Hughesville, MD Real Estate

Craig W. Barrett, Hughesville, REALTOR®

Hughesville, MD Real Estate

http://www.hughesvillehomes.com/

Six of Forbes.com “Best Places To Get Ahead” are in the Washington, DC Region with three of the Southern Maryland Region and the other four in Northern Virginia.

To determine the best places to get ahead, Forbes.com compiled income and job data from the U.S. Census and Department of Labor Statistics. They looked at every county in the U.S., starting with data from the year 2000 and ranked where median income was rising the most quickly. They limited their list to counties where the median income was at least $75,000 in order to highlight places where people are well-off and getting ahead, as opposed to counties that went from low income to average income.

Then, to further highlight places where paychecks are earned, as opposed to places that are bedroom communities or retreats for the rich, they took into account job growth data going back to 2000. That allowed them to measure where jobs, and local economies, have boomed.

"The places that experienced prolonged income and job booms since 2000 are often satellite economies of larger cities. Within a metropolitan area, the central city is typically the driving force of the economy. But as suburban counties develop, they often turn into secondary economic centers with their own industry and jobs."

With Washington, DC the Federal Government, peripheral and related businesses within a "reasonable" commuting distance, the increased popularity for telecommuting and expansion of business, each of these counties have not only attracted those who work in the District and surrounding areas, but have made noted progress towards building vibrant local economies.

It's also important to note these counties are a little further out and have a lot of open space. I think sprawl is a concern for everyone in these areas. Development that is fiscally, environmentally, and economically smart and includes land-use and long-range planning enhances local communities and economies. Where there's money and job growth, there's increased opportunity for prosperity.

The counties, rankings and what Forbes.com had to say:

Stafford County, VA Ranked First

"It's not in the immediate vicinity of Washington D.C., but Stafford County is within the metropolitan area. It may not be as well-off as nearby counties like Arlington or Loudoun, but the steep curve of economic growth makes it a quickly developing business center. The median income is $85,014, up 27% from 2000, and jobs have increased at just under a 6% clip over that same period of time."

Calvert County, VA Ranked Third

"The median income for Calvert County--located to the Southeast of Washington D.C., closer to Annapolis, Md., than to Baltimore has boomed since 2000. Incomes are up 28% to $84,891, due in part to a 3.5% average job growth over that period of time."

Loudoun County, VA Ranked Fourth

"Part of the old guard in Northern Virginia, Loudoun County is one of the D.C. suburbs of choice for government contractors and local high earners. Incomes climbed 23% from 2000, to a median income of $99,371. Jobs climbed an impressive 5% as the county continues to become its own independent business locale."

Charles County, MD Ranked Fifth

"A Maryland suburb county to the south of D.C. and close to the Chesapeake Bay, economic activity in Charles County has been on the upswing since 2000. Jobs have climbed a modest 2.3% a year and incomes are up 29%, to $80,179. The combination of rapid income growth and slow job growth suggests that economic gains from D.C. commuters moving to the area have affected the data."

Prince William County, VA Ranked Sixth

"In 2000, the median income in Prince William County was $65,960, which, while high for the time, didn't make it one of the wealthiest counties in the country. But the 22.5% boost it's had since, to a median income of $80,783, along with a 4.2% per year job rate increase, has turned it into one of the more affluent counties in the country."

Anne Arundel County, MD Ranked Seventh

"Not as affluent as some of its neighbors, residents in Anne Arundel County have felt a big boost in their wallets since 2000, as a steady 2.5% job growth rate and a 28% income hike has changed the profile of the county to one where the median household has an income of $79,160."

Thank You to my friend Leesa L. Finley, REALTOR® - Wake Forest, NC, for pointing this article out to me. She sent me an email this morning suggesting I blog about this. You gotta love the power of the Rain! 

Craig W. Barrett, Hughesville, REALTOR®

Hughesville, MD Real Estate

http://www.hughesvillehomes.com/

While on my long runs over the last couple of weeks or so, I've come across several "things" that have caught my eye. And as my mileage increases, I've run down new streets to get my time in. Some say I take my life in my own hands as I run down Route 231. However, I have notice cars and trucks give me plenty of room and I do stay well off away from traffic.

Those of us that use it knows traffic has increased quite a bit over the years. Hughesville is the geographical center of Southern Maryland and Route 231 is a popular route between Route 4 in Calvert County and Route 5 in Charles County.

