CENTURY 21 New Millennium Increases Presence in DC Metro Region With New Office On Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.

Posted on February 14, 2012 by admin

Alexandria, Virginia; February 14, 2012 — CENTURY 21 New Millennium, one of the DC Metro Region’s largest and most productive real estate companies, announced today the opening of a new office at 1000 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The new office will offer area homebuyers and sellers an increased level of service and convenience in their real estate transaction needs.

“CENTURY 21 New Millennium is excited to extend its presence to the DC area,” said CEO Todd Hetherington.  “This expansion will enable us to introduce area consumers to its array of real estate services including specialty-market programs such as the CENTURY 21 Fine Homes and Estates and the CENTURY 21 Commercial programs which focus on the luxury and commercial property real estate market segments respectively.”

Just two weeks ago New Millennium announced that it had acquired CENTURY 21 Associates’ branches in Columbia, Waldorf, Annapolis and Deale, Maryland, resulting in an increase of 130 agents.

“We are excited about the opportunity to become part of the DC community,” said Mary Lynn Stone, President of New Millennium.  “Our company’s commitment to meeting our customers’ needs through a full service real estate experience has allowed us to continue to expand, despite the recent economic downturn.”  Branch Leaders Tanya Cunningham and Shea Byers are working together to launch the office.  “Shea and Tanya bring a lot to the table,” stated Hetherington.

“This expansion will allow us to offer our one stop real estate service to a greater portion of the community,” said Hetherington.  “Now more people interested in buying, selling or leasing in DC will be able to take advantage of our core services including: mortgage financing, real estate settlements, investing, property management, property insurance, global relocation assistance, and commercial real estate.”

 

About Century 21 New Millennium
CENTURY 21 New Millennium, www.c21nm.com, is a full service real estate brokerage company specializing in residential and luxury properties. In addition to its newest Washington, D.C. location, the Virginia locations are in Alexandria, Centreville, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Gainesville, McLean, Stafford, and Woodbridge. The Maryland offices are located in Annapolis, Columbia, Dunkirk, La Plata, Lexington Park and Lusby and Waldorf.  Its core services include: mortgage financing, investing, settlement, property management, property insurance, global relocation assistance, and commercial real estate.

© 2012 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. CENTURY 21® Is A Registered Trademark Licensed To Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

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5 Tax Tips for Homeowners

Posted on February 10, 2012 by admin

Before tax season hits, think about brushing up on your property tax know-how to save money and ease stress. Whether you’re buying, staying or selling, in this tough housing market, the more you know the better. Below, Todd Hetherington, CEO of Century 21 New Millennium shares their top five tax tips with us.

1. Understand your capital gains tax.
“So many homeowners don’t understand how their capital gains tax is calculated when selling,” says Hetherington. When you sell your home, you’re taxed on any profit over a set amount, which changes based on your marital status. However, calculating your gains isn’t as simple as price sold minus price paid. “The IRS takes into account expenses invested in improving the property, so be sure to save receipts for any repairs, maintenance and upgrades,” adds Hetherington.

2. Get a reliable estimate of your property tax bill.
This is a top tip for those looking to buy a new home. “Don’t rely solely on the tax information in the property listing. Your tax bill can differ from the previous owner’s bill, so do your research,” Hetherington suggests.

3. Deduct the interest.
“On your tax return, you can deduct the interest you pay on your home loan,” says Hetherington. This deduction reduces your tax liability, and as your mortgage payments for the first few years are almost entirely interest, this means they are almost entirely tax deductible.

4. Lower your interest rates—deduct property taxes and points paid.
The IRS allows you to deduct your state and local property taxes from your income tax return, which can help to offset their expenses. “Plus,” Hetherington continues, “You get a tax benefit if you paid for discount points to lower your mortgage interest rate.”

5. Market value declined? Request a property tax reassessment.
You can get your taxes lowered if the value of your home has decreased. “All you need to do is show proof of your home’s current market value and recent comparable sales in your neighborhood,” Hetherington explains.

