John MacArthur Licensed Maryland/DC Realtor

Gov. O'Malley

An overlooked feature in Maryland Gov. O'Malleys proposed budget would change the tax benefit homeowners currently receive. According to the Maryland Association of Realtors, "Under the Governor’s proposed Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2012 (BRFA, HB 87/SB 152), Maryland would be the first state to scale back the most important tax benefit that homeowners receive – this is NOT an honor MARYLANDERS want!

The BRFA bill would reduce the mortgage interest deduction and the deductibility of state and local property taxes for manyMaryland homeowners.

For nearly 100 years, the tax code has protected mortgage interest deductibility.

Under the proposal, if a Maryland taxpayer’s federal adjusted gross income exceeds $100,000; then single taxpayer’s itemized deductions would decrease by 10% when calculating Marylandtaxable income – that’s an INCREASE in your Marylandtaxable base! Taxpayers with adjusted gross income over $200,000 would see their deductions decrease by 20%!

Because housing and real estate account for over 20% of Maryland’s gross state product, more tax burdens on real estate and homeowners will only further hurt Maryland’s economic recovery.

The mortgage interest deduction and the deductibility of state and local property taxes account for almost 70% of total deductions claimed by Maryland taxpayers – vital incentives for a strong housing/real estate market recovery.

With so many Marylanders facing diminished homeowner equity and/or underwater mortgages, this proposal would do more harm than good!

Please help save MD’s MID (Mortgage Interest Deduction), URGE your legislators to OPPOSE the Governor’s BRFA Bill. Many thanks for your advocacy efforts!"

I encourage everyone oppossed to this bill to contact your local legislature. The people of Maryland have a voice and they should use it to let O'Malley know the interest deduction on a mortgage can not be tampered with today, tomorrow or ever.

You can locate your legistlative representative using this link FIND MY LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE

So, you want to know all about Rockville, Maryland?  There are plenty of sites on the internet that discuss the history of the town and make up of city hall, etc.  What about Rockville today?  People from all over the country are familiar with Rockville (at least they know it is reasonably close to Washington DC and lots of folks tell them it is the place to move if coming to Montgomery County, Maryland.).

Rockville is much larger than the little postage stamp area located at the intersection of Viers Mill Road and Rockville Pike.  Rockville stretches from Georgia Avenue to the east, the Beltway to the south, Potomac to the west and Gaithersburg to the north.  There are over 13 square miles that cover the area called Rockville.

Information to help Rockville, Maryland real estate buyers should include information about the neighborhoods that make us this area.

• The Aspen Hill area, Wheaton Woods -  This tiny area of Rockville is really closer to Silver Spring/Glenmont than it is part of the Rockville community.  The homes in Aspen Hill Park and Aspen Knolls are older and priced considerably less than homes closer to Rockville or Olney ($250,000 and up).  The neighborhoods tend to include more blue collar workers.  Parking is a problem on many of the streets.  It is just north of the neighborhood Connecticut Avenue Estates.  There is shopping at the Aspen Hill Shopping Center which includes a Giant Food Store and other small retail shops.
• Bel Pre Woods, Brooke Haven, English Manor- This area is just north of the Aspen Hill area.  The homes are priced a bit higher which is a result of location more than any other factor.  It is a bit farther north and has good access to Georgia Avenue which in turn can lead to the Glenmont Metro or the ICC. Shopping can be done in Aspen Hill or Leisure World.
• Brooke Manor - OK, this is a development in and around what used to be Brook Johns old country club. The homes are much newer and more expensive.  It is located north of Norbeck Road and is a home owner association guided neighborhood.  It is located with good access to the ICC, Georgia Avenue and Norbeck Road.
• Ellenwood, Flower Valley, Manor Lake, Manor Park, Manor Woods, Norbeck Estates, Norbeck Manor - this area is located north and south of Emory Road and the ICC.  The homes are a bit older but are priced in the $500,000 and up range.  The quality of the neighborhood experience and the general location are excellent.  The neighborhoods have access to walking trails and parks.
• Burgundy Estates, Burgundy Hills, Burgundy Knolls, English Manor, Lincoln Park, Maryvale - These neighborhoods are closer to Rockville City and are priced between $250,000 and $350,000.  The homes are mostly older, built in the 50's.  The neighborhoods are laid out in the old suburban grid pattern.  This area has access to the red line station in Rockville.
• King Farm, Fallsgrove -  These two communities are like sister cities. They are both located north of Rockville Town Center.  They were both planned, developed and built by the same builders.  King Farm is older and a bit more developed, Fallsgrove is a bit newer and a bit farther out.  Both are planned communities that are built around a common shopping area.  Homes are more expensive, but the amenities of the planned developments are sought after by many buyers.
• Luxmanor - This community is on the south side of Rockville ( actually reasonably close to Bethesda).  The location and size of the homes is reflected in their higher price tags. Homes here run from $700,000 to almost $2,000,000.  This is an established community that offers a sense of style and access to Bethesda and DC.
• Montrose, Montrose Woods, Rockville Estates, Roxboro, Woodley Gardens - These communities are located in the area between Rockville Pike and Montrose Road.  The homes are favorably priced in the $500,000- $600,000 range.  The area is well established and features good access to major commuter thoroughfares.
• Randolph Hills, Rockcrest, Parkwood - This is another older section of Rockville located off Randolph Road. The homes are older and priced lower than homes farther north or west. Homes in these neighborhoods are about $350,000.  The streets are a bit narrower and off street parking is a premium.
• Twinbrook, Twinbrook Forest, Silver Rock, Stoneybrook Estates  - Many of these communities feature homes that were built following WWII and the Korean War.  They are mostly small bungalows and cape cods. Prices reflect the age and style.  Parking is a premium in these neighborhoods.

That covers most of the neighborhoods. I know them all well.  Anybody can tell you about the roads. I make it my business to know where the speed bumps are and where potential pot holes in your home search might exist. Rockville  is split by one the most famous roads in retail shopping (no offense for Rodeo Drive).  It is said in retail and restaurant circles that "if you can't make it on Rockville Pike, you can't make it anywhere".  The reason behind the saying drives local residents crazy.  You can't drive on Rockville Pike and hope to get from here to there in a timely fashion. It is clogged from sun up to well after sun set with commuters, shoppers, tourist, the lost, the wandering and the rest. The road is bumper to bumper in both directions most of the day.  Area residents are convinced that if 9% of the people are unemployed, they are spending their time driving up and down Rockville Pike. Local Attractions ;

• Strathmore - High quality arts programming, designed for audiences of many tastes, served with the hospitality and warmth of a family enterprise, are the hallmarks of Strathmore. Seasonal outdoor events seek to be inclusive in their programming appeal, reaching out to people of all ages, interests and cultural heritage.
• Beall-Dawson House - Which houses The Montgomery County Historical Society (MCHS) strives to highlight the role of history as a vital part of the cultural and social fabric of Montgomery County.
• F.Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Burial Place - Famed author and member of the "Lost Generation" and wife, one-time residents of Maryland, are interred here. The burial sites are located in Saint Mary's Cemetery.
• Rockville Town Center - Rockville Town Center is a welcoming and vibrant amenity in the heart of Rockville. The pedestrian-friendly streets and plaza, many restaurants and stores, Rockville Library and VisArts Center with its rooftop deck make Town Square a lively attraction.

Rockville is large and diverse.  If you are moving to the area, I will certainly offer all the information you need to make an informed decision.  Don't rely on travel guides or real estate books, talk to someone that lives here. My name is John MacArthur and I can be reached at 301-509-5111. Experience the difference Experience makes!

Lourdes and I got married in Ocean City, Maryland on October 8th. We chose the venue because we both love the ocean and have spent many happy weekends there. Planning a wedding, coordinating rooms for guests and scheduling events gave us an opportunity to experience the best and worst Ocean City has to offer. We had to make several trips to the ocean to make arrangements. We had the opportunity to interview various event planners at hotels and visit with several restaurants. After we got home, we took stock of our experience and thought others might benefit if we shared what we learned. In no particular order these are the do's and don'ts of Ocean City Maryland.

DO'S

The Hobbit

Bayside 81st Street and Coastal Highway

It is difficult to express how wonderfully we were treated by the manager Matt Heiderman and his staff. After visiting just about every fine dining restaurant seeking a place for our reception, Matt met with us and prepared a terrific event. The views were spectacular, the food incredible and every one of our guest raved about the service. Matt opened the restaurant early so we would have the place to ourselves and made sure he had enough wait staff to cater to our needs. We plan to make the Hobbit a regular stop every time we visit Ocean City in the future. Triple kudos to The Hobbit.

Fager's Island Restaurant

Bayside 48th Street and Coastal Highway

OK, this needs to be clarified. Fager's Island Restaurant is the place to be at sunset (well, not so much on overcast or rainy days). It has long been a tradition that patrons watch the sun set on Assawoman Bay while the 1812 Overture plays over the sound system. The music is coordinated so that the last notes sound as the sun slips below the horizon. It may sound quirky, but experience it one time and you will return.

Fager's Island also features a Bachelorette Crawl. Just bring in your party any time after 9:00 p.m. The bride-to-be will be given a card with 10 items which must be completed during the course of the evening. All persons in your party will receive some "props" to join in the fun. Once the card is completed the bride will receive a $30 Gift Card to be used at a later date and a commemorative "I survived the Fager's Island Bachelorette Crawl" T-Shirt. Lourdes and her friends took part in the event. Yes, she did complete every task and is the proud owner of the T-shirt. It is a fun time and a must experience for beach wedding brides-to-be.

The down side of Fager's is there inability to accommodate parties larger than 8 in their fine dining areas. We spoke with several managers and could not crack the code. We certainly could bring 40 or 50 people but there was no guarantee that we could sit in close proximity to one another. As it turned out, Fager's denial led us to end up at The Hobbit and the Hobbit blew Fager's out of the water when it comes to fine dining.

The Bayside Skillet

Bayside 77th Street and Coastal Highway

I have been eating breakfast at The Bayside Skillet for the last 30 years. We joined a group of the wedding guests for breakfast there Sunday morning. They were "newbies" and it was a delight to watch their eyes grow large when they saw the size of their portions. The marveled at the fresh squeezed juices. Crepes filled with strawberries, smothered in real whipped cream were finger licking good. Omelets filled with ham, cheese, onions and more filled plates set before us. The staff is attentive while not over bearing. Depending on the time of the year, you can choose to eat inside or on the deck. They don't serve fancy lattes or $10 cups of java. The Bayside Skillet serves good old fashioned coffee in a cup that is refilled as often as you wish. The Bayside Skillet is definitely a big Do in Ocean City Maryland.

Seacrets

117 West 49th Street

A visit to Ocean City is not complete without a stop at Seacrets. Seacrets is a beach party, a dance party and one great big party party. There are bars located throughout the establishment. Live music is featured in two different areas and young and old alike dance the night away in both areas. It is one of the most well staffed party spots in Ocean City. Your party can enjoy a good time, partake in beverages and walk to their car under the watchful eye of a friendly but effective security staff. We always have a great time dancing to the mixture of rock n' roll and reggae music. There is something liberating about kicking off your shoes and dancing in the sand. Seacrets is another one of those must stops in Ocean City.

Sunrise !

The last, but certainly not the least, of the Do's has to be watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. Join the small group of people that make their way to shore as night begins to turn to day. Enjoy the quiet beauty of black turning to pink and then feel the wonder of the reddish golden orb as it seems to rise from the sea. As the sun begins it's journey watch the reflection begin to reach from the horizon to the waves breaking on the sand. There is nothing like sunrise on the ocean. It's free. It can be enjoyed alone. It can be shared with a friend. It is yours and it is everyone's. Loudes and I will always remember sitting together, sipping hot coffee, basking in the glow of daybreak.

