I just received this email from the Maryland Senate Republican Caucus about the Swine Flu Epidemic. I'm not going to get into a discussion of Republican vs. Democrat here, but there do seem to be some valid points made here. You can decide for yourself.
______________
While the major media in Maryland was lauding Governor O’Malley for establishing a "swine flu command center," they failed to uncover Maryland’s true status of being unprepared for a major medical emergency.
True to form for Maryland’s media, they accepted without question the puffed-up press releases and press conference hyperbole issued from the gubernatorial media relations machine.
If they looked behind the "made-for-media" imagery, they would find that Maryland ranks near the bottom of states in emergency preparedness for a flu pandemic.
As reported in the Washington Times today (Maryland lags in its antiviral stockpile), a study for the non-partisan Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that:
* Maryland was tied for lowest in the country by completing only 5 of 10 benchmarks for medical disaster preparedness.
* Maryland officials had purchased less than half of the federally subsidized antiviral medications available to prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak.
* Maryland’s supply of 476,000 doses of antiviral medication (one for every 11.8 residents) pales in comparison to neighboring Virginia (one for every 7.4 residents).
Did Governor O’Malley’s poor budget policies over the last three years lead to misplaced priorities that under-funded medical disaster preparedness?
The Administration responded by sending out David Paulson, former Maryland Democrat Party flack now positioned at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, who slammed the study as being "faulty and incomplete."
For a link to the report, visit our website: www.mdsenategop.com.
Showing posts with label Maryland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maryland. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Updates from Delegate Warren Miller
I just received an email update for the Regular Session of the MD General Assembly from Delegate Warren Miller. I always appreciate his candor and willingness to keep his constituents informed, so I thought I would post part of his email here.
"... I wanted to update you on the problems the State has moving forward with the Annual Budget.
"Maryland’s Governor O’Malley has submitted the largest budget in Maryland history. In spite of its already bloated proportion, rest assured there will be several amendments offered which will include huge infusions of Federal stimulus money... It is time for Maryland’s leaders to take responsibility for their irresponsible actions perpetrated on the citizens of this fine state. How shameful it is for us to see our Governor approaching the President for money to bail us out. We can stand on our own, but we must stand responsibly and with fiscal discipline.
"I am very concerned about the size and scope of spending and the state of Maryland’s current economy. I have many neighbors and friends who are currently without work. In reviewing the new budget I see a heavy reliance on welfare assistance for the poor, but I am not witnessing the supposed creation of "new" shovel ready jobs that would put many people in Howard County back to work. I see this budget as a shovel digging a financial hole that will require years of sacrifice and discipline to fill. I do not believe this Governor has the discipline or the will to lead us to recovery.
"... At some point we must stop punishing our small business owners with burdensome regulation and unfair taxation so that they can get back to creating new jobs. Prosperity is not selfish, but rather, a reward for a lifetime of hard work. I am appalled that as a State we are spending well beyond our means. I would like to share with you my determination to once again vote against the States massive $31,600,000,000 budget...
"Maryland is the 19th largest State in the country based on population and yet the non-partisan Tax Foundation ranks Maryland as the state with the 4th highest State and Local Tax burden. This is an equation that can only equal disaster. There is no logical reason why this should be. The Foundation study goes onto rank Maryland as having the 45th worst economic environment for Business taxes. If this administration were as interested in the human plight as they are carbon footprints, this truth may not exist. Unfortunately, businesses of all sizes will likely find greener pastures from which to graze and move out of Maryland to find new hope and change.
In closing, I would like to thank you for paying attention to issues in the General Assembly that are important to you and as always I love to listen to your views. I will continue to fight wasteful spending and high taxes so that Maryland can begin the process of recovery."
"... I wanted to update you on the problems the State has moving forward with the Annual Budget.
"Maryland’s Governor O’Malley has submitted the largest budget in Maryland history. In spite of its already bloated proportion, rest assured there will be several amendments offered which will include huge infusions of Federal stimulus money... It is time for Maryland’s leaders to take responsibility for their irresponsible actions perpetrated on the citizens of this fine state. How shameful it is for us to see our Governor approaching the President for money to bail us out. We can stand on our own, but we must stand responsibly and with fiscal discipline.
