Put "Buy a Home" At Top of Your Gift List

Smart shoppers are adding "Buy a Home" to their gift list this holiday. Everyone thinks about buying a new home from time to time, finding something with those special "wouldn't it be nice?" features that your current home doesn't have. What do you dream about when you think about the perfect home?

• Do you thirst for a gourmet kitchen filled with sparkling stainless steel appliances and gorgeous granite counters? And a huge pantry with loads and loads of shelves!
• At the end of a long, tough day, wouldn't it be nice to sink into a deep whirlpool tub in your luxurious master bath?
• Do you long for a cozy study filled with delicious books where you can prop your feet up in front of a fire and sink into a comfortable leather armchair for the evening?
• Maybe the kids are getting bigger and you need more space. Wouldn't it be nice to have a great game room where they could entertain friends?
• When you're trying to shave in the morning and the kids are reaching in front of you to brush their teeth, do you dream of a house with a thousand bathrooms? Well 2 or 3 anyway, just so you have your very own!

Fulfill your dreams this holiday. December is a perfect time to buy a new home, says realtor John Day. It's a buyer's market right now and there are lots of fabulous homes to choose from in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. Financing has never been easier -- many buyers are approved over the phone -- and mortgage rates are excellent. And if you close by December 31, you'll love the tax advantage!

There's no reason to put off owning your dream home. Just call John Day with your wish list and he'll find just what you're looking for. A top agent with prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John Day has an intimate knowledge of the Maryland and Washington DC areas. He'll find the perfect home you want in the perfect community for you. And you can rely on John's experience and tough negotiating skills to get you the perfect price! Visit John's website today to check out the latest listings, then give him a call. Don't delay, there are only 25 shopping days left!

This holiday, give your family the gift of a lifetime. Surprise your family with a bow on the front door of your new dream home!

Home Warranties Provide Peace of Mind

Home warranties protect both buyers and sellers. The life expectancy of a furnace, water heater or even your refrigerator can't be predicted with accuracy. The older a mechanical system is, the greater the possibility of failure. Such inconveniences, while part of life, can make or break a sale when you're buying or selling a house. Smart home buyers and sellers have come to rely on home warranties to insure peace of mind for both parties.

"With the amount of money invested in the home's purchase and personalizing it after the sale, the failure of a major system within the home is an unwelcome experience," says Jerry White in his column Real Estate Matters. "A home warranty can rescue the homeowner from costly repairs or replacements if included in the home sale."

Home warranties can benefit sellers too if coverage begins as soon as the home is listed. The warranty will cover unexpected repairs during the selling process. The peace of mind it offers the buyer can also earn a slightly higher selling price. Since home warranties do not generally cover pre-existing conditions, and often don't cover everything, both buyers and sellers are urged to read the fine print so they understand the policy's terms and exclusions.

Veteran realtor John Day can help you determine whether offering a home warranty with the sale of your home will benefit your sale. If you're selling or buying a home in the Maryland or Washington DC area, John Day has the experience and knowledge to advise and guide you in the sale or purchase of your home. A top agent with prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, you can trust John Day to protect your interests and negotiate a superior deal. Visit John's website today and read his valuable tips for buyers and sellers. Check out local listings, then call John Day and let him put his expertise to work for you. Whether you're buying or selling, John Day is your key to success.

Buying or Selling a Home This Holiday? Rely on John Day to Get the Job Done Without Hassle

No one wants to add the hassle of selling or buying a home to the stress of the holidays, but for many families it's unavoidable. Many job transfers take place in January and in the Washington DC area, the annual changing of the guard often forces house hunting or selling onto the holiday to do list.

If you are buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, veteran realtor John Day and his staff can significantly reduce your stress. A top agent for prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John Day has a proven track record and knows how to get the job done.

