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Happy New Year Active Rain - 12/31/08 10:57 PM
Happy New Year
And all the best in 2009
To all my friends in Active|Rain and Beyond
May you all sell more
Earn more
Be more than in 2008
Wishing you all good health and good wealth for
2009
and beyond
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Between now and December 31, 2008 Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc is waving administrative fees active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc. will waive the admin fee at settlement. … (5 comments)
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Turkey Leftovers - Turkey Makhani in the Slow Cooker - 12/28/08 04:50 PM
Did you have a big turkey dinner for Christmas? And, do you have leftovers now? We had turkey. Usually we choose a country from whom we adopt a menu and that is the theme of our dinner. But, I was so busy leading up to Christmas that I didn't get a chance to adopt and plan a menu for Mexico. So, instead we had appetizers that were a Mexican/Latino theme and a traditional turkey dinner. And, like most families we had left over turkey.
One of my favorite websites that I read regularly is A Year of Crockpotting and there are some … (5 comments)
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Market Update for Edgewood, Harford County, Maryland for week ending December 27, 2008 - 12/28/08 04:05 PM
Edgewood Maryland is located in Harford County. Edgewood is located north of Joppa and east of Bel Air in close proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground. Edgewood is conveniently located east of 95 and can also be reached along Rt. 7 and Rt. 40. It is a convenient commute to Baltimore and also Aberdeen. It is also served by AMTRAC which makes it easy to commute to DC. Harford County provides affordable housing for many who seek a more laid back life style. Harford County offers both rural and town living and something for everyone.
These figures are taken directly from our … (0 comments)
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Real Estate Update for Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County, MD for the week Ending December 27, 2008 - 12/28/08 03:58 PM
The market remains fairly stable despite the drop in interest rates last week. Now, imagine what would happen if the media told you the rates would drop more, so you wait. Check with your lender to see if rates dropped if you would be able to float your rate down to the new rate. The number of new listings has decreased but we are still seeing a similar number of homes going under contract and settling. I'm surprised I'm not seeing more individuals making the decision to buy with so many great deals available. The weather is unseasonably mild this week, with temperatures … (0 comments)
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Renovation Mistakes continued - 12/28/08 03:32 PM
This list is pretty extensive and will continue over several days. You may want to check out my previous entry on this topic:
Renovation Mistakes
Bathrooms and kitchens sell houses and add value. Why then would you build a bathroom that is too small and awkward to get around in? And, be sure to use appropriately sized fixtures and fittings. Don't put a small sink in a huge bathroom, and likewise don't use up small space with over sized vanities, tubs and toilets. Don't ignore the lighting sources in your room. If you have a small, dimly lit room with small … (0 comments)
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Speechless Sunday - Protecting a Seafaring Home - 12/28/08 02:54 PM
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Between now and December 31, 2008 Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc is waving administrative fees active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give Advance Realty Anne Arundel a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-761-1550.
… (3 comments)
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Renovation Mistakes - 12/26/08 10:10 PM
As I was flipping through the television stations tonight looking for something to watch I happened upon the HGTV special on 25 mistakes people make while renovating. The list is pretty extensive and very important for anyone thinking about renovating their home. It is things like this that make great food for blogging!!
Starting a renovation without a plan. Many people start by peeling off some wallpaper and end up gutting the entire house. When we bought our house, I came over to the house right after settlement. The upstairs bedroom that is now our office, had hideous wall paper on … (4 comments)
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Thankful Thursday - Thanks for the Blessings of the Season - 12/25/08 10:46 AM
As the year draws to a close I am giving thought to the things I hold dear and the many things I am thankful for.
2008 has seen a lot of upheavel in the real estate market and a lot of my fellow realtors have left the business and gone on to other careers. I have also seen a lot of former home owners in distress through the year. I've been involved in the real estate industry since 1986 and I have never seen a market like this one. I've seen high interest rates and homeowners walk away from their homes … (2 comments)
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VIRGINIA HOME BUYERS DO NEED AN AGENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN BUYING A "FOR SALE BY OWNER" PROPERTY. - 12/25/08 09:41 AM
It's not just in Virginia where buyer's should have a "Buyer's Agent", the same goes for Maryland.
