The Long and Foster Companies appoints Stevens President, News Release Maryland

THE LONG & FOSTER® COMPANIES
APPOINTS STEVENS PRESIDENT

Chantilly, VA (October 23, 2008 )-- P. Wesley Foster, Jr., Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Long & Foster® Companies, today announced the appointment of David H. Stevens, 51, as President and Chief Operating Officer of The Long & Foster Companies, comprised of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., the largest and most-respected privately-owned real estate company in America, Prosperity Mortgage Company, Long & Foster Insurance Agency, Inc., and Long & Foster Settlement Services. Stevens had been President of Long & Foster’s Affiliated Businesses--mortgage, title, and insurance--since joining the firm in July of 2006.

According to Foster, “The appointment of Dave Stevens to be President of The Long & Foster Companies is designed to ensure the continued viability of our well-managed and financially stable company during these difficult economic times. Dave has the financial background and strategic thinking necessary to lead Long & Foster forward into the new reality imposed upon our industry by the nationwide liquidity and credit crisis. He will be a strong leader who will guide the company towards solutions and work for the best interests of our customers, our agents, and our employees,” Foster added.

Long & Foster Appoints Stevens President

Prior to joining The Long & Foster Companies, Stevens was Executive Vice President and National Wholesale Manager responsible for all sales, operations, and finance at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of the single family business at Freddie Mac where he was responsible for all sales and marketing, affordable lending, product development, loan prospector, and communications for the firm. At Freddie Mac, he managed all activities related to sales, market share, customer management, and business strategy. Stevens began his career at World Savings Bank where, after 16 years of increasing responsibility, he was promoted to Group Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager for its mortgage division.

Stevens was the founding executive sponsor of the Women’s Mortgage Industry Network, and he coordinated the first Latino joint venture initiative between Freddie Mac and Latino mortgage industry leaders. He is on the Board of Directors of RESPRO.

Stevens is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder. He resides in Oakton, Virginia, with his wife, Mary, and four children.

Brenda Shipplett, President of The Long & Foster Companies since 2004, has chosen to return to regional management of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

About The Long & Foster® Companies
The Long & Foster® Companies is the largest privately-owned real estate firm in America with more than 230 residential real estate sales offices throughout Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, and North Carolina, and more than 14,000 sales associates, 2,000 employees, and annual real estate sales volume for 2007 of $35.4 billion on 95,871 transaction sides. Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., the real estate sales arm for the firm, as well as Prosperity Mortgage® Company, Long & Foster Insurance agency, Inc., and Long & Foster Settlement Services, are all part of The Long & Foster Companies. 2007 sales and sales equivalents for all the Long & Foster Companies totaled $61 billion worth of homes, mortgages, insurance, title insurance, and settlement services.

For all your real estate and Auction needs in Maryland, contact Robert B. McArtor with Advantage Real Estate Auction Sales, LLC.

NEW Financing Programs for Home Buyers in Maryland

American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) FUNDS AREA NOW AVAILABLE EVEN IN THIS SLOW MARKET! GET STARTED NOW!
The American Dream Downpayment Initiative is a first time home buyer assistance program that encourages home ownership for lower income and minority households in Maryland. If you are a first time home buyer in Baltimore, Harford County or anywhere in Maryland and you are struggling to come up with a downpayment, enough money for closing costs or money to make improvements to your house, the ADDI program maybe a solution.

What are the benefits?
$10,000 downpayment and closing assistance structured as a 5-year loan , forgivable 20 percent per year.

What are the restrictions?
Buyer must contribute at least $1,000 towards purchase of your home in Maryland and must use the property as their primary residence. The buyer must secure an HQS (Housing Quality Standard) Home Inspection on the property. The home must be free of any flaking, peeling, or chipping paint surfaces. Closing on the property must occur within 90 days of the contract date. Loan is forgivable over 5 years.

America Dream Downpayment Initiative 2008 Income Limits:
1 persons $43,0502
2 persons $49,2003
3 persons $55,3504
4 persons $61,5005
5 persons $66,4006
6 persons $71,3507
7 persons $76,2508
8 persons $81,200

CDA Loan Program (Community Development Administration)The CDA loan program has a large variety of loan products that offer first time home buyers below market mortgage interest rates and flexible home loans. The CDA current has six low-interest rate mortgage programs:
Interest Rate Points APR
6.375% 3-point Mortgage 6.771%
6.500% 2-point Mortgage 6.797%
6.625% 1-point Mortgage 6.824%
6.750% 0-point Mortgage 6.851%
7.250% 2% Closing Grant (0 points) 7.155%
7.500% 3% Closing Grant (0 point) 7.305%

The rates are frequently reviewed and subject to change. CLICK HERE and start your loan application now or simply call Robert B. McArtor today! 410-879-0622
equal housing opportunity.