Several years ago, I tried to get a large parcel for a developer client of mine. The parcel had been inherited and my guess is it needed to be sold fairly quickly to avoid some pretty hefty taxes. It was a 330+- acre parcel and would have been a nice sale. As I was running, I wondered what had happened and ran down the road to take a look.

As I ran down the road, I saw signs of progress. Orange flags hanging off tree branches, wood stakes in the ground, and orange spray paint on the road marking public utilities. From Route 231, you never would have guessed anything was happening back there, there was no advertisement or directionals.

I got to a fork in the road where I had been a couple of years back and saw a sign up ahead. I knew this parcel as well. It had been sold to a local developer and was 300+- acres or more. I was surprised to see how much infrastucture work had been done. It looks like they aren't too far off from delivering lots.

Since then, I've run back down that was and taken pictures. I now take my camera with me on my long runs and get shots of things in Hughesville as I see them. So, if you see a crazy guy running down Route 231, Route 381, Teagues Point Road, Maxwell Hall, or Oliver Shop Road with a camera in hand, it's just me getting pictures for my blog.

 It's amazing how much more you see when you're on your feet moving at 7mph. You never would have seen this if you were in your car. There's no indication from the main road anything is going on back there.

When you are out looking to buy new construction in Hughesville, are you sure you're seeing everything?

Craig W. Barrett, Hughesville, REALTOR®

Hughesville, MD Real Estate

http://www.hughesvillehomes.com/

This month's Hughesville Market Report shows little movement in the resale and new construction market. It's should be little surprise to anyone given the time of year and current market conditions. Resales were priced between $264,900-$1,399,000. New Construction was priced between $429,900-$989,900.

We've seen a few more foreclosures and short sales. While they may not represent a majority of the Hughesville market, it's probably safe to say they'll have a negative effect on prices at least in the short term. More inventory has come online with little absorption. Prices on new construction hasn't moved from last month.

I took a look at trending in the resale market and compared absorption rates in a 3 month and 6 month period. For a 6 month comparison period, we have 18.4 months of supply. For a 3 month comparison period, we have 27.5 months of supply. Obviously, during that 3 month period, the resale market has contracted and clearly states it's a buyers market.

As February progresses, we'll continue to watch absorption and trending. Feel free to contact me with questions.

Includes: Benedict Plantation, Bryantown Estates, Cameron Ridge, Carrico Mill, Country Road Estates, Eastern Hills, Indian Creek Estates, Lake Jameson, Oakland Acres, Pine Grove Estates, Sandy Level Estates, Scouts Trail, Stoneleigh, Swanson Creek Landing, Walnut Hills, Willow Creek, Woodlawn Manor

Includes: Benedict Farms, Bucks Run, Carriage Crossing, Crystal Lake, Forest Run, Herbert Fields, Lake Jameson, Maple Brooke, Naylors Reserve, Ole Field Estates, Stoneleigh, Swan's Rest.

Craig W. Barrett, Hughesville, REALTOR®

Hughesville, MD Real Estate

http://www.hughesvillehomes.com/

Ok, well maybe it's not that dramatic, but I was going to write about the correlation between marathon training and blogging on Active Rain at some point. Lenn's post inspired me to go ahead and knock it out and Bryant's post got me thinking about points.

I've been training for marathons about as long as I've been blogging, which isn't very long, and see similarities in successfully accomplishing both. I think it's about planning, dedication, commitment, consistency and sticking to the plan even when you just don't feel like it. Overtime, the plan will become second nature and will simply become part of the process.

One of the common mistakes of any foot race is starting out too fast and not pacing correctly. No amount of carbs, goo, sugar, etc... is going to help you when you "hit the wall". You've already bought the farm. Holding back in the beginning is a learned behavior and one that takes time and correct practice. Blogging is no different, come out of the chute too fast and you'll fade. If you fade, try again and again until you get the pacing right.

When I made a commitment to run my first marathon, I could barely run a mile and a half without feeling overly exerted. I did some research and found a training program, ran my butt off and stuck to it. It is the same with blogging, I could barely write a coherent post, but I did some research, found knowledgeable folks and joined Active Rain. I read, learned, shared and blogged (repeat). Some may argue my recent posts are coherent... :-)

When blogging on Active Rain, consider your points as miles. That number one spot in your State or County is your marathon. Does it seem like an unsurmountable task? Break it up into manageable pieces, just like you would a race. Instead of one 26.2 mile run, think of it as six 4.4 mile runs or smaller. Maybe 5,000 points in a week is an unrealistic goal.

