Archive for the 'Real Estate News' Category
Shoreham Beach Home for Sale: 3914 Bayside Drive, Edgewater MD
February 27th, 2010 Categories: Buyers, Real Estate News, Sellers
Our Newest Edgewater Listing Has a Host of Hidden Treasures, Panoramic Water Views and So Much More
East of Loch Haven Road to the end of the Mayo Peninsula you’ll come across some of the nicest little communities in the Annapolis area – Selby on the Bay, Ponder Cove, Turkey Point, Mayo Beach and Beverly Beach, among others.
Shoreham Beach, too, where – as with so many other local maritime communities – older cottages mingle quite comfortably, thank you, with million dollar plus waterfront homes. Indeed, many of the more expensive properties ARE old cottages reincarnated.
Our newest listing – 3914 Bayside Drive, with 100′ of frontage on Ramsay Lake – began as a cottage more than half a century ago; a series of additions and improvements over the years make up the existing home, which sits on one of the largest lots in the community (a total of four 25′ by 100′ lots, side by side.)
The home was built to the owners’ tastes with custom cabinetry, features and special touches the owner likes to refer to as “hidden treasures.” Most notably – in the colder weather – is the radiant heat in the tiled floor of the central great room and kitchen. This is especially appealing for those of us who’d rather be barefoot on the beach somewhere warm. (Following this February’s weather, that’s pretty much all of us, I imagine.)
Other “hidden treasures” include a whole house sound system, venting skylights with rain sensors, extra-tall garage doors (think storage for your boat on a trailer), a summer kitchen for crab feasts or caterers, and a framed-but-unfinished suite of rooms – measuring 36′ by 36′ – over the triple garage. Depending on your needs and lifestyle, this could become a new master suite, guest or in-law suite, you name it.
Here’s a click to the Virtual Tour for 3914 Bayside. If you like what you see and want to arrange a private preview, give us a call at 410-507-7222 and we’d be happy to give you the tour. It’s a very special home with tons of appeal for anyone looking for a well-priced waterfront home in the greater Annapolis area.
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Annapolis Real Estate 2010: Ten Trends and Predictions
January 9th, 2010 Categories: Buyers, Real Estate News, Sellers
Wondering What the Annapolis Real Estate Market is Going to Do in 2010? So Are We
“It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” – Yogi Berra
I’ve spent the last couple of hours – more time than I should have – reading what every blogger and apparent expert thinks the real estate market is going to do in 2010. Some of it is rosy, like stabilizing prices and strong sales. Some it much less so: predictions of many more foreclosures and higher interest rates.
I have no idea whether or not they’re right: most of these things happen WAY above my pay grade. But we – The Moss Haedrich Team - do have our boots in the trenches selling real estate here in the Annapolis area. We notice things, we see trends, so we thought perhaps you’d like to hear about some of the trends we’ve spotted for 2010.
1. Sellers doing less costly improvements. And why not? Why put five grand into replacing kitchen cabinets when a fresh coat of paint will spiff them up just fine? We just listed a home where the seller did just that. They look beautiful. It’s still crucial to make a home look fab prior to a sale. But sellers are getting smart about where they put their dollars in these equity-squeezed times.
2. An early spring market. Maybe because we’re already so busy. Unless we get some terrible weather in the next couple of months, it should be a very active first quarter. First-time and buy-up buyers can get their tax credits if they have a contract by April, so the early rush is on.
3. Buyers getting started earlier with their searches. Each month we talk to about 150 new potential home buyers. It’s not unusual to hear that they’re still 12+ months out on a purchase. They’re researching the market thoroughly, watching home sales and figuring our where the value is. Today’s home buyer is very well educated and they’re using the internet – and Realtors – to help get the information they need.
4. Speaking of Realtors, they’ll continue to be fewer of them – here in Anne Arundel county and everywhere else. The real estate business has changed dramatically in the last few years. It’s become more competitive, technology-driven, and there’s little room for those who haven’t kept up. More and more part timers and dabblers are getting our of the business altogether.
5. The home office is king. Our buyers want them, often two of them. Makes sense: the Great Recession has found more and more people starting businesses and working from home. If you’re selling a home, stage an extra bedroom as a sleek home office.
6. Excellent deals in new construction. We can’t believe what some of the spec and model homes are selling for in the Annapolis area. These subdivisions are dying for occupancy; they’re making great deals and throwing in all sorts of upgrades to get you in. Our new construction buyers are some of the happiest buyers out there.
7. Incredible deals at the high end of the market. This is the slowest segment of the market. Many of these homes have been sitting on the market for more than a year. The prices have nowhere to go but down.
8. First floor master suites and elevators. A lot of today’s baby boomers don’t spring up the steps the way we used to. First floor masters and elevators are hot with many of our buyers.
9. In-law suites. Another sign of the recession: combined households. We just sold a home in Edgewater that had a very large in-law suite, complete with kitchen, bedroom, living room and home office. Potential buyers flocked to see it.
10. Less infatuation among buyers for short sales. Short sale buyers often think they’re going to get a steal. Quite often, they’re getting nothing but frustration. It can takes months to get an answer from a bank about an offer. Buyers are getting fed up.
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Good News Annapolis: Uncle Sam Extends the First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit
November 17th, 2009 Categories: Buyers, Real Estate News
Not Only That…He’s Added a Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit That Should Provide Some Stimulus to Mid-Range Homes, Too
It’s official: after months of rumors, crossed fingers and speculation, the $8,000 First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended.
