By James Houck
Real estate is an intriguing industry; one marked by both business and personal passions, emotions, and perspectives. One real estate agent could describe a property on market differently than another agent. Prices fluctuate with economic and décor trends. What's fashionable one year may be the following year's proverbial pig in a pen. And, of course, buyers and sellers may not always agree when negotiating a property. When they do, it can feel like heaven for both parties. And What's Up? Media wants to help you on that golden ick road to home ownership through means of professional real estate insight from local agents and okers that have been tops on the business for many years. Our forum of pros has seen it all. All manner of properties, trends, red flags, marketing tools, and more. So, we went straight to the experts with our questions. Their answers and know-how will hopefully help guide you toward your next purchase or sale.
Heading into Q4 for the year, we spoked with local real estate agents about the market and tips for both buyers and sellers
What is your opinion of the local housing market today?
“The housing market today is phenomenally strong. People are gravitating to the water now, more than ever. We're seeing housing prices rise as a result of lowered inventory. People want to live by the water, and they're willing to pay for it.”–Creig Northrop, Long & Foster Real Estate, Northrop Realty
“Most of my business is on the Eastern shore with an emphasis on waterfronts. The lack of inventory has been an issue and when properties come on the market, and are priced right, they sell quickly. Maryland home values have gone up within the last year and I predict that they will continue to rise.”–Biana Arentz, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
“A lack of inventory in the Annapolis area. That said, buyers have access to so much information that they aren't willing to over pay. Many sellers are asking too much for their homes and those homes sit on the market. If priced well, they go quickly with multiple offers.”–Sarah G. Morse, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“The market is divided with first-time home buyers having to fight for homes in a bidding war. This may result in over paying for the property because there is low inventory in the 300–500K price range. On the flip side, properties listed 700K–1M are taking much longer to sell. Inventory that is priced at market value is very high in demand. The homes priced for the market have an average days-on-the-market of 30 days.”–Michele Cordle, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“In general, the market has been strong for sellers when priced right and properly prepared for market. I've had multiple buyers make full price offers this year only to be beat out by better terms. And, I've had listings that have sold very quickly at, or near, full list price. On the high end, $2M-plus, the market is slower and homes are taking longer to sell.”–Travis Gray, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“The local housing market has been challenging! While we are experiencing a shortage of inventory in many different price ranges and areas, many buyers are still holding out for the perfect home. Typically, a shortage of homes would drive buyers to be more forgiving with a home that may need cosmetic updating or one that is lacking an item or two from their wish list. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as the interest rates continue to rise.”–Mary Ann Elliott, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
"We're seeing signs of value appreciation and a healthy market pushing itself forward. Sales prices are higher this year than in previous years and interest rates are lower." -David Orso, Century 21 New Millennium, David Orso Group
“It's an intriguing market with a complicated mix of high demand, low supply, and homeowners deciding between selling or renovating. I think a lot have decided to renovate rather than move which has amplified this inventory shortage.”–Shane Hall, Sotheby's International Realty, Annapolis
“We're seeing signs of value appreciation and a healthy market pushing itself forward. Sales prices are higher this year than in previous years, and interest rates are lower. There's more inventory, and there are some really amazing properties on the market. So, it's a great climate for both buyers and sellers. Buyers want the low interest rates that we're seeing, and it's also a great time for sellers who have been waiting to list their homes.”–David Orso, CENTURY 21 New Millennium, David Orso Group
What are a few of the most sought-after communities in the area?