I have a seller who purchased her home from a for sale by owner seller without an agent. She didn't know she should have had a home inspection. She also let the seller choose the title company and the mortgage lender. After she moved in she found the roof wasn't attached to the house, the plumbing didn't work and the bathroom tile was laid incorrectly. There are also problems with the title and the loan she got ended up being an exploding ARM.
Caveat … (2 comments)
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Wordless Wednesday - Preclude to tomorrow - 12/24/08 08:14 PM
… (4 comments)
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Shortbread Cookies - 12/21/08 08:48 PM
I love shortbread cookies. I learned to make these in home ec class and I've been using this recipe ever since. They are absolutely delicious with a full butter taste.
1 lb butter, creamed
add 1 c. confectioner's sugar (sifted), mix
1 c. cornstarch
1 tsp. vanilla
3 c. flour
Be careful not to overwork the cookie dough. Form cookie dough into balls, press down with a fork. Cookies can be decorated with cherries or colored sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven at 325 degrees for 15 minutes.
I often make boxes up with baked goods and give them … (4 comments)
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Speechless Sunday - They look like ants down there!! - 12/21/08 12:41 PM
Between now and December 31, 2008 Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc is waving administrative fees active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give Advance Realty Anne Arundel a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-761-1550.
June Piper-Brandon, Broker - Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc.
… (13 comments)
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Market Update for the Week Ending December 20, 2008 for Edgewood, Harford County, Maryland - 12/20/08 03:39 PM
Happy Birthday to my daughter, Kristen today!! And, welcome home to my son Ryan, home from Ft. Bragg for the holidays. Last year Ryan spent Christmas in Iraq, this year with God's blessing Ryan is home for Christmas.
Edgewood Maryland is located in Harford County. Edgewood is located north of Joppa and east of Bel Air in close proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground. Edgewood is conveniently located east of 95 and can also be reached along Rt. 7 and Rt. 40. It is a convenient commute to Baltimore and also Aberdeen. It is also served by AMTRAC which makes it easy … (1 comments)
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Market Update for the Week Ending December 20, 2008 for Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel Co., Maryland - 12/20/08 03:32 PM
Happy Birthday to my daughter, Kristen today!! And, welcome home to my son Ryan, home from Ft. Bragg for the holidays. Last year Ryan spent Christmas in Iraq, this year with God's blessing Ryan is home for Christmas. The market remains fairly stable despite the drop in interest rates this week. Now, imagine what would happen if the media told you the rates would drop more, so you wait. Check with your lender to see if rates dropped if you would be able to float your rate down to the new rate. The number of new listings has decreased but we are … (0 comments)
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I need a new toner cartridge - 12/20/08 03:07 PM
My all in one laserjet printer is out of toner and I need a new cartridge. The new cartridge usually runs $112 so I'm holding off until after Christmas. I have a great inkjet too and I don't really print that much at home anymore anyway.
This morning I was off to pick up my son, Ryan, from the bus station and picked up a newspaper (in case I had to wait). In the Staples circular they have two laser printers for under $100 each. Can you believe it?
Samsung ML-2510 for $49.99 (yes less than $50) and I found a … (2 comments)
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Yummy Pecan Balls - 12/18/08 08:43 AM
When my oldest son (now 23) was young I used to sell baked goods trays at Christmas time to make extra money for Christmas. One year I made almost $5000 just baking. I did several small parties and then trays and gift boxes. My kitchen is not big enough for that anymore, nor do I have the clientelle to do that. However, I still bake at Christmas and my closest friends get gift boxes of home made goodies. This is one of my favorite recipes.
Pecan Balls
Cream 1 cup butter and 1/2 cup confectioners (icing) sugar. Add 2 tsp vanilla … (4 comments)
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Wordless Wednesday - 12/17/08 05:03 PM
Between now and December 31, 2008 Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc is waving administrative fees active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give Advance Realty Anne Arundel a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-761-1550.
June Piper-Brandon, Broker - Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc.
… (16 comments)
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My Famous Rum Balls - 12/16/08 09:25 PM
Every year I go on a binge and bake and prepare a lot of baked goodies for the holidays. I make extra and box them up for gifts. My oldest son, Ryan, is now 22 and of legal age to drink. I was telling him about the rum balls I make and he asked me to make him some for Christmas.
