Property Tax Increase Disclosure - Do Sellers need to be a CPA?? - Nov 27 03:12 PM
The Montgomery County, Maryland County Council will vote next Tuesday on Bill 24-07. To paraphrase, the purpose of the bill is to provide the buyer an estimate of the property taxes they will pay in the first full fiscal year of ownership.
This sounds reasonable on the surface. But the council's suggestion as to how this be accomplished is, in my opinion, complicated and oneous.
I invite you to look at the county tax office's website and the document they have ...
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Renting instead of selling - Oct 17 02:27 PM
In this changing market, many sellers who are unable to sell their properties are deciding to rent them if they must make a move and are unable to sell the property. In Montgomery County, MD, the odds are better that a property will rent faster than sell, although there are more rentals coming on the market because of the difficulty in selling in this changing mortgage market.
For instance, today in Montgomery County, there are ...
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Consumer Tax on Real Estate Services? No Way! - Oct 28 11:55 PM
How do you think it might impact your business if buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords are taxed on commissions or fees they pay to real estate professionals or property managers in the future?
A 6% sales or service tax, for example, would turn each $1000 paid by consumers for commissions or fees into $1060.
Why should you care if this is an issue in Maryland? Very simple. If it passes here, YOUR Governor and Legislature will be emboldened to propose and pass it ...
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Money and Job Growth? Forbes.com Best Places to Get Ahead - Feb 27 06:22 PM
Craig W. Barrett, Hughesville, REALTOR®
Hughesville, MD Real Estate
http://www.hughesvillehomes.com/
Six of Forbes.com “Best Places To Get Ahead” are in the Washington, DC Region with three of the Southern Maryland Region and the other four in Northern Virginia.
To determine the best places to get ahead, Forbes.com compiled income and job data from the U.S. Census and Department of Labor Statistics. They looked at every county in the U.S., starting with data from the year 2000 and ranked where ...
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FHA bans gift program - Oct 03 05:15 PM
Not sure if anyone has written on this but, FHA plans to do away with their gift program. I currently has a listing under contract in which the sellers are giving this 3% gift money. The loan officer says we are okay since we are already approved for it. I hope so!
The Federal Housing Administration will prohibit borrowers from using seller-financed down payment assistance programs that have helped hundreds of thousands of people buy homes but ...
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Best Time to Buy in the DC/Maryland/Virginia Area - Mar 15 07:10 PM
We are seeing our share of foreclosures, however, we also see the market picking up. What an opportunity for first time buyers, for families looking to move up and for investors. I am seeing homes in great condition, updated etc. at foreclosure prices but not foreclosures.
In Bethesda, Maryland, homes are again affordable. A beautiful, 5 bedroom, 4 full bath home for only $725,000, while in Urbana, Maryland homes less than 5 years old which were ...
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A Day in Maryland with Thomas the Tank Engine - Apr 21 08:52 PM
Check out 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.
WHO HOO! ALL ABOARD!
Calling all kids! (Kids of all ages)
Sir Topham Hatt, the Controlloer of Thomas Railways, will be on hand when you and your kids arrive at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore for a ride aboard Thomas the Tank Engine this weekend (April 25-28) and next (May 2-4).
After your 25-minute train ride, your ...
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20th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup - Mar 26 09:32 PM
The Alice Ferguson Foundation's 20th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. until noon. Volunteers are needed at numerous sites in Charles County for this annual event, which is held rain or shine. Adopt-a-road and community clean-ups in the watershed are also encouraged.
The Potomac River Watershed Cleanup is the largest single watershed cleanup in the area. Through a cooperative effort, Federal, State, County, and City governments work with ...
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Courthouse Auction Blues - Feb 22 09:56 PM
The Washington Post just posted an article titled: "Foreclosure Auctioneer's Lonely Task". It's an interesting read, even if it's a bit theatrical. There was a quote in there that I found particularly striking:
"Banks don't want your house; they want your money. They want to work with you so you can keep your house. With the market like it is, lenders don't want to foreclose on you."
If this were genuinely the case, why is there ...
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Halloween Pet Parade and Contest - Baltimore County Events - Saturday October 27, 2007 - Oct 02 11:53 AM
This event will be held at the Perry Hall Long and Foster Office located at 8712 Belair Road, Nottingham, MD 21236. If you or any of your clients are interested in attending this event, please feel free to attend or have them attend! We have done this for the last two years and it has been a great success and a lot of fun for people in and around the Perry Hall Community! If you have ...
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Change in Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit - Feb 01 03:54 PM
There has been a major change to the Maryland state property tax system you need to know about. In order to continue to receive the Homestead Tax Credit which has capped the property tax increase when your home's assessed value increases, you must now apply to receive this credit.
You may not even have known about this automatic credit, but now the state is requiring that all homeowners file an application for their principal residence in order ...
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Dogs Abandoned in the Foreclosure Fallout - Feb 03 01:13 PM
Foreclosure Dogs are becoming big news. Man's best friend is quickly becoming an expendable commodity to some as people are losing their homes to the credit crunch. Regardless of what the circumstances were for the foreclosure, it's not the pet's fault, and now many of them are finding themselves facing euthanization.
The Washington Post recently ran an associated press article about the growing number of cats and dogs abandoned because of foreclosures.
The house was ravaged ...
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TITLE INSURANCE FOR OWNERS - AGENTS, DON'T GIVE BAD ADVICE TO HOME BUYERS - Jul 05 08:01 AM
An interesting post today by JOE LONG about an article in Forbes stating that the cost of title insurance is too high brings many thoughts and experiences to mind. If there is a concensus among real estate practitioners that this costly insurance is not necessary and should not be recommended, I hope that the matter is reconsidered. Sure, the cost is high, but recommending against title insurance puts, not only the buyer/home owner at risk, it also puts agents ...
