Annapolis Real Estate and Homes for Sale in Anne Arundel County, Eastern Shore and Waterfront Homes, Properties in the Surrounding Counties of Maryland
Showing posts with label Annapolis Maryland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Annapolis Maryland. Show all posts
It's that time of year again here in Annapolis. The Renaissance Festival is in full swing. This actually starts in late August and runs every weekend until the end of October. Click the title of this post for a link to their website. You will find lots of fun stuff going on at the Renn Fest. Despite what they say about it being, "White and Nerdy" the Festival is definitely fun for all ages. Personally, I'm partial to all the amazing food they have there. Ya gotta love cheesecake on a stick dipped in chocolate. Frankly, I would love anything dipped in chocolate. Of course there's loads of wonderful entertainment as well. The cast of the royal court are really good. I remember when I was in high school visiting the festival to write a report about it. The "King" noticed me taking notes on something and came over to ask what I was doing. He was shocked to learn that girls go to school where I come from. He played the role very well. If you're looking for some good fun for the whole family then this will fit the bill. But, hurry, because it will be over before you know it. Then you'll have to wait another whole year before you can get your hands on some of that awesome fried cheese. Hmm, Methinks it be time to embark on a quest for that which is fried in grease and served on a stick. Let us away to Revel Grove and join in the merriment.
TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986
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
3 beds, 2 full baths
Home size: 1,634 sq ft
Lot Size: 10,009 sq ft
Added: , Last Updated: 02/17/11
Property Type: Residential for Sale, Detached for Sale
MLS Number: AA7533244
Tract: Heritage Harbour
Listed with RE/MAX Advantage Realty Brought to you by Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, The AnnapolisHomes4You.com Team at. Call me today at 443-569-2736, or visit my website at www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com!
Pat Ogle and The AnnapolisHomes4You.com Team are dedicated real estate professionals specializing Waterfront Homes for Sale and Properties in Annapolis, Arnold, Severna Park, Edgewater , Anne Arundel County, The Esatern Shore, and the Surrounding areas in Maryland. We specialize in Relocation! Click here to request our Free Relocation Package
We guarantee to sell your home in 60 days or less!
Review the information below and apply it to any major purchase that would create debt of any kind. This includes furniture, appliances, electronic equipment, jewelry, vacations, expensive weddings and automobiles, of course.
Don't Buy a Car
When an individual’s income starts growing and they manage to set aside some savings, they commonly experience what may be considered an innate instinct of modern civilized mankind.
The desire to spend money.
Since North Americans have a special love affair with the automobile, this becomes a high priority item on the shopping list. Later, other things will be added and one of those will probably be a house.
However, by the time home ownership has become more than a distant and hopeful dream, you may have already bought the car.
It happens all the time, sometimes just before you contact a lender to get pre-qualified for a mortgage.
As part of the interview, you may tell the loan officer your price target. He will ask about your income, your savings and your debts, then give you his opinion. "If only you didn’t have this car payment," he might begin, "you would certainly qualify for a home loan to buy that house."
TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986
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
Credit scores , along with your overall income and debt, are a big factor in determining if you’ll qualify for a loan and what loan terms you’ll be able to qualify for.
1. Check for and correct errors in your credit report . Mistakes happen, and you could be paying for someone else’s poor financial management.
2. Pay down credit card bills. If possible, pay off the entire balance every month. However, transferring credit card debt from one card to another could lower your score .
3. Don’t charge your credit cards to the maximum limit.
4. Wait 12 months after credit difficulties to apply for a mortgage . You’re penalized less for problems after a year.
5. Don’t purchase big-ticket items for your new home on credit cards until after the loan is approved. The amounts will add to your debt.
6. Don’t open new credit card accounts before applying for a mortgage. Having too much available credit can lower your score.
7. Shop for mortgage rates all at once. Too many credit applications can lower your score, but multiple inquiries from the same type of lender are counted as one inquiry if submitted over a short period of time.
8. Avoid finance companies . Even if you pay the loan on time, the interest is high and it will probably be considered a sign of poor credit management.
This information is copyrighted by the Fannie Mae Foundation and is used with permission of the Fannie Mae Foundation. To obtain a complete copy of the publication, “Knowing and Understanding Your Credit,” visithttp://www.homebuyingguide.org.
TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986
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
Another benefit of owning a home is Forced Savings.
Some people are just lousy at saving money, and a house is an automatic savings account. You accumulate savings in two ways. Every month, a portion of your payment goes toward the principal. Admittedly, in the early years of the mortgage, this is not much. Over time, however, it accelerates.
Second, your home appreciates. Average appreciation on a home is approximately five percent, though it will vary from year to year, and in some years may even depreciate.. Over time, history has shown that owning a home is one of the very best financial investments.
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
I am convinced one of the most difficult things we do when negotiating is to communicate effectively. More transactions are lost because we misunderstand, don't listen, assume we know, don't call back, don't clearly articulate, don't write it down or don't work to build consensus.
To communicate effectively we need to:
Listen
Try to understand what the other party wants and why they are requesting it?
