May Housing Market Update

The monthly housing report is finally out for May. I am glad to see the inventory lower than last year.  This is one item that has to be inline for the market to return to normal.  Hopefully we will continue to see this trend in the market.  Looking at the prices, we are below 2005 prices.  This is very unfortunate for everyone that has bought at the top of the market in 2005-2006.

Now, for those homeowners that have purchased prior to 2004; Don’t cry too much… you are still seeing approximately 14% appreciation.  Fourteen percent!!! That falls inline with normal appreciation or 4-6% a year.  Unfortunately, some homeowners took advantage of the steep appreciation and cashed out on Home Equity line of credit.  So in this case, you over spent your appreciation.

Just remember, in a normal market, homes will appreciate at very similar rate as your income.  When they don’t parallel each other…you’re gonna have problems.

Have a great day…things are really picking up around here.

People are not the only ones displaced by foreclosures

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.

Maintenance this week

I am moving this blog and domain over to Bluehost hosting service today.  I am hoping to be back up by tomorrow and have a Friday post ready for you.

http://gotbob.wordpress.com will always be up even after the move.

http://FocusOnFrederick.com will hopefully be functional tomorrow. 

Wish me luck.

Giving a Pink Shout out to a couple Frederick Blogger(s)

Most of you know that I am the online Chair for the Frederick Relay for Life (if not, you do now.) We had our first meeting last night for the 2008 Frederick County Relay for Life. (Website will be up at the end of the month) Our ACS staff member, Laurie Frey, asked if any of us knew that we had a Kick Ball League in Frederick County. Of course I did, because I read Frednet. (Frederick Maryland Online) One of the Authors and founder of Frednet, Guy, is an active member of the Frederick Adult Co-Ed Kickball Association.

She then let us know what the league did. They had a kickball event and raised $7,500 for Frederick County Relay for Life…Bravo.  Laurie shared it with Frederick Relay and Urbana Relay for Life. 

Guy writes an informative post about the local foods and news about Frederick. He helps residents keep a pulse on the happens around town. His co-author LizFrog continues to help with cancer awareness by making sure her readers know about the Pink Ribbon Project organized by the Downtown Frederick Partnership.

I just want to say thanks to LizFrog, Guy and his Kickball League for being a great asset to the community. (And maybe get them to sign up for a team or two at our walk in May) I will write again when the site is up and running. We are offering a discount to early bird registrations.

Previous Post about Relay for Life:

• Frederick County Relay for Life
• What a weekend to behold
• Frederick County Relay for Life Results

Have a great weekend…

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