Maryland homeowners may be eligible for a new federal tax deduction of about $300 that we haven't enjoyed in the past.
This information comes from The Mortgage Insurance Companies of America (MICA), a trade association representing the private mortgage insurance industry. MICA provides information to lenders and investors on legislative and regulatory issues and represents the industry on Capitol Hill.
According to the MICA website, many homeowners with private mortgage insurance on their home loans may be able to deduct the cost of mortgage insurance premiums for the very first time on their 2007 federal tax returns.
Who qualifies for this deduction?
Families with an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less qualify for the full tax deduction, while families with incomes of more than $100,000 and up to $109,000 will be eligible for a reduced deduction.
Which homes qualify?
If mortgage insurance is required for your home loan, and it closes between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2010, your PMI could be deductible in those tax years. Unfortunately, private mortgage insurance on loans that closed prior to 2007 is not deductible.
A few more details:
Visit Focon On Crofton to continue reading and find out...
- Are vacation homes eligible?
- Do you have to be a first-time buyer?
- Are re-financed loans eligible?
- Do military personnel qualify?
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Relocating to the Baltimore-Washington area? Check out Your Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Find a Home and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Odenton and Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Check out Today's Rates, use the free Mortgage Calculator, and watch a brief video about the Power of RE/MAX. These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace.
When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at RE/MAX Vision in Crofton Maryland. 410-451-1900
As you know, it's January, and most people in Maryland are planning to be curled up by the fire next Saturday, January 26th, playing video games or watching some college basketball. But heck, why not bundle up and head out to Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County for the Boardwalk-themed Winter Festival. Where else can you enjoy live pig-racing action, a 20-ton sand sculpture being crafted as you watch, and even an "Early Bear Plunge for those who love to Plunge but don't love to wait."
Yep, I'm talking about the 12th annual Polar Bear Plunge (Brrrrrrrrr) in the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, to benefit Special Olympics Maryland. All it takes to be a part of the 2008 MSP Plunge experience is more guts than brains and $50 in pledges. Sponsors say this is "the coolest event of the year!"
Of course, some folks aren't satisfied just to participate - you know, the "Type A" personalities... the ones who never do anything halfway at work or play. These are The Few. The Proud. (and come Saturday, they are ) The Frozen. These are the Super Plungers, who brave both the elements and the Chesapeake Bay, taking one chilly dip after another for 24 hours straight. (Can you imagine? It makes me shiver just to think about one dip!)
The event is sponsored by the Maryland State Police (MSP), Comcast, WBAL, The Baltimore Sun, FedEx, Merritt Athletic Clubs, Frank Gumpert Printing, Grauls, CVS Pharmacy, and a long list of other sponsors that goes on and on.
If you plan to watch (or plunge), and it gets too cold, you can always retreat to the heated tent that will house (drum roll, please) Bunky's Beach Party. That's where you'll find live music, a variety of vendors and crafters, the Astro Events Fun Zone just for kids, Plunge souvenirs, and refreshments. Admission is free for Plungers and spectators alike, so you can't beat the price.
Please, don't ask - I have NO plans of plunging, and probably not even watching. But I want to make sure you know all about it, in case you're going to be anywhere near Anne Arundel County, next weekend, and would like to Plunge or watch! For more information, including the day's complete schedule and a registration or sponsorship form, visit the official MSP Polar Bear Plunge website today.
P.S. Total donations, with a week to go, total $1,179,587.62.
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Relocating to the Baltimore-Washington area? Check out Your Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Find a Home and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Check out Today's Rates and use the free Mortgage Calculator. These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace. When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at (301) 346-2923.
Included in Your Online Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County, Maryland - Home of Fort George G. Meade, NSA, Northrop Grumman, BWI, and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Anne Arundel County, Maryland, located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay about a half hour from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, is home to Maryland's capitol city of Annapolis, the United States Naval Academy, the National Security Agency and Fort George G. Meade.
When you relocate to Anne Arundel County, you'll find fabulous shopping malls such as Westfield Shopping and Arundel Mills Mall and quaint one-of-a-kind shops on the historic streets of downtown Annapolis. Dining options range from Ledo Pizza in Crofton to Carroll Creek Cafe and Phillips Seafood overlooking the Annapolis Harbor. You'll enjoy recreational opportunities in nearby Washington and Baltimore as well as County waterways, parks, and golf courses. And there are twelve blue-ribbon schools in Anne Arundel County, the 5th largest school district in the state ranked #3 in the nation.
