onto the fully fenced back patio with built-in garden and pergola. Upstairs boast bright skylight, claw foot tub and numerous replacement windows. Character found throughout with built-in book shelves, exposed brick and wood floors. Partially finished basement provides a perfect workspace. This location can not be beat!

117 North Port Street, Patterson Park

www.117NPort.com

  Sunday, Nov 2nd, 2014: 12pm-2pm  

1,062 SF of Finished Living Space on Three Levels! Gorgeous home with all the updates you could ask for and beautiful finishes throughout! Wood floors, exposed brick, open kitchen/dining room with granite and stainless steel appliances. Upstairs is light and bright with new carpeting, recessed lighting, crown molding, and convenient upstairs laundry. Finished basement, private backyard patio with deck or seller will convert to PARKING PAD- your choice! So much to offer for under 200K! 

Stop by on Sunday to see these homes for yourself!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Homeland

Homeland: A Suburban, Urban Neighborhood

Imagine a beautiful city neighborhood full of large, detached homes with yards and garages. Get on I-83 and zip downtown in minutes. Head 5 minutes north and you're in Towson, Baltimore's popular county neighborhood. A neighborhood with beautiful architecture and well maintained landscaping, surrounded by colleges, universities and numerous private schools. A place where sun-rooms are standard in most homes, basements are full and functional, and you can be sure to find that perfect mix of old and new. Uncommon, sure, but it's all available in the wonderful Homeland neighborhood. Located in Baltimore city northeast of downtown, just under the county line, Homeland has much to offer.

Example of what you'll find in Homeland:

Current active listing at 5703 Saint Albans Way

Some of the best schools in Baltimore surround the neighborhood:

• Public:
• Roland Park Elementary/Middle
• Western High School
• Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
• Private
• Friends School of Baltimore
• Gilman School
• Roland Park Country School
• Saint Paul's School
• Boys Latin School of Maryland
• Calvert School
• and many others
• Colleges & Universities:
• Notre Dame of Maryland
• Loyola University
• Towson University
• Goucher College
• Johns Hopkins University

Here you'll find a list of nearby schools.

What else is nearby? Here is a snapshot of the Homeland neighborhood and nearby coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, bars, groceries, parks, etc:

Check out other statistics and Homeland's walk score.

Want more neighborhood information? There's a great website provided by the neighborhood association with lots of great information, community history, events, resources, as well as a quarterly newsletter- http://www.homelandassociation.org/

If you would like a list of current Active properties in Homeland or if you would like to keep updated on homes in this neighborhood or others neighborhoods, please contact me.

magan@magandrane.com

410-493-6854

Housing Inventory Snapshot, September

I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date. Housing Inventory Snapshot September 27, 2014 Average List Price for active listings Median List Price for active listings Average DOM: for active listings/ for sold listings Allegany County, MD Single Family under $180K $94,812 $89,900 178  / 163 Single Family over $180K $288,397 $259,900 202  / 169 Condo/Townhome under $300K $80,747 $70,000 231  / 314 Anne Arundel County, MD Single Family under $500K $330,847 $336,500 104  / 113 Single Family over $500K $955,651 $699,900 144  / 137 Condo/Townhome under $300K $187,983 $210,000 102  / 116 Condo/Townhome over $300K $431,989 $374,500 90  / 104 Baltimore City, MD Single Family under $500K $207,569 $199,000 109  / 133 Single Family over $500K $910,044 $675,000 122  / 99 Condo/Townhome under $300K $113,041 $99,000 122  / 123 Condo/Townhome over $300K $472,729 $399,500 93  / 121 Baltimore County, MD Single Family under $500K $255,283 $235,000 108  / 126 Single Family over $500K $901,378 $675,000 132  / 141 Condo/Townhome under $300K $125,166 $119,000 115  / 123 Condo/Townhome over $300K $449,779 $393,000 84  / 121 Calvert County, MD Single Family under $500K $307,925 $315,000 148  / 155 Single Family over $500K $729,296 $599,900 190  / 206 Condo/Townhome under $300K $218,526 $229,000 171  / 151 Condo/Townhome over $300K $382,200 $343,900 249  / 221 Caroline County, MD Single Family under $500K $195,755 $182,000 222  / 129 Single Family over $500K $710,017 $598,750 192  / N/A** Carroll County, MD Single Family under $500K $322,721 $324,900 113  / 112 Single Family over $500K $738,932 $643,300 147  / 92 Condo/Townhome under $300K $183,678 $189,000 93  / 107 Condo/Townhome over $300K $343,891 $334,990 55  / N/A** Cecil County, MD Single Family under $500K $255,282 $254,900 146  / 154 Single Family over $500K $840,105 $699,900 211  / 334 Condo/Townhome under $230K $140,176 $145,000 114  / 160 Charles County, MD Single Family under $500K $318,482 $327,700 123  / 157 Single Family over $500K $827,351 $658,900 181  / 124 Condo/Townhome under $300K $183,723 $191,785 97  / 156 Condo/Townhome over $300K $323,189 $320,000 48  / 198 Dorchester County, MD Single Family under $500K $190,122 $159,900 216  / 168 Single Family over $500K $1,103,690 $747,500 231  / N/A** Condo/Townhome under $200K $136,668 $149,000 191  / 67 Frederick County, MD Single Family under $500K $322,319 $325,000 110  / 110 Single Family over $500K $770,143 $629,900 135  / 99 Condo/Townhome under $300K $211,231 $215,900 80  / 103 Condo/Townhome over $300K $378,230 $369,900 77  / 105 Garrett County, MD Single Family under $500K $210,927 $185,400 198  / 156 Single Family over $500K $856,363 $692,800 242  / 247 Condo/Townhome under $300K $189,987 $188,800 243  / N/A** Condo/Townhome over $300K $436,512 $395,000 204  / 48 Harford County, MD Single Family under $500K $310,508 $315,000 111  / 124 Single Family over $500K $750,610 $635,000 207  / 267 Condo/Townhome under $300K $180,453 $184,900 92  / 102 Condo/Townhome over $300K $405,285 $353,245 113  / 96 Howard County, MD Single Family under $500K $373,857 $379,900 86  / 101 Single Family over $500K $815,384 $699,900 129  / 96 Condo/Townhome under $300K $211,489 $220,000 77  / 97 Condo/Townhome over $300K $407,177 $388,990 63  / 77 Montgomery County, MD Single Family under $1M $554,627 $524,900 89  / 89 Single Family over $1M $1,973,019 $1,599,900 117  / 113 Condo/Townhome under $600K $300,448 $296,990 66  / 103 Condo/Townhome over $600K $1,088,517 $739,900 88  / 111 Prince Georges County, MD Single Family under $500K $292,082 $279,000 101  / 127 Single Family over $500K $680,226 $609,990 143  / 130 Condo/Townhome under $300K $162,028 $165,000 131  / 138 Condo/Townhome over $300K $424,258 $399,000 70  / 120

If you know someone who is considering buying or selling a home, please give me a call. I will provide professional & courteous service along with knowledgeable guidance through the process.

Magan Marie Drane, Realtor®, ABR® Relocation Expert Direct (410) 493-6854 Office (410) 235-4100 Magan@MaganDrane.com www.magandrane.com Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage