Maryland Real Estate Consultant

First Time Home Buyers Seminar

*New to the Seminar. Discussion of 100% and 103% percent loans. 

You are invited to attend a Free Home Buyers Seminar

Wednesday, June 20th 2007

From 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Keller William's office

Located at 6350 Steven Forest Road, Ste 107. Columbia, Md. 21046

This Step by Step Introductory First Time Home Buyers Seminar Will Show Potential Home Buyers How To:

•·       Take Advantage of record-high foreclosures & record interest rates.

•·       Take advantage of special government sponsored 1^st Time Buyers programs.

•·       Buy now with as little as $3,000 down!

•·       Speak to credit specialists that can correct and/ or clean up credit.

•·       Find out from a tax advantage why it makes sense to own rather than rent.

PLEASE RSVP BY CALLING 240-472-9008

Blues Alley is very happy to partner with the Washington Performing Arts Society to offer a special 10% discount offer for Eartha Kitt's performance at the Warner Theater on Saturday, November 10^th at 8 pm. To take advantage of this offer, Blues Alley patrons can access http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/734057with the following caps-sensitive code: "BAKITT2".

With an enduring career spanning theater, cabaret and television, Earth Kitt returns to the stage for an unforgettable live performance at the Warner Theater. Kitt is the standard-bearer in electrifying cabaret performances. A new, younger generation of fans has taken to her fabulous vocals. As Stephen Holden of The New York Times recently wrote, "Eartha Kitt is finally being discovered by the generation that thought Madonna pioneered the image of pop singer as a gold-digging femme fatale." Her background of international touring makes her live show both entertaining and enthralling.

Monday, May 21^st-Georgetown Day School and Edmund Burke School Jazz Ensembles-7 & 9pm showtimes penchant

Two of D.C.'s premiere High School Jazz ensembles grace the stage of Blues Alley with special early showtimes. Both schools have recently played the Third Annual Washington D.C. Big Band JAM!, where they received accolades from the International Association for Jazz Education for their performances on the National Mall.

Tuesday, May 22^nd-Rodney Richardson Quintet-Guitar

The Rodney Richardson Quartet was formed in 2002 by collaborators and fellow Howard University graduates Rodney Richardson (Guitar) and Charles Washington (Trumpet). With a focus on original modern jazz compositions as well as bebop and hard bop standards, the quintet has performed over a dozen times at Blues Alley including a New Years Eve celebration with the Roy Hargrove Quintet.

Wednesday, May 23^rd-Larry Brown Quintet (Piano) featuring Rebecca Parris (Vocalist)

Larry Brown is accompanied by award-winning vocalist Rebecca Parris for this special performance. The Washington Post calls pianist Brown an artist deserving of greater exposure.  In 2000 Larry appeared on BET's "Jazz Discovery" where he won in the instrumentalist category. He has also appeared on BET's "Jazz Scene" as a featured artist, and in 2001 Larry received WAMMY nominations for Best Jazz Group, Best Jazz Instrumentalist, and Best Jazz CD. A kind of throwback jazz pianist, Mr. Brown lists his major influences as Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly and Miles Davis. After graduate school Larry toured with his trio "Spice of Life" with vocalist George Chapin and other local bandleaders.

Thursday, May 24^th-John Eaton-Piano

John Eaton is Washington DC's pianist extraordinaire.  Considered one of the foremost interpreters of American music, Mr. Eaton offers a unique combination of ultra-tasteful jazz and fascinating observations.  Pianist, vocalist, musicologist and humorist - John Eaton is one of America's true musical treasures.  A graduate of Yale University and a student of renowned classical teacher Alexander Lipsky, Eaton has been performing professionally for more than 30 years.  He was named to the Steinway Concert Artist roster in 1988. From shows at smoky jazz clubs to a command performance in the East Room of the White House, he has appeared both as a soloist and with such legendary artists as Zoot Sims, Benny Carter, Clark Terry, and Wild Bill Davison. More on this artist at http://www.eatonpiano.com/.

Friday, May 25^th-Sharon Clark-Jazz Vocals

Heralded by the Washington Post's Mike Joyce as "The lady equipped with a lusty voice," Sharon Clark has been one of D.C.'s best kept secrets for over a decade. Her album "Finally" captures Sharon at her best, performing with a group of top D.C. jazz musicians, including pianist and co-producer James Levy who contributed the film-noir inspired, "Late at Night." Recently in anticipation of this release, it was declared "Sharon Clark" week by Howard Banks of Jazz 90 WDCU FM who has said that she continues the tradition of Ella and Sarah.

Saturday, May 26^th-Tommy Cecil Quartet-Bass

Jazz bassist and composer Tommy Cecil first picked up the bass as a teenager in his hometown of Baltimore, and started teaching himself how to play. In 1976, Tommy moved to Washington and since then has established himself as one of the most sought-after bassists in the area. As a free-lancer he has worked with artists as diverse as Joe Henderson, Charlie Byrd and Tommy Flanagan. Tommy has also played in the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra under the direction of Gunther Schuller.

Sunday, May 27^th-Eric Felten's "Lester Young Tribute"

At 24, Eric was named best new jazz trombonist by the International Trombone Association. In 1993 he released his first album for the respected European jazz label Soul Note, T-Bop, a record that featured Eric with legendary trombonist Jimmy Knepper and a young Joshua Redman. The result was a critically acclaimed debut album that earned four stars in Down Beat magazine. The prestigious Penguin Guide to Jazz declared that Eric "has the music in his genes...a more than promising talent, he's a man we're going to hear a lot more about." Felten honors Lester Young -  the great jazz saxophonist.

Tuesday, May 29^th-Capitol Bones-Big Band

The Capitol Bones are DC's premiere jazz trombone ensemble, offers something exciting and new for jazz lovers everywhere. Group founder and leader Matt Niess brought together the best jazz trombonists in DC, an area known for the depth of its trombone bench, to participate in a group dedicated to promoting not only great ensemble playing but the expansion of the repertoire of this unique medium. Since its inception in 1991 The Capitol Bones have played throughout the country to include performances at The International Trombone Workshop in Las Vegas-Nevada & Rochester- NY, jazz clubs, Universities and an annual appearance at The Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington, DC. In addition to the standard arrangements The Capitol Bones have added several new works to the jazz trombone ensemble repertoire by such notables as Conrad Herwig, Mike Tomaro, Mark Taylor, Jim Roberts and Matt Niess.

Wednesday, May 30^th-Collaboration-Jazz Ensemble

DC-area musicians Kenneth Dickerson and Tracy Cutler founded Collaboration while in High School. Over time it has come to include keyboardist Glenn Douglas, guitarist Lee Edgecomb, bassist Yusef Chisolm and vocalist Lori Williams. If you're looking for the same old tired saxophone driven sound too prevalent in this smooth jazz driver era, then look elsewhere. Collaboration lays claim to putting the "soul" back in jazz, with its supple and cohesive sound.

Thursday, May 31^st-Robert Glasper-Piano

Ben Ratliff of the New York Times has said that Robert Glasper "deserves comparison with the best of the newer piano trios... his group has its own crisp, skittering cooperation, with hip-hop in its bounce." As a composer, he is absorbed by the usual influences of Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, yet his delicate touch and harmonic touch exhibit a sound that is undeniably Glasper. He blends hip-hop and R&B into his jazz piano compositions, which are artfully showcased in "Canvas," his latest Blue Note release.

Friday, June 1^st-Sunday, June 3^rd-Pat Martino Quartet-Guitar

One of the most original of the jazz-based guitarists to emerge in the 1960s, Pat Martino made a remarkable comeback after brain surgery in 1980 to correct an aneurysm caused him to lose his memory and completely forget how to play. It took years, but he regained his ability, partly by listening to his older records. Martino began playing professionally when he was 15. He worked early on with groups led by Willis Jackson, Red Holloway, and a series of organists, including Don Patterson, Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Richard "Groove" Holmes, and Jimmy McGriff. After playing with John Handy (1966), he started leading his own bands and heading sessions for Prestige, Muse, and Warner Bros. that found him welcoming the influences of avant-garde jazz, rock, pop, and world music into his advanced hard bop style.  

BUY TICKETS FOR ALL EVENTS

Blues Alley 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007 Daily 6:00pm-12:30am Tel: (202) 337-4141

2007 Wine In The Woods

A 15th year CELEBRATION- the most "tasteful" outdoor party in Maryland! Imagine a canopy of budding trees, a Spring afternoon shared with friends...sipping your favorite wine from a souvenir glass, enjoying live musical entertainment, ambling through artisans' displays, selecting an interesting entree, taking in a wine demo.

All this and more awaits YOU...in the woods!

Date: Saturday, May 19th & Sunday, May20th

Time: 12:00 Noon - 6:00 PM (Rain or Shine)

Place: Symphony Woods, Columbia, MD

Admission: $25.00 at the gate & $20.00 in advance.

$20.00 designated Driver

$5.00 for youth ages 4-20

Id required for 21 and up

For additional information, call (410) 313-7275 or (410) 313-4700

(Text telephone 313-4665, for the hearing impaired)

Or visit our website at: www.wineinthewoods.com

Sponsored by: HOWARD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION & PARKS

                                                     Consumer Awareness Hotline

FREE Daily List of Maryland Homes For Sale With Prices, Addresses, Descriptions and Map Directions. This is a unique and fantastic tool for anyone who would like to keep track of the ever-changing Real Estate Market, anywhere.

This is a recorded message, no salesperson to talk to, call at your convenience.

