REAL ESTATE HOUSING OUTLOOK, December 2009 for Maryland Buyers and Sellers

There is currently 6.0 months of supply available, down dramatically
from the mark of 9.5 months seen at the same time in 2008.
Townhomes have the lowest months supply by far at 3.6 months,
while single-family detached homes and condos have 6.8 months and
6.7 months of supply, respectively.
Sales are up across the board, but the biggest gains in buyer activity
can be found in the lower price ranges.
The challenging conditions that sellers face in the upper price ranges
is evident when looking at how close (or far) they get to their original
asking prices and how long it takes them to sell. Above $1,000,000,
sellers are only getting 89.2 percent of their original prices, and their
homes are taking an average of 175 days to sell. Both numbers are the worst of both price ranges.

We Are BRAC Relocation Specialists
RELOCATING TO ABERDEEN, APG and BRAC RELOCATION SPECIALISTS, REALTORS®, REAL ESTATE AGENTS
Aberdeen is home to the U.S. Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG). The proving ground was established by Act of Congress and came into operation in January 1918. The proving ground occupies more than 72,500 acres in Harford County. More than 7,500 civilians and 5,000 military personnel work at APG. Because of BRAC, Robert McArtor and his Auction and Real Estate Staff have been busy with helping civilians relocate to the Maryland, Harford County, Cecil County, Baltimore Areas. Auctions have become a viable option when purchasing homes in these areas. Maryland HOMES Team with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. is proud to be of service to anyone affected by BRAC. If you are looking for a home in these areas, you can become one of our VIP Buyers are start receiving listings TODAY that match your home buying criteria.
Under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program announced in 2005, Aberdeen will see an influx of people relocating to the area. If you are interested in purchasing your next home through the auction method or simply looking for an Active property on the market. Robert B. McArtor and his team is here to assist you in your relocation needs.
If you are looking for an experienced REALTOR®, Real Estate Agent or Auctioneer serving the Baltimore, Harford County, Baltimore City and Cecil County Area, your search has ended.
Whether you are Relocating to Maryland, Buying a Home, Selling a Home or considering the Auction Method of Marketing your property. Robert McArtor, REALTOR with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. and noted Licensed Auctioneer is here to serve you. Have your questions answered immediately by calling me directly

Harford County Maryland Real Estate Market Updates, November 2009

Harford County Maryland Market Updates
For More Information, Visit www.MarylandHOMESTeam.com
A free research tool from MRIS, Inc.

New Listings - 7.4%
Closed Sales + 4.5%
Pending Sales + 9.2%
Median Sales Price* - 7.1%
Percent of Original List Price Received at Sale*
- 0.8%
Average Days on Market Until Sale
- 1.3%
Single-Family Detached Inventory
- 11.5%
Townhouse-Condo Inventory
- 20.7%

Robert McArtor, Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Buying a Home in Harford County? Click Here!
"$5,000 Additional Savings on Your Home Purchase in Maryland or We Pay You $500"

If you are considering relocating or moving to Harford County Maryland, there is one Real Estate TEAM to choose when you start your search for your dream home. Our extensive knowledge in the Harford County Real Estate Market will benefit you when purchasing your home. We have provided helpful links for you. From this page, you can also start searching for properties that are available. Let us start working for you TODAY! It starts with a simply searching for a home, filling out the email inquiry form and its that simple! One of our Team Members will contact you immediately to begin to work within your schedule to view the homes of your choice in Maryland, Baltimore County, Harford County, Cecil County Relocations

If you are one of the many affected by BRAC and are moving to Aberdeen Proving Ground, MarylandReady.com is a great website with many relocation services. Please Bookmark this page and begin your search for Harford County Homes in Maryland. Serving all communities of Harford County if you are Buying or Selling.

REO Properties vs. Buying Foreclosure Auction Properties, Buyer Protection is the key.