"I am very concerned about the size and scope of spending and the state of Maryland’s current economy. I have many neighbors and friends who are currently without work. In reviewing the new budget I see a heavy reliance on welfare assistance for the poor, but I am not witnessing the supposed creation of "new" shovel ready jobs that would put many people in Howard County back to work. I see this budget as a shovel digging a financial hole that will require years of sacrifice and discipline to fill. I do not believe this Governor has the discipline or the will to lead us to recovery.
"... At some point we must stop punishing our small business owners with burdensome regulation and unfair taxation so that they can get back to creating new jobs. Prosperity is not selfish, but rather, a reward for a lifetime of hard work. I am appalled that as a State we are spending well beyond our means. I would like to share with you my determination to once again vote against the States massive $31,600,000,000 budget...
"Maryland is the 19th largest State in the country based on population and yet the non-partisan Tax Foundation ranks Maryland as the state with the 4th highest State and Local Tax burden. This is an equation that can only equal disaster. There is no logical reason why this should be. The Foundation study goes onto rank Maryland as having the 45th worst economic environment for Business taxes. If this administration were as interested in the human plight as they are carbon footprints, this truth may not exist. Unfortunately, businesses of all sizes will likely find greener pastures from which to graze and move out of Maryland to find new hope and change.
In closing, I would like to thank you for paying attention to issues in the General Assembly that are important to you and as always I love to listen to your views. I will continue to fight wasteful spending and high taxes so that Maryland can begin the process of recovery."
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Repealing the Death Penalty in Maryland?
Here's the message I received from (Democrat) Governor Martin OMalley on Facebook regarding yesterday's vote:
On Tuesday, the Maryland State Senate is expected to vote on legislation that would repeal the state’s death penalty and replace it with life without parole. Send a note to your Senator to show your support for a repeal of the death penalty.
Last year, we came together as One Maryland to achieve the second largest reduction in homicides since 1985. The death penalty was on the books—and had absolutely nothing to do with that life-saving work.
As mayor of Baltimore, Governor O’Malley witnessed horrendous crimes that called out for justice. The death penalty was on the books—and did absolutely nothing to prevent these awful crimes or help reduce violent crime by 40 percent.And the death penalty has had nothing to do with our efforts to improve public safety in our communities. It’s been done through innovative policing, expanded DNA fingerprinting, and local and state partnerships.
We’re continuing to make Maryland safer—but we don’t need an expensive and utterly ineffective death penalty to do it.
And here's the emailed newsletter post I received from (Republican) Senator Allan Kittleman:
The Maryland Senate voted to bring the death penalty repeal to the floor during their morning session today. Senator Lisa Gladden (D - Baltimore City) moved that the bill be substituted for the unfavorable report of the Judicial Proceedings Committee. That motion passed by a vote of 25 yeas and 22 nays. I voted Nay.
The next motion was to move the bill to second reader which would give the bill a favorable report by the full Senate. That motion passed by a vote of 24 yeas and 23 nays. I again voted Nay. President Miller announced that the Senate will have a second session today so that amendments may be offered and debated.
Here is the Senate website where you can check out updates http://www.mdsenategop.com/
From just reading these items I thought that the death penalty was proposed to be repealed only to be replaced by life in prison. But in reading the Republican Caucus Website coverage, it says:
First, Senator James Brochin (D - Baltimore County) offered an amendment to strip the repeal provisions but to require that a defendant could not be sentenced to the death penalty solely on the basis of eyewitness evidence. Under Brochin's heightened requirements, prosecutors would have to provide physical evidence in addition to any eyewitness testimony before the death penalty applied. This amendment passed by a vote of 25 yeas and 21 nays.