Honorable mention in the do's list goes to Bull on the Beach for it's incredibly good roast beef sandwich special; thrashers for their delightful french fries, early evening strolls on the boardwalk, the crazy art gallery that continues to survive through good times and bad and of course the warm sand between your toes on the beach.

DON'TS

Now this may be hard to believe, but anything run by the Harrison Group should be avoided like the plague. This group manages several hotels and restaurants in Ocean City. The are long on promises and terribly short on delivery. We encountered them at several points in our planning. We visited many of their sites. We, like most trusting consumers were stupid enough to believe their sales pitch, accept their "no problem", and enter an agreement with them.

It began innocently enough. We wanted a hotel with access to the beach. Our search led us to quite a few above the Route 90 bridge. After spending a good part of one morning, we had just about decided on one venue and we decided to check with the Oceanfront Holiday Inn. Of course our group was not the largest of the season, but we expected to need between 10 and 15 rooms. The manager took us on a tour of the property, finishing with a visit to the top floor of the Ocean front rooms. There were three of them on the top floor. We wanted a smoking room and were told that these were the only smoking rooms on the Ocean front. The manager said there would be no problem guaranteeing one of the rooms.

Lourdes shared phone calls and emails with the hotel staff regarding prices and how guests would be able to guarantee the promised rate. Things were moving very smoothly. Imagine our shock and surprise when we checked in the Thursday evening before the wedding to discover that the room saved for us was on the second floor and non-smoking. The manager on duty began his corporate trained drone "We can not guarantee any rooms. This is the only room that fits your criteria." We pointed out that it did not fit our criteria and it was not what we were promised. The young man, true to the Harrison Group model of "Kiss my ass, you are here and stuck with what we decide to give you", began repeating the same mantra over and over again. He told us that if we wanted a top floor room, he had one that was overlooking the pool. He gave us a room key and we went a looked. Lourdes allowed that we had no choice but to make the best of the situation but she would only take a room if she could have the end unit.

We returned to the front desk. Friends that had flown in for the wedding were coming in the front door. They waited to check in while Lourdes made her request. The young man replied, "I'm sorry, the end unit is being held for a member of your party." I asked, "How is that possible, you said you did not guarantee rooms." The lad countered with "No sir, you are wrong. I said we could not guarantee specific rooms. The people we are holding it for requested a top floor room." I then asked him if the room he offered and the room he was holding were exactly the same type of rooms, the only difference is one is in the middle of the building and one is at the end of the building." He said "Yes sir, but we are holding the room at the end of the building for a member of your party."

The room was being held for our guests, they stepped up and said they were fine with a room in the middle of the building. We were then given the room at the end of the building. Lourdes then asked "Will we be refunded the difference?" Mr. Harrison Group looked stunned, "No mam, you will not receive a refund. You are not due any money." Lourdes pointed out that the room we were promised and the room we were given were not the same price. She pointed out that we should not be charged the higher rate. The manager looked her in the eye and said "No. You are wrong. You are not due any money." At this point I allowed "Son, you are in over your head, get your boss on the phone." His retort was, "No sir, you are wrong. I have worked for the Harrison Group for several years and I know exactly what I am doing." Lourdes once again tried to point out the error of his ways. He suddenly said "OK, maybe we do owe you a refund."

I will not bore you with the rest of the exchange. It involved the hotel being unable to locate reservations and desk personnel speaking rudely when asked any questions. Maybe the people working for the Harrison Group have a problem dealing with people that actually expect to receive what they were promised.

The day of the wedding, another of our guests decided to eat breakfast in the hotel restaurant (another of the typical Harrison Group establishments). They were seated. A very pleasant mixed race couple and their two daughters. They placed their order and waited. Several groups of golfers came in a placed their orders. (The Harrison Group also brings in golfing groups). The golfers received their meals and paid and left. Our friends were still sitting there. Finally, the mom stood up and walked into the kitchen and told them it was time to bring out their meal...now. She was met with blank stares. Eventually the meals were served, almost an hour after being ordered. Maybe the people working for the Harrison Group have a problem dealing with people that aren't part of the golf package deals.

