3 bedroom 2 bathroom home for sale Annapolis, MD Maryland
![]() |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Curtis Real Estate Company : 41 Randall Street - Annapolis MD 21401 : 410-320-5227 |
3 bedroom 2 bathroom home for sale Annapolis, MD Maryland
Thankfully, human sacrifice is not yet a requirement to improve your search engine ranking. Although, if Google ever changes its criteria it is best to think about who is on the bottom of the totem pole. Refreshingly, SEO strategy starts with a very easy and basic concept, keywords.
You begin with a little brainstorming. If you work alone, you may want to enlist the aid of a friend or friends. They don’t have to be Realtors, just people who have had experience buying a home and are internet savvy. Your “Brainstorming Meeting” has one purpose: Gather ideas to create content and research keywords.
To get started you will need the following tools: A. your brain and that of your team or friends that you enlist; B. Google Keyword Tool (which implies that you need a computer/s); C.Blogging ideas for 3 months.
Regarding Tool C. Blogging Ideas, it is important to remember that this can be almost anything. It could be questions that people commonly ask you when they are looking for a home, questions that sellers commonly ask, new developments in Real Estate policy in your area, etc. Just think about content that is relevant to your community of buyers and sellers.
The Meeting Outline (about 1 hour maybe more):
Keyword Research (20 minutes) –Next to each idea write keywords that belong to that topic. Write as many as you can think of. Once you have finished construct a search string for each idea that your team agrees is realistic (ex.: Home For Sale in Community X). Now comes the part where you collect some data to help you in your execution of these ideas. For this part you will use Google Keyword Tool. There are other tools that you could use, but this one is free and its results are easier to explain. [Click on the picture to see a screenshot with brief explanation]There are many people who have written a great deal about Best SEO Practices, but in my opinion the one person who has nailed down the basic ideas best is Stephen Graham. He is a professional blog trainer and writer and he has written a simple, easy to follow list of things you need to consider each time you blog. The article is called: 4 Steps to Follow for Easy SEOand I highly recommend that you read it before you begin writing. You will notice a very basic principle that guides the logic of what he has written, it is one of the greatest principles by which we can live: Keep It Simple Stupid. I am not calling “you” stupid (it’s more something we need to say to ourselves, but take it easy, I don’t want to you to damage your self esteem), but it is a phrase that we all need to remember when writing. When your content is simple, the search engines will love it and so will your readers. It’s a win-win formula.
The easiest part is behind you, now comes the hard part… be consistent. 20th century British author Aldous Huxley once wrote: “Consistency is contrary to nature, contrary to life. The only completely consistent people are dead.” He comments on a harsh, but very true reality, that it is difficult for any of us to be consistent. That said, what you are striving for is clearly not perfection (unless the idea of an early grave is attractive to you, in which case there is a very different article I recommend reading…). Just do your best to stay organized and execute the strategy that you have now created. No, it won’t be easy. It may require the help of someone else to remind you. Be it by means of your smart phone, your spouse or a co-worker set up daily and weekly reminders to stay on track with your schedule. Do research online and locally before you write to make sure that the information that you are presenting is still up-to-date.
One way to stay current and competitive is to invest your time in ongoing education and training. The more knowledge you possess of your industry and it needs, the natural byproduct you will produce is relevant and intelligent content that is usable and valuable to your readers. If you are interested in what programs might be useful, please feel free to contact me. I could give you a list, but honestly then you would know everything I know. How embarrassing that would be… to have all of the knowledge I possess summed up in just 2 blog articles! No thanks, I will save something for future conversation. May you have success with all your SEO endeavors!
If you have any questions or comments my preferred contact information is listed below.
Michael Hillanbrand
Joe Gonzalez Team
Marketing & Technology
office – 210-888-9210
mike.techexpert@gmail.com
My 28 Year & Counting Family Tradition - Salmon Fishing
The year was 1983 & I was 8 years old. My father decided he was taking me to Pulaski, NY to go Salmon Fishing. Twenty eight years later, we haven’t missed a year. If you’re looking for a manly man’s fishing trip that’s not too far off, this is a great place to start.
