Mona's Changing Seasons of Real Estate!

Why it is Still Better to Buy than Rent: See Article Below

Hi everyone,

This is one of the best articles I have seen for folks deciding whether or not to rent or buy.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/08/16/real_estate/buy_rent/index.htm?iid=HP_River

Please read and if you want more specific information, please let me know!

Best!

 

Mona

www.AnnapolisHomeInfo.com

Yesterday I said "Don't do it".

I met a couple who were interested in a house.  Very interested in fact.  I knew that the house had a bad foundation.  I knew that the house had mold.  I knew that the house had water problems.

I was obliged to tell them the truth. 

I lost a sale.

I gained a lifelong customer.

Sometimes when you lose you win.

www.annapolishomeinfo.com

It's a PRICE WAR and a BEAUTY CONTEST!

I could have written this article.....but I didn't.....so I will give credit to LinkedIn,  USA Today and Dave Carpenter AP.  It is precisely what I have been saying all along.

An important thought is that we, in the metropolitan area of Baltimore-Washington-Annapolis are much better off than other parts of the country.

If you do it right, your home will sell!  I am honored to meet with you at any time if you are considering a real estate change.   www.annapolishomeinfo.com

 

http://www.linkedin.com/news?actionBar=&articleID=612564575&ids=0RdPkQdzkOcjoIczcNej8RcP4Sb3kMd38MdPAMdyMQe38Tdj0QcjoIejoPdPwVcP4S&aag=true&freq=weekly&trk=eml-tod-b-ttle-44

Curb Control

Whether or not you are getting ready to list your home for sale, maintaining your home's curb appeal is important.  To make your home's exterior shine, think about following the same decluttering and staging principles you would use to spruce up the interior.

Get an outsider's point of view.  Take a walk across the street to get an overall first impression of your property.  Is the lawn unkempt?  Are the hedges unruly?  Rev up the lawn mower and trimmer; if you are short on time, considering hiring a gardening service to do an overall clean up and be sure to keep up with the regular maintenance.  Assess the windows--are they cracked or dingy?  Repair any cracks or dings on the panes and sills and make them shine with a thorough cleaning.  Another tip is to remove your screens once the windows are clean!

Color coordinate.  Consider planting or adding to a garden with bright florals and, at maximum, one or two decorative pieces (statues or gazing balls, etc.) depending on the  garden size.  If it is in the budget, rejuvenate your home with a new paint color--perhaps one to match the season, with a cool pale blue for winter or pale yellow for a warm, spring or summer look.  If you can't revamp your entire exterior, consider repainting the front door to make it stand out, and replace existing hardware such as doorknobs or locks for a new feel.

Consider all angles.  Prospective homebuyers are going to check out your house from all sides, including the backyard.  Make sure any outdoor elements--patio, pool, pond, deck and shrubbery--look just as inviting as the front porch.  If you have a patio or lounging area, be sure furniture is up to date with clean cushions and no scratches or hasty repair jobs, and make sure the look matches the rest of the decor.

May this help you not only improve your home but your block and the overall neighborhood!

Telling the truth sometimes hurts

One day, we got a call from a couple that wanted to list their home with me.  Before the appointment, I did my research on their property along with comparable homes that had sold recently, and I checked out their home at the meeting to finalize what I thought the home was worth.  But then, more importantly than anything else, I listened to their dreams and wishes.  Putting all that work aside I realized that the best outcome for them was not to sell, but to build on the land they already had.  And now they have a great water view home. Yes, I lost the sale, but we now has some great friends who recommend me everywhere they go.  We hope you’ll tell  your friends & family about this story too. www.monalacovey.com  (new website on the horizon too!) 

JUMBO LOANS EASE (starting to...)
Happy Thursday! For those of you jumbo loan buyers who have been waiting for availability, I have a lender who can do up to $2 million for primary residences and up to $1.5 million for vacation or investment properties. With a minimum FICO score of 680-700 and 20% down + reserves, this is quite doable. Get in touch with me and I will give you the contact. www.annapolishomeinfo.com

Gardening! One of my favorite subjects! Growing your own vegetable or herb garden can help trim the fat on your grocery bill....and your body. Ready to start planing? HGTV experts suggest that you consider these tips before you let your garden grow.

Start by making a list: it is easier to plot out garden beds when you put everything down on paper. Write down the erbs you commonly use and look up their soil, light, and water needs. Take note of a plant's growing patters, too....mint, a popular herb, tends to overtake gardens so it best planted by itself. There are some hard and fast rules for growing vegetables as well: Potatoes are known to inhibit the growth of tomatoes and squash, and beans can slow down a patch of onions.

When considering which fruits and vegetables to plan, it is important to remember there are cool and war season crops. Cool crops include cabage, lettuce, and pease; warm crops include peppers cucumbrs, and melons.

And fnally, size matters. Novice gardeners should begin with a plot no larger than 11' square, which allow for nine 2' x 3' areas and enough walking space among the crops. Trying to take care of a large garden with little experience can be challenging, but a smaller, well-maintained area is more likely to yield success.

Good luck and let the growing begin! www.monalacovey.com

Dear Clients, Customers, Friends, Neighbors, and Business Associates,
I have the most incredible property listed to sell: 607 Yawl Ct. in Annapolis and on the Broadneck Peninsula. It is a Koch home. It is beautiful and well priced. Owners are very flexible on settlement date.
AA7543445. $599,900 Click the attached link, or cut and paste to your browser..... http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/607-Yawl-Ct_Annapolis_MD_21409_M56884-89792?source=web

So, I have this absolutely beautiful townhome in Pasadena which has just been reduced to $274,900. We need a buyer for it. They certainly won't be disappointed as it is SOOOOO priced right and ready! AA7520243 www.monalacovey.com or www.annapolishomeinfo.com

Average home price December 2010 for Anne Arundel County: $349,156 down 1.4% from 2009
Average home price December 2010 for Maryland: $304,108 down 4.6% from 2009
More homes sold in AA County in 2010: 355 vs. 347 in 2009

www.annapolishomeinfo.com