Noval has been working in real estate for more than 25 years and is one of Coldwell Banker’s International President’s Elite sales associates. “Another  thing is that older homeowners typically do a good job of keeping up with the maintenance on their homes. They’re good about replacing the windows, water heaters, and repairing or replacing things like the roof if they need it,” says Noval. “So for the most part, the houses they are selling are in good condition. There just may be some cosmetic things that need to be updated.”

Maryland: state of quick turnover
Despite the rough housing market nationwide, Maryland communities like Charlestown and Oak Crest report business as usual with not much of a slowdown in sales.

“The slow real estate market has really not hindered us here at Oak Crest,” says Retirement Counselor JoAnn Huebler. “I think part of the reason for that is we’re fortunate to live close to Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia—there’s a constant influx of home buyers relocating to this area for jobs.”

Help is on the way
Charlestown and Oak Crest both feature a new program called Erickson Realty and Moving Services (ERMS) designed to help potential residents simplify every aspect of the move-in process, including consultative home visits; professional real estate advice; and marketing, staging, downsizing, packing, moving, and other services that connect homeowners with the resources they need to get moving.

“The ERMS program has really proven to be worth its weight in gold,” says Charlestown Retirement Counselor Steffany Byers. “I think people are relieved to know that they have all of these wonderful resources at their fingertips. It really makes their move go more smoothly and takes a lot of the stress away  when it comes to selling their house.”

So what advice does Noval give her clients looking to sell their houses in the next few months?

“My advice is to be realistic. It’s true that the real estate market isn’t what it was a few years back, but houses priced right are selling,” she says. “We were spoiled for a few years, but now we’re back in a ‘normal’ housing market. And in a normal market, it’s not unusual to have a house up for sale for an average of 60 or 90 days.  As long as your house is clean, maintained, and priced appropriately, it’s going to sell.”