Second, Senator Robert Zirkin (D - Baltimore County) offered an amendment that provided more specific requirements for physical evidence that must be introduced before a defendant can be sentenced to a death penalty. The Zirkin provisions require that a prosecutor introduce either: (1) biological or DNA evidence; (2) a videotaped voluntary interrogation and confession of the defendant; or (3) a video-recording that conclusively links the defendant to the murder. This amendment passed by a vote of 33 yeas and 12 nays.
I believe that having more stringent guidelines for determining the death penalty is a good thing, but to continue on, not everyone thought so.
"What we are getting is a real mess!" bemoaned Senator Delores Kelly (D - Baltimore County). President Pro Tem Nathaniel McFadden added, "This is not one of the high points" of the Maryland Senate.
After about an hour of tumoil on the Senate floor, Senator EJ Pipkin (R - Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's & Caroline) move to recommit the bill back to the Judicial Proceedings Committee. The motion to recommit failed on a tie vote of 23 to 23.
Voting continues today, so I'll keep trying to figure out whether or not we have a death penalty in Maryland and/or if we have just more stringent guidelines for determining it. I know this has nothing to do with housing, but it is interesting!
On Tuesday, the Maryland State Senate is expected to vote on legislation that would repeal the state’s death penalty and replace it with life without parole. Send a note to your Senator to show your support for a repeal of the death penalty.
Last year, we came together as One Maryland to achieve the second largest reduction in homicides since 1985. The death penalty was on the books—and had absolutely nothing to do with that life-saving work.
As mayor of Baltimore, Governor O’Malley witnessed horrendous crimes that called out for justice. The death penalty was on the books—and did absolutely nothing to prevent these awful crimes or help reduce violent crime by 40 percent.And the death penalty has had nothing to do with our efforts to improve public safety in our communities. It’s been done through innovative policing, expanded DNA fingerprinting, and local and state partnerships.
We’re continuing to make Maryland safer—but we don’t need an expensive and utterly ineffective death penalty to do it.
And here's the emailed newsletter post I received from (Republican) Senator Allan Kittleman:
The Maryland Senate voted to bring the death penalty repeal to the floor during their morning session today. Senator Lisa Gladden (D - Baltimore City) moved that the bill be substituted for the unfavorable report of the Judicial Proceedings Committee. That motion passed by a vote of 25 yeas and 22 nays. I voted Nay.
The next motion was to move the bill to second reader which would give the bill a favorable report by the full Senate. That motion passed by a vote of 24 yeas and 23 nays. I again voted Nay. President Miller announced that the Senate will have a second session today so that amendments may be offered and debated.
Here is the Senate website where you can check out updates http://www.mdsenategop.com/
From just reading these items I thought that the death penalty was proposed to be repealed only to be replaced by life in prison. But in reading the Republican Caucus Website coverage, it says:
First, Senator James Brochin (D - Baltimore County) offered an amendment to strip the repeal provisions but to require that a defendant could not be sentenced to the death penalty solely on the basis of eyewitness evidence. Under Brochin's heightened requirements, prosecutors would have to provide physical evidence in addition to any eyewitness testimony before the death penalty applied. This amendment passed by a vote of 25 yeas and 21 nays.
Second, Senator Robert Zirkin (D - Baltimore County) offered an amendment that provided more specific requirements for physical evidence that must be introduced before a defendant can be sentenced to a death penalty. The Zirkin provisions require that a prosecutor introduce either: (1) biological or DNA evidence; (2) a videotaped voluntary interrogation and confession of the defendant; or (3) a video-recording that conclusively links the defendant to the murder. This amendment passed by a vote of 33 yeas and 12 nays.
I believe that having more stringent guidelines for determining the death penalty is a good thing, but to continue on, not everyone thought so.
"What we are getting is a real mess!" bemoaned Senator Delores Kelly (D - Baltimore County). President Pro Tem Nathaniel McFadden added, "This is not one of the high points" of the Maryland Senate.
After about an hour of tumoil on the Senate floor, Senator EJ Pipkin (R - Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's & Caroline) move to recommit the bill back to the Judicial Proceedings Committee. The motion to recommit failed on a tie vote of 23 to 23.
