Web Power Drives Real Estate Market

The web is the new power player in real estate. When shopping for a home, 80% of buyers start their search on the internet. The internet has taken much of the stress and a lot of the wear and tear -- both on buyers and their cars -- out of the home hunting process. Instead of sifting through hard-to-decipher classified listings and driving hither and yon in search of their dream home, buyers can now view hundreds of up-to-the-minute listings from the comfort of their sofa. With a few mouse-clicks, homes can be sorted by location, style, price and size. Searching on the web allows house-hunters to whittle the field down to a manageable few that most closely meet their criteria. Whether you're buying or selling a house, you want to make certain that the realtor you choose makes effective use of the internet.

John Day was among the first to recognize the value of web marketing in buying and selling homes. He developed the Homes Buy Day website to make home buying and selling easier for both buyers and sellers. John Day makes maximum use of the internet to help buyers and sellers use their time effectively and efficiently. If you're buying, John's website makes it easy for you to find your dream home. If you're selling, John ensures that your home gets maximum exposure. Check out John's state-of-the-art website today.

These are just some of the important features you'll find:

• Instant access. On John Day's website you get instant access to powerful multiple listing search engines. Detailed listings of hundreds of homes are available to you the instant they are listed.
• Detailed descriptions. Each listing includes a detailed description that catalogs acreage, square footage, number of rooms and baths, types of rooms, and significant details about the home and property.
• Take a virtual tour. View multiple color photos that show main features of the home and property in large detail.
• Scope out the neighborhood. Use the map feature and satellite view to telescope out from the house to see the street, the subdivision, the city or the region. You'll get a good feel for how close the homes are to each other and how far the home is from schools, shopping, etc.
• Community info. You'll find easily accessed information about local schools and communities on John's website with great links to community and district websites for even more information.
• Valuable tips and info. On John Day's website you'll find valuable information about buying or selling your home. Don't miss his Buyers Guide and Tips for Sellers. Read the Homes Buy Day blog for more tips for homeowners and the latest news on real estate issues and trends.

The internet is changing the way Americans buy and sell homes, and John Day is at the forefront of these new technologies. Visit John's Homes Buy Day website and give John a call. If you're buying or selling a house in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Open House Tips for Buyers and Sellers

It's spring which means open house season is starting. Here are a few tips from the experts to help buyers get the most out of each open house they attend or help sellers host the perfect open house.

Tips for buyers

• Go to as many open houses as you can. Seeing different homes helps you decide which features you want in a home.
• Talk to your agent and come up with a plan. Realtors have access to many homes without scheduled open houses. Your realtor will be able to schedule tours of these homes so you can make a direct comparison of similar homes for sale in the same area on the same day.
• Take detailed notes as you walk through each home. Put the home's address at the top of each page to keep everything organized. Once you're home, it's easy to confuse houses and features.
• Take lots of pictures. Start with an outside photo of the front of the house that shows the address and a bit of the homes on each side to help you remember which house you were at. It really is difficult to keep the homes and all their features straight once you get home.
• Remember to pick up marketing materials. Usually they'll be laid out near the entrance. Ask the host if you don't see them.
• Don't rush. Give yourself time to poke in all the nooks and crannies. If you like the home, imagine yourself living there. Think about how you would use each room, where you'd place furniture, changes you would want to make before you move in. Visualizing living in the home will help you determine whether the house will fit your lifestyle.
• Keep your comments to yourself, especially if you like the home. You don't want to give away your bargaining advantage. If the seller or his agent knows you want to buy the home, it will be harder for your agent to negotiate a lower price. Instead, make a note to call your agent to schedule a private tour. This is the time to discuss the pros and cons of the house in detail with a knowledgeable professional who has your interests at heart.