• For Buyers. Give John your wish list -- what you want in a home and a community -- and he'll put his experience and intimate knowledge of the area to work for you. John won't waste your valuable time. He'll show you homes that meet your criteria. It's a buyer's market and John knows how to negotiate the best deal possible to save you time and money. A tough negotiator with a proven track record, John will make sure you get the best possible price on your new home. John will walk you through the intricacies of the home buying process, from pre-qualification through closing to make the home buying process as painless and efficient as possible. Click on the For Buyers link to find out more about John's services and to read his informative Buyer's Guide.
  
  
• For Sellers. John Day is a selling machine. The top agent in his Long & Foster office, John is in the top 5% of the 12,000 real estate agents in the Maryland/Washington DC region. John will put his experience and expertise to work for you to guarantee you a quick sale at top dollar. John offers you more than other agents. Harnessing the full power of the web, John has developed a tech-savvy marketing strategy that insures your home will be seen by thousands of potential buyers across the country and even around the world. John is a master at staging homes for sale with proven techniques to maximize earning potential. An expert contract writer and negotiator, John will make sure you get the best possible price for your home and a hassle-free closing. Click the For Sellers link to find out more about John's services and read his valuable Seller's Guide.

If you're buying or selling a home in the Maryland or Washington DC area, you want John Day's experience and expertise on your side. Visit John's website and check out his newest listings and view complete MLS listings in real time. Then contact John Day today and start the ball rolling. If you have to buy or sell a home during the holiday season, you can rely on John Day and his staff to handle all the details of your home purchase or sale efficiently and professionally. Take the hassle out of the holidays, call John Day today. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC area, John Day is your key to success.

Decorating for the Holidays

Many Americans will start decorating for the holidays this weekend and will face the annual conundrum: where to put the Christmas tree and how to rearrange the furniture. Too often a space for the tree is cleared in front of a window or in the corner and the displaced furniture is crowded together at the other end of the room, leaving the room feeling crowded and out of balance. The trick, say designers, is to first select a focal point and second, avoid clutter. This is particularly important if your house is on the market during the holidays when you want it to show at its best, says realtor John Day of Long & Foster Realtors.

Choose a focal point. In many homes the focal point of the holiday room is the tree, but it doesn't have to be. If your furniture arrangement has been centered around a dominant fireplace or large picture window, that focus can be maintained. If there is enough room, you can center your tree in the picture window or place it to one side if you want to maintain the continuity of the view. The tree can also be placed to the side of the fireplace, perhaps in a nearby corner. If you use your fireplace frequently, you'll want to maintain enough distance to avoid a possible fire hazard, particularly if you have a live tree. Centered at the end of a room is another good location for the tree. Basically, you want to choose a location that doesn't block pathways, keeps electrical cords out of site and out of walkways, and allows the tree to be seen from seating arrangements around the room.

Avoid clutter. You may have to move furniture to make way for the tree but don't just shove it closer together or to the other end of the room. The room will either look too cluttered or too heavy at one end. Your eye needs empty space between objects so it can rest and refocus to fully enjoy decorations and groupings. Consider creating new seating groupings in front of or to the side of the tree. Chairs and sofas should be placed to allow comfortable conversation as well as a view of the tree. Avoid placing chairs too close to or too far down the sides of the tree; guests will feel awkward trying to talk around the tree. You may have to move a chair or some end tables to another room, or store them in the garage or basement for the duration of the holidays. Instead of the typical end table next to each chair, use a small table or large hassock covered with a decorative tray as a coffee table in the center of a seating group. Replace table lamps with an unobtrusive floor lamp or two if necessary. And avoid cluttering surfaces. Showcase your holiday decorations by first removing your normal room accessories. Too many decorations will overwhelm the room and draw attention away from your focal point.