Anne Arundel County truly is a unique place to live, with the historical ambiance of Annapolis and a nautical influence that runs through the county with the Severn, Magothy, South and West Rivers. Yet, in the end, it is YOUR next home and community that bring you to this area, so let's talk about living here.
Homes prices in Anne Arundel County range from the $200,000's for a condo to many millions of dollars for prime waterfront estates. The majority of detached homes for sale probably fall into the $400,000- $800,000 range, depending primarily on size of the lot and home as well as proximity to the water - significantly lower than other areas within commuting distance of Washington, D.C.
Some homes are located in established neighborhoods with mature trees and big yards while others are still under construction in new subdivisions. There are communities with private beaches, open only to residents, such as Arden on the Severn in Crownsville or the gated marina-community of Chesapeake Harbour in Annapolis; 18-hole golf courses are the centerpieces of Walden in Crofton, Bay Hills in Arnold, and several other Anne Arundel County communities.
As we go about our busy 21st century lives in Anne Arundel County, we know intuitively that we live, work and play in an area that is rich in history. Yet few of us know the details of how Anne Arundel County came to be. Be sure to read all about the History of Anne Arundel County from the 17th Century Through the Present.
Now, whether military relocation or BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) is motivating your move to Maryland, you have an opportunity to be part of the next chapter for this extraordinary county. And you can look forward to sailing on the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, going to an Orioles game at Camden Yards in Baltimore, and attending a concert at the Kennedy Center in our nation's capitol - all in the same day.
Welcome to Anne Arundel County, Maryland!
HELPFUL LINKS:
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Find a Home and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Crofton and Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Check out Today's Rates, use the free Mortgage Calculator, and watch a brief video about the Power of RE/MAX. These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace.
When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at RE/MAX Vision in Crofton Maryland. 410-451-1900
This information is included in the Online Anne Arundel County Relocation Package for Fort George G. Meade, NSA, Northrop Grumman, BWI, the the USNA
Relocating to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area?
You'll soon discover that parades aren't just for Thanksgiving and New Year's Day! And, in Washington, D.C., parades aren't just for Inaugurations and Presidential Funerals. In fact, there's a parade in our Nation's Capital every Friday evening during the summer. Whether you're a tourist or a resident of the Washington, D.C. area, it's just one of those unique events you simply must experience!
I'm talking about "The Evening Parade" - a performance of music and precision marching by the President's Own United States Marine Band, The Commandant's Own The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and Sgt. Chesty XII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington. Guests with tickets are admitted to the grounds of Marine Barracks Washington about 7:15 p.m., and unclaimed seats are offered an hour later to guests waiting outside the gates. The 75-minute ceremony gets underway at 8:45 p.m., beginning with a concert by the United States Marine Band.
Where else will you experience an event so rich in heritage that encompasses former military rituals such as tatoo, retreat, and lowering of the colors ceremonies? The Evening Parade is offered "solely to express the dignity and pride that represents more than two centuries of heritage for all Americans". Whether you're a tourist or a resident of the Washington, D.C. area, you will want to submit your online request for 2008 tickets, beginning February 1 and at least 3 or 4 weeks in advance of the desired date.
Marine Barracks Washington, the oldest active post in the Marine Corps, supports both ceremonial and security missions in the nation's capitol. It is a base rich in history - Home to the U.S. Marine Band since 1801 and the residence of every Commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806. I've been told that the selection of a site for Marine barracks was a matter of personal interest to President Thomas Jefferson, who rode through Washington, D.C. himself in search of a suitable location. The site at 8th and I, in southeast Washington, was chosen for its proximity to the Navy Yard and its easy marching distance of the Capitol.
If you can't attend in person, you might enjoy a VHS video of an Evening Parade.
Thank you Mike Lynaugh for the use of this photo and the beautiful photo of the Washington Monument on my website.
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Find a Home online and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Crofton and Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Check out Today's Rates, use the free Mortgage Calculator, and watch a brief video about the Power of RE/MAX. These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace.
When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at RE/MAX Vision in Crofton Maryland. 410-451-1900
Count them... 1... 2... 3 golf courses ON BASE, plus many more nearby. If you have orders to Andrews, you will enjoy proximity to all the culture, arts, history and recreation of Washington, D.C. and Annapolis - but, if you're a golfer, military relocation to Andrews can be summed up with one small word, FORE!