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OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT! $3,000 for Buying Into Baltimore - May 12 03:32 PM
Live Baltimore's "Buying Into Baltimore" program offers a $3,000 grant toward settlement costs for buying a home in Baltimore City. There are two homebuying fairs, one for the West side in May and another for the East side in September, and both offer tours of homes available for purchase. The event is produced by the Live Baltimore Home Center and the $3,000 grant is provided by the City of Baltimore. The fairs provide homebuying education opportunities and introduce ...
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I have made the switch to RE/MAX! - May 08 04:56 PM
I am very happy to announce that I am now affiliated with the RE/MAX Classic office in Pasadena, Maryland.
This change enables me to provide even better service to my clients.
I am excited about the new relationship and work with a great group of people with the new office.
My clients now benefit from the offerings of the largest real estate company in the world.
I still have lots to do to finalize the switch, but the first major ...
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Maryland Renaissace Festival - Sep 07 04:51 PM
Well, tomorrow is the day! My wife finally gets me off my butt and gets me to join her in dress up and go visit the Maryland Renaissance Festival. (http://www.rennfest.com/)
Normally, I didn't mind going every other weekend - ok, ok, it wasn't that often - but then it started getting old. Now the fun is back. We are going with a couple of newbies who are big into cultural stuff, like eating turkey legs, drinking ...
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*ATTENTION LENDERS* HOW LOW WILL THE FED GO THIS TIME? - Dec 04 12:17 AM
I'm hearing all over the radio right now here in suburban D.C.
The general consensus is that there's going to be a half point drop on December 11th, and some Industry insiders here in Washington are claiming that a full 1% between now and the end of January would not be out of this world.
I know that doesn't dictate mortgage loan rates directly, but it can and will influence them and I know a ...
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3rd Annual Halloween Pet Costume Contest - Long and Foster Real Estate - Perry Hall - Maryland - Oct 27 12:52 PM
After 3 1/2 long days of rain, the sky evenutally cleared up for the 3rd Annual Halloween Pet Costume Contest and Parade and it was a great success! Please feel free to comment on which costume you thought was the BEST! Enjoy the pictures of the event below (these were my favorites)! P.S. The one in the spider costume is mine (I'm not trying to get any votes, I just wanted you to know)!
Angel and MaiseyGolfer
Brody the ContractorBaseball Player
Maisey ...
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Jumbo Loan Rates Set to Fall - Feb 16 12:49 PM
Congress has just passed their economic stimulus plan that is supposed to put money in everyone's pocket so they can go out and boost the economy. This is the highlight of the plan, but it also covers another important provision that will be good news for homeowners and potential homebuyers.
The conforming loan limit that is insured by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is $417,000. Fannie and Freddie are the government companies that buy and package ...
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Announcement - BNI Tuesday Silver Spring Lunch - Sep 28 02:03 PM
BNI Silver Spring Tuesday Lunch Chapter
Announces the following openings
The Tuesday Silver Spring lunch BNI chapter proudly announces the following categories open for qualified individuals to apply.
Home Stager
Home Improvement Contracter
Painter
Plumber
Electrician
Printer
Graphic Designer
Web Designer
Computer Repair Specialist
We are a chapter of 18 professionals from such places as Long & Foster, BB&T, Edward Jones Investments, State Farm, Melaleuca as well as several fine locally owned businesses.
We meet every ...
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Home Vacancy Rate at Highest Since 1995 - Apr 30 03:30 PM
The number of vacant homes across the nation is at its highest since at least 1995.
On Monday, the Census Bureau released its quarterly report titled “Census Bureau Reports on Residential Vacancies and Homeownership.”
It’s main findings included:
For rental units, the first quarter vacancy rate was 10.1% (this number is not that startling — there is always a relatively high rental vacancy rate).For homeowner homes, the vacancy rate in the first quarter of 2008 ...
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Thanks to a new friend! - Nov 19 11:03 PM
I want to thank Tammy for giving me some advice. One of which was Active Rain. I think as real estate agents we learn so much from other agents. If we all shared a little secret about our personal experiences in the real estate industry we could all be the #1 agent in our territory. ...
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Have Your Say – Vote Tuesday in Maryland - Feb 11 10:59 AM
A Presidential primary in Maryland is not unusual - it happens every four years. What's different this time around is that the "Potomac Primary" (Maryland, DC, and Virginia all vote the same day) is getting national attention in the races for Democratic and Republican nominees.
So if you haven't already done so, now is the time to decide who you will vote for in the national, state, and local elections that take place tomorrow, February 12. ...
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I Scream, You Scream....We all scream for Ice Cream. - May 26 10:27 AM
The weather is getting warm (hot) which starts my favorite time of the year...ICE Cream season!!! Sure, you can buy ice cream everyday at the super market. But nothing taste better than melting ice cream out of a soggy ice cream cone. That has to be the best part. I am not one to get the fancy smancy waffle cones dipped in chocolate and sprinkles. I like a simple cake cone. My family and I love ...
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Virginia Welcomes Migration of Maryland Millionaires - Apr 09 03:56 PM
It's mid-April. Are taxes on your mind?
If you're wealthy and live in Maryland, say hello to the first in the nation, Millionaire's Tax. Signed into law yesterday by Governor Martin O'Malley, the legislation created a new tax bracket for those who earn over $1 million per year. Approximately 6,000 Maryland households fall into this new tax bracket and are subject to a 6.25% tax rate.
According to The Baltimore Sun newspaper, more than 40 percent of these ...
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Homeownership & Foreclosure Prevention Clinic - Mar 03 02:58 PM
Having trouble making your mortgage payments?
Interested in refinancing? FHA Secure (HUD), PG County 203k Loan Program, and Life Line Refinance Program
Are you delinquent? Bridge-to-Hope (Deferred loan Program MAX $15,000)
Considering a home purchase?
