Stuart 's Blog

Don't turn back time...utilize every option to market and promote yourself

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:06:42 -0600

This is what makes Relify.com stand out from other Real Estate Sites!!!!

You maybe thinking that relify.com is just another real estate website...WE OFFER SO MUCH MORE. The site is designed for people who work in all facets of real estate. We designed a comprehensive real estate site.

Real Estate Posting section:

Broker Co-Op: as far as we know we are the ONLY site that makes this a required field when an Agent, Auction, For Sale By Owner, or Builder post on the site. We designed the system to allow for either a numerical value or letter value (ie. yes or no)

Auction Posting and Search:

We designed a place for real estate auction companies to post upcoming auctions and criteria that is specific to auctions. We are the ONLY site where real estate Auctions ALWAYS comes up in a search. If you search a zip code no matter what the price the auction is always displayed.

Agent Mortage Company and Home Services (Contractor and Resources) Profile:

The profile on Relify.com is designed to as a mini webpage. We allow Bio, Photos, Logo, Videos of either a property or a personal profile video (mini commercial about yourself), email, and links to multiple websites.

- Additional features under the profiles.
  - The real estate profile offers agents the advantage to post all of their listings to be displayed under their profile.
  - The mortgage profile displays the types of loans offered as well their States they are licensed in.
  - Home Services and Resources profile allows professionals to select the State and counties they serve.

Check out Relify.com, we are building a better real estate website for you and the consumer. With your support we can achieve this goal.

Thanks for your support and please forward our information along!

www.relify.com

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

Relify.com

From occupant to landlord...some things to keep in mind

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:26:12 -0500

Becoming a landlord may not be a choice in this market. Most people prefer to sell their home and look to the future to begin the next chapter of their life. If you are finding yourself with more than one home and in need of extra cash to cover your additional mortgages here are a few tips to help.

Get a lease. Even if you are renting to a friend or family member it is important to have something in writing.
Change your locks after you move out and after each tenant moves out.
Let your incoming tenant know they should consider getting renters insurance.
Get some background information on your incoming tenant.

Find a company that does credit checks

Call their previous landlord

Check current employment to verify income

Find a good handyman or contractor that does various types of work.
If you deal with a company that offers plumbing and electric and minor repair work you might be able to negotiate a deal for only using them on your property.
If you have doubts about someone financial ability to pay the rent - Remember - it can be more costly to evict someone than to have it vacant for a couple of extra months.
If you are moving far away or do not want to deal with managing your property consider a management company. It maybe worth it.
Provide your new tenant with local information including trash/recycle days and gas and electric numbers.

Remember you can post your rental properties for free on Relify.com. If you have any questions feel free to email me at relify@relify.com

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

relify.com

NAR's home values not on target in my book

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:44:55 -0500

I recently read an online article about how bad things are in Sacramento and the large subdivisions loosing their value. To the side I notice an ad that says "what's your home worth". I decide to check it out and enter an address. I am taken to the NAR official website and check out the value of my property. This is where my frustration begins and I am interested to get your opinion.

Let me preface my experience, about 6 weeks ago I refinanced a building I own and received an appraisal from a licensed appraiser. When viewing the appraisal on NAR's website the estimated value of my property was more than 20k BELOW the income approach used by the appraiser. In addition the NAR's evaluation was more than 75k BELOW the appraised value of the property. After I clicked on the property to get more information I get a range of about 90k spread...this must be a joke. It appears as though they pulled the public records, found the assessment of the property, and set up a spread.

I know how frustrating it can be when clients say "I was online and I see that the home I am interested in is worth X amount". Our job seems to be getting harder, now we have to explain how that number is configured and all that goes into the value of a property. When a client says that they got that information from NAR's website...well how do you explain to a client that the organization that you are apart of is flawed??? Real estate agents are the professionals that are supposed to be providing the most accurate and up to date information as possible. Do you think NAR knows the system is flawed and doesn't care? Or do they feel they need to offer estimates on homes because other sites offer it too?

