Archive for March, 2008
The newest member to the Howard County BRAC task force
March 21st, 2008 Categories: BRAC, Maryland Real Estate News
I am proud to announce that I have been selected as a new member to the Housing Committee of the Howard County BRAC task force. I am very honored to have the opportunity to serve the community in this way. I promise to work hard to protect the interests of the citizens of Howard County. Especially when it comes to housing issues.
The task force is now entering it’s Phase three stage where we will take our initial findings and compare them with the State of Maryland BRAC Report. Our goal will be to reconcile the two reports and look for opportunities and challenges. Our job is to keep the issues in the forefront by communicating them across the region. We will make recommendations to our local and state officials in order to share our perspective and educate them on the local issues and our findings.
In addition, there are other regional organizations forming to address the effects of BRAC on our community. We will also be tasked with a coordination effort with surrounding groups to address all of the issues that BRAC effects. Although I will be focusing on housing issues, other important issues include: Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Infrastructure, as well as others.
Many of you have read my previous articles about the Howard County BRAC task force. or the Effects of BRAC on Howard County. For those interested in what’s to come make sure you subscribe to my blog or just give me a ring!
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Top Tech Ghost Story.
March 14th, 2008 Categories: Perspectives
It’s Friday so what the heck…
Meet Sam, the ghost who is living in my blog. He showed up a few days ago, and has dropped in a few times since then. Look! He’s smiling so he must be harmless.
As these stories always start…
I never believed in ghosts before, but now I do!
What’s that you are saying?…Sam was visiting you too? Humm….I wonder what he is up to? Don’t worry Agent Saghirian is on the job. For the rest of the story, enter at your own risk.
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Ignore the National Media and Get Local Data Instead.
March 7th, 2008 Categories: Maryland Real Estate News
Recently this article was forwarded to me from a local lender who was kindly trying to provide some market information in order to build a relationship
Housing: Best Time to Buy in Four Years
After reading the article I was left wondering: “Now What?”Since I spent the time reading it, I thought I would use it to pass on some quick advice.
Ignore the national media when it comes to Real Estate. What matters to you is strictly local.
Here are some Local Facts to illustrate my point:
Howard County Year End Median Sales Price was .58% more than 2006:
So, for Howard County, prices have generally held up. Even though the number of homes sold went down, and the days on market went up there is good news to gleam from looking at a local report. Specific cities within Howard County may have faired better than others, and so valuable information only comes from a local perspective.
Pick Ellicott City (zip 21043) and compare January 2008 to January 2007..
And you will see that average prices are up .22%. More interestingly though we see that the days on market actually has a favorable trend of -19%. That means homes started to sell more quickly.
If we take a look at Elkridge or Columbia..
we would get different numbers. Ask about Sykesville and the story changes again. You get the idea.
Even more, I could break statistics down for you that included similar home styles to provide even better detail. These numbers impact you in different ways depending on if you are a buyer or a seller. Square Foootage, schools, local economy, and amenities all come into play when determining value in real estate.
My final point is that if you really want to track your local real estate market there are two things you can do:
- Contact me or any other professional Realtor. With no charge or obligation I can give you an idea of what similar homes are selling for in your area you are interested in. I am not here to serve you when you are ready, I am here to serve you until you are ready.
- Sign up for a free Market Snapshot. on the right hand side column. This is a great way to keep an eye on your neighborhood Real Estate market. Both buyers and sellers can use this tool to keep a pulse on the local trends such as Days on Market, Currently Active Homes, Sold Homes, Average Prices etc. It also provides community information that comes in handy.
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What are the new FHA Loan limits in your county?
March 7th, 2008 Categories: Maryland Real Estate News
Well, the Economic Stimulus Package of 2008 that the president and congress brought forth is finally getting some steam up. Yesterday the FHA announced their temporary loan limits for the nation.
According to the Federal Housing Administration, the Stimulus Act will provide much needed liquidity and stability to housing markets across the country by providing access to safe and affordable loans for more families.
The FHA has been filling the void from the credit crunch experienced most by the conventional sources of mortgages. They estimate that the law will give nearly 240,000 additional homeowners a safer more affordable mortgage as well as strengthen all communities. The loan limits are temporary though, and are expected to expire in January of 2009.
Here are our Local Numbers:
Howard County
- One Unit Loan: $560,000
- Two Unit Loan: $716.900
- Three Unit Loans: $866.550
- Four Unit Loans: $1,076,950
Carroll County
- One Unit Loan: $560,000
- Two Unit Loan: $716.900
- Three Unit Loans: $866.550
- Four Unit Loans: $1,076,950
Anne Arundel County
- One Unit Loan: $560,000
- Two Unit Loan: $716.900
- Three Unit Loans: $866.550
- Four Unit Loans: $1,076,950
Baltimore County
- One Unit Loan: $560,000
- Two Unit Loan: $716.900
- Three Unit Loans: $866.550
- Four Unit Loans: $1,076,950
New Fannie Mae loan limits are due as well and will be reported once I get the final word. As usual, if you have any questions, or need to be connected with a great loan professional, please give me a call.
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