On April 4th, 2008 the state of Maryland enacted some new legislation for the Maryland Foreclosure Process. Under the new law your lender must send you notice of Intent to Foreclose 45 days before filling with Court. This can not be filed unless you are 90 days after you have defaulted on a loan.  You must be personally served with court papers in person, posting them on your property, or mailing them certified letter. The lender has to wait at least 45 days upon serving notice to sell your home at auction.  Notice must be published in a newspaper 3x before sale. you have up until 1 business before the auction to pay all overdue fees, back payments to stop the foreclosure. Please be cautious of anyone contacting you about signing over your deed, liquiditing equity or coming in person to... 01/30/2011

This is the point in the year when all the DC area golfers begin to really feel the blues.  Not only can they not play golf they can't even see the courses since they are now covered in snow.  No chance of sneaking a round in these conditions.   As you prepare for Spring, give me a call if a move to a golf course community is on your wish list.  There are many wonderful golf course communities in the Washington, DC area. Call me if you want more information about the many wonderful golf course communities in Prince George's, Montgomery, Charles Counties or the surrounding areas. Some of these communities include: Woodmore - Bowie, MD Marlton - Upper Marlboro, MD Beechtree - Upper Marlboro, MD Oak Creek - Upper Marlboro, MD Hampshire Greens - Silver Spring, MD Cross Creek Club - Silver S... 01/28/2011

One of the beauties of living near Washington, DC is the availability of amazing museums and galleries. The Smithsonian museums are located in downtown Washington, DC.  Some of the museums located on the National Mall are the Natural History Museum, Air & Space Museum, National Gallery of Art, Museum of the American Indian, and The Holocaust Museum. I enjoy trips to the museum but I had never been to the Museum of American History. My husband, kids and I decided to pay the museum a visit to see the First Ladies Dress Exhibit. The exhibit shows the dresses that many of the First Ladies of the United States wore on their husband's inaugurations.   My daughter and I enjoyed seeing the dresses up close and seeing the differences in fashion over the years.  We had very distinct favorites and... 01/27/2011

When I first got into real estate I remember being told that your first offer is usually your best offer.  With that in mind I always try to negotiate with every offer that comes along - no matter how ridiculous it might seem.   Last year I had three instances where good buyers had their offers fall through because sellers or their agents refused to negotiate with us.  I was curious to see how those homes ended up. 1.  Single Family Home in Bowie, MD Listed for $249,900.  It was in the MLS as a 3 bedroom but the owner had converted two of the bedrooms into one big bedroom so it was actually a 2 bedroom home. In April 2010 my buyers came in and offered $240,000, asked for $10,000 in closing and wanted to returned to a 3 bedroom home. They countered at full price and said we could have EI... 01/25/2011

Question:  What are the costs involved in renting a home?   Answer:  The costs involved may vary slightly depending on the particular home and your specific situation.  However in general the costs are:   Application Fee - This is used to check your credit, income, employment, and rental history.  This cost varies and can range from $25 to $55.  This cost is paid for every applicant over the age of 18 who will be living in the home.  This fee is usually in certified funds and is paid at the time of application and in non-refundable. First Month's Rent - This amount often accompanies the application and serves as an earnest money deposit.  It is cashed if your application is accepted.  However, if the application is not accepted then the check is returned to the applicant. Security Depos... 01/21/2011

Bowie MD Real Estate Market Update (20715)December 2010 HOME SELLERS: Homes sold 13.89% faster in December 2010 than they did in 2009.  That's GREAT news for home sellers in North Bowie.  As you can see from this chart, that's the fewest days on market for home sales in any December over a five year period. The percentage of average sold price vs. list price was up last month.  In fact, that is nearly back to 2007 levels.  But don't get too excited yet, because this was down from the previous month (94.36% in November 2010). Median and average home prices dropped, which is disappointing, but less than 5%.  We can count ourselves lucky compared to other communities in Prince George's County and throughout the nation.   In fact, it's about half the drop that home prices experienced county... 01/19/2011

The Washington DC area Home Sales report is attached for your viewing pleasure of Maryland and Northern, Va via property minder of homes sales captured by yahoo and MRIS.  Home sales list priced and days on market. You can also obtain reports from Zillow, yahoo and map it through Google.      Housing Inventory Snapshot December 28, 2010   Average List Price Median List Price Average Days On Market Allegany County, MD Single Family under $180K $105,446 $104,900 178 Single Family over $180K $339,407 $259,777 239 Condo/Townhome under $300K $86,411 $59,900 228 Condo/Townhome over $300K N/A** N/A** N/A** Anne Arundel County, MD Single Family under $500K $310,529 $299,990 162 Single Family over $500K $1,015,792 $749,900 220 Condo/Townhome under $300K $185,804 $199,900 147 Condo/Townhome over ... 01/15/2011

