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August Challenge: Truth in the Rain.

By
Real Estate Agent with Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 MD594797

I love a good challenge, especially one that is meaningful fun. Thanks Ray and Margaret! Grab a beverage of choice and settle in, there are a lot of questions. It's going to be a long one. 

August challenge: Truth in the Rain. 

1.  We all go on vacation to get away from it all and have a great time, but I want to know, what vacation day was your worst? Definitely the one we were stuck in Iceland. Out of all the places one can get stranded in, Iceland is top of my list, but a blizzard made exploring impossible and we missed the big surprise which had been months in the planning. We were going to fly in the day of my dad's 70th birthday celebration and head straight to the party from the airport. We had even brought a violin for one of my children to play Happy Birthday while walking into the room. Instead, we spent the night at a hotel in Reykjavik and arrived a day late. The best laid plans and all that.

2.  What would be your bucket list vacation or, if you have already taken it, tell us about it?  Pictures encouraged. I lived in Dublin for a year when I was 20 and would love to revisit for more than a day (which we did not too long ago, taking advantage of a 24 hrs. lay-over on our way back from Germany, this time voluntary!), rent a car, take a trip down memory lane and explore new places. 

Rathskeller, best German food in Howard County3.  If your ActiveRain friends were to visit you, would you prepare dinner for them or would you take them to the best pizza joint in town?  What would you make or where would you go? Neither. I would take them to a local gem instead, a place with history (the Elkridge Furnace Inn), or a reflection on my roots (Rathskeller), or the only Guinness brewery in the US. You pick! 

4.  We all know that Canadian bacon and pineapple are the best toppings for any pizza.  If you can’t have those toppings on your pizza, what would you choose? Nope. Nope. Nope. Pineapple does not belong anywhere and most definitely not on pizza. I don't eat meat and keep the processed food to a minimum. So my choice is uniquely me: a cauliflower or sweet potatoe crust with spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, cashew sauce and vegan cheese. It may sound odd to you but just typing it out loud is making my mouth water!

5.  What is your favorite ice cream flavor? I can't do dairy so my choices are limited but the best non-dairy icecream I've enjoyed comes from Taharka Brothers in Baltimore via the Parkridge Creamery in Ellicott City. My favorite has been Golden Milk. Yum! 

Parkridge Creamery

6.  What is your beverage of choice with dinner; beer, wine, iced tea, a cocktail, or …..? I prefer sparkly water and occasionally a glass of wine. 

7.  Do you prefer going to a concert, the theater, or a big sporting event?  Who or what would you be watching? Concerts, definitely concerts. I surprised my children with tickets to Coldplay last Christmas. We counted down for 5+ months to one epic experience. They know how to put on a great show, and I love their focus on sustainability. Wristbands for the show are made from 100% compostable plant-based material, the audience generates electricity for the next show via jumping/dancing pads and bicycles, and a tree is planted for each ticket sold... and so much more. Coldplay's efforts are impressive and inspiring!   

8.  There are so many great festivals across the country.  Is there a special one in your area? Pictures are encouraged. I don't think I've actually been to one? But I might just head to the Chocolate Festival in Annapolis this year!

9.  What is your greatest sporting accomplishment, hitting a hole in one, bowling a perfect game, hitting the game winning shot, etc.?  If you do not enjoy athletics, what is your greatest accomplishment? Growing up in East Germany I was in a marching band that competed on the regional, state and national level. Marching bands were serious business in East Germany, I was away at training camps during every school break. We earned second place during the last national championships in 1989. I was young, and don't remember much but do remember realizing that practice does make (almost) perfect. You put in the effort, you earn the reward. Also, national vice-champion has a nice ring to it! 

10.  Are you a pet person?  If so, names and pictures are a must! I am a dog person and get to claim the best dog ever as our furry family member. Lennon, the Real Estate Dog is the best office buddy, chief barketing officer, and friend I could wish for. 

Lennon, the Real Estate Dog

11.  What is your favorite thing to collect, or do you prefer to keep things simple and clutter free? Or what is your decorating style? When traveling with my children we always get a fridge magnet as a memory token and have several from Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Cayman Island, Disney World, and the Czech Republic. Hoping for many more! And then there are purses, but having different purses to match different outfits and occasions is a necessity, not a collection, wouldn't you agree?! ;-)

12.  What job did you have just prior to making the switch to real estate and has it helped you in your real estate career?  (Courtesy of Jeff Dowler, CRS) I started in Real Estate within a year of graduating university. This is my first and forever career. During college I worked in customer service and as a Spinning instructor. There are surprising similarities, one of the best ones, is cheering on and motivating. 