For more information on property taxes, please contact Century 21 New Millennium at move@c21nm.com, 800-382-1101 or Century 21 New Millennium.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium.  Smarter.  Bolder.  Faster.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium, www.c21nm.com, is a full service real estate brokerage company specializing in residential and luxury properties. In addition to its newest Washington D.C. location, the Virginia locations are in Alexandria, Centreville, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Gainesville, McLean, Stafford, and Woodbridge. The Maryland offices are located in Annapolis, Columbia, Dunkirk, La Plata, Lexington Park, Lusby and Waldorf. Its core services include: mortgage financing, investing, settlement services, property management, property insurance, global relocation assistance, and commercial real estate.

 

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CENTURY 21 New Millennium Merges In CENTURY 21 Associates Waldorf, Columbia, and Annapolis Offices, Further Increasing Its Presence In DC Metro Region

Posted on February 1, 2012 by admin

CENTURY 21 New Millennium today announced that it has merged in CENTURY 21 Associates’ branches in Columbia, Waldorf, and Annapolis, Maryland, resulting in an increase of 130 agents and 800 annual units.  New Millennium executives Todd Hetherington, CEO, and Mary Lynn Stone, President, welcomed the branches at a breakfast event today in Annapolis.

“We are humbled by this great opportunity and extremely excited to welcome these agents into the New Millennium family,” said Todd Hetherington.  “Our company’s strong history of growth and security allows us to continue to expand, in spite of the recent economic downturn.”  Tom Harner, owner of Associates, will be joining the CENTURY 21 New Millennium leadership cadre.  “Tom brings a lot to the table and we look forward to tapping into all that he has to offer,” stated Hetherington.

“This expansion will allow us to offer our one stop real estate service to a greater portion of the community,” said Stone.  “Now more people interested in buying, selling or leasing in Maryland will be able to take advantage of our core services including: mortgage financing, title, investing, settlement, property management, property insurance, global relocation assistance, and commercial real estate.”

 

About Century 21 New Millennium
CENTURY 21 New Millennium, www.c21nm.com, is a full service real estate brokerage company specializing in residential and luxury properties. In addition to its newest Washington, D.C. location, the Virginia locations are in Alexandria, Centreville, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Gainesville, McLean, Stafford, and Woodbridge. The Maryland offices are located in Annapolis, Columbia, Dunkirk, La Plata, Lexington Park and Lusby and Waldorf. Its core services include: mortgage financing, investing, settlement, property management, property insurance, global relocation assistance, and commercial real estate.

 

© 2012 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. CENTURY 21® Is A Registered Trademark Licensed To Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

 

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The CENTURY 21 Brand and the Big Game

Posted on January 17, 2012 by admin

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An Investor’s Market: Know Your Foreclosures

Posted on January 4, 2012 by admin

Currently, foreclosed properties are on the rise. A complicated foreclosure market can provide ample opportunity for educated investors, or leave room for devastating financial flops when a property is purchased without a thorough home inspection or sufficient knowledge.

“While some foreclosed homes can be a real steal, make sure to do your homework first,” says Mary Lynn Stone, President of Century 21 New Millennium.

When looking at foreclosed properties, investors should be aware of three different types of foreclosures, and the risks or benefits that come with each.

Real Estate Owned (REO). These homes have been foreclosed and are now owned by the bank. They have often stood vacant for some time and typically have maintenance problems due to neglect, so buyers should be extra cautious.

“REO properties are often sold ‘as is,’ leaving the buyer some wiggle room to request a price reduction based on needed maintenance. If you have the finances, time, and energy for a fixer-upper, REO properties can be a great investment,” Stone notes.

Short-sales. These are pre-foreclosed properties that are typically being sold at a lower price so that the seller doesn’t have to foreclose. Designed to create an ideal situation for all involved parties, short-sales can offer great deals for the seller, buyer and bank.

“If you are looking into a short-sale property, be sure you are pre-approved for a loan,” cautions Stone. “Also, make sure to have a solid home inspection done.”

Auctions. An auctioned home is one of the riskier types of foreclosed property purchases, as the buyer often has a limited window of time to view the property, and no opportunity for a proper home inspection.

“These ‘as-is’ properties can be a great deal for the seasoned real estate investor who knows what to look for. If you’re new to the field, purchasing a foreclosed home at an auction could be devastating financially when major unseen problems arise,” warns Stone.

Access the Investors Resource Center on the C21NM website

In late 2011, Century 21 New Millennium joined OwnAmerica, a national web-based resource and training organization for real estate investors and investment specialists.  Visit the C21NM Investor Center to learn the art of investing in real estate.
For more information on purchasing a foreclosed property, please contact Century 21 New Millennium at move@c21nm.com, 800-382-1101 or Century 21 New Millennium.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium.  Smarter.  Bolder.  Faster.

