“I am always astonished to see the “30 Under 30” professionals every year and all that they have achieved in such a short amount of time,” said National Association of Realtors® President Moe Veissi in May 16 statement. “What amazes me the most about this year’s class is how they recognize there is no one formula for winning in real estate. They have discovered success their own way and display the dedication and hardworking spirit all Realtors® possess. As Realtors® we are constantly evolving with the market and it’s important to recognize these young people and learn from them, as they are the future of the real estate profession,” said Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami.

REALTOR® Magazine is the official magazine of the National Association of Realtors® and has been honoring young practitioners since the year 2000. For more information and to read profiles of all of this year’s honorees, visit REALTOR® Magazine online at http://realtormag.realtor.org/30-under-30. The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

The Creig Northrop Team of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. is the #1 real estate team in the Nation based on closed sales volume in 2010, as ranked by The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends, Inc. Serving the Baltimore/Washington, DC region with offices in Carroll, Howard and Baltimore County, The Creig Northrop Team has built a reputation for expertise and a track-record for results. For more information regarding buying and selling services contact The Creig Northrop Team of Long & Foster Real Estate at 800.831.7653 or visit www.northropteam.com.

“We had great food and shared the day with some incredible people, but the RACE was the ultimate suspense!  We got to watch I’ll Have Another’s thrilling Preakness victory. It has been 34 years since a horse won the U.S Triple Crown (affirmed in 1978) and we’re looking forward to seeing if history can be made as he runs for the TRIPLE CROWN.”

Contact our Military Sales Division for information on our SMARTMOVE® program that gives you CASH BACK every time you buy or sell real estate with our team!

Are you a seller who will be looking to buy? Today’s market conditions make for a great time to buy and either move up or downsize.

Pending home sales increased in March and are well above a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors. NAR’s pending home sales index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 4.1% to 101.4 in March from an upwardly revised 97.4 in February. It is 12.8% above March 2011 when it was 89.9. The index is now at the highest level since April 2010 when it reached 111.3. NAR President Moe Veissi believes there are more opportunities in today’s market. “Historically favorable housing affordability conditions are making it easier for buyers to enter the market despite the unnecessarily tight credit conditions,” he says. “Housing supply and demand are roughly balanced with overall housing supply at the lowest level in six years, putting sellers on an even footing with buyers in most markets.”

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said 2012 is expected to be a year of recovery for housing. “The housing market has clearly turned the corner,” Yun said. “Rising sales are bringing down inventory and creating much more balanced conditions … which means home prices will be rising in more areas as the year progresses.”

Keep in mind most families prefer to pack up kids when school is taking a break. That means they want to move during the Summer months. What does this mean for sellers? It means families are looking to buy in the Spring. This gives them plenty of time to look at homes and then go to closing, which can take from a few weeks to over a month. Springtime is full of new growth opportunities. So, stop and smell the roses … and list that home for sale!

Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation market analysis!

Owners of six spectacular historic properties plus the Shrine of St. Anthony’s will open their homes and gardens to visitors on this annual self-guided tour. Advance tickets for the tour are $30 and can be purchased online at www.mhgp.org. or on the day of the tour at your first stop for $35. Tour goers can look forward to a wide range of horticultural and architectural delights as they explore the following sites.

Waverly Mansion – 2300 Waverly Mansion Drive, Marriottsville, MD
Oakdale – 16449 Ed Warfield Road, Woodbine, MD
Shrine of St. Anthony’s – 12290 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD
Richland Farm – 4730 Sheppard Lane, Clarksville, MD
White Hall Manor – 4130 Chatham Road, Ellicott City, MD
Spring Hill – 4659 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD

Interested in purchasing a historic home? Start your search now!

Jeffrey S. Detwiler, president and chief operating officer of The Long & Foster Companies, recently shared his perspective on the Mid-Atlantic real estate market. The report below was published in Bethesda Magazine, Own magazine (a supplement to The Wall Street Journal) and multiple online outlets.

Investing in the housing market was once practically a no brainer. Through the downturn, however, many of the fixed assumptions about housing — that property values would always rise and equity would naturally grow — became variable, leaving many consumers questioning the extent to which the real estate market was a good investment option for them, or if now was the time to purchase that new home they have always wanted. It also opened the door to years of negative housing headlines in the media, some of which continue today.

The reality, however, is that the indicators we examine to determine the health of the housing market are gaining momentum. The employment picture is improving, consumer confidence is increasing, mortgage rates are low and home prices in much of the Mid-Atlantic region have stabilized. These conditions may add up to opportunity, which is why so many qualified buyers, sellers and investors are looking to evaluate their own equations in the context of the market as it exists right now.

