Dottie & John Cordwell

We are not permitted to discuss commissions in public. Please feel free to give my office a call at 410-744-2100. Advance Realty Group, Inc. is The FULL SERVICE - DISCOUNT EXPERT. I am the Broker and I give you my word! - Fri Jul 25 2008, 05:18

REO Departments are very busy now. It has bee my experience that they may or may not respond with that time frame. Depending on the financial institution it may take a few months. Some Buyer become discouraged and move on. Follow their guidelines to even have your offer considered. Not only have an approval letter, have it state they have pulled your credit from at least 2 credit bureaus and have run you through an automated or manual underwriting process. Also provide proof of funds to close, like bank statements. This should all be done with the assistance of an experienced Realtor to guide you. Good Luck. - Fri Jul 25 2008, 05:09

Maryand State and Baltimore City both have tax credits for the historic rehob of homes. Here are the sites
To find out whether a property is eligible for tax credits: Baltimore Coty's IMAP Program
http://maps.baltimorecity.gov/imap
baltimore Commission for Historical & Architectural Preservation 410.396.4866

City Tax Credit Questions: Baltimore Commission For Historical and Architectural Preservation
http://www.baltimorecity.gov/government/historic/index.html
410.396.4866

State Tax Credit Questions: Maryland Historical Trust http://www.marylandhistoricaltrust.net
410.514.7639

Federal Tax Credit Questions: Federal Park Service - Heritage Preservation Services http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/
202.354.2031
http://www.baltimoreheritage.org
410.332.9992

We have sold many home to investors in Baltimore. Feel free to contact us. - Wed Jul 16 2008, 09:04

If you are looking for something under $200,000 you might think about purchasing a Short Sale. There are many homes on the market right now that are bank owned. We can assist you with this type of purchase. - Wed Jul 16 2008, 08:34

Interview experienced Realtors in your area. Look for yard signs so you know who is farmiliar with your neighborhood. You must feel comfortable with this person as you will become a team. Do not go with the person who says they can get you the most money, because the house will most likely be over priced and not sell.
If you want the most return on your investment, it needs to be CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN.
1. Start by cleaning all your window screens, take them off and hose them down. You can use a bristled brush if you need to.
2. Wash all the walls and woodwork in your home. If you can afford it and it needs it have a fresh coat of paint applied.
3. Have your furniture cleaned professionally.
4. Clean the carpets. Have them professionally shampooed or just rent a machine from your local grocery store. If you have pets, you may need to have the carpets sanitized.
5. Clean out the ashes from your fireplace.
6. Wash and/or dry-clean your drapes.
7. Wash your windows, especially the windowsills and all the window wells to make sure there isn't any built-up dirt in them.
8. Clean out your kitchen and medicine cabinets. Throw away any food and/or prescriptions that have expired.
9. Clean the refrigerator. Empty it out entirely and wipe down all the shelves and drawers before restocking the fridge.
10. Clean out your linen closet.
11. Clean out your own closet. Donate or sell those clothes you know you'll never wear again, even if it's your "favorite sweater since you were a teenager!"
Good luck it will sell. Do not listen to the news media. - Thu Jun 12 2008, 06:37