To start with, My name is Robert B. McArtor and I am a Real Estate Auctioneer in Maryland actively selling foreclosed properties through-out the state. I also have a Traditional Sales Team with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. http://www.MarylandHOMESTeam.com/

I have been auctioning properties since 1991 and well on my way to auctioning over $28 Million dollars worth of property in Maryland in 2009 alone. http://www.MDAuctionSales.com/

With that said I have experience in bidding on and buying property at the courthouse steps AND buying REO (Real Estate Owned) or "Bank Owned" properties in Maryland. I have sold my friends REO properties with 100% success and yes…even I purchased a Bank Owned home as my primary residence. I bring with this discussion a lot of experience in both ends of buying and selling bank owned and auction properties. Depending on your perspective and what you are ultimately trying to do with the property, your risks could be very high or very profitable.

AUCTION FORECLOSURE PURCHASE

The auction method of purchasing real estate can be the most profitable yet the most risky venture you can partake in. If you are looking to bid on and purchase a home and use it as your primary residence in Maryland, get yourself armed with all the information you need. Who better to ask than an Auctioneer selling Foreclosed Properties The key to a successful purchase is Due-Diligence. What does that mean? It means Do your homework first! Study the market in the area you are looking to live and know it! You do not want to be caught in a situation of over-bidding on a property.

There are several risk factors you will need to accept. One, The owner may still be living in the home. If this is the case, know that it is your responsibility to obtain possession of the property once you settle on it. This can be done in couple ways. You can offer the owner "Cash-for-Keys"…basically "I'll give you cash once you have removed your personal belongings, kept the appliances in place, didn't strip it of the fixtures and once we walk-through the property, I give you cash…you give me the keys". This can be a win-win for both parties, you get a clean home with minimal damage and the previous owner gets cash for a security deposit on his/her apartment. The amount may vary, I have had 100% success offering cash-for-keys and have paid out as much as $500 to $3,000 to the tenant or previous owner. It's all in how you approach the people. Remember, they are already emotionally spent. Don't make it worse.

1. Be prepared to give the Auctioneer the required deposit as spelled out in the advertisement. Remember, the ad IS the contract. Read it and understand it. If the deposit is $10,000 – You will need that amount in either cash, cashier's check (made payable to yourself then sign it over) in order to bid on the property. This is typically the only qualification the Trustee and Auctioneer require in Maryland. Do not come with a personal check unless your name is Senator so and so……then they will require double! Just kidding. No personal checks unless authorized by the Trustee prior to sale.
   
2. Do not focus on the debt amount owed on the property and assume it's the "starting bid" or "reserve bid" from the bank. Many properties are being offered BELOW the debt amount owed because the bank does not want to take on the added inventory of homes. Depending on location, as-is valuation, condition, etc. the bank may take a 20% to 50% reduction at the courthouse steps. Example, original principle mortgage amount was $100,000 in 2006. The owners made a few payments but fell behind. After penalties and interest, the amount is $109,000. The bank is requiring a $10,000 deposit. In the past, bidders have assumed the deposit is 10% of the banks starting bid or "reserve". This is not true! In many cases the bank will authorized a sale for much less than the amount owed. With this in mind…..bring your deposit and bid! I have sold many homes with only 1 person standing in front of me because bidders were scared of the deposit. Don't be. Experienced Investors know this and NOW you do too.
   
3. Ratification period. In most jurisdictions, it is taking approximately 30 to 90 days for the court to ratify or "ok" the sale. The interest rate published in the ad is what you will be paying on your bid amount from the date of sale to the date of settlement. The owner still has a right to file "exceptions" to the sale so don't assume you will only be paying the interest on 45 days or so. I purchased a property that took 8 months to settle! I was able to get 3 months of it reduced however that is only through the power of negotiating (pat on the back).
   
4. I have found that the sooner you contact the owner after you become the successful bidder on the property the better. Open that line of communication. Let them know you acquired their property through foreclosure and your intention is for a smooth, hassle-free transition..hence..cash-for-keys, etc. Your final option is an eviction but that costs time and money.
   
