Unexpected Snow Storm Wreaks Havoc in Towson

A large amount of snow blanketed the Baltimore area yesterday, causing major problems on roads north and south of the Beltway.

Forecasters were predicting a dusting to three inches of snow. As most of us realized yesterday, it was more like 6-10 inches.

The major problem was that State Highway Administration crews apparently were not prepared. At noon, as I was on 695 traveling east toward White Marsh, it became very clear that road crews had not been out — there was no salt, sand or plowing. Snow began around 10, and it was sticking very well to the cold roadways.

I would have thought that 95 North of the Beltway would have been better, but I was wrong.

Numerous cars spun out, down embankments, in the medians. I saw about 4 accidents and probably 13 cars spun out in my short trip to Abingdon. I have a heavy SUV and it handles very well in the snow, but even I found my wheels losing their grip as I traveled slowly north.

As I was meeting with sellers and listing a great property in the St Clair neighborhood of Abingdon (it will be online in a few days — stay tuned!), the snow continued to fall quickly. At 3 pm I went to leave.

And Route 24 was a parking lot.

It took about 35 minutes to go just over a mile on that main artery toward 95 South. Police were out directing traffic, which is the only reason things were moving at all.

Once I got on 95 South, roads were a little better than earlier. It appeared at least the left lane had been sanded, but in between lanes there was a decent amount of snow built up and the right lanes completely covered. To be safe, you needed to drive in the grooves in the snow that other cars had created. Again, though, the number of ambulances and fire engines I saw was astounding. All I could think was that maybe if these roads were treated, the EMTs, firefighters, and police officers wouldn’t have to be working so hard!

695 West was decent, but Eastbound still was not. An hour & 1/2 later I was getting to Towson and York Road was untouched by plows. Bosley was a mess with cars attempting to go uphill without traction. I am still amazed that one car did not slide back down and hit me. I saw it happening and was able to navigate my way around him (thank goodness for growing up in New England — we learned how to turn into the skid!).

By the time I got home, my nerves were shot, and I was shaking from being so tense for that two hour period of driving. I was glad to get and remain home.

I wish that forecasters had been closer or that the State Highway Administration had taken precautions and sanded “just in case” so there wouldn’t have been so many accidents.

I hope you were able to remain home, and that you remembered to check out my past post on how to Enjoy the Winter White for fun things to do. It appears roads have been cleared this morning, at least here in Towson, so we may venture out. If you do so, please be careful!

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.

Snow Forecast for Baltimore Saturday – How to Enjoy the Winter White December 19, 2009

Large amounts of snow is forecast for Baltimore tomorrow, and that means the grocery stores will be packed with people buying their milk, bread, and toilet paper today.

I joke, sort of, because it will happen, yet it is funny!

This snow is supposed to be a major storm lasting from midnight tonight until late tomorrow night, so this one needs some preparation.

1) Make sure you have shovels. We did construction on our house, and have no idea where ours are in the pile of things we need to go through, (half of which will end up in the dumpster due here in January). Somewhere, in the Lowe’s Home Improvement in Timonium, the cash registers are laughing.

2) Make sure you have ice scrapers/snow wipers for your car. (In my case, see #1 as to why I will be buying today).

3) Make sure you have rock salt or kitty litter to help get footing on the walks outside of your house. (Again, #1)

4) Buy slice & bake or break & bake cookies so you can pretend to “bake” while you watch the snow fall.

5) Have hot chocolate on hand for the ones who will be doing the shoveling with the items you will be buying today. Ensure your microwave works correctly to heat the water well.

6) Dig out your board games. You know, the ones you forgot you had.

7) Get batteries for all of the video games/toys that need them that you will suddenly really want & need when cooped up in the house.

8 ) Really, RELAX. You will be able to get out of your house most likely Sunday (unless you are in an area where the plows tend to hit late). It will be 24 hours stuck indoors, but you will hopefully still have heat, your TV, and each other.

And if you live in Towson, there is a GREAT hill on Charles Street by the “Smboard of Smeducation” that I hear a lot of people sled down. Just be prepared for a long walk back up!

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.

Timonium Fairgrounds Offers Beautiful Christmas Trees For Sale

A family tradition of ours has been to go to get our tree from the family owned farm that sells their trees at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium every year.

The trees are always full & pretty, their prices reasonable, the selection large, and the people unbelievably nice. A few years back, we even bought a special tree stand where a hole is drilled in the bottom so your tree stands up straight right away. They drill the hole right there in front of you, then they shake the dead needles off the tree, and wrap it in netting for you to take home. They even provide string for you to tie the tree to your car!

A few pointers, I will share with you, if you plan to get your tree there.

1) They also have wreaths and greens — already decorated or plain for what your needs are!

2) BRING CASH. They do not accept any other form of payment.

3) If it has rained or snowed recently, IT WILL BE MUDDY. Make sure to wear boots to traipse around to find your tree!

4) WEAR GLOVES. It is cold & also the tree needles can hurt when you are tying it to your car. (They do not tie the tree to your car for you).

5) Have an old blanket or sheet with you to put under the tree to protect your car.

6) Don’t forget your free candy cane!

The entrance to the trees is the large main entrance to the Fairgrounds – the most northern one on York Road, not the one with the changing sign.

Enjoy your trip & your tree. Another great reason to live in Timonium!

 

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

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.

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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