Curious what changed from April 2012 to April 2013 in Calvert County home sales?
While the average sold price did go down, it’s promising that homes that have been sitting for a period of time are finally selling. Seller closing assistance is still consistent, bouncing between $4,500 and $5,500 each month.
We appreciate you continuing to follow our blog for sales updates and we will see you in June!
One of our preferred lenders, Dan Legg with 1st Mariner Mortgage, sent out an eblast last week with a map indicating year to year price increases nationwide.
The Washington D.C. area saw a 6.9% increase in home prices while some cities saw as much as a 23% increase! CBS Moneywatch also posted an article with the same information, explaining that steady hiring of jobs and record-low interest rates are driving the demand for housing.
For the full article from CBS Moneywatch, please visit the following:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-57582049/case-shiller-u.s-home-prices-surging/
We get a lot of questions from people wondering “how custom can Kaine build?”
We have the ability to make a large variety of changes to our existing floor plans. Shannon, our design manager, has re-designed kitchen layouts, created completely new master bathroom suites, changed second levels to include a 2nd floor laundry, or even split master closets into his and hers. We’ve built home plans purchased online and finally, we’ve built plans homeowners have drawn themselves on graph paper, bringing their vision to life. We’re even about to start a home with a pizza oven in the kitchen! “If you dream it, we build it.”
As far as your finishes, we have a large design center with a lot of options. It’s safe to say you’ll find what you’re looking; from different hardwood or tile flooring selections to upgraded door knobs or even a shower head that flows from the ceiling above your soaking tub.
Don’t hesitate to ask us about something you’re really interested in for your new home because chances are we can do it. Shannon enjoys the design process and we absolutely love fulfilling our buyers’ dreams!
On Thursday, April 18, Calvert County Public Schools hosted their ‘Teacher of the Year and Educational Support Staff Person of the Year Awards’ at the Rod ‘N’ Reel in Chesapeake Beach. 51 school employees were recognized for their hard work and dedication.
The Teacher of the Year is Jon Cox, a math teacher at Southern Middle School. Cox is a Calvert County native and has other family members in the school system. Mr. Cox was awarded a brand new Prius for one year from Bayside Toyota as part of his recognition.
For more information and the full article, please read the attached link to Baynet, a local news outlet.
Congratulations to all who were recognized and for the work you continue to do for the children!
We are enjoying all the articles and reports lately indicating the return of real estate. And we’re seeing it! Take a look at March’s numbers in comparison to last month and this time last year:
• A $40,000 increase in sales price since March 2012
• Average sales price over $300,000 since December of 2012
• 14 more homes sold this March in comparison to last
We hope to continue to share good news with you and we’ll see you in April!
Up until about a year and a half ago, Kaine Homes only built in Calvert County. A couple of years ago, Brooke and Ann (the owners,) moved to Baltimore City and new, exciting expansions have taken place for the company.
If you’ve browsed our website, you know we now have offerings in Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties. We’re excited to announce Brooke’s newest company IN Baltimore City, Charm City Builders!
Brooke has teamed up with some fantastic people to renovate row houses in the heart of Baltimore City. There’s a variety of different properties available and the company is working towards customization options with the remodel. Please visit their website and get to know Charm City Builders and the team.
For more information, please visit www.charmcitybuilders.com
CBS Money Watch explains that housing reports show that “real estate is back!” Building permits were up 4.6% while starts showed an increase of 0.8% since February.
The CBS report states that while housing prices are still down around 30% from their peak, the market is turning and starts are up 28% from this time last year. The report goes on to explain that real estate won’t see the sales prices from 2000-2006, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Visit the below link for the full article and we look forward to continued good news!
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-34227_162-57575931/housing-is-back-on-track/
There are very significant and costly changes to local building codes coming up and we wanted to give you an explanation of what they are and how much they will add to the cost of new homes.
Calvert County will now require interior sprinkler systems in single family homes and the homes will be compliant with the 2012 Energy Codes. That’s the bad news. The good news is that your family will be safer in the case of a fire and you will save significant dollars on your home’s energy costs.
The 2012 Energy Codes will require the following:
• Performance testing by 3rd party inspector for air tightness – Blower Door Testing
• Air sealing
• 2×6 wall construction
• Upgraded insulation R-21 in walls and R-38 continuous blown insulation in the attics
• Low-E glass windows
• High efficiency lighting
• Duct sealing and testing of heating/air conditioning system
• Mechanical ventilation
• Programmable thermostats
According to the IECC, Homeowners will see an Energy Savings of 37.8% above the current 2006 codes. While your new home will be safer and will save you money on your energy bills, the cost of installing these upgrades is not inexpensive.
To accommodate the changes, we will be increasing prices by $25,000 on all homes sold after April 30, 2013.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at bobbi@kainehomes.com
We are seeing a significant difference in the Calvert County real estates sales this February compared to last year. What a great sign for things to come! It appears the market is turning and we’re hoping the numbers only get better from here.
• Increase of over $30,000 this February compared to last for the average sold price
• Average list price shows improvement as does the average tax assessment
• Interest rates are still at all-time lows and people are taking advantage of that. Articles from banking and real estate outlets indicate the demand for housing is growing and project housing prices will continue to rise for years to come.
We look forward to what the rest of March has to hold and we’ll see you next month!
Last month, Kaine Homes hosted the reception for the committee of the Empty Bowl Supper. Below are details for the actual event and we hope you’ll be able to attend a wonderful evening for an even better cause!
The Empty Bowl Supper will be held on Saturday, April 6 and will start at 4:30 p.m. Soup will be served after, the silent auction will begin and the event ends at 7 p.m. You get to enjoy an evening of delicious soups and a custom artisan bowl for only $20 (advance purchase) or $25 at the door!
For the detailed schedule, visit the Project Echo website. We hope to see you there and thanks for supporting our community!
