GayRealEstate USA

Around the Nation -- Residential Real Estate Update - Maryland

By Jeff Adolph

State-by-state

Maryland is situated in the Mid Atlantic region of the U.S and has a population of 5,600,388 people, making it the 19th largest state in the nation. Said to be the richest state in America with a median household income of $65,144.00, this states largest economic activity is the tertiary service industry followed by transport and commodities such as  iron ore, petroleum, sugar and fertilizers. Maryland's main seafood and agricultural exports include blue crab, ousters, cucumbers, watermelons, sweet corn and muskmelons.

This state has four taxation brackets ranging from 2-4.75%, while sales tax is set at 6%. Property tax is assessed every three-years by the Real Property Valuation Division, with property taxes varying greatly from county to county, as counties and cities are able to set their own taxation rates. However, tax increases are not allowed to exceed 10% per annum.

Silver Spring

There are  currently more buyers than sellers in this region, with homes typically sitting on the market for 90-120 days. The trend in this area is increasing and there is a good supply of all homes in all price ranges. Sellers are getting 95-100% of their asking price with no multiple offers being registered.

The median price of homes in Silver Springs is hovering around the the $450,000 mark and prices in this area are down by 5% compared to last year's figures. First time buyers and job growth are representing the main reasons for market activity in this region. 

LGBT Real Estate Facts: There are some 11,243 same-sex couples residing in this state, making it the 16th gayest state in the U.S.A. The gayest zip codes in this area are 21218 Abell/ Guilford/ Charles Village - Baltimore; 20910, 20912 Takoma Park/ Silver Spring; 21224 Little Italy/ Baltimore Highlands - Baltimore; 21206 Mayfield - Baltimore. -- gaydemographics.com

Main Story Source: House Hunt (2008) Real Estate Market Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

Picture Source: wikipedia.org

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Time for Change

By Jeff Adolph

Special Interest

After 13 years of residing in a high-rise condo some 15 floors up even die-hard urban dwellers like Jon Kaplan and Joel Pearson (pictured left) crave sunlight and greenery.

'The outdoor space didn't have to be large, but preferably more than just a token deck, which is very hard to find here in this city,' said Pearson.

Eventually, they found what they yearned for in Baltimore's Bolton Square, a mid-century townhouse complex of some 35 units surrounded by a grassy ellipse.

'The floor-to-ceiling windows make our 1,400 square feet of living space seem much larger than it is. The floor plan is similar to a typical Baltimore row-house but our home is flooded with natural light from both sides and from the skylights above,' Pearson said.

Bolton Square along with Bolton Hill the surrounding district, has been given a 'bestowed landmark status' in order to preserve its modernist architecture and sustain the community.

The area attracts a broad demographic from young families to retired couples, and straight singles through to gays and lesbians in committed relationships.

'In 1969, a basic two-bedroom three-story townhome' in this region would have sold for $23,000, today $260,000 is a more realistic price for a renovated unit.

Source and Images: Kaiser - Fisher, L (2007) A Modern Past; available online at www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/07/AR2007090701234.html

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Have Your Say On the LGBT Political Front - August 19th 2007

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Politics

In a national first, the Democrats are challenging the Republicans by staging a debate that is dedicated to the LGBT community and will answer many of the issues facing Lesbians, Gays, Bi-sexual's and the Transgendered across the nation.

The leading candidates for the Democratic  nomination for presidency will actively involve themselves in this debate on August the 9th, which is being telecast by LOGO, a gay cable network. Alternatively, you may view proceedings on http://www.logoonline.com/ if you are unable to access the network.

Participants in the debate will include Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards (pictured above), with the moderators being singer Melissa Etheridge and Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign's president.

If you would like to actively participate by lodging questions for the candidates to answer you may do so by logging on to LOGOonline.com as well as on HRC.org.

Source: Demorcrats to Hold Gay Debate (2007) available online at www.wweek.com

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Waterfront and Scenic Mountain View Summer Homes for $250,000: Is this a Possibility?

By Jeff Adolph

Summer Homes

The holiday getaway, the weekender, and a summer home that takes you away from your daily routine and allows you to escape from reality, for $250,000, surely this is a pipe dream, right?

Hang on...

You are forgetting the waterfront and mountains here, with boating and skiing and those magnificent sunsets, surely this comes at a much hefty price?