The U. S. Department of HUD- Federal Housing Administration and the Maryland Departmnt of Housing and Community Development, PG County Housing Authority, and Fannie Mae is having 2 scheduled sessions at the Show Place Arena at 14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 on March ...
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Old Bikes Mean New Hope in Montgomery County, MD - Oct 22 03:38 PM
Montgomery County's Waste Program encourages residents to donate used bikes, parts and accessories to Bikes For the World, a program of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Bikes for the World works with the community to colect and donate thousands of bikes annually. Donated bikes go to developing countries and to the survivors of natural disasters to help them rebuild their lives. For more information you can log onto www.bikesfortheworld.org.
...
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Housing Swaps - Are any of your clients asking about this? - Feb 04 11:18 AM
I read an article today and it was the first I had heard of these new sites dedicated to housing swaps. Usually I am all for creative ideas that help people sell their homes faster but I'm not too sure about this one. It just seems like such a long shot that it's probably not even worth trying. Maybe put it on CL, but to pay for a listing on these sites seems like a waste. ...
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Contrary to popular belief; home prices are rising on Harford, Baltimore, and Cecil Counties in Maryland - Jan 17 06:49 PM
The media is doing us all a disservice. They poke and prod, going on and on about how terrible the market is, yadda, yadda. They do say it is going to get worse. Millions upon millions of homeowners will lose their homes to foreclosures. On and on, they paint an extremely grim picture of real estate.
Guess what ladies and gentlemen? It is a GREAT time to buy. Home prices are in fact rising, just not at ...
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Montgomery County, Maryland - Speed Cameras - Jun 20 12:54 PM
Some may like this and others may not; however, the launching of the Safe Speed automated enforcement program adds Montgomery County to a growing list of communities worldwide that use automated speed enforcement to reduce traffic crashes and save lives. The program is the first in Maryland to enforce speed limits of 35 mph or less in residential areas and school zones. Speed cameras provide police with one more tool to protect pedestrians and other motorists ...
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What do you think will kick start the Real Estate Market?? - Mar 16 07:00 PM
I was glad to see FHA raise the loan limits but I feel they need to go a step futher and reduce the down payment from 3% to 1.5%. This will enable first time home buyers in our area to afford the down payment and thus create more home ownership. These loans however, must be based on the purchaser's ablity to repay them, based on good credit scores and be a fixed rate loan. This will reduced the ...
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Countrywide manages to get it right this time.... - Oct 23 09:12 PM
I gotta say, they really stepped up to the plate and did what makes sense in my mind. If you haven't already heard, here's a link to the article:
http://www.inman.com/inmanstories.aspx?ID=64991
It's a huge relief to lot of people that are looking at a terrifying possibility of foreclosure. While it's certainly not a final answer to a rough market, I think this sort of news should be looked at as not just a relief to TONS of homeowners, ...
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The latest BRAC update - Mar 15 11:05 PM
There was a town hall meeting held at the Aberdeen High School in Harford County on Monday March 10, 2008. This was the third meeting that they have held so far. The next one will be in Havre De Grace. The date, place and time have not been released yet. Did anyone attend this meeting?
According to ABC 2 News, The Base Realignment and Closure Process or "BRAC" will bring thousands of jobs to Aberdeen, along with ...
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BRAC town hall meeting at Aberdeen High School - Mar 15 10:43 PM
There was a town hall meeting held at the Aberdeen High School in Harford County on Monday March 10, 2008. This was the third meeting that they have held so far. The next one will be in Havre De Grace. The date, place and time have not been released yet. Did anyone attend this meeting? I am still waiting for the video to be released.
According to ABC 2 News, The Base Realignment and Closure Process or ...
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Frederick, Maryland Housing Crisis - May 05 01:15 PM
FREDERICK COUNTY HOUSING CRISIS Getting hit from all sides By JUSTIN M. PALK News-Post Staff jpalk@fredericknewspost.com Reporter Jon Stewart contributed to this article. IN 2006, 455 FORECLOSURES WERE FILED IN FREDERICK COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT. IN 2007, THAT NUMBER MORE THAN DOUBLED TO 1,025. THIS YEAR, AS OF APRIL 18, THE FORECLOSURE COUNT STOOD AT 485, AND EXPERTS SAY THERE'S WORSE TO COME. FORECLOSURES THIS YEAR INCLUDE $219,000 TOWNHOUSES IN HILLCREST ORCHARDS AND $650,000 ...
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Southern MD Easter Fun Things To Do - Mar 13 11:59 AM
Who dosen't love a good Easter Egg Hunt or visit with the Easter Bunny?
Here are a list of local events that your children may enjoy.
Happy Easter!
The Friends of Hospice presents the 8th Annual Easter Egg Roll March 15 at St. Ignatius Church, Chapel Point. This event is filled with fun for the whole family and features egg rolls and hunts, a moon bounce, pony rides, photo's with the Easter Bunny, games, face painting, a silent auction, ...
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Maryland Foreclosures Surge - Apr 22 05:07 PM
Wednesday is a big day for trustee sales in Montgomery County. The following sales are scheduled by Alex Cooper.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 Montgomery County 9:58 AM - 3320 Castle Ridge Cir., #14, Silver Spring, 20904 Dep. $34,000. BU 10:00 AM - 14108 Alderton Rd., Silver Spring, 20906 Dep. $41,000. BU 10:02 AM - 13816 Bronco Pl., #278, Germantown, 20874 Dep. $25,500. BU 10:04 AM - 13327 Whitechurch Cir., Germantown, 20874 Dep. $23,500. BU 10:06 AM ...