HARFORD COUNTY SHERIFF's OFFICE TO AUCTION UNCLAIMED PROPERTY in FOREST HILL, 21050

THIS AUCTION HAS BEEN CANCELED FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON

Harford County Sheriff's Office is planning to sell a large collection of unclaimed property in Forest Hill Maryland, 21050.

Some of the items will include Diamond Rings of various sizes, a selection of flatware, silver coins of various years and many collectibles. Other items include scooters, tools, electronics, laptop computers and much more.

The Public Auction is scheduled for July 26th. at 10 A.M. at the Forest Hill Industrial Park in Forest Hill, Maryland. The property will be sold by Jay Edwards.

TOP AUCTIONEERS and AUCTIONS in HARFORD COUNTY

TOP Harford County Maryland Real Estate Auctioneers and Auctions, Homes for Sale, Realtors and Real Estate Agents. Go Now To http://www.harfordadvantage.com/ or Call Robert B. McArtor today at 410-879-0622.

Harford County real estate agents in Maryland, Find and Search for Harford County homes for sale, and Harford home values in Harford County. Get access to Harford County real estate listings on our website, including the MLS and Homes Database, We are Harford County REALTORS. Find new homes and foreclosures, investment properties with Maryland HOMES Team and Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. Our real estate services feature all Harford County and Maryland cities and suburbs. We can help you Find Harford County school district information, including elementary, middle and high schools. We also have information on Harford County home selling, home buying and mortgages, movers and other realty services for anyone looking to sell a home or buy a home in Harford County Maryland. Become a VIP Buyer and start receiving HOT NEW LISTINGS that match your home buying criteria. Start searching for Homes in Harford County today!

Maryland HOMES Team provides Harford County, Maryland real estate information and resources to guide homeowners and homebuyers through the process of selling and buying a house, condo, town home, land or other Harford County realty property. Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. has services to help you find a Top Harford County real estate broker or agent, get the value of your Harford County home and a comparative market analysis (CMA), view Harford County real estate and MLS listings, prepare and stage your home for sale, and lots more. Our real estate library of valuable information located at www.VIP.MarylandsHomeTeam.com which contains articles to help anyone selling a home or buying a home learn more about Harford County realty services, and how to choose a work with Robert B. McArtor, your Harford County REALTOR. Through our Team Members, we also provide real estate and financial services to our clients looking for houses for sale or selling their home in Harford County, MD, such as mortgages, credit history, new homes, foreclosures and other services. If you plan to do for sale by owner (FSBO), with Robert B. McArtor, you are connected to Harford County real estate companies, agencies and resources to sell or buy a home. Whether you say REALTOR®, reality, realety, realty, real estate or realestate, Maryland HOMES Team will speak your language. Contact us Toll Free at 1-877-421-SOLD or Robert McArtor directly at 443-392-4833. Robert B. McArtor is also available for BPO’s and REO listings in the Baltimore Metro, Baltimore County, Cecil County areas

ABOUT HARFORD COUNTY MARYLAND

One of the interesting things I have found as a Real Estate Agent, REALTOR and Auctioneer in Harford County is finding out is was formed in 1773 by the splitting of Baltimore County. There are many homes and places of interest as you travel through this quiet county. One home you will find of interest is Tudor Hall which is the birthplace of John Wilkes Booth who was assassinated by Abraham Lincoln in the year of 1865. This home was the site of a notorious Real Estate Auction that brought national attention to Harford County. It also hosted the signers of the Bush Declaration. This was the precursor document to the American Revolution. As you search for Homes in Harford County, notice the vast rural countryside that is just minutes from suburban amenities and I-95.
Did you know that Harford County was named after Henry Harford. He was the illegitimate son of Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore. Henry Harford was the last Proprietary Governor of Maryland, but did not inherit his father's title because of his illegitimacy.
Another favorite town of mine is Havre de Grace, a beautiful city in Harford County. This small city was once under consideration to be the capital of the United States rather than Washington, D.C.. It was favored for it location on the Chesapeake Bay. The waterways around Harford County are beautiful and compliments the wonderful homes you will find here. If you are looking for your next home in Harford County or looking to list or auction your home in Harford County. Advantage Real Estate Auction Sales is here to serve you in the up-most professional manner. Robert B. McArtor is also a Licensed REALTOR with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact him at 443-392-4833 or through his website, http://www.MarylandHOMESTeam.com/

