Why Choose Harbor Realty
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Why choose the professionals at Harbor Realty to assist you in buying, selling, or leasing a condominium in Baltimore? Here are just a few reasons ...
We are Baltimore's only Real Estate Brokerage specializing in condominiums. Not just any condominiums - condominiums in downtown Baltimore. It's what we do. It's what we've done since 1989. We've helped shape the Baltimore condo market from an unknown - into a billion dollar industry. We are local broker's and agents who live and work in the very condos we sell - not some national internet company that referrs leads to anyone who will pay for the service ...
Below are a few points that may interest you:
- Our knowledge of Baltimore condominium law is unmatched by any other agent / broker in the area - period!
- We have assisted in the preparation of condominium documents for some of Baltimore's condominium projects.
- We have been retained by Developers and Investors during the early stages of condominium development to lend our expertise in the areas of regime management, facilities, services, fees, and marketing.
- Our team averages over 20 years of experience in downtown Baltimore condominium sales and marketing.
- Our agents have written more contracts for sale and lease for downtown condominiums than anyone!
- We are frequently contacted by appraisers who utilize our experience and expertise to establish market value for condominiums - even when we are not involved in the transaction.
- We have in-depth knowledge of many condominium developments as residents as well as sales associates.
Our Principals:
- Angel Stevens - Office Manager.
- 26 years of residential real estate experience
- Co-founded Harbor Realty (as Harborside Realty) in 1989 with Sue Stevens-Georg
- Conducted more condominium re-sale and lease transactions than ANY OTHER REALTOR in Baltimore
- Gary Cesta - Broker of Record
- 20 years of residential real estate experience
- Degrees in Finance and Marketing
Our Network:
Below are just a few of the area's major employers who have used - and continue to use our brokerage and agents to help find housing for existing and incoming personnel.
- University of Maryland Medical
- University of Maryland School of Law
- The Baltimore Orioles
- Shock Trauma
- Johns Hopkins Medical System
- Johns Hopkins University
- Under Armour
- Phillips Foods
- Merritt Properties
- Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos
- Legg Mason
In addition to some of the area's largest employers, we have also developed relationships with hundreds of smaller business owners and managers as well as hotel and apartment building personnel who continue to refer clients to us year after year. |
The Importance of Representation
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Representation in real estate transactions ... We hear about it all the time, but most consumers still do not understand the process of purchasing or leasing property through a Realtor.
As a Seller (or Landlord), the relationship is relatively straight forward. The owner of a property signs a listing agreement with a licensed Real Estate BROKER, through one of his agents, for a specified period of time. It is then the duty and obligation of that Real Estate AGENT, to market the property for the Seller, under the license of the company's Broker. The LISTING AGENT is under legal obligation to represent the Seller ONLY and protect his interests completely (as long as the agent's actions are legal). The LISTING AGENT can under no circumstance represent both the Seller and the Buyer of a property. (or Landlord and Tenant). The LISTING AGENT MAY write the contract and help the Buyer with the settlement process, but MUST maintain complete loyalty to the Seller.
As a Buyer, the relationship is not as straight forward as you would expect. When you, as a Buyer / Tenant contact a Real Estate Agent with repect to looking at properties, that Agent (provided she is not the LISTING AGENT on the property you are discussing) is what is known as a "Presumed Buyer's Agent". The State of Maryland has determined that until negotiations are discussed, the Agent (not the Brokerage) is representing you. But .. before you begin any negotiations or ask for advice regarding the price of a property, you must indicate in writing, that you wish to be represented by that Agent. If you do not, then the state of Maryland has determined that the Agent represents the Seller in the transaction. I know .. it's confusing.
There is also what is called a "Dual Agency". A Dual Agency exists when the same BROKER (.. meaning Real Estate Company) has an Agent representing both the Buyer and Seller. The BROKER then represents BOTH parties. The respective Agents each represent her clients independantly.
ALL agency relationships must be explained to Buyers and Sellers prior to viewing properties and disclosed to all parties prior to the commencement of any negotiations. The State of Maryland has created a form for all Real Estate Agents to present to Buyers and Sellers outlining this relationship. The Understanding Whom Real Estate Agents Represent form may be viewed and downloaded here, for your convenience. The Maryland form Consent For Dual Agency can be viewed and downloaded here.
