Fort Meade - USNA - Andrews AFB: January 2008

If you're a Crofton or Anne Arundel County resident and behind in your mortgage payments, the #1 piece of advice I have for you is this:  OPEN YOUR MAIL! 

Avoiding notices from your lender is one of the surest ways to find yourself in foreclosure, because you may overlook proposals from your lender for alternative solutions to your delinquent payments or notices of pending action against you, which you should be aware of.

Please don't "give up" and assume that foreclosure is inevitable if your payments have been late recently or the amount of your loan balance is greater than today's market value.  

If you're 30 days or more behind in your mortgage payment on your Anne Arundel County home, CONTACT YOUR LENDER with your account number in hand and ask about these possible ways of avoiding foreclosure: 

1.  PAY THE DELINQUENCY

Your lender may or may not accept payment in certified funds for any delinquency, including legal fees, to avoid foreclosure.  But you should ASK.   (According to the VA website, VA loan holders are required to accept payment of the full delinquency and reinstate the loan.) 

2.  FORBEARANCE/REPAYMENT SCHEDULE 

The most common way of resolving a loan default may be to work out a plan with your lender which will let you repay part of the delinquency each month, along with your regular monthly installment. If you are temporarily unable to meet your monthly mortgage obligation, your holder may extend forbearance by agreeing to suspend payments or accept partial payments for a limited period of time until you will be able to begin a repayment schedule.

3.  PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

Many State and local governments, as well as private charitable organizations, have programs which will pay all or part of your mortgage obligation for a fixed period of time. 

4.  RE-AMORTIZATION

If your loan is re-amortized, the delinquency is added to the loan balance in order to bring your payments up to date. This increases your loan amount and will also increase your monthly payments unless you also request and receive an extension of your loan.

5.  PRIVATE SALE

Put your home on the market for sale at market value, or less for a faster sale.  Be sure your property is listed on your local MLS, at competitive terms that will encourage agents to show and sell your home.  Listing at a rock-bottom commission won't help if your home doesn't sell because no one shows it!  Remember PEOPLE sell homes.

If you do not believe you will be able to bring your loan current, a private sale of the property will enable you to meet your obligations and receive any equity you may have. Most private sales net the seller more than the amount owed on the loan.

If the buyer is assuming your current VA loan, be sure to read this brochure to find out how to obtain a release of liability. 

6.  SHORT SALE / VA COMPROMISE

If your property cannot be sold for an amount equal to or greater than you owe on the loan, it is considered a "short sale".  Your lender may or may not agree to accept less than you owe and forgive the difference, but each lender will have its own policies regarding this.  You should contact the lender before you put the property on the market to find out what the policy is, and the procedure for getting their approval.  Be sure to tell your real estate agent that this will be a short sale, and authorize him/her to disclose that in the listing.

If you have a VA loan, and your balance is greater than or equal to what you owe on the loan, you may be eligible for a VA Compromise, in which VA pays a "compromise claim" for the difference to help you complete the short sale.  You must contact VA to obtain prior approval for a sale with a compromise claim.  (loans made before 1989 or loans made after 1989).

Note:  Some mortgage companies are authorized by VA to approve a sale with a compromise claim.

There was good news last month in the form of Tax Relief for Short Sales - You no longer have to pay federal income tax on the amount forgiven.

7.  DEED IN LIEU OF FORECLOSURE:

If a private sale does not appear realistic, the mortgage company may consider accepting a deed in lieu of foreclosure. If there are no liens on the property, and the mortgage company agrees to accept a deed, you will have to sign legal papers transferring ownership to the mortgage company.

If you have a VA loan, VA often pays the mortgage company a claim for the difference between the value of the property and the amount you owe on the loan. If a deed is accepted, you may be released from all further liability or you may be asked to agree to repay the Government all or part of the amount paid to the mortgage company. Request the VA form for Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure.

Please note that your mortgage company will usually report "voluntary foreclosure" on your credit report instead of "foreclosure."  Lenders will see this when you apply for credit in the future. 

8.  REFUNDING  

If you have a VA loan, do you know that VA has the discretionary authority to buy it from the holder and take over the servicing? This is called "refunding".  VA considers this alternative for every loan before foreclosure is completed.  If you have the ability to make mortgage payments on your VA loan, or will have the ability in the near future, but your loan holder has decided it cannot extend further forbearance or a repayment plan, you may qualify for refunding.

If your VA loan is in default and you are not able to repay the loan according to the lender's terms, you should download the following forms:  VA Form 20-5655, 26-6807a, and Refunding Information List.  Submit these forms to the VA Regional office in Roanoke, which services Maryland VA loans, along with a letter stating the reason for default and that you would like to be considered for VA refunding to VA. If refunding is appropriate, VA will notify you. 

BEWARE OF ANYONE WHO PROMISES A QUICK AND EASY SOLUTION.  

There is no such thing!  Resolving your situation will probably require a LOT of follow-up BY YOU with your lender, possibly including hours "on hold" and being transferred from one department to another, without getting any answers.  You just have to hang in there until you reach that one person who seems to care AND knows how to help you.  If you don't find that person on your first call, try again!

