Fabulous Porch Surrounds This Great Ranch Home

With the weather warming up, this weekend will be a fine time to go house hunting. You'll want to make sure you tour this charming ranch home in the beautiful Pleasant Springs subdivision of Brandywine, Maryland. To schedule a tour of this great ranch home, call John Day today.

Ranch homes are in high demand by aging but still independent Seniors and Baby Boomers who no longer want to deal with stairs. The traditional one-level homes are also considered great starter homes by first-time buyers. The handicap-accessible ramp on the great wide, wrap-around deck of this lovely home makes it particularly attractive to Seniors. (Though I can see the ramp being a considerable asset if you have toddlers too. I picture them riding their bikes and pushing toys up the ramp and around the deck. And it'll give you a nice running start if you have to give chase!)

Set on a large level lot with beautiful views from its many large windows, this charming home has been lovingly maintained inside and out. Ready for you to move in, new paint and carpet make this home sparkle. You'll fall in love with the bright new kitchen fitted with gorgeous oak cabinets. Imagine cuddling up in front of the cozy fireplace.

This home has three bedrooms and one full bath. Additional modifications have been made to accommodate wheelchairs and disabilities, including 36-inch wide hallways, doors that swing inwards and tasteful grab bars in the bathroom. Two large sheds provide plenty of storage for your mower, tools, lawn furniture and kids' toys. This home is conveniently located just south of the Beltway near major highways for a quick commute to Washington DC and Andrews Air Force Base.

To preview more great homes in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area, visit John's Homes Buy Day website. If you're buying or selling a home, veteran realtor John Day is your key to success.

Now Is a Great Time to Buy or Move Up

There couldn't be a more perfect time to buy a house. Buyers hold all the aces right now. With home sales sluggish and inventory high, "this market offers a great opportunity to move up," says veteran realtor John Day. In a slower market, not only do you have the luxury of viewing a greater number of homes, but lower prices make buying a home today particularly attractive.

The National Association of Realtors offers a number of excellent reasons to buy a house or move up now. Click the post title to read the entire article.

• Lots of choices. You'll never have more homes to choose from. Toward the end of 2006 inventories reached record levels with 3.75 million homes for sale nationwide. But sales are increasing and inventories are starting to fall. The longer you wait, the more limited your selection will be.
• Great value. Interest rates have been at 40-year lows but are slowly beginning to rise. A 1% change in interest rates from 6.5% to 7.5% on a $250,000 loan means $2,000 per year out of your pocket. If you buy now, before interest rates increase again, you'll save a significant amount of money in mortgage payments.
• Smart investment. Housing continues to be a smart investment. In the past decade, the average home value increased by 88%. Wouldn't it be nice if your stock portfolio had shown a similar gain?
• High demand. Demand for housing continues to be high. In the coming decade, the number of US households is expected to increase 15% and they'll all need a place to live.

Conditions are perfect for home buyers right now, but you need to act quickly. Sales are already picking up, interest rates are nudging up, and sales prices will begin to climb again. Don't miss this golden opportunity to invest in a home or move up to a bigger or more luxurious home while you still hold all the cards.

Agents who make integrity and hard work central to their service are successful even when the market is slow. John Day is such an agent. A top agent with prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John is the realtor you want by your side when you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area. If you're considering moving or know of a family, friend or neighbor who is, give John Day a call. John is never too busy to offer first rate service with honesty and integrity. Visit John's Homes Buy Day website to read his valuable hints for buyers and sellers and to check the latest listings. If you're buying or selling a home, John Day is your key to success.

Stunning Contemporary Home in Annapolis, Maryland Offers Luxurious Living

This stunning contemporary home in the highly desirable gated community of Epping Forest in Annapolis, Maryland has just been reduced for quick sale. Close to great shopping, dining and every convenience, this gorgeous home at 1700 Robinhood in Annapolis is surrounded by quiet natural beauty. A soothing oasis for the busy professional, this beautiful home is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy life and a fabulous place to entertain. You'll enjoy water access, a marina, clubhouse, tennis courts and more.

