Ramblings of a Baltimore area Realtor

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The Hazards of Talking on Your Cell Phone While Driving

 As many of you know my youngest son, Liam, Skip and I were on vacation last week.  We left Monday and spent the night in Williamsburg, VA and then the next night in the Outer Banks of North Carolina in Kill Devil Hills, then Wednesday afternoon we left for Fayetteville, NC to visit my oldest son, Ryan, who just returned from his first tour of duty in Iraq.

About 5 miles outside of Fayetteville another young soldier, in a hurry to get back to the base by 9:00 pm, was talking on his cell phone while driving and dropped it on the floor and without slowing down he leaned over to pick it up, he hit the back of my car going 60 mph and swerved, lost control of his car and rolled it twice landing in a drainage ditch on the side of 95B South.  He was taken to a local hospital and treated.  I don't know his name or his condition.  He seemed to be fine at the scene and suffered minor cuts and bruises.  This accident could have been much worse.  Thankfully, we are all fine and there is only minor damage to my car. 

We all talk on our cell phones while driving.  I know we all like to think we are somewhat invincible and that  something like this would never happen to any of us; after all we are all skilled drivers.  But the fact of the matter is we can't be sure of the situations we are driving in, the road condition, nor can we be sure of the driving skills of the people around us. 

If you do not have a hands free device for your cell phone please get one.  There are some relatively inexpensive blue tooth devices available that work with many phones, or cheap wired headsets.  The $30 +/- you spend on a hands free device may be the one thing that saves you thousands of dollars in damages to your vehicle, increased insurance premiums, your life and maybe the lives of those around you.

We got home last night, and glad to be here. 

I'm On Vacation...

Monday morning we got up and headed off down the road on vacation.  I told all my clients that I would be on vacation this week and that I would most likely be out of cell reception most of the time and I would also only be checking my email in the evenings (if the hotel we were in that night had internet).  Yesterday, my phone cell phone rang probably fifteen times, I answered the important calls and the rest went to voice mail.  I had 6 messages at the end of the day. 

 Last night we spent the night in Williamsburg at the Quality Inn.  It's a great spot, close to Colonial Williamsburg, close to restaurants and close to shopping.  The price was amazing, just $45 for the night and the continental breakfast was great.  It's only about 4 hours drive from Baltimore, MD so it's not really a day trip, but a great weekend excursion.

My phone started ringing at 9:00 this morning.  Again today I only answered calls that I thought were important.  This morning we got up and went to Colonial Williamsburg and walked and walked and visited many of the sites.  Here I am with my youngest son, Liam, at the Palace.  This is our first trip to Williamsburg and he really enjoyed himself today.  Even with all the walking, he didn't complain one bit.

This afternoon we got in the car and continued along to Newport News and along to Virginia Beach and down 168 into North Carolina.  We had Carolina BBQ at South Cotton BBQ in Kitty Hawk and tonight we're staying in Kill Devil Hill's at the Days Inn.   After we checked in we walked down the path to the beach and walked a ways long the beach collecting shells and chasing the waves.  We can't see the ocean from our hotel room but we can certainly hear the boom of the waves.  Again, this is a first for both of us.  I've been to the ocean before but only as far south as Virginia Beach. 

Liam wants to get up early in the morning and go back out to the beach and see if he can find some better shells for his collection.  It was cold and windy tonight and tomorrow the wind is supposed to be stronger.  But, somehow I didn't really feel the wind, it was just nice to be out there with him spending time together. 

I checked out some real estate listings here in Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills.  It seems that there are a lot of ocean side rentals available and even some of them are for sale.  It would be nice to come down here a few times a year and then maybe rent it out the rest of the year, I wonder if it's profitable or even a break even situation.  I can't seem to stop thinking real estate.  I guess my clients aren't the only ones that don't realize I am on vacation and supposed to be escaping from real estate for the week.  And, here I am writing a blog about it!!

