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All About Maryland Real Estate

By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Become A Backyard Stink Bug Warrior The brown marmorated stink bugs that snuck into your house last fall are preparing to leave and replenish their species. It’s tempting to let them leave just as stealthily, but once they’re free to satisfy their voracious appetites, they’ll chew through fruit groves and ornamental plants. In Maryland, stink bugs are considered a severe agricultural and nuisance problem, according to Stop the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug’s surveillance. Stink bugs like to feast on your vegetable gardens, farmers' soybean crops, and black locust, maple, ash, and catalpa trees. They like cherries and raspberries, too. When stink bugs feed on crops, damage can include everything from bruises and blemishes to aborted sweet corn kernels to a change in the sugar levels in some...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial when buying or selling a property. Here are ten key factors consumers should consider when selecting a real estate agent: Experience and Expertise: Look for agents with a proven track record in the local market. Consider their experience in handling transactions similar to your needs (buying, selling, or renting). Local Market Knowledge: A good agent should have in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market, including neighborhood trends, property values, and upcoming developments. Reputation and References: Check online reviews and ask for references from past clients to gauge the agent's reputation. Recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues can also be valuable. Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in r...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
#3 Best City to Live in Maryland - FrederickIn keeping with a theme, The World Atlas published a list of the 7 best cities to live in Maryland last week. The number 3 city is Frederick.Frederick is located in the northern part of the state of Maryland and has served as a major crossroads since colonial times. Today it is located at the junction of I-70 and I-270, US Route 340, 40, and 15.  Frederick is 46 miles west of Baltimore, 50 miles northwest of Washington DC, and 24 miles southeast of Hagerstown. Frederick has maintained its small-town feel but has a big-town appeal. The city's historic downtown area is home to boutique shops and is surrounded by distilleries, wineries, and breweries. Frederick is so close to many historical spots like Antietam, C & O Canal, Point of Rocks, Harpe...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline People call, text, and chat the 988 Lifeline to talk about a variety of emotional needs - not just during a crisis. Whatever your reason, the 988 Lifeline is here to help. There is hope. Reach out. Call or text 988 or chat with us online at http://988lifeline.org/chat.This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Conservatory Display, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 0461Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Annual Cleanup of State Roads UnderwayDrivers Should Slow Down When They See Crews Working on RoadsidesThe Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has launched “Operation Clean Sweep Maryland” to pick up litter along State roadways. During this effort, motorists are urged to slow down and move over to help protect crews as they work.With moderate temperatures, mowing cycles are starting up along state roadways and litter and debris cleanup is needed. Highway users are reminded to always put trash in proper receptacles and secure loads to prevent litter and debris from flying out of the back of trucks. Picking up trash puts highway crews in danger as they work along State roads and next to traffic. Litter and debris impede mowing operations, impact highway drai...
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By Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA, 301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA
(Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties )
Imagine unlocking the door to your own home, a place where every payment builds towards your future rather than disappearing into the rent void. In the vibrant regions of MD, DC & VA, where the pulse of urban life meets the tranquility of suburban comfort, making the leap from renting to owning might seem like a distant dream. Yet, what if we told you that dream is closer to reality than you think? With Fernando Herboso, navigating the path to homeownership could be more affordable and attainable.​Key Takeaways​ Buying a home can often be more cost-effective than renting. Homeownership offers various financial advantages, such as building equity and potential tax deductions. Owning a home provides the opportunity for long-term financial stability and real estate investment savings. In t...
