Many homeowners believe that winter is a terrible time to sell a house. The time leading up to Thanksgiving and ending at New Year’s day can be a terribly slow time for buyer interest and activity. Just too many distractions. But January and February can be a good time to have a well cared for properly priced home on the market. Typically there are fewer homes listed during this time meaning you will have fewer homes to compete with. The buyers who are looking at this time of year are generally serious prospects. They are out sloshing through inclement conditions and braving the cold. They often are being transferred to the area for work, or have finally sold a home they have had on the market and must get into a new home. Often the buyer may have been searching all year and is simply ready to finally pull the trigger. These are the prospects you want to see your house, ready willing and able prospects. If your home is not listed they will not see it. Listing in January or February also gives you a little headstart on the rush of homes that normally hit the market in March and April. It provides your realtor time to get your marketing plan in action, to raise awareness of your home to other realtors through e-marketing, broker opens and lots of personal telling and personal selling. Once you have decided to sell your house and are trying to determine a good time to list it with a broker always remember,,, you can’t sell it if it’s not for sale.
Posted in
Market
601 Prospect Bay Drive East
Secluded from the demands often associated with urban life yet close enough for convenient travel to Annapolis, Washington and Baltimore, Queen Anne’s County is a place where residents and visitors can set their own pace of life. The area reflects both beauty and history whether exploring the surrounding Chesapeake Bay and its fabulous destinations, the natural plant and wildlife, or the many up-scale properties that adorn the landscape.
Back Yard / Greenwood Creek
Within the exclusive private community of Prospect Bay and sited on Grasonville’s Greenwood Creek – is a sprawling colonial estate that could serve as the setting of a classic novel. When approaching the property’s long, circular driveway, a distinguished presence is felt as five acres of beautifully preserved land, against a scenic waterfront backdrop, are revealed. One can’t help but also be drawn to the home’s timeless wrap-around porch.
“This home has amazing curb appeal that immediately sets the mood,” said Jimmy White, the Long & Foster representative handling the offer for sale on behalf of the property owners. “The acres of greenery and magnificent view of Greenwood Creek are incredibly soothing.”
The outside of the home is complemented by a logical, well-appointed style that flows throughout its interior. Stunning crown molding and chair rails, hardwood floors, plenty of natural light, and vaulted ceilings are found throughout the home, while individual rooms also boast their own distinct qualities.
Dream Kitchen
The kitchen – complete with state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and spacious wood cabinetry – and dining area offer an exquisite waterfront view with ample space for entertaining. The warmth and comfort felt in these rooms extends to the adjacent waterfront family room with cathedral ceiling and walls of glass. An abundance of windows line much of the home taking full advantage of its carefully planned placement along the shoreline.
Unique to this particular home’s floor plan is the incorporation of two master bedrooms. A master suite is located on both levels of the home. Each contains spacious closets, luxurious master bathrooms, and dynamic views. In total, the home has five bedrooms – his and her ground floor offices, a custom deck overlooking the water, and a detached over sized three-car garage. Above the garage is a finished bonus room with 600 feet of additional living space.
Private Dock with Lifts
The property’s 250 feet of prime shoreline includes a private 70-foot dock with lifts. There is three-plus feet of water to accommodate a variety of watercraft. The property also welcomes horses and has a no-maintenance, four-stall barn. Vinyl fencing currently encloses grazing and riding areas with outdoor spotlights on three sides for night riding.
For prospective buyers interested in a home that conveys gracious simplicity on the exterior and splendid personality on the interior, this home is a must see.
$1,450,000
Posted in
Buyers
Spring has returned to Maryland’s Eastern Shore and appears to be bringing prospective buyers to the local real estate market. Interest in homes located in the three closest counties east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge spiked in the past 2 weeks as mass media reports of lower interest rates, stock market stabilization and tax incentives for first time home buyers raised confidence. Jimmy White, a realtor with Long and Foster on Kent Island believes the recent news is what prospective buyers have been waiting for. “There is tremendous pent up demand among buyers who have been reluctant because of economic news,” said White. “The fact is that there are many qualified buyers who are now feeling more comfortable going after their first home or a bigger home, or a waterfront or second home east of the Bay Bridge. “Those buyers are finding a wide selection of homes offered, many at refreshed prices, ranging from the mid 200’s to multi-million dollar estates. There are a number of condo-town house communities with amenities like club houses, pools, tennis and walking paths. Several, including Queens Landing and Oyster Cove, offer waterfronts with spectacular views and deeded slips. White says this type of unit is perfect as a weekend retreat and is an alternative to the two or three hour drive to Ocean City. “My wife and I had condos in Ocean City while our children were growing, up but when we became empty nesters that long drive and the crowds were not as much fun, that’s when we bought a waterfront in a golf course community.”
