Lisa's Real Estate Blog

7000 Main St Queenstown, MD

2012-01-22T15:23:00.001-05:00

This is a listing I have and I wanted to share it with you because it has alot of history behind it. I thought it was very interesting and wanted to share it with you.

This home is located within the town limits of Queenstown and was constructed somewhere between 1870-1877 and was used as the town store; most likely as a general merchantile business. The store, referredto as the "Mitchell Store", was owned and operated by 2 brothers. They advertised the sale of "fertilizers, stoves,and pumps" . The building was occupied from 1897 until 1902 by Mary S. Sweeney, who operated a millinery shop. The building was converted into a residence in 1906, so the integrity of the material, design, workmanship and feeling has been compromised throught the modification and additions.

The house is a two story house that rests on a brick foundation with concrete block infill. The walls are clad with wood siding that is currently covered with aluminum siding. The roof is sheathed with metal and a pair of chimneys punctuate the roofline of the building.

A one story shed is attached to the rear of the building. All of this is located on a half acre and has it's own private lane off the main street.

Now the history of the town. Queenstown is one of the oldest, continously-occupied communities in Queen Anne's County. Established in 1707, Queenstown served as the first county seat. In 1762, the town contained a courthouse, a jail, and 5 or 6 dwellings.

During the 19th century, Queenstown served as a regional commercial center. The area's economy was dominated by agriculture and fishing. The town became an important shipping terminus for goods produced on the Eastern Shore. In fact, Queenstown also became a processing center for Chesapeake Bay oysters and agricultural products.

Most of the town was surrounded by property associated with the Bolingly estate until after the Civil war. In 1877, the town now contained about 36 buildings, including two churches, 13 commercial buildings, which includes the house listed above) 2 hotels, 1 school, and 13 residences.

In 1892, the town was incorporated and Queenstown became the terminus of the Queen Anne's County railroad, however, in 1902, the railroad shipping terminus was moved to Love Point. It was also about this time that the economy of Queenstown declined.

During the 20th century, Queenstown continued to serve as a commercial center for the surrounding area and as a destination for summer residents. Local businesses included a lumberyard, several canneries, and a dry goods store. The Queenstown Bank, established in 1899, provided financial services and occupied a prominent location in town.

In 1822, 20 acres associated with the Bolingly estate were sold at public auction. Residential construction occurred in the area between 1890 and 1930's. A second residential area opened for development in 1914, when another portion of the Bolingly estate was sold. Construction in this area continued until the 1950's.

Since the 1950's, Queenstown has become increasingly a residential community, thanks to the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Route 301. Located nearby is the Queenstown Harbor golf course and the large outlet mall.

So there you have it. The house located at 7000 Main St Queenstown Md is for sale at a suggested price of $102,500. For those who would like to renovate it to reinforce the town core historic character, I would have to say that there is a great deal of the house that needs to have major work done to it. For those who want a new home, feel free to tear down and start fresh. Since the home is located within town limits, I have town zoning and what they will allow to be built there. They will accept residential or commercial.

I'm Lisa Longest with Exit Gold Realty. I specialize in real estate in Stevensville Md and surrounding towns. feel free to contact me at 443-786-4200.

The Realtor That Will Be With You The "Longest"

MarketWatch Videos | RBI

2012-01-20T14:37:00.002-05:00

MarketWatch Videos | RBI
This is updated every month on the 20th of the month. If you would like to check it each month, visit my website at www.StevensvilleHomesForSale.net
I'm Lisa Longest and I specialize in real estate in Stevensville and surrounding cities. Contact me at 443-786-4200.

Social Media Revolution Socialnomics 2011

2012-01-13T20:28:00.000-05:00

This was shared with me during a technology course that I attended today.

MarketWatch Videos | RBI

2012-01-10T12:48:00.000-05:00

MarketWatch Videos | RBI

EXIT Realty is Growing! - Your EXIT Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Network

2012-01-06T18:07:00.000-05:00

EXIT Realty is Growing! - Your EXIT Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Network

28967 Sanderstown Rd Trappe, MD

2011-12-30T17:00:00.000-05:00

28967 Sanderstown Rd Trappe, MD
The value is in the land

2011-11-08T13:29:00.000-05:00

OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 13, 2011 12-4 PM

This is a must see home. It is 3200 sq. ft. Cape Cod with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, oversized 2 car garage is situated on 7.1 acres overlooking a vineyard in a very nice up-scale community in Wye Mills, MD. 20 minutes from the Bay Bridge, 15 minutes from Easton and 1 1/2 hours from Ocean City. The vineyard yields an annual income. Bonus room above the garage. Home has new heating and cooling units. Dual heat zone. Whole house has been professionally weatherized for better home performance including more energy efficiency. Video Surveillance conveys. Hardwood floors throughout the home. All bedrooms have carpet. Tile floor in kitchen and master bath. Up-graded kitchen Jenn-Air, breakfast bar and breakfast nook. Dining room with sky lights. Formal dining room, currently being used as home office. Very nice living room with vaulted ceiling, surround sound, clover leaf window, and slider doors that go out to a two-tiered deck overlooking a beautiful serene back yard. Wood stove surrounded by brick. Master bedroom on first floor with a very large master bath with large jacuzzi tub, seperate shower, skylight, dual sinks and seperate vanity. Nice entrance inside the home opens into a large foyer and steps that take you to the second floor. Upper Balcony overlooks living room. Two bedrooms upstairs; one on each wing of the home. Full bath with laundry room attached. There is another room off of one of the bedrooms.

There is a 40 x 20 concrete/ cinder block building that has many possibilities of use. It has air, heat, water, kitchen, tile floor, and much more. Paved driveway. Property is half open and half wooded. Zoned RAC. No covenants. No restrictions. Hunting allowed!

All of this for $649,500

If you want to preview home prior to advertised open house date, please contact me.

So, stop by, take a tour, and see yourself living in this beautiful home.

My name is Lisa Longest with Exit Gold Realty, specializing in residential real estate in Stevensville, Wye Mills, and surrounding areas. If you or anyone you know needs help with real estate, just contact me at 443-786-4200 or email me at www. LisaLongest@ExitGoldRealty.com

I'm the Realtor who will be with you the "Longest"

Absolute Auction in Chester Md

2011-10-21T14:53:00.000-04:00

This doesn't happen too often so I thought I better mention it. Someone may just be interested in this. This home was built in 2000 and has approximately 2100 sq ft of living space. It offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, fireplace, sliding doors to rear deck, situated on .24 acres. It does have vinyl siding, 2 car garage and has public water and sewer. The location is outstanding, just about 1 mile off Route 50, also known as Ocean Gateway, and the neighboring homes are in excellent condition. The starting bid is set at $40,000 and since it is an absolute auction, the highest bid gets it. Now the property will need some renovations, but it will be so worth it. The auction is scheduled for Tuesday,November 8,2011 at 11:30 am. I have plat and terms and conditions, so give me a call if you are interested.

I'm Lisa Longest with Exit Gold Realty. I specialialize in residential real estate in Stevensville Md and surrounding areas, such as Chester MD. Feel free to contact me at 443-786-4200 or email me at LisaLongest@ExitGoldRealty.com

I'm "The Realtor That Will Be With You The Longest"

104 Teal Court and 116 Teal Court Open House- Stevensville MD

2011-09-15T18:05:00.002-04:00

I will be holding an open house at these two locations (both in same building) this Saturday September 17, 2011 from 1-4 pm. I would like for you to visit me during this time. Bayside community is a wonderful place to live here on kent island. It is close to Bay bridge, schools, restaurants, and entertainment. Bayside offers pool, tennis, club house, exercise room, and close to bike and walking trails.

Addresses are:

104 Teal Ct MLS: QA7484914

116 Teal Ct MLS: QA7551602

Visit www.realtor.com to view these listings along with virtual tours.

My name is Lisa Longest at Exit Gold Realty. I specialize in real estate in the Stevensville Md location and other nearby cities. If you have any real estate needs, or know someone who does, please call me at 443-786-4200

Ready to Spend on Green?

2011-07-26T14:08:00.000-04:00

Heating and cooling a home today is not cheap. Consumers over the years have expressed concerns about increasing utility costs and some are rejecting homes with two-story great rooms and walls of windows-often costly to heat and cool. But purchasing a solar heating system, installing new double-pane windows, or replacing old appliances isn't cheap either. For a long time, the high expense associated with "going green" has kept many home owners from embracing energy-efficient features.

Now however, consumers are motivated to do the right thing about the environment and finding out that they can save money in the long run. Yes, it's easy to get overwhelmed with green ideas because there is so much you can do. But you don't have to do everything...just pick one or two things now and then add something again later.

Even some home builders, in response to demand, are rolling out energy labels for new homes, which provides estimates of monthly energy costs, triggering a different approach to home shopping for energy-conscious buyers.

Do you need more help to get you to go "green"? Well there are federal tax credits available, and energy-efficient mortgages are options to help home owners pay for "green" upgrades.

