Kimberly James, Realtor

College Park - The best place to raise kids in Maryland!

2012-02-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

Yup! I attended the NCPCA last night and we are trying to establish a College Park Magnet School designed for College Prep. We also have a new free Library on Rhode Island Ave. Plans for redevelopment of the Hollywood commercial district and new energy friendly street lights project.... and so much more. It is a great time to be living in College Park. :-). Meetings are the first Thursday of every month dues are dirt cheap so come and join us if you live in district one and pay your dues you can vote!

For Sale: 3BR/1BA Single Family House in College Park, MD, $1,600

2012-01-23T19:48:00.000-08:00

For Sale: 3BR/1BA Single Family House in College Park, MD, $1,600

For Rent: 3BR/2BA Single Family House in Upper Marlboro, MD, $1,800/month

2012-01-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

For Rent: 3BR/2BA Single Family House in Upper Marlboro, MD, $1,800/month

For Rent: 5BR/2+1BA Single Family House in College Park, MD, $2,500/month

2011-09-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

For Rent: 5BR/2+1BA Single Family House in College Park, MD, $2,500/month

For Rent: 4BR/1BA Single Family House in College Park, MD, $1,750/month

2011-09-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

For Rent: 4BR/1BA Single Family House in College Park, MD, $1,750/month

DELAYS FOR ALL SETTLEMENTS IN P.G. COUNTY

2011-09-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

URGENT MESSAGE CONCERNING SETTLEMENTS IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND

THERE WILL LIKELY BE DELAYS FOR ALL SETTLEMENTS IN P.G. COUNTY, DUE TO FLOODING AT THE CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE IN UPPER MARLBORO. Certain sections of the courthouse where judgment records are maintain have been shut down due to flooding that occurred at the courthouse after the recent hurricane and torrential storms. Without access to the judgment books, the title searchers are UNABLE to complete a proper title search. Without a proper title search, a title company is NOT in any position to pass and insure title. Thus, for any pending closings in Prince George’s County where the title search was not fully completed before the storms, there WILL BE A DELAY IN THE CLOSING. This news affects all title searchers and title companies alike!

North College Park - important meetings

2011-09-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

~~Thanks to Christine Nagel~~

Hello All- There are a couple very important meetings coming up next week that I wanted to make certain you know about.

First on Monday September 19, at 7 p.m. County Councilwoman Mary Lehman will be holding a Redistricting Forum at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. The County’s Redistricting Committee recently submitted their plan to the County Council and David Harrington, one of the three Redistricting Committee members will be on hand to provide an overview of the process and the commission’s goals, as well as answer questions.

Good news, the current plan and map put North College Park back into District 1. Thank you to everyone who submitted written comments to the Redistricting Commission –it made a difference. The County Council has the final say on the redistricting boundaries so please let Councilwoman Lehman know that we are pleased with the current boundaries by attending the forum or sending her an email at councildistrict1@co.pg.md.us.

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

4545 Ammendale Road

Beltsville MD 20705

Then, on Thursday, September 22^,at 6:30 p.m. the Prince George's County Planning Department will hold its third community workshop on the Greenbelt Metro Area and MD 193 Corridor Sector Plan at Greenbelt Middle School. This meeting will focus on Greenbelt Station North and South Cores. The areas to be discussed directly adjoin North College Park. How theses areas are developed will affect our community for many years with respect to traffic, noise, drainage and the viewshed. This meeting is the principal opportunity for residents from our community to come and learn about the project and have their ideas and concerns heard. Additional information about the project can be on the project website at:

http://www.pgplanning.org/Projects/Ongoing_Plans_and_Projects/Community_Plans_and_Studies/Greenbelt_Metro_Area_Sector_Plan_and_SMA.htm

Greenbelt Middle School

8950 Edmonston Road

Greenbelt MD 20770

For those who plan to visit our area... (HUMOR)

2011-08-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

Got this in an EMail - very funny.

Chances are, if you don't live in DC or near it you won't understand. BE GLAD...

For those who plan to visit our area...

First, you must learn to call it by its rightful name. It is DC or 'the

District' - only tourists call it Washington.

Next, if your road map of Montgomery County is more than a few weeks
old, throw it out and buy a new one. It's obsolete. If in Loudoun or Fairfax
County and your map is one day old, it's already obsolete.

There is no such thing as a dangerous high speed chase in D.C. It's just

another chase, usually on the BW Parkway.

All directions start with 'The Beltway'... which has no beginning and no
end just one continuous loop that locals believe is somehow clarified by an
inner' and 'outer' loop designation. This makes no sense to ANYONE
outside the area.

The morning rush hour is from 5 to 11 AM. The evening rush hour is from

1 to 8 PM. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning, especially during
the summer on Route 50 eastbound.

If there is a ball game at the Redskins stadium, there is no point
driving anywhere near PG County. (Tip: Never say PG County to anyone from
Mitchellville, Upper Marlboro or Fort Washington (its Prince Georges
County). They'll blow a vessel in their neck and go into a seizure.

If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended and shot at.

If you run the red light, be sure to smile for the $100 'picture' you will
receive courtesy of DMV. (However, if you don't go as soon as the light
turns green, you will get cussed out in 382 languages.)

Rain causes an immediate 50 point drop of IQ in drivers. Snow causes a 100

point drop in IQ and a rush to the nearest Giant for toilet paper and milk.

Construction on I-270 is a way of life and a permanent source of scorn and

cynical entertainment. It's ironic that it's called an 'Interstate, ' but
runs only from Bethesda to Frederick. (Unless you consider Montgomery
County another state, which some do). Opening in the 60's, it has been torn up
and under reconstruction ever since. Also, it has a 'Spur' section which is
even more confusing.

All unexplained sights are explained by the phrase, 'Oh, we're in Takoma

Park'.

If someone actually has their turn signal on, they are by definition a

tourist.

Car horns are actually 'Road Rage' indicators. Heed the warning.

All old ladies in Buicks have the right of way in the area of Leisure
World.

Many roads mysteriously change their names as you cross intersections.
Don't ask why, no one knows.

If asking directions in Arlington, Langley Park, Wheaton or Adams

Morgan, Spanish helps. If in Annandale, Cambodian or Vietnamese will come in
handy.

If on Dupont Circle, Capital Hill or U Street, tolerance for same sex

helps.
If you stop to ask directions in Southeast... well, just don't.

A taxi ride across town will cost you $12.50. A taxi ride two blocks

will cost you 16.75. (It's a zone thing, you wouldn't understand.)

Traveling south out of DC on Interstate 395/95 is the most dangerous,

scariest thing you will ever do.

There is nothing more comforting then seven lanes of traffic cruising

along at 85 mph, BUMPER TO BUMPER!!! (Truer words have never been written! )

The minimum acceptable speed on the Beltway is 85. Anything less is

considered down right sissy.

The open lane for passing on all Maryland interstates is the far right lane

because no self-respecting Marylander would ever be caught driving in
the 'slow' lane. Unofficially, both shoulders are fair game also. The far

left lanes on all Maryland interstates are official 'chat' lanes reserved for

drivers who wish to talk on their cell phones. Note: All SUV's have
priority clearance to use the far left at whatever speed the driver feels most
comfortable multi-tasking in.

The Beltway is our daily version of a NASCAR reality show. Strap up and

collect points as you go

For Rent: 2BR/1BA Apartment in College Park, MD, $2,400/month

2011-08-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

For Rent: 2BR/1BA Apartment in College Park, MD, $2,400/month

For Rent: 5BR/2+1BA Single Family House in College Park, MD, $2,300/month

2011-08-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

For Rent: 5BR/2+1BA Single Family House in College Park, MD, $2,300/month

For Rent: 2BR/1BA Apartment in College Park, MD, $2,675/month

2011-07-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

For Rent: 2BR/1BA Apartment in College Park, MD, $2,675/month

Fourth of July in College Park

2011-06-30T16:30:00.001-07:00

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland and the City of College Park are once again breaking out the red, white and blue for a fabulous Independence Day celebration.

A free concert and fireworks spectacular are on tap for Monday, July 4 beginning at 7 p.m. at the University of Maryland in Lot 1 adjacent to Campus Drive off Adelphi Road. Once again, residents are invited to enjoy Rock and Roll favorites with The Fabulous Hubcaps. See the Flier. (pdf)

Fireworks start at dusk - about 9 p.m. You can expect a 30 to 40 minute program. In case of rain, the fireworks show will be held on Tuesday, July 5.

Concessions open at 5 p.m. offering hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, ice cream, snow cones, soda and bottled water. Grass seating is limited, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Personal coolers are also allowed. Great family fun!

For more information: Call: 240-487-3570.

Required Visa Classes to aquire a loan:

2011-06-06T03:07:00.000-07:00

Required Visa Classes

• A series (A-1, A-2, A-3). These visas are given to officials of foreign

governments, immediate family members, and support staff. Only those

without diplomatic immunity, as verified on the visa document, are

allowed.

• E-1, Treaty Trader. This visa is essentially the same as an H-1 or L-1;

the title refers to the foreign country’s status in the U.S.

• G series (G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, G-5). These visas are given to employees

of international organizations that are located in the United States. Some

examples of these organizations are the United Nations, Red Cross,

World Bank, UNICEF, and the International Monetary Fund.

Verification that the applicant does not have diplomatic immunity must

be obtained from the applicants’ employer and/or by viewing the

applicants’ passport.

• H-1, Temporary Worker. This is the most common visa given to foreign

citizens who are temporarily working in the United States.

• L-1, Intra-Company Transferee. An L-1 visa is given to professional

employees, whose company’s main office is in a foreign country.

• TN, NAFTA. Used by Canadian or Mexican citizens for professional or

business purposes.

• TC, NAFTA. Used by Canadian citizens for professional or business

purposes.

All standards for determining stable monthly income, adequate credit history,

and sufficient liquid assets must be applied in the same manner to each

borrower, including borrowers who are non-permanent resident aliens.

Programs to help people stay in their homes - HUD

2011-06-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

· "Making Home Affordable" modifies or refinances what we call “conventional” or non-governmental loans to keep borrowers in their homes.

· FHA Loss Mitigation Programs. Lenders of loans guaranteed by federal agencies, particularly HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA), are required to offer borrowers “loss mitigation,” a range of programs targeted to preventing foreclosures.

· FHA Refinance Programs. Many borrowers have lowered their mortgage payments through refinancing high cost conventional loans with affordable FHA loans at current interest rates, including the newest program, "Short Refinance."

· Emergency Homeowner Loan Program and Hardest Hit Fund. Recently, HUD activated the Emergency Home Loan Program (EHLP) in five states. It’s designed to help borrowers whose ability to repay their mortgage were reduced by lost income in areas hard hit by job losses. Applications are already being accepted in Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania..

For Rent: 5BR/1+1BA Single Family House in Hyattsville, MD, $2,850/month

2011-05-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

PRICE REDUCED!
For Rent: 5BR/1+1BA Single Family House in Hyattsville, MD, $2,850/month

Even the Naysayers Are Saying To Buy Now!

2011-05-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

Even the Naysayers Are Saying To Buy Now!

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-On Attack Against Threats to Homeownership

2011-05-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-On Attack Against Threats to Homeownership

The Impact of Distressed Properties on Neighboring Values

2011-05-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Impact of Distressed Properties on Neighboring Values

Rental Costs Are About to Takeoff

2011-04-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Rental Costs Are About to Takeoff

For Rent: 4BR/1BA Single Family House in College Park, MD, $1,700/month

2011-04-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

Price reduced!!