John Day is an expert at staging homes for sale and will help you stage your home effectively to sell during the holidays. Visit John's website today and find out about the John Day difference. Whether you're selling or buying a home in the Maryland or Greater Washington DC Metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The folks at Homes Buy Day wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. Today is a day to sit back and relax with family and friends, share a wonderful meal together, and give thanks for our many blessings (and to the inventor of elastic waistbands!). Then stretch out on the sofa, let the tryptophan work its magic, and dose off in front of the game or a movie.

Tomorrow, while the hordes descend on the shopping malls in the pre-Christmas crush, why not avoid the crowds and do a little barcalounger shopping of your own. Visit the Homes Buy Day website (just click the post title) and take a virtual tour of John's local listings. Sign into our multiple listing service (MLS) database and search thousands of real-time listings in Maryland and the Washington DC area. What nicer gift to your family than a new home this holiday? Draw up a list of the features you want in a home and the amenities you desire in a community. Then call John Day with your list and let him and his team put their real estate experience, professional expertise, and intimate knowledge of the area to work for you. Just like Santa did when you were a kid, John Day will make your dreams come true!

Tips for Staging Your House During the Holidays

We're coming up on the Chevy Chase memorial weekend. It's time to plug in a copy of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation into the DVD while you unsnarl the Christmas lights. If you'll be selling your house during the holidays, you'll want to take care not to hide your home's best features behind a clutter of decorations. The best advice from real estate pros: Keep it simple and don't clutter.

If you're selling your house, this is not the year to hide it behind the giant blow-up snowman the kids love. This is also the year to let your neighbor win the annual lights war. Admire or even offer to help with his efforts, just keep your house free of nail and staple holes and your yard free of clutter. A simple holiday wreath on the door is welcoming without detracting from the beauty of your home say the experts.

Inside remember that less is more. A single tasteful decoration relegated to an entry table or mantle -- perhaps a candle or two surrounded by fresh sprigs of holly or evergreen -- is a nice holiday reminder without being overwhelming. If you're selling, this isn't the year to bring out the manger and well-played with plastic nativity pieces. Leave the electric train set in the attic, likewise the Victorian Village. Surfaces should been clean and uncluttered. A Christmas tree, small decorative nativity or Hanukkah candles are fine, just don't overdo it. Some potential buyers are offended by overtly religious symbols. And remember, you want the buyer to remember your house, not your gorgeous tree.

Veteran realtor John Day is an expert at staging houses for sale and can advise you on how best to present your home during the holidays. One of Long & Foster Realtors' top agents, John has the experience and expertise to sell your home quickly and at the best possible price. Visit John's website to find out more or to check the latest listings in Maryland and the Washington DC area. Whether you're selling or buying a home, John Day is your key to success.

Website Is Treasure-trove of Info for Home Buyers

Have you checked out all the features on our website lately? On his Homes Buy Day website, realtor John Day has developed a treasure-trove of information for home buyers. Culling the best information, tips and services from his many years of real estate experience, John has created an excellent website geared to answer all the questions home buyers might have. Whether you're new to the home buying experience or an old hand, you'll find plenty of valuable information on John's website.

Dedicated to his customers' satisfaction, John Day has created a Buyer's Guide packed with valuable tips and information. John's monthly newsletter features the latest real estate market trends and statistics, answers to oft-asked questions, even area movie reviews. His website offers information, statistics and links that buyers can use to research communities in Maryland and the Washington DC area. Among the interesting features you'll find on John's website are:

• Comprehensive home listings and property comparisons.
• Timely information on mortgages and tips on credit.
• Information on specific communities, including data on recreation, libraries, parks, average income, crime statistics, taxes, senior services, disability and social services, volunteering, and links to community websites.
• Data on school districts, including student/teacher ratios, expenditures per student, and school comparisons.
• A glossary of real estate terms.
• Links to many informative real estate sites, including the top 100 real estate websites.

John Day goes the extra mile for his clients. He'll keep you informed every step of the way, answer all your questions, and share with you the depth of his knowledge and experience. Visit John's website today, then give John a call and get the ball rolling. If you're buying a home in the Maryland or Washington DC area, John Day is your key to success.

