I don't know how long it's going to last at this price nor do I know what kind of games the Wa-Wa and the 7-Eleven are playing at Conowingo Road and Route 1 in Bel Air, Maryland.  And I don't care. What does matter right now is that I filled my Pathfinder up for $28 tonight. She was riding on fumes. Then I went home and got the Benz and filled her to the brim for $41. She's been in the garage for some time (being that she only drinks the Moet of gas!), so it was kinda nice to drive her... Funny thing is, I got a call from my husband who was returning home from a night of poker.  He had to do a double take -- probably thought he had one too many Jacks? -- when he saw Wa-Wa's gas at $2.27 and was about to do a U-ey when he noticed the $2.00 7-Eleven gas just across the street.  Needless t... 10/10/2008

This past quarter in Bel Air... $64.4 million in real estate was SOLD 194 Homes $331,986 average sales price 121 DOM*   Last year during the same time frame (July, August, September)... $82.4 million in real estate SOLD 247 Homes $333,521 average sales price 84 DOM* Quick Summary: On average, homes are staying on the market about a month longer than last year - 31% 21% less homes were sold this year vs. last year  There was a negligible change in average sales price - less than 1% *Days on the market ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I know Bel Air, Maryland and surrounds.  So, if you're interested in buying or selling, I'm listening. Lanette Branch, RE/MAX 1st Advantage - BEL AIR 10/07/2008

Last week in Bel Air, Maryland...a total of $5.1 million in real estate was SOLD! 17 Houses SOLD Average Days on the Market (DOM) for houses sold - 136 Average Sales Price for houses sold - $302,305 Highest Sales Price - $505,000 13 yr-old Brick-Front Colonial on 1/4 acre 4 Beds/3.5 Baths Lowest Sales Price - $187,500 7 yr-old Condo 2 Beds/2 Full Baths Above data is for week beginning Sunday, September, 28th and ending Saturday, October 4th for zip codes 21014 and 21015. Interested in more information on what's happening in Bel Air or looking to buy or sell some real estate of your own? Contact Lanette and let's get started. Information is obtained from our local MLS and is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed. 10/06/2008

Is there a rule that I don't know about regarding marketing REOs?   I have not seen one REO marketed with a virtual tour.  I have yet to see more than 1 photo on an REO in the MLS. Many REOs have no picture in the MLS at all. Many REOs have little more in the comments field than "bank-owned" or something to that effect. I can't remember the last time I saw a complete listing in the MLS. Many REOs have no rooms at all and/or no heating/air systems if you rely on the info (or lack thereof) provided in the MLS by the listing agent. Is this some unwritten rule of marketing REOs that I know nothing about?  If so, please school me. Perhaps the listing agents of these foreclosed properties feel that there is no need to spend marketing dollars, time, or effort since they know they're going to g... 10/05/2008

I've always felt this way and now I have the facts and figures to back it up. I've been banking with a Credit Union for eons.  I opened my first checking account at 16 when I started a part-time job as a Pinkie at Maryland General Hospital.  Now, those were the days. Was I was rolling in the dough, or what?  Making $6.25/hour and not a care in the world (read; bills!), I bought all the AVON I could fit into my room; Sweet Honesty was my signature fragrance back in the day.  I was queen of the designer jeans, jordache, sergio valente, sassoon....but, I digress. And yes, I do know I'm dating myself, because I don't think you can open a checking account today if you're under 18, right? Anyways, my point is that I've always been partial to Credit Unions and because of that, I've kept my sam... 10/02/2008

Just closed with another 1st-timer and it was an emotional moment for everyone concerned.    It was a first time for me too  -- the first time a buyer cried at the closing table.  I got a little misty myself.  I've been working with this buyer, a single mom of 3, for well over a year.   The tears shed were definiely tears of joy.  We all came to the realization (at about the same time?) that she actually did it.  She purchased her first home and she got a great price (thanks to her grrrreat Realtor - ME!) and she got some substantial seller help and she got an affordable mortgage to boot. How great is that?     If you're looking for your own special deal in Bel Air, MD and surrounds, you need to drop by my place to search for deals or drop me a line.  It's a pleasure to be of service.  ... 10/02/2008

Last week in Bel Air, Maryland... 12 Houses SOLD Average Days on the Market (DOM) for houses sold - 66 Average Sales Price for houses sold - $273,825  Highest Sales Price - $425,000 23 yr-old Brick Colonial on 1/3 acre 4 Beds/3.5 Baths               Lowest Sales Price - $155,000 16 yr-old Condo 2 Beds/2 Full Baths           Above data is for week beginning Sunday, September, 21st and ending Saturday, September 27th for zip codes 21014 and 21015. Interested in more information on what's happening in Bel Air or looking to buy or sell some real estate of your own? Contact Lanette and let's get started.    Information is obtained from our local MLS and is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.   09/30/2008