Still, we’re finding that although the recovery is well under way in many regions, the mainstream media has been somewhat slow in reporting the full story. A home purchase for most of us is, first and foremost, a place to live, raise a family and be part of a community. But it’s also an investment that requires careful consideration as it offers an opportunity to build long-term equity. Being able to read between the headlines may present a homeownership opportunity unlike any we have seen for generations, so it’s important to recognize the headlines that support the green sprouts we’re experiencing in the economy and in the housing market.

THE ECONOMY IS GROWING
In the early months of the year, we’ve seen consumer confidence gain strength and reach levels we haven’t seen for some time. Improvement in the job market is the primary driver in boosting consumer confidence, and we’re likely to see an upward trend as companies continue to expand and add more people to the payroll.

A recent Associated Press survey of leading economists points out that experts believe the unemployment rate will fall from its current level to 8 percent by this fall, and will likely dip even more by the end of 2013.

Since last summer, the U.S. Labor Department reports that employers have added more than 1 million workers to their rosters. The economy is showing green sprouts in other areas as well — industrial output jumped in the early part of the year, car sales are booming and many experts agree that the housing market, in many parts of the country, has turned the corner.

HOME PRICES ARE RISING IN SOME AREAS
Most of the time, when we read headlines about sinking home values, we’re absorbing national numbers that incorporate the hardest-hit markets in the country. The reality is that home prices in many areas of the Mid-Atlantic region have seen prices stabilize — and even increase in some areas.

To get a clear picture of home prices in your market, it’s best to evaluate local-level data. At Long & Foster, we believe that better market data results in better buying and selling decisions, which is why we provide hundreds of publicly-available reports each month to take housing data down to county and neighborhood levels. A professional Realtor® can provide a detailed assessment for your home or one you are considering buying.

INVENTORY IS AT MULTI-YEAR LOWS
Throughout much of the Mid-Atlantic region, buyers who have perceptions of the housing market based on national headlines and reports are finding themselves facing an unanticipated situation — a narrow selection of inventory from which to choose. All of the major housing markets in the Mid-Atlantic are currently experiencing lower inventory levels than we’ve seen in at least two years — longer in some markets.

For people who have been putting off selling their homes for an opportunity to move up to a bigger or nicer house, the current situation may present a good reason to reevaluate their options. Currently, many sellers can offer their homes to willing buyers in the market and move up to homes while prices are still moderate, but this window of opportunity may be quickly closing as the recovery takes a firm hold.

RATES WILL NOT STAY THIS LOW FOREVER
Another window of opportunity that may be closing pertains to historically-low interest rates. Headlines in the media have announced for some time that rates remain at record lows. Some headlines infer that potential buyers or homeowners who wish to refinance have plenty of time to make a decision to take action since rates have held steady for some time. The reality, however, is that mortgage rates are expected to start a slow and steady climb upward in the not-too-distant future.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, 30-year fixed mortgage rates are expected to increase through the second half of this year, throughout 2013 and beyond. The opportunity to purchase or refinance at today’s low rates may not last much longer. Consider that, on a $300,000 mortgage, just a 1 percent increase in the rate increases the monthly payment by more than $200 a month. That adds up to more than $70,000 in interest expense alone over the life of a 30-year mortgage.

OWNING A HOME IS AFFORDABLE
As 2011 came to a close, the National Association of Realtors® Housing Affordability Index showed that housing affordability rose to record highs, with the index reaching the highest level in its 20-year history. What this means is that a home buyer’s purchasing power is greater now than it has been in recent history. Low mortgage rates coupled with moderated housing prices and stabilized household incomes present affordability conditions unlike any we’ve seen in generations.

THE HOUSING RECOVERY IS HAPPENING NOW
The headlines pertaining to housing in the last few years have left many consumers justifiably concerned about making a homeownership decision. But as we’re seeing today, by the time the media begins to consistently report on the green sprouts in the economy, the recovery is well underway and that could cause many to miss an opportunity. The fact that cash transactions are elevated signals higher activity by investors indicating they believe the current environment is a buying opportunity.

Buyers, sellers and investors in today’s marketplace understand the value that comes with working with the best-trained and best-equipped real estate professionals. Getting local facts and exploring your personal homeownership goals with a professional will help you identify an opportunity that you may not find by scanning national headlines.

Like many housing experts, I agree that we are likely to look back at today’s market in a few short years and recognize the historic opportunity available at this time to qualified buyers and sellers.

Start your home search now with The Creig Northrop Team of Long & Foster Real Estate!