In addition to reading your mail and talking with your lender about possible solutions, another thing you can do to address this situation is to work with a REALTOR who "gets" this market and has experience helping people in default on their mortgages.  At least find out what your home is worth in today's market, the estimated time to sell and close, what your net proceeds from sale will be, if any, and explore your options of where to live if you do sell your home or lose it in foreclosure.

No amount of magic will erase this situation, but you can minimize the unpleasantness by facing it head on, whether you live in Crofton or anywhere in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

RELATED LINKS: 

• www.HopeNow.com   (Or call 1-888-995-4673 for a HUD-approved counselor affiliated with the non-profit Homeownership Now Foundation.  This is a voluntary accord entered into by some lenders, loan servicers, and mortgage investors to help borrowers who face default when their sub-prime adjustable rate mortgage resets at a higher rate.  The most prominent part of the initiative is an interest rate freeze that would give borrowers facing an interest rate hike the time to work out a solution.)
• Facing Foreclosure?  9 Options

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Relocating to the Baltimore-Washington area?  Check out Your Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Find a Home and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Odenton and Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  Check out Today's Rates, use the free Mortgage Calculator, and watch a brief video about the Power of RE/MAX.  These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace. 

When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at RE/MAX Vision in Crofton Maryland. 410-451-1900 

Included in Your Online Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County, Maryland - Home of Fort George G. Meade, NSA, Northrop Grumman, BWI, and the U.S. Naval Academy.

The Annapolis Visitor's Bureau describes Annapolis as "a place where history lives in a museum without walls."  While this is true, history also lives within the walls of many homes outside Gate 1 of the U.S. Naval Academy.  If you're relocating to Annapolis, these homes are just some of the historical treasures that will become your neighbors: 

THE WILLIAM PACA HOUSE at 186 Prince George Street, one of the most elegant landmarks in Annapolis, is the restored home of William Paca, signer of the Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary-era Governor of Maryland. In 1965, the Historic Annapolis Foundation purchased this property from the Annapolis Hotel Corporation to save this landmark by rebuilding the 2-acre garden through extensive archaeological research and returning the house to its 18th-century appearance. It opened to the public in 1973.

Exhibits of antique furniture, silver and decorative arts highlight different aspects of everyday life in the 1760s and 1770s for William Paca, his wife, Mary, and other members of their household.

HAMMOND HARWOOD HOUSE, at 19 Maryland Avenue, is an elegant home from the Georgian period of the Golden Age of Annapolis's history, built for 25-year old Mathias Hammond, who had just inherited a lot of money.  The American Revolution interfered with construction in 1776, and it's not know for sure when it was finished or if Hammond ever lived in the home.  It is known that other prominent Annapolis families lived there including the Chase family, the Pinkneys, and the Harwoods.  In the early 20th century, St. John's College owned the house, using it for classes and then as a fraternity house.  

The Federated Garden Club of Maryland rented Hammond Harwood House from the college in 1938, and then bought it.  It is now owned and managed by the Hammond-Harwood Association, which operates a museum showcasing a superb collection of decorative & fine arts, with special emphasis on Annapolis cabinetmaker John Shaw and paintings by Charles Wilson Peale and three other members of his family. Period rooms feature exquisite silver, china & furnishings of 18th and early 19th century. Visitors may visit the exhibition gallery and garden at no charge, and tours of the house are available,

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, on State Circle, has been the official residence of Maryland Governors for more than 125 years - since the Administration of Governor Oden Bowie.  At that time, it was a Victorian mansion with a mansard roof.  In 1935-36, the conversion of Government House to its present appearance took place and other renovations were done in 1947 and 1987. 

Furnishing, paintings and other items in Government House include portraits by Charles Willson Peale, one of America's foremost portrait painters, and furnishings by Potthast, eminent Baltimore furniture makers of the 19th century.  Beautiful pieces from around the nation and the world also decorate Government House, where visitors have included Mark Twain and Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. 

CHARLES CARROLL HOUSE

This historic home at 107 Duke of Gloucester Street is a restoration project in progress.  It bears great historical significance to the state of Maryland and America as the home of Charles Carroll the Settler, first Attorney General of Maryland, his son Charles Carroll of Annapolis, and his grandson Charles Carroll of Carrollton.  In spite of persecution and restrictions for his faith, Charles Carroll of Carrollton secured his family's vision of personal, political and religious freedom when he became the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

THE BARRACKS

The Barracks at 43 Pinkney Street is typical of the small downtown homes leased to provide housing for soldiers before they deployed to battle during the Revolutionary War.  There was very little food available to the soldiers and the homes were meagerly furnished; any furniture in the house at the time was probably burned to provide heat.  The building is now owned by the state of Maryland and was restored as part of a Bicentennial Project grant.  It is managed by the Historic Annapolis Foundation and now houses the offices of Preservation Services.

Other historic properties described by Historic Annapolis on their website include 77 Main Street, 99 Main Street, Waterfront Warehouse, and Shiplap House.

 

RANDALL HOUSE

Randall House, an 1870 era house at 30 Randall Street built in the Victorian Italianate style, is currently a Bread & Breakfast operated by Jerry and Sandra Jenkins.  The house is a "gem of old world elegance" with its original front porch, crown molding and doors.  Other fabulous furnishings include a Schoenback crystal chandelier, handsome 1892 burl sideboard, walnut game table, and an Empire sofa from Sorrento.    

