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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Christmas on the FarmCelebrate the holidays at Christmas on the Farm Join us Saturday, December 6, from 12–5 p.m. at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood for hayrides, crafts, live music, farm animals, and more! Free admission and parking!Click here for details. Chrysanthemum, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 3454Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Book Recommendation: Spellbound by Murder by Stacie RameySpellbound by Murder (Scheduled publication date: March 10, 2026, Crooked Lane Books) is a Mystic Hollow Bookshop Mystery by the award-winning Florida author Stacie Ramey. Now is the time to place your order for this new novel. Gilmore Girls meets Charmed in this spellbinding cozy mystery featuring a magical bookshop run by three generations of women.When her grandmother suffers a nasty fall and asks for help managing the family business, coffee-addicted single mother Veronica Blackthorne moves her sixteen-year-old romcom-obsessed daughter to Mystic Hollow, Connecticut. Veronica is ecstatic to return to New England but when she arrives, she quickly finds out that Mystic Hollow Books, her grandmother’s pride and joy, needs more tha...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
 OPEN HOUSE — 820 Hidden Bluff Cir, Catonsville, MD 21228 Saturday, December 6, 2025 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Join us for a special Open House in Catonsville’s premier gated villa community — Hidden Bluff! Come explore this stunning, low-maintenance luxury villa and experience the lifestyle this neighborhood offers.  Home Highlights:- Spacious end-unit 3-level villa- 4 bedrooms • 3.5 baths • 2-car garage with ADA lift- Dramatic two-story great room with gas fireplace- Gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite & stainless appliances- Main-level primary suite with dual walk-in closets & spa bath- Finished lower level with rec room, full bath & exercise space- Beautiful stone patio — perfect for entertaining- Exterior maintenance included in the community! Whether you’re looking for elegan...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, GRI® ABR® CIPS®
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
When my kids were little (like 9 months and 4 years little), I took them to visit Santa at the mall. We had to wait for a very long time, as did hundreds of other families, with only merchandise to look at. What I ended up with was a picture of my little one screaming her head off and my then-four-year-old looking incredibly annoyed. This was not the kind of holiday magic I had envisioned, and I vowed never to take them to a mall to see Santa ever again. Instead, we went to Old Ellicott City when Santa sat in the old log cabin, and nowadays (although they are much older, they'll still indulge mom), we stop by Payne's Christmas Tree in Elkridge for our annual Santa/tree outing. There are better places in Howard County to make those holiday memories. Skip the crowded lines and fluorescent...
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Montgomery County New Bag LawMontgomery County’s amended Bring Your Own Bag law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The amended law changes the County’s current rules on plastic and paper carryout bags.The most significant changes include an increase in the bag tax to 10 cents, of which retailers keep five cents, and a prohibition on the use of plastic carryout bags. Some businesses in certain municipalities within Montgomery County are exempt from the plastic bag prohibition.The law aims to reduce waste, protect waterways, and encourage residents to bring their own reusable bags when shopping.Click here to visit the website.This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Gazania, Asteraceae, Kentlands Photowalk,Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 0657 ACanon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph...
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By Adam Chubbuck, Real Estate Expert & Navy Veteran
(Team Alpha Charlie of Douglas Realty)
(Pasadena MD home values • How much is my Pasadena home worth • Water privileged home values Pasadena • Lake Shore home values • Green Haven home values • Zillow Zestimate accuracy Pasadena MD)Here’s the one thing 99% of agents won’t say out loud:Zillow has ZERO clue what your Pasadena home is actually worth.That Zestimate? It’s blind.  It can’t see your brand-new roof, your private boat lift, your finished basement with the wet bar, or the fact your neighbor just sold for **$75K over asking** and reset comps for the entire street.And in Pasadena – especially in water-privileged communities like Lake Shore, Magothy Manor, Venice on the Bay, Riviera Beach, Green Haven, Chesterfield, and Bayside Beach – home values can swing **$50K–$150K (or more) from one block to the next.Adam Chubbuck ...
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Book Recommendation: Standing Dead by Margaret MizushimaStanding Dead (2023, Crooked Lane Books) is volume number eight of the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series by Margaret Mizushima. Dolores and I have enjoyed this series and highly recommend these novels for your reading list. Click on the link to reach the website to learn more about the author and her books.Deputy Mattie Cobb and her sister, Julia, travel to Mexico to visit their mother, but when they arrive, they discover that she and her husband have vanished without a trace. Back in Timber Creek, Mattie finds a chilling note on her front door telling her to look for “him” among the standing dead up in the high country.The sheriff’s department springs into action and sends a team to the mountains, where Mattie’s K-9 partner, Robo, m...
