Fort Meade - USNA - Andrews AFB

Your Online Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:21 -0500

Home of Fort George G. Meade, NSA, Northrop Grumman, BWI, Parsons Paper, the U.S. Naval Academy, and Maryland's State Capitol.

When you relocate to Maryland, you will fall in love with Anne Arundel County's stunning scenery, laid-back atmosphere, and local feasts from the Chesapeake Bay.

Anne Arundel County's convenient location, less than an hour from Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., may attract residents and businesses alike - but it's not the only reason they stay.

You'll see why residents love it here, as you explore the pages of this ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY RELOCATION PACKAGE and read some of my blog posts about communities, things to do, and the quality of life in this area.

There's no substitute for a personal visit, of course, and I hope you'll contact me soon to schedule your first house-huntiing trip. As a native Marylander and long-time REALTOR, I know the area well and look forward to giving you the grand tour of Anne Arundel County (and nearby Howard and Prince George's Counties, if you like).

In the meantime, check back often because you will find new posts added periodically.

WELCOME TO ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY!

Welcome to Anne Arundel County -
When you live in Anne Arundel County, you can play a round of golf in Crofton, go crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, and then attend a concert at the Kennedy Center in ...

3 Simple Steps to Owning a Home in Anne Arundel County, Maryland -
No need for you to worry about the countless details involved in finding and buying a home in Anne Arundel County, Maryland - It's MY job to handle them on your behalf...

Why Anne Arundel County Website is #2 in the Nation -
Have you visited the Anne Arundel County website? You'll find it to be user-friendly, up-to-date, and informative - some of the criteria used by The Center for Digital Government in ranking...

Maryland On The Big Screen
When you relocate to Maryland, you could find yourself in the middle of a movie set.
You may see Harrison Ford, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Bruce Willis

Fort Meade - What to Expect When You Arrive
Families of civilian employees and military personnel relocating to Fort Meade will find a post that covers 5,415 acres, with nearly 70 miles of roads ...

Welcome to Northrop Grumman in Maryland
Welcome to Anne Arundel County and congratulations on your new job at Northrup Grumman. You may be joining about 500 other engineering, electrical...

Relocating to Anne Arundel County?
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...

BRAC bringing 22,000 new jobs to Anne Arundel County MD
Anne Arundel County agencies are scrambling to anticipate the impact of 22,000 new jobs on infra-structure and public services ranging from transportation to...

QUALITY OF LIFE

Crofton Daycare Options for Relocating Families - 11/6/2008 10:28 AM
Families relocating to the D.C.-Baltimore area often look to the availability of child daycare as a deciding factor in choosing Crofton or another community to live...

Top 5 Reasons I Love Crofton Fine Art & Framing - 10/22/08 2:48 AM
Crofton Fine Art & Framing is located at 1334 Defense Highway in Gambrills, at the intersection of Routes 450 and 424. It's a tiny little shop you could easily miss, if you weren't looking for it.

A New Look for Maryland Terps - 9/21/2008 7:58 PM
Terps football has a new look this year, and I'm not talking about their uniforms, stadium, players or coaches. (Although a huge addition to Tyser Tower is under construction.) During...

Robert Andrew Salon & Spa - Gambrills, MD - 9/18/2008 10:43 PM
This is not your mother's hairdresser or nail salon! Robert Andrew Salon & Spa is a 22,000 sq. ft. "Tuscan-themed" day spa located in Gambrills, about 15 minutes from Fort Meade...

MARC - An Alternative for Anne Arundel County Commuters - 09/09/08 01:58 PM
Commuting from Anne Arundel County to Washington, D.C. or Baltimore is not limited to driving your car or taking METRO. In fact, MARC Rail is the commuting method of choice for...

Crofton Library - Heart of the Community - 07/09/08 07:03 AM Crofton Library is arguably the heart of the community. Located at the intersection of Reidel Road and Aberdeen Drive, it is easily accessible to every neighborhood in Crofton, and ...

Crofton Houses of Worship - 03/16/08 04:07 PM
Relocating to a new area always presents many other challenges besides "just" finding a home. I understand that, after a few of my own PCS moves - often when ...

Higher Education - What to Expect When You Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland - 02/29/08 01:00 AM. Anne Arundel County is located about equidistant from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD - and all the world-class higher education...

Education - What to Expect When You Relocate to Anne Arundel County, Maryland - 02/28/08 11:49 PM. Since Maryland Schools ranked #3 in the Nation, chances are your children will be attending a better school here than the one they left...

Shopping Guide for Anne Arundel County, Maryland - 02/28/08 11:02 AM
There's more to relocating than finding a home. If you're anything like me, finding nearby shopping is pretty high on the priority list, once your boxes are unpacked ...

Four Seasons in Anne Arundel County, Maryland - 02/27/08 08:37 PM
As we moved to different parts of the country, compliments of the U.S. Navy, I was very excited to experience life in a new places. But I really missed winter, as...

A Commuting Guide for Northrop Grumman Newbies - 02/18/08 09:22 AM
Relocating to Northrop Grumman? If you're trying to decide where to live, let me help by giving you some idea of what to expect for your morning and evening ...

World-Class Medical Care for Anne Arundel County Residents - 02/18/08 12:38 AM
When you live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, world-class medical care is just an hour away. Johns Hopkins is the "Best of the Best" in U.S. News & World ...