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

www.relify.com

Thinking outside the box "refinance or purchase"

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:21:05 -0500

My daily ritual, get up, get ready for the day, work, come home check the mail and hang with the family. Usually, I sort my mail right at the recycle bin (as so much of what I get is junk mail and catalogues). A few weeks ago, one letter caught my eye. The front of the letter had the Bank of America logo on it and since I previously had a loan with them I felt I should look. Like so many home owners I received that dreadful letter: due to declining values we are freezing your equity line and as of this date you can no longer use it. Great...now what? The letter goes on to say that I can appeal the decision, but there is no guarantee anything would change. I can refinance, but who is going to give me another equity line in this economy since I am self employed in Maryland and stated loans are no longer allowed. I think about my options, I cannot get a Fannie or Freddie style loan since I do not fit the parameters. I can't go to a hard equity lender, it will cost me a fortune and probably not save that much money. Where do I go?

In my case I go to two networking events, one at the new Legg Mason Tower in Baltimore and then to a Greater Baltimore Board of Realtor event. I have a few drinks and talk with people in the real estate industry. The GBBR networking event turned out to be the ticket. As the event was winding down I was at the bar talking to a mortgage banker about my situation. Next to him was a nice; quiet gentleman who listened to my story. When I was thru he handed me his card and told me to call him. He is the vice president of residential lending for Midstate Federal Saving & Loan Association. His name is William Allen (Bill) and he told me that he could help me. I met with Bill and he explained that his company has a loan committee that reviews loans and makes decisions a couple times a month. How cool, this is really old style lending. Obviously they look at the whole portfolio and other attributes. After dealing with the processor she felt the loan would go thru.

Dealing with smaller banks can be a great option in this crazy lending market. Just to make sure I was getting a good deal from Midstate I called a few small banks in Baltimore to see what they could offer. After a few calls I realized I was getting a good deal on an investment property. If you need a lender who thinks outside the box call William at 443-761-6301 or email him at wallen@midstatefed.com.

Remember your small community banks, many of them have been around for decades! There is money out there for all types of deals you might just have to work harder to find them. I am pleased to say that I am now dealing with Midstate Federal Savings & Loan.

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

www.relify.com

A small brokerage in Maryland is expanding...check out the link for the video blog

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:35:27 -0500

Every Wednesday I go to the Broker Opens. This affords me the opportunity to see what is on in the market and to network with agents about my new website relify.com. This past Wednesday I had the opportunity today to go to a different kind of open house. This open house was for a new real estate office for a small real estate broker, Cummings & Co. Up until now they had one location in the heart of Baltimore City in an area known as Canton. In these times, I have witnessed some of the larger brokers close and consolidate their offices. I have seen small brokers affiliate with other small brokers to keep their offices afloat. When I heard about Cummings & Co. opening another office I was excited to hear about the success.

Here is a small broker going out on a limb to grow a business in a tough market. With an office in the City and now in one in Baltimore County, Cummings & Co. offers the best of both worlds to their agents and clients. I wish Dave Cummings and everyone at Cummings & Co. the best of luck with the new office. There are many great real estate companies in Baltimore with talented agents. I am writing this blog because it is so nice to hear success stories in real estate and I wanted to share it! You can locate and agent at Cummings & Co., or any other brokerage as well as going to www.relify.com and click locate an agent.

video blog link:

http://relify.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/small-broker-growing-in-tough-market/

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

www.relify.com search for your next home, locate an agent, contractor or mortgage broker at our comprehensive real estate website!

Feel Free to follow me on Twitter. http://twitter.com/relify

Here is a link to a recent article about the company. http://www.mddailyrecord.com/article.cfm?id=11310&type=UTTM

Giving back to your community

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:25:48 -0500

For me, being a real estate agent means more than just helping people buy and sell homes. I work with friends, family, and the general public to assuage their stress during a financial and emotional change. As many of us know it can take many, many man hours to locate the right property or eventually sell someone's home. I know that time is a precious commodity and as agents we tend to be ‘on call' for our clients but I feel it is so important to also give back to my community.

I am affiliated with the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors (GBBR) in Maryland. They recently had a booth at the Towson Town Spring Festival and I had the opportunity to give two hours of my day to educate the general public about buying or selling a home. This was one way I was able to give back to my community. I feel proud to be a part of GBBR and volunteer when needed. To learn more about GBBR and what they are about check out their website. www.gbbr.org

And remember - www.relify.com a comprehensive real estate website.

