What does your home say about you? - 02/29/12 06:57 PM
You home is an extension of you. What does yours say about you?
Your home can say a lot about who you are, your taste, your interests, your accomplishments. It is one of the privileges of my business to be able to catch many glimpses of unique decor and design and to be able to draw inspiration from it. There's the eclectic home, the one that reminds you of a beach cottage, the minimalist, the modern type, the die-hard sports fan, the party palace, the paradise, the hippie, the retro, the workaholic, the outdoorsy ... but there's also the I'm-still-searching-for-my-style and … (6 comments)

Silver Spring, MD Open Houses February 26th, 2012 - 02/26/12 08:15 AM
It's a beautiful Sunday in Montgomery County, MD! Perfect weather to get out and about - perhaps to tour some open houses in Silver Spring, MD? There are 29 public open houses scheduled for the 20904, 20905 and 20906 zip-codes for February 26th, 2012. Open houses are a great way to get a feel for the market when you are first starting out on your home-buying journey. They can help you set realistic expectations and understand what sells (think possible competition) and what doesn't. If you are thinking about selling, you should check out the competition to understand how your home … (6 comments)

Funny Friday ~ If I Were President! - 02/24/12 05:43 PM
If I Were President
If I were President, the first thing I would do is take a shower.If I were President, I would eat ice cream.If I were President, I would travel to Germany.If I were President, I would have a pet dog named Emma.If I were President, I would pass a law that you wear helmets on bikes.If I were President, I would help people I know.
Comments: I would love to eat pizza, too.

*written and illustrated by Amélie Cécile Bédard (6), 1st Grader at Rockburn Elementary School in Elkridge, MD ~ published with permission*
 
 
… (17 comments)

What is Principal Reduction Alternative (PRA)? - 02/24/12 04:30 PM
Pamela Seley, Realtor® in Temecula, CA always provides expert advice on anything short sale - which is not only beneficial to Temecula Valley homeowners but to all distressed owners throughout the US. Her latest blog, What is the Principal Reduction Alternative summarizes a new addition to the Making Home Affordable program.

In my opinion, if a homeowner is experiencing a true hardship and has exhausted all resources and other options, has been denied for a loan modification and is facing foreclosure, the Principal Reduction Alternative should be considered. This has been a very hot topic as of late but … (2 comments)

What to do if your neighbor's dog becomes a nuisance? Howard County, MD has a leash & poop-scoop law! - 02/23/12 06:22 PM
Howard County, MD has a leash & poop-scoop law! Howard County, MD is a very dog-friendly county with walkable communities featuring dog-waste stations throughout and the Worthington Park Dog Park in Ellicott City - almost 3 acres for Fido to enjoy leash free! The Worthington Dog park is located at 8170 Hillsborough Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043 and is open from 7 am to dusk except for maintenance and during inclement weather. You'll need to apply for a permit which runs $40 for 2012 (amount is not being prorated) and covers up to 3 dogs per household. Most dog-owners residing in … (11 comments)

Would you put an offer on "the stinky" house? - 02/21/12 06:55 PM
What nickname would your house get? Would you put an offer on the stinky one?
When I go on home tours with buyers something funny usually happens in the process. Unless your house is on a street with a sweet or funny name, it will get a nickname. It makes sense if you think about, looking at 10, 20 … 50 homes many do not remember the house on 1234 Hanover Parkway or 5678 Old Columbia Pike.
What they will remember, however, is the one thing that really stuck out. That can be something flattering in reference to a wonderful … (28 comments)

"Shabby Chic to Antique" ~ The Pink Cabbage in Ellicott City, MD - 02/18/12 06:15 PM
"Shabby Chic to Antique" You know that great little store that you've driven by a few times and have always made a mental note to stop at next time you are in the area? The one that gently calls your name and you just know you'll love it? The Pink Cabbage in Ellicott City, MD has been that kind of store for me. We were on our way to preview a couple of listings today when we passed that great little store (again). This time we decided to listen and of course we loved it. The Pink Cabbage's motto is "Shabby … (8 comments)

"What do you get when I use one of your lenders?" - 02/15/12 09:04 PM
"What do you get when I use one of your lenders?" is not a question I hear everyday but I do get asked occasionally. There is a short answer and a long answer to this question. The short one is nothing but it doesn't completely tell the truth. Nothing only refers to monetary incentives - kickbacks happen to be illegal in the State of Maryland and it is not part of my business plan to break the law. It would be too simple to leave it at that, however, because there is a lot of value in my lender's list. It's … (50 comments)

Forever and a day. - 02/14/12 09:13 PM

 
Love, forever and a day, naturally inseparable. "What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined [...] to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories." (George Eliot) Happy Valentine's Day.
*The picture was taken January 2012 at the Maydale Conservation Park in Colesville, Maryland.*
… (9 comments)