Maryland Outshines Virginia and D.C on School Report - 01/10/08 11:16 AM
If you're facing relocation to the Washington, D.C. area, or even if you're a current Maryland homeowner contemplating another home purchase, choosing where to live may...

A COMMUNITY THAT IS JUST RIGHT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY:

Crofton Real Estate for First-Time Buyers 10/24/2008 2:18 AM
Crofton Meadows is a community that's priced right for first-time buyers - and repeat buyers, as well. There aren't many places in the D.C.-Baltimore area where you can find a ...

Anne Arundel County Golf Course Communities 9/17/2008 11:14 AM
If you're a golfer, chances are good that living near a golf course is a priority for you. I know because that describes my family! There's no shortage of golf courses in the D.C. - Baltimore...

Choosing an Active Adult Community in Piney Orchard 09/05/08 11:40 AM
Whether you're relocating to Anne Arundel County for a second career, or trading in your current home for an "active adult" lifestyle, you have many nearby options...

April Blooms in Crofton, Maryland - 04/04/08 11:35 AM
Crofton is a "community," however, and not just a subdivision or zipcode. The distinction is in the residents who make Crofton one of Money Magazine's Top 100 Best Places to Live. One of

Waterfront Homes for Sale in Anne Arundel County, Maryland - 02/28/08 11:05 PM
Relocating to Anne Arundel County? If you're interested in a waterfront lifestyle, here is an overview of properties on the market at this time...

Anne Arundel County Rolls out the Red Carpet for Active Adults - 02/17/08 07:58 AM
If you're relocating to Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and you've reached the ripe old age of 55, you'll find no shortage of new and resale communities built just for...

Historic Homes Outside the Naval Academy Gates - 01/28/08 05:46 AM
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...

Top 5 Reasons to Buy A Crofton MD Townhouse - 01/06/08 07:10 AM
You probably already know that Crofton, Maryland, was named one of Money Magazine's Top 100 Best Places to live last year, based on its location, amenities...

Maryland Waterfront Property - Questions to Ask BEFORE You Buy 11/29/07 07:35 AM
Any time of year is beautiful, along the water. Now, when you see reflections of the beautiful fall colors on the water, it's especially lovely! If you enjoy...

20 Places to Buy Waterfront Homes in Anne Arundel County - 10/21/07 07:01 AM
Looking for a Maryland waterfront home? Look no further than Anne Arundel County, with over 500 miles of shoreline along the many inlets, coves, bays and creeks...

Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Purchase Your Next Home in Crofton, Maryland - 09/21/07 04:41 PM. While these buyers are fictional, the facts about Crofton, Maryland, would interest most people relocating to the area....

Crofton Real Estate - Tee it up! - 07/30/07 01:49 PM
My dad always said that a golf course is the best place to raise children, and I have to echo his sentiment. A child who runs home from school ...

5 Communities Among "Top 100 Best Places to Live" - 07/23/07 06:19 AM
Maryland real estate may experience a slight "boom" now that word is out about what a great place it is to live! Money's list of Top 100 Best Places to Live...

RECREATION - NO SHORTAGE OF THINGS TO DO!

Public Gardens Outside the Naval Academy Gates - 03/22/08 11:49 AM
Daffodils are popping up inside the Naval Academy gates, buds are appearing on the dogwood and cherry trees, and azaleas will soon be in bloom. If you've

Family is In the Car, and We Are Ready to Go! - 02/25/08 06:31 PM
In the unlikely event you run out of things to do in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis, and even your own neighborhood in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, the ...

For Golfers Relocating to Anne Arundel County Maryland - 02/24/08 10:17 PM
First a little golf trivia... As a golfer, I'm sure you're familiar with the customary RED TEES for women, WHITE TEES for men, and BLUE TEES for Championship play...

A "Tale of Two Cites" Near Anne Arundel County, Maryland - 02/24/08 10:07 AM
What does Charles Dickens' classic tale about the French Revolution, England and spying have to do with working at Northrop Grumman, USNA, Fort Meade, BWI or ...

STOP, You Need a License to do That in Maryland - 02/17/08 01:42 PM
When you relocate to Maryland, you'll find water, water, water everywhere! In fact, there are 4,360 miles of tidal shoreline within the Maryland portion of the...

Around the Maryland Beltway - 07/22/07 01:10 PM
Maryland Real Estate is not the only thing that REALTORS in the D.C. Metropolitan area have to offer relocating buyers - we are privileged to live and work in an...

RESTAURANTS:

Crofton Loves Kauffman's for All-You-Can-Eat Crabs - 7/08/08
Kauffman's Tavern is not located on the water, where you might expect to find one of Anne Arundel County's premier crab houses. In fact, it's not even a crab house. But boy, do...

Crofton Maryland Restaurant Review - Italian Market - 03/28/08
When Larry and I moved to Crofton, Maryland, in the 70's, there were just two commercial dining establishments: Pigeon House (at the site now housing Jasper's) and the Sly...

Have You Dined at McCormick & Schmick's in Annapolis? - 02/11/08
Larry and I eat out often, as I've mentioned before, and this weekend we decided to check out a new restaurant in the Annapolis Mall expansion, just 20 minutes from Crofton...

Is There Any Such Thing As a PERFECT Dining-Out Experience? - 01/21/08
Crofton is home to many restaurants and we patronize them several times a week - from Ledo Pizza at Eddie's Place to Damon's, and then beyond Crofton to nearby restaurants...