5. If you are purchasing this home for investment purposes, again, do your homework. Don't venture out on this alone. Find a mentor or someone who has done this before. I can't tell you how many "newbie's" show up at auction excited they are the successful bidders just to find out months later they overbid, did not work out their rehab numbers correctly, did not figure "going in" AND "going out costs", etc. I will not go into the details here but due-diligence is the key. Work closely with a Real Estate Agent who understands the mind-set of an Investor (me) and allow them to advise you on value, rehab, retail value, etc.
   
6. Last but not least, know that you will be paying BOTH sides of the closing costs. Remember, what you are signing is a No-Contingent (Not contingent on appraisal, your ability to obtain financing, home inspection), "As-Is" contract. If you do not settle, you could lose your deposit. I have seen it done many times. Concerning the financing, you need to be cash ready or obtain Hard Money for this purchase. You may have the option to refinance out of the loan later at a much better rate. Forget obtaining a conventional mortgage because you will not be able to conduct a walk-through appraisal. Some investors purchase with a HELOC but why use your own money. Your Bank or Mortgage Broker is there to answer your financing questions…know before you bid or it WILL cost you!
   

REO or BANK OWNED PROPERTIES

I am going to approach this scenario strictly as if you were purchasing a home to be used as your primary residence. Investors also purchase these properties and have done very well with rehabbing and either selling or using as a rental. I just represented a buyer/investor on a 4 bedroom, 2 bath Rancher with a 2 car garage on 1.15 acres for $150,000 in Jarrettsville!! It is being rehabbed now and will be ready for the retail market in March of 2010. My primary residence is a Bank-Owned property in Fallston, Maryland. It was initially purchased for $500,000 in 2005 and was foreclosed on. I purchased a beautiful Brick Colonial with a brand new kitchen – Jenn-Air Double Oven with a Cook-top Stove, In-ground Pool, 3 decks, gazebo, 3.5 baths, 2 car garage, new roof for less than $400,000 and negotiated the bank to pay ALL my closing costs! It can be done but only with an aggressive real estate agent who knows the REO business. I know how the banks think….I know how they operate….. I have bank owned listings.

1. After becoming financially qualified, Search for Bank Owned properties in the area(s) you want to live. How? Find a local agent that knows the REO market. Tell them you want bank owned listings sent to you immediately when they come on the market. Make appointments to see them. Many of the homes you will preview will need some sort of repairs done. Some more than others. Look past this initially. Think of the bigger picture. Ask yourself, "Is it the area I am looking for? Is it the right style of home? Can I work with these repairs needed? Does it work within my budget?" Just figure that every home needs AT LEAST paint and carpet. If you are thinking of other up-dates then evaluate those costs. Your agent may be able to help you estimate those initial costs.
   
2. If you like the home, ask for comparables in the area. You don't want to do the work that is needed and find out your saving $1,000 by buying a bank owned property. Most bank owned homes are listed 20% to 50% of retail based on a 30 day "as-is" sale AND or course….condition. We can help you experience that type of savings and will even guarantee it!
   
3. Before you start your search, make sure you are financially qualified. Let your bank or mortgage broker know what you are looking to do. If you only qualify for an FHA, there are certain things an agent must look for to make sure it will pass the appraisal process. I will not get into the details here only to say get an experience real estate agent to represent you to start the process.
   
4. What I love most about this type of sale for a buyer is that you ARE protected by the contract. Your agent can help protect you with a financing contingencies, appraisal contingency, mold inspection, radon inspection, home inspection, roof inspection, termite inspection, inspecting the inspector inspection (just kidding). Just know THIS….the more contingencies you put in the contract…the more difficult it will be for the bank to accept your offer over someone else's. Again, an experienced agent will help you negotiate your best deal. I know what the banks are looking for!
   
5. It is important that the contract is reviewed carefully. Banks many times will put verbiage in the contract stating they will pay NO closing costs. Then how is it I was able to negotiate the bank to pay ALL my closing costs AND reduce the price of the home by $100,000? Experience. Period. They may also limit the FHA repairs or ANY repairs they will do. Most will not do or allow repairs, just know that before signing the contract and undergo the expenses of hiring a Home Inspector, etc.
   