“We're noticing people gravitate to neighborhoods that are close to the historic area and provide water views, access, or are located directly on the waterfront.”–Marilyn Rhodovi, Long & Foster Real Estate, Northrop Realty
“Prospect Bay, a golf community in Grasonville on the Eastern Shore—and where I live—has been very popular for buyers. For me, it is easy to sell what I love and I love where I live in Prospect Bay. Southwinds, Cove Creek (also a golf community on Kent Island), and Bennett Point are very active. Waterfront properties on the Wye River are what most boaters are looking for with deep water and easy access to many great places. I also have many clients that want to be close to downtown Annapolis and close to good schools.”–Biana Arentz, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
“Waterfront communities with low HOAs that include slips/boat ramp amenities.”–Michele Cordle, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“West Annapolis is very sought after right now. With the new elementary school, new restaurants, recent investment in commercial construction/renovations, water access, and proximity to shopping, services, and downtown, it's been described as a Mayberry like community.”–Travis Gray, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“Bay Ridge continues to be an Annapolis favorite with the winding Chesapeake Bay shoreline for walking and water play. The marina, tennis, and large pool are also widely used by the community residents. Murray Hill has maintained status as an in-town favorite since it offers the downtown lifestyle, while offering parking for most homes, more elbow room, and less restrictive architectural guidelines compared to Historic Annapolis. Poplar Point is another sought-after community for those who know the area well and can appreciate the accessibility. Although it is not technically in Annapolis, it is located on the Annapolis side of the South River and highlights exceptional private marina facilities for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, crabbing, and fishing without the higher city property taxes.”–Mary Ann Elliott, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“I think we are seeing multiple offers in a lot of communities but a few I've noticed more than others have been Shipley's Choice, Chartwell, and Eastport. It's important to note these are all price sensitive.”–Shane Hall, Sotheby's International Realty, Annapolis
Are there any areas/communities/zip codes that you think are improving and/or becoming better markets with better amenities/development?
“Newer builds in the Eastport area are a trend. The open floor plan layouts have sold quickly. Townhomes are also a hot item in the area.”–Marilyn Rhodovi, Long & Foster Real Estate, Northrop Realty
“Hillsmere is in high demand because of the pool, beach, and water privilege, which includes the docks and boat ramps. Rolling Knolls because now it has the water park, for nature walks and fishing.”–Michele Cordle, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“I personally believe President's Hill is the next hottest neighborhood in Annapolis. With the ongoing development and improvements of Uptown, I think it is becoming the cooler, hipper, younger sibling to Murray Hill.”–Travis Gray, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“Edgewater is becoming increasingly more popular with the amount of development and redevelopment it's experienced over the last few years. Whether it's the waterfront market or the single-family homes in the working middle-class populous, it seems to me to be growing in demand.”–Shane Hall, Sotheby's International Realty, Annapolis
What are the most unusual home amenities that you've encountered and what are clients specifically asking for the most today?
“Clients are asking for open floor plans with modern design, and they're looking for views. We're noticing a revitalization of contemporary style homes as well.”–Creig Northrop, Long & Foster Real Estate, Northrop Realty
“I have seen it all, from buyers looking for garage space for over 12 cars to families needing 10 bedrooms to a buyer requesting a waterfront basketball court. You just smile and respond, ‘I am sure we can find it.' I have clients still asking for wine cellars or tasting rooms, smart homes, open floor plans, and water, water, water. Buyers that come to the Eastern Shore are looking for waterfront or water-oriented communities and that is what I get the most requests for.”–Biana Arentz, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
“Clients want move-in ready homes. Not interested in making improvements. Have seen two homes with indoor pools—rather odd.”–Sarah G. Morse, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“Unusual: heated driveway, sea plane dock, helicopter pad, 1,000 bottle-plus custom wine cellars. Clients are asking for water views if they can't afford waterfront, room to expand. Most people want gas heat and cooking, big kitchens, and large great rooms.”–Michele Cordle, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“The most unusual thing I've seen was a waterfront listing I had that featured a three-story observatory! For most of my clients, water privileges are very important. And outdoor living spaces continue to be very desirable.”–Travis Gray, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“One amenity that I have noticed that is increasingly popular is a home theater system. Many homes are outfitted with large screens, movie projector, and comfortable seating so that families can stay home and be entertained. In addition, outdoor spaces are popular including pools, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits.”–Rachel Frentsos, Long & Foster Real Estate, Annapolis Fine Homes