13.  When you are writing on ActiveRain, who is your audience and why did you choose them for your audience? (Courtesy of Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400). My blog has evolved into a collection of consumer focused posts with a lot of me in it. I want to attract people that can relate to me and vice versa. I write for the customer who doesn't yet know that I am the best choice for them. I write to educate, to share, to spread positivity, to connect, to grow, and to remember. The answer is really threefold, my audience are my clients, past, present and future, my Real Estate peeps and peers, and myself. 

14.  What makes you the real estate agent of choice in your area? I don't claim to be the Real Estate agent in a specific geographical area, but I am a great choice  for international clients (I am a CIPS), for single parents (first hand experience of all the trials, tribulations, and rewards), for old house lovers (pro preservation with a soft spot for all things vintage)... I am passionate about this industry, retro homes, running, sustainability, yummy vegan food, decorating, traveling, success stories, and Happy Closing Days. Also, my middle name is perseverance

15.  What is the most outrageous action that a client has ever asked you to perform? I once received a drunk call from a seller in the middle of the night demanding I scrub the toilet and bathroom floor on my hands and knees. Showing agents had ignored his signs and my heads-up that the house was winterized and the water shut off. I don't blame him for being angry, but for directing it at me. Instead of arranging for a cleaning crew (which would have been my regular course of action), I cancelled our listing agreement. 

16.  We show a lot of homes in our profession.  What is the most interesting home or, item in a home, that you have encountered? Carl's house and the shoe closet he built for his wife. This experience had a huge impact on me personally and on how I conduct business. Every house is filled with memories. Every seller, every buyer is writing a part of their life's story when they buy and sell. It's a privilege to help author these stories. Each one deserves my full attention, care, and respect. Nothing less will ever do. 

17.  What are your three favorite neighborhoods in your area and what makes them special?  Are you lucky enough to live in one of those neighborhoods? If you've followed me for a bit, you know that I adore vintage and old houses. My favorite subdivisions are the historic districts and the communities with charming old homes. Historic Ellicott City, Savage, Saint Dennis, downtown Sykesville, Takoma Park... there are many. 

Review for Andrea Bedard18.  We all love client testimonials, but is there one that really made you feel special?  We would love to see it. Any testimonial makes me feel special! I've had clients write lengthy ones which made me tear up, so much time and effort went into penning these, it's incredible and humbling.

Just recently I got this text from a client after successfully navigating a few contract hurdles. Of course, I am not a loan officer, nor attorney, and didn't advise outside my expertise and qualifications. But experience does pay off. I discovered mistakes, solved a few issues, moved things along as they should have, researched until I had an answer... I also believe, where there's a will, there's a way. 

19.  What is your favorite volunteer work or charity? Any act of kindness is my favorite volunteer work! Volunteering to help out the neighbor, to cut their grass, carry in the groceries... this is where it starts. Among my favorite charities is Second Chance in Baltimore. 

20.  What does the flag represent to you? I am and will always be a European at heart, but the US has become home. The flag represents home to me, opportunities, choices, privileges, and sacrifices. 

21.  When we discuss life, my dad always says he is not sure what he would like to be when he grows up.  He is 77!  What do you want to be when you grow up or are you already in your perfect profession? I LOVE being a REALTOR. But when I grow up I want to dedicate my time and resources to restoring old houses, and have a vintage store in one and perhaps another business organizing vintage events.. because in a dream like this, time does not fly. 

 

That's a wrap! If you've made it this far, I am humbled. Let's have coffee, or a beer at my favorite German place? Which day is best for you, text or call 240.593.2860! 

Posted by

Andrea Bedard
Thompson Co., REALTORS®

Silver Spring, Maryland
andreabedard.com

Fluent in Real Estate and German.
Old house lover.
Accredited Buyer's Agent.
Certified International
Property Specialist.
REALTOR® on the Run.