Know if a request is a casual want or an absolute need?
Know how to identify an alternative option that will satisfy their request?
Return calls promptly, especially difficult ones, they don't age well.
Make sure all written communication is clear and expresses the exact terms of the agreement.
Be professional and unemotional in our communications, our clients don't need an emotional agent.
Listen, we will never hear if wwe are thinking about what we're going to say next and not listening to the answer of the question we already asked.
Ask good questions to get all the facts and never assume we already know the answer.
Try to build on areas of agreement to build consensus.
Appreciate that the person we're speaking with may be under a lot of stress or having a bad day and not take it personally.
Leave our ego out of it, when everyone feels like they won it will be easier to get agreement.
TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986
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 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
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“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
Now let se what our friends at Wikipedia have to say about Splits.
Split-level homes
A split-level home (also called a tri-level home) is a style of house in which the floor level of one part of the house is about half way between a floor and its ceiling of the other part of the house. The one story section typically contains a family room, living room, dining room, and kitchen. There are typically two small sets of stairs that attach the one story section of the house to the two story section. One set leads up, typically to bedrooms and a bathroom. The other set leads down to a large family room and basement area. Often, the basement level also includes the garage and is level with the driveway. The first floor is built halfway between the basement and second floor, with the second floor being above the basement. Alternately, both halves of the house may be two stories tall, with a basement beneath the "first story" section described above. Additions to the house are possible by adding a third floor above the first or expanding outward from any side.
A sidesplit is where the split level is visible from the front elevation of the home. A backsplit is where the split level is only visible from the side elevation. The front elevations shows only a single story and the two stories are in the back.
Includes two short sets of stairs and two levels. The entry is between floors. The front door opens to a landing. One short flight of stairs leads up to the top floor; another short flight of stairs leads down. The top floor tends to be full height ceilings with the Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Bedrooms and Bathrooms. The lower floor often has lower ceilings and is partially below ground. However, in many modern split foyer homes the lower level is at grade, which necessitates an outdoor staircase to reach the front door. These homes often also have very high ceilings on the lower level to accommodate the home's HVAC ducting.
Stacked Split Level
The stacked split level has four or five short sets of stairs, and five or more levels. The entry is on a middle floor between two levels. The front door opens into a foyer, and two short sets of stairs typically lead down to a basement and up to some sort of living area (often the kitchen or the living room). The next living area is on top of the foyer (containing either the kitchen or the living room), and another short set of stairs typically leads to at least one bedroom, located on top of the first living area. Often additional bedrooms are 'stacked' on top of the second living area, hence the name 'stacked split level'. This type of construction is typically used for townhouses.
Split Level
The split level has two or three short sets of stairs, and three or four levels. The entry is on a middle floor between two floors. The front door opens directly into what is usually the formal living area. This mid-level floor houses Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, and has a short flight of stairs leading up to bedrooms, and another short flight of stairs leading down to informal living areas and garage.
Split Entry-Foyer
The Split Entry has two or three short sets of stairs, and three or four levels. The entry between floors. The front door opens in a foyer or entry area located in a wing off the main house. From the entry, a short flight of stairs leads up to the top floor and another short flight leads down. Usually resembles a three-level or split-level from the exterior, but is actually a bi-level with an entry wing. In most cases this entry area is part of a garage wing. In others, the entry area might be a separate living room wing.
Raised Ranch
The raised ranch has one full flight of stairs, and two levels. The entry at lower floor. A full flight of stairs, usually near the front door, leads up to the living level. Top floor tends to be full height ceilings with the Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen and Bedrooms. Lower floor often has lower ceilings. Although door is at or nearly at grade, sometimes the back and/or a side of the house is partially below ground. Many have the appearance of a ranch house that has been stretched upward and had the door lowered.
Advantages
The split-level home offers a convenient way to accommodate uneven property during construction. Since the main floor is about halfway above the basement, the house can be built into the side of a slope or soft hill, providing a very efficient use of space.
Moving throughout this type of home can be easier for people with disabilities, since fewer steps are required to go from the bedrooms to the rest of the house when compared with a traditional two-story house.
In an area where the amount of floors is limited by local law, split-level home offers more floors while in the same time adhere to the local law.
Disadvantages
Since the first floor and driveway are at uneven levels, stairs must be built to connect the entrance to the driveway, which can pose safety threats in icy conditions. Also, this type of house tends to include many stairs, which can be a problem for the elderly and others with impaired mobility, children must also be watched more attentively due to the many flights of stairs that they could fall down.
Homes may also be more prone to uneven heating and cooling, but this varies from house to house. The split-level design, however, aggravates the problem.
In contrast to traditional and historic homes, the primary focal point for pedestrians of a split level home tends to be the large garage doors presented to the street, rather than the doorway. Many architects and urbanists have been critical of this element due to its celebration of cars rather than inhabitants.
The garage to the front's resemblance to a snout and bedroom windows to eyes have led to the nickname 'pig houses' in some circles.