Please check out our video blog at:

http://relify.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/givng-back-to-the-community/

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

Relify.com

Feel Free to follow me on Twitter. http://twitter.com/relify

Here is a link to a recent article about the company. http://www.mddailyrecord.com/article.cfm?id=11310&type=UTTM

Relify.com's first video Blog

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:46:15 -0500

Check out our video blog on our personal blog page - here is the link:

http://relify.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/first-video-blog/

Video blogging is one of the goals of my company, Relify.com. The idea of the video blog for Relify.com is to tell stories about what is going on in the real estate industry whether it is an agent or contractor or mortgage broker. We want to do mini interviews that would never be seen otherwise.

The website is designed with video capabilities so agents and anyone posting on the site can promote themselves as well as their product. We have developed a website which created a way for every listing to have its on mini commercial for your listings or company.

So today I am testing my first video blog and this is the start of exploring new ways to get out there. So I hope you like my first video blog giving you an idea of what Relify.com is all about. Stay tuned to more to come.

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

www.relify.com

Feel Free to follow me on Twitter. http://twitter.com/relify

Finally got on Twitter how about you?

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:40:45 -0500

For the past couple of weeks I have been told to check out twitter. After several suggestions to try twitter, I did it. I looked around to find interesting people and so far I have found some. Since being on twitter I have found that some of the posts are relevant to our field and some just interesting facts about life. For example, someone posted about the Bronx Zoo needing to send some of the animals to others zoo. What is great about twitter is that it isn't about my friends (like facebook...which I like to) but I am learning so much from people all over the country. I have to say I am enjoying connecting with others and hearing about what is going on with people and events in different parts of the country. I was wondering what you think about twitter?

If you want to follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/relify

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

www.relify.com

First Article about Relify.com

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:55:29 -0500

It has been a long road but Relify.com launched just the other week. If you are not familiar with Relify.com we are a comprehensive real estate website. We have launched in Maryland and hope to become a national company. The site is designed by an agent and is desinged for agents to market and promote themselves as well as their properties for free. Come and take a look at the site and let me know what you think. www.relify.com

Here is a link to the first article about Relify.com

http://www.mddailyrecord.com/article.cfm?id=11310&type=UTTM

With support from the general public and agents Relify.com will grow and offer additional services to enhance your business and presence on the web.

Thanks again, let me know what you think. If you know any one who can benefit from out site please let them know know.

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

Relify.com

Relify.com ---Debt solutions for potential clients

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:01:37 -0600

In this market we are all looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. We continue to remain optimistic and hopeful that the market will soon turn around. If your business has slowed it may be time to look outside the box to build future revenue. Several agents have expressed that one problem with our market is finding buyers...qualified buyers. This got me thinking.

How can one develop future business with buyers who are currently unqualified? Some agents tell the client to call them back once they clean it up. I think agents need to be proactive with clients who are unqualified. Perhaps agents should have a few debt consolidation companies in their data base. This is just one more way to build a professional helpful relationship with your client.

I met with Dan Hyman from Monster Debt Solutions and discussed ways to help consumers in this difficult time. They offer ways to repair credit and help with debt settlement. Empowering yourself with knowledge is an additional tool to help clients. I believe that the more information I have and can give to client's only helps build trusting relationships. As we all know when we effectively help one client we foster positive word of mouth which is the best form of advertising. Good luck!

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

www.relify.com

I have no affiliation with this company, but wanted to share a review after meeting with them and learning what they could offer.

To view more about Monster Debt Solutions go to www.monsterdebtsolutions.com

To find out more about all the programs they can offer contact:

Dan Hyman

1888.97.DEBTS(33287)

Relify.com Real Estate Review - Silo Point Development, Baltimore, MD

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:32:16 -0500

Relify.com Real Estate Review

1700 Beason Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 -- Silo Point Development - Sales by CSM partners, Seller's Agent

I have no affiliation with this property, but wanted to share a review after having a tour of the project.

Views, views, and more spectacular views is what Silo point is about. If looking out onto Baltimore's beautiful harbor is what you want then, Silo Point is the place for you. This new development has over 30 types of floor plans for 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms with prices ranging from $264,900 to $390,001 for a 1bedroom. Two bedroom condos range from $450,490 to $837,000. In the Sky Tower the prices are from $455,000 to $630,000 with the penthouse condos from $950,000-$1,300,000. There are of course two penthouses priced around $4,000,000 for the person who wants it all!

