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Change means opportunity! Real Estate Market Update

January 4, 2019 By Carlyn Lowery

Home for sale in Pines on the Severn in Arnold, Maryland — h

Wow, the financial markets have been wild lately!

Between the increase in federal funds rate, government shutdown, and the decrease in the stock market, uncertainty is high. One of the explanations I heard for the most recent volatility is that investors are not getting the usual data that they use to make decisions, due to the government shutdown.And in the midst of all this, mortgage rates have decreased.

Per Mortgage News Daily…
Mortgage Rates Lowest in Nearly a Year

This means that buyers can get more house for the same monthly payment.

With the market moving towards a buyers market, it’s a great time for buyers to make a good deal.

Who do you know that is still renting? If you know of someone who wants to buy and is working on their credit, it’s important that you know that I am now working with investor buyers who will buy the house of their choice and rent it to them with an option to buy. Please introduce me to anyone who might like to buy or rent-to-own.

And as far as sellers go, it’s a good time to get ahead of the Spring market, when there is less competition and serious buyers!

If you or someone you know is thinking of selling this year, let’s talk strategy sooner rather than later.

Happy New Year!

Home for rent in Brightleaf in Arnold, Maryland — https://carlynlowery.exprealty.com/details.php?mls=382&mlsid=MDAA301972

Anne Arundel County Real Estate Market Statistics November 2018

December 15, 2018 By Carlyn Lowery

As you may have heard in the news, our real estate market is shifting rapidly. In Anne Arundel County, while the Average Sales Price rose in November 2018, and Average Days on Market declined, home sales were down from the prior month of October and also the prior November, and inventory was up. Here are some market statistics for you for the year to date through the end of November in Anne Arundel County, compared to last year:

Average Discount Off Original Price: 4.9% (was 4.6%)
Average Days on the Market: 75 (down 17.58%)
Number of Homes for Sale: 2,305 (up 5.11%)
Total Sales: $243,785,349 (down 5.32%)
Average Sold Price: $422,505 (up 9.29%)
Real Buyers (Home Sold): 577 (down 13.36%)

Anne Arundel County Market Statistics, November 2018

Per Mortgage News Daily, the average interest rates on 30-year fixed loans are still under 5 percent (averaging 4.72% on Friday).

Mortgage Rates Preserve Most of Last Week’s Gains

Yet forecasts are for a continued slowdown. “The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) added a little more evidence to the pile indicating a rather rapid slow-down in the housing market. MBA’s Builder Application Survey (BAS) data for November shows mortgage applications for newly constructed home purchases falling by 14 percent compared to October. The MBA data is not adjusted to account for seasonal variations, and while sales nearly always decline this time of year, applications were also down 11 percent compared to November 2017.”

Not Just the Season; MBA Predicts New Home Sales Down Sharply

This means that it’s a great time to get a great buy on a home. Buyers are more scarce, sellers are more flexible, and the average interest rates are still low. It also means that it is becoming harder for sellers to find real buyers, and get to closing. It’s more important than ever for sellers to get good advice, to stage and price their homes well, and thoroughly manage the process from contract to closing.

I love to help clients succeed in this challenging market.

Who do you know who would like to make a move within the next year? Let’s set up a time to talk and plan for success.

Also, would you like to receive listings of homes for sale, either to buy, or to keep an eye on what’s going on in your neighborhood? If so, let me know. We have upgraded our Multiple Listing Service to a new platform, and all previous email broadcasts of listings have been suspended. If you have enjoyed receiving this information and would like it to continue, or if you would like to get started, just let me know and I’ll make sure to turn on the emails for you.

P.S. Considering a move? Please call for a confidential chat. Your personal needs, wants, and finances are my priority and my passion and my specialties run from waterfront luxury estates to distressed properties.

Call me today for your Annapolis real estate needs, or for an introduction to a great real estate agent anywhere.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, eXp Realty, Annapolis Real Estate, Annapolis Waterfront Homes, Annapolis Luxury Homes, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 443-569-3977 or 888-860-7369 x146

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

Anne Arundel County Local Market Insight November 2018

Annapolis Waterfront Living

May 31, 2018 By Carlyn Lowery

For Annapolitans, it’s time for fun on the water!

Who do you know that would like to live on the waterfront? Or closer to the water?

While we have a major inventory shortage in most price ranges in the Annapolis area, the higher end is slower to move. This means that good deals can be made now, especially on Annapolis waterfront homes!

