Vol.

2 Issue 3

October 2011

Downtown News

Annapolis Launches New Shuttle Service

On July 1, the Annapolis Department of Transportation launched a new downtown shuttle service that moves individuals from three of the citys parking garages, Gotts, Knighton and Park Place around the downtown areas where people shop, eat and work. This service, called the Circulator and nicknamed the Loop, leverages existing transportation and parking resources to move the people with ease and efficiency, while creating a broader perspective of what the downtown area is. The Circulator creates a mode of transportation that passes by retail, dining and entertainment venues along with city, county and state office buildings. The Circulator loops through downtown from Park Place, Knighton and Gotts garages along West Street, down Duke of Gloucester to City Dock. Then it loops up Main Street, passing the state office building, the Arundel Center, back around Church Circle and meeting up on West Street back to the three City Garages. The Circulator aims to have a 10-minute headway, which would translate into the average wait between shuttles being about six minutes. What days and times will the Circulator operate? Sunday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Times subject to change during summer season, holidays and special events. How does it work? Park in Park Place and Knighton garages for $5 a day or Gotts for $12 a day. Individuals that park at Park Place, Knighton or Gotts will be directed to take their ticket-stub with them. The ticket-stub is now a free pass on the Circulator all day, for as many times as they choose to ride the Circulator. What if I dont have a ticket-stub? Individuals can jump on the Circulator for 50-cents a ride. Each time an individual boards, it is a 50-cent fare. How do I know where these garages are? Look for the green and white parking signs with the Circulator logo at the garages and the directional parking signs along U.S. Route 50 East, 97, Rowe Boulevard and throughout the City. Also, turn to 1620 AM on your radio to get up-to-date Circulator and parking information. For a map of the Circulator route, stop by our office at 209 Main S t r e e t o r f o r a d di t i o na l information, visit the City of Annapolis website www.ci.annapolis.md.us

What an eventful last few months this has been! Here in Annapolis, we experience what was for many our first earthquake and less than a week later Hurricane Irene. We are happy to report that save for some downed trees and power outages, Annapolis and the surrounding areas stayed mostly unscathed. We hope that everyone made it through these unexpected events with minimal stress. The Residence at Park Place has completely sold all 208 of its new luxury condominiums, however there are still plenty of opportunities to purchase or lease one of these wonderful properties with the finest amenities including on-site concierge service, library, a club room, fitness center, party room, swimming pool, dog park as well as fine dining, a spa and all that Annapolis has to offer just outside your door. Call on the experts at Annapolis Realty, Inc. at 410.280.5600 to learn more about available condominiums for sale or rent at The Residence at Park Place. Do you have a business interested in moving to downtown Annapolis? Annapolis Realty, Inc. has two commercial office spaces available for lease; 188 Main Street, Lower Level is a 2,041sq.ft. space with furnishings and lease terms negotiable,

available for immediate occupancy at $3,402/month. 9 State Circle #202 is a 1,497sq.ft. space with 4 o f f i c e s a n d a n o v e r si z e d conference room overlooking Main Street available December 1, 2011 at $4,366/month. Both spaces are in an elevator building with entrances on both Main Street and State Circle, and convenient to the State House, garage parking spaces are available outside of lease agreement. For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Bonnie Parks, Broker at 410.280.5600. Fall is now upon us! Football season is underway as are the annual Sailboat and Powerboat Shows. If you are in Annapolis for a Navy game, the boat shows or just to take in the charms our beautiful city has to offer, we invite you to stop by our office located in Historic Downtown Annapolis at 209 Main Street and open 7 days a week for your convenience. We have two wood vertical display cases with glass sliders, drawer and lower cabinet for storage (top section with lighting) measuring approximately 84h x 37w x 13d for sale at $150 each. To request pictures or more information, email info@annapolisrealty.com, please use Display Cases in the subject line of the email.