Little-known Facts about Crofton's Ledo Pizza - 11/15/07
Crofton loves Ledo's at Eddie's Place, that's for sure! Several months ago, I held a pizza contest on another website and invited people to post a comment about their favorite...

RELOCATION TIPS:

Resources for Davidsonville Newbies - 08/08/08 11:20 AM
'Just bought a Davidsonville home, settlement is over, the moving truck has come and gone... now what? Unpacking and putting things away seems like a good place to start...

If Price Were No Object, What Would Your Dream House Look Like? - 07/06/08 9:14 AM
If you're looking for a home in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, this is something I'll probably ask you before we step foot into a single home. Even though price IS an object, ...

Why Get a Home Inspection When You Relocate to Maryland - 02/28/08 07:18 PM
Peace of Mind - the #1 Reason for you to get a home inspection! Whether you're relocating to Anne Arundel County from another part of the country, or just ...

Last Minute Moving Checklist for Your Relocation to Anne Arundel County, Maryland - 02/25/08 08:18 PM. Did I tell you about the time when movers packed wet coffee grounds from my sink? Or another time when my un-emptied kitchen trash can...

Would You Hire This Agent? - 02/12/08 10:31 PM
If you're relocating to Maryland, you probably want an agent who.Gives you undivided attention; Understands and respects your needs; Knows the market...

Moving Your Pets - 02/09/08 02:28 PM.
Including Anne Arundel County Veterinarian Directory and Dog Park Directory
From dogs and cats to birds and fish, pets are part of the family and we...

A Question Everyone is Asking - 02/08/08 11:03 AM
How Long Has That House Been on the Market? was asked by Brian Block about a week ago on ActiveRain. As he says in that post, it's a question that is "topping ...

Home Financing Mystery Unraveled for Buyers - - 12/30/07 01:01 PM
When I get that phone call from the office receptionist to say "Your clients are here for their appointment," it always makes me smile. In the next 30 ...

How to Get Your VA Certificate of Eligibility - 12/16/07 08:55 AM
VA Home Buyers, arm yourself with a Certificate of Eligibility and a loan pre-approval. Just two or three years ago, you had to settle for a conventional loan, because ...

Good News for VA-Eligible Home Buyers in Maryland! - 12/15/07 10:56 AM
Sellers WANT you now, after years of shunning VA buyers! It's true, home sellers are eager to accept your offer on their home, even though your choice of financing...

What I Won't Tell You (and Why) - 03/26/07 07:52 AM
Why Real Estate Agents Don't Always Answer Your Questions. This is the topic addressed in an article appearing on MSN's homepage today, and I opened it with...

AFFORDABLE HOMES:

Home prices and property taxes are low, by comparison with other counties in the D.C. - Baltimore area. Use these links to look for homes in the following communities:

Annapolis - Homes for Sale

Crofton - Homes for Sale

Crownsville - Homes for Sale

Davidsonville - Homes for Sale

Fort Meade Area - Homes for Sale

Gambrills - Homes for Sale

Odenton - Homes for Sale

Luxury Homes for Sale

Waterfront Condos & Townhomes

Waterfront Over $2,000,000

Waterfront Under $2,000,000

FEEDBACK FROM ACTIVERAIN REFERRING AGENT:

Jim and Ellen Crawford, RE/MAX Greater Atlana

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Providing community and real estate information about the Greater Crofton Area is my way of attracting new D.C.-Baltimore area home buyers to our community while also keeping my neighbors informed and earning their real estate business. Please click on Margaret Woda, Crofton REALTOR or call/text me at 301-346-2923 for help with your next home sale or purchase in the Greater Crofton Area.

DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
FREE home search APP for your iPhone/iPad (demo)
Check my references on Zillow

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Ready to buy a home, but can't sell?

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:07:49 -0500

REAL ESTATE Q & A

Q. How can I take advantage of today's great interest rates and home prices, when I can't sell my current home?

A. If your housing needs have changed, welcome to the club. That's a perfectly normal situation that has motivated home sellers and buyers for decades.

In today's market, however, it's not always easy (or even possible) to sell one residence and use the equity to purchase another. That doesn't necessarily mean you're trapped forever in a home that no longer fits your shrinking or growing household... not if you can rent that home for enough to cover your monthly mortgage payment.

Have you considered these other options for your down payment and closing costs?

VA Financing - Little or no money down for qualified veterans, as well as active duty military. Even if you've already used your VA eligibility in the past, you may be able to use it now. My husband and I have used VA several times for refinancing and purchasing.
FHA Financing - Only 3.5% down for qualified buyers, within the local loan limit. This is very popular in today's market.
Closing Help - FHA and VA allow sellers to pay up to six percent towards "actual costs" of the loan. Some Conventional loans allow sellers to pay up to three percent of the borrower's closing costs. With so many homes on the market, many sellers are willing to do this.
Retirement Plan - In some cases, you may be able to borrow your own money previously contributed to a retirement plan. Check with your plan administrator to find out if this is possible and to determine any penalties or tax obligations that accompany this action. One of my clients is using this resource to close on his first home in January, and the seller is paying most of his closing costs.
Life Insurance - You may be able to liquidate the cash value of your life insurance. Check with your insurer to find out if this is an option for you.
Refinance your current home - Even if you can't sell your current home in today's market, you may be able to liquidate some of your equity for down payment and closing on another home by refinancing. For some homeowners, refinancing will lower the payment to improve cash flow, even if you don't take cash out.
Relatives - Even if you can't refinance your current home or use your retirement plan or life insurance for down payment and closing, your parents or another relative may be in a position to do so. It doesn't hurt to ask.
Owner Financing - The sellers of some homes on the market may be willing to hold a second trust for all or part of your down payment/closing costs. My mother recently reminded me that she and my dad sold their home with owner financing during a previous real estate meltdown.

