Ellicott City Realtor Catonsville Realtor

Featured Listing Friday - An Entertainer's Dream Home - Located in the Sykesville Neighborhood of Shannon Run

This Wonderfully Maintained Colonial has Everything You Desire!

A Traditional Floor Plan with a Foyer Entrance, Large Formal Living Room and Formal Dining Room. Step through the Hallway to Heart of the Home - A Bright and Open Kitchen, filled with Natual Light. The Kichen and Breakfast Area overlook the Expansive Step Down Family Room, complete with Gas Fireplace, Hardwood Floors, and Enormous Picture Windows. The Upper Level Foyer Opens to Four Large Bedrooms, including a Well Appointed Master Suite with His and Hers Walk-in Closets, Dual Vanity Sinks, Separate Shower and Soaking Tub. Move in Ready with New Carpets and Freshly Painted. The Beautifully Landscaped Lot features an Enormous Open Rear Yard, Stone Patio and Walkway, and is perfect for Outdoor Entertaining.

Move Right In and Make it Yours!

This home is located in the Sykesville Neighborhood of Shannon Run.  Shannon Run is just minutes from Main Street in Historic Sykesville, as well as to Route 32, making this home ideal for commuters.  Shannon Run is a small community, made up of about 200 single family homes, most of which were built in the mid-1990's.  Most of the lots are about 9,000 - 10,000 square feet in size.

This home is located in the Carroll County Public School System.  The schools for this home are Piney Run Elementary, Sykesville Middle School, and Century High School.  School boundaries can change from year to year, so you should verify this information with the school district directly.  If you are looking for a home in the Piney Run Elementary School Area, or the Sykesville Middle School Area, or the Century High School Area, give me a call to see this home today!  410-480-3555

Historic Old Town Sykesville has many local events and attractions.  In the summer, park at Sykesville Middle School on a Friday night, and attend Sykesville's Concerts in the Park, complete with snack bar and lighted playground.  In Autumn, Sykesville hosts a Fall Festival, and a Flower Mart in the Spring.  During the holidays, Historic Sykesville's Main Street is home to the Santa Fire Truck Parade, as well as beautiful lights and holiday displays.

See more Sykesville Attractions below:

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Featured Listing Friday - Own a Part of Catonsville History!

True One of a Kind Dutch Colonial. Walk to the State Park or to the Shops on Frederick Rd. Beautiful Nearly Half Acre Lot with Shade Trees & Mature Landscaping. Enjoy 3 Seasons from the Large Covered Front Porch. Some Updates Include New Windows, Kitchen Cabinets & a New Boiler.


This Lovely Home Needs TLC. Lots of Potential - Ask your Lender about 203(K) Financing for Renovations and Repairs.


A Classic Home, in a Classic Catonsville Neighborhood.

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Western Howard County Equestrian Property - A Walking Tour.

Join me on a walking tour of this Equestrian Property located in the Western Howard County Community of Woodbine, MD.

Walking Tour - New Home in Catonsville - Westchester Elementary School District

If you're looking for a new home in Catonsville, one that is finished, ready to move in, and located in the Westchester Elementary attendance area, have a look at this video, go to www.444NeepierRoad.com for more information, and give me a call at 410-480-3555 to schedule a showing today.

Featured Listing Friday - Beautiful Woodbine Farmette - Great Horse Property - You Have GOT to see this one!

Easy Country Living on this 4.8 Acre Farmette

Custom Built Southern Style Colonial on Nearly 5 Acres with an Oversized Wrap Around Porch, Beautiful Landscaping, and Scenic Pastoral Views of Western Howard County. The Bright & Spacious Kitchen opens to the Expanisve Family Room with Fireplace & Picture Windows Overlooking Rear Acreage. Well Appointed Master Suite with Sitting Area, Fireplace, Double Walk in Closets, and Luxury Bath complete with Dual Vanities, Separate Shower, and Soaking Tub. Extra Large Bedroom Over Garage with Half Bath is possible Maids Quarters or InLaw Suite.

• 5 Bedrooms
• Custom Built in 2000
• 4,172 Square Feet
• 3 Fireplaces
• 5th Bedroom over Garage with Half Bath is Possible InLaw Suite or Maid's Quarters

Horse Property Features:

4 Stall Run Through Barn
Hayloft
Unfurnished Tack Room

Google Map of Woodbine Area, including Feed and Tack Stores, Local Stables and other local businesses and attractions for Horse Property Owners:

For more information about this property visit www.1760DaisyRoad.com or give me a call at 410-480-3555 today.

