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NEWSLETTER - MAY/JUNE 2006
CREIG SAYS...
Dear Friend:
As the Spring market heats up, many potential buyers are beginning to search for the home of their dreams. There are a variety of special financing programs tailored to first-time buyers that many people do not know about. If you are a first-time buyer, please contact us today to find out more.
As an additional service to our clients, we also offer an in-house mortgage specialist - Michelle Mathews of Prosperity Mortgage. To find out more about Michelle, click here. To start the loan process, you may also apply online.
In addition to a hot housing market, the Spring also brings our new Unsung Heroes. See below to find out which outstanding Howard and Carroll County high school students were recognized this year.
The weekend is the perfect time to start your home search. Visit one of our many open houses. It would be our pleasure to help you find your new home!
Best regards,
Creig Northrop
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2006 UNSUNG HEROES!
In every classroom around the country, there are students who do great deeds that often go unnoticed. In 2003, Creig Northrop & The Northrop Team of Long & Foster created the Unsung Hero program to recognize these students.
At the 4th Annual "Unsung Hero" Awards held this past Wednesday, May 3rd at the Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville, we recognized twelve students from both Howard and Carroll county high schools who have...
„h Donated time, energy, or resources for community causes.
„h Gone beyond expectations in a positive and inspirational manner.
„h Overcome great obstacles to live life to the fullest and inspire others to meet the challenges they face in their lives.
We are pleased to announce the 2006 Unsung Hero winners and finalists:
1st Place
HANNAH EVE TOPUS
River Hill High School (10th Grade)
2nd Place
Morgan Fogle
Frances Scott Key High School (9th Grade)
3rd Place
Emily Wehland
North Carroll High School (10th Grade)
FINALISTS
Carianne Sullivan
Westminster High School (9th Grade)
Shannon Jones
Glenelg High School (10th Grade)
Carrie Gartner
Centennial High School (11th Grade)
Laura Ayala
Wilde Lake High School (11th Grade)
Katelyn Horn
South Carroll High School (11th Grade)
Sarah Adler
River Hill High School (12th Grade)
Kristine Hoopengardner
Century High School (12th Grade)
Julie Nyman
Chapelgate Christian Academy (12th Grade)
Andrea Chong
South Carroll High School (12th Grade)
Each and every student named above is truly a hero and should be extremely proud of their accomplishments. We certainly are!
INSIDER TIPS
THE IMPORTANCE OF HOME INSPECTIONS
Buying a home is probably one of the largest investments you will ever make in your life. In order to make an informed decision about whether or not a property is right for you, you should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy so you are not surprised with costly repairs afterwards. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to make your contract contingent on a home inspection.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual inspection of the physical structure and sytems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Inspections are designed to uncover defects that could materially affect its safety, livability, or resale value. If the contract is written contingent on an acceptable home inspection, defects found in the home must either be repaired or monetarily compensated. If you are not satisfied, you have the option to cancel the contract.
How much does a home inspection cost?
Home inspections can cost between $200 to $500; however, the money is definitely well-spent. The amount of information gleaned from a home inspection is invaluable. The most important considerations when having a home inspection should be the qualifications, experience, training and professional affiliations of the home inspector you choose.
Do I have to attend the home inspection?
Although it is not necessary for you to be present, it is a good idea. By accompanying the inspector through the house, observing and asking questions, you will learn a great deal about the property. The inspection report will also be easier to understand since you will have seen the property first hand.
Can't I do the inspection myself?
A professional home inspector possesses the knowledge and expertise that even the most experienced homeowner does not have. An inspector understands how the home's sytems and components are supposed to work and how/why they sometimes fail. As a buyer, it is difficult to remain objective and unemotional about a house you really want. Therefore, the impartial opinion of a home inspector is recommended.
What does a home inspection include?
The home inspection report will contain information about the condition of the home's:
„h Heating & Central Air Conditioning Systems
„h Interior Plumbing & Electrical Systems
„h Roof, Attic & Visible Insulation
„h Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Windows & Doors
„h Foundation, Basement, and Visible Structure
„h Many inspectors will also offer services not included in a typical home inspection such as Mold, Radon & Water Testing.
How do I find a good home inspector?
Your real estate agent is a great source of information. He or she can provide you with a list of names of qualified home inspectors from which to choose.
Once a home inspection has been completed on a home you are interested in purchasing, you can rest assured that your decision to purchase is well-informed.
THE NORTHROP TEAM IN THE COMMUNITY
We realize how important it is to give back to the communities in which we work and live. Each year, The Northrop Team supports a variety of local organizations and non-profits, in addition to hosting our own Team events. We are proud to be part of the following upcoming events:
OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING...
"Everyone was wonderful, you really took the stress out of home selling/buying. I can't imagine using anyone else, although I hope we never have to move again!"
~ Joe & Michelle Parker
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