Don't assume you can't get a Conventional loan with minimal down payment. 95% loans are making a comeback in the marketplace, and some well-qualified buyers are taking advantage of them to avoid the high FHA insurance.

If your housing needs have changed, you aren't necessarily trapped in your current home by today's struggling real estate market. This may be perfect timing for you to make a move.

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
FREE home search APP for your iPhone/iPad (demo)
Check my references on Zillow

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Electronic Signatures Gaining Acceptance

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:41:01 -0500

CROFTON, MARYLAND: REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q. I want to sell my Crofton home, but I live in California. Will you mail the paperwork to me? Fax it?

A. Paperwork that required mailing 10 years ago and scanning/emailing just 2 years ago can now be signed and sent electronically. Let me explain…

________________________

Your autograph is no longer necessary on real estate sales contracts, addenda, and other documents used to buy, sell, and lease real estate. E-signing is the latest item on a long list of technology innovations since I started in this business. I love it!

The e-Sign Act (2000) and Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (1999) made electronic signatures binding, but there are still a few hold-outs in the banking world that won't accept digital signatures. In these situations, many people use electronic signing in their initial negotiations and then follow up with a copy signed the old fashioned way – with pen and paper – after the agreement is complete.

However, FHA is on board (FHA Letter) and so is the National Association of REALTORS (NAR White Paper), as well as many lenders.

Here's how e-signing works:

1. Your agent goes online to an e-signature company (such as Authentisign or Docusign) to create a new signing. The first step is to name the signing, such as “123 Crofton Parkway - Lease.”

2. Your agent will identify each participant in the new signing by entering their name, email address, role in the transaction, and whether they are a signer, reviewer, or copy recipient.

3. The document (or two or three…) will be uploaded by your agent. It's done the same way you add an attachment to email.

4. Your agent will then go through the document to identify each place where a signature or initials are needed. It's a simple “drag and drop” process. If cross-outs or written changes are needed in the document, your agent will do that electronically and create an initial box next to it.

5. After reviewing the document to make sure nothing has been overlooked, your agent will go to the final step – i.e., sending it to you, accompanied by an email message with any comments or instructions.

6. You receive an email containing the document, along with step by step instructions, and submit it for authentication.

7. After your document is authenticated by the e-signature copy, it is forwarded to the next party. Once all parties have signed, the final copy will be sent to anyone identified as a reviewer (such as your agent) and a copy will be delivered to everyone listed in Step 2.

8. Now all parties have an electronic file of the completed document, which you can save as a PDF file and print for a hard copy.

My clients have used electronic signing for leases, listings, contracts, and random follow-up documents such as the home inspection addendum. Obviously it's ideal for people who are out of the area, but even clients who live in the greater Crofton area love the convenience.

Don't be surprised if there's an electronic signature in your future, especially if you buy or sell a home. This ranks right up there with fax machines, cell phones, online listing data, and electronic lock boxes… just a few of the other technology innovations that have made life easier for consumers and real estate agents alike.

Posted by the author to Focus on Crofton on 11/18/11

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
FREE home search APP for your iPhone/iPad (demo)
Check my references on Zillow

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

What Is The Dollar Value of A First Impression?

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:48:19 -0400

Are you still questioning the importance of staging your listings? You might be convinced after reading this post.

Home sellers simply don't get a second chance to make a good first impression on prospective buyers!

Via Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis/ St. Paul, MN - Shar Sitter (Rooms With Style):

Do you have any idea what the dollar value is of a buyer's first impression?

Home Stagers talk about first impressions all the time. We talk until we are blue in the face and sometimes we are still dismissed with "it's not that important, I have a great kitchen."

That may be true but the first gut reaction never goes away. I heard Real Estate Agent and Mogul Barbara Corcoran put an actual dollar value on first impressions and I sat up straight in my chair. I had never heard it expressed in actual $$$ before.

If you are not aware of who Barbara Corcoran is, she is a Real Estate Contributor on NBC's Today show, part of ABC's reality hit Shark Tank, as well as a frequent guess on one of my favorite shows "The Nate Berkus Show".

It was on Nate's program that I heard this discussion*. A young couple had their home for sale for six months with almost 100 showings and without receiving a single offer.

Nate asked Barbara if Home Staging is really needed and worth it in this depressed economy and Real Estate Market. Barbara's reply and I paraphrase:

"Home Staging is no longer an option. It makes a difference of a house selling or not. Homeowners do the heavy work of upgrading kitchens and baths but Home Staging makes the biggest difference on first impressions. People walk in and feel like 'I want to live here. It feels like I could see myself living here'."

With Designer Nate Berkus's expertise they assisted this couple with their living room, the first room the buyer walked into. They took down blinds, painted the dated brick, rearranged the furniture which was pushed against the walls, deleted bulky over-sized furniture and a wall unit blocking the view of the fireplace and added some new items.

Do you know what Barbara said was the dollar value to the bottom line for this change?

5% - 7% of the value of what the home is worth!!

Now do you understand how important a first impression is?

With a $400,000 listing that is $20,000 - $28,000.

If you think you can't afford Home Staging you may want to think again. You may be leaving money on the table.

