Tuesday, October 18, 2011

This Month in Real Estate (US) October 2011

What are some common mistakes some home buyers make? Watch now to find out.



The Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist - With 25-Years Experience Selling Real Estate and Homes for Sale in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland
Pat Ogle, Gary Orders and Jenn Morgan the AnnapolisHomes4You.com Team Knows Real Estate - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600

Annapolis Real Estate and Relocation in Anne Arundel County, the Eastern Shore, and Surrounding Counties

TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT:  LICENSED SINCE 1986 Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, Internet Marketing Specialist, REALTOR Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Certified Internet Marketing Specialist (e-PRO) Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) Certified Residential Investment Specialist (CRIS) Certified Historic Property Specialists (CHPS) Champion Certified Buyer Representative (CCBR) Member of the Champion Realty Hall of Fame Champion Realty Lifetime Achievement Award Awarded the Realty Alliance National Sales Award (2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2010) Awarded Best-of-the-Best by Champion Realty in Settled Real Estate Transaction Sales Life Time Member of the Distinguished Sales Achievement Club of the Anne Arundel County Board of Realtors (DSAC)
711 Bestgate Road Annapolis, MD 21401 Business:            (410) 224-0660       Toll Free:             (888) 204-0535       Cell Phone:        (443) 569-2736       PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com

Pat Ogle amd Gary Orders are e-PROs - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600
Pat Ogle is a GRI - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600
Pat Ogle is a Life Member of DSAC - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600
Pat Ogle is a CRS - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600



Monday, October 17, 2011

Money-Saving Tips for Your Home

Thinking of saving money, according to the Alliance to Save Energy, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, American consumers and businesses spend some $21 billion annually, on lighting alone, and could cut their costs in half with energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures while improving the environment. Installing efficient lighting in American homes and businesses would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 140 million tons each year--as much as eliminating all the carbon dioxide produced by the state of New Jersey! Isn't that amazing?We found a website (sponsored by the EPA and the DOE) that shows how to save money on energy bills by incorporating their energy efficiency suggestions. It's http://hes.lbl.gov/.

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


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
(800) 847-9990 (O)  410-224-0660 (D)  443.569.2736 (C)
e-Mail
PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit
http://www.annapolishomes4you.com/
Visit
http://www.annapolisrealestatehomesforsale.com/
Visit
http://www.annapolishomesforsale.tv/
Blog
AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

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







Sunday, October 16, 2011

Avoid These Mistakes Of Beginning INVESTORS!

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?

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


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
(800) 847-9990 (O)  410-224-0660 (D)  443.569.2736 (C)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit http://www.annapolishomes4you.com/
visit http://www.annapolisrealestatehomesforsale.com
visit http://annapolishomesforsale.tv
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

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

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Renn Fest


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.
photo courtesy of www.rennfest.com


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

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
(800) 847-9990 (O)  410-224-0660 (D)  443.569.2736 (C)  
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisRealEstateHomesForSale.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomesForSale.tv
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

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

Friday, October 14, 2011

If not for U.S. Marines, I would have completely lost hope in America a long time ago

I got this in an E-Mail and I just have to past it on. It has nothing to do with Real Estate just life.


Police investigate.
 