Tips for sellers

• Maximize curb appeal. You want your home to feel welcoming. Mow and water the grass, edge walks and driveways, sweep the porch, trim trees and shrubs. Pull weeds and add new mulch to the garden. Plant colorful flowers that are already in bloom in the front garden.
• Store bikes, gardening equipment and toys. Don't leave things lying around for guests to trip over. Also, a cluttered yard leaves a bad impression.
• Remove your car from the driveway to make room for guests.
• Inside, create a blank canvas. Pack up family photos, trophies, collectibles and anything else that marks the home as yours. You want to encourage the buyer to think of this as his home and start mentally moving in his possessions.
• Make sure every room is spic and span. Buyers look at every tiny detail. They'll notice the dirt in the corners and the dust on the ceiling fan. A little dirt makes buyers think you haven't taken care of your house.
• Remove all clutter from rooms and pack up closets so they appear more spacious. You may have to remove some of the furniture to open up the rooms. Rent a storage locker if you have to.
• Make needed repairs. Fix leaks and paint over any water stains. Replace chipped or cracked tile. We're not talking major repairs here, just necessary touch ups so your home looks well cared for.
• Light it up. Open the drapes. Make sure all the light bulbs work and turn them on. A well-lit home shows better and feels more inviting to buyers.
• Crate your pets or take them for a trip to the park. Pack up their toys and bedding. Change the litter box and pick up the yard.
• Go out for the day, you'll just be under foot. Let your realtor handle the action. It's difficult to hear other people criticize your home and your defensive comments won't be appreciated. Also, it's easy in chatting with buyers to blurt out something about your home that may turn out to be a deal breaker. Open houses are best left to the professionals.

Whether you're buying or selling, your open house will be a smashing success if you follow these tips from veteran realtor John Day. Give John a call. John is an expert at staging homes so they show well. Engaging and personable, John is a skilled salesman. He'll put buyers at ease during your open house and knows how to sell your home's features without making buyers feel pressured. A careful listener, John will also learn which buyers are interested and pursue them so your home sells quickly. Visit John's website for the latest listings in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. Check out his great tips for buyers and sellers. If you're buying or selling a home, John Day is your key to success.

Understanding Your Relationship With Your Real Estate Agent

If you're buying or selling a house, it's important to understand your relationship with your realtor as well as the relationship between your agent and brokerage (agency) and how it can affect you and your interests. Each state has laws that govern this relationship to protect the interests of buyers and sellers. Agencies too may have rules governing their relationship with agents. It is in your best interest to carefully read disclosure statements and make certain you understand these relationships. A basic overview of different types of agency relationships:

• Buyer or seller agency. The agent and agency represent you alone in the buying or selling of a house and must act on your behalf and in your best interests. Among other requirements, they must obey your lawful instructions, disclose material facts, and maintain confidential information, including anything that could adversely affect your transaction.
• Dual agency. The same agent and brokerage represent both the buyer and seller. They may not support the position of one client over the other or disclose any personal or confidential information to the other party without written consent. They must disclose material defects and prepare and present all offers and counter offers to each party.
• In-company split agency. The buyer and seller are represented by two different agents in the same brokerage. Each agent represents the best interests of his respective client. In some cases, agency policy may require both agents to act as dual agents, taking a neutral approach to both parties. In either case, the brokerage performs as a dual agent, representing both parties equally and with neutrality.

How it works in Maryland

"In Maryland, just as a written Listing Agreement is required to represent a seller, a written Buyer Representation Agreement is required to represent a buyer," explains veteran realtor John Day. "This agreement specifies that the realty agent owes the buyer loyalty, disclosure, complete confidentiality, accurate accounting, reasonable care and diligence. The agent must disclose to the buyer all material facts, unless prevented by confidentiality or other legal requirements, such as fair housing laws."

"Under Maryland law the real estate agent is a presumed buyer's agent unless you or the agent determine otherwise. When you begin talking with your agent you should understand what type of relationship exists. Written agency disclosure of the relationship is required under Maryland Law," John Day explains. "There are all sorts of agency relationships, so be sure to ask me about them when we meet."