Andrews AFB South Course- The 18-hole "South" course at the Andrews AFB Golf Course facility in Andrews AFB, Maryland features 6,748 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 71.1 and it has a slope rating of 128 on Bermuda grass. Designed by Brian T. Ault, ASGCA, the South golf course opened in 1998. U.S. Air Force Services Agency manages this facility, with Michael Thomas as the General Manager.
Andrews AFB West Course- The 18-hole "West" course at the Andrews AFB Golf Course facility in Andrews AFB, Maryland features 6,397 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 70.5 and it has a slope rating of 120 on Bermuda grass. Designed by Frank Murray/Russell Roberts, the West golf course opened in 1961. U.S. Air Force Services Agency manages this facility, with Michael Thomas as the General Manager.
Andrews AFB East Course- The 18-hole "East" course at the Andrews AFB Golf Course facility in Andrews Afb, Maryland features 6,780 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 72 and it has a slope rating of 121 on Bermuda grass. Designed by Frank Murray/Russell Roberts, the East golf course opened in 1956. U.S. Air Force Services Agency manages this facility, with Michael Thomas as the General Manager.
Source: GolfLink
If you're a golfer or a golfer wanna-be, you'll find plenty of options for playing beyond the gates of Andrews, as well. In addition to the three courses on base, you'll want to check out these nearby golf courses:
While the Andrews Air Force Base golf courses are part of the Base Recreation Program, they are managed and maintained in a relaxed "country club" atmosphere with a pro shop, cafeteria, lounge and practice facilities.
The golf courses are normally open for play seven days a week, from 0730 until dusk, Monday through Friday, and 0630 until dusk on Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays. All seasonal changes in the operational hours are posted throughout the clubhouse and on the website.
There's more to golf in this area than these local courses, however. There is the new Tiger Woods Foundation and his AT&T National, a PGA Tour event played at Congressional Country Club. If you're in the area this summer, you'll be able to walk with the pros July 2-6.
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Find a Home and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Crofton and Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Check out Today's Rates, use the free Mortgage Calculator, and watch a brief video about the Power of RE/MAX. These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace.
When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at RE/MAX Vision in Crofton Maryland. 410-451-1900
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Real estate adviser and advocate for home buyers and sellers in Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton, Davidsonville, Gambrills, Odenton, Fort Meade, and other nearby communities in the D.C.-Baltimore area
When you live in Anne Arundel County Maryland, you can play a round of golf in Crofton,
go sailing on the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, and then attend a ballgame at Camden Yards in Baltimore
or a concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. - all in the same day!
Maryland home sellers will find easy access to recent home sale data on my website, and information in my Homeseller Guide about pricing, preparing your home for showing, creating curb appeal, and marketing your home. Talk to me to find out how the "BRAC Factor" could impact your home sale. A successful home sale involves a lot more than just finding a buyer, and we will work together to achieve your real estate goals. If you are relocating to another area - across town, across country, or anywhere in the world - I will find a well-qualified agent for you at your destination. Military and civilian transferees to Fort Meade, Andrews AFB, and the U.S. Naval Academy value my first-hand experience as a Naval Officer's wife. I've "been there, done that" when it comes to military moves, and I'm happy to help you with everything from buying a home to finding a local hairdresser or babysitter. You will find several links of special interest to military families in my Crofton Area Resource Guide. (NOTE: Personnel assigned to the Pentagon, Naval Station Anacostia, Marine Barracks, Walter Reed and other D.C.-Baltimore area military installations sometimes call Crofton home, too, since the commute is usually within 60 minutes.) I have truly enjoyed the privilege of sharing this journey with my clients for many years - 
Maryland home buyers, I will introduce you to the friendly suburban neighborhoods of Crofton and Odenton, rural areas such as beautiful Davidsonville, and charming water-oriented communities near Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay. I will help you explore your financing options and refer you to other real estate professionals including mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and closing attorneys. If you are in the "research stage" for your next home purchase, you may want to search the MLS at your own pace, request a complimentary Relocation Guide, or read the helpful articles in my Homebuyer Guide. When you are ready to make a move, I will be ready to help you.
through buyers' markets and sellers' markets, inflation and recession, war and peace.
Yet I am still passionate about being the best possible adviser and advocate for my clients, from start to finish.
Nothing would please me more than the opportunity to create a real estate success story for you now -
whether you are a home buyer, seller or referring agent.