“More and more buyers are asking for outdoor amenities including outdoor kitchens, stone fireplaces or firepits, screened porches, and more elaborate porches and patios. This is a trend that is relevant to all price ranges. In the higher price ranges, buyers are showing a preference for master bathrooms with large walk-in showers with river stone or exotic tiles, replacing the space-consuming built-in soak tubs and jet tubs. Sleek free-standing tubs with swan neck faucets and sprays are also preferred when space allows. Nicely finished basements have also been gaining in popularity over the past 10 years, offering a good return on investment for built-in bars, theaters, game rooms, and au pair suites. Less surprising, every buyer is asking for a bigger kitchen.”–Mary Ann Elliott, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“We have a waterfront home under contract now that has an indoor pool and an elevator—it is unusual to have a home with one or the other but having both is very rare. Some buyers ask if an elevator can be installed (if there isn't one already there). The most frequent request on the waterfront is whether a pool can be installed on the waterside of the home. Waterfront homebuyers typically understand that all waterfront properties are to some degree a compromise—it is impossible to find it all, so one must give on view, water depth, condition of house, privacy, or commute access. We suggest to clients that inside updates are the easiest; it's the land and the view that really matter.”–Joe Bray, Long & Foster Real Estate/Christie's, Mr. Waterfront Team
What are the best amenities and options that will help sell a home?
“Buyers are looking for amenities—specifically communities with rentable club houses that are gated. Water amenities such as water access, boat docks, boat slips, and depth of water are also high commodities when considering the purchase of a home near the water.”–Creig Northrop, Long & Foster Real Estate, Northrop Realty
“Location, location, location. First floor master bedroom or elevators. A property that is well-built and maintained. Open floor plan where families can spend time together. Again, smart homes. Hardwood floors or tile instead of carpet. Home theaters and exercise rooms. I also find that most waterfront buyers are looking for pools, bars, or wine cellars/room and gourmet kitchens.”–Biana Arentz, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
"Many homes are outfitted with large screens, movie projector, and comfortable seating so that families can stay home and be entertained." -Rachel Frentsos, Long & Foster Real Estate, Annapolis Fine Homes
“Updated kitchens and bathrooms, fresh paint, very well staged and decluttered. The standards in this area are much higher than in some others. Buyers expect places to look like they do on HGTV!”–Sarah G. Morse, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“My clientele are typically families who are very busy and do not have the time nor the interest in remodeling their new home. One that is updated and movie-in ready is in typically in high demand.”–Rachel Frentsos, Long & Foster Real Estate, Annapolis Fine Homes
“Buyers are paying a premium for nicely staged and updated homes. Sometimes this means a fresh coat of paint with current colors and decluttering. Sometimes new light fixtures can transform a space with minimal investment. In general, the high-ticket items such as renovated kitchen, baths, and flooring hold the best returns since buyers do not want to use their own liquid funds after settlement to make these improvements when they can absorb the cost through a higher mortgage payment.”–Mary Ann Elliott, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“Functional spaces. I don't think every space needs to be a huge open concept anymore, rather, each space needs to have a defined purpose.” –Shane Hall, Sotheby's International Realty, Annapolis
“Master bedroom suite on the first floor, updated kitchen and baths with solid surface counters, high speed internet, smart home technology, office or flex space, two or more car garage, wood floors, open floor plan.”–Barbara C. Watkins, Benson & Mangold Real Estate
“Most buyers in our busy world don't have time and/or vision to work on serious structural updates to their new purchase (kitchen, master bath, et cetera). The options that help to sell a home are for the seller to offer clean, de-cluttered rooms in a setting that looks well-maintained. The list price should reflect the home's condition—if those vital spaces haven't been updated in 30 years, the price can't be the same as the home that was freshly remodeled five years ago. Don't forget to make sure your yard is in ‘picture perfect' condition.”–Reid Buckley, Long & Foster Real Estate/Christie's, Mr. Waterfront Team
What community amenities are most sought after?