 

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium, www.c21nm.com, is a full service real estate brokerage company specializing in residential and luxury properties. The Virginia locations are in Alexandria, Centreville, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Gainesville, McLean, Stafford, and Woodbridge. The Maryland offices are located in Annapolis, Dunkirk, La Plata, Lexington Park and Lusby. Its core services include: mortgage financing, investing, settlement services, property management, property insurance, global relocation assistance, and commercial real estate.

 

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Moving…With Children

Posted on December 21, 2011 by admin

While searching for and moving into a new home is an exciting time, it can prove to be quite challenging, and stressful—even before you throw your kids into the mix. However, Scott Becker, Director of Relocation Services for Century 21 New Millennium offers a few tips and tricks that will help your move with kids run smoothly.

Moving can be stressful, but moving with children has it's own set of challenges.

“Making sure everyone is on the same page, and that your children feel included in big family decisions, will help your ease anxiety over your move,” suggests Becker. One way to help your kids feel involved, according to Becker, is to hold weekly meetings leading up to the move to keep everyone in the family updated.

“Be sure to ask your kids what they would like in a new home and neighborhood, and try and take their suggestions—if reasonable—into account when property searching,” says Becker, who goes on to note that it’s a great idea to take kids with you when house hunting. If you can’t bring them along, be sure to take photos and notes to share with them after.

Children are often reluctant to move to a new town and leave their friends and what is familiar to them. If you have already chosen a neighborhood, take your kids on a few outings in your new area—to parks, festivals, parades or other events—so that they are excited about relocating. Show them where their new school will be and research local sports, dance or other after-school activities they are likely to be interested in. Ask your real estate agent what kids of similar age to your own like to do in your new town, where the popular hang-out spots are, etc. Share this information with your children to amp up their excitement.

“During the actual process of packing up, let your kids help. Have them pack their own things, which will not only help ease the process for you but allow them to feel included,” suggests Becker.

For more information on relocating with the whole family, please contact Century 21 New Millennium at move@c21nm.com, 800-382-1101 or Century 21 New Millennium.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium.  Smarter.  Bolder.  Faster.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium, www.c21nm.com, is a full service real estate brokerage company specializing in residential and luxury properties. The Virginia locations are in Alexandria, Centreville, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Gainesville, McLean, Stafford, and Woodbridge. The Maryland offices are located in Annapolis, Dunkirk, La Plata, Lexington Park and Lusby. Its core services include: mortgage financing, investing, settlement services, property management, property insurance, global relocation assistance, and commercial real estate.

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Consumer Bulletin – Money and Moving: 5 Ways to Cut Costs

Posted on December 20, 2011 by admin

Between closing costs and property taxes, buying, selling and owning a home is an expensive ordeal. But moving doesn’t have to be. Below, Todd Hetherington, CEO of Century 21 New Millennium offers five ways to save money when making a move.

1. Time it right. “Most people move in the summer, because the kids are out of school, the weather is ideal for packing and, in general, most people are less stressed out,” says Hetherington. “This means movers often charge less during the off season.” If it’s at all possible to postpone your move, attempt to relocate between October and April to score those off-peak discounts.

2. Look into delivery. “There are a handful of companies, like PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT, that will deliver a portable storage unit to your place,” Hetherington suggests. “You will save money by packing it yourself, and then the company will come back to pick up the unit and bring it to your new place.”

3. Use what you have. When it comes to packing supplies, you can save money by using what you have. “Pack in suitcases, bags and bins you already own before buying supplies. And if you do need more, try purchasing your packing material from a recycled box company or ask local businesses for old boxes they plan on tossing,” Hetherington explains. Moving companies often over-charge on packing supplies, so use them as a last resort.”

Selling and owning a home can be expensive, but moving doesn't have to be.

4. Rent your own truck. While it requires more work, renting a truck and doing the move yourself from start to finish is the cheapest way to move. Ask friends and family to help, or hire neighborhood teens to help with the packing and lifting. “Be sure to look into all the fine print before choosing a rental company,” Hetherington warns. “Fuel and mileage charges can differ immensely, so do your research.”

