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Ellicott City, MD Real Estate News

By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Valentine’s Day is often seen as a day for couples, but it’s really about celebrating love in all forms—self-love, romantic love, and love for family and friends. Whether you're single, in a relationship, or married, there are plenty of ways to make the most of this special day.For Singles: Celebrate Self-Love and FriendshipBeing single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean missing out on the fun. In fact, it’s a great opportunity to practice self-love and enjoy the company of friends and family.Ideas for Singles: Pamper Yourself: Book a spa day, get a massage, or have a relaxing bubble bath with your favorite book and music. Host a “Galentine’s” or “Palentine’s” Party: Gather your single friends for a fun night with games, movies, or a fancy dinner. Treat Yourself to Something Special: Buy y...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
When listing a home, timing is everything. One of the most important questions a listing agent can ask a seller is:👉 “What does your timeline look like to go to market?”This simple yet strategic question sets the stage for a smooth, successful sale. It ensures everyone is on the same page, avoids last-minute surprises, and helps position the home for maximum exposure.🔑 Why This Question is Crucial ⏳ Market Readiness: Are You Truly Ready? Some sellers want to list ASAP, while others need time to declutter, stage, or complete repairs. Example: A seller eager to list next week but still has unfinished renovations? Knowing this early helps you set realistic expectations and avoid delays. 📈 Strategic Pricing & Market Timing The right timing can impact a home’s value. Rushing to market in a s...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
When preparing to list a home, one of the best ways to create an engaging and compelling listing is to ask the seller:👉 What do you love most about your home?👉 What are its best selling features?These questions go beyond the basics of square footage and bedroom count. They bring out the home’s unique personality, emotional appeal, and hidden gems that can attract buyers on a deeper level.Why These Questions Matter✅ Emotional Appeal – Buyers often choose homes based on how they feel rather than just logical factors. A seller’s personal connection can help create a heartfelt story that resonates.✅ Highlighting Unique Features – Sellers can reveal charming aspects that might not be immediately obvious, such as: A cozy reading nook by a sunny window. A vibrant community with friendly neighb...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
As a listing agent, one of the most insightful questions you can ask a seller when they reach out to list their home is: "How did you hear about me?" While it may seem like a simple inquiry, the answer can provide valuable insights that help you refine your marketing strategy, build stronger client relationships, and ultimately grow your business.Why This Question Matters1. Identify Your Most Effective Marketing ChannelsUnderstanding where your leads come from allows you to focus on what’s working. Did they find you through a Facebook ad? A Zillow search? A neighborhood mailer? Knowing the source helps you allocate your marketing budget and time wisely.Example: If a seller says they saw your Instagram posts, you might decide to invest more in social media marketing, post more frequently...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
When listing a home, one of the most crucial questions a listing agent should ask a seller is: “Why are you selling?” This seemingly simple question can uncover key insights that shape the entire sales strategy. Understanding the seller’s motivation allows agents to tailor their approach, set the right expectations, and ensure a smooth transaction.Understanding Seller MotivationA seller’s reason for moving directly impacts the timeline, pricing, and negotiation strategy. Here are some common motivations and how they affect the sale: Job Relocation: If the seller needs to move quickly for a new job, a more aggressive pricing strategy may be necessary to attract buyers fast. Growing Family: If they need more space for a growing family, they might be flexible on timing but firm on price. D...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Understanding a buyer’s financing situation as early as possible is essential for ensuring a smooth and successful home-buying process. By identifying how a buyer plans to finance their purchase—whether through a mortgage or a cash payment—you can proactively address any potential challenges or contingencies that may arise. This allows you to prepare for additional documentation, lender requirements, or any financial roadblocks that could delay or complicate the transaction.For example, if a buyer is relying on mortgage financing but has not yet been pre-approved, they may face delays in securing a loan, which could put their offer at a disadvantage in a competitive market. In contrast, a buyer who is pre-approved will have a clearer understanding of their budget and can move forward wi...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Understanding the buyer’s timeline is essential for providing the right guidance and support throughout the home-buying journey. As a real estate professional, your role is to help buyers set realistic expectations regarding how long each step of the process may take. This includes property searches, scheduling and completing inspections, securing financing, and navigating the closing process. By clearly outlining these timeframes, you can help buyers feel more prepared and reduce any potential stress or uncertainty.One of the key benefits of knowing a buyer’s timeline is the ability to anticipate challenges and adjust your approach accordingly. For instance, if a buyer needs to move quickly because their lease is expiring in 60 days, you can prioritize finding properties that match the...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Determining the ideal number of bedrooms and bathrooms is an essential step in narrowing down property options based on the buyer’s specific living space needs. By understanding these preferences early on, you can ensure that the properties being considered align with the buyer’s lifestyle and future plans, making the search process more efficient and personalized.For instance, a retired couple looking to downsize may prefer a smaller home with just one or two bedrooms and a single bathroom, as they no longer need extra space for children. On the other hand, a young couple planning to start a family might prioritize a home with multiple bedrooms and additional bathrooms to accommodate their growing household. By taking these factors into account, you can present options that truly fit t...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
