Don’t Throw Away Your VCR!

Thought this was worth sharing…

Happy Independence Day (2009)

[aka Fourth of July]
This is the time of the year for all of us to reflect on what a great country we live in. If it wasn’t for the sacrifices that so many people have made over the years, we would not have the freedom we so enjoy.

Here in the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.

Independence Day and Baltimore Fireworks at the Inner Harbor

Commemorate Independence Day with festive fireworks, live music and family fun at Cricket 4th of July Celebration. On Saturday, July 4, thousands of visitors can observe the holiday at the city’s historic Inner Harbor. At 4:30pm, guests can enjoy dynamic musical selections by Reverb, an a cappella group, followed by Electric Brigade, the Navy’s premier contemporary entertainment ensemble, at 8pm. Performances will take place at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, located at Light and Pratt streets. The annual fireworks display, which is produced by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale starts at 9:30pm. During the choreographed fireworks show, Electric Brigade will entertain the audience with today’s popular music and patriotic selections. The multicolored fireworks can be seen from Harbor East, Federal Hill, Fell’s Point, Canton and other surroundings areas. During the holiday weekend, visitors are encouraged to ride the MTA Bus, Metro Subway and Light Rail for weekend festivities.

Cricket 4th of July Celebration is presented by Mayor Sheila Dixon, produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, sponsored by Cricket, and supported by Corrigan Sports Enterprises, Harborplace & The Gallery, Ocean Spray, Verizon Wireless, Fruit 2o Essentials and CITYPEEK.com.

Event-goers are encouraged to enjoy all that downtown Baltimore and the Inner Harbor has to offer by visiting attractions, museums, restaurants, eateries and retail shops.

CRICKET 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION Schedule of Events

4:30-6:30pm Reverb, a cappella

8:00-9:30pm Electric Brigade, a U.S. Naval Academy Band

9:30-9:48pm Fireworks Show

For more information on Cricket 4th of July Celebration, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com.

Be safe and enjoy the 4th of July!

Energy Drain?

I have read and seen articles about this – now I am going to test this to see if in fact it is true.

They state that in our homes there are a ton of small steps (besides changing your light bulbs) that we can take to help reduce our electric bills. So this being the first day of July, let’s start with something easy. It shouldn’t even take 10 minutes to do.

Phantom Energy Loads - We all have a bunch of little things plugged in all the time. Like our Coffee Pot. We can set it to automatically turn off if we forget but apparently they say that even when it is off – It is still using Electricity?! The majority of Electrical Devices pull what is called a phantom or vampire load when it’s off.

Are you a Technology junkie, like me? This will probably help the most then. Let’s take a look at some things we often forget about because these items can be as much as 5% of your Energy bill.

* Ipod Charger
* Laptop Charger
* Cell Phone Charger
* TV’s in rooms that we don’t use
* Cable Boxes
* Coffee Pots
* Toasters
* Chargers for Electric Drills or other tools
* Electric Toothbrushes or Razors

In an average family of 4 with Technology based items being popular, with 4 cell phones and 4 Ipods, it is pulling quite a bit of energy. Before you leave the house, just go unplug all of them.

To learn a little more about Phantom Energy Loads, here is a short article on Treehugger about it.

BNI – Towson Tuesday Breakfast

Today we Officially Chartered our Chapter of BNI (Business Networking International) We are part of the BNI Maryland Chapters.

I would like to welcome other professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs and salespersons who want to increase their bottom line to come visit our growing group.

We currently, have contacts in Advertising, Bankers, Burglar/Security Systems, Financial Planner, Life/Health & Disability Insurance, Mortgage Lenders, Property/Casualty (Auto/Home) Insurance, Business Attorney and a general litigation Attorney.

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

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 or pass this information 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 mornings at 8 a.m. at the Bob Evans on Joppa Road in Towson.

