Beautifully remodeled home for the discriminating buyer. Fully remodeled kitchen and bathrooms include 42″ cabinets, granite & marble countertops, and porcelain tile flooring & backsplash. All new appliances include a convection oven. Ceiling fans w/remotes, crown molding, chair rail, plush & berber carpets, and more.
Sold as-is with inspection(s) at buyer’s expense & right to terminate. Please contact Denise Shearin for additional information.
Visit www.tapesin.com for additional information. Owner/Agent.
This property is located in the Historic Deanwood neighborhood of the District of Columbia. It has extensive interior water damage due to a damaged roof that has now been repaired. A great opportunity for an owner occupant or investor with a vision.
This 2 bd, 2 ba condo was elegantly remodeled in 2008 to include many features that renters look for in a home. Granite countertops; recessed lights; plush carpet; ceramic tile floors, backsplash, and bathtub surround; and more. Ceiling fans on remote controls installed in both bedrooms. New outlets/switches and baseboard throughout. GFIs installed near all wet surfaces in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Monthly rent includes gas, electricity, and water. Tenant is only responsible for telephone, cable, and internet access. Satellite dish installation is not permitted. Rent also includes one parking pass for reserved spaces and summer pool passes for occupants. Ample unreserved parking available for additional vehicles and guests.
With a magnificent view of the outdoors, you cannot beat this condo’s amenities and premium location in a desirable community. Convenient to I-270, schools, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and public transportation.
Property is available for immediate occupancy. Sorry, no pets allowed. Owner is a licensed agent.
As an active REALTOR® and Investor, I inspect properties that are both vacant and foreclosed. A recent article highlights that the vacant part of the equation should not be taken for granted. In its article Investor Report: REO Scam Warning, Realty Times explains how scam artists are unlawfully renting out foreclosed homes at bargain basement cash rates. This can potentially lead to dangerous confrontations when the illegal tenants have no desire to be disturbed or to vacate. The article continues by providing safety tips that I feel anyone entering a foreclosed property should strongly consider heeding:
Before heading out to see a foreclosed house, evaluate the potential risk of the neighborhood. Let an associate know your schedule and route.
Never enter a foreclosed property without first checking the exterior perimeter to determine whether anyone has broken a window or back door to gain entry. At the front door, never enter a foreclosed house without first giving a loud “knock and notice.”
Even if you’re visiting a property in broad daylight, always bring a heavy clad flashlight. Not only is it practical if the electricity has been turned off, but “it’s a good defensive tool” if you need it.
For many years I have actually carried a flashlight for the reason stated in number 3. Carrying pepper spray or other defense spray can provide an additional layer of protection. Although pepper spray is legal in all fifty states, some jurisdictions have their own rules regarding the use of defense sprays including their purchase and possession. I suggest that you check with your local law enforcement agency for any state specific regulations that may exist.
The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) compiles annual data on the state of the auction industry with the assistance of MORPACE International. The MORPACE study focuses on growth in the auction industry and gross sales revenue by auction area. In 2007, data revealed that the value of goods sold at auction grew 5.3% making live auctions a $270.7 billion industry. Of the major live auction categories analyzed, real estate auctions was shown to be the fastest growing segment with $58.5 billion worth of residential, commercial, industrial, land, and agricultural properties being sold. Gross sales of residential real estate auctions alone have grown 46.6% between 2003 and 2007, representing the largest real estate auction growth area. The NAA predicts that residential auctions will account for 30% of all sales by 2010.
I have found that when I ask prospects if they have considered selling their homes at auction a common reply is “I don’t have an auction property” or “I would never sell MY property at auction”. Now for those who are a little green in this area I’ll translate both responses – “My property is too pretty for an auction”. With this in mind, I believe it’s worth a couple of minutes to share some auction facts:
An auction is a form of marketing hence the phrase “auction method of marketing” used within the inner auction circles. Every auction sale is backed by an aggressive marketing campaign that accounts for 90% (some say 95%) of what you see on auction day. What makes an auction so special is that all the marketing efforts are truncated into a time period that can be as little as 1 week to as long as the auctioneer determines is necessary, many times 3-4 weeks.
An auction IS NOT an indication of a property’s condition or level of prettiness. I have had the pleasure of successfully auctioning $5,000 row houses, $500,000 single family homes, and everything in between. And let’s not forget firms like J.P. King that specialize in auctioning high end, million dollar properties internationally. Now you can’t get much prettier than those!
Many times what makes a property an auction property boils down to the seller’s expectations. If a prospect wants to receive two times what the numbers are telling me a home is likely to bring, an auction may not be the best option.
Auctions are generally, and understandably, associated with foreclosures because institutions have long used them to quickly get real estate off their books. Adding fuel to the misperception fire is the reality that auctions are used to sell the undesirables of the neighborhood when conventional means of selling have not attracted buyers. So, from this day forward, I want you to help me change the auction perception by ONLY thinking “accelerated marketing method” when you hear the word “auction” (this is a subliminal message in case you’re wondering!). And while you’re thinking these warm, happy auction thoughts be sure to spread the word (end of the overt subliminal message).
Most of us are familiar with Maryland’s homestead property tax credit which limits taxable assessment increases to 10% or less each year. Although there are some stipulations, if a property is your primary residence there is a good chance you are eligible to receive the credit. This post is about a different program that may not be as well known but is just as beneficial.
The Maryland Homeowners Property Tax Credit Program (MHPTCP) has been available since 1975. Its original purpose of limiting tax assessments for the elderly has been expanded to include homeowners of all ages. The program allows for tax credits to be issued against a property tax bill in cases where the taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the owner’s gross income. There are specific requirements but, before the state will even consider your eligibility, these basic four must be met:
You must own or have a legal interest in the property.
The dwelling on which you are seeking the tax credit must be your principal residence where you live at least six months of the year, including July 1, unless you are a recent home purchaser or unless you are unable to do so because of your health or need of special care.
Your net worth, not including the value of the property on which you are seeking the credit or any qualified retirement savings or Individual Retirement Accounts, must be less than $200,000.
Your combined gross household income cannot exceed $60,000.
I’m willing to wager that more people than not can benefit from this tax credit. Similar to the homestead program, in order to participate in the MHPTCP you must first apply which includes providing your income information. Under the MHPTCP you have to apply every year but, if you’re found to be eligible, it’s well worth the time and effort. The key thing to remember is that the credit applies to the current year’s tax bill. The customary filing deadline is September 1 but this year the deadline has been extended to October 31 so there is still time to apply for a credit on your 2008 bill. If you’re not sure if you qualify apply anyway. The state will notify you in writing if you are found to be ineligible. As a bonus, there are some counties that supplement the state’s program by offering an additional credit of their own.
For general information about the program including a table that shows the tax limit at given income levels visit the MHPTCP web site. You can find the application here.
November 4, 2008 is fast approaching and I’m confident everyone wants an opportunity to be a part of this historical presidential election. Take a moment to insure you are eligible to cast your vote by checking your registration status. If you find that you aren’t registered these sites will point you in the right direction. If you know of any additional state sites just drop me an e-mail and I’ll add them to the list:
This property is located in the Historic Deanwood neighborhood of the District of Columbia. It has extensive interior water damage due to a damaged roof that has now been repaired. A great opportunity for an owner occupant or investor with a vision.
I have found that when I ask prospects if they have considered selling their homes at auction a common reply is “I don’t have an auction property” or “I would never sell 
