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Crofton, MD Real Estate News

By Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)
Want to know what your neighbors paid for their Crofton home?  You don't have to dig through their trash bags at the curb and you don't have to watch for the information to be published in a local newspaper.  And no, I'm not going to suggest you just ask.  It's online at the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website. Just click on the image or the link above it, and scroll within the little box (red arrow) to find Anne Arundel County; then you'll probably want to search by Street Name or Property Sales (highlighted in green).  You'll be prompted to further define your search, so just follow the directions on your screen.   If you search by Street Name, this is the information you will learn about any property: Date of purchase Amt. of purchase Date built Amt. of assessment...
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By Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
13 new listings and three new rentals came on the real estate market in Crofton MD last week. 5 of the new listings were below $300,000, which is in the price range that's attractive to first time home buyers. 6 were in the $300,000 - $400,000 range and the remaining 2 listings were over $550,000. 5 Crofton MD homes went to settlement last week. As an indication of things to come in the near term future, the Crofton MD real estate market currently has 53 homes in various stages of contract. The majority of these homes will go to settlement shortly. The current housing inventory in Crofton MD stands at 134 units. These range in price from $150,000 to $829,000. Plenty of opportunities in all price ranges to purchase a home in Crofton MD. This is once again time to remind first time home b...
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By Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
You've already made your decision to buy. You've already talked or met with a lender to determine your affordability level. Now, it's time to go out and look at some Crofton MD houses. Most people start their search for Crofton MD homes on the internet. Everything we're going to go out and look at is available on the internet or in the Multiple Listing Service. The National Association of Realtors statistics show that 86% of home buyers begin their search on the internet. While this is great, it can never replace opening the front door and previewing homes. This can get confusing so you better be keeping good notes on the homes we visit in Crofton MD. We can select the homes you want to preview and make appointments for a time convenient to you. Each house we preview will have positive ...
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By Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)
HABITAT Condos in Crofton Meadows, Crofton Maryland - Affordable Homes Near Fort Meade   There are some homeowners in Habitat who are younger than their homes - but that doesn't seem to bother them.  That's because Habitat is ideal for first-time buyers as well as empty nesters, retirees and anyone looking for a rock-bottom price and a Crofton address.  That's been the market for Habitat since Day One, when they were first built. Habitat is located off Reidel Road in Crofton, easily accessible from Fort Meade and BWI on the north and from the Crofton Triangle on the south.  Commuting to D.C., Annapolis, or Baltimore is 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic and your precise destination. Don't let the low price of these Crofton condos fool you... this is a nice community with homes ranging ...
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By Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Seems like the Summer doldrums hit the Crofton MD real estate market this past week. Could be lots of folks getting their last vacation days in before the kids go back to school. Whatever the reason, Crofton MD was pretty quiet this week. No houses went to settlement, which is pretty unusual. Crofton MD usually averages one or more homes sold per day. This past week, nada. One nice 3/2/1 townhouse in Crofton Meadows went under contract. This would have been a listing that was perfect for a first time homebuyer. It was in the first time homebuyer sweetspot between $250,000 - $300,000. While we're talking about 1st Time Homebuyers here for a moment...don't forget that the $8,000 1st Time Homebuyers Tax Credit is scheduled to terminate November 30, 2009. In order to take advantage of this ...
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By Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
It seems obvious, but it's good to note that the first step to buying your Crofton, Maryland house, is making the decision to buy. That's right. At this point it really is still a process and there is little emotion involved, unlike later in the process. Make the right decision now and you'll rest easier. This is a house you're buying, with a large financial commitment, so the decision shouldn't be taken lightly. Consider the reasons you want a new house, and it's always a good idea to write them down. Put together a pro and con list and share it with your REALTOR®. If you haven't made the decision which Realtor to use yet, I can help. Determine how long you want to live in the new house - does buying still make good financial sense? Personally, I wouldn't recommend buying a home unless...
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By Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)
Real estate statistics for Crofton in July 2009 were much improved over last month and, in some categories, over the same month last year.  Average days on market for sold properties declined over 45%, from 122 in 2008 to 66 July this year -  which was nearly the same as the difference between last month and this. The number of units sold in July 2009 (33) is stable, compared to the same month last year (34). Median and average sold prices are down less than 5% from last year. Average selling price was almost 95%, compared to 92% for July 2008. I wouldn’t get too excited, though, because the number of new non-contingent contracts in July was only fifteen - less than 10% of the available inventory.  Add to that the forty-five new listings last month, and you’ll see why my optimism is gua...
