Archive for the 'Buyers' Category
Riva Trace Condos: An Annapolis Real Estate Market Update
May 12th, 2009 Categories: Buyers, Neighborhood Sales & Stats, Real Estate News, Sellers
A Quick Look at How Things are Selling at these Perennially Popular Annapolis Condos
Funny how many people you meet who don’t know about the condos in Riva Trace, have no idea they exist. Perhaps it’s because there’s only one road in and out – no through traffic.
Or perhaps it’s because everyone is distracted by the smart looking townhomes here, too, or the carefully manicured landscaping at every turn.
The Setup: The Riva Trace condo complex is a series of nine, 3-level buildings constructed 20 years ago – though the buildings are so well maintained that they hardly show their age.
The units on the 1st and 2nd levels are a mix of 1- and 2- bedroom homes with about 1,200 square feet. The 3rd floor units are 2- and 3-bedroom homes with lofts, averaging about 1,900 square feet. There are 12 units per building, 6 on each side of two wings.
The Community: The condos are part of the larger Riva Trace community, which has its own community pier and tennis courts. The tree-lined streets and sidewalks are favored by the many residents who enjoy a brisk walk – often with their four-legged companions – almost any hour of the day.
In addition to the condos and townhomes, there are two single family home neighborhoods – Spring Race and Autumn Chase – and a third that Ryan homes is building where the Riva Trace Baptist Church used to stand.
The Condo Market at a Glance
A total of 7 Riva Trace condos have sold in the last year.
Currently there are 5 condos for sale, including a lovely 1 bedroom unit we just listed in building #2706. It’s been beautifully updated and has had custom French doors installed between the living room and sunroom, turning the sunroom in multi-function space you could use as a spare bedroom or office. The list price is $285,000.
The most recent sale was a second level 2-bedroom unit that just went for $287,500 on April 30th, with a $500 seller subsidy. You’d have to go back to September 2008 to find a 3rd level unit that sold; they just don’t come to market that often. That one sold for $330,000.
If You Would Like a More Detailed Snapshot of the Riva Trace Condo Market…
…send me an email at kenhaedrich@gmail.com. I’ll put you on our Riva Trace Condo Hot List. You’ll get not only an email with the most recent listings. But each time there’s an update – a sale, contract, or new listing – you’ll be automatically notified.
Finally, if you’re thinking about selling your condo – or buying one here – give us a call or send us an email. We’ve sold nearly $7,000,000 in property in Riva Trace, so we know the neighborhood quite well.
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Annapolis Shorts
May 11th, 2009 Categories: Buyers, Keller Williams Culture, Real Estate News
Noteworthy Tidbits From the Annapolis Scene, Real Estate and Otherwise 
Realtors Really Are Out For Blood…at least this one is. Once again, The Moss Haedrich Team is coordinating our KW office’s blood drive, this one to be held this Thursday, May 14, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM.
Whether you’re one of our clients, friends, associates, vendors – whatever – we need you to roll up your sleeve and give a pint. The good people from the Anne Arundel Medical Center will have the Bloodmobile on site. If you’re a fraidy cat about giving blood, call me for emotional support…or to schedule a time slot. Blood is always in short supply – this is a great way to give back to the community.
Keller Williams Red Day – Speaking of giving back to the community, May 14th is “Red Day” for KW offices and associates everywhere. Across the country, KW agents will be involved in community support activities of every kind – from stocking food pantries to working on Habitat for Humanity homes. It’s our way of getting involved and being good citizens and community leaders. The Moss Haedrich Team is proud to be part of the local effort.
On the Hot New Listing front, we’ve just started marketing a lovely condo in Riva Trace, one of the area’s sought after communities. I love it when I can use the words “Pottery Barn Perfect” to describe a listing, and this is one of those times. There are currently 5 active condo listings here; stay tuned later this week for a Riva Trace Condo market update.
First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Update – We’re getting tons of calls and questions about the $8,000 Uncle Sam wants to give you this year to buy a home. We’ve added a countdown ticker over there in the left margin so you can keep track of the days you have left to take advantage of this tax credit. Email questions about the credit to me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com and I’ll send you an informative list of Frequently Asked Questions (and the answers, too.)