When buying or selling a home, it is important to work with an experienced and competent real estate professional who can explain these relationships and how they will impact your transaction. You can trust John Day to thoroughly and effectively answer all your questions. John ascribes to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. Click the post title to find out more about John Day and his business philosophy. Visit John's website to preview the latest home listings in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. If you're buying or selling a home, experienced realtor John Day is your key to success.

Dynamite Annapolis, Maryland Townhome Has It All!

An absolute beauty of a townhome, you'll love this spectacular end unit loaded with every available upgrade. Located at 1160 August Drive in the desirable August Woods neighborhood of Annapolis, Maryland, this beautifully maintained townhome is just minutes from downtown Annapolis.

Every room of this spacious 2,600 square-foot home is beautifully finished with exquisite architectural detail, including 9-foot ceilings, lovely tray ceilings, decorative crown moldings, polished oak hardwood floors throughout the first floor, and generous extensions on all 3 finished levels. With 26 large windows -- all with professional custom window treatments -- every room in this lovely home is bright and airy.

You'll enjoy entertaining guests around the attractive fireplace in the elegant living room. Gorgeous cherry cabinets gleam above granite countertops in the wonderful gourmet kitchen filled with stainless steel appliances. You'll want to linger over coffee in the adjoining sunroom while you enjoy the view of your garden. In the evening, dine al fresco on the delightful backyard deck.

Four bedrooms with 3 full and 1 half baths provide ample space for family and guests. Relax in the fabulous master suite. Enjoy toasty comfort at the touch of a button while you read the latest novel from your armchair in front of the bookcase-flanked gas fireplace. Pamper yourself with a delightful soak in the master bath soaking tub where you'll also find a separate shower.

The best priced home in the community, this stunning townhome is ready to move into. This home has every perk including intercom, alarm system, interior sprinkler system and so much more you just have to see it. Close to Truxton Park and the water taxi to Annapolis, you won't find a more convenient location.

Call veteran realtor John Day and see this dynamite townhome this weekend before it's gone! Contact John to schedule your private viewing today. Visit John's Homes Buy Day website for more details and a dynamic virtual tour of this incredible home; just click the post title. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, realtor John Day is your key to success.

Dress Up Your Home's Exterior With New Coat of Paint

If you want to give you old home a new look, do it with paint. A new coat of paint can make your house sparkle, set it off from it's neighbors, and make an old, dated house look new and hip -- all through the creative use of color. The trick is in choosing a color that you not only like now but will still like 10 years from now, the typical lifespan of outdoor paint.

There are some folks in Pittsburgh who have you covered, so to speak. The Color Stylist Group at PPG Industries in Pennsylvania predicts color trends for everything from house paint to cars to handbags. So what will the next decade bring?

• Inside colors are moving outside. Expect to see more homes painted in greens, browns and natural stone colors.
• The environmental movement is driving a new trend to lose your house in the landscape. Color and design will be used to meld your home with the natural features that surround it.
• Bright reds and oranges will add some punch to your home. Expect to see them on front doors to make a bold statement.

If you want to see how your home will look with a new color scheme, check out the color visualizer tool on the Sherwin-Williams website.

If you're considering selling your home in the near future, give veteran realtor John Day a call. He can tell you what home buyers are looking for in the Maryland and Washington DC metro area. If you're buying a home, visit John's website to preview the latest homes on the market. Whether you're buying or selling a home, John Day is your key to success.

Home Warranty Provides Peace of Mind

A major repair bill or a new furnace is the last thing you want after you move into your dream home. If you're buying a pre-owned home, you can protect yourself from unexpected -- and unwanted -- repair bills by purchasing a home warranty. In fact, many sellers include a home warranty in the sales package. A warranty also protects sellers from unforeseen problems while their home is on the market and after it's sold. Like buying homeowner's insurance, home warranties just make good sense.