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Montgomery County, Maryland Trustee Sales by Harvey West - Apr 28 04:13 PM
Pending trustee sales in Montgomery County. Auctioneer: Harvey West
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 Sale Time Deposit Address City Location Ad Start
10:35 AM $25K 12777 TURQUOISE TERRACE SILVER SPRING MONT CHS 04/11/2008
10:36 AM $25K 13036 THYME COURT GERMANTOWN MONT CHS 04/11/2008
10:40 AM $16.4K 1215 SIMMONS DRIVE ROCKVILLE MONT CHS 04/11/2008
10:41 AM $16.9K 460 GIRARD STREET UNIT 202 GAITHERSBURG MONT CHS 04/11/2008
10:42 AM $19.5K 19504 TURTLE DOVE TERRACE GAITHERSBURG ...
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Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard - Apr 28 02:56 PM
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard's 2nd Anniversary CelebrationSaturday, May 3, 12-6 pm Our second annual Anniversary Celebration is ever closer! Admission is $10 for those aged 21 and over, and includes a free wine glass and tastings of select wines including our Cabernet Sauvignon 06, Comus '06, award winning Chardonny '05, Circe '06, Comus 06, and Pinot Grigio '06. We'll have live music by The Yardslippers, food and ice cream vendors, children's activities and a special "30% Off" ...
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mortgage insurance changes and the effect on condo sales - Apr 23 03:54 PM
mortgage insurance changes and the effect on condo sales
Today we received word that all of the major carriers will discontinue mortgage insurance coverage on condos above 90% ltv in so called 'declining markets'. As you might expect, they consider most of the Washington Metropolitan Area and the entire country a 'declining market'. These changes will be effective April 30th for single file and lender paid mortgage insurance. They will be effective May 31st for borrower paid mortgage insurance.
More gloomy ...
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Montgomery County, Maryand Board Vacancies - Apr 22 01:40 PM
Montgomery County, Maryland Board Vacancies
County Executive Isiah Leggett is committed to having the County's boards, committees, and commissions representative of our County's residents. Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides a valuable service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns and viewpoints are presented. Currently, there are valuable opportunities to serve on the following:
Community Development Advisory Committee Dickerson Area Facilities Implementation Group Commission on Health Commission on Juvenile Justice ...
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DISA breaks ground at Ft. Meade Military base - A BRAC milestone - Apr 22 10:14 AM
Hip Hip Hooray Hip Hip Hooray
We have heard so much about Base Realignment Closures Act (BRAC).
On April 16, 2008 a milestone was reached - Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) broke ground on the new facility which will consist of seven buildings encompassing approximately 1.1 million square feet at a cost of about $442 M.
The headquarters building is slated to ready for occupancy by October 2010 and the remaining buildings by September 2011.
Approximately 4,300 DISA Jobs ...
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LENDER OWNED FORECLOSURES, FREDERICK COUNTY, MD (Rev. 3/20/08) - Mar 24 03:10 PM
This is the recent list of REO homes in Frederick that we provided for our clients. The large number of lender owned homes presents a wonderful time for purchase opportunities. Roy
LENDER OWNED FORECLOSURES, FREDERICK COUNTY, MD (Rev. 3/20/08)
(Contact us for further price reductions)
We have a very simple request if you wish to receive our information and advice. We ask you to agree to use us as your exclusive buyer agents for your next real estate purchase. ...
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Real Property Estimated Tax, Montgomery County, MD - Mar 22 04:35 PM
Important Disclosure Notice Montgomery County, MD - Disclosure - Property Tax Effective April 1, 2008
This new law requires sellers of homes to provide a potential home buyer with an estimate of what the actual property tax will be in the first full year after purchase of the home.
Real Property Estimated Tax and Other Non-tax Charges a new owner will pay in the first full fiscal year of ownership.
Use this ...
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Montgomery County Maryland Parks Update - Mar 21 08:06 PM
Several weeks back I talked about the contest to find the teen Park spokesperson (Park Star Search). Well the process starts soon, with auditions on March 29 and again on April 5. So re - read the post, get out and try out, or learn how to participate in the selection process.
I also recently told you about the parks program to plant a tree and how to registering for a summer camp programs.
Well today is about ...
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$35,000 Loan for First Time Home Buyers - Mar 06 09:23 PM
$35,000 Loan for First Time Home Buyers
No Payment, No Interest, Down Payment Assistance up to $35,000
This pilot program is an effort to encourage first time home-buyers to consider home ownership in existing residential communities in Baltimore County. The program is administered by nonprofit groups and is available in designated communities. You can use the money as a down payment, closing costs and even a portion for repairs. Contact me to see if you are eligible.
...
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Pre-St Patricks Day Networking Potluck Luncheon - Feb 24 05:32 PM
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Maryland Foreclosure Prevention Event! - Feb 22 09:07 PM
If you're currently at risk of foreclosure in the state of Maryland, there's a big event that you should be at!
March 5th is the date, and the Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD is the location! Here's the skinny:
Prince George's County is sponsoring the event, along with HUD and a bunch of other agencies. There will be 13 national loan servicers there, and they'll be talking with homeowners ...
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Montgomery County Maryland own Star Search program - Feb 15 05:52 PM
The Montgomery County Department of Parks will be performing its own Star Search with the winner get his/her show on local Television. They will be holding auditions for the position in the near future. The position is open to Montgomery County teens who are 14 to 17 years of age, and will be a great opportunity for a teen looking for a career in Television. For more details check out the information on auditions, rules, entry ...
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Hot Off the Presses!! CDA/More House For Less Rate Reduction! - Jan 31 02:38 PM
This is great, great news!
I've written a lot about about CDA, but in the last couple of months, the program has not been as useful since their rates were higher than the market rate.
Today, CDA has caught up! 100% financing on one loan with 0 points is now 5.875% down from 6.75%! You can get a 3% grant with a 6.25% interest rate!
This is FABULOUS NEWS!!! It is not yet on the www.morehouse4less.com website, but expect ...