For other historic homes that are now operated as a Bed & Breakfast, visit Historic Inns and Famous Homes of Annapolis. 

HISTORIC HOMES FOR SALE

Why just visit, when you could own and live in an historic home outside the gates of the Naval Academy?  There are 27 homes on the market in Annapolis right now over 100 years old - one of them is 238 years old.  They are priced from $179,900 for a home at 7 Ridout Street to a fixer-upper next to the Naval Academy and Saint Johns College, at 8 Maryland Avenue, that now houses 18 fire-damaged rental units - priced at $3,450,000.  Twelve of these historic homes are over a million dollars, but the others are less, with several in the $400-500 thousands - about the cost of living in a nearby suburb.  (Link takes you to all Annapolis homes for sale, not just the historic ones.)

If military relocation is bringing you to the U.S. Naval Academy or Annapolis Naval Station, be sure to visit the Annapolis Visitor's Bureau to learn about places to stay for your house-hunting trip.  As they say, "you can sleep on a schooner, in an 18th-century historic inn, a charming bed and breakfast or a first-class hotel".

And visit the Maryland Office of Tourism to request a free travel kit including things to do, a map, and other information to make your visit enjoyable.

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Find a Home and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Crofton and Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  Check out Today's Rates, use the free Mortgage Calculator, and watch a brief video about the Power of RE/MAX.  These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace. 

When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at RE/MAX Vision in Crofton Maryland. 410-451-1900 

Maryland homeowners may be eligible for a new federal tax deduction of about $300 that we haven't enjoyed in the past.

This information comes from The Mortgage Insurance Companies of America (MICA), a trade association representing the private mortgage insurance industry.  MICA provides information to lenders and investors on legislative and regulatory issues and represents the industry on Capitol Hill. 

According to the MICA website, many homeowners with private mortgage insurance on their home loans may be able to deduct the cost of mortgage insurance premiums for the very first time on their 2007 federal tax returns.  

Who qualifies for this deduction? 

Families with an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less qualify for the full tax deduction, while families with incomes of more than $100,000 and up to $109,000 will be eligible for a reduced deduction.   

Which homes qualify? 

If mortgage insurance is required for your home loan, and it closes between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2010, your PMI could be deductible in those tax years.  Unfortunately, private mortgage insurance on loans that closed prior to 2007 is not deductible.  

A few more details: 

Visit Focon On Crofton to continue reading and find out...

• Are vacation homes eligible?
• Do you have to be a first-time buyer?
• Are re-financed loans eligible?
• Do military personnel qualify?

 

______________________________________

Relocating to the Baltimore-Washington area?  Check out Your Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Find a Home and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Odenton and Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  Check out Today's Rates, use the free Mortgage Calculator, and watch a brief video about the Power of RE/MAX.  These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace. 

When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at RE/MAX Vision in Crofton Maryland. 410-451-1900 

   

As you know, it's January, and most people in Maryland are planning to be curled up by the fire next Saturday, January 26th, playing video games or watching some college basketball.  But heck, why not bundle up and head out to Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County for the Boardwalk-themed Winter Festival.  Where else can you enjoy live pig-racing action, a 20-ton sand sculpture being crafted as you watch, and even an "Early Bear Plunge for those who love to Plunge but don't love to wait."  

Yep, I'm talking about the 12th annual Polar Bear Plunge (Brrrrrrrrr) in the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, to benefit Special Olympics Maryland. All it takes to be a part of the 2008 MSP Plunge experience is more guts than brains and $50 in pledges.  Sponsors say this is "the coolest event of the year!" 

Of course, some folks aren't satisfied just to participate - you know, the "Type A" personalities... the ones who never do anything halfway at work or play.  These are The Few.  The Proud.  (and come Saturday, they are ) The Frozen.   These are the Super Plungers, who brave both the elements and the Chesapeake Bay, taking one chilly dip after another for 24 hours straight.  (Can you imagine?  It makes me shiver just to think about one dip!) 

The event is sponsored by the Maryland State Police (MSP), Comcast, WBAL, The Baltimore Sun, FedEx, Merritt Athletic Clubs, Frank Gumpert Printing, Grauls, CVS Pharmacy, and a long list of other sponsors that goes on and on.

If you plan to watch (or plunge), and it gets too cold, you can always retreat to the heated tent that will house (drum roll, please) Bunky's Beach Party. That's where you'll find live music, a variety of vendors and crafters, the Astro Events Fun Zone just for kids, Plunge souvenirs, and refreshments.  Admission is free for Plungers and spectators alike, so you can't beat the price.

Please, don't ask - I have NO plans of plunging, and probably not even watching.  But I want to make sure you know all about it, in case you're going to be anywhere near Anne Arundel County, next weekend, and would like to Plunge or watch!  For more information, including the day's complete schedule and a registration or sponsorship form, visit the official MSP Polar Bear Plunge website today.

P.S.  Total donations, with a week to go, total $1,179,587.62.

______________________________________

Relocating to the Baltimore-Washington area?  Check out Your Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Find a Home and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  Check out Today's Rates and use the free Mortgage Calculator. These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace.  When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at (301) 346-2923.

