The BrazzelDazzle Blog: December 2009

Ellicott City, MD - Real Estate - Just Sold! 3845 Gray Rock Drive

This ten year old home was listed by The Sue Wettstein Brazzel Real Estate Team and settled last week for $595,000.  The new owners are excited to be moving into such a gorgeous, well maintained home.  They love the open floor plan with the main level Master Suite and their son will be playing in the huge back yard while his folks watch him from the delightful screened-in porch.

The house is 2846 square feet on the top two levels and has oak flooring, Corian counters in the Cherry kitchen, a 2-story family room with a wall of built-ins, and a finished clubroom and powder room in the lower level.

The house was located in the Gray Rock Farm Neighborhood in Ellicott City, MD, on a .47 acre lot with a shed.  If you are thinking of selling your Howard County house, I'd love the opportunity to show you how my extensive on-line marketing can get your property sold quickly and for Top Dollar!

Click here to see the Visual Tour of this gorgeous property:

DON'T GET CAUGHT WITHOUT YOUR HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX CREDIT!   In Howard County, we have a Homestead Tax Credit that limits the increase of county taxes to 5% per year and state taxes to 10% ... IF THE DWELLING IS YOUR PRIMARY RESIDENCE.  But, you MUST APPLY for the credit! 

Even in the current real estate market, State and County Taxes often do go up! The property taxes you pay are based on a percentage of the assessed value of your home.  In the past, the homestead property tax credit transfered with the property -homeowners didn't have to take action to have it applied.  But, as of January 1, 2008, Howard County changed it's regulations regarding the credit and has required that all residents apply.  Howard County residents have until their next assessment to do so.  If you do NOT, you will lose the benefit (which for 2008 averaged $1,000 per household!) 

It may be hard to fathom the possiblity that your taxes may go up when all you hear about is your decreasing house value.  But, eventually your market value will go up and so will your taxes!  So, remember to apply for the Homestead Tax Credit before it's too late.  The implementation will take place until December 31, 2012. 

A Maryland State hot-line (410-767-2165) has been set up for any questions you may have.  Or, give me or Dip a call ... we'd be happy to help!

The notion of "splitting the difference" should have no place in real estate negotiations!  This concept of "fairness" goes back at least to the story of King Solomon.  When faced with two women who claimed to be the Mother of an infant (one was the true parent and one an impostor), the King suggested splitting the baby in half and giving each woman her share.  When the true Mother protested and insisted that he give the baby to the impostor, King Solomon (in his wisdom!) saw the truth and gave the baby to his Mother.

In the midst of negotiating a sales price in real estate, a Buyer or Seller will often come up with the proposal to "split the difference" between two prices .  The temptation is to capitulate in the spirit of "fairness", "equity", and a "win/win" outcome.   But, unless this number is where you want to be in the end ... I think "splitting the difference" should have no place in real estate negotiations!

WHY? ...

• "Fairness" is not required in real estate price negotiations. 
• "Splitting the difference" puts a capricious element into the negotiations.  A sales price should be determined by the value of the property ... not "splitting the difference".
• Oftentimes, houses have been priced aggressively and accurately ... why should the Seller "split the difference" with an unreasonable Buyer?  Where's the fairness in that?

Of course, it's always wonderful if both parties in a negotiation feel great about the outcome ... but, in my opinion, "splitting the difference" isn't the way to get there.

This is a video that Terry Hagen shared with the Active Rain community.  It was produced by the "Dogs Deserve Better" organization that strives to improve the lives of mistreated and unloved dogs.  You may learn more about this group at: DogsDeserveBetter.org.

I was actually afraid to watch it when I first saw the title.  If you are, don't be ... it may open your eyes, heart, and purse to a way that we can all help.

My two youngest grandsons came to visit me and my husband, Michael, yesterday.  Michael is recuperating from a short stay in the hospital and Dipper, Sheri, Ethan and Seth came to visit - with a box of chocolates for Michael...

Seth enjoyed the chocolates!

And Ethan left us a priceless "note" in the snow as they were leaving ...! 

(It says, "I love Grammy and PaPa" [with kisses!])

Ellicott City MD 21042 - Ellicott Meadows House Values - December 2009 - "55 and Better!"

Ellicott Meadows is a unique community for folks who are "55 and Better".  Located in Ellicott City near Columbia, Md, it is comprised of Villa style townhomes and beautiful single family houses.  It is a young community with homes built between 2003 and 2006 and is located just off of Routes 40 and 70 - an easy commute to Baltimore, Washington, Frederick, and Annapolis.  The location is ideal for all types of shopping - it is ten minutes from the Columbia Mall, and within five minutes of many restaurants and various shopping centers and stores.

The community association features a clubhouse, and outdoor pool and a tennis court for residents' use.  In addition to these amenities, there are also private and public facilities nearby.

This Ellicott Meadows Neighborhood Update with house values is the first of our Ellicott Meadows Update Blogs Online.  With this new format, there are no limits to the neighborhoods that Dipper and I can update with house values. Just post a comment or send us an email with your neighborhood and we will be happy to start updating home values for you.

21042 Home Search

Ellicott Meadows house values from the past several months are in the chart below. 

