Chris Sicks (Washington Times) in this week's Charting the Market says the following:

Median sales prices were up in the District last month, while prices were down in Prince George's and Montgomery.

A primary reason for this difference in prices is the inventory situation. Compared to 2004, the inventory in the District is up 146 percent. In Montgomery, however, inventory is up 156 percent, and Prince George's inventory is up 402 percent. (Emphasis is mine)

It's worth reading the whole article. Be sure to take a good look at the chart -- the chances of a house selling in Prince George's County in 2004 was 96%. This year it's 8%.

(C) Susan Pruden.

Very important information for voting on November 4th in Maryland.

(C) Susan Pruden.

Our daughter and son-in-law bought a house almost exactly a year ago. It was built in 1999 and came with a homeowner's warranty. Their question to me was should they renew their warranty at a cost of $600 a year? Like everyone else, they're looking at ways to cut back but they're also concerned about appliances breaking down.

My recommendation to them was to take the $600 that they would spend towards the renewal of the home warranty and put it in a separate savings account labeled "Appliances". Then they should also get a contract to have their central air conditioner, gas furnace and water heater inspected and maintained twice a year -- something that will generally extend the life of those appliances significantly.

If they put $600 in this account each year, they will likely come out ahead and will be able to budget for anything that needs replacing.

Take a look at the Demense.info to get an idea of the average life-span of appliances and major systems in your house. This can help you plan your appliance and major systems replacement budget.

(C) Susan Pruden.

The Prince George's County Association of REALTORS® celebrated its 75th Anniversary this past month. The festivities included awards and the swearing in of this year's new officers and board of directors. 

Imagine my shock when they announced the Distinguished Sales Associate of the Year - Me! Totally blew me away.

Here's what our President, Linda Simpson, said: "This year the nominee was selected based on her professional knowledge, business accomplishment, civic activity and her many contributions to this Association. This year's recipient has served on Association Committees and donated many, many hours volunteering and attending Association Functions. I am so very pleased to present this year's Distinguished Sales Associate Award to Susan Pruden of CENTURY 21 Home Center."

Of course, I was running my mouth and not paying the least attention, so when I heard my name, I had no clue what was going on :) Needless to say, I figured it out and was able to get to the podium for the award.

(C) Susan Pruden.