About Baltimore County, MD

Buyer Agency Protocol

Recently, I heard a question asked from a Buyer about Buyer Agency Protocol. The particular Buyer had been working with a Real Estate Agent for about a month, but without a Buyer Agency Agreement. Eventually, the Buyer found a house on his own and worked directly with the Seller to write the contract. The Agent was not involved.

Afterwards, the Buyer posed the question: "What is Realtor protocol in this type of situation, because I want to be fair?"

In that month, prior to the Buyer going out on his own, the Agent had done copious amounts of work for him. Naturally, the Buyer did not want to take advantage of this Agent.

So, Mister Buyer are you willing to pay that Agent 3% of the purchase price for that deal that you made without him. Not likely. In actuality, it is more likely that you are thinking of paying him a couple hundred dollars, if that.

Let me see if I can determine how this works.

• I have a mortgage. I will call them and ask what is protocol. Can I stop paying my mortgage? Oh, that's right; that has already been answered. Look at all of the Foreclosures and Short Sales.
• I have a credit card that I have been using. I will call and ask if I need to pay the balance. Oh, I can declare bankruptcy and not pay any of it.
• If I go to the emergency room, do I need to pay for the medical service?
• . . . .
• Can I use a Real Estate Agent for nothing?!!

Some Agents are okay with this scenario. "Oh gosh; don't worry about it; just send me referrals."

"Darn right I will send you referrals; you are the cheapest guy in town."

But now I ask, should his question have been reworded. Perhaps to something like "What is Buyer protocol . . . ?"

Should a Buyer pay for the services that he receives, for any service or product, or should he expect that everything should be free? "Let's spread the wealth around", the wealth which will not exist if everyone thinks that they are entitled to everything regardless of what it costs.

That's it for now.

The Vacant Lot

It was a listing of mine, this vacant lot of about 1.5 acres. The area was developing and it was becoming feasible to build on the lot, which was previously in a rural area without sewer systems. The lot did not pass a perc test, but with new development in the area, public water and sewerage systems were becoming available.

The adjacent lots to the right and to the left, which were of a similar size, already had houses, but up to this point these property opwners also had the benefit of an open lot being next to them. These were the first people that I approached about purchasing the property. They both declined the offer, afterall, they already had the benefit of the lot without having to purchase it.

So I opened up the marketing to the broad MLS market and beyond.

There was plenty of interest, but also plenty of discouragement from the adjacent neighbors.

Here is some of what happened.

• The back portion of the lot was a bit overgrown with sticker bushes, but was passable. Nonetheless, I came prepared with gloves so that I could push the stickers aside as we made our way to the back of the lot. I got there before my clients and fortunately so. I was out of my car for about a minute when the neighbors unleashed their pit bull, which decided to charge right for me. I could do nothing but hold my ground. You have heard how dogs can sense fear; well, I gave a stance of bravado. Remember, I had my gloves on. Keep coming pooch, you're going down. Apparently they can sense more than fear as he wussed out about half way to me and headed back to his house. Whew! That was a close one.
• On another visit, the other neighbor decided to get into the act. This neighbor's lawn was neatly trimmed, but for some reason, he thought that he should crank up the tractor. It seemed that he thought that the area that formed a circle around my car was what needed some extra trimming. This required a different tact than the pit bull. I got out of the car and got his attention. He stopped and we had a cordial conversation. This calmed him down. It seems that his heart was not really into this bullying stuff.
• The next showing came and neighbor number one was at it again. The pit bull didn't do the job, so weapon number two was unleashed. Little Naked Billy came out of the house and started dancing all around the lot. That's right, a 4 year old boy with no clothes. This was more comical than intimidating. Eventually Little Naked Billy went back into the house. Perhaps he stepped on a sticker or two.
• The next showing came and the neighbors were not out of weapons. Out came Spittin' Marge, an eleven year old or so girl, who started spitting in my direction. Actually, I could not believe it. When I left the showing, I circled back just to see if she was a chronic spitter or whether she was really targetting me. There she was at the end of the driveway spitting in my direction once again. Although disgusting, it, too, was rather amusing.

Eventually, the lot sold and the new owners put up a new house. I have not heard any horror stories, so I guess they must have been accepted.

I am sure that most of you have been monitoring the status of the "Homebuyer Tax Credit" in Baltimore County, but if you haven't, this is what we know:

Homebuyer Tax Credit for Baltimore County Homes has not only been extended, but it has also been expanded to include current homeowners in Harford County. The following are features of the new bill:

• Deadline for current credit is November 30, 2009.

• Deadline for new and improved credit is April 30, 2010, as long as the home in Baltimore County is under contract by that date; deal must close within 60 days.

• Eligibility and amount of new credit: - $8,000 for first-time homebuyers in Maryland (those who have not owned a home in Baltimore County in the last three years). - Up to $6,500 credit for homeowners who have lived in the home they are selling, or have sold, as a principal residence for five consecutive years in the past eight.

• Buyers in Baltimore County or City with income exceeding $125,000 for single and $225,000 for married couples are not eligible.

• Homes in Baltimore County valued at more than $800,000 are also ineligible.

This is exciting news for first time and current homeowners that are looking to purchase a property in Baltimore County Maryland.

You can become a VIP Buyer and Beat Other Buyers to Hot New Listings in Maryland, Baltimore, Harford County, Cecil County Homes. How To Receive Daily Emails or Printouts of ALL New Listings That Match Your Home Buying Criteria Sent to You FREE of Charge Without Obligation

Here's how it works...

