Germantown, MD

Buyers Prefer One-Stop Shopping

According to the National Association of Realtors’ One-Stop Shopping Consumer Preferences survey. The survey determined that a large majority of recent and future buyers would consider using one-stop shopping, like that offered by some of the larger brokerages, in the homebuying process. Results also showed that of the majority of buyers who were happy with their latest real estate transaction; the most satisfied buyers were those that used one-stop shopping.

Statistics from the survey include:

• 93 percent of homebuyers would consider using one-stop shopping. The number of recent buyers who used a one-stop shopping service increased 45 percent from 2002 to 2008.
• Nearly twice as many recent buyers in 2008 report using a Sales Associate whose office offered a full range of buying services compared to 2002.
• The biggest perceived advantages of one-stop shopping are saving money (77 percent), increased efficiency/manageability (73 percent), convenience (73 percent) and things not falling through the cracks (73 percent).
• The average satisfaction score for overall experience of buying a home was 7.9, on a 10 point scale where 10 meant “completely satisfied.” Recent buyers were most satisfied with their Sales Associate and homeowner’s insurance (8.3).
• One-stop shoppers were more satisfied with their overall experience than those who used multiple sources (8.3 vs. 7.6). When it comes to buying a home, they were also more likely to report that they would prefer service providers to be affiliated with a Sales Associate (35 percent vs. 18 percent).

October is National Fire Prevention Month, which makes it an opportune time to review fire safety and prevention in your home. According to Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council, the time it takes to prevent fires is time well spent. In fact, Appy points out that purchasing only a few items can make all the difference in keeping every household safe.

Every household should have a fire escape plan, proper fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors on every floor. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), different types of fires require different types of extinguishers, so do your research. (Click here to review the different types, as well as other information on fire extinguisher safety.)

Other tips to keep your home safe from fires:

• Watch what you eat: According to the USFA, cooking equipment left on the stove or range is the leading cause of reported home fires and home injuries. Always stay by the stove when cooking. If you do have to leave the room, make sure to turn off the fire.

• Use caution with electric space heaters: In the winter, heating surpasses cooking as the most commonly reported cause of home fires. Make sure space heaters are positioned at least three feet away from furniture and draperies, while always out of reach of children and pets. Never use a space heater when you are not in the room or when you are asleep.

• Follow electricity code requirements: Old wiring, flickering lights or too many things plugged into each outlet may be signs that you should consult a licensed electrician. Never use frayed or cracked extension cords and try to only plug one cord into an electrical outlet.

• Light with caution: Candles, fireplaces, oil lamps and chimeneas should be carefully monitored when used. According to the USFA, candles cause an estimated 15,600 fires in residential structures each year. Try to use battery-operated electric candles or place wax candles and oil lamps in a sturdy, non-flammable holder.

For more tips on fire safety and prevention, please click here to visit the United States Fire Administration Web site and click here to visit the Home Safety Council site.

The 20876 section of Germantown is smaller than 20874 so the volume numbers are typically smaller. There were a total of 18 sales in Septmeber. The dollar volume is down from last year at this time about 10%. The average sales price is down by 25%.

The interesting part is that the percentage of contract price is almost the same. It is 94% this year and was 95% last year.

Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. ZIP Code Statistics - <$100K to >$5M Format

ZIP Code: 20876 Germantown, MD
From: 09/01/2008 to 09/30/2008 Statistics generated on: 10/08/2008

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. - MLS Resale Data
Copyright 2008 - Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.

These are the statistics from the sales information the agents provide to MRIS. As you can see 76 homes sold during September. The good news is those numbers are up over 53% in dollar volume from the same time last year. The average sold price is down from $329,000 to $306,000.

The average days on the market is higher for 2008, it went from 67 days on average to 97.

One of the most important numbers I think the consumer should pay attention to is what percentage of the asking price is to contract price. In 2007 sellers got 95.57% of their asking price as their contract price. Now in 2008, sellers are getting 91.91% in zip code 20874.

If you have any questions about this information, please do not hesitate to contact me at Audrey@audreyjune.com.

Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. ZIP Code Statistics - <$100K to >$5M Format

ZIP Code: 20874 Germantown, MD
From: 09/01/2008 to 09/30/2008 Statistics generated on: 10/08/2008

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. - MLS Resale Data
Copyright 2008 - Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.

COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS REO BARGAIN - GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND - MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Fall home buyers need to watch the inventory of lender owned homes. The lenders have a surplus inventory of foreclosed homes and are highly motivated to sell them before the winter season. Prices are reduced until the homes are under contract. It is a good time to make offers. Let us show you how to be the successful purchaser of a REO property.

Many families are using FHA financing for the low cash requirement and easier underwriting requirements. Recent changes by the White House made FHA even more attractive for use when purchasing lender owned homes. Buyers need to be pre-qualified for financing. Ask us for the name of a loan officer.

We represent buyers as their exclusive agents. Let us know if you would like to receive our client reports on lender owned homes in Frederick County and Montgomery County, MD. roykelley@mris.com

NOTICE: AVOID AUTOMATIC CONTRACT REJECTION. PROSPECTIVE BUYERS MUST SUBMIT A CONTRYWIDE PRE-QUALIFICATION LETTER WITH ANY OFFER.

18124 COACHMANS RD, GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
KINGSVIEW VILLAGE - 4 BEDROOMS/3.5 BATHS - $496,000