Ramp from Southbound Charles Street to I-695 East to be Closed on February 4, 2010

Charles Street traffic heading south from Lutherville in Towson will be hitting another snarl beginning Thursday night around 8 pm as the entrance to I-695 East will be closed long term as part of the ongoing Charles Street Overpass construction project.

This means cars coming south on Charles Street from Seminary Avenue or the circle at Bellona Avenue will not be able to make a left to enter the beltway going east.

From the State Highway Administration’s website:

The official ramp detour route: north/eastbound Bellona Avenue to eastbound MD 131 (Seminary Avenue) to southbound MD 45 (York Road) to the York Road Interchange ramp to eastbound I-695…

Temporary traffic signs will guide motorists through the official detour route in Lutherville and the ramp closure will remain in effect until early fall 2010.

So yes, this will be a big change for those traveling south on Charles Street from the circle & Seminary Avenue, but the long term benefits should much outweigh these inconveniences!

Orange County Choppers in Canton for Bike Built for Lutherville Based Monster Diesel

The Orange County Choppers TV show will be in Canton Square on Tuesday, January 6, 2010 to show off and deliver the new bike they built for Lutherville based Monster Diesel.

The Baltimore.org site states

Monster Diesel is an alternative green diesel fuel additive developed from synthetic technology which is more powerful and more environmentally friendly than traditional fuels.

At about 4 pm, the streets around Canton Square will be blocked off for filming, and Paul Sr. from Orange County Choppers will be led by a police motorcade around Canton. Anyone is welcome to come watch and enjoy as he cruises the neighborhood!

This should be a neat event — having the prestigious Orange County Choppers here in Baltimore, filming in our beautiful city, and building a bike specifically for a company based here in Lutherville is something that will hopefully bring more business to Monster Diesel, and tourism to Baltimore, once the show has aired.

Places to Eat in Towson on Christmas Day

There are many people who look for good places to eat in Towson on Christmas Day besides their homes. I know we do, because our family dinner is always on Christmas Eve.

I received a notice that P.F Changs in Towson Town Center will be open (call to make sure, but was told they are open 3-8 pm, 410-372-5750) , so I decided to look at what else may be as well.

A great short post from Elizabeth Large, The Baltimore Sun Restaurant Critic, has gotten many comments from readers with other suggestions.

In the past, I know that Joey Chiu’s Greenspring in Lutherville has been open, as my family has dined there a few times on December 25th. Szechuan House at York  & Seminary in Lutherville should also be open. (Again, I recommend you call, and possibly get reservations, as you will find many people out enjoying the good food! Joey’s Chiu’s 410-823-1125, Szechuan House 410-825-8181)

If you know of other places open, I would love to hear what & where — you may just find me there!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Timonium Home Sale Statistics Past Six Months June-December, 2009

My compilation of the 21093 real estate market statistics for the last six months are here!  The full chart in the link includes data on sales, contract, and active homes from June 22-December 6, 2009.

 

The full chart shows that prices and inventory have stabilized in the Lutherville and Timonium real estate market. There are 4% more houses on the market in the past 12 weeks compared to the 12 weeks prior, but prices have dropped for those sold a small amount — around 2.4%. The prices of houses going under contract have dropped about 5%.

Consistently, there have been about 200 homes for sale in 21093, while on average 9 of those homes are going under contract each week (and 9 new ones listed on average, evening it out). An average of 9 are also settling each week.  There is a large inventory for Timonium homebuyers, so now is the time to buy!

These 21093 home sale statistics show me that pricing correctly is extremely important, to be able to be one of those 9 selling each week. Having your home in move-in condition, and good marketing are also needed in this Lutherville housing market.

Please note that these are statistics from the multiple list. The chart is an overview of the zip code and does not take into account the type (condo, townhouse, single family) or condition of the home. To have a true value understanding of your Timonium home or Lutherville neighborhood, these factors need to be taken into consideration. If you would like a Timonium or Lutherville home price evaluation, please contact me today.

Green Spring Station in Lutherville Farmers Market Goes Throughout Winter

Green Spring Station in Lutherville at Falls & Joppa Roads has always have unique boutique stores & eateries to enjoy, plus Johns Hopkins Hospital Doctors, Racquet Club, and a Patient First.

Now they have a Farmer’s Market!

The Farmer’s Market began a few months ago and it was a huge success. This is why they are continuing all throughout the winter months!

Most Farmer’s Markets in the Baltimore area close around this time of year. But the Green Spring Station one will remain open the first & third Saturdays of the month from 1-3 pm! On May 15, they will resume their weekly markets from 2-5 pm.

This is exciting for those who live in Baltimore County and want a good market without having to travel downtown. It is also great for the whole area since it is open all winter long!

Green Spring Station is located at 10749 Falls Road, Lutherville, MD 21093.

My Timonium Real Estate Office is Collecting Toys for Tots and Gloves and Hats for Lanvale Center in Baltimore

Last year my Keller Williams Excellence office in Timonium was approved to be an official drop off for the Toys for Tots campaign, and we are in again this year!

