Monday, December 17, 2007

Pillar To Post: Fire Safety

Jim Williams and Rachel Oslund at Pillar To Post put this great fire safety list together:

Residential fires take their toll every year in lost lives and destroyed property. The fact is, many conditions that cause fires can be avoided or prevented by homeowners. Taking the time for some simple precautions and preventive inspections can help prevent fire in the home - and can even save your life should disaster strike.

Any electrical devices including lamps, appliances, and electronic equipment should be checked for frayed cords, loose or broken plugs, and exposed wiring. Never run electrical wires under carpet or rugs.

Wood-burning fireplaces should be cleaned by a professional chimney sweep each year to prevent a dangerous buildup of creosote, which can cause a flash fire in the chimney. Cracks in masonry chimneys should be repaired, and spark arresters inspected.

When using space heaters, keep them away from beds and bedding, curtains, papers - anything flammable. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Space heaters shouldn't be left unattended or where a child or pet could knock them over.

Use smoke detectors and keep them armed with fresh batteries unless hard-wired to your home's electrical system. Smoke detectors should be installed high on walls or on ceilings on every level of the home and inside each bedroom. Statistics show that nearly 60% of home fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

Kitchen fires know no season. Grease spills, items left unattended on the stove or in the oven, and food left in toasters can catch fire quickly. Don't wear loose fitting clothing, especially with long sleeves, around the stove. Handles of pots and pans should be turned away from the front of the stove to prevent accidental contact. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher within easy reach.

Children should not have access to matches or lighters. Flammable materials such as gasoline or kerosene should be stored outside the house.

Have an escape plan. This is one of the most important measures you can take to prevent death in a fire. Your local fire department can provide detailed recommendations on escape planning and preparedness. In addition, all family members should know how to dial 911in case of fire or other emergency.

Live Christmas trees should be kept in a water-filled stand and checked daily for dehydration. Needles should not easily break off a freshly-cut tree. Brown needles or a lot of fallen needles indicate a dangerously dried-out tree, which should be discarded immediately. Always use nonflammable decorations in the home, and never use lights on a dried-out tree!
Candles should be placed in stable holders and placed away from curtains, drafts, pets, and children. Never leave candles unattended, even for a short time.

Christmas or other holiday lights should be checked for fraying or broken wires and plugs. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when joining two or more strands together, as a fire hazard could result from overload. Enjoy your indoor holiday lighting only while someone is home!Your local Pillar To Post office wishes you and your clients a happy and safe holiday season.

Jim Williams / Rachel Oslund
410.804.8626 / 301.448.9404
http://www.pillartopost.com/
Schedule an inspection today by sending your e-mailed request to:BestHomeInspections@comcast.net

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:
http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/


“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best…you very often get it” Somerset Maugham

"Expect the Best" Pat Ogle

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

Please Don't Forget to Show Your Support for Our Troops!




Wednesday, October 10, 2007

NAR: Mortgage Conditions Bode Well for Housing

As reported in REALTOR Magazine OnLine's Daily Real Estate News on October 10, 2007. Conditions in the mortgage market are improving for consumers, which should help to release some pent-up demand in early 2008, according to the latest forecast by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Lawrence Yun, NAR vice president of research, notes that widening credit availability will help turn around home sales. “Conforming loans are abundantly available at historically favorable mortgage rates. Pricing has steadily improved on jumbo mortgages since the August credit crunch, and FHA loans are replacing subprime mortgages,” he said.

Yun said it’s important to place the current housing market in perspective, Read More

REALTOR Magazine OnLine's Daily Real Estate News on October 10, 2007 also reported:

Mortgage Applications Rise Despite Higher Rates

Mortgage applications rose last week after falling for three weeks, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association weekly survey.

The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, was 652.0, an increase of 2.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from 636.7 the previous week. On an unadjusted basis, the index increased 2.4 percent compared with the previous week and was up 8.6 percent compared with the same week last year.

