The official kick-off for the 275th anniversary of Frederick County Maryland will begin with the New Years' Eve Key Drop on Carroll Creek in downtown Frederick December 31st. The event will include Candle Lights on the Creek with hundreds of candles floating alongside the Sailing Through the Winter Solstice fleet and at midnight a large key suspended on the William O. Lee pedestrian bridge will drop.  Here are a few inspirational quotes to ring in the New Year:       "The best way to predict the future is to create it."   “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” Abraham Lincoln  “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.” Nido Qubein “Be always at war with your vices, at peace wi... 12/30/2022

In the past few weeks, I have visited a number of cities that are all decked out for the holidays. The holiday season would not be complete without a trip to see the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center.     At the beginning of December, the Christkindmarkt takes over the old Bethlehem Steel Mill in Bethlehem, Pa. to celebrate the spirit of the holidays. While there I discovered this town is one of six featured on the Hallmark Channel's Christmas Cams.     My hometown of Frederick, Maryland for the past few years has allowed local businesses to raise funds for local charities by placing boats on Carroll Creek that will be "Sailing Through the Winter Solstice"   Another place to take in the holiday lights is on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington DC to see the National Christ... 12/27/2022

314 - 316 W, Patrick Street, Frederick, Md. Located in Frederick's Historic district a block from Baker park these well maintained row houses include 4 units zoned DB, (DOWNTOWN BUSINESS), with 2 lower level commercial units and 2 upper level residential 1 BR apartments. separately metered and each unit has its own entrance. Ample off-street parking in the rear for 8 to 10 cars. Perfect for a live / work situation or great investor opportunity. Call for more details. 24 hour notice is required for an appointment to see. 12/13/2022

The Gaslight House in the heart of historic Frederick, MD is a gorgeous Italianate rowhome dating back to the 1810s. The original structure was expanded several times, culminating in its characteristic L-shape by the mid-1880s. Its exquisite interior holds historic treasures such as a restored curved staircase, a grand front parlor, floor-to-ceiling windows, wood floors, antique picture molding, clawfoot tub, multiple fireplaces, butler's pantry, and perfectly marries them with the modern conveniences of the chef's kitchen and the expansive outdoor spaces that include the balconies, patio, in-ground pool and landscaped gardens. Since November 2021 the iconic Gaslight House is home to the Gaslight Gallery which is showcasing contemporary art from across the country and international arti... 11/15/2022

**Back on market** Recent contract fell through**   ~  Second chance on this vintage farmhouse  ~      9518 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, Maryland                                                                       (Click link for listing info) This historic farmhouse, large bank barn and sheds would be an ideal place for a contractor or potential home-based business. located on a private 2.16 acre lot surrounded by a 25+ acre majestic nut orchard with chestnut, pecan, and walnut trees maintained by a non-profit that focuses on planting trees. A new septic system was recently installed September 2022. The original portion of the house is log that dates back to the 1700s, with numerous additions added over time.  4 bedrooms 3 full baths, large country kitchen with center island, Viking ... 11/02/2022

Frederick, MD - Restaurant Week Aug 8-14, 2022I have regularly blogged about Baltimore's Restaurant Week and just discovered that Frederick also has a restaurant week.  I sold several homes in Frederick County last year including homes in Monrovia, Middletown, Mount Airy, Walkersville, and the town of Frederick.  While there I did check out a few restaurants, you should check some out during this coming week too, and take advantage of the specials.Check out the full list of restaurants here.  My favorites are:Black Hog BBQ at 118 S Market St. - everyone that knows me, knows I like some good Q and I was not disappointed here!!Magoo's Pub & Eatery located at 1A W 2nd StThatcher & Rye at 228 N Market St.Please take time to get out and enjoy these and the other local eateries in Frederick.  08/09/2022

Celebrate Frederick the 35th annual Frederick’s Fourth of July party at Baker Park will be held from Noon to dusk on Monday, July 4th!  This is Frederick Counties largest Independence Day celebration featuring two stages of live entertainment along with family-friendly rides, fireworks, vendors, and some familiar local celebrities! Enjoy sampling festival foods and local & national beer, wine & spirit selections in the Beer Gardens. Access to Frederick’s Fourth of July festivities are completely FREE along with Citywide parking! 06/30/2022