For Rent: 4BR/1BA Single Family House in College Park, MD, $1,700/month

For Sale: 2BR/2BA Condo in Hyattsville, MD, $14,900

2011-04-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

Owner will consider all reasonable offers.

For Sale: 2BR/2BA Condo in Hyattsville, MD, $14,900

For Rent: 2BR/1BA Apartment in College Park, MD, $2,625/month

2011-04-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

ONLY ONE AVAILABLE FOR THIS YEAR!!!!

For Rent: 2BR/1BA Apartment in College Park, MD, $2,625/month

For Rent: 5BR/1+1BA Single Family House in Hyattsville, MD, $3,000/month

2011-04-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

For Rent: 5BR/1+1BA Single Family House in Hyattsville, MD, $3,000/month

GOVERMENT SHUTDOWN

2011-04-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

Due to the inevitable government shut down we've been told(and had verified through legal counsel) HUD has issued a stop work order, putting all HUD settlements on hold, until further notice.

If you have an FHA # assigned this sould not affect you on a normal sale. The government will not be issuing and new FHA laon #'s when they are shut down and you can assume delays with a backlog when they re-open.

OK. You Win. Stop Listening to Real Estate Agents!

2011-04-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

OK. You Win. Stop Listening to Real Estate Agents!

I have not posted in a while because a lot of you listened and I am swamped with buyers. Hip hip hooray!!

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-10 Cities Where Home Prices Will Rise in 2011

2011-01-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-10 Cities Where Home Prices Will Rise in 2011

College Park Maryland - The best place to raise your kids!!

2010-12-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

See the article

The Best Places to Raise Your Kids 2011

Best place to raise kids in Maryland: College Park
Nearby city: Washington, D.C.
Population: 26,167
Median family income: $83,749
Runner-up: Bel Air

Home to the University of Maryland, College Park was developed starting the late 1800s. Part of the city is part of the Calvert Hills Historic District, and a number of historic sites are in the area, including College Park Airport, the oldest continuously operated airport in the world. According to longandfoster.com, many families move to College Park for its good schools (four elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools) and its proximity to Washington, D.C., about 10 miles away and accessible by metro. The area's population is 37.7 percent black and 12.2 percent Hispanic, according to data from Onboard Informatics.

College Park Pet Adoption Day

2010-11-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

Please stop by Davis Hall to adopt a cat or dog from the City this Saturday between noon and 5PM.

NEW Maryland law effecting emergency vehicles

2010-11-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

The law, HB 499, took effect on October 1 and requires any motorist passing an emergency vehicle to move to a lane not adjacent to the emergency vehicle, or -- if such a lane is not available -- slow to a "reasonable and prudent" speed in light of the road and weather conditions.

This new law applies to emergency vehicles such as police, fire, ambulance, rescue services, and hazardous spill response vehicles if those vehicles are stopped on the side of the road with their lights flashing or sirens emitting noise. Any motorist in violation of the new law may face fines and points.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Wells Fargo Says It Will Refile 55,000 Cases

2010-10-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Wells Fargo Says It Will Refile 55,000 Cases

SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 NSP APPLICATION DEADLINE

2010-10-19T16:10:00.001-07:00

NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION DOWN PAYMENT AND CLOSING COSTS ASSISTANCE LOAN PROGRAM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 NSP APPLICATION DEADLINE

FOR BORROWERS WITH INCOME AT OR BELOW 50% OF THE AREA MEDIAN

All applications for borrowers with income at or below 50% of the Area Median must be submitted by September 10, 2010.

Click here for full details >>

Funding will be awarded on a first come first completed basis and

MAY BE DEPLETED PRIOR TO THE SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 DEADLINE.

When funds are depleted, for applications received by the September 10, 2010 deadline, NSP will establish a waiting list, for funding allocation in the event that previously funded applications fail to close.

Because funds are awarded on a first come first completed basis, NSP does not guarantee funding for applications received by the September 10, 2010 deadline, or for applications placed on the waiting list.

Funds also remain for homebuyers at or below the 50% median income.

Read full details here.

The new State NSP program for Prince George's Veterans is a different program, with funding from other sources.

Housing Recovery Predicted for Late 2012 - DC area has great long term growth potential

2010-10-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

Daily Real Estate News | October 13, 2010 | Share Housing Recovery Predicted for Late 2012
In its new housing outlook report, The Concord Group—a real estate strategy firm based in Newport Beach, Calif.— predicts that national home sales will recover by the fourth quarter of 2010, with some well positioned markets improving by late 2011 or early 2012.

"The Concord Group estimates sales for the next year will continue at current sluggish levels (400,000 units), with a recovery rate of approximately 640,000 units annually in the following year’s first half until the market returns to normalized absorption rates by the fourth quarter of 2012," the report says.

Richard M. Gollis, principal and co-founder of The Concord Group, is discussing his firm’s national outlook at the fall meeting of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in Washington, D.C.

The company says these markets have the strongest long-term growth potential:

Orange County, Calif.
San Jose, Calif.
Seattle
Washington, D.C.

The company's housing demand model incorporates published employment forecasts, structural household growth, turnover, and obsolescence.

"Development of quality new housing in core employment centers is expected to be an opportunity," the company says in a statement. "Meeting the needs of baby boomers, highlighted by their transition to urban areas, should remain a focus."

Source: The Concord Group (10/12/2010)

30-Year Mortgage Rates Plumb New Depths

2010-10-16T16:09:00.000-07:00

Daily Real Estate News | October 15, 2010 |

30-Year Mortgage Rates Plumb New Depths
Freddie Mac reports that the average interest on 30-year fixed mortgages slipped to an all-time low, for the third consecutive week, to 4.19 percent.

At the same time, 15-year fixed-rate loans and the five-year adjustable-mortgage rate both also hit record lows. Rates on the former were 3.62 percent, while the latter averaged just 3.47 percent.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Nathan Becker (10/15/10)

Student Housing: A Potentially Profitable Niche

2010-10-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Something we already know about in College Park.

Daily Real Estate News | October 4, 2010 | Share

Student Housing: A Potentially Profitable Niche
Housing for students is a segment of the real estate market that continues to do well. With a record 19.1 million students enrolled in colleges and universities, the market has a steady source of business and is likely to remain stable through 2018 when the last of the baby boomers’ children are college age, analysts say.

Today’s students expect more amenities than previous generations demanded. For instance, Campus Crest, which manages 27 properties with 13,580 beds, is typical in offering fully furnished units with equipped kitchens, washers, and dryers in each unit and swimming pools on site,

Rents are typically 10 to 20 percent higher than conventional apartments, but management can be challenging. The operations expenses are about 45 percent of revenues, compared to 35 percent in conventional apartments, according to Michael Orsak, vice president at Campus Advantage, which manages and owns 50 properties across the U.S.

Source: MarketWatch.com, Jennifer Waters (10/03/2010)

Regulators to Banks: Review Foreclosures

2010-10-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

It was only a matter of time!!

Daily Real Estate News | October 4, 2010 | Share

Regulators to Banks: Review Foreclosures
Improper foreclosure procedures are throwing another curve ball at the troubled mortgage industry.

Regulators from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have told seven major banks to review their foreclosure procedures after Bank of America joined JPMorgan and GMAC (now known as Ally Financial) in freezing their foreclosure processes.

Banks that regulators contacted include HSBC, Citigroup Inc., PNC Financial Services Group Inc., and U.S. Bankcorp (USB).

Simultaneously, title insurer Old Republic National said Friday it would stop insuring the sales of homes foreclosed by JPMorgan Chase & Co. or GMAC Mortgage until questions about documentation are cleared. An inability to get title insurance could bring home sales to a halt.

Source: The Wall Street Journal (10/01/2010) and Reuters News (10/03/2010)

Route 1 pedestrian crossing info

2010-09-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

From the minutes of the North College Park citizen's association:

State Highway Administration (SHA) employees Felicia Murphy (Dist 3 traffic), Peter Campanides (Dist 3 traffic), and Roy Gothie (Regional Intermodal Planning) were on hand to discuss improvements to the pedestrian infrastructure at several intersections along Rt. 1. Ms. Murphy noted that improvements for the intersections of Rt. 1 and Greenbelt Rd. and Rt. 1 and Hollywood, including new crossing signals featuring audio and countdown features, have been scheduled to occur within the next few months. Ms. Murphy also mentioned two pedestrian infrastructure projects slated for the intersections of Rt. 1 and Cherry Hill Rd. and Rt. 1 and Edgewood Rd; however both are unfunded and unscheduled. In addition, the project for the Rt 1 and Cherry Hill intersection will require SHA purchasing a small piece of right-of-way from the city to complete. Mr. Gothie reminded that, on the county’s list of road improvement priorities (as outlined in a 2007 letter), Rt. 1 is currently fourth.

Resturant Review - New Deal Cafe'- Greenbelt MD

2010-08-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

New Deal Cafe'- Greenbelt MD

Excellent!

This little cafe is nestled in the heart of Old Greenbelt and is located in Roosevelt Center, an oasis of small shops and restaurants with outdoor seating. Roosevelt center is also the sight of a popular outdoor concert series sponsored by FONDCA - Friends of the New Deal Cafe.

Appetisers for $1.25? Yes you can try one sampling of there numerous tid-bits for under $2.00. How perfect is that for sipping tea or coffee outside when you just want a nibble.

Falafel pizza: a layer of falafel between two pitas, topped with tomatoes, lettuce, cilantro, onions, and tzatziki sauce. My husband says it is great.

The desserts include : Rice pudding,Creme de caramel,Creme brulée,Caramel crunch cake,Passion fruit mousse.... We shared a Creme Brulee and a rice pudding both excellent with a lemon twist.

I want to go back for more.

Lead paint saftey

2010-08-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

A Field Guide for Painting, Home Maintenance, and Renovation Work. This is a must read!

Also EPA law changes :

EPA Requirements

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.
To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider. Learn how to become an EPA certified firm and where to take a training course near you.

Contractors must use lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:

Contain the work area.
Minimize dust.
Clean up thoroughly.

Read EPA's Regulations on Residential Property Renovation at 40 CFR 745.80, Subpart E.
Read about lead-hazard information for renovation, repair and painting activities in the EPA lead hazard information pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) (11 pp, 1.1MB) | en español (PDF) (11 pp, 2.4MB)
Read about how to comply with EPA's rule in the EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (PDF) (32 pp, 5.5MB) | en español (PDF) (34 pp, 1.3MB).
Find additional EPA publications and brochures on lead-safe renovation, repair and painting and on lead poisoning prevention.

Beginning in December 2008, the rule requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint provide to owners and occupants of child care facilities and to parents and guardians of children under age six that attend child care facilities built prior to 1978 the lead hazard information pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) (11 pp, 1.1MB). | en español (PDF) (11 pp, 2.4MB)
The rule affects paid renovators who work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including:

Renovation contractors
Maintenance workers in multi-family housing
Painters and other specialty trades.

Under the rule, child-occupied facilities are defined as residential, public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis. The requirements apply to renovation, repair or painting activities. The rule does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities where less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where less then 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair.

Previously, owner-occupants of homes built before 1978 could certify that no child six years of age or younger or pregnant woman was living in the home and "opt-out" of having their contractors follow lead-safe work practices in their homes. On April 23, 2010, to better prevent against lead paint poisoning, EPA issued a final rule to apply lead-safe work practices (PDF) (18 pp, 121K) to most pre-1978 homes, effectively closing the exemption. The rule eliminating the opt-out provision became effective July 6, 2010.
Read EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule.
View the implementation deadlines associated with the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting r

Record low interest rates.