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Spotted Lanternflies: Squish on SightWith the beginning of spring in Maryland, insects are emerging from their winter shelter and are ready to repopulate.The bug to squish on sight is the spotted lanternfly, experts say. The Maryland Department of Agriculture on March 11 expanded its spotted lanternfly quarantine zone to include two new counties, Charles and Garrett, effective immediately. The quarantine restricts the movement of materials that might contain the spotted lanternfly in any of its life stages, including egg masses, nymphs, and adults. “As we continue to be vigilant in our approach, we understand the negative impact that spotted lanternflies have on agriculture operations,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “As a result, we are taking steps to...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Ticks Out Early in MarylandA mild El Niño winter in Maryland means ticks are out early and may already be attaching themselves to dogs — and you — and potentially spreading serious diseases. The emergence of ticks, carriers of Lyme disease, babesiosis and other diseases, is usually a mid-spring occurrence, but even in typically wintry Minnesota, deer ticks were out in early February, according to pest-control officials in the Twin Cities. Tick species to be on the lookout for in Maryland include: American dog tick, which transmits: Tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The highest risk of being bitten occurs during spring and summer. Adult females are most likely to bite humans. Brown dog tick, which transmits: Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Dogs are the primary host for this tick ...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
To save money: Downsizing to a smaller home or apartment can often result in lower housing costs, including mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities. This can be especially appealing for people on a fixed income or those looking to reduce their expenses. To simplify their lives: Downsizing can be a way to declutter and simplify one's life by getting rid of unnecessary possessions and living in a smaller space. To be more energy-efficient: A smaller home may be easier to heat and cool, leading to lower energy bills. To reduce maintenance and cleaning: A smaller home typically requires less time and effort to maintain and clean. To be closer to family and friends: Some people downsize in order to be closer to family and friends, especially as they get older and may need more supp...
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National Vietnam Veterans Day, Friday, March 29The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs will join the national celebration of “National Vietnam Veterans Day” on Friday, March 29. The commission will honor more than 80 Montgomery County Vietnam War Era veterans with detailed tributes displayed on a special website created by the commission.“National Vietnam War Veterans Day” is observed every year on March 29. The special day recognizes the nine million U.S. Armed Forces and Uniformed Services personnel with active-duty service between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, regardless of location of service.The Vietnam War was one of the longest wars involving America. Starting in 1955, the war went on until 1975, making it the second-longest war with U.S. involvement after the Afgh...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Happy Maryland Day Happy Maryland Day! On this day in 1634, the Ark and Dove touched Maryland soil, marking a day of thanksgiving. We celebrate our state's history, from St. Clement's Island to every corner of Montgomery County. Here's to our heritage and future!This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.The ship Ark and the pinnace Dove, set sail from Cowes, Isle of Wight, England on November 22, 1633. They first landed at St. Clement’s (now Blakiston) Island on March 23, 1634. On March 25, Father White celebrated a mass of thanksgiving for their safe arrival in Maryland – which we continue to celebrate as Maryland Day. At the time of their landing, St. Clement’s Island was approximately 400 acres. Accessible only by boat, it is now the St. Clement’s Island State Park. Erosion ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Hometown Holidays Music FestSaturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 from Noon-7 p.m.RedGate Park, 14500 Avery RoadThe Hometown Holidays Music Fest returns this Memorial Day weekend with two stages of music, food vendors, kids activities and entertainment, beverage booths, and more. Click here to learn more.This is a City of Rockville, Maryland announcement. Lilies, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania IMG 1083Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
#2 Best City to Live in Maryland - AnnapolisThe World Atlas published a list of the 7 best cities to live in Maryland this past week. The number 2 city is Annapolis.Maryland's capital city, Annapolis, is known for being home to the Naval Academy, its rich history, waterfront location, and maritime history. For a brief time, it was the capital of the United States from 1783 to 1784. Annapolis is located on the north shore at the mouth of the Severn River on the middle Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay and is about 25 miles south of Baltimore and 30 miles east of Washington DC.  Annapolis is home to 40,812 people (2020 census) and approximately 15,303 households. Statistically, Annapolis has a relatively low crime rate and a robust employment market. There are some great restaurants lik...