Prospect Hall is a well-known landmark property that was originally known as "Red Hill" when owned by Daniel Dulaney, a colonial civic leader and member of the Maryland General Assembly in the mid to late 1700s representing Frederick County. The historic mansion sits on one of the highest elevations outside of Frederick City. Construction began around 1787 however the current mansion known as Prospect Hall was probably not completed until 1810. The white, three-story structure, designed in a Greek revival style with additional Federal elements, has a storied past.   The Dulaney family was very involved with the American Revolution as patriots and an acquaintance of General George Washington.  Washington’s horse named Blueskin was raised at Prospect Hall and was also retired here until h... 06/27/2022

 Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Maryland is the final resting place for the author of the Star-Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key. FSK grew up in Frederick County and became a lawyer. After the British burned Washington DC in early September 1814  Dr. William Beanes an acquaintance of FSK was arrested. John S. Skinner, a US government agent for prisoner exchange, asked FSK to accompany him to help secure the release of Dr. Beanes. They were successful in negotiating his release. However the British feared they would divulge their plan to attack Baltimore and detained them on a truce ship during the battle. This is how FSK became an eyewitness to the bombardment of Fort McHenry. In the pre-dawn hours of September 14, 1814, seeing the stars and stripes still flying above the fort ins... 06/14/2022

 Located in Frederick, Maryland at 6 James Street this two bedroom one bath single family home has been recently renovated with engineered wood floors, HVAC / heat pump, a designer kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and granite counters.   New roof installed in June 2022, remodeled bathroom with new vanity. The large fenced rear yard with a patio overlooks Maryvale Park. Convenient downtown living, close to shopping, schools, Baker Park, restaurants, and commuter routes. Priced at $285,900 why buy a town home or a condo when you can own this super starter single family for less? ACT FAST and schedule an appointment today.     06/10/2022

  One of Frederick, Maryland's most famous residents was a 95 year old widow, Barbara Fritche, who in 1862 taunted the Confederate troops by waving the Stars and Stripes as they passed through town. The Barbara Fritchie house is located at 154 West Patrick Street, 1 block from Mackintosh REALTORS Historic District office.     John Greenleaf Whitter's poem "The Ballad of Barbara Fritchie" was published in October 1863 in The Atlantic Monthly. This would immortalize Fritchie and raised patriotic spirits throughout the Union at a time when an emotional boost was needed as a response to the Civil War.  The poem would go on to inspire a play and later a film featuring the famous line "Shoot if you must this old gray head, but spare your country's flag."Barbara Fritchie would never hear the p... 06/09/2022

This well maintained NVR colonial is located in Willow Brook at 88 Harrison Court on a quiet cul-de-sac lot.   The main level includes hardwood floors throughout. There is a large kitchen with an island, and granite counters open to a large family room with a stone gas fireplace.  The deck off the kitchen leads to a  fenced rear yard. The owner suite includes a full bath and walk-in closet. There is a finished basement with a large rec-room and full bath, a two-car garage with attic pull-down stairs for additional storage.   Super convenient location near Rt 15, shopping, schools, and a community park is located just around the corner. For further details contact Buzz    04/07/2022

Circa 1900 renovated semi detached downtown duplex located at 102 E. 4TH Street,  includes 3 BR 2 1/2 BA, living room / den with built-ins, fireplace and hardwood floors through out this beautiful home.   Kitchen was recently renovated with quartz counter tops, breakfast bar, open to family room , dining area with exposed brick wall. Laundry room with pantry and 1/2 bath located off the kitchen.  Owner's suite includes hardwood floors, built-ins, ceiling fan , walk-in-closet, private bath with heated marble floors, claw-foot tub, separate shower & double vanity. Nicely landscaped rear yard with privacy fence & brick patio. Full basement with concrete floor & rear Bilco door to back yard.  Super convenient to restaurants, Carroll Creek and all downtown living has to offer. This one has t... 03/29/2022

