~Just Listed! 3603 Keswick Road in Hampden~

Dear Clients and Friends, 

I want you to be the first to know about my new listing right off "The Avenue" in Hampden! 

This location cannot be beat- porch front and tree lined street, just step out your door to all the goings on on 36th Street or head one block over to Wyman Park. 

This 3BR/2FB home is truly a blank slate awaiting your personal touch. Replacement windows, hardood floors, large eat-in-kitchen that opens onto a sunny enclosed porch/sunroom. 

Lots of architectural detail such as arches, original stairway and floors, 2 skylights, and a beautiful dining room built-in with leaded glass. 

Basement club room/bedroom with rescessed lighting and it own full bath. Great outdoor spaces as well with front porch and fully fenced backyard!

Please help me get the word out by becoming a fan of this home atwww.3603KeswickRd.com- As always, thank you for your support! 

Opportunities exist for both buyers and sellers in Todays Market

The lazy days of summer may be here, but our real estate market is busier than ever. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), pending home sales in May were the highest in six years, with the strongest price gain since October 2005. With the spring rush, homes have been going under agreement in a matter of days, and deals entering into serious bidding wars.

For homebuyers who haven't found their dream home yet, it's still a good time to purchase a property. Interest rates are rising, but still near all-time record lows, and industry watchers speculate that rates will climb as the economy recovers. Even the slightest bump can price a buyer out of their dream home, so don't wait, or you could miss your opportunity.

Inventory remains tight in most areas, most likely ensuring a seller's market throughout the summer. Home sellers won't be making a mistake putting their home on the market now, as buyers are anxious to take advantage of current interest rates and move before school starts in the fall.

Opportunities exist for buyers and sellers. For more information about real estate trends in your community, please contact me at 410-493-6854

Its Time to Stop Waiting!

The spring selling season is bursting with activity as buyers take advantage of low interest rates. Increased showings and properties going under agreement quickly, often within days.

If you have been waiting for prices to increase before putting your home on the market, it's time to stop waiting! The inventory of properties for sale is not large enough to meet the buyers' demand, so home sellers shouldn't miss this tremendous opportunity. For sellers who are unsure of the value of their home,  call or email me so that I can provide an overview of current market trends and a competitive market analysis. According to the National Association of Realtors^® (NAR), the national median price for existing homes is now the strongest since November 2005. This may inspire you to consider making your move.

When inventory levels grow, the dramatic price increases will slow and properties may take longer to sell. Until then, buyers should do their due diligence in advance. Obtain a mortgage pre-approval, which will allow you to make a quick purchase decision, and contact me so that I can negotiate on your behalf. Keep your homeownership goal in sight. Working together, you'll be moving in no time.

If you are thinking of placing your home on the market, call me today. I will complete a competitive market analysis, review competing homes currently on the market, and will determine the inventory levels specific to your locale and price point. Who knows I may just have the buyer you are looking for!

Secure your FHA financing today before these changes go into effect

Starting June 3, 2013 the FHA will no longer allow you to cancel your mortgage insurance premium payments when your loan balance drops to 78% of your property's value. That means you could be paying a mortgage insurance premium for decades!

 

Don't let this happen to you. Secure your FHA financing today before these changes go into effect. Take advantage of down payments as little as 3.5% and some of the lowest rates in history - before they rise again.

Spring Rushes In!

This year, the spring selling season has kicked off with an early, energetic start. Increased showings at open houses, multiple offers on properties and offers above asking price - often within weeks or days. The market now favors sellers, making buyers anxious to take advantage of low interest rates and lower prices before they rise. Call me to discuss the activity in your community and local market trends. 

Here are a few tips for both buyers and sellers that should make the process easier:

Buyers, review your credit score. A solid score can help you lock in a lower interest rate and get a mortgage pre-approval, which you will need in this fast-paced environment then give me a call so that we can discuss what you are looking for and I will help guide you through the entire process.

Sellers, homes are selling quickly, so you'll need to do some spring cleaning, painting and sprucing. Consider having an inspection done and address key issues before placing your home on the market. If you are thinking of placing your home on the market, contact me today. I’ll be happy to provide a complete a competitive market analysis, review competing homes and determine the inventory levels in your locale and price point.

Magan Drane

Direct:410-493-6854

Magan@MaganDrane.com

Where are the sellers?

The nationwide housing market is now tipping in favor of home sellers, yet homes for sale are scarce. As stated in a recent release from the National Association of Realtors^®(NAR), "Total housing inventory at the end of January fell 4.9% to 1.74 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 4.2-month supply."

If you are waiting for prices to increase dramatically before putting your home on the market, think again, because your competition is thinking the same thing. Buyers are rushing to purchase limited inventory now, so homes are selling quickly and at higher asking prices, due to multiple bids and bidding wars.

This creates a clear window of opportunity for sellers. If you are not sure if you have enough equity, call me today for a free Competitive Market Analysis.

As a buyer, I can help you find your dream home, negotiate on your behalf and walk you through the entire process. Prepare yourself by securing financing in advance, I can also help refer you to a trusted mortgage specialist.

For sellers on the fence and buyers facing tough competition, call me today- I am here to help you navigate and negotiate!

Lets Take Advantage of the Season!

Real estate experts and economists agree that the housing industry is gaining momentum. If you are planning to put your home on the market for the traditional Spring selling season, be advised that Spring has sprung early this year!

Need proof? Here are just a few of the latest headlines from some of the most respected news organizations:

•    Home Selling Season isn't Waiting Until Spring This Year – L.A. Times, Jan. 20 


•    Housing Offers Hope of Strength in the Economy – New York Times, Jan. 24 


•    Housing Emerges as Economic Bright Spot After Years in the Dark – Washington Post, Jan. 28

•    Home Prices Climb by Most in Six Years as U.S. Market Firms – Bloomberg, Jan. 29

Essentially, low interest rates, rising rents and a positive economic outlook are driving buyers who want to realize the dream of homeownership. With limited housing inventory, buyers are competing against one another for those properties that are priced well. This results in bidding wars, which drive up housing prices.

The message is clear for sellers. Right now is a prime opportunity to sell a home. Sellers need to ensure their property stands out from the competition with proper price positioning and home presentation. If the home is priced right and in good condition, it will sell quickly.

Buyers shouldn’t sit on the fence either. With a lack of inventory, the competition for that perfectly priced dream home is becoming fierce. Come prepared with solid financing, be ready to make a quick purchase decision and be reasonable with your offer and expectations. In some communities and price points, the buyer’s market has already tipped towards a seller’s market.

As all real estate is local, give me a call (410-235-4100/410-493-6854) so that I may provide you with a competitive market analysis and review current market conditions with you.


Changing seasons are inevitable, so take advantage of this season while it’s here!