Here is some helpful community information for the Carroll County area for this week and some upcoming events I would like to share:   This weekly notice and agenda is subject to change. Please call 410-386-2043 to confirm a meeting you plan to attend. All meetings, unless otherwise noted, will be held at the Carroll County Office Building room 311. All or part of a meeting may be conducted in closed session. Monday, March 18 7 p.m. Town Hall Meeting at South Carroll Senior Center in Sykesville, Commissioner Howard Tuesday, March 19 8 a.m. District 5 Business Council at Meeting at Salerno’s Restaurant in Eldersburg, Commissioner Howard 9 a.m. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting at the County Office Building, Ronald Reagan Meeting Room, Commissioners Frazier & Rothschild 4 p.m. A Chambe... 03/18/2013

Appraisers Need the Help of Realtors! That is exactly what an appraiser said at a recent panel discussion I attended last week. Contrary to opinion that appraisers are unreasonable or just mean and out to get us, they are relying on us as professionals who know much more about the homes we have listed, the comparable sales, and the area the subject property is located in. The appraiser meets us at the house for 20-30 minutes and never physically sees any of the comparable sales of homes we go into and show to buyers.   This gentleman pointed out that there must be complete transparency as set forth in federal guidelines as Banks and Loan Officers cannot have any direct contact with an appraiser, or any knowledge of who the appraiser is until they actually receive the appraisal in hand. ... 03/18/2013

 Top 'O The Mornin' to You From Carroll County Maryland!   When I was a child I was told there was a wee bit of the Irish in me, so last year I got on a kick with my Family Tree to see what I could find. My great Grandmother was born a Dougherty and I was happy to find that through her Father, Nathan Dougherty, others had already traced the Dougherty line in my Family as far back as five generations to Liam Dougherty in the 1600’s.    I learned my GGG Grandfather was Capt. William J Dougherty, born in Letterkenny City, County of Donegal, Ireland. Mr. Dougherty served in the late war from Oct 5, 1861 to Sep 18, 1862, in Co. K, 62 OVI. He received a captain's commission, Dec 18, 1861, which he held until he left the service. He was in the first battle at Winchester, at Port Republic, Har... 03/13/2013

Things to do Saint Patrick’s Day Weekend in Carroll County MD Sign up for the Duathalon in Westminster Registration is now open for The   2013 St. Patrick's Day Duathlon & 5K   http://www.endurancemaryland.com/   3/16/2013Teelin Irish Dance Companywww.CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org Address: Carroll Arts Center 91 W. Main St., Westminster Time: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM Two Shows - 3 pm & 7 pm They wowed the crowds last year with their amazing precision and imaginative choreography. From graceful jigs and reels to thundering percussive dance, this high energy dance company leaves audiences wanting more. Contact: Sandy Oxx (410) 848-7272 St. Patrick's Day Tea 17March Saturday, March 17, 2012, All day Sweet Simplici-Tea is holding a St. Patrick's Day Tea featuring Mini Reubens and Reuben Dip. Call f... 03/12/2013

How Can You Boost Your Home's Online Appeal? Since many homebuyers are searching for homes on the internet before they visit a home in person, the highest quality photos should be used to capture the attention of potential buyers. While a virtual tour can be tastefully done, maybe an arial shot or a lighted evening shot should be used to WOW the potential buyers first impression online. Clear the Clutter You want to emphasize the great features of the space itself, not bury it in stuff. It is best to start packing and move unnecessary items to another room or a storage space. Let There Be Light! Lighting can set the mood for buyers to imagine themselves living in the home. Open curtains and blinds to let as much natural light into your home to illuminate the best parts of the home’s in... 03/10/2013

Spring Forward! Chirp, Chirp, Chirp Your Hearing May Not Be Birds.   If it’s coming inside the home you just bought and you can’t figure out what that chirping is your smoke detectors are warning you to change the batteries. Since it is best to change batteries every 6 months, remember to do it in the spring and fall when you change the time on your clocks.   According to the U.S. Fire Administration the average life of a smoke alarm is 8-10 years. It’s a good idea to write the date inside the smoke alarm to remind you when they were installed. If you purchase a resale home start fresh and install new smoke alarms.   What types of smoke alarms are available?   There are many different brands of smoke alarms available on the market but they fall under two basic types: ionization and phot... 03/09/2013

