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Baltimore City, MD Real Estate News

By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Handcraft Happy Hour - A New Quilt Shop in BaltimoreMy friend Megan and I stopped by Handcraft Happy Hour yesterday, they have only been open a week.  And, what a good time we had.  We happened to drop in during their Open Sew Social, where people drop in and sew and socialize with other like-minded sewists.Handcraft Happy Hour is located in The Meadow Mill, located at 3600 Clipper Mill Rd, Suite 117, Baltimore, MD 21211. The Meadow Mill is in Hampden in a repurposed Mill building along with a few other businesses including a pottery shop and La Cuchara Restaurant. The shop is open Wednesday and Thursday 11 am - 5 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 6 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 5 pm. Jenni, the shop owner is friendly and welcoming. She offered us refreshments when we came in and she had Megan...
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By Michael J. Perry, Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist
(KW Elite )
.       My favorite Christmas present this year was a pareof Socks (lol) . But as you can see these weren’t ordinary old socks . As a young boy I became a hugefan of the 1966 Baltimore Orioles and my favorite player Frank Robinson . Anchoring 3B was future Hall of Famer and the most beloved Oriole ever ,Brooks Robinson . Finally there was a 3rd future Hall of Famer , 20 year old Jim “ Cakes “ Palmer, whoshowed up big in his World Series win. In addition,larger than life Boog “BQ” Powell hit a ton of HR’s playing 1B. At SS was veteran Luis Aparicio one of the best Shortstops for over 10 years and a very dangerous baserunner ( SB Leader ) .   The O’s won the American League Championship and were huge underdogs against the reigning Champs the LA Dodgers . Everyone ( but the O’s) knew it wa...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Renew Baltimore - Breathing Life Back into Our CityFor as long as I can remember Baltimore City and its residents have been paying higher property taxes than surrounding counties.Renew Baltimore is encouraging registered voters in the City of Baltimore to sign their petition to limit and lower Baltimore City's Property tax rate.  Their goal is to help every neighborhood in the city by lowering the cost of living and increasing property values.  Lowering the property tax rate will encourage job growth in the city by helping businesses.  More people would be encouraged to stay in the city and to move to Baltimore if the property tax rates were lower.  And, with a lower tax rate investors would be more interested in converting the high number of vacant and boarded-up homes to livable resid...
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By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
I Am Conserving Water But Not Saving MoneyIt is true.  I am conserving water, but I am not saving money.I am conserving water and Baltimore City is saving money.It is amazing that month after month after month after month . . . . my water bill shows that I have used the exact same amount of water and hence that I am being charged the exact same amount each month.I did not ask to be put on a budget plan, whereby my bill would be the same every month, at least, until the end of the year when they would adjust it for my actual usage.  I do not even think that they have a budget plan.Apparently, they are estimating my bill every month.Ultimately, I suspect that I will see the savings, but I would like to see the savings now.Since I am the one who is and has been conserving, I would like to ...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Johns Hopkins Live Near Your Work ProgramThrough the Live Near Your Work Program, the Johns Hopkins Health System, in partnership with the City of Baltimore and the state of Maryland, provides financial assistance for eligible employees to purchase homes in designated areas near their place of employment. This benefit is available for employees of their Baltimore-based organizations.If you are thinking about buying a home in Baltimore City and you are actively employed by Johns Hopkins, you could be eligible for a grant of up to $14,500 towards your downpayment and closing costs. The house must be located within the specific boundaries that qualify for the program, as shown on the boundary maps.Before you apply for a Live Near Your Work (LNYW) grant, make sure you meet the 3 eligibility...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Buying Into Baltimore Winter Trolley TourAre you thinking about buying a home in Baltimore City, but you aren't sure where to start? This is the event for you. The Live Baltimore Winter 2024 Trolley Tour is coming up on February 3 from 8 am to 1 pm.  The event is held at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute on the corner of Coldspring Lane and Falls Road.You'll explore a dozen neighborhoods in Central Baltimore City.You can attend expert-led workshops on the home-buying process AND you can become eligible for $5000 toward your next home purchase!But, you need to register ahead of time!!  For more information about the event and to register, visit here!!You will also want to check out my other blogs about qualifying for grants and downpayment assistance programs in Baltimore City.For more inf...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
B & O Museum to Open 12 New Cars to the PublicWho doesn't love trains, especially antique, collectible ones!! When my youngest son was little he loved trains, we watched Thomas the Tank Engine videos until I could almost recite each one verbatim. We had a family membership to the B & O Railroad Museum and we visited there frequently.  The day the roof collapsed on the Round House I had to drive him down there to see, he was frantic about the trains and wouldn't sleep until he saw it for himself.  Now, he's 25 years old, he still likes trains but is not as obsessed with them as he was then, but, he sure got excited about this new exhibit. On a designated date each month the B & O Museum will unveil a new train to be toured for a total of 12 cars, one a month.  We have already missed Janu...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Baltimore's 2024 Winter Restaurant WeekBaltimore's 2024 Restaurant Week starts on January 26, 2024, and runs through February 4, 2024. This is a great time to get out, shake off the winter blahs, and try a new restaurant.  Many local eateries feature a fixed-price breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.   Some of the places I'm looking forward to trying are:Abbey Burger Bar, Federal HillAmicci's of Little ItalyBlue Island Malaysian Cuisine in Lexington MarketThe Empanada Lady in the Bromo Arts Districtand I want to go back to:The Waterfront Hotel in Fell's PointSobo Cafe in Federal HillMama's on the Half Shell in CantonWho wants to join me? 