Finally, next week is Commissioning Week at the Naval Academy. For the uninitiated, that’s graduation week and it’s an exciting time to live here. My favorite part of the week is the Blue Angels show, during which I unabashedly get in touch with my inner 10-year old. The rehearsal show is at 2:00PM on Tuesday the 19th and the actual show the same time the following day. Watch the weather and go on the best day; they won’t do the show in bad weather.
Coming later this week: Anne Arundel home sale stats for April.
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Chartwell Home Sale: Another Happy Ending in Severna Park
May 7th, 2009 Categories: Buyers, Faces In The Crowd, Neighborhood Sales & Stats
Why Is This Cute Couple All Smiles? You Would Be, Too, If You Just Purchased This Great Home in Severna Park
Here at The Moss Haedrich Team, we like to say that we have the best clients in the world. Maybe it’s the Law of Attraction at work or something, but the homebuyers and sellers who find us and work with us – by referral, through this blog, or whatever – are just a real pleasure.
Take this happy couple here, John Haines and Dina Duncan. We’d been working with them for about six months to help them locate and preview homes that would fit their needs and lifestyle. When we finally had the opportunity to show them this one – 101 St. Ives Drive in Severna Park – they knew right away it was “the one.”
Says Dina, “My favorite style is Mid Century Modern and it was amazing to find such a great example of this architectural style.” Chartwell’s family-friendly reputation was a big draw, according to Dina, as was the home’s proximity to The Severn School, which her children will attend.
Great as it is, John and Dina have a vision for the home that will make it even more modern, unique and personal. They’re already working with local a local design-build firm – LangKuhn of Arnold – to make some changes. Says Dina: “We have a wonderful canvas to work with. The size of the rooms and the amount of natural light – we’ll maintain these great features as we update.”
John, who grew up in Severna Park, and Dina (whose Atlanta area home is featured in the post below) say that they’re very excited to be part of the Annapolis area community for years to come. We’re certainly excited to have them here.
By the way, if you’d like keep an eye on the Chartwell real estate market, just send me an email at KenHaedrich@gmail.com and ask to be put on our Chartwell Hot List. You’ll be notified each time a new home in Chartwell comes to market, goes under contract or is sold.
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Who Reads This Blog Besides You? A Revealing Look at the Visitors to AnnapolisHomeDigest.com
April 3rd, 2009 Categories: Buyers, Fun Fridays, Real Estate News, Sellers
In Case You’ve Been Wondering Who You Are, I Have Some Answers
I imagine it’s the same with other bloggers, but I find it quite interesting – and instructive – to keep track of who is reading this blog and what you’re reading. For one thing, it helps me figure out what sort of information you want more of. (Just for the record, that’s a generic WHO – other than subscribers, I can’t tell who you are.)
So I make it my business to keep track of what pages you’re landing on when you come here, and the search terms you use to arrive. Often there’s little surprise – blogging about particular neighborhoods, like South River Colony, always gets lots of traffic. And sometimes, plenty of surprise: I still can’t figure out how the person who Googled “sock monkeys for sale in Target” ended up here, but they did.
You Like To Search For Annapolis Area Homes and You’re Smitten With the Fifty Dollar House
Many of you land directly on the home search page of the site, which tells me you’ve probably bookmarked that page for convenience. I’m glad you’re looking, because now’s a great time to buy. Is there a home we can show you?
A ton of you have been searching for news about the Fifty Dollar House, which, sadly, you did not win. Somebody else did, and we’re selling the home for her. Perhaps you’d like to buy it?
When I do a post about home sales statistics for the Annapolis area, that draws a lot of interest, too – I need to do more posts like this – as well as posts on subjects related to the Naval Academy. A number of you used the search term “Plebes no more,” a reference to one long-standing Academy tradition.
Search terms about home staging bring regular traffic because I’ve written about it often. Some people end up here by searching for our team stager, Linda Donnelly - the best in the business. When you use her services to get your home looking perfect, we reimburse you at settlement.
