If you’re a first time homebuyer in Crofton, MD or any of the surrounding communities, now is the time for action. · Interest rates are low and sellers are willing to negotiate in this “buyers” market. · The federal government has an $8,000 Tax Credit which may apply. The great thing about this credit is that it doesn’t have to be paid back. Check with your agent, or give me a call at 443-995-9595, for more information. · Inventory levels are high right now and there are plenty of homes to choose from. In the recent past, Crofton, MD has been priced out of reach for many first time homebuyers. The inventory today, March 31st, shows 33 homes listed that are under $250,000. Four homes are actually under $200,000. It’s time to stop thinking about buying a house and take action. Call your a... 03/31/2009

This roller coaster reminds me a lot of the real estate market in Crofton.  The ups and downs are making me downright dizzy! In a nutshell, the market was better in February than it was a month earlier, in January.  But it was worse than February a year ago.  This was true in nearly every area that I've been tracking data since 2005.    This time last year, there was some consolation in the fact that the average sold price was still above the 2005 level - in fact 5% higher.  Anyone who bought their Crofton home after 2005 was at risk for a short sale, but anyone who owned their home longer would be "okay" - even if they had lost whatever value accrued during the real estate bubble of 2006.  That would describe most homeowners in the Greater Crofton area. That's no longer the case, howe... 03/10/2009

The 1st time homebuyer market in Crofton, MD is heating up as buyers look to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit available when they purchase a home after 12/31/08 and before 12/1/09. According to the Internal Revenue Service, 1st time homebuyers who qualify have the option of taking this credit for this year's filing, or filing in 2009. You can read the IRS recently announced statement here.  Unlike the plan from last year, this $8,000 credit does not have to be paid back, as long as you live in the house as your primary residence for three years. Compared to other, more complex plans, this one seems pretty simple but it does have a few restrictions. You should consult a qualified tax specialist if you have any questions. From the IRS website, "The amount of the credit begins to ph... 03/05/2009

Crofton kids have two reasons to celebrate today - it's not only a snow holiday from school, it's Dr. Seuss's 105th birthday. No doubt they'll want to go out and play in the snow but, when they come in to warm up,  celebrate the occasion with Dr. Seuss crafts projects, counting 105 pennies or doing 105 jumping jacks, coloring these downloadable pages and maybe even enlisting their help to make a birthday cake. (There's a Dr. Seuss Parade at Crofton Library on Wednesday, so be sure to read the details below.) FocusOnCrofton.com reports that March is a busy month for celebrations:  American Red Cross Month, Music in our Schools Month, Women’s History Month, National Frozen Food Month, National Noodle Month, Youth Art Month, National Craft Month and National Nutrition Month. And let us no... 03/01/2009

Our grandchildren love to visit Back Lake Park when we're watching them.  It's located about a block from our house on Swinburne Avenue, adjacent to the 12th hole of Crofton Country Club. It always bring back memories for us to watch them throwing sticks into the pond or playing on the slide because we brought their dad and his siblings to the same park when they were small.  The equipment has been replaced and the park been renamed after Tom and Barbara Swann, but it's not much different than it was three decades ago. When you live in Crofton MD, chances are you'll build similar memories for your family at Swann Park, Bell-Branch Athletic complex and Crofton Park. Welcome to Crofton! 03/01/2009

Since statistics were released by MRIS last week for January real estate sales in Crofton, I've been procrastinating on writing my monthly real estate update.  That's because I can't find a positive spin to put on any of the numbers - at least not from a seller's perspective. HOME BUYERS - Please, take a look at this information and consider what a perfect storm you have for investing in real estate.  High inventory, low interest rates, and lower prices than anyone has seen in years.  With both the average and median sold prices at pre-2005 level, more and more Crofton homeowners are at risk of a short-sale situation.  The number of homes sold in January 2009 is literally only 11% of the number of homes sold in the "bubble year" of 2006, and down over 68% just from last year. In spite o... 02/16/2009

There is no question that January 2009 was not a good sales month for Crofton, MD home sales. While December 2008 wasn't bad with about one home per business day going to settlement, January sales fell considerably, with only 5 homes going to settlement. Average prices fell as well, but that data was easily skewed by the relatively low number of home sales. It's not time to panic. Crofton is still one of the most sought after destinations in Anne Arundel County and will rebound from an unusual and really, unexplainable, January. While the trend is clearly down from the superheated years of 2005 and 2006, January 2009 is impossible to explain with any degree of accuracy. Keep in mind that nothing catastrophic has happened in the Crofton MD Real Estate area to warrant such a drop. A coupl... 02/12/2009

