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LOCAL EVENTS |
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Monday - July 21
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| • Summer Concert Series by the Bay (Maritime Museum, Havre de Grace, 7 pm) |
Tuesday - July 22
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• Farmers Market (Risteau parking lot, Bel Air, 9 am)
• Aberdeen Summer Concert (Festival Park, 7 pm) |
Wednesday - July 23
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| • Bel Air Summer Concert (Shamrock Park, 7 pm) |
Thursday - July 24
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| • Farmers Market (MARC train station, Edgewood, 3 pm) |
Friday - July 25
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• Bel Air Lunchtime Concert (Office Street, 1 pm)
• Havre de Grace Summer Concert (Tydings Park, 7:30 pm) |
Saturday - July 26
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• Farmers Market (Risteau parking lot, Bel Air, 7 am)
• Farmers Market (Pennington Avenue between Washington Street and Union Ave, Havre de Grace, 9 am)
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Upcoming ...
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• Bel Air Summer Concert (Humbert Amphitheater, Bel Air, 7 pm) - July 27, 30
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• Summer Concert Series by the Bay (Maritime Museum, Havre de Grace, 7 pm) - July 28, August 4
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• Swanfest (Swan Harbor Farm, Havre de Grace, 11 am) - October 12
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Event information may be dated. Please check with source or host of event regarding time and requirements for participation. We cannot be responsible for errors or omissions. No endorsements implied. Email event updates to the editor. |
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What Do You Get for the Money?
by Pamela Mones
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PAM MONES
Sales Associate
Office: 410-575-6411 • Fax: 410-575-6419
Cell: 410-274-5681
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 LONG & FOSTER ® REAL ESTATE, INC.
Riverside at Waters Edge
101 Beta Blvd., Suite A
Belcamp, MD 21017
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Feb. 19, 2007 — For many sellers, one of the most important parts of entering into a contract
with a licensed real estate agent to list their home involves the commission.
And, to set the record straight, there is no “one price fits all.” Aside from
the real estate mantra “location, location, location,” there’s
the “everything’s negotiable” mantra I learned from a real estate instructor
when taking my real estate courses ...
For the record, while real estate agents are independent contractors, they
must work for a broker. Brokers, in turn, are responsible for the agents
working in their offices. Real estate agents always represent the company
where they “hang” their license, and thus they must abide by the policies of
that company.
It seems that there are more choices than ever for choosing a real estate
professional who will meet your needs, from companies that offer “discounted
rates” to the big names that have been around for years; and the small,
independently owned brokers who have yet to be swallowed up by the big guys.
So, just what should you expect for whatever commission rate you agree to with
your real estate professional?
Well ... service, for one.
What does that mean? Simply stated, service includes good communication,
evidence that your real estate professional is promoting the sale of your home
according to agreed upon strategies, and being respectful of your decisions.
While the agent is there to help guide you through the process, all decisions
involved in selling your home are with you, the seller.
More than likely there will be back-and-forth in the process as buyers make
offers or other requests, and sellers determine whether to accept, counter, or
reject those offers.
Second, interview several agents to see which one might be the best fit.
Knowledge and experience are important, but so is personality. You will be
involved in a very intense relationship, which, is very personal for some.
After all, buying and selling a home is one of the most expensive and
stressful actions people will take in the course of their lifetime. Add to
that the memories associated with living in that home and ... well, you get the
picture.
Third, understand who is representing whom. According to some reports, buyers
often assumed that an agent was working for them when, in fact, the agent was
representing the seller. To help clarify that distinction, changes have
occurred in the real estate industry which have translated into more attention
to agents who specifically represent buyers; it’s called “buyer's agency,” and
it involves an explanation and signed agreement acknowledging just what is
meant when someone agrees to work with an agent as a buyer’s agent. If
your agent does not bring it up, be sure to ask for an explanation. It may
affect the terms of the commission agreement at settlement.
Finally, remember the agent is working on your behalf, either to sell your
home or to help you buy a home. You should feel a sense of trust, confidence,
ease of communication and accessibility. At the same time, an agent is not a
magician. Many factors affect the home-selling and home-buying process that
are beyond the control of the agent. As long as you feel the agent is meeting
your expectations, the relationship you share should ideally be one that
extends beyond the settlement date. They, like you, want to feel satisfied
that you did get your money’s worth.