More than a few of you are using search terms like ”trustworthy agent” or “untrustworthy agents” and you’re finding us that way since I published this story. Apparently, finding an agent you can trust is in the forefront of your mind, and it’s a good thing.
I’m afraid I must have disappointed the people who ended up here after searching for “math’s chalkboard”, “new home digest” and “bad stockbrokers.” Google must have been having a bad night when these poor souls were directed this way.
You Like a Good Laugh…
…which explains why some of you are searching for bad MLS photos. We have some doozies.
Not surprisingly, lots of you found us by searching for Keller Williams Annapolis or Keller Williams Culture, our culture – we believe – being one of the things that sets us apart as a company.
I can’t tell who you are, specifically – but I can often tell where you work. Some of you are affiliated with institutions of higher learning, which makes me think we attract a smart crowd. I like that.
And many of you work for large government entities. I won’t say which ones, because if you’re reading this blog instead of delivering mail, eavesdropping on bad guys or searching for cures to nasty infectious diseases, that’s between you and your boss.
As for the person who just yesterday typed “do you like living in Annapolis” into the Google search engine, I – for one – love it.
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The Bad News: You're Not the Winner of the Fifty Dollar House. Good News? It's For Sale
March 27th, 2009 Categories: Buyers, Real Estate News, The Fifty Dollar \"Raffle\" House
That’s Right! And You Could Do a Heck of a Lot Worse Than Pay $799,900 for a Home That Appraised in November for $1.2 Mil
Unless you’ve been living in a cave somewhere in the Annapolis area, you know all about the now famous Fifty Dollar House. It was raffled off in January to one lucky winner – Karen McHale of Idaho Springs, Colorado - whom you met here shortly after she heard the exciting news.
With a touch of regret – she says it would have been delightful to own a second home near the Chesapeake, but her retirement plans will take she and her husband west, not east - Mrs. McHale has decided to sell the property. And she’s hired us – The Moss Haedrich Team - to help her do just that.
We’ll be bringing you regular updates about the home – 1 Poplar Point Road in Edgewater. For the moment, suffice to say that it’s a beautiful 6 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath home with real style (contemporary Cape Cod meets historic charm; part of the original structure dates back to the 1800′s!) and modern appeal.
One outstanding feature is a separate wing – with full kitchen, bedroom and office/study area – that would do beautifully as an in-law, guest or au pair suite. The main gathering area of the home is open living/kitchen space, with fabulous hardwood floors, granite and stainless steel appliances – just stunning.
If you’d like a peek, you can see some photos of 1 Poplar Point Rd. If you’d like to see the MLS listing, just email me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com and I’ll be happy to send it along.
Stay tuned for more about this lovely property. Meanwhile, if you’d like to arrange for a private preview, email me or call Bev at 410-353-2469.
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Been Timing The Annapolis Real Estate Market? Thanks to the Fed, It's Time to Make a Deal
March 20th, 2009 Categories: Buyers, Real Estate News, Sellers
The Federal Reserve Announced Wednesday That It Will Inject $1 Trillion Into the Financial System By Purchasing Treasury Bonds and Mortgage Securities
Bottom line for Annapolis area home buyers? The best interest rates you’re likely to see for a while. I just got off the phone with a lender who told me he’s quoting rates of 4.75% on 30-year fixed rate conforming loans and 5% on FHA loans.
He also told me this: the appraisers he’s been talking to in the last couple of weeks are coming in with appraisals that are above selling price – a good indication that home prices have bottomed out.
From the street level, we sense something is happening here. Buyer confidence is on the rise as the stimulus package gains traction. Showings on our listings are up and more buyers are calling to schedule home previews. In the past week, we’ve received four offers on listings we have. These are all very encouraging signs.
The recently announced $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers has been a real boost, as well.
If you’ve been trying to time the market and think it might be time to strike, give us a call or send us an email. We – The Moss Haedrich Team of Keller Williams - work with an experienced team of advisors who can help you figure out whether this is the right time for you to buy. No pressure, no hassles – just sound advice you can use.
