Everything about living in Howard County

On April 9th, Over 40 exhibitors and educators alike will be on hand to pass along to your readers the “why” and “how” to live in Howard County. Real estate companies, mortgage brokers, housing specialists and county personnel will be in attendance. Everything from the mortgage process, to finding the right community, to the nuts and bolts of the home buying process will be covered.   Here is some more information on the fair:
- http://howardcountyhousing.com/housing-fair

The fair is also being held in conjunction with the quarterly Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Housing Lottery. This program is a Howard County Government program that provides houses (both for sale and rentals) at affordable costs for moderate income families.

More information on the Housing Lottery can be found at:
- http://howardcountyhousing.com/housing-lottery

Fair

Education Sessions

Don’t Miss the 2011 Come Home to Howard County Housing Fair!

Saturday April 9, 2011 from 10:00am – 2:00pm

Long Reach High School

6101 Old Dobbin Lane
Columbia, MD 21045

FREE EVENT!

Click here to register now!

ONLY event where you can learn everything about living in Howard County.

Here’s your chance to talk ONE-ON-ONE with more than 40 mortgage lenders, homebuilders & remodelers, housing specialists and real estate experts! At this annual FREE event you will:

• Meet real estate agents, mortgage lenders, housing specialists and county personnel.
• Learn about buying a home, mortgage programs, and more at our signature education sessions.
• Discover new communities and new homedevelopments on our narrated bus tour.
• Enjoy some family FUN with plenty of kids activities!

Go to my Maryland Real Estate Web Page

Great article about buying now!

By Ali Velshi, CNN chief business correspondent December 13, 2010

(MONEY Magazine) — Is now the right time to invest in a house?

Trick question. Actually, it’s two questions.

Question No. 1: Is now the time to buy?

Question No. 2: Is buying a house a good investment?

The first answer is easy: With a few exceptions, if you have 20% to put down and good credit, now is a great time to buy. That’s been the case all year, and I’d argue that we’re probably closer to the end than to the beginning of the really great time. Let me explain.

Back in January home prices had dropped 28% from their peak. More important, interest rates were at historical lows. By locking in a mortgage for 15 or 30 years on a value-priced home, you were getting an incredible deal, even if home prices decreased. (I took my advice and bought a New York City apartment.)

At the time, I thought that prices and rates were more likely to rise than fall. I was half right: Home values have been inching up since the spring, but mortgage rates, incredibly, dropped further.

Click here to read the whole article in Money Magazine

Of course please call “Special” Ed Haraway @ 301-262-5255 when you’re ready to start looking for your next home!

Indian Queen

Beautiful and spacious colonial home in Fort Washington Maryland. Finished basement, very large Master bed and Bath.  Five bedrooms, four baths, family room and much more. Great location–near to 495, 295, National Harbor, Alexandria, and D.C.

Currently listed at $395,000

Fort Washington real estate overlooks the Potomac River in Prince George’s County. The community’s namesake, Fort Washington, still stands today, although it is now a public attraction overseen by the National Park Service. Surrounding the fort is a 340-acre park, offering hiking and picnic areas to Fort Washington real estate owners and the fort’s many visitors. Beyond the park, Fort Washington real estate is characterized by large riverfront homes served by two marinas, a golf course, and a country club. However, recent growth has converted much of Fort Washington real estate to new home developments and apartments.

Fort Washington real estate owners enjoy a wealth of amenities, including art shows and live performances at the Harmony Hall Regional Center. The community’s students are served by the Friendly High School, making Fort Washington real estate popular among families with school-age children. And thanks to the proximity of Fort Washington real estate to Washington, D.C. via the beltway, many commuters also choose to buy homes here.

Search For All Homes In Fort Washington

 Web Link: 9806 Tribonian Drive, Fort Washington Maryland 20744

Fort Washington MD Real Estate Sales- Ed Haraway, Owner/Broker of EXIT First Realty

EXIT First Realty is one of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s fastest growing, top-producing real estate brokerages. I specialize in helping agents market and position themselves  to sell real estate in the Maryland Metropolitan area including Bowie, Crofton,Upper Marlboro, Annapolis, College Park, Davidsonville, Gambrills, Odenton, Greenbelt, Laurel, and surrounding areas. 240.375.2871

Marlton Town

Beautiful four bedroom, three and half bath located in Upper Marlboro Maryland. Its twenty minutes. from DC, Waldorf, and Bowie. Beautiful gleaming hardwood floors on the main level. Inviting kitchen with island and plenty of room for your table and more.Nice double decks off the back perfect for summertime gatherings.Huge master suite with two walk-in closets, soaking tub,& double vanity.Finished basement with rec room ,full bath,& fourth bedroom.

Upper Marlboro has a downtown area along Main Street, which is home to a variety of local business as well as the Prince George’s County Courthouse and the County Administration Building. The main  Board of Education offices for the Prince George’s County Public School system are a short walk from Main Street. Additional businesses and government offices are located in the Old Mill complex a short distance from downtown. The main residential area is the to the west of the downtown on several quiet streets. The Town has about 313 dwelling units, mostly single-family homes with 657 official residents in 2008, according to estimates from the Census Bureau. Numerous civic organizations in and near the town contribute to the sense of community and “small town” atmosphere that characterizes life in Upper Marlboro.

Search For Upper Marlboro Homes For Sale

Web Link: 13312 Marlton Center Drive, Upper Marlboro Maryland 20772

Upper Marlboro MD Real Estate Sales- Ed Haraway. Owner/Broker of Exit First Realty

Exit First Realty is one of the Mid-Atlantic Region fastest growing,top-producing real estate brokerages. I specialize in helping agents market and position themselves   to sell real estate in the Maryland Metropolitan area including Bowie, Crofton,Upper Marlboro, Annapolis, College Park, Davidsonville, Gambrills, Odenton, Greenbelt, Laurel, and surrounding areas. 240.375.2871

Buckingham

Show and sell this four bedroom 2 bath Cape Cod in Bowie Maryland. It has a huge addition featuring a Family Room,Office space and den!! Home has been cleaned, landscaped and has a BRAND NEW stove!