Within a short distance of the Bay Bridge there are several private communitys including Cove Creek Club, SouthWinds, Bennett Point and Prospect Bay, which is home to the Prospect Bay Country Club. Golf is also available at the semi private Atlantic Golf courses of Queenstown Harbor and the private club, Hunter’s Oak. The local towns of Stevensville, Chester, Queenstown and Grasonville comprise the Kent Island area which still has an island feel with many waterfront restaurants and cafes. ”The Eastern Shore is a wonderful place to live or own investment property and with rates as low as they are, the selection as good as it is, and the tax incentives now offered, it is a great time buy,” said white adding, “and ya know, the sky is just a little bluer on this side of the Bridge.”
Posted in
Buyers,
Market,
Sellers
When I’m out and about around the Island I’m often asked, “how’s the market?” We all know that 2008 has been a challenging year everywhere and sales have slowed. What follows is a brief discussion of the recent activity in your neighborhood.
- At one time or another in 2008 there were 67 homes listed for sale in Queens Landing & Bayside.
- 22 have sold
- 24 have been taken off the market
- 21 are currently listed for sale and remain active.
An important aspect of your community is the diversity of homes and price points. Of course there are waterfronts of several types, marina, river & lake plus many water view properties. Prices of sold properties in 2008 ranged from $215,000. to $529,700.
The homes are taking longer to sell. The days on market for the homes that have sold range from 6 days to 440 days. The days on market for the homes currently listed for sale range from 1 day to 406 days.
The table below is a list of the active, under contract and sold properties for the past 12 months for your review.
Last year I participated in 21 transactions where the properties either sold, or are under contract, with a volume of nearly $12 million. I sold 3 properties in your community last year.
The key to selling any home is a correct formula of price, product & promotion. I can assist you in making your product look as good as it can look. I can help you price the home correctly so that it gets the maximum number of showings but leaves no dollars behind. And I can professionally promote your home with a marketing plan that will get you the most exposure possible.
If selling your home is a priority call me to discuss how I can assist you in getting it sold in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of worry and for the most money possible.
Jimmy White
410-320-3647
If your property is currently listed for sale with another broker this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.
| SUMMARY REPORT FOR QUEENS LANDING & BAYSIDE 2008 |
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| SOLD |
*List Price |
Sold Price |
Bedrooms |
Baths |
Garage |
Age |
Days on Market |
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| 412 Drake Tail |
$368,000 |
$368,000 |
3 |
3.5 |
1 |
20 |
0/100 |
| 611 Teal Court |
$248,500 |
$245,000 |
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
12 |
8 |
| 206 Merganser Ct. |
$254,900 |
$249,900 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
11 |
15/15 |
| 1004 Auckland Way |
$519,900 |
$510,000 |
3 |
3.5 |
1 |
8 |
22/219 |
| 35A Queen Anne Way |
$295,000 |
$280,000 |
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
15 |
35/35 |
| 6D Queen Victoria Way |
$224,900 |
$215,000 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
26 |
42/42 |
| 202 Ringneck Court |
$309,900 |
$285,000 |
2 |
2.5 |
1 |
14 |
47/240 |
| 516 Auckland Way |
$337,539 |
$285,000 |
3 |
2.5 |
1 |
8 |
49/415 |
| 52D Queen Caroline Ct. |
$379,000 |
$342,000 |
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
14 |
52/636 |
| 4E Queen Victoria Way |
$395,000 |
$372,000 |
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
25 |
63/63 |
| 42E Queen Catherine Ct. |
$348,900 |
$340,000 |
3 |
2.5 |
0 |
14 |
75/75 |
| 26P Queen Annes Way |
$249,900 |
$221,000 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
24 |
110/110 |
| 52B Queen Caroline Ct. |
$369,000 |
$322,000 |
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
14 |
117/117 |
| 102 Teal Court |
$244,926 |
$228,000 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
15 |
118/357 |
| 8A Queen Victoria Way |
$249,500 |
$239,500 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
26 |
120/120 |
| 9h Queen Victoria Way |
$259,900 |
$225,000 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
25 |
125/125 |
| 2A Queen Victoria Way |
$335,000 |
$318,000 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
25 |
162/162 |
| 314 Teal Court |
$264,900 |
$230,000 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
13 |
232/232 |
| 1012 Auckland Way |
$609,000 |
$529,700 |
3 |
3.5 |
1 |
7 |
321/321 |
| 52E Queen Caroline Ct. |
$417,950 |
$342,000 |
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
14 |
323/440 |
| 33C Queen Anne Way |
$325,000 |
$300,000 |
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
21 |