We had boxes and bags and cars full of toys for the Marines to come pick up last year, and were so proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization and drive.

This year we are also collecting gloves/mittens, scarves and hats for children living at the Lanvale Center in Baltimore. The children who have come to Lanvale have nothing when they arrive, including coats and gloves to protect them from the cold, harsh winter. Usually these children have been removed from their homes by Child Social Services and this provides a safe place for them to begin to rebuild their lives.

Donations of both toys and winter clothes for children can be dropped off at my office Monday-Friday 9am -5pm, or I would be happy to pick them up or arrange for additional drop off times for you. Our collection ends December 18, 2009.

Thank you for any help you are able to give. These children will appreciate it more than you can imagine.

 

My Timonium real estate office, Keller Williams Excellence, is located at 1850 York Road, Suite K, Lutherville, MD 21093. Phone: 410-560-5858. We are located in the business park behind the Starbucks, Quizno’s, and Chipotle just north of Ridgely Road. We are the third & final building in the park. Our main entrance is located off the driveway from Ayelsbury Road.

Patient First in Lutherville Provides Wonderful Care

This week has held a myriad of health issues in my household, all resulting in trips to Patient First at Greenspring Station off Falls Road and West Joppa Road in Lutherville.

It began with my sinus infection that was bad enough to make me go there last Sunday. I was in & out in less than an hour, prescription in hand.

Thanksgiving Eve brought my mother’s spill on my driveway, resulting in two fractured bones in her wrist, and yes, our trip to Patient First and the X-ray machine.

Thanksgiving Night, my husband sliced the tip of his finger off, creating another opportunity for a trip to Patient First. He handled it well with layers of paper towels and tape so as not to leave me with our 30 guests before heading there around 9 pm. (Thank you!)

This morning had a return trip for me, as my ears and throat were still hurting a week after going on antibiotic. A switch of medicines and I was ready to go.

From the professional courteous staff at the front desks and the caring nurses as you go back to the exam rooms, to the conscientious Doctors, I have to say, I have been impressed this past week.

I tend to go to Patient First when I need medical care on off hours – bronchitis, sinus infections & the like. My mother’s break was my first with the xray and staff working together to relieve pain and immobilize a break. I also appreciate that they didn’t like the way it was broken and referred her to an orthopedic rather than going ahead and setting it, possibly incorrectly.

There are multiple locations around the Baltimore area, so find your local one. If you are lucky enough to live in Lutherville close to the Patient First at Greenspring Station, please feel confident in your care. I was very pleased! Thank you, Patient First!

Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees Friday-Sunday November 27-29 at Timonium Fairgrounds

Believe it or not, it is that time of year again — it’s the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Festival of Trees!

As they put it on their website: “If Santa had a Themepark, this would be it!”

We thoroughly enjoyed this last year and are looking forward to this year! Our son LOVED the train garden last year, while my niece was onstage dancing with the entertainers.

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Festival of Trees, and they are offering a special: $2 off Adult Admission when you buy your ticket online.

I will share with you something we learned quickly last year, at our first visit to the Festival. If you have children over the age of 1, BUY THE $20 ACTIVITY PACKET (which you can order online with your tickets or buy at the door if you buy your tickets there). It includes a wrist band for unlimited train rides, moon bounce, and carousel, plus a ticket for a pony ride, and 20 activity tickets. We did not originally, and ended up going back to wait in line to get them. Kids will WANT TO PLAY these activities and ride the rides.

The Festival of Trees is Friday & Saturday November 27 & 28 from 10 am – 9 pm and Sunday, November 29 from 10 am -6 pm at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. The cost before discount is $10 adults, $5 for children 5-12 years old & senior citizens. Children under 4 are free.

The Maryland State Fairgrounds are located at 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093.

My Keller Williams Excellence Realty Office raised $1,500 for Charity Sunday!

On Sunday our Lutherville office of Keller Williams Excellence Realty held a tailgating party to raise money for KWCares, a 501 (c) (3) Charity.

We were HOPING for a Baltimore Ravens win, since we were watching our home team on multiple screens throughout the office, but we had a victory in our own right!

Through our auction items, including VIP seating, iTunes gift cards, massages, restaurant gift cards and more, plus a raffle of 3 Ravens-Steelers tickets to the game on November 29, 2009, we raised $1,500 for the KWCares Charity!

I was so proud to be a part of the KWCares Committee who brought this event together to raise such a significant amount for our charity.

This was our first year, and we are already planning for next year to make it an annual event!

So mark your calendars for 2010 for an away game against the Bengals. Because we WILL win next year’s match-up and raise even MORE money for charity!

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lutherville to host a Craft Fair November 7, 2009 9am – 2pm

Located in Historic Old Lutherville, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is a beautiful pillar of the community.

The parish is holding a craft fair on November 7 from 9am-2pm in Spangler Hall. If you are a crafter and would like to sell your wares, please contact them at 410-252-3768 — the tables are inexpensive!

If you enjoy crafts, but are not one yourself, get ready to shop! There will be some great items for yourself and for gifts.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is located at 1609 Kurtz Avenue, Lutherville, MD 21093.

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