“Waterfront amenities and privileges, community pools, clubhouses, and walking trails are what area buyers are seeking.”–David McCollough, Long & Foster Real Estate, Northrop Realty
“Golf, boat ramps, and community docks/piers for those not having access to the water, and community restaurants so homeowners do not have to worry about drinking and driving and can just walk.”–Biana Arentz, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
“This varies depending on the buyers. My clients with children tend to favor communities with kid-friendly amenities: pools, tennis, beaches, playgrounds, et cetera. And some of my clients are attracted to the city lifestyle and want to be centrally located to downtown Annapolis to be able to walk to restaurants and shopping.”–Rachel Frentsos, Long & Foster Real Estate, Annapolis Fine Homes
“To fully enjoy the Annapolis-area experience, a newcomer should seek out the communities with private marinas and beaches for water sports ranging from paddle boards to Chesapeake Bay sailing. Many larger communities now offer their own websites that provide a list of amenities with photos, land history, maps, and informational links.”–Mary Ann Elliott, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“Pool/beach. It's a gathering spot for families to meet one another and works for parents and kids to have a good time.”–Shane Hall, Sotheby's International Realty, Annapolis
“In this area [Eastern Shore], more buyers are looking for community swimming pools, walking trails, and most importantly water access. More and more byers are looking for walkability, close to town, and shopping.”–Barbara C. Watkins, Benson & Mangold Real Estate
What is your opinion of the big real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor, and Redfin? Help or hindrance?
“They help. The public tends to originate their search on platforms like Zillow, then narrow down over time as they become more serious on gaining additional information. These platforms drive awareness and recognition for the property when the buying funnel is high.”–Creig Northrop, Long & Foster Real Estate, Northrop Realty
“Buying and selling residential property is usually an emotional experience and often driven by more than just valuation. Both Zillow and Redfin give you their own values and even offer services. But neither is a substitute for the experience of a Realtor. You get what you pay for and you might save in commission, but I believe in most instances you will get little or no service and a lower price for your property. As a Realtor, I am pleased with how the real estate industry has changed with Zillow and Redfin. It has enabled my clients to be more prepared and ask better questions. The amount of information in the Internet is sometimes mind boggling and I believe that a Realtor will help you to navigate all this information and get you a better price for your home and at the end of the day you will have had a better experience.”–Biana Arentz, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
“Zillow has a huge share of the market's attention. Unfortunately, their data is compiled from algorithms that does not include features like on the water, in historic district, near public transportation, et cetera. They base their values on recorded square footage. Redfin is a discount oker and you get what you paid for.”–Michele Cordle, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“The technology today is amazing, but it can also be confusing. Features like Zillow's Zestimates are rarely accurate when it comes to fair market value. This can leave sellers believing their property is worth more than it is, and sometimes it can make buyers believe a home is overpriced.”–Travis Gray, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“The big real estate websites can be helpful if the information is accurate. When homeowners list their homes with a okerage, they have the option to opt in or out of including their home in the marketing data that valuation websites utilize. If they opt out, these sites will not have access to their sale information and therefore, will be pricing out similar homes without having all of the recent sales. It is definitely best to speak with a Realtor if a homeowner has a question about value or a buyer wants to have access to the latest listing information.”–Rachel Frentsos, Long & Foster Real Estate, Annapolis Fine Homes
“Both. Many times, the websites are the first places people find out about properties. Buyers will send links to their agents and ask for more information or if it's still available. The downside is they aren't always up to date, and the estimated valuations give buyers and sellers a false sense of what the homes are actually worth. Those are algorithms, based on numbers surrounding the homes; they're not able to measure quality of finishes, function of space, and other immeasurables.”–Shane Hall, Sotheby's International Realty, Annapolis
“Websites like Zillow and Realtor are great because they have made it possible for consumers to have more information than ever before right at their fingertips. There are no secrets in real estate anymore. Buyers have immediate access to information, and they are using the tools at their disposal to become informed. The market is now so efficient that these savvy buyers are not going to be fooled. This means that real estate agents must be hyperlocal and stay on top of their game. They must have a thorough knowledge of the market at all times. The market is moving at an unbelievable rate, so agents have to keep up with the fast pace.”–David Orso, CENTURY 21 New Millennium, David Orso Group
What are your favorite marketing tools that you use as a realtor to sell properties?