Pamela Mones is a licensed real estate agent with Long & Foster Real Estate Inc., Belcamp, Md. She is a member of the local, state, and national Association of Realtors.
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Archives
To Stage or Not to Stage? - October 2, 2006
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REAL ESTATE AND SERVICES SITES |
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- Advantage Real Estate
Founded in 1991, the company is a full-service auction and appraisal service for Harford, Baltimore, Cecil and Howard Counties. Complete estate representation. Seller pays no commission. Located in Fallston.
http://www.harfordadvantage.com/
- Akehurst Landscape Service, Inc.
Offers a full range of landscape design, installation, grounds maintenance and interior landscape services. Celebrating 125 years in business.
http://www.akehurst.com/
- American Design and Build, Ltd.
Licensed home remodeler with over 20 years' experience in all phases of remodeling. Showroom in Bel Air.
http://www.adbuild.com/
- American Lawn Specialists, Inc.
Licensed and certified lawn care specialist with more than 11 years of experience, offering environmentally friendly and natural lawn programs, weed control, fertilizer applications, or aeration services. Located in Abingdon.
http://www.americanlawnspecialists.com/
- Ann Marie Bolen
Real estate consultant; 10 years experience in advertising, marketing and real estate; affiliated with Keller Williams American Premier. Member of National Association of Realtors and Harford County Association of Realtors.
http://www.askforannmarie.com/
- Beam, Sharon, CRS, ABR
A Maryland and Pennsylvania realtor and associate broker providing professional real estate services for over 20 years. 1998/99 Realtor of the Year. Affiliated with RE/MAX American Dream.
http://www.sharon-beam.com/
- Benfield Electric Company, Inc.
Founded in 1968 by Charles Benfield, the company is skilled in the fields of residential, commercial, utility and service electrical contracting, design-build and electrical engineering. It is an ABC Merit Shop Contractor, with multi-skilled craftpersons and construction management teams. Headquartered in Forest Hill.
http://www.benfieldinc.com/
- Bob Ward Companies
Third largest homebuilder in metropolitan Baltimore, it builds communities of townhomes and single family homes. Since 1983, the company has made the dream of home ownership a reality for nearly 2,000 families.
http://www.bobward.com/
- Box Hill South Home Owner's Association
Official web site of this home owner's association. Lots of Abingdon and Harford history. Some interesting links. But you have to be one to want to visit this site.
http://www.bhshoa.com/
- Central Air Duct Cleaning
They use state-of-the-art equipment and procedures to rid air duct systems of dirt, debris and microbial growth. Residential, commercial and industrial. Serving Maryland for seven years. Located in Forest Hill.
http://www.centralairduct.com/
- Century 21 Curry Agency
A local broker serving the city of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, and surrounding counties.
http://www.c21curry.com/
- Century 21 Diana Realty, Inc.
A local broker providing a full range of relocation services to clients both locally and world wide.
http://www.c21diana.com/
- Century 21 Joan Ryder (See also, Joan Ryder, realtor)
Delivering residential and commercial real estate services for over 25 years that put the client and customer first. Located in Bel Air.
http://www.joanryder.com/
- Chesapeake Moving & Storage
Local, long-distance and commercial moving and storage services. Packing supplies as well as short- and long-term storage are available. DOD Approved. Servicing the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area, and Harford and Cecil Counties.
http://www.chesapeakemoving.com/
- Clark Turner Companies
Founded by Clark Turner a generation ago, whether it's the Water's Edge development, Park Avenue or Millstone homes, this real estate company does it all in the county. And now there's Bulle Rock too.
http://www.clarkturnercompanies.com/
- Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Banker Online offers a full range of real estate services.
http://www.coldwellbanker.com/
- Constant Friendship Homeowners Association
Information on the Association, along with a stern newsletter. And don't dare be late with those dues.
http://www.cfhoa.com/
- Corson Residential Appraisers, Inc.