If you don't want to leave money on the table call a certified Home Staging Professional at 952-567-1124.

www.roomswithstyle.com

*Watch the complete segment of the Nate Berkus Show by clicking on This Link.

Originally posted at: "What Is The Dollar Value of A First Impression?"

Premier Home Staging and Redesign Firm Serving the Entire Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN Area


Shar Sitter

Website: http://roomswithstyle.com/

Portfolio:  Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis, MN

Email: Shar@roomswithstyle.com

Although each house is unique there is one common goal...using our expertise to get your home sold as quickly as possible.

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
FREE home search APP for your iPhone/iPad (demo)
Check my references on Zillow

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Operation Christmas Comes to Crofton MD

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:35:06 -0400

Take those elf hats out of your closet… it’s time again for Operation Christmas!

We prepared over 100 holiday gift bags for deployed troops last year, thanks to the incredible generosity of Crofton area residents, including many of the agents at Long & Foster REALTORS, and it's that time of year again.

We already have many donations for this year, without even asking, but we still need the following items on or before October 19:

Assorted toiletries, paperback books, white no-logo socks, 5½ x 8½ inch puzzle books, toys appropriate for a 20-yr. old, tissue packs or wipes, unique gift items (paperback books, LED reading lights, manicure kit, sunglasses, disposable camera) and healthy snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, etc.

You can drop them off at Long & Foster in Crofton, or send a check to Margaret Woda at Long & Foster REALTORS, 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 for us to purchase gift items on your behalf.

Several elves (Long & Foster agents) will help fill the bags and pack them for shipping on October 21. Everything will be well organized in advance by Crofton Village Garden Club members, so it shouldn’t take longer than two hours, max. If there are enough donations to ship more than 8 cartons, we'll schedule a second date the following week.

We expect to ship eight cartons of 16 filled gift bags to Operation Give as our contribution to "Operation Christmas Stocking." They cover the cost of our shipping to their warehouse in Utah and shipping to the troops. This is one of several ongoing operations they have throughout the year, so take a look at their website.

Don't have TIME or MONEY, but want to say "thank you" to our troops by participating in Operation Christmas? Use this as an excuse to touch base with former clients. Post it on your Facebook page. Your sphere of influence may surprise you!

For more information, contact Margaret Woda (301) 346-2923 or mwoda@MRIS.com.

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
FREE home search APP for your iPhone/iPad (demo)
Check my references on Zillow

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Kickoff Today for Navy Football

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 07:52:50 -0400

Kickoff for the 2011 season and the Navy vs. Delaware game is 3:30 p.m. today at the Navy Marine Corps Stadium on Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis.

Parking at the stadium is reserved for those with seasonal parking passes, but there's plenty of free parking for the rest of us at satellite lots. The most convenient location for Crofton residents is the Harry S. Truman Park & Ride, off Riva Road.

Free shuttle service begins five (5) hours prior to kickoff and drops riders off in front of the Navy Ticket Office at the Class of 1953 Pavilion. Shuttles run about 20 minutes apart. After the game, you can pick up the shuttle at the same spot, beginning at the start of the fourth quarter until 90 minutes after the game. Nothing like door to door service! Chances are good that you'll walk less between your car and the gate than folks who park at the stadium itself.

Crofton residents who have never attended a Navy game should do so at least once. Pre-game pageantry as the Brigade of Midshipmen march into the stadium and fill the field, one hour prior to the game, is a sight you won't soon forget. Even if you're not a football fan, per se, you might become a Navy Football fan - just for the game-day experience!

Reserved seating is just $35 for today's game, or you can get "standing room only" tickets for the grassy hill overlooking the stadium at $20 for adults and $12 for kids. Buy Navy football tickets HERE. Some games are sold out, including most "away" games, so don't miss your chance to experience Navy Football today!

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
FREE home search APP for your iPhone/iPad (demo)
Check my references on Zillow

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Crofton MD Makes Top 100 Best Places to Live

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:21:26 -0400

The CNN Money annual list of the Best Places to Live 2011 includes Crofton MD at #82.

Most people in Crofton and the greater Crofton area would agree that our community is a “Best Place to Live,” but Money has some stats to back up their claim.

Here is the CNN Money comparison of Crofton with the average for all “best places” on their list:

In my experience, the primary reasons most people choose to live in Crofton and the surrounding area are not reflected in these statistics.

They include recreational opportunities (parks, golf, bowling, movie theaters), public resources (libraries, museums, and arts venues), commuting convenience (international airports, rail, and Interstate highways), nearby employment opportunities (D.C., Baltimore and Annapolis), well-maintained neighborhoods in various price ranges, local and regional shopping and dining options, places of worship, and the highly involved residents who fuel our many community organizations.

These benefits of living in Crofton can't be easily measured, but they are priceless!

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

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Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Army Band Concerts Scheduled in August at Fort Meade

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 22:17:17 -0400

"The Musical Ambassadors of the Army"continue their summer concert series at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Fort Meade Pavilion on Llewelyn Avenue, about 20 minutes from Crofton.

This Saturday, August 13, The Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus return home to Fort Meade after their Independence Day collaboration with the Boston Pops. The concert will feature some of the most timeless works of band literature as well as new arrangements written specifically for these ensembles. The repertoire for this concert will be selected and conducted by the Soldier-Musicians of the Field Band.

The Army Field Band's pop/rock band, The Volunteers, have an electrifying, heart-pounding show that you can enjoy the following weekend, on August 20.