Practice Good Hearth Health: Fireplace Safety Basics

In colder weather, theres nothing as idyllic as sitting by a gently crackling fireplace with a cup of cider or hot cocoa, feeling the warmth from your toes to your soul. The essence of comfort and luxury, a fireplace is the focal point of a home. But, in order to ensure many more years of fireside momentsand to keep something beautiful from becoming potentially dangeroussome regular maintenance is required, as well as a keen eye toward safety. When most people think of fireplaces, they recall traditional ones, found in older and classic homes. In a traditional fireplace, the fire is encased in a metal firebox lined with special firebrick. Smoke moves up a flue, which is typically a tile or metal liner inside a masonry chimney. A flue damper keeps air from escaping when the fireplace isnt being used; and the smoke shelf, behind the damper, stops outside air from coming in and pushing harmful smoke into the living area. Besides traditional fireplaces, though, there are plenty of other types. A heat-circulating fireplace produces some radiant heat, but mainly warms the air that circulates around the firebox; some have a fan that increases the air flow. A gas fireplace is mostly decorative and takes gas logs. By contrast, direct-vent fireplaces are like a wood-burning heat circulatorcool air enters at the bottom, is warmed, and rises out the vent at the top; the CO is expelled out the rear, so there is no need for a chimney. Finally, if you have a modern home or apartment, theres a good chance youll have a modern wood stovetheyre desirable because theyre more efficient that a heat-circulating fireplace. No matter what type of fireplace you have, maintenance is key to safety. First, before the winter, its essential to call in a professional to clean the chimney. Creosote can build up in the chimney and start fires. Typically, as soon as the creosote in the chimney is 1/8-inch thick, thats an automatic sign to call in a professional who will also check the firebox and masonry and fill in potentially dangerous cracks. Another important safety note: Chimneys must be lined with metal, or the appropriate tile. Older homes (especially those built before 1950) are typically not. If you have just moved to your home, this is something that a certified home inspector should have found during an inspection; but, if youre not sure, call in a reputable, professional home inspector to assess the safety of the chimney. The inspector will give input on required repairs you need to have done. Beyond professional maintenance, its essential for the homeowner to take safety precautions too. Here are some of the most important: Never burn pine or soft wood; it generally causes extremely fast creosote buildup. If you have a wood stove, make sure ashes dont build up too much. One or two inches of ash is optimal; more than that, and you should remove some. Never burn pressure-treated or painted wood; it can cause noxious fumes. Never burn any kind of trash paper, Christmas trees, anything at allin a wood-burning fireplace. Only use logs made for wood-burning fireplaces. Never burn charcoal wood-burning fireplace. in a

Significant Sales

1740 Skippers Row Gibson Island, MD Settled at $2,425,000. Bonnie Parks, Broker 410.280.5600

1936 Carrollton Road Annapolis, MD Settled at $835,000. Alison Wisnom & Stealey Ashley, Salespersons 410.262.8751 or 443.926.9041

Even though its tempting to have as big a fire as possible, never overload a fireplace or wood stove; it can cause restricted air flow and dangerously high levels of combustion. Use logs specifically designated for your type of fireplace. If the label on the logs packaging doesnt detail this clear enough (which it should), ask a representative at the store youre buying it from. If you have a direct-vent fireplace, make sure that its underwritten by Underwriters Laboratories (the UL symbol will be prominently listed on the packaging) or by the American Gas Association (AGA). Play it safe. If anything looks or smells out of the ordinary while youre operating your fireplace, call a professional for servicing. Reprinted from RISMedia.com, written by Charles Furlough, Vice President of Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspections, published March 2, 2011

2114 Chesapeake Harbour Dr E #202 Annapolis, MD Settled at $570,000. Bridget Fischer & Rosemary Joyce, Salespersons 410.533.8665 or 410.570.6200

506 Norton Lane Arnold, MD Settled at $385,000. Corey Kayea & Joyce Gomoljak, Salespersons 410.212.8292 or 443.871.5655

1507 Bishop Road, Edgewater, MD Settled at $483,000. Nan Lodor and Scott Lodor, Salespersons 410.353.7653 or 410.562.7500

Is A Standby Generator Right for You?