Designed with large windows, these condos offer a lot of natural light as well as a feeling of wide open space. Some other features I liked about the property were the size of the balconies, a half bath in every apartment and large walk in closets. The open kitchens include granite counter tops and modern amenities such as the AMX monitor. The AMX monitor is a state of the art control panel system for the condo. Another amenity Silo Point has is the online service called "Jack" concierge. I would classify the over all style of these condos as urban chic.

If you are not familiar with this property, Silo point was built in 1923 and was a grain storage facility. Parts of the original structure are incorporated into the project. Upon full completion the new structure will include a restaurant, fitness/wellness facility, 24 hour doorman, billiards room, parking garage and more. The condos are ready for occupancy. Silo Point is being developed by Turner Development. To learn more about this project and their other developments go to www.turnerdevelopment.com.

To view more about Silo Point go to www.silopoint.com

This is a state of the art facility. To find out more about the project and all it has to offer contact the Sales agent:

Holly Winfield

410.539.SILO (7456)

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

www.relify.com

Relify.com thanks Nick Elko - Equitable Trust Mortgage Networking Event

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:30:10 -0500

As with most industries, networking is a large part of the real estate industry. For a deal to work in real estate we need people in various industries to get it done. It is important to know the right people in all fields or real estate including, mortgage, title and home inspection to complete a deal. All of us need to work together to assist our clients efficiently with their transaction. Even with established relationships there can be complications and the need for new resources as a back up plan.

Going to different networking events and keeping your options open to new potential companies to assist you in your business is always beneficial. Over the past few years I have been attempting to increase my exposure by attending various networking events. I enjoy meeting new people and ‘talking shop' and encourage anyone out there to meet others in our industry. Equitable Trust Mortgage has been having events just for this purpose.

If you are interested in his future networking events in Baltimore, MD feel free to contact Nick at nelko@etmbaltimore.com

If you are looking to refinance or purchase a home contact

Nick Elko at Equitable Mortgage via his website www.nickelko.com or by phone at 410-583-4760

Thanks again for nice networking event

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

www.relify.com

Do you go to Broker's Opens Based on Food? -- Relify.com

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:25:18 -0500

In Baltimore Brokers opens are held on Wednesday. I love going to Broker's Open. I get to see alot of homes in a short period of time and I usually run into colleges and talk about what is going on in the industry. Some of the Brokers will offer lunch at the open house. I think it is nice but it is not necessary. I have found that some agents will view homes with lunch first or only ones with food instead of taking advantage of having multiple houses open at once.

Do you look at a house based on food or because you are curious about the property?

I would love to hear what you think.

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

www.relify.com

Starting in Maryland --- Relify.com

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:19:45 -0500

Most real estate agents are looking for new ways to promote themselves and their listings. Developed by a real estate agent, landlord and former mortgage banker this new website is doing just that. Last week Relify.com launched their website in Maryland to start Beta Testing. The Official launch to the general public will be October 2008. The website is designed to encompass real estate and all of the supporting industries. The premise is to find a house, maintain it and eventually sell it. Relify.com offers the consumer a site to find anything they need/want when it comes to their house.

Over the next couple of weeks we will be working the bugs out of the system, but feel free to come and play around with the system. We are looking for feedback from agents as to what they like and dislike about the site.

Thank you for taking the tine to visit www.relify.com

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

Deals are hard on both sides? ---- Relify.com

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:56:03 -0500

A few years ago sellers were thinking what do we do to earn our commissions. A house comes on the market and a lot of the time the seller would get multiple offers and the deal is done. At settlement the seller looks at the HUD and wonders what did the agent do. He put a sign on my yard, listed it on the MLS and possible some advertising. During this time the deal was tougher on the buyers agent to make sure the offer was right and if it wasn't dealing with an upset client. We'll times have changed and now the sellers realized that it takes work to sell a house and the buyers feel that they are in no rush and want the sky.

From talking to other agents I am hearing every deal is hard since both sides are being tough on a deal. The sellers need every penny and the buyers want what they want or they will keep looking.

What do you think about this when doing deals.