The Walden Community, located in Crofton, MD is made up of a mix of single family homes, townhouses and condos. In total, there are 989 properties located in Walden section of Crofton, MD. There are currently 12 Active homes for sale in Walden: 1 Condo8 Townhouses3 Detached Homes In January, 2009, two homes in the Walden Community, Crofton, MD sold and went to settlement: Falstone Court, 3 BR/2 FB/2 HB, 3 level townhouse, $250,000 sold price, $5,000 seller subsidy. Airy Hill Court, 2 BR/2 BA condo, $185,000 sale price, $0 seller subsidy.   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 ... 02/09/2009

As you drive past Crofton on Route 3, you will see the back of brick townhomes overlooking Lake Louise.  No surprise, then, that the neighborhood in which they're located is called "Lake Louise." The townhomes in this neighborhood are brick front and back, with siding used on very few of them and only for architectural detail.  Their location is wonderful, just inside the main gate, within blocks of the Crofton Village Green and Crofton Country Club. Some could say these townhomes are "cookie cutter" because their exteriors are very similar, but that doesn't detract from their appeal at all.  There is one basic floor plan modified with an extra wing on some end units for a 4th bedroom upstairs and a first floor den or home office. And there are a few 2-bedroom units in the neighborhood,... 02/07/2009

How would you like to drive by a golf course on your way home every day?  If you live in Old Crofton, that's a likely occurrence.  In fact, I drive past the Par 3 twelfth hole of Crofton Country Club every day on my way home.  It's literally a block from my house. Other lucky Crofton residents live in one of the homes that line the fairways of this golf course or nearby Walden Golf Club. Even if you don't play golf, you gotta admit it's nice to have the open space to enjoy visually, or more actively by walking or jogging on the cart paths. Like many Crofton kids, my children grew up playing golf.  In fact, my sons literally ran home from school to get their golf clubs and head up to Crofton Country Club.  We never had to wonder where they were, because we could always find them on the ... 02/01/2009

From press releases obtained Friday evening from the FDIC - the FDIC has shut several more banks across the country.  The announcement took place at 6:13 p.m., and within minutes Suburban Federals website was taken down.  This Bank closure hits home. After a long history of community lending 53 years - losses kept piling up from an aggressive lending program that started in 2005. Along with several other banks across the country, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp FDIC shut Suburban Federal Savings Bank of Crofton, Maryland, Friday. This is the first bank failure in Maryland in over 16 years.  The bank failed after it was unable to secure a buyer as requested by the FDIC - who gave them a January 30th deadline to secure a buyer of face closure.  So that makes a total of 6 banks shut in ... 01/30/2009

I'm not a fan of tax increases and really don't know anybody who is. I understand the need for increases from time to time but when they come, they always seem to double down on the poor taxpayer. When taxing authority budgets get strained they all seem to have troubles at the same time. We frequently see Local, State and Federal increases going on simultaneously. Sometimes they "hide" the fact that they're getting a revenue increase by calling them something else, like "service fees, instead of taxes." Government doublespeak, and we keep re-electing them. That being said, I live in Crofton, Maryland and the section of Crofton where I live is in a "Special Tax District." Those of us in the Special Tax District end up paying a couple of hundred dollars extra each year. Similar to an HOA,... 01/25/2009

Located on Crofton Parkway in the heart of "Old" Crofton at the top of Crawford Boulevard, you'll see the Crofton Village Green as you enter this community. In Crofton's early days it was the scene of the Spring and Fall Craft Fairs and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, but both events outgrew the Green as the community expanded far beyond the original triangle bounded by Routes 3, 424, and 450. You can still catch a free summer concert at the Village Green, however, and residents frequent the many businesses ranging from Sly Horse Tavern to a variety of professional offices. The lamps you see in the photo were gas lights when the community was built, but they were converted to electricity in the 80's.  Each year during the holiday season, they're decorated with wreathes by the Crofto... 01/25/2009

