Thinking about selling your home?

Thinking about selling your home?  Wondering what your home is worth?  

I would be happy to show you how I can use my marketing system to help you sell your home!  I will give a solid market analysis for your property and advise you on a realistic price, and I will prove to you that you will not be disappointed by listing your property with me and McBride Home Sales.  

Once your home is priced to sell, my dedicated marketing staff will develop a complete marketing strategy around selling your home.  We will notify your neighbors, hold an open house and maximize your homes online exposure.  Your home will land on page one of google in a matter of days, so when someone looks for a home in your neighborhood, your home will show on page one of the search results! 

Once your home goes under contract, our team will help walk you through the negotiation, sales process and the closing.  We will be there for you every step of the way!  

Contact me today for a free Market Comparison Report.  

Josh McBride

Realtor

717-781-4723 cell

jmcbride5227@gmail.com

Is now a good time to buy?

Mortgage rate are a big player in determining how much home you can purchase.  I am asked by buyers often what I believe will happen with rates.  While I am not an expert, I do know a few people who are. 

Last week, at Keller Williams Mega Camp, Gary Keller and Jay Papasan talked about interest rates.  

Mortgage rates remain historically low, and only recently jumped to above 4 percent. In January, the 30-year mortgage went up by 1 percent. “That’s a 10 percent increase in the monthly cost of the home,” said Papasan. Or a 10 percent drop in affordability. “Don’t panic,” Keller warned. “Let’s get some perspective: I got into real estate during the highest interest rates ever. We were asking people to agree to 14 points on their mortgage and people still bought. Every market has their pros and cons."

So, if you ask the question,  "Is it a good time?" here is my answer:

If you are in a position where you will have steady income (what you make now for many years to come),  don't see yourself moving for 5 years, have money saved that you would like to invest, don't mind the extra responsibility of being responsible for home repairs, and like the idea of being able to generate equity (wealth), then yes.  Right now is a great time to buy.  With interest rates where they are, you may actually be able to pay less for a mortgage than you would for rent.  

If you are interested in finding out how much home you could afford, I would be happy to help you along the way!  Contact me today! 

Josh McBride

Realtor

717-781-4723 cell

Good Seller Etiquette - McBride Home Sales Tips

Practicing good seller's etiquette - McBride Home Sales Tips 

When your house goes on the market, you're not only opening the door to prospective buyers, but also sometimes to unknown vendors, nosey neighbors, etc. As with any business transaction, there is an expected protocol to how sellers, buyers and their respective agents interact. Here are a few helpful common scenerios and how you should handle them.

The aggressive agent:

When your agent puts your house on the market, typically all promotional materials state clearly that your agent is the primary contact for buyers and buyers' agents. However, sometimes a buyer's agent will contact a seller directly to try to either win over their business or cut the seller's agent out of the deal. This is not reputable behavior and you should report it to your agent immediately if it happens to you. 

The unscrupulous vendor:

Have you ever started a business or moved into a new house and suddenly found your mailbox full of junk mail? Unfortunately, this also can happen when you put your house on the market. When you sell your home, it necessitates all kinds of new purchasing decisions and less-than-ethical vendors are keenly aware of this. Though MLS organizations enforce rules on how posted information is used, some companies have found ways to cull information from various sources to produce mass mailing lists. If you find yourself regularly emptying your mailbox of junk, let your agent know. He or she can tap the appropriate sources to prompt an investigation into the matter. 

The naive buyer:

Yard signs, Internet listings and other advertisements can generate a lot of buzz for your home. Some prospective buyers - particularly first-timers - will be so buzzed to see your home that they'll simply drop by. If this happens, no matter how nice these unexpected visitors are, it's best not to humor their enthusiasm by discussing your home or giving an impromptu tour. Instead, politely let them know that your real estate agent is in charge of scheduling tours and provide them with the agent's contact information. If you attempt to handle these surprise visits on your own, you might inadvertently disclose information that could hurt you during negotiations down the road.

If you are looking to sell your home in Southern York County, contact McBride Home Sales today!  I would be happy to provide a complimentary market report.

What is my home worth?

Wondering what your home is worth?  If you currently live in Baltimore, MD or Southern York County, I am the guy to help you!  I am on a mission to help at least 10 people find out by the end of this week what their home is worth!  Inventory is coming down, which means I have more buyers than homes to sell!  Now is a great time to sell your home! 