A home warranty assumes responsibility for the repair or replacement of certain covered mechanical components in your home which may fail as a result of normal wear and tear. Warranties ensure that the working parts of a home will function as designed. Covered repairs depend on the warranty plan purchased; so if you're buying a home that includes a home warranty, make sure you read the terms carefully. Typically, warranties cover heating, plumbing and electrical systems, central air conditioning, duct work, hot water heater, sump pump, garbage disposal, dishwasher, trash compactor, built-in microwaves, range, oven and cooktops.

Warranty terms are usually for one year and most are renewable annually, though you may find a small price bump each year to cover inflation and increased wear and tear on your home systems. Price is in the $250 to 400 range with extra coverage available for items such as pools and spas. It's a small price to pay for the extra peace of mind a home warranty provides.

For additional helpful tips for buyers and sellers, visit John Day's website. If you're buying or selling a house in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, veteran realtor John Day is your key to success.

Sellers Need to Reveal Potential Problems with Home

Say your home has a problem that you don't disclose to potential buyers and that doesn't show up on the home inspection. The sale goes through and the buyer doesn't encounter the problem until some time after the sale. By not disclosing a problem with your home, you leave yourself open to a breach of contract claim or an intentional misrepresentation claim, either of which could leave you holding the bag for the new homeowner's repair bill, legal bills and possibly more!

Sellers have a responsibility to reveal potential defects in their homes to buyers. "The best thing for a seller is to be honest and disclose what he or she knows about a home. If the seller is unsure whether a potential defect is material, the seller is better off disclosing the issue," says Ilyce Glink in her nationally syndicated column Real Estate Matters.

Let your realtor guide you in such matters. The purpose of the home disclosure statement is to let the buyer know whether there are any material defects in your home. Veteran realtor John Day can assist you in determining what to list on your home disclosure statement. A top agent at prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John is knowledgeable and experienced. You can trust him to guide you through the complicated process of selling or buying a home.

If you're selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, visit John Day's website to learn more about his superior services for sellers (just click the post title), then give John a call and list your home with John Day. If you're selling or buying a home, John Day is your key to success.

Full-Service Realtor Gives Buyers a Needed Edge in Today's Competitive Housing Market

Everyone likes to save a few bucks. Taking the do-it-yourself approach or using a discount agency may appeal to your wallet when it's time to sell your home. But, like most things in life, you get what you pay for. If you're serious about selling your home, if you want your home to sell quickly, if you want to get the very best price possible for your home, you need to list your home with a full-service realtor.

Limited-service brokerages cost less because they do less. You'll shoulder a greater burden and do most of the work to sell your home. You should also realize that an agent who takes a smaller commission will offer a lower commission split to the agent representing a potential buyer. Not exactly an inducement to other agents to show your home. The result? Less traffic and fewer potential buyers while your house languishes on the market unsold.

A full-service realtor is a trained professional with the expertise and experience needed to properly market your home. A full-service realtor will prepare an extensive marketing strategy and professional materials to sell your home. He'll know how to stage your home to showcase it's best features. He'll hold open houses and follow up with potential buyers. He'll have the professional connections to ensure that other realtors include your home in their showings. He can make use of agency networks to get your home noticed by buyers across town, across the country, even around the world.

When you get a bid, a professional realtor has the experience and skills to negotiate the very best possible deal. Equally valuable, full-service realtors have the knowledge and expertise to successfully solve the inevitable problems that arise during escrow.

It's possible to sell your home yourself, but does it make good business sense? Not in today's highly competitive buyer's market. You need every edge to sell your home in such stiff competition and a professional full-service realtor gives you that necessary edge.

Selling your home? Give yourself the best possible edge. Call veteran realtor John Day today. A top agent with prestigious Long & Foster Realtors, John has the professional savvy and aggressive negotiating skills to sell your home in the shortest possible time for the best possible price. Visit John's website to find out about the numerous advantages John has to offer home sellers. Just click the post title to learn about John's aggressive marketing plan to sell 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.

