carroll county: Discovering Carroll Co, MD May have to wait. 2016 Blizzard - 01/22/16 01:03 AM
Discovering Carroll County, MD May have to wait a few days. It’s unfortunate, but, that’s what I had to tell a few new clients about our meeting this weekend.
We are expecting possible historic snowfall this weekend, check out Justin Berk’s  Baltimore Snow History for details.
 
If you are searching for a home and the 2016 Blizzard has interrupted your plans, don’t fret. Essentially you need 45 days to close a transaction due to the new TRID rules, however, 45 days is not so different from the days prior to TRID or TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule, the very definition leaves all of us … (1 comments)

carroll county: Are you ready for blizzard conditions Carroll County, MD? - 01/21/16 05:17 AM
Are you ready for blizzard conditions Carroll County, MD?
 
 
Extreme Cold, Blizzard conditions in store for Carroll County, MD Governor Hogan signed an executive order placing Maryland in a State of Emergency effective 7 am Friday, January 22, 2016!
 
What does a State of Emergency really mean anyway? Depending on the specifics of the e
mergency, it allows the Governor to access certain resources and coordinate them across the state.
 
Prepare, plan and stay informed.
 
Most of us have been through this before, it’s a fact of living in beautiful Maryland. It never hurts to review your plan. Make sure you have critical … (2 comments)

carroll county: Have you discovered the Carroll County, MD Barn Quilt Trail? - 01/05/16 10:05 AM
Have you discovered the Carroll County, MD Barn Quilt Trail?
 
Have you noticed the bright beautiful, familiar squares mounted on barns that pepper the Carroll County landscape?  These 8-foot squares are quilt blocks! Twenty two different  designs mounted to historic barns and a few Landmark Carroll County buildings  crisscrossing the county. They are a delight to see!
 
I noticed the vivid colored squares appearing in mid 2015. I didn't know what they were at the time but I knew they made me smile.  I also thought of my mom, how she would have loved seeing, what I later discovered were quilt squares or … (2 comments)

carroll county: Should The Raven’s Coach call Steelers Coach & share strategies?? - 01/04/16 09:40 AM
Should The Raven’s Head Coach call Steelers Head Coach and share strategies?
 
Do you think John Harbaugh, The Baltimore Raven’s Head Coach picks up the phone on Monday morning and calls Mike Tomlin, The Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach and says, hey Mike, we’ve got a big game coming up on Sunday, here’s what I thought you should know....” Would John share all his team's weaknesses and strengths with Mike? Why?
 
If you think Mr. Harbaugh should never call Mr. Tomlin, at least while performing the duties of head coaches in rival NFL teams. Why would you call the listing agent of a property … (4 comments)

carroll county: First Day Hike at the McKeldin Area: Carroll County, MD - 01/01/16 07:17 AM
First Day Hike at the McKeldin Area: Carroll County, MD

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Our First Day Hike at the McKeldin Area of the Patapsco Valley State Park was a blast. Hiking three miles alongside my daughter, Claire, was a wonderful start to the new year.
 
We hiked the Tall Poplar trail, stopped off to see the McKeldin Rapids, hiked along the Plantation trail and had a peak at the three county intersection of the Patapsco River. Baltimore, Carroll and Howard Counties come together in a tranquil wooded area with the rapids near by.
 
Having a guided hike made me more comfortable to explore an area … (2 comments)

carroll county: Take a Hike with a REALTOR New Year's Day! Patapsco Valley State Park - 12/31/15 12:45 AM
Take a Hike with a REALTOR New Year's Day! Patapsco Valley State Park River Rapids Nature Walk
 
Did you know all 50 of our United States will be hosting guided  First Day Hike? State parks across the country, including our beloved Maryland, are aiming to entice you to the great outdoors. Hiking, walking, strolling, climbing and simply experiencing the treasures of our state parks. Knowledgeable state park staff and volunteers will lead people of all ages and hiking experiences and  many Maryland State Parks are offering pet friendly hikes as well. Oh and make a positive difference in your physical health along … (1 comments)

carroll county: 2016 Resolution Challenge: Improve Financial Health Carroll Co., MD - 12/30/15 07:38 AM
2016 Resolution Challenge: Improve Your  Financial Health Carroll County, MD
 
The new year is on the horizon, 2016, my how time flies. The new year celebration often includes a time to reflect on the year gone by and begin new, fresh. Some proclaim a resolution to do something new, different or stop doing something that does not benefit us and our families.  My hope for the new year is that you and I will create a new life practice to improve our financial health.
 