18. That is the number of offers my buyers competed with and beat - without compromising their budget nor wish list - to be able to celebrate Happy Closing Day in Frederick, MD last Friday!*My buyers are now happy new owners of a charming end unit townhouse that was once the model home for the Willow Brook community. As typical for former model homes, it came with a few bonuses, such as extra wide crown molding, recessed lighting, a gas fireplace and 3rd full bath in the finished basement. They did everything right and were rewarded not only with a turn-key home, but a purchase price that was thousands below the appraised value. Happy endings! It's what I do.This transaction was truly a special one. I got to work with and represent a new generation of home buyers.. my past clients' chil... 03/21/2022

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Three properties currently rented with tenants on a month to month lease. The ideal set up to live in one unit rent the other, a savvy investor or rehab potential / flip.( Seller will consider selling individually or as a package deal) Located on a rapidly developing street on the out skirts of historic downtown Frederick.     Two duplexes , each side includes two bedrooms, main level with hardwood floors in the living room & dining room, a fenced back yard and parking for two cars in the rear alley.  The two unit single family dwelling includes a main level & upper level, each with one bedroom a living room , kitchen and bedroom. There is a fenced rear yard and off street parking for two cars in the rear alley.  Baker Park , Carroll Creek and all Historic downtown Frederick has to off... 02/12/2022

884 Pontiac Ave, Frederick, Md. is located in Monocacy Village. This well maintained brick rancher with 3 bedrooms 2 full baths was built in 1993.  Many recent updates include a new roof  ~ 2020 , gas hot water heater and furnace with wi-fi controlled thermostat installed in 2014. The living room has hardwood floors, a brick wood burning fireplace, which is also piped for gas. The large eat-in country kitchen includes a gas range, hardwood floors vaulted ceiling with recess lights open to the living room. The owners suite has hard wood floors, handicap accessible bathroom with walk-in tub, hand held shower, large closet. The huge unfinished basement has unlimited potential for future expansion , sump pump replaced in 2014, laundry area with washer, dryer, sink and rough in for additiona... 01/14/2022

           ~ SOLD ~Premier penthouse at Creekside Plaza in the heart of downtown Frederick. Fabulous views of Carroll Creek, the Spires of Frederick from the private terrace.   Large gourmet kitchen with center island, open to breakfast / dining area flooded with natural light and views from every window. Formal dining room or office with pocket doors. Great room with wood floors, stone gas fireplace, recess lighting & wet bar which opens to the large terrace overlooking downtown Frederick.   The owners suite features wood floors and a sitting / exercise room with a tile floor , luxury bath with double vanity, heated towel bar, whirlpool tub and separate shower. Large walk in closet is fitted out with organizers.  The second bedroom suite includes wood floors and private bath. The build... 06/05/2021

Too Late - 7914 Ridge Rd, Frederick, MD 21702You are already too late for this beauty.  This home was offered for sale at $799,000 and featured 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and an amazing view into the valley.  Multiple offers were received and the home sold for over the list price.  This homeowner saved over $24,000 selling their home with Houwzer and were ecstatic with the service they received.  Are you thinking about selling your home?  Contact either myself or Houwzer today for a no obligation consultation about Houwzer, our strategies and services and we'll see if we are a good fit for one another!!  05/24/2021

   Increase in Sales Amidst a Shrinking Median Days on Market      ANNAPOLIS, MD – March 15, 2021 Maryland’s housing market continued its robust sales pace in 2021 with strong February sales figures that outpaced the previous year’s sales by 12.3%. The average sales price, $383,743, reflected an increase of 13.9% from February 2020’s figure of $336,841, while the February 2021 median sales price of $325,000 outpaced the previous year, $295,000, by 10.2%. The ongoing concern—months of inventory—remains at 0.8, yet further squeezed by median days on market, which was ten days in January 2021 and now stands at eight days for February 2021. In February 2020, median days on market stood at 29 days. Rising interest rates can also put a squeeze on buyers. “There’s no doubt that buyers, sellers... 03/16/2021