NEWSLETTER - JULY 10, 2006
CREIG SAYS...
Dear Friend:
This summer's housing market is going strong. Real estate trends continue to indicate increases in housing values throughout Maryland. According to the Maryland Association of Realtors, May 2006* housing prices in Maryland increased 9.4% from May 2005 (*housing stats for June 2006 are not yet in).
The Northrop Team's sales also indicate a strong market. Last month, we sold 93 homes; July looks equally positive. If you are considering selling your house, there is no time like the present to put it on the market. Many of the buyers looking for homes this summer need to settle before the start of the new school year.
Whether you are considering buying or selling a home, it would be our pleasure to assist you. Our team of professionals is ready, willing, and able to provide you with extraordinary service. Call 800.831.SOLD or today.
Best regards,
Creig Northrop
SPECIAL LOAN PROGRAM FOR 1ST-TIME BUYERS
If you are first-time homebuyer, money doesn't have to grow on trees in order for you to buy the home of your dreams. The CDA loan offers first-time buyers the ability to buy more home for less. The CDA loan program offers a variety of loan options (FHA or Conventional loans), with a variety of interest rates and loan terms allowing borrowers more flexibility and more buying power.
HOW MUCH HOME CAN YOU AFFORD?
Unsure? Our Mortgage Calculator can help you figure it out!
MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL
Ready to buy a home this summer? Apply online to get pre-approved.
INSIDER TIPS
Low-Cost/No-Cost Tips to Help Your Home Shine
When your home is on the market for sale, how well it shows, both inside and out, can affect the sale price. We have put together a list of tips to help your house go from "For Sale" to "Sold."
Curb Appeal
First impressions are lasting impressions! If your home looks neglected outside, buyers may assume the inside is neglected as well. To make sure your home is appealing to prospective buyers as they drive up...
- Keep your lawn neatly cut.
- Edge along the driveway and walkway.
- Weed and mulch your gardens.
- Create visual impact by planting colorful plants/flowers.
- Buy a new doormat to welcome visitors .
- Put a fresh coat of paint on your front door.
- Keep your deck, patio & walkways neatly swept free of grass cuttings.
- Remove any mold residue from siding and decks.
Inside Your House
Buyers typically make up their minds within 10 seconds of entering the front door, then spend the rest of their visit reaffirming their decision. Since 72%-85% of homes listed for sale are viewed on virtual tour before an appointment is ever made, making a positive impression is crucial. Homes that show well have a competitive advantage over those that do not.
General Tips:
- Thoroughly clean your house from top to bottom, floor to ceiling.
- Get a head start on moving by beginning to pack now. Start with out-of-season clothing, jackets, holiday decorations.
- Vacuum and steam clean your carpets.
- Give your home a fresh, clean scent by placing citrus-scented candles or air fresheners throughout the house.
- Remove excess clutter from surfaces, closets (shelves & floors), and cabinets. A cluttered home looks smaller than a neat, open home.
- Help buyers imagine themselves in your home by limiting the display of personal photographs.
- Limit or remove religious symbols and political paraphernalia so your home appeals to the widest range of buyers.
- Make sure light bulbs work, door handles & railings are on securely, and stairs are squeak-free.
- Open curtains/blinds to let the natural light illuminate your house. If you live in a wooded area, remove window screens as well.
- Clean windows inside and out. A little bit of dirt also limits the amount of light entering your home.
- Remove large pieces of furniture from rooms and arrange the remaining pieces to ensure easy traffic flow. Place some pieces at an angle to create visual interest.
Kitchens:
- Remove items from the front of the refrigerator (i.e., photographs, magnets, etc.).
- Organize the cabinets and pantry.
- Place sharp knives out of view and in a safe place.
- Put cleaning products out of sight under your kitchen sink.
Bathrooms:
- Be sure personal products are put out of view.
- Remove area rugs to make rooms (including bathrooms) appear more spacious and to show the condition of the flooring/carpeting underneath.
- Be sure the bathroom sparkles, especially the sink, tub, shower, and toilet.
- Hang a set of colorful, coordinated towels.
- Make sure the faucets in the sink and bathtub and/or shower are leak-free.
- Caulk around the bathtub/shower, if needed.
Garages:
- Stack items vertically against the walls so buyers can visualize how much parking and storage space the garage provides.
Miscellaneous:
- Pet Owners - If you have pets, ensure that their dishes, sleeping areas, and litter boxes are clean. Any noticeable pet hair should be vacuumed, and dog droppings removed from the yard.
- Smokers - To help rid your home of smoke odors, remove and clean curtains/drapes, steam clean carpets, and add a fresh coat of paint. Once this has been done, limit smoking to the outdoors.
- Parents of Small Children - Keep rooms and yards neat and free of toys. Check to be sure toilets are flushed.
- Cooking Odors - Limit the cooking of foods that have strong odors associated with them (i.e., seafood, ethnic foods).
We hope these tips are helpful. For more information about selling your home, click here to visit our Seller Resource Center.
OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING...
"Our entire relocation process was superlative due to The Northrop Team! Thanks to everyone!"
~ Annette & Garry McDaniels
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