“Marketing tools that enhance the ease for which buyers can view properties are always a hit. Northrop Realty listings receive 3D Matterport technology with 4K photography so buyers can tour listings virtually. This allows the sale of homes to move outside of physically having to visit the home, if that is of interest.
Oftentimes, homes sell without the new tenant stepping foot in the door. That's the beauty of technology—it can simplify the home buying process.” –Creig Northrop, Long & Foster Real Estate, Northrop Realty
“What works for me, might not be the best tool for others. Personally, I use Home Snap, Lions Desk, and other tools. I also love print advertising and believe that it should be part of every Realtor’s marketing plan. Yes, most homes are sold via the Internet, but you have to incorporate more than just the Internet. At the end of the day, real estate is about relationships.”–Biana Arentz, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, as well as Home Snap.”–Sarah G. Morse, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“With all the fancy tools out there, the key to getting a home sold still comes back to photography—once properly prepped and staged—and pricing. With nearly 98 percent of buyers looking online, a comprehensive online marketing campaign is also critical.”–Travis Gray, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“Professional photography is the foundation for all marketing. The use of aerial photography, 3-D photography, and twilight re-touching can set one home apart from another. Virtual staging is my new favorite tool for marketing vacant homes.”–Mary Ann Elliott, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“The MLS, it's what gets the listings seen across the most important platforms.”–Shane Hall, Sotheby's International Realty, Annapolis
“Having been in the business of selling waterfront properties for 25 years, I have tried a number of marketing tools. By far the most important has been our website. On each listing page, we post a three-to-four-minute video that is a live, walk-through of the home. I narrate the tour and the video incorporates drone footage. We built our own drone before anything was commercially available and were able to show a home's proximity to the water and view. This gives buyers their first showing of a home, right on their computer.”–Charlie Buckley, Long & Foster Real Estate/Christie's, Mr. Waterfront Team
What home design trend (indoors or out) are you tired of seeing?
“Soaking tubs with jets. Buyers don't seem to want them anymore.”–David McCollough, Long & Foster Real Estate, Northrop Realty
“Some day we will laugh over gray walls.”–Sarah G. Morse, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“Plastic flowers are a no-no. Grey paint.”–Michele Cordle, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
What are some red flags that buyers OR sellers should be aware of when negotiating of property sale?
“For waterfront or water access properties, buyers and sellers should be hyper-aware of certain things such as—who owns the piers, water rights, depth of water, property boundaries, and conservation.”–Creig Northrop, Long & Foster Real Estate, Northrop Realty
“Public septic systems in Historic Annapolis; buying site unseen.”–Sarah G. Morse, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“First and for most, don't socially post that you have an offer on your house. Buyers don't post that you have found a home in the middle of negotiations. Be specific with your terms and make sure they are in writing. A text or an email does not constitute a ratified agreement.”–Michele Cordle, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“From buried oil tanks, to critical area laws, there are too many to count. In almost every transaction it's not if, but when, an issue will come up and then figuring out how to solve it.”–Travis Gray, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“I seek assurance for my buyer and seller clients that all parties are moving forward with negotiations in good faith. With a respectful dynamic, we can work through road blocks from an unexpected home inspection problem, or an unreleased lien from years ago, or an unforeseen settlement delay by either party.”–Mary Ann Elliott, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“Real estate listings don't age well. If a home stays on the market too long, it raises questions as to why it's not selling. If there are no offers within 30 days on the market, it's time to make changes, such as reducing the price. It's important not to leave a home on the market too long. So, sellers need to realize this and be willing to make changes if necessary. As for buyers, they need to act quickly. If they fall in love with a home and want to buy it, they need to make an offer. If they wait too long, they may lose it. It's a fast-paced market, so they really don't have time to sleep on it.”–David Orso, CENTURY 21 New Millennium, David Orso Group
If I'm selling my home and my neighbor is as well, should we collaborate on pricing our homes appropriately?
