Contact MargaretCrofton Yard Work Can Be a Daunting Task
June 23rd, 2008 Categories: Crofton Info
Crofton real estate values are enhanced by the curb appeal of homes in our community. Yet it can be a daunting task for busy families and aging residents alike to keep up with chores ranging from mowing and watering to mulching and pruning.
Larry and I were in our 20’s when we moved to Crofton, Maryland. Building decks or patios, retaining walls and fireplaces, porches and finished attics – those tasks were all in a weekend’s work. When Larry was deployed overseas, my neighbors marveled at my sealing the driveway and spreading truckloads of mulch by myself… in fact, one of them begged “please wait ‘til after the husbands all leave for work so they won’t see you out there and expect us to do that!”
Now that we’re grandparents, however, we have enough sense not to over-do it, and we’re often looking for someone reliable to help out. If you’ve tried, you already know it isn’t easy.
College student (and Crofton resident) Joel Roberts and a friend recently spread many yards of mulch in the beds around our house. Great job, great attitude, and very reasonably priced. I know there are other Crofton residents who may be looking for someone like Joel to help out, so I just wanted to put in a good word for him.
Many thanks to Bill Holmes for recommending his grandson to us – Joel was a huge help, and we really appreciate his positive attitude. He also recently sealed the driveway and spread mulch for one of my clients, and she was very happy with his work and price. Hopefully this endorsement will lead to future business for him from FocusOnCrofton.com readers! Just give me a call or send an email to me for Joel’s contact information.
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Crofton Library to Close on Sundays
June 21st, 2008 Categories: Crofton Info
Crofton Maryland residents will have to settle for golf, swimming, shopping, going to Church, or hanging out at home on Sundays this summer – the Crofton Library will no longer be an option!
In a cost-cutting measure after a $1.15 million cut to the libraries budget by Anne Arundel County, Sunday hours are being cut at four other libraries, as well: Annapolis, Severna Park, West County and North County. The bottom line – No Anne Arundel County libraries will be open on Sunday, beginning in July. (Maryland City area library is not affected by any changes, since they’re funded through a local fee.)
Crofton Library will not be re-opened on Sundays in fall, either, when Sunday hours will be restored at Annapolis, West County and North County Libraries. This will be disappointing to many Crofton residents, especially students with research and homework to do, as well as working parents who can’t visit the library or take their children on weekdays. Saturdays are so full, with organized sports and activities, that the impact of this closure will be self-perpetuating – families will find alternatives online, making public libraries even less relevant than they are today. It could be the first step to “killing” the public library system in Anne Arundel County.
In fact, future library closings are not off the table! With our beautiful new facility in Crofton and a community of activist residents, hopefully we’re not likely to face that issue, although purchases of new books and DVDs may be on “hold” or significantly reduced.
RELATED LINKS:
- Book Reviews by Crofton Library Staff
- Crofton Branch, Anne Arundel County Library
- Libraries Shuttered on Sundays
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Crofton Maryland Real Estate Update, May 2008
June 20th, 2008 Categories: Crofton News, Crofton Real Estate
I was eager to see Crofton Maryland real estate sales statistics for May, especially since I expected some improvement in the market. One of the reasons for this was the fact that one of my buyers couldn’t get a home inspection appointment without waiting a full week. In my mind, that was a good indication that sales were picking up in the area.
It turned out that things were not so rosy as I expected. When comparing May 2008 to May 2007, the Average Sold Price was down over 10%, the Median Sold Price was down over 20%, and the number of Units Sold was down 42%. My jaw was dropping at all these negatives, when suddenly I saw a statistic that wasn’t a negative – but then I realized it was “bad” news, as well… the Days on Market went up over 37%.
Here’s a look at the four year trend for real estate statistics in zipcode 21114, Crofton, Maryland:
So what does all this mean to sellers of Crofton Maryland Real Estate?
It means that pricing is critical, and you’ve got to let go of those 2006 numbers. Your friends and neighbors may not be up to date on this market, and you must turn a deaf ear to their well-meaning but uninformed advice. Not only that, YOU can’t fall in love with your list price, because chances are… you won’t get it, even if your home is price “right”.
YET – homes are selling! 29 of them did in May, and yours could be one of those that sells in June or July. In fact, since prices are declining, you may be better off selling now than waiting. And the good news is that prices are probably down in your destination location, as well, so the net effect is really very balanced. In fact, the situation is much worse in many other places than we’re experiencing here in Crofton, Maryland, so you may come out on top by selling and buying now.
I’ve been selling Crofton homes for too many years to count, and I can honestly say that it’s never been more important to choose the right agent – someone experienced in real estate who is also proficient in technology.
P.S. Now that you see the Crofton Maryland real estate trends, check out today’s interest rate and trends.
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Proposed Foreclosure Bailout Considered by Congress
June 18th, 2008 Categories: Crofton Real Estate
Crofton residents have always been involved citizens, so I know you’ll probably have an opinion on this issue. If so, I hope you’ll take the time to share it with our Congressional leaders.
The House and Senate banking committees are trying to iron out the details for a foreclosure rescue package. As I understand it, the proposal involves FHA refinancing for about a half million “at-risk” borrowers to help them avoid foreclosure. The committees hope to resolve their disagreements this week, but the vote could be postponed as long as three or four weeks, until after the 4th of July recess.
Here’s where you come in:
The Senate version of the Bill requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to come up with funds to back the bill, estimated to be about $96 million over three years, whereas the House version is supported with tax-payer funds.
If you have an opinion about whether it’s appropriate for you and your neighbors to bail out these “at-risk” borrowers, rather than Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who have some responsibility in creating this mess, please contact our elected representatives.
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Anne Arundel County Summer Camps
June 16th, 2008 Categories: Crofton Info
Crofton Maryland families have no shortage of options for keeping their kids busy while school is out this summer. If you don’t belong to the Crofton Swim & Tennis Club, Walden Golf Course or Crofton Country Club – and even if you do – Anne Arundel County is home to several summer camps to keep them busy and entertained. Here are just a few of them:
Mayo Beach and Lake Waterford – Weekly sessions through August 1.- Arts, Fitness and Fun – One-week sessions through August 15 at North Country Recreation Center and South County Recreation Center.
- Jug Bay Summer Science Camp – Several sessions: Reptiles & Amphibians, Our Blood Runs Cold, Teen Adventure, and Paddling the Patuxent.
- Summer Day Camps – Three two-week sessions at Downs Park and Quiet Waters Park, beginning June 23.
- Tennis Lessons for Kids – Eight Locations, including Crofton Middle School, beginning June 23.
- Wilderness Challenge Camp – Two sessions (one already underway) at Kinder Farm Park – rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, sailing and a ropes course. Second session August 4–8.
- Junior Golf Camp – Compass Point Golf Course, Pasadena. For ages 5–16.
For more summer recreation opportunities in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, download the 48–page Summer Program Guide from the Recreation and Parks Department.
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