The asking price you set for your home significantly affects whether you will profit in the sale, how much you will profit and how long your home will sit on the market. My knowledge of the overall market and what's selling - or not selling - will be invaluable in helping you determine the price. The objective is to find a price that the market will bear but won't leave money on the table. 

Not sure if now is the right time to sell?  Let's get together and crunch the numbers!

If you are interested visit my website: http://www.homesalesbymcbride.com/sell. If you are happy where you are, please pass along to your neighbors and friends!

Southern York County, PA - Community News

Southern York County PA is located 30 minutes north of Baltimore County, just over the Mason-Dixon line.  Southern York County has become home to many Maryland communters over the past 15 years.  Communities located in Southern York County are Shrewsbury, Stewartstown, New Freedom, Red Lion, Dallastown, Felton, Glen Rock, Fawn Grove, and Delta.  In recent years, Southern York County has welcomed additional shopping and entertainment options for people of all ages.

Here is a list of the community events in York County for October.  

OCTOBER Events in York County PA

• Dillsburg PA - Dillsburg Farmers Fair (Downtown) 10/17-19/13
• Etters PA - Craft Sale (Yocumtown Church of God) 
• Hanover PA - Amish Markets at Hanover NEW! Opening October 2013 - Thu/Fri/Sat Year Round 
• Wrightsville PA and Columbia PA - BridgeBust 10/5/13
• York PA - Greater York Antiques Show and Sale (York Expo Center) 10/25-26/13
• York PA - Heavenly Paws Fall Festival (Grace Fellowship Church) 10/26/13
• York PA - Tri-County Gun and Knife Show (York Expo Center) 10/26-27/13
• York PA - Rubber Stamping and Paper Festival (York Expo Center) 10/12-13/13
• York PA - TCA Fall Train Show (York Expo Center) 10/17-19/13
• York PA - Yorktoberfest (Sovereign Bank Stadium) 10/26-27/13
• York PA - Womens Show (York Expo Center) 10/5-6/13
• Be sure to also check the On-Going Events in York County listed lower on this page.

Josh McBride
Realtor
717-781-4723 cell
homesalebymcbride.com

Home Prices - Where the Market is Headed

Last week, Keller Williams Realty held its annual, Mega Agent Camp.  At Mega Camp, agents from all over the county join to get insight into how top producing real estate agents have achieved their success.  Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, authors of the Millionaire Real Estate agent, also shared a look at what is going on in the Real Estate market. 

Here is a summary of what was covered on home prices.

"The annual pace of home sales in July was 17.2 percent higher than it was last year, putting the industry on pace for the best year in home sales since 2006. The last time we saw this number was 2003.

The monthly median home price in July was $213,500;  up 25.1 percent from January to July 2013. For 2013, the average median price YTD for 2013 was $198K. Though home prices have been increasing year-over-year for 17 consecutive months, that number still sits below the long-term 4 percent trend line."

What does this mean? There’s still room for prices to improve! If we follow the historic trend of sales prices increasing 4% each year, we are still behind where we should be.  The positive is, that we are improving at a steady pace.  

Real estate is a local.  The numbers above are national averages.  If you would like to learn more about the market trends in Southern York County, I would be happy to help you!  Check out what is going on in our current market at: Southern York County homes for sale. 

Market Report and Community news for New Freedom, PA (17349)

New Freedom is locatated in Southern York County, Pennsylvania.   A short drive up Interstate 83 from Baltimore, New Freedom is a small town that boasts lots of things to do!  As of the 2010 census, the borough had a population of 4,464. Once an industrial/railroad town, the community has evolved into a mostly residential town.  There are several great restaurants, trails for biking/running/walking and several community parks.

This weekend, New Freedom will be hosting a fall festival.  Lot's of fun, food, live music and games!  Most recently, the railroad that once ran through New Freedom has become active again!  Check out the train by visiting: http://steamintohistory.com. 

The estate market in New Freedom is also picking up some steam! 

The number of active listings in New Freedom (17349) dropped by 36.7% from the previous month. Inventory coming down means that buyers will have less homes to choose from and stable prices.  This could be a sign that it is a great time to list your home!  

The median number of days active properties have been listed is 83.  Only 4.1% are distressed listings.  With only 4.1% of properties being distressed, this means that prices are likely more stable in New Freedom, PA.  

The percent of unoccupied properties is very low in New Freedom (17349) . It is -10.88% below the national average.

The percent of owner occupied properties in New Freedom (17349) is 18.21% above the national average.

The median list price is currently $279,090. 

