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Debbi Rivero

Monthly Statistics - The Real Scoop
statisticTaking a look at the sales in the Howard County area we can say that there is an increase in number of sales over last year - exactly what is being reported in the news.  The skinny is we had a 12% increase in sales over last year, however, it is important to also keep in mind that the price point has dropped.  The average sale price has decreased almost 6%.  That is letting us know that the buyers now think they are getting a deal and starting to act on it.  The average days on market has substantially decreased to an average of three months!  We are moving in a positive direction, but a few of the government decisions currently in place could drastically alter that starting as soon as next month, and unemployment is still extremely high. (historically, unheathy levels and very bad for the economy) We will keep an eye on the real estate market and keep you posted on what's happening!

Posted Thursday, March 18, 2010 9:14 AM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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What are your thoughts on Zillow?
Residential appraisers are warning that property values obtained through Zillow.com's automated valuation model are no more reliable than an estimate directly from the homeowner. In a statement today, the Appraisal Institute announced the results of a new study outlined in its quarterly newsletter. The study was conducted by Daniel R. Hollas, Ph.D., Ronald C. Rutherford, Ph.D., and Thomas A. Thomson, Ph.D. The researchers examined how Zillow's AVM estimates, or "Zestimates," compare to actual sales prices. The report focused on Arlington Texas, where the trade group said Zillow claims its AVM values have the highest level of accuracy. The study found that 40 percent of home in the sample were overvalued by Zillow by more than 10 percent when compared to actual sales prices. The Appraisal Institute cited other studies that said Zillow estimates exceeded actual values by 5 percent. The authors suggested that the disparity might be tied to the fact that Zillow ignores occupancy in its appraisals, "which has been shown to affect sale prices." "While Zillow is a helpful tool, it may not be more accurate than the owners' own estimates of value," the authors concluded. Source: Mortgage Daily

Posted Wednesday, March 17, 2010 1:55 PM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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Save Money Remodeling!

Just be careful if you do it by yourself!  Here are some ideas of what NOT to do... 

 

 

OK- I might get over the outlet in the shower.
But I will not accept the toilet paper holder IN the shower.




When the power company told its crew to run electricity to this house,

I'm sure they didn't mean to just stick all the wires through a hole in the roof!




Pretty safe isn't it? I mean the hot lead is at least a quarter inch from a metal oil pipe

and it is almost 48 inches off the ground so children won't touch it...



Yes- go ahead and connect the dryer vent to the water heater flue.



WTF?




The county inspector had JUST signed off on it. Said it was "all he could do since it was a remodel".




If you can't bend metal conduit, just use a few extra junction boxes!




You know you're a redneck HVAC tech when you use a chew can for a junction box.



When you do not have an outlet box, use a Nike box Just do it!



Main load, acetone, grits, and tool storage panel.




"Screw that I-beam- just cut it. That is the framer's problem."




Instead of flashing the penetrations, install buckets with pipes under the drips.



......shower and ceiling fan in master bath...."
Hmm where does the wire go and how much glue did he use to stick that thing there?



The ad listed the house with a "whole house attic fan". Professionally installed no doubt.



If you can vent ONE bathroom exhaust then you certainly vent THREE!


"I paid an electrician to do it"




"Yeah- it said to use 4- 1/2" bolts. I think these nails out of my nail gun will do."




"Flashing!? We don't need no stinking flashing!"




"Look- I had 18" of pipe and this bag of couplers."




I think this goes to a ceiling fan mounted on the ceiling of a bathroom on the other side of this wall. Maybe.



Supply air, meet return air.


Posted Monday, March 15, 2010 10:28 AM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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Price Reduced on 7786 Kawshek Path in Ridgewood Estates

Ridgewood Estates, Ridge Woods  -  Announcing a price reduction on 7786 Kawshek Path, a 2,420 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm colonial. Now MLS® $499,900 - CHECK THIS PRICE.

Property information

Posted Saturday, March 13, 2010 1:44 PM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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Townhouse For Sale in Marble Hill

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Easy to Buy

• 1,080 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm townhouse - MLS® $240,000 - Fabulous

 -  Great place to call home! Updated kitchen with new countertops, stove with double oven and hardwood floors. Updated bath, newer heat and air, new windows, new brick patio and new fenced yard! Cozy wood stove in basement, bath on every level and ready to move in! Call now to see this beauty!

Property information

Posted Friday, March 12, 2010 4:16 PM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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Colonial For Sale in Ridgewood Estates

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Your Private Oasis Awaits

• 2,420 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm colonial - MLS® $525,000 - CHECK THIS PRICE

 -  Compare and be AWED! A private 1 ACRE lot at the end of a cul-de-sac and totally updated! Check out the room sizes!! Wow, I am the one to call home! Start inside w/the absolutely gorgeous kitch w/granite tops & hdwd flrs! Upstrs are 4 generous sized bdrms & 2 super ba w/jetted tubs! Finish rec room perfect for home theater! Brand new architectual shingled roof!Large deck thats great for entertaining! Central location to Balt,&DC! Too many upgrades and amenities to list!! See it before it's gone!