I'm Lisa Longest with Exit Gold Realty. I specialize in real estate in Stevensville Md and surrounding areas. If you or anyone you know needs help with real estate, just contact me at 443-786-4200 or email me at lisalongest@exitgoldrealty.com. I'm the Realtor who will be with you the "Longest"

Energy Efficiency and Green Features in Homes

2011-05-27T12:12:00.000-04:00

I'm going to toot my own horn this time because I am very proud of this designation. I have joined the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthier features in homes and buildings. With national surveys indicating that 9 out of 10 consumers consider energy efficiency and the environmentally sound aspects of a home to be almost as important as interior finishes, Certified Eco-Brokers are simply in a better position to serve the savvy green-minded real estate consumer.

Please take time to read my article and keep me in mind to help you purchase a more energy-efficient home or market your home as such.

My name is Lisa Longest and I work for Exit Gold Realty. I specialize in Stevensville Md and surrounding cities. Feel free to contact me at 443-786-4200 or email me at lisalongest@exitgoldrealty.com

Avoid 3 Common Remodeling Mistakes

2011-05-25T13:54:00.000-04:00

The road to bad remodeling is paved with good intentions. Anyone tackling a major project wants his home to look and work better--and to get a reasonable return on investment. But renovations are packed with so much stress and emotion that it's easy to go wrong.

With that said, let's learn how to keep from falling into these 3 common mistakes.

1. Being a slave to fashion: The more up-to-the-minute your project is today, the more out-of-date it will seem in 5-10 years. So, go with classic choices that match the house's original style.

2. Skimping on the design: Make sure your renovation project is well thought out. If you are doing, let's say, building an addition or moving interior walls, spend the $1000-$5000 to hire an architect (to draw a plan, not project manager)

3. Over-investing in the kitchen: Yes, great kitchens sells houses! But there is a limit to what you can recoup for granite countertops and commercial-grade appliances. Kitchens represents anywhere from 5%-15% of a home's value, so limit your kitchen renovation budget to that range.

So, go ahead with your well prepared plans of renovating. Count your costs and have a blast.

My name is Lisa Longest and I work for Exit Gold Realty. I specialize in Stevensville, Md and surrounding cities. Feel free to contact me at 443-786-4200 or email me at lisalongest@exitgoldrealty.com

Housing Inventory in Queen Anne County-Stevensville MD

2011-05-17T16:34:00.000-04:00

So you have a house on the market in Queen Anne County on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Maryland and can't figure out why it's not selling. Well, there really could be a variety of reasons, however, I am going to discuss just one possible reason: INVENTORY!

The absorption rate of your area is very important to know when pricing your home to sell it. If you really want to sell to move on, you may consider the absorption rate before considering market value. You may want to consider a selling price based on the absorption rate.

Not sure what the absorption rate is? I will tell you. It is an estimate of the rate at which a particular classification of properties for sale can be successfully marketed in a given area. An absorption rate must be developed to analyze supply and demand.

Let me give you an example:

This is a current example:

Active Listings in Queen Anne County: 707

Now divide the active listings with what has SOLD:

In the last 6 months: 189 = 3+ Months

In the last 3 months: 106 = 6+ Months

In the last month: 37 = 19+ Months

Now you know how much inventory is currently on the market as of this past month in Queen Anne's County....over 1 1/2 yrs. This is what you are competing against. And this statistic is constantly changing as properties are listed or sold. So, this makes it imperative, as an agent, to keep your clients informed.

Now you just found out how to decide whose market it is:

* Sellers' market conditions-Absorption rate is 1-4 months.
* Normal market conditions-5-6 months.
* Buyers' market conditions-7+ months

Has your agent gone over this bit of information with you? I hope so. If not, ask them to. This example is a generalized absorption rate. Perhaps you want one done with specific data that corresponds to your particular market.

My name is Lisa Longest and I work for Exit Gold Realty. I specialize in Stevensville Md and surrounding cities. Feel free to contact me at 443-786-4200 or email me at lisalongest@exitgoldrealty.com

Bay City Community Stevensville Md

2011-04-19T19:04:00.000-04:00

Bay City is one of the few communities located directly on the Chesapeake Bay. This community consists of approximately 700 single family property owners and is situated just south of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on Maryland’s eastern shore. For BCPOA members the community has two waterfront parks. The south park is located directly on the Chesapeake Bay, its amenities include picnic tables, grills and a play ground. At the south park you can enjoy the picturesque views of the bay while your children or grandchildren are swinging at the play ground. The north park is for the boaters and crabbers; it is located on Broad Creek and includes a 50 ft dock with a concrete boat ramp. Both parks are also great fishing spots for BCPOA members. If you love the eastern shore and the Chesapeake Bay, Bay City is the ideal community.

Nearby can be found Matapeake State Park, Blue Heron golf course, Bay Bridge marina, Bay Bridge Airport, Kent Narrows, and the Queenstown outlets are a short drive away.

Now currently, there are 24 houses on the market in Bay City; 5 are under contract, 3 sold in the last 20 days, and there is 1 rental. The prices of these homes range from $185,000-$1,000,000.

Hi, my name is Lisa Longest and I work for Exit Gold Realty. I specialize in Bay City and Stevensville Md. Feel free to contact me to get more information on homes for sale in Stevensville MD and surrounding cities at 443-786-4200

Your Stevensville MD Realtor

2011-02-24T14:59:00.001-05:00

My name is Lisa Longest and I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Maryland. I specialize in the areas of Stevensville, Chester, Grasonville, Queenstown, Centreville and the surrounding areas.

I have 8 years experience in the real estate industry. As a Realtor, I bring special tools and solutions that exceed the expectations of my clients. If you are considering listing your property in Stevensville or surrounding areas, ask me about our latest marketing systems. I am a talented contract negotiator who relies on market analysis of housing trends together with a keen understanding of each community’s unique characteristics. I am certified to handle both sides of short sales and pre-foreclosure sales. . I would love the opportunity to earn your business and look forward to hearing from you.

I work with people to help them build the lifestyle they want. I help them make decisions that will change their lives for the better. Houses aren't just products to me. They are the four walls that hold the people and the memories we love the most. Houses are where we build our lives, entertain friends, and care for the family. For years now, I've helped many people make life-changing decisions about where to live, In turn, it's changed my life. That's why I love being a Realtor.

Professional Affiliations:

ABR

CRS

SFR

E-Pro

The Maryland Association of Realtors

The Bay Area Board of Realtors

Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc

National Association of Realtors

Awards:

Rookie Realtor Of The Year

Silver Volume Award

Bronze Volume Award

Executive Club Award

Certificate Of Recognition by Metropolitan’s Who’s Who

"I was walking out to my car when I got off work and I got the call. Lisa said, the sellers had accepted my offer. I could not believe it! The next few months were a whirl wind as Lisa warned me they would be; inspections, conditions, improvements, and not to mention I didn't pick the easiest company to work with to finance me, but Lisa took care of it all. We would talk as she explained everything and I calmed right down... with all that being said, I am truly thankful that Lisa is my real estate agent. I recommend her to everyone I know, and I will definitely use her as my agent when I purchase my next home. Thank you Exit Gold for employing such an honest, caring person. I could not have asked for someone better to guide me through the process."

"We would like to thank Exit Gold and Lisa Longest for the wonderful job in our search to buy our first home. Lisa was instrumental in helping us to find a mortgage broker, finding our new house and walking us through every step. She explained everything we needed to know. She looked out for our best interests during the whole process. She was very kind and a lot of fun to work with. We would recommend Lisa to anyone looking for a real estate agent, and we would love to call on her again when we need to purchase a home in the future."

"This is a brief note to express our thanks for all the diligent efforts by Lisa in the sale of our house. We had tried to sell our house with an agent that is a family friend several months prior to coming to Exit Gold, but had no luck. Lisa had our house on the market the week after we talked to her, and had it sold one week after that. Lisa was a gem of an agent through the whole process, a true professional. Again, on behalf of my whole family, our many thanks for all her tact, poise, and plain hard work."

I have lived here in Stevensville for the past 21 years. I enjoy life in general, the good and the bad. Life is one big experience to learn from. I really enjoy just about anything outdoors, such as fishing, crabbing, boating, camping, hiking, horseback riding, gardening, etc. My husband and I also spend a great deal of time in volunteer work for our ministry.

First Time Buyers Demand Move-In Ready Starter Homes

2011-02-18T15:49:00.000-05:00

In the day, when you used the phrase "starter home", you would think of a little home or an entry level home, that might need a little TLC, and was affordable for a first-time home buyer. Then, once they get their foot in the door of purchasing a home, they could, through the years upgrade to larger, move-in ready homes.

In today's market however, with the abundance of home choices, current first-time home buyers want places that are move in ready. According to the National Association Of Realtor (NAR), first-time home buyers accounted for half of the market in 2010.

So, as a seller of a house in this market, you may want to consider these few points regarding first-time home buyers:

1. The market afforded them the opportunity to buy a home sooner than later.
2. They are finding their home in a more desirable neighborhood than expected.
3. They are able to get a home at a better price than expected.
4. Got more space than expected.
5. Able to lock in lower interest rates than expected.

What does this tell you, the seller? The condition and quality of their home matters a great deal. First-time home buyers can be choosy about what appeals to them and are recognizing the benefits of the low prices and wide selection of homes in many areas. They are in no hurry to purchase. They are taking their time and doing their homework. They know what they want, shopping on average of 11 homes before making a decision.

So, if you, as a seller, want these first-time home buyers to consider your home, one big thing you may want to make sure of is that your home is priced competitively. Also, along with price, consider the condition of your home. Remember, they want move-in ready homes.