Why not set your sights for 10 comments per day and two posts per week and see how it goes. Was it exhausting or were you able to finish strong? Adjust your schedule on your results. Don't run with pain, take a day off and cross-train. Did the blog you just posted fall flat on it's face? Take a day off and cross-train. What is cross-training? I'll tell you in a second.

Eventually, as your plan becomes second nature, your miles (points) will become faster and easier. You'll find yourself continuously in your comfort zone and will need to push yourself to the next level. An important part of any marathon program and a natural way to push yourself to the next level is cross-training. Do things to exercise your core and upper body like swimming, push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, playing basketball, partial squats, etc...

You can cross-train in blogging too. Push yourself to the next blogging level by subscribing to and reading other blogs, trade publications, newspapers, attending educational seminars, social networking events, listening to other people, etc... Take days off. Your cross-training should be done on non-run (non-blog) days.

Mix up your training. Running the same route at the same pace gets boring. Throw in some hills, speed workouts and long runs. The same with blogging, mix it up a bit. The same theme will eventually bore you. Post about a local event, a hot listing, a cool techno whiz-bang, a news story or do some research on local history.

Did I mention take a day off? You need to give your body plenty of time to recover from a long run. Some long runs can burn in excess of 3,000 calories! You need to replenish and blogging is no different. Take the time to clear your mind, rejuvenate, refresh and get yourself ready for the next post or comment.

Marathon training and results are a personal objective. What one may do or the time they finish may be genetically impossible for you. I can't run a 5 minute mile for 26.2 miles. I can't run even run a 5 minute mile for one mile! Should a beginning marathoner aspire to run a 2:30 marathon? a 3:00 marathon? Probably not! Should they watch or read about how those that do train? Absolutely. There are those that blog that are just naturally talented writers or have a formal writing education. Should beginning bloggers aspire to obtain thousands of points or write tens of posts in a week? Probably not! Should they watch and read those that do? Absolutely.

This is just one of many analogies to get you started or keep you going and my perspective on points and blogging here at Active Rain. In both running and blogging all that matters, at the end of the day, is you've achieved your personal objectives and are satisfied with the results.

Craig W. Barrett, Hughesville, REALTOR®

Hughesville, MD Real Estate

http://www.hughesvillehomes.com/

If you are considering planting a vineyard, or you have just recently done so, you will benefit from the information provided in this educational one-day workshop. This seminar is a good overview of what is involved with getting a commercial vineyard started in Maryland, and is part one of a two-part series.

“There has been tremendous interest in the wine grape production throughout the Southern Maryland region. In fact, many growers have or are considering establishing vineyards”, said Ben Beale, of Maryland Cooperative Extension, the organization responsible for coordinating the workshop. “However, successfully establishing a grape vineyard requires keen management and attention to details. New growers should attend to learn the specifics of vineyard establishment, variety selection and economics."

The cost of the workshop is typically $135 but has been reduced to $25 for Maryland residents thanks to subsidies from the Maryland Wine Association / Maryland Grape Growers Association via the Governor’s Commission on Grapes and Wine. To take advantage of this reduced rate, registration must be received by February 6, 2008. Registration after this date or at the door will be $160, if space allows.

“In the spring of 2006, we launched a new grant program for farmers in Southern Maryland to encourage the budding wine industry, and we are pleased we were able to offer this grant opportunity again. We have had applicants from four of the five Southern Maryland counties, and as a result, expect to see an additional 27 new acres added to Maryland’s grape industry within the two years of our program.” Said Christine Bergmark, executive director of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. “This workshop is critical to the success of our program and we are delighted that the Maryland Grape Growers Association is helping to sponsor the event.”

Presented in a classroom format, the workshop will cover a broad overview of commercial vineyard development from pre-plant planning into the third year including economics and marketing information, and variety, clone, and rootstock choices, site selection and preparation, pre-plant decisions, equipment and supply requirements. The basics of ordering, planting, and tending the vines through the third year of growth, as well as best practices for training, canopy management, and pest management.

The workshop will take place at the SMECO Auditorium in Hughesville, from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.  To register or for more information, contact Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Extension Office; phone: 301 475 4484, bbeale@umd.edu or Joe Fiola: phone: 301-432-2767 ext. 344, jfiola@umd.edu.  Registration forms and directions can also be found at the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission website: www.somarylandsogood.com.