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

Visit Our Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=35145049400

Glossary of Real Estate Terms

The words and expressions used by doctors, lawyers, and other professionals may sometimes sound like a foreign language. Because real estate terms also can be confusing, here is a mini-glossary of some of the most common ones:

* Agency: The relationship that a real estate agent has with a client.
* CMA: Comparable Market Analysis, a home evaluation based on properties that have sold in the neighborhood similar to the property being priced.
* Disclosure: An oral and/or written communication about agency, property condition, or other key factors.
* Earnest Money: A good-faith deposit provided as consideration when a buyer offers to the seller of a property a contract to purchase the property.
* MLS: Multiple Listing Service, information on properties that is shared among brokers belonging to a specific multiple listing organization.
* Purchase and Sale Agreement: A contract from the buyer to the seller offering to purchase the property for a certain price.

When you’re ready to buy a home and/or sell your home, I’ll be happy to explain all the terms and transaction details and walk you through the entire process. Please don’t hesitate to email or call me if I can help you or answer any questions.

Hitwise: Top 5 Includes remax.com

On the May 2009 Hitwise list of top real estate Web sites, remax.com returns to the Top 5.

The data featured in the latest findings is based on U.S. market share of visits, which is the percentage of online traffic to the domain or category from the Hitwise sample of 10 million U.S. Internet users. Hitwise, a subsidiary of Experian, has been collecting and analyzing data directly from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) since 1997.

Hitwise Most Visited Real Estate Web Site Rankings, May 2009
1. Realtor.com
2. Yahoo Real Estate
3. Zillow
4. ZipRealty
5. remax.com
6. Trulia
7. Rent.com
8. Homegain
9. HUD.gov
10. ServiceMagic

Need An Extra Room?

Specialty rooms and spaces are becoming more and more popular. If you have an extra room or unused corner in your home, think about turning it into one of the following areas. Here are some ideas for planning that special space:

* Media Area: Enjoy audio, video, and other media and store the equipment.
* Wine Cellar: A cool, dark place is best for wine storage.
* Library: Set up elaborate or simple shelving, a comfortable chair, and a reading lamp.
* Sewing Room: Arrange a work table, ironing board, shelves, and storage.
* Meditation Room: Retreat from noise and other distractions.
* Hobby Room: Plan plenty of work space for crafts, scrapbooking, painting, and the like.
* Mini-Gym: Make working out fun with a stationary bike, weights, treadmill, and a TV!
* Playroom: Set aside space for children or grandchildren to play and store toys.
* Extra Closets: Make a great place to store out-of-season clothes.

With a little imagination and planning, you can use every corner, area, or room of your home efficiently.

Feel free to call or email me if I can help you, a friend, or a family member with any of your real estate needs.

First-time home buyers

Don’t let this “perfect storm” of opportunity pass you by!

There is an unbelieveable selection of homes on the market at the most affordable prices in years; interest rates are incredibly low; AND the federal government is willing to pay you up to $8,000 if you close by December 1st.

What are you waiting for???

Contact me today or use my FREE Home Search Wizard which 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

Thank you and best regards,

Phillip Cross, e-PRO REALTOR ®
RE/MAX 1st Advantage

Mobile: (443) 677-7114

Bel Air Office:   (410) 638-7895
Parkville Office: (410) 882-6000

Erin Go Bragh!

Erin go braugh is a phonetic version of “Éirinn go brách,” which in Irish (Gaelic) means “Ireland Forever.” It was an Irish blessing used used to express allegiance to Ireland.

This term is widely used and is associated with St. Patrick’s Day.

The leprechaun is an old Irish legend; they are like a spirit. Leprechauns are associated with St. Patrick’s Day because a leprechaun is an Irish symbol of good luck.

Baltimore, Maryland
The festivities of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade (since 1956) include a 5K race with a finish line at Power Plant Live! and a brunch (both on the day of the parade) plus numerous fundraisers in Baltimore’s Irish restaurants, leading up to the event.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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