Bowie is a great place to visit or to live. It has easy access to public transportation, strong public services, a variety of shopping choices and lots of recreational opportunities.  With the many leisure activities you will always be entertained, from the local farmer markets, to the international festivals. You will love the streets and people. Along every road there is always a friendly face to see. One of the things that make Bowie a wonderful place to live is the strong community spirit that is evident throughout our neighborhoods. Bowie residents and businesses are active in a variety of organizations that assist others and strengthen our city. They are proud of our open spaces and our recreational facilities. The City has been recognized nationally as a winner in Tree City and Plant City USA competitions.

Search For All Bowie Homes for Sale

Web Link: 2803 Buxmont Lane, Bowie Maryland 20715

Bowie MD Real Estate Sales- Ed Haraway. Owner/Broker of Exit First Realty

Exit First Realty is one of the Mid-Atlantic Region fastest growing,top-producing real estate brokerages. I specialize in helping agents market and position themselves   to sell real estate in the Maryland Metropolitan area including Bowie, Crofton,Upper Marlboro, Annapolis, College Park, Davidsonville, Gambrills, Odenton, Greenbelt, Laurel, and surrounding areas. 240.375.2871

Meadowbrook

Very nice updated Cape, shows great! Remodeled kitchen with ceramic flooring, pergo style flooring at the entrance and hall. French doors into family room (converted Garage) Thermal windows (except living room and laundry) Pella triple window slider opens to patio/deck and lovely fenced yard.

Bowie is a great place to visit or to live. It has easy access to public transportation, strong public services, a variety of shopping choices and lots of recreational opportunities.  With the many leisure activities you will always be entertained, from the local farmer markets, to the international festivals. You will love the streets and people. Along every road there is always a friendly face to see. One of the things that make Bowie a wonderful place to live is the strong community spirit that is evident throughout our neighborhoods. Bowie residents and businesses are active in a variety of organizations that assist others and strengthen our city. They are proud of our open spaces and our recreational facilities. The City has been recognized nationally as a winner in Tree City and Plant City USA competitions.

Search For All Bowie Homes for Sale

Web Link: 12407 Madeley Lane, Bowie Maryland 20715

Bowie MD Real Estate Sales- Ed Haraway. Owner/Broker of Exit First Realty

Exit First Realty is one of the Mid-Atlantic Region fastest growing,top-producing real estate brokerages. I specialize in helping agents market and position themselves   to sell real estate in the Maryland Metropolitan area including Bowie, Crofton,Upper Marlboro, Annapolis, College Park, Davidsonville, Gambrills, Odenton, Greenbelt, Laurel, and surrounding areas. 240.375.2871

There are a number of changes that have taken place recently and more on the way in the FHA loan arena. Some of these changes are specific to certain lending situations so will not effect all loans, while others are global in nature so everyone will be affected. While there have been many changes of late and more possibly to come, this column attempts to highlight the changes affecting the most borrowers .

• Mortgage Insurance: Currently the UP Front Mortgage insurance or (MIP) as it is known is 2.25% of the base loan amount. HUD Secretary Stevens announced this will be reduced to 1.0% while at the same time increasing the annual mortgage insurance from its current 0.55% to 0.90% This change will be in effect as of any new FHA case number issued starting September 7, 2010
• Condo Rules: No more spot approvals, For FHA approval at least 50% of the units must be owner occupied.
• Property Flipping: If a home is resold within by an investor less than one year after the investor purchase. The price appreciation may be limited to 20% of the investors purchase price. A second appraisal may be ordered to justify the new price and documentation may be required of the seller showing substantial improvements have been made to the home. This documentation may include, material receipts, contractor invoices ect. Tell your investors to take a lot of pics, before and after.
• Credit Scores: FHA plans to impose a minimum credit score of 500 later this year, and scores 580 will need a down payment of 10%. Credit scores over 580 will still only need the FHA minimum 3.5% down payment. This rule is really a waste of in on paper since virtually all lenders now requires a minimum credit score of 620 and some are even require a score of 640.
• Seller Concessions: FHA at present allows seller concessions up to 6% of the sales price. The new rule will be 3%. The new rule is expected to have a hugh impact on first Time Home buyers. This new rule is now in a comment period and is expected to be put into effect in the very near future.
• Underwriting Guidelines: Changes have been made to the underwriting guidelines over the last few months. These changes will be incorporated into the revised 4155 lenders manual that should be updated in the near future. Until then all the recent changes are available on Hudclips, (under mortgagee letters) The 4155 lender manual and hudclips are both available on line at the HUD website.

Maryland Mortgage Loans and Solutions – Gordon Haraway Southern Trust Mortgage, specializing in helping home buyers realize the dream of home ownership. Purchase and Refinance home loans. Gordon Haraway is a Senior Loan Officer with Southern Trust Mortgage in Crofton MD (301) 938-1655

Bowie Crofton – Real Estate Blog Strategy Training for EXIT Mid-Atlantic

Wednesday August 4th
Blogging drives your story and your content on the internet – we live in a connected business world, and Facebook and Social Networking do not replace your Organic Visibility…

Special Ed Haraway in partnership with The EXIT Mid-Atlantic Broker Council ( including Washington DC, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia) are holding a focused blog training inviting their Real Estate Professionals to attend a fundamental training on Blogging for Marketing Strategy Wednesday August 4th; Going beyond understanding Websites and into an actual plan of action that drives Internet Results!!!

REGISTER