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Village of Long Reach, Columbia - How Did They Name Those Streets?

Columbia's Villages, neighborhoods and streets are often references to the history of the area as well as famous works of art and literature.  High Tor Hill, in the Village of Long Reach is no exception.  Below is a brief history of some of the names in the Village of Long Reach:

 

 

 

‘Long Reach' was the name of an original land grand presented to Major Edward Dorsey in 1695 for 448 acres.

Robin Jeffers was an American poet at the height of his popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, whose work reflected his passion for the wild beauty of the then undeveloped California Coast.  He built a home near Carmel called ‘High Tor'.  From his poem ‘Tor House':

To make stone love stone, you will find some remnant.
But if you should look in your idleness after ten thousand years:
It is the granite knoll on the granite
And lava tongue in the midst of the bay, by the mouth of the Carmel

‘Tor' is an old English term for a high stone outcropping.

The Long Reach Community Center is named Stonehouse, and is located in the Village Center.  From the Robin Jeffers poem Star Swirls:

And this place, where I have planted trees and built a stone house

This information was compiled from various sources including Oh You Must Live in Columbia, Missy Burke, Robin Emrich and Barbara Kellner, 2008, Columbia Archives.  Visit the Columbia Archives yourself to purchase a copy of this book, or check out a copy from the Howard County Library, and to find out more about the fascinating history of the names of this city!

Top Seller Tuesdays - Spend a Little, Get a Lot! A series of weekly tips for preparing your Maryland Home for sale that are simple, quick and designed to bring you top value.

• Opt for neutral paint and carpets but add splashes of color with area rugs, napkins, flowers, pillows, curtains, drapes and towels.

If you'd like more information about preparing your home for sale, feel free to contact me.

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If you have any questions about this report, feel free to give me a call, or click here to request more information.

Carroll County Real Estate Market Update, February 2010

The Cove Condominium Community - located in the Village of Wilde Lake - Spacious Condos with Water Views of Wilde Lake, and a Community Pool, conveniently located just across Little Patuxent Parkway from the Mall of Columbia

Located in the Neighborhood of Bryant Woods, between 10000 and 10100 Windstream Drive, this classic condominium community is situated directly on Wilde Lake, with many units offering a view of the Lake.  Although they were built in the 1960's as one of Wilde Lake's first apartment communities, these units were converted to condominiums in the 1980's and have been very well maintained by the Cove Condominium Association.  The landscaping is impeccable, and the convenience of a community pool sets these homes apart.

Wilde Lake is a 22 acre manmade lake, built and maintained by the Columbia Association.  The Lake has a well kept 1.5 mile loop walking trail, tot lot, and picnic area.  The Columbia Association maintains the Boathouse, as well as the Barn on the Lake's shore.   Wilde Lake flows downstream into Lake Kittamaqundi.

Shopping can be found at the nearby Wilde Lake Village Center, which is home to David's Natural Market, or at the Governor Century Plaza Shopping Center , both of which are just a short drive from The Cove Condominiums.   Also nearby are Howard Community College and Howard County General Hospital.

Wilde Lake is also home to the Columbia Swim Center, an indoor pool complex with two full sized pools,  a wading pool, locker rooms, sauna, KidCare child care option, and the popular Splashdown indoor water park.

Entertainment and recreation can be found at any of Columbia's nearby cultural and sports centers:

• Merriweather Post Pavilion
• Toby's Dinner Theatre
• Columbia Art Center
• Columbia Horse Center
• Columbia's Supreme Sports Club and other Athletic Clubs
• Fairway Hills Golf Club and Hobbits Glen Golf Club
• Wilde Lake Tennis Club
• Columbia Ice Rink
  

For more information about what living in Columbia has to offer, visit www.columbiaassociation.com, and to find out more about living in the Village of Wilde Lake and other Columbia Villages, visit www.columbiavillages.org.

