Facebook disabled my account

On Wednesday, March 10th I received notification that my Facebook account was disabled. There was no reason given. No explanations, no email, nothing.

Rather unsocial for a social network!?

I’m still trying to find out why – All I can figure is that I was adding friends too quickly? Maybe it was my having too many friends, being too active, running so many Fan Pages and groups? Not certain still awaiting word – and hopefully be reactivated?

I’m taking it in stride, however it seems some of my “friends” are panicking:

“I miss your daily listing updates!” one emailed me.

“Where are you birthday greetings?” wrote another.

“Just open up another account?” another advised.

I suppose I could do that. Just use a different e-mail address, (everyone knows I have thousands at my disposal!) Then I could reconnect with friends, family, classmates, clients and business associates, but with over 3000 already set up – that would take time – therefore I’ll just be patient and await word.

It is rather sad though – on Wednesday it was my Father’s 66th B-day and I was trying to get some of the relatives to contact him – those that I don’t have email or phone # for. Facebook is a great way to keep up those communications as well. Also, my wife, Carolyn, finally set up an account – but I lost mine

Rather Ironic…

I sent Facebook an email (disabled@facebook.com & appeals@facebook.com) – but I realize that I am only one of 30 million plus visitors they must have, additionally Facebook certainly has its hands full, with the phishing scams and accounts being hacked, etc.

Some who’ve been through the same experience were still waiting for Facebook’s reply weeks after they made original contact.

As I’ve repeatedly pointed out, networking is a must for everyone and social media sources like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others make this possible.

After what happened with my Facebook account, I still think that FaceBook is an incredible useful tool. If they could fix the glitches on their scripts and system, they would be so much better. I’m hopeful that they will restore my Facebook account after reviewing my account. But right now, all I can do is wait for their reply and hope for the best. So it may be a while before I am back – Oh well, if they don’t get to me immediately it is understood…

Interior Decorator or Designer

Just a note to pass along some general real estate information you might find helpful.

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!

Maryland Home Buyer Workshop

When: Wednesday, March 3rd @ 6:30 PM
Where: MetLife Home Loans
9475 Deereco Road, Suite 310
Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093

This FREE workshop is designed to educate potential homebuyers on the process and to produce successful homeowners.

If you or know someone that wants to move into a home within the next one to six months, the best way to jump start your home search is to come to one of our free, no-obligation workshops!!

Seating is limited, so register online to reserve your space.
http://mdhomebuyerworkshop.com

Before you start actually looking for the home that you want to buy, you should get educated about the process, learn how to “hire” a Buyer Agent, get a full pre-approval for a mortgage… and then start actually viewing potential houses to buy!

* Is Now the Time to Buy?
* Home Buying Process
* Financing Your Purchase
* Protecting Your Investment
* WISH or GOAL?

We know that our workshop will save you time, money and worry, even if you’ve owned a home before!

We’re confident that the Home Buyers Workshop will be the best time that you invest during your ‘home-searching’ phase.

Not only that, it’s free, there’s no obligation and you’ll take home a Home Buyer Reference Manual to review at your leisure.

Happy Groundhog Day

Well, Punxsutawney Phil emerged to make his yearly Groundhog Day prediction in Gobblers Knob.

“As the sky shines bright above me, my shadow I see beside me, six more weeks of winter it will be,” announced his handlers, dampening the hopes of an early spring.

Oh well – hopefully they will be mild.

Plus, It is only 47 days until the first Official Day of Spring!

A “Minimalist’s” Tool Kit

Many manufacturers now offer prepackaged tool kits designed to fit into kitchen drawers where everything is easily accessible. This way you can find what you need quickly instead of searching through boxes and drawers in your basement or garage to make a repair or tighten a screw.

Whether you are experienced and well-equipped or “all thumbs” when it comes to home repairs, keeping the basic tools nearby will help keep things together around your home.

I hope you find this information useful. Please feel free to email or call me if I can help you with any of your real estate needs.

Happy New Year 2010!

I would like to wish all my readers, clients, friends, and family a Happy New Year. I hope that you have a very safe and prosperous 2010.

I look forward to being a part of your success!

Happy Holidays 2009!!

There is no better time than the Holidays to say thank you for your business, service, and friendship during the past year. May all the joys of the season be yours!

I look forward to continuing to serve your real estate needs during the next year.

If you have any questions please feel free contact me.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and yours the very best,

Phill Cross
443.677.7114

REALTOR Christmas Carol (and Sue)

I know that many have seen this before but it certainly worth the sharing…

Realtor Christmas Carol (and Sue)
Rather enjoyable song that is not only entertaining but certainly hints of the truth!

Happy Holidays to all.

Baltimore Metro #4 overpriced area

In a recent Forbes article, Baltimore metro area was ranked as the fourth most overpriced area in the United States. Francesca Levy of Forbes wrote a piece titled “Where U.S. homes are most overpriced.”

According to the December 3rd, 2009 Forbes article, the top ten overpriced metro areas in the U.S. are:

1. Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida
2. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, Florida
3. Jacksonville, Florida
4. Baltimore-Towson, Maryland
5. Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Illinois-Indiana-Wisconsin
6. San Antonio, Texas
7. Denver-Aurora, Colorado (tied)
7. Tampa-St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida (tied)
9. Indianapolis-Carmel, Indiana
10. Austin-Round Rock, Texas (tied)
10. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Tennessee (tied)

To read the original Forbes article and view the full list of the 40 most overpriced metro areas in the U.S. go here Forbes.com.

The table in the article goes on to rank the Baltimore metro area:

ninth (9th) when looking at Properties with Price Reductions
eight (8th) when considering List Price versus Absorbed Price
tenth (10th) in Days On Market
twenty-first (21st) on the Five Year Price Forecast

Basically, this determined that homes, here in Baltimore, were on the market longer and sold for less than the original list price. I am uncertain if that should or would be an accurate measure of how to be ranked. It is, however, certainly interesting information and could help explain quite a bit about our current market.

FOR SALE: 801 Angel Valley Ct, Edgewood, MD 21040

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