Tax Credit Extension and Expansion for 2010

Great news. The First-time Buyers tax credit has been extended and expanded. Read this article for details: http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/06/real_estate/tax_credit_extended/

FYI: A first time buyer is anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last 3 years. Additionally, the new credit was expanded to include current owners, that wish to "trade up." First-timers can qualify for up to $8,000 and existing owners can qualify for up to $6,500. This is a refundable credit that would put money in your pockets.

Let's recap: Is now a good time to buy a home? ABSOLUTELY. Interest rates are at historic lows. Uncle Sam is GIVING money as an incentive to buy. It's a Buyers market, which mean market conditions favor buyers and not sellers. What more could you ask for? Don't answer that. Just call me if you're planning to buy or sell, 443-538-1631. I can help you navigate this market.

Thanks for reading my blog. Happy Holidays & happy househunting. Check the next blog. Peace.

Progress on the Tax Credit Extension

Informative video, huh? The clock is ticking and NAR (National Association of Realtors) and many others in the Real Estate industry are working hard to get an extension of the 1st Time HomeBuyers Tax Credit. Reportedly, this credit bought over 300,000 buyers into the market for a home this year.

Click this link for another article on the credit.
www.realtor.org

The Real Estate industry fuels millions of dollars into the economy in the form of loan revenue, retail sales, and adding work for builders,contractors, plumbers, electricians, loan officers, title companies, furniture salespeople, housing goods sales, and taxes. There's a bigger picture not being represented by this post, but overall you get the idea. As a Realtor I help people find homes and put a roof over their family's head. This brings me great joy.

As the market rebounds from the credit crunch, people will continue seeking a place to stay. Even in a recession, theres a place to call home for everyone. Thanks again for reading my blog. Stay tuned for more information on developments with the credit and other useful real estate news.

Explore Baltimore!

Happy Friday 10/16/09 Bloggers,

Check out the release below: http://www.baltimorecity.gov/news/press/1009/101409%20Citizen%20Survey%20Press%20Release.pdf

Mayor Sheila Dixon and her administration are working on implementing suggestions from the recent survey. Baltimore City is known for its artsy, eclectic mix of "bohemians," historians, old-world charm homes built in the 1900's and beyond. The Maryland Zoo calls the city home, and so does the Baltimore Orioles, Druid Hill Park, John Hopkins University and so much more.

Neighborhoods in the City include: Fells Point, Charles Village, Mondawmin, Ashburton, Tuscany-Canterbury, Guilford, Seton Hill, Park Heights, Central Forest Park, Hanlon Park, Roland Park, Woodmere, Cold Spring, Pimlico and so many other neighborhoods.

Full of museums, parks, restaurants, retailers, shopping, entertainment and so much more, Baltimore City has lots to offer old and new residents alike. Don't take my word for it. See for yourself! I will. Explore all that is Baltimore.

Thanks for reading my blog. Have a Great, Enjoyable weekend.

Baltimore City Charm @ Charles Village

MODERN RENOVATIONS thru-out, this Attached Row Home on Guilford Ave. SHINES! Will post to MLS this week. This home boasts, hard wood floors, a fireplace, three levels above ground and a basement. The master bath is opulent in a word. Huge master bath in top level Master Suite. Close to John Hopkins University Homewood Campus, the Maryland Zoo, Charles St businesses and shops, minutes to I-83, I-95 and I 395, plus downtown Baltimore, this home is sure to please. List price under $250K. Tell your friends about this rare opportunity to own a piece of Baltimore with all its charm and character.

Stay tuned for neighborhood updates on Baltimore City, Columbia, MD, Baltimore County, Prince George's County and all the state of Maryland has to offer both renters and home owners.

Happy House hunting & Thanks for reading my blog.

SALES UPDATES

Sun 9/6/09

My lastest listings in Randallstown, MD SOLD! The Shoshone Way TH SOLD & CLOSED 8/27/09. My Brownhill Rd. listing is UNDER CONTRACT & scheduled to CLOSE in OCT. 09. Whoo! What a summer.

Listings in Columbia, MD coming up by year end. My latest listing in Howard Co. may be ACTIVE withn 1-2 weeks or sooner. The Real Estate business is BOOMING. People always need a place to live. Fortunately, the economy is moving in a positive direction..slow and steady. Some progress beats no progress at all. Agree?

Whatever your business, STAY FOCUSED & God Bless.

