Hunt Valley Real Estate Agent

New Baltimore County Recycling Begins February 1, 2010

On December 10, 2009, I announced the new Baltimore County Single Stream Recycling being implemented on February 1, 2010.

Well, here we are in late January, and it is coming very soon!

Here are the details — it’s SO easy — now everyone in Baltimore County can recycle without having to think too much about it!

What’s new & easy?

• It all goes into the same container! LIDS, CAPS, LABELS & RINGS are accepted now. No throwing the cap of the milk jug or soda bottle away anymore.
• Juice cartons, aluminium pans, AEROSOL cans, frozen food boxes — ALL NOW ACCEPTED!

The changes you need to make:

• NO MORE PLASTIC BAGS. They will not be accepting plastics/glass/etc in grocery bags anymore. (So now is the time to start using those reusable bags you may have for your groceries!)
• You can put your recyclables in small cardboard boxes, in 34 gallon or less recycling containers, or 34 gallon or less trash containers marked with an “X” or “RECYCLE”.

Click here for the Baltimore County Single Stream Recycling website for all of the details.

I am thrilled that Baltimore County is implementing this new recycling system as the ease should help more residents to be involved in the program! Join in!

Cockeysville and Hunt Valley Home Sales Statistics Year 2009

Cockeysville and Hunt Valley home sales in 2009 statistically were very stable.

There were consistently over 100 houses on the market for sale in Hunt Valley. December 2009 was a slow month with only 4 houses going under contract, but other months on average 10-16 did. That same average applies for properties that settled.

From December ‘08 to December ‘09, there was a 16.1% increase in sales price for homes under contract & 8% in properties that settled.

The median list price remained the same, around $359,000. The median price of those under contract is much lower, though, at about $317,000. The ones that settled averaged around $320,000. This shows that the higher priced ones are staying on the market longer, with about a $40,000 difference from average list to average sold price. It appears once reduced to a certain level, the houses do go under contract and settle.

Not even just price went up, but number of units as well. Things have definitely improved in 21030 home sales in the last 12 months. With the First Time Homebuyer tax credit extension, I foresee more homes going under contract through April 30, 2010 in Cockeysville, since the price range is very popular for those who are eligible and taking advantage of this credit.

Home sellers in Hunt Valley and Cockeysville need to take advantage of this credit, and sell to those who are out there now, and won’t be after April 30.

Kooper’s Chowhound Burger Wagon in Hunt Valley Monday January 18, 2010

Koopers Tavern on Thames Street in Fells Point is very well known for their terrific burgers.

They decided to take their famous burgers on the road in the form of the Kooper’s Chowhound Burger Wagon so people all over Baltimore can enjoy their award winning tastes!

The burgers are for everyone — they have angus, bison, turkey and veggie burgers! Toppings can include the basics or as interesting as blue cheese, applewood smoked bacon, peppers and jack cheese.

Exciting for some in the Northern Baltimore County area is that the wagon will be in Hunt Valley tomorrow in the rear parking lot behind the Verizon Building close to Schilling Road (map).

So if you plan to be in Hunt Valley or Cockeysville tomorrow, make sure to stop by to try one of their burgers. I may see you there!

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. in Baltimore on Monday, January 18, 2010

Monday has Baltimore schools, plus government and local services closed in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is a day celebrating a man who did so much, and there are many things to do in Baltimore to remember him!

In Downtown Baltimore there is a parade at noon on his namesake street, Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Port Discovery has its’ “I Have a Dream” weekend Saturday through Monday with quilt making with the African American Quilters of Baltimore and the Fun Drum Rhythm Circle to celebrate the life and work of Dr. King.

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture will have a book discussion, crafts for children, films, and musical entertainment throughout the day.

The American Visionary Arts Museum past Federal Hill will offer free admission and tours, birthday cake, performances and demonstrations to “honor the life and dreams of one of the greatest visionaries in recent history.”

If you are in Baltimore County, you can send kids 6-9 years old to Oregon Ridge Nature Center in Cockeysville for their “Nature Day Camp” from 10 am – 3 pm. For $10 per child, kids will get an outdoor nature adventure! That evening at 7:30 pm there is a lecture on “How Insects Make the World Go Around.”

So much to do to learn about and honor the man, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr,  whose life had such an impact on all of our lives!

Hunt Valley Home Sales Statistics Past Six Months

My compilation of the 21030 real estate market statistics for the last six months are here!  The full chart includes data on sales, contract, and active homes from June 22-December 6, 2009.

What the full chart shows is that prices and inventory really have stabilized in the Cockeysville and Hunt Valley real estate market. There are a few spikes, but in general, the past six months have been fairly even. Prices have actually risen by about 12% in the past 12 weeks compares to the prior 12, but the number of houses going under contract have dropped about 10%.

