Timonium 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!

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.

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.

Graul’s in Ruxton Holiday Tasting Events December 4-6, 2009

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy living in Towson near Ruxton if you want to try some great food at Graul’s in Ruxton or be happy you live in Timonium near the Graul’s in Mays Chapel.

Friday from 4-7 enjoy yummy appetizers that are easy to make! Saturday and Sunday, try some ”Over the Top” Holiday Favorites from 11-5.

As the email they sent says, “Bring your family to join our family for a Taste of the Holiday Season”!

Graul’s continues to be a great cornerstone for both the Ruxton and Mays Chapel communities, offering good food both local and imported, and wine shops attached to complement your meals.

I love living near the Graul’s in Ruxton for both the convenience and these neat events they hold. We are there on a regular basis — and the staff really does make you feel like family!

So join their family this weekend and enjoy some delicious food while you are there. Another great reason to live in Towson or live in Mays Chapel!

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!

Towson Realtor Sworn in as Line Officer of Greater Baltimore Chapter of Women’s Council of REALTORS(R)

On Thursday, November 19, I was fortunate to be sworn in as the 2010 Vice President of Membership for the Greater Baltimore Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS(R) at the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors in Lutherville.

This is a very prestigious yet demanding position, and I welcome the challenge.

As a “line officer” for the Chapter, I have many responsibilities, one of which is upholding the Vision of the Women’s Council of REALTOR(S): “Through our influence as successful business professionals, women will effect positive change in the profession and in the broader community.”

I plan to do so by growing our membership and increasing retention of our current members.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve the Women’s Council and look forward to an exciting year of education and networking.

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