 

Glen Burnie, MD Market Update for Week Ending March 22, 2008

The media says the sales numbers are finally rising after months of declining sales. 

Glen Burnie, MD

New Listings        -             30  (decrease 2 over last week)

Contract             -             12 (decrease 5 over last week)

Sold                   -             6  (decrease 1 over last week)

 

Anne Arundel County

 New Listings        -           196 (decrease 77 over last week)

Contract              -             92  (increase 75 over last week)

Sold                   -              68  (increase 26 over last week)

 

Figures are believed to be accurate and are derived from MRIS listing information.

Glen Burnie offers many affordable housing opportunities for those relocating to Ft. Meade and Annapolis.  Glen Burnie is located north on 97 from rt 50 or north on Rt. 2 from Annapolis Naval Academy and east along 32 and north on 97 from Ft. Meade.  It is a relatively easy commute from either base and only a couple short miles from the Curtis Bay Coast Guard Station too.

1144 Scott Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

 Sports Fans!!!  Walk to the game!!!  Tailgate at home and walk to the game without parking hassles then walk home and celebrate the victory!!  With permit parking on this block you won't have any problems parking on game day!!  1144 Scott Street is conveniently located in Washington Village or as the locals call it, Pigtown.  Washington Village is conveniently located close to downtown Baltimore and close to the Inner Harbor.  It is also an easy commute to outlying areas including Ft. Meade, Annapolis and Washington DC.

DC Commuters!!  Arrive at work relaxed and refreshed after you walk to the MARC station at Camden Yard.  Imagine not having to fight traffic congestion in the morning commute and no traffic congestion during the evening commute!!  DC commuters tell me they actually spend less time commuting now that they live in Baltimore!!

This home has loads of features.  Enter the front door into a lovely  living room featuring hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, fireplace, crown molding and recessed lighting.  The stairs to the second floor feature open treads and wrought iron railings. 

Follow along the hall where you'll find a coat closet and half bath, to the formal dining room.  The dining room also features hardwood floors and exposed brick and from there you can go to the kitchen or downstairs.  The lower level is perfect for a media room or home office.

 The kitchen is a cooks dream.  This large kitchen features lots of counter space and loads of storage in the lovely wood cabinets.  The kitchen has all stainless appliances that include a side by side refrigerator, gas stove, built in microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal.  The floors are ceramic tile.  This kitchen is amazing and features a pass through to the formal dining room and a pass through to the rear family room or some would call it a perfect party room.

The last room on the main floor is a great addition and such a surprise.  The last room is a perfect space for those game day parties.  It features ceramic tile floors for easy clean up, recessed lighting and french doors that open to the rear deck and large private fenced yard.

Upstairs you'll find three spacious bedrooms with adequate closet space.  Along the hall are two skylights to allow lots of natural lighting.  The upstairs hallway and bedrooms has neutral carpeting.  The bathroom is complete with a linen closet.

This home is sold with an HWA Home Warranty.

Priced at just $229,900 this home is priced to sell and will not last long. 

If you are relocating to Ft. Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Annapolis Naval Academy or any area military base be sure to consider Baltimore as your new home, there are many great affordable housing opportunities in some great neighborhoods that won't stretch your BHA too far!! 

Call June Piper-Brandon 410-292-0100 or view more of our listings at http://www.gb-advancerealtyusa.com

 

922 E. 41st Street, Baltimore, MD 21218

 Welcome to 922 E. 41st Street!!  This home is located in the Ednor Gardens area of Baltimore close to many community ammenities including VA Health Center, new YMCA, City College and convenient to major roadways to reach I695 and parts of Harford County (Aberdeen), Annapolis, DC and many other areas. 

Ednor Gardens is a lovely community with garden and tree lined streets and well maintained row homes.  Ednor Gardens is a neighborhood of great diversity. The homes in this community range from large single family homes to semi-detached and townhouses in a number of different styles. A majority of the homes are owner-occupied, evidence of the communities belief in the value, stability and affordability of the area. Ednor Gardens has a healthy mix of both family and single owners with a variety of lifestyles.  Ednor Gardens is located in the center of the city of Baltimore and is close to shopping and farmers markets yet very accessible to points outside the city as well.

