It's true!  I'm not talking about a few clicks of the mouse to sign the settlement papers (not yet, anyways), but the home buying process has become less about flipping through the newspaper and driving around to open houses, and more about surfing the net to see what's available instead. Even as a Realtor, it can seem overwhelming to post home information to all of the different home search sites available out there.  Which site do you use, Realtor.com?  Trulia?  Zillow? Hotpads?  Kajiji?  Craigslist?? In the land of property marketing, the Internet is King!     Your choice of website as a buyer is not as important as it is for sellers, however.  Owners looking to sell need to make sure that they're on every site possible, which means finding an agent who really knows the web and i... 04/16/2008

        Incredible- it's taken years for developers to see that the concept of "build it bigger!" simply doesn't cut it.  Here in Charles County there is a minimum home size for new construction- 1,650 square feet.  That number has been inconsequential during the past real estate boom because people were eagerly buying homes that were 3,000+ sf, and it seems that now people's tightening budgets are forcing them to look at more modest homes.  Link: Smaller is better for homes, say builders     When I look at who's buying homes right now, the vast majority seem to be first time Maryland home buyers, looking to purchase what they can afford, and with the lending crunch, that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to buy these sprawling homes on postage stamp lots.     It's a simple idea, r... 04/04/2008

     I digress, I haven't been impressed with the mall here in Charles County recently.  One of the reasons is because they have been doing a lot of renovation work on it, and navigating through a maze of cones and equipment isn't exactly my cup of tea.     It looks like they're getting close to finishing their work, so I stopped by to take a couple of pictures and see what the changes look like.     In short, I think the modernization project looks great!  Waldorf deserves a first rate shopping location like this, and they've done a fine job! What Have They Done?     What's exciting about the changes is the growth of O'Donnell Lake, where the are several restaurants going in, and a Hilton hotel, among other things.  It's all part of the larger growth plan for Waldorf, and it improves t... 03/27/2008

     Trying to decipher the current real estate market can be monumental task!  It's not just about the market reports, it's about you as an individual.  Who's side are you on?  Are you a seller trying to beat the market, or a buyer looking to cash in on a golden opportunity?      Today I'm here to talk about buyers.  Markets have shifted in their favor, and what's important to consider is just how much power and flexibility a buyer can actually have.  There's 3 key factors to consider when considering a purchase that can affect your strength in the market. What's Your Credit Situation?     This is not one of the big negotiating factors, but it does have a key impact on your decision to purchase a home.  Your credit score affects your ability to get a loan approval.  The better your cre... 03/21/2008

     Actually, KB Homes has pulled out of Charles County and the entire Mid-Atlantic Region, it seems.  In addition to MD, DC, and Virginia, they have also shuttered operations in Chicago, IL, and Albuquerque as well.  This is in addition to a previous announcement that they have decided to cease operations in California.      What does this mean for people with KB contracts?  They said they are finishing construction of lots that are being built, but they are not accepting new contracts, or fulfilling contingent contracts.  It underscores the risk involved in purchasing new construction.  You need to be sure that your builder is solvent in the current market! 03/19/2008

     I admit, I'm not a big fan of the cold weather (why I ever lived further north is beyond me!).  I like summer, I like warm sunny weather, and I'm ready to enjoy said climate again.  I realized this morning that we are already in the middle of March!  Now, you would think this would be obvious, but not to me.  The days all run together when you don't take time off, and I've been neglecting to give myself any personal time.       With as many hours as I work each day, it's made me think about WHY I insist on working such long hours.  I think it has a lot to do with upbringing.  My brother and I both grew up on the water, and it was the greatest experience I could have ever asked for as a child.  We went crabbing daily, fishing just as often, and we typically ate whatever we caught th... 03/14/2008

    Home owners who are trying to sell their home right now or considering putting their home on the market are facing enormous challenges.  With so much inventory available, the challenge of getting your home to stand out is incredibly difficult!     If there's a single mistake that I can identify in the current marketplace, it's choosing the wrong agent to help them list their home.  Here's the catch:  Every listing agent you meet with is going to tell you that they're the right person to get the job done! How Do You Choose?     Who do you believe?  What criteria is used to determine how quickly your home is going to be sold, and at what price?  Everyone approaches this problem a little differently, and those differences can make a big difference between getting your house sold and ha... 01/27/2008

      Hilton is coming to Waldorf!  No, not the whining airheaded blond bimbo with more money than sense, but the Hilton Hotel Chain has plans to build their first hotel in Charles County.  Specifically, they're planning on settling in Waldorf, Maryland, near the St. Charles Town Center Mall.     The land was purchased for 1.95 Million Dollars, and Hilton plans on building a 130 room Hilton on the location.  Apparently they like the fact that the location has close proximity to the mall and "O'Donnell Lake"(When I was a kid "O'Donnell Lake" was known as "that drainage pond behind the movie theatre").     Donna Dudley, Charles County's tourism director said "It's very well located with the theater, the mall and the office building right there. It will be very convenient for business and ... 01/21/2008

    Lenders have decided to shape up their credit criteria, how healthy is your credit score?  A lot of people are feeling the pinch with lenders tightening their belts and restricting their loan approvals more and more each day.     Mortgage lenders are forced to be more restrictive these days, and some people are facing the need to help boost their credit score in order to make getting that loan approval possible!      I'm working with several clients that are in this boat, and rather than simply telling them to "see me when they qualify", I have helped them to establish a relationship with lenders or credit counselors that can help them repair or improve their credit scores and help pave the way to home ownership.  Many times I find that it is first-time home buyers that have the mos... 01/04/2008