The next time a storm knocks out your poweragainyou may find yourself thinking about a standby generator. Unlike a portable backup generator, which you store in the garage or shed and roll out during an emergency, a standby generator is permanently installed on a gravel bed or concrete pad next to your house. If the power goes out, an electronic switch automatically signals the unit to turn on, keeping essential household systems and appliances running even if youre miles away. Such systems, which start at about $5,000 and go as high as $40,000, recoup about 48.5% of their cost at resale, according to Remodeling Magazines 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report. Always-on protection doesnt come cheap. Heres how to decide if its right for you. When permanent standby makes sense As with any insurance policy, when you buy a backup generator theres no telling when, or even if, youll need it. Whether its worth the investment depends on your personal situation, your tolerance for interruptions, and your budget. If you live in an area with frequent, prolonged outages, rely on electrically powered medical equipment, or work at home and need to stay connected, a backup generator can protect you from a disruption you may not be able to afford. If you live where hurricanes strike, a generator safeguards family members, especially children and the elderly, against the risks of sweltering heat. If you own a second home, particularly in areas where temperatures regularly dip below freezing, it can protect your property when youre not around. A lot of weekenders buy standby generators, says dealer Chris Sauer, owner of G&G Lawn and Power in Stone Ridge, New York. Its a lot more expensive to have your pipes freeze and flood your house than it is to buy a generator. If you decide the benefits are worth the cost, heres how to proceed. Assess your power needs Generators are sized according to wattage produced: The more watts, the bigger the unitand the higher the price tag. Wattage usage varies from house to house. Your generator supplier or local electrician can do a wattage assessment, or you can ballpark it yourself (ConsumerReports.org offers an online wattage calculator.) You can also get general guidelines from national dealers such as Colorado Standby or Electric Generators Direct. The next step is deciding what you want your generator to power. At minimum, you can run an emergency panel of necessitiessay, a central air conditioning unit, the refrigerator, and a handful of lights and outlets. A 17-kilowatt unit is the standard size for an emergency panel, because it has enough power for a central AC unit, says Will Ferrigno, owner of Assurance Power in Boca Raton, Florida. If you live in a northern climate with no AC and gas heat, your emergency panel could be as small as 7kW, enough to power some lights, the fridge, and gas furnace. At the opposite end of the spectrum is a generator with enough wattage to power your whole house. A 3,000-square-foot house with two central air conditioners, an electric range, and a whirlpool tub might require as much as 25kW to 30kW. A third, newer option is a load-management system, a generator that can power everything in your house, just not all at once. Such a system could run that same 3,000-square-foot house with about 20kW, cutting power to nonessential circuits as necessary. Consult the right professionals Most of the time, your generator supplier will also provide setup service. Thats a good option, because you know the installer will be familiar with your equipment. A less expensive way to goand your only option if youve purchased the generator onlineis to hire a plumber to connect the unit to its fuel source (usually (Continued on page 4)

New Listings

4545 Old Solomons Island Road Harwood

Comfortable countryside living, elegant yet manageable 8.5 acres. Combination of woodland and rolling lawn with beautiful landscaping. Inside the home a traditional yet open style allow for abundant natural light and entertaining space for all. Gorgeous walnut floors just refinished, extensive moldings and wood work throughout. This home has been well built and well cared for. Offered at $785,000. Nan Lodor & Scott Lodor Salespersons 410.353.7653 or 410.562.7500

1605 Upton Scott Way Crownsville

Award winning custom home on totally private, secluded cul-de-sac lot with winter water views. Incredible attention to detail only begins to describe this 3 level, 5 bedroom, 4 and a half bath home. Fabulous first floor master suite with separate sitting room, exquisite gourmet kitchen, savannah porch overlooking woods, lower level with second kitchen, billiard room, wine cellar and much more. Offered at $1,725,000. Bonnie Parks, Broker 410.280.5600

219 1/2 Lockwood Court Annapolis

Enjoy sweeping water views over Spa Creek including all of the historic Annapolis landmarks right from your own deck! This unique property is situated in one of Eastports most sought after locations, and is a short stroll to marinas, restaurants, shops and the downtown waterfront. Professional, high grade finishes and dcor, with custom details throughout make this home the perfect place to experience the Annapolis lifestyle. Offered at $1,695,000. Kelly Sim Joyce, Salesperson 410.570.7115