Second Home Investement Alternatives

Is a Second Home

Investment For
You?

If you've ever considered investing in a second home, you're not alone. According to the National Association of Realtors, 3.34 million second homes were purchased in 2005 -- a 16% increase since 2004. It's not surprising that the number of second home purchases has increased. After all, real estate can be one of the smartest investments a person can make. And a second home investment can also double as a future retirement spot. Second home investments are not only for the wealthy.

There are a number of things a person can do to turn that dream of owning a second property into a reality. Renting out a second home can be a great way to cover costs. If your residence is in a resort town or even in a community with water access, you might consider listing the property for rent as a vacation rental.

Investing in a college town is another way to cash in on second home ownership. If you have children heading off to school, consider meeting with a local realtor in the area. Many parents, investors and small businesses find that college towns are a great area to invest in. They typically offer a steadily employed workforce and substantial student population.

Most colleges do not have enough on campus housing to meet the student body needs. Many students are encouraged to move off campus after the first full year of school. This makes renting out your second home an obvious choice. And in four years it's possible you'll have the option of either cashing out or continuing to rent to students and faculty. Eventually you may decided to sell this property utilizing a tax free exchange and then investing in your final retirement area.

If you like the idea of this investment but cash is an issue, consider these alternatives. Split an investment with a trusted friend in a vacation or college area, share the expenses and income now and plan to cash out at a predetermined future date. There are many loans available today for second home purchases and not necessarily at an investment interest rate.

I love the idea of utilizing a self directed 401K to invest in real estate. Although few people know about this alternative, it's a great idea. You can use the cash you have now in a self directed plan and purchase a home. There are tax implications and there are several things you should discuss with your accountant, but it can be done.

As with any real estate investment, you should definitely do your homework. Tax laws are constantly changing. For instance, you may be able to deduct the interest expense on a second home but not the cost incurred for repairs. Check with your accountant regarding the different tax treatments associated with a second home.

If you do decide to move forward with a purchase of a second home and are in need of a good out-of-state real estate professional, please contact me and I will gladly assist you in finding the right person.

I look forward to talking with you soon,

John Day

Home Builders Peer into Their Crystal Ball to Divine the Future

When my parents bought their first home, the average new home was 1,000 square feet with two bedrooms and one bath and cost about $11,000. Today, the average new home is about 2,400 square feet with three or more bedrooms, two full and one half baths, and costs about $200,000. When my children are ready to buy their first home, they'll be looking at a 2,330-square-foot, two-story home with four bedrooms, two to three full and one half baths, and nobody's even hazarding a guess what the cost will be. At least, that's according to the National Association of Home Builders who recently peered into their crystal ball to try to forecast what the average home will look like in 2015.

What else will the future bring for the average homeowner?

• Less wasted space. Vaulted ceilings and balconies will be replaced with 9-foot ceilings in favor of more usable space. Two-story great rooms will disappear to allow additional upper level rooms.
• Grand, two-story foyers will be replaced by the return of the traditional entry housing the staircase to the upper level.
• Little-used formal living rooms will vanish with a small parlor, den or library providing a private space for homeowners.
• The space once used for formal dining rooms will be used to create bigger kitchens with dining space or connected kitchen/family great rooms.
• Upgraded technology such as fiber-optic networks and multiple phone lines will be standard.
• Master baths with a separate tub and shower stall will be standard. The toilet will have its own enclosure.
• Front porches will make a comeback and backyard decks will give ground to patios.
• Despite the growing number of aging Boomers, two-story homes will remain the most popular.
• Garage doors will get bigger which would seem to indicate that cars will too.

Wondering how the other half will live? Upscale homes are expected to average 4,000 square feet with two master bedroom suites. Formal living and dining rooms in addition to a parlor, den or library will be the norm. Gourmet kitchens will remain popular and an outdoor version will be added with a grill, several sinks and a refrigerator. Luxury homes will have front and back porches and a patio and deck -- and they get to keep their vaulted ceilings.

