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