What Home Style Suits You Best?

You've started looking for a home but have you thought about the home style that suits you best? Knowing the style of home you'll feel comfortable in and the decorating style that will give you the most pleasure can affect your home choice. Try these styles on for size:

• French Country. This rustic style uses natural materials -- exposed rough-hewn beams, a massive stone fireplace -- to evoke a cozy, simple, alpine cottage feeling. Colors run the gamut from fiery reds to creamy yellows, with blues and grays used for balance. Try toiles on upholstery or walls to add interest.
• Tuscan. Comfy and warm, this style blends earthy clays, unpolished marble and stone with hardwoods to create the aura of a sun-drenched Mediterranean cottage. Add viney plants, glass jars filled with fragrant herbs, weathered wrought iron furniture or window shutters. A patio or portico is a must.
• Contemporary. Clean lines make this minimalist look a favorite of artists and architects. Use a neutral palette with a dramatic splash of bold, bright color on furniture or select walls. Since the neutral background draws your eye to the unusual, this is an excellent style for highlighting dramatic art or prized possessions.
• Traditional. Classic and comfortable, this style exudes familial comfort, though some may find it predictable or fussy. Muted colors, plaids and florals are as at home in the traditional home as they were in your Aunt Sophie's parlor. Ornately carved furniture in deep, dark woods are right at home with needlepoint pillows and formal floral arrangements.
• Casual. Inviting and easy to live in, casual homes have simple horizontal lines, textured fabrics and simple details. Think cozy patterned throws, plump comfy couches, furniture you can put your feet on, and the de rigueur leather lounge chair.

Veteran realtor John Day is an expert at matching people to homes they'll love. John listens when you describe your dream home. With years of experience buying and selling homes in Maryland and the Washington DC area, John can help you find just the right home in the perfect community. Click the post title to take a look at John's latest listings. Visit John's website to check out complete listings in Maryland and the Washington DC area. Then give John a call. Your dream home is just a phone call away.

Who Would Have Guessed? Your Mom's Old Furniture Is "In" Again!

Ornate curlicues are out and sleek, clean lines are in. Furniture trends are fluctuating and for the first time since its construction mid-century furniture is in. That's right, the furniture of your youth, assuming you're a Baby Boomer, is all the rage right now according to Cindy Hoedel writing for McClatchy Newspapers (click the post title to read her column).

"We're seeing a move toward a minimalist look across all styles," said Mark Howald, executive vice president of St. Louis auction house Ivey-Selkirk. "Mid-century furniture is in demand for the first time since it was made," said Zesty Meyers, owner of R 20th Century in New York City. (Yes, that's right, furniture popular in the 1950s has reached antique status -- and price! Makes you wish you'd hung onto your parents' old dining room set, doesn't it?) Popular designers, based on eBay searches and sales, are Edward Wormley, Paul McCobb and Harvey Probber. (The Heywood Wakefield dining chair in the photo above, left is a typical example of 1950s mid-century modern. Photo by John Mutrux, Kansas City Star.)

Like everything else, furniture trends go through cycles every 10 to 20 years, said Judee Porter, co-owner of Cheep Antiques in Kansas City, Missouri. "Everybody wants to have something like they remember their parents or their grandparents having." Societal changes drive the swinging pendulum of furniture style from simplistic to ornate. During the materialistic 1980s ornamentation and gilding were in high demand. The 1990s saw the pendulum swing to unadorned mission furniture. Now the pendulum is swinging again, back to cleaner lines. In addition to mid-century modern, some clean styles with minor ornamental flourishes are becoming popular, including Arts and Crafts, Federal and Chippendale. (The 1930s Regency caned chair at right demonstrates the sleek-with-a-flair look gaining popularity. Photo by John Mutrux, Kansas City Star.)