301 Rugby Cove Road Arnold

One of the most beautiful Waterfront properties on the Severn River, this Nantucket-style cottage on 1.4 acres with mature down-lit trees & lush landscaping is a rare find! Stroll to the water's edge & your own private beach. In 2005 extensive interior/exterior updates brought the home up to modern standards. Owner is in process of obtaining pier permit. Call for more details. Offered at $1,950,000. Bonnie Parks, Broker 410.280.5600

Here Comes the SunSolar Energy is on the Rise

A generation ago, solar energy was touted as the solution to energy woes but it fell out of favor, mostly due to the costs involved in installation, the perceived ugliness of the panels on ones roof, and, unfortunately, the inevitable increase in improper installations by untrained or simply unscrupulous companies taking advantage of solars popularity. Today, however, solar energy is on the rise again, as concerns about the environment and the depletion of fossil fuel supplies grow. Solar energy is, for all intents and purposes, infinite; we just have to capture it and convert it to electricity. Burning fossil fuels creates toxic emissions that pollute Earths atmosphere and oceans. Sunlight is good for us all. So why dont we have more solar installations creating energy for us? In short, money. Germany leads the world in renewable energy usage, with Spain in second place and Japan and China moving up fast. The United States which, geographically speaking, is better suited than Germany to utilize solar energy, lags far behind. Germany owes its lead in solar energy use to a new kind of payment method known as feed-in tariff. Essentially, it is a government mandate that utility companies pay residents and commercial entities producing excess electricity through their solar panels above-market rates for this green energy. Germany has had feed-in tariffs since 1991 and has five times as many photovoltaic panels as the U.S. The concept of feed-in tariffs has now begun to spread to the U.S., with Gainesville, FL, the first city to introduce higher payments for solar power. Other cities are looking at the concept and such bills have been introduced in several states, including California, Oregon and Washington. In the U.S., California leads all the states in total installed solar with 528 megawatts of power. Next is New Jersey with just 70 megawatts, followed by Colorado, Nevada and Arizona. Maryland falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. So what can Marylanders do to utilize more solar energy? Khawar Hassan, of Leo Sunergy in Derwood, Maryland, urges residents to educate themselves in the pros and cons of solar energy. Most people have heard about

Is A Standby Generator Right For You?

(Continued from page 3) some run on diesel) and an electrician to hook it into your houses power supply. Both should be licensed and certified for the brand of equipment youre installing and familiar with local codes that govern such things as how close the generator can sit to the house, how big the fuel storage tank can be, and whether you need a permit. Calculate your costs Prices vary by brand and location (just try buying one in South Florida after a hurricane), but an emergency panel unit of 7kW starts at around $4,500 before installation, while a 17kW unit runs from about $6,000 uninstalled to $12,000 fully set up. A 25kW to 30kW model costs from about $13,000 uninstalled to between $20,000 and $30,000 with installation. The national average for an installed system, according to the Cost Vs. Value Report, is about $14,700. The type of fuel also affects cost. You may need to plumb for a gas line, for instance, or purchase and install a propane tank. Diesel units come with their own tanks, but diesel fuel is expensive and needs regular treatment so that it doesnt clog the engine over time. (Even if your generator never kicks in, it will burn about 10 gallons of fuel a year in weekly self-tests.) Talk to your plumber and your utility company before you buy a generator to make sure you can get an affordable power source, says Brad Corgill, a technical sales rep at Colorado Standby in Colorado Springs. Once youre set up, you wont have to worry about being stuck in the dark or freezing cold again. Whats more, a standby generator can add to your homes value, which should make you feel doubly warm all over.