                                                     1-877-MdHotline Ext 111

The 60 Minutes segment which aired on Sunday evening (speaking about the real estate industry), was sad. Many of the statements were false and inaccurate. Now we will have many more misinformed sellers and buyers to educate. NAR's Rebuttal

A few important truths, many were left out:

1. Commissions are negotiable.

2. The discount brokers want there money up front. So they are paid whether the home is sold or not.

3. Realtors most often work with multiple sellers and buyers and out of say ten clients; three may purchase or list a home. The others that do not sell or buy, we chalk up as a price of doing business; we are not paid for our time, gas, advertisement on the behalf of client, or the provided expert consultation.

On the other hand, a discount broker has collected $3,000 a piece from ten clients even though only three clients actually went to escrow. Is that fair? Who wants to pay for a service upfront, when you have no guarantee? Hey give me $3,000, I may or may not sell your house, and if I do sell the home, it may be for thousands less...Deal. This is what has been happening and I have facts and truth to back it up.

4. There is no such thing as one huge MLS database, there are over 900 local exchange services among brokers and realtor, who opt to share there listings to obtain maximize exposure for their clients. Now everyone wants to exploit our system.

I am not opposed to discount brokers , but at least tell the complete truth (This is directed to the discount broker in the 60 minutes segment).

Do not be surprised, not if, but when sellers start suing certain discount brokers, because they were improperly represented.

The piece was slanderous.

Maybe Realtors should look into suing 60 minutes.

I may be overreacting, I just thought the piece was very unfair and bias.

Recently, I corresponded with one of my past clients, and we were just chatting about real estate and updating each other about our families and work.

I know that every real estate transaction has a story, some more interesting than others.

While speaking with them we reminisced about their move and I decided to share the experience with this blog.

The couple I will refer to as (Mike and Ann) and I meet on a Thursday evening at their home in Baltimore city (It was a listing appointment). I went through a series of question, as I normally do when I first meet with my clients.

The first question I asked was if they were selling their current home before purchasing the next home. Yes was their answer. This was going to be a challenge, only because homes in this Baltimore community have been taking an average of 120 days or more to sell, and on top of that they needed to sell their current home, to raise funds for closing cost on their next home.

Next came my second question; where would you like to move? Their answer was Frederick Maryland. This was challenge number two. Homes in Frederick Maryland rarely come on the market, and when they do, they sell in a matter of a week or less.

The answer to my third question got to me. Why are you moving? Anne told me she had cancer, and her primary doctor moved to Frederick Memorial Treatment Center. Anne told me that her doctor was making progress with her, and she did not want to change physicians.

After a few additional questions, we proceeded to fill out a listing agreement to sell their current home. Two weeks later, we had a bite; it was an investor looking for a home in the very same area that Mike and Anne's current home was located, "great! I said." Mike, Anne and I went over the offer, and we decided to accept it.

The only detail that bothered me was that the buyer was getting mortgage financing from a company in Florida. I told Mike and Anne I was skeptical about this company, because I was not familiar with them or their work ethics. In spite of my skepticism, Mike and Anne wanted to continue with the deal anyway.

After two weeks of waiting for a final approval from the buyer, I called the buyer's financing company; the loan officer assured me that I would receive the final approval in

forty-eight hours. Forty-eight hours later, no approval, no loan officer, he disappeared. I never heard from him again.

Consequently, we wasted two week. My manager called the next morning and asked me how I was coming along with Mike and Anne; I explained to her the past events. I told her it was a lovely home, priced right but in a slow area.

All the while, I was trying to find a buyer for Mike and Anne's current house, I was also trying to find a home for them to purchase in Frederick Maryland.

Two days after speaking with my manager, luck fell upon us; a home that seemed as though it was custom made for Mike and Anne appeared on the market.

We visited the home that same day, they fell in love with the house and we wrote an offer on the spot. The following day the offer was accepted.

We still had a problem; their current home had not sold.  I needed a solution.

I remembered the owner of the company telling me he sometimes purchased investment properties. I immediately called him and told him about this great property.

He agreed to view the home himself and afterwards decided to purchase the house. This was fantastic news. I called Mike and Anne. Anne literally had tears of joy.

Three weeks later, they were in their dream home.

To see Mike and Anne get there dream home was a great joy for me, and well worth the time and effort. This is just one of many adventures, in my world of real estate.

Do you have any real estate adventures to share?

First Time Home Buyers Seminar

You are invited to attend a Free Home Buyers Seminar

Wednesday, May 23rd 2007

From 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Keller William's office

Located at 6350 Steven Forest Road, Ste 107. Columbia, Md. 21046

This Step by Step Introductory First Time Home Buyers Seminar Will Show Potential Home Buyers How To:

•·       Take Advantage of record-high foreclosures & record interest rates.

•·       Take advantage of special government sponsored 1^st Time Buyers programs.

•·       Buy now with as little as $3,000 down!

•·       Speak to credit specialists that can correct and/ or clean up credit.

•·       Find out from a tax advantage why it makes sense to own rather than rent.

PLEASE RSVP BY CALLING 240-472-9008