Our visit came to an end and we began to pack. As I was sitting on the bed, the head board came off and crashed to the floor. Lourdes had her wedding bouquet in a vase and our portion of the wedding cake in a box. I went downstairs to check out and let them know the bed had fallen apart. I stopped in the restaurant and asked the waitress if they had a walk-in refrigerator that we could store the flowers and cake in while we enjoyed on last morning on the beach. She said no problem. I went to the front desk to check out and told them about the bed falling apart. The clerk laughed and said "Oh, you're the newly weds. Don't worry about it."

Lourdes came down with the luggage. I went to put it in the car while she took the flowers and cake to the restaurant. She encountered a different waitress that told her she would have to check with her manager first. She disappeared in the kitchen to find the manager. I came in and Lourdes was still standing there. She told me she would be right back and went back into the kitchen. The waitress that had gone seeking the manager was standing in the kitchen talking on her cell phone. Lourdes asked "I thought you were going to get the manager?" The girl replied "I haven't seen her yet." Lourdes said "you have left me standing out front for 15 minutes, waiting for you to bring the manager." The waitress replied "Look lady, I'm not even on the clock." and turned and walked away. "I am the customer here. You can not treat me like this. I only asked you to do your job." The girl kept on walking. Lourdes picked up the flowers and the cake and came out of the kitchen as angry as I have ever seen her. "Doesn't she know I am the customer and I don't know if she is on the clock or not?"

We left...I don't think we will be back.

Maybe the Harrison Group doesn't have a problem with anyone. Maybe the Harrison Group doesn't care about anything other than lining their pockets. After all, they make money off of tourists and they have their customers by the "short hairs" by the time they show up. It may not put a dent in their business, but it is only fair to warn everyone. This company is horrid and void of any semblance of integrity or customer service.

Harrison Group is a DON'T. Harrison Group is a DON'T. Harrison Group is a DON'T.

RUTH WATERS

HEAD OF HARRISON GROUP

DON'T

The docks located in downtown Annapolis

Annapolis is the capital of Maryland. The State House sits atop the hill, right up West Street from the city docks. On a fall afternoon the historic homes in the area are accented by beautiful foliage for the old Oaks and Maples in the area. It is safe to say that the views in Annapolis are breath taking year round.

Sure, Annapolis is a tourist target destination and street festivals find participants arriving from near and far, but Annapolis is also home to many. The town is located reasonably close to Route 50. Route 50 begins in Ocean City, Maryland and ends in Sacramento, California. There is a sign that east coast residents see leaving Ocean City ...

few people realize that those on the West Coast heading out of Sacramento have a similar sign ...

Long before route 50 reaches Sacramento, it passes through Washington, DC. The highway provides those that work in the District of Columbia an easy access commuter route to work. Of course, local traffic is heavy and those commuting have to be up early. The reward is coming home to Annapolis. Waterfront homes and communities surrounding the downtown area offer a wide variety of styles and prices to potential residents. Home prices range from the low $200,000's to over $3,000,000. There are condo's, townhomes and single family homes to cover a wide spectrum of pricing. They all share one thing ... they are in and around Annapolis and every person has the same access to the attractions located there.

Quiet Waters Park

A little known fact is that the number one tourist attraction in Annapolis is Quiet Waters Park. Nestled between the South River and Harness Creek, Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis offers a wide variety of family activities. Visitors can walk, jog, or bike on over 6 miles of scenic paved trails, play at the large multi-level children’s playground, enjoy the South River promenade and scenic overlook, or picnic among 336 acres of beautiful park land. Boat rental and ice-skating are available seasonally, and the park’s Visitor Center includes formal gardens, art galleries, and a café. (travel america)

Of course, the United States Naval Academy is located here and the traditions surrounding the Academy do influence the town, but Annapolis has so much more to offer. In addition to the unique shops found downtown, one can get lost in the dining choices available. The menu's run the gamut from Maryland Blue Crabs to Prime Rib to a multitude of sandwiches available at Chick & Ruth's Deli. Waterfront dining is available at several restaurants located around the docks. A local favorite past time is to grab an ice cream cone and stroll the waterside admiring the boats anchored there.

