Rob & Jeannie Steward

Spring is here, and that means blooming flowers, green grass and the return of yard work. If you are selling your home during the warm weather seasons ahead, it is important to spend some time sprucing up your home's exterior.

The goal in creating a well-kept yard is to give potential buyers a positive first impression, while also making them feel that your property is easy to maintain. The following tips can help achieve these objectives:

• Prune overgrowth. Trees can hide a home's best features if planted too close to the house or if they are allowed to grow unchecked. Be sure to remove any branches that touch the house, cover a window or block a path.

• Blast winter away. Use a power washer to remove the cobwebs, mold and dirt that have accumulated over the winter. This is a quick and easy way to improve the appearance of decks, patios, fences, windows and siding.

• Add color. Use potted flowers and hanging baskets to direct attention to your home's finest features. Plant low-cost annuals such as impatiens, petunias and geraniums, and use mulch that retains its color throughout the season for added impact.

The news this week has been filled with increasing evidence that the housing market, and economy in general, may be stabilizing. On a local level, we are seeing a renewed interest in real estate. For example, the average attendance at Weichert Open Houses recently hit its highest level since March 2007.

Both homebuyers and sellers should be encouraged by the following reports and statistics that have made the headlines:

• The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported on Monday that existing-home sales rose 5.1 percent in February, with first-time buyers accounting for half of all home sales last month. This was the largest increase in nearly six years. Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast jumped 15.6 percent.

• According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, sales of new, single-family homes increased 4.7 percent in February, compared to January.

• In the weekly report from the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications were up 32.2 percent for the week ending March 20.

• As a result of several government plans that were recently unveiled, mortgage rates fell to the lowest level on record, and the Dow Jones surged 21 percent in just 13 days.

Greetings Friends! St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time. A day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic. As we prepare for a busy spring housing market do remember to take time out for family and friends. Are you on the lookout for your dream house? Call us now and help us work to make the magic come true for you! An Old Irish Blessing May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours! Warmest Regards, Rob & Jeannie Rob & Jeannie Steward Weichert, Realtors 20400 Observation Dr, Ste 200 Germantown, Maryland 20876 Direct: (301) 213-7351 Office: (301) 540-1330 x267 Fax: (301) 601-0250 E-Mail: Rob.Jeannie@gmail.com www.HomesByRobandJeannie.com We Work Twice As Hard For You!

Record Low Interest Rates And Tax Credit Incentives Make It Worth Buying Now!

Owning a home invokes more than a sense of pride and freedom. It is also a long-term investment opportunity. With tax season in full swing, it is a great time to speak to your tax advisor about the tax advantages associated with homeownership.

Some of these benefits include:

· Reduce your taxable income: On your itemized income tax return, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest payments, property taxes and points paid to lower your loan's interest rate.

· Take advantage of new tax laws: The recent stimulus package included new tax laws such as an $8,000 tax credit for many first-time buyers, the elimination of a penalty for short sellers with forgiven mortgage debt, and the ability for certain homeowners to contest property taxes.

· Lower tax on capital gains when you sell: When you sell your home, you will not have to pay federal income tax on capital gains of up to $500,000 for a married couple and $250,000 if you are single. This applies to the sale of a principal residence owned and occupied for at least two of the last five years.

You may also want to register for our "Know When Opportunity is Knocking" seminar taking place in many Weichert offices on Saturday, Mar. 21, at 11:00 a.m. A tax professional will be in attendance to explain the new $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit and speak about the tax benefits that come along with owning a home. Call Us For Details!

Real Estate Trend Indicator - <$30K to >$500K Format

Frederick County, MD
From: 02/01/2009 to 02/28/2009 Statistics generated on: 03/06/2009

www.HomesByRobandJeannie.com - MLS Resale Data
Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.