So, I thought I'd share the recipe with you.
1 ½ cups crushed vanilla wafers
1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (I prefer pecans)
1 cup icing sugar
2 tbsp. cocoa powder
2 tbsp. corn syrup
¼ c. rum, … (9 comments)
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Tuesday Trip - Sotterly Plantation, Hollywood, St. Mary's Co., MD - 12/16/08 09:06 PM
Sotterly Plantation is the only remaining Tidewater Plantation that is open to the public. The main house was built in 1703. They host many educational programs and tours. Every spring Sotterley Plantation opens to the public for a quilt show, usually in May. There are many vendors and quilts are juried into the show.
Advance Realty Anne Arundel is supporting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign. Please bring your donation of a new, unwrapped toy to our office at 1405 Madison Park Dr., Glen Burnie, MD by December 15. Thanks for helping those less fortunate … (1 comments)
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Market Update for Edgewood, Harford Co., MD for week ending December 13, 2008 - 12/15/08 09:34 PM
Edgewood Maryland is located in Harford County. Edgewood is located north of Joppa and east of Bel Air in close proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground. Edgewood is conveniently located east of 95 and can also be reached along Rt. 7 and Rt. 40. It is a convenient commute to Baltimore and also Aberdeen. It is also served by AMTRAC which makes it easy to commute to DC. Harford County provides affordable housing for many who seek a more laid back life style. Harford County offers both rural and town living and something for everyone.
These figures are taken directly from our … (0 comments)
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Market Update for Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel Co., Maryland for the week ending December 13, 2008 - 12/15/08 09:20 PM
The market remains fairly stable despite the drop in interest rates this week. Now, imagine what would happen if the media told you the rates would drop more, so you wait. Check with your lender to see if rates dropped if you would be able to float your rate down to the new rate. The number of new listings has decreased but we are still seeing a similar number of homes going under contract and settling. I'm surprised I'm not seeing more individuals making the decision to buy with so many great deals available. We got some snow on the 6th and … (0 comments)
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Extended Deadline for Rental Registration Approaching - 12/15/08 03:02 PM
This is a very important reminder for investors.
Advance Realty Anne Arundel is supporting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign. Please bring your donation of a new, unwrapped toy to our office at 1405 Madison Park Dr., Glen Burnie, MD by December 15. Thanks for helping those less fortunate than ourselves.
Between now and December 31, 2008 Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc is waving administrative fees active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give Advance Realty Anne Arundel a … (1 comments)
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Recycle More Baltimore - 12/11/08 10:22 PM
Effective January 2009, Baltimore City residents will be able to recycle MORE items. So fill up a recycle bin or two or MORE! Remember, if we all do our part, one person at a time and one home at a time; together as a City we can make a difference. By recycling we can all do our part to reduce the amount of trash that goes to the land fill and reduce our individual carbon footprints. Do your best to recycle and not trash the below material. Working together, we can minimize the damaging affects to our natural environment and the … (1 comments)
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Settlement Bound - 12/11/08 06:22 PM
I have a settlement tomorrow. I can't believe it!! Finally!! And, yes, I'll be doing the happy dance all the way to my car afterwards. It seems to be such a huge deal to finally be going to settlement.
I first listed this house May 11, 2006 for $329,900. It's a nice house. It has 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. It has lovely hardwood floors, a gorgeous kitchen (with granite counters, ceramic tile floors, stainless appliances and lots of cabinets) and a fenced yard in the back. It also has a large basement for more storage, media room or office.
If you've been … (9 comments)
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I'm not participating in this recession - 12/11/08 05:52 PM
I'm not participating in the Recession either. I also think we should insist that the companies that we do business with hire American workers and refuse to deal with companies that use offshore phone answering services and insist that all automobiles sold here have at least 33.3% American content. Things like this would put Americans back to work!!
