CREIG SAYS...

Dear Friend:

The last day of school is fast approaching for many of the areas public schools. The last day of school for Montgomery County public school students is June 14th. The last day for Frederick County public schools is June 15th, and Howard County students is June 20th .*

If you are moving into a new school district in the upcoming school year, now is the time to look into the registration and enrollment process. Be sure your children are up to date on their immunizations and be sure to check the county requirements prior to the school year.

*School closing dates are according to the school websites, please check with your school board for any changes.

When school commences, parents often turn their attention to their real estate needs, weather that means relocating to a new school system, upgrading their homes to accommodate more children, and many corporations relocate during the summer months which means June is traditionally a busy month in real estate because many families want to get moved during their children's summer vacations and get them acclimated before the new school year begins. If you're selling your home this summer, you'll likely have more competition as more of your neighbors put their homes on the market, too. But the good news is that this summer in particular should be a good time to sell as the Pending Home Sales Index shows the market may be stabilizing with an anticipated 6 million homes going up for sale this summer.

Creig Northrop

·  To view Northrop Team listings, click here.

·  To view Northrop Team Open Houses, click here.

REAL ESTATE TIPS FOR SUMMER 2007

There are typically a host of open houses this time of year, from single family homes to condos of all sizes.

As you set out to put your home on the market or become a buyer, keep the following summer tips in mind:

In summer 2007, buyers want it all. Price, aesthetics, locations, & space. Which means that sellers have to demonstrate that they are the BEST in their class. What sells quickly is the property that is the best value, and in the best area, with the best aesthetics, and shown with the best staging and presentation. When you work with The Northrop team we offer professional staging services that make it easy for buyers to choose you. Buyers have a variety of locations that are desirable to choose from these days, and may look in a wider area than in the past. They have firm price ranges and expect to negotiate.

While some sellers have lived in their homes a long time, and are often comfortable, when selling their home, they have to see it from new buyers eyes and make whatever changes will accentuate the positives. For instance:

• Curb appeal - This is arguably more important in the spring and summer than any other time of year. With sunny days, everything will be on display. Your shrubs and perennials will be in full bloom. Your deciduous trees will be fully leaved. Be sure your lawn is mowed and is lush and green. Plant a few annuals to provide an instant burst of color. Make sure your door area is clear from bicycles and toys.
• Temperature - Be sure your air conditioning is in proper working order. Try to have your system inspected before you put your house on the market and make sure it's working properly and if it's outdated, considering purchasing a new system. Second, be sure you turn it on during those days that you're away at work when potential buyers will be looking at your house. Nothing will turn buyers off more than entering a stuffy, hot house on a 90-degree day.
• Back yard - Buyers will be paying extra attention to the back yard while house hunting during the summer months. They'll be envisioning an area for barbecues and space for children to play. If you're selling your house in a neighborhood with a lot of young children, set up a swing set or place a sandbox in back. Make the back yard look as child-friendly as possible so potential buyers can envision what the space will look like for their own children.
• Patio - Likewise, make sure your patio area is inviting and attractive. Clean your patio furniture and arrange it keeping the views from indoors in mind. Spruce up the area with a few container plantings.
• Landscaping - Make sure your lawn is mowed, healthy, and manicured. Buyers don't like to envision a lot of upkeep, so seep shrubs and plants pruned and tidy. Lay some fresh ground cover and plant a few colorful annuals.
• Windows - With all the sunlight of summer, make sure your windows are sparkling clean.
• Walls - Think light and bright for summer. If you're thinking about touching up the paint on your walls before you put your home on the market, keep the colors neutral and light. A light yellow or beige will make the room feel cooler than a brick red or dark taupe which work better in the fall and winter months.
• Let the light in - Open blinds and curtains so plenty of light illuminates the home's interior.
• Pool: If you have a pool or spa, make sure they are clean. If you have a fence, make sure locks and latches are working properly.
• And, just like any other time of year - get rid of the clutter throughout your house. And get rid of any offensive odors that may come from cigarette smoke or pets.

MORTGAGE SPECIAL FROM PROSPERITY MORTGAGE

When you buy any Long & Foster listing and finance a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage through Prosperity Mortgage®, a Long& Foster® Company, we will reduce the rate on your mortgage by ½% for the entire first year!

For Example:

A $400,000 Sales Price with 20% down ($320,000 loan amount)
5.75% 1st year $1,867 per month
6.25% remainder of loan $1,970 per month

SAVE $1,236 FOR THE FIRST YEAR!!!*

For more information contact Michelle Mathews at Prosperity Mortgage Company 443.535.9701 or michelle.mathews@prosperitymortgage.com. Apply online at www.mathewslendingteam.com.

All loans subject to credit approval, verification, and collateral evaluation. Rates advertised here based on effective rate/APR as of May 1, 2007. Please consult Prosperity Mortgage Company for today's rate/APR. Rates/products not available in all states and are subject to change without notice. Offer valid for sales contracts ratified commencing May 3, 2007— June 31, 2007.

NORTHROP TEAM BENEFITS

Spot Light on Closing

Speaking of summer, when it comes to selling your home, things seem to heat up around closing time. When you work with the Northrop team, we have a specialized closing coordinator who you will work with diligently during the weeks leading to the close of your home to see that the loan, title work, and escrow or document preparations are handled in a timely, professional manner. Doing so assures you the best possible service and attention with fewer surprises and reduces the time you personally have to spend handling the details of the closing transaction. We do it for you!

www.northropteam.com

I hope you are enjoying and utilizing the newly designed interactive Northrop Team website. This site was designed with YOU in mind, and as you venture into the process of buying or selling your home, mark this site as a favorite and direct friends and family who may be looking to buy or sell so they too can have easy access to all their real estate needs.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Don't Miss the Fun in Columbia this summer…
Columbia City Fair
Friday June 29th to Sunday July 1st
Celebrating 40 years!
1967-2007

Before the mid 1960s, farmland stretched as far as the eye could see. Today Money Magazine calls Columbia one of the country's "Best Places to Live." Columbia will be celebrating their 40 year history for a total of 40 days. It began this week on June 6 and will wind up with a community party on July 15 at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Columbians will come together to celebrate their community's history and success.

One of the biggest highlights will be the Columbia City Fair the weekend of June 29th to Sunday July 1st. What is a city fair? An old style fair that blends music, food, art & activities for people of all ages and diversities. Come out and enjoy face painting, vendors, jugglers, and arts and crafts. And be sure to stop by the Creig Northrop & The Northrop Team booth for FREE GIVEAWAYS!!

The 2007 Columbia Lakefront Festival