Charles County

June 22, 2009

Charles County Real Estate Outlook 6/09

 

There's good news in the Southern Maryland real estate market!  While we're not out of the downturn just yet, recent changes in the market are positively affecting home sales!  Here's what the Charles County real estate market looks like:

May 2009

                                                         2009                  2008             %Change











  
Total Sold Dollar Volume:



$ 33,466,939



$ 33,607,138




- 0.42 %
Average Sold Price:



$ 281,235



$ 317,048




- 11.30 %
Median Sold Price:



$ 276,000



$ 327,450




- 15.71 %
Total Units Sold:



119



106




12.26 %
Average Days on Market:



163



132




23.48 %
Average List Price for Solds:



$ 309,264



$ 344,640




- 10.26 %
Avg Sale Price as a
percentage of Avg List Price:




90.94 %



91.99 %


What Does This Mean?

Unfortunately, prices have fallen from where they were 12 months ago.  A quick look at the sales statistics from April shows us some promising information, however:

April 2009

                                                       2009                2008            %Change











Total Sold Dollar Volume:


$ 22,976,649


$ 34,190,350


- 32.80 %
Average Sold Price:


$ 267,170


$ 299,915


- 10.92 %
Median Sold Price:


$ 236,750


$ 285,500


- 17.08 %
Total Units Sold:


86


114


- 24.56 %
Average Days on Market:


151


134


12.69 %
Average List Price for Solds:


$ 303,894


$ 326,988


- 7.06 %
Avg Sale Price as a
percentage of Avg List Price:



87.92 %


91.72 %


The average home sales price for April 2009 was $267,170.  In may, that number was $281,235, or an increase of just over 5% in sales price!  Not only that, but there were 86 homes sold in April, and 119 homes sold in May.  That's a 28% increase in home sales over the last month!

So we know that home sales are up, sales prices are starting to rise, but why is the market starting to look a little brighter?  Well, part of it is that prices and affordability are enticing more buyers.  That, along with 45 year lows on interest rates, as well as the $8,000 new home tax incentive, means that first time buyers are seeing value in the soft market.

It's too early to say turnaround, but home sellers are seeing some encouraging information here!  Let's hope that this is the start of a broader economic recovery!

Char_2000_YTD_NG
Char_Avg+DOM_NG

~Jonathan Benya- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000 - office
301-653-8116 - cell

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June 01, 2009

HAP Guidelines Released- Military Homeowners finally have relief via DoD

The Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) has released the DoD guidelines for Wounded Warriors, Warriors in Transition, and PCS moves.  The government has established a $555 million fund to aid military personnel who are unable to sell their home due to economic constraints.

Military HAP relo

This program, which covers up to 90% of the original purchase price of the home, is designed to help service members pinched by deflating home values. A copy of the DoD guidelines can be found here:

Download DOD_Guidance

I've already listed several homes that fall under this program, and although it is not ideal, any relief for our veterans is sorely needed and appreciated!  In order to apply, please visit the HAP website and download the eligibility and application guidelines to enroll in the program!

Related Posts:

Military Relocation Relief is expanding

~Jonathan Benya- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000 - office
301-653-8116 - cell

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May 20, 2009

Things to think about when buying a Foreclosure in Southern Maryland

Foreclosures are a great opportunity to get a home at a bargain price in Southern Maryland.  Home buyers need to be wary, however, because there are several easy to miss pitfalls and risks associated with buying a foreclosure.

    1.    Condition Dictates Value

Foreclosuresign This means that the condition of the home will affect what the home actually sells for.  If the house is in shoddy shape, the final sales price will affect that.  Look at comps when you go to place an offer and adjust your offering price accordingly.

    2.    Banks Aren't Giving Houses Away

If it looks to good to be true, it probably is.  When you find a listing for home priced significantly below the surrounding market or neighborhood, there is always a reason as to why.  The concept of buying a livable home in Charles County or Southern Maryland for less that $10,000 is simply not true.  You can find some excellent bargains, but don't expect to pay $200k for a home that is actually worth $600k.

    3.    Home Inspections are Critical

Think about it like this:  The foreclosure process in Maryland can take a year or more.  That's a full year where the homeowner has been unable to pay the mortgage.  If you are behind on payments and know that foreclosure is eminent, ZERO incentive to pay for upkeep and maintenance on the property.  After the foreclosure, the property then sits vacant and can develop issues related to it's abandonment.  Always hire an inspector to go over the property with a critical eye.

