Maryland Real Estate - Oh My

Hi Friends,

I thought a blog would be a fun way to keep in touch and share some experiences I have had with Maryland Real Estate and anecdotes from my experience as a "new" agent all over again. They say real estate is the same everywhere. "They" lied. It seems that everything is different here - from the MLS, to the homes, to the streets and even the bugs! Termites are a BIG deal so terminte inspections are an integral part of every sale. On the lighter side, there are lightning bugs (fireflies) too! Loved those as a kid - discovered I still love them as an adult.

I have learned that no one cares about square feet of a home much - in fact it is often not even included in the MLS information! Too much risk of a law suit since about half of the people who live around here are lawyers of some kind! The big factor for a sale is the home's style - colonial is the most popular. Quite a change from the craftsman style in Seattle. The homes ALL seem to have basements but rarely do they have a garage. If they do have a garage it is often a 1-car that is used for storage. Only the higher end homes that are newer in age have the honor of enjoying a 2 car+ garage. Oh my. What a change from 3-car garages.

The MLS system is owned by the Association of Realtors and there are a number of them around here. ALL the agents are members and regretfully we have to pay quarterly dues of $167.00. Bummer. It is an incredible system though but much more difficult to figure out than the NWMLS. More on that in a later blog!

Probably the most bizarre difference for me is that every agent carries on their keychains a little device called a SafeCode token. EVERY time you want to access the MLS, you have to push the token to get a random access code that must be put in along with your log-in and password. So if you lose your keys, you're screwed! No MLS access. You get used to it but it is an aggravation if you don't have your keys handy.

There have been lots of other funny and odd little things here that are interesting to learn and observe. For example, instead of a "Park-n-Ride," they have a "Kiss-n-Ride!" Overall, it has been a pretty overwhelming but truly a fun experience to learn this new area and dive into real estate. One of my most memorable moments occurred last week while attending an evening broker's Open House at a new condo building in D.C. The view from the top deck was of the Washington Monument glowing in the distance - pretty spectacular.

Let me remind you all before I part that the Steelers won the Monday night game last night!!!! Go Steelers! I have tickets to the Nov. 3rd game here in D.C. against the Redskins. Can't wait!

Miss you all and would love to hear from you anytime. I hope business is good and life is sweet!

Amy
E-mail: amyanderson@remax.net
New Cell: 301-832-0864