Live in Federal Hill – One of Baltimore City’s Oldest Neighborhoods Known for its Proximity to Baltimore’s Most Enjoyed Local Attractions, Nightlife and Local Businesses

About Federal Hill

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore City, Federal Hill is located West of Martin King Luther Jr Boulevard and North of Interstate 95. From the top of the hill in Federal Hill Park, you have a panoramic view of Baltimore City’s Inner Harbor. Walking distance to the stadiums, Inner Harbor, and Museums, this neighborhood is a convenient location to all of the major Baltimore City attractions:

• Maryland Science Center
• Baltimore Museum of Industry
• National Aquarium
• American Visionary Art Museum
• Little Montgomery Street Historic District
• M&T Stadium
• Carroll Park
• Hippodrome Theatre
• Camden Yards
• Baltimore Convention Center
• Fort McHenry
• Lexington Market
• …and so much more!

Federal Hill’s business include a number of locally owned and operated establishments, with a wide variety of bars, pubs and restaurants, but also including some unique companies that you would not find anywhere else. Not the least of which businesses is the Cross Street Market, an old-fashioned fresh food market whose origins date back to 1846.

You can find out more about Federal Hill’s history, businesses and events by visiting www.historicfederalhill.org.

Photos of Federal Hill – the Neighborhood, the Businesses, the View:

Photos courtesy of Andy Ellis of bmoreconnected – www.facebook.com/bmoreconnected

Move in time to take part in the festivities at the annual Federal Hill Main Street’s Spring Block Party on April 25th!!!

Renovated Federal Hill Townhome with Brick Exterior and Unique Architecture, Deck and Patio
295,000
Located in the heart of Federal Hill
126 Burnett Street
Burnett Street has Summer Movie Nights and Block Parties
Join the Fun!

• 2 Bedrooms
  
• 2 ½ Bathrooms – Each Bedroom has its own Bathroom
  
• Fenced Rear Patio
  
• Deck
  
• Ceramic Tile in Kitchen and Bathrooms
  
• Custom Cabinets in Renovated Kitchen with Breakfast Bar
  
• Master Bathroom Has Whirlpool Tub
  
• Custom Exposed Brick
  
• Fully Finished Lower Level
  
• Custom Stairs and Banisters

Listed by: Christine Kogok, Realtor

Click here to request more information about the property.

What are the most common mistakes you see novice Investors make?

A:  The list that we're talking about looks like this:

• Falling in love with the property
• Always using the best case scenario
• Not performing solid due diligence
• Not planning
• Forgetting to consider how this deal helps your other financial objectives (the big picture)

This week, it's time to talk about not performing solid due diligence.

Here's the deal - if you don't' perform a solid, thorough due diligence, it's going to cost you.  It's going to be a cost, and it may be a 30 year one.  Do you want to take that risk?

When performing due diligence, here's the easiest rule:  Question everything.  That means if the owner is paying utilities, find out through the utility company how much he's spending.  Not the Realtor, and not the Owner.

Check and see how much taxes were actually paid.  Ask for copies of leases.  In the event it's owned by an LLC or any other corporation, ask for a tax return.  Check with the County about any zoning violations.  Talk to the tenants if you can about the condition of the property and any other issues.

These are just a few that typically get overlooked.  Are there any due diligence items that you're aware of that are easily overlooked?

Just remember the rule - question everything. 

You CAN Have it All - Howard County Schools, Shopping, and Recreation located just off 100 and 29 Commuter Routes to DC, Baltimore and Annapolis

The small community of Long Gate has much to offer for Howard County families offering schools, shopping, recreational activities, and proximity to commuter routes.  Situated south of Montgomery Road, between Wheatfield Way and Long Gate Parkway, this community offers both Single Family Detached Homes and spacious Townhomes.

Long Gate is located within the Howard County Public School System, which is ranked the 2^nd best in the state of Maryland according to www.schooldigger.net.  Currently, Long Gate is districted for the following schools:

 

• Waterloo Elementary School
• Ellicott Mills Middle School
• Centennial High School

School ranking and districting can change from year to year and all information should be independently verified.  Howard County has a convenient school locator tool on their homepage.