Ednor Gardens-Lakeside has one of the oldest Civic Associations in the City of Baltimore. The Association serves as an instrument which channels collective talents in dealing with the issues facing the community. Ednor Gardens-Lakeside is the home of a new state of the art YMCA and Stadium Place for affordable senior housing.  Both these buildings were built on the former site of Memorial Stadium.

This home has been meticulously renovated and features hardwood floors,  lovely kitchen with granite counters, ceramic tile floors and breakfast bar to the dining room.  The kitchen is complete with new refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave/range hood. 

The basement has been fully renovated as well and finished with a 4th bedroom and 2nd bathroom.

Upstairs you will find 3 generous bedrooms and a lovely bathroom. 

 Outside there is off street parking and a fenced rear yard. 

Affordably priced at just $214,900,$199,900  you won't want to miss this beautiful home. 

This home is an easy commute to Aberdeen Proving Ground (about 30-40 minutes away), Ft. Meade (25 minutes), Annapolis Naval Academy (about 30-45 minutes) and is located close to a brand new YMCA facility on the grounds of the old Memorial Stadium.  The YMCA provides before and after care for kids and offers a great day summer camp program with before and after care for your kids while you are at work. 

 

Spring market is here now and in full force.  Call today to see this great home or other lovely homes in Baltimore City and surrounding communities.

June Piper-Brandon, Advance Realty, 410-761-1550 http://www.gb-advancerealtyusa.com

 

 

What has your Broker Done for you Lately?

Advance Realty is one of the fastest growing franchise operations in the country and has made it to the Forbes top 500 power broker list.  Advance Realty is actively seeking new and experienced agents to join their offices.  We have offices in 8 locations in Maryland, 2 offices in Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina and new offices opening regularly.  Perhaps you are looking to purchase and start your own franchise office in your area.  There are lots of opportunities for you to grow your career in what ever way you want to.

 Advance offers state of the art technology

  • · State of the art website
  • · Company email
  • · Personal website
  • · Online lead generation
  • · Advance University

 

Earning Opportunities

  • Competitive commissions
  • · Competitive splits
  • · Flat fee also available
  • · Profit sharing
  • · Low cost E & O
  • Low cost health and life insurance
  • Opportunity Time
  • Office Leads
  • International relocation service

 

Training Opportunities

  • Advance University
  • Mentoring
  • Networking opportunities
  • Continuing Ed
  • Ongoing training

 

 Office Structure

  • Direct access to your Broker
  • Monthly office meetings
  • Desk duty available

 

If you would like to take our real estate simulator and see how you score please visit our website:

http://www.realestatesimulator.com/leads/requestaccount.aspx?rcid=advancere

 

Market Update for Glen Burnie, MD - March 15, 2008

The market has really started to heat up, with more buyers searching for their first or next home.  The number of new listings has increased and the number of homes going under contract has also increased.  The numbers boast an improvement in the housing market here in Maryland.  How much of this is just due to seasonal adjustments though rather than market conditions and the reduction in the federal lending rates.  It will be interesting to see how this all changes with the changes in the FHA and Jumbo loan limits and the drop in the rates.

These figures are taken directly from our MRIS system and are believed to be accurate.

Glen Burnie, MD

 New Listings       32 (decrease of 2 from last week)           Total 437

Under Contract    17 (decrease 11 from last week)

Settled Sales       7 (no change from last week)

Anne Arundel County

New Listings        273 (decrease of 6 from last week)          Total 3924 (increase of 70 from last week)

Under Contract    110 (decrease of 108 over last week)

Settled Sales       42 (increase of 8 over last week)

 

Glen Burnie offers many affordable housing opportunities for those relocating to Ft. Meade and Annapolis.  Glen Burnie is located north on 97 from rt 50 or north on Rt. 2 from Annapolis Naval Academy and east along 32 and north on 97 from Ft. Meade.  It is a relatively easy commute from either base and only a couple short miles from the Curtis Bay Coast Guard Station too.