Our email address is kenhaedrich@gmail.com and our cell is 410-507-7222.
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Renovating Your Annapolis Real Estate? Want to Know if You Even Should? Read On
March 19th, 2009 Categories: Ask the Expert, Buyers, Sellers
About to Spend Big Bucks on that Annapolis Fixer-Upper? You Might Want to Call This Guy First and See If You Can Realize Your Homeowner Fantasies Without Busting Your Budget
So you’ve picked out the cutest little Annapolis bungalow you’ve ever seen and you’re thinking about making an offer.
But you’ve got some…concerns. You’re not sure how an expanded kitchen would fit into the overall design. You’re wondering if the new master bedroom is going to change the roof line. And you’d really like to see your new home “go green” as much as possible. Where do you turn?
To someone like Chris Neumann, design consultant, who deals with these sorts of issues all the time. Chris is a former owner and manager of one of the DC area’s top Design Build Remodeling firms, where he was the design director. He oversaw many large and small scale renovation projects and you can check out a number of them at his Website. That’s one of his projects in the photos above, before and after.
You can see a summary of the services Chris offers at his Website, so I won’t go into much detail here. But briefly, he can do a pre-purchase consultation or advise on renovation possibilities. He can do a feasibility analysis and consult on the design process, zoning limitations, material choices and budget trade-offs.
He’ll also do a sustainability survey and advise on how to save energy, conserve water, and incorporate “green” products and technology into your project. If it was my call, I wouldn’t go near a reno without first talking to Chris.
FULL DISCLOSURE STUFF – I can attest to the quality of Chris’ work because we’re selling his Annapolis home, which he transformed from drab to fab.
OTHER STUFF – If it’s a fixer-upper you’re looking for in the Annapolis area, we have plenty of homes we can show you. Just email me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com, tell me what area/s you’re interested in and what price range, and I’ll email you a list of the best prospects right away.
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Sellers: The 5 Things Buyers Really Don't Like About Your Annapolis Home
March 14th, 2009 Categories: Buyers, One Minute Realtor, Sellers
As Elsewhere, Buyers Are Calling the Shots in the Annapolis Real Estate Market. Here Are 5 Ways to Really Get Their Goat
I was reading a trade publication the other day and came across an article with a very similar title to the one above. It doesn’t beat around the bush, and that’s a good thing: the market is too competitive right now for bush beating. I’ve cribbed the 5 “things”, but the observations are mine.
#1. Odors. If your home has off odors, you’re a dead duck. Odors have essentially the same irritating effect on buyers as an alarm that goes if when they enter and never stops until they leave. You may not even smell the odors anymore, which is why you need an outside opinion. Do whatever it takes to eliminate the offensive odors – replace carpet, clean air ducts, etc – if you expect a sale.
#2. Cleanliness. Your home should look like you could eat off the floor, not as if you just did. There are no shortcuts here or places to hide because buyers will open every cabinet, look behind every door, in search of dirt. The best few hundreds bucks you spend when you sell a home might be hiring a professional cleaning crew.
#3. Clutter. Clutter and cleanliness go hand in hand: where you find one, you almost always find the other. Pack up the clutter, rent a storage unit – you’re moving anyway, right? – and get it down to just a few things on every surface and wall. Your home should emit a sense of calm, not chaos. Chaos confuses buyers, and confused buyers don’t buy.
#4. Sellers at Home. Imagine, if you will, a waiter who hovers at your table when you’re out on a date. That’s how buyers feel when sellers stay in their home during a showing. Doesn’t matter if the buyers and their agent say it’s fine if you stay. They’re lying.
#5. Unfinished Projects. Buyers want to imagine The Good Life in your home, a life of leisure. The last thing they want is to inherit a list of projects you never got around to. Trust me: the house down the street doesn’t have any unfinished business and it’s priced better besides. That’s what you’re up against.