The 71-year-old retired Marine who opened fire on two robbers at a Plantation Florida sub shop late Wednesday, killing one and critically wounding the other, is described as a former pilot for two presidents.
John Lovell. ``He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he works out every day.'' Lovell was a man of action Wednesday night. According to Plantation police, two masked gunmen came into the Subway at 1949 N. Pine Rd. just after 11 p.m. There was a lone diner Lovell, who was finishing his meal. After robbing the cashier, the two men attempted to shove Lovell into a bathroom and rob him as well. They got his money. But then Lovell pulled his handgun, opened fire, shooting one of the thieves in the head and chest and the other in the head.
When police arrived, they found one of the men in the shop. K-9 units found the other in the bushes of a nearby business. "They also found cash strewn around the front of the sandwich shop" said Detective Robert Rettig of the Plantation Police Department. Both men were taken to Broward General Medical Center, where one, Donicio Arrindell, 22, of North Lauderdale died. The other, 21-year-old Frederick Gadson of Fort Lauderdale is in critical but stable condition.
White, a longtime friend of Lovell, was not surprised to hear what had happened. ''He'd give you the shirt off his back and he'd be mad if someone tried to take the shirt off your back,'' he said. White said Lovell worked as a pilot for the Marines, flying former Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He later worked as a pilot for Pan Am and Delta. Lovell is not married and does not have children.He is not expected to be charged, authorities said. ''He was in fear for his life,'' Rettig said. 

These criminals ought to realize that most men in their 70's have military backgrounds and aren't intimidated by idiots.Something tells me this old Marine wasn't "in fear" even though his life was definitely at risk. He better not be charged, more like rewarded!
The only thing he could be charged with is participating in an unfair fight, one 71 year young Marine against two punks. Two heads and one center body mass shot- good shooting! Even better would have been to double tap them both. Let's hope the scumbag in critical condition kicks.
 
That'll teach them to get between a Marine and his meal.


If not for U.S. Marines, I would have completely lost hope in America a long time ago.
Don't you just love a story with a happy ending?

Semper Fi! Pat

The Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist - With 25-Years Experience Selling Real Estate and Homes for Sale in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland
Pat Ogle, Gary Orders and Jenn Morgan the AnnapolisHomes4You.com Team Knows Real Estate - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600

Annapolis Real Estate and Relocation in Anne Arundel County, the Eastern Shore, and Surrounding Counties

TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT:  LICENSED SINCE 1986
 
Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, 
Internet Marketing Specialist, REALTOR  
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) 
Certified Internet Marketing Specialist (e-PRO) 
Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) 
Certified Residential Investment Specialist (CRIS)  
Certified Historic Property Specialists (CHPS)  
Champion Certified Buyer Representative (CCBR) 
Member of the Champion Realty Hall of Fame  
Champion Realty Lifetime Achievement Award 
Awarded the Realty Alliance  National Sales Award (2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2010) Awarded Best-of-the-Best by Champion Realty in Settled Real Estate Transaction Sales 
Life Time Member of the Distinguished Sales Achievement Club of the Anne Arundel County Board of Realtors (DSAC)
711 Bestgate Road Annapolis, MD 21401 
Business:(410) 224-0660    Toll Free:(888) 204-0535  Cell Phone:(443) 569-2736    

 PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Pat Ogle amd Gary Orders are e-PROs - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600
Pat Ogle is a GRI - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600
Pat Ogle is a Life Member of DSAC - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600
Pat Ogle is a CRS - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600

Thursday, October 13, 2011

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 back in the summer of 2007 in regards to the market back then and the changes all lenders where making. Like today 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. Nothing has changed!  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/

The Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist - With 25-Years Experience Selling Real Estate and Homes for Sale in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland
Pat Ogle, Gary Orders and Jenn Morgan the AnnapolisHomes4You.com Team Knows Real Estate - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600

Annapolis Real Estate and Relocation in Anne Arundel County, the Eastern Shore, and Surrounding Counties

TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT:  LICENSED SINCE 1986
Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, Internet Marketing Specialist, REALTOR Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Certified Internet Marketing Specialist (e-PRO) Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) Certified Residential Investment Specialist (CRIS) Certified Historic Property Specialists (CHPS) Champion Certified Buyer Representative (CCBR) Member of the Champion Realty Hall of Fame Champion Realty Lifetime Achievement Award Awarded the Realty Alliance National Sales Award (2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2010) Awarded Best-of-the-Best by Champion Realty in Settled Real Estate Transaction Sales Life Time Member of the Distinguished Sales Achievement Club of the Anne Arundel County Board of Realtors (DSAC)