Thursday, April 30, 2009

Where am I going to put my stuff?


When a buyer is looking at property they wonder if that property has the room they need for their stuff. Countertops filled with appliances, closets that are filled, attics and basements that are over the top says "no room" to buyers. The easy answer for the seller is to pack. If the seller is serious about moving and is committed to a price and terms that reflect current market conditions then packing is part of the process. There are a variety of options, portable off site storage containers, yard sales, and charitable donations are a good start. Every buyer is looking for uncluttered, roomy living area and storage. When the buyer looks at a de-cluttered property, it allows them to imagine themselves comfortably moving their stuff in!


For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:
------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

“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)

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





Monday, April 27, 2009

Tip the Scales to Your Advantage

Staging is an important part of preparing a property for sale. It can make the difference between languishing on the market and having a competitive advantage over similarly priced properties. Staging does not take the place of pricing the property correctly but in a competitive environment it may tip the scales to your advantage. Most of staging is focusing on lots of little things that collectively make a big difference.

  1. Immaculate kitchens and baths are a must with fresh towels and empty counter tops.
  1. Odors are a real turn off to buyers, so litter boxes and other types of pet odors and strong food smells must be addressed.
  1. Lights are important, keep them on, have light switches in bedrooms associate to lamps that are prepared to light up. Keep lights on so the house always looks bright and cheery, it is a small expense that gives large returns.
  1. Front doors need to be clean, freshly painted and no cob webs or debris.
  1. Clean out corners that accumulate extra pieces of furniture and knick knacks.
  2. Clutter is the enemy when selling a house. Pack, toss or sell extra stuff, it will make every room more spacious.
  1. Clean around your furnace and change the filter. A dirty filter makes a buyer wonder whether routine maintenance has been performed on the property.
  1. Lastly, eliminate strong statements of personal taste. When a room is too personalized it makes it difficult for the buyer to imagine moving their things in.

The reason for staging is to help the prospective buyer mentally move in; when you stage you give the buyer the space, and neutral palette to do that.

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:

http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

------------------------------------------------


Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.


“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!


PS:  For the latest Ft. Meade and BRAC Real Estate information Click Here








Thursday, April 23, 2009

Is Homeownership Right for You?

My friend Lewis Ivey of Champion Realty Mortgage has written this great little article on buying a home in todays market hope you find it helpful.

Is Homeownership Right for You?

Buying a home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. Homeownership has great benefits. Homeownership also comes with certain responsibilities. Are you ready for homeownership? Look at your current situation and determine if: You have a continuing and reliable source of income prior to applying for the loan. You have a credit history that shows you're ready for homeownership. Your total debt is manageable and you can afford to take on the costs associated with homeownership. You have money saved for a down payment and closing costs.

Once you fully understand your current situation, it's important to look at the pros and cons of homeownership to make the best decision for you and your family.

As for the Market

I am seeing a bit of a drop in rates in the Annapolis Real Estate market for the first full week of August! There is also a tightening in the Annapolis Real Estate market in regards certain loan types that lenders are willing to offer. I still offer an array of products to meet our clients needs and it is important to be pre-qualified by a lender so you know what your buying power is.



Lewis Ivey Champion Realty Mortgage
711 Bestgate Rd Annapoils, Md 21401
Business:410-224-7134
Mobile:301-602-2536


For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:
------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

“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)

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





Look at the Bright Side

94.2% of Marylander's are employed according to recent unemployment figures release by the Baltimore Business Journal 

#1 – Maryland, the Richest state in the nation –for the past 2 years
There are 3142 counties in the USA
According to Wiki
4 of Top 100 in income per capita are in Maryland
#15 Montgomery
#29 Howard
#70 Talbot
#82 Anne Arundel
9 Counties in the Top 100 Median Income per Capita are in Maryland
#10 Howard #13 Montgomery
#32 Calvert #57 Charles
#62 Anne Arundel #73 Frederick
#98 Harford #99 Queen Anne
The economy is not perfect but in Maryland things are pretty good.

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:

http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

------------------------------------------------


Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.


“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!


PS:  For the latest Ft. Meade and BRAC Real Estate information Click Here







Friday, April 17, 2009

A 1% Buy Down Saved the Day!

We, the Team, have been using this to successfully negotiate a win win solution for our buyers and sellers.

In this example the buyer pays $45,000 more for the house but pays $15.00 less in payment than their lower offer and saves more than $50,000 in interest over the life of the loan.

Don't let the negotiations fail use a buy down to reduce the buyer's rate by 1%.