2010-08-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

Nine Ways to Improve a Home's Curb Appeal

2010-07-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

Nine Ways to Improve a Home's Curb Appeal

HGTV’s real estate site, FrontDoor.com, offers some ways to make a home more appealing.

• Restore the roof. Improve its appearance and keep it from leaking.

• Clean up the driveway and walkways. They set the tone for the rest of the home.

• Maintain the gutters. Clean out leaves and debris. Eliminate signs of water damage.

• Pay attention to details. Install attractive street numbers, door hardware and a new mailbox.

• Make the front door welcoming. Paint an old but solid one; replace one that is past its prime.

• Light it up. Decorate with attractive outdoor lighting.

• Paint offers big payoff for a low price. Just doing the shutters, trim and railings can help.

• Spruce up the lawn. Mow, pull weeds and fertilize.

• Add a WOW factor. Some beautiful plants will impress buyers.

National Flood Insurance Program

2010-07-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Natural Disaster / Flood Insurance

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, are devastating for communities and individuals, and are costly to insurers, and state and federal governments. Insurers have responded to the costs of recent natural disasters by raising premiums or declining to write policies in disaster prone areas. Without a greater government role in property insurance, many homeowners and potential home buyers may not be able to obtain insurance coverage. As a result, there may not be sufficient resources or coverage in many parts of the country to help homeowners and their communities recover from future natural disasters.

Latest News

(June 30, 2010) The Senate has passed the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2010 (H.R. 5569), an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, until September 30, 2010. This will allow transactions to move forward. The bill is retroactive and covers the lapse period from June 1, 2010 to the date of enactment of the extension.

Read more>

National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance to homeowners in participating communities in flood-prone areas, who could not otherwise obtain coverage due to cost or ineligibility. Without insurance provided through NFIP, property owners in federally designated areas across +10,000 communities nationwide could not obtain mortgages.

The NFIP also produces the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which are critical for the transaction of properties located in, or adjacent to, a floodplain. If these maps are not updated regularly, the information may be incorrect and a buyer may be unaware that a property is at an increased risk for flooding.

www.realtor.org/government_affairs

Long and Foster Real Estate & The Luxury Portfolio Collection

2010-06-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

Understanding Real Estate Short Sales.mov

2010-06-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

Housing Affordability from Long and Foster Real Estate.mov

2010-06-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Congress Abandons Critical Housing Programs - Again

2010-06-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

Congress Abandons Critical Housing Programs - Again

Realtors have been urging Congress to pass a comprehensive National Flood Insurance Program reform bill all year. We conducted a Call for Action in April, testified at Congressional hearings and urged action during our midyear hill visits. Yet once again, Congress left town before reauthorizing the NFIP and the Section 502 Rural Housing Program. As a result, thousands of transactions have come to a stop, again.

The NFIP and the Section 502 Rural Housing Program are critically important to Americans and the U.S. economy. The real estate recovery can’t afford prolonged Congressional inaction.

Regardless of your location, rebuilding our markets in every corner of America is in every Realtor's interest. The Realtor Party must speak with one voice to urge Congress to renew both NFIP and the Rural Housing 502 program today. Please contact Congress today.

Wes Foster

http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/nhip_rhs_two

outdoor concerts

2010-06-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

There are several terrific outdoor concerts being held this week at park and recreation facilities throughout the county. On Wednesday, June 23, enjoy John Jensen's Tribute to Tommy Dorsey at Oxon Hill Manor at 7 pm or a FREE concert by Phase II at Stephen Decatur Community Center at 7:15 pm. On Thursday, June 24 The Voodudes will perform in the FREE Concerts in the Park series at Watkins Regional Park at 7 pm. The Annual Montpelier Summer Concert Series on the grounds of Montpelier Mansion features Oracle Band in a FREE performance on Friday, June 25 at 7:30 pm. On Sunday, June 27, Dr. S.O. Feelgood Sweet Soul Music Man will perform at Bladensburg Waterfront Park as part of the FREE Arts at the Waterfront series. Click here for more information.

Montpelier Arts Center (Laurel)

2010-06-21T20:06:00.001-07:00

Montpelier Arts Center (Laurel) has several interesting exhibitions that you are sure to enjoy. See Katherine Kavanaugh's Linked, a sculpture installation on display through August 16. Renee van der Stelt's exhibition, Drawing Movement on Land, has captured movement on the land in works on paper that include drawings and sculptures of shifting wind, clouds and light. This exhibition runs through August 20. Resident sculptor Clarence Page's New Works exhibition, on display through June 28, features copper sculptures and relief. Gallery hours are 10 am-5 pm seven days a week. People of all ages are invited to these FREE exhibitions. For more information call 301-377-7800 or 410-792-0664

Default Analytics Show Increased Home Prices

2010-06-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

Default Analytics Show Increased Home Prices

Home prices rose 0.9 percent overall in April, according to Integrated Asset Services, a default management and collateral evaluation firm.

Prices in the Midwest rose 1.9 percent, the South gained 1.8 percent, and the West was up 1.1 percent. Only the Northeast declined, slipping 0.7 percent.
Dave McCarthy, president and CEO of Integrated Asset Services, says it's important to note that the forward-looking house price index is positive after so many months of being down. “But given all that’s in front of us, we can’t forget this improvement may be fleeting as well," McCarthy says.

Source: RISMEDIA (06/09/2010)

Congress Abandons Critical Housing Programs - Again

2010-06-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Congress Abandons Critical Housing Programs - Again

Realtors have been urging Congress to pass a comprehensive National Flood Insurance Program reform bill all year. We conducted a Call for Action in April, testified at Congressional hearings and urged action during our midyear hill visits. Yet once again, Congress left town before reauthorizing the NFIP and the Section 502 Rural Housing Program. As a result, thousands of transactions have come to a stop, again.
The NFIP and the Section 502 Rural Housing Program are critically important to Americans and the U.S. economy. The real estate recovery can’t afford prolonged Congressional inaction.
Regardless of your location, rebuilding our markets in every corner of America is in every Realtor's interest. The Realtor Party must speak with one voice to urge Congress to renew both NFIP and the Rural Housing 502 program today. Please contact Congress today.
Wes Foster

The mosquito control program for 2010 has begun in College Park

2010-06-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

The mosquito control program for 2010 has begun in College Park and will continue through the summer; the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has already begun the attack by spreading larvicide granules in some of the low-lying wooded areas that hold water for long periods of time and are known mosquito breeding areas. Spraying for adult mosquitoes will start soon on Wednesday nights. Mosquito problems and spray requests must be made by residents in order for MDA to conduct surveys, and adult thresholds must be met and weather must be conducive for spraying to occur.
I am sure everyone has noticed at least one or two mosquitoes out by now, so this is a reminder to please forward this email to College Park residents and encourage them to contact me regarding mosquito complaints. I will report the information on a weekly basis to the Entomologist in charge of our program, so residents experiencing mosquito problems, want to put in a spray request, or have a spray objection, please call me directly at 240-487-3593, or email me at sking@collegeparkmd.gov. I will need the following important pieces of information from residents reporting complaints:
1. Name and address
2. Problem area(s)
3. Time of day mosquitoes are worse, and
4. Any areas of stagnant water to report
Now is also a good time to remind everyone that the spraying, when it occurs, is conducted overnight and is to help control the native mosquito populations; spraying is not effective against the Asian tiger mosquito, which is active mostly during the day, is aggressive (will follow you into the house or car), and only breeds in contained water. The best way to really control this mosquito is to eliminate its breeding habitat – containerized standing water. What do I mean by containerized standing water? Here are some examples:
· bird baths,
· wading pools,
· gutters that haven’t been cleaned,
· corrugated landscape pipe,
· rain barrels,
· free-standing basketball hoops (fill them with sand instead of water!),
· toys (child or dog toys left alone will most likely collect water, even playground equipment),
· upside-down or empty containers,

· tarps that sag or are too big for the items they’re covering (any fold created in the tarp will hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed, so think about that wood pile or boat you have covered up!),
· trays under flower pots,

· tire swings and loose tires

just to name a few!
Look around your yard (and work with your neighbors!) to help eliminate these and the other endless sources of items that will hold just a few drops of water, which is all the Asian tiger mosquito needs. Make sure your gutters are cleared, and tip out or flush bird baths, pools, and other containers that hold water. Jeannine Dorothy, the Entomologist in charge of our program, has also offered to make house calls and help residents identify potential mosquito breeding areas, but she needs to have groups of at least 6 houses agree. The Asian tiger mosquito can fly up to a football field in distance, so even if your yard is clear of breeding opportunities, all of your neighbors need to make an effort as well in order to have a noticeable effect.
Additionally, we have mosquito dunks (donut-shaped larvicide granules) available at Public Works for College Park residents to pick up at no charge to help treat any areas of standing water (particularly bird baths, rain barrels, ornamental ponds that don’t have fish, etc.), and prevent mosquito larvae from maturing to the adult stage.
So, don’t forget to report problems or questions to me; I don’t know all the answers when it comes to mosquito control but I will find answers for you. Finally, please feel free to visit the MDA website on Mosquito Control to learn more about these summertime pests and how we can attempt to reduce the troubles they cause us: http://www.mda.state.md.us/plants-pests/mosquito_control/index.php

REMINDER -HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT CONTINUES UNTIL 2011 FOR U.S. MILITARY AND FOREIGN SERVICE PERSONNEL

2010-05-28T13:26:00.000-07:00

REMINDER -HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT CONTINUES UNTIL 2011
FOR U.S. MILITARY AND FOREIGN SERVICE PERSONNEL
While the April 30, 2010 deadline has now passed and we are approaching the expiration of the extended period for purchasers to close by June 30, 2010, this Alert brings a reminder with respect to your clients who qualify as members of the U.S. military, Foreign Service, and intelligence agencies. The home buyer tax credit deadline is extended for an extra year for these folks, if the qualified service member has been on extended duty outside of the United States for 90 days or more (from January 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010). If qualified the applicable date is April 30, 2011 to sign a sales contract and until June 30, 2011toclose on the property.
Remember this true tax credit does not have to be repaid, unless the property is sold or no longer buyer’s primary residence within three years of purchase; however, the repayment is waived for military, Foreign Service and intelligence personnel meeting certain requirements. The following items briefly summarize the credit –visit the IRS website for more detailed information: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=215594,00.html
Credit amount:10% of purchase price, up to maximum of $8,000 for first time buyers and up to maximum of $6,500 for “long-time owner”replacement home buyers.
Qualifying Property: Single-family real estate used as Principal Residence, purchased at a price of $800,000 or less.
Some Limitations: First-Time Buyer –means individual had no present ownership interest in a principal residence during 3-year period prior to purchase date.
Long-time Owner –means buyer owned and lived in previous home for 5 consecutive years out of the 8 years preceding the date of new purchase.No limit for AGI up to $125,000 ($225,000 joint filers); not available for buyers with AGI over $145,000/$245,000 and there is proratacredit reduction for incomes between.
Recapture: Credit must be repaid in full if the property is sold, or no longer used as primary residence, prior to end of 36 months from date of purchase; there are some exceptions to the repayment requirement, including death of the taxpayer, which are detailed in the instructions for IRS FORM 5405.

Now is the Time to Buy, Investment Firm Says

2010-05-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Now is the Time to Buy, Investment Firm Says

When you compare the real estate downturn to the real estate market in the 1980s, Blumberg Capital Partners, which provides real estate investment management, finds similarities that lead the company to think now is an optimal time to buy.

