Thursday, March 31, 2011

OHH NOOO!!!

WE'VE SOLD ALL OF OUR LISTINGS!!!  AND THE SPRING MARKET IS HERE!!!

Give us a call and we will devote all of our experience, expertise, energy, marketing and negotiating skills to work Just For You!   ( Of course, we are still working with some interested buyers..who may be looking for a home just like yours.) 

Call Paul at 301.963.2020 direct for advice, consultation, or to list your home if you want it sold quickly and for the best price.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

What your MD HOA and Condo Associations may be keeping a secret from you!

On May 4, 2010, Governor O'Malley signed into law Maryland SB 224, the so-called "Right-to-Dry" legislation, which requires condominium associations, homeowner associations, and cooperatives to allow homeowners to install clotheslines on their property.

 
The actual law follows:


http://law.justia.com/maryland/codes/2010/real-property/title-14/subtitle-1/14-130/


There are exceptions for historical properties...see actual legislation on the link above.

Maryland is open to "going green" !

Saturday, March 26, 2011

WHO PAYS FOR WHAT IN A HOME SALE?




WHO PAYS FOR WHAT IN A HOME SALE?

Selling your home may seem simple, but there are taxes, fees, insurance and other expenses that buyers and sellers must prepare for.

Here is a list of the traditional distribution of expenses in Montgomery County, MD. Certain regions of the country and state vary in these customs. Keep in mind that some of these items are negotiable by both parties at the time of the offer, excluding some expenses required by the State and lender to be paid specifically by the seller.

The BUYER typically pays:

Notary fees
Escrow Fees
Document preparation (if applicable)
Recording charges for all documents in buyer’s name
Termite inspection
Tax pro ration
Homeowner’s transfer fee
All new loan charges (except those required by lender for seller to pay)
Interest on new loan from date of funding to 30 days prior to first payment date
Assumption /Change of Records fees for take-over of existing loan
Beneficiary Statement fee for assumption of existing loan
Other Inspection fees (roofing, property inspection, geological, radon, etc.)
Home Warranty
Lender’s policy
Fire Insurance Premium for first year
Broker Administrative fees
50% of State and County Transfer & Recordation Taxes
Title Insurance Premium: Owner’s Policy/Lender's Policy
HOA fees

The SELLER typically pays:

Real estate commission
Escrow fees
Notary Fees
Any bonds or assessments
Recording changes to clear all documents of record against seller
Any unpaid homeowner’s dues
Broker Administrative Fees
Tax pro ration (for any taxes unpaid at time of transfer of title)
Home Warranty
Any judgments, tax liens, etc. against the seller
Statement Fees, re conveyance fees, and and prepayment penalties
Interest accrued to lender being paid off
Payoff of all loans in seller’s name (or existing loan balance if assumed by buyers)
Any loan fees required by buyer’s lender
Document preparation fee for deed
Applicable city transfer/conveyance tax
50% of State and County Transfer & Recordation Taxes
Final electricity, water, gas, oil, cable bills.
Current updated HOA docs for the buyer's inspection


These are the main expenses and fees that need to be considered by the Seller and the Buyer. If I seem to have missed something, or you want to discuss or ask questions, please leave a comment below or phone Paul for further clarifications and estimates for your own purposes and situation. He will be happy to explain them to you. We aim to make your home sale and purchase as clear and simple and profitable as possible for you!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

An Even Bigger Investment Than Your House is Your Mortgage!

AND BIG CHANGES ARE COMING!!

To read more about it, read this article that was in the Washington Post recently, on March 12, 2011. In conclusion, I suggest if you are interested in purchasing a home, the sooner the better if you want the best financing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/major-changes-ahead-for-mortgage-system-as-us-seeks-to-scale-back-role-in-housing/2011/03/04/ABnbhvQ_story.html

Saturday, March 19, 2011

New Bus Service from Gaithersburg to BWI Airport, Hourly!

ICC Bus Route 201 operates between the Gaithersburg Park and Ride lot located at I-270 and MD 124 in Montgomery County and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport in Anne Arundel County. Buses leave the Gaithersburg Park and Ride lot and travel south on I-270 to I-370 that turns into MD 200, the ICC. Service continues on the ICC to the Shady Grove Metro Station. Upon leaving the Metro Station, the service returns to the ICC and travels to the Norbeck Park and Ride on Norbeck Road at MD 97. The route then follows MD 28 to MD 198 to the Burtonsville Park and Ride lot, continuing north on Rt. 29, east on MD 32 and north on I-95 to I-195 to BWI Airport. The route terminates at the BWI MARC/Amtrak Rail Station.



$5 each way, discounted for seniors and those with disabilities.



The No. 201 operates seven days a week with hourly service accommodating 14 daily round trips, with intermediate stops. The 47-mile trip takes approximately 75 minutes.



For more detailed information, click here...http://mtaiccbus.com/route201.html#mapsa