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Real Estate Story.
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Comments (14)

Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Andrea,
What fun reading more about you! I do eat meat, but your pizza sounds yummy.  If I were in your area, I might have gotten into vintage homes as a specialty. When I spent several months in the Midwest a few years back, I was fascinated by the fantastic architecture and craftsmanship required to build those homes.  The West has a few of those homes but nothing like the Midwest and Eastern U.S.

I'm so glad we got to meet last Fall and break crabs together. 😊❤️

Aug 14, 2022 07:43 AM
Andrea Bedard

Me, too, Carol Williams, it was such a treat to get to meet you!
It's the craftmansship of older homes for me, the details, the built-ins, the trim, the molding.. all seems to have been put into place with care. And the stories these older homes tell, you just don't get that history or charm with new construction. 

Aug 14, 2022 12:13 PM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

I for sure want to meet your real estate dawg and chief barketing officer, maybe over a beer at the Guinness Brewery.  After hearing about Coldplay, I would like to see one of their concerts, Andrea Bedard.  I understand the purse thing as a necessity.  You should see my man-purse collection.  🤣

Thank you for taking the time to write such an interesting post and for joining in on the challenge, especially since you are over 5,000 miles away.  I hope you are enjoying your time there.

Aug 14, 2022 07:48 AM
Andrea Bedard

Lol Ray Henson, I'd love to see your man-purse collection 😄 Lennon is the best and the Guinness brewery an awesome place. They moved into an old factory (whiskey, I think), have bars, a restaurant, a store on 3 levels and a massive courtyard where they hold special events.. movie nights, Saint Paddy's Day, Oktoberfest and such. It's less than 10 minutes from my house, so I am probably there more often than I should. 

Aug 14, 2022 12:20 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Andrea Bedard 

In my eyes, you win the contest entry for being the farthest away and still submitting a feature-worthy post. Thinking about you and almost called you last night until I realized you are six hours ahead of us. 

Love to you and the girls!

Aug 14, 2022 08:22 AM
Andrea Bedard

Thank you Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, I am so glad that we found each other in the Rain and because of ActiveRain! I adore you! I'll call you when I get back and we'll catch up - plan on a lunch date please!  

Aug 14, 2022 12:22 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Sad to have missed "the day" and am certain your Dad enjoyed whatever day you came to celebrate including the violin playing of his grandchild.😎  

Aug 14, 2022 08:49 AM
Andrea Bedard

We were pretty bummed out when we realized we would not be able to make it Eileen Burns. So much planning went into the surprise that wasn't meant to be. We still enjoyed a few special days though, and arrived just in time for Christmas! 

Aug 14, 2022 12:25 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Andrea... I love Lennon, the Real Estate Dog, chief barketing officer! I had no idea that Annapolis had a chocolate festival... if I lived closer I'd be there with bells on my toes... every year! And while I collect porcelain tea cups from where ever I travel, not fridge magnets, I agree about the purses. I'm all about my handbags and have quite a collection.

Aug 14, 2022 09:08 AM
Andrea Bedard

My children joke that I'll need a special closet in our next house just for my purses. I don't disagree Nina Hollander, Broker! Love the teacups as a travel momentos. I believe we started with the magnets because they are small, and it would easily fit in our luggage. I don't like clutter, so I am always rearranging to make it look as neat as possible. I'm not succeeding but I do enjoy the memories that randomly pop up by just opening my fridge.  

Aug 14, 2022 12:45 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hey Andrea great to read more about you today!  And I'm in for going to your favorite German Place.  Interesting enough my brother sent me the history of my fathers side of the family a few hours ago.  They were from Luxembourg - not Germany but close!  It was fascinating to read.  Very fun post.  And you know I love little Lennon!

Aug 14, 2022 03:31 PM
Andrea Bedard

Sorry about the delay Anna Banana Kruchten CRS, Phoenix Broker, I am visiting the family in Germany at the moment. Let me know when you make it to the East Coast, we'll have a special AR meet-up at the German place! It would be a treat to get to meet you in person Anna! 

Aug 19, 2022 09:22 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Andrea- loved reading your answers and getting to know you better.   I'm not a vegan or vegetarian but also don't eat much meat either. My aunt would take me shopping when I was a little girl and she really loved purses so I too grew up to love purses. I still love them but find myself using the same ones over and over again. 

Aug 14, 2022 04:50 PM
Andrea Bedard

I have my favorites and go-to purses Kathy Streib but also rediscover old favorites. A couple I never use, they belonged to my grandmother and I just take them out occasionally to get lost in memories for a bit. I am so glad you enjoyed my post! 

