Listening to His Music Makes Me Feel Good!

This post has nothing to do with real estate. Read Gail's post FIRST One of many stories about the PURPLE VISOR!! 

 You will understand my request for comments on Rich's CD www.richardharrislive.com             

Listening to his music makes me feel good. Our comments will make Rich feel good.

Gail wrote: "The CD was a huge success.  He's actually about to release a 2nd one.  You can listen to his music at www.richardharrislive.com  If you like what you hear, if you would be kind enough to leave him a comment.  It seems to give him inspiration. and with a song in anyone's heart, how could you go wrong?

Richard's CD has been such a huge success, it's being played all over radio stations around the world and in the US.  I am so very proud of him and all that he  has accomplished.  He is very talented...the first song he recorded on his CD was "Someone To Watch Over Me"...dedicated to yours truly, me! And, to think it all started with the "Purple Visor"!!  "

Listening to his music makes me feel good. Our comments will make Rich feel good.

 This post has nothing to do with real estate.

Listening to his music makes me feel good. Your comments will make Rich feel good.

Please listen to www.richardharrislive.com  and make a comment.

Thank you 

Think Condos for College Kids. "Do you know where your children are?

"Do you know where your children are?"  Remember this announcement made on  local television stations back in the 1970's and 80's. Those who do remember and have adult children may now ask:

 Do You Know Where Your Children Live?  Think Condos For College Kids

With the prices of condominiums in the Baltimore area, maybe this is a choice for our children. Go to www.HomeRome.com to see properties and many condo styles, prices and areas. You will be able to click on the blinking listings to see interior photos.

Who Says Baltimore, Maryland Condos are Only For the Old Folks?  Baltimore condos have been traditionally owned by those that are empty nesters or of retirement age . Those who did not want to take care of the big house any more. They were tired of shoveling, cleaning gutters, cutting grass and the maintenance that goes with home ownership.

Many would like to have the freedom to travel, ski, bike, golf, study, play music, volunteer and so many other hobbies without the time consuming chores of taking care of an individual home or townhouse.

How about the college student who needs a place for three or four years. Think Condos for College Kids.

Does your son, daughter, niece, nephew or anyone you know plan to go to school in the Baltimore area?

What an opportunity to get into the real estate market. Home ownership for way under market.  There are all price ranges. All are below assessed values!

This one sounds almost too good to be true!Upper Park Heights Condo! 6606 Park Heights The Imperial Condo Baltimore,MD 21215   This is a two bedroom condo with 2 full baths, a balcony, eat in kitchen, sunken living room and loads of closet space. The condo fee of $781 seems high but includes all utilities, garage parking, security with doorman, front  receptionist and all the full service amenities. All this for under $40,000! you read that right! And it's on a bus line.

Purchase for yourself. family member, your future doctor, lawyer, teacher, musician or newly wed couple. They could even have a roommate to help with those monthly fees.

Here is a story of a mom who did just that. She bought a condo for her college daughter. Special Connections in Baltimore,Md...From Internet to Inter-Personal ...And More!  And Mom has a place to stay when visiting Baltimore.

In 3 or 4 years, you have a home with equity. No I can't promise but at these prices, how can you lose?

 Do You Know Where Your Children Are?  Do You Know Where Your Children Live?

Think Condos for College Kids.

One Phone Call, One Hour Ride From Baltimore and One Delightful Day in Chesapeake Beach

The weather was perfect today in Baltimore, low temperatures, sunny, breezy, low humidity....a rarity for early September. I have been wonderfully busy with listings and offers and figured this would be another "WorkEnd".  While reading some blogs and making comments, decided to call to my friend, Gail Harris, and invited myself to visit.  Gail has written so many posts describing Chesapeake Beach, thought it was time to see it for myself. So spur of the moment Lee and drove to this lovely, little known about area. We were welcomed by the sign and by Gail and Richard. We toured the area, followed the trolley, had a terrific lunch overlooking the sailboats. Lee and Rich took a walk to see the boats while Gail and I had lots to catch up on. We have not seen each other since MAR in Ocean City 2008 Terry Watson's Surprise...Down the Ocean

Gail and I speak frequently and communicate even more on ActiveRain. I am so proud of Gail for taking the 30 Blogs in 30 Days challenge. I am so glad  Gail accepted my invitation to join ActiveRain. It took a bit of time but pretty sure ...she is now hooked or should I say addicted to AR!

                                                         Skipper's Pier was just perfect for the four of us. Good food, great temperatures, view of the water and terrific conversation with good friends!

We toured the area, followed the trolley through the back roads, had a terrific lunch overlooking the sailboats.

 Lee and Rich took a walk to see the boats while Gail and I had lots to catch up on. We have not seen each other since MAR in Ocean City 2008 Terry Watson's Surprise...Down the Ocean 

Thank you Gail and Rich for your wonderful hospitality. We listened to your CD on the way home. Just beautiful music!! Much continued success.

Enjoying Rich's CD...so much talent...smooth... oh so smooth. Everyone go check out www.RichardHarrisLive.com!