The MAR Leadership Academy offers an intensive curriculum designed around developing skills in leadership, communications, strategic planning, legislative and government affairs and community involvement. Classes are conducted over seven months and stress the value of professional and personal commitment to business, charitable and civic endeavors.

Honored guests were William J. Armstrong, III, 2012 Treasurer of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and NAR 1st Vice President Steve Brown who addressed the graduates and guests. “Being comfortable with and knowing yourself will define you as a leader,” Brown emphasized. “Follow your passion and it will direct the course to lead effectively.” Brown added.

We applaud Alicyn’s accomplishments and are proud to have her as a member of The Creig Northrop Team of Long & Foster Real Estate!

Source: [Howard County Association of Realtors 5.4.2012]

Carla’s dedication as a member of the Auction Committee and Creig’s willingness to yet again lend his signature voice and passion to the Live Auction resulted in a record breaking year for the Open Your Heart Dollars Campaign!

In addition, we are thrilled to announce that the monetary goal set by the American Heart Association was exceeded by $80,000 resulting in a net of $295,000 for this year’s Heart Ball!

Thank you to everyone who participated in making this one of the most successful years ever!

Pickup your copy today or view The Collection now!

CHANTILLY, Va., May 1, 2012— Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc., the largest independent residential real estate company in the United States, today announced that its Creig Northrop Team, based in Clarksville, Md., was recognized recently at the 2012 Summit Awards sponsored by Luxury Portfolio International, for having the most new listings in the nation. The award was presented during the organization’s exclusive invitation-only event held annually for top sales associates and luxury marketing professionals affiliated with the group. The awards were presented in March at this year’s event held in Orlando, Fla.

“Long & Foster continues to be home to many of the top-producing real estate professionals in this region, such as Creig and his team, whom we congratulate on their recent recognition and acknowledge their dedication to their customers and their perseverance in today’s market,” said P. Wesley Foster, Jr., founder, chairman and chief executive officer of The Long & Foster Companies.

In 2011, The Creig Northrop Team earned the number one spot for real estate teams nationwide, based on closed sales volume in 2010, as ranked by The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends, Inc. The team, which has offices in Baltimore, Carroll, Howard, and Montgomery counties in Maryland, also ranked third in the survey based on the number of closed transaction sides in 2010, and was one of 15 Long & Foster teams and three individual agents ranked in the survey of the nation’s top 250 sales professionals.

The team, which is comprised of more than 40 real estate sales professionals who work with both buyers and sellers, has for the past 11 years consistently ranked No. 1 in Maryland for homes sold.

“Leading Real Estate Companies of the World is comprised of the finest real estate firms from around the globe and to be recognized nationally as a true leader in the market you serve further distinguishes The Creig Northrop Team’s commitment to customer service and a steadfast dedication to serving local buyers and sellers,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate.

“Long & Foster sales professionals best serve luxury buyers and sellers, as well as buyers and sellers in all segments of the market, in reaching their homeownership goals by being the most knowledgeable in their markets and having the latest technology at their fingertips. We place a high commitment on supporting our sales force so that they remain leaders in their markets.”

The 2012 event featured keynote speakers and panelists that provided professional insights about the latest in luxury lifestyle trends, the factors motivating today’s high-end consumers including the current economy, and current attention-getting home and design styles.

About Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®
(www.LeadingRE.com) is a global real estate network comprised of over 600 of the best-known local and regional real estate firms. With nearly 5,000 offices and 150,000 sales associates in the United States and 35 countries abroad, LeadingRE affiliates sell almost $300 billion in home sales, representing nearly one million transactions annually. The network has #1 market share in more of the top 88 U.S. markets than any national brand, representing a powerful force in American real estate.

About The Long & Foster Companies
The Long & Foster Companies is the parent company of the largest independent residential real estate company in the United States, Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc., and is the Mid-Atlantic region’s leading provider of homeownership services. In addition to its real estate arm, The Long & Foster® Companies consist of Prosperity Mortgage® Company Long & Foster® Insurance, Inc., and Long & Foster® Settlement Services. Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc. sold more than $22 billion worth of homes and helped people buy and sell homes more than 69,000 times in 2011. The Long & Foster Companies 2011 combined sales for the year were in excess of $42 billion. Visit www.LongandFoster.com for more information.

About The Creig Northrop Team of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
The Creig Northrop Team of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. is the #1 real estate team in the Nation based on closed sales volume in 2010, as ranked by The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends, Inc. Serving the Baltimore/Washington, DC region with offices in Carroll, Howard and Baltimore County, The Creig Northrop Team has built a reputation for expertise and a track-record for results. For more information regarding buying and selling services contact The Creig Northrop Team of Long & Foster Real Estate at 800.831.7653 or visit www.northropteam.com.