Appraisers of residential property for first mortgages, refinancings, home equity loans, sale, mortgage insurance removal, estates, divorces, reviews, and expert testimony. Located in Bel Air.
http://www.corsonresidential.com/
- County Movers
Movers of residential, commercial, apartments, homes, offices. They do packing and unpacking. Senior citizen discount. They also sell boxes and moving supplies. Impressive testimonials. Located in Bel Air.
http://www.countymovers.com/
- D&H Construction and Remodeling
This full-service construction and remodeling company has supplied local homeowners and contractors with carpentry services since 1988. Located in Pylesville.
http://www.dhconstructionandremodeling.com/
- Dahan Homes, Inc.
Home builder specializing is customizing a home to your budget and needs on a lot of your choice in Baltimore and Harford Counties.
http://www.dahanhomes.com/
- Earl E. Preston Jr., Inc.
Located in Fallston, the company does septic system installation, pumping, and repairs; excavation, grading, storm drains, foundations, driveways, well pumps, roads, ponds, and construction equipment rental, among other services.
http://www.eprestonjr.com/
- Ecotone, Inc.
Provides wetland design and construction, stream restoration, forest and wetland mitigation, environmental consulting and permitting, and pond and stream construction in the Mid-Atlantic region. Located in Jarrettsville.
http://www.ecotoneinc.com/
- Edmeades & Stromdahl, Ltd.
Architectural and planning firm. Their projects have won a number of design and craftsmanship awards. Their fundamental precept is that they are "designing buildings for you, our clients, not ourselves."
http://www.edmeades-stromdahl.com/
- Engineering Consulting Services, Ltd.
A diverse consulting firm specializing in the related fields of geotechnical, environmental, and construction materials engineering. Founded in 1987, ECS now employs a staff of more than 500 people in twenty-one full-service branch offices in the Midwest, Southwest and Eastern United States, ranging from Aberdeen, Maryland to Dallas, Texas.
http://www.ecslimited.com/
- Ermanis, Astrid
A member of the Prudential Carruthers Realtors group, and serving Harford and Baltimore Counties. Lifetime member of the Harford County Million Dollar Assoc. A "Top 30" agent companywide.
http://astrid.ermanis.pcragent.com/
- First Home Selling Assistance
Full service discount broker offering reduced commission programs for sellers and full realty services for buyers in the Harford, Baltimore, and surrounding areas.
http://www.1sthsa.com/
- Fountainhead Title Group
Home buying tips, resources, legal services and title information for purchasing that new home. In business since 1976, with more than 19 locations, friendly, experienced staff, including 25 full time attorneys, and more than 200,000 settlements. An office in Bel Air.
http://www.fountainheadtitle.com/
- Frederick Ward Associates, Inc.
A multi-disciplined architecture, engineering, planning and surveying firm covering the mid-Atlantic region.
http://www.fredward.com/
- Garceau, Georgeanna
A member of the Prudential Carruthers Realtors group, and serving the Baltimore metro area. She was the company-wide sales leader in 1999, and has been one of their top three producers for the past decade.
http://ilead.realtor.com/display/?id=15149623&
- Gemcraft Homes
Founded upon the belief that "... a quality-built home does not have to be priced beyond the reach of the average family." Currently building in Harford, Cecil, and Baltimore counties.
http://www.gemcrafthomes.com/
- Goff, Kathy - RE/MAX American Dream
An Accredited Buyer's Agent working out of the RE/MAX real estate office in Bel Air. Her qualifications include Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and Graduate Realtor Institute(GRI).
http://www.homesdatabase.com/kgoff
- Harford County Association of REALTORS®, Inc.
Its stated purpose is to develop and deliver programs, services and related products to assist its members in serving the public's real estate needs. Located in Bel Air.
http://www.harfordrealtors.com/
- Harford County Real Estate - Gary and Mary Nelson
Agents with Long and Foster. Gary has earned the ABR designation for buyer representation, and is also an e-Pro who has advanced training in technology to ensure his clients get the best information possible. Located in Bel Air.
http://www.harfordcountyhomes.net/
- Harrison Janitorial Service
Complete cleaning service, with a specialty in commercial contract cleaning.
http://www.harrisonjanitorial.com/
- Hillside Lawn Service
Professional lawn, tree and shrub care, aeration and overseeding, and landscape bed maintenance and pruning service. Located in Darlington.
http://www.hillsidelawn.com/
- Hirschhorn, Diana
She is ranked consistently in the top 1% of realtors nationwide, with numerous sales performance awards and customer service commendations. With a lifetime of marketing and sales experience, she is also a graduate of The Realtors Institute. Associated with Long & Foster Realtors.
http://www.realtor.com/washingtondc/dianahirschhorn/
- HomeLoanQuotes.com
Independent agent and broker for all of your mortgage needs. Located in Bel Air.
http://www.homeloanquotes.com/
- Home Partnership, Inc.
