Riverfront Properties real estate experts report the market is still 'hot.'

'Annapolis is one of the most desirable areas on the Chesapeake Bay, appealing not only to long-time residents who wouldn't consider moving anywhere else to executive transplants who work for the major corporations in Washington, D.C.  and along the Route 97 corridor,' said Pamela Jo Kepner, Broker, Riverfront Properties Inc. ' Home buyers who are looking for warm and charming communities, wooded, historic or semi-rural surroundings, a wide variety of homes and prices are finding the Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay areas meet their needs.' 

Real estate activity in this area has been so intense that Riverfront Properties Annapolis office, located in the West Annapolis Business Center is a powerhouse in virtually every area of Anne Arundel County.

Annapolis is the capital of Maryland and the largest community along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay (not including the City of Baltimore).  It is known for acclaimed schools, live theatre and architectural masterpieces including the U.S. Naval Academy. To the south is Calvert County; to the north, is Howard and Baltimore Counties.  Residents have easy access to Baltimore-Washington International Airport, Amtak and Metro.  Furthest east and across the Bay Bridge is Kent Island -- Queen Anne and Talbot Counties.  The Easton Airport serves commercial, corporate jets and recreational aircraft for residents of the Eastern Shore.

'Annapolis is known for historic downtown that symbolize the warm, charming lifestyle of the Chesapeake Bay,' Kepner said. 'However, in recent years new construction throughout our area has caused us to broaden the area we serve, and today home buyers also can find appealing choices in Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Howard County, and Queen Anne County.'

'Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay have developed a reputation for luxury housing, with many homes approaching or exceeding $1.5 million, yet it is still possible to purchase a single-family home in a tree-lined older neighborhood for under $475,000, said Kepner. In Edgewater, Glen Burnie, Crownsville and Millersville, prices can be lower for single-family homes. More land (mini-estates) can be found for about $1.2M in the Lothian, Harwood and Davidsonville. countryside. In addition, a growing supply of attractive townhomes and condominiums ensures that suitable housing is available for every lifestyle need.'

'Each community has a distinctive personality, so the first step in a home search is to take prospective buyers on an area tour,'  Jennifer Lingg, Operations Manager for The Kepner Group,  said. 'Getting a feel for the amenities and prices in each area helps our buyers to focus on the most suitable choice. And, many buyers are drawn to the Annapolis area because the Chesapeake Bay is considered to be the best sailing and/or power boat water on the East Coast.'

'Today's home buyers are looking for more than a lovely home; they are seeking an outstanding quality of life.  Lifestyle is the star attraction of our area,' Kepner and Lingg agree.  'Lifestyle is what we are selling.  Our Clients want us to blend their home needs with personal and professional requirements and find the most suitable home(s) for them.' 

Eager buyers in this sellers' market quickly snap up homes for sale. 'New construction is popular and enables buyers to take advantage of more affordable prices in outlying areas,' Kepner said. 'Of course, demand is great for the historic homes within walking distance of  downtown and for the beautiful estate properties overlooking the Severn and South Rivers. Older homes in well-landscaped, established neighborhoods are prized by young families who are willing to update them.' 

Beautiful parks, on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and elsewhere, provide outstanding recreational facilities and other highlights include recreation centers with indoor swimming pools; an indoor ice skating rink in Odenton, home of the Capitals, a professional hockey team; and golf at a variety of excellent courses including the Palmer owned Bay Hills Golf Course, Eisenhower Golf Course, and Annapolis Golf . Active community groups and popular festivals bring residents together.

About The Kepner Group: Since 1996, The Kepner Group has been a force in Anne Arundel County real estate, building a record of success in the industry. Driven by family ownership, The Kepner Group shares a vision and perspective that Annapolis is more than just a market, it' s home. For more information on The Kepner Group, visit www.pamkepner.com.