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

Here's a quick look at what's going on in Bel Air, MD -- the seat of Harford County government.   16 Homes Sold in Bel Air, Maryland this past week (zip codes 21014, 21015)         Sales Prices ranged from $163,500 to $910,000         Average Sales Price was $388,317       Average days on the market was 102 08/30/2008

                       2008    2007    % Change Total Sold Dollar Volume: $ 12,005,325 $ 12,771,483 - 6.00 % Average Sold Price: $ 315,930 $ 345,175 - 8.47 % Median Sold Price: $ 328,500 $ 340,000 - 3.38 % Total Units Sold: 38 37 2.70 % Average Days on Market: 106 64 65.63 % Average List Price for Solds: $ 334,648 $ 360,442 - 7.16 % Avg Sale Price as a percentage of Avg List Price: 94.41 % 95.76 %   The trends in Harford County Bel Air, 21014 are pretty clear, prices have declined. But, we are still selling houses, 38 in July 08 up from 37 foor July 2007.   For a complete list of homes for sale in Bel Air in Harford county MD: Click Here   For all of you Harford County real estate needs contact Kelly Willey, top producing agent, 20 year real estate veteran. Whether you are buying or sel... 08/30/2008

Campus Hills   209 Campus Lakes Ct.   Today I had one of the most seamless transactions of my 20 year career. This lovely 4000 sq ft home sold for $550,000. The loan officer, Steve Barker and the title Rep, Betty Wilson both made this one of the most enjoyable transactions I have ever had. And we did the deal in seven days contact to close!!!!   If you live in Bel Air or any other parts of Harford County I would like to offer the sevices of my team of real estate professionals.   My Web Site: Click Here   Call Kelly Willey for all your Harford County, Bel Air real estate needs.. 08/29/2008

Local Real Estate Activity in Harford County Maryland, Bel Air - 21015(July 1, 2008 - July 31, 2008) WHAT SOLD IN BEL AIR (21015) THIS MONTH? # OFUNITS     PRICE RANGE 0     -     UNDER 100K 0     -     100K - 149,999 1     -     150K - 199,999 6     -     200K - 249,999 7     -     250K - 299,999 3     -     300K - 349,999 4     -     350K - 399,999 4     -     400K - 449,999 3     -     450K - 499,999 3     -     500K - 599,999 1     -     600K - 699,999 1     -     700K - 799,999 0     -     800K - 899,999 0     -     900K - 999,999 1     -     1,000,000 & OVER34    =  TOTAL UNITS SOLDAVERAGE SOLD PRICE = $397,138AVERAGE LIST PRICE FOR SOLDS = $423,765AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET = 150AVERAGE SALE PRICE % OF LIST PRICE = 93.72%TOTAL ACTIVE LISTINGS = 224  *SOURCE:  METROPOLITAN REGIONAL IN... 08/22/2008

Local Real Estate Activity in Harford County Maryland, Bel Air - 21014(July 1, 2008 - July 31, 2008) WHAT SOLD IN BEL AIR (21014) THIS MONTH? # OFUNITS     PRICE RANGE 0     -     UNDER 100K 1     -     100K - 149,999 4     -     150K - 199,999 4     -     200K - 249,999 7     -     250K - 299,999 7     -     300K - 349,999 9     -     350K - 399,999 4     -     400K - 449,999 0     -     450K - 499,999 2     -     500K - 599,999 0     -     600K - 699,999 0     -     700K - 799,999 0     -     800K - 899,999 0     -     900K - 999,999 0     -     1,000,000 & OVER38    =  TOTAL UNITS SOLDAVERAGE SOLD PRICE = $315,930AVERAGE LIST PRICE FOR SOLDS = $334,648AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET = 106AVERAGE SALE PRICE % OF LIST PRICE = 94.41%TOTAL ACTIVE LISTINGS = 290  *SOURCE:  METROPOLITAN REGIONAL IN... 08/22/2008

  I was thinking it might be nice if we posted the best places to buy gas. I happened to run across cheap (????) gas at the corner of route 1 and 136 in Harford county today by accident. And, its pretty sick that I was excited to see gas under $3.50 a gallon. But I was driving up route one on my way to doa BPO for a bank on a foreclosure property and ran across two gas stations the Wawa and Royal Farms, both were less than $3.50 a gallon.   If you happen to run across a cheapy station let me know and I will do the same.   Buying or selling real estate in Harford county, Cecil county or Baltimore county...give me a call I have lived here a very long time and have 20+ years experience in the real estate business.   Visit my site for more information or homes and foreclosures in Harford co... 08/21/2008

REO - Remove Every Option? I had to write about this one today.  Unless you've been living in a cave, you're well aware of the housing crisis in most parts of the country.  Here in lovely Bel Air, Maryland and surrounds, many of the houses currently on the market are foreclosures/bank-owned properties or as we pros like to call ‘em - Real Estate Owned (REO).  These are properties where the owners have defaulted on their loans and the bank has foreclosed. The bank now owns the home.  However, lately, I've personally been calling them Remove Every Option(s). Why, you ask?  Because I never cease to be amazed at the condition of bank-owned properties.   Don't get me wrong, an REO can translate into an amazing deal for a qualified buyer.  However, for your average Buyer's Agent, showing thes... 08/21/2008

This information is meant to be a continuation of my previous blog: http://activerain.com/blogsview/616062/President-Bush-Gives-OK There are many aspects of this new bill that are both confusing and controversial. In order to provide the facts and allow my loyal readers to draw their own conclusions I am providing a link to the Bill itself  in all of its 260 page splendor. If you are interested in reading the final version of the bill,  you can read it by clicking here. Please take a moment and leaf through it.  It is important to understand how these changes will effect you and how they will change the industry once again.   © 2008  Tom Elder     07/31/2008

Wednesday, July 30 2008 By Tom Elder  It was an early morning for President Bush and top administration officials Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Housing Secretary Steve Preston.    After threats of VETO, minor revisions and a housing crisis for the record books, Bush said that troubled homeowners can wait no longer for relief.    In the early morning hours Bush approved, by signature, what is being deemed the most significant legislation for the housing markets in decades.   This new legislation will allow struggling homeowners, who are unable to afford their payments to refinance into government backed loans which are much more affordable.    This legislation will offer struggling Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac temporary financial help.  The relief for these agencies will come throug... 07/30/2008

My husband, Jim, has an uncanny ability to zero in on the best places to eat. So when he said we have to go to Broom's Bloom for ice cream I said....I don't really like ice cream. So after I heard some local Moms say how it was a great hang out to let your kids run around by the corn fields I thought hot dog a hot spot I can relate to. So we took our daughter Jessica and headed on over. There was a line out the door and I thought this had better be good. I must say it far exceeded my expectations and I now know I love ice cream. Not the stuff you buy in the stores but this fresh creamy delicious concotion they make at Broom's....I'm in love, In fact Jessica said could you stop moaning while you eat. This is far and away the best ice cream in Harford county maybe the state of Maryland, ... 07/14/2008