New to the area? Check out Your Online Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County, Maryland Create your own customized home search, limiting results to those that meet your own search criteria. Just click on Search for Homes
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Why Margaret Woda?
When it comes to technology, just check out my blogs here on ActiveRain and Localism, my website, my highly acclaimed community blog (FocusOnCrofton.com), online property fliers posted to several traditional and non-traditional real estate sites, market snapshots, real estate calculators, and single-property websites. You can communicate with me by cell phone, email, AIM, MS Messenger, text message or video-conference. If a new innovation comes along, you can count on me to use it in my business, to serve my clients well, to be the best possible adviser and advocate they could find. If you are comparison-shopping for a Maryland REALTOR based on real estate qualifications, why not use the same criteria as the Anne Arundel County Association of REALTORS when they chose me as Distinguished Sales Associate of the Year in 1992: Professional Knowledge, Business Success, Industry Leadership, Community Involvement, and Ethical Standards of Practice. Aren't these the same qualities you're looking for in a REALTOR who represents you? I am BOTH tech-savvy AND an experienced real estate professional, a rare combination! You can read more about me on my blog, but here are a few of my professional and personal activities, both past* and present: Professional Certifications and Licenses:
Margaret Woda is a household name in Anne Arundel County real estate circles, after thirty years in this business. But you may be looking for something more tangible, some real qualifications that help differentiate one agent from another in this tough market - evidence that the agent you choose is tech-savvy, as well as experienced in real estate.
REALTOR Industry Leadership:
Community Involvement:
Personal:
Again, please note those marked with an * are past activities. I include them here because I firmly believe in this quote from Miriam Wolfe:
This day is mine. It is unique. No one else in the world has one exactly like it.
It is the sum of all my past experiences and and all my future potential.
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Why Long & Foster?
Home sellers and buyers experience individualized attention, superior professionalism and unparalleled resources at Long & Foster. Yet clients also benefit from the prominent online presence of LongandFoster.com and the market dominance of Long & Foster in Crofton and throughout the Middle Atlantic states. I'm proud to be affiliated with a local market leader, and eager to show you how Long & Foster will make a difference in your next real estate transaction. 
Long & Foster is conveniently located in Crofton, Maryland - about a half hour from Baltimore to the north, Annapolis to the east, and Washington, D.C. to the west. I chose to work with this office for many of the same reasons that you might:
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You can count on Margaret!
Crofton real estate is synonymous with your name, and I can't imagine working with any other agent. I looked at three homes with you and would have been happy with any of them. Then you negotiated a great price and terms for me. Thank you! Carolyn Emanuele
When people ask why I decided to get into real estate, I always tell them I was inspired by my agent. Thank you for being my agent, my mentor and my friend! Latana Garvey
You left no stone unturned to get us results when our previous agent failed, and you were so pleasant to work with. Thank you for the website and all the online marketing you did for our home. Bill and Jo Mafera
You are relentless, and I'm just glad you were on my side! Jim Morrissey
I was faced with a short-sale, and Margaret knew about a program that would save my credit and satisfy the lender. As a result, I was able to buy another home. Debbie Smalle
You helped us buy in a tough seller's market, and you got top dollar for our condo when we relocated. You're the best! Ben and Jan Bachmann
Margaret was so patient as I struggled with the decision to sell my home of 26 years. Then she sold it in just one day at full price. Betty Brooks
When my anxiety level reached a boiling point, you "stayed the course" and calmed my fears. Now I have so much to thank you for - selling my home quickly at full price so I could buy my next home, and helping me find a home for my Mom. Larkin Plato
As a RE/MAX agent myself, I had high expectations when we relocated to Maryland. You exceeded them, however, with your knowledge of things that were important to us such as commuting options and community amenities, as well as real estate. I'm so glad to have you for a friend, now that we're official Marylanders. Kathy and Mac McKee
We selected Margaret for her professionalism, thoroughness and honesty. We were not disappointed! We sold two homes and bought one with her help. Dan Stachurski
Without your help, we never could have accomplished so much in such a short time. We LOVE the house you found for. Kevin and Debbie Means
We found more than a new home and community; we found a new friend in you. We can't wait to have you over after we get settled in. Tim and Alice Spinner
Three other agents tried to sell our house. Only you had the knowledge to truly make it happen. We will always be grateful. Dan and Sue Plefka
When I refer my friends or relatives to Margaret, I can rely on her quick response, intimate knowledge of the area, and financing expertise to assure that their real estate dreams are achieved. Phylis Collins
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