The blog 6 Part Blog Series: Discover how to get your financial house in order is complete. … (2 comments)

carroll county: Looking to recycle your Christmas tree? Maryland - 12/25/15 09:14 AM
Looking to recycle your Christmas tree?
Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard and Frederick Counties
 
Looking to recycle your Christmas tree? Select Maryland State Parks are accepting them to provide habitat for the birds! How cool is that! Another way to give.
 
Please remove all lights, decorations, tinsel, tree stands and non organic material before recycling.
 
Please drop off to your local aviary:
Assateague State Park - Berlin, MD
Cunningham Falls State Park - Thurmont, MD
Deep Creek Lake State Park - Swanton, MD
Patapsco Valley State Park - Ellicott City, MD
Pocomoke River State Park - Pocomoke City, MD
Rocky Gap State Park - Flintstone, MD
Soldiers Delight NEA - Owings Mills, MD
Tuckahoe … (0 comments)

carroll county: Series: Discover how to get your financial house in order Carroll Co. - 12/19/15 11:45 AM
6 Part Blog Series:
Discover how to get your financial house in order Carroll County, MD.
Managing money is challenging. There is no doubt about that. According to a Money Watch article by Aimee Picchi,  “Seven out of 10 Americans are strained by financial issues.” Financial literacy, teaching people how to handle money isn’t taught to everyone, it surely wasn’t taught back in the 70’s and 80’s.   You turn 18 and the credit card applications start piling up in your mailbox. How exciting! Is it a right of passage or a trap? Thousands of dollars being offered to you, day after … (0 comments)

carroll county: What does the .25% interest rate mean to Carroll County, MD? - 12/18/15 12:41 AM
What does the .25% interest rate mean to Carroll County, MD?
 
There is no easy answer because interest rates are driven by your credit scores and your debt ratios. Let’s look at a simple example just for a reference point.
 
The average detached home in Carroll County, MD sold for $309,00 in December 2015.
 
Lets use round numbers to keep calculations simple. Look at a $300,000 loan. If you qualify for a mortgage interest rate of 3.92%  on a $300,000 loan your payment would be $1418.00. That same loan at 4.18%, our payment would be $1464.00. That’s a difference of $46.00 per month. That … (0 comments)

carroll county: Black Friday Survivor! 2016 Homebuyer - 11/27/15 05:15 AM
Black Friday Survivor! So you really did it! Wow, good for you!
 
 
Did you venture out today? Black Friday Shopping has a tremendous impact on retailers bottom line.  Shoppers believe they can stretch their shopping budget by facing the frenzy.  
 
Parking lots were full today at Town Mall of Westminster. We stopped by during an errand run and I wish we had not needed to. I’m not one to head for the stores Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday unless we need a big ticket item, like the fridge we bought a few years ago.
 
Black Friday Survivor! So you really did it! … (4 comments)

carroll county: Carroll County, MD Too early to think spring 2016? I don’t think so. - 11/23/15 05:55 AM
Is it too early to think spring 2016? I don’t think so.
 
Are you planning on buying or selling your home in Spring 2016? It’s time to push the pause button! Before you prepare the turkey, or deserts - that’s my designated task for Thanksgiving. Before you head out for Black Friday shopping, it is a good idea to pause, and check your goals for 2016.
 
If a house is in your future, don’t over do the turkey or the shopping. By all means don’t let the credit card offers pull down your credit score. 10% off may seem like a deal … (2 comments)

carroll county: WIN $1,000! 2016 Fair Housng Essay Contest - 11/10/15 10:45 PM
Carroll County Association of REALTORS®, Inc.
2016 FAIR HOUSING ESSAY CONTEST
 
$1000 SCHOLARSHIP
 
Essay Rules
 
Title: “Dreams Come True With Fair Housing” (Must be typed on top of first page)
Essay should be no more than three (3) pages, but no less than two (2) pages in length. Typed in 12 point font and double spaced.
Cover Page should include: School Name, Student Name, Student Address & Phone Number (Please do not type your name on the essay!)
 
