Everyone dreams about being rich and it seems that many of the residents in Calvert County have attained that goal. According to a new report from the U. S. Census Bureau, Calvert County is one of the richest counties in the nation (based on population). Calvert County came in second for the highest 
median income with Hunterdon County, N. J. ranking number one. Similar sized counties in Maryland and Virginia, with access to the metro areas of Baltimore and D.C., also fared well in the report.
The Census Bureau also reported that for the second year in a row, the State of Maryland was ranked as the second richest state in the country. Maryland's median household income is reported to be $68,060. The American Community Survey reports the median income for Calvert County as $95,134. That is a 12% increase over 2006 figures.
We are in a slow economy. There is no doubt about that. Despite this fact, the overall median household income in the United States increased by 1.3%. That makes 2007 the third straight year to show an overall increase for American households. Unfortunately, the poverty rates have increased as well. The poverty rate in Calvert County rose by 2% in 2007 to 4.8%. Although, the poverty level rose, it is still well below the national average of 12.5% and the state's average of 7.8%.
Calvert County is a "bedroom" community with many of its residents holding skilled professional jobs in the metro areas of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. However, the economy in Calvert County is increasing as well. Calvert County has experienced a job growth of 7.5%.
I am sure you know that the mantra in real estate is Location. Calvert County is a model of that mantra. The County's strategic location enables its residents to participate in a strong and stable job market, which also happens to be one of the highest paying in the nation. While a good job market is important and the monetary benefits are wonderful, Calvert County is rich in many other ways as well. Calvert County enjoys a great mass transit system, good schools, wonderful amenities, natural beauty, "small town" living, and access to year-round recreation, indoors or out. In addition, the leadership of Calvert County is committed to its citizens and as part of that commitment has a strong focus on land preservation for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Although Calvert County has a majority population which enjoys a high wage income, the communities of Calvert County offer a large number of single family homes in varying price ranges. So, come on home to the good life in Calvert County, Maryland.
Take a peek at some of our wonderful communities:
Chesapeake Beach
Risk-based financing is not the new buzz word in the mortgage industry; it is now the defining word when it comes to real estate loans.
What does it mean? Risk-based financing means that borrowers will be charged loan fees based on their financial risk as a borrower. Determining factors will be credit scores and loan-to-value-ratios.
Who does it affect? Risk-based financing will affect all borrowers who apply for a mortgage loan.
What does it affect? Risk-based financing will affect how much a borrower will pay in loan fess? and mortgage insurance premiums.
FHA has the most flexible guidelines in regards to credit history. However, FHA has already instituted risk-based financing in regards to the mortgage insurance premiums a borrower must pay. Mortgage Premium Insurance will be based on a borrower's credit score and payment history.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has announced that they will be implementing a risk-based structure as well. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac risk-based pricing will be determined by both a borrower's credit score and loan-to-value ratios. The new fee structure will take effect on November 1 and November 7, 2008 (respectively).
To be forewarned is to be forearmed. You should always consult with a qualified mortgage lender to determine your purchasing ability and power.
Learn More:
FHA - Risk-based Pricing Adjustment
By land or by sea you can enjoy fantastic firework displays this weekend in Southern Maryland. As a matter of fact, if you love to watch the sky rockets in flight, you can watch them on both July 3rd and July 4th in Calvert County.
North Beach will be celebrating our nation's Independence Day on July 3rd. Following the free concert, there will be a pyrotechnics display with the sparkling fireworks reflecting off the beautiful waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Join the crowd for fun and lots of OOOhs and AAAh's at the North Beach Pavilion (5th and Bay Ave).
What can surpass a beautiful sunset on the Chesapeake Beach? A sunset on the beach followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Chesapeake Beach will be hosting a fireworks show at dusk on July 3rd. The display promises to be magnificent and is touted to be the largest display on the bay. The celebrations will include games, music and food, so be sure to arrive early (about 5pm). The sky rockets will be shot from the beach shore in front of the Rod-n-Reel (4160 Mears Ave), over the waters of the bay, giving beautiful shimmering reflections on the water of the dazzling lights. The Chesapeake Beach Water Park will be open until 10 pm for this special event.
