Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Summertime To Dos

Now that we can ask everyone “How was your Memorial Day weekend”, thoughts of long summer days are now in the minds of many. Although you may have made the plans for the summertime activities for the kids, many have not given much thought as to their plans for the summer time maintenance of their home. Whether you are a homeowner that has no plans to move or someone that has been patiently waiting for school to let out to buy or sell a home, following are a few items that many homeowners should consider adding to their summertime home maintenance list along with a few reputable service providers:
Air Conditioning – Having a functional and efficient air conditioning system in a house is something that many people cannot go without. Some simple maintenance, such as changing the filters or cleaning the return/supply vents, can be completed with little effort and knowledge. However, when it comes to cleaning the evaporator or condenser, adding Freon or maintaining the thermostat, professional help is often needed. Jarboe Mechanical and Preferred Heating and Cooling, LLC
Lawn Care – A combination of warm weather and a few good rainstorms can result in a dormant lawn transforming into a bi-weekly chore being added to your list. Although many homeowners prefer to have the frequently mentioned “meditative time” to care and maintain their lawns, many others do not have the time, patience or desire to do so. Martillo Contractors, EarthKare, SidebySide Lawn Care, Gutters and Home Staging, LLC
Pool Inspection – Summertime for many means long warm days that are often filled with barbeques, flip flops and suntan lotion. Summertime also means that many back yard pools are now in business for the season. In addition to ensuring that the pool is clean and there are enough beach towels for everyone, it is also a good time to make sure there are no safety or mechanical issues with your backyard oasis. If you are new to a home or never had one completed, a pool inspection can really provide some good information as to the current condition of your pool. AmeriSpec Home Inspections, AAA Quality Home Inspections, Inc., SafeHome Home Inspection Services
Pressure Washing – Backyard gatherings filled with water slides, popsicles and horseshoes are the ideal weekend activity for many on a warm summer day. Although guests of these gatherings are often tasked with bringing another side dish or drinks for the kids, the hosts of these gatherings are often stressed out with making sure their domain is in the appropriate show stage for their guests. One way to go about this is to get some pressure washing done. Whether it is the side of the house that has mysteriously taken on a green color, the driveway that is in need of some TLC or the deck that is filled with leaves, pressure washing can solve many outdoor cleaning problems. S&J Painting and Remodeling, Jiffy Window & Power Washing Service, EarthKare, SidebySide Lawn Care, Gutter and Home Staging, LLC.
For more tips on home maintenance and to find a dedicated service provider in your area, please contact me or visit www.homeserviceconnections.com.

Erik Hart
REALTOR , BPI Analyst
Severna Park Sales
Long and Foster Realtors
410-544-4000 Office
443-889-6860 Cell
www.erikhart.lnf.com
www.topofthemarket.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

April Update

A quick housing trend update for Anne Arundel County for April 2012.

(Note - All figures are compared to April of 2011)

Units Sold - 484, up 3%

Active Inventory - 2817, down 24%  (3865 units)
Median Sale Price - $300,000, up 11% ($270,000)
Days on Market - 105, no change

New Listings - 874, down 15% (1,031)
Current Contracts - 639, up 30% (492)
Sold vs. List Price - 95.9%, down .5%
Months of Supply - 5.8, down 29%
(Months of supply is calculated by dividing current inventory by current sales. Months of supply indicates how many months would be needed to sell all of the inventory available at current rate of demand.)


If you are interested in a market update for your area, just let me know.

Stay on Top of the Market,

Erik Hart
REALTOR®, BPI Analyst
Severna Park Sales
Long and Foster Realtors
410-544-4000 Office
443-889-6860 Cell