WARNING:
1. These fish are strong! I DO NOT recommend this for a beginner’s trip.
2. River currents can be strong, the water deep & rocks slippery. Don’t be a “bruto” – Spanish word for a moron who doesn’t use common sense.
3. Plan your trip in advance. Salmon season is short (mid/late September through October) & it can be challenging to find lodging.
4. Purchase your gear in advance. Equipment can be is expensive once you’re there. See the bottom of the page for links to stores (Click here to see what I use).
5. See #2 again & take me seriously. For all you “brutos” out there, you’ve been warned & you will get hurt if you’re careless.
Now for the fun…….
We left King of Prussia at 4 AM (they had to convince me) & 2 pit stops later we’re eating breakfast at Mapleview Family Restaurant in Parish, NY. It’s a long trip so it’s good to know a few good restaurants along the way. If you’re hungry try the “Big Rig” or “Breakfast Blizzard”. (Click here for direction to all stops). Don’t forget to enjoy the foliage on the way up!
With renewed energy we went to see where it all begins at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery. It’s educational & suited for all ages. So don’t be a heathen, take a minute & learn something. Your wife will be proud. Best of all, you’ll see a ton of king salmon (Chinook) & silver salmon (Coho). After seeing all those fish, we were fired up & ready to go!
A few miles off we started fishing at the Orwell Brook. The Orwell is a small stream with deep pools & little to no crowds. Now keep in mind much of the surrounding land is private & you may need to pay to cross their land. Once there, we found the salmon! I decided I was going to play cameraman & angler at the same time. Sorry for the bumpy video but it gives you a good idea of how these fish fight.
After catching our limit (3 per day), we loaded up our fish & made a quick stop at Fat Nancy’s Tackle & Fly Shop (side note, dragging 60 to 70 lbs worth of fish for ½ to 1 mile uphill is NOT easy. Bring your inhaler cupcake). If you forget anything these guys have it all, but expect to pay a premium. Here you can find a guide, lodging, equipment, etc. In case you’re wondering, Fat Nancy is a fish not an obese older woman who owns a tackle shop. Sorry to disappoint you.
By 5 pm we’re beat so we head off to check into our cabin at Catfish Creek Campground. If you get a cabin, it’s great. The trailers, not so much BUT, they are cheaper. I prefer to spend a few bucks more for the cabin. We chose CCC because it’s close to a number of fishing holes, the owners are friendly & the salmon/steelhead fishing is outside your doorstep.
The next few days we drove between fishing holes, caught a ton of fish, shared fish stories & created memories that will last a lifetime. Salmon fishing is the guy’s guy ultimate bonding trip. I have to say thanks to my dad for making the decision 28 years ago to take me fishing.
One thing is for sure, if you go, you won’t regret it. Take your kid too. He’ll love you for it. I know I did. Feel free to shoot me an email for additional tips on where to go & what to do while you’re there.
What I use: Links for equipment:
Orvis Chest Waders – Light weight, breathable, comfortable. If you plan on using your waders hard, spend the few extra bucks. If not get a pair from Cabela’s bargain bin.
Cabela’s Ultralight 2 Lug Wading Boots – I walk (sometimes even run chasing fish) with these which is hard to do with heavy boots. Make sure you use the metal studs as the rocks are VERY slippery. You can also just buy corkers (spiked shoe that attaches to boot). Don’t go with just rubber boots unless you like to swim in cold water.
Shimano Stradic CI4 fishing reel – Super light weight which makes it easier on an old injury to my shoulder
Trekker Water Bottle Fanny Pack – I like a fanny pack because it’s small & you have everything you need around your waist. You can also pick one up at Walmart.
Rapala Stainless Steel Fishing Pliers – These are a must. You can cut line, remove hooks, clamp down split shots, etc with these. I clip mine to my belt & have a cord tied to one end in case I drop them. Regular pliers will work too but I use mine for several kinds of fishing.
Costa Del Mar Polarized Fishing Glasses – I like my Costa’s which are lifetime guarantee. If you’re just starting get some a cheap $20 pair. Serious fishermen will drop about $150 to $200 on these.
Utility box – Buy 1 small one for your gear. You’ll only need hooks/flies, split shots (weights) & plastic eggs or sponges.