Happy House hunting and thanks again for reading my blog.

LATEST FEATURED NEIGHBORHOOD...RANDALLSTOWN, MD

Hey Fellow Bloggers,

I've been BUSY working in the field, and came up with our next FEATURED NEIGHBORHOOD, RANDALLSTOWN, MD. Yes, this area is hot.

A FEW FAST FACTS ON RANDALLSTOWN, MD:

• POPULATION OF 30,864. SINCE 2000, IT HAS HAD A POPULATION GROWTH OF 10.55%.


• MEDIAN HOME COST IN RANDALLSTOWN IS $237,120.


• RANDALLSTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS SPEND $6,735 PER STUDENT. * THE AVG SCHOOL EXPENDITURE IN THE US IS $6,058.


• CLOSE TO PATAPSCO STATE PARK (OFF MARRIOTSVILLE RD)


• MOST HOMES IN RANDALLSTOWN ARE AT LEAST 31 YEARS OLD.

See link http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Randallstown,_Maryland and other resources to confirm information above.

Check www.homesdatabase.com for my latest listings: 9951 Shoshone Way, Randallstown, MD 21133 and 3834 Brownhill Rd., Randallstown, MD 21133 at this link http://www.homesdatabase.com/mapsearch.ds;jsessionid=DA79FCCE8DBDE67125E3F0BC4B79ED2B?newSearch=true&display=map&mapWidth=774&mapHeight=538&mapLevel=&where=MD%2C+21133&what=&propertyType=propertytype..%3D..%5EResidential%24..%26..Homes+for+Sale&numBeds=3&numBaths=1&numUnits=&lotSizes=&bedPerc=&minPrice=&maxPrice=184%2C000&search.x=65&search.y=17. Both homes priced to sell & in condition, would make any Buyer happy. Shoshone Way is listed at $172,000 and Brownhill Rd is listed at $182,500. Each with features unique to themselves, this Townhome and Rancher make GREAT picks in a GREAT neighborhood. Check out the listings and CALL ME. I can help with pre-approvals and the buying process. I know the transaction steps from start to finish & am HAPPY to HELP. With more than 3 shopping centers along Liberty Rd., and great restaurants like, Caribbean Kitchen at 8139 Liberty Road, THIS PLACE IS HOT. Surburban living in a city-like atmosphere meets the need of the "fast-paced" professional, that cannot get enough of "country living."

IN RANDALLSTOWN, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL! HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING & THANKS FOR READING MY BLOG. STAY TUNED FOR FUN RECIPES, FEATURED NEIGHBORHOODS & MUCH MORE.

Sellers Paradise or Sellers Nightmare

Image by Earl - What I Saw 2.0 via Flickr

In today's buyers market, Maryland Real estate is HOTTER than EVER! The First Time Buyers Tax Credit has spurred hundreds, even thousands of Buyers into the market. So, is it a Seller's Paradise or Sellers Nightmare? Visit http://marlenerogers.yourkwagent.com/ for useful tips on selling your home or to help a friend sell their home.



I'd say its a "sellers paradise." I believe this because buyers are flooding the market looking for a home, renters are converting to ownership, and Maryland has SO MUCH TO OFFER,from the Inner Harbor's fine dining to sporting events at 1st Mariners Arena, to the bike paths and open space of Columbia, and the picturesque greenery of Western Howard Co.'s Fulton, Glenelg, and West Friendship areas, as well as the States many attractions: Belair Mansion, Enchanted Forest, Children's Heritage and Welcome Center, Columbia Festival of the Arts, Ft. McHenry, Savage Mill, and so much more.

Whether you're restless and on the go, like me or a hopeless romantic, a cool collective homebody, movie-goer, club hopper, fine dining affectionado or simply enjoy the great outdoors, our home state of Maryland has something for everyone. If you're sold on Maryland after reading this post, imagine how soon we could sell your house. Think about it.



Happy Buying and Selling and Thanks for tuning in to my blog. Stay tuned for this week's "Featured Neighborhood."



Much Love,

Marlene

FEATURED NEIGHBORHOOD-FT Meade/Odenton, MD

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

OUR FEATURED NEIGHBORHOOD THIS WEEK IS .......
FT. MEADE/ODENTON, MD

SUMMARY: Fort George G. Meade located adjacent to Odenton, MD was established as a training camp in 1917. Due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. it is increasingly being used by government and military tenants like the Defense Inform School, Headquarters of the Defense Courier Service, the U.S. Army Field Band and an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency facility. Due to the U.S. Defense Dept's 2005 BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) process Ft. George G. Meade and surrounding areas like Odenton, MD are expected to experience major expansion through the year 2010.