Aug 19, 2022 09:23 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I loved reading all about you. Your pizza certainly sounds interesting and I'd try it! That's too bad about the Iceland trip - you must have been disappointed that the surprise didn't work out. And good for you for canceling the listing agreement!

Thanks for sharing!

Aug 15, 2022 05:13 AM
Andrea Bedard

Thanks for stopping by and reading Kat Palmiotti! My kids were quite a bit younger when we got stranded in Iceland. It was tough on me to miss my dad's big day, but my kids cried a lot that night, part exhaustion, part disappointment. But we still had a few nice days and got to spend Christmas with the family.  

Aug 19, 2022 09:26 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Restoring old houses would be a lot of fun!  I love seeing things go from distressed to looking brand new!

Aug 15, 2022 05:23 AM
Andrea Bedard

I do, too, Brian England, I never tire of the before and after pics. Just when it's a rehab without personality and a home is stripped of all its original charm is when I pass. I would strive for the perfect marriage of preserving character and adding modern touches. 

Aug 19, 2022 09:28 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Hi,

Enjoyed your blog page, and I added you as a friend. I would love the

follow back. Thanks Bill

Aug 15, 2022 05:50 AM
Andrea Bedard

Thank you Bill Salvatore - East Valley, glad you enjoyed it. Just hit the follow button! 

Aug 19, 2022 09:29 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Andrea Bedard - My daughter and son-in-law just recently got back from hiking in Iceland and loved it! I wrote a post about it and she let me share the video of their adventure. It was quite interesting! But for you to miss out on your dad's birthday party with all the things you and your family planned must have been heartbreaking. My family is most important to me too. I love to take trips, and always wanted to see Dublin too! I wish I had. I'm impressed that you got to live in Dublin in your 20's! Not many people can say that. I hope it was a lot of fun. You have a very interesting life and I enjoyed learning more about you. Your dog is absolutely precious! I also really like your answer to the question about the flag. May you continue to live a full and happy life. 

Aug 15, 2022 03:22 PM
Andrea Bedard

I will stop by to read about your daughter's and SIL's Iceland trip Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP! My year in Dublin was one of the best of my life (thus far). I had a blast and didn't want to leave, but had to get back to Germany to go to college. Had it not been for my ex-husband, I would probably have moved back after graduation, instead I moved to Norfolk, VA and bought my first old house! Thank you very much!

Aug 19, 2022 09:33 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Andrea Bedard - I hope you find the video. After the change on AR, it is harder for me to find older posts. But thank you for trying! I can only imagine how lovely it was in Dublin for you when you were in the prime of your life. It is good to know you made the best use of your time and had a blast! Friends, I'm sure you made many. Perhaps someday you'll go back there. I've never had an ex-husband, but from what I hear from others, ex's change the course of many women's journey in life. But you sound so smart and confident. I wish you continued success and all good decisions forever with much success and happiness.  

Aug 19, 2022 08:33 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Yikes. Missing your dad’s 70th Birthday celebration.  I am right there with you on the pizza! A marching band – indeed to does take practice and the discipline to keep practicing. Lennon is adorable. Haha on the purses.  I used to have shoes, purses, and accessories matching outfits when I worked as a paralegal.  I think I would have canceled that listing too!  I learned a lot about you today! Andrea Bedard 

Aug 18, 2022 03:08 PM
Andrea Bedard

Thank you for stopping by and reading Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist. That listing was the one and only I've had to cancel, no paycheck is worth getting yelled at and verbally abused. No thank you! 

Aug 19, 2022 09:35 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

I loved reading this post and learning more about you!  Your time overseas no doubt has driven you to succeed, especially being in a school band in Germany - serious stuff!  Your passion for older homes is inspiring.  The greenest building is the existing building.  Old homes have such character and we should celebrate those.  Back when things were built with such unique characteristics to serve purposes, like antique furniture. We have much in Common!  My house is filled with antiques next to leather sofas.  Antique tapestries in my antique dining room!  GREAT ENTRY!

Aug 19, 2022 01:19 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi Andrea -  I actually like you choice of food although I do eat meat.  Phyllis and I have been doing Keto since March and we both feel great.  I hope I do get to visit you in the future.

Aug 20, 2022 06:55 AM