470/470 |
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|
|
| ACTIVE |
**List Price |
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|
| 9E Queen Victoria Way |
$279,000 |
|
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
25 |
16/139 |
| 44E Queen Neva Ct. |
$374,900 |
|
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
13 |
18/18 |
| 22B Queen Victoria Way |
$344,000 |
|
3 |
2.5 |
0 |
24 |
43/43 |
| 51E Queen Caroline Ct. |
$349,000 |
|
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
14 |
56/56 |
| 306 Bodys Neck Road |
$515,000 |
|
3 |
3 |
1 |
14 |
57/363 |
| 23 Queen Victoria Way |
$424,900 |
|
4 |
2 |
0 |
24 |
62/62 |
| 210 Merganser Ct. |
$245,000 |
|
2 |
2 |
0 |
11 |
63/63 |
| 102 Harbour Sound Dr. |
$345,000 |
|
2 |
3.5 |
1 |
20 |
79/79 |
| 42G Queen Catherine Ct. |
$359,900 |
|
3 |
2.5 |
0 |
14 |
83/159 |
| 27E Queen Mary Ct. |
$215,900 |
|
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
23 |
107/107 |
| 26L Queen Anne Way |
$259,900 |
|
2 |
1.5 |
0 |
24 |
111/111 |
| 106 Schooner Way |
$499,000 |
|
3 |
3.5 |
0 |
13 |
113/660 |
| 54 Queen Caroline Ct. |
$249,900 |
|
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
11 |
122/122 |
| 110 Teal Court |
$234,000 |
|
2 |
2 |
0 |
15 |
133/133 |
| 304 Drake Tail Place |
$240,000 |
|
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
17 |
153/153 |
| 28B Queen Mary Ct. |
$300,000 |
|
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
24 |
155/155 |
| 202 Widgeon Way |
$534,999 |
|
3 |
3.5 |
1 |
10 |
156/156 |
| 108 Blenny Lane |
$339,500 |
|
3 |
2.5 |
1 |
9 |
166/438 |
| 26C Queen Anne Way |
$289,000 |
|
2 |
1.5 |
0 |
24 |
229/229 |
| 310 Widgeon Way |
$355,000 |
|
3 |
3.5 |
1 |
8 |
239/239 |
| 45G Queen Neva Ct. |
$269,900 |
|
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
14 |
249/249 |
| 22E Queen Victoria Way |
$290,000 |
|
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
24 |
423/637 |
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| Information from MRIS (Metropolitan Regional Systems) and is believed to be accurate but should not be relied upon without verification. |
|
| *Original List Price |
| **Current List Price |
Posted in
Market
It is true, we are are now in a buyer’s market. The tide has been shifting for about three years now and buyers will have the upper hand for the foreseeable future. So if you are a first time buyer it is definitely time to jump in. Rates are currently low and you can get a second chance at homes and prices you may have passed on a few years ago. Do not try to wait for a bottom, you will most likely miss it. Remember those who bought in the last downturn in the 1990’s? They have come out as the biggest winners. Become a homeowner as soon as you can, even if it means scaling back on that dream house. Get in the market, create equity and then trade up to the next home.
So what about selling in this downturn?
But what if you are thinking of selling your home, should you try to wait it out? Maybe, but it depends on your unique situation. If you bought at the top of the market 3-5 years ago and the only way to sell your house is to drop the price below what you owe and write a big check at settlement then you may want to look for other options. The first is to tough it out and stay in the house. It is only in the past ten years or so that homes became so speculative that buyers were buying and reselling in just a few years. The thought that a home is a long term investment seemed to slip away. The current market urges a return to the long term time horizon. But what if financially the home is just too much for you or you must move for some other reason? Sellers in this scenario can ease the pain perhaps with a refinance to lower the payments. Another possibility is to turn the property into a rental with income to pay the mortgage until prices recover while taking a lesser priced rental or buying a much less expensive home. In this situation it is important to act before your available emergency fund is depleted and your credit rating is destroyed from missing payments.
A buyer’s market can be good for a seller.
What, how can that be? For sellers who are wanting to trade up to that dream house this market can be a great time make the move. If you have equity in your home sufficient to price it correctly it will sell. It may take a bit longer than it would have 5 years ago, but it will sell. Now let’s say that in this buyer friendly market the value of your home is down 20 percent. Keep in mind that so is the price of the more expensive dream house. That means that you are giving up fewer dollars to sell you home than you are saving to buy the more expensive one. To improve the trade-up scenario be prepared to sell your home before going after the dream home so that you can make a non contingent offer on the next home. A non contingent, settle as soon as possible offer puts you in the strongest possible position to get the price you want to pay. It may mean storing all your stuff and living with the inlaws for a while, but it will be worth it.
Posted in
Buyers,
Market,
Sellers