Magan was a delight to work with throughout our first homebuying experience. She was always friendly and accessible, even at odd hours of the day and night. Magan's dedication and sense of humor helped us through the hurdles of paperwork and negotiations with ease.
She was truly invested in helping us get our perfect first home and we are so grateful for all of her hard work! I look forward to working with her again and I would highly recommend her to anyone interested in buying a home.
Thanks!
Lizzie (and Dan)
3840 Elm Avenue
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Costly Septic Bill!
Currently, the Maryland Senate is considering onerous septic legislation that will cost many homeowners $12,000 or more! Please contact your Senators TODAY and let them know that you oppose SB 554 which could require homeowners to pay for nitrogen removal technology when installing a new septic system or even just repairing one!
According to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), the average grant to pay for such systems is $12,000, not including additional money for yearly maintenance contracts. Some systems cost tens of thousands of dollars. We need your help today! Please contact your Senator to OPPOSE SB554.
According to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), the average grant to pay for such systems is $12,000, not including additional money for yearly maintenance contracts. Some systems cost tens of thousands of dollars. We need your help today! Please contact your Senator to OPPOSE SB554.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Converging Positive Trends for Buyers
Many anxious buyers have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the time to finally make their move. Four factors are making that time now.
First, sellers are realizing that correct pricing allows buyers to see value. Those sellers who see the high level of housing inventory are offering realistic prices that get buyer action. The second factor is the historically low interest rates that allow a buyer to get more house with the same monthly income. The March publication of the Housing Affordability Index by the National Association of REALTORS® stated, "the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income is the most favorable since tracking began in 1970." Homes are now more affordable for buyers.
The third, newly announced significant factor is the government's 2009 tax credit of up to $8,000 for buyers who have not owned a home in the last three years. The principal residence must be purchased before December 1, 2009. This should spur those new buyers waiting for the right time. What about current homeowners who need to move but have to sell first? Those buyers will realize that even though their current property may have decreased in price, they will be buying a home at a lower price than the previous market. This fourth factor makes the playing field even.
It appears that today is one of the most favorable times in years for buyers to take action. If you or someone you know would like to discuss these positive factors, please contact me.
First, sellers are realizing that correct pricing allows buyers to see value. Those sellers who see the high level of housing inventory are offering realistic prices that get buyer action. The second factor is the historically low interest rates that allow a buyer to get more house with the same monthly income. The March publication of the Housing Affordability Index by the National Association of REALTORS® stated, "the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income is the most favorable since tracking began in 1970." Homes are now more affordable for buyers.
The third, newly announced significant factor is the government's 2009 tax credit of up to $8,000 for buyers who have not owned a home in the last three years. The principal residence must be purchased before December 1, 2009. This should spur those new buyers waiting for the right time. What about current homeowners who need to move but have to sell first? Those buyers will realize that even though their current property may have decreased in price, they will be buying a home at a lower price than the previous market. This fourth factor makes the playing field even.
It appears that today is one of the most favorable times in years for buyers to take action. If you or someone you know would like to discuss these positive factors, please contact me.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Our partnership with Harvest for the hungry and the Maryland Food Bank kicks off today and runs for one week. The warm weather plays perfectly into helping support this very worth while cause. Thank you.Thursday, February 19, 2009
~Stimulus Updates~
Tax Credit for Homebuyers
First-time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November 2009 may be eligible for the lower of an $8,000 or 10% of the value of the home tax credit. Remember a tax credit is very different than a tax deduction – a tax credit is equivalent to money in your hand, as opposed to a tax deduction which only reduces your taxable income.
The tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000. Buyers will have to repay the credit if they sell their homes within three years.
Additional Housing-Related Provisions
Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs — This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.
Landmark Energy Savings — This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.
Repairing Public Housing and Making Key Energy Efficiency Retrofits To HUD-Assisted Housing—This provision provides a total of $6.3 Billion for increasing energy efficiency in federally supported housing programs. Specifically, it establishes a new program to upgrade HUD-sponsored low-income housing (for elderly, disabled, and Section 8) to increase energy efficiency, including new insulation, windows, and frames.
First-time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November 2009 may be eligible for the lower of an $8,000 or 10% of the value of the home tax credit. Remember a tax credit is very different than a tax deduction – a tax credit is equivalent to money in your hand, as opposed to a tax deduction which only reduces your taxable income.
The tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000. Buyers will have to repay the credit if they sell their homes within three years.
Additional Housing-Related Provisions
Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs — This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.
Landmark Energy Savings — This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.
Repairing Public Housing and Making Key Energy Efficiency Retrofits To HUD-Assisted Housing—This provision provides a total of $6.3 Billion for increasing energy efficiency in federally supported housing programs. Specifically, it establishes a new program to upgrade HUD-sponsored low-income housing (for elderly, disabled, and Section 8) to increase energy efficiency, including new insulation, windows, and frames.
More Listings Coming Soon…..
Looking for a new home in Baltimore? I have listings coming up within the next month both in Roland Park and in the Hampden neighborhoods.
Give me a call if you are in the market for a new home since I can get you into my listings as well as homes that aren't even on the market and just before the spring market arrives!
Give me a call if you are in the market for a new home since I can get you into my listings as well as homes that aren't even on the market and just before the spring market arrives!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)