Eligibility:
All Carroll County High School Seniors who live in or attend school in Carroll County and will be attending college or a trade school … (2 comments)

carroll county: Home prices in Carroll County, MD for June 15-21, 2015 - 06/22/15 05:34 AM
Home prices in Carroll County, MD for June 15-21, 2015
 
Real estate market data for Carroll County, MD provided by Diane M. Phillips, REALTOR® of Frankly REALTORS®
 
Monday Market Snapshot Carroll County, MD
 
June 15 - 21, 2015 Real estate sales this third week of June 2015 were heating up just like our recent temperatures. 52 Properties sold last week in Carroll County MD, median days on the market 22. The median sold price was $302,500 median original list price was $309,500 median list price at the time of sale was $305,000 with a original list price to sold price ratio of 96.82%. … (0 comments)

carroll county: 7 Questions to ask your accountant about Homeownership - 05/27/15 07:01 AM
Homeownership Advantages  Rent vs. Own - Consult your accountant
The benefits of homeownership are always at the forefront of my mind. It’s my passion, that’s why I became a REALTOR®. Educating people about homeownership is an integral part of my business. The debate to: rent vs. own housing,  I believe it is an individual decision. No matter what your financial position is the investment in an accountant's time is good one with regard to this major life decision.
 
What do you call an accountant with an opinion? An auditor.
 
An accountant is someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in … (3 comments)

carroll county: Why not explore Maryland Parks this Mother’s Day weekend? - 05/08/15 01:16 PM
Why not explore Maryland Parks this Mother’s Day weekend?
 
Mom’s just want to spend time with you! Making memories that last a lifetime. Get out there, go for a hike, canoeing or exploring the beautiful history and amazing sights. Put the cell phones, ipads and computers down and enjoy sharing some personal space, face to face with mom this weekend!
 
History, nature, beaches are waiting to be discovered right here at home in Maryland. Have you visited Turkey Point Light house,  or the  Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge over Big Elk Creek at Fair Hill?
 
Did you know that North Point State Park was … (1 comments)

carroll county: Westminster, MD The Wisdom Court Kids Club Annual Easter Egg Hunt - 03/31/15 11:56 AM
The Wisdom Court Kids Club Annual Easter Egg Hunt
What: Easter Egg Hunt
Who: For kids of all ages
Where: Kings Park 45 Chase St., Westminster, MD 21157
When: Saturday, April 4th
Time: 3pm til ....
Cost: FREE
Contact:  443-683-2246 for more information
 

 
The Wisdom Court Kids Club is a small local community group who saw the need for kids of all ages to have a positive place to come together. They host several events throughout the year. In addition, Wisdom Court Kids Club  also gives back to the community by collecting donations of all types that benefit … (4 comments)

carroll county: 3 things needed to register a chlid for kindergarten in Carroll Co. MD - 02/19/15 01:54 AM
3 things you need in Carroll County, MD to register your child
 
CARROLL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Registration for kindergarten for the 2015-2016 school year will be held the week of March 16 through March 20, 2015 at the elementary school in your attendance area.  Enrollment in kindergarten is mandatory for children who will be five years of age on or before September 1, 2015.
      
Parents will need to present the following at the time of registration:
     
their child’s birth certificate or other legal document to verify their child’s legal name and birth date
verification of residence such … (1 comments)

carroll county: Buying a house in Carroll County, MD - What is a latent defect? - 12/23/14 10:58 AM
Buying a house in any Maryland County, you should understand Latent defects.
 
Latent defects are hidden problems in workmanship or material that can cause failure or malfunction of the structure or systems.
 
The real estate 101 book definition says “A latent defect is defined as material defects in real property or improvement to real property that cannot be seen by careful visual inspection or would pose a threat to the health or safety of the buyer, occupants, tenant or guest of the buyer.”  For example: in an older home, a hole in the original ceiling, caused by a … (0 comments)

carroll county: Frosty temps and Christmas Spirit Filled the Air! - 11/30/14 08:40 AM
The Westminster MD  Miracle on Main Street Electric Holiday Parade was a huge success! The annual parade is a fun family event for all ages. In Carroll it is a commencement of the holiday season.
 

The frosty temps didn’t stop the participants or the crowd from having a wonderful time. There were high school marching bands, a baton twirling champion, creative holiday floats created by local businesses and walking groups, like our group, members of Carroll County REALTORS® Association and our amazing supportive family members (Claire and I bundled up pictured above) handing out candy and wishing folks … (2 comments)

 
Diane M. Phillips Realtor 443-286-4365, Specializing in Carroll Co., MD (Frankly Real Estate Inc.)

Diane M. Phillips Realtor 443-286-4365

Specializing in Carroll Co., MD

Manchester, MD

More about me…

Frankly Real Estate Inc.

Address: PO Box 189 Manchester, MD 21102, 2 Wisconsin Circle Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815

Office: 1-855-FRANKLY

Mobile: (443) 286-4365



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