(Since 1/1/2009)

Allview Estates*Banneker*Brampton Hills*Clark's Glen*Clarksville Hunt*Deering Woods*Ellicott Hills*Ellicott Hills*Faulkner Ridge*Glenmar*Glenmont*Gray Rock*Hickory Ridge*Kings Meade*Longfellow*Long Reach*Long Gate*Lyndwood*Maple Lawn Farm*Stone Gate*Swansfield*Terra Maria*Villas at Hobbit's Glen*Valley Mede

A new and improved Howard County Settlement & Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP) has been implemented by the Howard County Housing Office!  This program is for first-time homebuyers and is designed to give buyers (who otherwise could not afford to buy) help with their down payments and/or closing costs.

One great thing about the Howard County Settlement & Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP) is that the monies do not have to be re-paid to Howard County until the houses are either re-financed or re-sold.  Another perk is that the payments are not counted against the first-time homebuyers' debt ratios when qualifying for the loans.  The loans will be financed at 2% lower than the prime interest rate.  So, the loans are going to have deferred payments and will be very affordable!

BUT, only $400,000 has been allocated for the Howard County Settlement & Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP) ... so buyers must act quickly to take advantage of this offer.  To find out if you qualify (there are income limitations) and to find out how much money you might qualify to borrow, give Sue or Dipper a call today!  The Howard County Settlement & Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP) funds will run out quickly as the availability becomes more widely known!

Waking up to the Columbia Maryland blizzard was like awakening to a white, blanketed, pristine wonderland.  The quiet (before the plows, snowblowers and shovels) is like no other "sound".

On the left, Jack (my 3 year old Standard Poodle) is loving this weather!  He sticks his whole head into the snow (don't know why!) and jumps around like a gazelle.

Luke (my 12 year old Standard Poodle) doesn't like to get ice balls in his paws... therefore the booties!  He's not as fond of the snow as Jack, but he does seem to enjoy it, too.

Columbia MD 21044 - Deering Woods Condominium House Values - December 2009

The Condominiums in Deering Woods were built in the 1970's and are located in the Harper's Choice Village Center in Columbia, Md.  The grounds and buildings in DeeringWoods are beautifully landscaped and are surrounded by wooded parkland with walking trails and streams meandering throughout.  The stucco facade on the buildings is reminiscent of southwestern architecture.

Howard County boasts some of the best schools in the state of Maryland.  The children who live in these condominiums are currently districted to attend Longfellow Elementary, Harper's Choice Middle, and Wilde Lake High Schools.

This area is convenient to the Harper's Choice Village Center shopping area which is anchored by a Safeway Grocery Store.  It also features several restaurants (Zapata's Mexican, Maiwand Kabob, Papa John's, Hunan Diamond Chinese, Dunkin Donuts, & McDonald's), convenience stores, Tuesday Morning, and Rita's Ices.  This area also has a baseball batting range and miniature golf for the youngsters!

This Deering Woods Neighborhood Update with house values is the first of our Deering Woods Update Blogs Online.  With this new format, there are no limits to the neighborhoods that Dipper and I can update with home values. Just post a comment or send us an email with your neighborhood and we will be happy to start updating house values for you.

21044 Condo Search

Deering Woods Condominium house values from the past several months are in the chart below. 

(Since 1/1/2009)

Allview Estates*Banneker*Brampton Hills*Clark's Glen*Clarksville Hunt*Deering Woods*Ellicott Hills*Ellicott Hills*Faulkner Ridge*Glenmar*Glenmont*Gray Rock*Hickory Ridge*Kings Meade*Longfellow*Long Reach*Long Gate*Lyndwood*Maple Lawn Farm*Stone Gate*Swansfield*Terra Maria*Villas at Hobbit's Glen*Valley Mede

Columbia MD 21045 - Glenmont House Values - December 2009 

 Glenmont is a Columbia "out-parcel" - meaning it has a Columbia mailing address, but is not subject to the Columbia Association assessment.  Glenmont residents may enjoy the "perks" that "Columbia offers, but they will pay a non-resident fee to join various amenities.  This neighborhood is surrounded by the Long Reach and Oakland Mills Villages and is comprised of single family houses that were built in the late 1970's through the late 1990's.

This area is convenient to the Long Reach and Oakland Mills Village Centers which are two of the neighborhood shopping centers that are found throughout Columbia.  It is located across from the Red Branch "light industrial park" that offers many diverse shopping opportunities and recreational facilities.  It is also within a short ride to several "big box" stores including Costco, Best Buy, Staples, PetSmart, Lowes, Michael's, Home Depot, and Marshall's.

Howard County boasts some of the best schools in the state of Maryland.  The children who live in the Glenmont neighborhood are currently districted to attend Thunder Hill Elementary, Ellicott Mills Middle and Howard High Schools. 

This Glenmont Neighborhood Update with house values is the first of our Glenmont Update Blogs Online.  With this new format, there are no limits to the neighborhoods that Dipper and I can update with house values. Just post a comment or send us an email with your neighborhood and we will be happy to start updating house values for you.

21045 Home Search

Glenmont house values from the past several months are in the chart below. 

(Since 1/1/2009)

Allview Estates*Banneker*Brampton Hills*Clark's Glen*Clarksville Hunt*Deering Woods*Ellicott Hills*Ellicott Hills*Faulkner Ridge*Glenmar*Glenmont*Gray Rock*Hickory Ridge*Kings Meade*Longfellow*Long Reach*Long Gate*Lyndwood*Maple Lawn Farm*Stone Gate*Swansfield*Terra Maria*Villas at Hobbit's Glen*Valley Mede