Featured Listing - Rarely Offered Somerset Townhome - Completely Renovated
Open Sunday, April 17      1-3pm

Built in 1931 with Old World Appeal
Rehabbed in 2011 for Modern Convenience

Freshly Painted, New Modern Kitchen with Stainless Appliances. Refinished Hardwood Floors on Main and Upper Levels, Ceramic Tile Floors in Kitchen & Baths. Formal Dining Room with Pass Through to Kitchen Breakfast Bar. Charming and Bright Living Room with Stone Fireplace. Spacious Family Room in Lower Level with New Carpeting-Lower Level also has Rehabbed Half Bath. Plenty of Attic Storarge Space. All Plumbing and Electric Replaced. A Remarkable View of Your Additional 28 x 137 (non buildable) Lot for Added Privacy.

• 3 Bedrooms
  
• 1 and a Half Bathrooms
  
• End of Group
  
• Renovated Top to Bottom
  
• 9'+ Ceilings
  
• New AC with Backup Heat
  
• Flagstone Front Porch
  
• Brick Rear Porch
  
• Finished Lower Level
• 
  

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Featured Listing Friday - Featured Community - Single Level Homes in the Village of Oakland Mills.

From time to time I work with Buyers who have a very specific type of property in mind.  In fact, I am working with a Buyer right now who would like a home with these features:

• Most important - a single level home - no stairs
• A smaller home - 2 or 3 bedrooms at the most
• No basement - no waterproofing to worry about, no sump pump headaches

For many Buyers, when looking for these qualities in a home, they believe their options are limited to a Condo.  But what if you would like the ease of living that a Condominium provides, and yet the space and privacy of a single family home?  What if the Buyer would like room to garden, or a private yard with a patio or deck to enjoy the seasons?

In this situation, I always take my Buyers through the homes off of Encounter Row in the Village of Oakland Mills of Columbia.  Most of the homes in this area fit these criteria - they are 2 or 3 Bedroom Single Family Homes, on a single level.  Many of them have the space and sun that a gardening enthusiast would require.

These properties were generally built about 40 years ago, so the nicer properties will have updated Kitchens and/or Bathrooms.  The condition of these homes will vary, but some of them have been very well maintained.  If you would like the convenience of a garage, many of the homes have those as well.

The homes in the neighborhood off Encounter Row in the neighborhood of Stevens Forest have easy access to the walking trails of Columbia.  These homes are a very short walk to the Columbia Association Pool at Stevens Forest.  If you are up for a longer hike, take the walking trails to the Fishing and Recreation provided at nearby Lake Elkhorn.  The Oakland Mills Village Center is less than a mile away, making shopping conveniently close.  Also nearby are the Mall in Columbia, and commuter routes such as Route 29 and 32, and Interstate 95.

Many of the homes are situated on private cul de sacs, and Encounter Row itself is not a through street, which really limits the traffic in the neighborhood.  Stevens Forest Elementary School, Oakland Mills Middle School and Oakland Mills High School are all within easy walking distance.  You can view the school reports for these schools at www.greatschools.net.  School attendance areas can change from year to year, and should be independently verified for each property you view through the school district.  You can contact the Howard County Public School System for this information, or use their handy online School Locator.

Below I've provided a map of the area, as well as a list of homes currently for sale.  If you find yourself looking for the ease of Condo living, with the space and privacy of a Single Family Home, as well as access to the recreation and amenities provided by the Columbia Association, the neighborhood located off of Encounter Row should be your first stop.

Single Level Homes Listed For Sale in Columbia, MD - located off of Encounter Row in the Village of Oakland Mills.

Featured Listing Friday - 444 Neepier Road in Catonsville's Westchester Oaks - Impressive Fully Finished New Home.  No detail was too small for this Certified Master Builder-from the Rubbed Bronze Door Sets to the High-End Designer Light Fixtures-this home features quality finishing throughout.

• 4 Bedrooms
  
• 4 1/2 Bathrooms
  
• Gourmet Kitchen with 42" Maple Cabinets, and Stainless Professional Appliances
  
• Luxury Master Bath with Oversized Soaking Tub, Dual Vanities, and Separate Shower
  
• Main Level features Hardwood Floors, Chair Railing, Crown Molding, Wainscoting, Decorator Finishing Touches
  
• Finished Walkout Basement with Full Bath for Rec Room, Playroom, or an Office - Lots of Room for You to Decide
  
• Two Car Garage

Located in the Westchester Oaks neighborhood of Catonsville. This home is just a short walk to where Trolley Line #9 begins, (known locally as the "Trolley Trail"), you can walk the Trolley Trail to the shops and restaurants in Old Ellicott City.