This luxurious home has six bedrooms with huge walk-in closets, four and 1/2 luxury baths, a spacious well-appointed gourmet kitchen with beautiful granite counters, a delightful airy sunroom, two fireplaces, built-in bookcases, gleaming hardwood floors, a convenient attached garage and so much more. The fabulous entertainment room features a full built-in bar and partial kitchen. Every luxury is yours with the wine cellar and private vented cigar room. Multiple decks provide serene views of the lovely surrounding woods. This stunning home surrounds you with every imaginable luxury.

Click the post title for more information and to take a virtual tour of this fabulous home. Call John Day to schedule your private tour. A top realtor with prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John Day has the experience, knowledge and expertise to help you find the home of your dreams or sell your home quickly and for the best possible price. Visit John Day's website to view hundreds of real-time listings. If you're buying or selling a house in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Gorgeous Townhome Close to Beach in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland

Close the the beach, this absolutely gorgeous townhome is a must see! Located in the highly desirable community of Richfield Station, this beautiful townhome is located at 8020 Silver Fox Way in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland -- less than five minutes from North and Chesapeake Beach.

This very attractive three-level, brick-front colonial townhome has been meticulously maintained and is ready for you and your family to move in. You will love the light and airy two-level sunroom extension that combines with a cozy country kitchen on the main level.

The fully finished basement provides ample space for entertaining and family activities. Three beautifully decorated, spacious bedrooms will accommodate your family and guests. There is one full bath and one half bath with a rough-in for another full bath in the basement. Plush wall-to-wall carpeting adds warmth and elegance to this handsome townhome. Click the post title for more information and to take a virtual tour of this exciting townhome. Contact realtor John Day to schedule your personal tour today. With its great location, this property won't be on the market long.

Visit John Day's website to preview more exciting properties in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. Make sure you check out John's valuable hints for buyers and sellers gleaned from his years of experience as a top realtor for prestigious Long & Foster Realtors. If you are buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC area, John Day is your key to success.

Demystifying Homeowners Insurance

When you purchase a home you're making one of life's biggest investments. Don't forget to insure it! Choosing from the wide variety of homeowners insurance options now available can seem a daunting task, but it's absolutely critical to protect what is likely to be the most expensive purchase you'll make in your lifetime, says Jerry White in his column Real Estate Matters.

Some basic knowledge will help you in choosing an appropriate homeowners insurance policy:

• The fundamentals. A standard policy should reimburse you for basic damages including burglary and destruction caused by fire, smoke, lightning, ice, snow and frozen pipes.
• When disaster strikes. In addition to basic coverage, your policy should protect you from disasters that could destroy your home. You should consider insuring your home for the cost of rebuilding and refurnishing it from top to bottom. Make sure you insure not only the structure, but also the contents which could cost thousands of dollars to replace.
• Flooding. The most common natural disaster in the U.S., flooding is not covered by traditional homeowners insurance policies. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing this additional insurance. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and can be purchased through local agents. If your property lies in a designated flood hazard zone, your lender will probably require that you purchase flood insurance.
• Content replacement. There are two options: 1) Actual cash value reimburses you for the value of the item, minus depreciation based on length of ownership. The longer you've owned something, the less you'll receive. 2) Replacement cost, which carries a higher premium, reimburses you for the full value of the item at current prices. If disaster strikes, the additional cost of this option could save you thousands of dollars when you have to replace your belongings at today's prices.
• Document your property. A detailed home inventory that catalogs all the items in your home will be invaluable should tragedy ever strike. Make a list of all items from jewelry and artwork to computers, tools and sporting equipment, and everything in between. Include a description of the item, quantity, brand name, model or serial number, name of vendor, date of purchase, purchase price and current value or replacement cost. Attach purchase receipts wherever possible. Include photos or make a narrated video inventory. Photograph individual items of particular value, then take a picture of the entire room or closet or drawer to document less valuable belongings. Date stamp the photos or video. Make sure you keep your record in a separate location so that it is not lost should disaster strike your home. A detailed home inventory will prove invaluable if you ever have to document your loss to your insurance company.

