lanette in bel air: LaMarvelous vs. MyHomie: Ravens Soaring to AFC Championship - 01/24/24 10:43 PM
Hey Bel Air Peeps, it's your girl Lanette, and guess what's causing a buzz in Charm City? Our beloved Ravens, led by none other than the one and only Lamar Jackson, are battling Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Playoffs this Sunday! And you better believe I'm all in, radiating that purple pride.
Now, let's dive into the quarterback face-off. Lamar Jackson, aka in the Branch household as LaMarvelous, is leading the Ravens charge. Oh, how I love seeing him work his magic on the field. He runs. He passes. He passes, then he runs—to catch his … (5 comments)

lanette in bel air: Winter Property Showings: Thy Middle Name is “Drama” - 01/23/24 02:59 PM
Hey, Bel Air Crew! Lanette here, surviving the winter real estate hustle and bustle. This weekend's showing, though, was an adventure on a whole new level, and I've got to spill the snow – I mean, tea.
 
Picture this: a property on a busy street, no street parking, and a driveway that looked like a snowman's haven—untouched by human hands or shovels. It was practically a winter wonderland, but not the good kind.
It was Fresh as the New Fallen Snow
As I approached, my buyer had already taken the plunge and parked—or should I say nestled?—into the untouched snow. I don’t think you … (5 comments)

lanette in bel air: FSBO vs. FAFO: The Risks of Going Solo in Real Estate - 01/17/24 01:09 AM
Hey, Bel Air neighbors! It's your real estate aficionado, Lanette, here to spill the tea on a real estate trend that's more of a trick than a treat*: FSBO, or For Sale By Owner. Now, I like to call it "Foolish Seller's Bold Odyssey," but I digress.
Going FSBO might seem like a money-saving move, but let me tell you, it's the epitome of being penny-wise and dollar-dumb. I say that because navigating real estate without a pro is like playing chess blindfolded against a Grandmaster—a not-so strategic move that just might leave you in checkmate. Just as a Sensei guides his … (4 comments)

lanette in bel air: Purple Hues & Real Estate Views: A Colorful Take on 'The Color Purple' - 01/13/24 11:34 AM
Hey, Bel Air fam! Lanette here, diving into the world of cinematic brilliance with a twist of real estate musings. So, guess what recently graced a screen near me? Yep, the timeless classic, "The Color Purple." Now, let me spill the tea, add a splash of real estate wisdom, and stir in some Brown folk commentary – it's a Lanette special!
First off, let’s talk about what I consider the most iconic quote from this movie. Y’all remember when Celie held up her hand, pointing to Mister, with curved index and middle fingers and said—as she was rolling out the door, after … (0 comments)

lanette in bel air: AI's Secret Sauce Demystified: Netflix and Who's Selling Next? - 01/12/24 02:14 PM
Hey, Bel Air crew!
Lanette in the house, and today we're diving headfirst into the tech whirlwind that is Artificial Intelligence, "AI". Buckle up because we're about to demystify the secret sauce behind your streaming recommendations and apply that magic to our beloved world of real estate. *
Now, I know AI might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but trust me, it's the not-so-secret maestro making things click and tick in the background. Just imagine, if you will, Netflix suggesting your next binge-worthy show—a boss move that makes you question if Netflix has been reading your mind. That, my friends, … (7 comments)

lanette in bel air: AI in Real Estate: A Double-Edged Sword? - 01/09/24 08:11 PM
Hey, beautiful souls!
It's Lanette, your Realtor Bae, diving into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on our lives, especially in real estate. Let's chat about the pros and cons as I see them in my own journey, shall we?
AI Unveiling Unique Beauty: In my own personal exploration, AI has become a powerful ally in crafting unique images that celebrate the beauty of brown people. For me, It's about more than just visuals. AI has been a tool for creating representation that resonates authentically. In this context, AI is the brush, and I'm the artist, painting a canvas of … (8 comments)

lanette in bel air: Selling in Bel Air, Maryland: Do it Like a Boss! - 01/09/24 01:12 PM
Hey, Bel Air neighbors!
It's your go-to Realtor Bae, Lanette, and I've got the lowdown on why saying farewell to your Bel Air home could be the ultimate power move right now.
So, here's the deal – the real estate scene in Bel Air is blazing, hotter than a jalapeño in a heatwave. And guess what? Your humble abode could be the main event. Why? Because we're talking low inventory, folks! With a measly 44 Actives and a paltry 9 Coming Soons, your home could be the diamond in the rough, the crown jewel in a city that's already pretty darn fabulous.
Now, let's … (1 comments)