My niche in the real estate business is working with first-time home buyers. I love being able to walk them through the processes of purchasing their first home. And in Stevensville and surrounding areas, we have a nice selection of homes that would be perfect for you as a first-time home buyer. What I like about the Stevensville area is location, location location. It is convenient to shops and services, close to work, even if you are a commuter across the bay Bridge, and near schools. So, get in touch with me, Lisa Longest, and allow me to get you started down the path of home ownership. My cell phone is 443-786-4200. Give me a call. I look forward to hearing from you.

Stevensville MD- Tenants Rights During Foreclosures/Short Sales

2011-02-11T15:04:00.002-05:00

Okay, so you're not a homeowner. You have been renting for several years and now the landlord tells you that he/she is going through foreclosure, but for right now he is going to agree to a short sale of the property. (A short sale is an agreement with the bank to allow you to sell your house for less than is owed on the mortgage).

So you're wondering "Are there any special protections for me as a tenant of a house going into foreclosure/ or short sale?"

Well, there is a federal law, the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act, which gives additional rights to tenants living in a property that changes ownership due to foreclosure. This law requires a minimum of 90 days' notice to month-to-month tenants after the foreclosure has been completed. Tenants who have a bona fide lease are entitled to remain until the lease expires.

Now, it's different with short sales. You have no foreclosure act available to you because the foreclosure was never completed. So, the new owner taking title of the house by means of the short sale now becomes the landlord and can decide to continue your tenancy or terminate it. And yes, he would still have to follow the usual 30-60 day notice period if you have been a tenant for more than one year.

So there you have it in a nut shell. If you find yourself in this situation and need to find another place to lease, I will be glad to assist you. I specialize in the Stevensville and surrounding areas and have access to rentals in the area. Feel free to contact me, Lisa Longest,at 443-786-4200 or at the office located at 1241 Shopping Center Rd, Stevensville, MD. 21666

Stevensville, MD: Carpet or Hardwood Best for Condo Resale?

2011-02-07T15:45:00.001-05:00

Okay, everyone knows we have quite a few condo's and townhouses in Stevensville and surrounding areas. So, I'm getting this question asked often: I am looking to remodel my condo for resale. What is the best for resale value? Hardwood/Laminate, carpet, a little of both?

In my personal and professional opinion, I would chose hardwood flooring. This is why. Most people will replace carpet when they purchase. Plus, carpet seems to wear so poorly, so I'm actually seeing less and less.

I never recommend running tile/travertine/stone throughout a home either, because I think it makes a home cold, in general. Yes, use it in bathrooms, kitchen, and entry way, but that's it. And on this matter, I'm seeing houses with the larger tiles, such as the 24x24 inch,that has a lot of character and looks amazing being used.

So, what kind of wood floors are being used? Wide plank distressed floors, and the stain would depend on how light or dark your home is. In the bedrooms, I believe the wood floors add warmth, as well as value to the home. Don't forget to throw down a throw rug so your toes have something soft to step onto.

I hope this helps. So, if I can be of further assistance, just give me a call, Lisa Longest at 443-786-4200 or stop in and see me at Exit Gold Realty, located at 1241 Shopping Center Rd, Stevensville, MD. 21666. I am a certified Residential Specialist, specializing in the Stevensville, Md and surrounding areas. So let me help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Or, if you just want a FREE market analysis, I can do this as well.

'Shadow' real estate inventory may take 4 years to clear

2011-02-04T08:33:00.000-05:00

'Shadow' real estate inventory may take 4 years to clear

Pre-Sale Renovations: Do's and Don'ts

2011-01-30T15:02:00.000-05:00

To get right to it...in today's market, expensive pre-sale renovations, for the most part, are not worth it! According to the National Association of REALTORS, the numbers bear this out: "In general, a home remodel will cost quite a bit more than you'll get back when you sell; remodels done in 2010 will only recoup 60% of their price when the house is sold".

What are the two areas that often are remodeled before selling? Right, the kitchen and the bathroom. So lets talk about what to do and what to avoid when considering a pre-sale renovation.

KITCHEN:
DON'T...Put in expensive professional-grade cook's appliances. How do you know the buyer is a cook? They might be take-out addicts.
DON'T...Replace your cabinetry, well not completely. People have different tastes.
DON'T...Go granite crazy. Or marble. Or etched-Murano-glass-accented tile. Get the point yet...People's tastes are different. It's impossible to find one that pleases most people.

DO...Service the appliances you have. If you do have to replace some seriously outdated appliances, replace with those that are $1000 or less. However, if there are any appliances that you don't have that most buyers feel are a must, for example, a dishwasher, then it would make sense to buy one.
DO...Invest in cabinet refacing, IF they are seriously outdated. Many refacing companies will give you a fresh face for well under $2000.
DO...Hire a professional cleaning company to come in and make what you have sparkle, for example, tile floors. The company will not magically make the tile look magazine-worthy, but it will certainly help with discoloration that has occurred from age.

A few more kitchen tips:

Declutter your counter tops. I know from many years of experience, that if the buyers come in and see clutter...they can not look past it, which means they will shake their heads no and move on.

Keep your pantry and cabinets clutter free. Can you imagine a buyer opening a cabinet and something falls out on their head? No thank you....

Give your kitchen table or breakfast bar some life please. It's simple...placemats, a colorful vase, flower arrangement, something
to reinforce the idea that the kitchen is the heart of the home.

BATHROOM:

DON'T...do expensive tub/shower repairs or replacements. Just like the kitchen, this is going to be a matter of taste

DON'T...Replace your smallish vanity with a new, built-in model. It can be quite beautiful for sure, but it's also risky and again, a matter of taste.

DO...Replace dated bath and shower fixtures because this can be done relatively inexpensively. For example, your shower head. If you have a 30-year old, tiny little shower head, do replace that. You can replace it with a large, rainwater-style model that has a subtle spa-like quality without costing a lot.

DO...Freshen up the vanity area. Invest in a big mirror with lights above it. And a few hundred dollars spent on a nice faucet is well worth it also.

A few other tips for the bathroom:

Do you want to add a little life to the walls? Try floating shelves with a few candles. It creates an elegant, boutique touch without the cost.

Want to add color? Throw down a colorful floor mat to add a little warmth.

Please, clear clutter, even your beauty essentials. They should not be left on the counter, especially during an open house.

So, here we have it. It's all about basics. In most homes and markets, this is all you really need to update. Just focus on these items. If you do these few simple tips, they will help in the sale of your home. Of course, you have to have your house priced correctly as well. So, if your ready to put your home on the market, follow these steps and then give me a call. I specialize in Stevensville and surrounding cities. I am a certified residential specialist. Allow me to provide you the skills needed to assist you to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. I'm waiting...Lisa Longest, 443-786-4200. Or visit me at 1241 Shopping Center Rd, Stevensville, MD 21666

Tips For Buying Foreclosures

2011-01-28T17:56:00.000-05:00

You know that there are many foreclosures on the market, but you may not know or understand some practical rules that could save you money if you are interested in buying one.
I'm going to list just 5 tips you may want to consider:

1. Work with an agent who has access to foreclosure information. Don't assume that all agents have access to foreclosures, because they don't. Ask the agent if they have experience with them.

2. Bank owned properties generally close faster than short sales. That's because banks will prioritize foreclosures over short sales. They have already repossessed the foreclosed home, thus the name "bank owned". They want to liquidate these properties, which brings us to

3. Always offer less than the asking price. The price listed on a foreclosure price is the same as the asking price for most properties for sale...that is the asking price. Don't assume the prices are firm. Most banks will consider a lower offer.

4. Ask the bank to pay your closing costs. Why not? The worst that can happen is that they will say no. Like I said, the banks want to liquidate these properties, so you may find that they are very accommodating.

5. Get pre-approved from the right bank. If you are making an offer on a bank owned house, it would be good if you could be pre-approved by the same bank. During negotiations, this may tip the scales in your favor.

So there you have it. I hope this helps you in your decision. If I can be of further assistance, please contact me, Lisa Longest, at 443-786-4200 or visit me at Exit Gold Realty 1241 Shopping Center Rd, Stevensville, Md. 21666. I am a short sale and foreclosure representative who specializes in Stevensville and surrounding cities.

Is It A Good Time To Sell Or Should I Wait?

2011-01-26T10:09:00.001-05:00

Is now a good time to sell my house or should I wait until house prices go up again? I hear this question often. But this is the answer you should hear from an agent that you pose this question to: Home selling potential always comes down to the nuances of local markets, specific zip code and even specific blocks.

A great location can trump factors like the unemployment rates, low and high mortgage rates,mortgage access, etc. For example, a classic home on a tree-lined block near a school(s) will always be in demand, despite the economy.

Now, are you perhaps concerned about losing more equity if you wait? Odds are good at this point in the cycle that your home has lost most of the value-and equity- it's going to lose, give or take a few percentage points. But again, the value is only what someone is willing to pay for it, not market averages. So, i wouldn't let the anticipation of further losses force your hand. However, if you are planning to hold on to your house and wait for the market to turn to what we saw 5-6 years ago, you're going to be disappointed. Not going to happen.

