Real Estate Update

Open Sunday! 12500 Triadelphia Rd., Ellicott City

2013-06-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

Secluded 5BD/3.5BA retreat on 5 acres. Skylights, windows and high ceilings create a bright, open feel. Gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream. Four fireplaces. Multilevel deck with stairs to ground. Terrific house for entertaining. More than 4,000 square feet of living space. Close to routes 144, 40, 108, 32 and I-70. 2-car garage. Listed at $725,000. OPEN SUNDAY from 1 to 4 pm. Click for more info and photos: 12500 Triadelphia Rd., Ellicott City MD 21042.

Open Sunday: 12767 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City

2013-06-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

Enjoy quiet country living in this post & beam passive solar home in Glenelg Manor Estates on 3.55 acres. 3BD/2.5BA with den, indoor hot tub and in-ground pool. Kitchen with skylight, soaring ceilings and island. Separate dining room. Beamed great room with space for living, TV & wood stove. Light streams into the upstairs rooms through skylights. Sliding glass doors to large side deck. Backs to trees. Oversized 2-car garage. Listed at $644,500. OPEN SUNDAY from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Click for more info and photos: 12767 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City, MD 21042

Open Sunday: 516 Queensgate Rd., Baltimore, MD 21229

2013-06-20T16:25:00.004-04:00

This move-in ready 3 bed/1 bath, 3-level townhouse features an updated kitchen and bathroom, plus a recently finished walkout basement. Designer paint and impeccable attention to detail. Warm wood floors on the main level, a covered front porch to greet you, and a rear parking pad for your convenience! All of this and a home warranty, too! OPEN SUNDAY from 1 pm to 3 pm. Recently reduced to $124,900. Click for more info and photos: 516 Queensgate Rd., Baltimore, MD 21229

Sunset Showing Today: 516 Queensgate Rd, Baltimore, MD 21229

2013-06-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

Stop by our evening open house tonight, Tuesday June 18, from 5 pm to 7 pm. This move-in ready 3 bed/1 bath, 3-level townhouse features an updated kitchen and bathroom, plus a recently finished walkout basement. Designer paint and impeccable attention to detail. Warm wood floors on the main level, a covered front porch to greet you, and a rear parking pad for your convenience! All of this and a home warranty, too! OPEN TUESDAY from 5 pm to 7 pm. Recently reduced to $124,900. Click for more info and photos: 516 Queensgate Rd., Baltimore, MD 21229

Open Today and Saturday: 3505 Fisher Hill Lane, Laurel, MD 20724

2013-06-14T12:25:00.001-04:00

Spacious 22-foot wide, three-level townhouse with 3 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms. Meticulously maintained by original owner and full of natural light. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters, island, 42-inch oak cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a gas stove. Sliding glass doors lead to deck overlooking common area. Enormous master bedroom with walk-in closet, plus bathroom with double vanity, walk-in shower and garden tub. Lower-level rec room, plus rough-in for full bath. Two-car garage. Close to Route 1, 198, I-295, I-95 and 32. Listed at $359,900. OPEN TODAY from 3 pm to 6 pm and SATURDAY 1 pm to 4 pm by Ralph Paez. Click for more info and photos: 3505 Fisher Hill Lane, Laurel, MD 20724.

More than 4,500 Square Feet of Living Space! Open Sunday

2013-06-13T18:07:00.001-04:00

With more than 4,500 square feet of living space, you’ll have room to grow in this beautifully maintained custom-built home. 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Beautiful glass-enclosed sun-room off the kitchen, master bedroom with sitting room, as well as a finished basement. In-law suite has its own private entrance, garden bath & walk-in closets, as well as a large eat-in second kitchen. Open SUNDAY from 1 to 3 pm by Courtney Harris. Click for more info and photos: 11637 Dark Fire Way, Columbia MD 21044

Townhouse in Laurel Open Sunday and Sunday

2013-06-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

Spacious 22-foot wide, three-level townhouse with 3 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms. Meticulously maintained by original owner and full of natural light. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters, island, 42-inch oak cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a gas stove. Sliding glass doors lead to deck overlooking common area. Enormous master bedroom with walk-in closet, plus bathroom with double vanity, walk-in shower and garden tub. Lower-level rec room, plus rough-in for full bath. Two-car garage. Close to Route 1, 198, I-295, I-95 and 32. Listed at $359,900. OPEN SATURDAY and SUNDAY 1 pm to 4 pm. Click for more info and photos: 3505 Fisher Hill Lane, Laurel, MD 20724

Just Listed and Open Sunday! 12500 Triadelphia Rd., Ellicott City

2013-06-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

Secluded 5BD/3.5BA retreat on 5 acres. Skylights, windows and high ceilings create a bright, open feel. Gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream. Four fireplaces. Multilevel deck with stairs to ground. Terrific house for entertaining. More than 4,000 square feet of living space. Close to routes 144, 40, 108, 32 and I-70. 2-car garage. OPEN SUNDAY FROM 1 to 4 pm. Click for more info and photos: 12500 Triadelphia Rd., Ellicott City MD 21042

Open Saturday and Sunday: 12767 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City

2013-06-06T14:00:00.000-04:00

Click for more info and photos: 12767 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City, MD 21042

Open Saturday in Columbia!