A not-for-profit agency dedicated to helping Harford County residents achieve home ownership.
http://www.homepartnershipinc.org/
- HomesDatabase.Com
A database of homes for sale in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, District of Columbia and Pennsylvania.
http://www.homesdatabase.com/cgi-bin/aa.fcgi
- Humphreys Team Real Estate Specialists, Inc.
An experienced professional team for selling your home, buying a new home, or relocating. Serving over 300 families and settling over $48 million. Located in Bel Air.
http://www.humphreysteam.com/
- Isennock Auction Services, Inc.
Auction and appraisal services. Serving the auction community with pride: 1964-2000.
http://www.isennockauction.com/
- Jay Edwards and Associates
Full service auctions and appraisals service. Large or small estate sales, equipment and machinery sales, and bankruptcy sales.
http://www.jayedwardsauction.com/
- Klein, Sandie
A Long and Foster broker based in Abingdon, MD. Over 10 years experience serving Harford, Cecil and Baltimore counties.
http://www.longandfoster.com/agentsoffices/agentdetail.asp?AgentID=12785
- Landmark Signs
Specializes in real estate signage and commercial accounts.
http://www.landmarksigns.com/
- Lloyd's Home Sales, Inc.
For the past 30 years, they have been selling and servicing mobile and modular homes in Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. They are an exclusive Skyline Mobile and Muncy Modular dealer. Located in Joppa.
http://www.lloydshomes.com/
- Long and Foster
Complete real estate services for Maryland, Virginia and D.C. Offices in Harford County.
http://www.longandfoster.com/
- Long and Foster - Irwin Scarff and Susan Ziemann
Top team producers, specializing in all forms of commercial and residential sales, including homes, lots, custom homes and development land. Million Dollar Producer award. Located in Bel Air.
http://www.scarff.biz/
- Long and Foster - Laurie Stelmack
Real estate specialist for Harford, Cecil and Baltimore Counties working in partnership with large regional broker Long & Foster.
http://www.harfordcountyhomesales.com/
- Long and Foster - Pam Mones
Experience in senior lifestyles and all of your real estate needs in Harford, Cecil and Baltimore Counties.
http://www.longandfoster.com/About_us/Agent_Profile.aspx?agtNumber=52988
- Long and Foster - Sandie Klein
A full-service professional with over 11 years experience, she is a Multi-Million Dollar Associate working with both buyers and sellers. She is a graduate of the Realtor Institute, a Senior Real Estate Specialist, and a Certified Residential Specialist. Located in Abingdon.
http://www.sandieklein.com/
- Lynn Watkins' Maryland RealEstate
A full-service real estate agent for Harford County and the Baltimore metro area.
http://www.lynnwatkins.com/
- Maryland Real Property Data Search
Courtesy of the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, you can search the real property database and display property records for all of Maryland.
http://sdatcert3.resiusa.org/rp_rewrite/
- McCreesh-Cruz, Marge
She has been helping home buyers and sellers in Baltimore and Harford County for over a decade. She specializes in sales of existing and new homes. "Multi-Million Dollar" agent for 13 consecutive years. A member of RE/MAX American Dream. (See also: http://www.homesdatabase.com/margecruz.)
http://www.realestatebymarge.com/
- Metzger's Auction Service, Inc.
Complete auction service. Specializing in real estate, estate auctions, antique, collectibles, coins, farm equipment, business liquidation, and public auctions in local fire houses. Licensed and bonded in Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
http://www.paulmetzgerauction.com/
- Mike and Judy's Place
Michael Johns, GRI, and Judy Thomas, SRES, ABR, of Long and Foster Real Estate. Their area of coverage is Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Cecil County, Carroll County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County. They also service the purchase of water-oriented properties on the Eastern Shore. Located in Bel Air.
http://www.mikeandjudy.com/
- MRIS Home Finder - Harford County, Maryland
A nice search feature allows you to keep your house prospecting under control. A must visit for local home seekers, and a site well done.
http://www.homesdatabase.com/state/MD1206.shtml
- O'Neill Enterprises, Ltd.