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Free Spring ‘Back-to-School’ Vaccination ClinicFriday, March 29, in Silver SpringThe Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will hold a free, “back to-school” vaccination clinic for school-aged children (pre-K through high school) from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, March 29, at the Dennis Avenue Health Center in Silver Spring.Free vaccines are available to Montgomery County school-aged children who are missing any required immunizations. The Dennis Avenue Health Center is located at 2000 Dennis Ave., in Silver Spring.“It is important to keep children healthy, and ensuring they are up to date on required immunizations should be a top priority,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This is a great opportunity for parents to take advantage of the free vaccinations offer...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
#1 Best City to Live in Maryland - BethesdaThe World Atlas published a list of the 7 best cities to live in Maryland this past week. The number 1 city is Bethesda.Bethesda is located in southern Montgomery County, 7 miles outside of Washington DC, and is home to the National Institute of Health, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and boasts some of the most prestigious private schools in the US. Bethesda also has highly rated public education, upscale shops, cafes, and restaurants.Bethesda is serviced by the Washington Metro and is on the Red Line. Bethesda has a population of 68,056 and 24,368 housing units according to the 2020 census.Below is a snapshot of the housing market in Bethesda over the last 12 months.   # Low Median Average High Coming Soon 26 330,000 2,597,500 2...
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Gaithersburg Seeks Feedback on Roadway Safety  The City’s Engineering Services Division is seeking feedback on roadway safety to help guide the development of its Local Road Safety Plan. The survey will help the City better understand key safety issues and priorities as a driver, biker, walker, or user of a mobility device. By taking 10 to 15 minutes to complete this survey, you can help to inform the City’s future infrastructure projects and safety programs. Responses are requested by 5 p.m. on April 8. Click here to take the survey.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Dahlia, American Dahlia Society Show, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 5644Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
Coming up! The best time to sell your Lake Elkhorn home in Columbia, MD. With temperatures warming, turtles sunbathing, trees greening, and people out and about walking, jogging, and biking around Lake Elkhorn, spring is the best time to list and sell your home on or near the lake. The colors are going to be popping in all professional photography which - by the way - should showcase life at the lake and all it has to offer. If you are so lucky to have a home with premium lake views, then you really get to show it off during this time of the year. Interested in selling your Lake Elkhorn home? Let's get in touch! With 20 years in the business, I have the experience and expertise to generate the best offers. It takes more than just a For Sale sign. I will show you how we'll get your home ...
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Gaithersburg Police Expedited Hiring Day The Gaithersburg Police Department is hiring. Join us Saturday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m. as we host an Expedited Hiring Day at Gaithersburg High School. Applicants will meet with recruiters to discuss the process, take the physical agility test, and complete the written exam.   The Gaithersburg Police Department, an equal opportunity employer, is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency located in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. Responsibility for providing law enforcement-related services to the 70,000+ citizens of the City is shared with the Montgomery County Police. Deeply committed to the community-oriented policing philosophy, City officers respond to calls for service as necessary & utilize community action teams, when appropri...
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Montgomery Recreation Spring Break ProgrammingSports, Games, Arts, Magic and SkateboardingGames, arts and crafts, sports, basketball, skateboarding and performing magic will be among the many programs that Montgomery County Recreation will be offering for spring break during the week of March 25-29. Enjoy a variety of fun activities, sports and games for youth and teens at various recreation centers across the County.Those interested in the available camps can learn more and sign up here.“There is a variety of fun spring break programming offered by Montgomery County Recreation that provides a safe, out of school opportunity for our youth,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “I encourage families to sign their children up, and to get a sneak preview of all the great offerings...
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By Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA, 301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA
(Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties )
Dive deep into the realm of real estate investments with our expertly crafted guide, tailored specifically for landlords in Montgomery County. This indispensable resource is designed to illuminate the path to unlocking the full potential of your rental properties, even those currently housing tenants.Key Takeaways: Learn how to navigate the steps involved in selling rental properties Discover common pitfalls and how to avoid them Unlock the strategies to maximize the return on your investment Understand the tax implications of selling rental properties in Montgomery County Gain insights on effective marketing strategies for selling rental properties ​Understanding the Rental Property Market in Montgomery CountyBefore selling your rental property, it's crucial to have a deep understandin...
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Maryland Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Professionals