The refinance share of mortgage activity increased to 46.2 percent of total applications, while the adjustable-rate mortgage share continued to decline to 13.6 percent of total applications.

Overall, average mortgage rates increased:
30-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 6.40 percent from 6.32 percent
15-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 6.03 from 5.95 percent
1-year ARMs decreased to 6.15 from 6.21 percent

Source: Mortgage Bankers Association (10/10/2007)

Pat Ogle and The Annapolishomes4You Team
Champion Realty, Inc
410-224-0660
http://www.annapolishomes4you.com/
PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com

Your dedicated Real Estate Professionals in Annapolis Maryland , Anne Arundel County, the Maryland Eastern Shore, and the surrounding areas in Maryland. We specialize in Annapolis Relocation, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County Real Estate, Arnold Real Estate, Severna Park Real Estate, and Edgewater Real Estate. We specialize in Annapolis Waterfront Real Estate, Arnold Waterfront Real Estate and Severna Park Waterfront Real Estate.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

10 Cities Where It's a Great Time to Buy

Found this artlice at the REALTOR Magazine Online

Daily Real Estate News October 9, 2007

10 Cities Where It's a Great Time to Buy

The real estate business may be facing a softening in sales, but there are parts of the country where it makes sense to buy now. Forbes magazine examined current home sales patterns and sales projects in the country’s 40 largest real estate markets to identify these attractive markets.Based on models that estimated 2008 housing inventory, sales rates, and turnover, the magazine compiled a list of markets that are experiencing price declines, but where buying looks attractive because there is likely to be an increase in sales in the near future.Here are Forbes’ and Moody’s 10 most attractive markets, along with the median homes sales price and their price change from 2006.

Fort Worth, Texas: $156,500, 1.7 percent
Kansas City, Mo.: $157,700, -0.7 percent
Houston: $154,900, 1.4 percent
Cleveland: $128,700, -7.1 percent
Denver: $255,200, none
Long Island, N.Y.: $482,300, 1.7 percent

Washington, D.C.: $445,300, 0.3 percent

Orlando, Fla.: $265,100, -2.4 percent
Phoenix: $264,800, -2.7 percent
Las Vegas: $307,900, -3.6 percent

Source: Forbes, Matt Woolsey (10/08/07)

Pat Ogle and The Annapolishomes4You Team
Champion Realty, Inc
410-224-0660
http://www.annapolishomes4you.com/
PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com

Your dedicated Real Estate Professionals in Annapolis Maryland , Anne Arundel County, the Maryland Eastern Shore, and the surrounding areas in Maryland. We specialize in Annapolis Relocation, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County Real Estate, Arnold Real Estate, Severna Park Real Estate, and Edgewater Real Estate. We specialize in Annapolis Waterfront Real Estate, Arnold Waterfront Real Estate and Severna Park Waterfront Real Estate.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Who Are You?

Here's a quick post to introduce myself. I'm "Sleeping Beauty's Sister" and I'll be your guest host once a week. I'll be popping in to drop my thoughts on life, after all there's only so much real estate a person can take, right? If you have a question about living in Annapolis feel free to post a comment and I'll put the answer in my next post. If you just enjoy reading my ramblings post a comment about those too and let me know what you think. While you wait hungrily for my next installment feel free to get your fix at my blog, http://sleepingbeautyssister.blogspot.com . All posts guaranteed to make you smile.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Understanding The Mortgage Crisis

The following video by Jon Coile President of Champion Realty, Inc. is the best explanation of the current mortgage crisis I have seen. Once you have seen it you will understand what is taking place. http://champion411.com/mortgage.html

Pat Ogle and The Annapolishomes4You Team
Champion Realty, Inc 410-224-0660
http://www.annapolishomes4you.com
PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com

Your dedicated Real Estate Professionals in Annapolis Maryland , Anne Arundel County, the Maryland Eastern Shore, and the surrounding areas in Maryland. We specialize in Annapolis Relocation, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County Real Estate, Arnold Real Estate, Severna Park Real Estate, and Edgewater Real Estate. We specialize in Annapolis Waterfront Homes, Arnold Waterfront Homes and Severna Park Waterfront Homes.