Regional Variance in Usage
In some regions such as the Northeastern United States, the term "split level" is used to refer to a bilevel house with a split entry. This style of house is also known as a "split foyer." This is a two-story house that has a small entrance foyer with stairs that "split"—half a flight of stairs go up (usually to the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms) and half a flight of stairs go down (usually to a family room and garage/storage area). This style is very popular in other areas of the country as well.
PS: You can do it and we will help you!
TOP RESIDENTIAL AGENT:LICENSED SINCE 1986
Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Gary Orders, e-Pro, REALTOR®
Certified Internet Marketing Specialist Jenn Morgan, REALTOR®
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
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Please Don't Forget to Show Your Support for Our Troops!
Investing in real estate provides many owners with positive cash flow, tax benefits and the satisfaction of making an impact in others' lives. Like any investment, real estate has market trends that, if ignored, can cause an investor tremendous headaches.
Many first-time investors part with their hard-earned money without taking the time to study their investment. They rely on traditional trends and gut feeling. Before you risk your money, take the time to learn all you can about your market. By aligning yourself with the right professional, you can avoid these twelve common mistakes and ensure an excellent return on your money.
1. Failure to determine your time needs. Money, capital appreciation, tax benefits, loss of management, equity pay down and simple pride of ownership are a few of the things that must be addressed before you make that first investment. A service-minded real estate professional can be a tremendous asset by taking the time to evaluate your needs and make sure you've got all your bases covered.
2. Not checking out the seller or seller's agent's numbers. Claims of extremely high rates of return run rampant in real estate investment. Don't get caught up in a wave of excitement regarding a property. Check every detail - rents, payment history, taxes, expenses, deposits, future modifications - everything regarding the finances of a potential investment. Be certain you are working with a good agent - it's like an insurance policy against overlooking all the seemingly insignificant but very important details.
3. Don't get emotionally attached, it's just business. Owning investment property carries with it a great potential for creating and holding wealth, but you may also be forced to make potentially difficult decisions. Evictions, re-investment into the property, and time management all need careful consideration. Real estate investment is not a "hand's off" type of business - it will require your vigilance.
4. Avoid negative cash flow. Property that eats cash every month can drain your working capital rapidly. This can create stress, frustration and become painful over a period of time. Expecting constant appreciation and positive cash flow may be unrealistic for a novice investor. A strain on your bank account may cause you to sell the investment before the benefits of ownership are ever fully realized.
5. Failure to do a thorough inspection. Look everywhere! Hire a professional inspector. Ask the tenants about pest problems, structural damage or recurring problems and don't overlook anything. A value-driven real estate professional will help you find the right inspector and can help you avoid costly mistakes.
6. Failing to have adequate insurance. Investment properties bring liabilities such as tenants, cars, parking lots, cleaning facilities, property liability - the list can be both extensive and daunting. Adequate insurance coverage is an absolute must. Be sure to consult with an insurance professional to protect your assets.
7. Inspect, approve, and confirm all documents. The list of documents that need to be proofed can be overwhelming to the first-time investor. Building permits, zoning laws, rental and lease applications, health licenses, inspection reports, title policies - the list is long and you can't risk oversights on any of these. The right real estate professional will work with you to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
8. Get a bill of sale for all personal property involved. Many types of personal property (appliances, furniture, draperies, fixtures, etc.) can be involved with an investment sale. Be very detailed and know who owns what.
9. Charge fair rents. Vacancies, turnovers and lease terminators are your biggest expenses. Charge fair rent, treat your tenants with respect and respond quickly to their needs. It's a lot less costly in the long run to take care of the little problems while they are still little rather than waiting. A vacant property doesn't make you money.
10. Select qualified, good tenants from the start. You must take the time to check references. Previous landlords, employers, financial references, credit and judgments are all vitally important. If there are any questions, do a thorough investigation. Drive by their previous residence. A little work up front can save you all sorts of problems later on.
11. Make sure you get estoppel letters. Get letters from the tenants confirming the status of tenancy. Make sure their version of the rental agreement or lease corresponds with the seller's interpretation.
12. Don't spend positive cash flow. Most successful investors have free and clear properties. Be sure to re-invest your positive cash flow back into the property payment and speed up the amortization schedule. This decreases your debt load and increases your equity, which in turn increases your net worth. Investment property can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your financial portfolio. Be sure to be as knowledgeable as possible before risking your money. Do your homework! Consult with a professional real estate agent and protect yourself from the hidden troubles that can plague first-time investors.
13. Choose your agent wisely. Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Choose your agent by asking questions of him or her. Find out how knowledgeable they are about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold. Does your agent work with a good lender that has the reputation of excellent service and low rates to assist you in obtaining financing? Does your agent ask questions of you in order to have a full understanding of what you are looking for and to help you to find the best property for you?
PS: You can do it and we will help you!
TOP RESIDENTIAL AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986
Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR® Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist Gary Orders, e-Pro, REALTOR® Certified Internet Marketing SpecialistJenn Morgan, REALTOR®
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 #1 in AOL, Comcast, Google #1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Please Don't Forget to Show Your Support for Our Troops!