solar in a very cursory manner, he said. They still think its very expensivethat has changed a lot. Homeowners generally ask three questions: How much will it cost? How will it look on my house? Will it last a long time? Hassan encourages anyone thinking about installing solar panels to consider it as an investment. Homeowners have a difficult time treating solar as an investment, he noted. Look at it this waythe money you spend in electric bills never comes back to you. Its gone. For the average homeowner, the money invested in solar panels comes back to you in 5-7 years, and after that you get free electricity. Where else can you get such a return on your investment? There may be additional returns on your investment, according to new research by the U.S. Department of Energys Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The study, drawing upon an analysis of 72,000 sold between 2000 and 2009 reports that solar panels add value to single family homes and that, upon resale, homeowners may recoup their initial investment. This is the most comprehensive and data-rich analysis to date of the potential influence of PV systems on home sales prices, notes the studys co-author and San Diego State University Economic Chair Mark Thayer. To help with costs to install a system, there are a myriad of government programsfederal, state and localthat offer rebates and tax breaks, and more are being considered all the time. Maryland

has a Clean Energy Grant Program that will award residents up to $10,000 for the installation of solar voltaic panels. The federal government currently give homeowners a $2,000 tax credit if they use a renewable energy system. As for aesthetics, the new technology in solar panels creates slim panels that lie close to the roof and blend in very well. And as for the useful life of solar panels, even the older panels, properly installed and maintained, will outlast most homeowners. Taken all in all, solar power is good for our environment and good for our economy. Marylanders can help, even if they dont all install solar for themselves, by encouraging all levels of government to consider more initiatives and programs to increase energy production from solar power and to make certain that the incentives are presented in a clear and transparent manner, so people can easily know what they get and how the incentives work.

Reprinted from Annapolis Home Magazine, Vol.2, No.4 2011. Written by Jerri Anne Hopkins For more information on Marylands Incentives/Policies for Renewables and Efficiency, visit www.dsireusa.org/ incentives

Reprinted from HouseLogic.com, published August 28, 2009, Written by Wendy Paris

Hidden Spaces in Your Small Bathroom

Designing a small bathroom can be a big challenge, but it's no time to be timid. Creating space, or even the illusion of space, often calls for confident paint, wallpaper and tile choices, not to mention occasionally punching a hole in the wall or hiking a vanity cabinet off the floor. Los Angeles designer Sarah Barnard shares some smart strategies that can help you find the hidden space in your small bathroom. Another clever space-boosting touch in this bath is placing the sink off center rather than in the middle of the countertop, creating more usable surface to the left for toiletries. Find Your Niche The four walls of your bathroom are a box, and you have permission to think outside them. In fact, you can make holes in them. "Making use of the space inside the walls is one of the best ways to maximize because they've been scarred by images of Waverly ivythat's not what wallpaper is about today. Eco-friendly wallpapers made of natural or recycled materials come in thousands of chic patterns. Its a less expensive alternative to tile." Search for environment-friendly wallpaper choices at specialty retailers such as Farrow & Ball and Tri|Kes. Steal Space From a Neighboring Room A nearby closet or laundry room can be the source of the space you need to build a new bath or make an existing one more comfortable. "My client wanted a second bathroom for her tiny beach bungalow but was limited by a tight budget," Barnard says. "We moved the washer and dryer to the kitchen and took over the laundry room to arrange this spa-inspired bath." Out of view in this bathroom photo is another smart choice that creates a roomy feel: the vanity is mounted to the wall, leaving 16 inches of empty space between the bottom of the cabinet and the floor. Not only does it create the illusion of more square footage, but leaving at least nine inches of clearance makes the bathroom wheelchair-accessible. Splurge on a Luxe Finish The art of fooling the eye sometimes depends on distraction. A well-chosen high-end touch, such as the combo of the onyx vessel sink and pillowed onyx tile in this powder room, can make such a dramatic effect that you won't notice the size of the room. Balance Your Space In a tight space, it's extremely important to consider visual balance. Too much art on the wall or too many decorative items on a shelf and the room will feel cramped. "For a healthy mental environment, you need to keep at least 40% of the room as negative space," Barnard says. "That means empty walls. No art, no towel racks, no cabinets." In this bath, for example, a quiet, soothing tile rather than a busy pattern counts as negative space. A mirrored medicine cabinet in addition to the over-sink mirror produces the illusion of depth, but the lion's share of wall space is free of ornament and restful to the eye. Reprinted from www.hgtv.com, written by Karin Beurlein