This form should be presented to you at your first meeting. If you still have additional questions, ask your Realtor. If you are still unclear or uncomfortable, express your concerns. Lack of representation can cost you dearly.
If you have any additional questions regarding representation, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help clarify. |
New Construction and Buyer Representation
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Many Buyers, who would insist on having a Buyer's Agent involved when purchasing a home from an individual, feel no need for representation when dealing with a builder or developer. There is a misconception among the public that a Buyer can get a "better deal" if they don't involve a Realtor. This is simply not true. Real estate commissions are factored in to the price of every new property for sale by a Developer. It is simply a matter of who gets what portion of the commission .. the agent representing you .. or the Developer's Broker.
We have saved our clients thousands of dollars (even tens of thousands) on new construction condominiums, simply because we know the bottom line figures on many of the area's most popular new construction projects. Don't make the mistake of giving up every bit of representation under the false premise of saving money .. You're not! You're simply paying the Developer's Broker more .. and no one is looking out for your interests. We are in the business of helping you not only pay as little as possible for your new condominium, but guide the transaction to ensure a smooth process for the Buyer as well as the Developer. |
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What Our Clients Have To Say |
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| "My experience as a client of Harbor Realty over the past many years has been unsurpassed. Angel and Gary's knowledge of the marketplace, level of customer service, and professionalism is of the finest calibre. As I have related to many a friend and associate over the years in recommending the firm, Harbor Realty is the only agency that I consider in making my personal real estate investments and should be at the top of the list of firms that any buyer or seller, whether serious investor or first time buyer, turns to for advice." |
John Angelos
Executive Vice President
Baltimore Orioles |
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| “I had the pleasure of working with Gary Cesta for an entire year. He steadfastly stood by me as I looked at apartments, condominiums, and homes…. for almost a year. I never felt pressure, only an interest in finding the right place for me. In the end, we did find it. During the entire process of looking and then negotiating, which I dragged on ad nauseum, there was no question that Gary was on my side, working for me, realistically, but ardently trying to match me to the perfect home at the best price. I do not think he actually ever felt a sense of frustration with me, although he should have. He was wonderful.” |
Glenn Whitman M.D.
Director, CSICU
Johns Hopkins Hospital |
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| "I have known Gary and Angel for many years. They sold me two houses. They are not only professional, they truly are the most caring people around. They don't try to sell you just any house, they make sure that you are getting the best choice possible for you. Before I settled on my current condo, they showed me over 80 listings, without complaining once. I would recommend them to anyone as being the best Realtors around." |
Stephanie Jordan
Executive Assistant to Dr. Thomas M. Scalea
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center |
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"Both Angel and Gary are terrific! My wife and I have purchased two properties with them and all details
were taken care of from beginning to end. Not only were they very accommodating, they were able to achieve
all of our requests and more! We give them the highest recommendation for real estate." |
Dr. & Mr. Stephens
UM Medical |
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"Working with Angel and Gary was nothing short of a pleasurable surprise. Never have we worked with realtors that made sure of every step of theprocess to look out for our best interests and offer their services beyondthe normal call of duty. What I would have considered unnecessary help on
their part, they considered part of the services any client deserves.
These two know their market well, especially the Inner Harbor condominium real estate. With their help we were able to quickly rule out properties that did not meet our criteria. Of those remaining, even when we had our hearts set on a particular property, we were encouraged to evaluate all of
them in person. With their help we came to realize what I suspect they had known all along, that there was a better option for us.
I'm so glad they took time to walk through the necessary steps to arrive at a decision we feel is best for us. There was no pressure just constant guidance through the process.
In addition between Angel's negotiation skills we learned how to ask and receive many concessions and extras we would never have known to ask for if working with another realtor. We are amazed at the deal we got! Gary's keen financial eye found inconsistencies that would have escaped us, saving
us thousands of dollars in fees or lost incentives.
We think the world of these two and heartily recommend their services to others! In fact we can't stop talking about them and have already referred several friends and acquaintances to them".
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Michael and Jon |
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Equal Housing Opportunity