The new Calvert Middle School is on Chesapeake Boulevard in Prince Frederick, which is located behind the Fox Run Shopping Center. Teachers began moving into the school just last month but the doors will be open for the 2010-2011 school year. The school features special art classrooms, a large gym and will house staff and up to 650 students.

While it’s not completed yet, high school students will also have a completely renovated Calvert High School in the near future.

Good luck to everyone heading back to school and to the staff and students who live in our College Station Community!

Photo Courtesy of Calvert Middle School Website

Photo Courtesy of EarthEasy.com

We may be more than half way through Summer but we still have plenty of hot days ahead of us.  Below you will find a few very important tips to help keep your yard healthy and happy on a warm day:

1. Do not over-water your lawn!   Grass reaches deep with its roots for moisture, so water about once a week.  Water heavily, about an inch or two, for best results.
2. Do not cut your grass short!  By giving your lawn an extra inch or so in length, your allowing the blades to shade your roots from the sun.  Healthy roots grow longer and stronger.
3. Do fertilize your grass every 2 months or so.  Healthy, fed grass produces thick, even blades that cool down the soil and maintain your grass even in hot weather.
4. Last but not least, the best time to water your lawn is early morning.  You have the best chance of avoiding evaporation at this time of day.

Combining the above tips will leave you with a healthy yard for the remainder of Summer and the hot beginning days of Fall!

Our newest editions on the real estate market here in Calvert County bring new data and changes worth reviewing:

June Highlights-

• Homes are selling faster than recent months have reported.  On average, a house is on the market for about a month less than before, which is a pleasant decrease in the waiting period for sellers.
• The average listing price of a home is back under $300,000.00 like it was in previous months.  The last time we saw over $300,000.00 for a home listing was back in January.  It is definitely a buyer’s market right now.
• The number of homes sold are holding steady since last month at a little over 100 homes this month.  This is significant as this is only the second time home sales have broken 100 in a year.

Some noticeable differences in our July report below:

• There was a drop in sales from June to July with 57 total homes sold.  The decrease in sales could be due to summer vacations and busy summer schedules. Hopefully things will pick back up next month.
• Great news!   On average this report, homes were on the market less than 100 days, giving confidence to homeowners selling their properties.
• The “sold price” for homes is back over $300,000.00 after decreasing last month to around $274,000.00.  Let’s hope this trend continues for sellers in our county!

Chesapeake Beach has become a very popular location in Calvert County.  There are many opportunities to enjoy an entire day with friends and family.   Not only does the town provide The Chesapeake Beach Water Park, Brownie’s Beach and Boardwalk and numerous dining options highlight the town. The recently built Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa offers visitors a upscale venue for dining and relaxing. Both Kaine Homes’ Rockwell community and the Builtrite Homes’ San Francisco by the Bay community take advantage of all these local amenities.

Rockwell, will feature 8 townhomes with an entire floor being dedicated to the master suite.  Not only are the 2,400 square foot homes spacious but the backyards are truly oversized as well. To learn more about these townehomes go to our “Communities” tab and click on Rockwell.

We’re considering switching the second and third floors in our Rockwell townehomes in Chesapeake Beach. This would put the master bedroom and laundry room on the second floor vs. the third floor. Which would you prefer?

Calvert County Housing Market Trends Through May 2010

In this third issue of The State of Calvert County Real Estate, let’s discuss the activity and trends we’ve been seeing over the last couple of months. The chart below presents a lot of data but shows a few points worth noting:

• The month of May saw a dramatic increase in sales compared to months prior.  Sales were double what we saw in February and March.
• The seller contribution to closing costs has remained consistent, around $6,000.00.  Sellers, be prepared to assist your buyer in this market.
• On a positive note, there has been an increase in the sales price of homes.  Sales prices have hit over $300,000.00 for the first time since January 2010.

A few weeks back, Brooke had the opportunity to speak to Tom Scott on the phone about his home buying experience with Kaine Homes. Tom and his wife Ashley built a Jackson, ‘A’ Exterior, in College Station. Click the play button to hear some genuine feedback from one our our buyers.

Calvert County Housing Market Trends Through April 2010

In this second issue of The State of Calvert County Real Estate, lets discuss the activity and trends we’ve been seeing over the last couple months. The chart below, presents a lot of data, but tells a few key stories. Some noteworthy points are:

• There was a significant drop in sales during February and March, most likely due to all of the snow, but in April home sales began to slowly return to the steady totals of late 2009.
• Closing cost assistance rates are remaining consistant.  If you are selling your home, be prepared to offer closing assistance to the buyer.
• On average, homes in Calvert County are on the market 95-120 days before seliing.

As CFO of Kaine Homes, I didn’t really have the opportunity to interact with our customers up until the last year when the entire Kaine Team started taking turns covering our model home on the weekends when Melissa was off.  I also didn’t realize how much I would enjoy introducing our homes to potential buyers and the thrill I would get when one of my initial contacts became a new Kaine Homeowner.  That thrill was superseded this past Friday when I had the privilege of not only being the one who made the initial contact with a wonderful young couple several months ago, but also took part in their settlement, and witnessed the excitement as they prepared to move into their “dream home.”   I am a little embarrassed to admit I was almost moved to tears when this couple thanked me for making them realize the time was right for their new home purchase.  They are getting married this April and will now be starting their new life in the home of their dreams. 

A dream I can’t help but feel a little bit a part of. 

Christine Hysan