If you are interested in learning more about what your home is worth, feel free to visit my website homesalesbymcbride.com. I would be happy to create a market snapshot just for you!    

Josh McBride

Realtor

717-781-4723 cell

jmcbride5227@gmail.com

This Month of Real Estate - September 2013

The top three updates sellers make in preparation for listing their house are fresh paint, new flooring, and updated light fixtures. Surprisingly, sellers spend more than two times as much money updating their house while they live in it than they do getting it ready for sale. To find out which updates matter most, contact me and I would be happy to help you figure out what updates buyers are looking for in Southern York County! 

Market Report for Stewartstown, PA

Stewartstown, PA is located 40 minutes North of Baltimore County, MD in York County, PA. Stewartstown, PA is often referred to as a bedroom community of Baltimore, MD. The population of Stewartstown, PA was 2,089 at the 2010 census. Stewartstown is often sought out when looking to buy a home because home prices tend to be lower than communities more central to Baltimore. A few key stats to know about Stewartstown: Median household income in Stewartstown (17363) is $80,565 with 102 households earning between $35,000 to $40,000 annually. The number of active listings in Stewartstown (17363) increased by19.6% from the previous month. The median number of days active properties have been listed is 97. The percent of unoccupied properties is very low in Stewartstown (17363) . It is -10.82% below the national average. The percent of owner occupied properties in Stewartstown (17363) is 19.21% above the national average. For more information, please visit my website: www.homesalesbymcbride.com

319 Charles Street - Dallastown, Southern York County

Charming 3 bedroom home located in Dallastown just minutes from I-83. Fenced, easy to maintain backyard with patio and shed. Property offers on and off street parking. Home has central a/c and family room in basement. Newer flooring in kitchen with updated appliances. Perfect home for a first time home buyer! Contact me today if you would like to learn more!

Just listed! 1312 Weldon Ave - Baltimore

Charming Brick 3BR end unit on quiet street in Medfield. Many updates to the home including the roof, replacement windows, and hot water heater. Wood floors throughout the home are in good condition. Backyard/Pad is fully fenced. Claw tub with shower in bath. Great home with great schools in the area. Close to I-83. Home Warranty included.

Home For Sale -Medfield

New to the market this week! Charming Brick 3BR end unit home for sale on quiet street in Medfield. Updates to the home include the roof, replacement windows, and hot water heater. Wood floors throughout the home. Backyard/Pad is fully fenced. Claw tub with shower in bath. Close to I-83. Home Warranty included. If you are looking to buy a home, contact me today! For more homes like this, visit my website: www.homesalesbymcbride.com

Open House - 118 Covington Drive, Shrewsbury, PA 17361

Join me tomorrow in Shrewsbury for Open House at 118 Covington Drive, 12pm-3pm. Lot's of yard sales going on in the area too, so make a day of it!

4436 Raspe Ave - 21206

Large home for a small home price! Enjoy the quality & comfort of four finished levels, beautifully renovated to accommodate your lifestyle. Gorgeous granite eat-in Kit, built for cooking & entertaining. Finished attic makes for great rec room & fun! Finished Lower level added for even more room to play! Large corner lot ample yard space, deck & fenced yard! All new systems!                    

Real Estate Report Card for Shrewsbury, PA

Here are a few interesting facts about real estate in the community of Shrewsbury, PA. The number of active homes for sale in Shrewsbury, PA (17361) increased by 4.5% from the previous month. There are currently 29 active listings. The median number of days active properties have been listed is 38. This is significantly shorter than the national average. The percent of unoccupied homes is very low in Shrewsbury at 4.9%. It is -10% below the national average. The percent of owner occupied properties in Shrewsbury (17361) is 75.25%. This is 12.15% above the national average. To learn more or to search for homes for sale in Shrewsbury, PA - visit my website at www.homesalesbymcbride.com

422 Evesham Ave - 21212

Fantastic large colonial on spacious lot. Located within walking distance of Belvedere Square and 3 finished floors of renovated space. HW floors, granite/stainless and all the modern ammenities. Shows like a model home and is priced to sell. http://www.homesalesbymcbride.com/listings/pgn/2/minprice/175000/maxprice/300000/areas/5742/ *Home listed by Josh Mente & Associates*

19225 York Road - Parkton, MD 21120

JUST REDUCED!! This is a Freddie Mac Homesteps Property. Large acreage and newer construction. Fabulous open floor plan that is great for entertaining. Large flat yard and secluded from the neighbors. House is a real value at this price. Make an offer while it lasts.