Fairwood, Bowie MD SOLD Homes 2010 Houses SOLD:  87 Average LIST price:  $386,479 Average SELLING price:  $387,145 Average DAYS ON MARKET: 70 LOWEST SALE price:  $185,325 - 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome built in 2005 - foreclosure HIGHEST SALE price:  $860,000 - 6 bedroom, 6.5 bath luxury single-family home built in 2008   Fairwood, Bowie, MD ACTIVE listings (as of 1/11/11) ACTIVE Houses:  32 Average LIST Price:  $383,278 LOWEST LIST Price:  $188,000 - 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo built in 2006 - short sale HIGHEST LIST Price:  $775,000 - 5 bedroom, 3 full & 2 half bath single-family home built in 2008  Current Average Days on Market:  126   Fairwood, Bowie, MD UNDER CONTRACT listings (as of 1/11/11) UNDER CONTRACT Houses:  30 Average LIST Price:  $367,533 LOWEST LIST Price:  $159,900 - 2 be... 01/11/2011

Top 5 Most Expensive Homes Sold in Prince George's County MD - 2010 1. 16839 Swanson Road, Upper Marlboro MD - $1,044,446  6 bedroom, 4.5 bathrooms New construction Swanson Estates Listed By:  Re/Max Leading Edge, Inc   2. 16611 Pleasant Colony Drive, Upper Marlboro MD - $911,325   5 bedroom, 3 bathrooms New Construction Belmont Farm Listed By:  Re/Max Leading Edge, Inc   3. 5001 Landons Bequest Lane, Bowie MD - $860,000     6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms New Construction Fairwood Listed By:  Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc   4. 8502 Kittama Drive, Clinton MD - $849,000     4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms New Construction Cheltenham Estates Listed By:  Toll Md Realty, Inc   5. 12802 Odens Bequest Drive, Bowie MD - $840,000 4 bedrooms, 4,5 bathrooms New Construction Fairwood Listed By:  Long & Foste... 01/10/2011

Speedcams will be added in two Bowie school zones on January 17.  We all know how important it is to slow down near schools, and now we have additional incentive to do just that.  Citations will be mailed to the owner of any vehicle going 12 miles over the limit, even if someone else is driving.  ...and there will be no warning tickets. The first speedcam will be located on Rt. 450, near Bowie H.S. The other speedcam will be located on Rt. 197, near Rockledge Elementary. According to the City of Bowie website, the new speedcams will be operating between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The fine for citations will be $40, but no points will effect the vehicle owner's driving record. Speedcams were installed last year on Northview Dr. near Northview Elementary and on Belair Driv... 01/07/2011

Bowie Home Sales currently have 152 active homes & condos listed for sale in the zip code of 20721 according to MRIS.   The highest listed price home is for $1,695,000. This is 5000+ square foot that will be built.   The average home is $341,438. These are typically 4 bedroom and 3 baths.    The lowest listed price home was a 1 bedroom for $49,000.    The last four months 8/30/10-12/30/2010 76 homes have sold in Bowie's 20721 zip code. Average sale price was $335,549.  12/30/2010

How many times have you driven past the sign for Belair Mansion on Laurel-Bowie Rd (Rt. 197) and thought, "I should check out that mansion someday."  Okay, no more excuses... Why not next week, after the rush of Christmas preparations is behind you?  Join the Friends of Belair Estate Wednesday, Dec. 29, at 4 p.m. for Belair Mansion’s annual Winter Wonderland High Tea.  Enjoy traditional holiday tea goodies by candlelight in Bowie’s most historic house.  After tea, wander the Mansion’s rooms decorated to celebrate the season.  Belair Mansion is located at 12207 Tulip Grove Drive in Bowie. For information about reservations and tickets, call 301-809-3089 or e-mail museumevents@cityofbowie.org. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Following this event, you may wish to visit the Riversdale House Museum at 4... 12/21/2010

Beginning in January 2010 I implemented Pay It Forward - $150 donation to charity with every closing. Following the successful closing of 9713 Byward Blvd, Bowie MD I am happy to report that the following donations will be made: My Choice: $50 to the Mental Health Association - The money will be used to purchase cleaning products to donate to the clients in the Adult Homeless Division.  These clients are clients who were formerly homeless who are now being assisted to live independently.  Cleaning supplies are very expensive and many government assistance programs do not include them on the list of approved purchases.  If you are interested in donating some cleaning supplies toward this drive please let me know The Buyers' Choice: $100 to Keep A Child Alive -  This fund provides treatm... 12/10/2010

Bowie, MD, located in northern Prince George’s County has many foreclosure opportunities, in all price ranges, for purchase. There are currently 102 Bowie, MD foreclosures for sale. In the immediate area, Bowie, MD seems to be the foreclosure central this year. So far in 2010, over 33% of homes sold in Bowie, MD have been foreclosures. Each of the foreclosures are listed with a local brokerage, and the process for purchasing a foreclosure is only nominally different than purchasing a regular resale. If you’re not already working with an agent to buy a foreclosure in Bowie, MD, or the surrounding area…I can help. Call Rich at 443-995-9595. Details on all the Bowie, MD foreclosures can be found on the map below. Just click on any of the icons. Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®Long and Foster® Re... 12/04/2010