Voting continues today, so I'll keep trying to figure out whether or not we have a death penalty in Maryland and/or if we have just more stringent guidelines for determining it. I know this has nothing to do with housing, but it is interesting!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Updates on the Stimulus Package and More Legislative Updates
Well, there may be some changes to what I blogged last time - here's what I just received from Mike Homberg, a Branch Manager at 1st Mariner Bank:
Here is what has passed and you can see (the) affect (on) our industry:
For qualified home purchases in 2009, the legislation:
Stipulates that the $8,000 tax credit does not have to be repaid, unlike the tax credit passed last summer;
Keeps the tax credit refundable, or claimable regardless of tax liability;
Extends the sunset date from July 1, 2009 until Dec. 1, 2009 so that consumers can utilize it during the critical summer and fall buying months;
Allows tax credit home buyers to participate in the mortgage revenue bond program; and
Permits state housing finance agencies to help buyers at closing by advancing the credit amount as a loan using tax-exempt bond proceeds. (If CDA adopts this, it could be a great opportunity for 1st time buyers because they will have the money upfront to spend.)
So, I don't know yet whether we get $8000 or $15000 for home buyers, but I do know that the National Home Builders Association was saying that it had to be $15000 and was working for that number. We'll wait and see as more changes come up.
I also heard from State Delegate Warren Miller today with a run down on what's happening in Annapolis. They started voting on bills this week, but as there are 1307 bills in the House and another 915 in the State Senate with more to come, they've got their work cut out for them this session. He had some good information about some "Bad Bills" coming up, one for selling garments with fur or other animal products and one for presumption of abandonment on gift certificates. Since it doesn't have to do with housing, I won't post it here, but feel free to write to me or to Del. Miller for more information.
From his email: "The Maryland General Assembly's website address is mlis.state.md.us You are welcome to review all bills that have been filed for this session and then let me know your opinion. I also encourage you to come to Annapolis and make your views heard. You can email me at warren.miller@house.state.md.us to find out more about the Legislative process."
It is our duty and privilege to learn more about our government and how it works. At a course yesterday on 2009 Legislative Updates it was pointed out by a classmate that "some looney" from down the road might really want something done and keeps bugging their legislator until to get rid of them, the legislator may introduce a bill suggesting their (the looney's) idea. (These are technical terms, folks!) If we don't pay attention to what's going on in our government and speak up, then not only might this crazy idea get passed, but it then reflects upon all of us and affects all of us.
I've been told that one call or email from us to our legislators is worth the thoughts of 500 people. So make your voice heard! Speak up for the things that are important to you!
Here is what has passed and you can see (the) affect (on) our industry:
For qualified home purchases in 2009, the legislation:
Stipulates that the $8,000 tax credit does not have to be repaid, unlike the tax credit passed last summer;
Keeps the tax credit refundable, or claimable regardless of tax liability;
Extends the sunset date from July 1, 2009 until Dec. 1, 2009 so that consumers can utilize it during the critical summer and fall buying months;
Allows tax credit home buyers to participate in the mortgage revenue bond program; and
Permits state housing finance agencies to help buyers at closing by advancing the credit amount as a loan using tax-exempt bond proceeds. (If CDA adopts this, it could be a great opportunity for 1st time buyers because they will have the money upfront to spend.)
So, I don't know yet whether we get $8000 or $15000 for home buyers, but I do know that the National Home Builders Association was saying that it had to be $15000 and was working for that number. We'll wait and see as more changes come up.
I also heard from State Delegate Warren Miller today with a run down on what's happening in Annapolis. They started voting on bills this week, but as there are 1307 bills in the House and another 915 in the State Senate with more to come, they've got their work cut out for them this session. He had some good information about some "Bad Bills" coming up, one for selling garments with fur or other animal products and one for presumption of abandonment on gift certificates. Since it doesn't have to do with housing, I won't post it here, but feel free to write to me or to Del. Miller for more information.