A few important precautions will protect your investment in your new home. If you're in the market for a new home or looking to sell your current home, call veteran realtor John Day. A top agent with prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John has the experience and expertise to help you find just the right home in the perfect community or sell your home quickly and for the best price possible. Visit John's website to read his valuable tips for buyers and sellers. Take a look at the newest listings, then call John today. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Hit the Open House Circuit Running

While most home buyers today start their search online, nothing replaces actually walking in the door of a home and peeking in all the nooks and crannies. Certainly, use online descriptions and virtual tours to winnow your choices down to the most promising. But be prepared to lace up your running shoes and hit the open house circuit. Here are some tips from the experts on getting the most out of an open house:

• It's all about volume. Visit a significant number of open houses. The more homes you see, the better you'll understand what you want in a house and what your housing dollar can buy.
• Be prepared. Before you start touring homes, make a checklist of all the features you want in a home. Don't forget to include location factors such as distance to shopping, quality schools, parks, community services and ambiance. The right house in the wrong neighborhood won't make you happy. You should also include features you definitely do not want in a home. Take your checklist with you to gauge how each house stacks up to your dream home. As you visit more homes, you may want to make adjustments to your checklist, adding features you like or hate.
• Talk to your realtor. Let your realtor know not only what features you want in a home, but what you seek in a community. He can use this information to help you pinpoint which open houses might be worth your time. He can also arrange tours of homes that meet your criteria but that might not be scheduled for an open house.
• A picture is worth 1000 words. When you visit multiple homes, it's easy to confuse the details. Take a camera along (or use your cell phone) to supplement the marketing materials you'll be given. Take a picture of the outside of the house before you enter. Include the yard and a bit of a neighboring home to help you mentally "place" the house after you get home. Take copious notes and pictures during your tour of the features you most love and hate. You'll find the visual record invaluable when it's time to winnow down your list to a few favorites.
• Don't feel rushed. Home buying is a process. The more homes you visit, the more sure you'll be that the home you buy is the one you truly want. If a house really interests you, you'll probably visit it several times, giving it a more thorough look each visit.
• Mum's the word. If you particularly like a home you're touring, keep it to yourself. In the final analysis, home buying comes down to a negotiation for price. If you seem too eager at the open house, the seller's agent will pick up on your enthusiasm which may work to your disadvantage during purchase negotiations. If you really like a house, make a note to schedule a private tour with your agent. It will give you a chance to discuss the home's pros and cons in privacy with a knowledgeable expert.

Veteran realtor John Day understands the value of open houses. John will listen carefully to what you want in a home and neighborhood and arrange for you to visit homes that meet your criteria. John Day will not waste your valuable time on homes that don't meet your needs. John can even help you develop a checklist of desirable features to look for, pointing out pros and cons you may not have considered.

Intimately familiar with the many communities and neighborhoods of Maryland and the Washington DC metro area, John Day can help you find the perfect home in the perfect community. Visit John Day's website to check out the newest listings and start narrowing your search. Call John Day and let John help you find the home of your dreams. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Dirt Floors Are Making a Comeback!

Unbelievable as it may seem, dirt floors are making a comeback! Of course, as part of the Go Green movement, the earthen floors of today aren't the common dirt floors of pioneer days. Modern earthen floors are made from a combination of paper pulp, lime, clay and sand. Economical at about $5 a square foot, compared to $15 or more for hardwood, earthen floors are growing in popularity in California and the Southwest.

To make an earthen floor, the ingredients are mixed into a thick mud which is spread across the floor with a trowel much like concrete. Color can be added to the mix and decorative tiles can be embedded in the mud, becoming part of the floor as it dries. Drying takes several weeks before the floor can be sealed with a mixture of linseed oil and beeswax and used. Theoretically, the sealed floor will remain firm and repel water. Aficionados claim sealed floors can be cleaned with soap and water without returning to their original mud state. When the floor looks dull, a new coat of oil quickly renews the shine. Fans claim earthen floors reduce heating costs and environmental impact. Of course, some people just like the way they look, kind of like having an unglazed clay pot underfoot.