Bel Air Maryland in Harford County Sales activity for the last 30 days....                         Status: SOLD (35)     List Price Bedrooms Baths FB HB DOMM DOMP Lot Sqft Yr Built Min $159,900 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 1953 Max $935,000 6 7 6 2 448 448 140,263 2008 Avg $322,402 3 3 2 1 77 97 16,435 1992 Kelly Willey Sold this Property at 209 Campus Lakes Ct in Bel Air, Maryland, Harford County...it closed on 9/2/2008 for $550,000 SEARCH HARFORD COUNTY REAL ESTATE   I have lived in Maryland all my life and been an active real estate professional for the last 20 years.  If you have a home to sell in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Harford County or Cecil County call an agent that knows the area and works hard to make you a satisfied client. I specialize in Bel Air, Abingdon, Aberdeen, Forest Hill,... 09/29/2008

After eighteen months of road closures, digging, dust, dirt and grime, the Main Street Streetscape Project is drawing to a close and the Town of Bel Air and the Bel Air Downtown Alliance are planning an event to give downtown merchants a chance to celebrate the end of construction!  The Main Event, a Main Street Streetscape Finale Celebration, will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Main Street in Downtown Bel Air, Maryland.  Main Street will be closed from Churchville Road to just south of Gordon Street for a daylong street festival with all kinds of entertainment and activities for all ages. The day will kick off with a Main Street Mile Fun Run beginning at 9 a.m. in front of Charm City Run and ending near the Little NY Deli with a big Bel Air breakf... 09/26/2008

The Flying Geese Quilt Guild is an organization that is dedicated to the preservation of the art of quilting and sharing their knowledge of quilt making with the public. The Flying Geese Quilt Guild meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Fallston Volunteer Fire Hall located at 2201 Carrs Mill Road, Fallston, MD.  The doors open at 6:30 and the meeting runs from 7:00 until 9:00 pm.  Each month they have a program that includes either a local or nationally known speaker, sewing room sale or holiday party.  Membership costs $35 a year, if you are just visiting there is a $5 charge for attending programs. Quilt Show 2008 will be held October 18 and 19th, 2008 at the Harford Technical High School located at 200 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015 (Map).  October 18 hours are 10:00 am to ... 09/22/2008

Bel Air, MD/Sept. 21, 2008 Red Robin, the restaurant, officially opens to the public TOMORROW. The restaurant is in located in the Harford Mall on Business Route 1/Baltimore Pike and Rte. 24 in Bel Air, MD and is in the same spot where Cactus Willies used to be.  It was a sad day when ole Cactus Willies closed up shop earlier this year on Mother's Day.  My girls loved the create-your-own-sundae bar.  Aaaah, good times.... Anyways, check out my previous post on the upcoming Red Robin opening, then meet me there for lunch tomorrow!   Wanna find out about more things to do, places to go, people to see in Bel Air? Call me!  I'm...   Lanette Branch, RE/MAX 1st Advantage - Bel Air, MD     09/21/2008

Last week in Bel Air, Maryland 3 Houses SOLD Average Days on the Market (DOM) for houses sold - 179 Average Sales Price for houses sold - $240,333 Highest Sales Price - $270,000 19 yr-old Brick Townhouse w/attached 1-car garage 3 Beds/2Full, 2 Half Baths   Lowest Sales Price - $215,000 55 yr-old Rancher on 1/2 acre lot 3 Beds/2 Full Baths     Above data is for week beginning Sunday, September, 14th and ending Saturday, September 20th for zip codes 21014 and 21015. Interested in more info. on what's happening in Bel Air or looking to buy or sell some real estate of your own? Contact Lanette and let's get started.  Information is obtained from our local MLS and is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed. 09/21/2008

My family and I really enjoy the Red Robin restaurants.  We have eaten at Red Robin in Parkville, MD, Columbia, MD and Fayetteville, NC.  Tonight we were lucky enough to be invited to the Sneak Preview for the new Red Robin opening in Bel Air, MD.  The restaurant is conveniently located in Harford Mall at 602 Bel Air Road, Bel Air, MD 21014.  Our reservation was for 6:30, so we arrived at 6:25 and were immedicately greeted at the door by cheerful seaters and ushered to our seat.  David waited on our table tonight and he was excellent.  Our glasses were kept full, we had fabulous onion rings and for dinner we sampled Prime Rib Dip, Cheese Burger and bbq chicken wrap.  Dinner was wonderful, hot when delivered to the table.  For the life of me I don't know how anyone would have room for mo... 09/19/2008

