Here are some really good thoughts, especially for those selling when nobody is buying.
Get real about price. Don’t obsess over what you could have gotten had you sold earlier. Consider inventory in your price range. If there are a lot of properties like yours, you might want to undercut the competition.
Vet your agent. Selling amidst a major market downturn is tough work. When you hire a realtor, make sure they have a track record. Ideally, you want someone who knows how to weather a down market.
Pimp your house — consider hiring a home stager. Staging a home is all the rage these days. If you don’t know how to property stage your home, it might be worth bringing in a pro who will help rearrange furniture, move extraneous items to storage, etc. Remember, regardless of the time of year, you want your curb appeal to be as high as possible.
Cash will make your home look even better. Instead of offering some sort of gimmick such as a car or cruise to the lucky buyer of your home, consider throwing in some cash. Offer to pay part of the buyer’s closing costs.
Underwater? Learn to swim. If you bought recently, your mortgage may be larger than what you can get for your home. If you have no choice but to move (say for a new job) you still have some options. For one, you might be able to get your employer to cover the difference. Alternatively, if the rental market is holding up, you could rent out your house while you wait out the slump. Finally, you can always sell for as much as you can and then make up the difference out of your savings.
For more help on selling your home check out "7 Keys to Selling Your House" on our website. Here you can get more in-depth information on pricing, curb appeal, home staging and what to fix to sell. We also have some tips on interviewing agents.
Are you a homeowner relocating in and out of the Washington, DC area? Is your current space too small for the needs of your family? Is your current space too cumbersome or unnecessary for you?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this webinar is for you!
Register for a session now by clicking this link: Wed, Mar 14, 2012 7 - 8 PM EDT
Once registered, you will receive an email confirming your registration with information required to join the webinar. We'll answer all of your real estate-related questions, and we'll offer the support you need and want to make your transaction – and your transition – as smooth as possible.
Emcee Arah - "the REALTOR with Architectural Dimension" – is both a Certified Distress Property Expert (CDPE) and a Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS). He is uniquely equipped to assist you in navigating the residential real estate market in DC and the Maryland suburbs. Contact us online or by phone at (301) 452-5252. And don't forget to leave your comments below, or on our Facebook page – we'd love to hear from you!
It's the middle of February (already!) and Silver Spring home owners have a virtual cornucopia of of terrific places to go and fun things to do right here in our area. Here's a look at just a few of the possibilities available for your enjoyment this week:
Beginning this evening (Monday, February 13), it's Bring Your Family to School Week! The National PTA® announced the Thomas G. Pullen K-8 Arts Academy has been awarded a $1,000 Grant for “Bring Your Family to School Week” and at 7pm today, a representative from the National PTA will present our PTA with the $1,000 grant. There are fun events happening each evening this week from 7-9pm; for more information, contact tgpullenpta@gmail.com, call 240-695-7136, or go to www.thomaspullenpta.org.
On Tuesday, February 14, bring the kids to Brookside Gardens for the Sweet Pea Valentine's Workshop. Listen to a wonderful Valentine’s story, design and paint a clay pot planted with sweet peas and make a Valentine’s card to give to someone special. Course number 158650; 4:30-6:00pm; Ages: 6-12; registration required at www.parkpass.org.
Wednesday, February 15, join local recording artist, Randy "Windtalker" Motz as he celebrates the release of his new CD, “Canyon Whispers,” with a performance of his unique and haunting style of contemporary Native American flute music. Motz describes his music as “Native SoundScapes.” The blending of Native American-style flute with lush orchestration and Native percussion, weaves a musical tapestry that creates a warm and soothing ambiance perfectly suited for an evening of relaxation, coffee, and food. Come out to The Music Cafe at 26528-B Ridge Road in Damascus. For more info contact windtalkermusic@verizon.net, or go to www.the-music-cafe.com.
Are you a Civil War enthusiast? If so, on Thursday (February 16) you're sure to enjoy the Frederick County Civil War Roundtable's presentation. Park ranger, military historian and interpreter John Reid to discuss two battles of Manassas and their implications for the outcome of the war. All are welcome to attend this free presentation. For details, contact Jim Enright at 301-514-3741 or visit http://frederickcountycivilwarrt.org.