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Citizens on Patrol - Taking back a community, step by step - Jan 30 03:52 PM
By Sumathi Reddy | Sun reporter
October 27, 2007
Citizens on Patrol hopes to start a movement in East Baltimore
As dusk settles, the glittering lights of downtown emerge, just a few miles away -- but a world removed -- from one of the roughest areas in one of the deadliest cities in the country.
A group gathers on the corner of North Patterson Park Avenue and East Hoffman Street in East Baltimore, within blocks of ...
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Is It A Good Idea To Buy Real Estate During A Recession? - Jan 27 03:10 PM
What is important to consider when purchasing a new home is your ability to pay, not the economy. If you have good credit, and need to move there are many bargains available to you. Also interest rates are very reasonable right now.
Unlike buying stocks and commodities where you are looking for an immediate return on your investment, a home is for you or your family to enjoy. Don't lose sleep over how much it will appreciate. ...
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The Good News in Maryland Real Estate is - Jan 25 02:37 PM
According to Associated press 30-year mortgages fall to 5.48%, lowest level in four years.
1324 homes sold in Maryland in January 2008. These buyers realize that market conditions are great, interest rates are great and prices have stabilized.
193 homes have sold in Baltimore County in January 1, 2008.
148 homes have sold in Anne Arundel County in January 1, 2008 (close to Ft. Meade and Annapolis Naval Station)
190 homes have sold in Baltimore City since January 1, 2008 (convenient ...
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Michael W. Patterson - RE/MAX Gold - Real Estate Update - Jan. 2008 - Jan 08 05:31 PM
Here is a link to my "Jan. Real Estate Update".
Click Here: http://www.Michaels-RealtyTimes-Newsletter.com
This Newsletter is full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a Buyer or a Seller.
This month's issue includes topics such as:
"Top 10 Tax Breaks, On The House"."Wondering What Your Home Is Worth"."Battle of the Warring Housing Price Indexes"."Mortgage Rates""Smoothing The Rough Road To Refinancing"."Stone is a Growing Trend For Home Decor".Plus a roundup of Dec. real estate ...
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12/29/07 – Maryland Government Lacked Oversight Of Mortgage Sector - Dec 29 05:15 PM
As of June 2007, state regulators were as far as 2 years behind on performing required mortgage-lender examination, according to a recent audit by the Department of Legislative Services. Combine that with some of the weakest regulations and the worst mortgage meltdown in years and you are bound to have unqualified people taking uneducated Maryland homeowners for a ride they did not buckle up for.
After January 1st 2007, the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation ...
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New Baltimoresun.com widget in my profile & in this post! - Dec 27 04:04 PM
Check out my profile for a widget of the latest real estate articles from Baltimoresun.com. I am also promoting this on my Myspace and Facebook pages. I made this "blidget" on widgetbox.com. One of the things that surprised me is the viral nature of widgets. Anyone who sees it can copy the code and put it on their site; I've already had a handful of random people do this. I know most of you think our ...
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Understanding the Housing Slump - Dec 14 02:23 PM
There was an interesting news piece this morning on NBC 4, talking about how the Maryland housing market is going to continue like this for the next year. The report was based off of anticipated loss of tax revenues due to the housing slump, and stated that the market is not about to improve in the near future. This got me to thinking about what exactly it's going to take in order to see any ...
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Maryland More House 4 Less: Get the Lowest Payment with CDA’s financed MI - Dec 13 04:16 PM
One of the More House for Less (aka CDA) program's greatest points is that you can finance an upfront mortgage insurance premium into the loan amount on a conventional loan. Don't know what that means? Here is how it works, we'll use a $200,000 sales price with 0 points origination for all examples, and this doesn't include property taxes or home owner's insurance in the monthly payments:
On a traditional 100% non-CDA Fannie Flex loanPrincipal and Interest Payment ...
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HUGE financing changes, you HAVE to know about VIA Fannie and Freddie - Dec 09 06:55 PM
Recently, I was made aware of these huge financing changes that will affect a huge amount of our buyers in the future, please take the time to read the following....
I felt that it was important to communicate the BIG change coming in the first part of 2008. I didn't see any other posts on this, but as R.E. agents and consumers, you NEED to be aware of these changes as it will have an impact on ...
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MORTGAGE SCAM ON NBC NIGHTLY NEWS! - Dec 02 11:21 PM
I'm so relieved to see this story making national news!! It seems that Joy Jackson, aka "Night Rider" to all her friends back at the strip club, was recently featured on MSNBC Nightly News (video link). For those of you who need a quick update on the back story, click here. In addition, there seems to be a growing number of people interest in her and her partners current whereabouts. Funny how people frown upon ...
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Team Utz Real Estate of Lederer and Company Announces new FEATURED REPORTS - Nov 26 11:55 PM
Team Utz Real Estate announced Monday, November 26, 2007 that they will unleash a NEW report to Websurfer's, clients, prospects, friends, neighbors and sphere.
The report " Market Snapshot" is a fully detailed report in snapshot format of local market conditions and pinpointed to the community surrounding a requestor's home. It shows current homes listed, recent sales and connects requestor's information with other homes of the same likeness and comes directly from the MLS data sources.
To ...
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Montgomery County MD Approves Higher Recordation Tax - Nov 25 02:18 PM
Similar to the news for Northern Virginia buyers and sellers regarding the increased grantor's tax,here's an update on increased taxes for Montgomery County MD buyers and sellers: Montgomery County, MD just approved a recordation tax increase on property sales over $500,000. The tax will be an additional 3.10 per $1,000. The tax is presently 6.90 per thousand; so for consideration over $500K it will now be 10.00 per 1,000. Anyone waiting until spring to buy might ...