5. Don’t forget to deduct. “Many people don’t realize they can deduct moving expenses from their taxes,” Hetherington says. If you relocated for work, you may be eligible to deduct packing, transporting and storing costs from next year’s taxes, so be sure to save your receipts!

For more information on moving, please contact Century 21 New Millennium at move@c21nm.com, 800-382-1101 or Century 21 New Millennium.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium.  Smarter.  Bolder.  Faster.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium, www.c21nm.com, is a full service real estate brokerage company specializing in residential and luxury properties. The Virginia locations are in Alexandria, Centreville, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Gainesville, McLean, Stafford, and Woodbridge. The Maryland offices are located in Annapolis, Dunkirk, La Plata, Lexington Park and Lusby. Its core services include: mortgage financing, investing, settlement services, property management, property insurance, global relocation assistance, and commercial real estate.

 

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Consumer Bulletin – Taxing Matters: 3 Common Home Tax Concerns

Posted on December 20, 2011 by admin

From incentives to deductions, taxes are complicated and can be confusing even for the seasoned property owner. Understanding the ins and outs of some common property tax concerns can help save you money and put your mind at ease. Below Mary Lynn Stone, President of Century 21 New Millennium discusses three common tax topics.

1. Natural Disaster Relief
“If your home is affected by a natural disaster, your damage costs will be deductible from both state and federal income taxes,” says Stone. Disasters include fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and more. “Homeowners can deduct their losses by filing an amended return for the tax year before the event happened. This helps to minimize the wait for refund money that can be used to make repairs or pay for living expenses,” Stone explains.

2. Historic Rehabilitation
“If your home is a certified historic home, then you may be able to receive a break in your taxes,” says Stone. Many states offer tax incentives, reductions and abatement programs for owners of residential historic homes. These programs are described on the National Trust’s website, which also offers resources and tips for owners of historic homes. Visit the site at www.preservationnation.org.

3. Home Improvement Deductions
“Many sellers ask me if they can deduct the cost of improvements made to their homes from their taxes,” says Stone, who continues to note that the answer is not black and white. “Yes, you can deduct improvements, but only after the home has been sold. This is because improvements add to the basis of your home,” Stone explains. “Because your basis is subtracted from your selling price to figure out what your home sale gain is, these tax deductions can only be made after your home is sold and your basis is defined.”

From incentives to deductions, taxes are complicated. Understanding the ins and outs of some common property tax concerns can help save you money and put your mind at ease.

It is also important to note that the IRS has specific qualifications for what counts as a taxable “improvement.” These are renovations that add to your home’s value and extend its “useful life.” Stone cites taxable improvement examples including an extra bathroom or an updating plumbing, heating or electrical system.

For more information on property taxes, please contact Century 21 New Millennium at move@c21nm.com, 800-382-1101 or Century 21 New Millennium.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium.  Smarter.  Bolder.  Faster.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium, www.c21nm.com, is a full service real estate brokerage company specializing in residential and luxury properties. The Virginia locations are in Alexandria, Centreville, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Gainesville, McLean, Stafford, and Woodbridge. The Maryland offices are located in Annapolis, Dunkirk, La Plata, Lexington Park and Lusby. Its core services include: mortgage financing, investing, settlement services, property management, property insurance, global relocation assistance, and commercial real estate.

 

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Consumer Bulletin – Eco-Friendly Financing

Posted on December 6, 2011 by admin

“It’s no secret that green housing is a trend on the rise,” says Todd Hetherington, CEO of Century 21 New Millennium. For years now, homeowners have been making green renovations, and buyers are on the lookout for eco-friendly homes. As a result, many lenders are offering larger loans, or discounts, to buyers who are making eco-conscious improvements to their homes.

“The reasoning behind the incentives offered to eco-friendly buyers is relatively simple,” states Hetherington. “When a home is energy-efficient, it has lower utility bills. The money saved from the bills can be counted as income, so buyers are able to qualify for a larger loan in order to increase home efficiency.”

Making green improvements to your home may result in lenders offering larger loans or discounts for buyers.

Wondering if your green improvement can qualify you for a green loan? Ask yourself if your eco-friendly fix-up will lower your energy bills. If not, then you probably don’t qualify.

“If you think you can apply for an energy efficient mortgage, you need a special report to measure your home’s efficiency, called a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) report,” Hetherington states. An inspector will come out and evaluate your home, rating your efficiency from 0 to 100.

