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.

NEW RURAL MORTGAGE LOAN PROGRAM for HARFORD, BALTIMORE COUNTY

The United States Department of Agriculture has introduced a new Mortgage Loan Program for Baltimore County, Harford County and Cecil County Homes called the Guaranteed Rural Housing or GRH program. It offers 100% Financing with NO Mortgage Insurance and allows a 6% Seller Contribution! Income and Property location limits apply. CLICK HERE and provide your contact information and property address you are interested in purchasing. We will help you determine if the property is eligible for this financing option. SPECIAL...SPECIAL.....if you buy your home through our preferred mortgage lender, you will receive a $500 Broker Credit! AND a HOME WARRANTY from our TEAM as a thank you for your business. Robert B. McArtor, REALTOR with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. serves the Baltimore, Harford County, Cecil County and Surrounding Areas! Call Now at 410-879-0622 or simply visit Maryland HOMES Team website.

BUY YOUR FIRST HOME IN MARYLAND and SAVE $7,500 on YOUR INCOME TAXES

The Government is Helping Americans Buy Their First Home.

What an incredible opportunity for first-time homebuyers in Maryland, Harford, Baltimore Cecil County and surrounding areas!

In addition to a huge selection of homes in Maryland to choose from, and near-record low interest rates on solid, 30 year fixed rate mortgages, and far more affordable prices, first-time homebuyers in Baltimore now have the added incentive of a $7,500 federal income tax credit to help them buy their first home!*

Stop Paying Rent! Become a Homeowner instead...>>>

One simple phone call to Robert B. McArtor with Maryland HOMES Team and we will get you on the road to homeownership. Meet with our friendly, knowledgeable Long and Foster real estate staff member. While you're at it, meet with a Prosperity Mortgage loan officer and get pre-qualified for a mortgage.

Search for HOMES ANYWHERE IN MARYLAND ON-LINE Now...>>>

*Legislation has just been passed by Congress and signed by the President, granting first-time homebuyers a tax credit of up to $7,500 on their federal income tax return if they purchase a home between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009

TOP MARYLAND AUCTIONEERS and AUCTIONS in BALTIMORE

If you are interested in either listing your home for a Public Auction in Maryland or purchasing residential real estate in Baltimore Maryland. You will find many types of homes for auction in Baltimore Maryland such as Single Family Homes, Condos, Town Homes, Townhouses and building lots, There are many local community events that may be of interest to you and your family. Many of the local events are unique to the Maryland area. Everyone enjoys the outdoor activities Baltimore has to offer as well as the family friendly atmosphere.If you are considering buying or selling or auctioning a home in Maryland, we are the Real Estate Auction Team of Choice. Whether planning to relocate to the area or looking for Auction properties for sale. We will help you look for information about real estate in the surrounding areas. Our complete Auction real estate website is full of resources for everything you need. Access to property listings with photographs and virtual tours can be found on our site by Clicking Here. Our informative website offers a rich library of real estate articles to help guide you through the home buying or selling process. It is so important to find a Realtor, Broker or Real Estate Agent that you can trust. Your search ends here! We are Consultants, Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Auctioneers here to serve your real estate needs. Let us provide you with the information you need. Please do not hesitate to contact Robert B. McArtor, Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. and Managing Member of Advantage Real Estate Auction Sales, LLC. at 443-392-4833

FREE Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation for Homes in Baltimore Maryland, Harford County, Baltimore County and Cecil County Knowing what your home is worth is important information to have if you are thinking of auctioning or traditionally selling your home. Using the information you submit to us, we will conduct a thorough comparative market analysis by searching the database of all homes listed or sold in your area. Even if you are looking for auctions in Maryland. We will be able to determine what your home might sell for if you decided to put it on the market. There is no cost or obligation for this valuable service.

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. We will 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 Maryland you want to view before other buyers even know about them. As a VIP buyer: 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. Most importantly your time isn't wasted viewing homes that don't interest you.

Get a Back Stage Pass and Become a VIP Member! Login and Access the Most Useful Information on Buying or Selling a Home in Maryland, Harford County, Baltimore County, City and Cecil County. Right now, you can take your first-step in educating yourself on Home Buying, Selling and Auctioning. Start exploring the real estate landscape and instantly access our exclusive, rich-media library of special reports and resources. You can also personalize our VIP site according to your needs and wants. Just enter your profile information once you are logged in and instantly access the real estate information that matches your profile.

We are confidant that our VIP site will empower you with the knowledge to make the most educated and profitable home buying and selling decisions using Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity.

AVOIDING FORECLOSURE in MARYLAND, 10 Steps to Take

If you are unable to make your mortgage payment in Maryland:

1. Don't ignore the problem. The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house.

2. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem. Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.

3. Open and respond to all mail from your lender. The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems. Later mail may include important notice of pending legal action. Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court.

4. Know your mortgage rights. Find your loan documents and read them so you know what your lender may do if you can't make your payments. Learn about the foreclosure laws and timeframes in your state (as every state is different) by contacting the State Government Housing Office.

5. Understand foreclosure prevention options. Valuable information about foreclosure prevention options can be found on the internet portal.hud.gov/portal/page?_pageid=33,717348&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

6. Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free or very low cost housing counseling nationwide. Housing counselors can help you understand the law and your options, organize your finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need this assistance. Find a HUD-approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287 or TTY (800) 877-8339.

7. Prioritize your spending. After healthcare, keeping your house should be your first priority. Review your finances and see where you can cut spending in order to make your mortgage payment. Look for optional expenses-cable TV, memberships, entertainment-that you can eliminate. Delay payments on credit cards and other "unsecured" debt until you have paid your mortgage.