Consider this example. The buyers like the house and makes an offer that achieves their max monthly P and I payment of $2191.67. The seller won't go that low. They can't agree on price, but they can still make the transaction happen with a buy down.

Things to consider-

1. Are the parties motivated to make the transaction work?

2. Does the buyer sees the value in the property, but is more concerned with the monthly cost than the total sales price

3. The seller is willing to pay the points necessary to buy the rate down to achieve the buyer's monthly payment target.

Example:

List Price $450,000

Financing - FHA loan $434,250 at 5.5% fixed for 30 years, payment P&I* would be $2456.62
Buyer offers:

$400,000 with a FHA loan of 386,000 at 5.5% fixed for 30 years, payment P&I would be $2191.67
The buyer is not sure they can afford to pay the $450,000 price. However, they like property and can see the value.

The seller has some flexibility but $400,000 is too below market.

Seller counters with $445,000 and 3 points ($12,882.75) to buy down the rate.

The buyer with a FHA loan of $429,425 at 4.5% fixed for 30 years, payment P&I $2175.83

The buyer pays $15.00 less in payment and saves more than $50,000 in interest over the life of the loan.
(P&I* principal and interest on the loan)


For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:

http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

------------------------------------------------


Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.


“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!


PS:  For the latest Ft. Meade and BRAC Real Estate information Click Here


HOME BUYERS: How To Avoid Costly Mistakes!

One of the things that I hope to do with this blog is to pass on information that will be helpful in an understanding the real estate process. What follows is just one of many free report’s that I have that you may find helpful.

How To Avoid Costly Mistakes When Buying a Home!

There are some simple steps that homebuyers often miss when looking for their new home. Taking the time to consider these steps can save you thousands of dollars, but more importantly, can smooth the process of buying a new home, saving time and money, as well as alleviating stressful situations in advance.

1. Begin by being up front and honest with your REALTOR® and lender about your credit history. Your credit, whether good or bad, affects everything from your down payment to your interest rates. Your REALTOR® or a professional mortgage consultant can often advise you as to how you can get credit problems cleared up or completely eliminated from your credit report before you apply for financing or make an offer on a new home.

2. Getting pre-qualified for a loan by a professional lender before you begin your search for a new home will allow you to know in advance exactly what kind, and how much, mortgage you can afford. This makes it possible for you to make an offer on your new home with confidence that enough funding is available.

3. If the seller does not offer a home warranty on the house you want, ask your REALTOR® to make it a part of the written offer that you make. A home warranty can save you thousands of dollars in repairs, and can often be obtained for a very nominal annual fee. A standard warranty covers the electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems as well as major home appliances.

4. Ask your REALTOR® for a market analysis of the home, in comparison to similar homes in the neighborhood or throughout the city, before you make an offer. A home is not just a place where you live, it is also an investment. Take the time to view several homes before you make an offer so you know exactly what is on the market. Be certain you are making a wise investment.

5. Make your offer contingent upon a home inspection and ask the seller to make the required repairs. Hire a professional to inspect every aspect of the home thoroughly. This can save you thousands of dollars in costly repairs and many headaches in the future. A good inspection can also allow you to negotiate for any repairs prior to closing. If the seller is not willing to make the necessary repairs, remind them that the lender will also require the home to be in good condition before they make a loan for the purchase.

6. Take into account your present homeowner or renter status. If you already own a home and must sell it before you buy a new one, it is best to get a REALTOR® to do a complete market analysis on your present home. This allows you to know how much you can sell your current home for before you make an offer on a new one. If you are leasing or renting, the lease's expiration date will give you a timetable for your new purchase. Review this with your REALTOR® well in advance of when you want to move.

7. Choose your agent wisely. Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Ask questions of your agent. Find out how knowledgeable he or she is about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold. Can your agent recommend a good lender that has the reputation of excellent customer service and low rates? Does your agent ask questions of you to have a full understanding of what you are looking for and to help you get the most home for the money?

Have questions, need advice you can count on or just want to discuss this further? Don't waste any more time; pick up the phone and call me now! I'm here to help! I appreciate you as a client and a friend. I appreciate your business, your loyalty, trust and your referrals. It is my goal to provide the very best counsel, advice and service possible for your real estate needs. If I may ever be of assistance to you, a relative, friend or co-worker please don't hesitate to call me. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:

http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

------------------------------------------------


Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.


“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!


PS:  For the latest Ft. Meade and BRAC Real Estate information Click Here






Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The Paradigm Shift in Delivering the Daily News

There has been a paradigm shift in the delivery of daily news. Recent articles have been posted on the web regarding the “Demise of the Newspaper” and how that may be the end of investigative journalism; that four major newspaper companies that include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and The Philadelphia Inquirer have sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in recent months.