MARYLAND NON-RESIDENT SELLER WITHHOLDING TAX, REAL ESTATE

CHANGES TO THE MARYLAND NON-RESIDENT SELLER WITHHOLDING TAX, REAL ESTATE
Please note upcoming changes to the Maryland Non-Resident Seller Withholding Tax and the Prince George's County Recordation Tax rates for 2008
Maryland Tax Rate Changes
The Maryland Non-Resident Withholding Tax Rate will increase from 6.75% to 7.5% for individuals. The new rate is effective with settlements taking place on or after July 1st. (The 8.25% rate for entities remains unchanged.)
Additionally, the Prince George's County Recordation Tax will increase from $4.40 per $1,000 of sales price to $5.00 per $1,000 effective with settlements taking place on or after July 5th. 2008
Information provided by Robert B. McArtor, REALTOR® with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. and a Licensed Real Estate Auctioneer owner of Advantage Real Estate Auction Sales, Inc. in Maryland serving all counties including Harford, Baltimore and Cecil County, City. If you are relocating to Maryland contact us today! 410-879-0622.

REALTORS® are taking a second look at the Auction Method

REALTORS® are taking a second look at the Auction Method

Robert B. McArtor, REALTOR® with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. and Noted Real Estate Auctioneer in Maryland has been working with and educating Real Estate Agents on the Auction Method of Marketing since 1991. “It was tough in the beginning”, Robert explains the early days, “Why would an agent want to turn a client over to an Auctioneer? Don’t they just sell antiques, cars and furniture?”.

According to the National Association of Auctioneers, Residential real estate auctions continue to be one of the fastest growing segments of the live auction industry with an estimated growth of 3.1% since the end of the second quarter. Total real estate revenues for 2006 include: Residential Real Estate ($16.0 billion), Commercial/Industrial ($15.0 billion), and Land/Agricultural ($25.3 billion).

Now with a changing market, Auctions have become a popular method among aggressive sellers to sell their property. “This is certainly a win-win situation for everyone involved……Sellers need to sell their house, Agents want a commission, the Auctioneer utilizes the Auction Method to market the property and the entire process ends at the settlement table in less than 60 days.”

Robert McArtor has been Auctioning Real Estate since he was 21 years old. Now, at the age of 37, he is celebrating 16 years in the business and recently realized over $25 Million in sales in 2007 alone. “Between foreclosure auctions, home owner ordered sales, this has been a very busy year………we are expecting to see a tremendous rise in auctions through-out the Baltimore-Metro area.” Mr. McArtor says that more and more Sellers are frustrated with the lack of Buyers in the market place and are looking for a quick sale. With the Auction Method, the Seller can sell their home in “As-Is” condition with a non-contingent contract, eliminate high carrying costs and settle in as little as 30 days. “I love explaining the Auction Method to Realtors®. Once they have the knowledge, it’s simply a matter of suggesting an Auction to a qualified client”. Robert goes on to say, “The fact that I am also a REALTOR® and subscribe to a Strict Code of Ethics makes the Real Estate Practitioner and Client feel comfortable…..this is just an additional marketing tool the agent can use and get PAID to use it!”

Robert B. McArtor can be reached through his website, http://www.mdauctionsales.com/ or Directly at

Real Estate Auctions for REO Managers

Baltimore, MD. - Advantage Real Estate Auction Sales, LLC. a local real estate auction firm based in Maryland is pleased to announce its involvement with local Loss Mitigation, and REO asset managers to assist them with liquidating under-productive inventory.
Our full service marketing team understands the needs of REO managers. Their portfolios are filled with assets that are not offering a return for their investors and shareholders alike. They find that holding costs are high and expenses can be unbearable to incur.If you are an REO manager and would like to see Advantage Real Estate Auctions work for you in liquidating your unsold properties. Our staff is here to assist you. With over $7 Million in Auction Sales in 2007, we are the Advantage Auction Company of Choice in Maryland. "We are able to bring multiple buyers together and bid in a competitive environment to insure our clients a speedy, economical solution to their inventory without the towering costs and charges from national auction companies that may not have knowledge of the local market" Says Robert B. McArtor, Founder of Advantage Real Estate Auction Sales, LLC. Robert B. McArtor, Managing Member and Founder of Advantage Real Estate Auction Sales, LLC. has extensive experience working with banks and institutions in converting nonperforming assets into cash. He is a licensed Auctioneer in Maryland and Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. Robert McArtor currently has affiliates in all 50 States.For more information, contact Robert B. McArtor at 410-879-0622, or by visiting the Advantage Team on the web at http://www.harfordadvantage.com/