One Phone Call, One Hour Ride From Baltimore and One Delightful Day in Chesapeake Beach

Mark your calendars

It started with one comment...An Active Rain Get Together... Baltimore... Sunday September 19th

An Active Rain Get Together... Baltimore...Crab cakes and Seafood Sunday September 19th

It started with one comment..

Check out this comment written by Lori Bowers ...."We are going to Maryland in a few week's for my husband's 50th class reunion. I cannot wait for some of those delicious crabs."

Lori commented on "Baltimore, Good Friends and Lunch at the Bay Cafe! 

It started with one comment...An Active Rain Get Together... Baltimore... Sunday September 19th

Immediately I dialed the number in California and Lori answered. You know I love it when people answer their phones. Yes I do Answer Blocked Caller ID!

 As of right now there are two of us meeting on Sunday September 19th in Baltimore. Would you like to join us? How many ActiveRainers can we get together two weeks from today?

It started with one comment...An Active Rain Get Together... Baltimore... Sunday September 19th

 Baltimore, Good Friends and  Lunch at the Bay Cafe! A few times, each summer, we enjoy eating on the water at one of our favorite places.  Thursday was a hot humid summer day in Baltimore but not to hot to have lunch at the Bay Cafe and right on the water. Yes it was quite warm but a nice breeze and delicious iced coffee made it quite enjoyable.

 Our good friends Allen Hainge, founder of the CyberStars(tm) and Ellie Palmer treated us to a scrumptious lunch.  It has been about 2 years since we were there together.  You Can Get There From Here...Baltimore's Bay Café         

                                                                         Favorite lunch of shrimp salad and crab soup.

 Look at that gorgeous view!

Lisa Mantakas, with the gorgeous blue eyes, has been with the Bay Cafe a little longer than forever. Before retirement, my Lee used to lunch with his buddies enjoying the burgers, pizza, shrimp salad, crab soup and he talks about the abundant plate of curly fries. For old time's sake, Lisa brought an order for the table.

 Look at that gorgeous view! What could be better than Baltimore, Good Friends and Lunch at the Bay Cafe!

Karen Bernetti was kind to write the post

What Does it Mean to WIN ... Words to Live By

Karen is the ActiveRainer who set a goal of blogging for 30 consecutive days. At that time I decided to comment on her post every day. Little did I know that  Karen would be an inspiration for so many, including yours truly. Please take time to read all of her blogs.

.

WIN is a word I live by. Getting overwhelmed in RE, take deep breath and repeat WIN. Same as personal stuff or in any emergency situation. Deep breath..WIN.

You have inspired so many on AR including yours truly!!!

For anyone who orders the book...there will be free shipping and I will personally autograph it for you.

There is Stress Selling a Home...How Do You Handle This Stress?

When others find out we are still in our first home, after more than 30 years, there is some surprise.  My reasoning: I am not about to put myself through what you will be experiencing during this listing and selling process.

That is where my counseling sessions come in...starting at the beginning of a  listing...explaining the stress of selling.  As a former RN, I am aware that stress can manifest many different emotions. Moving is one of the top stress producers, along with death, illness, divorce, job loss and other life changing moments.

I go on to explain....If you get along well, you may experience some slight bickering. If you are a bickering couple...there might be some arguments...and if you are family that is somewhat dysfunctional (no I don't say that) or in a divorce situation, there can be knock down out of control situations!

 Of course, I ask permission to give this kind of advice. Many years ago, when I shared this with an attorney, also my client...he wanted no part of my counsel. His attitude... just get my darn house sold..nothing more is required.

A few weeks before his house went under contract...he had a melt down, yelling at the family, threatening to get another agent, so much unlike him. After the house sold, we met up for dinner and discussed the situation. Both he and his wife appreciated the reminder of the normal stress when selling. After the fact...we could laugh about it.

A parent yells at the kids for leaving a bike in the driveway, a spouse hollers about the messy kitchen sink, a sister goes ballistic because the laundry is not picked up...these are  just a few things that can trigger these outbursts.

How about the appointment that is made and the people are NO show, or don't like the house and choose not to come in, or the agent who shows up without an appointment or removes the only key from the lock box? How about the house, after six months. and no acceptable contract.  Many of us have witnessed  sellers going "off the deep end".  Many more things can happen, the lights left on, an unlocked door, the missing follow up phone call.

There is Stress Selling a Home...How Do You Help Handle This Stress?

Couple this with an illness, a death, a job loss, a foreclosure, a move to a nursing facility...all reasons for selling and all adding to the increased level of  stress.

 Take a deep breath, take a few steps back and say..."This is the stress Margaret Rome  told us about" Selling a house is stressful!

There are very few transactions that someonedoesn't have a of mini breakdown, minor temper tantrum, crying spells or more severe altercations. We, as professionals. need to be cognizant, recognize the situation and stay calm through these outbreaks.

There is Stress Selling a Home...How Do You Help Handle This Stress?

Condos..yes I list em,I sell em, I blog em...I Don't Forget the Condo Docs.

The delivery of the condo documents is crucial...the buyer has 7 days after receipt to recind the offer with no reason and with no penalty.