This home is conveniently located for commuters needing access to the 695 Beltway and Interstate 95. Rockwell Avenue provides easy access to shopping areas and Downtown Catonsville, yet Neepier itself is not a through street.

This home is currently in the attendance areas for Westchester Elementary School, Catonsville Middle School and Catonsville High School.  School attendance boundaries can change from year to year and should be indpendantly verified through Baltimore County Public Schools.

Below is a map of the property, surrounding area, and nearby amenities such as parks, libraries, shopping and schools.

Featured Community:  Catonsville, MD - Westchester Elementary School Attendance Area.  One thing I always tell my Buyers, if you are searching for a home in Maryland by school, it's not always an easy task.  Unfortunately, not all Agents list the schools in the MLS.  If you are using a home search tool to find a home in the Westchester Elementary School Attendance Area, and limit your search by school, you may be missing a number of potential homes.  Also, not all Agents list neighborhoods in the MLS, so you can't limit using that parameter either.

The best way, in Maryland, to search for a home in the Westchester Elementary School attendance area is to first search by the Catonsville zip code of 21228, and then use the school district's tool to check if a home is in the attendance boundary for that school.  You may also want to search in the Baltimore County zip code of 21043 - Oella - because some of those homes may be in the Westchester Elementary School Attendance Area.  You can always call me and ask me the best way to search for a home for the specific school you are considering: 410-480-3555.

Below you will find the attendance map for Westchester Elementary School in Catonsville, MD.  You will also find a link to Baltimore County Public School's (BCPS) tool to check if a home is in the attendance area for Westchester.  The information provided concerning school boundaries can change from year to year, and should always be independently verified with the school district.  The phone number to verify school boundaries in Baltimore County is 410-887-4215.

If you have any questions about searching for homes in the Westchester Elementary School Attendance Area, please don't hesitate to give me a call.  I grew up in Catonsville, and I know the neighborhoods well.  I know that schools matter to you, and what matters to you, matters to me.

BCPS School Search by Home Address

Westchester Elementary School Profile

BCPS Provided Boundary Map for Westchester Elementary School - 2010

Westchester Elementary School Report

Catonsville, MD Homes - Search for Homes in Westchester Elementary School Attendance Area*

*Not all homes on the list will be in Westchester Elementary School's attendance area.  Use the tool provided above to check BCPS school attendance.

What Does $150 a Month Buy?  I had an interesting conversation today with our in-house Senior Mortgage Advisor, Mike Fagan.  Although no one can predict when or exactly how much, Mike believes it seems likely that interest rates will be on the rise over the next several months and/or years.  The Federal Reserve has the difficult job of trying to keep interest rates low enough to stimulate borrowing, but high enough to ward off inflation.

The potential for interest rates to increase should be of particular interest to Home Buyers, and to Home Owners with adjustable rate mortgages.  As interest increases, so does the mortgage payment.  Here's an example:

To purchase this home at 509 Newburg Avenue, at today's mortgage rate of 4.625%, with an FHA loan and 3.5% down payment, the total PITI payment would be $1840.  If interest rates go up just 1% over the next year, the payment for the same loan at 5.625% jumps to $1997.  A difference of $157.

What is the cost of waiting a year to purchase your home - what does $150 a month buy?  Well right now, about 50 gallons of gas.  Or 38 gallons of milk.  Maybe it pays your family's phone, internet and TV bill for the month.  Perhaps it's what you spend eating out in a month.  It could be your monthly utility bill, or a good portion of it.

Whatever you would spend it on, $150 a month is not a sum of money anyone should ignore.  If you're thinking of buying a home, give me a call to find how the rising interest rates are likely to affect your home purchase.

If you'd like more information on what the financial markets are doing, Mike Fagan sends out a weekly Mortgage Market Update.  His informative newsletter begins with a Week in Review and gives a quick Forecast for the upcoming Week, and other useful financial tips.  This week's newsletter had the IRS standard mileage deduction rates for 2011.  If you're looking for detailed information on what's happening in the economy, in a language you can understand, give Mike a call to receive his mmgWeekly.