It's Been a Great Year and We are only in August!

For several months now, I have been abuzz with stories of multiple offers over asking price and homes going under contract within a matter of days. So it comes as no surprise that the Wall Street Journal recently reported in the article Home Prices Reflect Strengthening that home prices in the second quarter rose from the previous year for the first time since 2007. Home sale prices rise when there are lower levels of housing inventory. When inventory levels drop, it signifies less competition for the home seller and limited choice for the buyer. Additionally, incredibly low interest rates and renewed confidence in the economy are compelling buyers to act now. With these elements in play, the competition between buyers who have their sights set on the same dream home can become fierce.  According to the Wall Street Journal's quarterly survey of housing market conditions in 28 U.S. metropolitan areas, inventories of unsold homes have fallen in every market and are down by more than 20 percent in two-thirds of those markets. To see if this movement is occurring in your community of interest, give me a call.  For those who are thinking of selling their home, this could still be an opportune time to act, especially for those who have built equity in their home. Stories of home sellers making a profit on their home's sales have also been on the rise, and buyers continue to be attracted by historical low interest rates. I can help you determine if now is the right time for you to sell your home and conduct a competitive market analysis, identify the inventory levels that will impact you, and advise you on appropriate marketing and pricing strategies.    Make the necessary improvements to your home before placing it on the market. Properties that are in good condition and are move-in ready are moving more quickly. I can also advise you on which improvements will have the most impact. The late summer and early fall have historically been known as slower selling seasons compared to spring, but this year I have to disagree. If you want to move now, call me today!

Window of Opportunity!

With a lackluster winter nearly behind us, spring is definitely in the air.  March is finally here and we are hopeful that this spring selling season will spring like never before.  Already, I am witnessing some very interesting and advantageous dynamics for home sellers.

Depending upon neighborhood, inventory has dropped significantly.  To determine if the same trend is taking place in your marketplace, give me a call or send me an email so we can discuss further.

When inventory levels drop, it signifies less competition for the home seller, and limited choice for the buyer. We know that there are buyers currently in the market who have financing, know market values and are prepared to make a purchase decision. They are standing on the sidelines just waiting for their perfect home to enter the market and I’m working with a handful of them.

If you are considering placing your home on the market, but have been hesitant, waiting for prices to increase, or buyers to appear, this could be an incredibly advantageous time to finally make your move. For those who have lived in their home for some time and have built equity, selling this spring could be especially beneficial.  

For those homes currently listed, I am seeing movement.  Even witnessing multiple buyers for properties who have entered into bidding wars, ultimately driving the sale price upwards. Bidding wars typically take place when a home is priced competitively.  With limited competition in the market, with a home that is priced accordingly, just imagine the possibilities.

If you are thinking of placing your home on the market and are not quite sure if it's the right time for you, call me or email me right away. Now is not the time to wait if you want to list your home. There is a window of opportunity here and it is uncertain how long that window will remain open.  Until it closes, let's keep the fresh spring air flowing in. 

HGTV Here We Come!

I am so excited to announce that my client and i will be appearing on "My First Place" on HGTV! I certainly owe it to my very fun/hilarious first time home buyer, Frankie!  So far we have written his offer (it was accepted- yay!) and had our home inspection, all on camera. 

Check out Frankie in the photo below explaining his fear and excitement about making an offer- he's such a star :)! 

Just Sold! 4412 Norwood Road in Guilford

Congratulations to the proud new home owner of 4412 Norwood Road in Guilford, Geraldine!!! She was able to purchase the home of her dreams and, due to her patience, the price was a dream too!! 

Happy New Year!

I want to wish all of you health and happiness in the coming year, and to thank you for making 2011 my best year ever! I have truly enjoyed working with all my clients over the past year and am looking forward to another great year in 2012. 


The real estate market still has its challenges but this past year has shown that hard work, patience and a positive attitude are the keys to finding success in a difficult environment. For instance, in 2011, 30% of my sellers received multiple offers on their homes!


Despite all of the sophisticated marketing tools and the lightening speed of the internet, last year I had several transactions that took place the old fashioned way - putting buyers and sellers together through word of mouth and having my ear to the ground in the local real estate community. 


If you’re thinking of buying or selling in 2012, regardless of where you are or where you are going, please call me, text me, email me, tweet, or post on my Facebook wall to discuss your next move! 

Want to live in style in the heart of Charles Village Baltimore?

Want to live in style in the heart of Charles Village Baltimore?

Look no further.

2709 Saint Paul Street is up for sale. This property has fantastic accouterments and architectural detail. Check out the unbelievable staircase and gorgeous molding. Six spacious bedrooms and two an half baths. Let your mind wander with these majestic high ceilings. This home is so meticulously maintained, it looks like a showplace.

Walk to the farmers market and bring your vegetables back to your gourmet kitchen. Cook your feast and enjoy your meal in your magnificent dinning room. Then relax in one of the two fireplaces. Bask in the afternoon sunlight coming from your enormous bay windows.

This is convenient city living at its finest. Minutes to down town and a quick jaunt to interstate 83.

Charles Village has a great city community and has its own organization to keep the neighborhood safe and clean - the Charles Village Community Benefits District (CVCBD). The CVCBD has a mission of keeping the streets clean and the community safe by providing supplementary services in addition to the services provided by the city. Check out the CVCBD website here: http://www.charlesvillage.org/mission.html

Check this one of a kind home at:

www.2709StPaulSt.com

Magan Drane Realtor

Just Sold! 7815 MEATH RD, DUNDALK, MD 21222

Dear Clients and Friends,

I want you to be the first to know about my most recent sale in Dundalk.

Congratulations to Candy and JoAnne on their new home! Thanks for keeping me laughing J .

If you are in the market to buy and/or sell give me a call, I would be happy to help.