Now you ask: "When should I sell then?" The stock response is still spring because that's when most buyers emerge. This is largely because it gives families time to plan moves that won't uproot kids from their schools in the middle of the term. However, please note this fact: Today, spring really means "late winter".
If you want to sell next year, have your house on the market and ready for showings by mid-to-late February at the latest. Many potential buyers actually begin their search in this time frame because now they have to consider putting their house on the market so they can buy your house. Everything is relative. It's a fine line to walk, I know.

There is one more option: If you're happy where your living and you don't have to sell, you could simply sit tight for another year or two for additional clarity. After all, a home is a shelter first and an investment second.

With all this said, I am here for you. I specialize in the Stevensville, Md and surrounding areas. If you have any further questions or concerns, either call me, Lisa Longest, at 443-786-4200 or visit me at Exit Gold Realty located at 1241 Shopping Center Rd, Stevensville, Md. 21666. I am certified as a buyers representative, sales specialist, and a short sale and foreclosure representative. Let me be there for you.

Tax Time

2011-01-25T12:22:00.000-05:00

As tax time approaches, the more prepared you are to file, the better. So I'm giving you 6 facts the IRS wants you to know about dependents and exemptions that will help you file you r 2010 tax return.

Exemptions reduce your taxable income: There are two types of exemptions: personal exemptions and exemptions for dependents. For each one you can deduct $3650 on your 2010 tax return.

Your spouse is never considered your dependent: On a joint return, you may claim one exemption for yourself and one for your spouse. If you're filing a separate return, you may claim spouse only if they had no gross income, are not filing a joint return and were not the dependent of another taxpayer.

Exemptions for dependents: Generally, you can take an exemption for qualifying children or qualifying relative. You must list the social security number of any dependent you claim.

If someone else claims you as a dependent, you may still be required to file your own tax return: This depends on several factors including the amount of your unearned, earned, or gross income, your marital status, and special taxes.

If you are a dependent, you may not claim an exemption: Period.

Some people cannot be claimed as your dependent: They must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, U.S. national or resident of Canada or Mexico for some part of the year. There is an exception to this rule for certain adopted children.

For more info on exemptions and dependents, you can call 800-829-3676 or see IRS Publication 501.

Now, that I showed you how you might bring home extra money, why not use that money as a deposit on a new home, whether it's your first home, or you're ready to upgrade or downsize.

I would love to be able to assist you in this. So either give me a call at 443-786-4200, stop by Exit Gold Realty, or visit my website at www.mdeasternshorerealtor.com

Fannie Mae videos promote foreclosure alternatives | Inman News

2011-01-06T18:58:00.000-05:00

Fannie Mae videos promote foreclosure alternatives | Inman News

Real Estate in 2011?

2010-12-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

Next year, housing prices will likely drop 5-10% nationally-finally hitting bottom, according to Altos research, a real estate data company.

That doesn't mean that we're instantly going to bounce out of that trough. Expect local price instability. Early 2011 will bring the usual seasonal bounce in prices, similar to this year's period of price stabilization that occurred before the expiration of the home buyer tax credit.

Altos' latest housing market update projected that an uptick in seasonal demand would start to be visible in the third week of January. But two supply trends will ultimately drive prices lower next year; rising inventory and lower quality of that inventory, mainly because of foreclosures and short sales. Foreclosures are released in bundles, otherwise, the market would be inundated with these homes

We are not going to see improvement until 2012. It will come quicker than you think. So, hang in there. However, if you are struggling to keep your home and need help because you're not sure what to do next, contact me. I am a short sale foreclosure representative. Let me help. If you just want to sell or buy a home, I can help you with that as well. Call me, Lisa Longest at 443-786-4200 or email me at lisalongest@exitgoldrealty.com I specialize in Stevensville MD and surrounding areas.

How To Rebuild Your Credit After Foreclosure

2010-12-21T13:45:00.000-05:00

How To Rebuild Your Credit After Foreclosure

If you’ve been through a foreclosure, you may wonder if there is hope for you to become a homeowner again. The answer is yes, but it will take a while.

A foreclosure is a major hit to your credit history and stays on your credit report for seven years.

Foreclosure is one of the FICO seven deadliest, regardless of the back story— whether it’s a job loss, rate reset, underemployment or other reasons.

So, after a foreclosure, your priority has to be rebuilding your credit. You’ll have some time to do so, because mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac impose strict rules on how long it will take before you’re eligible for another mortgage.

For example, borrowers with a prior foreclosure and extenuating circumstances—such as a job loss, divorce or medical issues—must wait three years before they can qualify for a Fannie Mae-backed loan. For all other borrowers, the waiting period is seven years.

At Freddie Mac, those who can prove extenuating circumstances must wait three years before applying for a new mortgage; everyone else must wait five years. But that will change in February, when the waiting period for those whose foreclosure was caused by their own financial mismanagement will increase to seven years.

Here’s what you need to do to rebuild your credit to qualify again for a mortgage:

Pay your bills on time: Make sure you consistently pay your bills on time. Demonstrated that you are now capable of owning a home and paying the bills, and have recovered from whatever circumstance caused the original foreclosure?

Review your credit report: You’re entitled to a free credit report once every 12 months. You should get a copy and check it for any inaccuracies.

To get your free credit report, go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com. Make sure that debts older than seven years have rotated off your report, as these could be dragging your score down unnecessarily.

Check your mortgage: You want to be sure that you don’t still owe anything on your old mortgage. Sometimes proceeds from a foreclosure sale aren’t enough to cover what’s owed on the mortgage, which would leave you owing the difference.

Make sure there is a zero balance reflected, and if you are responsible for a shortfall, make arrangements to repay the remaining balance.

Many lenders are willing to settle that “deficiency judgment” for less than what’s owed because it’s better than getting no money at all.

Apply for credit: In particular, apply for different varieties of credit. Have some revolving accounts, typically credit cards, and some installment fixed-payment loans. But be careful. Don’t apply for too much credit at once.

Don’t fall prey: Watch out for credit repair companies that promise to clean up your credit report after paying a fee for the service. The truth is, that no one can remove accurate, negative information from your credit report. It’s illegal. Only the passage of time can assure that negative, but accurate, information on your credit report will be removed.

When it comes to repairing your credit, there are no quick fixes, the experts say. What lenders want to see is responsible financial behavior over time.

Know that time is your friend, as the farther you move away from the financial distress, the less negative impact it has. Follow with responsible behavior with your new credit, and you’ll soon have a solid credit file.

If you are upside down or behind in your mortgage, don't worry. I am a default resolution specialist. Just call me, Lisa Longest at Exit Gold Realty and we will will work together through this. Call me at 443-786-4200.

Smart To Buy A Vacation Home Now

2010-12-21T13:42:00.000-05:00

Lately, you've been thinking alot about investing strategies. You have a small nest egg that needs to grow, but frankly, you don't trust the stock market. And while real estate has been somewhat a rocky road in recent years, it's still a solid long-term investment strategy-and clearly we are in a buyer's market. But you aren't interested in being a landlord. So what can you do?

Purchase a vacation home and rent it out to travelers! Vacation homes are almost always a good investment. Why? Vacation properties have the ability to pay for themselves, and owners often earn a profit in rental income. Also, the investment comes with the desirable perk of having a place at the beach or in the mountains to call your own.

Here is why there's never been a better time to go vacation house hunting:

1. There's never been so many properties on the market. Once you have pinpointed the vacation rental market that is right for you-the coast, the mountains, ski resort area- you will likely have a lot of properties to choose from.

2. Prices aren't going to get much better. In fact, they're the lowest they've been in five to ten years.

3. Interest rates are very favorable for purchasing. Take advantage of them while they last.

4. You have access to the best real estate professionals. Anyone connected to the housing market who managed to survive the housing crash had to be at the top of his or her game. That means the agents left standing are possibly the best of the best.

5. It's never been easier to rent your vacation home. More and more consumers are choosing to stay in cozy condos, cabins,and chalets instead of cramped, impersonal hotel rooms when they travel.

6. If you buy now, you can be ready for the 2011 peak season. Experienced vacation homeowners often find that the rental fees generated during the twelve weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day pay their mortgages for an entire year-and most inquiries come between January and March.

So, if you're ready to make the move on buying a vacation home, give me a call, Lisa Longest, with Exit Gold Realty to start the search. Call me at 443-786-4200 or my office at 410-643-4111

Pro's and Con's Of Open Houses

2010-12-21T13:40:00.000-05:00

This has always been a dilemma. Do we or don't we hold an open house?

Here are a few things to consider:

Pro's: Home sellers who allow their Realtor to hold an open house benefits from greater exposure, and the open house allows agents to bring in clients over a 3 or 4 hour period instead of scheduling an appointment. The seller would rather vacate the premises for a single event, rather than every time the agent schedules a showing.

Con's: Agents could be focused on meeting potential new clients rather than focusing on selling the home. Items could be stolen by unscrupulous visitors, and a large volume of traffic in and out could result in damage or wear and tear on the floors.

So if you are a seller who is willing to hold an open house, you should leave with their pets during the open house time frame, ensure the home is neat and clean, use lighting and temperature to create a comfortable atmosphere, and remove any fragile objects or valuables.

Presented by Lisa Longest, Exit Gold Realty. Specializing in home sales in Stevensville Md and surrounding areas. Contact me at 443-786-4200

Home Staging Tips

2010-12-21T13:38:00.000-05:00

Selling a home in any market can be competitive. It's essential that you follow some simple, yet important tips to help you make your home more salable.

