CREIG SAYS...
Dear Friend:
A large percentage of home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a house or take it seriously based on its curb appeal—the view they see when they drive by or arrive for a showing. Most buyers cannot visualize changes, and often won't take a second look at a house if the first look doesn't appeal to them. You can help make sure they want to come inside your house by spending some time working on its exterior appearance. According to the National Association of Realtors, "curb appeal" sells 49 percent of all houses!
This year's top outdoor living trends extend a home's usable space well beyond its walls. Everyone likes an escape that's not too far from home. Landscape designers and home owners are discovering that masses of colorful perennials create a bold, colorful look but don't require a lot of upkeep. From a distance they look uncluttered; from a practical standpoint if a few don't survive it won't ruin the look. With so much effort made to beautify a landscape, it's smart to keep eyesores such as an AC unit or trash container out of sight. For example, 10 evergreen Chinese Hollies, selected at the proper height, conceal equipment but remain low enough so they don't block windows and prevent sunlight from brightening the home's interior. If the budget permits, select mature shrubs from the start; otherwise, pick smaller, less expensive ones and watch them grow. Everyone needs a place to daydream. Designing a cozy spot to sit will only add to your property. To create a sense of privacy, make sure plants, hardscape materials, and seating are in proportion with one another, just as furnishings of an interior room should be. Revitalizing your curb appeal can drastically improve the first impression of your home!
Taking photos of the home's exterior with a digital camera will assist you in getting a good view of the house and its surroundings. View the color versions first, then remove the color and look at it in black and white, because it's easier to see problems when color isn't around to affect our senses.
Make a list of the problem areas you discovered. Tackle clean up and repair chores first, then put some time into projects that make the grounds more attractive.
- Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof, or driveway.
- Stow away unnecessary garden implements and tools.
- Clean windows and gutters.
- Pressure wash dirty siding and dingy decks.
- Edge sidewalks and remove vegetation growing between concrete or bricks.
- Mow the lawn. Get rid of weeds.
- Rake and dispose of leaves, even if your lot is wooded.
- Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the home's roof.
Taking a moment to inspect the following aspects of your property will assist in enhancing the allure of your home:
- Landscaping
- Porches/Decks/Patios
- Fences
- Mailboxes
- Lighting
- Outdoor Furnishings
- Painting
- Windows
- Walkways
- Driveways
Below is a list of several local Landscaping Companies that would be pleased to offer their services, if needed, to you to get your home "Spruced to Sell!"
- All Aspects Landscaping - 410-795-1000
- BMS Lawn & Landscaping - 410-552-6736
- Choice Lawns, Inc. - 410-750-7105
- LandStyles, Ltd. - 410-984-2221
- Scott Estes Lawn & Landscape - 800-345-TURF
- Southern Lawn & Landscape - 301-854-1334
Creig Northrop
· To view Northrop Team listings, click here.
· To view Northrop Team Open Houses, click here.
MORTGAGE NEWS
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!!!*
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— May 31, 2007. Completed loan applications must be submitted to Prosperity Mortgage by June 15, 2007.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Altieri Homes cordially invites you to come and learn about HEBRON MANOR
The Newest 55+ Active Adult Community in Ellicott City featuring 69 villas with exciting styles and expansive floor plans!
Meet and Greet the Builder, Sales Team, and Design Center Staff of
Hebron Manor
WHEN: Tuesday, May 15, 2007
TIME: 6:30-9:00 PM
WHERE: Patapsco Valley Estates
1815 Morning Walk Drive
Catonsville, MD 21228
Lite fare and refreshments will be served
Please feel free to bring a Guest
RSVP: By Monday, May 14 by contacting Cindy DelZoppo at 443-250-9859 or cindydelzoppo@northropteam.com
UNSUNG HERO AWARDS 2007
Creig Northrop & The Northrop Team of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., in partnership with Patuxent Publishing, today announced the winners of the 2007 Unsung Hero Awards. The awards presentation was held at the Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville, Maryland, before a gathering of almost 100 attendees. The awards recognize and celebrate high school students in Howard and Carroll Counties who have donated an enormous amount of time, energy and resources to inspire others and make positive contributions in their schools and communities.
The Unsung Hero program made its debut in 2003, when Creig Northrop & The Northrop Team decided to reach out to their surrounding communities and recognize the achievements of students who often go unnoticed. Since its inception, the contest has been a success and has grown in popularity with each passing year. Students are nominated by their high school teachers, principals, coaches, and sometimes their own parents. Twelve finalists are chosen from among the many nominations and honored at the annual awards ceremony, where 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are announced along with the 9 runners up. In addition, all nominees received a certificate of excellence for being nominated.
The 2007 Unsung Hero Awards recipients are:
- 1st Place – Joshua Winslow Myers – River Hill High School
- 2nd Place – Nick Thompson – South Carroll High School
- 3rd Place – Jake Brody – Glenelg Country School
Runners Up:
- Bryan Heasley – Century High School
- Julia Morin – Chapelgate Christian Academy
- Anthony Ferrari – Francis Scott Key High School
- Tyiesha Johnson – Hammond High School
- Jesse Albright – Howard High School
- Tina Giordano – Liberty High School
- Jessa Coulter – Mt. Hebron High School
- Buddy L. Niner – North Carroll High School
- Naomi Scheinerman – Wilde Lake High School
"Other community programs exist to recognize star athletes or those who excel academically. Until the Unsung Hero program, there had been a lack of recognition for the young men and women in high school who give of themselves and have a positive impact on others," said Creig Northrop, President of Creig Northrop & The Northrop Team. "I believe that this year's Unsung Heroes will all be successful because they have learned at an early age that compassion, dedication, and planning will produce rewards for a lifetime. The Unsung Hero awards program is the perfect way to recognize these outstanding individuals who make significant contributions every day."
The accomplishments of each winner were recognized as they received their awards from Creig Northrop. The 1st place winner received $1,000, a personal trophy and a companion trophy to be displayed at their school. The 2nd place winner received $500 and a trophy, and the 3rd place winner received $250 and a trophy. The remaining nine finalists each received $100 and a plaque. In addition to the trophies, plaques and monetary awards, each Unsung Hero will be profiled in full-page ads in the Columbia Flier, Howard County Times, The Eldersburg Eagle, The Westminster Eagle at the end of May.
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