No matter what your taste in furniture, realtor John Day can help you find the perfect home to show it off. John Day has an intimate knowledge of the Maryland and Greater Washington DC Metro real estate markets and is familiar with the ambiance and services of their communities and neighborhoods. Let him know what you want in a home and a community and John will put his experience and expertise to work for you. Visit John Day's website to check out the latest listings, then call John today. Whether you're buying or selling, John Day is your key to success.

Selling? You Need the John Day Advantage!

Has your home been languishing on the market? Perhaps it's time to give yourself the John Day advantage.

Veteran realtor John Day is a top seller with prestigious Long & Foster Realtors. An experienced and savvy real estate professional, John Day has the expertise, aggressive marketing plan, resources and contacts to sell your home when other realtors can't.

John Day offers you much more than other realtors. Here's what you get:

• Aggressive web and search marketing from John's full-time webmaster.
• Professionally designed postcard mailers and in-home brochures from John's graphic artist.
• The model makeover for your home with a 6-month listing contract.
• 4 staffers eager to show your home anytime to prospects and agents.
• A seasoned real estate veteran who is your fierce advocate.
• John's tough and winning negotiating style to insure you get the best price possible.

John Day is a selling machine. He knows the Maryland and Washington DC real estate markets. John is a marketing genius who takes full advantage of the internet which is where many of today's buyers start their house hunting. John has developed the resources and contacts to make sure your house gets lots of traffic and sells more quickly. John is an expert contract writer and a tough negotiator.

If you want your house to sell quickly and at the best possible price, give yourself the John Day advantage. Visit John's website today and read his valuable Seller's Guide. Check out John's master plan for selling your home. Then call today and list your house with John Day. If you're selling a house in Maryland or the Washington DC area, John Day is your key to success.

Great Value, Stunning Contemporary in Annapolis

GREAT VALUE IN WATER PRIVILAGED COMMUNITY IN ANNAPOLIS!!!



This property was just reduced to $979,900. It is a stunning contemporary home nestled in the highly sought after community of Epping Forest a water access community, Located just min. away from the mall and other convienences of downtown Annapolis. 6 bedrooms, 4 and 1/2 baths, 3 car garage, Sunroom. There is a large built in bar and media center in the lower level. This is a must see. Community offers a community marina, tennis, beach, gate house and clubhouse. Contact John Day for more information.

Click the post title to see complete details of this listing.

Garage Makeovers Are Hot New Trend

The latest trend in home improvements might surprise you. "Garage makeovers are the hottest home-improvement category today," writes Michele Meyer in USA Weekend. "Last year, Americans spent $800 million on garage-organizing products, double what they spent 6 years ago. And there are more than 500 garage-organizing firms helping out."

The reason for all this activity? "Most Americans use their garages for everything but the family roadster," Meyer writes. "In fact, 91% of 2- and 3-car garages in America hold only one car." A standard 18'x24' 2-car garage can add 432 square feet of usable space to the family home. Garage space is most often used for storage, easy access to car-care supplies and recreational gear, work benches for do-it-yourselfers, hobby space, even play space for the kids.
In a News USA article, Rancor Inc., a company specializing in home-storage solutions, offered these tips for making the most of your garage space:

• Have a plan. Decide how the space will be used, then draw out a floor plan to help visualize different arrangements.
• Sort your belongings and decide what to store. Discard, sell or donate items that have outlived their usefulness.
• Install stylish and functional cabinetry, shelving and accessories. Your garage is an extension of your home and should reflect your taste and lifestyle.
• Clear up floorspace by stowing gear overhead or on the walls.
• Install work surfaces that fold up against the wall when not in use.

If reorganizing your garage still doesn't give you the extra space you need, maybe it's time to move up. Experienced realtor John Day can help you find a home the meets your specific needs. If you're looking for a home in Maryland or the Washington DC area, call John Day. Give John your wish list and he'll turn it into a reality. Intimately familiar with the Maryland and Washington DC areas, John Day will help you find the home or your dreams. Visit John's website to check out the latest listings, then give John a call to schedule a private tour. Whether you're buying or selling, John Day is your key to success.