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By Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)
Neighborhoods in Crofton Maryland located outside the Crofton Gates - Charing Cross Townhomes.     Charing Cross is a community of 122 spacious Crofton townhomes built from 1979 through the mid-80's in two phases by different builders.  The community is located on the north side of Rt. 424, just east of Rt. 3.  It is not inside the "Crofton Triangle" or the special taxing district, but it is located within the Crofton zipcode (21114) and residents do attend Crofton public schools.   The first section, as you drive into the community from Rt. 424 (left), was a pet project of John Moderno, a builder of upscale detached homes in nearby Gambrills prior to building Charing Cross.  The fronts of these traditional-style homes were brick, and the floor plans featured large rooms on every level....
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By Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Crofton MD had a pretty good real estate month in July, 2009. The market was pretty much unchanged from the same month last year. 34 houses went to settlement in 2008, while 33 sold in 2009. Keep in mind that July 2008/2007 sales showed a significant reduction of almost 40%. Looking at the data it would certainly seem to indicate that the real estate market in Crofton, MD has stabilized quite a bit, and seems to be on the rise. Along with the 33 houses that sold last month, 32 also went under contract. This bodes well for future closings. There also seems to be more of a sense of urgency on the part of buyers because of a dramatic reduction in the number of Days on the Market, 45.9%. The Days on the Market in Crofton, MD went from 122 to 66 when comparing July 2008 to July 2009. This is...
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By Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Riding my bike on Crofton Parkway this morning I took a few shots of recycle bins. Monday in my section is trash pick up day and we also get a chance to recycle as well. I'm guessing here but I would have to estimate that about 90% of the Crofton, MD homes had a recycle bin out front, waiting for pickup. Why such a high percentage? Because Anne Arundel County makes recycling so easy. The big yellow bins are free and can be picked up at the local landfill in Gambrills. Separating recyclables...couldn't be easier. We separate only yard waste which is put in plastic bags with an X on it. Paper, glass, plastic, cardboard and metal all go into the big yellow bin. How easy is that? You don't even have to wash anything out either. If you're not recycling in Crofton, MD, you almost have to be g...
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By Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)
J&D Contracting may be the answer to your prayers if your Crofton home needs a face-lift or a complete makeover - or anything in between. Let's face it... Crofton is an "established neighborhood" - code for "older" (and better).  Most of us have a list of projects on our wish-list, ranging from an exterior paint job to building a new deck, from kitchen and bath updating to finishing (or re-finishing) the basement. In my household, we have always been do-it-yourselfers - My husband Larry has been known to build a screened-in porch, fireplace, attic bedroom, and more.  Frankly, one of the reasons for NOT hiring a contractor was the fact that we didn't know who to call, and couldn't imagine how expensive it might be to have the work done. That was before we got to know Jimmy Furr and Dave ...
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By Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)
CROFTON COMMONS in Crofton MD is ideally located for anyone working on post at Fort Meade or anywhere in the D.C.-Baltimore area... and it's only about a half hour to either the D.C. or Baltimore beltways.   CROFTON COMMONS is a community of about 90 homes built in the '70's.  Like other townhomes in the area at the time, they originally sold around $60,000.  All of the homes have a basement, as far as I know, and most are 3 bedroom homes with about 1400 sq. ft.  There are also a number of 4-bedroom end units with nearly 1650 square feet - equal to or larger than many detached homes in nearby Crofton Meadows and Four Seasons Estates. Location, location, location "rules", when it comes to choosing a home in CROFTON COMMONS because it is located within the "Crofton Triangle" and Crofton S...
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By Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)
RITA'S ICE in Crofton, Maryland  - It must be good, because there's always a line outside, day or night, whenever they're open. What's All the Fuss About?  That's a question I asked myself for many months as I drove past their location on Defense Highway, about 50' east of my office at Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.  There is such a huge crowd of people outside and so many cars driving in and out of there whenever they're open, that you might think RITA'S ICE is giving away something for free.  That many people...  they must know something I don't.  Finally, I had to try it!   Well, Rita's Ice may not be giving away anything for free, but what they sell is "refreshing" and "darn good".  That pretty much summarizes what the people waiting in line will tell you when asked why they like ...
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By John Newman
(The Newman Group Real Estate)
Real estate is a funny business.  Yesterday I met a couple at an open house who swore that values were starting to increase in their neighborhood ( believe it or not, they are correct!)  I met another couple who were concerned about buying now because they swore values were continuing to decline (they were also correct)  How could this be?  Prices going up and prices going down?  This is why hiring a Realtor is important.  In Anne Arundel county, MD we are seeing a dramatic SHIFT in the market.  If you are looking in the $350,000 and under range, YOU ARE IN A SELLERS MARKET!  However, if you are looking in the $350,000-$700,000 YOU ARE IN A BUYERS MARKET.  OK, with this being said, if you are selling your townhouse and considering buying a single family home.  NOW IS THE TIME!  You may ...