Earthen floors are part of a new "natural building" movement that is brushing up against the fringes of green architecture. Believers in natural building think green architecture focuses too much on energy-efficiency, whereas they are more concerned with the eco-friendliness of the entire process. Natural building strives to incorporate into the home "materials that have as little processing as possible like dirt, straw and bamboo," explains Lloyd Kahn, a former shelter editor of Whole Earth Catalog.

Natural building isn't new by any means. In their early phases all cultures built structures with the materials at hand. The practice is still common in poor communities across our planet where people have no choice but to use natural materials to build their homes. Increased environmental awareness in highly developed countries like the United States has focused interest on using natural materials in modern structures. The most practical benefit of earthen floors is thermal. They capture and retain warmth. When paired with radiant heating systems, they can significantly reduce the need for conventional heating.

I'm not sure we can show you a home with an earthen floor in the Maryland or Washington DC area yet, but we'll certainly do our best to find you a home with all the features on your wish list. Visit the Homes Buy Day website to see what's new on the market, then call John Day and let John help you find your dream home.

Creating Picture Perfect Sales

The old adage a picture is worth a thousand words is true in real estate. Most buyers begin their home search on the internet which means that the pictures posted on your realtor's website are critically important. That all important first impression hinges on your realtor's skill with a camera. Good pictures that showcase your home's best features, are well lit and well staged will have buyers calling to see your home. Poor pictures won't get your house a second glance.

Your agent should take multiple pictures for posting on his website. Research shows that home listings featuring six photos generate nearly 300% more viewings than homes without multiple photos. Multiple photos also provide an opportunity to show off your home's best features, to make it stand out from the competition. Don't neglect an outside view or two, especially if you have a fabulous garden, a dynamite deck or are located on the water. The more visual information you can give potential buyers, the more likely they are to come see your house.

Veteran realtor John Day is a whiz with a camera. A savvy internet marketer, John routinely posts multiple photos of each home he lists on his dynamic Homes Buy Day website. Click the post title to view his featured listings. Click more information and scroll down to see multiple pictures and take a virtual tour of some of his listings. This will give you an idea of how John Day will market your home when you list with him. You'll notice John not only provides an excellent series of photos for each home, but he pairs it with an exciting narrative and complete list of features to generate buyer excitement.

Visit John Day's website for more helpful tips on selling your house. (There are valuable tips for buyers too.) Call John Day to list your home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area. A top seller with prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John will put his experience, knowledge and expertise to work for you. John Day will sell your home quickly and for the best possible price. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Deale, Maryland Home Offers Luxurious Waterfront Living

Imagine waking up every morning and coming home every night to a breathtaking view like this. This is the view from every front window of this luxurious home located at 5923 Deale Beach Road in Deale, Maryland. Gorgeous water views of Carrs Creek with serene Chesapeake Bay in the distance soothe the soul and gladden the heart.

With its own private floating dock just a few steps from your door, this home is perfect if you enjoy boating, water sports or fishing. Or just stretch out in the sun and let the gentle rocking of the dock relax you. After a day spent cruising the Bay, return home for a luxurious soak in the hot tub on your spacious deck. Enjoy a cool drink at the end of the day while you watch the peaceful sunset.

Clean, neat and ready for your enjoyment, this great waterfront property has three bedrooms, including one on the main floor, and two full baths to accommodate your family and guests. In the morning grab a quick breakfast at the convenient kitchen breakfast bar before heading out for your favorite fishing spot. The floored attic with pull-down stairs provides plenty of storage space for out-of-season gear. No-maintenance vinyl siding means more time to play and relax on the weekends. Built on a raised foundation, this home has not incurred any water damage during past storms.

Contact veteran realtor John Day to arrange a private tour of this lovely waterfront home. Click the post title for more information and to take a virtual tour. Visit John's website to preview other luxurious homes in Maryland, including other waterfront homes. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Home Ownership Provides Significant Tax Advantages

If taxes are getting you down, it may be time to realize the significant tax advantages that come with owning a home. Check out these tips from Charles Schwab Investor:

• Your home mortgage debt can be a major source of tax-deductible interest expenses. You can deduct the interest on up to $1 million ($500,000 for married, filing separately) of home-secured debt used to purchase a home or make capital improvements on a qualified primary or secondary residence.
  