Annapolis is not mired in the past. Just a few minutes from the city docks are upscale malls and nationally known chain stores. You can by your favorite Irish friend an authentic Celtic tie by the docks or treat them to a copy of Riverdance at the local Best Buy. Personally, I went to Jared's to buy her that ring.

Annapolis is as historic as an oil painting and as fresh as a plein air watercolor. The seasons change vibrantly from the soft hues of summer's flowers to the intense blue of a summer's sky to the golden leaves of fall to the pristine crystal clear stars of a winters night reflecting off the water. Annapolis is alive. Newcomers mingle with locals that are interspersed with midshipmen from the Academy. Nightlife begins with extended Happy Hours and features several venues offering live music. The local mall has a multiplex movie theater showing current films.

Annapolis is more than a tourist attraction. It certainly features landmarks and historical neighborhoods but it also is home to butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. Local shop owners and commuters are all comfortable living here. The schools, public under Anne Arundel County Schools and private from pre-school to Saint John's College, are some of the best in the nation. Annapolis is a wonderful place for singles just starting out, young families and "empty nesters" as well. There is something here for everyone.

If you are considering moving to the area and would like to know more about Annapolis and homes that are available there, feel free to CONTACT ME. I will be glad to share my knowledge of the area and help you in your move.

It is not easy being YOU

It is another day in your quest to buy a home. Depending on the length of your current journey, at times you are feeling like that tiny bit of dust caught between a very solid rock and hard spot. You know all the things that are bothering you and nobody else seems to get it. You are not alone.

There is a very old saying "an apple does not fall far from the tree". You hear it when folks are describing how children seem to have many of the characteristics of their parents. People chuckle and give a knowing nod and the moment passes. Most of us do have some characteristics that seem awfully similar to our parents. Oh sure, we strive to be better. We secretly fear that we are becoming our mother or father. We all want to be in individual, viewed on our own merits. But still, we are all slaves to our up bringing and the world that formed us.

You may be wondering, what does this have to do with your current stress level? Everything. You see, the world that you grew up in was as large as the universe you understood and as small as the invisible barriers you did not realize existed. Your world was shaped at your dining room table. Dining room table worlds are like snow flakes, no two of them are exactly alike. Your experience and understanding are what you bring to the home buying process. It may be the biggest piece of the puzzle (after all, you are buying the home), but yours is just one piece that has to some how smoothly interact with all the other pieces.

They all apples and none of them are exactly alike.

Your real estate agent, your lender, your home inspector, your appraiser, your spouse or co-buyer (if any) are all apples in their own right. They all have fallen close to their own tree. They bring their background, belief system and personal style to your journey. Just like you, every single one of them believes what they are saying and doing is the right thing. Often, they use language from their industry that is comfortable to them but entirely foreign to you. You have to add to the mix that they are interpreting every thing you say based on their understanding of the words and phrases you use. In the effort to make sure everyone is on the same page, at the same time, the process may seem to slow down or come to a screeching halt. It is still moving forward, but it sure can feel like progress is not part of the equation.

Your stress is a direct result of the difference between your expectations and your perception of the reality of the moment. Whether anyone wants to accept it or not, perception is your reality. How well your expectations are being managed will directly impact your stress level. Something that may be overlooked is the fact that everyone else involved is dealing with perceptions, expectations and stress. You are not alone.

How do you take all these apples and make the best pie?

You can't. Individually, your agent, your lender, your home inspector, your appraiser, your spouse or co-buyer can not do it alone either. more ...