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Loans for Foreign Nationals Buying Homes in Annapolis and Washington DC Region

I’ve heard from a few sources recently that with all the market uncertainty, many folks from overseas are viewing investing in American real estate, especially the Washington, DC, area, as a “safe haven”.  Or at least a relatively good place to park money for the time being.

And many of these folks are not aware that it is possible for foreign nationals to get loans on American real estate.  They hear that it can’t be done, because many banks won’t do it.  I just met with an excellent loan officer specializing in this niche, who will be happy to help folks from other countries who would like to buy a home in the States.  Let me know if you have friends or colleagues like that, and I’ll introduce them to the right people to help.

Also, this team is well-aware of the importance of discretion and privacy to our highly successful clients.

Considering a move?  Please call for a confidential chat.  Your personal needs, wants, and finances are my priority and my passion and my specialties run from Waterfront Luxury Estates to distressed properties.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, Keller Williams Select Realtors Annapolis, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 410-268-0160 or 410-972-4000 x4032

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

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Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Real Estate Market Statistics March 2012

We’ve got a Spring inventory shortage, buyers are shopping, and sellers are needed!

I’ve been talking about how our office has been hopping, and the most recent market statistics confirm it.

Last month, 430 sales closed, more than the previous March by 9%. Listings are down 20%, to 2,650, as compared to 3,295 a year ago.

Here are more numbers on home sales, for March 2012 vs. March 2011 for Anne Arundel County:

  • Average Discount Off Original Price: 10%
  • Average Days on the Market: 134 (up 3.88%)
  • Number of Homes for Sale: 2,650 (down 19.58%)
  • Total Sales: $141,521,775 (down 2.09%)
  • Average Sold Price: $329,120 (down 10.29%)
  • Real Buyers (Home Sold): 430 (up 9.14%)

(Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. – MLS Resale Data Copyright 2012 – Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.)

We have moved from a strong buyers market into a balanced market, with approximately 6 months of inventory.

Considering a move? Don’t hesitate to call any time, for a confidential chat.

I love to talk about real estate, and sell everything from waterfront luxury estates through distressed properties.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, Keller Williams Select Realtors Annapolis, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 410-268-0160 or 410-972-4000 x4032

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

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Luxury Foreclosure, Annapolis Maryland Waterview Home For Sale

Luxury Waterview Foreclosure Annapolis Maryland

Luxury Waterview Foreclosure in Annapolis Maryland

Last week, while showing homes to a client, I came across an amazing opportunity for someone who is ready to act quickly.

This custom-built luxury home, in the sought-after community of The Downs in Annapolis, offers spectacular water views from many rooms.  It’s a bank-owned property that was just listed with a new agent at the greatly reduced price of $774,900.

At one time, this home was listed for $2,499,000.  The current tax assessment is $1,288,400.  It seems that the bank is ready to get it off their balance sheet.

Are you ready to move fast for the right deal on a high-end home?  Or do you know someone who is?  If so, please call me today!  This one will go quickly.

Here’s a link to this Luxury Foreclosure Annapolis Maryland Waterview Home

Call me today for all your Annapolis real estate needs.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, Keller Williams Select Realtors Annapolis, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 410-268-0160 or 410-972-4000 x4032

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

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Anne Arundel County Real Estate Market Statistics December 2011

Here are the latest numbers on home sales, for December 2011 vs December 2010 for Anne Arundel County:

Average Discount Off Original Price: 11%

Average Days on the Market: 141 (up 17.5%)

Number of Homes for Sale: 2,688 (down 14.64%)

Total Sales: $132,697,257 (up 1.67%)

Average Sold Price: $345,566 (down 1.51%)

(Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. – MLS Resale Data Copyright 2012 – Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.)

While the sales numbers are not quite as rosy as November’s, the lower inventory provides some upward pressure on prices, along with the continued extremely low interest rates.

A statistic was just published about people in higher-end homes. As you may know, I have been saying for the past year that it is a good time to sell a modest-priced home and buy a higher-priced home. That’s because modest price ranges have gone down some, but the high end has dropped a lot more.

It was just published that the largest increase in mortgage defaults and foreclosures is in the Jumbo mortgages.

These distressed properties soften home prices even more because they increase the supply of houses on the market that are sold at a discount. That’s exciting for people who have wanted to buy up and haven’t been able to afford the house of their dreams.

Are you thinking of doing something with a higher-end home? Or do you know someone who is?

If your answer is yes, let’s talk.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, Keller Williams Select Realtors Annapolis, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 410-268-0160 or 410-972-4000 x4032

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

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Is a Good School District in Maryland Important to You?

Living in a good school district is very important to most families, and it seems like every day someone tells me how important it is to rent or buy a home where there are good public schools.  This applies to both owner-occupants and investors who want to buy homes where families will stay long-term.

For information on schools, I often refer people to professionals in education, and Internet resources such as the Anne Arundel County Public Schools web site, and other sites on my Recommended Links page.

Did you hear that Education Week just ranked Maryland’s public schools best in the nation?

That’s good news for Maryland homeowners and home buyers.

Here’s a link to the article “Equipping U.S. Schools for the Global Fast Lane”

Call me today for all your Annapolis real estate needs.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, Keller Williams Select Realtors Annapolis, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 410-268-0160 or 410-972-4000 x4032

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

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Anne Arundel County Real Estate Market Update December 2011

Here are the latest numbers on home sales, for November 2011 vs November 2010 for Anne Arundel County:

Average Discount Off Original Price: 9.62%

Average Days on the Market: 123 (up 4.24%)

Number of Homes for Sale: 2,941 (down 11.68%)

Total Sales: $125,812,587 (up 5.92%)

Average Sold Price: $349,479 (up 8.57%)

(Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. – MLS Resale Data Copyright 2011 – Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.)

