If you are like me, you were furious hearing that Prince Georges County Excutive Jack Johnson was going to raise our property taxes.  How could he think of doing this in the current real estate market?  I was speaking to one of my clients the other day and she said she may not buy in Laurel Maryland because of the proposed tax hike. Well now it looks like that tax hike is not going to happen.  The state of Maryland has decided to use some common sense and help out Prince Georges County.  Apparently, the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission has an excess of funds.  The Planning Commission will give these excess funds of some 60 Million to the state who will in turn give them to Prince Georges County. This helping hand will go a long way to eliminating the Prince Georges... 03/02/2009

We Washington Redskin fans in Laurel Maryland are very happy this morning! The Washington Redskins have signed the biggest free agent in the National Football League, Albert Haynesworth!  In addition, we re-signed DeAngelo Hall as well. Albert Haynesworth is the best defensive player in the league.  Haynesworth will help the Redskins improve their defensive line tremendously.  The defensive and offensive lines are the areas of greatest weakness for the Redskins.  Schneider did not go out in an dump a lot of money on some old washed-up veteran.  Haynesworth at 27 is in the prime of  his career. The Redskins also signed DeAngelo Hall.  Hall is only 25.  He has already been to the pro bowl in his short career.  He did play for half the season with the Redskins last year and did  a great jo... 02/26/2009

If you are considering buying a home in the Laurel Maryland area, now is the time to buy.  Home prices are low Interest rates are low $8000 Tax Credit Foreclosure incentives Shrinking home inventories Let me explain that last one.  It is very important.  Did you know the amount of homes for sale is shrinking?  Thats right, there are less homes to choose from than a couple of months ago.  Less homes for sale is good for sellers, not buyers.  This shrinking inventory is yet another indication the bottom of the market is near or already passed. Why is the amount of homes for sale shrinking?   Many buyers have realized now is the best time to buy. The fence sitters are jumping off the fence. It is time to take a hard look at what you are going to do. For more information on Maryland housing... 02/24/2009

The federal government is making it easy to buy homes in Laurel Maryland. Ok, where are we with the money being given to first time home buyers?  At first the government was giving a $7500 tax credit to first time home buyers that could be paid back over 15 years......interest FREE. Then the stimulus bill was passed and now that interest free loan of $7500 is now an $8000 tax credit gift from the government.  You do not have to pay back the $8000. Ok, so now we have more money along with low prices and low interest rates.  Most of you first time home buyers should have jumped in the pool by now. But wait there's more. Now, the government wants to give buyers of foreclosures in Prince Georges County Maryland more money.  Laurel Maryland is located mostly in Prince Georges County. Effecti... 02/21/2009

My church is located on Main Street in Laurel Maryland.  Laurel City proper is a nice little town.  Main street has several churches on it.  Traffic up and down the street is always slow.  People are very courteous to others crossing the street.  Main street is also home to the Laurel Meat Market.  You can spot the Laurel Meat Market because it has a big cow on the sidewalk in front of the store. When I get on FaceBook, most of the people I visit with are from my local Laurel Maryland area.  However a significant number of my friends are from other parts of my life and live in various other parts of the country.  In one day I can talk to people I knew before high school, during high school, college and after college.  This could take some time to get used too! As always, if you are inte... 02/17/2009

Homes are still continuing to sell in Prince Georges County Laurel Maryland.  In Laurel Maryland zip code 20707 nineteen percent of the homes sell within the first thirty days on the market.  Because this is below twentythree percent, this part of Laurel Md is still a buyers market.  However, when compared with many parts of the country, Laurel Md zip code 20707 is doing well. More surprising is the continued strength of Laurel Md 20708.  Twentyseven percent of homes are selling in the first thirty days.  This makes zip code 20708 a transition market for the last two weeks. At 27% Laurel Md 20708 is four percent higher than the cut-off for a buyers market.  This may be due to the percentage of single family homes in this area of Laurel. For more information about Laurel Maryland, visit ... 02/11/2009

My daughter is in the sixth grade and Bond Mill Elentarty School in Laurel Maryland.  Yesterday they had their quarterly assembly to honor students who made honor roll.  The first awards are given out to the students who make the Social Skills and Behavorial honor roll.  Fortunately, most students make this honor roll. Next are the academic honor roll award winners.  Students who obtain at least an A or B in every class are honored as well as students who receive straight As.  The honoring of the academic success of students is a new development in Prince Georges County schools.  The Principal, Mr. Fitzgerald then praised the students for their great attendance rate of over 96%.  This rate is considered excellent by the county. Lastly, and the most anticipated part of the assembly is th... 02/09/2009