As of the end of April, we had 3.39 months of homes for sale in Annapolis, a seller’s market. And, in the price range of $1M to $2.5M, we had 11.14 months of inventory – it’s a buyer’s market. It’s a great time to sell a house and move up!

Months of Housing Supply – Annapolis Maryland – April 2018

Great Pacific Race 2018

Recently, I was in Monterey, California. What a beautiful coastline! And it was fun to see the waterfront activity. The Great Pacific Race, a race of small human-powered high-tech rowboats was getting ready to depart for Hawaii. In fact, they leave Saturday! I shared some photos on Facebook earlier. (And if you would like to stay in touch on Facebook, if we’re not Facebook friends yet, click here and friend me!)

When you go out on the water in California, in most places, there aren’t a lot of convenient local destinations. In most places, it’s either day-sailing or heading out on the Pacific Ocean (or both!).

The Chesapeake Bay has so many fun places to go and things to do, like docking at restaurants on Kent Island for crabs, trolling for rockfish, or anchoring on Whitehall Creek for a picnic. And, sailboat racing, from fun races for the kids, to international regattas!

What are your plans to get out on the water this summer?

And, who do you know that would like a new home that makes that easier? Last week I went to a broker’s open house at a spectacular home on the South River with a gorgeous view and six deep-water slips. And this weekend, I’ll be visiting a luxurious estate on Childs Point. It’s good to know what’s available. Would you like to join me?

Call me today for your Annapolis real estate needs, or for an introduction to a great real estate agent anywhere.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, eXp Realty, Annapolis Real Estate, Annapolis Waterfront Homes, Annapolis Luxury Homes, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 443-569-3977 or 888-860-7369 x146

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

Anne Arundel County Real Estate Market Statistics April 2018

May 14, 2018 By Carlyn Lowery

Here are some market statistics for you for the year to date through the end of April in Anne Arundel County, compared to last year:

Average Discount Off Original Price: 3.3% (was 3.9%)
Average Days on the Market: 74 (down 5.13%)
Number of Homes for Sale: 2,131 (down 10.6%)
Total Sales: $985,064,163 (up 3.12%)
Average Sold Price: $387,668 (up 5.96%)
Real Buyers (Home Sold): 2,541 (down 2.68%)

Anne Arundel County Year To Date Market Statistics Through April 2018

It’s a seller’s market. Inventory is low, with just 2.9 months of supply on the market. And, as you may have heard, the Fed has been slowly raising interest rates
Mortgage Rates Back at 4-Year Highs Ahead of Inflation Data
The uncertainty is causing many savvy buyers to move more quickly than they might have otherwise. We can see that the news is getting out – per Mortgage News Daily,
Optimism Over Selling Sends Housing Index to Record High
Yet the inventory shortage is still in place.

This means that homeowners have the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. It’s the time to sell for top dollar and get a good buy on the next home. Now is the time to get started, in order to complete a move this year. Who do you know who might be interested in making a move?

If you know someone who is curious what their house would fetch in today’s market, and what else might be available, please introduce us. I’m happy to help them find that out!

Call me today for your Annapolis real estate needs, or for an introduction to a great real estate agent anywhere.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, eXp Realty, Annapolis Real Estate, Annapolis Waterfront Homes, Annapolis Luxury Homes, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 443-569-3977 or 888-860-7369 x146

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

Anne Arundel County Real Estate Market Statistics April 2018

REAL Trends Recognizes eXp Realty!

March 30, 2018 By Carlyn Lowery

Top reviews and rankings of eXp Realty keep coming in!

People are asking…
What’s the best brokerage for agents?
What’s the best brokerage for home sellers and buyers?

The REAL Trends 500 Report was just released, saying:

Congratulations to the 2018 REAL Trends 500. You are the elite-performing brokerages in the industry!

According to REAL Trends, comparing 2017 to 2016:

eXp is now the #7 brokerage in the US by units closed!

eXp is the #4 largest independent brokerage in the US!

eXp was the #4 Top Mover in increased closed sales volume, with a 209% increase to $5,896,993,794 from $1,905,633,748!

eXp was the #2 Top Mover in increased closed transaction sides to 24,655 from 7,905!

eXp was the #1 Top Mover with the largest percentage increase in closed transaction sides with a 211.9% increase!

Note this authoritative source:

The REAL Trends 500, now in its 31st year, remains the undisputed leader in ranking the performance of residential real estate services firms. Due to the requirement of independent verification, the REAL Trends 500 is The Trusted Source for information about the performance of these firms.