  When helping a buyer find the perfect home, it's important to narrow down their options based on their preferences. Asking the right real estate questions allows you to focus on the specific types of properties they are most interested in. This helps streamline the search process and ensures you're only showing them homes that closely match their needs and wants. For example, if a buyer is only interested in single-family homes with large backyards, you can avoid showing them condos or townhouses that wouldn’t fit their lifestyle. Similarly, if they prefer a modern-style home with an open floor plan, you can filter out older properties with more traditional layouts. By understanding their ideal property type early on, you can tailor your recommendations, making the home search more e...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
Showcasing a curated selection of home decor, accessories and clothing, Sweet Elizabeth Jane is always one of the prettiest stores in Historic Ellicott City, but especially at Christmas time. Every year, the store is transformed into a whimsical and magical wonderland. It is such a treat to browse and shop at Sweet Elizabeth Jane! A few items in my house and closet were purchased at SEJ. It's a favorite to visit when friends are in town, and I have also found perfect presents for family and clients there. Sweet Elizabeth Jane hosts regular special events and is always worth a visit, especially this time of the year. You can find the store on upper Main Street where they relocated to after the floods that devastated historic Ellicott City, MD a few years ago. Stop by the Crazy Mason, or ...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
It's almost time for the annual Holiday Mingle at The Pink Cabbage, one of my favorite stores in Howard County to hunt for unique gifts and home decor. It's happening this Saturday, December 7th, 2024 from 10 to 5. If you have never been to The Pink Cabbage, then their Holiday Mingle is a great day to visit and browse the collective. The Cabbage gals will serve cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and will have - no doubt- transformed the store into a magical Christmas wonderland once again. The video is from last year's event to give you an idea of just how special it is. The Pink Cabbage is a collective of vendors selling home decor, shabby chic, boho style, accessories, and anything else to make your home and life more beautiful. It's a local small business and women-owned. They are located ...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
My favorite independent bookstore in Howard County, MD, is Backwater Books in Ellicott City, MD. It's more than a bookstore; it's a Bibliopub. You can also enjoy a seasonal cocktail, beer, wine, or hot tea at Backwater Books. That's a winning concept in my book (pun totally intended). Backwater Books opened its doors in 2022 and occupies the old Times Building (ca. 1890), the former home of the Howard County Times newspaper. It offers a selection of children's and adult books, including banned books, and art from local artists.So if you stop by, allow plenty of time to sit and get lost in a book, enjoy a hot or cold beverage, and take in the artwork. This is not the kind of bookstore you want to run in and out of, of course, you could do that, too. Backwater Books also hosts regular eve...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
Among my favorite coffee shops in Howard County is the Old Mill Cafe in historic Ellicott City. It's located just across the bridge from Main Street with its charming boutiques, and at the beginning (or end) of the Number 9 Trolley Trail, a 1.25-mile scenic boardwalk and paved trail. Parking is available out front or around the corner in parking lot A on Oella Avenue. Their interior is cozy and the patio is just a great spot to enjoy brunch and one of their artisanal lattes. Dogs are welcome on the patio! My new favorite is the Lavender Vanilla Latte. It is so good! Old Mill uses sustainably sourced and locally roasted Orinoco beans, and they offer quite a selection of pastries, homemade crepes and sandwiches, desserts, quiches, and soups. You can also pick up a jar of local honey while...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
#4 Best City to Live in Maryland - Ellicott CityIn keeping with a theme, The World Atlas published a list of the 7 best cities to live in Maryland last week. The number 4 city is Ellicott City. Ellicott City is the largest unincorporated county seat in the country.Ellicott City was founded in 1772 and is located along the Patapsco River. Ellicott City is known for its historic architecture and old-town feel along its historic main street which is lined with unique shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants.And, for the history buffs, the Ellicott City Station, the oldest surviving railroad depot in America, is now a museum dedicated to the city's role in the Industrial Revolution. The Ellicott City Firehouse Museum explores the challenges of fighting fires in the late 19th and early 20th centu...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
Last night, my daughter and I went to Old Ellicott City to browse its boutiques and marvel at the beautiful window displays, all decked out in Christmas. It was the perfect place to kick off this Holiday weekend. Ellicott City's Main Street is a favorite of mine, it's just a 15-minute drive from my house, and I am a frequent visitor. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts, meet up with friends and clients, or attend any of their special events throughout the year (Girl's Night Out, Midnight Madness, the Ellicott City music festival, Wizarding weekend... to name a few). It's always a special place to visit, but particularly at Christmas time. This time of the year just adds magic to the old historic buildings... the only thing missing is snow!  Merry Christmas!  