...is Steve at Shore Thing Title. He actually introduced himself to me as my new best friend.  I had never seen him before and he comes into my office bearing gifts.  Actually it was a commission check from a settlement he conducted the night before -- a settlement I was unable to attend (don't get me started on the reason for that!) w/my buyers.  It was the second settlement, the second leg, actually, of a triple dip (you gotta love those).  Anyways here he comes into the office and declares that he's my new best friend and that i should keep that in mind. Steve's the owner of Shore Thing Title based in Towson, Maryland and he's been incredible in getting us to the closing table when we did on this one particular bank-owned (don't get me started on REOs!) house. So, we chat for a minut... 09/17/2008

I'm psychic, I really am. Or, maybe it's just that certain aspects of real estate are so predictable (and I've been a real estate pro for so darn long) that it appears that I am indeed psychic? Case in point - I get a call from my buyer who is eager to see the proverbial listing that has been on the market forever (well over a year, anyway) and time is of the essence.  The buyer wants to see the property, like, yesterday since the buyer is convinced that this is The One. So, (being the conscientious Realtor I am) I get on the phone poste-haste and get the appointment set-up.  I get my confirmation from CSS, then I call the listing agent.  I inform the l/a that my client is already psyched about the home, I inquire about disclosures, I ask about any current interest/offers, and I am subs... 09/17/2008

Last week in Bel Air, Maryland... 10 Homes SOLD Average DAYS ON THE MARKET (DOM) - 74 Highest priced home SOLD - $484,900 8 yr-old colonia 3 DOM 6 beds/3.5 baths $489,900 LISTED price   Lowest priced home SOLD - $159,000 15 yr-old condo 90 DOM 2 beds/2 baths $169,900 LISTED price   Above data is week beginning Sunday, September 7 and ending Saturday, September 13 for zip codes 21014 and 21015. Bel Air is the county seat of Harford county in Maryland.   Looking for a great real estate deal in Bel Air, MD? Let's connect! Lanette Branch, RE/MAX 1st Advantage in Bel Air     Information is obtained from our local MLS and is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.     09/17/2008

Hickory Overlook Community Yard Sale   This Saturday Sept 20th, 2008 the Hickory Overlook Community in Harford county will be holding it's community wide yard sale.      While at the Yard Sale check out these properties for  sale in the community....   Active HR6699576 1407 Roman Ridge Way, Bel Air $239,900  Hickory Overlook Townhouse/Colonial Active HR6706129 1439 Overlook Way, Bel Air $385,000  Hickory Overlook Townhouse/Rancher Active HR6799345 1414 Overlook Way, Bel Air $415,000  Hickory Overlook Semi-Detache/Carriage H Copyright (c) 2008 Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. Information is believed to be accurate, but should not be relied upon without verification. Accuracy of square footage, lot size and other information is not guaranteed. www.EASYmdHomes.com Courtesy o... 09/15/2008

  Cry Out America Prayer in Bel Air, Maryland  Cry Out America is having a multiple denomination prayer meeting on September 11, 2008 in front of the Harford county courthouse on Main Street in Bel Air, Maryland from noon to 1PM. You can contact them at 410-420-6292 On September 11, 2008 our nation will pause to remember the greatest "wake-up" call in our generation, the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01. As part of Awakening America, a call is being issued for Christians across the nation to mark this significant day in our history with powerful prayer for America and the lost individuals of this country. I hope to see many of you there as we stand to proclaim our faith and ask God to heal our nation!!!   For all your Harford County, Bel Air, MD real estate needs call a professional with ov... 09/08/2008

Too Cool! Red Robin is opening a restaurant in Bel Air and I'm pleased as punch.  I've never been to a Red Robin in my life but I love their commercials.  They're funny and they catch your attention, that's for sure.   Hopefully, their burgers are as good as Fuddrucker's.  Now, those are some good burgers! Unfortunately, we don't have one of those in Bel Air, so I have to get my burger on more than a few miles away in White Marsh or Owings Mills.   Either way, I'm eagerly awaiting the new Bel Air Red Robin -- due to open on September 22nd at the Harford Mall. Wanna get your sub on? How about a great place for a play date for your 5 year old?  Contact me for all things Bel Air. I'd be happy to help. I'm...     Lanette Branch, RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realtor based in Bel Air, MD   09/06/2008

M&T bank is sponsoring an outdoor celebration the first Friday of the month May through October from 5-8pm on Office Street by the courthouse. There is a beer/wine garden with food provided by Main Street Tower and special promotions in the shops and restaurants.   This weeks entertainment is: Around the Block   For more things to do in downtown Belair visit: Downtownbelair.com   For all your Harford County, Bel Air, MD real estate needs call a professional with over 20 years experience....Kelly Willey or visit her on the web...SEARCH MD HOMES   Kelly Willey Long and Foster 3004 Emmorton Rd Abingdon, MD 21009 KellyW@LNF.com Search Bel Air Homes for Sale   Search Harford County Foreclosures 09/03/2008