Included in Your Online Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County, Maryland - Home of Fort George G. Meade, NSA, Northrop Grumman, BWI, and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Anne Arundel County, Maryland, located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay about a half hour from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, is home to Maryland's capitol city of Annapolis, the United States Naval Academy, the National Security Agency and Fort George G. Meade.

When you relocate to Anne Arundel County, you'll find fabulous shopping malls such as Westfield Shopping and Arundel Mills Mall and quaint one-of-a-kind shops on the historic streets of downtown Annapolis.  Dining options range from Ledo Pizza in Crofton to Carroll Creek Cafe and Phillips Seafood overlooking the Annapolis Harbor. You'll enjoy recreational opportunities in nearby Washington and Baltimore as well as County waterways, parks, and golf courses. And there are twelve blue-ribbon schools in Anne Arundel County, the 5th largest school district in the state ranked #3 in the nation.

Anne Arundel County truly is a unique place to live, with the historical ambiance of Annapolis and a nautical influence that runs through the county with the Severn, Magothy, South and West Rivers.  Yet, in the end, it is YOUR next home and community that bring you to this area, so let's talk about living here.

Homes prices in Anne Arundel County range from the $200,000's for a condo to many millions of dollars for prime waterfront estates. The majority of detached homes for sale probably fall into the $400,000- $800,000 range, depending primarily on size of the lot and home as well as proximity to the water - significantly lower than other areas within commuting distance of Washington, D.C. 

Some homes are located in established neighborhoods with mature trees and big yards while others are still under construction in new subdivisions.  There are communities with private beaches, open only to residents, such as Arden on the Severn in Crownsville or the gated marina-community of Chesapeake Harbour in Annapolis; 18-hole golf courses are the centerpieces of Walden in Crofton, Bay Hills in Arnold, and several other Anne Arundel County communities.

As we go about our busy 21st century lives in Anne Arundel County, we know intuitively that we live, work and play in an area that is rich in history. Yet few of us know the details of how Anne Arundel County came to be. Be sure to read all about the History of Anne Arundel County from the 17th Century Through the Present.

Now, whether military relocation or BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) is motivating your move to Maryland, you have an opportunity to be part of the next chapter for this extraordinary county.  And you can look forward to sailing on the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, going to an Orioles game at Camden Yards in Baltimore, and attending a concert at the Kennedy Center in our nation's capitol - all in the same day. 

Welcome to Anne Arundel County, Maryland!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Anne Arundel County
• Anne Arundel County Public Schools
• Anne Arundel County Services and Information

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Find a Home and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Crofton and Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  Check out Today's Rates, use the free Mortgage Calculator, and watch a brief video about the Power of RE/MAX.  These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace. 

When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at RE/MAX Vision in Crofton Maryland. 410-451-1900 

Perhaps someone else has already mentioned this, but I haven't read it on ActiveRain.  Actually, I got an email this week titled "Announcing: The Real Estate Trendsetters for 2007"

There, right alongside biggies like RE/MAX and Zillow, is our own ActiveRain!  Here are the names and descriptions of the 2008 Top 10 Trendsetters, according to report author Stefan Swanepoel:

10.   Bank of America - The largest retail banking operation in the country stepped up by initially lending $2 billion to save ill-fated and cash-starved Countrywide before ultimately purchasing the company.

9.   EXIT Realty - Based on a system that pays out residuals, EXIT's innovation in redistributing the commission pie and strong growth in recent years to become one of the 10 largest national franchises in the country. 

8.    RealEstate.com - For its complete about-turn and expanding an online business into the successful opening of 12 "bricks and mortar" real estate offices. 

7.      Federal Reserve - For the poor handling of the forewarned housing bubble that lead to the worst housing slump in two in decades and the largest collapse of the financial markets since the depression.

6.      Trulia - Became one the 3 ^rd largest traffic contributors to 12 of the largest residential real estate franchisors and brokerages nationwide. 

5.    ActiveRain - Launched in June 2006, ActiveRain assumed the mantle as the #1 real estate social network, boasting 60,000 members by 2007.

4.    RE/MAX - Leading the charge by adding everyone's listings on their corporate website, Remax.com became the most visited website of any national real estate company, generating a record 3 million leads for RE/MAX agents.

3.     Zillow - Fueled by "Zestimates" and excellent publicity, Zillow became the most talked about company in real estate and their site one of the top 3 most visited websites in the industry.

2.     Dominion - Combining print publications Harmon Homes, For Rent, New Homes & Living, Home Solutions and Distinctive Homes together with websites Homes.com and ForRent.com and   companies Number1Expert, Katabat and eNeighborhood, Dominion has in two short years become a force in the industry.

1.   Realogy - Breaking up Cendant into three focused operating units with Realogy becoming the new parent for the real estate activities (Coldwell Banker, Century 21, ERA, NRT and Sotheby's). Realogy is now the real estate industry's largest franchisor in with more than 15,000 employees and 315,000 affiliated real estate brokers and sales associates worldwide .    September 2007 they added Better Homes and Gardens to their portfolio solidifying their position at the top of the list of 2007 Trendsetters of the Year.  