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

www.relify.com

Million Dollar Listing on Bravo TV ------ Relify.com

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:33:05 -0500

Has anyone seen Million Dollar Lisitng on Bravo? Here is the premise of the show. Three real estate agents in Los Angeles under 30 who sell millions of dollars worth of real estate a year. They make it look so easy but just like all real estate agents they work 24/7 but have a much bigger payoff. We all work hard to sell our listings and reprent our buyers but not matter how hard we work most markets do not have the commissions that these agents achieve in LA. To someone not in the industry they probably fee that agents do little work and make lots of money. I do find the show entertaining and interesting but I take it for what it is.

What are your thoughts on the show if you have seen it.

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

www.relify.com

Relify.com will start Beta Testing the new site next week, plese feel free to visit and let us know what you think.

Relify.com REal Estate Review - 5 Bedrooms in "Ruxton" Baltimore, MD

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:37:45 -0500

Relify.com Real Estate Review

1111 Malvern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21204 is a property listed by Hill & Co. Realtors

I have no affiliation with this property, but wanted to share a review after attending an open house.

Situated on top of a hill this Nantucket-style colonial home boasts a large rear deck overlooking a wooded area with a stream. The front of this house has a large stone patio and stone retaining wall. Upon entering the home you walk into the living room which has hardwood floors and a lovely ornate fire place. A large screened in porch is off of the living room which also offers access to the rear deck. The first floor also includes a dining room, mud room, kitchen and den. The kitchen has a stainless steel LG French door refrigerator/freezer and is designed with a breakfast bar as well as a sitting area. The second floor is has a master bedroom with a sitting area and walk in closet. There are two more bedrooms and a small den which share a full bath. Off of the den is a small balcony which overlooks the rear of the house. On the third floor there is a full bath which is shared by two more rooms. The skylight offers plenty of natural light into the third floor. Additional features include, an intercom, new furnace, alarm system, cedar closet, chair railing and crown molding. Overall this is a very nice house! If you are interested in living in the Ruxton area this home may fit your needs.

To find out more about the house and get the full disclosure regarding this property please contact the listing agent:

Nan Greif or Sue Miller

410.435.2000

MLS#BC6729832

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

http://www.relify.com/

Relify.com Real Estate Review - Charming Carriage House in "Ruxton" Baltimore, MD

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:59:29 -0500

Relify.com Real Estate Review

1844 Circle Road Towson, Maryland 21204 is a property listed by O'Conor & Mooney, LLC.

I have no affiliation with this property, but wanted to share a review after attending an open house.

This gorgeous 4 bedroom restored carriage house is located among tall trees on a private lane. Walking up towards the front porch made me feel so relaxed I wanted to sit on the hammock and read a book as I felt like I was walking up to a vacation home. The juxtaposition of old world charm and modern amenities was magnificent as I entered the two story foyer and looked around. The first floor offers a massive kitchen/family room with a stone fireplace, several large windows overlooking the landscaped front lawn. The kitchen boasts top of the line appliances like, granite countertops, a 6 burner Commercial grade gas range, a stainless steel GE monogram refrigerator/freezer and Bosch dishwasher. There is also a grand living room, formal dining room, study, and breakfast room. The large French doors throughout the house coupled with the 2 grand fireplaces provide an elegant feel to this very cozy home.

The second floor contains all 4 bedrooms, a family room and study all of which have pine wood flooring. The master suite offers large walk in closets, several windows with a tree top view and a master bathroom. The master bathroom has 2 Kohler sinks, a large master jet bathtub with a separate glass shower. The recessed lighting and plantation shutters in the bathroom complete the relaxed feel of the bathroom. The additional bedrooms contain the same charm as the rest of the house as the second bedroom has a beautiful French door window and the third and fourth bedrooms offer plantation shutters.

Additional features/amenities this house provides include; oil boiler furnace Vaillant (1996), two zoned AC, computerized whole house security system, new wiring and plumbing throughout. If you are in the market for a charming and elegant home in Ruxton this is a must see!

To find out more about the house and get the full disclosure regarding this property please contact the listing agent:

Tom Mooney and Megan Wolfe and Hope Wagner

410.321.8800

MLS#BC6560928

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

http://www.relify.com/

Relify.com Real Estate Review - Grand Elegance in "Guilford" Baltimore, MD

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:47:28 -0500

Relify.com Real Estate Review

4310 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 is a property listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

I have no affiliation with this property, but wanted to share a review after attending an open house.

