The Dougé Team of Exit Realty Enterprises is conducting a Coat & Jacket Drive to benefit those less fortunate during the upcoming winter season. We are seeking donations of used winter coats and fall jackets. We ask that all coats and jackets be in good, clean condition.

All donations will be collected through December 31^st, then presented to Martha's Table, Inc in Washington DC in January. Donations can be dropped off at: Exit Realty Enterprises at 11120 New Hampshire Ave, Suite 200 in Silver Spring Maryland; Monday-Friday, 12-5pm.

Martha's Table, Inc serves the needs of the less fortunate in the Washington DC community through food, learning, healthy living, recreational, and family support services.

During these last two months of the year, it's important to recognize the true meaning of the holidays by reaching out and assisting others who need it most. Even if you don't live in the Maryland/Washington DC and can't contribute to our drive, make your holidays a good one by doing something good for someone else near you.

Any questions, please contact The Douge Team at 301-593-4811 x.150 or x.119, or via email at info@TheDougeTeam.com.

Prior buyers' markets have shown that the condo sector will often take the brunt of the market slowdown. The results are reflected in the reduction of prices, along with units staying on the market for longer periods of time prior to selling.

For the owners who need to sell their condo, key things to remember for this market include: (1) PRICING - even a nice unit slightly overpriced will sit on the market for a while; (2) presentation - clean, uncluttered rooms with neutral decor; and (3) a dedicated agent who will create buzz about the unit through effective marketing and showings.

Since it's a buyers' market, those seeking a condo will find plenty of options to consider. However, it's still advantagious to react quickly to the unit you desire. Even though condos may stay on the market longer, there's a good chance that if you like one, there are others who will also like it. Eliminate the competition by putting in your offer as soon as possible.

As of 10/24/07, there are 161 condos available for sale in Frederick, Maryland with a price range of $129,900 to $1,180,000. However, only ten of those units are priced at $500+K. During the second half of the year (since July 1st), 56 condos have been sold while 22 listing agreements have expired taking those units off the market.

Contact The Douge Team of Exit Realty Enterprises if you'd like more information about buying or selling a condo. We can be reached at info@TheDougeTeam.com or 301-593-4811 x-119 or x-150. Also visit us at www.TheDougeTeam.com.

- Max Douge (The Douge Team)

The Baltimore market is still a hot one. It has been, and still is, the most undervalued market in Maryland, and investors recognize that it's still a worthwhile area for purchasing properties. Moreover, the demand has enabled several Baltimore neighborhoods to actually gain in value while most markets have lost value.

Baltimore City has become a hot commodity, and it will continue to get better. Why? Baltimore is only an hour north of Washington DC, and nearly two hours south of Philadelphia. It is ideally situated to address growing demand from companies looking to position themselves for domestic and international opportunities. It offers affordable living options for those who work in or near Washington DC, but don't want the high cost of living there. It is establishing itself as a biotech R&D venue thanks, in part, to the great work of Johns Hopkins University Hospital. Baltimore also offers the Harborplace, Baltimore Aquarium, museums, theatres, colleges/universities, restaurants, of course the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles, and much more.

If you or anyone you know is seeking an up-and-coming city to live in or invest in, then Baltimore City is the place to consider. Contact The Douge Team for more information about buying or selling properties in Baltimore.

The Douge Team of Exit Realty Enterprises

Based on a census conducted by the American Community Survey, it is estimated that Maryland's median household income was $65,144 for 2006, giving it the unique distinction of being the richest state in the United States. New Jersey came in a close second at $64,470.

Check out this article by the Baltimore Sun for more details.

Buying your first home may not be as complicated or as intimidating as you might think. Here are some basic steps to prepare you for purchasing your first home.

1. Have a timeframe (1-year, 3-years, 5-years or whatever fits your goals) that indicates when you'd like to purchase a home
2. Set a goal and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE - determine an amount of money you want to save by the end of your timeframe and keep your eyes on the prize; keep in mind you'll need money for a down payment, closing costs and moving in
3. While saving, work on establishing a good credit score: don't let your checks bounce, pay your bills on time, pay down or pay off your credit cards - get rid of extraneous store cards, keeping only 2-3 major credits cards
4. Keep SAVING!!
5. Prior to looking at homes, meet with a mortgage representative to review your financial status and to determine how much you can feasibly afford
6. Identify homes in a price range that is slightly below the maximum you can afford so that, financially, you can live comfortably with the home you choose to purchase

Some money saving tips to help you along the way:

• Address your Needs, not your Wants
• Take your lunch to work instead of buying lunch; also eat out less for dinner
• Share a ride to work or events, or walk whenever possible
• Recycle and reuse materials
• Turn off lights and appliances when not using them; use flourescent bulbs
• Adjust your thermostat to 72-75 degrees in the summer and 70 in the winter
• Go to a matinee movie instead of a late night show
• Purchase clothes that have gone on sale by at least 30%, and only buy what you need

There are so many other money saving methods you can use. I can't take credit for coming up with all of these tips, but they are common sense; we just need to be reminded of them every so often, especially when there's a big goal at stake like purchasing a first home.

Lastly, identify a real estate agent who will do their best to meet your needs. Good luck and enjoy the benefits of owning your home!