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Montgomery County Sets Records for Minority and Local Business ContractsMontgomery County’s Office of Procurement reported record awards in its Fiscal Year 2025 annual reports for the Minority, Female, and Disabled-Owned Business Program (MFD), and the Local Small Business Reserve Program (LSBRP). Certified MFD businesses received $274 million in contracts, representing 21.21% of the total eligible dollars, $1,292,084,215. This marks a 10% increase in dollars from last year and directs more than a quarter of a billion dollars in contract spending. For the third consecutive year, the MFD program has set a record for the total dollar amount awarded to certified vendors.Click here to read the press release.This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Gerbera Daisy, Tangerine, Kentla...
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Book Recommendation: Dig by J. H. MarkertDig (Scheduled publication date: March 24, 2026, Crooked Lane Books) is the new thriller by Louisville, Kentucky author J. H. Markert (James Markert). Click on the link to reach the website to learn more about the author and his books.The soil on Crow Island holds secrets, and they’re ready to be unearthed.J.H. Markert returns with a surreal horror novel perfect for fans of Graveyard Shift and What Moves the Dead.Eight years ago, a boy took up an axe and slaughtered a dozen people. That odd, troubled boy, Jericho Dodd, has been dead and buried in his father’s yard for years, but ever since that massacre, Crow Island has been a dark and unsettling place.When Jericho’s father begins digging up the past he buried, a compulsion to dig sweeps over the...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Santa’s EPIK Jolly Jeep Journey: Map ReleaseCatonsville is getting ready for one of its most beloved holiday traditions, and the route revealed.  Santa’s EPIK Jolly Jeep Journey brings out a caravan of fully decked-out Jeeps, rolling through town in a display that manages to be both festive and unmistakably Catonsville.Santa’s EPIK Jolly Jeep Journey began in the middle of COVID, when Catonsville needed a spark of joy and connection. What started as a simple idea has now grown into an Annual tradition that brings neighbors to their porches and sidewalks to watch a long line of festively lit Jeeps roll through town behind Santa himself.From the beginning, EPIK Home Group of Keller Williams has created, refined, and carried this event forward, shaping it into far more than a parade. Each ...
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Redevelopment of Lakeforest Transit CenterMontgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Maryland State Delegate Julie Palakovich Carr, and County Councilmembers, including Marilyn Balcombe, Sidney Katz, Dawn Luedtke, and Laurie-Anne Sayles joined Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Director Chris Conklin, WRS Inc. Real Estate Investments Principal Kevin Rogers, and other community leaders for a ceremony to mark the first phase of a partnership between the County and WRS Inc. Real Estate Investments to relocate and redevelop the Lakeforest Transit Center at the Lakeforest Mall site in Gaithersburg. The new transit center is part of a plan to transform the closed Lakeforest Mall into a mixed-use development that will support residential housing, entertainment, shopping, and ...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, GRI® ABR® CIPS®
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
You know how much I prefer shopping small and supporting local businesses. I've been on a mission for years to buy as many Christmas presents as I can at local boutiques... So much so that I cancelled my Amazon account. I find it much more enjoyable and festive, plus my shopping dollars directly support my community. One of my favorite places to shop local is along historic Main Street in Ellicott City, MD. It's such a great place to visit year-round, but especially during the Holiday season. Every year, the boutiques along Main Street participate in a Holiday decorating contest, and they never disappoint. Just window shopping is a treat! It's time for you to gather your loved ones and head to historic Ellicott City. It's dressed for the season! Upcoming events:December 5th: Midnight Ma...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
🍂 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞📅 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓The market continues to shift as we move closer to the end of the year — here’s what this week’s numbers show:📊 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:15 New Listings — steady flow of inventory6 Under Contract — buyer activity still present, but slightly slower10 Closings — homes are still selling before year-end6 Expired & 3 Canceled — a reminder that pricing and presentation matter✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀:➡️ Buyers: With more inventory and fewer offers flying in, this could be a great time to find a home with less competition.➡️ Sellers: Homes priced right for today’s market are still selling — strategy and timing remain key.If you’re thinking of making a move before 2026 or planning ahead, I’m here to guide you with local insight.📞 Ellie McIntire, Realtor®📧...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
📍 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞📅 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟕 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 (𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝟏𝟐/𝟐/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓)The Catonsville market continues to show strong momentum going into the end of the year — let’s break down what the numbers are telling us:🔺 5 New Listings + 2 Coming SoonInventory is slowly increasing, giving buyers a few more options — but demand still remains high.📝 4 Under Contract & 0 Fall-ThroughsHomes are moving, and deals are sticking — a great sign of buyer seriousness and stable market confidence.💲 3 Price ReductionsSome sellers are adjusting to align with current buyer expectations. If you’re thinking about selling, pricing strategically remains key.🏡 9 Closed SalesA solid number of closings this week shows the Catonsville market is active and continuing to cycle inventory quickly.❌ 0 Canceled ListingsNo pr...