From the moment you enter the front door of this 1920's mansion, you are taken back in time to sheer elegance and grandeur. The entrance is designed with a large foyer with 10 foot coffered ceilings, oak parquet with mahogany inlay, mahogany doors, lead crystal doorknobs and more. This home has three full floors which total over 8,000 square feet of living space. Each floor has so much to offer. The first floor of this home consists of a large eat-in kitchen, butler's pantry, living room, dining room, sun room, and a library. Each of these rooms are large and spacious. The kitchen has a center island with Fisher & Paykel gas cook top stove, 2 ovens and Sub-zero refrigerator/freezer.

The second floor consists of the master suite which is two rooms that share a restored marble bathroom. Three more bedrooms, a sitting room/office and two more bathrooms complete the second floor. Five rooms make up the third floor. Four of the rooms share two bathrooms and there is a bonus room. The top floor has a lot of natural light from the original skylight which brighten ups the living room/play room area. Additional features include four fire places, an outside porch, a bricked patio area, outside terrace and a two car attached garage with a small apartment with a kitchen-net. This home has had major recent renovations to the kitchen, furnace and roof (just to name a few) and is a true diamond waiting to be purchased and enjoyed.

To find out more about the house and get the full disclosure regarding this property please contact the listing agent:

John Menton or Nicole Lindt

410.821.1700

MLS#BA6708205

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

http://www.relify.com/

Relify.com Real Estate Review-Exquisite Renovation in "Guilford" Baltimore, MD

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:11:24 -0500

Relify.com Real Estate Review

3806 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 is a property listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

I have no affiliation with this property, but wanted to share a review after attending an open house.

When entering this house my initial thought was, WOW, what a fantastic renovation! This move in ready home has been updated while maintaining some of its old charm. The small foyer leads down to a large great room which consists of the living room and dinning room. There is a lot of natural light which accents the oversized fireplace and large mantel in the center of the room. Off of the living room is the office/study which has a tile floor, built-in book shelves and a door leading to the outdoor stone patio. The patio can also be accessed via the living room and master bedroom. The first floor master bedroom has a lovely gas fireplace and a large walk-in closet. The owners did an amazing job on renovating the master bathroom with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, a double sink with granite counter tops, tiled shower and soaking tub. The neutral colors in this bathroom give it a spa like feel. The remaining four bedrooms and two bathrooms are located upstairs. Both upstairs bathrooms were nicely renovated as well.

This house has a fabulous gourmet style kitchen which includes granite counter tops, a Wolf stove/oven, Sub-zero refrigerator/freezer, two draw dishwasher, Kitchen Aide oven and warming draw. There is plenty of space for a breakfast table as well. The one car garage is off the kitchen which is quite convenient. If you are searching for a move in ready home in Guilford with all of the bells and whistles, then put this one on your list to see!

To find out more about the house contact the listing agent:

Julie Cahan

410.235.4100

MLS#BA6708704

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

http://www.relify.com/

Relify.com Real Estate Review - Unique 1st floor in "Canton" Baltimore, MD

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:15:39 -0500

Relify.com Real Estate Review

3144 Foster Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224 is a property listed by Long and Foster Real Estate

I have no affiliation with this property, but wanted to share a review after attending an open house.

This modern-day-design end of group rowhome boasts an open floor plan with many upgrades throughout. The exposed brick walls, beautiful hardwood floors and natural light are just some of the many features that make this move in ready house an inviting place to call home. The raised center kitchen offers granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a tray/vaulted ceiling. There is a dining room and living room on either side of the kitchen. The second floor has three bedrooms and two full baths. There is a balcony off the master bedroom which offers space for sharing a cup of coffee and enjoying a small garden. One of the other bedrooms has high ceilings, exposed brick wall and recessed lighting. With parking a premium this home offer a garage! If Canton is where you are looking this home may fit your needs.

To find out more about the house contact the listing agent:

Steve Paxton

410.675.1244

MLS#BA6530047

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

http://www.relify.com/

Relify.com Real Estate Review - 5 Levels of Luxury in "Canton" Baltimore, MD

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:11:22 -0500

Relify.com Real Estate Review

1119 Highland Avenue S, Baltimore, MD 21224 is a property listed by Long and Foster Real Estate

I have no affiliation with this property, but wanted to share a review after attending an open house.

