Wednesday, March 25, 2009
RF Community Association President Janice Moore Sends a Letter to Delegate Bohanan; Send your Letter to john.bohanan@house.state.md.us
I am asking you to PLEASE support House Bill 693. I am a 24 year resident of Rodgers Forge Community and a past president of the Association. Our community is directly adjacent to Towson University (TU) on the southern boundary. Our community was founded in 1923 and through the years, Rodgers Forge has weathered through five different TU changes or if you will reinventing of TU. We are a row home community of 1,777 with two community schools (Rodgers Forge Elementary and Dumbarton Middle). Our residents are retires, professionals, singles, and families. This bill is essential to the stability of our community. It would ensure that communication would take place BEFORE any growth would occur AND the input from the Greater Towson community into the proposed growth/change would be done in a logical and planned manner with minimal impact. This is what this House Bill 693 would do: Growth with responsibility and communication! I thank you for your time. Janice Moore, Rodgers Forge
Monday, March 16, 2009
Over 75 Community Neighbors Attend Towson Master Plan Review--Student Housing Takes Center Stage
"A vibrant university is good for everybody, but we have too many 18-22 year-olds with nowhere to live," commented Wiltondale resident Brian Murphy responding to the presentation of the updated Towson University Master Plan on Wednesday night at the Minnegan Room at Unitas Stadium. Towson architects and planners fielded questions from neighbors and gathered feedback from surrounding communities in attendance including Rodgers Forge, Knollwood, Burkleigh Square, and Wiltondale. The 2010 plan was written in 2003 and is required to be revisited by the University System of Maryland every five years.
"We are willing to deal with the ones {students}we have but we are at maximum capacity," Knollwood resident Terry West said. "There aren't enough beds for these students and we can't handle any more students living in our communities."
Currently, according to University statistics, 85 percent of first-year students live on campus. After gaining junior status, students are no longer guaranteed on-campus housing. Housing issues were clearly the focus of neighbors concerns as residents lined up at the microphone to tell their stories and offer suggestions or solutions until 9:45pm. the meeting began at 6:30pm.
"I saw no surprises on the Master Plan, which is a relief," commented Rodgers Forge Community Association President Janice Moore. "I was encouraged by their willingness to consider using the space in the West Village of the campus reserved for possible faculty and staff housing for student housing. We will be glad to take the faculty and staff in the neighborhood!" While it was encouraging to see Towson representatives so open to suggestions and solutions, the proof will be in the reality that we live out in the community. Unfortunately, our collective experience has been one of disappointment in the University not living up to it's promises and seeing solutions put into place that simply do not have any teeth or staying power. Frankly, the communities do not need more solutions. How about putting substance behind the existing ones? That would be a good first step toward building trust in the surrounding communities.
"We are willing to deal with the ones {students}we have but we are at maximum capacity," Knollwood resident Terry West said. "There aren't enough beds for these students and we can't handle any more students living in our communities."
Currently, according to University statistics, 85 percent of first-year students live on campus. After gaining junior status, students are no longer guaranteed on-campus housing. Housing issues were clearly the focus of neighbors concerns as residents lined up at the microphone to tell their stories and offer suggestions or solutions until 9:45pm. the meeting began at 6:30pm.
"I saw no surprises on the Master Plan, which is a relief," commented Rodgers Forge Community Association President Janice Moore. "I was encouraged by their willingness to consider using the space in the West Village of the campus reserved for possible faculty and staff housing for student housing. We will be glad to take the faculty and staff in the neighborhood!" While it was encouraging to see Towson representatives so open to suggestions and solutions, the proof will be in the reality that we live out in the community. Unfortunately, our collective experience has been one of disappointment in the University not living up to it's promises and seeing solutions put into place that simply do not have any teeth or staying power. Frankly, the communities do not need more solutions. How about putting substance behind the existing ones? That would be a good first step toward building trust in the surrounding communities.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Zillow Zestimates Are not Always Accurate
Have you ever wondered about those “Zestimates” from Zillow.com ? How accurate are they really?
"I pondered this recently, as a listing I have coming on the market in Hunt Valley has a Zestimate about $40,000 LESS than the value determined during my true, in-depth market analysis" commented Marney Kirk, Keller William Realtor and real estate blogger. "On the other hand, using their “My Estimator” tool brings the value up to over $110,000 HIGHER than its true value!" According to Marney, the site does not have correct information for Towson because Baltimore County has not provided it to the public about the square footage, number of baths, the fact that it has hardwood floors throughout, a finished basement, and other important details.
As an example, if there is a Rodgers Forge home with the correct value of $300,000, 71% of the time the Zestimate could price the home as low as $240,000. Can you imagine being a seller viewing that info? Or how about a buyer, if it were 20% above? Would you, as a buyer, be happy with paying $360,000 for this home?
Zillow.com even recommends getting a comprehensive market analysis from a qualified local real estate agent. To get a free market estimate of your Rodgers Forge home, call me anytime!
Thanks to Marney Kirk from Keller Williams for her excellent information! CLick here to link to the entire articlehttp://www.realtormarney.com/zillow-zestimates-for-towson-real-estate-may-be-misleading/
"I pondered this recently, as a listing I have coming on the market in Hunt Valley has a Zestimate about $40,000 LESS than the value determined during my true, in-depth market analysis" commented Marney Kirk, Keller William Realtor and real estate blogger. "On the other hand, using their “My Estimator” tool brings the value up to over $110,000 HIGHER than its true value!" According to Marney, the site does not have correct information for Towson because Baltimore County has not provided it to the public about the square footage, number of baths, the fact that it has hardwood floors throughout, a finished basement, and other important details.
As an example, if there is a Rodgers Forge home with the correct value of $300,000, 71% of the time the Zestimate could price the home as low as $240,000. Can you imagine being a seller viewing that info? Or how about a buyer, if it were 20% above? Would you, as a buyer, be happy with paying $360,000 for this home?
Zillow.com even recommends getting a comprehensive market analysis from a qualified local real estate agent. To get a free market estimate of your Rodgers Forge home, call me anytime!
Thanks to Marney Kirk from Keller Williams for her excellent information! CLick here to link to the entire articlehttp://www.realtormarney.com/zillow-zestimates-for-towson-real-estate-may-be-misleading/
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
March Update--Rodgers Forge Real Estate Activity
Current Statistics
as of March 3, out of approximately 1800 homes:
as of March 3, out of approximately 1800 homes:
- 15 homes for sale
- 4 homes for rent
- Sale Price Range: $269,900 -- $369,000
- Rental Range: $1,675-$1,200 per month
- 3 0f 15 homes for sale have been on the market for approx 200 days
- Of the other 12 homes for sale, average days on market: 27
- 6 homes currently under contract--average days on market: 25
- Since January 1, 11 homes have settled, average price $287,000, averaging 60 days on market
Summary: Homes are selling in the Forge and they are selling pretty fast given the economy. Price and condition of the property are driving the contracts.
- If you are thinking of listing and want top dollar: make sure your property is updated and that it sparkles! 2 new or updated bathrooms and an updated kitchen really sell a property. Open kitchens done well, will sell well .
- Price: If your property is not perfect or needs updating and you want to sell quickly, price it competitively, maybe just under the price of comparable houses in the neighborhood and it will sell . This is a buyer's market. Be prepared to negotiate any listed price.
- Questions? Call or email me, or post a comment. If you want a print- out of current listings, solds, and under contracts, I will be glad to email them to you.
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