2013-05-24T14:45:00.000-04:00

Newly renovated townhouse situated in a park-like settling. Updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, new cabinets and countertops. Beautiful hardwood floors on entire main level. New carpet and fresh paint throughout. Updated ceramic floors in bathrooms with new vanities and light fixtures. Relax on your fenced-in deck. OPEN SATURDAY from 1 to 3 pm. Click for more info and photos: 9454 Kilimanjaro Rd.,Columbia, MD 21045

Open Sunday in Columbia: 11637 Dark Fire Way

2013-05-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

You’ll have room to grow in this beautifully maintained custom-built home. 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Beautiful glass-enclosed sun-room off the kitchen, master bedroom with sitting room, as well as a finished basement. In-law suite has its own private entrance, garden bath & walk-in closets, as well as a large eat-in second kitchen. More than 4500+ square feet of living space. Open SUNDAY from 1 to 3 pm by Julie Kelley. Click for more info: 11637 Dark Fire Way, Columbia MD 21044

Just Listed in Columbia! Open This Weekend!

2013-05-17T15:00:00.000-04:00

Newly renovated townhouse situated in a park-like settling between Oakland Mills Middle School and Oakland Mills High School. Updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, new cabinets and countertops. Beautiful hardwood floors on entire main level. New carpet and fresh paint throughout. Updated ceramic floors in bathrooms with new vanities and light fixtures. Relax on your private fenced-in deck. OPEN SATURDAY from 1 to 3 pm and SUNDAY from 2 to 4 pm. Click for more info: 9454 Kilimanjaro Rd., Columbia, MD 21045

Open House Saturday and Sunday: 3505 Fisher Hill Lane, Laurel

2013-05-17T14:19:00.000-04:00

Spacious 22-foot wide, three-level townhouse with 3 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms. Meticulously maintained by original owner and full of natural light. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters, island, 42-inch oak cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a gas stove. Sliding glass doors lead to deck overlooking common area. Enormous master bedroom with walk-in closet, plus bathroom with double vanity, walk-in shower and garden tub. Lower-level rec room, plus rough-in for full bath. Two-car garage. Close to Route 1, 198, I-295, I-95 and 32. Listed at $359,900. OPEN SATURDAY and SUNDAY 1 pm to 4 pm by Ralph Paez. 3505 Fisher Hill Lane, Laurel, MD 20724

Deanna Cammarata Joins the New Colony Team

2013-05-16T08:30:00.000-04:00

Deanna Cammarata
Realtor and Client Advocate

Deanna Cammarata joins WEICHERT, REALTORS® — New Colony with more than a decade of experience as a contracts specialist, where she drafted, reviewed, negotiated and administered contracts for services and materials ranging from thousands of dollars into the millions. She’s developed an expertise in interpreting contracts, identifying risk, and negotiating the best possible terms for her client.

“I pride myself on being a good listener and truly understanding what a customer wants. It is so important to care about others and demonstrate that in how you act. You need to be open and honest with customers, and at the same time shield them from the stress of achieving their goals. Real estate transactions have their challenges, but to the customer the process should appear as easy as possible.”

Deanna chose a position with WEICHERT, REALTORS® because of the way her work ethic aligns with that of company founder Jim Weichert, in regards to the way he began and continues to run the company. He has said, “From the day our first office opened in 1969, we have built our services around helping people achieve their visions of the future smoothly and with as little stress as possible.”

Deanna grew up in Olney, Md., and currently resides in Adamstown, Md. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice form the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Maryland Association of Realtors, and the Howard County Association of Realtors. Deanna enjoys any activity that gets her outdoors and spending time with her children.

WEICHERT, REALTORS® — New Colony hires Ralph M. Paez

2013-05-14T08:30:00.000-04:00

Ralph M. Paez joins WEICHERT, REALTORS® — New Colony with 30 years of experience in new business development in the banking and technical industries, and previous experience as a Realtor in New Mexico.

“I have found success in sales because I enjoy meeting and working with new people and helping them to solve a challenge. Each day I have the opportunity to learn something from someone whom I’ve never met before, and possibly share something with them that helps them find success as well. I want what is best for my clients, and that’s what I believe creates trust and a bond that lasts beyond the closing.”