6. I have found that many times the bank will LIST a property for sale for less than what they would have taken at the courthouse steps. One reason is that most times the bank cannot evaluate the interior condition of the home. Prior to foreclosure they will order what is called a BPO or "Broker Price Opinion". This is basically an in-expensive appraisal. Most of the time it is a "drive-by" appraisal evaluating only the exterior condition. The bank will base their value on the condition, area comparables and whether the market is declining, etc. Once the bank acquires the property, the Real Estate Agent assigned to the property will verify occupancy, provide an Interior BPO for the Bank and prepare it for sale. The BPO will paint a picture for the bank as to the condition of the interior of the home. This is where the rubber meets the road. If the interior condition is poor, the bank, along with the agent must access the damage and place a value to that. I have found that many times the bank will list a property for $20,000 to $30,000 less than what you would have had to bid on auction day to purchase it. WOW! Condition, condition, condition.
   
7. Hiring a Full Time Real Estate Agent is crucial in a successful Bank Owned or REO purchase. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Proposed CHANGE in FHA Guidelines for First Time Home Buyers, ACT NOW!

FHA proposed changes in the future for First Time Home Buyers. If you were thinking of riding the fence for awhile before purchasing your first home in Maryland, you may want to think again. What are the proposed changes?
•• Raising the FHA up front mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP). Currently at 1.75% of the loan amount it can increase to as much as 3% but Congress will have to vote on it. Not too long ago it was 2.25% and we could easily see it return to that level
•• Limiting the amount of seller contributions towards the buyer's closing costs from the current 6% to 3%. Any of you currently closing deals will realize how big this could hurt. The single most difficult obstacle for first time homebuyers is saving for their cash to close, which brings us to...
•• Requiring higher down payment requirements. Although Secretary Donovan states "there are several ways to accomplish this, and so we are currently analyzing various options to determine which is the most effective", it essentially means buyers will need more cash to close.
•• Raising minimum credit score requirements. Currently FHA allows a buyer with the minimum down payment to have a credit score as low as 500. There has not been a reputable lender going that low in quite some time so depending on what score they settle with, this change may not even be felt in the marketplace. The market norm right now is 620.
When could this change take place?
HUD/FHA is expected to begin formally proposing these changes as early as January, 2010. The most time consuming of the changes will likely be increasing the UFMIP since it will require congressional action. It should be noted, however, that by increasing the UFMIP to the maximum allowable levels it would increase the cost of getting an FHA loan by $1,250 per $100,000 borrowed. To sum it up, if you are planning to buy a home in the near future, the faster you move the better off you will be. If you are interested in purchasing your first home in Maryland, Baltimore, Harford or Cecil County, START YOUR SEARCH NOW! We have the most up-to-date Bank Owned Foreclosed Property List in Maryland. Contact our Team Now!

Earn $500 or More with your Referrals for Homewoners Selling or Buying Real Estate in Baltimore, Harford County

Your Referrals Can Earn You $500 (or more)!

We need your help because your referrals are the lifeblood of our business. Only through YOUR assistance can we keep building the business and consistently provide the level of service that ensures my clients are always completely satisified. We sincerely hope you will tell your friends, family, neighbours and co-workers about our services of Selling and representing buyers looking to buy a home in Maryland. You'll be doing them (and us) a favor because they too will receive the same excellent service that you have experienced with our homeselling team.

TO THANK YOU for your continued support we will send you a Commission Savings Certificate, which reduces our commission by $500.00 on your next move, (one for each referral who becomes a client of our services). IMPORTANT: Even if you have no plans to move and personally are unable to take advantage of this offer, you can pass your Commission Savings Certificate along to a friend or family member or someone who can benefit from the savings.

If you know someone who is thinking of selling or buying a home in Maryland, Baltimore, Harford County and surrounding areas, please visit our website and fill out our on-line form.