• You can deduct interest expense on up to $100,000 ($50,000 for married, filing separately) of home equity debt secured by your home. This deduction is available whether you have a regular loan or a revolving line of credit. It may be subject to certain limits, so check with a tax advisor.
  
• Any points you pay when you take out a mortgage loan are deductible. A mortgage point is the equivalent of 1% of the loan amount. You may pay several points up front, each of which is deductible. You can take that deduction during the year you pay points on an original mortgage, or over the life of the loan in the case of a refinancing.
  

While most people don't decide to buy a home for the tax benefits, they are one of the most compelling financial reasons to own a home. If you're ready to take the plunge, contact veteran realtor John Day. A top agent with prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John Day can help you find your dream home or sell your home quickly and for the best possible price. Visit John's informative website loaded with tips for both buyers and sellers. Check out the latest listings and take a virtual tour of your favorites. Then call John Day and schedule private tours of your favorites. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Pricing Your Home to Sell

Setting an appropriate yet profitable listing price may be the most important decision you make when you sell your home. Price your home too far above the competition and you won't attract buyers. Price it too low and you lose profit you might have pocketed.

Use these tips from the experts to price your home to sell:

• Choose the right agent. Interview several prospective sales agents and ask how they would sell your home. Find out how many homes they listed last year, how many sold and in what time period. Find out how the agent will market your home. At a minimum he should list your home on the multiple listing service (MLS). But look for an agent with access to additional listing services, well-developed contacts in the local real estate community that will ensure other agents include your home in their showings, and who makes aggressive use of the internet where most buyers today begin their home search. Make sure you feel comfortable with the agent. Does he listen to and fully answer your questions? The agent you choose will be both ally and advocate in the home buying process; choose wisely.
• Do your homework. Your agent should prepare a comparative market analysis of your property. The CMA estimates your property's value based on recent sales of comparable local properties. You want an agent with an intimate knowledge of the area and the local housing market who can to price your home competitively.
• Deep six your emotions. The selling price of your home should be based on location, physical condition, size, competition, etc. How long you have lived in your home, your fond memories, and the pride you take in your home are immaterial to potential buyers and should not factor into your listing price decision.
• Do the math. Don't forget to add in closing costs, legal fees, and other selling expenses when determining the selling price. A sharp sales associate should be able to give you a detailed list of these additional costs and provide estimates. Look for an agent who is a skilled and aggressive negotiator to ensure you get the best sales price possible.
• Spruce it up. After setting the listing price, make sure your home sells for that price by sprucing up the place. Touch up the paint, fix leaks, seal cracks and give your home a thorough cleaning. You want your home to make a great first impression on potential buyers.

Veteran realtor John Day is an expert at pricing houses and staging them so they sell for the highest price possible. Personable and dedicated to his clients, you'll find John easy to work with. His long experience in real estate has enabled John to develop an impressive network of contacts and resources that will help sell your home quickly and for top dollar. John's savvy use of the internet and dynamic Homes Buy Day website ensure that your home is seen by thousands of potential buyers across the nation. A skilled and aggressive negotiator, John will be your fierce advocate at the negotiation table. You can trust John to get you the very best deal possible. To find out more about John and his dynamic marketing plan for selling your home, click the post title. Contact John today and talk to him about selling your home. If you're selling (or buying) a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Avoiding the Sub-Prime Crisis

In his informative March newsletter, veteran realtor John Day begins a timely series of articles on important issues affecting the real estate market. Based on his considerable experience, John will answer the questions everyone is asking about the future of real estate, anticipate potential challenges facing the industry, and provide advance solutions. Keep reading for a summary of his first article on the Sub-Prime Crisis. Click the post title to read the entire article in the March issue of John Day's Homes Buy Day online newsletter.