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CECIL COUNTY GUARANTEED SALE PROGRAM - Nov 08 07:26 PM
Guaranteed Sales
With "The Price Team" and LOng & Foster's innovative Consider It Sold® marketing programs, you can be assured of the sale or lease of your home in time to take delivery of your next home. Take a look at the program details below for resale and new homes.
For more information on Consider It Sold®, please Mark & Gloria today!
Resale Home
Here's how the program works for a resale home:
Ask "The Price Team" about Consider It Sold®. We will ...
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HARFORD COUNTY GUARANTEED SALE PROGRAM - Nov 08 07:26 PM
Guaranteed Sales
With "The Price Team" and LOng & Foster's innovative Consider It Sold® marketing programs, you can be assured of the sale or lease of your home in time to take delivery of your next home. Take a look at the program details below for resale and new homes.
For more information on Consider It Sold®, please Mark & Gloria today!
Resale Home
Here's how the program works for a resale home:
Ask "The Price Team" about Consider It Sold®. We will ...
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LEAGUE OF MARYLAND HOMEOWNERS -- Legislative Update - Nov 01 03:28 PM
Hello, hope everyone had a great (spooky) Halloween -- me, I'm trying to avoid this dish of candy on my desk. . .
Now for something REALLY S-C-A-R-Y!
Maryland's Governor O'Malley has proposed a tax on Property Management commissions (which for all the Realtors -- is one step from a tax on our commissions -- as if enough hands weren't in our pockets already! Just an aside, if anyone thinks that real estate agents are rich beyond our ...
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Metro Dream Homes- Parent Company POS in receivership - Oct 31 04:15 PM
I want to make sure I keep you guys updated on the unfolding Metro Dream Homes scandal; It seems a company named Invotex has taken temporary receivership of POS, which is the parent company for Metro Dream Homes. They have set up a website where interested people can view copies of the court documents as they are released.Metro Dream Homes Receivership Website I'll add more information as it comes in to me. ...
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Charles County Market Report - Oct 30 08:13 PM
I've had a couple of people ask me recently what the current market out look is in the region, so I'm putting up a quick portion of my market report to let everybody see exactly what we're facing here in Charles County. If anybody has any questions about the charts, I'd be more than happy to answer them!
These charts are also available on my blog at:
http://teambenya.typepad.com
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Is The Maryland Real Estate Market Dead? - Oct 29 05:56 PM
It seems that every day we hear someone on television talking about what a disaster the real estate market is now. During 2003, 2004, 2005, and most of 2007, the market in Maryland was booming ... partly because of the liberal practices of lenders. We saw home prices shoot up at ridiculous rates and home sellers were getting multiple offers for their homes.
Now the buyers have disappeared for the most part because the news media ...
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METRO DREAM HOMES: If it sounds too good to be true.... it probably IS! - Oct 28 07:27 PM
Just another local real estate scam that is getting lots of attention, particularly from the Attorney General in Maryland AND Virginia. Essentially the accusation goes something like this: Metro Dream Homes convinced people to buy in to their investment program (about 10%-15% of the value of their home) and MDH would "invest" that money and pay the mortgage on the property in full. They claimed to be able to pay the mortgage off in ...
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FRAUDULENT LENDERS CAUGHT IN MARYLAND! - Oct 28 07:08 PM
It goes without saying that the predatory lending practices that have sprung up in recent years are finally starting to be understood to be just that: PREDATORY. Unfortunately there's been more than a few reports, particularly out of PG County, about financial scams that I wanted to post a little info on. In a report from the August 26th Washington Post, they talked about a company called the Metropolitan Money Store, who has been ...
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Winners of International Botball from Cedar Brook Academy based in Clarksburg Maryland - Oct 22 04:37 PM
Two brothers from Cedar Brook Academy are this years international Botball champions. Wesley and Ethan Myers, a senior and a sophmore, won the robotics championship in Hawaii this July. The Cedar Brook Academy is a private school for home-schooled students that gives them the opportunity to take electives that can only be offered in a group setting. The school's staff is based in Cedar Brook Community Church and classes are held Thursdays at First Alliance Church ...
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Montgomery County Schools and Staph Infections - Oct 22 04:16 PM
Seven county schools report cases of staph infections, including our local community high school. There has been one case of MRSA, a more serious form that is resistant to antibiotics, in a school in VA. At our school and many others, the parents were notified and measures are being taken to prevent the spreading of the infection. These measures include a cleaning of the locker rooms and sending home the uniforms daily for washing. The main ...
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Buying a Home Just Got Easier - Sep 30 06:08 PM
The Towns at Orchard Ridge announces it's Homes for Heroes program. Are you a City or State government employee? If so, you are eligible!
•· $8,500-$26,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance grants
•· Brand new 3BR townhomes starting from $233,990
Calling all Baltimore City & Maryland State Employees:
Come home to The Towns at Orchard Ridge!!!
Everyday heroes deserve rewards too! Orchard Ridge isn't just building new townhomes, we're building a new community. And we want you to ...
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Buyer Representation - Sep 23 06:34 PM
You find a neighborhood that meets all your needs. While out scouting the neighborhood for available homes on the market, you spot the home of your dreams. A call to the Brokers office or agent's telephone number and arrangements are made to see the house. The agent that you meet may, depending on the jurisdictions, may or may not be representing you, matter of fact the agent very well could be representing only the seller's interests. ...
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Come Home to Howard County, MD - Sep 22 09:58 PM
What: The Howard County Department of Housing & Community Development is sponsoring the 2nd "Come Home to Howard County" Housing Fair. There will be educational workshops, hands-on seminars for home buyers, and giveaways throughout the day.
When: Saturday, September 29, 2007 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road in Columbia, MD
Cost: Nothing! This event is free and open to the public.
For more information or to pre-register for the event, please visit ...