Holiday Season Safety Tips

Holiday Season Safety Tips

If you're traveling
• Get an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway occasionally.
• Don't forget to stop the mail and newspaper while you are gone.
If you're out for the evening

• Leave some lights on and maybe even a radio or television.
• Be sure to lock all windows and doors.
• Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.
If you're shopping
• Stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you.
• Park in a well-lighted place. Lock your car doors and store valuables and packages in the trunk or out of sight.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay by check or with credit cards when possible.
• Carry your purse close to your body and put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• If shopping with children, teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

NEWS! Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended - Home Buyers in Baltimore, Harford, Cecil County - Top Realtor in Maryland

I am sure that most of you have been monitoring the status of the "Homebuyer Tax Credit" in Maryland, but if you haven't, this is what we know:

Homebuyer Tax Credit for Maryland Home Buyers has not only been extended, but it has also been expanded to include current homeowners in Baltimore City. The following are features of the new bill:

• Deadline for current credit is November 30, 2009.

• Deadline for new and improved credit is April 30, 2010, as long as the home in Maryland, Baltimore, Harford County and surrounding counties are under contract by that date; deal must close within 60 days.

• Eligibility and amount of new credit: - $8,000 for first-time homebuyers in Maryland (those who have not owned a home in Maryland in the last three years). - Up to $6,500 credit for homeowners who have lived in the home they are selling, or have sold, as a principal residence for five consecutive years in the past eight.

• Buyers in Maryland with income exceeding $125,000 for single and $225,000 for married couples are not eligible.

• Homes in Maryland valued at more than $800,000 are also ineligible.

This is exciting news for first time and current homeowners that are looking to purchase a property in Baltimore, Harford County and Surrounding Counties in Maryland.

You can become a VIP Buyer and Beat Other Buyers to Hot New Listings in Maryland, Baltimore, Harford County, Cecil County Homes. How To Receive Daily Emails or Printouts of ALL New Listings That Match Your Home Buying Criteria Sent to You FREE of Charge Without Obligation

Here's how it works...

We mail/e-mail you new listings (complete with pictures) of ALL MLS properties that match your home buying criteria.

Our exclusive Buyer Profile System allows you to pick which homes in Baltimore City you want to view before other buyers even know about them. As a VIP buyer in Baltimore City:

You get weekly updates of all new home listings that match your criteria FREE of charge. You get first pick of homes that interest you and the ability to beat other buyers to an offer.

Because you're there first, before most other buyers, we are able to negotiate the lowest possible price for you saving you even more money including the possiblity of the Tax Credit. Most importantly your time isn't wasted viewing homes that don't interest you.

It's easy to get started...Just click here

START RECEIVING FORECLOSURE LISTS IN BALTIMORE CITY NOW!

"HI! My Name is Robert McArtor, Not only do I AUCTION Foreclosed properties, I also have the information YOU NEED to buy Foreclosed Properties in Maryland! The Home I LIVE IN was a BANK-OWNED PROPERTY! I purchased it for $100,000 Less than what was owed and YOU CAN BUY ONE TOO!"

"With Robert by my side...I purchased a 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath home on 1.15 Acres for just $140,000! We followed Robert's advice and saved well over $100,000 with our purchase!" Charles P. - Harford County

"Thanks Rob, we never thought we could have done it! 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 2 car garage in a cul-de-sac and saved over $100,000. With your advice we acted fast...I still can't believe I have my own garage"! M.K. - Harford County

I will email you FORECLOSED PROPERTIES the MOMENT THEY COME ON THE MARKET....FREE! Simply Fill-Out the Form Below and I will start sending you the lists TODAY! There are many fixer-upper homes in Maryland to choose. We have the knowledge and experience you need when deciding on the BEST DEAL!