Culminating this years summer concert series will be the U.S. Army Field Band on August 27, with their 65th Anniversary Concert. Every performing component of the band will perform, including The Volunteers, Jazz Ambassadors, Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus. The finale will be Tchaikowsky's 1812 Overture, featuring live cannons.

We're so fortunate to have these bands based nearby at Fort Meade. Why don't you take advantage of the opportunity to hear them perform, and take the whole family to Fort Meade for one of these concerts?

Posted originally at FocusOnCrofton.com

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

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Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Crofton Home Buyer Alert - 130 Homes Currently for Sale

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:10:57 -0400

Home buyers still find Crofton an attractive place to live, and Crofton homes have continued to sell throughout the real estate downturn. The stability of the Crofton real estate market is evidenced by the fact that none of the detached homes currently on the market are either bank-owned or potential short sales, according to our regional multiple listing system.

DETACHED HOMES

There are forty-two detached homes for sale now in the 21114 zipcode, ranging in price from three homes priced just under $300,000 to an 8–year old 6–bedroom colonial in Braddock Farms at $679,900. The most expensive home on the market in “Old Crofton” is actually the $599,990 new home, which is located on the corner of Crofton Parkway and Tarrytown. The majority of homes in Crofton, however, are 20–30 years old.

Click on Crofton detached homes to view photos, prices, and other details for currently listed detached homes in the 21114 zip code. This list is automatically updated, and will always be accurate at the time you click on the link.

TOWNHOMES

Sixty-four townhomes are on the market now in Crofton, ranging from a low of $135,000 for a lower level piggy-back unit in Bancroft to a $349,999 3–level garage townhome in Walden. Three of the listed townhomes are bank-owned and nine of them are potential short-sales – a great opportunity for investors, eager to take advantage of the low prices, low interest rates, and Crofton's convenient location for renters! Four of the townhomes currently on the market are newer, i.e. less than 10 years old, but most of them are in established neighborhoods.

Click on Crofton townhomes to view photos, prices, and other details for currently listed townhomes in the 21114 zip code. This list is automatically updated, as well, and will always be accurate at the time you click on the link.

CROFTON CONDOS

There are eight “other” homes currently for sale, including two of them in the Tiers at Walden. The other six could have been identified as townhomes, as many of their neighbors were. The confusion comes from the fact that these townhomes are located within a condominium association. You will not find these homes included among the townhomes, however, so home buyers will have a harder time finding them in an MLS search.

If you'd like to check out these homes, please contact me directly.

Do you have a good real estate app for your smart phone? There are several available at the Apple iTunes store, including one from realtor.com, zillow, and Long & Foster. To view a demo of the Long & Foster app (which is similar to the others mentioned here) and to get a free VIP access code, click on L&F mobile home search (for iPhone and Android).

Online home searches are a great way to begin your home purchase, but remember… it's just one resource. There's no substitute for actually visiting property and seeing it first-hand. Contact me today to inspect your favorite online finds, and for help choosing a lender, home inspector and other professionals who will likely have a role in your home purchase.

Originally posted 8/8/11 at FocusOnCrofton.com

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
FREE home search APP for your iPhone/iPad (demo)
Check my references on Zillow

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Are you as annoying as your Signature?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:34:32 -0400

One thing that's interesting about Activerain signatures is the many different styles. from strongly narrative to business-card like to packed with links. They're as different as the many personalities of members!

Via Mimi Foster - Realtor Colorado Springs (EPIC Real Estate Group Real Estate Colorado Springs):

(That was just a joke . . . don't get all defensive on me.) This morning I read an interesting article by Kristine about all of the prior posts that people put at the bottom (or top) of their signature. I found the article interesting because it is certainly a pet peeve of mine. But it made me think of another pet peeve, and that is a person's signature that takes up three or four or five computer screens to get to the comment section. My own opinion is that, if it takes much more than one computer screen for me to see who you are, it is probably too long.

This is obviously and completely a personal preference, so I agree with Kristine, please don't jump all over me for my opinion. But the fact of the matter is, I want to read your blog, and if I like what you have to say, I'm gonna find out who you are, where you are, and what you do. On the right side of your screen is a pretty picture of the person writing, so you probably don't need another one in your signature. The way that I normally do that is to go to a persons blog and read other stuff that they have written. I am NOT going to find out who you are by mis-aligned pictures and a list of links that I will never look at.

Seriously, think about yourself for just a minute (that shouldn't be too hard, right? ;) ). Do you EVER read people's signatures? Do you look at what they have to say in their signatures even the very first time you read their post? I can't remember reading a signature. I will click on a Facebook or Twitter link if I like the author. However, I get a little exasperated every day having to keep scrolling and scrolling to get to comment on a worthy post. Put those in your Profile. I think that that is rightly where they belong. I will even admit that there are some signatures that are so absolutely annoying that I have unsubscribed from the writer because it wasn't worth getting thru all of those previous posts and pictures that I don't care about to make a comment. No matter how good the post, it wasn't worth the aggravation.

I totally understand the argument that there is SEO to be had in previous posts. Go for it, but change your current twenty links to two to five links, and then just change those every now and then. I promise you, people aren't reading them all just because they are in your signature line.

Oh, and a neat thing that I learned from Eric Cooper and Jim, part of Russell Ray's crew (the KING of 20 line links) is that all you have to do to get to the end of a signature and all of the comments is either hit the END button or the PAGE DOWN button. Thanks, guys!