Saving Our Environment

An associate of mine referred me to a great website the other day and I thought I would share it with you.

http://www.terracycle.net/index.htm

Terracyle is a great organization that recycles and reuses many items that we currently cart to the landfill.  In many states and some other countries citizens are encouraged to return bottles for cash.  I was talking to a friend of mine tonight who is orginally from California (I'm originally from Canada) and we were talking about when we were kids we used to go around collecting soda bottles, beer bottles and beer cans etc and turning them in at the local centers for cash.  It was pretty lucrative and great for the environment.  But, not all states have these resources.  Terracycle does. 

Check out their website and pass it along to your friends, family and colleagues.  It's a good thing to keep all those bottles out of the landfill.

June Piper-Brandon, Broker - http://www.gb-advancerealtyusa.com

 

The Price Of Gas

I took particular note of the price of gas this past week while I was driving to North Carolina and back from Maryland and noticed something.  The price of diesel has gone up over $4.00 a gallon and I just about choked.  I don't drive a diesel car so it doesn't affect me much, but it does affect how our produce and food is shipped across the country and other goods too. I also noticed that I paid $3.26 a gallon in North Carolina and $3.25 a gallon in Virginia and across from my office this morning it's $3.16 a gallon. 

A friend of mine shared a website with me and I'll pass this along to you in hopes that it helps you make better choices in where you buy your gas and if you find it cheaper please report it so we can all save money too.

http://www.gasbuddy.com

Remember all gas comes from the same pipeline and the companies then add in their additives, support your local gas providers as often they are cheaper than some of the bigger chains.

 

Patchwork, Piecemaker, Quilter - Places to Feed Your Habits

Every time I travel I always look for a quilt shop or a quilt group I can visit while I'm in an area.  Quilter's are the most welcoming people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.  I am visiting my son in Fayetteville, NC and today I ventured afar to visit a shop here called Loving Stitches.  I had seen a sign on the highway for the shop and then in my hotel lobby there was a card about the shop.  I had some time this morning so off I went with GPS and address in hand.  What a lovely shop with lots of fabric and the most welcoming staff.  I met 3 or 4 ladies there today.  They welcomed me, helped me find fabric and put my heart at peace. 

Maryland is blessed with many quilt shops in different towns all around the beltway and through out the state.  A state so small has so many shops I find it incredible.  Also, there are more quilt groups that meet either monthly or weekly.  You can find most of the meetings online.

The Bears Paw has two shops, one is in Ellicott City and the other in Towson.  I live in Lutherville so I go to the shop in Towson most often but everytime I'm in Ellicott City I visit that store.  They are different in the kinds of fabric they carry and also by the experience and personalities of the shop owners.

Seminole Sampler is a lovely shop in Cationsville with a huge selection of novelty prints, oriental prints and much more.  The staff are friendly and helpful and you might just be able to take a class with such quilt greats as Mimi Dietrich or Rose Hahn.

Cottonseed Glory is located in Annapolis and is a small but jam packed store with lots of selection but they specialize in reproduction fabrics.

Main Street Quilt shop is located in Elkridge.  I'm rarely there and have never been to the shop, but I do buy from them at the quilt shops often.

Sisto's is in Frederick and they have a wonderful selection of brightly colored fabrics.

Capital Quilts in Gaithersberg is a very bright and well lit store with an amazing selection of brightly colored fabrics.

Traditions at the White Swan is in Hagerstown

Patches Quilting and Sewing is in Mt. Airy

I'm sure I've missed some shops but as you see there are a lot of shops to feed your habit.  Every year in November there is also the Quilter's Quest where you drive all weekend visiting quilt shops and get your card stamped and meet some wonderful quilting friends.