People are not the only ones displaced by foreclosures

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I took a trip to the Animal Control building the other day after someone told me about the increase in the amount of animals there. Not only have families had to give up their homes, but also their pets. Not all rentals allow pets and even in financial trouble, people do the right thing and offer them up for adoption. I can’t say that is true of all the animals there, because some were rescued from abandoned homes. Animals left to fend for themselves with no one to care for them. The housing situation is bad enough. These animals just want a new home.

I have two dogs of my own (one right from this shelter) and I know if my wife and daughter read this article, we will have more. So, I am begging you to spread the word and help these animals. I don’t have room for anymore. There is no more room on my bed for another dog and I am allergic to cats. I don’t need a bunny or another hamster.

If my words don’t do it for you…maybe this will…

You can contact Frederick County Animal Control at 301-600-1546 or stop by 1832 Rosemont Ave. While you are at it, fill out this application so you don’t waste any time. (don’t forget your checkbook)

Feel free to share this with others, the link, the presentation, the application…share your home with one of the many animals there too.

And by the way…if you don’t live in Frederick, I am sure this is happening at a shelter near you too.

Really… this should be the easiest fix to the Housing Crisis.

May 28, 2008 · Filed Under Frederick Business, Frederick Foreclosure

28 Comments 

The latest Absorption Rates in Frederick County

the ground can\'t absorb any more water nor for sale homes.

A few months ago, I introduced you to the term - Absorption Rate. Basically, if we stop putting new homes on the market, how long would it take to sell all the homes. It’s like an old retail term “Inventory Turns” Very similarly, you have holding cost and depreciation that affects the housing inventory. The only problem with housing inventory, you can’t remove old stock…some homes stay much longer than the rest of the homes. This is usually the case for over priced homes, undesirable locations, or deplorable conditions. (All of which can be overseen with the right price.)

The activity across the state seems to have increased, as expected with the “Spring Market.” The increase in inventory had a negative impact on all the Absorption rates. The rate of sales was not directly proportionate to the increase of number homes. The Middletown and Walkersville area had the largest increase of 4 more months. The question is, will these homes clear out through attrition or sales by the end of summer? Historically the inventory peaks around July then lies flat for a few months, and then decreases into the winter. So, it will be easy to predict the inventory will go down, but we need the number of sales to remain the same or even increase. (I know, duh!)

The news media is starting to see an indicator of an end to the housing crisis and there are signs that some buyers are finally realizing the prices are just right for them. Let’s hope that the lending industry helps QUALIFIED buyers get into loans. It is truly not over until the last foreclosure hits the market from all the ARM resets from all the over extended buyers. Buyers of today have been one of the most qualified set of buyers that most have seen in a long time. (lenders running scared)

Anyways…here’s the chart of local and adjoining activity.

Absorptions in and around Frederick County 5/27/08

Area Active Contract Sold in last 90 Days Absorption Rate
Adamstown & Point of Rocks 35 15 7 9 Months
Brunswick & Knoxville 76 15 18 12 Months
Frederick 1234 237 303 12 Months
Ijamsville 50 4 11 18 Months
Middletown & Myersville 157 22 30 17 Months
New Market 147 25 35 14 Months
Thurmont & Emmitsburg 118 21 31 14 Months
Walkersville & Woodsboro 84 16 18 15 Months
         
Frederick County 2143 380 495 14 Months
Montgomery County 6122 1754 1919 11 Months
Washington County 1413 167 253 17 Months
Howard County 1976 491 625 10 Months
Carroll County 1229 219 305 13 Months
Maryland 46458 8412 10884 14 Months

Have a great day. If you are in the market to buy a home, call me…let’s talk.

May 27, 2008 · Filed Under Frederick MD Real Estate, Frederick Market Conditions, Market Condition

3 Comments 

Happy Memorial Day

Thanks to all the veteran, young and old. Have a great day. If you are around the DC area watch for all the motorcycles. The annual Rolling Thunder event is still in the area.

Please enjoy one of my favorite tribute video to our soldiers…

Have great day and remember why you are off work today!!!

May 26, 2008 · Filed Under Frederick MD Real Estate

3 Comments 

Kids do the greatest things

I enjoy helping people - a lot. It has been a self driven passion of mine. It hasn’t been a lucrative one in the sense that it has made me rich and famous, but when I lay my head down at night, I know I made a difference in someone’s life today. By participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, I have been in contact with some of the bravest and most dedicated people on earth. As a parent you want to instill these traits into your kids as they grow up. You want to break the mold of the “Me” generation and forge a society that believes they can make a difference no matter how big or small the task.

I have the pleasure of knowing a former real estate agent, Gabe O’neill, that happens to be a programmer with some serious skills. With his daughter as his inspiration, he has created “Kids are Heroes.” He wanted to share his daughters desire to help others and show off the wonderful things that other kids have done too. Lily, his Bernese Mountain Dog, encourages children and parents to share their stories. Gabe’s dogs have been helping people and dogs for a long time with Wags for Hope.

MaryMargaret O’Neill is very concerned about the animal population on this planet. For her ninth birthday party, instead of gifts she had her friends contribute donations to the “Defenders of Wildlife”, a national organization whose mission is to protect endangered species. (See more at www.defenders.org.) She is also a major contributor to this website - her focus is on helping animals. She is also a member of Wags for Hope, and goes with her dad and her dog Charlie to visit people in nursing homes.

This is one of the stories that inspired him to create “Kids are Heroes.” Take the time to read a few of the others and what they have do for the community or for others. It helps reassure you that our future is in good hands. Thanks Gabe for sharing your site.

Even if you are too shy to share your story online with “Kids are Heroes” I encourage you to share the site with others to show them no matter what your age even you can make a difference. Some adults can take note ;)

Have a great day!

May 22, 2008 · Filed Under Frederick Events, Frederick Misc

5 Comments 

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