Its analysts point out that the recession of the 1980s lasted 16 months, running from July 1981 to November 1982. Unemployment peaked in November of 1982 at 10.8 percent. From that point it took 38 months for the economy to recover fully and for unemployment to fall below 7 percent. It was another 10 months before unemployment was consistently below 7 percent.

Philip Blumberg, CEO of Blumberg Capital Partners, said in a note to investors that the real estate cycle is still three or four years from an optimal selling period, so now is the time for investors to buy.

Source: Blumberg Capital Partners (05/19/2010)

4 Busted Myths About Using a Real Estate Agent

2010-05-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

4 Busted Myths About Using a Real Estate Agent

April 29, 2010 · From: Home buyers Blog

You see them everywhere, on the back of a local bus stop, in a shopping cart, neighbor’s lawn or on your Mom’s refrigerator, the elusive real estate agent. They are a misunderstood breed but we are here to bust the “used cars salesman” image. Below are 4 common but busted myths about using a real estate agent.

Having an Agent Cost the Buyer Money

False. There is no commission expense on the buyer’s part since the seller typically pays the agent a percentage of the home’s price. So yes, technically, the more you pay for a house the more the agent makes. But the difference between $300,000 and $310,000 is about $150 to an agent. Agents value your relationship more and know that their best marketing tool is referrals from past clients.

Only the Listing Agent Can Show You the Property

False. Any agent can show you any property. In fact all agents have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This means that no matter who you use you have access to any listed property, not just those with their sign on the lawn. In fact, there are even laws to protect you if the buyer and seller are from the same agency.

I Have to Be Pre-Approved Before Talking to an Agent

False..but agents would like it to be true. You can contact an agent at any stage of the home buying process and they will be happy to answer questions about the process or properties. But when you request more of an agent, like to tour a property, don’t be surprise when they ask if you have been pre-approved. Why? Because it will save you and the agent’s time by searching for houses in your real price range as suppose to your ideal price range. This can save you time and heart break if you find the dream home that you later find out you can’t afford. Learn more about the benefits of being pre-approved here.

Agents Receive Money if you use Their “Preferred Vendors”

False. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act has prohibited agents from receiving money from lenders, title companies and inspectors. However, some larger companies will often partner with or own other real estate affiliated companies. The customer is not required to use an affiliate but often recommended to by the agent. Although not required, using affiliated companies does help the process to become more seamless and often incentives are given to the consumer for doing so. There are benefits to a “one stop shop” but just be aware that you will not be hurting the agent’s wallet or feelings by opting out.

More info on help for buyers

2010-04-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.mmprogram.org/downpayment.aspx

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Down payment Assistance Programs for Maryland

http://www.mmprogram.org/dselp.aspx

DSLEP PROGRAM - Down payment and settlement expense loan – up to $ 3500.00 – 0% interest

http://www.mmprogram.org/dselp_factsheet.html

DSELP PROGRAM FACT SHEET

http://www.collegeparkmd.gov/temp/Temp%20Docs/Work%20Live%20CP%20Guidelines.pdf

Live and Work In College Park

http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/WebSite/programs/pfa/Default.aspx

PRIORITY FUNDING AREAS & PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/WebSite/programs/hidp/Default.aspx

Homeownership for Individuals with Disabilities Program

http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/DREAM/

PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY NSP PROGRAM ( down payment on your dream program )

http://www.hocmc.org/

MONTGOMERY COUNT PROGRAMS

http://www.mwcog.org/commuter2/LNYW/housing-options.html

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION TRANSPORTATION PLANNING BOARD

Links to Virginia, DC and Maryland Housing Purchase Assistance Programs and specific programs by County

NEW SHORT SALE RULES!!!!!!

2010-03-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 13, 2010- Washington Post

By Tracey L. Longo

Special to The Washington Post
Saturday, March 13, 2010

With new Treasury Department rules designed to expedite short sales set to take effect April 5, relief can't come soon enough for some area buyers, sellers and real estate agents who have waded through a long and arduous process to get short sales approved by the bank.
In a short sale, a homeowner sells the property for its current market value, which is less than what's owed on the mortgage, and the lender agrees to accept the lower amount. The new rules that offer participating lenders cash incentives to get them to approve more short-sale deals also allow them only 10 days to approve or reject short-sale purchase offers, said Treasury spokeswoman Meg Reilly.
Incentive payments written into the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program are designed to help offset some of the financial pain that banks experience when they agree to settle for less than they are owed on a home loan. Mortgage servicers (the companies that accept and process homeowners' mortgage payments) may receive up to $1,000 for the successful completion of a short sale. Treasury will also pay up to $1,000 to those holding second liens and home equity loans, if they agree to the deal. While junior lien holders have begun to ask for more compensation, the rules now limit incentives to $3,000.
To help speed up short sales, the program calls for lenders to use standardized paperwork and to establish an acceptable sale price before the home is put on the market. Sellers will be allowed at least 120 days to market the home and possibly as long as one year. During that time, the lender cannot foreclose. At closing, the government will give sellers up to $1,500 to cover relocation expenses.
Banks participating in the program have also agreed not to negotiate reductions in real estate agents' sales commissions after they receive a short-sale contract. Such commission reductions have discouraged some agents from listing and showing short sales, according to the National Association of Realtors
According to the Treasury rules, a participating loan servicer must offer the short-sale program to a borrower who does not qualify for, or did not succeed at, a loan-modification under the administration's home affordable mortgage program.
Nationally, 38 percent of all sales in January were distressed sales, which include short sales and foreclosures. In the Washington area, short sales accounted for 6 percent of all sales in Maryland and 8 percent in Virginia during the last four months of 2009. That number is expected to rise significantly in the next several months, according to NAR. Agents have not yet reported short-sale activity in the District.
Some who have worked with short sales, however, are skeptical that the new rules can compress the approval process into 10 days.
"I've done five short sales in the past year and, frankly, I don't want to do another one," says Cyndy Davis, president of Flaherty Group Realty in Kensington. Her most recent short sale, which required a sign-off from Bank of America, took 10 months.
"I contacted the bank at least every other day, and it still took them 90 days to respond to our first offer on a Silver Spring townhouse," Davis said. "They took from June until August. Then when we ordered the appraisal, it came in $33,000 below my buyer's offer. When we resubmitted the new offer, it took the bank another 45 days to respond."
Mortgage servicers take 90 to 120 days on average to approve short sales, according to NAR.
Juwana Bauwens, a spokeswoman for Bank of America, acknowledged that the process did take that long.
"When the buyer lowered the offer, we had to almost start the process all over again," Bauwens said. "Short sales are a very complicated process, and at times we have to get approval from the bank and the investor on the loan and the second lien holder. We are working on ways to improve technology and resources so we can get an approval in the hands of Realtors as quickly as possible."
Sometimes buyers are willing to wait on what they believe is a good deal. Sometimes they walk away. Davis's client, two aid workers currently stationed in Kenya, didn't mind the 10 months it took to purchase the property. They bought the Silver Spring townhouse for $214,000. It originally sold for $380,000 in 2005 and had been on the market for 285 days.
Writing down loans is a tough business. Short sales involving home-equity lines and second liens often require the junior lien holders to write off the loans altogether. But when lenders hold on to offers, hoping that a better one will be presented, they risk not only losing the buyers, but that real estate prices will fall.
"We see this all the time," Davis said. "Banks stop communicating as they wait for better offers. Then months go by."
When an offer is finally accepted, if a home doesn't appraise at the buyer's first offer price, they lower their offer. That's what Davis's buyers did -- lowering the offer on the townhouse by $33,000 after it didn't appraise.
To avoid such long delays, the new Treasury rules requires banks to establish fair market-value prices on homes at the front end of the short-sale approval process, instead of waiting until after offers start rolling in. They can modify that price if a real estate agent is willing to sign an affidavit stating that the new price reflects its market value.
"I think if lenders can make it work, it could be amazing. But the issue we see time and again is a hold up getting banks' approvals," said Guled Kassim, who works on more than 40 closings a month as a settlement officer with Atlantic Title & Escrow in Bethesda.
"Banks have to be convinced that the sales price is market value and that a reduced payoff amount is better than foreclosure," added Kassim, who bought a distressed property using Flaherty Group last year. "Essentially, you're asking lenders to take a bath. It's not a business model most companies have set up. They are very doubtful about pricing, which is why I think the 10-day timeline may be wishful."
Pilot program launches

To quicken the pace of its own short sales, Bank of America has launched a pilot program for customers and real estate agents to help them through the process.
"If an offer is received, we will be in a position to approve the sale within two weeks," Bauwens said. "This program is currently in a limited pilot stage, and we hope to expand it soon."
The bank has also deployed a password-protected Internet portal that agents, sellers and bank employees can use to track short sales in real time, communicate and exchange documents, Bauwens said.
"We hope the new rules revolutionize the short-sale situation," said Jeff Lischer, managing director of regulatory policy at NAR. "It has the potential -- by setting deadlines, identifying property values upfront and providing standardized forms."

The new short-sale rules

What sellers can expect from participating lenders starting in April:

-- Sellers must be unqualified for a loan modification under the Home Affordable Mortgage Program or be unable to afford the modification.
-- The bank will set an acceptable value of the home upfront, based on an appraisal or broker's price opinion.
-- Lenders must approve or deny a purchase offer within 10 days of it being submitted.
-- Once the bank approves a home for short sale, sellers may stop paying all related mortgage payments, and unpaid mortgage debt will be forgiven.
-- These mortgage payments will not be shown as late on credit reports.
-- At closing, sellers are entitled to as much as $1,500 from the government to cover relocation expenses.

REALTOR® Magazine: Maintenance Must-Dos

2010-03-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

REALTOR® Magazine: Maintenance Must-Dos

Maintenance Must-Dos

First-time buyers often don't know much about home maintenance. You can help by giving them a maintenance schedule that'll prevent small problems from turning into big headaches.

By John Frank | February 2008

First-time buyers often don’t know much about home maintenance. You can help by giving them a maintenance schedule that’ll prevent small problems from turning into big headaches.

Our maintenance checklist was compiled with the help of Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s home improvement spokesperson and star of the “Mr. Fix-It” show on Chicago’s WGN-AM radio, and Frank Lesh, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors and head of his own home inspection company, Home Sweet Home Inspection Co., in Indian Head Park, Ill.

Change your furnace filters monthly. “It’s so easy to do but so critical,” says Lesh. Clogged filters decrease furnace efficiency and can cause breakdowns.

Drain your water heater at least once a year. Sediment will drain out along with the water from the water tank. Removing sediment can prolong the heater’s useful life.

Clean the coils. If you have baseboard heating units that use hot water, clear dust from the coils inside the units to maximize heating efficiency. Clean dust whenever you see it accumulating. If you have a hot water boiler/furnace, you should also oil the pump inside the furnace twice a year, says Lesh. Look for the three spots on the pump designated for oiling.

Check your circuits. Test the performance of the circuit breakers in your electrical circuit box twice a year by flipping them off and back on. If you have a circuit that keeps shutting off with normal daily electrical use, call an electrician. A faulty circuit breaker could indicate a short in the wiring inside your walls.

Watch out for drips. Check under sinks periodically to look for leaks or water stains that might indicate leaks. Catching a small problem early can prevent water damage. Use a plunger to clean out sinks and tubs whenever water doesn’t drain normally.