By land or by sea, you can enjoy the the Solomons extravagant Fireworks Show. The festivities will include music and food. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy all the sights and sounds. Anywhere on the Island will make a great viewing spot. By popular demand, the show will return to the Solomons' Riverwalk where the sky rockets will be launched from a barge anchored on the Patuxent River at dusk. The Calvert Marine Museum will host a 2 hour (8-10 pm) fireworks cruise onboard the Wm. B. Tennison; which the museum claims will provide the best view on the water.
Not to be outdone, Annapolis will be celebrating Independence Day, on the 4th of July with a parade, concert and fireworks display. The parade will begin 6:30 p.m. The parade route begins in the Annapolis downtown area at Amos Garrett Blvd and will proceed (right) on West Street, around Church Circle and down Annapolis' Main Street ending at Randall and Market.
Following the parade, the Unites States Naval Academy Electric Brigade Band will perform at the Susan C. Campbell Park ( 8 pm).
A barge in the Annapolis Harbor will begin launching their sky rockets at 9:15 p.m. Boat restrictions are in place for security reasons so, if you plan to watch the display on the water, please contact the Harbor Master. The best viewing area on land is the Susan Campbell Park and the public areas northeast of the Severn River, along the Naval Academy Bridge. The Spa Creek Bridge will be closed to traffic offering spectators a great viewing area.
For More information:
Annapolis Parking and Traffic information
Chesapeake Bay: www.chesapeake-beach-md.us, or call 410-257-2230.
Chesapeake Beach Traffic Plan for July 3, 2008
North Beach: www.ci.north-beach.md.us, or call 410-257-9618.
Solomons Island: http://sba.solomons.md.us/solomons-4th-of-july.html call 888-580-3856.
Wm. B. Tennison Cruise. www.calvertmarinemuseum.com, or call 410-326-2042, Ext. 41
Real Estate is changing throughout the nation. There have been several positive reports in the news lately concerning real estate nationwide.
It seems that most markets have corrected themselves to a level where buyers are willing to buy.
Economists feel that the bottom of the mortgage crisis was reached in April. We will still see foreclosures entering the market but the rate of foreclosures is slowing except in California and Florida.
The newest report on Home Prices In America by Global Insight states that there are only 8 markets remaining that are considered over-valued. Five of these are located in Oregon. The report also indicates that 84% of the nation is priced at true market value or is under-value.
Home sales are up locally and nationally. Prices are stabilizing and many areas are beginning to see values increasing. Inventory is decreasing as well as days on market. In truth, most of the nation remained in a stable market even in the worst of the housing recession.
Interest rates have risen slightly and will most likely continue to do so. The Federal Reserve is holding steady on raising interest rates but is watching inflation closely. The opinion on Wall Street and by economists is that the interest rate will rise about a quarter of a percent between October and December of this year.
What does this mean to you as a buyer?
The market is still in the buyer's favor as are interest rates but for how long, only time will tell. All indications are that the bottom of the market has been reached and the upswing is in the foreseeable future. If you are a buyer, your opportunity to purchase a home at fair market value and better is here.
Interest rates are still low but have risen steadily since the middle of May. Interest rates affect your purchasing power. Now is the time to talk to a lender regarding your ability to buy a home. Studies show that you should not commit more than 28% of your gross income towards housing costs. Fixed rates better assist you in future financial planning versus adjustable rates.
What does this mean to you as a seller?
You can expect to have your home on the market for a shorter period of time and showings should be increasing. If your phone isn't ringing, look carefully at your pricing. Sellers still face stiff competition in regards to foreclosure sales which will keep pricing down. Sellers must also consider the locality of their property in regards to work commute times. With the current gas prices, location in relation to a buyer's workplace is becoming increasingly important. Buyers today are also more green living conscious. So, if your home reflects green living, be sure to point this out in your marketing information.
What does this mean to you as a homeowner?
If you have been considering refinancing your home for better rates or terms, home improvements or bill consolidation, don't wait too much longer as interest rates are expected to continue to rise.