According to the email forwarded from my broker (originally from Realsure Publishing), the criteria for selection included "product innovation, industry influence, value of contribution, acceptance, anticipated impact and general media exposure."  Swanepoel, who authored the report, indicated that the companies selected are the current drivers and leaders in the industry and collectively caused more change in 2007 than any other companies. "I believe that, as a result of their vision, drive, commitment and leadership, the industry is more dynamic today than ever before." 

CONGRATULATIONS, ActiveRain!!!

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Find a Home and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Crofton and Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  Check out Today's Rates, use the free Mortgage Calculator, and watch a brief video about the Power of RE/MAX.  These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace. 

When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at RE/MAX Vision in Crofton Maryland. 410-451-1900 

PCS moves are a fact of life for the families of U.S. military personnel.

That's why I created this directory of real estate agents and lenders across the country who live and work near U.S. Navy bases in the Continental United States.  Of course, even more important to you is the fact they WANT to work with military personnel to make relocation into your new community as smooth and pleasant as possible for your entire family. 

These real estate professionals are local experts who can answer your questions about neighborhoods, schools, home prices, shopping, organized sports, restaurants and shopping in the area around your new post.  Each of them is a blogger, with articles about real estate and the area that you can read at your own pace.  Many of them provide a link on their websites to home searches in communities near the base so you can become familiar with the area before you arrive.  Many of these agents and lenders are veterans or military spouses, who have walked in your shoes and understand the nuances of military pay, when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage.

If your destination U.S. Navy base or a local agent is not listed, I will find a local military-friendly agent for you.  Just Contact Margaret Woda, Maryland REALTOR, with the name of your base, your contact information, and your anticipated arrival date.

U.S. NAVY BASES and AGENTS WHO SERVE THE AREA

1/31/08 

CALIFORNIA

San Diego 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Washington Navy Yard

Cindy Jones - Utilizing Technology, Experience and Uncompromising Service to make your Northern Virginia real estate transaction as stress free as possible. Serving buyers, sellers and military relocations in VA.

Magaret Woda - Helping Maryland home buyers, sellers and military transferees in the Baltimore/Annapolis/D.C. triangle - specializing in Anne Arundel County and nearby Howard and Prince George's Counties.

Brian Block - Brian Block is proud to serve the Northern Virginia real estate market. View his website for the latest listings and homes for sale in Northern Virginia and search all active homes.

FLORIDA

Naval Air Station Jacksonville

Tim & Susan Fennell - Jacksonville, Florida Real Estate. Working as a team, Tim and Susan are twice as valuable to home buyers and sellers. Call them today for a free consultation about your specific Real Estate needs.

Naval Coastal Systems Station

Jan Evett - REALTOR® Broker Associate, with Century 21 Ryan Realty on the Gulf Coast of NW Florida. I believe professional education, experience, and energetic customer service are my keys to success.

Naval Station Panama 

Tim & Susan Fennell - Jacksonville, Florida Real Estate. Working as a team, Tim and Susan are twice as valuable to home buyers and sellers. Call them today for a free consultation about your specific Real Estate needs.

Jeff Payne - Jeff Payne is the team leader for the Payne Group at Keller Williams Success Realty. Our team has a dedicated staff of Real Estate professionals to ensure a 10++ customer service satisfaction.

HAWAII

Pearl Harbor 

Sally Cheeseman - Applying 120% effort through all real estate transactions for a smooth and safe landing! Specializing in Military and Relocations to Hawaii. Representing Buyers/Sellers in residential sales

David J. Kucic - My blog is dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Forces serving in Hawaii, enroute to Hawaii or dreaming of an assignment in Hawaii. David J Kucic LLC, RA, CRS, GRI, ABR, AHWD, e-PRO.

Randy Prothero - Associate Broker, ABR, AHWD, CRS, e-PRO, GRI "Not Just Another Pretty Face" Hawaii's VA/Military/ 1st time buyer's expert. My aggressive marketing programs bring top dollars for sellers.

LOUISIANA

Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base

Lisa Heindel - New Orleans West Bank Real Estate Specialist. Helping home buyers, home sellers and military transfers in Algiers, Algiers Point, Gretna, Belle Chasse, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

MARYLAND

Annapolis Naval Station & U.S. Naval Academy 

Margaret Woda - Helping Maryland home buyers, sellers and military transferees in the Baltimore/Annapolis/D.C. triangle - specializing in Anne Arundel County and nearby Howard and Prince George's Counties.

Karen Copeland - I've been licensed in the State of Maryland since 1991. I am a U.S. Army VET specializing in military relocation; police & teachers. I look forward to working with you in buying or selling a home.

Bethesda Naval Hospital

John MacArthur - Tell me what you want to accomplish, I will listen, counsel and encourage you. I will work with you every step of the way until the transaction is complete. First time buyers and military welcome.

Margaret Woda - Helping Maryland home buyers, sellers and military transferees in the Baltimore/Annapolis/D.C. triangle - specializing in Anne Arundel County and nearby Howard and Prince George's Counties.

Cindy Jones - Utilizing Technology, Experience and Uncompromising Service to make your Northern Virginia real estate transaction as stress free as possible. Serving buyers, sellers and military relocations in VA.