Advance Realty Anne Arundel is supporting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign. Please bring your donation of a new, unwrapped toy to our office at 1405 Madison Park Dr., Glen Burnie, MD by December 15. Thanks for helping those less fortunate than … (2 comments)
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Wordless Wednesday - I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas.... - 12/10/08 04:09 PM
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Quilting Quiltathon with Judy - 12/09/08 02:04 PM
Just about every month my friend, Judy Laquidara, hosts an online quilt-a-thon. Basically, you spend the whole weekend quilting and blogging about it. The most recent one was this past weekend. Judy also reports a weekly stash busting report on her blog. I wish I had as much time to quilt as Judy does, but then I wouldn't be able to sell real estate. Judy is a phenomenal machine quilter too and quilts all my big quilts, for which we have won many ribbons at the Maryland State Fair. This is the one I entered this year and it does have a … (1 comments)
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Tuesday Trip - Foxfire Museum, Mountain City, GA - 12/09/08 08:21 AM
Advance Realty Anne Arundel is supporting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign. Please bring your donation of a new, unwrapped toy to our office at 1405 Madison Park Dr., Glen Burnie, MD by December 15. Thanks for helping those less fortunate than ourselves.
Between now and December 31, 2008 Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc is waving administrative fees active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give Advance Realty Anne Arundel a … (1 comments)
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TOP 10 THINGS EVERY AGENT MUST HAVE IN THEIR CAR AT ALL TIMES! - 12/09/08 08:09 AM
What a great list, you should also add the following:
lap top signs riders blank contract blank listing agreement extra business cards disinfectant hand wipes I have work boots and coveralls for those nasty houses dog biscuits granola bars breath mints Advance Realty Anne Arundel is supporting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign. Please bring your donation of a new, unwrapped toy to our office at 1405 Madison Park Dr., Glen Burnie, MD by December 15. Thanks for helping those less fortunate than ourselves.
Between now and December 31, 2008 Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc is waving administrative fees active … (4 comments)
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Eking out a profit selling real estate IS possible :-) - 12/09/08 08:00 AM
I can't stress how important having a business plan is to the success of your career in real estate. Back when I first got in the business I didn't have a business plan and I succeeded quite by accident. I was recruited by another company and my manager/mentor insisted that I write a business plan, in fact he locked me in his office until I finished it. That year my business doubled, the next year it tripled - all because I knew where to concentrate my efforts and had a plan. Now that I'm a manager/mentor I try to stress the … (0 comments)
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Baltimore's Waverly Neighborhood Celebrates Christmas - 12/08/08 10:38 PM
Waverly is located North of 33rd St, East side of Greenmount Ave, West side of Ellerslie Ave, South side of 39th St. and West of the old Memorial Stadium in Baltimore zip code 21218.
Waverly is an historic village in the heart of Baltimore, Waverly is a culturally diverse neighborhood with an active community life, innovative schools, affordably priced housing, and a strong sense of community. Conveniently located near I-83, York Road and major bus connections, Waverly provides easy access to downtown Baltimore, Towson, and the beltway.
Waverly is one of ten featured Baltimore Main Streets, each of which maintains an organization that works … (0 comments)
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Top 10 Holiday List - 12/08/08 10:14 PM
What a great way to kick off the holiday season!!
Advance Realty Anne Arundel is supporting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign. Please bring your donation of a new, unwrapped toy to our office at 1405 Madison Park Dr., Glen Burnie, MD by December 15. Thanks for helping those less fortunate than ourselves.
Between now and December 31, 2008 Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc is waving administrative fees active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give Advance Realty Anne … (1 comments)
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Speechless Sunday - Baltimore's Inner Harbor - 12/07/08 02:52 PM
Between now and December 31, 2008 Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc is waving administrative fees active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give Advance Realty Anne Arundel a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-761-1550.
June Piper-Brandon, Broker - Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc.
… (1 comments)
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Market Update for Edgewood, Harford Co., MD for the week ending December 6, 2008 - 12/07/08 02:25 PM
Edgewood Maryland is located in Harford County. Edgewood is located north of Joppa and east of Bel Air in close proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground. Edgewood is conveniently located east of 95 and can also be reached along Rt. 7 and Rt. 40. It is a convenient commute to Baltimore and also Aberdeen. It is also served by AMTRAC which makes it easy to commute to DC.
These figures are taken directly from our MRIS system and are believed to be accurate.