The following are a list of community meetings that concern Laurel Maryland and Prince Georges County. I would like to thank Tom Dernoga for providing this list. County Executive's Budget Hearing for FY 2010Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson will host a publichearing on the FY 2010 budget on February 12.  The hearing givescounty residents the chance to testify about the counties budget andspecific projects they would like to see funded. Those wishing totestify at the hearing must sign up in order to do so. Please contact John Edmunds, in the Office of the County Executive, at301-952-3969 if you would like to speak during the hearing.WHEN: Thursday, 
February 12, 2009, 7:00 p.m.WHERE: 
Prince George's Community College (RennieForum)
, 301 Largo Road 
Largo, MD. *******... 02/09/2009

Laurel Maryland resides in Montgomery, Prince Georges, Howard and Ann Arundel counties in Maryland.  Montgomery County Maryland continues to have the best housing market of the four areas.  Currently Montgomery County has an absorption rate of 22% of its housing inventory.  That is just two percentage points of no longer being a buyer's market.  Prince Georges County and Howard County are selling their inventory at a 15% absorption rate.  This is a slight increase for Prince Georges County.  Howard has not changed since last week. Ann Arundel continues to be the weakest market with just 13% of its homes selling in the first thirty days.  However, this is a one percent increase. For more information on Maryland home sales, visit Maryland real estate. 02/08/2009

LAKE FRONT HOME IN A GATED COMMUNITY IN LAUREL, MARYLAND.  Offered for $1,500,000.  Fabulous views, exquisite interiors in this custom built home with dramatic features unlike another home in the area. Unique features include 20 feet high ceilings, floating staircase in entry foyer.  Spectacular decor and dramatic accents.  FABULOUS LUXURY HOME WITH WATER FRONT ACCESS AT STONE LAKE IN HOWARD COUNTY MARYLAND.    Foyer Entrance, Living Room, Formal Dining Room Table Space Kitchen with Island and State of the Art Appliances,      Full Listing Description HERE. Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988, E-Mail.   02/08/2009

Property Details for listing # HW6931162 Price:  $1,500,000 City:  LAUREL Bedrooms:  6 Bathrooms:  5 full  1 half Type of Home:  Detached Style:  Traditional Year Built:  2007 Lot Acreage:  0.262121 Subdivision:  STONE LAKE  County:  HOWARD, MD  State, Zip:  MD, 20723  Status:  ACTIVE  Descriptions Comments:  EXSQUSITE LAKE HOUSE 10,000 square feet PARADISE! PRIME location 15 min's from Washington DC and Baltimore belways! Luxurious open floor plan, soaring 20' ceilings, arches,columns and a PICTURE PERFECT floating staircase with three story attrium. Appointed master suite with Distinct cathederal ceiling, GRAND bath and soothing fireplace! 800k below appraised value. Open house every Saturday 1-3 p.m  Home Interior Features Amenities:  Auto Gar Dr Opn, Drapes/Curtains, Granite Counte... 02/08/2009

When I am researching properties for my clients in Laurel Maryland, part of my process is to call each listing agent.  Because there are four different types of listings, each one needs to be researched to see if it is worth showing my client. If the home is a foreclosure and is in decent shape, I will show it to my client.  Ofcourse if the home is a normal sale, it will make the "cut".  In the past I would not show a short-sale because it took too long to get that deal done.   Sometimes months. However, I have since learned that some short-sales are better than others.  Both banks and real estate agents in Maryland have become more skillful in processing the short sale.  For this reason, I now show and right on short-sales in the greater Laurel Maryland area.  There is one exception to... 02/06/2009

Thats right, there is legislation introduced that would make a four percent fixed rate mortgage available for home buyers.  This makes the idea of buying Laurel Maryland real estate much more affordable. With all the incentives out there now is the best time to buy a home in Maryland.  First, you have the affordable home prices.  Second, you have the low interest rates.  You currently have a $7500 Tax Credit The Senate just approved an increase in the tax credit to $15000 The possibility of a four percent fixed interest rate The Grant money for you down payment What the heck are you waiting for?  Excuse me, I have to go show some houses. For more information about Maryland homes visit, Maryland real estate. 02/05/2009