HOME SEARCH NOW! Find your home in Maryland, Harford, Baltimore County and City, Realtors and Agents selling Homes

If you are considering relocating or moving to Maryland, there is one Real Estate TEAM to choose when you start your search for your dream home. Our extensive knowledge in the Maryland Real Estate Market will benefit you when purchasing your home. We have provided helpful links for you. From this page, you can also start searching for properties that are available. Let us start working for you TODAY! It starts with a simply searching for a home, filling out the email inquiry form and its that simple! One of our Team Members will contact you immediately to begin to work within your schedule to view the homes of your choice in Maryland, Baltimore County, Harford County, Cecil County Relocations

Ten Facts about the $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Ten Facts about the First-Time Homebuyer Credit

Many taxpayers who purchase a home in Maryland this year will qualify for an $8,000 federal tax credit. The refundable first-time homebuyer credit is a major tax provision in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. But time is running out to qualify for this credit.

Here are ten things the IRS wants you to know about the first-time homebuyer credit:

1. To be considered a first-time homebuyer, you – and your spouse if you are married – must not have jointly or separately owned another principal residence during the three years prior to the date of purchase.

2. You cannot claim the credit before there is a completed sale and purchase of the residence. The sale and purchase are generally completed at the time of closing on the purchase.

3. To qualify for the credit, the completed purchase must occur before December 1, 2009.

4. The home must be located in the United States.

5. The credit is either 10 percent of the purchase price of the home or $8,000, whichever is less.

6. The amount of the credit begins to phase out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is more than $75,000 or $150,000 for joint filers.

7. The credit is fully refundable. A homebuyer with no taxable income, who qualifies for the credit, may file for the sole purpose of claiming the credit and receive a refund. The credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax owed.

8. The credit is claimed on IRS Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyers Credit.

9. Taxpayers can claim the credit for a qualified 2009 purchase on either their 2008 or 2009 tax return. For those who have filed a 2008 return, a Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return can be filed in order to get a refund in 2009.

10. The credit for qualified 2009 purchases does not have to be repaid, as long as the home remains your main home for 36 months after the purchase date.

Qualified taxpayers who have been considering a main home purchase may find extra incentive from this tax credit to buy now so they can complete the purchase before the December 1 deadline.

 

 

For more information on this and other key tax provisions of the Recovery Act visit the official IRS Website at IRS.gov/Recovery.

Links:
First-Time Homebuyer Credit
YouTube Video - First-Time Homebuyer: English Spanish ASL
Audio File for Podcast - First-Time Homebuyer Credit 2009: English Spanish
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Information Center
Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit (PDF)
Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF)

2009-2010 School Bus Route Schedule Harford County Maryland

2009-10 SCHOOL BUS SCHEDULES AND ROUTES
Since routes are based on estimated fall enrollments, school officials remind parents and students to expect minor adjustments in bus loads and schedules during the first week of school in order to alleviate any overcrowded buses.
Students attending Harford Technical High School, Daytime Alternative Education, Science/Math Academy at Aberdeen High School, and International Baccalaureate at Edgewood High School will be contacted by postcard with their bus information. Science/Math Academy at Aberdeen High School students living in the Aberdeen High attendance area will ride the Aberdeen High School bus that provides service to their neighborhood (Please see Aberdeen High School bus routes). International Baccalaureate at Edgewood High School students living in the Edgewood High attendance area will ride the Edgewood High School bus that provides service to their neighborhood (Please see Edgewood High School bus routes). John Archer School and any elementary pre-school programs will be contacted by their bus driver, as will all other students riding a special needs bus, both in county and out-of-county.
Bus routes are planned so that a maximum number of children are picked up and discharged at the nearest stop to their home. Generally, bus stops are located at least one-fourth mile apart. The bus drivers will inform the children of the designated stops during the first few days of school.
The a.m. time for each bus is the estimated time of the first stop the bus will make on its morning run. This time may vary several minutes during the first few days of school until each driver is able to establish a definitive schedule. Students should plan to be at the bus stop at least five (5) minutes before the scheduled pick up time. Students attending Magnet Programs (Harford Technical High School, Daytime Alternative Education, Science/Math Academy at Aberdeen High School, International Baccalaureate at Edgewood High School) should plan to be at the bus stop at least ten (10) minutes before the scheduled pick up time. Children who plan to use bus transportation are encouraged to ride the bus beginning the first day of school to facilitate the establishment of the time schedule and the bus load.
The p.m. return time to home for each bus may be longer at the beginning of the school year to accommodate students adjusting to new school settings. Once the schedule has been established, there will be a normal drop off time for each student.
The pupil transportation rules will be distributed to each pupil on the first day of school and discussed in class. Parents are urged to review the rules with their children which can be found at the Harford County Public School Website as well as the School Calendar/Handbook.