Deal a Family Game Room into Your Home

Game rooms are coming out of the basement and taking a more prominent place in the family home. Texas hold 'em, darts and billiards are leading the trend to create family game rooms where family and friends can meet and play together. Builders are including game rooms in new floor plans, and homeowners are repurposing little used spaces in their homes. Family and recreation rooms are naturals for game room makeovers, but some homeowners are converting formal dining or living rooms, even spare bedrooms, into play space, says Paulita Kincer writing for the Columbus Dispatch (click the post title to read the article).

"These ultimate game rooms are a great way to bring neighbors, family and friends together to enjoy a night of fun and competition without leaving home," said E. J. Loferski, director of marketing for Brunswick Billiards. Demand is so high, the company has expanded its equipment line to meet growing consumer demands. "Unlike television and video games, these unplugged fun rooms engage kids in family-friendly entertainment that keeps them active at home for hours on end."

Part of the nesting response and entertainment-at-home preference that grew out of the public's response to the 9/11 attack, game rooms have gone way beyond the simple card table and stack of board games. Pool tables, poker tables, dart boards, foosball games, shuffle-board tables, air hockey, even ping pong tables can be found in today's game room. A place to snack, whether it's a bar with stools or cafe tables, is important. Soda and snow cone machines are popular additions, but the ultimate game room sports a wet bar with microwave and refrigerator.

"The family that plays together, stays together," goes the old adage. Experienced realtor John Day can help you find the perfect home, one that gives your family plenty of space to play together. Want a home with a game room? Maybe one with a big backyard with lots of room to run? What about a whirlpool tub in the master bath to ease your muscles after a pickup game of football with the kids? Whatever your home needs, John Day has the knowledge and experience to find the right home for you in Maryland and the Washington DC area. Visit John's website today to check out the latest listings, then give John a call to schedule a private tour. Whether you're buying or selling, John Day is your key to success.

Sellers Offer Outrageous Incentives to Lure Buyers

Come on down! We're dealin'! Have you heard about some of the fantastic incentives home sellers are offering to lure buyers to their doors? It's better than Deal or No Deal because buyer's can't lose! Geared to attract attention in today's crowded, competitive market, some sellers and their agents are offering incredible premiums to buyers or to agents who close the deal.

New cars, designer kitchens, home theaters, spa weekends, a $500 prepaid gas card, even a college scholarship are only some of the incredible deals sellers are offering to get buyers to the table. In Columbus, Ohio, recent buyer incentives have included a Volkswagen convertible, a golf excursion to Scotland, a resort vacation, a country club membership, and a year's supply of pizza, according to Lee Stratton writing for the Columbus Dispatch (click the post title to read his column). Columbus being a manic football city, one homeowner is even offering 2 seats to the Ohio State-Michigan game to any realtor who produces a bonafide buyer before game day!

As enticing as these offers sound, do such gimmicks work? Well, no. While outrageous incentives may attract a buyer's initial attention, in the end they won't cause him to sign on the dotted line.

"It may bring a few extra showings. But incentives don't sell houses," said Chris Reese, president of the Columbus Board of Realtors. "The buyer is going to look at the location and the price and the house."

What does work? The keys to selling your home in a competitive market are pricing, marketing, preparation and negotiation, says veteran realtor John Day of Long & Foster Realtors in Maryland. While pie-in-the-sky incentives won't budge a buyer, John says sales-based incentives offered either up front or during purchase negotiations can close a sale.