A quicker home sale can be reached by keeping in mind the needs of the home's most likely buyer and creating a fresh inspiring look just for them. The difference between a "For Sale" and a "SOLD" sign often boils down to effective staging a home to appeal to either the young singles, families, or empty nesters- the 3 largest customer segments that are likely to make an offer, and, since everyone likes an updated home, here are a few simple refreshes that can and should be done:

For all groups: A technology overhaul. Flat screen TV's, laptop computers, iPods with docking stations, and wireless technology have eliminated the need of large bulky entertainment centers, and massive desks designed to hide wires.

An absolute must is color! Most sellers are instructed to use neutral colors when repainting. However, adding the right color to accent walls can create depth, enhance kitchen cabinets, or bring a dull bathroom to life. Or you use colors in simple accessories, like throw pillows, canisters, or flowers.

However, use caution with your color choices. Be aware of their sensory impact:

RED: Stimulating

ORANGE: Happiness

YELLOW: Uplifting

BLUE: Calming in softer tones; Clarity in deeper tones

GREEN: Fresh and Rejuvenating

PURPLE: Compassion

AQUA: Restful

For Singles: Singles spend alot of time in the bedroom and the living room, which are their sanctuary from the outside world. So there is no need to set up a dining room with such things a s place settings. Instead, focus on the flat screen TV on a simple stand and candles in the bedroom and bathroom.

Families: Include age appropriate bedding, linens, and towels. A bright rug near play areas, and toy chest with an open lid. And don't forget the garage when staging your home for this group of buyers. Organize children's toys and sports equipment to showcase the garage's storage capacity without compromising functionality.

Empty Nesters: Upgrading the bathroom with accessories or decorative hanging lights will make an impact. If the budget allows, upgrade the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher. Lighting is also important to this group of buyer. Living spaces should maximize natural light, or add lamps or ceiling fans with light fixtures.

So experiment and put yourself in the buyer's shoes. Ask a friend or relative to be brutally honest of the before and after you have staged your home. You may be surprised how little changes, with a little budget, can make a huge difference to a buyer.

So, if you are ready to list your home, or buy one, in the Stevensville Md or surrounding areas, contact Lisa Longest, Exit Gold Realty to assist you. Or if you have questions regarding staging your home, feel free to contact me at 443-786-4200.

BRAC movers will receive mortgage assistance

2010-07-09T10:57:00.000-04:00

July 8, 2010 - Military workers moving to Maryland as part of a Department of Defense relocating effort will be offered mortgage assistance.

After a five year wait, the Base Realignment and Closure process in Maryland is coming to fruition, meaning that thousands of military workers will be moving to the area in the coming months and years. Some of those workers could be eligible to receive state assistance and lower mortgage rates, announced Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown.

Maryland has set aside $100 million in mortgage assistance funds and will cut the rate on state-provided home loans to 4.5 percent, an all-time low, said Brown.

"With this new initiative, we are rolling out the red carpet to welcome these new families to Maryland by providing access to affordable homeownership opportunities through the state's low-interest, fixed-rate mortgages," he said.

Homes in ten Maryland counties will be eligible for the state assistance, including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's. The state's Department of Housing and Community Development expects to provide about 625 mortgages.

The Maryland Mortgage Program has been in existence for 30 years and provides affordable loans through over 50 private lenders across the state, said the DHCD.

So, contact Lisa Longest, Exit Gold Realty to help you find a home that qualifies for this assistance.

Recent Housing Market Disappointing

2010-07-01T11:40:00.000-04:00

The treasury and mortgage markets have been on a steady climb as of late. There continue to be signs that the economic recovery and housing, in particular, have hit some bumps in the road. Home sales in May were very disappointing after big gains were seen in March and April as a result of the home buyer tax credit. Some housing analysts are predicting further dips in home prices ahead. European woes and reported slowing growth in China have added to the strength of the treasury market. If you have any questions or concerns for our local market in Queen Anne County or surrounding counties, feel free to contact me.

Loans at Risk For Some Buyers!

2010-06-28T20:40:00.003-04:00

Fannie Mae's new "Loan Quality Initiative" went into effect on June 1, 2010... which means that loans may be at risk for some buyers. Here's what you need to know-and what you need to do- to keep your deals from blowing up right before closing.

Undisclosed debt is a leading cause of mortgage fraud and early payment loan defaults. That's why, as of June 1, lenders who originate mortgages that will be sold to Fannie Mae are being advised to pull a second credit report on many transactions just before the loan closes. By reviewing a second credit report, lenders can find out whether other creditors have recently requested information about the mortgage applicant, or uncover situations in which an applicant might be trying to obtain other loans for things like a new car, home furnishings, etc. If this creates any negative changes to the credit report, the result could be a higher interest rate and/or fees, or, even worse, the loan could be denied altogether!

So, please read below the top 10 credit don'ts during the loan process so you will know exactly what you need to do and not do when in the process of purchasing a home.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can answer any questions at all for you about this important news from Fannie Mae.

1. Don't do anything that will cause a red flag to be raised by the scoring system.
2. Don't apply for new credit of any kind.
3. Don't pay off collections or charge offs during the loan process.
4. Don't max out or over charge on your credit card accounts.
5. Don't consolidate your debt onto 1 or 2 credit cards. It appears your are maxed out.
6. Don't close credit card accounts. It will appear to the FICO that your debt ratio has gone up.
7. Don't pay late!
8. Don't allow any accounts to run past due-even 1 day!
9. Don't dispute anything on your credit report once the loan process has started.
10. Don't lose contact with your mortgage and real estate professionals.

You Can Afford to Buy and Haven't...Are You Crazy?

2010-06-21T15:31:00.001-04:00

This may be the best buyer’s market that we’ll see in our lifetimes. There are lots of legitimate reasons why a person should be taking advantage of this market if they are able.

Obviously, if a person doesn’t have the down payment or credit score, they won’t be able to seize this opportunity. If a person is concerned about losing their job, that would be a valid reason for not buying now. If you are planning on relocating in the next year or two, maybe now isn’t the time to buy.

On the other hand, if a person doesn’t own a home, has good credit and job stability, they should seriously consider capitalizing on this unique combination of opportunities. A qualified real estate professional can explain all of the reasons and even suggest some very interesting financing alternatives.

Top Ten Reasons to Buy a Home NOW

1. Interest rates incredibly low – the rates are hovering at near historic lows. Interest rates play a huge part in the cost of housing together with the price and shouldn’t be overlooked. The average mortgage interest rates for the past four decades were: 1970’s 8.9%; 1980’s 12.7%; 1990’s 8.1%; 2000’s 6.3%. Most experts agree that they’re going to rise this year.

2. Lower Prices - Recent price adjustments have made good values that haven’t been available in some situations for years. Current buyers are able to take advantage of the discounted prices.

3. Selection is good – In a seller’s market, buyers sometimes have to accept a home that may not meet their needs completely because of short supply. Inventories in most markets and certain price ranges are higher which allow buyers better choices.

4. Negotiate financing concessions – FHA, VA, and Conventional allow the seller to contribute towards financing concessions for the buyer. The money can be used for buyer’s closing costs, pre-paid items or interest rate buy down.

5. Costs for FHA loan going up – Currently, a seller can pay up to 6% of the sales price in financing concessions but the number will be reduced to 3% later this year; the date has not been announced yet. The annual MIP for FHA loans will also probably be going up this year which will increase the monthly payment. Buyers who get in now will pay the lower fees.

6. Interest and property tax deduction – the U.S. is one of the few countries in the world that allow an interest and property tax deduction for homeowner/taxpayers.

7. Source of funds with deductible interest - a homeowner can borrow up to $100,000 above their acquisition debt and deduct the interest regardless of what purpose the money is used. This is a great opportunity to consolidate debt at a lower interest rate and be able to make the interest deductible that otherwise may not have been.

8. Capital gain exclusion – the U.S. allows qualified homeowners to make a profit on their home without having to pay tax on the gain.

9. Borrowing against equity is non-taxable event – taking money out of the equity in your home does not require recognizing capital gains income.

10. The combination of reasons to buy a home may never be stronger than now.

Interest rates are going up; it is just a matter of when. Inventories are starting to be absorbed by current demand. New home construction is down considerably which could lead to higher prices due to not enough annual housing units to keep up with the population. Prices have started to climb in some markets; others will surely follow.

A basic rule of investing is to buy low and sell high. There will be some buyers who take advantage of the current opportunities and will look back and remark how fortunate they were to act when they did. There will be others who look back on these conditions and say "We should have bought then." Hindsight is always 20/20. Evaluating the present and acting takes equally clear vision. The help of a trusted professional can make the difference.

EXIT Realty Educates the Public in Free Webinar June 8: Real Estate After April 30th...What Now?

2010-06-05T19:26:00.002-04:00

Company's U.S. President, Tami Bonnell, explains what home buyers, sellers should know now
So you didn't buy a home before the first time homebuyer tax credit expired on April 30th... what now? Are there still good deals to be had? EXIT Realty Corp. International will be hosting a free, live, public webinar designed to help consumers make smart decisions before they buy or sell a home. U.S. home buyers and sellers are encouraged to tune in for the discussion.