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BRAC, RELOCATING TO MARYLAND, HARFORD COUNTY, CECIL COUNTY, BUYING A HOME - Aug 27 10:45 PM
BRAC - Relocating to Maryland,Harford County
Base Realignments and Closures, Relocating to Maryland, Harford County, Baltimore County, Cecil County
They cause near-term social and economic disruption. However, there are many success stories from previous closures. A base closure can actually be an economic opportunity, especially when all elements of a community work together. While each closure or realignment has different consequences and/or results, moving to Maryland has been made easy with the services of Maryland's Home Team from ...
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Maryland State Fair 2007 - Aug 21 02:24 PM
What: The annual Maryland State Fair is one of the biggest events in the region that each year attracts upwards of half a million visitors over its 11-day run. Originally a livestock show, the event now includes live entertainment, music, exhibitions and circus acts. A great family day out, visitors can enjoy all manner of events and entertainment ranging from witnessing the birth of calves and piglets at the farm enclosure to cheering on the ...
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Montgomery County Crime Statistics - Aug 17 05:38 PM
I know we're not supposed to provide crime statistics to our clients, I generally use another site for reference but I just stumbled upon this site that could be a valuable resource.
It was last updated on August 8th. It lists all the Montgomery County districts. It was very interesting browsing through the stats.
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/poltmpl.asp?url=/content/POL/ask/germantown/crimeupdates.asp
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Daily Fair Diary Day Two - Aug 12 06:54 PM
I had the early shift Saturday arriving at the fair grounds a little before 9 a.m. There is something special about directions that include "turn right at the goat barn, go to the end and then turn into the vendor lot next to the livestock exhibitor parking".
The gates opened and the first visitors began their search for giveaways and as much free stuff as their plastic bag would hold. I was ready. I had a full ...
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SEARCH BUS ROUTES IN HARFORD COUNTY MARYLAND, 2007 to 2008 SCHOOL YEAR - Aug 07 11:28 PM
Harford County Public Schools Bus Route, 2007 to 2008 School Year listed by school and bus number brought to you by Robert B. McArtor, REALTOR, Auctioneer and The Maryland HOMES Team with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
HARFORD TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
ALL STUDENTS THAT ARE REGISTERED TO ATTEND HARFORD TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE INDIVIDUALLY NOTIFIED VIA A POSTCARD BY THE BUS CONTRACTOR. THE CARD WILL PROVIDE THE PICK UP/DROP OFF LOCATION AND THE APPROXIMATE PICK UP TIME.
IF ...
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HARFORD COUNTY SCHOOL LOCATOR, Which School Will My Children Attend - Aug 06 08:49 PM
HARFORD COUNTY SCHOOL LOCATOR, WHICH SCHOOL WILL MY CHILDREN ATTEND IN HARFORD COUNTY MARYLAND.
This is a helpful link that will provide you with the information you need to find out the school your children will attend if you are thinking of relocating to Harford County Maryland. Harford County Schools are some of the finest in the State of Maryland. We are very proud here of our Children, Parents, School Administrators and of course....OUR TEACHERS! Just Click ...
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Michael W. Patterson - RE/MAX Gold - Real Estate Update - Aug. 2007 - Aug 05 05:03 PM
Here is a link to my "Aug. Real Estate Update".
Click Here: http://www.Michaels-RealtyTimes-Newsletter.com
This Newsletter is full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or renter.
This month's issue includes the following topics:
"Staging Takes Center Stage""Seven Steps To A Credit Score Makeover"Coping With Higher Summer Energy Costs"Over-Cooked Hype Hikes Kitchen Costs"Hot Decorating Tips: Go From Drab To Fab"Plus a roundup of July real estate activity as well as ...
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REAL ESTATE - Eastern Shore Mortgage Rates Cool Slightly - Jul 31 07:41 PM
As July, 2007 comes to a close we see a slight cooling of the Mortgage Rates. I am quite sure that the softening of the housing market and the reduction in building permits applications were contributing factors.
The 30 year fixed rate fell to 6.69% in the final week of July 07, slightly lower than the 6.72% rate was this time last year.
The 15 year rate fell to 6.37% in the final week of July 07, slightly higher ...
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CELL PHONE NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRY IN MARYLAND, US, USA - Jul 19 09:25 PM
Starting tomorrow, all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls. YOU CAN ALSO BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS.....To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. IT IS THE NATIONAL DO NOT CALL LIST. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS OR GO ...
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Montgomery County, Maryland County-Fireworks Displays in Germantown and Kensington - Jun 27 01:38 PM
Montgomery County will again this year host two Independence Day fireworks displays in the upcounty and downcounty. This year, both celebrations will be held on Wednesday, July 4. Germantown Glory Germantown Glory will again be held at the SoccerPlex in the South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle. It will Begin at 4 p.m. with family activities. A concert performed by On The Edge will be held at 7 p.m. Fireworks will start at approximately ...
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Montgomery County, Maryland - Shredding Service - Jun 19 05:13 PM
Another great service being offered in Montgomery County, Maryland. If you have personal documents such as old bank statements or credit card bills that you would like to dispose of properly, then this is for you! Instead of throwing them in the trash and exposing yourself to Identity Theft, come to the Upcounty Regional Services Center Upcounty Regional Services Center, located at 12900 Middlebrook Rd. in Germantown, this Saturday, June 23rd from 10am-12pm to have your documents shredded for ...
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Montgomery County, Maryland - Personal Emergency Alert Systems - Jun 17 07:31 PM
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Montgomery County Maryland Heritage Days - Jun 17 07:27 PM
A fun-filled weekend is planned for Montgomery County Maryland on June 23rd and June 24th. Mark your calendars and come out with the whole family. This tenth anniversary special event is being celebrated with music, dance, food and children's activities showcasing the County's rich history. See rolling farmland steeped in history. Drive down our rustic rural roads. See landscapes that look much as they did in colonial times. Eighteenth-century plantation homes, horse farms, weathered barns and ...