Calendar of Events
Here are just some of the events happening in and around Annapolis this Summer. Event dates are subject to change, contact the event organizer to confirm dates and times: Chesapeake Bay Bridal Event and Showcase October 23 Annapolis Maritime Museum Pumpkin Walk October 28 Hammond-Harwood House, Annapolis www.hammondharwoodhouse.org Annapolis By Candlelight November 4 & 5 Annapolis www.annapolis.org Tug of War November 5 Annapolis & Eastport www.themre.org OysterFest November 5 Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels www.cbmm.org/oysterfest First Sunday Holiday Art Sale November 6 Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts www.marylandhall.org Light Up Annapolis November 12 Loews Hotel, Annapolis www.annapolisbusinessassoc.com Waterfowl Festival November 11-13 Historic Easton www.waterfowlfestival.org Annapolis Fringe Festival West Street to Maryland Hall, Annapolis November 12 www.annapolisfringefest.com Lights on the Bay November 19-January 1 Sandy Point State Park Midnight Madness December 8 & 15 Annapolis www.annapolisbusinessassoc.com Army-Navy Football Game December 10 FedEx Field, Landover www.armynavygame.com Parade of Lights December 10 Annapolis Harbor & Spa Creek www.eastportyc.org

Keep a Simple Color Palette "Using multiple shades of the same base color can visually expand a teensy bathroom," Barnard says. This bath appears much roomier than its 57 square feet by employing a simple, warm beige color scheme carried out in tile that goes all the way to the ceiling. Note the pattern created in the tilewhile you might avoid horizontal bands on a sweater because they make you look wider, you should embrace that plumping effect in the bathroom. "Narrow horizontal stripes make maximum impact with minimum square footage," Barnard says. To lighten the room even further, you can choose a shiny metallic tone for a band of tile, an art object or your mirror's edge, because reflected light gives the illusion of more space. But don't go overboard with glitz. "It can look dated very quickly," Barnard says.

storage in a small bath," Barnard says. This bath captures interior wall space for a shampoo and soap niche. If you're working with an existing bath rather than remodeling or adding, you may not want to disturb a tiled bath or shower surround. But a space over a toilet or sink that's covered in drywall may present an opportunity for chic, seamless recessed shelving. Go Vertical Floor-to-ceiling tile emphasizes every inch of height you have and makes a stunning presentation. Subway tiles, mosaic tile or diamond-shaped tile (as in this bath) are good choices, Barnard says, but stay away from big squares, which can feel heavy. Consider Wallpaper You can also opt for a great wallpaper to boost your vertical effect. "Have an open mind about wallpaper," Barnard says. "So many people are resistant to it

Affiliate News
its "China Rich List"gave an overview on how the country's explosive growth impacts real estate worldwide. Panel discussions on social media, leadership positioning, and generating web trafficwith Affiliate experts comprising the panelsrounded out the program. Christie's International Real Estate also released its inaugural "State of the International Luxury Real Estate Market" report. The research paper compiles the results of a survey completed by Affiliated brokerages in the network, all experts in the luxury market, enhanced with their supporting comments and insights. The Global Annual Leadership Conference is open only to the networks principals and managers. Panelists at Christies International Real Estate conferences are recognized as highly respected industry leaders, both internationally and within the Affiliate network. "Expertise and discretion is what differentiates Christies International Real Estate from other luxury networks," says Neil Palmer, CEO. Christie's International Real Estate is an invitation-only Affiliate network composed of the world's most proven and qualified real estate specialists. Network members represent some of the most prestigious trophy properties in the world, including estates, resort properties, second and third homes, and super-prime new-build developments, all priced above US$1 million. If you are interested more information about the State of the International Luxury Real Estate Market report, please contact us at 410.280.5600 and request a copy. Reprinted from Christies International Real Estate, published September 21, 2011