For over 50 years, O'Neills has offered auction services in the Harford County/Baltimore region. Aimee C. O'Neill carries on the tradition with expertise in real and personal property sales developed over a lifetime of involvement in the industry.
http://www.oneillenterprises.com/
- Pons, Barbara
A local independently owned and operated member of Coldwell Banker Residential Affiliates, Inc.
http://www.barbarapons.com/index.htm
- Pro-Curb
Commercial and residential landscaping and lawn care, outdoor lighting, and Christmas decor. Located in Darlington.
http://www.procurb.com/
- Prudential Carruthers REALTORS®
Provides residential real estate services, commercial real estate services, relocation services, and property management.
http://www.prudentialcarruthers.com/
- RE/MAX American Dream
Real estate agents are required to be realtors as a condition of membership in the RE/MAX organization. As a percentage of membership, RE/MAX agents hold more Realtor professional designations than any other national or international company. They have a location in Bel Air.
http://www.marylandhometours.com/
- RE/MAX American Dream: Priscilla Bonsall, ABR, CRS, GRU
Providing real estate services for over 20 years. Past president and lifetime member of Million Dollar Realtors. Certified Residential Specialist. Graduate Realtors Institute. Accredited Buyer Representative. Member RE/MAX 100% Club. Associate Broker. Specializes in relocation, REO, and bank foreclosures.
http://www.priscillabonsall.com/ (See also, http://www.2hdb.com/priscillabonsall)
- Rice Kern Smith Realty, Inc.
RKS Realty has experience with both the public and private sectors, from the planning stage of development through project completion. They offer sales, leasing and marketing of land and commercial properties.
http://www.rksrealty.com/
- Richard E. Gerety Agency
Life, property and casualty insurance underwritten by Nationwide Insurance. Located in Forest Hill.
http://www.nwagent.com/Rick_Gerety.html
- Riverside Community Association
Riverside is the only planned community in Harford County; a member of the Community Association Institute, Chesapeake Chapter. Sits next to the largest industrial park in Harford County, the Riverside Business Park. Located in Belcamp.
http://www.riversidemd.org/
- Ryan Homes
One of the top 10 homebuilders and financial service companies in the United States. The company was started as a family business in Pittsburgh, PA, and has built an operation that now spans the Eastern half of the United States, including Harford County. It has been building quality single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums for over 50 years.
http://www.ryanhomes.com/
- Ryland Homes
Since 1967 they have built over 200,000 homes of all shapes and sizes across the country, making them one of the country's largest home builders. They handle every process of buying and building a home. Harford County is one of their markets.
http://www.ryland.com/
- S & K Heating
Local home improvement contractor specializing in heating and air-conditioning installation and service.
http://www.skheating.com/
- Saccenti, Jack
A local Re/Max Associate Broker serving central Maryland.
http://users.erols.com/homebuys/
- Taylor Made Custom Contracting, Inc.
A family owned design/build remodeling contractor since 1990. Located in Jarrettsville.
http://www.taylormadecontracting.com/
- TriState Commercial Realty Corporation
A full-service commercial/industrial real estate company located in Forest Hill.
http://www.tristaterealtycorp.com/
- United Dominion Realty Trust
A national apartment company, committed to providing quality apartment homes primarily to middle-market residents. The Company acquires, repositions, develops, owns, manages and selectively sells apartment communities nationwide. They own the Dominion Constant Friendship apartment homes in Abingdon.
http://www.udrt.com/
- Upper Chesapeake Property Services, Inc.
Certified building inspectors with extensive experience in both residential and commercial property inspection and reporting. "Responsive, prompt, and accurate field service reporting."
http://www.upperchesapeake.com/
- Van Deusen Construction Company
A full-service design-build remodeling firm offering combined design and construction services. The firm specializes in the remodeling and renovation of existing residential and light commercial properties in Baltimore, Harford and Cecil Counties. Located in Bel Air.
http://www.remodelmaryland.com/
- Watson's Plumbing and Heating
Family owned and operated since 1976. They specialize in well pumps, heating boilers, and water conditioning. Located in Aberdeen.
http://www.watsonph.com/
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SATURDAY! is here. Your complete event and activities guide.