lanette in bel air: Lights, Camera, Chocolate: Lanette's Take on Movies, Oprah, and More! - 01/08/24 11:14 PM
Lights, Camera, Chocolate: Lanette's Take on New Movies, Ageless Oprah, and the Sweet Symphony of Destressing!
Hey, Bel Air fam!
Lanette here, spilling the tea on the silver screen wonders currently gracing our theaters. From the timeless allure of "The Color Purple" to the whimsical world of "Wonka," it's a cinematic feast. But let's talk real talk – does anyone above the age of 25 still venture to the theaters these days?
I've got my eyes set on #TheColorPurple because, let's be honest, nothing beats the magic of the original – the one where Oprah was ON the screen, not just behind it as … (5 comments)

lanette in bel air: Purple Reign: Ravens Soaring to the Super Bowl - 01/07/24 10:40 PM
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Hey, Bawlmer Champions! Lanette here, riding the wave of purple euphoria as our beloved Baltimore Ravens clinch their spot in the playoffs. Buckle up, 'cause we're not just making a pit stop – we're going all the way to the Super Bowl, and you better believe it! 🏈💜
In the dance of destiny, the Ravens are on fire, and the only stink in the air is the whiff of defeat trailing behind the Steelers. #RavensRoost, are you feeling the surge of excitement? I sure am! It's time to paint the town purple and gold because we're on a mission, and it's stink-free … (7 comments)

lanette in bel air: Fireside Real Estate: Your Burning Questions, My Sizzling Answers! - 01/07/24 09:19 PM
Hey, Bel Air fam! Lanette here, welcoming you to a scorching session of #RealEstateQandA to kick off the New Year with a bang! 🔥 Got burning questions about the real estate game? Drop 'em in the comments, and let's dive into the hot topics together. It's a whole new year, and I'm ready to tackle your queries head-on!
Q: "How come Zillow says my house is worth 500K, but you say it's only worth 65K and a McChicken?"
A: "Ah, the Zillow mystery! Here's the deal – Zillow is like the friend who brags about their amazing vacation but forgets to mention the … (3 comments)

lanette in bel air: Brewing Success: Lanette's Tea-Infused Escape from #RealtorLife Chaos - 01/07/24 04:04 PM
Hello, Harco MD crew! Lanette checking in with the first sip of serenity in the New Year!  As the chaos of the #RealtorLife continues its dance, I've got my secret weapon on standby: the almighty cup of tea. Join me today in embracing tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle.
In the symphony of contracts, negotiations, and the ever-spinning real estate wheel, finding solace has become an art. Picture this: I'm nestled in my favorite corner, a warm cup of tea in hand, unraveling the wisdom tucked within the chaos. Today, it's not just a tea break; it's a declaration of peace in … (2 comments)

lanette in bel air: HARFORD COUNTY, MD Market Update: Weekly Edition - 05/21/20 08:57 PM
Here's a snapshot of residential real estate in HARFORD COUNTY, MARYLAND -including Aberdeen, Abingdon, Bel Air, Belcamp, Churchville, Darlington, Edgewood, Fallston, Forest Hill, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Pylesville, and Street- for the past 7 days:
  1   Coming Soon9   New Active
4   Back to Active
1   Price Decrease
1   Price Increase
 
 
1   Active Under Contract
7   Pending
17 Closed
 
 
10  Temporary Off Market
6   Withdrawn
1   Canceled
3   Expired
 
 
 
So, there you have it - quick, dirty, and to the point. If you need any additional information, or more detailed information, just ask!
(7 comments)

lanette in bel air: It’s National [insert name of day here] Day Today! - 05/11/20 08:34 PM
If I know anything, I know that every single day of the year is some kind of “National Day” of one type or the other. In fact, did you know that today was National Eat What You Want Day? Well, neither did I until I read Michelle Crowe-Carr’s post and then looked it up on the national day calendar.
So, when I found out it was National Eat Want You Want Day, I also found out it was also:
 
National Twilight Zone Day
 
National Women’s Checkup Day
 
And
 
National Foam Rolling Day
 
I'm not at all sure how one should celebrate any of these "days", but...you know … (2 comments)

lanette in bel air: Trouble with proofreading? Try this tip... - 05/11/20 01:50 PM
Real estate writer, Marte Cliff, offers some great advice below concerning proofreading.
I'd like to offer another tip as well:
Type everything in Microsoft Word first, and (before transfering to another app) use Word's "read aloud to me" feature. I love this feature because it reads exactly what you have written on the page - not what you "meant" to write. Moreover, sometimes what you actually write, sounds pretty nonsensical when it's read back to you by an un-biased third party.
As you may or may not know, I offer a service that provides a weekly blog post for agents who need to … (2 comments)

lanette in bel air: Stay-In-Place Problems - 05/11/20 12:17 PM
So, I’m doing my part, SIPing and everything.  However, my waistline can no longer tolerate ordering out, and my bank account ain’t too happy about it either. The biggest problem I’m facing – besides my increase in tonnage and decrease in coinage conundrum – has got to be the ridiculous amount of sodium in everything. I mean, geesh, I do realize that salt is a flavor enhancer, but...give me a break.
 