Friday, August 31, 2007

You Can Still Get a Mortgage--It Just May Not Be Easy, or Cheap

I would like to share an article I found from CNBC in regards to the market and the changes all lenders are making. This is going to be a period of adjustment for buyers and for us lenders; we are going to have to use other avenues to help our buyers who do not meet the stricter lending requirements. Such as educating the buyers and helping them to qualify for the stiffer lending requirements. Giving them credit counseling to improve their credit so they can qualify for a loan and going back to the basics when it comes to what loans will work for our buyers. One program that I will discuss next week is FHA. Please enjoy the article below.

You Can Still Get a Mortgage--It Just May Not Be Easy, or Cheap

Until a few months ago, it seemed that anyone who could fog up a mirror could get a mortgage._ Now, with a credit crisis roiling the industry, some consumers might think they have a better chance winning the lottery than finding a home loan. For more on this visit http://www.cnbc.com/id/20388273/from/ET/

Lewis Ivey Champion Realty Mortgage
711 Bestgate Rd Annapoils, Md 21401
Business:410-224-7134
Mobile:301-602-2536
Email: LewisIvey@.ChampionRealtyMortgage.com
Web Site: http://www.lewisivey.com/


Your dedicated Real Estate Professionals in Annapolis Maryland , Anne Arundel County, the Maryland Eastern Shore, and the surrounding areas in Maryland. We specialize in Annapolis Relocation, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County Real Estate, Arnold Real Estate, Severna Park Real Estate, and Edgewater Real Estate. We specialize in Annapolis Waterfront Real Estate, Arnold Waterfront Real Estate and Severna Park Waterfront Real Estate.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

234 Tilden Way Edgewater, MD 21037

Welcome to 234 Tilden Way in Edgewater, MD. Offered at $385,000 this beautiful, spacious townhouse in the River Oaks community backs to woods and is in move-in condition! New carpet & freshly painted this home features 3 finished levels w/bump outs on all levels, 9 foot ceilings, 4 bedrooms, 2 full & 2 half baths, a sun room with hardwood floors, gas fireplace and slider leads to a 2ND level deck. The foyer and kitchen feature beautiful custom tile. The eat-in kitchen also features an island and upgraded appliances. The 3rd floor master bedroom has vaulted ceilings, walk-in closet and soaking tub. Bay windows, custom brick patio, fenced back yard with swing, security system and access to the community playground are a few of the many amenities. For more information please visit www.234tildenway.com.

Monday, July 23, 2007

2802 Cox Neck Rd

Welcome to 2802 Cox Neck Rd in Chester, MD. Offered at $865,000, this magnificent custom brick colonial home has breathtaking water views of Crab Alley Bay and Cox Creek. This house has it all; hugh open floor plan, screened in porch, 4 Bedrooms , Master Bedroom w/Sitting Room and view, a 2 Story Family Room, Din Room, Game/Exercise Room, Office/Den, 2 Car Garage, Gourmet Kitchen, Living Room, Unfinished Basement, and Southwind Community amenities. All surrounded by water views. For more information visit www.2802coxneck.com.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

305 Broadwater Rd Arnold, MD

Welcome to 305 Broadwater Rd in Arnold, MD. Offered at $349,900, this beautiful 3 BR, 2 BA rancher is located in Windsor Forest. New from the ground up in 2001, this home is located on a corner lot with a large fenced rear yard. Freshly painted with new carpet this home is in move-in condition. A rear deck, large storage shed and large paved driveway are a few of the many features. Conveniently located in the Broadneck School District, you are just a stone’s throw from Belvedere Elem. Great for the 1st time home buyer or someone looking for the ease of one level living. Just minutes from Historic Annapolis and the Naval Academy. For more information please visit www.305Broadwater.com