Be aware of life spans. Water heaters, furnaces, roofs, and other key components of your home should be replaced before they fail, based on their average useful lives. Here’s a general ballpark of the life span for key components:
- Exterior house paint: 5-10 years
- Furnace: 15-50 years
- Roof: 13-15 years
- Water heater: 7-15 years
- Wood deck staining: 4-7 years

Keep the wet out. Water is a major enemy of your house. Check each season for signs of water damage to your home. Flashing, the metal pieces used to seal the areas between roofs and chimneys and around doors and windows, are especially vulnerable to damage by wind or age. Loose flashing can let water seep under a roof or inside walls, which in turn can cause mold.

Get to the bottom of things. Check your home’s foundation for cracks or gaps that could let in water or varmints. Also look at the ground around your house. As homes age, they often sink slightly below the surrounding ground. This settling lets water puddle against the foundation and possibly damage it, notes Manfredini. Doing major landscaping work also can cause changes to the ground’s pitch that let water flow toward the house.

Look up. Chimneys take a great deal of weather abuse. Visually inspect them each year for signs of loose mortar or loose or missing bricks. Have the insides of chimneys cleaned every two to three years. Also check your roof for loose shingles or dangling gutters.

NEW FUNDING AVAILABLE

2010-03-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

The program will provide matching funds for first-time homebuyers on a 5 to 1 match scale. For example, if a buyer puts $2,000 of their own funds in the transaction the buyer is eligible for the entire $10,000.   The funds are available to all eligible members on a homebuyer-by-homebuyer, first- come, first-served basis during an annual offering cycle. Loans will be offered using this program until the maximum set-aside is exhausted or December 31, 2010, whichever occurs first.

Some of the eligibility requirements for home buyers are as follow;

1.      Funds are only available to first-time home buyers.

2.      Minimum Credit Score 620

3.      A homebuyer must owner-occupy the property.

4.      A homebuyer must contribute at least $500.

5.    A homebuyer must have an income at or below 80 percent of the area median income, adjusted for family size. (see below)

6.    No cash back at the table (If applicable, funds must be used towards principal reduction)

7.    Gifts are only allowed from family members.

8.    Co-borrowers are not required to reside in the home.

9.    This is a forgivable loan if the homebuyer resides for 5 years.

10. Homebuyers must complete homebuyer counseling by telephone after receiving a ratified contract.

11. American Bank is authorized to lend using the First Time Homebuyer in all counties of MD, DC, and VA.

MEADIAN INCOME ALLOWED
(2009 figures)
Household Size

                                                1 Person                  2 Person                   3 Person        4 Person
Location

Montgomery, MD                     $57,500                    $65,700                    $73,900          $82,100

Prince Georges, MD                  $57,500                    $65,700                    $73,900          $82,100

Frederick, MD                           $57,500                    $65,700                    $73,900          $82,100

Calvert, MD                               $57,500                    $65,700                    $73,900          $82,100

Charles County, MD                  $57,500                    $65,700                    $73,900          $82,100

Washington, DC                         $57,500                    $65,700                    $73,900          $82,100

Alexandria, VA                          $57,500                    $65,700                    $73,900          $82,100

Loudon, VA                               $57,500                    $65,700                    $73,900          $82,100

Fairfax, VA                                $57,500                    $65,700                    $73,900          $82,100

Howard, MD                              $49,500                    $52,500                       Call

Anne Arundel, MD                    $49,500                    $52,500                       Call

Baltimore & Baltimore City      $49,500                    $52,500                       Call

ELIGIBLE SALES PRICE   $260,000           $310,000        $360,000    $410,000

The Maximum award per household is $10,000.

Call me today to find out more !!!! Starts in April.

ALERT!!! NSP FUNDING DEPLETION

2010-02-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

LEGISLATIVE ALERT - February 18, 2010

ALERT!!! NSP FUNDING DEPLETION
FOR ABOVE 50% MEDIAN INCOME
AS OF FEBRUARY 17, 2010

Due to the unprecedented demand for down payment and closing costs assistance through the Prince George's County Neighborhood Stabilization Program,

ALL AVAILABLE FUNDING FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME ABOVE 50% OF THE AREA MEDIAN HAS BEEN DEPLETED AS OF CLOSE OF BUSINESS FEBRUARY 17, 2010 - PRIOR TO THE FEBRUARY 19, 2010 APPLICATION DEADLINE.

Completed applications received today and tomorrow, February 18-19, 2010, for households with income above 50% of the area median, will be placed on a waiting list. Please note that placement on a waiting list will not guarantee funding.

FOR HOUSEHOLDS OUTLINED BELOW, WITH INCOME AT OR BELOW 50% OF THE AREA MEDIAN, NSP will continue to accept applications until funding reserved for this population is depleted.

Income Levels Maximum Income Level
for NSP Extension -
50% Area Median
1-Person Household $35,950
2-Persons Household $41,100
3-Persons Household $46,200
4-Persons Household $51,350
5-Persons Household $55,450
6-Persons Household $59,550
7-Persons Household $63,650
8-Persons Household $67,800

Opportunities remain: More details about the County NSP extension for homebuyers at or below above income levels are in the January 20 Legislative Alert. Also, the new State NSP program for Prince George's Veterans is funded separately and is not affected by the County NSP program.

The entire NSP staff would like to thank each of our Lender, REALTOR®, and Housing Counseling partners for the tremendous success of the Down Payment on Your Dream Program.

If you have any questions please contact:

Rosalyn B. Clemens
NSP Project Manager
301.883.3288

10 Cities where it's smarter to buy

2010-01-28T09:12:00.000-08:00

10 Cities where it's smarter to buy

For people who want to own a home, the premium to buy-the spread between what they'd spend to rent and what they'd pay for a mortgage-is much lower than the 15-year average in many cities. To determine what cities are smart buys, Forbes magazine computed the premium and also identified locales where economists predict home prices will go up the most over the next five years.

Here are the top 10 cities the magazine chose as the best places to buy right now.

1. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Mass.
2. Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, N.C.-S.C.
3. Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Ill.-Ind.-Wis.
4. Cincinnati-Middletown, Ohio-Ky.-Ind.
5. Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, Colo.
6. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minn.-Wis.
7. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pa.-N.J.-Del.-Md.
8. Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Ore.-Wash.
9. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Calif.
10. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C.-Va.-Md.-W.V.

Source: Forbes, Francesca Levy (01/21/2010)

In the News

2010-01-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

Latest Updates

**NEW** On December 10, 2009, the Planning Board voted to adopt the Central US 1 Corridor Sector Plan and endorse the sectional map amendment.

City of Mount Rainier Mixed-Use Town Center (M-U-TC) Zone Development Plan
Help create a vision for Mount Rainier. The City of Mount Rainier Mixed-Use Town Center (M-U-TC) Zone Development Plan Community Workshop #4: Feedback Session #1 is scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m., Bunker Hill Fire Station, 3716 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier, MD 20712.

The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is conducting a corridor planning project along Annapolis Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD 295) and Veterans Parkway (MD 410). The project boundary is defined on the following map . The planning project will develop policies and recommendations that will guide future investments along the corridor. The Central Annapolis Road sector plan and SMA will amend portions of the 1994 Approved Master Plan and Sectional Map Amendment for Bladensburg-New Carrollton and Vicinity (Planning Area 69) and the 2002 General Plan .

Annapolis Road is within the 2002 Prince George’s County General Plan’s designated Developed Tier and is designated as a corridor. Actions within the Developed Tier are encouraged to strengthen and preserve existing communities and resources, improve the quality of development and redevelopment initiatives, enhance community services and employment opportunities, and promote transit-supporting, mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods. The General Plan defines corridors as areas within which more intense development is encouraged to capitalize on existing public investments in transportation facilities. The vision for corridors is mixed residential and nonresidential uses at moderate to high densities and intensities, with a strong emphasis on pedestrian- and transit-oriented development.

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For Rent: 2BR/2BA Condo in Hyattsville, MD, $1,250/month

2009-12-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

For Rent: 2BR/2BA Condo in Hyattsville, MD, $1,250/month

2 Bedroom - 2 Bath Luxury Condo for rent!

2009-11-29T10:44:00.000-08:00

For+Rent%3A+2BR%2F2BA+Condo+in+Greenbelt%2C+MD%2C+%241%2C500%2Fmonth

It is cheaper to buy

2009-11-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

The condo the Jordons purchased from me last year was a short sale.

By Tim Devaney THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Ashley Jordan has lived with her college roommate for most of her life, so not much changed when she moved into a College Park condo with her brother Kyle last fall — except their housing costs got a whole lot cheaper.

Miss Jordan's parents bought a $185,000 condo where the siblings could live while they attend the University of Maryland. They decided it was the financially smart thing to do.

"In today's economy, it literally costs less to buy this condo than put them on campus," said their father, Troy. "We save money now. We potentially make money later. They're in a better environment. There's all upside, no downside to this."

The Jordans are one of a growing number of families across the nation who are buying homes for their children to cope with the ever-climbing costs of a college education.

Rather than pay rent, some families collect it. And after graduation, many sell the home and make a profit, said P.L. "Skip" Singleton Jr., a D.C. Realtor.

"If you're paying rent, you know it's going out the door, all of it, every dollar is out the door," said Mr. Singleton, who works for DC Living Real Estate.

Basic math is what pushes many students and parents into buying college real estate.

In the District, it's increasingly difficult for students to find on-campus housing because dormitory space is limited, said Kimberly James, an agent with Long & Foster. Some schools, such as the University of Maryland at College Park, limit the number of upperclassmen who can live on campus.

Even if on-campus housing is available, dorm rooms aren't exactly cheap. At four-year public colleges, the average annual cost for room and board jumped 5.4 percent to $8,193 this school year, according to a recent College Board survey. At some private schools in the District, students can pay nearly $50,000 to live on campus for four years.

The result is a college housing system that encourages large numbers of students to live off campus. As the housing market began to bottom out last summer, leaving some cities with houses that cost less than cars, students who used to rent rooms in group homes began to buy their own at bargain-basement prices and manage them for profit, real estate agents said.

Read the whole article:

By Tim Devaney THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Work and Live in college Park/buyers help

2009-11-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Introduction
Administered by the College Park Housing Authority and the College Park City-University Partnership, the WORK & LIVE COLLEGE PARK program provides affordable home ownership opportunities for people working in College Park while minimizing the number of foreclosed homes in the area. Through this program, buyers may be eligible to receive 10% of the purchase price (up to $35,000) in down payment and closing cost assistance towards a foreclosed home in College Park. To learn more about WORK & LIVE COLLEGE PARK, please read the program guidelines.
Funding
The WORK & LIVE COLLEGE PARK Program is made possible through a Neighborhood Conservation Initiative grant from Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The State DHCD grant is funded by the Federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Matching funds have also been contributed by the University of Maryland, the City of College Park, the College Park City-University Partnership, and the College Park Housing Authority.
Information for Homebuyers
If you are interested in participating as a homebuyer, you will need to receive 8 hours of homeownership counseling. Housing Initiative Partnership and Freddie Mac have partnered to provide counseling at the University of Maryland. Information about upcoming sessions can be found at www.hiphomes.org/livework.html. Alternatively you can take courses from any of the area’s qualifying counseling agencies. Homebuyers may also need to use the following resources:
1. A checklist detailing the steps you will need to take to be eligible for the program.
2. The WORK & LIVE COLLEGE PARK application.
3. The counseling certification form.
4. The Prince George’s County Association of Realtors website (www.pgcar.com) for help with finding a qualified Realtor. We encourage you to seek out realtors who are familiar with foreclosures.
5. A list of potential lenders provided by the County’s Downpayment on a Dream program.
Information for Realtors
If you are a Realtor, both the ‘Information for Homebuyer’ section and the following forms and resources are for you:
1. WORK & LIVE COLLEGE PARK tips for realtors.
2. WORK & LIVE COLLEGE PARK addendum and notice to seller.
3. The borrower’s affidavit.
4. The seller’s affidavit
Information for Lenders
If you are a Lender, both the ‘Information for Homebuyer’ section and the following forms and resources are for you:
1. WORK & LIVE COLLEGE PARK tips for lenders.
2. The lender certification form.