NEW JERSEY

Naval Air Engineering Station

Lawrence Yerkes - Southern New Jersey Properties and Services - Commercial Real Estate and Investment property, Homes For Sale, Global Moving and Relocation Support. Buy, Sell, Search, Relocate. We Get Results!

NORTH CAROLINA

Naval Hospital Camp LeJuene

Cynthia Tilghman - My goal is to assist buyers and sellers in Onslow County experience a stress free transaction by providing the necessary tools and resources. Specializing in military relocation to Camp Lejeune NC

SOUTH CAROLINA

Naval Hospital Beaufort

Laura Dahl - Advanced Service, Advanced Results! Advanced Real Estate Company offers premium marketing services for sellers in the Beaufort SC area. We utilize a variety of marketing tactics that promise RESULTS!

VIRGINIA 

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren

Karen Copeland - I've been licensed in the State of Maryland since 1991. I am a U.S. Army VET specializing in military relocation; police & teachers. I look forward to working with you in buying or selling a home.

Melissa Stewart - Specializing in King George, NSWC in Dahlgren, Stafford, Westmoreland, Fredericksburg, Caroline and Spotsylvania. Foreclosure specialist!

Norfolk

Pentagon

Brian Block - Brian Block is proud to serve the Northern Virginia real estate market. View his website for the latest listings and homes for sale in Northern Virginia and search all active homes.

Cindy Jones - Utilizing Technology, Experience and Uncompromising Service to make your Northern Virginia real estate transaction as stress free as possible. Serving buyers, sellers and military relocations in VA.

Margaret Woda - Helping Maryland home buyers, sellers and military transferees in the Baltimore/Annapolis/D.C. triangle - specializing in Anne Arundel County and nearby Howard and Prince George's Counties.

WASHINGTON 

Naval Base Kitsap (Bremerton, Bangor, Keyport)

Jo Soss - Buying or selling, I will listen to you, respond, and help you reach your goal. Old fashioned personal service that includes the technology of today! Proudly serving the Naval Base Kitsap Area.

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NOTICE: This directory is provided as a convenience to military personnel and other consumers; No endorsement of any agent or guarantee of satisfaction is intended or implied by ActiveRain or Margaret Woda and RE/MAX Vision.

If a base is listed without agent contact info, an agent has expressed interest in being listed and the request is being reviewed.

Other military base directories posted on ActiveRain and Localism include ARMY PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory, Air Force PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory, and Marine PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory.

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REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND LENDERS:  Please join the agents and lenders in this directory who are committed to providing real estate services to our nation's military personnel.  To be eligible, you must satisfy all of the requirements in Last Call for Military Base Directory.  If you previously submitted your name, but did not satisfy all the requirements in time for posting of this directory, you must resubmit.   I reserve the right to determine the content of my blog post.

This information is included in the Online Anne Arundel County Relocation Package for Fort George G. Meade, NSA, Northrop Grumman, BWI, the the USNA  

Relocating to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area? 

You'll soon discover that parades aren't just for Thanksgiving and New Year's Day!  And, in Washington, D.C., parades aren't just for Inaugurations and Presidential Funerals.  In fact, there's a parade in our Nation's Capital every Friday evening during the summer.  Whether you're a tourist or a resident of the Washington, D.C. area, it's just one of those unique events you simply must experience!

I'm talking about "The Evening Parade" - a performance of music and precision marching by the President's Own United States Marine Band, The Commandant's Own The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and Sgt. Chesty XII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington.  Guests with tickets are admitted to the grounds of Marine Barracks Washington about 7:15 p.m., and unclaimed seats are offered an hour later to guests waiting outside the gates.  The 75-minute ceremony gets underway at 8:45 p.m., beginning with a concert by the United States Marine Band.  

Where else will you experience an event so rich in heritage that encompasses former military rituals such as tatoo, retreat, and lowering of the colors ceremonies?  The Evening Parade is offered "solely to express the dignity and pride that represents more than two centuries of heritage for all Americans".  Whether you're a tourist or a resident of the Washington, D.C. area, you will want to submit your online request for 2008 tickets, beginning February 1 and at least 3 or 4 weeks in advance of the desired date.

Marine Barracks Washington, the oldest active post in the Marine Corps, supports both ceremonial and security missions in the nation's capitol.  It is a base rich in history - Home to the U.S. Marine Band since 1801 and the residence of every Commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806.  I've been told that the selection of a site for Marine barracks was a matter of personal interest to President Thomas Jefferson, who rode through Washington, D.C. himself in search of a suitable location. The site at 8th and I, in southeast Washington, was chosen for its proximity to the Navy Yard and its easy marching distance of the Capitol.

If you can't attend in person, you might enjoy a VHS video of an Evening Parade.

Thank you Mike Lynaugh for the use of this photo and the beautiful photo of the Washington Monument on my website.

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Find a Home online and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Crofton and Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  Check out Today's Rates, use the free Mortgage Calculator, and watch a brief video about the Power of RE/MAX.  These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace. 

