As a leading real estate team in Baltimore and Harford Counties, Harry and Scott Sanders know what it takes to create successful results in this market. With nearly 40 years of experience between them and two lifetimes worth of local knowledge, they are the ultimate guides. Harry and Scott take pride in the strong reputation they’ve built over the years and are always adding to their heritage of quality service.

Both Harry and Scott have a strong passion for the local lifestyle and a heritage that runs deep in the community. This shared connection is what inspires them every day as a leading real estate team. Together, Harry and Scott take great pride in helping their clients make sound investment decisions and make the most of their opportunities in this wonderful setting. Indeed, they are a real estate team with A Heritage of Quality that you can count on.

Harry & Scott proudly serve the real estate needs of residents of Baltimore and Harford Counties.

Realtor Magazine Online  |  June 23, 2009  NAR: Existing-Home Sale Continue to Rise Sales of existing homes showed another gain in May, benefiting from favorable affordability conditions and a first-time buyer tax credit, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS. May's increase was the first back-to-back monthly gain since September 2005. Existing home sales - including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops rose 2.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.77 million units in May from a downwardly revised level of 4.66 million units in April. Sales remained 3.6 percent below the 4.95 million-unit pace in May 2008. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, expected an improvement in sales. "Historically low mortgage interest rates clearly drew buyers into the market, and housing remains very affordable even with a recent uptick in rates," Yun says. "First-time buyers also are being drawn off the sidelines by the $8,000 tax credit, which is helping to absorb inventory. Poor Appraisals Stall Transactions However, the increase in sales is less than expected because poor appraisals are stalling transactions. Pending home sales indicated much stronger activity, but some contracts are falling through from faulty valuations that keep buyers from getting a loan." Total housing inventory at the end of May fell 3.5 percent to 3.80 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.6-month supply at the current sales pace, down from a 10.1-month supply in April. Yun says the appraisal problem is serious. "Lenders are using appraisers who may not be familiar with a neighborhood, or who compare traditional homes with distressed and discounted sales," he says. "In the past month, stories of appraisal problems have been snowballing from across the country with many contracts falling through at the last moment. There is danger of a delayed housing market recovery and a further rise in foreclosures if the appraisal problems are not quickly corrected." NAR President Charles McMillan says appraisals and the tax credit are key issues. "To maximize the potential for a housing recovery and subsequent economic recovery, we need realistic appraisals that are based on proper comparisons and done by a local specialist," he said. "In addition, the first-time buyer tax credit should be expanded to all buyers of primary homes regardless of income. Extending the credit into 2010 would allow more time for the market to catch up with underlying demand, in part because many families with children, who normally time their purchase based on school year considerations, do not have enough time to move before the start of school in late August. "Freeing a pent-up demand in housing will absorb inventory at a faster pace, strengthen communities and stabilize home prices earlier," McMillan said.