    4.    Great Deals Don't Last Long

You're not the only person out shopping for a home, and if a value priced property hits the market, you can bet there are lots of appointments be made to see it.  Make sure that your financing is in order before you start looking.  The last thing you want is to find the perfect house and then lose out to someone else who was able to get their offer in first.

    5.    Bank Owned (REO) Properties Are Sometimes "Under Listed"

This stinks, but banks have been known to list properties way below market value on purpose.  They may list a home for $200k, Knowing it's worth $275k, just to get a bidding war started between multiple offers.  They see it as a way to get the highest price possible, I see it as intentionally deceptive.  Agents occasionally refer to homes like this as "Liar Listings". 

How Do You Protect Yourself?

Get a buyers agent to represent you.  The listing agent on a foreclosure works for the bank, not you, and their job is to get the property sold while protecting their clients bottom line.  A buyers agent works at no cost to you, and their job is to help you make informed decisions and craft an offer that will save you the most money possible. 

Speak to your buyers agent about the best way to prepare yourself for buying a foreclosure.  They will be able to help you get in touch with a loan officer, ensure the property you buy will conform to your loan guidelines, and help you hire a home inspector who knows what to look for in foreclosures, among other things.


With the right people on your side,buying a foreclosure is as easy as buying any other home, and the value and savings can be tremendous!

LINK: Foreclosure List for Charles County, MD as of 5/20/2009  Need an Updated List?

Questions about buying a Foreclosure? Give me a call!


~Jonathan Benya
- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000 - office
301-653-8116 - cell

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May 14, 2009

$8,000 Tax Credit for first time home buyers can be used as down payment!

Shopping cart temp If you're looking to buy your first home but can't afford the down payment, there may be help out there!

Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow homeowners to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment, provided you are using personal funds for the first 3.5% of the down payment.

Donovan's statement came in an address to several thousand Realtors® gathered at The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy, a special daylong session at the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington D.C.

If you've been looking at buying your first home, but the down-payment requirements have kept you from doing so, then this might be your chance to take advantage of a fantastic change in FHA policy.  Feel free to give me a call to find out more information or ask questions about how to take advantage of this program!



~Jonathan Benya
- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000 - office
301-653-8116 - cell

Charles County Real Estate Blog
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May 07, 2009

Bad Photography 101- Is Your Realtor a Lousy Photographer?

Badphoto A common complaint among home sellers is that photos that are taken to market their home look less than stellar.  I know how to take a good photo, but my brother knows how to take a GREAT photo.  I know my limitations, and I leave the photo taking up to him.

I saw a wonderfully terrible photo in a listing recently, and it reminded me of just how many factors come into play when photographing real estate.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and this one says more than that.  It's a perfect example of things to AVOID when marketing a home!

If you're dogged by bad listing photos, give Thomas Benya a call (301-653-1499). He can help you analyze your homes features and stage your property to make the marketing pictures and videos pop!


~Jonathan Benya
- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000 - office
301-653-8116 - cell

Charles County Real Estate Blog
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May 05, 2009

Case in Point: The Importance of Inspections with New Construction

IMG_0433This morning I attended a walk-through in Southern Maryland (Waldorf, to be exact) on new construction for a first time home-buyer of mine that is due to settle this week.  Typically, people do not feel a need to pay for an inspection when they're buying a new home.  The thought is that if the home is "new", then there shouldn't be a need for the extra expense.

 My buyer wanted the assurance that comes with having a professional home inspector go through the property, and it turned into a very wise investment.

So what made it worth hiring a home inspector? 

  • For starters, the threshold at the front door was water damaged.  The builder rep offered to have it painted and sealed, but the inspector stated that due to the water damage, it needed to be replaced.  Suddenly the idea of hiring an inspector started to make sense...
  • IMG_0440 Next, the furnace filter access was blocked by wiring, and was in accessible.  Our inspector, Kevin Curry from Amerispec, caught the issue and stated that the wiring needed to be moved.  Imagine buying a home and finding out a year after-wards that you can't change the filter!
  • Third, there was insufficient insulation in the furnace, and there were drafts being created.  This is the sort of issue that only a home inspector would be able to catch, but the work completed by the builder was insufficient.
  • In addition, the rear sliding door wouldn't lock, the carpet was cut too short on the sides of the staircase, the kitchen needed a final coat of paint, and there was trim work that was cut too short.

You would think that builders would be a bit more mindful, but the bottom line is that if you as a buyer are paying for new construction, you should not be willing to accept anything less than perfect.