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By Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)
It's Foot Health Month (and "Wiggle Your Toes Day" is just around the corner)...  What better excuse could there be for shoe-shopping?   A HEALTHY STEP is located in The Village of Waugh Chapel at 1300 Main Chapel Way in Gambrills - just 5 minutes from Crofton, MD. I pictured "grandma" shoes or "nun" shoes, for some reason, when a store called "A HEALTHY STEP" opened near retirement condos in the Village at Waugh Chapel.  I had absolutely zero desire to visit that store.  My mistake! Now I have to laugh at that misconception. Their shoes may be "fine-quality men's and women's American and European comfort footwear," as their website claims, but they're really good looking, as well - at least some of them are. These red shoes have become my uniform shoes... I wear them or a matching pai...
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By Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
New Listing: 1721 Dana Street, Crofton, MD 21114 MLS AA7124004 3 generous sized bedrooms. 2.5 baths. Finished basement with storage room Wet bar. Hardwood floors on main and upper levels. Separate dining room. Formal living room. Kitchen breakfast bar. Brick patio. New roof. New HVAC. Gas heat. $319,000     For information about this listing or to schedule a showing contact Rich at 443-995-9595. To preview all active listings in Maryland just follow this link. Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.Crofton, MD 21114410-451-6255 Office443-995-9595 CellWeb: http://www.RichSellsHomes.comeMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com Annapolis MD Real Estate SpecialistBowie MD Real Estate SpecialistCrofton MD Real Estate Specialist
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By Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
There are condos and there are condos. The Crofton MD real estate area has several condo sub-divisions. One of the most unique condo buildings in Crofton are located at "The Tiers of Walden." For Realtors, condos are mainly a form of ownership. In short, condominium ownership is from the walls in. From the walls out is owned by the condominium association. Not to complicate things too much but there are modified forms of condo ownership as well. For buyers, condominiums could be something entirely different. I'm talking about style here. We're all familiar with the "condo style" building. Multiple floors, possibly elevators, and the actual units looking more like apartments than anything else. Absolutely wonderful type of ownership if that's the style you prefer. On the weekend there is...
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By Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Foreclosed properties have a tremendous appeal to first time home buyers and investors. The appeal is well deserved because there can be some great opportunities in purchasing a bank owned property. Like any other home purchase, precautions need to be taken when purchasing a foreclosure. As a full time Realtor working in the Annapolis, Bowie and Crofton, MD real estate area, I frequently get asked about lists of foreclosed properties. Anyone wanting a list of Crofton MD foreclosed properties, or any other surrounding area, can obtain one free of charge by emailing me at Rich@RichSellsHomes.com. All you need to do is let me know what city or zip codes you’re interested in. That, and a return email address will get you a foreclosure property list. Now, foreclosure lists aren’t very detail...
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By Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Crofton, MD has many homes for sale in several diverse communities. Whether you like traditional or modern, classic or newer, large lot no lot, Crofton has it all. Tucked inside the Walden Golf Course and right next to the Walden Pool, is the Fairways sub-division. Only two streets and 53 homes can be found at Fairways. The homes were built in the early to mid 90s, and are all single family models. Many of the homes in Fairways have a pretty unique design. One of the models has living on 4 levels. Family room in the lower level, LR, DR and kitchen on the main level, with bedrooms on the two upper levels.  Large, single family houses, at reasonable prices, can be found at Fairways. The lots are not large in this community and are maintained by the monthly HOA fees. Fairways is a unique g...
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By Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)
THE KNOLLS IN CROFTON, MARYLAND - Located in Crofton Village on the west side of Waugh Chapel Road between Johns Hopkins Road and Nantucket Drive.   No list of Affordable Homes Near Fort Meade would be complete without including several neighborhoods in Crofton, MD. THE  KNOLLS is one of them - a townhome community located in North Crofton, just 15 minutes from Fort Meade, Annapolis, and Bowie Town Center.  All the homes in this community have basements and a few of them even have a garage.  This subdivision is one of several townhome communities built in Crofton by The Richards Group of Washington over the past 20+ years.  Their homes have always been popular with buyers, both as new construction and in resale. The home pictured here is one of my favorites in THE KNOLLS - Who wouldn't ...
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