baltimoresun.com - Real Estate

Dream home: Scaled to suit

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Two-bedroom, one-floor residence is all downsizing couple needs to start a new chapter

T he halls of Charlestown retirement community are wide, lushly carpeted and brightly lit, calling to mind those of five-star hotels. Framed landscapes and still-life prints hang on the walls, and the occasional quilt or glass cabinet of curios suggests an art gallery.

Home sales

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

ANNE ARUNDEL 20711

Hints of construction recovery as architects get more contracts

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

After more than a year of meager activity, the nation's architects reported a growing number of new contracts in October from builders preparing to get real estate developments off the ground.

Moving 101: Cut relocation stress by planning

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Cut down on expenses, time, stress with preparation

The average American moves 11 times in a lifetime, and each time it's a chore, whether moving down the block or cross country. But it doesn't have to be all hassles and headaches. A little planning can save your sanity on moving day and avoid any unpleasant surprises when you unpack.

Hidden Gem: Brewers Hill

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Neighborhood offers housing close to Canton's night life without hot spot's issues

Neighborhood: Brewers Hill

Ritz-Carlton developer says it's talking about super-sizing more condos

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Novelist Clancy's $12.6 million deal may not be last

The developer of the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Baltimore said it's talking with prospective buyers interested in making super-sized condos by combining adjoining units - echoes of the deal it struck with novelist Tom Clancy.

Downsizing isn't easy in tough market

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

People who want to move into smaller houses often have to cut prices deeply

Bob Kean really likes the Roland Park house he carefully restored. But now -- as he searches for a job to replace the one he lost -- five bedrooms and 4,200 square feet strike him as a luxury he can't afford. The trouble is -- as many sellers are finding out -- when more people are thinking small, it's not a simple matter to sell a larger house.

About 10% of Md. borrowers seen as good credit risks lag

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

About 10% of Md. borrowers seen as good credit risks lag; trade group blames unemployment, falling home prices

The mortgage crisis has worsened to the point that about one in every 10 prime borrowers in Maryland and nationwide - homeowners judged to be good credit risks - were behind on payments in September.

General Growth gets restructure accord

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

General Growth Properties Inc., the bankrupt owner of most of the region's malls, said Thursday that it has come to an agreement with its creditors to restructure $8.9 billion in debt on 70 loans in a move that could enable those properties to emerge from bankruptcy by the end of the year.

Local hardware stores hope to co-exist with Lowe's

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Many say they're undaunted by giant's planned opening in Baltimore

At Ace Hardware in Waverly, customers have been Johns Hopkins University students who need paint to touch up a room or Greenmount Avenue rehabbers who need to replace a broken drill. Since he opened the store in May, co-owner John Elliott has come to know many of the neighborhood residents who stop in to buy light switches or batteries or get a screen repaired.