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If you enjoyed reading this post, be sure to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to the right -----> to stay up-to-date with Mimi's Musings. If you are not completely satisfied, you may unsubscribe at any time and get double your money back!

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If you would like to Search for Homes in Colorado Springs, CO, or for any of your other real estate needs, please contact your Colorado Springs Realtor

Selling homes throughout Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City,

Manitou Springs and surrounding areas with a

Specialty in Victorian and Vintage Homes in
Downtown Colorado Springs

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

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Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

For Golfers Relocating to Anne Arundel County Maryland

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:17:56 -0500

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.

First a little golf trivia...

As a golfer, I'm sure you're familiar with the customary RED TEES for women, WHITE TEES for men, and BLUE TEES for Championship play. This system was actually the brainchild of Frank Emmet, Director of the District of Columbia Golf Association's junior activities in the 1920's and a member of the USGA Junior Championship Committee. But Frank Emmet's legacy reached beyond this to many generations of golfers in this area with his mantra On the links, and off the streets*. My entire family still benefits today from this philosophy and his passion for encouraging children to learn the game of golf.

My brothers and I participated in the Emmet-founded Junior Golfers of Washington when we were adolescents and teens. My own children did, too, competing against other kids from the greater Washington area at some of Maryland's top golf courses such as Congressional, Columbia, Manor, Argyle, Kenwood, Bethesda and Woodmont Country Clubs, as well as courses in Northern Virginia. What great opportunities we enjoyed, thanks to the legacy of this one man. (And, when my husband and I watch golf on TV, we can honestly claim our boys held their own, competing as teenagers against some of today's greats - Tiger Woods, Phil Michelson, Lee Jansen, Rocco Mediate and others.)

While Frank Emmet pioneered organized junior golf in this area (and the nation), thousands of other volunteers have insured the continued popularity of junior golf since then. Today's kids are still On the links, and off the streets* at neighborhood golf courses in Anne Arundel County, literally walking out the back doors of their homes to play at Bay Hills in Arnold, Crofton Country Club and Walden Golf Course, both in Crofton, and Chartwell Golf & Country Club in Severna Park.

If you're a golfer or golfer wanna be, relocating to Anne Arundel County to work at Fort Meade, NSA, Northrop Grumman, BWI, or the U.S. Naval Academy, you will have many options. Whether you play for recreation or competition, you will want to check out the courses on this list. I recommend you call or visit the clubs for more information and make arrangements to play a round at each before choosing one to join.

Annapolis Golf Club
2638 Carrollton Rd
Annapolis, MD 21401
Applewood Course at Courses at Fort Meade, The
6800 Taylor Ave
Fort Meade, MD 20755
Bay Hills Golf Club
545 Bay Hills Dr
Arnold, MD 21012
Chartwell Golf & Country Club
1 Chartwell Dr
Severna Park, MD 21146
Compass Pointe Golf Courses
9010 Ft Smallwood Rd
Pasadena, MD 21122
Crofton Country Club
1691 Crofton Pkwy
Crofton, MD 21114
Eisenhower Golf Course
1576 Generals Highway
Crownsville, MD 21032
Heritage Harbour Golf Club
875 Harry S Truman Pkwy
Annapolis, MD 21401
Old South Country Club
699 Marlboro Rd
Lothian, MD 20711
Parks Course at Fort Meade
6800 Taylor Ave
Fort Meade, MD 20755
Renditions Golf Grand Slam Experience
1380 W Central Ave
Davidsonville, MD 21035
Sherwood Forest Golf Course
134 Sherwood Forest Rd
Sherwood Forest, MD 21405
South River Golf Links
3451 Soloman\'s Island Rd
Edgewater, MD 21037
United States Naval Academy Golf Club
64 Greenbury Point Rd
Annapolis, MD 21402
Walden Golf Club
1500 Riedel Rd
Crofton, MD 21114

Of course, this list doesn't include the many other courses within a half hour of Anne Arundel County - in Howard, Baltimore, Prince George's and Queen Anne Counties. For an aerial view of Maryland golf course, check out www.GolfFlyover.com. To check out homes in golf course communties, contact me at your convenience.

If golf is important in your life, I recommend you start your home search in Crofton, where my children learned to play and where there are two fine courses. It's a great place to live - and living in a golf course community will encourage your own kids to be On the links, and off the streets*. Who knows, if they get an early start with the game, I might be watching the Masters on TV someday and saying about one of the players, "I helped his parents find a home when they relocated to Anne Arundel County."

If you enjoyed reading this, you might like Crofton Real Estate - Tee it Up and another article about Golf at Andrews Air Force Base, in nearby Prince George's County.

(Note: Golf is the Woda family sport. L to R: my husband Larry, daughter Susan, and son Steve at the University of Maryland driving range. I took a break to shoot this photo.)

* I've been unable to find verification that those are Frank Emmet's exact words, but this is something I heard credited to him when I was growing up and again at various awards banquets we attended when our children competed in local junior tournaments. If those were not Frank's "exact" words, it was his general philosophy.

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
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Check my references on Zillow

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Crofton in Photos - Swann Park

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:43:46 -0500

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!

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
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Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Davidsonville Real Estate Market Update - October 2007

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:21:17 -0500

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and it's certainly true when you look at Davidsonville real estate statistics in the form of a graph or chart.

This shows the sold properties each month, alongside the listing inventory. It's not a very pretty picture for home sellers, is it?