• Price your home to be competitive and in tune with the local market. John Day has the long-term experience in the Maryland-Washington DC real estate market and knowledge of local market fluctuations and trends to properly price your home for quick sale and maximum earnings.
• Aggressively market your home. John Day makes maximum use of the internet to showcase your home to potential buyers. His professional staff will create a personal web page to display your home's best features, including a virtual tour. John is also adroit at using more traditional marketing tools, including newspaper ads, direct mail and professionally created brochures. John makes full use of Long & Foster's vast resources and his network of professional contacts to make certain your home receives plenty of traffic. John also has an energetic staff ready to show your home at a moment's notice so that no potential buyer is turned away.
• Prepare your house to sell. Before the first potential buyer walks through the door, John Day will work with you to make sure your home is enticing to buyers. From creating good curb appeal to staging each room, John will make sure the best qualities of your home are emphasized and evident to buyers.
• Contract negotiations can make or break a sale. When it comes time to close the sale, you'll appreciate John Day's tough negotiating skills. A fierce advocate for his clients, John is an expert contract writer who fights for his clients until the last t is crossed and the last i is dotted. You can rely on John's experience and expertise when it comes time to close the deal.
• Sales-based incentives are a tool that can be used to entice buyers or close the sale. Buyers are particularly attracted by incentives that lower their purchase costs. Offering to pay all or a portion of the buyer's closing costs, such as nonrecurring title insurance or property inspections, can get a buyer to sign on the dotted line. If the carpeting is outdated, offer a carpet allowance. Consider including major appliances with the house if you're marketing to first-time buyers. Veteran realtor John Day is adept at reading buyers. You can rely on his expertise to guide you in deciding whether or when to offer sales-based incentives.

Visit John Day's website today. Check out the latest listings. Make sure you read his valuable tips for sellers and buyers. Then contact John and get the ball rolling. Whether you're buying or selling, John Day is your key to success.

Local Conditions Drive Real Estate Prices

If you're selling your house, the doom and gloom on the news can be more than a little worrisome. Don't panic, urges realtor John Day in his informative November Newsletter. Real estate prices are driven by local conditions and variables. News of desperate market conditions in other parts of the country won't apply to what's happening in your community. John urges home sellers to trust their local real estate agent and rely on him for guidance. Your local agent is familiar with the many variables that will affect how your house will sell in your community.

In the current buyers' market, price is often the first panic point for sellers. Don't drop your price during the first weeks it's listed, advises John. Even if you don't get an immediate offer, it's too soon to worry as long as you have plenty of lookers.

What might cause you to reconsider your price?

• If your home isn't getting any activity, you may have overpriced your home. Often sellers base their price on what they need to net from the sale or the amount they've spent improving the property. "Neither method works," John cautions.
• It's also possible that your local market may have changed, John warns. Public perception that the real estate market is faltering, fanned by doom and gloom news stories rather than facts, can cause dramatic, instantaneous fluctuations in the market.

Things are not as dire as many people think, John says. While the market is slower right now, what people fail to realize is that the comparisons being made are to the real estate markets of 2004 and 2005 which set record sales highs. "This year is turning out to be more like 2003," says John, "which was also a busy year, but one with more normal activity."

You can avoid pricing pitfalls by relying on an experienced real estate agent to help you set the selling price when you list your house. Your local agent will know what's happening in your community and be knowledgeable about the forces and competition driving the local housing market. As John reminds, "Never forget, real estate is local." (Click the post title for more timely real estate information and trends in John's November newsletter.)

If you're selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC area, you want experienced realtor John Day by your side. A top seller at prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John has the knowledge and experience in local real estate markets to price your home to sell quickly and at the best possible price. Utilizing an aggressive web marketing plan to augment traditional advertising, MLS and direct mail campaigns, John can guarantee your house maximum exposure to potential buyers.

A seasoned real estate veteran, John Day has a proven track record as a fierce advocate for his clients, a formidable salesman and a wining negotiator. Visit John Day's website to find out more about John's marketing plan. Check out the latest listings to view John's plan in action. Then contact John Day today and list your house. Whether you're buying or selling in the Maryland and Washington DC areas, John Day is your key to success.