|
 |
LOCAL EVENTS |
|
|
Monday - July 21
|
| • Summer Concert Series by the Bay (Maritime Museum, Havre de Grace, 7 pm) |
Tuesday - July 22
|
• Farmers Market (Risteau parking lot, Bel Air, 9 am)
• Aberdeen Summer Concert (Festival Park, 7 pm) |
Wednesday - July 23
|
| • Bel Air Summer Concert (Shamrock Park, 7 pm) |
Thursday - July 24
|
| • Farmers Market (MARC train station, Edgewood, 3 pm) |
Friday - July 25
|
• Bel Air Lunchtime Concert (Office Street, 1 pm)
• Havre de Grace Summer Concert (Tydings Park, 7:30 pm) |
Saturday - July 26
|
• Farmers Market (Risteau parking lot, Bel Air, 7 am)
• Farmers Market (Pennington Avenue between Washington Street and Union Ave, Havre de Grace, 9 am)
|
|
Upcoming ...
|
• Bel Air Summer Concert (Humbert Amphitheater, Bel Air, 7 pm) - July 27, 30
|
• Summer Concert Series by the Bay (Maritime Museum, Havre de Grace, 7 pm) - July 28, August 4
|
• Swanfest (Swan Harbor Farm, Havre de Grace, 11 am) - October 12
|
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. |
|
|
|
To Stage or Not to Stage?
by Pamela Mones
|
PAM MONES
Sales Associate
Office: 410-575-6411 • Fax: 410-575-6419
Cell: 410-274-5681
|
 LONG & FOSTER ® REAL ESTATE, INC.
Riverside at Waters Edge
101 Beta Blvd., Suite A
Belcamp, MD 21017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oct. 2, 2006 — A number of changes have hit the real estate field over the past several years. Among them has been record prices for homes; low interest rates; numerous creative financing options, such as "interest only" loans; and the term "exclusive buyer agency."
One term, however, that has crept into the lingo of real estate professionals is that known as "staging." Purportedly the idea of staging got its start in California, where real estate is one of the most expensive in the nation. Simply stated, staging refers to the deliberate effort to make a home look its best, often through the use of professionals; professionals who usually have a background in interior design or decoration. Sometimes they are real estate professionals who have a flare for knowing how to add special touches to a home that make it eye candy for prospective buyers.
In working with buyers, I have found that more often than not it is difficult for them to imagine how the space in the home they are considering buying would look with their furniture in it. That is true whether the home they are seeking is furnished or unfurnished. While some professionals recommend making a scale drawing of the rooms and using furniture templates to get an idea of how it will all work, there’s nothing like an instant visual effect to help clarify that picture.
Take for example a home buyer who bought a house that was furnished to the nines, from artwork to designer pillows and comfortable seating. But when it came time to move into the home, now empty, they wondered if they did the right thing.
Well, that may be a dramatic example of how a well-designed space can affect a person's actions, but it does not mean a seller should go to the extra expense of hiring an interior decorator to design their space in preparation for putting their home on the market. One thing a seller should do is discuss the option with their real estate agent. Some agents will include that service in their commission. Others might offer it as an "add on" feature of the listing agreement. And some agents who have taken courses in staging may already have an assortment of accessories that they have purchased that will accent most any setting.
For example, bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms are often important focal points for buyers. One way to make a bathroom appear more inviting is to place candles on a tray around the bathtub, along with small bars of soap wrapped in colorful tissue paper. New towels give the room an instant lift. All together creating a spa-like feel to an otherwise ordinary room. In the kitchen, small touches like a vase of silk flowers or a bowl of wax fruit such as pears or green apples look fresh without the worry of the flowers wilting or fruit over-ripening.
Decorative pillows placed strategically in the master bedroom suite, and with soft music playing in the background, can do magic in creating atmosphere during a showing.
While these suggestions in no way guarantee your home will sell, chances are it will create a memorable experience in the mind of buyers. A mix of factors go into selling a home, but certainly staging is one opportunity sellers can use to set their home apart from others.
Our surroundings can become too familiar to us, especially if we have enjoyed the space as we’ve known it for years, preventing us from seeing it through the fresh eyes of a prospective buyer. Your real estate agent can help you create that fresh look that could just give you that extra edge in the marketplace. So, before putting your home on the market, ask yourself and your agent the question, "To stage or not to stage?"
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.
|
 |
|
REAL ESTATE AND SERVICES SITES |
|
|
|
- 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/
- Bolen Builders, Inc.
Started in the mid-1950's and now in its 3rd generation, the Bolen family has a history of quality construction in the home improvement field. "The highest compliments we receive from our customers are the referrals of new clients."
http://www.bolen-builders.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/
- Buyer's Agent, Home Buyers' Advantage, Inc. - Sharon L. Noll, CBA
They represent buyers exclusively in the complex process of purchasing a home. "We don't list homes for sale, we don't represent sellers, and we don't practice dual agency."
http://www.homesdatabase.com/buyeragentmd
- 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://www.homesdatabase.com/astrid
- 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 - Lisa Langford
Your 24-hour-a-day seven-day-a-week realtor, whether you are buying or selling. She covers Harford and Baltimore counties.
http://lisalangford.realtor.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)
- RE/MAX American Dream: Mary Helen Donarum
Licensed to sell real estate for 25+ years, has GRI and CRS designations, and belongs to the RE/MAX 100% Club!
http://marylandhometours.com/marydonarum
- 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/
- Ward Development Group
A full-service commercial real estate developer and builder since 1986.
http://www.warddevelopment.com/index2.html
|
|
|
|
|
SATURDAY! is here. Your complete event and activities guide.
