“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Laura Gray

BIRD WALKS - Band Birds for Tracking - Volunteers Needed

05-10-09
Laura Gray

Banding bird

Audubon Society of Central Maryland

Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary

13030 Old Annapolis Road

West of Mt. Airy

When: May 16, 2009 **

Help the society capture and band birds for tracking.

Birds are released and unharmed

Walks will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather

No restroom facilities at Sanctuary.

Directions: From Eaglehead go North on Boyers Mill Rd, . cross Gas House Pike onto McKaig Rd., follow McKaing to the intersection with Old Annapolis and the entrance to the sanctuary is about one quarter mile Detrick road.

** The 5/16 walk will offer two sessions, one starting at 7:30 AM, the other at the usual 9:00 AM start time.

Sales Statistics for New Market - March 2009 Zipcode 21774

05-05-09
Laura Gray

Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. ZIP Code Statistics - <$100K to >$5M Format

ZIP Code: 21774 New Market, MD
From: 03/01/2009 to 03/31/2009 Statistics generated on: 04/08/2009

Residential
Unit Sales
Number of Bedrooms

Active Listings

Time on Market

Price Class

2
Or Less


3

4
or More

Condo
Coop

Ground
Rent

Residential

Condo
Coop

Ground
Rent

of Units Sold
(No. of Units)

Under $100,000

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1 -30 Days

2

$100,000 - 149,999

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

31-60 Days

2

$150,000 - 199,999

0

0

0

0

0

3

4

0

61 - 90 Days

1

$200,000 - 249,999

1

1

0

0

0

8

0

0

91-120 Days

0

$250,000 - 299,999

0

2

1

0

0

23

0

0

Over 120 Days

6

$300,000 - 349,999

0

1

2

0

0

22

0

0

Total

11

$350,000 - 399,999

0

0

0

0

0

11

0

0

$400,000 - 449,999

0

0

2

0

0

10

1

0

Type of Financing
of Units Sold
(No. of Units)

$450,000 - 499,999

0

0

0

0

0

10

0

0

$500,000 - 599,999

0

0

0

0

0

14

0

0

Conventional

4

$600,000 - 699,999

0

0

0

0

0

3

0

0

FHA

2

$700,000 - 799,999

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

VA

2

$800,000 - 899,999

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

Assumption

2

$900,000 - 999,999

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Cash

1

$1,000,000 - 2,499,999

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Owner Finance

0

$2,500,000 - 4,999,999

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

All Other

0

$5,000,000 & Over

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Unreported

0

Totals

1

5

5

0

0

106

6

0

Total

11

Grand Totals

11 112
2009 2008 % Change
Total Sold Dollar Volume: $ 3,119,638 $ 3,671,898 - 15.04 %
Average Sold Price: $ 283,603 $ 333,809 - 15.04 %
Median Sold Price: $ 286,900 $ 320,000 - 10.34 %
Total Units Sold: 11 11 0.00 %
Average Days on Market: 175 199 - 12.06 %
Average List Price for Solds: $ 339,964 $ 367,227 - 7.42 %
Avg Sale Price as a
percentage of Avg List Price:
83.42 % 90.90 %
Total NEW listings: 26
Total Properties Marked Contract: 6
Total Properties Marked Contingent Contract: 9
Total NEW pendings (Contracts + Contingents): 15

Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. - MLS Resale Data
Copyright 2009 - Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.

A match made in heaven: First Time Homebuyers and FHA 203K Renovation loans

05-03-09
Laura Gray

Just married lawn sign

We are seeing a resurgence of First-Time Homebuyers in our local market place in Maryland. Many are seizing the opportunity to purchase their first home within walking distance of a metro station or a short bicycle ride from the current workplace.

Many of this Post-war homes in the area may need some minor updates to accommodate today's consumer. This is a perfect use of the FHA 203K Streamline loan to give an existinghome a modern update. Whether it is NEW flooring or appliances, some drywall repairs and paint , or electrical, mechanical and/or plumbing updates this is the perfect fit for the perfect house that needs a little TLC.

The "203K Streamline" guidelines are fairly simple and are as follows:

  • Renovations not to exceed $35,000.
  • Homeowner must qualify for basic loan + renovation cost= total loan amount
  • Before and after appraisals comply with fair market value of neighborhood
  • General Contractor IS NOT required.
  • Homeowner can complete some of renovation themselves
  • 50% percent of the renovation money is provided within days of settlement and the balance is issued after inspection of property to confirm work status. (Usually within 2 weeks)
  • Follows all FHA loan guidelines including maximum loan amount and sellers concessions.

Now for those of you out there who are brave enough to look at the existing REO properties and are looking for the DEEP discounts than the FHA 203K loan is for you. The guidelines are similar to the 203K Streamline , but are a bit more involved and allow for construction to extend over a period of six to eight months.

The "203K" guidelines

  • Renovations must exceed $35,000.
  • Homeowner must qualify for basic loan+ renovation cost = total loan amount.
  • Before and after appraisals comply with fair market value of neighborhood.
  • General Contractor IS required.
  • Construction time-line is created for renovation , draw accounts are created to pay contractors as work is completed.
  • 10% Oops factor created for each draw account to cover unknown delays and costs associated with renovation.
  • Up to six (6) months of mortgage payments can be rolled into loan.
  • Work can include Mold remediation and testing , Sustainable (GREEN) product installation and more .....
  • Follow all of the FHA loan guidelines including maximum loan amount and seller concessions.

Don't let the condition of the homes you look at affect your choice. Find the perfect house in the best location and personalize it to suit your needs.

LET THE HONEYMOON BEGIN !!

If you would like to find out more about this program and how you can effectively use it in the purchase of your home feel free to contact me directly or sign up for one our our upcoming seminars.

WASHINGTON D.C. / DELAWARE / MARYLAND / VIRGINIA - 2 Day Auction Event

04-27-09
Laura Gray

Let me assist you with the acquisition of your next "Investment" property at the auction.

  • Over 250 properties available in Maryland
  • Some homes available with starting bids of $500*
  • OPEN HOUSE dates May 2nd , 3rd & 9th 11:00AM - 4:00 PM
  • Pre-Approvals for 203K loans available prior to auction date.
  • Single Bidder & Multi-Bidder pre-registration available with prior appointments
  • All properties conveyed with "Clear" Title

I have successfully assisted local "Investors" secure winning bids at these auctions. They have purchased properties for thousands of dollars under market value. Many in move-in condition and ready to be positioned as turn-key rentals and/or resales. I can assist you with building your portfolio and/or defining the most cost effective exit strategy.

Contact me for your exclusive "Investor Interview" and start building your Real Estate Portfolio today !

Ask me how to find other "Investment" properties nationwide with InvestorLoft **

* Starting bids may change prior to auction , adjustments will be noted at time of sign in

** FREE service for Investors, Long term and short term properties available.

COLDSTREAM FARMER'S MARKET ................................. It's BACK

04-23-09
Laura Gray

Mark your calendars and tell all of your friends !

COLDSTREAM FARMER'S MARKET

When: Tuesdays starting June 2 , 2009

Time: Starting at 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM

Where: Coldstream Pool parking lot

Local Produce , Breads , Coffee and more !

Brought to you by the local farmers and co-ops from the Frederick County and surrounding areas.