ANNAPOLIS MARYLAND REAL ESTATE
SERVING ANNE ARUNDEL, CALVERT, NORTHERN PRINCE GEORGE AND WESTERN QUEEN ANNE COUNTIES INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING CITIES: Annapolis, Arnold, Bowie, Chesapeake Beach, Chester, Crofton, Crownsville, Davidsonville, Deale, Dunkirk, Eastport, Edgewater, Galesville, Gambrills, Harwood, Huntingtown, Lothian, Mayo, Millersville, Odenton, Pasadena, Prince Frederick, Queenstown, Riva, Severn, Severna Park, Shady Side, Stevensville, Upper Marlboro




So where did you say I could find that house?
Martha Brown CRS GRI Realtor®
Nichole Brady Realtor®

2191 Defense Highway
Suite 120
Crofton, MD 21114
(410) 440-7839 Direct Martha
(410) 721-1500 x5020 Direct Nichole
(410) 721-1500 Office
(410) 721-1863 Fax
martha@lnf.com
nichole.brady@longandfoster.com

If you have been thinking that this is just not the best time to be buying or selling real estate read on.


Market Conditions
Remember the old adage, buy low and sell high? Well this is the market to do just that. After 5 years of astronomical home price increases, prices have leveled off and even dropped upwards of 20%. This drop has been swift, unlike the slow bleed of price decreases experienced in the late 80's after the last market upswing. This is good because it shows that the market is working hard to re-adjust and the decline will be shorter over the long haul which means you will start building equity sooner.
Inventory
Two years ago there was very little to choose from. Buyers were fighting over what few properties were available and putting in offers higher than asking price. Insane? Yes it was. Today's market offers many great choices and bidding wars have ceased to exist. Now you have a choice and a voice in what is best for you.
Inspections
Buying a home without the necessary inspections is never a good idea. In today's market inspections are expected and gladly so. You work hard for your money so it just doesn't make sense to buy something when that something has problems.
Mortgage Money
The 'funny money' has gone by the wayside and purchases made today are done so on sound financial footing. That always is a good feeling when you are investing in something as important as the roof over your head.
Need More Money to Buy
That is true. Gone for the most part are the 100% finance options and yes,lenders are requiring more of your hard earned money to be a part of the transaction. But Sellers are stepping up to the plate and offering to pay some or all of your closing costs which is a big help and one to take advantage of.
But Prices May Go Lower
and interest rates may go higher and the higher governmnet loan standards may disappear and taxes may rise and.... If only we had a crystal ball that could forsee the future. Investing in your home is an investment in your future and now is always a good time to start. Like a 401k, the earlier you start the bigger the return.

But I am a Seller you say. How is selling now such a good thing for me?

Market Conditions
If you bought your home before the last upswing you are still reaping the benefits. A 'normal' yearly market appreciation is 5%. You reaped the benefits of a 20-30% yearly appreciation for over 5 years.
Inventory
Ahh yes, you do have competition now and in some markets more than others. Days on market will be longer as there is more to choose from and there will be no bidding wars over your home. Welcome to a 'normal' market. That's where working with the right Realtor® will get you through to the other end.
Home and other Inspections
They are back and that is a very good thing for you. You can move without having to look over your shoulder as to whether your Buyer is going to come after you for something they found wrong with the house sometime after the sale.
Mortgage Money
Is above board so you know that when you receive an offer from a Buyer they ARE certainly qualified to purchase.
But I am Selling Because
If you are selling because you want to downsize or move up or move away then you will be getting the same rewards on your new purchase that Buyers are getting on your sale. If you are selling because you NEED to get out from under for whatever reason then it is imperative that you work with a Realtor® who can help you do so.
But It Will Cost Me More
You could wait until the next market upswing but they are few and far between. Historically a 'normal' market is a Buyers Market and they out number a Sellers market 4-1. Are you willing to put your life on hold for that long?


Ok, so you have decided that selling is not what you want or need to do, that you are happy where you are. Great! How about expanding your real estate portfolio by investing in some rental properties or even a second home? The same buying opportunities are out there for you so why not take advantage of the Buyers Market yourself?


Whether Buying or Selling we are here to help you make good, sound buying and selling decisions no matter what kind of market we are experiencing. After all we have been around awhile, 16 years to be exact, and we are still going strong when many agents have thrown in the towel.

And Oh By The Way
We appreciate you being here and hope you take the time to click through some of the links provided on the left. If we can help you in any way please feel free to contact us as we are never too busy to answer any of your questions, to walk you through the home buying or selling process or to bring you up to speed on today's real estate market and how it could benefit you.




Martha Brown CRS GRI Realtor®
Nichole Brady Realtor®