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
I had an appointment in Towson yesterday and since it was just a few minutes to 3500 Fallstaff Rd, a gorgeous 1940s custom all-brick colonial, listed by Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, I had to call her and get a personal tour! You see, this property has some very special features that I just adore (like the two sunrooms, the arched doorways, the custom molding, the curved staircase, the slate roof, the flagstone walkways), and one that we don't see very often: a vestibule with rich mahogany woodwork. The previous owner was in the lumber business and it shows throughout the house! Not only is the vestibule beautiful, but it is also super practical, as Margaret pointed out. In times of porch pirates and weather events, this vestibule offers a dry space to drop off packages or groce...
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By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
Inflation: What Can You Do?First, it looks like inflation is starting to get under control.  Most experts are predicting that the Fed will not raise rates in 2024 and that it may actually lower rates a couple of times.However, just last week, I stopped in a grocery store near one of my listings.  I had never been to this particular grocery store, so I went mostly out of curiosity.  The store was large, well stocked with a variety of foods, very clean, and it had quite a few shoppers.  But, when I looked at the prices, I was shocked.  No wonder people are concerned about inflation.  Nearly every item that I price checked was about twice the price of what I normally pay.Note my last sentence.  The prices were twice that of what I normally pay, which implies that there are places, if you c...
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By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
Make an Offer before we take it to auctionAt auction, it will cost you a $10,000 buyer premium, plus the full amount for transfer and recordation taxes.Baltimore City Investment Property; Live In It While You Renovate It312 E 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218Price: $180,000It needs to be renovated, but it is livable.Located right in the heart of Baltimore City --- Walk, bike, bus, or drive to Johns Hopkins University, Maryland Institute College of the Arts (MICA), Morgan State University, or Loyola University --- Short distance to Druid Hill Park or Herring Run Park and Lake Montebello --- 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath on the upper level --- 1 bedroom and 1 full bath on the main level --- Home has been inspected to Baltimore City rental requirements --- Covered front porch and foyer --- Pri...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Park Towers WestUnit #3057121 Park Heights Ave.Baltimore, Maryland21215 This luxurious 1422-square-foot condo features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full range of services. The tiled foyer has a huge walk-in closet, providing ample storage space. This unit is on the third floor and boasts replacement windows, a gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a five-burner gas stove, and a pantry with slide-out drawers. A wall of windows and a sliding glass door lead to a covered balcony, perfect for taking in the beautiful sunrise views. The private primary bedroom includes a luxury bath, a special jetted tub, and mirrors. The second bedroom is bright and features custom built-ins.There is also a laundry and many closets throughout the unit. The extra-l...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Sunday, December 31, 2023, is the last day of the year, but it is the first showing of this home at 3500 Fallstaff; perhaps we could sell it 123!Open HouseSunday 2:15- 3:15   Welcome to this beautiful all-brick colonial home located in Fallstaff, northwest Baltimore. The house boasts of custom-built Flemish bond brickwork and a slate roof. The landscaped corner lot is well-maintained with flagstone walkways and a patio, making it a perfect place for relaxation and gardening enthusiasts.The original owner, who was in the lumber business, incorporated mahogany and oak extensively throughout the house, adding to its warmth and charm. As you enter the home, you will be welcomed by a cozy vestibule (flanked with guest closets) that leads to a spacious foyer, separating the formal living and...