Property information

Posted Tuesday, March 02, 2010 4:39 PM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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Single Family For Sale in Oakland Mills

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Convenient One-Level Living

• 1,279 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story "Rancher" - MLS® $315,000 - Less than a Townhouse

 -  Relieve yourself of stress! This maintenance-free contemporary rancher comes with a FREE 1-year Warranty! Conveniently located in Columbia with garage, gorgeous hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings throughout, large and bright eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar, new stove and countertops. The furnace and A/C also new! Take advantage of the tax credit and the seller will give you an additional $8000.00 at settlement!

Property information

Posted Monday, March 01, 2010 4:21 PM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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Townhouse For Sale in Village of Longreach

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Granite Counters and Brazilian Floors

• 4 bath, 3 bdrm townhouse - MLS® $339,900 - Price Check!

 -  Three finished level townhouse with roomy garage, bath on every level, granite countertops in country kitchen which also walks out to deck. Large living and dining rooms with Brazilian Cherry wood floors. Incredible deal and conveniently located!

Property information

Posted Wednesday, February 24, 2010 4:31 PM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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Townhouse For Rent/Lease in Parkview Trail

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Available Immediately!

• 2 bath, 2 bdrm Townhouse- MLS® $1,400 USD Monthly

 -  This beauty is ready for immediate occupancy! Modern & updated, hardwood floors, cozy fireplace, fenced yard, and all appliances! Basement with full bath could be third bedroom. Take a look before it is gone!


Property information

Posted Friday, February 05, 2010 4:02 PM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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Need a Place to Call Your Own?

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How to Start Out Smart!

• 2 bath, 3 bdrm townhouse - MLS® $215,000 - This Home's Got VAL-YOU!

 -  Need a place to call your own? This newly upgraded home ill allow you to move right in & have your friends envious w/the crisp "model-home" look! If you need extra money, just finish the basement for some instant equity! With a few polishing touches this home will shine! Call now for more details of how you can buy this home & put money in your pocket!

Property information

Posted Friday, January 29, 2010 2:47 PM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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4-Level Split For Sale in Valley Crest

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• 3 bath, 4 bdrm 4-level split - MLS® $499,900 - Dare to Save Thousands!

 -  Everywhere People Are Raving About These Amazing Government Incentives To Buy A Home NOW and You Can Get This One Under Market Value Without Dealing With A Foreclosure!! This home is being sold to settle an estate and therefore priced to sell. Get in before its too late! Call for additional information or to see the inside!

Property information

Posted Monday, January 25, 2010 8:58 PM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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Good News about the Market - Outlook of Housing Supply

2009 was another difficult year for many and the housing market struggled as well.  But as the year came to an end and the finally reports tallied, it seems there is some light at the end of the tunnel.  In comparing 2009 with 2008, we see that the days on market have decreased, and the number of sales have increased.  These are positive steps in the right direction.  http://www.mris.com/reports/housingsupply/Housing_Supply_Outlook.pdf 

The tax incentives are still in place for sales from now until April 30th, but don't wait until the last minute.  Latest news indicates rates will rise by April - up to 6%.  Get in now if you can! 

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

 

Posted Wednesday, January 13, 2010 5:54 PM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

Townhouse For Sale in Russett

Your New Home
Spotlight This Beauty

• 3,000 sq. ft., 4 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $340,000 - Drum Roll Please

 -  Put this home on the top of your list! One of the larger homes in the desirable Russett community! Fabulous 3000 square foot home for you, your family, and your car! Beautiful and neutral! Large formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, deck, super bath with sunken tub and separate shower, all appliances, lawn care included, - it is a MUST-SEE!

Property information

Posted Monday, January 11, 2010 11:49 AM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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January Newsletter
Your KEY NewsJanuary 2010
(410) 740-1200 x1029
Selling Your Home: Should
You Lower Your Asking Price?