Haven't we heard that most waterfront in the states is selling for big dollars these days, and that you should expect to pay a small fortune for even a peek at those waves.

Well it is and it isn't...

You just have to know where to look, and here are several places, within the United States that may just be the location that you and your loved ones holiday home resides in, and all for the investment of $250,000.

For The Water Fanatic

• The Eastern shores of Maryland may be the place for you if you crave a water-view. For $250,000 you can purchase a 1950's 1,500 sq foot cottage, in St. Michaels and find that the trek from Washington takes only 90 minutes.

Dawn Lendnum, a local Realtor said, 'most buyers of second homes in St. Michaels arrive from Washington, North Virginia, Pennsylvania or New Jersey. We have 600 miles of waterfront and 60-70 restaurants. There is not the beach crowd. There's not even a traffic light in town.'

For the Scenic Mountain Devotee

• If you are a mountain lover then Staughton in Virginia may be just what your looking for. Laying in central Shenandoah Valley and just 30 minutes away from Shenandoah National Park, the township and people are acclaimed to be super friendly and outdoor orientated, and within easy reach of Washington. Plus for $250,000 you can buy a beautiful historical property.

As Bob Barron, publisher of Prevention Magazine said of the area, 'the people cherish their architecture and that creates a sense of identity. Feeling welcomed as a gay couple was essential to the decision to buy property. People could not have been nicer.'

For the Rural and Outdoor Fanatic

• For Chicago buyers, Cass County, Michigan has lake-front 1940's and 50's lake-front houses for around $250,000 and is extremely welcoming.
• Then 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, on the west-coast is Victorville, California, a rural environment with ranch-styled homes for $250,000. Lake Arrowhead is nearby for boating and Big Bear is 30 minutes away for skiing. Apple Valley a short distance away is also just as popular and in the same price bracket.

So, that dream of owning a summer home or romantic getaway may not be as elusive as you first thought, and if you are considering the possibility the slow housing market may just create the perfect opportunity for you.

Source: Kelly, C (2007) Where Can you Buy a Second Home for $250,000: available online at http://www.azcentral.com

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© 2007 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

By Jeff Adolph

Summer Homes

The holiday getaway, the weekender, and a summer home that takes you away from your daily routine and allows you to escape from reality, for $250,000, surely this is a pipe dream, right?

Hang on...

You are forgetting the waterfront and mountains here, with boating and skiing and those magnificent sunsets, surely this comes at a much hefty price?

Haven't we heard that most waterfront in the states is selling for big dollars these days, and that you should expect to pay a small fortune for even a peek at those waves.

Well it is and it isn't...

You just have to know where to look, and here are several places, within the United States that may just be the location that you and your loved ones holiday home resides in, and all for the investment of $250,000.

For The Water Fanatic

The Eastern shores of Maryland may be the place for you if you crave a water-view. For $250,000 you can purchase a 1950's 1,500 sq foot cottage, in St. Michaels and find that the trek from Washington takes only 90 minutes.

Dawn Lendnum, a local Realtor said, 'most buyers of second homes in St. Michaels arrive from Washington, North Virginia, Pennsylvania or New Jersey. We have 600 miles of waterfront and 60-70 restaurants. There is not the beach crowd. There's not even a traffic light in town.'

For the Scenic Mountain Devotee

If you are a mountain lover then Staughton in Virginia may be just what your looking for. Laying in central Shenandoah Valley and just 30 minutes away from Shenandoah National Park, the township and people are acclaimed to be super friendly and outdoor orientated, and within easy reach of Washington. Plus for $250,000 you can buy a beautiful historical property.

As Bob Barron, publisher of Prevention Magazine said of the area, 'the people cherish their architecture and that creates a sense of identity. Feeling welcomed as a gay couple was essential to the decision to buy property. People could not have been nicer.'

For the Rural and Outdoor Fanatic

For Chicago buyers, Cass County, Michigan has lake-front 1940's and 50's lake-front houses for around $250,000 and is extremely welcoming.

Then 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, on the west-coast is Victorville, California, a rural environment with ranch-styled homes for $250,000. Lake Arrowhead is nearby for boating and Big Bear is 30 minutes away for skiing. Apple Valley a short distance away is also just as popular and in the same price bracket.