LONDON, U.K. With representatives in attendance from across the globe, the Christie's International Real Estate Affiliate network gathered in London recently for the Global Annual Leadership Conference, titled "Global Connectivity through Strategic Marketing." Luxury real estate specialists from more than 15 countries, including South Africa, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, the United States, and Brazil, were in attendance for the event. T he 2011 Gl o bal Annual Leadership Conference offered great insight into the world's

luxury residential market and the new marketing technologies necessary to secure a world-class marketing presence. The conference brought in industry experts to share their expertise, among them Mathew Ferrara of Matthew Ferrara & Company, who shared his knowledge on strategic technology marketing. China's growing economy and booming real estate market were also spotlighted on the conference agenda. Rupert Hoogewerfa leading expert on the economic status of China's elite and the publisher of the Hurun Report, a monthly magazine best known for

Glittering Fall Table Setting and Centerpiece Ideas

Add a Touch of Glitz For a sophisticated but not over-the-top look, balance the sparkle of metallics with natural elements, like fall branches or fresh fruit. Metallics add a great modern touch to a fall tablescape. Deep copper and bright bronze are a lovely additional to a traditional table. Contrast Materials A humble pinecone adds an organic touch to each place setting. Have fun with materials; contrast ceramic with glass, wood and gleaming metal. Forgo the old standby tablecloth and opt for glamorous, polished silver chargers and chocolate-brown linen napkins. Bountiful Centerpiece Set the stage for an unforgettable Thanksgiving feast with a centerpiece that exemplifies bounty. A ghost-white pumpkin, chunky pillar candles and metallic-painted gourds add sparkle. Create a table that's casual and warm with a modern twist. Play with colors of chocolate, taupe and birch contrasted with crisp white. Simple Sophistication This place setting layers basic elements to achieve an extraordinary effect. A set of white plates is a great standard to have for your year-round table. You don't have to get something special out just for the season. It's all in the presentationa crisp linen napkin folded into thirds and laid under a bronze glass plate topped with a miniature pear sets each guests' plate off with style for very little money, time or fuss. Gleaming Glass Accents Golds and ambers pair beautifully with the traditional browns and oranges of fall. Glass vases can be found very inexpensively in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes at your local housewares store. They're fantastic for adding a splash of luminescent color to the room. Opt for an Aromatic Centerpiece Who said a centerpiece needed to time-consuming, expensive or even floral? During the fall, natural elements are the best decorations. This potpourri creates a lovely centerpiece and its subtle fragrance is a great addition to the table. Look for large, chunky potpourris and add elements from your own backyard, like pinecones and seed pods, to the mix. Play With Scale Diminutive pears contrast with elongated stemware for a look that is elegant and playful. Slender amber stemware adds height and drama to a simple table while gold pillar candles and votives sparkle as the centerpiece. Decorate the Whole Room When decorating for guests, don't stop at setting the table. The buffet, side tables and coffee table will benefit from a few fall touches as well. Bring in large branches of fall foliage and place in a tall vase for a seasonal decoration that is chic and free the best of both worlds. Floral Arrangement pictured created by Silver Stems in Edgewater, MD.
Reprinted from www.hgtv.com, written by H. Camille Smith and Erinn Valencich

Agents Corner
Here are some delicious recipes for you to try that are perfect for the fall and winter season.