Baltimore Maryland Trends in Housing Report, 2009

The Baltimore market showed signs of renewal in the 2nd quarter of 2009. Prices showed slight growth from the previous quarter, and homes spent less time on market than in the 1st quarter. However, the Baltimore market is still weaker than a year ago; Baltimore’s housing market may be in the very early phases of a recovery. Baltimore City showed the most improvement: prices rose 5.4% in the 2nd quarter of 2009 from the previous quarter. However, Baltimore City showed the steepest yearly declines; prices in the 2nd quarter were 20.0%
lower than a year ago. The city’s low average sales price of $160,891 contributes to volatility in percentage changes. In the Northern suburbs, prices rose 3.0% from the previous quarter but were down 8.4% from one year ago. The average sales price in the Northern suburbs for the 2nd quarter is $276,067.
The Southern suburbs posted the region’s only price decline in the 2nd quarter. Prices were down 2.0% from the 1st quarter of 2009; they were down 12.2% from one year ago. The average sales price in the Southern suburbs
in the 2nd quarter is $366,873. As a whole, Baltimore metro prices were up 1.6% from 1st quarter 2009 but down 11.3% from one year earlier. The ratio of inventory to sales declined 4.0 months to 7.9 months at June 2009, indicating that buyer interest is helping work through excess inventory. Annualized, unit
sales volume through the 1st half of 2009 is 88.9% of the 2008 total volume.

Information Provided by: MRIS Trends in Housing Report,
Sources: Associated Press, Boston.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, CNNMoney.com, Commerce Department, CoStar, Delta Associates, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Stephen Fuller and John McClain at GMU’s Center for Regional Analysis, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Federal Reserve, Freddie Mac, Home Builders of Maryland, Mortgage Bankers Association, MRIS, NAHB, NAR, New Geography, The New York Times, Primary Mortgage Market Survey®, RealtyTrac, Reuters, Shopping Center Directory, Treasury Department, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Business Journal, The Washington Post, WBAL-TV.

SELLING YOUR TOWNHOUSE in HARFORD COUNTY, Sales History in 2009

Townhomes or otherwise call Townhouses in Harford County have had a recent surge of strong sales. The reason is that they appeal mostly to the first time home buyer. With the recent $8,000 tax credit in place, this has become a significant difference in deciding whether its the right time to buy a home. Search for ALL Townhomes in Harford County from ALL Real Estate Brokers.

As of today, there are currently 388 Towhouses for sale in the Harford County Maryland area. The lowest priced townhome is $50,000, the highest listed at $686,000 with the average listing price of $239,039. The average days on the market is 113. Buyers looking to purchase a townhome will find it very easy when submitting your information through our VIP Buyer Program. If you are looking for a Real Estate Agent to show you one of these townhouses, we are one phone call away.

Within the past 60 days 87 Townhomes have SOLD in the Harford County Area. The lowest price was $49,900 with the highest price at $599,995. The average sales price for a townhouse was $212,550 with an average seller subsidy of $4,216.00. The average days on the market was 82. This information is crucial if you are looking to Sell your Townhome in Harford County Maryland. Regardless if you have your property in Bel Air, Forest Hill, Churchville or Edgewood, our team of agents are here to service you.

Some of the areas you can start looking for townhouses are Monmouth Meadows, Greenbrier Hills, Amyclae Estates, Rosefields, Irwins Choice, Greenway Farm, Box Hill South and others.