COOL FACTS:

• Close to I-100, I-175 & Rt. 32
• Home to Fort George G. Meade Museum (4674 Griffin Ave, Fort George G. Meade)
• Coming Soon "Odenton Town Center"
• "BRAC Plan expected to bring 22,000 Home Buyers,"-Washington Post, 10/25/07
• Newest School - Seven Oaks ES, opened Fall 2008
• Home of NSA
• Access to shopping at Seven Oaks Shopping Center, Piney Orchard Parkway Shops, restaurants & SO MUCH MORE!

The research shows it : FT MEADE/ODENTON, MD IS A HOT SPOT!!! CHOCK-FULL OF GREAT SCHOOLS, RESTAURANTS, PARKS, MUSEUMS, SHOPPING, CONVENIENT TO TRANSPORTATION, NEW COMMUNITIES (CONDOS, TOWNHOMES AND SINGLE FAMILIES), DAY SPAS, & ALL THE AMENITIES YOUR HEART COULD DESIRE!

DON'T HESITATE TO CALL ME, IF I CAN SHOW YOU ANY HOME IN THIS GREAT LOCATION, 443-538-1631.

HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING, HAPPY SELLING AND STAY TUNED FOR MORE FROM YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR, MARLENE ROGERS.

TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY??? THAT IS THE QUESTION.

WOW, what a year we're having. Homes sales are on the rise, and the Tax Credit has been instrumental in getting more buyers on the market, per National Association of Realtors, http://www.realtor.org/press_room. As a licensed Realtor and member of the board, I follow these stories closely & SO SHOULD YOU! Stay in the know.

If all these things are TRUE, whats up with you??? Still renting??? Throwing money into the Landlords pocket in droves?? I know, buying takes time & planning. Rightfully so, what else is STOPPING you from maximizing on this opportunity and taking advantage of the Tax Credit, plus tax write offs for Home Owners??

Bank Owned properties, REOs are FLOODING the market. Here are some quick tips on working with REOS:

1. Hire a Licensed Realtor to "walk you through" the process, from start to finish. We're worth our weight in gold. We deal direct with the banks and can write contracts for you and negotiate on your behalf, PLUS show you ALL the homes of interest in your price range.

2. GET PRE-APPROVED. This means that a lender has pulled your credit report & verified income and necessary documents for a final loan approval. Pre-approved buyers take precedence over "unqualified" buyers. You're serious and it shows.

3. After ID'ing a home, WRITE THE OFFER & SUBMIT ASAP. Banks review TONS of OFFERS, You're not the only one "looking for a new home." IT'S REAL. THE COMPETITION IS FIERCE. I've seen multiple offers beat out, by timing. SUBMIT EARLY & INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF GETTING YOUR NEXT HOME.

4. WORK w/ YOUR CHOSEN REALTOR. Nothing hurts the transaction and sours a relationship more than a "CONFUSED BUYER," or a "RAMBLER." After completing your needs analysis, it should be CLEAR what your needs are, whats negotiable, location, etc. Getting this done upfront, SAVES TIME, and SHOWS APPRECIATION & UNDERSTANDING for your Realtor's time and commitment to SERVICING YOUR NEEDS.

5. Upon offer acceptance by the seller, WATCH THE CLOCK & perform all duties per your contract: schedule inspections, final walk-through, get loan commitment, schedule settlement, etc. Your Realtor can help along the way.

These quick tips could work for any transaction. TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK. Remember, at Keller Williams we specialize in "WIN-WIN" deals. Happy House hunting. Thanks for tuning in to my blog.




Best Regards,
Marlene Rogers

Welcome to the Buzz Report by Marlene Rogers

Welcome Friends, Family and Guests!

This is my new Real Estate Blog. It will feature information on the market throughout Maryland. Check for "neighborhood of the week," every Friday and useful links on various Real Estate related topics. I hope you find this blog useful & SHARE WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!! Looking forward to building a MEGA TEAM both inside Real Estate and on the OUTSIDE, Strategic Partnerships MAKE THINGS HAPPEN & SO DO I.

Stay Blessed,

Marlene Rogers