Long Gate is within an easy walking distance to Long Gate Shopping Center.  Among the shops you will find a Target, Safeway, Barnes and Noble, Old Navy, Kohls, Michaels, Staples, Hallmark, Safeway and more - all of your shopping in one convenient center.  The Shopping Center also has a Carrabas Italian Grill, an Outback Steakhouse, Pizzeria Uno, McDonalds, and Kentucky Fried Chicken for a variety of dining options.  There's also a gas station which truly makes this shopping center a one stop destination.  Of course, if the shopping center doesn't have what you are looking for, you are just a short drive down 29 to the Mall of Columbia.

Also located within walking distance is Meadowbrook Park.  Opened just four years ago in 2006, the park has a large playground with play areas for tots and older children of all abilities, basketball courts, tennis courts, 3 pavilions, numerous sports fields, 2.5 miles of walking trails and ample parking.  In addition, Howard County Parks and Recreation recently opened the brand new, state of the art, 35,000 square foot Meadowbrook Athletic Complex which offers a home to indoor leagues for volleyball, basketball, soccer, in-line hockey, and lacrosse for all ages.

If you seek recreation for your four legged animals, Long Gate is a short drive from Worthington Park which is home to Howard County's only dog park.  With an off-leash area with separate enclosures for small and large dogs, as well as agility trails and fenced areas for rent, this space is friendly for the furrier members of your family.

The Dancel Family Center Y located just across Montgomery Road from Long Gate Shopping Center has been recently renovated.  The facility has 2 pools, a 7,000 square foot fitness center, two gymnasiums, cycling and aerobic studios, a rock wall, child care, teen center, senior center, mens, womens, girls, boys and family locker rooms, child and teen camps, as well as sports and enrichment programs for children and adults alike.

Other nearby attractions include the Ellicott City Fire Station which is home to an extensive train garden display every holiday season, Ellicott City's Historic Main Street with it's quaint atmosphere and unique shopping, the Miller Branch of the Howard County Public Library, the B&O Railroad Museum, Clark's Elioak Farm, the Patapsco Female Institute and Historic Park, as well as many local golf courses.

Also located across from Long Gate Shopping Center, and a very short drive from Long Gate, is the new Gatherings at Jefferson Place.  This Active Adult Community is reserved for 55 and older, and includes single level, elevator serviced homes, and a community center.  With the availability of comfortable housing for your family members nearby, Long Gate is truly a neighborhood that offers it all.

And finally, the proximity that Long Gate offers to 29 and 100 makes its location suitable for commuting to Washington DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis.

Click here to See a Current List of Long Gate Homes

If you'd like more information about Long Gate, or other communities in Ellicott City and Howard County, please feel free to contact me.

This week a met with a First Time Buyer.  He's got a good job with security and steady pay - he's a firefighter.  He's also realized that he's tired of throwing good money after bad into rent, and he'd like to take advantage of the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, which expires on April 30^th of this year.  He's heard about some of the 100% financing options that are available, because he brought them up at our consultation.  In addition to his steady income, he's got little debt, some assets and good credit.

So he's doing everything right, right?

He was correct about the 100% financing options - there were two programs that he could have qualified for.  Unfortunately, both of these programs were cancelled just as of last week.  So now what options does he have?  He can't pay cash for a house, he's not a veteran, and private financing is cost prohibitive.  FHA would be the next program to look at.  Unfortunately, he needs a 3.5% down payment and he doesn't have quite enough.

Here's what you need to know - if you're a first time buyer, you really need to have time to prepare.  Things like this are going to happen.  Programs are going to get cancelled, and you need to know what your alternatives are and give yourself time to prepare for them.

So if you are a first Time Buyer and you are thinking of buying a home, even if it's not for another year, or even two years, it would be helpful for you to sit down with a Lender to see what you can do to prepare financially, and with a Realtor to see what you will be able to afford.

Top Seller Tuesdays - Spend a Little, Get a Lot! A series of weekly tips for preparing your Maryland Home for sale that are simple, quick and designed to bring you top value.

• Place a small rug in front of doors leading outside so visitors can wipe their feet, particularly if it is raining or snowing.

If you'd like more information about preparing your home for sale, feel free to contact me.