By Sally Aquire
Setting the right price is crucial when selling your home. If you overestimate the value of your house, you risk alienating potential buyers who will not be able to afford to buy it. On the other hand, pricing your house at far less than it is worth can leave potential buyers wondering whether it has hidden problems. Having your house professionally valued can help you to set a fair price, but what happens if this price is not fetching any buyers? At this point, homeowners... Read More
What You Need to Know About Buying Short Sales
By John S. James
"Short Sales" has become the buzzword of success in today's real estate market. In the prevailing economic slowdown, many homebuyers are failing to maintain their loan repayments. As a result, the lender has a choice between initiating a foreclosure proceeding, or letting the property be sold for an amount less than the mortgage against the property. Whenever the lender determines that it may be financially better for them to sell the property rather than opt.... Read More
Snuggling Up to a Stove this Winter?
Courtesy of ARAcontent
As the mercury drops and days get shorter, you may be snuggling up to a wood-burning stove to keep your tootsies toasty. With today's economy, alternative heat sources may become more popular as people try to minimize gas and electric bills.

While wood-burning and pellet stoves can be quaint and efficient, they can also be dangerous. To avoid injuries and damaged property...
Read More
How to File for the Latest Homebuyer Tax Credit
By Cheri Dohnal
The homebuyer tax credit has undergone so many alterations that many people are no longer sure which homes and taxpayers qualify for it. Since it has been extended and expanded for a limited time, it's important that its newest provisions are understood even before the IRS releases the forms to claim it.

Important Tax Credit Updates
The expanded version of the credit is not limited to first-time buyers, although there is still a credit of up to $8,000 offered to first-time buyers. Now there is also a credit for "long-time residents" who buy a new home, and both credits have been extended into 2010...
Read More
Indoor Air Quality Concerns?
By Angela Epps
Air purifiers can help.
They reduce air-born bacteria from mold, fungi and household chemicals found in many cleaners used in day-to-day house cleaning. These pollutants in your home’s air can aggravate asthma, allergies, and sinus problems, especially if your household has children or seniors. The EPA (Environmental Protection Association) estimates that the air inside your home can be up to ten times more polluted than the air outside the house. Along with reducing air-born bacteria, many air purifiers remove irritants such as pet dander, pollen, smoke, and dust (less house cleaning!) from your home’s air and make the air smell cleaner by noticeably reducing odors.

Which air purifier is right for you?
When considering using an air purifier in your home, make sure...
Read More
Featured Listings
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Pre-Appraised at $222,000
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Quaint and Quiet

$109,900!

Coming Soon!

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Debbi Rivero & Your Key Consultants  -  (410) 740-1200 x1029Your KEY News  -  January 2010 

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Posted Tuesday, January 05, 2010 9:17 PM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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Inventory Snapshot
I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date.
Hope everyone has a Happy and Safe New Year!!
 
Housing Inventory Snapshot December 28, 09
 Average List PriceMedian List PriceAverage Days On Market
Anne Arundel County, MD
Single Family under $500K$329,284 $325,000 156
Single Family over $500K$1,064,871 $786,900 232
Condo/Townhome under $300K$189,991 $205,000 139
Condo/Townhome over $300K$497,886 $395,900 169
Baltimore County, MD
Single Family under $500K$282,700 $269,000 142
Single Family over $500K$952,125 $675,000 194
Condo/Townhome under $300K$170,047 $165,000 129
Condo/Townhome over $300K$452,483 $369,900 123
Carroll County, MD
Single Family under $500K$334,679 $329,900 158
Single Family over $500K$822,636 $669,000 245
Condo/Townhome under $300K$192,085 $194,900 120
Condo/Townhome over $300K$351,716 $329,900 117
Frederick County, MD
Single Family under $500K$296,050 $294,990 169
Single Family over $500K$797,834 $650,000 198
Condo/Townhome under $300K$187,255 $179,900 123
Condo/Townhome over $300K$415,869 $359,990 258
Howard County, MD
Single Family under $500K$378,941 $389,900 144
Single Family over $500K$842,121 $719,900 196
Condo/Townhome under $300K$209,138 $215,000 123
Condo/Townhome over $300K$404,269 $362,500 103
 
MORTGAGE. National Averages (December 28, 09)* 
30-year fixedRate - 5.37%APR - n/a% 
15-year fixedRate - 4.65%APR - n/a% 
Bitmap
5/1 ARM
Rate - 4.39%APR - n/a% 
 
 
 
* Mortgage rates were collected from publicly available sources (yahoo.com) on the date stated. The accuracy of the information and the availability of these rates are not guaranteed by the publisher. Rates are provided for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice. Actual market interest rates may vary. 
 
If you know someone who is considering buying or selling a home, please give me a call. I will provide professional & courteous service along with knowledgeable guidance through the process. 
With very best regards,
Debbi Rivero @ Re/Max Advantage
Re/Max Advantage
Direct (410) 988-4240
Office (410) 740-1200 ext. 1029
Cell Phone (443) 386-1306
Fax (410) 740-1293
debbi.rivero@yourkeyconsultants.com
www.homesforsaleinhowardcounty.com

Posted Thursday, December 31, 2009 3:16 PM by Debbi Rivero | 0 Comments

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