What will it look for 2018? Why is this movement happening? What does it mean for Clients? How is it helping our business? Ask me for details!

We do it all for you! Don’t hesitate to let me know how we can serve you, now and in the future!

Call me today for your Annapolis real estate needs, or for an introduction to a great real estate agent anywhere.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, eXp Realty, Annapolis Real Estate, Annapolis Waterfront Homes, Annapolis Luxury Homes, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 443-569-3977 or 888-860-7369 x146

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

2018 REAL Trends 500

It’s Spring! Let’s Move!

March 29, 2018 By Carlyn Lowery

Would you like to live in another home? What would it be like?

Right now is an excellent time to get in action and make it happen.

Where would your dream home be, and how would it be different from where you are now?

You may be wondering why I am asking these questions, other than that I sell houses and I’m good at it and I want to sell more…. Why should you act now?

Months of Housing Supply in Anne Arundel County, MD

Because the facts are that:

Housing inventory is extremely low right now. This is the situation overall nationally and in many neighborhoods. It’s a seller’s market with 2.31 months of inventory in Anne Arundel County, which is the lowest in ten years. You can sell now fast and for top dollar.
Demand for houses is high. The Spring market has begun. Buyers are actively hunting for houses, and demand is likely to increase in the next few days and weeks.
A skilled agent can help you get a great deal on your new home, by using strategies to beat out other buyers and make the best offer to the seller (which is not always the one that is the highest price).
Interest rates are low, near historical lows, and they have been fairly stable since early February. They are projected to rise significantly in the next year. You can lock in a great interest rate on a new loan and have it fixed for the next thirty years. Mortgage Rates at 2-Week Lows
Prices have been rising and many people that didn’t have equity before have equity now. If you have not been able to move because your mortgage was too high for you to pay off with the sale, that situation may have changed. Take a look and see. Here’s Realtor Magazine article: Homeowners Keep Getting Richer and Richer!
If your house has gone up in value since you bought it, you may be able to sell without paying any taxes. This is the only way that most people have to get tax-free income, by using IRS section 121.—Exclusion of gain from sale of principal residence

If this is of interest to you, it’s important to move fast. Every Spring weekend counts – it’s important to have your house on the market so that active buyers know it is available. We can do strategic and powerful marketing before your house is ready for showings.

Right now, I have time and attention to take on more listings, because my recent listings are under contract or sold. I am ready to focus on your move and help you get there, along with my network of professional colleagues all over the country and overseas. So please let me know at your earliest opportunity if you or someone you know would like to make a move. Let’s talk and make it happen.

Also, by the way, we are looking for Realtors to partner with us at eXp Realty, not only in Maryland, also all over the country and in Canada. The company is growing fast and creating a new future in real estate. A friend from Mountain View, California, (Silicon Valley) just joined our team this week. Who do you know, any where in the country, who would be interested in improving their real estate career? Please introduce us!

Call me today for your Annapolis real estate needs, or for an introduction to a great real estate agent anywhere.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, eXp Realty, Annapolis Real Estate, Annapolis Waterfront Homes, Annapolis Luxury Homes, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 443-569-3977 or 888-860-7369 x146

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

Best Real Estate Licensing Courses in Maryland and Beyond

March 13, 2018 By Carlyn Lowery

Are you thinking of getting your real estate license, and wondering what are the best real estate licensing courses?

In Maryland, the state requires you to take a 60 hour pre-licensing course and pass a state exam.

The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) has a list of approved education providers on their website.

If you want to do the training on line at your convenience, check out the on-line training at our afflicted vendor, TheCEShop. The CEShop frequently has sales and you can get a discount on their courses.

Or, if you want learn quickly and in person, you would probably like one of the two-week intensive courses that are offered regularly by local real estate offices. The cost of these courses varies by provider.

If you have a real estate license in another state, you may get a waiver of some requirements.

Once you have finished your course, you can take the real estate license exam. It consists of two parts – a national and a state portion. Both sections must be passed with at least 70% of the questions correct. If you only pass one section, you will not have to pass it again for up to a year. You will only need to pass the section that you did not successfully complete on your next attempt.

You’ll take your test through PSI Examination Services. PSI has locations in Baltimore, College Park, Crofton, Hagerstown, Lanham and Salisbury. You can schedule an appointment for your exam at the location of your choice, and it lasts two hours and is taken on a computer. The fee for the exam is $61.00.