When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at RE/MAX Vision in Crofton Maryland. 410-451-1900 

Count them... 1... 2... 3 golf courses ON BASE, plus many more nearby.  If you have orders to Andrews, you will enjoy proximity to all the culture, arts, history and recreation of Washington, D.C. and Annapolis - but, if you're a golfer, military relocation to Andrews can be summed up with one small word, FORE!

Andrews AFB South Course- The 18-hole "South" course at the Andrews AFB Golf Course facility in Andrews AFB, Maryland features 6,748 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 71.1 and it has a slope rating of 128 on Bermuda grass.  Designed by Brian T. Ault, ASGCA, the South golf course opened in 1998. U.S. Air Force Services Agency manages this facility, with Michael Thomas as the General Manager.

Andrews AFB West Course- The 18-hole "West" course at the Andrews AFB Golf Course facility in Andrews AFB, Maryland features 6,397 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 70.5 and it has a slope rating of 120 on Bermuda grass.  Designed by Frank Murray/Russell Roberts, the West golf course opened in 1961. U.S. Air Force Services Agency manages this facility, with Michael Thomas as the General Manager.

Andrews AFB East Course- The 18-hole "East" course at the Andrews AFB Golf Course facility in Andrews Afb, Maryland features 6,780 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 72 and it has a slope rating of 121 on Bermuda grass.  Designed by Frank Murray/Russell Roberts, the East golf course opened in 1956. U.S. Air Force Services Agency manages this facility, with Michael Thomas as the General Manager.

Source:  GolfLink

If you're a golfer or a golfer wanna-be, you'll find plenty of options for playing beyond the gates of Andrews, as well.  In addition to the three courses on base, you'll want to check out these nearby golf courses:

• Marlborough Country Club,
• Lake Arbor Golf Course,
• Crofton Country Club,
• Tantallon Country Club,
• The Country Club at Woodmore
• The University of Maryland Golf Course

While the Andrews Air Force Base golf courses are part of the Base Recreation Program, they are managed and maintained in a relaxed "country club" atmosphere with a pro shop, cafeteria, lounge and practice facilities.

The golf courses are normally open for play seven days a week, from 0730 until dusk, Monday through Friday, and 0630 until dusk on Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays. All seasonal changes in the operational hours are posted throughout the clubhouse and on the website.

There's more to golf in this area than these local courses, however. There is the new Tiger Woods Foundation and his AT&T National, a PGA Tour event played at Congressional Country Club.  If you're in the area this summer, you'll be able to walk with the pros July 2-6. 

PCS moves are a fact of life for the families of U.S. military personnel.

That's why I created this directory of real estate agents and lenders across the country who live and work near Air Force bases in the Continental United States.  Of course, even more important to you is the fact they WANT to work with military personnel to make relocation into your new community as smooth and pleasant as possible for your entire family. 

These real estate professionals are local experts who can answer your questions about neighborhoods, schools, home prices, shopping, organized sports, restaurants and shopping in the area around your new post.  Each of them is a blogger, with articles about real estate and the area that you can read at your own pace.  Many of them provide a link on their websites to home searches in communities near the base so you can become familiar with the area before you arrive.  Many of these agents and lenders are veterans or military spouses, who have walked in your shoes and understand the nuances of military pay, when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage.

If your destination Air Force base or a local agent is not listed, I will find a local military-friendly agent for you.  Just Contact Margaret Woda, Maryland REALTOR, with the name of your base, your contact information, and your anticipated arrival date.

Updated 1/31/08

ALASKA -                                                                                                                            

Eielson Air Force Base

Jesse & Kathy Clifton - The Premier real estate team in the Golden Heart City; we provide results oriented buyer and seller representation.

ARIZONA -

Luke AFB

Jim Little - I serve buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Sun City, Sun City West, Sun City Grand, Glendale, Peoria Surprise, and the West Valley of Maricopa County.

ARKANSAS - 

Little Rock AFB 

CALIFORNIA -

Beale 

Edwards AFB

Travis AFB

COLORADO -

Peterson AFB, Schriever AFB, USAF Academy, USNORTHCOM

Kristen Senn - My mission is to provide first class service, information, honesty, and professionalism for military buyers and sellers of real estate in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.

FLORIDA -

Eglin AFB 

Homestead AFB 

MacDill AFB

Cyndee Haydon - Serving Clearwater | St Petersburg | Tampa Bay | All Beach Communities | Waterfront Luxury Homes | Waterfront Condos | Pool Homes | Military Relocations | at 727-710-8035| http://www.sandbarstosunsets.com/

Patrick AFB 

Tyndall AFB

Jeff Payne - Jeff Payne is the team leader for the Payne Group at Keller Williams Success Realty. Our team has a dedicated staff of Real Estate professionals to ensure a 10++ customer service satisfaction.

GEORGIA -

Moody AFB

HAWAII -

Hickham AFB

Sally Cheeseman - Applying 120% effort through all real estate transactions for a smooth and safe landing! Specializing in Military and Relocations to Hawaii. Representing Buyers/Sellers in residential sales.

David Kucic- My blog is dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Forces serving in Hawaii, enroute to Hawaii or dreaming of an assignment in Hawaii. David J Kucic LLC, RA, CRS, GRI, ABR, AHWD, e-PRO.

