Frederick beware of the latest Craigslist Scam

Where there is a need, there is scam.  The first I heard of it was from one the agents in my office.  Here’s what happens; scam-artist finds a legitimate residential listing on the internet, copies the pictures and information about the house that is for sale.  Creates a Craigslist ad for a “Wonderful” rental with limited information.  They get you to email them for more information and through a series of emails begin to reel you in.  They will even send you a lease agreement and promise you the keys.  But ultimately they are looking for you to send a “Deposit” to them.  In the case of the on in my office, it was to be sent to a P.O. Box.

A couple of red flags to look for but not all inclusive or even necessary (these idiots change things up quick.)

1. Send check to P.O. Box. (duh!)
2. No address of property and exterior photos.
3. Email address not normal. (i.e. MMyers626@hotmail.com <– Micheal Myers??)
4. Pictures have Copyright 2009 MRIS on the bottom of them (unless a real REALTOR is listing it and believe me they will have their name all over the ad if it is legit.)
5. It is too good to be true, it probably is.

Only Real estate agents should have these photos for listings.

(This is my listing on 305 South Market Street $235,000 for this as-is rehab…call me )

Now these are just somethings to look for, but not necessarily the only things.  Scam artist make money because they find a desperate soul and fill that need.  If you can’t meet someone locally to see the property and keep getting excuses about being over seas or out of town.  Then you need to move on.

I just emailed one yesterday in the downtown Frederick area to see if I could take one of my clients through it.  Maybe the landlord is busy, maybe my email went into junk folders or maybe they are over seas…But I have not received a response yet.  I am not going to hold my breath.

Most people that WANT to rent or sale their home will have more contact information and detailed info about the property.

Beware is all I have to say.  (I just found one in Ellicott City that the real owner discovered…they are not happy)

If you want to see rentals…I can do that too.

Friday Frederick Foto for Ice Cream

This week has been one of the warmer weeks of the summer.  I’m not complaining, just sayin’.  One of my favorite past times when it’s hot (or cold out) is visiting local ice cream establishments.

Orange-Pineapple is favorite of mine

Here are a few places around Frederick County and surrounding areas that you might find me enjoying a cone.

• Jami’s out on Route 40.  The best (and least expensive) soft serve around.  Love the flavor of the week.
• Ben & Jerry’s on Carroll Creek.  Always has a flavor for your mood.  Plus, people watch is always the best along the creek.
• Jimmie Cone off 144 in Mt Airy.  This is a local icon.
• Nutter’s in Sharpsburg next to the Library.
• Maggie Moos has some of the tastiest creation as well in Westview plaza.
• Bruster’s on Crestwood and New Design.
• Rita’s Ice on South St.
• Dairy Queen of course.
• RIP – FreezKing  It was one of my favorites

So, tell me where is your ice cream place?

June Housing Market Report for Frederick County

The market has definitely made a turn. This is the fourth month in a row that the sales were above last year sales for the same time. Again, prices have not completely stop from declining, however the price ranges have moved into the higher price bracket. What I mean by that is that more homes are selling at a higher price range now. For the longest time homes under $250,000 was the magic number. First time home buyers were eating them up (with a few real estate investors.) Investors are having a tough time at purchasing Condos for investments.  Banks have raised fees and implemented strict application guidelines. Which is fine for the First Time Home Buyers so they can buy affordable homes before the $8000 tax credit runs out (12/1/09.)

The majority used to be in the red and yellow areas, but has definitely grown to the green (and just a little bit in the light blue. This tells me that finally that the “move up” home owners are finally making their move. I am sure they are not make money hands over fist, but what is really happening (and if you think about it in any market) they are just getting a much better deal on the new house.

Seriously, think about it. No matter what “market” you are in the home you are selling is the same predicament as the one you are going to buy. Yes, if you are going to make tons of money by selling your house in a “sellers” market, you are going to pay a lot more for your replacement home. Obviously, it is quite the opposite in the “buyers” market. If you are going to lose on your house, you just negotiate to pay less in the next house at a bigger discount that what you are losing now. Capiche?

The changes in the market is not fully wide spread across the county, but in pockets. Urbana is still on fire. A few weeks ago I reported that there were 19 under contract and only a few resales left on the market. Well, now there are 25 under contract and 10 available townhomes for sale. The average days on the market for the sold townhomes are 29 days. So, if you want to purchase in the Villages of Urbana, you need to act quick. Brand new town homes are on fire as well. Advantage Homes sold out of the first phase of their inventory within the first couple weeks of opening. (They have more, but weren’t planning on them moving that quick.) They have outstanding features for their standard homes (granite and stainless steel appliances.) All of the builders have great products out there. (NV homes and Main Street Homes as well.) Also, if you didn’t know it, you should take your REALTOR with you to visit new home sales. As I was told by one of my clients that ventured in alone said, “Boy, does their demeanor change when your around.” Nothing against the hard working salesman at the sales office, but I believe there is a sense of “I am the only expert in the housing market here” and they feel this gives them the upper hand when they are discussing things with you. It doesn’t cost you anything to have a REALTOR® with you and no they are not going to get you a better deal because you don’t have one with you.

While the prices are still declining the increase in activity will help them recover soon. I don’t expect them to bounce back quickly as the economy is still in turmoil, but I suspect the bleeding will come to a slow halt soon. You can see the whole report on our association website at FCAR.org. You can just click here for the June Housing report.

Have a great day. Don’t forget where you found this information and please feel free to share it. If you need help finding a house or selling your current one, give me a call.