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Building Performance Improvement Board OpeningsPassed in 2022, Building Energy Performance Standards, or BEPS, are policies that set performance levels for buildings and require all covered buildings to meet these levels over time, with progress measured at regular intervals. The Building Performance Improvement Board oversees the implementation of the policies and recommends changes.The board is particularly seeking owners or managers of multifamily residential buildings with market-rate units, nonprofit building owners or managers, and representatives of nonprofit organizations focused on climate action, resiliency, public health, green building, economic development, or building decarbonization. Technical building design and operations professionals are also encouraged to apply for t...
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By Adam Chubbuck, Real Estate Expert & Navy Veteran
(Team Alpha Charlie of Douglas Realty)
(and Why Military Families Only Trust Adam Chubbuck)  (Pasadena MD water privileged homes • Magothy River waterfront • Chesapeake Bay access homes • VA loan waterfront Maryland • Fort Meade military relocation waterfront)If you’re PCS’ing to Fort Meade or NSA and dreaming of waking up to water views, a private pier in your backyard, or a community beach two blocks away – you’re not alone.  Pasadena’s water-privileged neighborhoods – Magothy Manor, Mount Pleasant Beach, Venice on the Bay, Long Point on the Magothy, Pinehurst, Badger Point, and more – are the hottest, most resilient pockets in all of Anne Arundel County right now.These aren’t just “nice to have” communities.  They’re outperforming the rest of the county by 10–25% – even when other areas flatten or cool.And when it comes t...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Scarcer Than Hen’s Teeth Waiting for the Right BuyerBaltimore County 21208 Coming SoonEvery so often, a property shows up that reminds me why I love real estate. It isn’t about granite countertops or trendy colors. It isn’t about staging or perfect shrubbery. Sometimes, it’s all about location and land-the things you cannot remodel, repaint, or recreate. And this location of my latest property is scarcer than hen’s teeth.That’s not a phrase I toss around lightly.This is a classic brick-and-wood colonial sitting in a desirable location. If there were no house on it at all, the land alone could command the price. That’s how rare this location is.photos ai enhancedThe home sits comfortably off the road on a shared driveway, offering safety, privacy, and a freedom hard to find today. You’re...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Why Our Monthly Community Newsletter Has Become a Catonsville StapleWe just wrapped up and sent out the December edition of "Catonsville Living" - our EPIK contribution to the community we live in. For the past five years, we have poured time & energy into creating something that has quietly become a big part of Catonsville life: our monthly community newsletter.What began as a simple idea to help local neighbors stay informed during COVID has grown into a community-wide resource that now reaches more than 6,000 subscribers. Considering Catonsville has about 44,000 residents (children included), we’re incredibly grateful and proud that so many people choose to welcome our newsletter into their inboxes each month.And here’s a number we don’t take lightly:Our average monthly open rate is ...
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Gaithersburg Achieves 100 Score on Municipal Equality IndexGaithersburg has once again earned a perfect score of 100 on the 2025 Municipal Equality Index, an initiative of the Human Rights Campaign that evaluates how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are for the LGBTQ+ community.This marks our second consecutive year with a perfect score — a reflection of our City’s continued commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable community for all.   The Index assessed 506 cities nationwide using 49 different criteria, including: Non-discrimination laws The municipality as an employer Municipal services Law enforcement Leadership on LGBTQ+ equality   We’re honored to be recognized and remain dedicated to building a community where everyone thrives.   Learn more and...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Growing Up in CradockThe December Challenge theme for ActiveRain blogger members is “Who Are You & Your ‘Aha’ Moment - Self-discovery and Personal Growth” For the first entry in this month's Challenge, I will share some of the things I learned while growing up in the Cradock community in Portsmouth, Virginia. Cradock is planned community and I will share information on the history of the community in an article at the end of this blog post.My early life will seem like ancient history for many readers. I was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on August 21, 1937. My first home was one side of a duplex at 55-57 Cushing Street in Cradock. That property was the first investment of a rental portfolio that was developed by my parents during my young years. In 1942, my parents built a new home at 10 ...
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Maryland Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Professionals