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By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
$3 Billion to Renovate Vacant Houses in Baltimore CityThere are, at least, 15,000 vacant properties in Baltimore City.The City of Baltimore is trying to scrape together $3,000,000,000, and maybe as much as $8,000,000,000 to renovate these 15,000 properties and possibly as many as 45,000 properties.Here are some thoughts and ideas regarding this monumental initiative:Good!  It is about time!  These houses are dangerous to adjoining properties, dangerous to fire fighters, utility workers, and citizens.  They have been used as drug stash houses, locations for dog fighting, extremely inadequate squatting houses for the homeless, and other undesirable activities.They are a psychological impediment to good health and to the development of strong minds.They are a breeding grounds for disease.T...
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By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
Baltimore City Investment Property; Live In It While You Renovate It 312 E 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218Price: $180,000It needs to be renovated, but it is livable.Located right in the heart of Baltimore City --- Walk, bike, bus, or drive to Johns Hopkins University, Maryland Institute College of the Arts (MICA), Morgan State University, or Loyola University --- Short distance to Druid Hill Park or Herring Run Park and Lake Montebello --- 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath on the upper level --- 1 bedroom and 1 full bath on the main level --- Home has been inspected to Baltimore City rental requirements --- Covered front porch and foyer --- Privacy fenced back yard and level entrance to rear of house --- Front entrance to basement --- Renovated Value $325,000+ --- Property owner pays a tax su...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
MTA Suspends Light Rail Service IndefinitelyThe Maryland Transit Authority has indefinitely suspended the Baltimore area's light rail service.  The suspension started on December 8 and there is no indication as to how long this suspension will be in effect.  The reason given was because of recent mechanical issues that required the inspection of the entire fleet of 53 rail cars. The MTA will begin shuttle bus service at all light rail stations which requires them to pull 3 buses off their regular routes to fill the gap. This will result in major delays and huge inconveniences for those who depend on public transportation. For more information read here.
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Just Rented - 611 Brisbane Rd, Baltimore, MD 21229I brought this homeowner a ready willing and able tenant that was acceptable to the owner and they signed the lease.I screened the prospect, verified their income and rental history and all were acceptable to the owner. Do you have a property that needs a tenant?  Let me help you find a suitable tenant for your property.    
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
A Love Letter to 3500 Fallstaff Road, Baltimore, MD 21215             Goodbye, 3500 Fallstaff Road, our beautiful, comfortable, wonderful home of so many years. Adios, addio, adieu. Miriam and I still love you, but it’s time to go, as we’re off to our new apartment in a senior living facility.             We’ve loved living within your walls these many years: fifty for Miriam and thirty-two for me. She and her former husband, Martin Alan Fine, bought you and moved here in March, 1973. After Marty's untimely death in 1987 at age 54, Miriam took care of you alone until I came along and joined her in 1991. We finally married in 2017, under a trellis in your leafy backyard.              In 1992, we enclosed your porch and turned it into a much-used music room.   Then in 1999, we remodeled a...
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By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
Why Do So Many Investors Ask The Same Stupid Question?"How low of a price will the owner take?"Many of them ask this question before they even look at the property.They ask the question before they ask anything about the property.They will ask the question even when they do not know where the property is located.They will ask the question before they have done any research on prices in the particular area.In other words, they start to negotiate from a standpoint of complete ignorance.Let's see, the property is priced at $200,000.  The owner will consider an offer of $250,000.Huh? But the asking price is only $200,000.Right!  I can be just as stupid as you.Many sellers are willing to negotiate on price, but answering a ridiculous question like this at this early point in the process woul...
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By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
They Want Unlimited Access To The PropertyI have a house listed.  The house is vacant   The house needs considerable work and will probably be purchased by an investor.An offer is emailed to me.As part of their offer, they have a clause that states that the seller will provide unlimited access to the property, via a seller provided lock box.This is so that their inspectors, contractors, and vendors can see the property.  I do not know what they mean by vendors.Their offer is for 70% of the listed price.They are from out of state and have not seen the property and nobody has seen it on their behalf. If you actually intend to purchase the property, then look at it first, or have someone look at it on your behalf.  That is how the process works.  Do not tie up a listing while you clown aro...
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