Winter in Central Maryland ... oh the memories - 02/12/12 09:43 PM
We are almost 2/3 through the 2011/2012 winter season and have yet to see snow in Central Maryland. Yes, we had a light dusting or 2 but not enough to get your snow suit out, put that shovel to good use and build a snowman. I have heard many complaints, from little munchkins in my house who really want to go sledding just "one time mommy" to newly relocated military families who have never "experienced a good snow storm". So, for all folks in Maryland and all who might be relocating here, this is what winter in Maryland can look like:
… (9 comments)

Potential commission $208,000! - 02/10/12 08:26 PM
Potential commission $208,000! If you have been sucked into HGTV's Selling New York or Selling LA Reality TV Shows you have no doubt noticed that bit of information that is posted at the top corner every time a listing or sale is discussed. It bugs me, quite a bit actually. The amount of commission agents earn is always a hot topic, likely because there is a lot of misconception about it. Shows like Selling NY or Selling LA do not exactly help in setting the record straight. I happen to think that there are many professional Realtors® portrayed on these shows … (17 comments)

Dear Chad, could you call again please? - 02/08/12 11:13 PM
Dear Chad, please do call again! I pride myself in responding to calls and e-mails within a reasonable amount of time. Of course, what is reasonable is in the eye of the beholder but I reply or return calls as soon as possible. ASAP typically means as soon as I'm off the phone with whomever I'm talking to while I miss another call, or as soon as I finished meeting with my client, or as soon as I swallowed that bite of lunch or as soon as I leave my doctor's appointment ... I don't have a daily office hour or … (12 comments)

Do you want to do something great for a Purple Heart Recipient? - 02/07/12 10:35 PM
Please meet Bob Paschal, a Veteran who served 5 tours in Korea and Vietnam, and feel free to feel inspired by his wonderful mission: Americans Helping Wounded Veterans!

Bob's been organizing pheasant shoots for years and he needs your help with it! If you know of a Purple Heart recipient who would enjoy participating, please let Bob know! You can also sponsor a Veteran or just help his cause with any size of donation you can spare!

Thank you Tammy Lankford for telling us about Bob and Americans Helping Wounded Veterans! And thank you Bob for your service - … (0 comments)

FREE Tax Help for Military and Dependents at Fort Meade - 02/06/12 08:08 PM
Free tax assistance for military and dependents at Fort Meade I just finished my taxes last night *phew* after fighting my way through the incredibly frustrating Maryland taxes. The State is not making it very easy for military families. Thus, I'll likely take advantage of the free tax assistance offered to active-duty and retired military and their dependents at Fort Meade - just to be on the safe side. It would be nice if it could all be simple and straight-forward, but then it wouldn't be called doing your taxes. The State of Maryland has a whole bunch of different tax … (6 comments)

20905 Silver Spring, MD January 2012 Market Update - 02/04/12 02:03 PM
The sale statistics for 20905 Silver Spring, MD show that the area is off to a somewhat slower start than at the beginning of 2011. Since January 1st, 2012 7 homes sold with an average sales price of $375,000 compared to 11 sales during the same period last year. Statistics for both periods show 4 distressed sales respectively. 27 homes are currently pending in 20905, 2 of which came under contract since the beginning of the year. All in all, 65 homes are presently active on the market including 24 new listings for 2012. 64 of the active listings are detached … (5 comments)

Selling your Maryland Home: let the sunshine in! - 02/03/12 06:59 PM
Let the sunshine in! What a gorgeous day it was in Central Maryland. Temps in the low 50s and a picture-perfect cloudless blue sky ... the kind of weather that makes everything look so much nicer and friendlier. When selling your Maryland home you've got to take advantage of it! Let the sunshine in! The two homes I previewed for a relocation client today did not do that. The blinds were down and shut, the drapes drawn and I had to turn on all the lights. There I was with a skip in my step and a smile on my face … (4 comments)

Loan Approval vs. Comfort Level - 02/01/12 10:43 PM
Buying your Maryland home - loan approval vs. comfort levelReflecting back on the precrash market, buyers were a lot different than today. Back in those days it seemed to be less about finding a home than just a house. It was the nature of the beast. We all started with the best of intentions, hunting for the home of our dreams. However, writing offer after offer, competing against 10, 15 other buyers took its toll.
'Lets just finally get something, we will figure out how to make ends meet later or how to turn it into a home.' Expectations were … (8 comments)

 
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Andrea Bedard, M.A. ~ REALTOR® & Mil Spouse ~ Silver Spring, MD and beyond

Silver Spring, MD

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Thompson Company Realtors

Address: 15711 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20905

Office Phone: (301) 384-9177

Cell Phone: (240) 593-2860

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From Bethesda to Odenton - Montgomery & Howard County Real Estate blog

My blog is a mix of information about Maryland Real Estate, community spotlights, customer service discussions, industry news and trends, things to do & places to visit ... - sprinkled with a candid perspective of the life, times & tribulations of my life as a Realtor, mom and military spouse in the national capitol area

Living Maryland - blips from a Realtor, Mom and Military Spouse

Please visit mdhomes4mil.com - my blog for military families stationed at WRNMMC/NSA Bethesda and Fort Meade!

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Have a question about the Maryland Real Estate market?
Andrea Bedard, M.A. Thompson Co. Realtors
Call: 240-593-2860

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