“If you think you qualify for an energy efficient discount program or loan, talk to your bank for details,” suggests Hetherington. “There a quite a few different programs to look into, depending on your state, your bank, and more,” Hetherington continues. The simplest programs are offered to buyers interested in purchasing a green home, and include a credit or deduction based on the requirements their new home meets.

You can also look into programs offered by Fannie Mae and the Federal Housing Administration, who incorporate the cost of energy improvements into the cost of your loan, a more complex process. “To qualify for this type of FHA mortgage, a buyer must do a number of things, including making a small down-payment, making cost-effective home improvements, and spending more than five percent of the purchase price for energy-efficient improvements,” Hetherington explains.

For more information on eco-friendly financing, please contact Century 21 New Millennium at move@c21nm.com, 800-382-1101 or Century 21 New Millennium.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium.  Smarter.  Bolder.  Faster.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium, www.c21nm.com, is a full service real estate brokerage company specializing in residential and luxury properties. The Virginia locations are in Alexandria, Centreville, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Gainesville, McLean, Stafford, and Woodbridge. The Maryland offices are located in Annapolis, Dunkirk, La Plata, Lexington Park and Lusby. Its core services include: mortgage financing, investing, settlement services, property management, property insurance, global relocation assistance, and commercial real estate.

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CENTURY 21 New Millennium Climb for Kids Easter Seals Fundraiser Presents Check to Easter Seals Greater Washington-Baltimore Region

Posted on December 6, 2011 by admin

On November 10, Century 21 New Millennium presented $20,425 to Easter Seals Greater Washington-Baltimore Region.  However, this was no ordinary contribution; the funds were raised in the most creative and challenging of ways.

The Climb for Kids team including Rick Davidson, CEO of CENTURY 21 and Scott Becker, C21NM Director of Business Development and Relocation.

This summer, Rick Davidson, President and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate, LLC and a board member of Easter Seals Inc., organized a five-member team that hiked through the Alaska Mountain Range to raise money for Easter Seals.  The “Climb for Kids” began in Anchorage, headed north to Talkeetna and ascended to the summits of Mt. Eldridge and Explorers Peak.  The nine-day trek was physically challenging; taking the crew up 31,000 feet in elevation and covering four summits.  A total of over $41,000 was raised for Easter Seals.

 

Scott Becker, Director of Business Development for Century 21 New Millennium, was one of those selected for the Climb, and once he got involved he jumped in with both feet.  In fact, he was presented the inaugural “Ascender Award” from Davidson for raising the most donations of all participants on the Climb.   “Being a part of the Climb has exposed me to all of the tremendous services that Easter Seals provides daily,” said Becker.

“The Alaskan experience truly changed my perspective,” added Becker.  “Rick (Davidson) put together an amazing climbing team and I am grateful.  Being able to raise money for Easter Seals was a gift to me personally.  Our company is awed by the work they do and humbled to have been able to make a contribution.”

Easter Seals

CENTURY 21 New Millennium Champions Funds for Easter Seal

Over the years, Century 21 Real Estate, LLC has become a terrific friend of Easter Seals, serving as a national corporate sponsor and raising over $100 million in since 1979.  As Davidson notes, “improving our communities is an important part of real estate, and Century 21’s support of Easter Seals helps us build strong communities by ensuring that people with disabilities and special needs have many opportunities to live, learn, work, and play.”

“Easter Seals Greater Washington-Baltimore Washington Region is honored to accept the generous donation from Rick, Scott and the Century 21 team,” said President & CEO Lisa Reeves.

You can learn more about the climb on the Century 21 Climb for Easter Seals Facebook Page, or by contacting Century 21 New Millennium at move@c21nm.com, 800-382-1101 or Century 21 New Millennium.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium.  Smarter.  Bolder.  Faster.

 

CENTURY 21 New Millennium, www.c21nm.com, is a full service real estate brokerage company specializing in residential and luxury properties. The Virginia locations are in Alexandria, Centreville, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Gainesville, McLean, Stafford, and Woodbridge. The Maryland offices are located in Annapolis, Dunkirk, La Plata, Lexington Park and Lusby. Its core services include: mortgage financing, investing, settlement services, property management, property insurance, global relocation assistance, and commercial real estate.

 

 

 

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