“Probably not, no two houses are alike. Condition, style, lot size, upgrades, et cetera all make a difference in the fair market value of the two offerings.”–David McCollough, Long & Foster Real Estate, Northrop Realty
“Absolutely. Even if you have different Realtors, collaborating with your neighbors will lead to both parties getting more for their properties in the long run. If you are a good neighbor, and most of us are, you will work together and allow your Realtors to help you get a higher price for both properties...and a fair price.”–Biana Arentz, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
“Whomever is higher will drive traffic to the other!”–Sarah G. Morse, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“Pricing is an individual decision based on the amenities in the home, not necessarily of what is next door. Use a qualified Realtor to help guide you with pricing. Not your neighbor.”–Michele Cordle, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“That completely depends on the neighborhood. Waterfront property values can vary greatly even on the same street."
"My advice is to get an appraisal done prior to listing, have an experienced agent analyze the comps, and price accurately. Over pricing is the single biggest mistake a seller can make.” –Travis Gray, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“A seller should price their home according to fair market value for their features with only their personal goals in mind. One seller's motivation may be more time sensitive and require a very aggressive pricing strategy. Conversely, you wouldn't overprice your home because your neighbor does.”–Mary Ann Elliott, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis Church Circle
“No. Trust your agent and listen to the market.”–Shane Hall, Sotheby's International Realty, Annapolis
“It is almost a guarantee that you and your neighbor do not have identical homes, particularly on the water. In most waterfront communities, there are many styles of homes and every property's water view and water access is slightly different. What is the dock configuration? Has the kitchen and master bathroom been remodeled? If your neighbor lists first, your real estate agent can assess the list price vis-à-vis your property's attributes. No pricing decision is made without considering the competition, but ‘collaborating' would not yield an accurate list price for one or both of you.”–Reid Buckley, Long & Foster Real Estate/Christie's, Mr. Waterfront Team
Home Resource Guide
Art & Décor
Nancy Hammond Editions 192 West Street, Annapolis; 410-295-6612; nancyhammondeditions.com
Building Design/Construction/Materials
Ally Homes 237 Pidco Road, Reisterstown; 410-709-1884; allyhomes.net
West 141 by Bozzuto Homes 141 West Street, Annapolis; 301-220-0100; livewest141.com
Chaney Homes, LLC Jennifer Chaney, Broker/Owner; 410-739-0242; chaneyhomes.com
Friel Lumber Company 100 Friel Place, Queenstown; 410-827-8811; friellumber.com
The J.F. Johnson Lumber Company 8200 Veterans Highway, Millersville; 410-987-5200; 3120 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater; 410-956-0400; johnsonlumber.biz
Timberlake Design/Build 888 Bestgate Road, Ste. 411, Annapolis; 443-618-2643; timberlakedb.com
Lundberg Builders, Inc. 314 Main Street, Stevensville; 410-643-3334; lundbergbuilders.com
Carpentry
Warren's Wood Works, Inc. 8708 Brooks Drive, Easton; 410-820-8984; warrenswoodworks.com
Home Finance/Titling
Atlantic Prime Mortgage 77 West Street, Ste. 310, Annapolis; 800-204-1283; atlanticprimemortgage.com
Church Circle Title & Escrow 23 West Street, 2nd Floor, Annapolis; 410-269-6488; cctitle.net
Essex Bank Locations in Annapolis, Arnold, Crofton, and Bowie; 1-800-443-5524; essexbank.com
Mid-Maryland Title Company, Inc. 200 Westgate Circle, Ste.102, Annapolis; 410-573-0017; midmdtitle.com
Severn Savings Bank Locations in Annapolis, Edgewater, Glen Burnie, and Columbia; 410-260-2000; severnbank.com
Virginia Partners Bank/Maryland Partners Bank 2661 Riva Road, Ste. 1035, Annapolis; 240-776-6110
Interior Design, Cleaning
Chesapeake Property Finishes 410-924-2397; chesapeakepropertyfinishes.com
D&P Carpet Cleaning 410-729-2441; dpcarpet.com
Higgins & Spencer 902 S. Talbot Street,
St. Michaels; 410-745-5192; higginsandspencer.com
Kitchen, Bath, Stone/Tile
Appliance Land 2045 West Street, Annapolis; 410-897-1000; applianceland.com
Cabinet Discounters 910-A Bestgate Road, Annapolis; Location in Columbia
410-702-4685; cabinetdiscounters.com
Kenwood Kitchens 1415 Forest Drive, Annapolis; 443-458-5484; kenwoodkitchens.com
Stuart Kitchens Inc.