Crazy eggs or wally wogs – get a few packs as you will lose quite a few
Owner hooks – these hooks are sharp! The sharper the hook, the less fish you’ll lose.
Tin split shots – again buy a few bags of these as you will lose them & they’re cheap.
Salmon fishing rod – personal preference here – I like a 8’6” to 9” medium action rod.
Why Rent? Fixed FHA Mortgages at only 3.75% (5.092 APR)! King of Prussia, Plymouth Meeting, Phoenixville
Why haven’t you bought a home yet? Is a 20% down payment keeping you from buying a home? Have you rented for a long time & just aren’t sure? Are you a long time renter in the market to buy? Living in the King of Prussia, Plymouth Meeting, Phoenixville or the surrounding areas? Well stop renting already! FHA could be the answer you’re looking for.
Okay let’s use some real world #’s to help you appreciate what FHA can do for you.
How much are you borrowing
In this example the client (you) are buying a home using FHA (Line A). Current rates are around 3.75%/5.092% APR (B) for a 30 year fixed (C). The purchase price is $200,000 (D) & you will put down FHA’s minimum down of 3.5%. Your base mortgage will be for $193,000 (E) & your total mortgage $194,930 (F) due to the Upfront Mortgage Insurance required by FHA (email if you want more info on mortgage insurance).
Your monthly payments
Your principal & interest payment will be $902.75 (G), property taxes guestimate $250 (H), monthly mortgage insurance $184.96 (I), homeowner’s insurance guestimate $50 per month (J) for a grand total of $1,387.71 total monthly payment (K).
Total cash needed at closing
Your down payment is 3.5% (L) of $200,000 (D) which is $7,000. The closing costs are $5046.25 (M), the escrows/prepaids $4,000.41 (N) & Upfront Mortgage Insurance $1,930.00 (O). Your total costs are $9046.25 for closings costs (M) & escrows/prepaids (N). The seller* can pay for the closing costs which is $9,000 (P). Remember that in line F we are lending you the money for the upfront mortgage insurance (O).
Bottom line out of pocket = $7,046.66
Now I’m sure I lost a few of you somewhere in the translation so click below for a video explanation. If you have any other questions give me a call or send me an email!
*You can negotiate at the time of your offer for the seller to pay for your closing costs. Please consult me PRIOR to signing a
contract!!
Why Rent? Fixed FHA Mortgages at only 3.75% (5.092 APR)! King of Prussia, Plymouth Meeting, Phoenixville
USDA Updates – They now charge for the awesomeness!
In my last post I gave a few tidbits about USDA (Click here if you missed it - Kick butt 100% financing that you’ll probably qualify for). WOW, I didn’t realize so many people would respond. Good Great stuff guys. So here are a few updates….
October 1, 2011 USDA Rural Housing Loan Changes:
USDA Rural Housing has been taxpayer-subsidized for years. Long gone are those days. The USDA Rural Housing Program will no longer be dependent on tax payer money (wish we could say the same about the big banks! Can I get an AMEN!!) To stay in business, they started charging for the awesomeness of the program (as if you didn’t know that was coming). They not only charge mortgage insurance upfront now, but monthly as well for the life of the loan. (insert Homer Simpson like “DOH!” right here) Relax Homie, the upfront has gone down & the monthly isn’t bad.
USDA Rural Housing mortgage insurance rates are:
Real life numbers for USDA Rural Housing:t Name

Okay so paying mortgage insurance for the life of the loan isn’t cool but before you get your panties in a bunch, let’s bring it back into perspective:
For my local clients, check out just a few of the areas that the USDA Rural Housing Programs are available in:
Collegeville, Royersford, Evansburg, Trappe, Limerick, Schwenksville, Skippack, Oaks, Kimberton, Chester Springs, West Pikeland, Mont Clare, Birchrunville, Spring City ALL QUALIFY!!! (Insert Homer-like WOO HOO!!!)
So what’s your next step you say? (get ready for a shameless plug for the Joe Gonzalez Team at Meridian Bank)
I’m so glad you asked! Give Joe Gonzalez from Meridian Bank a call. I’ll be happy to help you with your financing needs! :-) I hope you enjoyed the info!
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2013 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved