Towson Tuesday Breakfast Networking

I am helping to start a NEW BNI Chapter – I would like to recruit your assistance!

If you or someone you know is looking to grow their business through word-of-mouth marketing (otherwise known as referrals!), I would like you to contact me.

The members of this group will be professionals that can assist you as well.

I currently, have contacts in Advertising, Bankers, Chiropractor, Computer Services, Life/Health & Disability Insurance, Mortgage Lenders, Photographer, Property/Casualty (Auto/Home) Insurance, and a general litigation Attorney.

A rough idea of what professions I am seeking: Burglar/Security Systems, Business & Life Coaches, Computer IT & Software, CPA, Tax Professional, Financial Planner, Health & Wellness, Office Equipment, Staffing/Employment Company, and Florists, etc…

I am looking for all business owners, entrepreneurs and salespersons who want to increase their bottom line in 2009. If you know of another professional who may also be interested, please pass this along to him or her!

My main goal is to form a team of business professionals seeking to expand their business. I am looking for others interested in receiving referrals to help grow their business.

We will meet Tuesday morning, March 3rd at 8 a.m. at the Bob Evans on Joppa Road in Towson.

Map: Bob Evan’s @ 1265 E Joppa Rd, Towson, MD 21286

Home for Sale in Parkville $350K

1938-A Mountain Ave, Parkville, MD 21234

This home features:
* Bedrooms: 3
* Baths:3.5
* Square footage: 2200 (approx)
* Price: $350,000

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* Description: 3 bedroom & 3 1/2 bath Colonial which was Recently Renovated – Silestone® Quartz Counter Top “Green” , Stainless Appliances & 42 inch Maple Cabinets in Kitchen, Upgraded Baths w/ New Vanities, New Carpet & Fresh Paint though out. Home sits on .30 Acre in a Private Setting that backs to woods. Bedrooms have large closets, 2nd Floor Bath has Skylight. Large fully finished basement w/Full Bath & Separate Laundry. PLUS 1 Year Warrantech Home Warranty – MOVE IN READY!

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Additional details

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If you know of anyone who may be interested in buying or selling, I would appreciate it if you would forward this information on to them.

Feel free to include my contact information or send me their name and number. I would be happy to follow-up with them on this as well as other important real estate information.

If you are considering making a move or know someone that is, I will provide a FREE MARKET EVALUATION also known as a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA), I will research and prepare one based on properties which have recently sold in their area. This report will provide a price range and a list of comparable properties.
Get Your House Value

My FREE Home Search Wizard will automatically e-mail you daily any listings that meet your search criteria, as soon as they come on the market!
Maryland Home Search Wizard

Please visit my website if you would like further information.

Thank you and best regards,

Phillip Cross, e-PRO REALTOR®
Mobile: (443) 677-7114

RE/MAX 1st Advantage Realty, Inc.
Baltimore Office: (410) 882-6000
Bel Air Office: (410) 638-7895

Best Comeback of the Year

As many already know I am former Law Enforcement. I have friends that were and some that still are. However, from what I can recall, none of us were this quick witted – although some come extremely close - “Ranger Mike”

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If you ever testify in court, you might wish you could have been as sharp as this policeman. He was being cross-examined by a defense attorney during a felony trial. The lawyer was trying to undermine the policeman’s credibility…

Q: ‘Officer — did you see my client fleeing the scene?’
A: ‘No sir. But I subsequently observed a person matching the description of the offender, running several blocks away.’

Q: ‘Officer — who provided this description?’
A: ‘The officer who responded to the scene.’

Q: ‘A fellow officer provided the description of this so-called offender. Do you trust your fellow officers?’
A: ‘ Yes, sir. With my life.’

Q: ‘With your life? Let me ask you this then officer. Do you have a room where you change your clothes in preparation for your daily duties?’
A: ‘Yes sir, we do!’

Q: ‘And do you have a locker in the room?’
A: ‘Yes sir, I do.’

Q: ‘And do you have a lock on your locker?’
A: ‘Yes sir.’

Q: ‘Now why is it, officer, if you trust your fellow officers with your life, you find it necessary to lock your locker in a room you share with these same officers?’
A: ‘You see, sir — we share the building with the court complex, and sometimes lawyers have been known to walk through that room.’

The courtroom EXPLODED with laughter, and a prompt recess was called. The officer on the stand has been nominated for this year’s ‘Best Comeback’ line — and we think he’ll win.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit 2009 (Revised)

Congress Enacts Bigger and Better Home Buyer Tax Credit

A tax credit of up to $8,000 is now available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid.

Enhanced Tax Credit Provides Outstanding Opportunity for Home Buyers

In its efforts to stimulate the economy and revive the housing market, Congress has enacted legislation providing a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers.

But time is of the essence for buyers who want to take advantage of this opportunity.

Below is a link to a comparison of the features for New vs. Old Tax Credit
First Time Homebuyer Tax credit

This is not guaranteed to be ALL features. Please check with your tax professional for further guidance.

10 Cities For Job Growth In 2009

Employment figures released this morning show that the economy has now shed 3.6 million jobs since December 2007, included close to half that in the last 3 months alone.  The Unemployment Rate is now 7.6%.

But jobs aren’t fading in every housing market equally.

As reported by Ajilon Professional Staffing, there are still areas around the country in which unemployment rates are low and job outlooks are strong.

Led by Madison, WI, Ajilon calls them “10 Cities For Job Growth in 2009” and they are:

1. Madison, WI
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Boston, MA
4. Richmond, VA
5. Milwaukee, WI
6. Pittsburgh, PA
7. Baltimore, MD
8. Seattle, WA
9. Houston, TX
10. Dallas, TX

There’s no common denominator uniting the list — cities are buffered by industries as varied as healthcare, energy, and technology.  However, it’s worth noting that — in each of these 10 towns — housing markets seem to be performing above-average versus the rest of the nation.

Clearly, there’s a link between jobs and housing.

A Productive and Comfortable Home Office

With the technology available today, home offices are now a workable way to save commute time and expensive office space. I have heard so many questions about home offices that I thought I’d send you a recap of some information I read recently.

Here are some tips that you will find helpful in setting up a great home office:

• Establish your home office away from main traffic patterns. This not only keeps disruptions to a minimum, but helps you focus on the job at hand.
• Invest in your desk and chair. Be sure to have a desk or worktable that is adequate for the task. Purchase an ergonomically correct chair that fits comfortably under the desk.
• Add phone jacks as necessary so your telephone is placed conveniently within reach.
• Consider high-speed cable for Internet access.
• Prepare adequate storage, file cabinets, and shelves affixed to the wall so they are secure.
• Install soft comfortable lighting that goes beyond the glow from your computer monitor!

Now, enjoy! Your home office will provide you with a comfortable and productive environment.

Please feel free to call or email me if I can answer any questions. I would be happy to follow up with anyone you know who could benefit from the services we provide. Or, if you decide you need more space for your home office, I’d be happy to assist you in finding a larger home.

TownHome For Sale Frankford Estates

5428 Frankford Estates Dr, Baltimore, MD 21206

This home features:
* Bedrooms: 3
* Baths:3.5
* Square footage: 2000 (approx)
* Price: $220,000

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* Description: 3 BR/3.5 BA NEWER BRICK TOWNHOME ** SELLER WILL PAY 3% TOWARD BUYER’S CLOSING COSTS ** MASTER SUITE w/ FULL BATH & 2 WALK-IN CLOSETS, 9′ CEILINGS, FINISHED BASEMENT, LOTS OF SPACE THROUGHOUT! LIVING ROOM & KITCHEN HAVE CROWN MOLDING. COMMUNITY POOL & CLUBHOUSE, CONVENIENT TO ALL INTERSTATES! 1 YR HOME WARRANTY – MUST SEE TO BELIEVE! (Not a Short Sale)

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Additional details

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If you know of anyone who may be interested in buying or selling, I would appreciate it if you would forward this information on to them.

Feel free to include my contact information or send me their name and number. I would be happy to follow-up with them on this as well as other important real estate information.

If you are considering making a move or know someone that is, I will provide a FREE MARKET EVALUATION also known as a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA), I will research and prepare one based on properties which have recently sold in their area. This report will provide a price range and a list of comparable properties.
Get Your House Value

My FREE Home Search Wizard will automatically e-mail you daily any listings that meet your search criteria, as soon as they come on the market!
Maryland Home Search Wizard

Please visit my website if you would like further information.

Stimulus Package Helps More Than Just First-Time Home Buyers

With Congress reaching agreement on a $789 billion stimulus package for Americans and the President expected to sign it into law, the clock may be ticking for this year’s home buyers and homeowners.

The package contains two benefits related to housing.

The first provision is fairly well-known. It gives first-time home buyers an $8,000 tax credit provided they purchase a home between January 1, 2009 and August 31, 2009.

This is a true tax credit.

To reduce misuse and abuse, however, the $8,000 credit is contingent on home buyers holding property for at least 3 years. If the home is sold in fewer than 3 years, the tax credit must be repaid to the government. It’s also worth noting that the date range applies closings and not sales agreements.

Closings must occur within these 8 months to be eligible.

A second noteworthy feature in the package is that the stimulus package gives existing homeowners incentive to “green” their homes. With available tax credits for energy-efficient windows and doors, furnaces and insulation, homeowners can claim larger tax deductions based on home improvement, up to $1,500.

But, just because the government provides housing-related tax benefits doesn’t mean you should just act on them blindly. Tax liability is a highly individual item and you may be ineligible for any number of reasons. Be sure to discuss your plans with a qualified accountant before committing to a plan.

Home For Sale Forest Hill Maryland

2359 Putnam Rd., Forest Hill, MD 21050

This home features:
* Bedrooms: 4
* Baths: 2
* Square footage: 2500 (approx)
* Price: $345,000
* Description: Tremendous Value: 4 bed/ 2 bath Cape Cod on 1.75+ acres w/ 2 car garage and lots of parking. Newer Water Heater ** PRICED FOR QUICK SALE ** 1 Yr Home Warranty – NO HOA

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Additional details

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If you know of anyone who may be interested in buying or selling, I would appreciate it if you would forward this information on to them.

Feel free to include my contact information or send me their name and number. I would be happy to follow-up with them on this as well as other important real estate information.

If you are considering making a move or know someone that is, I will provide a FREE MARKET EVALUATION also known as a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA), I will research and prepare one based on properties which have recently sold in their area. This report will provide a price range and a list of comparable properties.
Get Your House Value

My FREE Home Search Wizard will automatically e-mail you daily any listings that meet your search criteria, as soon as they come on the market!
>Maryland Home Search Wizard

Please visit my >website if you would like further information.

Interior Decorator or Designer

One of the questions I am frequently asked is, “What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?”

Interior designers are professionally trained in the functionality, efficiency, and safety of a space, as well as the aesthetics or “look” of a room. This is different from an interior decorator, who works with surface decoration, such as color, texture, and pattern.

Before hiring a decorator or designer, ask yourself these questions:

• For whom is the space being designed?
• What activities will take place there?
• How long do I plan to live here?
• What is my time frame?
• What is my budget?

Answering these questions should help you decide whether to hire a decorator or designer–or do it yourself!