The numbers show signs of market strength as compared to last year, with lower inventory, higher sales volume, and higher average sold price.  With those positives, most sellers don’t mind the higher average time on market!

The trend continues of many people choosing to stay in their current homes, and making home improvements while the contractors are less busy. (Let me know if you need a referral to a good contractor.  I know lots of them, and they appreciate the referrals, too.)

Others are finding it’s a great time to take advantage of the opportunity to negotiate a good purchase on a new home.  Of course, it’s not as easy to sell.  Good staging and marketing make all the difference.

To beat the averages, get good advice as you plan your next move.

Would you like to know what is happening in your neighborhood? Just ask.

Call me today for all your Annapolis real estate needs.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, Keller Williams Select Realtors Annapolis, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 410-268-0160 or 410-972-4000 x4032

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

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Anne Arundel County Real Estate Market Update November 2011

Here are the latest numbers on home sales, for October 2011 vs October 2010 for Anne Arundel County:

Average Discount Off Original Price:  8.67%

Average Days on the Market:  123 (up 6.96%)

Number of Homes for Sale:  3,261 (down 9.44%)

Total Sales:  $119,453,226 (down 8.77%)

Average Sold Price:  $323,721 (down 9.51%)

(Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. – MLS Resale Data Copyright 2011 – Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.)

To beat the averages, get good advice as you plan your next move.

Would you like to know what is happening in your neighborhood?   Just ask.

Call me today for all your Annapolis real estate needs.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, Keller Williams Select Realtors Annapolis, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 410-268-0160 or 410-972-4000 x4032

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

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First Time Maryland Homebuyers – This Month in Real Estate (US)

Here’s a nice short video from Keller Williams International, especially useful for people who are now renting and might consider buying their own home:

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One of our newest listings is likely to appeal to many first-time homebuyers.  Check out this water-privileged home in Hillsmere Estates in Annapolis.  Know someone who is renting in the area and would like a home of their own?  This could be the one!

Call me today for all your Annapolis real estate needs.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, Keller Williams Select Realtors Annapolis, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 410-268-0160 or 410-972-4000 x4032

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

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Annapolis Boat Shows and Annapolis Waterfront Homes

The Annapolis Sailboat Show is coming up this weekend, and the Annapolis Powerboat Show will be next weekend.  The Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek are already filling up with a variety of beautiful yachts, and the anticipation is building!

The official web site for United States Yacht Shows calls these “The United States Sailboat Show” and “The United States Powerboat Show.” Fancy names for what we locals usually just call “the boat show”. We will be welcoming about 150,000 guests to historic Annapolis over the next two weeks for these boat shows.   These shows offer a fun and easy way to explore a tremendous variety of yachts, have experts answer all your questions, and perhaps make a deal on the boat of your dreams.

For the sailboat show, trade, press, and VIP day is this Thursday October 6, 2011, 10-6, and general admission is Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10-630, and Monday 10-5.  When the show ends, don’t miss the tear-down party at Pussers Caribbean Grill at the Marriott Annapolis Waterfront, as the crews race to clear out the harbor as fast as possible, so that the powerboats can enter!

Then the powerboat show begins on Thursday October 13, 2011, for trade, press, and VIP day from 10-6, and then general admission Friday and Saturday 10-630, and Sunday 10-600.

And by the way, why stop with the dream yacht?  Beautiful jewelry and luxurious waterfront homes are also to be found!

Tempted? Check out this earlier post on Waterfront Homes for Sale in Annapolis Maryland

Ready to turn your dreams into reality?  Would you like to be notified right away when a home comes on the market that meets your needs? Would you like a search customized to your desires, such as water depth (MLW), body of water, or water frontage?  Call me today for all your Annapolis real estate needs.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, Keller Williams Select Realtors Annapolis, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 410-268-0160 or 410-972-4000 x4032

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

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Anne Arundel County Real Estate Market Update September 2011

To the surprise of many, and despite earthquakes, hurricanes and floods, Anne Arundel County homebuyers and sellers went about their business consistent with seasonal expectations in August.  Here are the latest numbers, comparing this August to last August:

Average Discount Off Original Price: 9.9%

Average Days on the Market: 115 (up 16.16%)

Number of Homes for Sale:  3,520 (down 7.32%)

Total Closed Sales: 445 (down 0.22%)

Average Sold Price: $349,735 (down 4.81%)

(Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. – MLS Resale Data Copyright 2011 – Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.)

In addition to higher days on market, and a lower average sold price, another pattern is emerging.  In August, 222 contingent contracts were made, versus only 86 last August, an increase of 158%.  While we are seeing more contracts made, as buyers and sellers work together, greater numbers of contracts are falling through due to the other properties not selling.

Here’s an opportunity.  Are you frustrated by the stock market, and thinking of moving some money? As you know, real estate prices are down, and sellers are eager for non-contingent cash buyers.  With the numbers of contracts falling through due to financing troubles and buyers who need to sell other homes, you can be in a very strong negotiating position if you arrange to buy with cash.

Would you like the numbers for a particular neighborhood, or price bracket? Let me know, and I will get them for you.

On another note, here’s a brand new listing this week.  It’s a nice property, and a reminder that you can ask whatever you want…

As you know, I’ll be happy to help you with this home, or any other real estate move, so don’t hesitate to get in touch any time!

Call me today for all your Annapolis real estate needs.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, Keller Williams Select Realtors Annapolis, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 410-268-0160 or 410-972-4000 x4032

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

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