The Annapolis "suburbs" are no longer 'hidden treasure' to area residents who may not have investigated the wealth of inviting communities south/east or north of the State Capital.

Pamela Jo Kepner, Broker, Riverfront Properties Inc., located in Annapolis, reports that new construction and activity on resale homes is brisk from Pasadena, Gambrills and Millersville through the towns of Lothian, Harwood and Davidsonville. And, farther South into Calvert County, St. Marys County; North to Howard, Harford and Baltimore Counties.

'The "suburbs" offer an outstanding quality of life with excellent schools and other services, convenient transportation and a wide variety of homes at more affordable prices than many other areas,' Kepner said.  ' Most people who purchase homes in these "suburbs" are moving from adjoining communities within a 30-mile radius, but an increasing number of transferees are concluding that they can get more home for their money here.'

'One of the trends in these communities is the return of families who grew up here, moved away and have now returned to be close to family members and to take advantage of the schools,  parks and other amenities these towns provide,' said Jennifer Lingg, Operations Manager of The Kepner Group.  'Many of these folks are seeking updated, older homes in charming neighborhoods with mature trees, and some are willing to fix up affordable homes in need of renovation. The established beauty of these communities has a magnetic quality for those who are well-acquainted with the area.

'Because of the wide range of prices in these communities, everyone from first-time purchasers to luxury home buyers can find a home to suit their needs."' 

'Many of these people are opting for a much larger, more luxurious home in the brand new to five-year-old category,'  Kepner said. 'They don't care about having a large homesite but they definitely want the two-story foyer, glamor baths and three-car garages. The beauty of tree-lined streets and winding roads with custom homes keep others firmly rooted in the Harwood - Davidsonville area.'

Both Kepner and Lingg agree that one of the most pronounced trends in the "suburbs" are the area empty-nesters who are seeking down-sizing or second-home opportunities.  'Dual-home owners are much more prevalent than they were five years ago, and this trend will continue to grow with the aging of the Baby Boomers,'  Kepner  said. 'One-level homes are in demand, and a sharp, updated, well-priced one-level home will be sold quickly.'

The open floor plans of today's new homes are resulting in more renovations on existing homes.

'In older homes throughout the southwest suburbs, owners are removing walls to create great rooms and renovating kitchens and baths,'  Kepner said. 'We caution sellers in these suburbs where new construction is plentiful that they are in competition with the latest designs and materials, and their homes need to be updated and sharp.'

'People from other areas don't realize that we have a top-notch transportation system, plentiful shopping, great schools and other services,'  Lingg said. 'Residents of the Annapolis area are 2 minutes from Route 50 east and west, I-97 north and south, and can travel to the Washington D.C. in 45 minutes with little traffic. An Amtrak train station is 15 minutes away - Odenton, Bowie or New Carrollton.  The Metro is in New Carrollton also. The train takes riders anywhere they want to go into D.C. and Baltimore... so it is extremely convenient to museums, higher education and cultural attractions including the White House, the Kennedy Center (DC), and Inner Harbor (Baltimore).'

Kepner and Lingg invite buyers who are looking for outstanding home values to 'come out and take a look. We have the perfect home for you, whatever your needs.' 

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.