Entitled "Real Estate After April 30th - What Now?", the 30-minute webinar will be hosted by real estate expert and President of the US Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International, Tami Bonnell, and will be held at two times, 4:00 pm ET and 7:00 pm ET on Tuesday, June 8th. This webinar is the second in the popular series hosted by Bonnell.

"There are still many good reasons to jump into the real estate market," says Bonnell, "but you really need to know what to look for. Educated buyers and sellers make the best decisions for their families and that's what we hope to do through this webinar series - educate. No hype, just the facts."

Bonnell will address low mortgage rates, tax deductions, 203k loans and affordability among other topics.

To register, click:

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/914090834 for the 4:00 pm ET session or

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/543685610 for the 7:00 pm ET session

About Tami Bonnell: Tami Bonnell is a thirty-year veteran of the real estate industry and was instrumental in building three major brands. Among her many achievements, she was recognized by real estate trend-watcher, Stefan Swanepoel, as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Real Estate.

Ms Bonnell has been a featured speaker at the National Association of REALTORS® convention to the Top 500 Power Brokers, The Women’s Council of REALTORS®, Inman News Connect Conference and she will be speaking at the opening session of RISMedia’s Leadership Conference next week in New York. Along with several other national and local speaking engagements, Ms Bonnell hosts quarterly webinars educating the general public on real estate issues.

She is a wife, mother of three and grandmother of two. In her spare time she is a martial artist, coach, judge and referee.

Ms. Bonnell has been the President of the US Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International since 2001.

Mid-Shore Maryland Sees 812 Foreclosures in 2009

2010-03-13T18:00:00.001-05:00

For homeowners, the thought of losing their home and all the hard work they have put into maintaining it can be paralyzing. But residents should know that there are programs available to help them keep there home, and that early action is the best prevention against foreclosure.

In 2009, there were 812 foreclosures filed in circuit court on the Mid-Shore- 219 in Queen Anne's County, 192 in kent, 154 in caroline, 146 in Talbot and 101 in Dorchester, according to Sandy Brown, executive director of Mid-Shore Pro Bono. (Mid-Shore Pro Bono is a new non-profit organization that provides free legal assistance to low-income families).

As soon as a homeowner sees they are going to be unable to make payments on their mortgage, contact me or Exit Gold Realty to speak to a Default Resolution Specialist. You don't have to lose your home.

CASA-What is this?

2010-03-13T17:58:00.002-05:00

CASA of Queen Anne's & kent Counties screens, trains, and supervises volunteers to advocate in the best interests of abused, neglected, and abandoned children with the goal of ensuring they are placed in safe, permanent homes. Once trained, the volunteers are sworn in as officers of the court and become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA is part of a nationwide organization that was started in 1977. Since that time, more than 2 million children in the foster care system throughout the United States have been helped by the organization.

What does a CASA do?

A CASA serves as an officer of the court and acts as the eyes and ears of the judge.

Forms a unique relationship with the child and meets with all those who are involved in the child's life.

Provides information to assist the judge in making well-informed decisions.

Helps to ensure that the child receives appropriate services and feels safe, comfortable,and secure.

Is sometimes the only consistent supporting person in a foster child's life.

I just recently heard of this organization and had an opportunity to hear some of the children describe their plight of abuse and neglect, and how, with the aid of CASA now have loving supportive families. I was truly moved, not only by the children, but of the volunteers who act as voices for the children. I plan on becoming a part of this organization because I want to make a difference, not only in the real estate world, but to make a difference in the life of a local child...our future.

Bridal Show & Auction

2009-12-15T12:44:00.000-05:00

Listen up everyone,

January 24th at the Elks Lodge on Kent Island will be holding a bridal show and auction from 12-4pm. Designer dresses will be arriving from NYC. The designers will be reducing the price of the dresses 75% to begin the bidding process. You can't beat that! There will be many vendors there offering their services as well including myself. So, if you know of anyone getting married or may be looking to buy or sell real estate, come and visit us. The entry fee is $10 and $8 for bride with a paying guest. Door prizes will be given away as well. I hope to see you there. Also, if you know you will be coming, and want to have a list of homes waiting for you to pick up, just give me a call with your specifics and I will have them ready. Feel free to call me as well...443-786-4200

Free Home Owner Seminar: How to avoid or Stop Foreclosure!

2009-11-13T14:43:00.001-05:00

FREE HOME OWNER SEMINAR - Are you upside down in your mortgage? Have you been laid off? Do you or someone you know have any other troubles regarding mortgage payments, then you should attend the FREE Seminar.

Exit Gold Realty has invited Mid Shore Pro Bono to speak at a Homeowner's Seminar on Foreclosure on Wednesday, November 18,2009 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Matapeake Elementary School on Kent Island Maryland. Mid Shore Pro Bono, a non-profit organization provides free or reduced fee legal services to qualified residents with civil issues. Volunteer attorney, Sasha Drobnick Esq., and MSPB Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project Coordinator, Beth Jacobsen, will facilitate the event.

This workshop is designed for homeowners with questions regarding late mortgage payments, general foreclosure issues and what options might be available. It's not too late to ask for help. They will discuss loan modification options as well as the new home affordable modification plan (HAMP). All are invited to attend at no cost. There will also be time to ask questions.

Please call Exit gold Realty for further information or to RSVP. Walk-ins are welcomed. 410-643-4111

Real Estate Resurrection ?

2009-10-26T15:19:00.004-04:00

Okay, here we are approaching the end of 2009 and approaching a new year of hope in regards to the housing market. But do we have good news to declare for 2010? Here is what I do know and what I forecast to happen. First, I will discuss national predictions, then here locally in Maryland.

As of Sept 09, the country declared 3 million in default. True, some of these were first notice default, yet we have so much more now to consider. We have not yet bottomed out. Based on current predictions, June, July, and August of 2010 is when we will bottom out. We are just approaching the end of the recession-December, and there are many more foreclosures that still need to be released into the market. So, excluding government intervention, our housing market will be saturated with inventory. Now, if the government does intervene, we may see loan modifications. For FHA loans we may see raising the acceptable credit score of 620 up to around 660. So, credit margins will be harder for buyers. Fannie Mae may be modifying some guidelines beginning Nov 1st. Perhaps they will place moratorium on releasing foreclosure inventory into the market; which in reality just postpones the inevitable. We shall see how all this plays out.

Now, Maryland real estate has fared better than most due to the abundance of government jobs which have kept unemployment low. However, the state is not immune to the foreclosure epidemic, and many of the communities face a long climb to recover from damage done by the housing crash. The prices of homes have fallen more than two years in most of Baltimore, which has been devastated by the foreclosure epidemic. But the first time home buyers tax credit and lower home prices have influenced the marketplace. While it may appear that home prices have stabilized, my guess is, they have not. I predict we’ll continue to see overall prices remain at their current levels and, in some areas, to decline well into next year. I think foreclosures and short-sales will keep pressure on home prices for another 2 to 3 years.

Now, if you would like to know more specifics in your locality, feel free to contact me. I will be glad to discuss this with you.

Termites: The Silent Destroyers

2009-08-25T19:12:00.002-04:00

Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage a year in the United States, according to the National Pest Management Foundation. Yet, many homeowners know very little about the danger that termites pose to their property.
"You don't usually notice them until the damage is extensive. Termites may take up residence in a home for years-even decades- eating away at the structure from the inside out until the damage shows itself- hence the unsettling nickname "silent destroyers", says entomologist Ron Harrison, technical director for Orkin, Inc.
So how can you protect your investment from these crawly insects? Harrison offers these preventative measures:

Keep moisture out. Use downspouts and gutters to divert water away from your home's foundation
Store mulch, firewood, and wood chips away from home.
Make sure shrubs, vines, and other plants aren't planted too close to the home and aren't covering vents
Ventilate crawl spaces to reduce humidity
Eliminate gaps and cracks in attic vents, window joints, and roof eaves.
Remove old tree stumps and roots near home.

However, a home owner's best defense is to schedule regular inspections with a termite specialist.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's web site provides information by state about areas most prone to termite damage. Go to www.hud.gov and search for "Termite Infestation Probability Zones".

Working Women Balancing Act

2009-08-11T19:26:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Real Estate Careers Still a Savvy Choice: The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television Reveals Why Real Estate Agents Still Matter

(Pompano Beach, FL)—Even though the economy has been in a slump, savvy investors are still pursuing the “American Dream” of homeownership, and that still makes the role of the real estate agent a very relevant one. To better understand the opportunities in this field and how real estate agents play an invaluable role in the process, The Balancing Act welcomes Tami Bonnell, President of the U.S. Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International. The segment airs Thursday, August 13^th, 2009.

“We hear all the news reports about the housing slump,” says Bonnell. “But there are still millions of people who are buying homes this year.”

According to research by Marissa Miley, a reporter at Advertising Age, despite record foreclosure rates and depressed home sale prices, the real estate industry anticipates selling 5.3 million homes this year, many to first-time home buyers.

And while computers have aided in the search and sale of one’s abode, real estate is still all about the personal connection, and that’s why so many women are excelling in this field.

“A good REALTOR^® really is a partner in the process,” explains Bonnell, “You need to listen; really hear your client’s story and be a smart detective. Understand the why for the consumer,” she said.