We mail/e-mail you new listings (complete with pictures) of ALL MLS properties that match your home buying criteria.

Our exclusive Buyer Profile System allows you to pick which homes in Baltimore County you want to view before other buyers even know about them. As a VIP buyer in Baltimore County:

You get weekly updates of all new home listings that match your criteria FREE of charge. You get first pick of homes that interest you and the ability to beat other buyers to an offer.

Because you're there first, before most other buyers, we are able to negotiate the lowest possible price for you saving you even more money including the possiblity of the Tax Credit. Most importantly your time isn't wasted viewing homes that don't interest you.

It's easy to get started...Just click here

START RECEIVING FORECLOSURE LISTS IN BALTIMORE COUNTY NOW!

"HI! My Name is Robert McArtor, Not only do I AUCTION Foreclosed properties, I also have the information YOU NEED to buy Foreclosed Properties in Maryland! The Home I LIVE IN was a BANK-OWNED PROPERTY! I purchased it for $100,000 Less than what was owed and YOU CAN BUY ONE TOO!"

"With Robert by my side...I purchased a 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath home on 1.15 Acres for just $140,000! We followed Robert's advice and saved well over $100,000 with our purchase!" Charles P. - Harford County

"Thanks Rob, we never thought we could have done it! 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 2 car garage in a cul-de-sac and saved over $100,000. With your advice we acted fast...I still can't believe I have my own garage"! M.K. - Harford County

I will email you FORECLOSED PROPERTIES the MOMENT THEY COME ON THE MARKET....FREE! Simply Fill-Out the Form Below and I will start sending you the lists TODAY! There are many fixer-upper homes in Baltimore County to choose. We have the knowledge and experience you need when deciding on the BEST DEAL!

I am sure that most of you have been monitoring the status of the “Homebuyer Tax Credit”, but if you haven’t, this is what we know:

Homebuyer Tax Credit has not only been extended, but it has also been expanded to include current homeowners in Maryland. The following are features of the new bill:

• Deadline for current credit is November 30, 2009.

• Deadline for new and improved credit is April 30, 2010, as long as the home in Maryland is under contract by that date; deal must close within 60 days.

• Eligibility and amount of new credit: – $8,000 for first-time homebuyers in Maryland (those who have not owned a home in Maryland in the last three years). – Up to $6,500 credit for homeowners who have lived in the home they are selling, or have sold, as a principal residence for five consecutive years in the past eight.

• Buyers in Maryland with income exceeding $125,000 for single and $225,000 for married couples are not eligible.

• Homes in Maryland valued at more than $800,000 are also ineligible.

This is exciting news for first time and current homeowners that are looking to purchase a property in Maryland.

You can become a VIP Buyer and Beat Other Buyers to Hot New Listings in Maryland, Baltimore, Harford County, Cecil County Homes. How To Receive Daily Emails or Printouts of ALL New Listings That Match Your Home Buying Criteria Sent to You FREE of Charge Without Obligation

Here's how it works...

We mail/e-mail you new listings (complete with pictures) of ALL MLS properties that match your home buying criteria.

Our exclusive Buyer Profile System allows you to pick which homes in Maryland you want to view before other buyers even know about them. As a VIP buyer in Maryland:

You get weekly updates of all new home listings that match your criteria FREE of charge. You get first pick of homes that interest you and the ability to beat other buyers to an offer.

Because you're there first, before most other buyers, we are able to negotiate the lowest possible price for you saving you even more money including the possiblity of the Tax Credit. Most importantly your time isn't wasted viewing homes that don't interest you.

It's easy to get started...Just click here

START RECEIVING FORECLOSURE LISTS IN MARYLAND NOW!

"HI! My Name is Robert McArtor, Not only do I AUCTION Foreclosed properties, I also have the information YOU NEED to buy Foreclosed Properties in Maryland! The Home I LIVE IN was a BANK-OWNED PROPERTY! I purchased it for $100,000 Less than what was owed and YOU CAN BUY ONE TOO!"

"With Robert by my side...I purchased a 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath home on 1.15 Acres for just $140,000! We followed Robert's advice and saved well over $100,000 with our purchase!" Charles P. - Harford County

"Thanks Rob, we never thought we could have done it! 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 2 car garage in a cul-de-sac and saved over $100,000. With your advice we acted fast...I still can't believe I have my own garage"! M.K. - Harford County

I will email you FORECLOSED PROPERTIES the MOMENT THEY COME ON THE MARKET....FREE! Simply Fill-Out the Form Below and I will start sending you the lists TODAY! There are many fixer-upper homes in Maryland to choose. We have the knowledge and experience you need when deciding on the BEST DEAL!

News From The Associated Press

The House of Representatives voted 403-12 Thursday to expand a popular tax credit for homebuyers.

First-time homebuyers have been getting tax credits of up to $8,000 since January as part of the economic stimulus package. But with that housing program scheduled to expire at the end of November, the House voted to extend it into the spring — and to expand it to many people who already own homes.

Buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years would be eligible, subject to income limits, for tax credits of up to $6,500. First-time homebuyers — or people who haven't owned homes in the previous three years — could get up to $8,000. To qualify, buyers have to sign purchase agreements before May 1 and close before July 1.

The credit is available for the purchase of principal homes costing $800,000 or less, meaning vacation homes are ineligible. The credit would be phased out for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 and for joint filers with incomes above $225,000.

Next stop for the bill - President Obama's desk. He is expected to sign the legislation tomorrow.