Although I make a mean black bean burger (the secret to a mush-free burger being ensuring you dry the beans beforehand…you’re welcome) a person can only eat so many before boredom sets in.
 
 
Anyways…what has … (2 comments)

lanette in bel air: Student Celebrations: Creativity Saves The Day - 05/08/20 06:24 PM
Amidst the Corona-Crazy, have you noticed the many creative ways schools have been acknowledging student achievement? From kindergarten thru post grad, and everywhere in-between, I have been blown away by the creativity educators have shown in their efforts to keep the focus on the students. For example, below are at least two instances I know of from personal experience.
 
Way back when, pre-pandemic, Belmont University in Nashville scheduled their commencement activities, including a graduation ceremony for the weekend of May 1-3.
And guess what? 
Saturday’s May 2nd’s graduation ceremony went on as scheduled!  Granted, it was a virtual celebration, and it was in spite … (0 comments)

lanette in bel air: It's Time To Celebrate Our 2020 Grads - 05/06/20 03:16 PM
I dedicate this post to my phenomenal daughter:
Congratulations to all of the spring graduates who have worked so hard to reach this point. You have toughed it out for years, literally, and I am sorry that you are unable to celebrate your accomplishment the old fashioned way - sitting like sardines in a packed arena for hours on end, listening to (and laughing at) your school’s esteemed president or provost butchering graduates’ names by the dozens.  However, you can rest assured that your achievement is impressive nonetheless!
Go forth, graduates, and conquer the world. Perhaps you will be the ones to discover … (1 comments)

lanette in bel air: Musings From Bel Air: Covid-19 Edition - 05/01/20 05:20 PM
I really have got to get of the house.
 
I know what you’re saying: Lanette, Governor Hogan has declared us "free"; real estate is an essential business, and we agents can leave the house and go forth and sell, sell, sell to our heart’s content.
What I am saying, however, is something else altogether: I suffer from asthma, I am allergic to every irritant known to man (and some not-so-well-known), and I’m old af.  All of these factors add up to one inevitable conclusion - I ain’t going a damn place. Therefore, if the real-estating that buyers and sellers require of me can’t get done … (3 comments)

lanette in bel air: Thinking of Buying a Foreclosure in Bel Air?? - 10/30/13 11:57 PM
Foreclosure - REO - Bank-Owned
 
They all mean the same thing - DISTRESSED PROPERTY  - and it could mean a good deal for you, you savvy buyer.  This past week, 1 buyer took advantage of the opportunity to purchase one of these deals and closed on a bank-owned property in Bel Air, MD---

408 Fox Catcher Road 
- listed for $379,900, sold for 100% of list price ($380,000)
-  located in the development of Hunters Run off of Laurel Bush Rd. and Rte. 924
-just a short distance to shopping at The Festival at Bel Air*.
Built in … (0 comments)

lanette in bel air: Why won't you show me homes before I talk to your lender? - 08/14/13 03:52 PM
Oftentimes, the need arises to write a post on a subject I've covered before.  The need has arisen once more; buyers continue to ask this question and I am compelled to answer. 
Inquiring buyers want to know:  Why won't you show me homes before I talk to your lender?
Short answer:  Because I'm a professional and this is my business. It makes absolutely no sense to do things a$$-backwards.  I derive no pleasure from showing you homes you can't afford to buy and, besides that,  gas is high as hell.  Haven't you heard?
Long/Tactful Answer:  Because I'm a professional and this is … (48 comments)

 
Lanette Branch, Bel Air, MD Real Estate Agent (Taylor Properties)

Lanette Branch

Bel Air, MD Real Estate Agent

Bel Air, MD

More about me…

Taylor Properties

Address: 175 Admiral Cochrane Drive Suite 111-112, Annapolis, MD, 21401

Office: (301) 970-2447

Mobile: (410) 258-0663

Hey, y'all! It's me, Lanette in Bel Air, and I love sharing my take on Real Estate and whatever else comes to mind. Read it, digest it, then let's engage in some written banter, shall we?


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