News is not dead but the vehicle it is delivered in has changed. A shelf life of a day isn’t long enough. Dated information isn’t good enough. Newspapers aren’t in the news paper business, they are in the business of reporting the news.

Using the daily newspaper as a marketing vehicle has also changed. If you want current, timely access to products and pricing would you look in a newspaper or on the Internet?

There was a time when a seller putting their home for sale looked to see if their broker advertised the property in the paper. Now if it is in the paper, the seller is probably the only one looking to see if the ad is there. It’s called seller appeasement advertising. It really doesn’t attract any buyer inquiries but it makes the seller feel good to see the picture in the paper.

The real estate industry struggled with changing their paradigm regarding the publishing data relative to properties for sale. The concern was that the control of the data made the industry relevant. The industry found after releasing the data that they were not in the data business. Allowing the data to be posted everywhere did not minimize the role a real estate professional played it actually raised the bar on the quality and the delivery of the data provided. Data does not create value. The interpretation of data, use the data, delivery of the data, and successfully building the relationship with and between the parties utilizing the data is the value the real estate professional brings to a transaction.

The news industry will need to identify the demand for and the correct vehicle for the delivery of daily news in print. Their challenge is re-inventing themselves and remaining relevant and that is what all businesses struggle with everyday.

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:
------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

“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)

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



Thursday, April 9, 2009

Seller Appeasement Advertising is a Disservice

Seller Appeasement advertising is a disservice to everyone. That’s an ad that is placed in the newspaper to make the seller feel good but really doesn’t get results.

In my last Blog I focused on the challenge that the newspaper industry has in identifying a new delivery system for the daily news. Their revenue is down because advertisers are not getting the results they need from newspaper advertising.

The ability to search for products and services on the Internet has made newspaper ads literally yesterday’s news.

In today’s economy you cannot spend money on ads that don’t produce results. You also need the information to be current, compelling, available on demand everywhere a potential prospect is looking.

In 2002 the consumer placed newspapers as their number 2 source with the Internet being number 3. In 2008 newspaper didn’t make the top 5 and the Internet was number 1.

Top 5 sources for the consumer in 2008 according to NAR-

1. The Internet

2. Real Estate Agents

3. Yards Signs

4. Open Houses

5. Real Estate magazines

When making marketing decisions the Internet is the obvious choice.

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:

http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

------------------------------------------------


Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.


“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!


PS:  For the latest Ft. Meade and BRAC Real Estate information Click Here






Wednesday, April 8, 2009

5 Compelling Reasons to Buy Now!




    Graph shows rates from 1972 through 2009


The real estate market in Anne Arundel County is experiencing a renewed buyer interest as a result of a convergence of changes in the market place that have created 5 compelling reasons for the consumer to buy and motivated sellers to sell.


  1. Inventory is down 25.5% when comparing January 2008 vs. 2009

  2. For the year 2008 vs. 2009 inventory is down 14.6%
  3. The affordability index has climbed to 152% - The affordability index measures housing affordability for the MRIS (regional multiple list) region, the higher the number the more affordable housing is.

  4. Last February the affordability index was 119%

  5. Rates are at historic lows

The news media with start to report the market upswing eventually, but since they report settlements ( from sales that happened 2 months ago) and not the new sales written it will be a couple of months before they catch up.

 
For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:
------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

“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)

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






Tuesday, April 7, 2009

$8000.00 Tax Credit

Opportunity for first time buyer in the new tax $8000 credit! Visit www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com to view all the particulars.
Just a few points of interest: Click Here

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

------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

“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!

PS: For the latest Ft. Meade and BRAC Real Estate information Click Here



Monday, April 6, 2009

Rates for April 6, 2009

Here we go for this rainy Monday!


Conventional 30 year fixed: 4.750 % 0.875 pts Apr: 5.1974
4.875 % 0.625 pts Apr: 5.3043

Fha\Va 30 year fixed: 4.500 % 2.000 pts Apr: 5.1189
5.000 % 0.125 pts Apr: 5.4671

Have a great day!




Lewis H. Ivey III
Mortgage Consultant
Champion Realty Mortgage
MAC M4018-011
711 Bestgate Rd
Annapolis, Md. 21401
410.224.7134 Tel
410.224.3542 Fax
301.602.2536 Cell
lewisivey@championrealtymortgage.com

https://www.homeloans.com/wfhm/lewish-iveyiii