How’s the Real Estate Market in Frederick County

The Frederick New Post did an article the other day about the news media and real estate.  It seems they were finally trying to be neutral on their perspective.  I am glad to see they had a broad spectrum of opinions about it. You always have to remember the source when researching information.  Bernie Kohn sums it up at the end.

NAR is simply doing its job to represent real estate agents, Kohn said.

“It’s what you do on behalf of an industry that faces tough times,” Kohn said. “You have to find that little bit of silver lining.”

Our (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yung always has better numbers than someone from a different industry.  His numbers are always more rosey. Why?  He has 1.3 million REALTORS that he has to keep somewhat happy so they stay on board.  Even I read his stats with a grain of salt.

But back to the other statements…

“What’s going on as far as declining housing prices is a reflection of economic fundamentals,” said Steve Pilloff, a Hood College management professor who blogs for The Frederick News-Post. “If the media is being accused of painting a doom-and-gloom picture, that’s a reflection of what’s going on.”

It is not all doom and gloom.  There are people still buying homes.  There are people that want to buy homes but are afraid of the current market.  171 families bought homes in Frederick County in July.  Yes, that is down from last year and the year before, but they did buy.  And they paid less for their home than buyers of previous years.

Part of the problem as I see it, is the media cannot do too many “feel good” stories.  It is all doom and gloom, seriously.  We open the Newspaper or turn on the 6 Oclock news to see who died, who got shot, who was robbed and who was in an accident.   Granted, a story about someone that drove safely from home to work is much less interesting…you get my point and so does Professor Weinberg

“When the economy is humming along and things are going smoothly, that’s not as interesting as when things head south,” Weinberg said. “It creates sad and unfortunate situations, but they are nonetheless interesting stories about the economic conditions.”

I have mentioned it many times here that you have to pay attention to the local market not the national news.   We have our problems, but we also have our victories.  And we had a 171 in July that didn’t make the paper.

Have a great day.

Spring Ridge Frederick MD

Spring Ridge was built back in the mid 90s and has been one of Frederick County’s prominent communities.  Spring Ridge homes consist of single family homes with attached garages, moderately sized town houses with and without attached garages and also a variety of condominium buildings throughout.

You will find it conveniently located just off Interstate 70 and a quick ride to Interstate 270 and Route 15.  This allows the residents plenty of options on their commuter needs.  Spring Ridge community is within the 21701 zipcode but they don’t pay city taxes.

The community consist of walking paths, tot lots, soccer fields, basketball courts and a pool.  As you enter the community, you are welcomed by a gas station and a shopping plaza with dry cleaning, groceries store, pizza shop, and video rentals. The HOA fees are reasonable and comparable to other Planned Communities.

Snapshot Real Estate market in Spring Ridge.

Market in Spring Ridge 7/30/08

The average sold price for condos, townhomes and single families are respectively; $227,350, $264,596 and $451,600.

A Virtual Tour of the Area

When you are ready to buy or sell give me a call… Bob Carney 240-285-4918

Have great day.

What’s going on with the Downtown Frederick Market

As you know, it has been a little busy around these parts.  Most of my time has been spent looking at homes around the downtown area.  I have looked at detached single family homes, duplexes, townhouses or old row houses.  The prices are all over the place downtown; higher along Carroll Creek.  The magic number for my clients has been around $200,000.   There is a big difference in quality from below $225,000 to $230,000-250,000.   Most of your homes under $225,000 were in need of more TLC than others.  They were all still liveable, but needed upgrading or minor repairs.  If you looked at homes just $20,000 above, you will find a home in much better shape.

I offer these tips to the current (and future) sellers, clean your house.  Please, it really makes a difference when showing.  Declutter and remove unneccessary furniture.  Homes downtown are small, make it look as large as possible.  Curb appeal; make sure your stoop is clean and fresh looking.  It sometimes take us REALTORS® a few minutes to unlock the door and the potential buyer is looking at the cracking paint on window seals, dead flowers or weed growing out of the sidewalk cracks.   Curb appeal makes a world of difference.  It’s your first impression.

The end of summer is almost here. Vacations will be coming to an end and kids will be heading back to school.   Showings will slow down, but some of your more serious buyers will still be out and about looking for the best deal on the block.   And you have to be ready to show! Don’t give up.

Good luck and have a great day.

Where the hell has Bob been?

Working…working like a dog!!!

It seems like everyone has finally taken my advice and stopped listening to mainstream media.  This little blog called “Focus On Frederick” is a little over  a year old, but has taken grasp in the internet community and in the Frederick Community.  Just about anything to do with Real Estate in Frederick, you will find “Focus On Frederick.”  This blog has now become my second main source of business.  First source has always been my most gracious Sphere of Influence (Friends, family, past and present clients) or basically referrals.  I also need to plug Panera Breads, where I picked up two new clients last week.  Julie, I will find that Lake side property in Gettysburg for you…no problem!!!

But the key thing I wanted to relay to everyone…Is that PEOPLE ARE BUYING HOUSES!!! Yes, I know contrary to popular belief, people are actually buying houses.    Selling them too!!!  They are selling the well priced and well staged homes.  Buyers have too many to look at lately.  I should know, I have seen every home in Downtown Frederick priced under $250,000 this past couple weeks…sometimes even twice.  I have a new client looking this evening…so I am guessing, listing agents will see my business card on their counter tops again this week.  Each buyer wants a deal, they know what they are looking for…you Mr. Seller have to have your “A game” on every time.  Each buyer is different.  Some can see through the clutter, overstuffed closets, piled up kids stuff and all the photos on the fridge.  But some people can’t…can you take that risk?

I have been scratching my head trying to figure out what the common denominator is for all the activity and have not put my thumb on it.  Maybe it’s the scare of interest rates going up.  (you can see the most current rate to the right of this post for Maryland and Pennsylvania.)  Keep in mind that the posted interest rates are best case scenarios.  You will need to contact a local lender to find out what loan program and interest rate you can get.  Maybe it’s the fact people are getting tired of waiting around for things to change.  Or maybe it’s the public is finally gaining confidence in the upcoming election.  Who knows!!!  But anyways, I have been busy helping buyers and sellers.

And I am doing what???

I have recently helped Annie find her home downtown, working on a contract for Ron also in downtown Frederick, Dale and Susan from Texas have been looking for a very specific home and we are working on their offer today in Brunswick and finally Kevin and his family; selling their home and purchasing one a brand new home in Point of Rocks.  Marion is ready to put together an offer for her downtown Frederick home.  I meet with new clients tonight for their downtown Frederick home search.   Now that’s just a few of the buyers that are happening now.  I have sellers that I am helping market their home as best as possible.  Keeping them abreast of the current neighborhood market activity.  I also have some commercial property in Hagerstown coming up soon.  I absolutely love it like this.   Helping people find their next home and the feelings that are involved are why I continue to what I do.

So, I apologize for neglecting my little ole blog here.

How can I help you?  Give me a call or send me an email.  The market is ripe!

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