Consumers can find facts on a computer but only a real estate agent can offer the insights, advice, marketing tips and negotiation options that make a home sale or purchase a smooth and easy transaction.

Many women, especially moms, have found great financial success and a balanced family life with a real estate career, and not just in the boom times. Taking it to the next step, EXIT Realty developed an innovative residual plan that allows REALTORS^® to earn bonuses from the transactions of the new recruits they introduce to the company, creating an exciting financial opportunity from which many women have benefited.

“The real estate market is about good deals and long-term benefits,” says Doug Campbell, Executive Vice President of Programming, BrandStar Entertainment, the producers of The Balancing Act. “Understanding the importance the real estate agent plays was indeed very insightful.”

About Brand Star Entertainment’s The Balancing Act: The Balancing Act TV show on Lifetime Television is America’s only morning show about women, for women, trusted by women. Celebrating life and all there is to accomplish, The Balancing Act inspires and empowers with entertaining and educational segments, placing women in the best position to achieve success in every area of their lives. The show is produced by BrandStar Entertainment and airs on Lifetime Television 7 a.m. Eastern/Pacific (check local listings). Additional information and each segment can be accessed on the show’s website, www.TheBalancingAct.com. Each episode is also available on http://www.google.com/video and http://www.youtube.com/. Sign up for the show’s newsletter at www.thebalancingact.com/join.php. For more details about BrandStar Entertainment please visit www.brandstarentertainment.com.

About Tami Bonnell: Tami Bonnell’s real estate career spans more than 25 years during which she was instrumental in building three major brands. Ms Bonnell has been featured several times in major industry publications, including Real Estate Magazine, Bay State REALTOR® and Frog Pond Communications. She is a much sought-after international speaker, addressing thousands at events such as RISMedia’s Leadership Conference in NY, Inman News Conference in San Francisco and the Top 500 Power Brokers at The National Association of REALTORS® Convention. Since becoming President of the US Organization for EXIT Realty Corp. International, her focus is on growth and profitability for Regions, Brokers and Agents. Ms Bonnell is available for interviews.

Be Wary of Meth Labs

2009-07-18T17:17:00.005-04:00

Meth labs? Are you kidding? Yes, if you are in the market of purchasing a home you need to be wary.
Methamphetamine residues is an increasing problem for homebuyers. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency says meth labs have been discovered in 46 states.
There are signs to look for when looking at potential homes:

Yellow discoloration on walls and other surfaces
Taped off fire detectors
Experiencing burning eyes, itchy throat, or a metallic taste in your mouth while in the home.
Strong odors similar to solvent, cat urine, or ammonia.
Presence of security cameras or other surveillance equipment.

So don't ever rely on the seller's assurance because suing after the fact is unlikely to net results.

Source of Info: MoneyWatch.com

Life is ever changing

2009-04-25T06:52:00.004-04:00

Life is ever changing isn't it? You can change your name, marital status, profession, where you live, and the list goes on and on. Now, I am changing real estate company. Remax Gold is being laid to rest. Born in its place is Exit Gold Realty. Everything has changed, except me. New logos, signs, forms, look, and color. Even my email address.
Actually I'm very excited about this opportunity to provide better service to my clients, fellow agents, vendors, etc.
There is nothing like a challenge to liven things up a bit. I can't wait for someone to ask why EXIT??? That is such a dumb name!!! Well, I am ready for you.

EXIT is illuminated above every corporate door in North America.
Millions of EXIT signs across North America point to the way.
You see EXIT everywhere you go.
EXIT Realty was ranked among the TOP 10 TRENDSETTERS FOR 2007 and continues to grow with great momentum.
Every EXIT leads to a new beginning...
and I could go on.
Call or email me and I'll tell you more. Even how YOU can be a part of this exciting opportunity.

Landscaping

2009-02-16T20:11:00.003-05:00

A lot have been written about landscaping yards for curb appeal because buyers see the outside first when they drive up to a home. So it makes sense to make this area as attractive and inviting as possible. I realize it's February, cold and dull right now, but let's think ahead. Investing money in your landscape could make a huge difference to a buyer. In fact, curb appeal can be the sole reason prospective buyers ever end up entering a home. That's why listing agents often give the sellers tips to help them fix up their homes. So, here are a few ideas to improve your landscaping.

1. An attractive landscape usually has color. Colors that grab the most attention are red, orange, and yellow. Cooler colors such as blues and purples helps you to relax. So, if you have a meditation garden, these should be included.

2. Use colorful mulch. Rubber mulch uses recycled ground rubber that comes in several different colors including green, brown, blue, and cypress. An added benefit is that if your home has a backyard playground and you have mulch underneath it instead of wood chips, you can a higher level of protection and an additional selling point to feature.

Oh, and another area many do not consider to be landscaping is the driveway. If you have been a do-it-yourselfer with you vehicles (oil changes,etc) maybe it shows on your driveway.Clean up any spills and move the parked cars to give buyers a chance to take in the entire residence.

For more information on improving value through landscaping, visit http://realtytimes.com

Should I Consider A Home Auction?

2009-02-10T18:30:00.004-05:00

If you've had a "For Sale" sign in front of your house for months, you want something to happen and you want it to happen yesterday. Why not consider an auction? I know. When we think of auctions, we tend to think of auctions strictly for distressed properties. However, this is not true any longer. Selling premium homes via auction has become somewhat commonplace in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York. Now the trend has gained momentum in the Baltimore and surrounding areas.
The idea makes good marketing sense for sellers who missed the real estate boom over the last few years. What are some seller benefits?
It significantly lowers your commission as seller
You have a quicker sale ( 5 weeks from signing agreement to auction date)
Maximum buyer participation
Maximizes dollars
No contingencies
Buyer pays ALL transfer taxes and recordation fees.
These are just a few benefits.

Now suppose you are the buyer? What benefits to you?
Auctions are fun
Open, fair bidding process
Simple and transparent (Since you receive all information needed prior to auction; thus no surprises)
Buyers buy at their price
The decision to bid is reinforced by the immediately preceding bid
6% buyers premium is financeable.

So, auctions are good. Auctions can maximize the value of a property because of the competitive bidding process.
Buyers are eager to bid for a chance at a bargain. This is the only time you can go and buy something at your price.

If you want any more information on the process involved or a list of homes in the area that are offered through auctions, contact me.

Why Wait??? The Hazard Of Timing The Market

2009-01-08T12:39:00.002-05:00

Buyers who choose to wait until prices come down are also gambling that interest rates will hold steady or drop. What is not widely understood is the impact interest rates can have on the monthly costs of home ownership. Even a 10% drop in home prices is immediately nullified by a mere 1% point increase in interest rates on a 30-year mortgage loan.

How to Bring Out Home's WOW Factor

2008-11-14T20:22:00.004-05:00

Home prices have fallen and many homeowners are mortgaged to the hilt. This makes it difficult for some sellers to justify spending a penny to get their home ready for the market. However, when buyers have a choice, they pick the best. They want a home at a good price, in a good location, and one that they can move right into without having to do any work.

If you're a seller who's selling in a market where there is competition from distressed sale foreclosures or from other sellers who offering their homes in top condition you will be at a disadvantage if you don't fix up your home before selling. It will take longer for you to sell and you could sell for a lot less than if you had invested time and money in properly preparing your home for sale.

There is a lot you could do to get your home ready that doesn't cost much money- it takes time and hard work. For instance, most people have too many personal possessions in their homes, particularly if they have lived there for years. Decluttering benefits you in a couple of ways. You won't pay to move things you no longer need or want. More importantly, buyers will be better able to see what your home has to offer instead of focusing on your things.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: It's worthwhile to consider hiring a home staging decorator. Some sellers need only a consultation of one to two hours. Ask the stager what you should keep and what should be moved out before you start showing the house. Also, get recommendations for furniture and artwork arrangement. The way you live in your house is not necessarily the best way to show it off to prospective buyers.

Today's buyers have alot to think about when they buy a home. Are they buying at the right price and time? Will the house work for the long term? Can they qualify for and afford the financing they need? It helps the process along if you can create an ambiance that enables a buyer to fall in love on the first visit.

THE CLOSING: You need to create the WOW factor so that when buyers walk in they say, "I better act quickly. This house won't be on the market for long".

There Are Agents, And Then There Are Agents.

2008-11-12T21:54:00.004-05:00

Yes, it sounds confusing. That's because the term "agent" is often used in a casual manner, referring to any real estate practitioner.
But agent also refers to someone with whom you've established a formal agency relationship-someone who represents your best interests in a real estate transaction and owes you fiduciary responsibilities, and requires:
loyalty
obedience
disclosure
confidentiality
reasonable care and diligence
accounting

For many years, real estate was practiced in such a way that agency relationships were only extended to sellers. This all began to change in the 1980's, when buyer agency started to gain momentum in residential transactions. That's why it is very important to talk to the agent or broker early in your working relationship about his/her agency status. You may find yourself working with someone who is actually negotiating for the seller, not you the buyer. So, the best way to be certain your interests are being considered and protected is to sign a buyer agency agreement with a trained buyer's representative, which clearly establishes client-level services and spells out what services you can depend upon.
If you have any other questions regarding agency relationships, I will be glad to assist you.

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2008-11-11T22:32:00.005-05:00

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a $7500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a home on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. Here is basic information about the tax credit. I strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional with specific questions pertaining to your unique situation.

