Dear Mr. and Mrs. Home Seller, If you've been following my posts, you should be up on what's going on in Bel Air, real estate-wise. And if you haven't been following my posts, well, shame on you! Don't believe the hype that's so prevalent in "The News".  Homes are selling and will continue to sell. Why? Because people need shelter and will continue to need shelter.  Been that way since, well, since forever.  That's just a given. So, to quickly synopsize -- Yes, it's a Buyers' Market. Absolutely, homes are selling in Bel Air and surrounds. That's correct, over $5 mil in property sold just last week in Bel Air. Undoubtedly, you must align yourself with a savvy real estate professional who knows what to do  to move your home. Uh huh, it's a whole new world in 2008; it ain't your neighbor's... 11/08/2008

Last week in Bel Air, Maryland... a total of $5.4 million in real estate was SOLD!   19 Houses SOLD Average Days on the Market (DOM) for houses sold - 91 Average Sales Price for houses sold - $285,258      Highest Sales Price - $485,000 12 yr-old Brick Colonial on 1/3 acres 4 Beds/3 Full Baths               Lowest Sales Price - $125,000 37 yr-old Condo 2 Beds/1 Bath       Above data is for week beginning Sunday, October, 26th and ending Saturday, November 1st 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. 11/07/2008

Last week in Bel Air, Maryland... a total of $4.3 million in real estate was SOLD! 15 Houses SOLD Average Days on the Market (DOM) for houses sold - 156 Average Sales Price for houses sold - $285,653      Highest Sales Price - $510,000 15 yr-old Brick Colonial on 1/2 acres 4 Beds/2 Full, 2 Half Baths               Lowest Sales Price - $132,500 21 yr-old Townhouse 3 Beds/1.5 Baths       Above data is for week beginning Sunday, October, 19th and ending Saturday, October 25th 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. 10/31/2008

...loses the bid and loses the property. I guess "the market" is picking up in my neck of the woods.  It's been 2 weeks and I've written 3 different offers for three different buyers.  As the saying goes, "third time's the charm", but that has not been the case here in beautiful Bel Air and surrounds. You see, each of my aforementioned 3 buyers were, how should I put it, a day late and a dollar short.  None of the 3 buyers' offers were accepted because another buyer (or three) beat us to the punch. He who hesitates loses. So, If you're currently in the buying mode and you see a property you really like, do something wild and crazy -- step outside of the box, break through the paradigm... make an offer on it.  And here's something even crazier -- get that offer in today because when you ... 10/31/2008

Last week in Bel Air, Maryland... a total of $1.1 million in real estate was SOLD! 4 Houses SOLD Average Days on the Market (DOM) for houses sold - 286 OUCH! Average Sales Price for houses sold - $277,750           Highest Sales Price - $325,000 20 yr-old Brick Rancher on 1/4 acres 3 Beds/3 Baths                 Lowest Sales Price - $200,000 3 yr-old Condo 2 Beds/2 Full Baths           Above data is for week beginning Sunday, October, 12th and ending Saturday, October 18th 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. 10/19/2008

   SEARCH HARFORD COUNTY MARYLAND 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, Perry Hall, North East, Kingsville and the entire I95 corridor. For 20 years I have helped people buy and sell real estate and specialized in REO and foreclosure properties for investors and homeowners.  I specialize in the marketing of residential homes and utilize numerous internet marketing techniques as well as old fashioned hard work like walking door to door through neighborhoods looking for prospect... 10/17/2008

Last week in Bel Air, Maryland...a total of $3.8 million in real estate was SOLD! 11 Houses SOLD Average Days on the Market (DOM) for houses sold - 108 Average Sales Price for houses sold - $347,886 Highest Sales Price - $495,000 8 yr-old Colonial on 1/4 acre 4 Beds/3.5 Baths 10 DOM Lowest Sales Price - $174,000 18 yr-old Condo 2 Beds/1 Full Baths 164 DOM Above data is for week beginning Sunday, October, 5th and ending Saturday, October 11thfor 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. 10/14/2008

Bel Air, Maryland Harford County real estate Sales for 21015.   As you can see sales prices were down just 1.09% from last year which is good compared to almost 20% decrease in Bel Air, Maryland, 21014, Harford county real estate.      2008    2007    % Change Total Sold Dollar Volume: $ 7,554,800 $ 9,694,018 - 22.07 % Average Sold Price: $ 290,569 $ 293,758 - 1.09 % Median Sold Price: $ 267,500 $ 275,000 - 2.73 % Total Units Sold: 26 33 - 21.21 % Average Days on Market: 122 84 45.24 % Average List Price for Solds: $ 316,210 $ 307,240 2.92 % Avg Sale Price as a percentage of Avg List Price: 91.89 % 95.61 % Total NEW listings: 66 Total Properties Marked Contract: 23 Total Properties Marked Contingent Contract: 8 Total NEW pendings (Contracts + Contingents): 31    SEARCH HARFORD COUNTY MA... 10/13/2008

  Bel Air Maryland, Harford County real estate Report Bel Air, Maryland, Harford County real estate 21014      2008    2007    % Change Total Sold Dollar Volume: $ 7,460,752 $ 8,654,099 - 13.79 % Average Sold Price: $ 286,952 $ 360,587 - 20.42 % Median Sold Price: $ 230,950 $ 288,500 - 19.95 % Total Units Sold: 26 24 8.33 % Average Days on Market: 94 126 - 25.40 % Average List Price for Solds: $ 302,706 $ 386,329 - 21.65 % Avg Sale Price as a percentage of Avg List Price: 94.80 % 93.34 % Total NEW listings: 56 Total Properties Marked Contract: 13 Total Properties Marked Contingent Contract: 6 Total NEW pendings (Contracts + Contingents): 19 Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. - MLS Resale Data   As you can see the average sales price for real estate was down just ove... 10/13/2008

 Harford County Maryland Bel Air real estate weekly sales   Sold HR6694258 515 Park Manor Cir #25, Bel Air $175,000    Sold HR6700716 1311 Vermont Rd, Bel Air $349,900   Sold HR6723620 2204 Gelding Way, Bel Air $429,900  Saddle Ridge Detached/Colonial Sold HR6776527 1007 Henderson Rd, Bel Air $419,500 Hampton Ridge Detached/Colonial Sold HR6802949 1300 Ruthridge Ct, Bel Air $479,400 Leeswood Garth/Ham Detached/Colonial Sold HR6815106 223 Burkwood Ct, Bel Air $255,000 Country Walk Townhouse/Other Sold HR6821308 1211 Ambridge Rd, Bel Air $409,900  Vale Hills Detached/Colonial Sold HR6847158 725 Orley Pl, Bel Air $219,900  Majors Choice Townhouse/Colonial     .   Sold HR6872203 1419 Eagle Ridge Run, Bel Air $509,900 Vineyard Oak              Information is believed to be accurate, but sho... 10/12/2008

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