Tax credit extended!

2009-11-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

Great News!

I am sure that most of you have been monitoring the status of the “Homebuyer Tax Credit”, but if you haven’t, this is what we know:

Homebuyer Tax Credit has not only been extended, but it has also been expanded to include current homeowners. The following are features of the new bill:

· Deadline for current credit is November 30, 2009.

· Deadline for new and improved credit is April 30, 2010, as long as the home is under contract by that date; deal must close within 60 days.

· Eligibility and amount of new credit:

– $8,000 for first-time homebuyers (those who have not owned a home in the last three years).

– Up to $6,500 credit for homeowners who have lived in the home they are selling, or have sold, as a

principal residence for five consecutive years in the past eight.

· Buyers with income exceeding $125,000 for single and $225,000 for married couples are not eligible.

· Homes valued at more than $800,000 are also ineligible.

Haunted Happenings

2009-10-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

Flight Night thrills and chills

College Park Aviation Museum is hosting its annual Flight Night on Saturday, October 31 from 7-9 pm. Fasten your seatbelt for a high-flyin', great time. Everyone's invited to come in costume and enjoy arts, crafts, hayrides, and spooky family fun! The fee is only $4 per person. For more information call 301-864-6029.

Happy Halloween happenings

ALL FREE

Saturday, October 31, 10 am-12 noon
Annual Halloween Thing
Come out for a costume parade, arts & crafts, face painting, a haunted hallway and lots of fun. This event is in coordination with College Park Youth and Family Services.
Ages 5-12; FREE
College Park Youth Services Center
4912 Nantucket Road, College Park 20740
Information: 301-345-4425; TTY 301-445-4512 ¿Información en Español: 301-445-4509

Saturday, October 31, 7-9 pm and 10 pm-12 midnight
Trick-or-Treat At Wells Ice Rink
Herbert Wells Ice Rink is opening its doors to the ghouls and gals for the annual ‘Costumes on Ice’ Halloween program. As a safe alternative to trick-or-treating, the ice rink offers free ice skating to all in costume, free candy, a haunted maze, food, and plenty of fun for all ages. This year, there will be two sessions: the first from 7-9pm, designed for participants of all ages, the second from 10pm-12am specifically for the older crowd, ages 13 and up. Come out, if you dare!
Admission: FREE for all in full costume; $6/person for those not in costume
(Fee includes skate rental.)
Herbert Wells Ice Rink
5211 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park 20740
Information: 301-277-3717; TTY 301-446-6802

Tuesday, October 27, 6-8 pm
Trick-or-Treat Tote Bags, Costume Parade and Magic Show
Get ready for trick-or-treating! Decorate your own goodie bag, march in the costume parade and then enjoy a magic show.
All ages welcome. FREE
Berwyn Heights Community Center
6200 Pontiac Street, Berwyn Heights 20740
Information: 301-345-2808; TTY 301-445-4512
Información en Español: 301-445-4509

Wednesday, October 28, 3:30-4:30 pm
Superhero Costume Party
Wear your favorite superhero costume and have some fun with dance, music and spooky treats. Prizes awarded for best costume and most original.
Ages 5-12; FREE
College Park Youth Services Center
4912 Nantucket Road, College Park 20740
Information: 301-345-4425; TTY 301-445-4512
Información en Español: 301-445-4509

Wednesday, October 28, 5-7 pm
Halloween Costume Creation
Join our artist as we empty the craft closet to create or improve your costume. We provide the supplies, and you supply the basic costume. Space is limited; reservation required by October 21.
Ages 6-12; FREE
Prince George's Plaza Community Center
6600 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville 20782
Information: 301-864-1611; TTY 301-445-4512
Información en Español: 301-445-4509

Thursday, October 29, 6-7:30 pm

Saturday, October 31, 7-10 pm
Xtreme Teens: Halloween Costume Sock Hop
Join us in your costume for our sock hop. We’ll have refreshments, DJ music, and prizes. This event is FREE with an M-NCPPC Youth ID card.
Ages 13-17
Prince George's Plaza Community Center
6600 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville 20782
Information: 301-864-1611; TTY 301-445-4512
Información en Español: 301-445-4509

Protection from the flu

2009-10-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

Can 8 Cups a Day Protect You from Cold and Flu?

By: Nicole Nichols : 10/16/2009 6:38:43 AM

My mom is a bit of a germaphobe, and I've inherited some of her tendencies, like always opening the door of a public restroom with a paper towel upon exiting or touching door handles in public places in less conspicuous places (where others are least likely to have touched them). I do things like this all the time, but when it's cold and flu season, my radar for germs is on full-force. I don't know about where you live, but something is definitely going around Cincinnati!

Everywhere I've gone the past couple of weeks, I've encountered sniffling, coughing people. At the grocery store, in the gym, and even in my workplace! One of my Pilates clients, a regular whom I usually train twice a week, went missing for three weeks straight. Turns out she had the swine flu, as did each of her kids (and every kid she cares for in her at-home daycare business). That really hit home for me. Needless to say, I'm doing everything in my power to avoid germs right now. I simply do not want to get sick!

I had a recent conversation with Coach Tanya that I just had to share. I'm sure that our dailySpark readers, water connoisseurs that you are, will appreciate this one!

We were talking about the recent SparkPeople convention and Tanya mentioned how she saw several members slip out during presentations to use the restrooms, apologizing as they went, cursing all that water drinking for making them need to visit the restroom so often. I'm sure you can relate, right? After all, SparkPeople is mad about water and so are our members. One of the unfortunate downsides of drinking so much water is that you have to "go" more often. I can't even tell you how many visits I make to the restroom each day (seriously I would probably lose count), but I know my 8-10 cups of water a day are to blame for it! Then Tanya said, "But all that hand washing they do each time they visit the restroom is going to help them avoid swine flu!" She had a point.

But is it possible that water drinking—or more accurately, all that restroom visiting—could actually help you avoid the cold and flu this season?

Health experts do say that hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent cold and flu, including H1N1, according to the CDC. And recently, researchers reviewed almost 60 studies about strategies that reduce the spread of germs and noted that washing your hands 10 times a day may help keep the flu away. In fact, it's about as effective as wearing gloves and masks—but much more realistic.

In addition, simply drinking water may help you fight off germs. According to registered dietitian and SparkPeople nutrition expert, Becky Hand, "water helps to cleanse the body and remove toxins, including germs. By keeping body systems, especially the respiratory system, well hydrated," she says, "you can enhance your virus-fighting potential."

So drinking water keeps you healthy; using the restroom as a result (making sure that you wash your hands) several times a day helps, too. Sounds like a win-win.

Unfortunately, as a nation we get a failing grade when it comes to washing our hands properly. A recent national survey found that only 85% of Americans wash their hands after going to the bathroom (ew!) and of those, less than half wash their hands long enough (20 seconds) to help prevent the spread of germs.

You may use the restroom a dozen times a day due to all that water you drink, but take heart. Instead of viewing these pit stops as inconveniences, start thinking of them as much-needed reminders. Each trip to the toilet is another chance to help keep yourself and your family healthy this fall, one more chance to wash the germs that may have accumulated on your hands down the drain before they get the best of you.

Now I'll drink another glass (of water) to that! Will you?

Steps to Effective Hand-Washing
You know that washing your hands is the best way to keep from spreading germs. Now learn how and when!
By Linda Melone
Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH
Print Email

The simple act of hand-washing can help stop the spread of germs that can cause a cold or flu (or even swine flu). While we now take for granted the importance of hand-washing to prevent colds, the importance of hand-washing was discovered only 150 years ago.
"Hand-washing is still the best way to prevent colds and other respiratory and infectious diseases that are transmitted by hand to mouth or hand to nose/eye contact," says Samuel N. Grief, MD, medical director of campus care at the University of Illinois at Chicago. "Soap acts as a vehicle to trap the germs (i.e. viruses, bacteria) that are loosened by the act of rubbing your hands together under water. These germs can then be rinsed away by the water."
Contact with other people throughout the day, touching contaminated surfaces, and even petting animals can cause a variety of cold-causing germs to accumulate on your hands. Then by touching your eyes, nose, and mouth you can infect yourself if you don't wash your hands often enough. Touching someone else or touching a doorknob or other surface can then spread cold germs to others.
The Best Way to Wash Your Hands
Hand-washing to prevent colds includes using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, a cleanser you can use without water. "There is no one best water temperature to wash one's hands," says Dr. Grief. "If your hands are really dirty and greasy, use of warm to hot water will do a better job of trapping dirt and grease within the soap, allowing for a more thorough cleaning."
The type of soap also does not typically matter, according to Grief, "as long as it lathers and spreads over the hands sufficiently to trap the germs."
There's more content below this advertisement. Jump to the content.
10 Times to Wash Hands
To prevent colds from spreading to others, practice regular hand-washing. Most importantly, wash hands:
• Before and after preparing or handling food, especially when handling uncooked poultry and meat
• Before eating
• After changing diapers
• After using the bathroom
• After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
• Before and after inserting contact lenses
• After touching an animal or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• Before and after treating wounds
• Before and after touching a sick or injured person
5 Steps to Proper Hand-Washing
If using soap and water for hand-washing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following five steps to prevent the spread of colds:
• Wet your hands with clean water — warm, if available — and apply soap.
• Lather by rubbing hands together; be sure to cover all surfaces.
• Continue rubbing hands together for 15 to 20 seconds — sing "Happy Birthday" twice in your head.
• Thoroughly rinse hands under running water to ensure removal of residual germs.
• Use paper towels or an air dryer to dry hands and then, if possible, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers make a good substitute for hand-washing when soap and water is not available. A recent study from the University of Chicago showed that while soap-and-water hand-washing was most effective in removing influenza virus from the hands, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer was a close second. If you're using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, apply product to one palm, rub your two hands together, making sure to reach all surfaces, and continue rubbing until hands are dry.
Preventing a week or two of misery from the common cold or flu will be well worth those 20 seconds spent with soap and water.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 24 (HealthDay News) -- Fewer Americans are regularly washing their hands, even though it's one of the best ways to prevent colds and flu, says the fourth annual Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) Clean Hands Report Card.
"Americans should prepare for the onslaught of the cold and flu season. Cleaning your hands regularly throughout the day can help keep you out of the doctor's office or the emergency room," Nancy Bock, SDA's vice president of education, said in an SDA news release. The group has designated Sept. 21-27 as National Clean Hands Week to raise awareness of the need.
The report card, based on a national telephone survey of 916 people conducted in August, gives Americans a C-minus for their hand hygiene habits, the same score they had in 2006.
Here are some of the findings:
• Only 85 percent of respondents said they washed their hands after going to the bathroom, down from 92 percent in 2006.
• 46 percent said they wash their hands 15 seconds or less. Fifteen to 20 seconds of hand washing with soap is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the SDA.
• 39 percent of respondents said they seldom or never wash their hands after coughing or sneezing, compared to 36 percent in 2006.
• 35 percent said they don't wash their hands before eating lunch, compared to 31 percent in 2006.
• 37 percent wash their hands fewer than seven times on an average day.
• Only 56 percent of respondents knew that hand washing is the most effective way to prevent colds.
Teachers are one group that does understand the importance of hand washing, suggests a separate survey conducted during the 2008 National Education Association Expo in Washington, D.C., the SDA said. The survey of 230 teachers found that 97 percent knew that washing hands is the best way to prevent colds and flu, and 91 percent always or frequently clean their hands before eating lunch.
The SDA outlined how to wash hands to effectively remove germs:
• Wet hands with warm running water before applying soap.