Demographics for Bel Air, Maryland Harford County

Robert B. McArtor, REALTOR/ Auctioneer, is recognized in the area as one of the leading authorities on Buying, Selling Traditionally and Auctioning Real Estate. For more information, please visit Maryland HOMES Team.

Demographics - Bel Air, Maryland 21014
Neighborhood type - Suburban - Harford County
Population - 35,701
Pop. density - 2,628.9
Percent male - 48.5%
Percent female - 51.6%
Median age - 36.3
People per household - 2.6
Median household income - $67,944
Average income per capita - $29,550

Housing - Bel Air, Md. 21014
Median home value - $293,300
Median age of homes - 20.0
Home appreciation - 18.5%
Homes - owned - 76.8%
Homes - rented - 19.9%
Homes - vacant - 3.3%
Commuting by bus - 1.0%
Commuting by carpool - 8.4%
Commuting by auto - 85.8%
Working at home - 3.4%

Family Facts - Bel Air, Md. 21014
Currently married - 60.7%
Never married - 20.5%
Divorced - 7.3%
Widowed - 6.6%
Separated - 4.9%
Married - w/ children - 32.9%
Married - no children - 29.8%
Single - w/ children - 6.5%
Single - no children - 30.8%

Why Buy or Sell Using the Auction Method in Maryland?

Buying or Selling by Auction in Maryland, Baltimore City & County, Harford County, Cecil County Areas

1 - Competitive Marketplace The auction method of marketing creates a form of competition that cannot be duplicated by private treaty. Each bid reinforces the market value of the property. This affirmation of value encourages other participants to continue bidding. Within all of us is a tremendous need to win. In a traditional real estate sale the buyer satisfies this need by negotiating the seller down. In an auction the buyer can only win if he outbids all other bidders.The auction brings all interested parties into one place at the same time for a single purpose - to determine who will pay the most for the property. All interested parties are "forced" to make a decision. Getting an interested person to act is the most difficult thing for a private treaty broker to do.

2 - ControlThe terms of the auction are established by the seller. All buyers are bidding based on a common set of terms and conditions. The seller stays in the driver's seat throughout the process.

3 - Immediate Results When the sale is over we will provide to you a signed purchase contract with a deposit check. After the contract is completed, the sale will be closed in about 45 days. The principle of time value of money suggests that a dollar received today is worth more than the same dollar to be received at a later date. The traditional method of private treaty sales has little ability to capitalize on this principle. While real estate may never be as liquid as stocks or securities, the auction method increases your liquidity significantly. The auction will reduce your cost on two fronts. First, the holding cost of the property is eliminated. The auction will terminate expenditures such as: interest, taxes, and maintenance. Second, there is the cost of lost opportunities. Consider what investments might be lost while your equity is tied up in unproductive properties.Let your equity work for you!

4 - PromotionThis is one of the strongest advantages of our auction method - the promotion of your property.It is inconceivable to believe that anyone would attempt to sell a product such as a house or other real estate without properly advertising it. However, real estate agents find it difficult to do a proper job of advertising simply because the funds are not available. No one knows when or if the property will sell; therefore, it is difficult to risk a large expenditure on advertising. With an auction, we can effectively determine when the property will sell; therefore, the owner can afford to attribute a certain amount of that sales price to advertising. By using signs, print media, electronic media, the internet and a direct mail campaign we can perform a media blitz that will reach all the prospective buyers.We can put more people across your front door in two weeks time than you would otherwise see in two years!

5 - ExcitementExcitement and motivation are used to the fullest with a public auction. Professionally trained ringmen apply continuous motivational pressure to the buyers to gain every dollar possible. This sense of excitement works to create the psychology of impending sale, which is so critical to the success of your auction.It is the interaction of these five areas, which make Advantage Real Estate Auction Sales, LLC. today's most successful methods of marketing.

Call Robert B. McArtor, REALTOR / Auctioneer, for more information 1-877-421-SOLD or Cell 443-392-4833 - Estates, Residential, REO Auctions, Commercial, Trustees.