Has the credit helped? Sure it has. We’ve worked with many first-timers over the last few months who’ve taken advantage of this free money. And if you don’t believe me, talk to anyone who works for a title company: the settlements scheduled for late November – November 30 was the “old” deadline for the credit – are stacked up like jets waiting to land at O’Hare on a Friday afternoon.
Some Highlights About the “New” $8,000 Credit
- The credit applies to homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. In cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010 a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
-For homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010 single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
The $6,500 Move-Up Tax Credit
It’s nice to see this tax credit added. Many people who already own a home – and may have lost equity in the last couple of years – have been feeling as if Uncle Sam should be doing something for them, too. Now he is.
-To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.
-The tax credit only applies to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
-The same purchase timeframes apply as above, with one change: a binding sales contract must be signed by May 1st, 2010.
If you have any questions about either of these tax credits, please call us at 410-507-7222. Or email me at KenHaedrich@gmail.com.
Like I said, we’ve been working with a lot of buyers who are jumping on this credit. We understand the unique needs of first-time homebuyers. Best of all, remember that this is a true tax credit and it need not be repaid.
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What Do Your Annapolis Real Estate Agent and an E-ZPass Have in Common? Take a Look
July 27th, 2009 Categories: Buyers, Real Estate News
In This Video Post, Ken Talks About How to Avoid Delays on the Bay Bridge…AND on Your Way to the Settlement Table
I saw a special on TV this weekend, on Sunday morning, about animals and the “herd instinct.”
In Annapolis, the herd instinct is alive and well with the backed-up traffic at the toll on the Bay Bridge. How else can you explain the thousands of drivers who sit in line, waiting to pay their tolls, when they could have bought an E-ZPass?
In this video I share my thoughts about delays on the bridge…and in real estate transactions. If you care to share your thoughts with me – on this or anything else – just call me at 410-507-7222 or email me at KenHaedrich@gmail.com
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Why Waiting for Annapolis Real Estate Prices to Fall Further Could Impact Your Home Buying Power
June 19th, 2009 Categories: Buyers, Real Estate News
So You’ve Been Sitting on the Fence, Waiting for the Perfect Time to Buy a Home Here in the Annapolis Area: A Video Post
But when IS the best time? When home prices appear to have bottomed out? And is it even possible to time the real estate market?
As you’ll see in the video here, I explain that there’s a little more to the affordability equation than meets the eye. Have a look.
And if you’d like to talk me about home affordability, interest rates, buying or selling a home – just send me an email at KenHaedrich@gmail.com, or you can reach me on my cell – 410-507-7222. We’d love to hear from you.
(To view the video, click on the link that immediately follows, then click on the play button.) Read the rest of this entry »
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A Personal Invitation to our Next Two Annapolis Open Houses
June 6th, 2009 Categories: Real Estate News
We Hope to See You This Weekend at our Open Houses in Riva Trace and Eastport: A Video Post
So you’re in the market for a new Annapolis home…all this rain has been keeping you indoors and driving you out of your mind…or you’re just dying to talk to a Realtor about how the real estate market is really doing.
Whatever the case may be, we know you’re anxious to get out and about. So why not attend one or both of the open houses we’re holding in Annapolis this weekend? I give you all the details in this video posted below. Look forward to seeing you there!
(To watch the video, click on the highlighted link that immediately follows, then click on the video’s play button.) Read the rest of this entry »
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Annapolis Area Homebuyers: What’s The Most Important Thing You Need to Know About the $8,000 Tax Credit?
May 27th, 2009 Categories: Buyers, Real Estate News
The Clock is Ticking on the $8,000 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers: A Video Post
…which helps explains why – according to the National Association of Realtors – more than half of the homes being purchased right now are by first time homebuyers. (It also explains why we’re currently working with so many clients who fall into this category.)
If you’re considering buying your first home this year – or know someone who is or should be – watch this video. If you need more information about this great opportunity, just call me – Ken Haedrich – at 410-507-7222. Or you can email me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com. Thanks for watching.
(To watch the video, click on the highlighted link that immediately follows, then click the video’s play button.) Read the rest of this entry »
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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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If We’re Annapolis Realtors, Then Why On Earth Are We Selling This Home in Alpharetta, Georgia?
April 22nd, 2009 Categories: Real Estate News, Sellers
Well, We Aren’t, Really. But One of Our Clients Is, So We Thought We’d Give Her Home a Little Plug. Besides, It’s Not Everyday We Get to Show You a Home That’s So Gorgeous It’s Been Featured in Several Magazines
So, just in case you or someone you know is moving to the Atlanta area, pay attention – here’s a home that’s eye-poppingly pretty.
The address is 400 Autry Ridge Point, in Alpharetta, within a subdivision called The Falls of Autry Mill, a swim-tennis community. It’s close to all the major highways you’d need to access.
Our client tells us that the community has a clubhouse, lake, 2 swimming pools, 12 lighted tennis courts, and a tennis pro - apparently, they’re serious about their tennis around here. The subdivision has 500 homes, and – she says – there are great schools nearby.
As for the home, I’ll let the virtual tour - one of best one I’ve ever seen – tell the story. I, for one, fell in love with the kitchen. It’s a regular beauty pageant of ultra high-end appliances and finishes, including German-made cabinetry and black honed granite countertops. Really incredible.
Did I mention the home’s heated pool with tanning area and 8-person spa?
If you’d like additional information, email me at kenhaedrich@gmail.com and I’ll send it right along.
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