Why is home affordability so high NOW? I just returned from Dallas TX for our company’s annual convention with 5 days of awesome training, a celebration of our 30 year anniversary, and a keynote speech by the financial guru Dave Ramsey. Every year Gary Keller gives his Vision Speech packed with useful data that can be used to educate buyers and sellers about the current real estate market in the USA and Canada. There were many stats and graphs shared about home affordability and this slide really demonstrates why home affordability is so high now. Low interest rates trump higher home prices by far! With a home nearly doubled in price from 20 years ago, the mortgage payment is $200 less at today's interest rates. The real estate market along with mortgage interest rates has it's highs a... 03/02/2013

What could possibly go wrong? Plainly said, the process is full of pitfalls. A real estate agent is like a pilot in control who guides the plane and passengers to their destination. When there is turbulance you will be warned to fasten your seatbelts. When the flight  arrives for a smooth landing, as in you go to a smooth closing on the house, you know you picked the right agent. What Happens if You Don't Choose the Right Real Estate Agent?    Your house may not be priced properly and it may sit on the market longer than it should. If you're buying it may end up costing more than it should. A complicated transaction, such as a short sale, may have details that are allowed to fall through the cracks.   Avoid these potential problems by hiring an experienced real estate agent. When sellin... 03/01/2013

NEW CONSTRUCTION AT  Derby Farms in Eldersburg MD on Tally Ho Court and Coachman's Drive offering 3+ acres backing to the Liberty Reservoir.     Prices start in the mid 500's to the low 700's with four Powers Home models #200, 300, 500, and 700 Series with floorplans to fit your lifestyle to choose from.   Derby Farms by Powers Homes has become Carroll County's premier location       Search this for detailed information about this development on our website  Derby Farms  and all new homes in Eldersburg MD Carroll County and all the surrounding area. Call today 800-710-0815 www.BestMarylandProperties.com info@BestMarylandProperties.com         02/23/2013

Homes for sale in Eldersburg, MD 21784 There are many great places to live in the south Carroll County area. So if you are wondering how many homes are for sale in any particular town like Mount Airy, Westminster, Eldersburg, or Sykesville, MD. Visit our website and start the search Homes for sale in Eldersburg MD and get all the current information like this for Market Trends as well:   You can become a market insider   Find all the information you need for Eldersburg, MD on price trends, community info, and local schools.   Looking to buy a home for sale in Carroll County?   Live here where you can enjoy the rolling countryside and be surrounded by nature's beauty with all the convenience and easy access to shopping, restaurants, and major commuter routes. If you are looking for a ful... 02/22/2013

  VALENTINE’S DAY IS JUST A FEW DAYS AWAY. I prefer to make a dinner for my hubby that night but always appreciate chocolate and flowers!   Vist The Treat Shop Factory in Town Mall where they offers all things made from, covered with and dipped in White, dark, or milk Chocolate.   Guillianova’s Groceria at 11 East Main St. is hand-making chocolate covered long-stemmed Driscoll strawberries injected with Grand Marnier as well as dark chocolate dipped cherries marinated in Jamaican rum or Jack Daniels. Yummy!   The Eldersburg/Sykesville area offers a variety of flower shops to choose from including:   Ava’s Flowers.com  in Sykesville offers traditional red roses as well as a bouquet of multi colored flowers   Hutchinson’s Flowers , located at 1343 Liberty Rd in Sykesville, offers a  deal... 02/11/2013

Eldersburg, MD Voted in Top 100 Best Places To Live Each day brings new homes for sale coming onto the market. Are you looking to buy a home in Eldersburg, MD? Here is a selection of homes for sale in Eldersburg, MD. These are just a sampling and when you visit the website, you can explore the many, many Eldersburg, MD homes for sale as well as in Sykesville, Westminster, and Mount Airy.   Search Homes for Sale in Eldersburg     Looking to buy a home for sale in Carroll County? Search Homes For Sale in Sykesville MD Homes for sale in Westminster Homes for Sale in Mount Airy Search all of Carroll County In 2007, 2009, and 2011  Money magazine voted Eldersburg, MD in it's Top 100 Best Places to Live. There are many great places to live in the south Carroll County area. So if you are looki... 02/09/2013

