Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh

There are many wonderful places in Montgomery County Maryland to watch July 4th fireworks. At most of these, festivites get under way at 7 or 7:30pm.

• Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg
• Montgomery College Campus - Rockville
• Soccer Plex Germantown Regional Park
• Albert Einstein Park - Wheaton/Kensington
• Poolesville Polo Ground
• Takoma Park Middle School

Have a safe and fun 4th of July weekend!

There are many wonderful places in Prince George's County Maryland to watch July 4th fireworks.

• University of Maryland - College Park
• Six Flags America - Mitchellville
• Allen Pond Park - Bowie
• Prince George's County Stadium - Bowie
• Buddy Attick Park - Greenbelt

Have a safe and fun 4th of July weekend!

Many of you know that I sit on the Board of Directors of a charity that is very near and dear to my heart, the Angie Houtz Memorial Fund.

Almost 8 years ago my best friend Angie was killed in the terrorist attack on the Pentagon.  The emotions I felt that day and in the subsequent hours, days, weeks, months, and now years remain some of the most painful ones I have ever experienced.  

Angie and I had been friends since the first day of college in 1992.  She travelled with me to Jamaica several times and was the maid of honor in my wedding in 1998.  Her absence in my life is still felt daily.

After her death, we started a scholarship in her honor.  This scholarship honors students who have shown a commitment to community service and academic excellence.  To date, we have awarded $27,000 in scholarships.  This experience has been gratifying and rewarding for all of us who love Angie. 

The second major fundraiser for this scholarship is a golf tournament to be held in September at the Oak Creek Club in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.  

I am hoping that I can count on your support to help make this tournament an incredible success.

The cost to play is $125/player or $480/foursome.  This cost includes lunch, drinks, and prizes.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and they begin at $100 for hole sponsorships.  There are many levels of sponsorship available and these can be tailored to suit your needs.

Prize donations and silent auction items are also needed.

If you would like additional information about this tournament or how you can support this wonderful charity please give me a call 240-481-3565.

Oak Creek Golf Club

Please pass this on to anyone that you think would be interested in supporting the tournament.

Today was the last day of school for Prince George's County Public Schools. The Summer vacation has officially begun. Let's remember that with kids on holiday there will be more children playing near the roads in our neighborhoods all day. Be on the look-out for them as we are driving through the county.

Let's make sure that this is a safe, happy, and fun summer for PG County kids.

Many sellers have a hard time divorcing themselves from their homes when they put them on the market. It's critical for the success of the transaction that the seller no longer sees the house as their home but instead sees it as a business deal.

I have heard several stories lately of people who have their homes listed and have received good offers but have turned them down. When asked why, they say things about not being sure the buyer could afford the home, or they were "insulted" by the offer.

As a seller i its important to remember that many times the first offer is the best offer. This is especially true in this market. Even if an offer seems unreasonable initially, it is better to counter and attempt to negotiate rather than reject it out-right. The buyer does not care that you and Uncle Phil spent countless hours redoing the kitchen and the bathroom. What today's buyers care about is that they feel as though they are getting a good deal.

Before you put your house on the market be certain that you understand why you are selling and that your expectations are realistic. What your neighbor sold his home for 2 years ago is no longer valid in today's market.

Some important tips for sellers:

• Be realistic about your price. Listen to your agent when they make recommendations about a listing price.
  
• Begin the process of detaching yourself from your home by packing up some of your emotional and sentimental items.
  
• Be open-minded about all offers that are received.
  
• Don't try to control too many aspects of the negotiation.
  
• Don't lose a deal over insignificant stuff (don't lose a $400,000 sale because you don't want to make $500 in repairs).
  

The most important tip:

Make sure you really want to sell. If you don't actually want to sell then no offer will be right and you will simply be wasting time, energy, and money listing your home.