NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY  3, 2006

CREIG SAYS...

Dear Friend:

With each passing day, we see the local real estate market getting stronger and more active. If you are considering buying or selling, there is no time like the present.

Considering selling your home? Make sure it is ready for potential buyers by referencing our Seller Resource Center. This great area of our website offers tips and suggestions for showcasing your home's best features. Considering making a purchase this Spring? Get an idea of how much you can afford to buy by using our Mortgage Calculator. Want to buy a new build or a lot/land? Be sure to read this issue's "Insider Tips" which offers insight into these increasingly popular alternatives.

In addition to a strong housing market, the onset of Spring also brings our annual "Unsung Hero" Awards. We are currently seeking nominations. If you know a high school student who should be the next "Unsung Hero," see below for more information.

As always, if you are considering buying or selling a home, contact us today for extraordinary service at no extra cost!

Best regards,

Creig Northrop


NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR ANNUAL 'UNSUNG HERO' AWARDS

In every classroom around the country, there are students who are doing great deeds which often go unnoticed. Creig Northrop & The Northrop Team of Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. has partnered with Patuxent Publishing Company for the 4th Annual Unsung Hero Awards. Each year, this great awards program recognizes 12 students from Howard and Carroll County high schools for their contributions in music, art, theatre, sports and especially their good works.

TWO NEW LOCATIONS TO BETTER SERVE YOU!

The Northrop Team is pleased to announce the addition of two new offices:

  Frederick County - The Shops at Monocacy, 1700 Kingfisher Drive, Suite 7, Frederick MD 21701 - 301.815.5444

  Howard County - 5570 Sterrett Place, Suite 310, Columbia, MD 21044 - 410.884.1600

 

INSIDER TIPS

                                    Purchasing New Construction or Land/Lots:
                                                            What You Need to Know

One of the biggest investments and significant personal decisions that you will ever make is finding the right home. In addition to having a number of residential resale options, new construction and lot/land sales are becoming popular choices. Over the past 20 years, our team of real estate agents has developed relationships with a variety o local and national custom builders.

New Homes

Advance research is a necessity when previewing a new home or builder. While many builders have on-site agents ready to assist you, their loyalty lies with the builder, not the buyer. All of our agents are Accredited Buyer Representatives^™ (ABRs^®) and will represent you and your best interests throughout the real estate transaction.

Some things to consider when purchasing new construction include:

  Financing: Finding out how much you can afford is the first step you should take when considering the purchase of a home, lot or land. Be wary of builder incentive programs. A "free" recreation or sun room could end up costing extra points or a higher interest rate should you opt to go through the builder's lender.

  Buyer Representation: When choosing an agent or Accredited Buyer Representative^TM, be sure that he/she provides you with information regarding the surrounding area, local schools, and other community amenities. This information will help you choose the ideal location.

  Contract Negotiations: Be sure to take your ABR^® agent with you when looking at new homes. If your agent is not involved in the negotiations from the very beginning, the builder will not acknowledge his/her representation of you during the transaction.

  Location: Knowing the location and position of the home will help with future resale value; the site plan and grading are also important consideration. As ABRs^®, our agents know what questions to ask and will help you choose the type of home that will best suit your needs.

  Upgrades: Consider how cosmetic upgrades versus the size/ square footage of the home compares with other homes in the neighborhood. With years of experience in new homes and resales, our ABRs^® know which qualities in a new home will make it stand out from others on the resale market.

  Zoning Ordinances: Be aware of local zoning ordinances. Our team of sales professionals keeps abreast of new regulations and legislation daily. We are also members of the Home Builders Association of Maryland.

Lots & Land

When a new development, lot or land becomes available, demand can be high. Along with the purchase of a lot or land comes an array of quality tests and restrictions. Our Lot & Land Specialist and Accredited Buyer Representatives ^TM possess unmatched skill and knowledge.

Some things to consider when purchasing lots/land include:

  Financing: Financing should be considered early on in this process. Land loans differ a great deal from traditional home loans. It is important to seek out a lender and loan program that is right for you.

  Classification/Zoning: The classification and zoning of your lot/land will determine the use of your property. Our Lot & Land Specialist has vast experience and knowledge about the variety of zoning/land use classifications and is able to determine the best use of the property for its value and build-ability. Not all land for sale is build-able.

  Lot Size/Acreage: Consider the size of the lot and whether or not can it be subdivided; not all large tracts are sub-dividable.

  Utilities: Have an environmental study done and determine what utilities will service your home. Whether public utilities or private systems, onsite easements and restrictions may affect the value of the lot being purchased or restrict its development.

  New Communities: A variety of new communities are being developed in Maryland. Our agents are in constant communication with county planners and local developers/builders about their projects including the anticipated availability.

Whether you are considering buying a new build or a lot/land, one of our sales professionals would be happy to assist you. Contact us today. It would be our pleasure to assist you!


OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING...

"The free use of the moving truck was a big plus – this was a great service provided by Creig Northrop!"

~ Douglas & Roberta Barkley

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