From his email: "The Maryland General Assembly's website address is mlis.state.md.us You are welcome to review all bills that have been filed for this session and then let me know your opinion. I also encourage you to come to Annapolis and make your views heard. You can email me at warren.miller@house.state.md.us to find out more about the Legislative process."
It is our duty and privilege to learn more about our government and how it works. At a course yesterday on 2009 Legislative Updates it was pointed out by a classmate that "some looney" from down the road might really want something done and keeps bugging their legislator until to get rid of them, the legislator may introduce a bill suggesting their (the looney's) idea. (These are technical terms, folks!) If we don't pay attention to what's going on in our government and speak up, then not only might this crazy idea get passed, but it then reflects upon all of us and affects all of us.
I've been told that one call or email from us to our legislators is worth the thoughts of 500 people. So make your voice heard! Speak up for the things that are important to you!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
$15000 Tax Credit for Homeowners?
Yesterday, the Senate passed an un-precedented Economic Stimulus package worth $838 Billion, more than the one suggested by the House at $819 Billion, in the hopes that Pres. Obama will sign it on President's Day next week. There's still scant Republican support for the bill and some of the items on it are questionable, in my mind and the minds of many others, (such as $1B for improving parks, which is nice but has nothing to do with stimulating the economy!) but it will provide a great opportunity for home buyers. A $15000 tax credit for people purchasing their primary residence is proposed.
According to the article linked above, "The bipartisan amendment to the stimulus package, offered by Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) and approved by unanimous voice vote, would create a $15,000 home buyer tax credit available to all purchasers of a principle residence for one year after its date of enactment. The tax credit would not have to be repaid and buyers could claim it against their 2008 and/or 2009 tax returns.
The $15,000 home buyer tax credit would replace and sunset a much narrower tax credit that was enacted last year. Available only to first-time home buyers, the current $7,500 tax credit works like an interest-free loan that must be repaid over a 15-year period. It is set to expire on July 1.
Extending and expanding the home buyer tax credit will spark the activity the economy needs to stop shedding jobs and begin creating them, said Robson."
While the First Time Buyer tax credit loan was a great idea, I really love the idea of offering ALL buyers a $15000 tax credit that does not need to be repaid! This will help reduce the overloaded inventory of homes available throughout the country, allow first time buyers a huge incentive to purchase a home at a great rate and help slow foreclosures and increase consumer confidence, which is certain to have a positive reaction in recovery from this tough economic time.
While this change affects me directly and that makes me happy, I still can see such a wonderful outcome for the country that I have to applaud it for it's own sake.
I met with Senator Allan Kittleman and our Howard County District 9 Delegates Warren Miller and Gail Bates on Wednesday night at the Dist. 9 Open House in Annapolis - along with a couple hundred other people I guess! However, in talking with Warren and with Gail, who are both Republicans, I can see that they are happy that legislation will be taking place that will help the recovery. They are all working hard to protect our interests in Howard County, and though I now live in Carroll County, I'm still proud of the jobs that they are doing. I spoke briefly with my current Senator, David Brinkley, who is wonderful and always willing to talk with his constituents. I spoke with Senator Larry Haines for Westminster, who is also a Realtor, so I see him regularly, but he does an excellent job also.
If you have the opportunity to meet with your elected officials, please do so. They love to hear what is going on in the community.
According to the article linked above, "The bipartisan amendment to the stimulus package, offered by Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) and approved by unanimous voice vote, would create a $15,000 home buyer tax credit available to all purchasers of a principle residence for one year after its date of enactment. The tax credit would not have to be repaid and buyers could claim it against their 2008 and/or 2009 tax returns.
The $15,000 home buyer tax credit would replace and sunset a much narrower tax credit that was enacted last year. Available only to first-time home buyers, the current $7,500 tax credit works like an interest-free loan that must be repaid over a 15-year period. It is set to expire on July 1.
Extending and expanding the home buyer tax credit will spark the activity the economy needs to stop shedding jobs and begin creating them, said Robson."