2nd Annual Doggie Dive-In!!!!!

2009-09-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

Take your furry, four-legged friend to the 2nd Annual Doggie Dive-In at Ellen Linson Aquatic Center from 10 am-2 pm Saturday, October 3. Admission is $4/dog (maximum two dogs/person). Dogs must be friendly, social and curbed before entering the pool. Please note, proof of up-to-date vaccinations is required to enter the pool. This event is presented in part by the College Park Animal Welfare Committee. For more information, call 301-277-3717.

Be a part of the War of 1812's upcoming bicentennial

2009-09-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Be a part of the War of 1812's upcoming bicentennial

Are you a War of 1812 buff? Would you like to be a part of war's bicentennial in 2012? If you are interested in getting involved, join us at the Prince George's County Star-Spangled 200 conference this Thursday, September 24 from 9:30 am-5 pm at Riversdale House Museum to learn about the many sites, stories and organizations related to the War of 1812 in Prince George's County. The day will include lectures by historians and tours of the following sites: Bostwick, an historic house used by a British prisoner-of-war agent; Bladensburg Waterfront Park, where the British crossed the Anacostia River during the Battle of Bladensburg; and Mount Calvert, the spot where a detachment of British sailors landed to join the invading British army during their march to Bladensburg and Washington, D.C. The Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission is presenting this conference and a series of others around the state to engage stakeholders leading up to the bicentennial. Fee is $40/person and includes lunch. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.warof1812.org or contact Kate Marks at kmarks@choosemaryland.org or 410-767-6974.

College Park Aviation Museum

2009-08-31T13:56:00.000-07:00

The National Capital Trackers O-Gauge Modular Railroad Club will have miniature trains, villages, tunnels and depots on display at College Park Aviation Museum Saturday, September 5-Monday, September 7 from 10 am- 5 pm each day. The museum admission fee ($4/adults, $3/seniors, and $2/ages 18 & under) entitles guests to view the extraordinary aviation memorabilia and displays, as well as the miniature railroad exhibit. For more information, call staff at 301-864-6029.

AirFair 100!

2009-08-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, August 29, College Park Airport and Aviation Museum - and the sky above - will be chock-ful of action between 10 am and 5 pm. AirFair 100! will celebrate the airport's 100 years of aviation history. An exciting afternoon airshow includes skydiving, wingwalking, hang gliding and aerobatics. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet astronaut Joe Edwards, veteran of two space shuttle missions. See the plane that started it all - a 1909 Wright Military Flyer will be unveiled. Bring an envelope or post card and get a special airmail cancellation. Airplane rides will be available (government-issued, photo ID required), along with aircraft displays, children's activities and entertainment. Fees are $4/adults and $2/children ages 2-17. The airport is just a short walk from the Green Line's College Park/University of Maryland Metrorail station, or parking will be available in satellite lots near the airport, with FREE, continuous shuttle service. For more information call 301-209-1390 or visit

Take Advantage of 10% Savings

2009-08-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

Go Shopping!
Take Advantage of 10% Savings
at Macy’s Home Store when you
Buy or List a Home with Long & Foster®.

BUY or LIST a home through a Long & Foster Sales Associate and Long & Foster’s Home Buyer’s & Seller’s Advantage program will help you add all the finishing touches to your beautiful home—at 10% savings. It is only fitting that Long & Foster, a premiere name in real estate team up with Macy’s, a premiere name in retail to bring you timely savings and convenience.

SHOP for everything that’s needed, your discount is good on any and all home merchandise. Every brand. Every designer. It’s even valid on regular, sale, and clearance purchases. Simply take your savings pass to Macy’s. You will receive a 10% discount every time you use your savings pass for two months at Macy’s Home Store.

The Home Buyers & Sellers Advantage is a discount program arranged by Long & Foster in cooperation Macy's, It is only fitting that Long & Foster, a premiere name in real estate team up with Macy's®, a premiere name in retail to bring you timely savings and convenience..

Those enrolled will receive a Savings Pass representing thousands of dollars in savings on purchases made at any of Macy's locations in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and North Carolina. The Savings Pass entitles Long & Foster home buyers and sellers to a 10% discount every time you use your savings pass at Macy’s Home Store for two months. You can make one big shopping trip—or—go back time and time again! Whatever you like! Your discount is good on any and all home merchandise. Every brand. Every designer. It’s even valid on regular, sale, and clearance purchases.

The Savings Pass is mailed to the Sales Associate so that they may present it as a gift to the seller. Buyers are enrolled in the system automatically once the case-sheet is submitted to the Accounting Department.

Prince George's County Enacts Bill for the Registration of Vacant Residential Property

2009-08-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

THE PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Prince George's County Enacts Bill for the Registration of Vacant Residential Property

LARCO, MD — Prince George's County Executive lack Johnson and the County Council recently approved and signed a blur

cs-112009, that provides for the registration of vacant or unoccupied residential structures with the Department of

Environmental Resources and establishes a penalty for failure to register the properties.

"This legislation will ensure that vacant and foreclosed properties are properly maintained," said johnson. "It will result in

clean, sate, well-kept neighborhoods In Prince George's County."

Effective August 21, 2009, the person authorized to make the sale of a residential property in Prince George's County must

notify the director of DER within five days after filing an order to docket or a complaint to foreclose a mortgage or deed of

trust on residential property. In addition, should the person authorized to make the sale fail to register a vacant/foreclosed

property, he will pay a civil penalty of $50 for each day that the notice is not filed.

"As the author and sponsor of this legislation, it was my goal to create a registration system for foreclosed properties that

would help Identify these properties before they become eyesores in the communltv7 said DistrIct 2 County Council Member

Will Campos. All too often we learn about foreclosed properties after their condition makes it plainly obvious. This

registratIon system will give us advance warning and allow the county to proactively handle these properties."

Registration forms may be downloaded from the county's website at DERJ by

clicking on Registration Form under the heading Vacant/Foreclosed Property Registration. The registration form can also be

obtained by contacting DER's Foreclosure Registration Unit at (301) 883-5100. There is no charge to register a

vacant/foreclosed property.

Q&A for the $8000 Tax Credit

2009-08-17T11:12:00.001-07:00

For home purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009, eligible homebuyers can earn
up to $8,000 in tax credit. Below are the answers to questions about this revised credit incentive.

1. What’s new about the 2009 version of the homebuyer tax credit?
The 2008 credit is a maximum of $7,500 and must be repaid. The
2009 credit is a maximum of $8000, and the repayment feature is
eliminated for 2009 purchasers. Any home purchased for $80,000 or
more qualifies for the full $8000 amount. If the house costs less than
$80,000, the credit will be 10% of the cost. Thus, if an individual
purchased a home for $75,000, the credit would be $7500. The credit
is available for the purchase of a principal residence on or after
January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

2. Who is eligible?
A person is considered a first-time buyer if he/she has not had any
ownership interest in a home in the three years previous to the day
of the 2009 purchase.

3. How does a tax credit work?
Every dollar of a tax credit reduces income tax liability by a dollar.
Credits are claimed on an individual’s income tax return. A qualified
purchaser calculates his/her total tax bill, and the tax credit is
applied to reduce the total tax bill. For example, if the homeowner
has total tax liability of $9,500, an $8,000 credit would wipe out all
but $1,500 of the tax due. ($9,500 – $8,000 = $1,500).

4.What if the purchaser is eligible for an $8000 credit but has
total income tax liability of only $6000?
This is where the “refundable” part of the 2009 tax credit comes in.
If the eligible purchaser’s total tax liability is $6,000, the IRS will
send the purchaser a check for $2,000. The refundable amount is
the difference between $8,000 credit amount and the amount of tax
liability. ($8,000 – $6,000 = $2,000) Most taxpayers determine their
tax liability by referring to tables that the IRS prepares each year.

5. How does withholding affect my tax credit and my refund?
There are a few examples of how this might work below. There
are several steps in this calculation, but most income tax software
programs are equipped to make that determination.

6. Is there an income restriction?
Yes. The income restriction is based on the tax filing status the
purchaser claims when filing his/her income tax return. Individuals
filing Form 1040 as Single (or Head of Household) are eligible for
the credit if their income is no more than $75,000. Married couples
who file a joint return may have income of no more than $150,000.

7. How is my “income” determined?
For most individuals, income is defined and calculated in the same
manner as their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on their 1040 income
tax return. AGI includes such items as wages, salaries, interest and
dividends, pension and retirement earnings and rental income. AGI
is the final number that appears on the bottom line of the front page
of an IRS Form 1040.

8. What if I worked abroad for part of the year?
Some individuals have earned income and/or receive housing allowances
while working outside the U.S. Their income will be adjusted
to reflect those items to measure Modified Adjusted Gross Income
(MAGI). Their eligibility for the credit will be based on their MAGI.

9. Do individuals with incomes higher than the $75,000 or $150,000
limits lose all the benefit of the credit?
Not always. The credit phases-out between $75,000 – $95,000 for
singles and $150,000 – $170,000 for married filing joint. The closer
a buyer comes to the maximum phase-out amount, the smaller the
credit will be. The law provides a formula to gradually withdraw the
credit. Thus, the credit will disappear after an individual’s income
reaches $95,000 (single return) or $170,000 (joint return).
For example, if a married couple had total income of $165,000,
their credit would be reduced by 75%: A couple with income
$165,000 would have excess income of $15,000 ($165,000 – $150,000
income limit = $15,000.) The excess income amount ($15,000 in this
example) is used to form a fraction. The numerator of the fraction is
the excess income amount ($15,000). The denominator is $20,000
(specified by the statute). In this example, the disallowed portion
of the credit is 75% of $8000, or $6000 ($15,000/$20,000 = 75% x
$8,000 = $6,000). Stated another way, only 25% of the credit amount
would be allowed. In this example, the allowable credit would be
$2,000 (25% x $8,000 = $2,000).

10. What’s the definition of “principal residence?”
Generally, a principal residence is the home where an individual
spends most (generally defined as more than 50%) of his/her time.
Principal residence is also defined as “owner-occupied” housing.
The term includes single-family detached housing, condos or
co-ops, townhouses or any similar type of new or existing dwelling.
Even some houseboats

Energy Tax Credits

2009-08-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Energy Tax Credits

Twitter

2009-08-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

My New Twitter account is :

http://twitter.com/MyNewMDhome

DOWN PAYMENT HELP

2009-06-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

Final Plan Details Released
Application Intake June 30th

The County has officially launched details and specific information about the down payment assistance program. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will begin accepting NSP Loan applications on Tuesday June 30, 2009. REALTORS® and consumers may go to Prince George's County's NSP for complete information about the "Down Payment On Your Dream" down payment assistance program

http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/dream/index.asp

$7,000.00 Tax credit - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

2009-05-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

H.R. 1, the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” passed the House on February 13, 2009, by a vote of 246 - 184. Later that day, the Senate also passed the bill by a vote of 60 - 38. The President signed the bill on February 17, 2009. The bill is a $780 billion package, with roughly 35% of the package devoted to tax cuts (mostly for 2009) and the rest to spending intended to occur in 2009 and 2010.