If you're a jazz lover, come out for the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival (MAJF). An annual weekend of jazz, February 17th through Monday February 20th , MAJF returns for the 3rd year, still standing up for “Real Jazz,” featuring Roy Haynes, Kim Burrell, Carmen Bradford, Terrell Stafford, Nicholas Payton, Warren Wolf, and Winard Harper. Also included are workshops, a high school band competition, and a jazz play for the family, Bud Not Buddy, produced in partnership with Adventure Theatre. Call301-563-9330 or go to www.midatlanticjazzfestival.org for more info.
Emcee Arah - "the REALTOR with Architectural Dimension" – is both a Certified Distress Property Expert (CDPE) and a Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS). He is uniquely equipped to assist you in navigating today's residential real estate market. Contact us online or by phone at (301) 452-5252. And don't forget to leave your comments on our Facebook page – we'd love to hear from you!
All successful real estate investors have one thing in common – they all know where to find the money. They understand that money is the life blood of the real estate investment industry, and they’ve all invested their time and resources to find reliable sources of finance for their deals.
I agree with a lot of industry experts – the opportunity always lies in the obstacle.
In real estate investing, lack of money is a huge obstacle that most investors cannot overcome. Very few investors ever find a solution to the “money” problem. This means that those savvy investors who do find a solution to the money problem face considerably less competition for deals and can cherry pick the best deals.
Think about it a little differently – why is it that we’re taught to make “cash” offers and “close in one week” when trying to buy a property at a discount? It’s because sellers know that cash buyers have the means to actually buy and close on their property. Most sellers would rather accept a sure thing cash deal than a higher offer with financing contingencies.
The great thing about buying real estate is that although you need money it doesn’t need to be your money. It’s called OPM – Other People’s Money. It’s a trillion dollar industry and its goal is to assist people to buy real estate. Companies like banks and lenders want to lend you money. All you need to do to get their money is understand their rules. Probably the most undervalued part of investing in real estate in finding the right financing for your real estate investment deals.
There are many ways to finance a deal. You can get money from a conventional lender, a private lender, the seller, any third party, the property itself and even gift or grant programs. Don’t limit yourself to traditional funding and don’t be afraid to be creative. Need ideas? Attend our FREE Investment Webinar on Wednesday, Feburary 15.
AT THIS EVENT, YOU'LL LEARN:
How real estate compares to other assets for growth potential.
What are the benefits of real estate investing.
The truth behind the most common myths of real estate investing.
How you can optimize your investing power through real estate.
MY PROMISE TO YOU:
I always do what is best for you, and will never let you close on a bad deal.
Real estate should be purchased for cash flow only; appreciation is a bonus.
Real estate investing is a non-emotional event; I always do the math.
You, as an investor, play a vital role in the real estate market and deserve to be treated accordingly.
The EMA Real Estate Group are your local experts when it comes to investing in real estate. We ensure exceptional service, including both personal consultation (offering vast experience and knowledge on which you can count) and financial advice, particularly about interest and tax benefits for real estate investors.
Emcee Arah - "the REALTOR with Architectural Dimension" – is a Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS). He is uniquely equipped to assist you in navigating today's residential real estate market. Contact us online or by phone at (301) 452-5252. And leave your comments below – we'd like to hear from you.
Real estate investing isn't simple. It requires finding the right property, managing the investment property properly and keeping good financial records. You can be successful, though! Here are some rock solid tips for success:
Build a real estate network. Include a great real estate agent, a mortgage broker, a lawyer, an appraiser and an accountant.
Pay attention to the real estatemarket, and stay up to date by doing your own research.
Accurately evaluate each property’s cash flow.
Negotiate openly when you decide to buy. This may help to avoid wasting time on properties that are not within your budget.
Be a safe real estate investor. Considering all essential factors and have a firm real estate investment strategy. We can provide you with suggestions and guidance.
Need more ideas? Attend our FREE Investment Webinar on Wednesday, Feburary 15.
AT THIS EVENT, YOU'LL LEARN:
How real estate compares to other assets for growth potential.
What are the benefits of real estate investing.
The truth behind the most common myths of real estate investing.
How you can optimize your investing power through real estate.