No one, including myself, has a crystal ball when it comes to real estate. All any of us can do is look at today's market conditions and the indicators coming from real estate studies, Wall Street and economists. Today, things are looking good and appear to be getting better each day.
Buyers, if you need assistance in determining your buying power and the neighborhoods which best match your financial needs and your desires in a home, please contact me.
If you are considering placing your home on the market, please contact me for an evaluation of the current fair market value in your area. Real estate values are very localized, changing from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Let me start off by answering the title. Chesapeake Beach almost offers too much to name. Some of the great things are a beautiful bayside community, quaint and historic setting, a great quality of life, perfect surroundings, waterfront restaurants, and secluded beaches. Wow, what more could you ask for? Well, let me tell you a little more about it.
Chesapeake Beach was originally created as a resort town sometime before 1920. You can find the city in Calvert County , Maryland . The city can be accessed by Highway 61 giving easy access in and out of town. Chesapeake Beach is surrounded by water on the Eastside, open space to the North and West, and heavily wooded areas and large sandstone cliffs on the Southside. The cliffs themselves are a sight to see. They reach 180 feet above the water. The cliffs are constantly changing due to erosion, making them ever changing and more beautiful every time you look at them.
Chesapeake Beach also has a wonderful school district that is focused on learning. They strive to teach every student the fundamental skills of understanding and knowledge. The success of each student shows on state testing levels and college entrance exams.
The community offers year-round activities for everyone to enjoy. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the community celebrations for major holidays and special events along with beaches; swimming, boating, fishing, sunbathing, water-skiing, the marinas and piers, and much more. Residents enjoy the community centers that offer parks, playgrounds, sports programs for youth and adults, a senior center and game rooms.
The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum is the biggest attraction in the city. It was constructed in the late 1800s, and closed in 1935 after many years of service. It was closed for some time but was reconstructed and opened in 1979 once more to serve as a history museum. And hey, it's free!!!
Another great attraction is the Chesapeake Beach Water Park which opened in 1995 for residents to have another great place to splash and have fun. For a more peaceful setting, there's the Veterans Memorial Park , created to honor and remember our national heroes.
Chesapeake Beach , Maryland has it all. So why not make it your next home?
Whether you are buying or selling property in Southern Maryland, Bonnie Augostino provides seamless customer service throughout the real estate process.
Featured Properties Quality Built Homes
I joined the US Navy at 18 and served for six years. I was in Naval Communications and was surprised at my good fortune to be stationed in Naples, Italy. I explored Italy's treasures from Milan to Sicily, thoroughly enjoying the people, the food and the culture. My parents came to visit and we found the town and the very house my Grandparents left so many years before. We also discovered many distant relatives that we were unaware of.
After three years, I was off to London, England. I had unbelievable duty stations, met wonderful people and saw sites and places that I had never imagined. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Navy and I took advantage of the opportunity to travel about while in Europe.
After my Naval service, I was offered a job here in the Washington DC area. I worked as a Navy Contractor with Validity Corporation and with Computer Science Corporation. I traveled extensively to several Naval Installations around the world installing new communications equipment and software and training Sailors on its use.
Once I left the Navy and could stay in one place for a little while, I purchased my first purebred Himalayan cat. I had seen one in a magazine and had always wanted one. One thing led to another and I became involved with breeding Himalayan and Persian cats and became very involved with the cat show community.
After eight years as a Navy Contractor, I decided on an exciting new career change. In 1988, I became a licensed Realtor® and began a new full-time career. My cat show weekends were replaced by assisting Clients and Customers in their search for a new home. I stopped breeding and showing cats in 1994 and dedicated my time to my new business of assisting Buyers and Sellers in finding their dream home.
I have been a resident of Huntingtown for the last 22 years and currently live with my boyfriend and two lop-eared bunnies. I enjoy my family and friends, both two-legged and four, traveling, entertaining, gardening, reading and knowing that I have been providing my clients with exceptional real estate services for the past 20 years. I currently represent Quality Built Homes, Inc., a large Builder of fine homes in Southern Maryland and continue to list and sell Residential properties, as well. I have found my niche here in Southern Maryland. Let me assist you in finding yours.
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