 With HOA (Home Owner Association) buyers have 5 days. If you are listing condo properties or those with mandatory associations, get those documents ordered at the time of listing or when you feel an offer is coming in. It is better to present the documents along with the ratified contract. Then the 5 or 7 day review, can coincide with the home inspection period. Waiting until you are well into the transaction and holding your breath knowing the buyer has that option to back out...can be devestating in this market.

Take a look at some of my ActiveRain posts about Baltimore Condos:

Who Says Baltimore, Maryland Condos are Only For the Old Folks?

The Risteau..Concierge Service..and Outside Beauty..Baltimore County Condo 

One Bedroom Condo Baltimore County 7203 Rockland Hills Drive # 305

 Condo Connections in Baltimore -

condo: Penthouse # 607, 1 Gristmill Ct. Annen woods, Pikesville, Maryland 21208

1 Gristmill Ct. Annen Woods #501 Pikesville, Maryland 21208-Baltimore Condo 

1 Gristmill Ct. #303 Annen Woods Baltimore, Md.21208

Not Too Big... Not Too Small.. The Perfect Baltimore Condo..3031 Fallstaff Rd. Baltimore,MD 21209

condo: Forget the Snow...Live in a Condo! -

condo: 3041 Fallstaff Rd Baltimore, Md. 21209 The Towers Condominium

Upper Park Heights Condo! 6606 Park Heights The Imperial Condo Baltimore,MD 21215

 The delivery of the condo documents is crucial...the buyer has 7 days after receipt to recind the offer with no reason and with no penalty.

 With HOA (Home Owner Association) buyers have 5 days. If you are listing condo properties or those with mandatory associations, get those documents ordered at the time of listing or when you feel an offer is coming in. It is better to present the documents along with the ratified contract. Then the 5 or 7 day review period, can coincide with the home inspections. Waiting until you are well into the transaction and holding your breath knowing the buyer has that option to back out...can be devestating in this market.

Baltimore Condos..I List 'em...I Sell 'em...I Don't Forget the Condo Docs!

 The Main Reason to Blog...Get My Listings SOLD! 

 So I Googled My New Listing 11110 Hidden Trail Drive, Owings Mills, MD 21117 ... explains how I encourage sellers, buyers, clients, customers, neighbors, friends and even other agents to google my listings.

How did I find out about this? Way back in 2006 when ActiveRain was a newbie, a wonderful giving and sharing agent by the name of Gena Riede started a group called Listing By Address. This is just what I had been looking for. Each and every one of my listings are special, had to have a story and had to have a bit of a WOW...and this group gave me a place to show off!

Yes, blogging about Fruit stories Taking the Cherry Challenge  and Flat Caleb were a lot of fun and a way to get started.  There were dozens of posts about the paper dolls like this one Flat Caleb Gets High... Does anyone remember? Even used Caleb to celebrate my 100,000 point milestone. 

 Maybe it was like playing solitaire to learn how to use the mouse.                                              

We had a lot of fun, a lot of late nights but .... but come on guys!!

 The reason to blog (other than the enjoyment,  meeting professionals, networking, finding instant gratification and constant learning about this fabulous career of real estate) is to get my listings SOLD! That's right, my job is to get homes marketed to the widest audience, get them shown and get them SOLD.  The Main Reason to Blog...Get My Listings SOLD!

You don't forget someone who is a giver like Gena...and her generosity. Today I realized she has been absent for a long time when reading Active Rain Emails Continue to Come.   This is the comment I made.. "Gena, Delighted to see your post and delighted for the mention. I love your Listing by address group...Oh there is a blog a coming...stay tuned! There are over 2400 subscribers and over 18,000 posts. You have made a difference...thank you!!"

 Please make contact with Gena! Let's bring her back to ActiveRain. Let's show Gena the importance of her futuristic thinking and how she made us all better listing agents. Thank You to Gena Riede.

 The reason to blog ( other than the enjoyment,  meeting professionals, networking, finding instant gratification and constant learning about this fabulous career of real estate) is to get my listings SOLD! That's right, my job is to get homes marketed to the widest audience, get them shown and get them SOLD.  The Main Reason to Blog...Get My Listings SOLD!

 So I googled my new listing "11110 Hidden Trail" and the first six spots are mine! My new listing! 11110 Hidden Trail Drive in Owings Mills is being found on the search engines.

 This is a wonderful way to get exposure for listings. Are you blogging your listings on ActiveRain?

 Are you telling your sellers, your buyers, your friends, neighbors and even  other agents to Google your listings?

If not you are missing a great opportunity.  Take a look at what Google turned up in a very short time. It is even OK that my new listing is on a site of one of my competitors...more exposure for my seller. Also there is more exposure for my other listings.

 This is a wonderful way to get exposure for listings. Are you blogging your listings on ActiveRain? Are you telling your sellers, your buyers, your friends, neighbors and even  other agents to Google your listings? If not you are missing a great opportunity.   It is even OK that my new listing is on a site of one of my competitors...more exposure for my seller. Also there is more exposure for my other listings.