NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 20, 2006

CREIG SAYS...

Dear Friend:

With 2006 underway, the real estate market already shows great promise for a strong spring and summer.

Although in the winter months, it may take longer for homes to sell, houses that are priced well are selling. According to the Maryland Association of Realtors, the average price of homes sold in Maryland in December 2005 were up an average of 20% compared to December 2004.

If you are considering buying or selling a home, contact us today! After all, it costs no more to use the best!

Best regards,

Creig Northrop


2005 SALES STATISTICS

Question: How does The Northrop Team compare with other agents in the area?

Answer: There IS no comparison! In 2005, Creig Northrop & The Northrop Team sold more houses in Howard, Carroll, Montgomery and Frederick Counties than all other area real estate agents combined!

Number of Homes Sold in 2005 = 736
(That's more than 2 Homes every day!)

Average Time on Market = 12 days

In 2005, 45% of Homes LISTED by The Northrop Team
were also SOLD by The Northrop Team

Total Number of Homes Sold in 2005 by Price Range:

• Under $300,000 = 101 Homes
• $300,000 - $400,000 = 105 Homes
• $400,000 - $500,000 = 110 Homes
• $500,000 - $600,000 = 102 Homes
• $600,000 - $700,000 = 91 Homes
• $700,000 - $800,000 = 67 Homes
• $800,000 - $900,000 = 41 Homes
• $900,000 - $1,000,000 = 52 Homes
• $1,000,000+ = 67 Homes

For extraordinary service at NO extra, call Creig Northrop & The Northrop Team today!

INSIDER TIPS

Sprucing Up for Spring

You have decided to sell your home, but you are not sure your home offers what potential buyers want. Small changes can make a big difference in how well your homes shows. Focus on the areas with the biggest visual impact and the least financial impact.

First impressions are key, so start by focusing on the exterior features of your home (the "curb appeal"). Then, concentrate on the rooms where you spend most of your time and highlight their unique features. Sprucing-up the kitchen, family room, bathroom(s) and master bedroom will give you the best return on your well-spent money.

EXTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS

• Having a well-maintained yard shows buyers how much care you put into your home before they step inside. Mulching your yard and planting colorful plants and flowers will draw a potential buyer's eye to a specific area, as well as fill in empty space.
• The greenish color of mildew is often mistaken for mold. Power washing decks, walkways, patios, decks, and siding will make them appear clean and fresh.
• Extend your living space by placing your outside furniture on decks and patios. Having an attractive, relaxing space will draw attention to your front porch, patio, deck and rear yard.

INTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS

• Make your home stand out by accenting each room's unique feature(s).
• Furniture placement is very important. Be sure there are no more than 5-6 pieces of furniture in each room. Arrange your furniture so the traffic flows smoothly.
• Add a mirror or standing lamp to a darker corner; this will make the room appear larger.
• Remove excess items such as small area rugs, magazine racks, foot stools and decorative pieces to open up the area.
• Clutter will make your house seem small and cramped. Get a head start on moving by packing up those items you will not need for a few months.
• Make your kitchen more aesthetically pleasing by clearing counters of everything but the bare essentials. Organize pantries and cabinets to make them appear more roomy.
• Bathrooms should be immaculate. Thoroughly clean the bathtub/shower, toilets, sink, and counters. Check the caulking around your tub/shower. If you see any discoloration and/or cracking, you may need to recault. Remove all personal items from sight.

THE NORTHROP TEAM IN THE COMMUNITY

The Northrop Team realizes how important it is to give back to the communities in which we work and live. Each year, we support a variety of local organizations and non-profits.


OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING...

"We chose Creig Northrop after having met Mike Clevenger in a social situation. We were not only more than pleased with the services and professionalism that Mike provided us with, but we also received such professionalism from all members of the team!"

~ Ali Miremami & Panna Patel

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