Ralph joined WEICHERT for the company’s willingness to evaluate and take advantage of technologies that can enhance employee productivity and increase the company’s level of success. “I chose to work at New Colony for the people, pure and simple. They’re down-to-earth people who work hard and enjoy each other's company.”

Ralph grew up in Albuquerque, N.M., and has lived in Columbia, Md., for 11 years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Colorado. He is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Maryland Association of Realtors, and the Howard County Association of Realtors.

Ralph enjoys cycling, genealogy, travel and spending time with his wife, grown children and granddaughter. He serves on a local home owners’ association board and is a member of the Howard County Mental Health Board of Directors.

Julie M. Mason Joins WEICHERT, REALTORS® — New Colony

2013-05-10T13:09:00.001-04:00

Julie Mason grew up in the real estate business, with both parents working as agents and then in other areas of real estate. Later, her position with a civil engineering and land development company affirmed Julie’s decision to work in the industry. Her most recent previous position as a real estate appraiser gives Julie a unique insight into the value of a property when she’s working with clients at WEICHERT, REALTORS® — New Colony.

Julie joined WEICHERT for its reputation, and felt especially drawn to the New Colony office by the sincerity and camaraderie of its people. “I wanted to be a part of a real team. These are the type of people I want to work with, side by side.”

Julie grew up in Ellicott City, Md., and currently resides in Laurel, Md. She and her family enjoy being tourists in their own state, with so much to see and do in Maryland. She is involved with fundraising through her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, supports the St. Jude Foundation, and as the wife of an Army combat veteran, the Wounded Warrior Project is extra special to her family.

Courtney C. Harris Joins Weichert, Realtors—New Colony

2013-04-30T11:29:00.000-04:00

After 18 years serving her country in the Army and in the federal government, Courtney is ready to serve homeowners in and around Howard County.

“There’s no one solution to finding the right home. I’m ready to put myself in my customers’ shoes, to focus on their current needs, and to anticipate their needs in the coming years. I think of myself as a real estate concierge, willing and able to handle all of the details of a purchase and sale on behalf of my clients.”

Day to day, Courtney strives for process improvements and greater efficiency to ensure that the needs of her clients are met fully and promptly. She chose to work with Weichert, Realtors—New Colony because of its commitment to customer service, which she recognized from the start. “The office manager answered the phone pleasantly and was eager to assist me and answer my questions. When I met the management team, they were enthusiastic, supportive, and even sent me a thank you note. These are traits I hold near and dear.”

Courtney was born and raised in Los Angeles, Calif., and she currently resides in Columbia, Md. Her commitment to public service began in high school as a J.R.O.T.C. cadet, followed by military tours in Bosnia, Korea, and Afghanistan during her 10 years with the U.S. Army. Next she spent nearly a decade working in the federal government, including a prestigious Capitol Hill fellowship sponsored by the American Political Science Association.

Courtney is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Maryland Association of Realtors, the Howard County Association of Realtors and the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors.

She supports the ASPCA, the Maryland Humane Society, the Howard County Humane Society, Veterans Affairs, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Prisoner of War Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.

Courtney earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public policy/corporate communications, both from Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, as well as a Federal Executive Leadership Certificate from The Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C.

It’s Nationwide Open House Weekend

2013-04-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

Think you know who finds their homes through open houses? Check out the latest data from the National Association of Realtors:

• Repeat buyers are more likely to find their home from an open house than first-time.

• Mid-income buyers, those with income between $55,000 and $75,000, are most likely to find their home through an open house compared to those in other income brackets.

• Older buyers, 65 years and older, are more likely to find their home through an open house than other age groups. As age increases, the likelihood of using open houses as a search tool increases: 45% of buyers aged 45 to 64 used open houses compared to only 28% of buyers aged 18 to 24.

• Buyers in the South are most likely to find a home through an open house compared to those in other regions.

• Buyers of new homes use open houses much more frequently than do buyers of previously owned homes.

• Married couples and unmarried couples are more likely to walk through open houses than single buyers.

Ready to look? Ready to sell? Call our team at 410-381-3331.

Open House Saturday: 3505 Fisher Hill Lane, Laurel

2013-04-18T11:45:00.000-04:00

Ask the Realtor: Is there anything I can do to increase my chance of having my offer accepted?

2013-04-16T14:08:00.001-04:00

When you find the home you want to buy, the next step is to place an offer on that home. The offer includes the price you are willing to pay, the amount of closing cost assistance you might be asking the buyer to provide, and a proposed date of settlement.