Finally, none of the above matters if you’re home is overpriced for this market – which is the main thing buyers don’t like about your home. But if that’s the case, they probably didn’t even bother to make an appointment in the first place!
Shameless plug: If you’re thinking of selling your Annapolis home – or buying one in the area - give us a call. We can help you avoid these 5 mistakes, among many others, and have a great real estate transaction. We can be reached at 410-507-7222.
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Annapolis Open House: Come and Keep Me Company This Sunday in Eastport at 1027 Boucher Ave
March 7th, 2009 Categories: Buyers, Sellers
The Weather – and The Real Estate Market – Are Warming Up in Annapolis – and Home Buyers are On the Move
Spring is the best time for holding open houses. Everyone’s got cabin fever and they’re anxious to get out. Home buyers are anticipating their need to find a home by April or May and get settled by summer.
It’s not too hot, which always puts the kabosh on open house turnout. Or too cold, which does the same.
The weather this Sunday is supposed to be stellar, so why don’t you join me at an open house I’ll be holding in Eastport, at 1027 Boucher Ave? You can take a tour by clicking on the photo of this home in the right margin, but frankly I’d rather you stopped by and had a look in person.
I know you’re out there: nearly 7,000 of you have visited this blog since its birth last year. It would be best if you all didn’t show up at the same time, however - try to stagger it between 1:00PM and 3:00PM, which is when I’ll be there. Thanks.
Even if you’re not looking for a $750,000 home, come anyway. We can talk about the market and what you’re looking for. Or we can talk about a home you’re thinking of selling. Or one you haven’t been able to sell. Whatever.
Some people avoid open houses. They’re afraid to engage real estate agents because they think we’re all pushy, slip pills into your drinks and make you sign contracts and agreements you didn’t intend to. But trust me: it’s been weeks since I’ve tried anything like that.
I hope to see you there!
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The Eastport Real Estate Market: Homes For Sale, $750,000 & Under
March 4th, 2009 Categories: Buyers, Neighborhood Sales & Stats, Sellers
17 Homes Active, 2 Under Contract, and 9 Sold in the Last 90 Days
Last week I posted market information for homes $750,000 and up in the Eastport, which you can find here. As you may know, Eastport is the peninsular neighborhood of Annapolis more-or-less circumscribed by Spa Creek to its north, back creek to the south, and the Severn River at its tip.
It’s an eclectic neighborhood, with million dollar homes and modest bungalows often coexisting side-by-side – an arrangement that seems to suit the citizens of Eastport just fine, thank you.
Things are changing, of course. Every year, more and more of the old bungalows are being renovated or torn down and replaced by modern homes. But still, Eastport holds onto its charm and friendly, small town feel.
The Eastport Market in a Snapshot
Of the 17 active properties in this price range, the average days on market is 267, with an average list price of $510,394.
Please note that the average days on market includes one home on Chester Ave that has been listed for 1,222 days. The most recent active listing, on Jefferson St, has been on the market for 6 days.
Two homes are under contract, including one on Moss Haven Court listed at $649,500. It’s around the corner from a lovely home we have listed on Boucher Ave.
Average days on market for the nine Eastport homes in this price range that sold in the last 90 days was 164.
Our Boots-on-the-Ground Analysis of the Eastport Market
Of the many areas around Annapolis where we sell homes, the Eastport market is always a big draw. Our open houses here are well attended and buyers come here with the understanding that Eastport is a vibrant, diverse neighborhood featuring unique homes in a wide range of prices.
Even in the tentative market that we’re in, we feel as if the demand for competitively priced homes in Eastport will remain strong.
Sign Up for our Eastport Hot List
Are you watching the Eastport real estate market? Keeping an eye on the homes for sale in Easport? Then sign up for our free Eastport Hot List, from which this data was taken.
Email me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com and we’ll set you up to receive automatic email updates each time an Eastport home comes to market, goes under contract or is sold. It’s an easy way to keep on top of things.
And if you have an Eastport home to sell, email or call me at 410-507-7222 and I can show you how we use our jumbo marketing toolbox and the latest technology to get our Eastport clients’ homes sold.
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