Friday Foto is for Flying over Frederick
June 19, 2009 by Bob Carney
Filed under Frederick Misc, Fun
I had the opportunity to take a helicopter ride over our lovely city. The experience was far from what I remember when I was in the service flying in the back of a Chinook at tree top heights around Germany. I am not the fondest of heights, but I was over taken by excitement to get up and take some aerial photos of the city. It was more like flying in a soft top Jeep. I was shoulder to shoulder with the pilot. Any time I turned to the left to take a shot out the door, I was out the door. It’s not like this is the most sophisticated of machinery. The seatbelt was not that like a race car driver with 5-point attachment system only a cheesy 3-point lap belt system like in your car, but imagine a little more flimsy. Well, I did survive and I didn’t get sick. Here’s a collage of some of the shots that I managed to get while hoovering a few hundred feet above the Spires.
You can see more photos on my gallery page where you can order prints as well.
Frederick, what is going on in this market?
June 17, 2009 by Bob Carney
Filed under Market Conditions, Real Estate Topics
It has been pretty busy last couple weeks for me, showing property around Frederick County and around Gettysburg. I haven’t had the chance to pull very many numbers, until now. WOW is all I have to say. We are not climbing out of this market slowly. There are some leaps and bounds being made in a few neighborhoods. I have talked to a few agents and managers around the DC area. Manassas, Va was ground zero for the distressed homes in our area. They are currently up 200% over this time last year in units sold. Simply amazing!!! It is not uncommon in today’s market for homes to receive multiple offers. Price, condition and location are still major factors in real estate (and always will be regardless of market conditions.) Here is a snapshot of the town homes in The Villages of Urbana and the Urbana Highlands. Seven of the 16 Active homes are actually New Homes offered by Advantage Homes, NV Homes and Main Street Homes. Those listings usually never leave until they sale all the homes in the neighborhood. They are seeing more business as well. Client almost missed out on their dream home by one hours. They had put a hold on the property and another buyer returned after thinking about it only to find out it was going…YAY for my buyers.
What that means is that only nine town homes are left as resales (or available now.) You have total of 19 homes under some form of contract. This used to be flipped and a much wider gap only six months ago. This means there will be a shortage in homes and we will be back to fighting over listings as a buyer. For the longest time we had too many homes on the market. It is the old adage of “Supply in Demand” Too much supply and not enough demand means lower prices and longer time on the market for the sellers. Too little supply and all this pent up demand means arm wrestling for homes. Prices are still low but if this continues we might see the decline stop. Previously (last couple months) I have noticed increase and activity and low prices where buyers were offering lower than asking…this market might have a different outcome.
Couple things affecting the total number of active listings; Sellers are getting serious about their homes sales (no longer just testing the market,) People are able to stay in their homes (refinancing for lower monthly payments,) and of course, more are selling than last year. You can see the latest report from FCAR.org by clicking this link. You will notice sales trends have been up for the past three months…another good sign that we should have the horrible market behind us. Now, let’s not get drunk and disorderly like the early parts of the 2000s. Stay within your means!
Crime maps and information for Frederick County
June 15, 2009 by Bob Carney
Filed under Featured, Real Estate Topics
One of the things a REALTOR® is always asked, “Is this a safe neighborhood?“ It is one of a few questions that we are really not able to answer. If you think about it, what I consider safe might just be waaaaay off of what you think is safe. Real estate agents don’t want to find themselves in a quagmire about the question. The best thing we can do is provide you with resources to help you make that decision for yourself. Technology always helps making the search easier. But nothing beats just driving through the future neighborhood at various times and see for yourself if it is something that is conducive to your lifestyle. It is your decision that matters, not mine.
The Frederick County Sheriffs office has a monthly updated mapping program that illustrates the various crimes in the area. Frederick County Crime Map.
You can get up-to-date info on the latest website at CrimeReports for Frederick City. This was just opened up to the police records in Frederick City. You have the ability to sign up for a email alert to notify you of recent crimes (police calls) in the area. All other departments/towns in Frederick County have not come on board yet. You will have to rely on Frederick County Sheriff (above) to provide you with the surrounding area info. This is very useful in Montgomery County, Howard and Anne Arundel as well by the looks of the map.
A couple other places I always recommend to do some research is the Family Watch Dog.
You can never be too cautious about where you buy your next home. Hopefully this has provide you with enough information to help you make an educated decision.
I also must add that I don’t make any claims to the accuracy or inaccuracy of the information these site provide. Surf at your own risk.
Project Access Fundraiser tonight at Glory Days
June 10, 2009 by Bob Carney
Filed under Real Estate Topics
Frederick County Association of REALTORS®
WHAT: A Great-Tasting Fundraising Event!
WHEN: June 10th 2009
WHERE: Glory Days Grill in Frederick off 7th Street.
WHY:
When you dine at a Glory Days Grill on your designated nights, the restaurant will contribute 10% of your total food purchases to the Frederick County Association of REALTORS. Bring your neighbors, friends, and relatives, because the 10% applies to the total food bill. Simply ask your server for a copy of your guest check (not credit card receipt), and give it to me or get it our office at FCAR on 529 W. South Street, Frederick, MD 21701. Questions? Call Bob Carney at 240-285-4918.
Not combinable with any other promotions, offers or discounts. This 10% donation cannot apply to sales tax, alcoholic beverages, or to any guest check that receives any other type of discount, coupon, offer or promotion. See Fundraiser Rules for full details.
We have identified a new family in Thurmont that needs our help, so we need your money. So go out to eat. If not today, anytime soon will work. Glory Days will donate a portion of your bill to us as long as you give us your duplicate reciept.
Thanks Bob
Bob Carney