Q. Who is eligible to claim the $7500 tax credit?
A. First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home-new or resale.

Q. What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
A. The law defines that buyer as one who has not owned a principle residence during the 3 year period prior to the purchase.Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principle residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.

Q. How do I claim the tax credit?
A. It's easy. You claim the credit on your federal income tax return. No other applications or forms are required. No pre-approval is necessary; however, prospective home buyers will want to make sure they qualify for the credit under the income limits and the first-time buyer tests.

This is just a few questions that are answered. For a more complete list of questions and answers, please go to http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/

I specialize in working with first-time home buyers. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding purchasing a home or qualifying for a loan to purchase your first home.

Buyer Representation

2008-11-05T08:49:00.003-05:00

Buying a home is no small matter. Besides being the largest financial transaction you may ever undertake, it's probably also the most complex. There are so many good reasons to work with a qualified real estate professional-especially a trained professional who has earned the Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) designation, representing best in-class buyer services.
When you look for an ABR before you look for a home, you'll be served, not sold. Your interests become their interest. And you'll be working with someone who has gone the extra mile by completing specialized training in delivering the best in buyer-representation services. Plus a REALTOR who has an ABR Designation also has an established track record, with proven experience in representing the concerns of home buyers.
I am designated as an Realtor and an ABR. I also specialize with helping first-time home buyers. So, if you have any questions about today's market, or want to find out if you qualify in buying a home, I will be glad to assist.

Pricing a critical step in today's market

2008-10-22T10:55:00.004-04:00

When selling your house, establishing a price is probably one of the most important, yet difficult things to do.
One way or the other, $10 or $20 thousand is real money.

This is your house; you've put a lot of blood, sweat and tears in making this place a home. You've got more than just money invested in this place and you've worked hard on making it just right. So, when you're ready to sell, how do you put a price on all of that?
First, there are a few things that have nothing to do with the value of your house. The hard part of this is that they're usually things that can mean a lot to you, but in reality, they may not contribute to the value of your home.
Some, but not all, of what's irrelevant in the market value of your house, includes the following:

The assessed value-
The amount owed on the mortgage-
What the neighbor says-
The price of the house you want to buy-

So,what should you consider when putting s price on your house? The sales price of homes similar to yours is a good place to start. This gives you a pretty good indicator of the market value for yours. But, market value might not necessarily be the same number you select for your list price.

However, we are now in a buyer's market. The way you price your home will be a little bit different.
What usually happens to an overpriced house is that no one even comes to see it, and it just lingers on the market. Plus, no amount of advertising or market wizardry is going to get a buyer interested in a house that's unreasonably priced. Once the days on the market begin to pile up, the house becomes "stigmatized". Even after the seller begins to price reduce the home, it's often too late; now in the end, sellers usually take less for the house than they may have gotten if it were properly priced out of the gate.

Another important consideration in pricing your house is what's called "price point". If the buyer wants to spend something around $450,000, their agent will probably search the homes in the $400,000 to $500,000 range. But, if you put your house on the market at a number like $509,000, you don't even show up on the radar screen for that $450,000 buyer, and they might end up spending close to $500,000 for a home, missing your home.

How you price your house can have a greater impact than just about anything else you do to sell it, and if you get it wrong out of the box, it can be difficult to recover.
Work with your agent, and do your best to be as objective as possible. We know that's hard, since it's your home and your money. Everyone thinks "their" house is the best one on the block, and, to you, it may be. But, you're pricing the house for the market, not for you.

Re/max Golds Fall Event

2008-10-21T19:59:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to let you know of an upcoming fall event that we, Re/max Gold is having on Friday October 24,2008. We are having a chili cook-off (Open to the public to participate), face painting, maze, pumpkin painting, moon bounce, food, drinks, and much more. The special for the night: Re/max hot air balloon rides (weather permitting). I would like for you to come out and visit us. Meet the agents, come meet me! If you have any real estate questions, or even questions about loans, we will have the answers for you. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. and runs until.
If you would like to come out, drop me a line; kinda like an rsvp. We just want to get an idea of how much food we need to have on hand. Hope to hear from you.
My office number is 410-827-4653 and my cell is 443-786-4200
c u then.

SHORT SALES-PART II

2008-09-29T19:26:00.002-04:00

The buyer of a property being sold in a short sale need to be aware of several key issues. The contract is usually contingent upon the agreement of the seller's mortgage lender to accept the net proceeds of the sale as full payment for the debt. This can, and is often, a long process. So, this could very well delay an anticipated settlement date. You will often know which homes are listed as short sales in the multiple listing services, either directly stated in the remarks, or have wording such as "requires third party approval".

I always like to recommend that if you are considering to purchase real estate, seek competent legal and financial professional help, or deal with a real estate professional with experience with short sale transactions.

WHAT IS A SHORT SALE?

2008-09-28T18:10:00.002-04:00

Hoemowners and homebuyers in today's real estate market face unique challenges. Of special concern are issues such as foreclosures and short sales.
Many homeowners facing rising interest rates on their sub prime rate mortgages and flat or falling home prices, are being advised to use a short sale to help them out of the difficult situation of mortgage delinquency or foreclosure. However, in my contact with the public, I'm finding many who really have no idea what a short sale is.
So, what is a short sale?
A short sale is an "arrangement" between the current owner of a home and the current mortgage lender holding the mortgage to accept an offer for less than the total amount owed to pay off the home loan which also includes other obligations such as closing costs, property taxes, transfer tax, and/or commission.
This "arrangement" may even help you if you find yourself in life changes, such as a divorce or job transfer which may force a sale of property. Perhaps you find yourself in an "upside down" situation, meaning that you owe more than you can potentially realize from the sale of your home.
As always, if you are considering a short sale, or any real estate transaction, it is important to seek competent legal and financial professional advice. Be sure you deal with a real estate professional with experience with short sale transactions.

The Maryland Association of REALTORS has created a Resource Guide to assist you in meeting the challenges of potential foreclosure. It includes general information about foreclosure and "short sales", as well as articles, publications and useful links. Go to www.mdrealtor.org and link to "Legal Affairs" Consumer Short sale and foreclosure Overview.

Now, if you are a buyer of a property being sold in a short sale, there are several key issues you need to be aware of. I will discuss this on my next blog. So stay tuned.

Queen Anne County Recordation Tax Update

2008-09-24T20:22:00.003-04:00

There may be those in Queen Anne County who were unaware of this fact:

On August 5, 2008 the Queen Anne's Commissioners approved County Ordinance No. 08-17; the ordinance that raises the recordation tax rate for Queen Anne's County to $4.95 per $500. ($9.90 per $1000) This Act shall take effect on the forty-sixth (46th) day following its passage, or September 20, 2008.
This is a 50% increase!

This may have a negative impact on potential buyers who were looking to purchase here in QAC, which may be complicating the real estate market just at a critical time when homeowners and potential buyers are trying to struggle out of the impact of the sub-prime loan crisis???

Professional Etiquette

2008-09-23T21:19:00.002-04:00

Being a listing practitioner and a selling practitioner, I handle many aspects of a real estate transaction on a regular basis. When the market slowed down, I kept hearing what a good thing the slowdown would be because it would weed out all the less skilled real estate "pros", leaving only the "good ones" behind. However, there is still a need for us to remind each other about some basic business rules and common courtesies we should be extending to each other and to our clients.
So consider the courtesy of when you schedule an appointment: Please, always show up for those appointments. If something occurs that keeps you from making your appointment or if you are going to be more than 15 minutes late, call to let the listing agent know.
Another practice to remember is to give feedback on a property that you show. The sellers are anxiously waiting to receive information regarding the showing; what the buyers thought and what their agent thought. It helps me as the listing agent to know how my listing compares to others shown and why the buyers didn't like the home so that I can make adjustments to the property appropriately.
This is actually a class offered to real estate agents. I hope you will consider taking it the next time it is offered in your general area.

Look! First Time Homebuyers!

2008-09-22T19:24:00.000-04:00

In times of turmoil, it's easy to overlook the obvious. Like the fact that NOW is the perfect time for first time homebuyers.
To start with, the higher amount of inventory gives first time buyers more choices than they have seen in years. Next, a lower price of entry is making better neighborhoods avavilable to first-timers--areas that never used to be considered for starter homes. Finally, there are also higher conforming loan limits in many markets.
Now, if you are considering buying a home for the first time, let me know. I specialize in helping first time homebuyers. I'll be waiting to hear from you!

Kent Island, Maryland Is The Place To Live

2008-09-22T19:19:00.000-04:00

Kent Island is located just on the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. In spite of its small size, 4.2 miles wide and 15 miles long, it offers up large helpings of wonderful shore habitat that can be explored on foot,by boat, car, or bike. There are currently 199 active listings on Kent Island, of which 52 are waterfront. We also have New Communities coming to Kent Island that fit EVERY family's price range.
I have lived here since the 80's. I have seen it grow, and I still wouldn't want to live anywhere else. We are centrally located to mountains and ocean. Two hours in either direction, and you will have either mountains or ocean. We are close to Washington DC and Baltimore.
So, if you're thinking about moving and haven't thought about beautiful Kent Island, give me call or email me to set up a time to take a tour of Kent Island and/or look at homes in the area.