The Sub-Prime Crisis

Most home buyers obtain A-Paper mortgages to buy their homes, meeting "standard industry guidelines for income, savings, credit, and property," John explains. If a consumer cannot meet these standards, often due to credit issues, he receives an Alt-A or sub-prime mortgage.

Sub-prime mortgages carry a higher than normal interest, which makes them attractive to lenders, but they are also a greater default risk. The current sub-prime crisis has developed "because a larger portion of sub-prime loans has gone into default than expected," John explains. While sub-prime delinquencies normally run between 4.5% and 5.5%, the current delinquency rate for sub-prime ARMs is about 13%.

What caused the crisis? "One key reason is flipping," states John. During the "ridiculously hot" real estate market of 2004-05, investors bought homes, did a quick remodel, then turned around and sold for a high profit. "As long as new buyers come along, flipping works," John explains. But when the flow of buyers suddenly dried up, some flippers turned to sub-prime loans to unload their properties.

How the fraud worked. Sub-prime mortgages allow buyers, including those with less than perfect credit, to borrow up to 100% of the property's value without documenting income or assets, John explains. "All the seller had to do was inflate the purchase price and manufacture a buyer. The new buyer would get a cut of the profits and never make a payment on the new loan. First-payment default."

Potential for crisis. Those artificially inflated home values may impact homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages as they try to refinance to avoid rising payments. Homeowners may find their refinancing applications declined, warns John, because the actual property value is insufficient collateral for a new loan. If homeowners are unable to reduce their payments, defaults on A-paper loans could increase, flooding the market with more properties for sale, further devaluing home prices.

What to do. Homeowners can protect themselves by instituting Streamline Refinance programs now, says John. Streamline refinancing allows occupying homeowners who meet requirements to obtain a new loan at favorable terms with no appraisal, no qualifying, and no documentation. And leaving the risk where it belongs, with investors.

For more helpful advice on buying or selling a home in Maryland and the metro-Washington DC area, visit John Day's informative website. Whether you're buying or selling, John Day is your key to success.

Call John Day to See These Stunning Homes in Maryland

If you're looking for a home in the Maryland or Washington DC metro area, you must see these two absolutely stunning homes. Contact realtor John Day to schedule your private tour.

5106 Back Stretch Blvd., Upper Marlboro, Maryland

This gorgeous home surrounds you in luxury and is ready for immediate move-in so you're guaranteed a quick and problem-free closing. You will love the stunning architectural details that abound in this elegant home. Just a few of its many fabulous features include:

• Gorgeous master bedroom suite with graceful cathedral ceilings, comfortable sitting room and luxurious bathroom create a relaxing personal oasis from the hectic pace of live.
• Four bedrooms and 3 full baths guarantee plenty of space and privacy for the whole family. There's an additional half bath for guests on the main floor.
• Stunning morning room invites you to linger over coffee.
• Light and airy kitchen with plenty of space and gorgeous cabinets.
• Fully finished basement with hi-tech media room.

9611 South Point Court, Owings, Maryland

You'll fall in love with this impressive luxury home. With the look and feel of a baronial manse, this stunning traditional colonial sits on nearly an acre of land, surrounded by a gorgeous lawn and wonderful fenced backyard. Just a few of its many fabulous features include:

• A breath-taking open foyer and gleaming hardwood floors invite you into this elegantly appointed home.
• Four bedrooms, including two spacious master bedrooms, with 2 full and 1/2 baths provide privacy for the entire family.
• Sink into heaven in the luxurious master bath with soaking tub and separate shower.
• The unfinished lower level with plumbing rough-in for another bath and walkout to the yard provides unlimited possibilities. Give your imagination free reign. You can create a dynamite game room, hi-tech media room, college student or mother-in-law suite -- the possibilities are endless!
• Save steps with the convenient laundry room on second floor.
• You're the master of all you survey as you relax on the lovely back deck overlooking a spacious fully-fenced backyard. What a perfect setting for al fresco entertaining and family get-togethers.

To find out more about these absolutely stunning homes in Maryland, visit John Day's website. A top realtor with prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John can arrange a private tour at these and many other premier homes in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. Call John Day today. If you're buying or selling a home, John Day is your key to success.