You don't have to wait for 2015 to enjoy the luxury features of the future. Click the post title to preview some of the most fabulous new homes on the market today in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. Visit John Day's website to view hundreds of area homes as soon as they're listed. Give John a call today to schedule your personal tour of these great homes. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Garden Dirt Goes "Green"

Designer dirt? Dirtless gardens? It's the new wave in gardening. Not content to add a little fertilizer and see how it goes, gardeners want guaranteed spectacular results in exchange for their creaky knees and dirty fingernails.

"You can't grow a thing in backyard soil the way it is," said Steve Titko, director of technical services for Scotts Miracle-Gro. "Either you commit to improving the soil or doing containers."

Native soils often lack essential nutrients and are easily compacted, creating poor drainage conditions for plants. Too much fertilizer without an appropriate mix of other products can add too much pH to the soil, actually "burning" plant roots, causing the plants to yellow and die.

New commercial mixes that can be added to the soil or simply used as topsoil themselves help renew soil vigor, making vegetables and flowers grow bigger and faster. The new premium mixes include pine or hardwood bark, slow- and quick-release fertilizers, animal manures, processed food wastes, lime, sawdust, peat moss, sand, ash, coconut husk fibers, and more. Most commercial and large public and private greenhouses now use these designer blends exclusively.

Like many lawn-care companies, Scotts is courting the "green" or organic consumer market. According to Titko, Scotts uses about 7 million cubic yards of materials annually to produce various soil mixes. "About 5 million of that is what we recycle or divert from the waste stream. These are largely organic materials such as agricultural manures, food waste products, green waste, paper and sawmill wastes and byproducts," he said. These organic materials are composted, then mixed with 2 million cubic yards of mineral or mined products before being bagged and shipped to your local garden center. Scotts' goal is to produce a soil mix that is 50% naturally derived within the next few years.

What's coming for your garden in the near future? Someday soon you may be gardening with scented soils that add a hint of evergreen or citronella to your backyard breeze. I wouldn't mind that. No more fighting off mosquitoes when you garden after dinner!

If you're looking for yard to plant your garden in, John Day can show you some beautiful homes and townhomes in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. Just click the post title to take a virtual tour of John's newest listings. Visit John Day's website to preview hundreds of area homes. You'll find valuable tips for both buyers and sellers, information on schools and recreation, and lots of great resources. Give John a call and schedule private tours of your favorites. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC area, John Day is your key to success.

Should You Sell Your House in Today's Market?

In a buyer's market like we have right now, sellers have to ask themselves, "Is this the right time to sell?" Veteran realtor John Day addresses this important topic in his informative April newsletter (click the link or post title to read). He suggests you ask yourself these important questions:

• Do you have to sell? Job or personal circumstances may not give you the option to delay selling.
• Do the math. If you have the option to sell now or wait a bit, weigh the financial benefits before you make a decision.

Talk to a real estate agent to find out how much it would cost to sell your home. There are significant costs associated with selling a home beyond the agent's commission that are often overlooked by sellers when they are deciding whether or not to put their house on the market. Depending on the state where you live, you may have to deal with settlement agents, escrow agents, termite inspectors, home inspectors, title insurance companies, lawyers, property taxes, homeowners associations, etc. A real estate agent can tell you what is required in your state and give you a realistic estimate of the fees involved, says John.

You'll also need to check with your mortgage holder to find out what fees will be associated with paying off your loan. Besides paying the principal balance, you may need to pay prepayment penalties, demand fees or interest, John warns. A realtor can estimate these fees, but only your mortgage holder can give you an accurate accounting. John recommends always adding 45 days of interest to what the lender quotes you. John explains why:

"Because interest is paid in arrears AND because you need a cushion. You HAVE to assume that any figure from your lender will be a bit low. The biggest complaint from sellers is that they underestimated their mortgage payoff."