HOMES FOR SALE IN BOWIE, MD - HOME BUYER REBATE - FREE ONE YEAR HOME WARRANTY - HELP FOR HOME BUYERS IN BOWIE. READY TO BUY A HOME FOR SALE IN BOWIE?  There's still time to benefit from the LOWEST MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES IN MEMORY and a HOME BUYER CASH BACK REBATE!                                                           REBATE  **  REBATE  ** REBATE  **  REBATE **  REBATE Take advantage of the low home prices, low interest rates and good home for sale in Bowie inventory and get a BUYER'S REBATE when you work with a Homefinders.com Buyer's Agent.  There are some wonderful homes for sale in BOWIE / MITCHELLVILLE and HOMEFINDERS.COM will help you with closing costs and a FREE One Year Home Warranty.  THE HOMEFINDERS.COM HOME BUYER'S REBATE, gives cash to you to use at settlement.   How m... 12/03/2010

What better way to start the new year than to be in your brand new home.  Prince George's County home builders have many quick and immediate delivery homes available. New construction is flourishing in Prince George's County and homes are available in all areas of the county including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Clinton, Accokeek, Fort Washington, and Suitland. There are many different homes sizes and styles available. Give me a call if you want more information about the quick delivery new homes currently available in Prince George's County, Maryland.     11/29/2010

BOWIE MARYLAND FORECLOSURES FOR SALE - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010 - BANK OWNED HOMES FOR SALE IN BOWIE. Question:  Are there any foreclosures for sale in Bowie, Maryland? Answer:  YES and many are in the most popular communities in Bowie.  Below is a list of BANK OWNED HOMES FOR SALE IN BOWIE today in the $300,000 to $400,000 price range. City Address ListPrice Bowie 1809 PEACHTREE LN $359,900 Bowie 403 JONES FALL CT $310,000 Bowie 13903 WESTVIEW FOREST DR $305,900 Bowie 4418 BURKES PROMISE DR $339,900 Bowie 2507 DUNROBIN DR $399,900 Bowie 6403 GLYDON CT $324,000 Bowie 12007 MANCHESTER WAY $379,900 Bowie 14906 JENSFORD CT $389,900 Bowie 13003 PINE CT $315,000 Bowie 13603 VINCENT WAY $394,900 Bowie 8624 CORY DR $359,000 Bowie 9906 NICOL CT W $374,900 Bowie 3102 AVENTINE LN $311,850 Bowie 120... 11/29/2010

My favorite holiday tradition is one that started by accident.  My kids and I love to drive through the neighborhoods to see the holiday lights that people have decorating their homes.  It all began with us driving home from daycare in the evenings and we would try different routes to see what new lights we could find. We no longer drive home from daycare so now we make special efforts to drive in different neighborhoods to see the decorations. We kicked off our 2010 holiday light hunting season tonight by driving through some neighborhoods in Bowie, MD. We found this awesome home in the Pointer Ridge neighborhood. There weren't many houses decorated yet but this one made the drive all worthwhile!  The side of the home was even gift wrapped!   Can't wait to see what other awesome decora... 11/27/2010

14820 Pepper Tree Drive BOWIE, MD Large Home with Uncommon Features 4BR/2+2BA Single Family House $329,900 Year Built 1989 Sq Footage 2,382 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 2 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0.27 acres HOA/Maint $35 per month     Description Very Spacious Colonial with Uncommon Features. Step down to family room with wood stove, walk-out to deck, backs to level backyard and wooded area, 4th level offers additional rec room, Large Master Bedroom with sitting area, Large Kitchen with Plenty of Counter and Cabinet Space, Front Porch, 2 Car Garage. Call to schedule private showing.For more photos, go to www.andywerner.com Property Features Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Family room Living room Bonus/Rec room Dining room Basement Balcony, Deck, or Pa... 11/22/2010

Bowie, MD, located in northern Prince George’s County has many  foreclosure opportunities, in all price ranges, for purchase. There are currently 96 Bowie, MD foreclosures for sale. Each of the foreclosures are listed with a local brokerage, and the process for purchasing a foreclosure is only nominally different than purchasing a regular resale. If you’re not already working with an agent to buy a foreclosure in Bowie, MD, or the surrounding area…I can help. Call Rich at 443-995-9595. Details on all the Bowie, MD foreclosures can be found on the map below. Just click on any of the icons. Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.Crofton, MD 21114 410-451-6255 Office443-995-9595 CellWeb: http://www.RichSellsHomes.comeMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com Annapolis MD Real Esta... 11/21/2010