8. Use your assets. Do you have assets-a second car, jewelry, a whole life insurance policy-that you can sell for cash to help reinstate your loan? Can anyone in your household get an extra job to bring in additional income? Even if these efforts don't significantly increase your available cash or your income, they demonstrate to your lender that you are willing to make sacrifices to keep your home.

9. Avoid foreclosure prevention companies. You don't need to pay fees for foreclosure prevention help-use that money to pay the mortgage instead. Many for-profit companies will contact you promising to negotiate with your lender. While these may be legitimate businesses, they will charge you a hefty fee (often two or three month's mortgage payment) for information and services your lender or a HUD approved housing counselor will provide free if you contact them.

10. Don't lose your house to foreclosure recovery scams! If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home! Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from an attorney, a trusted real estate professional, or a HUD approved housing counselor. If you are thinking of selling your home as-is, call Robert McArtor to obtain FREE Comparables in your area so you know the prices. Some will try to put your house under contract just to try and sell it themselves and keep all the equity! If the property does not sell, you become further behind, losing time and they just walk away.

I have been asked over the past years, "Robert, we are a few months away from being foreclosed on, do you know what we should do?" Without knowing their situation, it is hard to answer without crossing the line of giving legal advice. For your further research into the subject, I would recommend the following links as a guidance through this difficult process.

Don't lose your home! Here are some guidance on default and foreclosure prevention. If your adjustable rate or interest only mortgage is about to reset, these programs may help you refinance into an affordable fixed rate mortgage. If you are looking for a trusted REALTOR or Auctioneer for a FREE consultation. Please do not hesitate to contact me. I may be able to point you in the right direction for your specific problem. Robert B. McArtor, is a REALTOR and Licensed Real Estate Auctioneer with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. and Advantage Real Estate Auction Sales, LLC. for more information, call 443-392-4833

>>>FHA Secure

>>>Maryland's HOPE Initiative

Housing Counseling Agencies - Counseling on buying, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues and reverse mortgages.

Legal Assistance in Maryland - Find free legal services in your community.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Customers to Receive a $170 Credit

Baltimore Gas and Electric Residential Electric Customers
To Receive $170 Bill Credit This SummerCredit is part of a comprehensive settlement reached with the State of Maryland and Maryland Public Service Commission and Approved by the General Assembly. Information is Provided as a Service from Robert McArtor, REALTOR in Baltimore and Auctioneer with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. and Advantage Real Estate Auction Sales, LLC.
BALTIMORE, May 29, 2008 – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), a subsidiary of
Constellation Energy (NYSE: CEG), today announced that residential electric distribution customers with active accounts on Aug. 29, 2008 will receive a one-time credit of $170 on their Sept. 2008 bill, the result of a comprehensive settlement reached on March 27, 2008 with BGE, Constellation Energy, Gov. Martin O’Malley, the State of Maryland and the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC). The agreement was approved during the 2008 Maryland General Assembly and signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley. “During the past several months, BGE has worked aggressively to develop a process for applying the bill credits to more than one million residential electric customer accounts in an equitable and efficient fashion,” said Kenneth W. DeFontes, president of BGE. “The credits, which total at least $187 million, are required under the settlement agreement and are but one part of a more comprehensive package, which has
a total estimated value of $2 billion for our customers. “For more than 50 percent of BGE’s residential electric customers, the credit is expected to result in a greater than 10 percent reduction in electricity bills this year,” said DeFontes. “Importantly, during the period from now until Aug. 29th, BGE will make a special allowance for its certified low-income customers to ensure that service is not interrupted due solely to the fact that the bill credit has not yet been
issued.” In addition to the bill credits, the settlement affects BGE customers in the following ways:
• Residential and business electric customers will be relieved of liability for the decommissioning of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, which has a value of about $1.5 billion, according to the Maryland PSC. Media Line: 410 470-7433 http://www.constellation.com/ Constellation Generation Group Constellation Energy Source Constellation Energy Commodities Group BGE HOME
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Fellon-McCord & Associates Constellation NewEnergy
• Residential electric customers will receive about 90 percent of the cumulative $386 million in
bill credits that were ordered by the Maryland Legislature in 2006 and subject to litigation.
• All customers will benefit from limitations on electric distribution rate case filings. BGE will
not file an electric distribution rate case in 2008. Any electric distribution rate increase filed in
2009 will not be effective prior to Oct. 2009 and will be capped at no more than five percent
(equal to about 1.5 percent of the total electric bill). BGE will not file a subsequent electric
distribution rate case before August 2010.
• The settlement will not impact rate changes relating to the cost of electric supply or Standard
Offer Service (SOS), except that BGE will recover the return component of the SOS
administrative fee for a two-year period beginning in June 2008. Presently, SOS rates reflect
the lowest prices paid by BGE for wholesale power, which is obtained through competitive
bids, and BGE does not earn a return on SOS to residential customers. Effective June 1, 2008
through May 31, 2010, residential SOS rates will include a return of 15/100 of a cent per
kilowatt-hour, after which the charge will be eliminated from June 1, 2010 through December
31, 2016 as a result of the settlement.

Additional information about the settlement can be found at www.bge.com.
BGE (www.bge.com) headquartered in Baltimore, is Maryland’s largest gas and electric utility,
delivering power to more than 1.2 million electric customers and more than 640,000 natural gas customers in Central Maryland. The company’s approximately 3,000 employees are committed to the safe and reliable delivery of gas and electricity, as well as enhanced energy management, conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance. BGE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Constellation Energy (www.constellation.com) a FORTUNE 125 company also headquartered in Baltimore with subsidiaries that generate, sell and deliver energy and provide other energy-related services to customers throughout North America.