So, that dream of owning a summer home or romantic getaway may not be as elusive as you first thought, and if you are considering the possibility the slow housing market may just create the perfect opportunity for you.

Source: Kelly, C (2007) Where Can you Buy a Second Home for $250,000: available online at http://www.azcentral.com

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© 2007 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Gays Just May Be at the Forefront of Gentrification

By Jeff Adolph

Property Development and Change

Rental price increases along with development, construction crews and a regular turnover in business, as old is being replaced by new, has become a typical occurrence in places like Fredrick. To the point that some residents have moved on because they say the property tax increases has slowly made living here unaffordable.

According to experts this type of change is called ‘gentrification’, when higher income individuals, partners and businesses replace those who generate less cash flow.

As Jim Cohen, director of the Urban Studies and Planning Program at the University of Maryland stated, ‘when people with higher incomes move into a neighborhood, acquire properties, fix them up and begin to demand more facilities and services.’

Bill Carol, a real estate agent also added, ‘reinvestment sparks interest from other investors, property value increases, as do property taxes, which is a boon for the city.’

However, the downside of such development is unfortunate in that current homeowners can no longer afford to live in the area and are forced to sell. This also impacts upon the rental community as well, as costs often sky rocket after building have been re-vamped and upgraded.

This development is occasionally stimulated by the town planning and government organizations but on the whole it is mostly set about by a private interest in the area.

Mr. Cohen noted that, ‘some city governments initiate revitalization efforts, however, private investors also bring about gentrification, with young professionals and the gay population at the forefront of this process.’

In relation to Fredrick, investment and gentrification has seen developments like ‘the homes at Market Square, 14 luxury townhouses and condominiums priced between $500,000 and $750,000 on the corner of South Market and West South Streets, and 25 condominiums on the Lafayette Square development on the corner of Market and All Saints Streets priced between $170,000 and $250,000.’

Mr. Cohen added that, ‘it is usually a mix of things that brings people to an area, and downtowns like Fredrick offer diversity of urban living, appealing architecture, a shorter commute, and fulfill the desire to live in a social hub.’

Traditional families and needs are changing and gentrification may just become more and more symbolic in the future, especially as the gay population are given more rights and viewed as equals in any community.

Source: Henk, E (2006) Locals Experts Explain How Gentrification May Affect City: available online at http://www.fredricknewspost.com

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© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Gay Friendly Diner up for Grabs

By Jeff Adolph

Urban Vs. Suburban

A deli that focuses on 'ultra-fresh' produce, meats and cheeses and provides a New York styled menu, with unique sandwich names like 'the Appalachian Trail' may not be everyone's cup of tea. Nevertheless, for Ms. Boyes who opened the restaurant with her then husband Chris, 3 ½ years ago, it has become not only her lively-hood but also her life, something she sadly must say goodbye too in order to move-on after irreconcilable differences in her marriage.

Ms. Boyes, who admits she is a non-conformist, confesses to wearing fishnet stockings, combat boots and dying her hair pink, and refers to herself as an ageing punk rocker, feels she is not just selling a business but losing many friends, many of whom are gay. Ms. Boyes said, "I think people know I embrace everyone."

The community welcomed the couple warmly when they bought the business, and Ms. Boyes can recall the day they opened and the queue that formed, and flowed out the deli's entrance.

Dee Jay, a regular at the deli had this to say about the serve and cuisine, 'The Star of the Sandwiches is the bread. Foccacia, Ciabatta, Sourdough, Multi-grain – they really "make" the sandwich. The soup's good and the fries are a knockout. Big fat stuffed baked potatoes. Yum. Then there is Ann and Chris, who become like your family and know every single customer by name. They really know how to run a small town restaurant.'

In addition, Lori, an out of town visitor, had this to say about the deli, 'Awesome deli! Wonderful sandwiches with unique combinations that will delight your taste buds (try the Camp David). Fantastic soups! Friendly staff and atmosphere. Definitely worth the trip!

Therefore, if you are looking for a new business opportunity in a small country locality that is gay friendly the Collamor's Deli may be just for you!

Sources: Henk, Erin. (2006) Middletown Deli Goes on the Block: Popular, Unique Eatery Harbors Painful Memories for Owner. Available online at http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?stroyid=49318

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA