Looking for a house in Maryland w/ water privlages

[jallison27]

I know that it is the wrong time to be looking for real estate (because I have to sell mine first), but....the family has outgrown the house (with another on the way). I currently have a 4 bedroom / 2 bath home in Boulevard Park in Pasadena. The entire house was re-done in 02', so it is like a new house (which is the part that the wife loves). Community is nice, but older. Boating privlages are to die for....awesome ramp that takes 30ft+ boats and access.

Would love to stay in AA County so I can stay into boating, but need to stay under 500k. I'm already working with a realtor, but he's not having a lot of luck in my price range. Don't mind the fixer upper, but the price has to be right. I figured I'd ask around to everyone to see if someone is living somewhere nice that I haven't thought of yet.

Crownsville is as far south as I'd like to go & since I have a family, good schools are a must. A "younger" community would be great also. I drive to Towson everyday to work, now so an extra 15-20min wouldn't bother me too much.

Haven't listed my house yet for fears that it would sell in a week, but need to sell it to purchase the new home. If you know anyone that is looking in the Pasadena area, I can give them a sweet deal on an awesome house.


Thanks in advance.

[twiskman]

jallison- I cant really help you out as far as where to look, but the wife and I are in a similar situation- growing family, and house feeling smaller. Anyway-were getting ready to put ours up for sale... wouldnt mind seeing some pics of yours... maybe we could do a deal... let me know.

[flattyfrank]

I know that it is the wrong time to be looking for real estate (because I have to sell mine first), but....the family has outgrown the house (with another on the way). I currently have a 4 bedroom / 2 bath home in Boulevard Park in Pasadena. The entire house was re-done in 02', so it is like a new house (which is the part that the wife loves). Community is nice, but older. Boating privlages are to die for....awesome ramp that takes 30ft+ boats and access.

Would love to stay in AA County so I can stay into boating, but need to stay under 500k. I'm already working with a realtor, but he's not having a lot of luck in my price range. Don't mind the fixer upper, but the price has to be right. I figured I'd ask around to everyone to see if someone is living somewhere nice that I haven't thought of yet.

Crownsville is as far south as I'd like to go & since I have a family, good schools are a must. A "younger" community would be great also. I drive to Towson everyday to work, now so an extra 15-20min wouldn't bother me too much.

Haven't listed my house yet for fears that it would sell in a week, but need to sell it to purchase the new home. If you know anyone that is looking in the Pasadena area, I can give them a sweet deal on an awesome house.


Thanks in advance.

There are a few houses for sale on Bear Creek in eastern Balto co. zip 21222. Don't know what prices are like, but waterfront is available.

[smellslikefish]

I live in Blvd Pk also. I love this neighborhood, and yes, this comm. ramp is the best ramp that I have used....anywhere. You should stay......put on an addition:yes:

[27 sailfish]

Stop in a local reality shop and ask for a booklet on waterfront/priveledged homes.
Sunday's Sunpaper has a good section on houses as well.

Under $500 K - that might be a tall order.Every now/then one goes for auction - might be worth watching for.

Find a good reeltor ( some are right here on TF ) and ask them to look for you.Slow time right now so most wiould love a new customer who is serious.

[B-Faithful]

Cape St. Claire.... We have 3 community pier areas (wait list), a boat ramp (can be tough at low tide with a larger boat though) beaches on the Magothy river, Chesapeake Bay, and little magothy river. There is a club house, pool (with membership), multiple parks, GREAT school district (Broadneck), tons of kids and a short hop to downtown Annapolis. We also have a private marina in the community (Fairwinds) and are very close to SPSP. You can keep your boat on your property too. Downsides are that there are few streets with sidewalks. The community is older and there are some homes not well kept. Neighbors can be a doozy. Homes range from the 300k range to over 3 million. We have a 5 bedroom 3200 square feet home over looking the magothy (not waterfront but waterview) for just a little more than your range. There are a lot of homes for sale in the community and some are new construction and some were made back in the 1950's. We moved here less than 2 years ago for our kids to grow up with more of a Chesapeake Bay life-style from a newer 4 bedroom colonial in Arnold (same school district) without water privileges. We have been pleased.

Here is the community website: The Community of Cape Saint Claire (http://www.cscia.org/)

If you believe that your realtor isnt working in your best interest or understands what you are looking for. Give TF'er "Reeltor" a shout. He is a fantastic guy who would understand what you are looking for and could steer you right. Good luck.

[goose70]

If good AA County public schools are your top concern, then I would stick with the Broadneck or Severna Park systems. With the budget cuts over the next several years, those systems will likely be the least impacted since they have such strong PTO/community support.

On the other hand, if you're happy where you are now, why move? It seems like an addition makes more sense, particularly if a good chunk of your mortgage is paid down.

[JimRockfish]

Unless your kids are going to live at home long after their 18th birthday, consider that you will be an empty nester at some point with three extra bedrooms. We went through this and I'm glad that we stayed because my house is mortgage free. Now I can play.

[Cabyn Fever]

I'm in the community of Severn Grove (off of Bestgate Rd). The house next door to me has been for sale for the last 3-4 months. It was built about 10 years ago and at least on the outside it looks nice. The community has a boat dock and ramp, I'm not sure of the name of the creek the community is on but it's only a few minutes from the main Severn. I have no idea what they are asking for it but can get the number off the sign if you like. Here is a picture of the house from Google Earth.
http://www.idfdn.org/Chuck/house.jpg

Chuck

[rgminer]

Try off Middleborough Rd in Eastern Baltimore County. There are a few waterfront on Middle River for sale in that community.

[Polkster]

I have friend who lives in the Cape and he loves that area. He has some great neighbors and he can walk to the beach with his kids. Most are smaller split foyer types like the one above, but there are some bigger homes. If you love you neighborhood now, the easiest would be to build an addition or remodel. After realator fees to sell, moving expenses, making your next house your own, it will probably be about the same right now to remodel. (depending on what you do).

[kidz]

Some areas of Boulevard park , it takes a long time for permits. It seems we have some thousand year old bogs in the area and the county will make you miserable trying for a permit if you live within a certain distance of the bogs. Other then that, it is great for water acess. Good luck with the houde hunting.

[g54194]

I am a Realtor, call me and I can e-mail all available property to you. Would be more than happy to help you out..443-336-5161

[MT Pockets]

I wouldn't be afraid to list your house. Nothing is selling in a week, unless its priced insanely low.

[reeltor]

Since you already have an agent I won't attempt to solicit your business. Here is some advice. I would make sure you are aware of the costs to sell and purchase. You are looking at commissions to sell, transfer tax/recording fees, closing assistance most buyers want and title fees to sell. Commissions are always negotiable but the transfer taxes and recording fees are fixed and normally split evenly between buyer and seller. Add in 3% for closing costs (typical in this market to lure a buyer), these are always negotiable between buyer and seller. Make sure you get a "net sheet" from your agent so you are aware of the costs on the selling side. Your lender will provide a Good Faith Estimate of our costs to purchase.

On the purchase end the typical fees in closing costs, prepaid taxes, points to a lender (optional) and other miscellaneous fees are in the 4.5% range(have the seller pay as much as possible here). Make sure to factor in the new required down payment limits. Give Mlag a call if you need a VERY good lender who will point you in the right direction. Get familiar with the numbers, crunch them beside your budget to make sure you are aware of all costs.

Get estimates on an addition and see what the cost is per sq ft. If you can have an addition built on to your current home for 125 per sq you need to compare this to the cost of the home (per sq ft) where you would be buying. If you do an addition, adding to the kitchen and a Great Room makes the most sense. Create a home that resembles what buyers are looking for in today's market. This will help you sell later. Homes in Howard County are selling in the 215 per sq ft range. If you can add for less and keep the home and community you like its a no brainer.

We are seeing a nice bump in the market with the lower home prices, anxious sellers, low rates and the tax credit for first time buyers. If the numbers favor selling put it on the market at a good price. What you give to your buyer, you will get back from the seller you purchase from. In the end, if you stay local, it becomes a lateral move.

The tough part of this market is having to sell before you purchase. You can devise a rent back to buy time if possible.
Good luck!

[jallison27]

Tim - E-Mail and Pictures Sent of my house. Would love for it to work out with a fellow TF'er

Frank - The schools in Dundalk/Essex is not what we are looking for.

Skip - Been browsing all of the papers/onlines almost daily. It's really quite depressing to see what a nice house costs now a day.

B-Faithful - On my short list and I like the "cape", but the wife wants "newer", but will keep an eye out.

Jeff - Agreed Severna Park & Broadneck schools are top choice.

Jim - After the kids are out...moving to the Florida Keys!

Chuck - thanks, but that house is 450k and has an in-law suite downstairs, not exactly what we are looking for.

Paul - Agreed with all of your comments/thoughts. Trying to figure out approach. Want to really sell w/out realtor to get more $ in my pocket (I have it on Craiglist for now). Looking to get 330k w/out realtor, which means 339k with a buyer's realtor. I think it's a great price since the last 3 comps in the neighborhood over the past 6 months are all over 350k and not nearly as nice. If I list at 348k, I'm going to either get it or a bunch of 330k offers with a realtor which I can't do. If I can't get what I want, I'll just stay in the house and be crammed for space. I just think that an addition would start to outprice the neighborhood.

Everyone else...thanks for your thoughts/comments.

The real problem is the wife wants "new" and loves New Market/Woodbine and Westminster since all of her family is in Frederick. Unfortunately, water (at least with a boat) isn't exactly close to any of those. I'm trying to convince her to stay in AA County without a lot of luck. I grew up on the water since I was 5 years old, she's never been around boats......

Thank god I have a good tandem axle trailer for the Grady! :))

[jaynik]

Yikes. You're resisting? How long have you been married?

[g54194]

Sorry, didn't read your full post that you already have a Realtor. I'm sure he can assist you with any of your Real Estate needs....

[kidz]

I seriously doubt that you will out price the neighborhood. It would have to be a great big adition and with that you will pay for additional septic and maybe drill a deeper well. Do not know how long you have had your house, but it would sell fast at a reasonable price. I have only seen one house sit with a for sale sign for a long time. It was way overpriced for a three bed rancher with no garage. Are there not some property on New York Ave for sale? Maybe get a deal and build a new one to your size.

[JimRockfish]

My daughter and her husband bought a new house in Woodbine about 6 yrs. ago, just before the market popped. Their house value has increased 450k and it's a great place with land on a quiet road. Your're right though. That drive to the water would kill me.

[jimkfish]

I also live in Boulevard Park in Pasadena. Unless you are ready to retire and go south, stay where you are. You are already in the best community for being a boater. I would strongly look into the Addition option.

[night nurse]

It makes me ill to see house prices this high. I would NEVER buy my own house for what they say it's worth. Looks like I'll get my next house with wheels on it.

TED