Why Real Estate Assessments Matter

You might not think too hard about your real estate assessment, the dollar value the local government puts on your house and land. You should. The assessment determines how much you shell out on property taxes. If you have a mortgage, your home lender is probably paying your property taxes out of an escrow account. Odds are you dont even know how much gets collected. Devote an hour of your time to becoming better informed. Once you understand your real estate assessment, youll understand your property tax billand, more importantly, whether youre paying the right amount. Homeowners and property taxes Your local government needs every dime it can collect to pay for all of the services you expect as a resident: schools, libraries, hospitals, and so on. A healthy chunk of that revenue is raised from homeowners via property taxes. In normal times real estate values climb steadily, allowing local governments to take in a little more every year to keep up with inflation and perhaps even add a few services. Property tax bills usually come due once or twice a year. The situation gets stickier when real estate values are in decline. If that occurs, local governments generate less revenue from property taxes, meaning the tax rate needs to go up, the money needs to come from somewhere else, or spending on services needs to go down. According to a 2009 survey conducted by the National Association of Counties, 62% of counties polled say declining property taxes are a major source of revenue shortfalls. Forty-two percent of counties have cut services, and 11% have raised property taxes. Assess y our real estate assessment No matter if property values are rising, falling, or stagnant, you need to understand how youre being taxed. Everything starts with your real estate assessment letter, which reveals what your property is judged by the local government to be worth. The letter will differ, depending where you live, but most will have a legal description of your house and separate values for the land and the structure. Add those two numbers together to get your homes assessed value. Some local governments will appraise your home every year, others every two or more years. Tax assessors generally use one of two methods to come up with an assessment value for your home. The most common relies on looking at recent sales of comparable homes. Keep in mind that recent is a relative term. To come up with a real estate assessment, assessors may be looking at sales that occurred as long as 18 months prior. Alternatively, especially in the absence of recent sales data, assessors will calculate the cost to rebuild your home, and add that to the estimated worth of your land to come up with a dollar amount. Break out the calculator How much you pay in property taxes is based on your real estate assessment. Put simply, your homes assessed value is multiplied by the local tax rate to come up with a figure. However, it can become more complicated if there are multiple taxing authorities where you livea city and a county, for exampleor if there are special one-time assessments. Qualifying for property tax exemptions, perhaps due to age or disability, will also alter the formula. Some local governments offer online calculators on their websites, or call the tax assessors office for help. If you want to run the numbers for yourself, dont be intimidated by how your tax rate is expressed. Sometimes itll take the form of a percentage, say 1.5%, or perhaps a decimal, 0.015. Both equal the same thing. So the owner of a home thats assessed at $100,000 would owe $1,500 a year in property taxes. Other times itll be expressed as an amount per $100 or $1,000 of home value. In the case of a 1.5% tax rate that would mean $1.50 per $100 or $15 per $1,000. Regardless, the math doesnt change: Multiply $100,000 by 0.015. Knowledge is powerand savings Assessors have a lot of ground to cover. Many rely on valuation formulas that assess whole streets or neighborhoods. Most havent seen your house in person, so dont wait for a knock on your door from an assessor hoping to take a look around. Thats why you need to read your real estate assessment letter carefully, look for errors, and challenge your assessment if it seems too high. If you find a way to reduce your real estate assessment, whether by contesting it or qualifying for an exemption, the savings can add up. The median annual property tax paid in the U.S. in 2008 was $1,897, or 0.96% of the median home value of $197,600. Trimming just 15% off the median value would result in savings of about $285. Of course, if your home value and local tax rate are higher, then youre looking at even greater savings. This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but is not intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Readers should consult a tax professional for such advice, and are reminded that tax laws may vary by jurisdiction. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com, written by Geoff Williams, published October 11, 2009

Sweet Potato Casserole

3 Cups Cooked Mashed Sweet Potatoes (can substitute 1.5 cans, 17 oz. or 1 lb. size Whole Sweet Potatoes, Drained and Mashed) 1 Cup Sugar 2 Eggs, Beaten 1 Teaspoon Vanilla 1/2 cup Milk 1 Stick of Butter (or Margarine) Topping: 1 Cup Brown Sugar 1/3 Cup Flour 1 Cup Pecan Halves (or 1 3 oz. can) 1/3 Cup Melted Butter (or Margarine) Preheat oven to 350. Add the first set of ingredients for the filling and beat until smooth. Pour into a buttered casserole dish or pan. Mix the topping ingredients in a separate bowl, then sprinkle over the filling and bake for 1 hour.
Recipe contributed by Deb Valainis, Office Manager/Realtor, Annapolis Realty, Inc.

Cranberry Margaritas

1 1/4 cups tequila 1 1/4 cups frozen cranberry juice concentrate 1 cup canned jellied cranberry sauce 10 tablespoons fresh lime juice 6 tablespoons Grand Marnier or orange liqueur Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth, add 3 1/2 cups of ice and blend until mixture is slushy. Pour into sugar (or salt) rimmed glasses.
Recipe Contributed by Mandy Conklin, Administrative Assistant, Annapolis Realty, Inc.

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