The Village at Waugh Chapel is a favorite destination of families in the Greater Crofton Community and nearby Fort Meade for dining, shopping, and many services. This photo was taken from the parking lot in front of Chipotle towards The Atlanta Bread Company, Robert Andrews Salon & Spa, Fuji Steak House and the Village Commons Community Center. For a complete list of restaurants, retailers, and services, you can visit the Village at Waugh Chapel online.  There's a separate tab at the top of the homepage for each different category of businesses, so it's very easy to navigate and find whatever you're looking for. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _   There's more to being a Crofton area REALTOR than selling homes.  It's sometimes necessary to be an ambassador for the Greater Crofton Community, h... 01/19/2009

  It's been forecast that the budget deficit that Maryland legislators will be grappeling with this session is something around $2 billion dollars. Unlike the federal government, which can print money, states actually have to balance their budgets. One of the projects that are unlikely to make the next budget are improvements to Rt. 3, in Crofton and Gambrills. The Rt. 3 improvement project has been studied for decades and work never seems to begin because the State runds out of money. With President Elect Obama's stimulous package directing some money to State infrastructure projects, it's possible that the Rt. 3 improvement project could be revived. After all, its been studied to death and should be ready to go. Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.Crofton, MD 21... 01/15/2009

Anybody who wants, can purchase a brick for the terrace surrounding the proposed, "Welcome to Crofton" sign, which will be built on Rt. 3. The Crofton Civic Association, Crofton Chamber of Commerce and Crofton Service Clubs are all sponsoring the new sign for the community. Bricks can be engraved with a name or message and can be purchased for $100, $250 and the Corporate Brick for $500 or more. Contact the Crofton Town Hall at 410-721-2301 or email:ccatownhall@comcast.net for further information. 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 ©2008 - RichSell... 01/12/2009

Rental - AA69570762402 Wentworth Dr., Crofton, MD 21114$1,575/Month3BR,2.5BA,Courtesy Marcia Lewis, LJS Property Management Rental - AA69570641946 Pawlet Dr., Crofton, MD 21114$1,625/Month3BR, 2.5BACourtesy Marcia Lewis, LJS Property Management Rental - AA69569151722 Truro Rd., Crofton, MD 21114$1,950/Month4BR, 2.5BACourtesy Marcia Lewis, LJS Property Management To see these or any other listing in Crofton and the surrounding area please call Rich at 443-995-9595. 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 ©2008 - RichSellsHomes, All Rights Reserved     01/11/2009

  It's Sunday morning, and some of my neighbors will gather at one of the many places of worship in our community. First Baptist Church of Crofton, located on Crofton Parkway, is the first House of Worship you see when you drive into the communty via Clubhouse Gate Rd. If memory serves me correctly, the architecture is modeled after Bruton Parish Church in Historic Williamsburg.  Built in 1968 with the help of Crofton developer Hamilton Crawford, it is located at the heart of the community near the Crofton Village Green and Crofton Country Club Clubhouse. There's a very informative church website, and I encourage you to visit it for more information.  You'll find the Church history, its schedule, ministries, Sunday School and even the Pastor's blog.   There are many other places of wors... 01/11/2009

Crofton, MD Real Estate Market Statistics 21114December over December Data, 2004 - 2008Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc.   2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Sold Dollar Volume $15,512,473 $11,469,508 $13,799,899 $8,755,900 $6,964,990 Average Sold Price $337,228 $358,422 $363,155 $336,765 $331,666 Median Sold Price $294,950 $344,950 $330,000 $304,250 $291,000 Avg Days on Market 15 41 86 93 94 Units Sold 46 32 38 26 21 As you can easily see from the data in the table above, 2006 was the best real estate December for Crofton, MD. Sometime in the second half of 2006 is when the market began to turn from a very heavy sellers market to a buyers market. You can see this more clearly when you look at the Average Days on Market which increased significantly in 2006 from previous yea... 01/10/2009

  If you're new to the Greater Crofton area, I should warn you that this community is one that Santa visits each year during the weeks before Christmas, That's right!  Santa has his list, and now he'll be checking it twice as he visits Cedar Grove and the G, U, W, T, A and S sections of Crofton tonight.  It will be a busy week for Santa as he works at the North Pole all day and then heads to Crofton, in Anne Arundel County Maryland, after 7 p.m. to find out who's naughty and nice.   Tuesday - The R, J, K, H, F, E, D streets of Crofton, Layton Street, Crofton Commons, Carlyle Drive, Pleasant Meadow, Courts of Crofton, and the Orchards. Wednesday - Nantucket, Johns Hopkins Road, Chelmsford, Charing Cross, Keswick Apts, Highlands, Seton Woods, Riedel Road and Crofton Mews. Thursday - Hall... 12/14/2008