     There's been plenty of debate in the last year regarding the proposed power plant in Indian Head, MD at the Naval Base.  All of that is moot now that the proposal has died due to financial feasibility, or lack thereof.      While the idea of putting in a coal-powered plant was unsavory to many local residents because of the potential environmental impact, it seems certain now that Alcoa, Inc's Plans won't be going through.     However, now there seems to be a new proposal for the county, this time from another company, Competitive Power Ventures, and instead of Indian Head, they've set their sights on a Gas-Powered plant to be located in Waldorf, MD.     Hmm, they claim the plant would be 50-100 times cleaner than a coal plant, and Maryland is expected to see a power shortage with ... 12/21/2007

    I recently contributed a bit of commentary to the Maryland Independent for an article they were writing on foreclosures in the region.  I was excited to find this morning that the story was in fact FRONT PAGE news and the remarks I made featured prominently.      Self promotional remarks aside, I am very grateful that the paper chose to write an article regarding current foreclosure trends to better inform the general public of what is going on in the market.  Many of my comments in the article were taken directly from a post I made recently regarding local foreclosures.     The one thing that I would like to add, particularly to anyone who happens to live in the region, is that foreclosure and eviction from your home should not be a foregone conclusion.  I highly encourage people f... 12/12/2007

Residents take advantage of big city conveniences while still enjoying the laid back atmosphere of a Waldorf community. With charming neighborhoods and endless opportunities for family activities, dining out or taking in the rural sites, residents in this area find it to be more of a lifestyle rather than just a place to live.  A nice place to raise kids, do business and a little shopping, Waldorf, Maryland is the place to live.  The following is a list of single family homes that SOLD in November in the Charles Crossing subdivision located in Charles county.  DOMPML#AddressListPriceAdvertisedSubdivisionClosePrice210          CH63233903039 LUNDT CT$499,900   CHARLES CROSSING$510,000459         CH64035169651 BERGAMONT CT$499,900   CHARLES CROSSING$499,000Please visit my website http://ww... 12/05/2007

     Further proof that Waldorf is not as remote as some people seem to think it is:  We're getting our own Atlantic League Baseball Team (*insert cheering here*)!    I know, it's not THAT exciting, but I am pretty happy that it's happening, nonetheless.  I've known it was in the works for years, but I refused to believe it until it actually happened.  They've yet to sign any players, but the stadium is built (I've seen it with my own eyes!), and they signed the manager, Butch Hobson (Butch Who???).     Apparently he managed the Boston Red Sox at some point, but I don't remember when.  Rumor has it that they passed on the likes of Cecil Fielder and Hall of Famer Gary Carter.  I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt and claiming that it has to be because of Hobson's former pro manageria... 12/03/2007

Residents take advantage of big city conveniences while still enjoying the laid back atmosphere of a Waldorf community. With charming neighborhoods and endless opportunities for family activities, dining out or taking in the rural sites, residents in this area find it to be more of a lifestyle rather than just a place to live.  A nice place to raise kids, do business and a little shopping, Waldorf, Maryland is the place to live.  The following is a list of single family homes that have SOLD in the Charles Crossing subdivision located in Charles county.  DOMPMLS#AddressListPriceClosePrice342 CH633945610101 ASTILL CT$480,000$475,00065 CH625042110104 ASTILL CT$450,000$450,000286 CH63161283215 NOBILITY CT$645,000$645,00083 CH64103573137 SEDGEWICK DR$500,000$500,000161 CH63030759704 CADWELL ... 11/19/2007

  As agents, the scope of services and work that we do on behalf of our clients can be very far reaching.  I think that it's really in the details though that the best agents separate themselves from the average ones.  What I've put together is a list of the little details that can often be overlooked that can make all the difference in the world to your client, especially when a problem comes up prior to settlement.  By thinking about these things in advance you just might be able to save a deal at the last minute, or (just as importantly) protect yourself from litigation down the road.  So here they are (Drum Roll, Please!), in no particular order:           1) Be Aware of what "TBD" Really Means!      From a buyers side, this might just be the single biggest mistake you can make!  If... 10/24/2007

Located in Charles County between Washington, D.C., and rural southern Maryland, Middletown Woods is KB Home's first community in this growing area. Choose from 199 homesites in a beautiful neighborhood that's convenient to major commuter routes, schools, recreational amenities and a thriving local business community. Less than a mile away, you'll find shops, restaurants and the St. Charles Town Center Mall.Conveniently located close to:LaPlata, Accokeek, Brandywine, White PlainsMiddletown Woods offers 6 floor plans, ranging in size from 2552 to 3563 s.f. (optional finished basement to increase s.f.) 03/27/2007

Things were getting slow for a little wile there but i have noticed a few more loan apps coming to me from there now.what do you guys think?Sales are on the rise it seams. 02/25/2007

Sentry Woods is a wonderful neighborhood with lined trees and a great walking trail. The residents of Sentry Woods have no trouble staying in shape with plenty of places to walk, around the circle (Pinecone Circle) or in the woods. There are also bike riders and skaters.The residents of Sentry Woods belong to the Huntington Neighborhood Association and the HOA fee is paid yearly. If you belong to the association you can use their outdoor pool. The residents do a good job landscaping their properties and keeping the area up. In the spring and summer you can see flowers in bloom along with trees, plants and shrubbs. There are detached houses in the area and they range in styles from colonial, split foyer, rambler and cape cod. They also have townhouses and contemporary housing in the area... 01/26/2007