Built in 2005 this brick townhouse in Canton is an exquisite property. Entering the front door you notice a beautiful marble foyer leading to a bedroom and full bath down the hall. This 3 story townhouse includes a rooftop deck, finished basement and attached one car garage. There is lovely detailed iron work on the railings leading upstairs to the kitchen, dining and family room which all have hardwood floors. The kitchen includes a center island with a sink and seating for three. This gourmet kitchen also includes granite counter tops, a gas stove, stainless steel appliances, lots of cabinets as well as a tiled back splash over the stove. There is an L shaped counter area in the kitchen which separates the dining room and rear deck.

On the second floor is the master bedroom and master bath. The master bath has a corner jet tub, granite counter double sink, and a stand alone tiled all glass shower. There is an additional bedroom on this floor with a full bath. Above the third floor is a spacious roof top deck and wet bar and views of the harbor. An additional feature throughout the house is an intercom/stereo system. This home has a lot to offer someone looking in the Canton area.

To find out more about the house contact the listing agent:

Maria Fotiadis

410.515.4100

MLS#BA6647322

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

http://www.relify.com/

Relify.com Real Estate Review--Charming Canton Townhouse, Baltimore, MD

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:11:44 -0500

Relify.com Real Estate Review

3414 Toone Street, Baltimore, MD 21224 is a property listed by Home Selling Assistance

I have no affiliation with this property, but wanted to share a review after attending an open house.

Just over a block from the water near the First Mariner Bank in Canton this home built in the 1920, combines original detail with modern updates. The spacious living room has hardwood floors, high ceilings, and a gorgeous marble inlay fire place and mantle. There is a separate dining room with the original ornate inlay in the hardwoods floors, high ceilings, another marble inlay fire place and mantle. Concrete countertops, birch kitchen cabinets, gas stove, stainless steel appliances and exposed brick wall make up the kitchen. There is a large backyard off the kitchen. The second story of the house contains all three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. I have to mention that for a home built in the 1920's in Canton this one really impressed me with how wide it felt inside. If Canton is an area of interest for you and you want a good juxtaposition of old and new, then I would check this house out.

To find out more about the house contact the listing agent:

Janet Romm

410.732.3939

MLS#BA6549413

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

http://www.relify.com/

Relify.com------Should Seller's be at Open House's??

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:13:18 -0500

Over the past few months I have been to a couple of open houses and Brokers opens when the seller was there. I do not know how you feel but I do not enjoy being in the house with them. When I go to an open I like to look around and get a feel of the house and discuss my thoughts and opinion with the agent. When the seller is there I do not feel free to express myself. I feel like the owner is watching me and looking for the feedback on their house, which is difficult to do. I wonder if the remarks I make will be taken to heart as many sellers are emotional about the sale of their house and the condition that it is in. What are your thoughts, does it bother you if the seller is at an open??? Does it bother your clients (as buyers tend to want to envision themselves in the house and not the previous owners)???

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

http://www.relify.com/

Relify.com Real Estate Review-Incredible View of Lake Roland in Baltimore

Stuart Berman (Relify.com ) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:44:01 -0500

Relify.com Real Estate Review

6037 Hollins Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210 is a property listed by Yerman, Witman, Gaines & Garceau Realty

I have no affiliation with this property, but wanted to share a review after attending an open house.

Built on a hill this home offers amazing views of Lake Roland and the falls. The proximity to nature coupled with contemporary architecture makes this home a must see. Designed by Jimmy Greives, this house has three bedrooms and three full baths. The main level contains the kitchen, family room and den. The lower level has two bedrooms that overlook the deck and pool. The top floor houses the master suit and bath. The suit contains a fire place, sitting area, a two person Jacuzzi tub, stand alone shower, two vanities, and plenty of closet space.

The large kitchen on the main level has a Vulcan stove and side by side Sub-Zero's. Off the kitchen is a den as well as a sitting area which overlooks the two story great room. The great room has a fire place, brick floor and access to the wine room. There is a four car garage and extra parking for guests. This is a very unique and spacious home!

To find out more about the house contact the listing agent:

Michael Yerman

410.583.0400

MLS#BC6699663

Stuart Berman

Co-founder

http://www.relify.com/