Locations in Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, Timonium, and Waldorf; 410-761-5700; stuartkitchens.com
Landscaping, Hardscaping & Outdoor Services
Bartlett Tree Experts 1 Metropolitan Court, Gaithersburg; 301-881-8550; bartlett.com
Fichtner Services P.O. Box 115, Odenton; 866-591-1900; fichtnerservices.com
Painting Service & Graphics
Annapolis Painting Services 2561 Housley Road, Annapolis; 410-974-6768; annapolispainting.com
Maryland Paint & Decorating 209 Chinquapin Round Road, Ste. 100, Annapolis; 410-280-2225; mdpaint.com
Pest Control
Mosquito Squad P.O. Box 697, Severna Park; 855-867-2302; annapolis.mosquitosquad.com
Pool
Catalina Pool Builders 836 Ritchie Highway, Ste.8, Severna Park; 410-647-7665; catalinapoolbuilders.com
Real Estate
Benson & Mangold Real Estate Chuck Mangold, Jr. 31 Goldsborough Street, Easton;
410-822-6665; chuckmangold.com
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/PenFed Realty Janice Hariadi, Office Manager Annapolis Branch; 410-266-0600; Sigrid Kingsbury, Office Manager Severna Park Branch; 410-647-8000; penfedrealty.com
Biana Arentz
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; 170 Jennifer Road, Ste. 102, Annapolis; 410-919-0332; bianaarentz.com
Bob Lucido Team of Keller Williams Integrity 2024 West Street, Ste.100, Annapolis; 410-224-7777; boblucidoteam.com
Brenton & Clark Realty Karen Clark, Broker/Owner; 324 Pennsylvania Avenue, Centreville; 410-827-4663; karenclarkyourshorerealtor.com
Century 21 New Millennium 2448 Holly Avenue, Ste. 100, Annapolis; 410-266-9005; c21nm.com
Chesapeake Bay Properties 102 N. Harrison Street, Easton; 410-820-8008; chesapeakebayproperty.com
CR Realty 337 N. Liberty Street, Centreville; 443-988-0114; chrisrosendale.com
Creig Northrop Team of Long & Foster 320 Sixth Street, Ste. 101, Annapolis; 410-295-6579; northropteam.com
Christina Janosik Palmer Group Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; 572A Ritchie Highway, Severna Park; 410-647-2222; cpalmer.cbintouch.com
Dee Dee McCracken Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; 170 Jennifer Road, Ste. 102, Annapolis; 410-739-7571; ddmccracken.com
Jennifer Chino Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; 170 Jennifer Road, Ste. 102, Annapolis; 443-494-9091; jchino@CBMove.com
Long & Foster – Kent Island 202 Thompson Creek Mall Route 50, Stevensville; 410-643-2244
Mr. Waterfront Team of Long & Foster 102 Old Solomons Island Road, Annapolis; 410-266-6880; waterfronthomes.org
Rachel Frentsos of Annapolis Fine Homes 2 Francis Street, Annapolis; 410-263-3400;
Scott Schuetter of Century 21 New Millenium 2448 Holly Avenue, Ste. 100, Annapolis; 410-266-9005; 410-900-7668; scottschuetter.com
Shane Hall Group of TTR Sotheby's International Realty 209 Main Street, Annapolis; 410-280-5600; shanehallre.com
Travis Gray Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; 4 Church Circle, Annapolis; 410-263-8686; annapoliswaterfrontguide.com