About Annapolis' Eastport

That All Depends On the Data You Read, How You Interpret It, and How Much – Frankly – You Really Want to Move

That’s the question everyone wants to know the answer to: has the market stabilized? Realtors hear it all the time, but any Realtor who pretends to know the answer is probably telling you something you want to hear.

Which is not to say there’s no reason for optimism both nationally and locally.

The Case-Shiller Home Price Indices released on July 28th showed home values up in 15 of its 20 tracked US markets – the first period of broad growth in home prices in 34 months. (Though on a year-over-year basis, home prices nationally are still down 17%.)

By comparison, the average home sale price in Anne Arundel County during the last 12 months is down 10.82%. That stings, but it’s a far sight better than the national average. And more good news: compared to July of ‘08, July ‘09 saw 491 homes sold in our county – an increase of nearly 20%.

People without jobs or in fear of losing one don’t typically buy homes. Here in Anne Arundel County we’ve seen a jobless rate increase of 2.8% since June of last year. But at 6.9% we are still below the national unemployment rate of 9.4% – yet another plus for the Annapolis real estate market.

So, has the Annapolis real estate market stabilized?

I think we can be guardedly encouraged by the data, so long as we don’t forget that all real estate markets are local – often down to the micro (street) level…and that home values will always reflect that.

Too, we have to accept the fact that it’s impossible to predict how events that play out on the national and world stage will impact our local market.

Data, market trends, statistics – these are important tools we use to guide buyers and sellers who work with us at The Moss Haedrich Team, to help them make good decisions.

For Most of Us, Real Estate Transactions Engage Not Just the Head, But the Heart, Too

“Waiting for the market to stabilize” makes sense, but trying to time the real estate market – like trying to time any market – is risky and may come with a price.

Sure, you don’t have to make that move to San Diego. But what have you gained if you wait 5 years to sell, hoping for the market to recover, only to miss the first 5 years of your grandchild’s life? Or – what if you wait to buy a home until prices slide a little lower, only to find yourself able to afford less home because interest rates have taken a jump?

These are all pieces of the real estate puzzled that need to be factored in when you’re considering a move.

If you’re confused about whether or not this is a good time to make a real estate move, give us a call. We’ll sit down with you, listen to your story and help you to sort things out so you can decide what makes sense for you. No pressure, no obligation. I can be reached at 410-507-7222 or by email at KenHaedrich@gmail.com.

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If you're selling your Annapolis home, or thinking about it, chances are you're wondering about open houses...whether or not they work (something I'll talk about in an upcoming video)...and the dreaded Nosey Neighbors.

Not to worry: if they're nosey, they probably like to blab, too - and that's a good thing. If you're wondering why, just watch this video.

And by the way, if you are indeed thinking about selling your Annapolis area home - or would like to talk about the nosey neighbors...or perhaps have a question about buying a home in the Annapolis are - feel free to get in touch. You can call me, Ken Haedrich, direct at 410-507-7222 or email me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com.

Look forward to hearing from you.

So, you're in the market for an Annapolis home...this rain we've been getting is driving you batty...or you're just dying to talk with a Realtor about how the Annapolis real estate market is REALLY doing.

Whatever the case may be, we know you're anxious to get out and about this weekend - so why not attend one of the two open houses we're holding, one in Riva Trace and one in Eastport.

I've provided the details in the short video below. Hope to see you there.

The Federal Reserve Announced Wednesday That It Will Inject $1 Trillion Into the Financial System By Purchasing Treasury Bonds and Mortgage Securities

Bottom line for Annapolis area home buyers? The best interest rates you're likely to see for a while. I just got off the phone with a lender who told me he's quoting rates of 4.75% on 30-year fixed rate conforming loans and 5% on FHA loans.

He also told me this: the appraisers he's been talking to in the last couple of weeks are coming in with appraisals that are above selling price - a good indication that home prices have bottomed out.

From the street level, we sense something is happening here. Buyer confidence is on the rise as the stimulus package gains traction. Showings on our listings are up and more buyers are calling to schedule home previews. In the past week, we've received four offers on listings we have. These are all very encouraging signs.

The recently announced $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers has been a real boost, as well.

If you've been trying to time the market and think it might be time to strike, give us a call or send us an email. We - The Moss Haedrich Team of Keller Williams - work with an experienced team of advisors who can help you figure out whether this is the right time for you to buy. No pressure, no hassles - just sound advice you can use.

Our email address is kenhaedrich@gmail.com and our cell is 410-507-7222.

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About to Spend Big Bucks on that Annapolis Fixer-Upper? You Might Want to Call This Guy First and See If You Can Realize Your Homeowner Fantasies Without Busting Your Budget

So you've picked out the cutest little Annapolis bungalow you've ever seen and you're thinking about making an offer.

But you've got some...concerns. You're not sure how an expanded kitchen would fit into the overall design. You're wondering if the new master bedroom is going to change the roof line. And you'd really like to see your new home "go green" as much as possible. Where do you turn?

To someone like Chris Neumann, design consultant, who deals with these sorts of issues all the time. Chris is a former owner and manager of one of the DC area's top Design Build Remodeling firms, where he was the design director. He oversaw many large and small scale renovation projects and you can check out a number of them at his Website. That's one of his projects in the photos above, before and after.

You can see a summary of the services Chris offers at his Website, so I won't go into much detail here. But briefly, he can do a pre-purchase consultation or advise on renovation possibilities. He can do a feasibility analysis and consult on the design process, zoning limitations, material choices and budget trade-offs.

He'll also do a sustainability survey and advise on how to save energy, conserve water, and incorporate "green" products and technology into your project. If it was my call, I wouldn't go near a reno without first talking to Chris.

FULL DISCLOSURE STUFF - I can attest to the quality of Chris' work because we're selling his Annapolis home, which he transformed from drab to fab.

OTHER STUFF - If it's a fixer-upper you're looking for in the Annapolis area, we have plenty of homes we can show you. Just email me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com, tell me what area/s you're interested in and what price range, and I'll email you a list of the best prospects right away.

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