While the First Time Buyer tax credit loan was a great idea, I really love the idea of offering ALL buyers a $15000 tax credit that does not need to be repaid! This will help reduce the overloaded inventory of homes available throughout the country, allow first time buyers a huge incentive to purchase a home at a great rate and help slow foreclosures and increase consumer confidence, which is certain to have a positive reaction in recovery from this tough economic time.
While this change affects me directly and that makes me happy, I still can see such a wonderful outcome for the country that I have to applaud it for it's own sake.
I met with Senator Allan Kittleman and our Howard County District 9 Delegates Warren Miller and Gail Bates on Wednesday night at the Dist. 9 Open House in Annapolis - along with a couple hundred other people I guess! However, in talking with Warren and with Gail, who are both Republicans, I can see that they are happy that legislation will be taking place that will help the recovery. They are all working hard to protect our interests in Howard County, and though I now live in Carroll County, I'm still proud of the jobs that they are doing. I spoke briefly with my current Senator, David Brinkley, who is wonderful and always willing to talk with his constituents. I spoke with Senator Larry Haines for Westminster, who is also a Realtor, so I see him regularly, but he does an excellent job also.
If you have the opportunity to meet with your elected officials, please do so. They love to hear what is going on in the community.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
New Year, New Business, New Blog, New Everything!
I've cleared out the archives and decided to start over. As of the beginning of 2009, I was back to just being Judi Stull at RE/MAX Advantage Realty. I currently don't have a team or belong to someone else's team and it's really great!
I'm seeing a change in the real estate market locally. In January, I listed three properties, two of which sold within a few days of listing them. Prices have come down some, interest rates are some of the best we've ever seen and it seems that people aren't quite as nervous about making a move. It's encouraging!
According to the latest from the Maryland Association of Realtors (MAR), housing affordability has improved in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the First Time Homebuyers Housing Affordability Index rose to 62.2 percent from the third quarter level of 54.6 percent. "Compared to 2006 and 2007 levels of 46.6 and 49.3 percent respectively, this is a substantial improvement to Maryland consumers." You can read the entire article and see past quarterly statistics here: http://mdrealtor.org/HousingResearchStatistics/HomebuyerAffordabilityIndex/tabid/160/Default.aspx
According to MAR's Housing Statistics for December 2008 and as reported by MRIS, here are a few interesting facts about the Counties where I most often work:
Units Sold, first for 2008 then compared to 2007 and the percentage difference
Anne Arundel Co. - 301, 401, -24.9%
Baltimore City - 319, 445, -28.3%
Baltimore County - 450, 471, - 4.5%
Carroll County - 81, 107, -24.3%
Frederick County - 145, 160, - 9.4%
Howard County - 171, 196, -12.8%
All Maryland - 3227, 3550, - 9.1%
Changes in Average Price for 2008, then 2007 and the percentage changed
Anne Arundel Co. - $364,760, $395,990, - 7.9%
Baltimore City - $169,907, $177,397, - 4.2%
Baltimore County - $284,627, $306,021, - 7.0%
Carroll County - $344,906, $345,820, - 0.3%
Frederick County - $276,595, $326,373, -15.3%
Howard County - $416,933, $463,153, -10.0%
All Maryland - $315,934, $347,209, - 9.0%
Active Inventory for Dec. 2008, then compared to Dec. 2007
Anne Arundel Co. - 3810, 3876
Baltimore City - 4563, 5473
Baltimore County - 4360, 4028
Carroll County - 1160, 1115
Frederick County - 1872, 2006
Howard County - 1622, 1677
All Maryland - 43,674, 44,097
Sorry, all of my carefully composed spacing isn't staying and it's making that hard to read.
However, I'm sure you can see as well as I can that Howard County is staying pretty close to the Maryland average, and is somewhere near the middle of the few counties that I've shown here. While Frederick County has not dropped off quite as much in sales, they have had one of the larger drops in value.
Our Government Affairs group at MAR has given us a list of six items that are some of our 2009 Legislative Issues. The one that I think would be most interesting here is number 6.