Randy Prothero - Associate Broker, ABR, AHWD, CRS, e-PRO, GRI "Not Just Another Pretty Face" Hawaii's VA/Military/ 1st time buyer's expert. My aggressive marketing programs bring top dollars for sellers.

ILLINOIS -

Scott AFB

Yolanda Hovesten - Associate Broker & REALTOR®. Specializes in residential real estate, military relocation, & 1st time homebuyers in St. Clair County-O'Fallon, Belleville, Shiloh, Fairview Hts, Swansea, & Scott AFB IL 

LOUISIANA -

Barksdale AFB

MARYLAND -

Andrews and Bolling AFB

Margaret Woda - Helping Maryland home buyers, sellers and military transferees in the Baltimore/Annapolis/D.C. triangle - specializing in Anne Arundel County and nearby Howard and Prince George's Counties.

Cindy Jones - Utilizing Technology, Experience and Uncompromising Service to make your Northern Virginia real estate transaction as stress free as possible. Serving buyers, sellers and military relocations in VA.

Karen Copeland - I've been licensed in the State of Maryland since 1991. I am a U.S. Army VET specializing in military relocation; police & teachers. I look forward to working with you in buying or selling a home.

NEBRASKA

Offutt AFB

Angela May - I'm a Full-Time professional, Multi-Million Dollar Producer & Military PCS Specialist. I have an amazing Team focusing on; superior service, use of cutting edge technology & strong internet presence.

NEVADA -

Nellis AFB

Virginia Hepp - Call me for welcome package to Mesquite - one of the fastest growing cities, but still affordable. Let me represent you as your agent for new homes and resales, at no charge to you!

NEW MEXICO -

Cannon AFB 

Kirtland AFB 

 

NEW JERSEY -

MacGuire AFB

Lawrence Yerkes - Southern New Jersey Properties and Services - Commercial Real Estate and Investment property, Homes For Sale, Global Moving and Relocation Support. Buy, Sell, Search, Relocate. We Get Results!

NORTH CAROLINA -

Pope AFB

Eric Anderson - The Anderson Realty Group serves the Fayetteville & Fort Bragg providing outstanding service through the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity and commitment.

Latonia Parks - Realtor/Broker servicing your needs in Fayetteville and all surrounding areas with special emphasis on Ft. Bragg and Pope AFB

OHIO -

Wright Patterson AFB 

Mark Ryan - Outstanding team of professionals ready to assist you with your buyer or selling needs. We offer many unique and exclusive programs to make working with us advantageous to both buyers and sellers!

Teri Lussier - While Teri's focus is on residential sales in the northern Dayton area, she serves the entire Greater Dayton area with professionalism and dependability.

SOUTH CAROLINA - 

Charleston AFB

Shaw AFB -

Kim Peasley-Parker - I am a full time Realtor® in Sumter, SC. I work with many families relocating to Sumter or within Sumter for Military (Shaw AFB), Retirement and personal reasons.

SOUTH DAKOTA -

Elgin AFB

TENNESSEE -

Arnold AFB

TEXAS -

Lackland AFB

Robin Rogers - Broker/owner with CRS, ABR, and TRC designations specializing in residential investment properties, relocations, military and job relocations to San Antonio, and rehabbing of older and historic homes

UTAH -

Hill AFB

Julie Neerings - Whether you are buying or selling property along the Wasatch Front in Utah, my goal is to provide you with the resources and tools you need to make the best decision in your real estate investments.

VIRGINIA -

Langley AFB

The Pentagon

Cindy Jones - Utilizing Technology, Experience and Uncompromising Service to make your Northern Virginia real estate transaction as stress free as possible. Serving buyers, sellers and military relocations in VA.

Brian Block - Brian Block is proud to serve the Northern Virginia real estate market. View his website for the latest listings and homes for sale in Northern Virginia and search all active homes.

Margaret Woda - Helping Maryland home buyers, sellers and military transferees in the Baltimore/Annapolis/D.C. triangle - specializing in Anne Arundel County and nearby Howard and Prince George's Counties.

WASHINGTON -

McChord AFB

Sarah Nopp - Let me help you become a Real Estate Investor: Olympia, Shelton and nearby. Helping my clients Monitor the multi-family market, Identify the good performers and Develop their portfolios and goals.

Sandy Nelson - As a your full service Realtor and Accredited Staging Professional in the Olympia, Lacey, Yelm and Dupont area, I specialize in single family residential property and military relocation.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

NOTICE: This directory is provided as a convenience to military personnel and other consumers; No endorsement of any agent or guarantee of satisfaction is intended or implied by ActiveRain or Margaret Woda and RE/MAX Vision.

If a base is listed without agent contact info, an agent has expressed interest in being listed and the request is being reviewed.

Other military base directories posted on ActiveRain and Localism include ARMY PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory, Navy PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory, and Marine PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND LENDERS:  Please join the agents and lenders in this directory who are committed to providing real estate services to our nation's military personnel.  To be eligible, you must satisfy all of the requirements in Last Call for Military Base Directory.  If you previously submitted your name, but did not satisfy all the requirements in time for posting of this directory, you must resubmit.   Some requests are still under review, and I will add your names as soon as possible.   Please note that I reserve the right to determine what is or is not included in my blog post.