Consistently, there have been about 100 homes for sale in 21030, while on average only 3-4 of those homes are going under contract each month, and only 2-3 are settling each month.  There is a large inventory for Cockeysville homebuyers, with an average of only about 3% of listed homes going under contract each month.

These 21030 home sale statistics show that pricing correctly, having the home in showplace condition, and good marketing are imperative in this Hunt Valley 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 Hunt Valley home or Cockeysville neighborhood, these factors need to be taken into consideration. If you would like a Hunt Valley or Cockeysville home price evaluation, please contact me today.

Oregon Ridge Nature Center in Cockeysville Celebrates the Holidays with a Wreath Making Party December 5 & 6, 2009

The Oregon Ridge Nature Center in Cockeysville is ready to celebrate the holiday season with a wreath making party this weekend! From 2-4 pm both Saturday and Sunday, adults, bring your gloves and your clippers, and make a fresh evergreen wreath for only $8 per wreath.

Kids — you come too and in the auditorium there will be Holiday movies shown!

Oregon Ridge Nature Center has great events all year long for young & old alike. This is just another fun thing to do alone or with a friend — while if you have children, they can enjoy their afternoon too!

Another great reason to live in Cockeysville or live in Hunt Valley — to be so close to such a great place!

You must make reservations and pay in advance. Contact the Oregon Ridge Nature Center at 410-887-1815 to reserve your spot today.

Oregon Ridge Nature Center is located in Oregon Ridge Park at 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030. The Nature Center is open Tuesday through Sunday 9-5, and the park is open daily from dawn to dusk, plus additional hours for special events.

Oregon Ridge Nature Center in Cockeysville goes Nutty this weekend November 7 & 8, 2009

This weekend’s nutty series at Oregon Ridge Nature Center in Cockeysville is all about the American Chestnut!

The one session series, called “American Chestnut — the Myth” discusses the incorrect thought that they are extinct — they’re not!

Enjoy a hike through the forest and see this beautiful & “iconic” tree — and sample some delicious nuts. Saturday & Sunday, November 7 & 8, 2009 from 2-4 pm.

Oregon Ridge Nature Center is located in Oregon Ridge Park at 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030. The Nature Center is open Tuesday through Sunday 9-5, and the park is open daily from dawn to dusk, plus additional hours for special events.

Oregon Ridge in Cockeysville ’s “Spooky Forest Fact Frolic” this Saturday and Sunday October 31 & November 1, 2009

Oregon Ridge Nature Center in Cockeysville, MD, has so much to offer for people of all ages.

This Saturday and Sunday they will be hosting the “Spooky Forest Fact Frolic“, a free event, where you explore the park to find clues and win prizes!

Start off at the center to pick up your booklet, romp through the spooky forest, and return to get your prize!

For the braver souls, Friday, October 30 from 7-9 offers the “Ghosts of Miners Past” for $2/person. Traipse through the park at night in this tour — which used to be a mining town — and they claim you will meet ghosts of miners who never left the mines!

Oregon Ridge Nature Center is located in Oregon Ridge Park at 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030. The Nature Center is open Tuesday through Sunday 9-5, and the park is open daily from dawn to dusk, plus additional hours for special events.

Another great reason to be in Hunt Valley!

Trick or Treat at Hunt Valley Towne Center this Friday October 30, 2009 4-6 pm

Halloween provides for many activities to celebrate the holiday!

Hunt Valley Towne Center is offering trick or treating on Main Street from 4-6 pm on FRIDAY, the 30th to get ready for the 31st!

So get dressed up & come on out to see the spooky ghosts and goblins along Main Street. It is sure to be a Scarily Good Time! You’ll get tricked and treated — while you prepare for the big night in your neighborhood!

Another great activity that the wonderful area that Hunt Valley Real Estate has to offer!

Hunt Valley Towne Center is located at 118 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21030. Main Street is the oval drive in the center of the shops and restaurants.

Towson and Timonium House Values Volatile Week by Week

The past year, as most of us know, has shown a volatile real estate market in the Towson, Timonium, and Hunt Valley marketplace.

The statistics revealed, however, were very unusual. The sale prices varied very widely BY WEEK! (View the full two page chart here)

What does this mean for Towson homeowners?

It means that an exact number can’t be reached in terms of the value of your home. The price fluxuation is consistent with the interest rate flux. Depending on the interest rate, your home could be worth more or less this week!
It also means that if you are thinking about selling, you have to anticipate the market, and price on the lower side. Page two of the Market Dynamics chart shows median prices, and the ones they don’t sell are the ones that are priced too high!

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