             A Family is Ready to Buy in Eldersburg! Are You Thinking of Selling?   Are you thinking of selling your  home in   Carroll County Maryland ?                                             If you are thinking of selling, I have the buyer! I am working with a family who would like for their children to grow up in Carroll County. They are looking for a single family home with four bedrooms in the Eldersburg area of Carroll County.                                              They would like at least a quarter acre lot, a walk out lower level, 2 car garage and  prefer natural gas and public utilities. Minimum 4 bedrooms and 2 baths... a must.   An immediate settlement is possible. If you have this home please email  mrome@HomeRome.com or  call me right away at 410-530-2400 All cal... 08/12/2012

                                  Glory Days Grill in Eldersburg.       One of the perks of being in real estate and listing and selling homes is the chance to try different restaurants. Recently I have been in Carroll County at my listing at 1930 Jordans Retreat, New Windsor, MD 21776 and also looking for the sellers of Kelsey Rd. who are now buyers looking for the perfect home.                                                                                                                     06/11/2012

                                    Welcome to Baltimore, HON !   This weekend Linda had her holiday open house celebrating the second Christmas season for Virginia's Rose. I loved seeing customers finding special treasures and the sound of laughter when the perfect item was discovered. It was a pleasure meeting Linda's friend, Charlene E. Osborne, author My Year as Baltimore's Best HON. I now own a copy, signed in pink ink.  Charlene  greets people, young and old, saying..."You are a real cutie patootie."                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Linda's tree above is decorated with her own sheet music.            ... 12/06/2011

Eldersburg, Maryland in Money Magazine's Top 100 Places to live!Money Magazine says Eldersburg, Maryland is in the Top 100 Places to Live in America. Many years of development has changed this community, however, today it remains a wonderful place to raise a family. Along with big box stores, local fruits and vegetables are sold along the road side and agriculture is strong here. Live stock is regularly seen by any traveler of our roads no matter if by truck, tractor, bus, motor bike or on foot. Cows, sheep &  horses are found peppered throughout the community. Money Magazine  did not mention Eldersburg is in Southern Carroll County, where I grew up! My mom was born in Sykesyille and wanted to raise her family in Carroll County so we moved up from Randallstown in the early 70’s. I was r... 10/05/2011

Eldersburg in Southern Carroll County is a Great Place to Live. Money Magazine Voted it one of the Best Places to Live 2011 There are homes for sale in every price range in Eldersburg and the surrounding area. There are starter homes that include a new townhouse community being built. There are great values for new construction on luxury homes too.    There are Carroll County homes for sale in Blue Ribbon school districts. There are also many homes for sale that are on 1-3 acres surrounded by bucolic farmland in the Eldersburg area and beyond.      The month of September 15-16 2012 brings the famous Maryland Wine Festivalat the Farm Museum. There are many vendors on display, great food, live music and tastings offered by state vintners! You can get advance tickets at a discount for this... 09/13/2011

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It's Century High Schools 10Th anniversary in Carroll County. It's hard to believe that it is now 10 years old- it still looks shiny new! It's also hard to believe that my grandson Greg, who graduated for Century High, just turned 21 years old this week. The Opening Knights, Century's drama troupe will be commemorating with the upcoming production "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" set to open Thursday. The production has only been released recently for use in high school theater. The play centers on two moth... 03/26/2011

This past summer I posted   De-Furnish or Re-Furnish Moving In or Moving Out Try Virginia's Rose in Eldersburg, MD  when good friends opened up this wonderful place that would help so many people.   Eye Candy at Virginia's Rose..15 minutes from Baltimore's Beltway! This weekend Linda had her holiday open house celebrating the first Christmas season for Virginia's Rose, I loved seeing the customers finding special treasures, the sound of laughter when the perfect item was discovered. So knowing me with my camera, here are photos to share.                                                                                Linda's tree below decorated with her own sheet music.                                                                                                                        ... 12/05/2010

 Welcome The Blassino Team to Active Rain.   Cathy and Adolfo Blassino of Long and Foster in Ellicott City have finally taken the plunge and decided to join Active Rain. We have had long conversations about the rewards that I have enjoyed thanks to my participation on Active Rain and they are eager to jump feet first into a new venture. They have decided they will be committed to the community of Eldersburg in Carroll County where they live and their three children attend school. Stop by and introduce yourself to them. They would very much appreciate it.     09/27/2010