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
I stopped by The Pink Cabbage in Ellicott City, MD for their Holiday open house this past weekend. Such a beautiful store! I've been there many times over the years and have quite a few items throughout my house that I purchased at The Pink Cabbage, from pillows to candlesticks to picture frames. My dining table came from one of their summer funky flea markets. The Pink Cabbage is home in a 1940s colonial on Frederick Road and is a small collective of vendors specializing in shabby chic, antique, and repurposed home decor. There's always a treasure to be found! At this time of the year, every room is so beautifully decorated that you need to walk through at least twice to take it all in. If you are looking for a special gift or to add a little holiday magic to your home, stop by The Pin...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
Walking around historic Ellicott City, you'll surely pass by this brick home just off Main Street and next to the Manor Hill Tavern. Ca. 1842, this historic home is known as the Day-O'Neal-French house, named after its first three consecutive residents. John Day bought the land from George Ellicott - one of the three Ellicott brothers who settled the land in the area - for $250. A master stone mason, Day opted to build a brick home, although many of the properties on Ellicott's land were built with stone, brick was a cheaper resource. The Day-O'Neal-French House is a three-story, three-bay by two-bay federal-style structure with a rubble stone foundation, a gable roof with a brick fireplace on each end, a bit less than 1,500 square feet, and three bedrooms. It has a little courtyard out...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
7547 TALBOTS WOODS CT, Ellicott, Maryland Click Here to Get Directions $770000.004bed - 2.5bath - 3230 sqft lot Property Video | Photos | Maps & Local | Schools | Print Looking for a vibrant community, but with privacy and nature in abundance? Welcome home to this desirable dwelling at the end of a Cul-de-Sac that is flanked on 2 sides by Howard County conservation area. Less than 15 years old, this delicious home is sure to delight the pickiest of buyers. The impressive 2 story light-filled foyer will greet you. A spacious "eat-in" kitchen with 2 yr old Stainless Steel appliances flows into the family room with a toasty gas fireplace. From this space you can enjoy the outside on the large maintenance free deck. Perfect for dining al-fresco. A delightful surprise will be the fruit bushe...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 3221 Birchmede DriveEllicott City 21042SOLD & SETTLED  Stately Ellicott City White Colonial on half acre lot backing to open easement meadow area with a stream in back. Check out the view from the bay window.The spacious patio off the sunken family room is perfect for watching the birds and enjoying the butterfly gardens. Enjoy the warmth of the fireplace and loads of builtins.Gleaming, newly refinished wood floors in the living room, dining room, and second floor, and fresh paint in many areas add to the beauty of this four-bedroom center-hall Colonial: updated roof, new air conditioner, new water heater, new sliding glass doors, and a side-loading two-car garage with many shelves and two work benches.The wide, newly rebuilt driveway has a parking pad for several cars. The yard has re...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
We found the perfect buyers and3221 Birchmede DriveEllicott City 21042is TOO LATE  We have found the right buyers for this stately Ellicott City White Colonial.The spacious patio off the sunken family room is perfect for watching the birds and enjoying the butterfly gardens. Gleaming, newly refinished wood floors in the living room, dining room, and second floor, and fresh paint in many areas add to the beauty of this four-bedroom center-hall Colonial: updated roof, new air conditioner, new water heater, new sliding glass doors, and a side-loading two-car garage with many shelves and two work benches. The yard has recently planted native oak, willow, serviceberry, and redbud trees. There is a net-enclosed 3 x 9 ft. vegetable garden and a blackberry and strawberry patch.Notice the greenh...
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