Havre de Grace is a terrific opportunity for vacationers and downsizers, and condos are often preferred because of the independence condo living provides owners. BRAC buyers have been coming to our local areas, but many seem to be looking in the Bel Air-area, but there are other buyers out there from Pa., Baltimore City, and elsewhere who love the HdG area. With interest rates relatively low, and the market showing signs of increased activity, I would try to sell first but if no action by summer's end, chances are the lookers will be going away until next spring. You could always rent then but have the rental agreement state that tenants are required to allow potential buyers inside. But there are potential additional costs associated with renting, esp. if you hire a property management company. I would be happy to discuss the many options with you in more detail. I'm local, so you can email me directly at: pam.mones@longandfoster.com....no obligation. Good luck. Pamela

The fort is not supposed to close for a few years--3 1/2 or so. There is still talk about the misinformation that was given (regarding the necessity to close and the implications for doing so) and the prospect of the fort not closing at all for many of those reasons. There is also misinformation regarding the relocation of people from Ft. Monmouth to Aberdeen. Statistics state that 80% or so will relocate, when word around the fort is that number is grossly misrepresented and only about 20% will actually relocate. Also, people at the Fort who are planning to relocate are getting together to RENT, not purchase. (A lot having to do with the demographics of those having to stay with the government for a few years until retirement.)

I cannot help you with your local real estate market, just wanted to give you an insiders view of the BRAC situation. It surely is not the "Big investment deal" that you once thought it to be. Mansur's advice is sound.

Predicting the future is a difficult task. Market statistics show your area is a buyers market right now -- there are still too many homes coming on the market than are selling -- the latest October ratio is stacked 4:1 against the seller. You do not mention if you will be getting any tax deductions from the mortgage or the depreciation -- it is also possible that a portion of your loss will be tax deductible. You need to discuss your tax implications with a tax advisor and take that into account in calculating what your actual loss for renting is. Who knows you may find it is not a loss. Do not look solely at the possible impact of BRAC in making your decision -- too many other market forces are in play including the effects of international macroeconomics. If you decide to rent be mentally prepared to continue to do this until the market is where you are comfortable with your sale. If you decide to sell make a realistic goal for yourself along with a realistic deadline within which to test your goal.