Edgewood
New Listings 6 (increase 6 from last week)
Under Contract 1 (increase 1 over last week)
Settled Sales 1 (increase 1 from last week)
… (0 comments)
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Market Update for Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel Co., MD for the week ending December 6, 2008 - 12/07/08 02:16 PM
The market remains fairly stable despite the drop in interest rates this week. Now, imagine what would happen if the media told you the rates would drop more, so you wait. Check with your lender to see if rates dropped if you would be able to float your rate down to the new rate. The number of new listings has decreased but we are still seeing a similar number of homes going under contract and settling. I'm surprised I'm not seeing more individuals making the decision to buy with so many great deals available. We got some snow on the 6th and … (0 comments)
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Toys for Tots at Advance Realty - 12/06/08 09:03 PM
Tis the season to be jolly!!
Once again this year Advance Realty Anne Arundel is supporting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. You can drop off new, unwrapped toys to our office until December 15. The Advance Realty Anne Arundel office is located at 1405 Madison Park Dr. in Glen Burnie. Madison Park Dr. is located off Crain Hwy south from Baltimore Annapolis Blvd and north from Hospital Dr. Call 410-761-1550 for office hours.
Many children will not celebrate Christmas this year if people like you and me do not donate toys to the Toys for Tots drive. Imagine … (2 comments)
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Baltimore Heritage Quilters - Quilt Expo 2009 - 12/02/08 07:23 PM
Baltimore Heritage Quilter's Guild meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Woodbrook Baptist Church on Stevenson Lane in Baltimore. The group is large with many mini-groups for more personal quilting opportunities. They offer lots of programs.
The next quilt show will be held on the weekend of March 14-15, 2009 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Goucher College located at 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson, MD 21204.
Daily Admission: $7Advance tickets: $6Groups of 5 or more advance tickets: $5Children under 12: free when accompanied by an adult
The Expo showcases quilts made by guild members, ranging in … (4 comments)
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Ways to Maintain Your Investment - Part 4 - 12/02/08 06:41 PM
Purchasing a home is probably most people's single biggest investment in their lives. Yet, so many forget about the ongoing maintenance of the home that will keep the value steady over the year. Once you've bought a home, that isn't the end. You need to keep everything in good working order.
9. Be Careful in using your home equity credit. Having a home equity line of credit is a great backup for emergencies and maybe for a college fund, however, you may not want to use it. Some financial advisors will advise that you establish a line of credit while you … (0 comments)
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Dollar Days in Baltimore City are Back - 12/01/08 11:01 PM
At this time of year it's easy to forget to do fun things with the family. And, sometimes those fun things can be expensive. So, this coming weekend Baltimore City has some wonderful attractions that are just $1 or less for admission. That's right, you read it here - just $1 or less. So, on December 5 and 6, 2008 check these great places out with the family. You'll be glad you did.
American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway $1 admission Sunday, 410.244.1900
Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum, 216 Emory Street $1 admission both days, 410.727.1539
Baltimore Maritime Museum, … (1 comments)
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Staying Sane in an Insane Economy - 12/01/08 09:57 PM
The economy is, for the most part, a mind game. The less people think they will be making a good living, the less they are willing to spend. And, the less folks spend the less money flows in to the economy. It is a vicious cycle.
Now imagine during the last few weeks how the sales were hyped up prior to Black Friday? People were told the prices would be great and now the media reports the sales were better than last years.
Here are some ideas to help you keep from going crazy during these crazy times.
1. Stay … (7 comments)
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Announcing a NEW GROUP for Your AREA EVENTS! - 12/01/08 09:13 PM
What a great way to share events in your area - especially other agents!!
Between now and December 31, 2008 Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc is waving administrative fees active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give Advance Realty Anne Arundel a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-761-1550.
June Piper-Brandon, Broker - Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc.
Via Debe Maxwell:
Announcing … (0 comments)
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June Piper-Brandon CDPE, CIAS, ePro, Assoc. Broker
Baltimore,
MD
More about me…
Century 21 New Millenium
Address: 6300 Woodside Court, Columbia, MD, 21046
Office Phone: (410) 730-8888
Cell Phone: (410) 292-0100
Email Me
Buying a house, selling a house, home buying tips and advice, Advice, Market Conditions, Listings in Baltimore.
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