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BlackRock Center for the Arts Summer Free Concert Series - Jun 17 06:52 PM
Summer 2007 Free Summer Concert Series at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantowm, Maryland:
June 23 U.S. Navy Commodores
June 30 Natyabhoomi Indian Dance
July 7 Tom Principato
July 14 The Crawdaddies Cajun/Zydeco
July 21 The New Volcanoes Jazz/World
July 28 Eastman String Band Bluegrass
August 4 The Rumba Club Salsa
August 11 BlackRock Blast-Off! Varied artists & activities
All performances are free and on Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Bring a chair, a blanket, a picnic dinner and enjoy ...
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Montgomery County, Maryland Summer School Programs - Jun 16 11:08 PM
The time is running out to register for summer school in Montgomery County, Maryland. The deadline for High School Session 1 and Elementary Summer School is June 20th, this coming Wednesday. Contact your local middle school about the middle school programs. For more information you can go to www.montgomeryschools.org and if you ever need any information on homes in the county feel free to contact me at www.MyRealtyTeam.com. ...
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Prince George's County Guide - Jun 12 07:07 PM
Home | Meet Gregory | Listings | Relocating | Special Reports | Community Info | Email
Gregory Maley Keller Williams Preferred Properties 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 102 • Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 Direct: 202.528.0495 • Office: 240.737.8119 Fax: 202.478.1735 • Toll Free: 877.217.2153 Email: Gregory@GregoryMaley.com (c)2004 Hobbs/Herder (kml)
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East county commuters air transportation concerns - Jun 12 06:58 PM
Home | Meet Gregory | Listings | Relocating | Special Reports | Community Info | Email
Gregory Maley Keller Williams Preferred Properties 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 102 • Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 Direct: 202.528.0495 • Office: 240.737.8119 Fax: 202.478.1735 • Toll Free: 877.217.2153 Email: Gregory@GregoryMaley.com (c)2004 Hobbs/Herder (kml)
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Montgomery County to be sprayed for Gypsy Moths - May 01 01:05 PM
Beginning this week, nearly 100,000 acres across the state will be aerially sprayed with insecticides, double the area treated last year. Montgomery County is nearly tripling its spraying area from 445 acres to 1,205, a 170 percent increase.
Some of the areas to be sprayed include Boyds, Clarksburg, Damascus, Derwood, Dickerson, Olney, Silver Spring and Takoma Park.
You can go to the following website to see when your area will be done:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/deptmpl.asp?url=/content/dep/Forest/gypsymoths_sprayblocks.asp
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Montgomery County, Maryland Trustee Sales by Alex Cooper - Apr 28 10:45 AM
Montgomery County foreclosures pace continues.
The following is the trustee sales schedule of Alex Cooper Auctioneers for this week and next week. Visit http://www.alexcooper.com/ for all details. The result of many of the sales will be purchases by the lenders which will further increase the inventory of lender owned foreclosures.
Monday, April 28, 2008Montgomery County 11:15 AM - 13700 Ashby Rd., Rockville, 20853 Dep. $42,000. W&W 11:17 AM - 9039 Sligo Creek Pkwy, Unit #1001, ...
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Bay Bridge Boat Show - April 24-27, 2008 - Apr 21 11:01 AM
Come on over the Bay Bridge to the Bay Bridge Marina for one of the largest boat shows and one of Maryland's great boating activities.
It's a whole lot of fun! There are free seminars that will tell you what the best cruising spots are on the bay. There are free family activities from demo boat rides to fishing lessons for the kids. Buy your tickets online at www.usboat.com.
If you have been thinking about buying a boat ...
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Montgomery County, Maryland Lender Owned Foreclosures - Apr 14 10:04 AM
The surge of foreclosures continues and the result is a very large number of lender owned homes in Montgomery County, Maryland
Lender Owned Foreclosures in Montgomery County, MD (Rev. 4/11/08)
(Contact us for further price reductions)
We have a very simple request if you wish to receive our information and advice. We ask you to agree to use us as your exclusive buyer agents for your next real estate purchase. Please advise us if you are ...
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We Buy Houses-Cash-Close in 7 days! WAIT! - Apr 13 07:09 AM
Are you thinking about calling one of these "signs" on the side of the road? Do you feel that you are in a position that this will be your last resort?
Laws in Maryland have changed as of April 3, 2008 concerning the foreclosure process. Why not get educated before giving away the farm!
Saturday, April 19th
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - "Foreclosure Prevention"
Description: Stop Foreclosures, Don't Wait! Get the information you need to avoid the ...
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Busy April weekend in Talbot County Maryland - Apr 09 12:11 PM
Well the weekend of April 26th 2008 is looking to be a busy one!
If you are looking for something to do the weekend of April 26th come to Talbot County Maryland. There are 3 events you will not want to miss.
In Easton there is the 15th Annual Charity Antiques Show and Sale. Featuring 18th and 19th century Antiques!
Then take a drive to Oxford and enjoy the day. It is Oxford Day after all! Start with a pancake ...
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New Maryland Foreclosure Process - Apr 08 11:50 AM
New Maryland Foreclosure Process Governor O'Malley Signs Emergency Legislation to Protect Homeownership
Foreclosure Law Summary SB 216/HB 365 - Foreclosure Process
Requires a mortgage or other security instrument on residential property to contain the license number of a mortgage originator or mortgage lender. This provision would allow regulators to track which mortgage providers have the highest foreclosure and default rates.Prohibits filing an action to foreclose on residential property until the later of:90 days after default45 days after the "Notice ...
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Counrtyside Artisans of Maryland Studio Tour - Apr 07 10:23 AM
Take time this coming weekend to tour the Countryside Artisans of Maryland. The Studio Tour will be held on April 11, 12, and 13.
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