The mix of provisions of interest to REALTORS® changed frequently throughout the legislative process, with changes continuing to be made just hours before the measure was released prior to the vote. In the end, the elements of NAR’s housing agenda were included. Congress and the President have announced that a finance and housing package (including tax provisions) will be the next “big” initiative, so Congress has by no means finished its work as it affects the housing industry and REALTORS®.

The bill includes the following provisions:

Homebuyer Tax Credit

FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits

Neighborhood Stabilization

Commercial Real Estate

Rural Housing Service

Low Income-Housing Grants

Tax Exempt Housing Bonds

Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits & Grants

Transportation Investments

Broadband Deployment

For more information

How many pictures should be in a listing?

2009-04-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

How Many Photographs Did Your Agent Upload To The MLS?
Published by Malibu Real Estate at 6:04 am under Uncategorized

If the answer is less than 20, you may want to consider someone who takes the marketing of your home more seriously. One agent recently studied 268 listings in the MLS and found that homes with more photos sold much faster than those with just a few. Here is the relationship between the number of photos and Days on Market:

1 Photo = 70 Days on Market (DOM)
6 Photos = 40 DOM
16-19 = 36 DOM
20 or more = 32 DOM
Let’s now talk about the how it affects the sales price. Guess what? Listings with fewer pictures sold for less.

1 Photo = 91.2% of the original price
6 Photos or more = 95% of the original price

Here’s what Realtor.com has to say about the importance of photos: 84% of home buyers said that photos and detailed property descriptions are the most important features when searching for homes online. Homes with 6 photos or more are viewed in detail 299% more often. So here’s how to use this to your advantage. If you are selling make sure you agent uses at least 12 or more high quality photos in the MLS. If you are buying and looking for “deals” don’t overlook listings that just have a few photos. Chances are you’ll nab it at a discount price. Why? Because if the listing agent didn’t care much about a simple thing like having multiple good photos, they’ll probably not care much about fighting for a higher price for their client.

2009-04-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

Home Affordable Modification
Many homeowners are struggling to make their monthly mortgage payments perhaps because their interest rate has increased or they have less income. A Home Affordable Modification will provide them with mortgage payments they can afford.

Home Affordable Refinancing
Many homeowners pay their mortgages on time but are not able to refinance to take advantage of today’s lower mortgage rates perhaps due to a decrease in the value of their home. A Home Affordable Refinance will help borrowers whose loans are held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac refinance into a more affordable mortgage.

Check if your eligible!! http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/eligibility.html

Congratz to David Stevens!!

2009-03-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE

For Release
Monday
March 23, 2009

DAVID STEVENS NOMINATED FOR HOUSING ASSISTANT SECRETARY AND FHA COMMISSIONER
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan announced today that President Barack Obama nominated David Stevens as Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Commissioner.

Stevens currently serves as the president and chief operating officer of the Long & Foster Companies, which includes Long & Foster Real Estate and its affiliated businesses, including mortgage, title, insurance and home service connections.

"The President's swift nomination of David Stevens, an innovator and single family housing industry leader, shows this Administration's commitment to moving this country out of the current housing crisis," said Donovan. "David's depth of knowledge in real estate, housing and the mortgage industry will help us transform not only the way HUD does business, but help to transform the housing market as the FHA's market share continues to grow. He is an excellent choice to lead the FHA through the current housing crisis and I am thrilled with his nomination."

Stevens' background also includes serving as Executive Vice President, National Wholesale Manager at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage's wholesale channel; Vice President of single family business at Freddie Mac; and, a 16-year tenure at the World Savings Bank, where he began his career. He is also the founding executive sponsor of the Women's' Mortgage Industry Network and while at Freddie Mac, he coordinated the first Latino joint venture initiative with Freddie Mac and Latino mortgage industry leaders.

Stevens is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder.

2009-02-13T12:39:00.000-08:00

January 30, 2009
________________________________________
Hot Market: Washington Neighbor Beginning Roll to Recovery
by M. Anthony Carr
As the new president takes office, he'll be moving into the middle of one of the country's real estate markets that's in full throttle recovery.
Just like its neighbors across the Potomac River, Prince George's County, Maryland, the southeast suburb of Washington, D.C., has recently begun its climb out of the foreclosure mess and is about to become one of the region's hot markets. The signs are starting to emerge in the realm of pending sales -- which is the sign of future business in real estate markets.
The county's unemployment rate lingers around 4 percent according to local data and has enjoyed job growth through recent commercial development on the Potomac River front; in addition, Andrews Air Force Base stands to gain 2,200 or more jobs through the reassignments to the area as a result of BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure). The county could gain a residual 14,000 spin-off jobs as a result of the realignment over the next 10 years, according to the county's Economic Development Corporation.
In a year of dropping prices, home shoppers have jumped off the fence of indecision and started buying houses since mid-year. At that time, the inventory flattened and has now started to match a year ago. With December pending sales up 49 percent over December 2007 (528 contracts written vs. 354 last year), the last quarter ended at 15 percent higher than a year ago.
Average prices have dropped from an average last January 2008 of $300,000, to about $250,000 for December 2008. If the county follows the pattern of its counterparts in Northern Virginia, prices will reach a level that buyers can't refuse and flood the market.

________________________________________
Copyright © 2009 Realty Times. All Rights Reserved.
With an award winning staff of writers providing up to the minute real estate news and advice, thousands of REALTORS® in North America reporting daily market conditions, and a nationally broadcast television news program, Realty Times is the one-stop shop for real estate information. That's why over 10,000 real estate professionals have turned to us for their publicity needs.

Rental initiative

2009-02-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

January 30, 2009

They passed Freddie Mac REO Rental Initiative. (from freddie mac home steps)

"Freddie Mac announced the Freddie Mac REO Rental Initiative. This initiative will allow both homeowners and tenants to temporarily stay in foreclosed homes now owned by Freddie Mac, by renting them back, an effort to stop many of the sudden evictions that have come along with the housing crisis. Thousands of qualified former homeowners, as well as families renting from landlords, may enter into a monthly lease on their homes after Freddie Mac has acquired them through foreclosure. We expect the program to help about 8,600 families in 2009. The program gives homeowners and renters more time to find a new place to live and also keeps homes occupied. That's a plus for neighborhoods where numerous foreclosures have led to empty, unmaintained, vandalized properties."

This may effect the rental market's supply and demand!

COLLEGE PARK Market share report!

2009-01-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

Work at home? Your at risk!

2008-12-18T18:48:00.000-08:00

According to a 15-year study presented at the Toronto Indoor Air Conference, women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than those who work away from home. The study concluded that this was a direct result of the increased exposure to toxic chemicals, many of which are found in common household products.More than 9 out of every 10 suspected poison exposures occur at home with household products.

http://www.shaklee.net/myhealthyhome/main

January 20th inauguration

2008-12-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

Estimates suggest that the Washington, D.C. area will be flooded with more than four million visitors for the January 20th inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama. And yet the number of hotel rooms sits at just 80,000, with many already sold out. That's why Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. has set up this special site to help you find appropriate lodging for the night, weekend, or week of the inauguration. Whether you plan to attend the parade, a ball, the swearing-in ceremony, or any other inaugural festivity, you can do so from the comfort of a well-appointed rental with easy access to the center of activity. A variety of residences, including houses, townhouses, apartments, and condos, are available in a number of surrounding regions and states. Use this site to find one that meets your needs

http://www.january20.us/

4.5% ? Get ready to buy!

2008-12-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

Rates Could Be as Low as 4.5% for Newly Issued Loans
Dec. 3, 2008 (Wall Street Journal) -

The Treasury Department is considering a plan to revitalize the U.S. housing market by reducing mortgage rates for new home loans, according to people familiar with the matter.
The plan, which is in the development stages, would use mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to bring loan rates down as low as 4.5%, a full percentage point lower than the prevailing rates for 30-year fixed mortgages.
Government officials are under pressure to stem foreclosures, which underpin much of the current financial crisis. Treasury has struggled for months to come up with a plan that would ease the market without appearing to bail out homeowners and lenders.
Under the plan, Treasury would buy securities underpinning loans guaranteed by the two mortgage giants, which are temporarily under the control of the government, as well as those guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration. Fannie and Freddie guarantee a large proportion of all new home loans made in the U.S.

Come see My Healthy Home

2008-12-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.shaklee.net/MyHealthyHome

New HUD rules

2008-11-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

Billing Code 4210-67-P
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
24 CFR Parts 203 and 3500
[Docket No. FR-5180-F-03]
RIN 2502-AI61
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA):
Rule to Simplify and Improve the Process of
Obtaining Mortgages and Reduce Consumer Settlement Costs

http://http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/res/finalrule.pdf

Green Certified Real Estate Professional- GCREP

2008-11-12T20:40:00.000-08:00

There are many "Green" certifications. GCREP is the one I have just been qualified in. Look for links and additional information in the coming weeks to help you green up your home.

What is Green?

Put aside any political views that may come attached to the word. "Green" has been adopted to describe environmentally friendly living. How "green" your house is can determine it's value and even the amount of the loan you can qualify for (FHA energy efficient mortgage).

Green building is the practice of :

Increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use renewable resources;
Utilizing designs in new construction which will reduce a buildings impact on human health and environment.

Your familiar with the Energy star rating on your home appliances? Did you know your house can also have an Energy Star rating.

Some of the results one can expect from high performance Green Commercial and Residential Buildings :

reduction in liability insurance
reduction in workers compensation cases
increased market value up to 100%
decreased energy costs up to 90%
decreased O and M costs up to 75%
overall paybacks of under a year
higher tenancy rates
higher productivity for occupants

"Green building" increases the efficiency of energy, water and materials used in buildings, while reducing environmental and negative health impacts.

The local, State and federal government offer fantastic tax incentives for making home improvements that "green" your property.

More to follow!

MRIS info

2008-10-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

See the link to the right to view the full report.

3rd QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:
The Washington area housing market is currently emitting mixed signals:
• Prices are down overall – slightly down inside the Beltway
• Days on market are declining
• For-sale inventory is down
• Lower prices in the outer suburbs are propelling higher volume
• Uncertainty about the economy, particularly heightened since September,
is keeping many would-be buyers on the sidelines

September 08

2008-10-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Market Comment

2008-10-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

Market Comment

Mortgage bond prices finished last week lower pushing mortgage interest rates considerably higher. The Federal bailout plan along with an unexpected Fed rate cut dominated almost all headlines as uncertainty loomed and the liquidity crisis continued. Fear gripped the markets, which caused many investors to exit stocks and bonds to head for cash positions. Trading in the financial markets was extremely volatile. The only bright light appeared to be a precipitous decline in oil prices. For the week, interest rates on government and conventional loans rose by over a full discount point.
The consumer price index Thursday will be the most important data release this week. The financial markets remain volatile as traders digest the bailout developments. Expect the up and down trading pattern to continue.

Interest Rate News

2008-10-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

Interest Rate Increases

The interest rate increases outlined below will go into effect today -- Friday, October 10, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. The interest rates for all the Maryland Mortgage Program, Lifeline Refinance Mortgage Program and Homesaver Refinance Mortgage Program products are increasing by 1/2%.

Please note: 1) if for some reason the update to the Lender-on-Line reservation system is unable to be implemented by the planned time, any reservations that come in after that time will be adjusted (assigned the correct/new interest rate) by Single Family; and 2) as always, loans are not to be reserved without a fully ratified contract of sale.