Senate Unanimously Approves Isakson Amendment to Stimulate Housing MarketHomebuyer Tax Credit Revived Market in 1975 and Would Work Today WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate today unanimously approved an amendment by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., to stimulate the nation's declining housing market by offering a $15,000 tax credit to individuals who purchase a home in the next year. "It is time to fix America's problem, not throw money at the symptoms. It is time to fix housing first. It is rare that we have a road map to success in times of difficulty, but this country has once before realized a housing crisis every bit as bad as the one we have today and economic troubles every bit as dangerous," Isakson said. "We have a pervasive housing problem, and we have a historical precedent that... 02/05/2009

Are you considering a purchase of Laurel real estate, but don't have money for the down payment?  What if I was able to get you most of your needed down payment?  And the best part is you don't have to pay it back!  Would you then make a decision to buy in one of Maryland's best buyer markets? Ofcourse you would! A down payment grant is now available for all you buyers of Maryland real estate.  I am currently working with a lender who is willing to give up to $10,000 in grant money for buyers.  This money can be used by you or a buyer of your home as a down payment.  This is a grant, so it does not have to be paid back. Give me a call for the details at 301-604-0198. Hurry, this money will not last forever. For more information about Maryland real estate, visit First Time Home Buyers. 02/04/2009

Here is something I think all people who own Laurel Maryland real estate will find useful.  If you buy any Maryland real estate, you want to check out the Master Plans.  The Master Plans display possible future enchancements to a community.  Most buyers ignore them, but many residents of a community might want to know what the future holds for their neighborhood. According to a message I received on my West Laurel list serve, the Master Plans indicate some changes to West Laurel.  Specifically, the widening of Bond Mill road to four lanes.   In addition, the expanding of Brooklyn Bridge Road to four lanes from Bond Mill to the Laurel City Limits. These changes may or may not occur.  However, you can use the following link to give your imput. http://www.mncppc.org/county/Transportation_M... 02/04/2009

Laurel real estate seems to be doing better than most areas. In Laurel Maryland zip code 20707 18% of homes are selling in the first thirty days on the market.  That is significantly better than most of Prince Georges County Maryland.  Even more surprising is Laurel Maryland zip code 20708 at 29% of homes selling in the first thirty days.  That is almost a third of homes selling in the first month. While zip code 20707 is still a solid buyer's market, zip code 20708 is a balanced or transition market.  If you combine both zip codes you have an absorption rate of 22%.  Twenty two percent is just barely a buyers market.  Laurel Maryland real estate seems to be better shape than most of the country. For more information about Maryland home sales, visit Laurel Maryland. 02/02/2009

The four Maryland counties where you can find Laurel real estate, are showing more signs of the market bottom being near.  Montgomery County Maryland still has the highest percentage of homes selling in the first 30 days at 21%.  Howard and Prince Georges Counties follow at 15% and 14% respectively.  And as usual, Ann Arundel has the slowest market at 12% of homes selling in the first 30 days. Montgomery County Maryland is actually only three percentage points from being in a transition market.  Any absorption rate above between 23% and 33% is considered a balanced market. A more significant finding is that three of the four Maryland counties have lost inventory and gained pending sales.  This is another indication the market is heading for a change. For more information on Maryland hom... 02/02/2009

Well according to the newspapers the country is headed towards a recession.  I guess no one told a business in Laurel Maryland.  According to the Laurel Leader, Dreyers Grand Ice Cream Plant at Route 1 and Whiskey bottom in Laurel Maryland is expanding.  The company plans to hire 80 more employees in the next few months.  Forty of these positions are expected to be filled by the end of the month.  According to the article, the company is rolling out new products and needs to expand.  This facility in Laurel will now have over 750 employees. When I read the Washington Post this morning it was nothing but doom and gloom about the economy.  Is it really that bad?  Many people say the media is always six months behind.  My business has picked up.  My four contracts ratified in less than two... 01/29/2009

The following is an update of the absorption rate of the the four counties that contain Laurel Maryland real estate. The absorption rate reflects the percentage of homes that sell in the first thirty days on the market.  A percentage of twentythree or less indicates a buyers market. In the Laurel Maryland area, Montgomery County again has the higest percentage of homes selling in the first thirty days at 20%.  Howard and Prince Georges Counties are 15% and 14% respectively.  And in last place again with 11% of homes selling in the first thirty days is Ann Arundel county. Yes, the numbers indicate we are still very much in a buyer's market, but the numbers seem to be holding over the last three weeks.  The bottom could be in sight. For more information about the Maryland housing market, ... 01/26/2009