As ugly as this appears, there ARE homes selling.

Just this week, closing occurred for my listing on Blandford Way in Wynnewood Subdivision. The property listed, sold and settled in LESS THAN 60 DAYS.

And, I might add, the combined sale price and closing cost subsidy were higher than I initially estimated when I listed the home in September, at 94% of full price (with no interim price reductions).

There is never much turnover in Davidsonville, but I thought you might like to see "Units Sold" and "Days on Market" in Davidsonville this year.

Other statistics for Davidsonville real estate in October that may interest you:

Average sold price down 7.29% from 2006 to $711,687.
Median sold price down 9.40% from 2006 to $675,000.
Average sold price, as a percentage of list price 91.83%

One of the things I look at, when trying to predict the next few months in real estate is this: How many new listings last month compared to new sales. Well, it isn't pretty - 18 new listings, and just 4 properties went under contract, including my listing in Wynnewood.

Thinking of selling?

It's more important than ever for you to choose the right real estate agent - one who "gets" all this mumbo-jumbo and can interpret what it means to you... one who will help you price your home right so it sells and so you get a good price.

If you have any questions about this or anything related to Davidsonville real estate, I'd be happy to help.

UPDATE: The real estate data remains the same, but I am no longer associated with RE/MAX Vision. My current contact informatio is below.

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
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Check my references on Zillow

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Watermelon? I thought Maryland is for Crabs!

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:01:01 -0400

Your real estate connection for Anne Arundel County, Maryland - Home of Fort George G. Meade, Northrop Grumman, BWI and the U.S. Naval Academy

"Maryland is for Crabs" - Who hasn't heard that slogan, even beyond Maryland?

Apparently, if some folks get their way, it may also be "Maryland is for Watermelon" -

A friendly rivalry between Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, who says "there is no beter watermelon anywhere in the country than those grown in Maryland," and Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner, who says "Except those grown in Delaware" has evolved into the MAR-DELicious campaign.

Maryland and Delaware Departments of Agriculture and the University of Delaware have partnered to create this promotion. Local grocers including Giant, Superfresh, Whole Foods, Acme, Food Lion and Weis Markets are among those that will carry and identify MAR-DELicious watermelon. You can learn more about this promotion by reading last week's press release from the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Watermelon won't be the first to step on those crab claws; others already share the limelight in Maryland:

The Oyster State - Oyster fisheries in Maryland promote this slogan
The Queen State - A result of Maryland being named after Queen Henrietta Maria
The Monument State - Probably a reference to President John Quincy Adams' comments about the monuments he saw during a visit to Baltimore in 1827
The Free State - An indication of Maryland's political position opposing prohibition in the 1920's
The Cockade State - Coined during the Revolutionary War in the King's Handbook regarding the cockades worn by Maryland soldiers
The Old Line State - Refers to the dividing line between land grants given by Lord Penn and Lord Baltimore

It will be interesing to see if watermelon really do earn a place on this diverse list of monikers. Somehow, nothing else seems to have quite the same ring as "Maryland is for Crabs".

More interesting reading about Maryland and Watermelons:

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

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Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Condo owners alert...

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:48:01 -0400

It's up to YOU, each and every condo owner, to stay involved in your condo association - at least by paying your dues in a timely manner and being an active participant, if not a volunteer leader.

The covenants and bylaws of some condo associations may not permit changes to the budget without a favorable vote by a quorum of property owners - this includes expenses for maintenance and capitol improvements, as well as any dreaded dues increases. Maintaining the status quo, then, is the only option when residents don't vote for and pay the actual cost of maintaining a condo commuunity.

It's only a matter of time until buildings need painting, roofs need replacing, decks need repairings... If apathy is the mood of residents in your community, you and your community eventually will have major issues to face. This occurs in communities all around the country, as volunteer leaders of condo association seek solutions - costing them time and money, personally - while other residents complain and threaten to sue them. Often overwhelmed by the task at hand, these volunteer leaders may turn to professionals, companies that specialize in managing condo and hoa associations.

A professional management company usually has the experience, resources, and network to look at a condo association objectively - both the finances and the physical condition of the community. It then becomes their unpleasant task to share the truth, Residents may pay for condo repairs. This story illustrates what happens when a large number of owners don't pay their dues, don't participate in their condo association.

In Maryland, there is a strong disclosure law regarding condominiums; all condo buyers have an opportunity to review association documents, budget, and outstanding maintenance items and lawsuits in a "re-sale package" prescribed by law and purchased by Sellers from their association. It is important to read these documents - often an overwhelming task because of their bulk - and then to jump into the association with both feet and stay actively involved as long as you own a unit.

How does this impact you as a condo owner when you're ready to sell? If your condo association is not maintaining your community, you may have to dig into your own pockets for needed repairs to your own unit so it will be attractive to buyers. One of my clients recently sold her condo in the community mentioned in that article, and she hired a licensed contractor for deck repairs, painting and other maintenance items that one might expect Association dues to cover. And, if your state has a condo disclosure law, it may or may not be adequate to comply with that law. Be sure you discuss with your listing agent the advisability of disclosing information about the condo association, beyond meeting state disclosure requirements. This may be considered a "material fact".

Looking to buy or sell a condo in the D.C. / Baltimore / Annapolis triangle? Let me help! I've been helping condo buyers and sellers in this area for over 30 years, and it would be a privilege to help you now.

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
FREE home search APP for your iPhone/iPad (demo)
Check my references on Zillow

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500