Our team can work closely with you to determine a fair offering price. If your offer is too low, the seller may not consider it or you may be beat out by another potential buyer. At the same time, you don’t want to pay more that you have to, so we can offer guidance based on the sales of comparable homes in the area and the number of days the home has been on the market.

In the current market, sellers are often willing to pay for some of your closing costs, which can help reduce the amount of cash you need to come up with for settlement. Again, we can offer guidance, based on current market conditions, local trends and the overall price of the home. The greater the cost of the home, the larger the amount a seller is often willing to pay.

Your settlement date can be a great bargaining tool. If the date is based on the sale of the home you are currently in, your offer may not be as appealing as someone without this type of contingency. In this case you may want to balance this offer with a very fair offering price and a reasonable request for closing-cost assistance. You will also want to show that your home is currently on the market.

If you don’t have a home to sell first, you are in a better position and can offer a broad window for settlement such as “no later than June 1” on an offer made today. This gives the sellers greater flexibility for their planning.

Another tip: Make your offer personal. Along with the offer, include a letter describing what you love about the home and why you believe it is the right home for you. Most sellers still hold an attachment to their homes, even when their homes are on the market. They may be swayed by someone who will continue to love and care for their home the way they did.

Any questions? Call us at 410-381-3331.

Ask the Realtor: What happens after I receive an offer on my home?

2013-04-10T07:59:00.000-04:00

Getting any offer is exciting! If the offer is a little low, you may want to make a counteroffer. And that’s where the negotiating skills of your Weichert Realtor come in. My team and I have been extensively trained in the techniques and psychology of negotiation. We will negotiate on your behalf so that you get the potential buyer’s best offer on the table for you to consider.

If you make a counteroffer and the buyer doesn't match it, we can help you to set aside the emotions of the negotiation and advise you on your best move. Perhaps your price is firm, but you are willing to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs. Or, maybe the buyer is willing to pay the full price if you can be flexible on the settlement date. We will discover what is most important to you and to the buyer so that the negotiation can keep moving forward and an agreement will be reached.

And even once the contract is signed, we will continue to negotiate for you through the inspection and closing. We take the lead on each step in the home-selling process, which means the least amount of stress for you! Call us at any time with questions, even if you are not yet our client.

Call 410-381-3331.

Open House Sunday in Ellicott City: 13131 Williamfield Drive

2013-04-04T21:30:00.000-04:00

Beautiful cedar contemporary on an open and expansive one-acre corner lot with extensive landscaping. This house sits on a quiet cul-de-sac with no thru traffic. It has an open floor plan with plenty of natural light, plus vaulted ceilings, skylights, hardwood floors, Corian countertops and stainless steel appliances. Be sure to see the Trex deck with hot tub! Just minutes from Route 32. $549,000, Open SUNDAY 1-4 pm with Donna Weaver. 13131 Williamfield Drive

Ask the Realtor: Will my home be advertised online?

2013-04-02T10:25:00.000-04:00

Absolutely! Did you know that 80% of home searches start online? With Weichert Realtors, we have an extra strong search-engine strategy that directs online shoppers to our website to see listings immediately. We invest heavily in what is called “paid search.” That means that a wide range of search terms will result in Weichert.com being among the first results. Also, research has shown that Weichert is typically first or second among all real estate companies for more time spent on our sites than other real estate sites.

What is truly unique is the Weichert Contact Center. When potential buyers visit a Weichert website, they can click for more information or call our toll-free number to talk to a local Realtor seven days a week. No one gets lost in the shuffle. We can follow up with them immediately during business hours or the very next day.

Are you ready to list your home, or are you even just considering it? Call us any time at 410-381-3331.

Open House Sunday in Baltimore: 516 Queensgate

2013-03-29T15:00:00.000-04:00

Gorgeous, move-in ready 3 bed/1 bath, three-level townhouse for $134,990. Updated kitchen and bath, plus a recently finished walkout basement. Windows and appliances are seven years young. Designer paint and impeccable attention to detail. Main-level wood floors, covered front porch and rear parking pad! All of this and a home warranty, too! Open SUNDAY 1-3 pm with Courtney Harris. 516 Queensgate Rd., Baltimore, MD 21229

Open House Saturday in Ellicott City: 13131 Williamfield Drive

2013-03-29T14:46:00.002-04:00

Beautiful cedar contemporary on an open and expansive one-acre corner lot with extensive landscaping. This house sits on a quiet cul-de-sac with no thru traffic. It has an open floor plan with plenty of natural light, plus vaulted ceilings, skylights, hardwood floors, Corian countertops and stainless steel appliances. Be sure to see the Trex deck with hot tub! Just minutes from Route 32. $549,000, Open SATURDAY 1-4 pm with Donna Weaver. 13131 Williamfield Drive