You need that cushion these days, John advises. In areas with high inventories you may need to offer the buyer an incentive to choose your home. With more homes on the market, some buyers will "shop" sellers to find the most attractive incentives. Popular incentives are paying the buyer's closing costs or buying down their interest. A realtor can tell you what is typically being offered in your area.

Using all of this information, your realtor can "prepare a net sheet and give you an idea of how much cash you will walk away with once you sell your home," says John. He cautions sellers to remember that it is the actual SELLING price, not the listing price that will determine your financial gain from the sale.

If you're selling so you can move into a another home in the same area and you have enough cash to buy, selling shouldn't impact your financial picture that greatly. While you'll have to negotiate with your buyer, you'll have an equal opportunity to negotiate with the seller you're buying from. Odds are anything you lose in the sale of your home, you'll gain in buying the new home. If you have to move to another area or cross country, you'll need to weigh the financial risks more carefully. You might want to consider renting your current home until the market improves, John suggests.

For valuable information you can use, go to John Day's website to read his free monthly newsletter. You'll find valuable information on buying and selling homes, easy to understand charts tracking the latest trends in the housing market, answers to common real estate questions, even the latest movie reviews. Also check out the Tips section of John's Homes Buy Day website for great information for buyers and sellers gained from John's many years as a top agent for prestigious Long & Foster Realtors. If you're buying or selling a house in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Secluded Country Estate in Annapolis, Maryland Is Minutes from Quality Shopping

Live the life of a country squire in this grand brick-front colonial located at 988 Epping Forest Road in Annapolis, Maryland. Sedately sited in a private woods on nearly an acre of land, this gorgeous luxury home offers peaceful seclusion just minutes from a premium upscale shopping mall, Route 50, and all the area's shopping conveniences.

This beautiful estate home is spacious enough to easily accommodate your extended family or a houseful of weekend guests. Five bedrooms, including one on the main level and two gorgeous master suites on the second floor, each with a private luxury bath, guarantee privacy for all. Imagine sinking into the delicious soaking tub after a stressful day.

Each room in this lovely home is tastefully decorated in neutral tones and beautifully appointed with luxurious architectural details. Cozy up on chilly nights in front of the beautiful fireplace. Unwind away from the family hubbub in the comfortable den. Entertain in the spacious family room. Linger over a cup of tea in the light, airy sunroom with its peaceful view of a lovely private woods. Entertaining and meal preparation are a delight in the fabulous gourmet kitchen. Enjoy the sun or dine al fresco on the spacious rear deck that overlooks a lush, level backyard, perfect for a game of volleyball or soccer.

To find out more about this magnificent country estate and take a virtual tour, click the post title. Then call veteran realtor John Day to schedule your private tour. Visit John's website to preview more quality homes in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. If you're buying or selling a home, John Day is your key to success.

Chesapeake Beach, Maryland Townhome Just Minutes from Beach

This gorgeous colonial townhome in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland is just minutes from the beach and a lovely beach boardwalk. Imagine strolling along the shore in the evening, watching the waves lap the sand as the sun sets. The perfect ending to another perfect day in the popular Richfield Station subdivision of Chesapeake Beach.

This immaculate townhome has been so beautifully decorated and cared for you can move right in. An outstanding sunroom extension expands your living space on all three levels. A beautiful, fully-finished basement provides space for a home theater, game room or rec room -- and storage. Three spacious bedrooms and three full and one half baths provide plenty of space and privacy for family and guests.

Gleaming hardwood floors throughout most of the home provide additional warmth and elegance to this beautifully appointed home. You'll delight in the spacious kitchen with its work station island. Pull up a stool for an informal snack or use it for staging and serving when you entertain. Rich, warm oak cabinets and quality appliances make this kitchen a delight to use.

With it's prime beach area location, this lovely townhome won't be on the market long. To find out more about this desirable property, click the post title. Then call realtor John Day to schedule your private showing. To preview more homes in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area, visit John Day's website. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC area, John Day is your key to success.