Real Estate Taxes: MAR opposes new real estate taxes. Although the real estate industry generates about one-quarter of economic activity in the state, it generates about 45% of total County/City government revenues. Maryland ranks 13th among U.S. states in terms of absolute real estate tax levels.
I will continue to attend meetings in Annapolis throughout this year and speak to our legislators about our opposition to new Real Estate Taxes. I will be in Annapolis on Monday to speak with Senator Allan Kittleman, and Delegates Gail Bates, Warren Miller and Susan Krebs about this and other items. They are all "Real Estate Friendly" legislators already. While I understand that our government does need money to run, I think our home owners pay their fair share already and am working to keep our home ownership costs low. Please continue to vote and to contact our legislators about issues that are close to your heart!
Have a great month!
I'm seeing a change in the real estate market locally. In January, I listed three properties, two of which sold within a few days of listing them. Prices have come down some, interest rates are some of the best we've ever seen and it seems that people aren't quite as nervous about making a move. It's encouraging!
According to the latest from the Maryland Association of Realtors (MAR), housing affordability has improved in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the First Time Homebuyers Housing Affordability Index rose to 62.2 percent from the third quarter level of 54.6 percent. "Compared to 2006 and 2007 levels of 46.6 and 49.3 percent respectively, this is a substantial improvement to Maryland consumers." You can read the entire article and see past quarterly statistics here: http://mdrealtor.org/HousingResearchStatistics/HomebuyerAffordabilityIndex/tabid/160/Default.aspx
According to MAR's Housing Statistics for December 2008 and as reported by MRIS, here are a few interesting facts about the Counties where I most often work:
Units Sold, first for 2008 then compared to 2007 and the percentage difference
Anne Arundel Co. - 301, 401, -24.9%
Baltimore City - 319, 445, -28.3%
Baltimore County - 450, 471, - 4.5%
Carroll County - 81, 107, -24.3%
Frederick County - 145, 160, - 9.4%
Howard County - 171, 196, -12.8%
All Maryland - 3227, 3550, - 9.1%
Changes in Average Price for 2008, then 2007 and the percentage changed
Anne Arundel Co. - $364,760, $395,990, - 7.9%
Baltimore City - $169,907, $177,397, - 4.2%
Baltimore County - $284,627, $306,021, - 7.0%
Carroll County - $344,906, $345,820, - 0.3%
Frederick County - $276,595, $326,373, -15.3%
Howard County - $416,933, $463,153, -10.0%
All Maryland - $315,934, $347,209, - 9.0%
Active Inventory for Dec. 2008, then compared to Dec. 2007
Anne Arundel Co. - 3810, 3876
Baltimore City - 4563, 5473
Baltimore County - 4360, 4028
Carroll County - 1160, 1115
Frederick County - 1872, 2006
Howard County - 1622, 1677
All Maryland - 43,674, 44,097
Sorry, all of my carefully composed spacing isn't staying and it's making that hard to read.
However, I'm sure you can see as well as I can that Howard County is staying pretty close to the Maryland average, and is somewhere near the middle of the few counties that I've shown here. While Frederick County has not dropped off quite as much in sales, they have had one of the larger drops in value.
Our Government Affairs group at MAR has given us a list of six items that are some of our 2009 Legislative Issues. The one that I think would be most interesting here is number 6.
Real Estate Taxes: MAR opposes new real estate taxes. Although the real estate industry generates about one-quarter of economic activity in the state, it generates about 45% of total County/City government revenues. Maryland ranks 13th among U.S. states in terms of absolute real estate tax levels.
I will continue to attend meetings in Annapolis throughout this year and speak to our legislators about our opposition to new Real Estate Taxes. I will be in Annapolis on Monday to speak with Senator Allan Kittleman, and Delegates Gail Bates, Warren Miller and Susan Krebs about this and other items. They are all "Real Estate Friendly" legislators already. While I understand that our government does need money to run, I think our home owners pay their fair share already and am working to keep our home ownership costs low. Please continue to vote and to contact our legislators about issues that are close to your heart!
Have a great month!
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