MY PROMISE TO YOU:
I always do what is best for you, and will never let you close on a bad deal.
Real estate should be purchased for cash flow only; appreciation is a bonus.
Real estate investing is a non-emotional event; I always do the math.
You, as an investor, play a vital role in the real estate market and deserve to be treated accordingly.
The EMA Real Estate Group are your local experts when it comes to investing in real estate. We ensure exceptional service, including both personal consultation (offering vast experience and knowledge on which you can count) and financial advice, particularly about interest and tax benefits for real estate investors.
Emcee Arah - "the REALTOR with Architectural Dimension" – is a Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS). He is uniquely equipped to assist you in navigating today's residential real estate market. Contact us online or by phone at (301) 452-5252. And leave your comments below – we'd like to hear from you.
February? Already? Wow – 2012 is flying! Silver Spring home owners can enjoy an abundance of terrific places to go and things to do right here in our area. Here's a look at just a few of the possibilities available for your enjoyment during the upcoming week:
On Saturday, February 4 (2:30pm), head to the Wheaton Library to join the “royal elders” and musicians of a typical West African village! Native Ghanaians Kofi Dennis and Kwame Ansah-Brew offer an exhilarating and memorable performance of traditional music, storytelling and dance. Through “call and response” songs, games and drum rhythms on authentic instruments, Anansegromma of Ghana offers an engaging, first-hand exploration of West African cultural traditions.
Come out Sunday, February 5 from 12-4:30pm for the National Capital Trolley Museum Celebrates Black History Month festivities. The special exhibit, "Jim Crow on Streetcars,"
tells the stories of both 19th and 20th century efforts to establish racially segregated transit and to resist its establishment. The cost is museum admission: $7 adults, $5 youth. The National Capital Trolley Museum is located at 1313 Bonifant Road in Colesville.
Worry about your computer's security? On Monday, February 6 from 7-8:30pm, you'll want to attend the Connection Cafe Workshop: I know your computer password! You may be using your pet and/or kids names, or something like that. There are better alternatives, and you owe it to yourself to check them out. The Connection Cafe is located at the Poolesville Presbyterian Church, 17800 Elgin Rd. For more info, contact wbmattes@yahoo.com.
If you're starting your spring cleaning a little early, take note! Walter Johnson High School is accepting donations of gently used books on Tuesday, February 7 for the All School Booster Club Used Book Sale fundraiser. Deliver boxed items to the school main office from 7am to 7pm at 6400 Rock Spring Drive in Bethesda. Music CDs, audio books, and movies in DVD/VHS formats are also accepted. No magazines, software, games, textbooks or encyclopedias. Sale will be Saturday and Sunday, March 3-4, from 9am - 2pm at WJHS. Proceeds support all extracurricular activities. Donations are tax deductible.
Celebrate Black History Month on Wednesday, February 8 from 10:30-11:30am with KIDS DAY OUT: The Greatest Stories Never Told: How Old is a Hero? Young People of the Civil Rights Movement. This inspiring play, created for the nation's Museum on the Mall, features African American heroes of the twentieth century. Explore the power of youth and meet three courageous heroes who helped shape history during the civil rights movement. Hear the compelling experiences of Ernest Green, the first black student to graduate from an integrated high school; Claudette Colvin who, months before Rosa Parks, refused to give up her seat on the bus; and six-year old Ruby Bridges, who won equal rights before she could read. This event will be held at Harmony Hall, 10701 Livingston Rd. in Fort Washington. Contact lawrence.knowles@msn.com for more information.
Are you new to the US? On Thursday, February 9 from 6-8pm (and every Thursday through March 15) Take part in FREE Citizenship Preparation Classes. Intermediate-level English is required. Come to the Upcounty Regional Services Center, 12900 Middlebrook Road in Germantown, or contact patricia.larson@montgomerymd.gov for details.
Are you suffering from cabin fever? On Friday, February 10, spring begins in February in the Conservatory when plants that flower in cool temperatures and short day length bring color and fragrance to the dark days of winter. Plants from tropical climates, like Cymbidium orchids, various Citrus cultivars, winter Jasmine and African Melianthus major add global representation to the collection of plants on display. Many of the permanent plants also flower in the early months adding to the riot of color in the season display beds. Come to Brookside Gardens at 1500 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton from 10am-5pm for a breath of spring! Contact leslie.mcdermott@montgomeryparks.org for more information.
Emcee Arah - "the REALTOR with Architectural Dimension" – is both a Certified Distress Property Expert (CDPE) and a Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS). He is uniquely equipped to assist you in navigating today's residential real estate market. Contact us online or by phone at (301) 452-5252. And don't forget to leave your comments on our Facebook page – we'd love to hear from you!
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Emcee M. Arah, a Realtor with Architectural Dimension and Distressed Prop. Expert, serving the real estate needs of Buyers and Sellers in Silver Spring, Maryland and Washington, DC suburb since 1991.
Use this section to write about yourself - don't be shy - Why should a buyer or seller want to work with you? Do you have any certifications and qualifications? What sets you apart from other agents/loan officers?
Silver Spring Maryland - A wonderful place to live, work an
d grow!
Silver Spring...an urbanized, unincorporated area in located in Montgomery County Maryland. Silver Spring is the third most populous place in the state of Maryland. The urbanized, oldest and southernmost part of Silver Spring is a major business hub that lies at the north apex of Washington D.C. The community has recently undergone a significant renaissance, with the addition of major retail, residential and office developments.
Silver Spring Maryland takes its name from a mica-flecked spring discovered there in 1840. The original site of the spring is believed to be Acorn Park. Although unincorporated, Silver Spring's boundaries are not officially defined. The area called Silver Spring is larger than any city in Maryland except for Baltimore.
The red line metro eastern arm serves four stops in Silver Spring. Silver Spring station, Forest Glen station
, Wheaton station and Glenmont station. The major roads servicing Silver Spring are mostly 3-5 lane highways. Easy access to the Capital Beltway is available. In addition to the Metrorail, Silver Spring is serviced by the MARC Train, Metrobus, Ride On and free VanGo.
Old Downtown Silver Spring has had a multi-million dollar facelift that is creating a pedestrian friendly area with shopping and restaurants. It is a great place to live. 1225 new residential units have been built in downtown Silver Spring in the last five years. Silver Spring is the new, must place to live. Housing ranges from condos to rentals, from lofts and workforce housing to lovely townhomes and single-family homes.
Silver Spring is well established with many homes constructed in the 1950s. These homes are located on well ordered "city blocks" in well-kept communities. The Four Corners community caters mostly to first time home buyers and small families while Woodside offers homes in the mid-price range to the higher ranges with generous lots.
Although I am an expert in the Silver Spring area, I can also provide you with information on the surrounding areas. I can provide you with information on surrounding cities such as Beltsville, Bethesda, Bowie, Burtonsville, Chevy Chase, Columbia, Ellicott City, Greenbelt, Gaithersburg, Laurel, Rockville.
Our Client's comments about our Service:
"Emcee, Thank you for helping me purchase my new home. You are right regardless of all the hassle, now that I am here, I love it. I wish you continued success.
- Ruth
"Emcee was very professional and real. He was willing to work with us even though we did not have much. We are grateful for how you took us under your wings like a father and us first-time homeowners. May God richly bless you."
- Adindu and Janet
"Outstanding!"
- Lawrence and Roseline
"It is a pleasure for us to express our gratitude to you, Mr. Emcee Arah, for your unwavering efforts in finding Heather a nice place to live. Your fund of Real Estate knowledge, public relations skills, and positive attitude, made a laborious process enjoyable and easy. We are grateful to you for a job well-done! In the future, should we need your assistance, you will be the first Realtor to be contacted."
- Melvin and Creola
"Thanks for your Excellent service! It was a great comfort to be able to call you to help me with the sale of my father's house."
- Paula
"Emcee M. Arah is a man of high integrity and honesty. He is trustworthy and dependable with the patience of Job, to get whatever job he sets out to do completed. He listens to his clients and trues to provide them with the best service possible." -Marian
"The service was different. Emcee is dedicated, hard working and always punctual. I have already recommended him to my friends."
- Stella
"Very professional and possessed a demeanor that was calm but assertive. One of the many things that impressed me with Emcee was his ability to keep you informed and keeping his word."
- Mena
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