After you complete your exam, you are ready to get your real estate salesperson license and get started with a real estate brokerage! The current fee for new licensees is $90. You can complete your application online through the DLLR website.

If you are wondering what is the best real estate brokerage, let’s talk and find out if eXp Realty is a fit for you! You can find out more about eXp Realty here.

We have agents across the United States and in Canada, and can assist you with getting your real estate license and starting your real estate career anywhere.

Call me today for your Annapolis real estate needs, or for an introduction to a great real estate agent anywhere.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, eXp Realty, Annapolis Real Estate, Annapolis Waterfront Homes, Annapolis Luxury Homes, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 443-569-3977 or 888-860-7369 x146

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

DC Area Real Estate Market Update March 2018

March 8, 2018 By Carlyn Lowery

As you may remember from my earlier post, market factors are making it a good time to move, perhaps the best time in the last ten years.

Inventory is low, in many places including Anne Arundel County, at the lowest in ten years. In the DC metro area, it is at the second lowest point in ten years. Here’s a chart of Active Listings in the DC Metro Area.

Median sold prices have been rising, which means that many people who had not had equity and were not in a position to sell, now have the opportunity to do so. Here’s a chart of Median Sold Prices in the DC Metro Area. If you are wondering if your house might have regained value and put you in a position to use your equity and make a move, you can get a free market analysis. Just ask!

Interest rates have been moving upwards so far this year, giving buyers reason to move before they go even higher. And, for those buying at the higher end, and seeking jumbo financing, there’s good news that the jumbo rates have been tracking very closely with the regular rates. We help buyers get great deals as well, through preparing them for quick action and negotiating hard on their behalf.

We just got multiple offers on a house for one of our seller clients this week, and negotiated a good deal for them. Our client is on the path towards closing, turning an unwanted house into money in the bank.

A recent Fannie Mae consumer survey showed that only 36% of people thought that it was a good time to sell. Please help me get the word out about what is actually happening in the real estate market – share this message and let me know who else would like to receive this kind of information.

And for specific information on your house and your local market, send me a message. I’m wondering…

Who’s next? Who can we serve now?

If you know of someone who is looking at moving, let’s talk right away – call, text, or email me at 443-569-3977. I want to support you and your friends, colleagues, and clients in making the best decisions.

Call me today for your Annapolis real estate needs, or for an introduction to a great real estate agent anywhere.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, eXp Realty, Annapolis Real Estate, Annapolis Waterfront Homes, Annapolis Luxury Homes, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 443-569-3977 or 888-860-7369 x146

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

URGENT: Is it a good time to sell my house?

February 23, 2018 By Carlyn Lowery

Who do you know who is thinking of moving this year? Wondering… is it a good time to sell the house?

This is a quick note to say yes, Act Now!

Current market data that I have gotten from the MLS and other reliable sources, including conversations with local Realtors, is showing that a combination of factors are making now a good time to sell, whether to move up or downsize.

Listing inventory is low – the lowest inventory in TEN YEARS in Anne Arundel County (1741 listings at the end of January, down 14.5% from last January)

Interest rates are rising – recently hitting a four-year high of 4.58% on 30-year fixed mortgages– causing buyers to get off the fence and get shopping.

Here are some relevant charts and articles.

Active Listings Anne Arundel County Maryland

Home Price Increases Since 2011 More Than Triple Income Gains

Existing Home Sales Decline, Inventory Still a Big Issue

Call me today for your Annapolis real estate needs, or for an introduction to a great real estate agent anywhere.

Carlyn Lowery, Associate Broker, eXp Realty, Annapolis Real Estate, Annapolis Waterfront Homes, Annapolis Luxury Homes, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 443-569-3977 or 888-860-7369 x146

Local web sites in and around Annapolis, Maryland

Magic and miracles before new year's day!

December 27, 2017 By Carlyn Lowery

Today is the first day of the rest of 2017!
If you could wave a magic wand and something would change about your life or your work or your home, what would it be? What miracle would you love to see?

Change means opportunity! Real Estate Market Update

Anne Arundel County Real Estate Market Statistics November 2018

Annapolis Waterfront Living

Anne Arundel County Real Estate Market Statistics April 2018

REAL Trends Recognizes eXp Realty!

It’s Spring! Let’s Move!

Best Real Estate Licensing Courses in Maryland and Beyond

DC Area Real Estate Market Update March 2018

URGENT: Is it a good time to sell my house?

Magic and miracles before new year's day!

Here are some client reviews of Carlyn Lowery…

Questions? Call Carlyn Lowery today.