IMG_0437

There were issues at the inspection that needed to be addressed, and the builder is perfectly willing to correct them, but without an inspector, there was no way to catch all of the issues at the walk-through.  It's proof that it really pays to have a Realtor and Inspector on your side when buying new construction!


~Jonathan Benya
- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000 - office
301-653-8116 - cell

Charles County Real Estate Blog
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April 21, 2009

Military Relocation Relief is expanding

Several years ago the Department of Defense rolled out the Housing Assistance Program (HAP) for service personnel the were relocated due to Base Realignment and Closures (BRAC).  Due to the overwhelming mortgage crisis, that program is being expanded, and you may be eligible to receive financial relief if you're moving due to permanent reassignment!

The guidelines for HAP have been revised to also include:

  • Military personnel with PCS orders who are unable to sell their homes
  • Wounded warriors required to relocate for medical reasons, and
  • Surviving spouses of fallen service members 

 Who Is Now Eligible?

Military HAP reloEligibility requirements for the expanded HAP program are:

  • Permanent reassignment requires move of more than 50 miles.
  • Reassignment ordered between 1 February 2006 and 30 September 2012 (or earlier date designated by Secretary of Defense).
  • Property purchased (or contract to purchase signed) before 1 July 2006.
  • Property sold by owner between 1 July 2006 and 30 September 2012, or earlier date designated by Sec. Def.
  • Property was the primary residence of the owner
  • Owner has not previously received these benefit payments.


What Does This Mean?

Essentially the DoD will reimburse up to 95% of any loss on the sale of your home, provided the home was originally purchased before July 1, 2006.  The DoD MAY also elect to purchase your home from you for up to 90% of it's current value.

Unfortunately to DoD has not yet released the detailed compensation guidelines, so they will not be approving any applications just yet.  They are, however, recommending that any Military Personnel who may be eligible should submit their applications ASAP.  Applications received now will be held until guidelines are released.

Hap How do I apply?

In order to apply for the HAP program,all you have to do is go to the Hap Website and download the application form.  They have complete instructions there and will be notifying applicants once the guidelines are released.


~Jonathan Benya
- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000 - office
301-653-8116 - cell

Charles County Real Estate Blog
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March 28, 2009

Interest Rates Have Plummeted, Homebuyers Have HUGE Incentives!!!

Mortgage rates have dropped recently due to recent fed actions, and it's important to look at where they sit.  The national average is just over 5%, and the local average for Maryland is closer to 4.85% right now!  The local rates have dropped .2% today, and with rates hovering at the lowest levels the region has seen since 1965, this is a great time to be getting into the market!

Current Mortgage Rates Mortgages, Home Loans, and Mortgage Quotes at Zillow Mortgage Marketplace Get this widget See local rates


First time home buyers have additional incentive with the $8,000 tax credit the government is currently offering, and there are some great deals to be had on the foreclosures out there!  If you've been sitting on the fence waiting for opportunity to knock, here it is!  Please give me a call if you're considering buying a home, and I will make sure you take advantage of all the great incentives out there right now!

~Jonathan Benya
- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000 - office
301-653-8116 - cell

Charles County Real Estate Blog
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March 23, 2009

Will we see a Rt. 301 Bypass in Waldorf, MD?

For years now, there has been a proposal to create a bypass road for Route 301.  The bypass would create an alternative way to get through Waldorf, MD without having to actually suffer through the long traffic lights and delays that local commuters know all too well.

A proposal like this will provide a huge relief for the arduous morning commute, but there is a lot of concern for the potential environmental impact it will have.  Hopefully this long term plan will benefit the residents of Waldorf and Charles County by reducing travel times to and from DC!
 
~Jonathan Benya
- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000 - office
301-653-8116 - cell

Charles County Real Estate Blog
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Southern Maryland Custom Homes & Land


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March 03, 2009

3 bed/ 2 bath Rambler in Indian Head, MD with Acreage!

I can't say enough good things about this property!  This adorable rambler is located in Indian Head, MD, and sits on nearly 3 acres.  It has 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths, and a partially fenced yard.  One of my favorite features about this property is that the yard is so open!  It's not often you find a property with so much open, usable land!

To schedule your appointment, please give us a call!


~Jonathan Benya
- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000 - office
301-653-8116 - cell

Charles County Real Estate Blog
SOMD Home Search
Southern Maryland Custom Homes & Land


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      Jonathan Benya (Century 21 New Millennium): Real Estate Agent in La Plata, Charles County, Maryland