Archive for December, 2007
Howard County BRAC Task Force|Presentation Summary
December 17th, 2007 Categories: BRAC
Last week I introduced you to the Howard County BRAC Task force and mentioned the public meeting where the task force reviewed the presentation made to our County Executive, Ken Ulman. The detailed presentation outlines key areas of opportunities as well as areas needing improvement in order to handle the expected growth of Howard County.
In this post I plan to share some key findings that the task force has identified in their process so far.
Just for fun, the picture I chose for the post shows Union Soldiers welcoming troops at the oldest surviving rail road station, the Ellicott City B&O train station Museum. I highly recommend a visit.
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Santa Visits Keller Williams in Ellicott City
December 16th, 2007 Categories: Keller Williams Ellicott City
Santa and his two favorite elves visited our office this weekend to take pictures with kids and to thank our office for collecting toys for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Drive. There was a great turn out and everybody was in the holiday spirit. It’s not too late to make a donation at our office:
A special thanks goes to everybody that helped make the event such a success. I gladly volunteered my photography skills and created this slide show for you to enjoy.
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Stupid Criminal 2: Another Thief “Gets Recognized”
December 16th, 2007 Categories: Stupid Criminals
First of all, Howard County is a very safe place to live, Check out this Interactive Crime Map tool provided by the Howard County Police. Unfortunately, crime is present in all of our communities. As a resident or home buyer you should be informed about crime statistics in the areas you plan to live in.
That leads us to our second nominee for stupid criminals…
Police arrested Robert Allen Flanagan who they say posed as an armored car driver at the Bank of America in Ellicott City last Thursday.
Bank employee’s recognized the man as a former employee of Dunbar but thought it was strange that he left with an un-disclosed amount of cash while driving his personal vehicle. Along with the detailed video footage Mr. Flanagan was identified and quickly picked up the next day at his home in PA.
Ironically, our Stupid Criminal 1 was also cuaght for much the same reasons, because he was so well recognized. So therefore we officially recognize our second criminal for none other than…Being Recognized!
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BRAC and it’s impact on Howard County Maryland
December 14th, 2007 Categories: BRAC
This Wednesday I attended the public meeting hosted by the Howard County BRAC Task Force. I wanted to learn more about how the Base Realignment and Closures will effect the local community that I live, play, and work in. We heard from each sub-committee except for the Housing Committee which is scheduled to present in January.
The addition of 22,000 jobs to the Central Maryland area will offer opportunities as well as problems. The Howard County BRAC Task Force has been planning for this since April of 2006 and are about to enter Phase 3 of their planning and preparedness process.
Read the rest of this article to learn how the Howard County BRAC Task force is structured and what it is doing to prepare Howard County for the expected job growth.
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Your Maryland Home Search just got easier
December 10th, 2007 Categories: Maryland Green Homes, Maryland Short Sales
In response to requests from real estate agents as well as the changing market, our regional multiple list system has added new search fields to the multiple list system.
First and foremost, the addition of the Short Sale field will allow real estate agents to better assist Maryland home buyers and sellers.
Maybe the buyer feels they can get a deal and wants to target homes about to go into foreclosure. Or, maybe the buyer is not comfortable working with the bank and navigating through the short sale experience. Either way, the addition of the field will make things much easier for the the Maryland home buyer. Knowing that 3rd party approval is required will enable the professionals to provide all necessary disclosures to you so you can make an informed decision.
Finally, we are seeing some of our first Green Home search fields.
For now we have the addition to capture and search for properties which have Energy Star Products. A commitment from MRIS indicates comprehensive green home features look-up in the future.
Of course in order for this to be a benefit we rely upon all of the listing agents to update their current listings with this information as well as continue to use these fields going forward.
I recommend hiring a qualified real estate agent to help you navigate your way through the complex transaction. Feel free to Search for Maryland Homes for free. To get advanced searches just call me.
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My turn to pass the “MeMe” Torch
December 4th, 2007 Categories: Perspectives
I was fired up when Justin Smith sent me my first MeMe.
Here’s five things you may not know about me:
- Today is my birthday! Cash is great..Links work too!
- I hunt deer with a bow and arrow and enjoy camping and hiking.
- I Have been with my wife for over 16 years and have two children. Anna (6yrs) Alex (4yrs)
- Not only am I a real estate agent but I also consult fellow agents on productivity solutions.
- Clues to my fifth thing are peppered in links throughout this post. Yes it hurts.
Now it’s my turn to pass the torch to:
Bob Fortner at Raleigh Real Estate Talk
Charles Woodall of Dothan Home Search
Paula Henry at Indy Real Estate Talk
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How to “steal home” in Howard County and get away with it
December 3rd, 2007 Categories: New Homes in Maryland
Are you looking to buy a home in Howard County or the surrounding area and don’t mind doing it NOW?
Find a “spec” and you may just be “stealing home.”
“Spec homes” are homes built by builders before they are contracted for purchase. The builder “speculates” that there will be demand for the home and take risks by upgrading the home without the input of the future buyer. Often these homes are used for the neighborhood model and sales offices. The homes are usually significantly upgraded to highlight the builders craft. The builder carries the cost, including paying his contractors, before earning dime one.
The builders need these homes sold before the ball drops in Times Square.
Read on to hear a story about a client I am working with and our dealings with a local Howard County Builder*. My assumption is that there are deals like this across Maryland to be found.
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