Red, White, and Blue in Bowie on July 4

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Fireworks and fun for the family

You don’t have to go far for a good old-fashioned Independence Day celebration. The City of Bowie celebrates America on Friday, July 4, 2008 with music and fireworks. Come to Allen Pond Park in the afternoon to enjoy all the park has to offer families, and stay to sample the food, beverage and novelty concessions that will be available from 3:00 p.m. on.

Then listen to the M&R Band beginning at 4:30, have your picnic dinner, more music, and top it off with spectacular fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Here are the details, and for more information you can go to http://www.cityofbowie.org/special_events/4thofJuly.pdf to see the full flyer for the event.

The City Of Bowie CELEBRATES AMERICA

FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2008 – ALLEN POND PARK

(Rain Date for Fireworks ONLY Saturday, July 5, 2008)

4:30 PM – M&R Band– Variety Music

7:45 PM – Mayor’s Welcome– Mayor G. Frederick Robinson

8:00 PM – M&R Band

9:00 PM – Introduction of Elected Officials

Flag Ceremony– Bowie Memorial Post 8065 VFW

National Anthem – Nichelle Fullen

9:15 PM - FIREWORKS!

  • Food, drink, and novelty concessions will be available beginning at 3:00 P.M.
  • Alcoholic Beverages are not permitted in Allen Pond Park on July 4th.
  • The Collington Lodge #230 will have their MD Chips (Maryland Child Identification Program) at this year’s Fourth of July festivities. The cost is FREE.
  • ALL Allen Pond Park parking will be designated handicapped. Additional parking is available at the Mitchellville Road Soccer Fields and on side streets.
  • Colored powder fireworks will be set off throughout the day.
  • No pets are allowed in Allen Pond Park on July 4th.
  • Special parking and road restrictions will apply before and after the event.

Just as Independence Day means fireworks, summer means concerts every Saturday and Sunday in Bowie. Go to Town Green Park at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays to hear:

June 28 -  Project Natale /Jazz

July 5 -  ilyAIMY Acoustic Rock/Folk

July 12 -  40 Dollar Fine Classic Rock/Country

July 19  – 2nd Coming Jazz featuring Mr. Young Jazz

July 26 -  5 Oaks Folk/Rock/Country

And see the full schedule here: http://www.cityofbowie.org/special_events/Saturday_concerts.pdf

Then on Sunday, come back to Allen Pond Park for the Sunset Concert Series starting at 7:00 p.m.:

June 29 – Premium Band & Horns R&B/Soul/Motown

July 6  - United States Air Force Band Silver Wings /Country

July 13  - Redstone Classic Rock/ Oldies

July 20  - Durham Station /Bluegrass

July 27 – U.S. Air Force Max Impact /Pop

And visit this site for the full Sunday schedule:

http://www.cityofbowie.org/special_events/Sunday_Schedule.pdf

These are just a few reminders of why people love Bowie as a place to live and work. When you’re ready to find your Bowie home, we can help. The "Special" Ed Haraway team has the experience and knowledge to make your home dreams come true in Maryland. We really are the "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"

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Uncategorized | June 26th, 2008

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To Sell Your Maryland Home, Pretend You Are a Buyer!

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It’s a little scary these days, the idea of selling your home. You’ve heard that the market is not great, and that buyers are being aggressive. You wonder how much you can get for your home and how long it will take to find the right buyer. Here’s a suggestion to help answer both the "when" and "how much" questions: Think like a buyer. 

Sound easy? Not really. Because buying a home has as much to do with psychology and emotion as it does with finance and logic. Can you think back to when you bought your own home? When you first walked through the door as a potential buyer, did you have an emotional reaction? Did the home "speak" to you? Your job now, as a seller, is to recreate that experience for the buyers.

We all know that – fair or not – first impressions do count. When you meet someone, you form an opinion in the first few seconds. The same is true when a buyer sees your house. If the yard is cluttered, if the front door is faded, if the living room is littered with dirty dishes or old newspapers…well, you can see what kind of impression that makes.

Your Realtor® can help you see your home as others do, so be open to suggestions. The first will often be to clean up the clutter so that the house looks more spacious. Once you clear up the clutter, the first impression needs to be CLEAN. Whether it’s a matter of steam cleaning carpets, stripping and refinishing floors, having windows cleaned – whatever it takes will be well worth the investment of time and money.

Your aim is to help buyers see how this could be their home. That could be difficult for them to imagine if you have a wall that is bright orange or carpet that is deep purple. Even if you love orange or purple, paint it over or rip it out if you want to move the sale along. All buyers will see is the cost and effort to get the home into the condition they would want.

If you have torn screens or dripping faucets or lights that don’t work, fix them before you start to show your home. What you see as minor will look like a major problem to buyers. Worse, they may think there is more damage that they cannot see, and simply walk away. Buyers often over-estimate the cost of repairs, and then use this as a bargaining point to get a lower price. When you pay for minor repairs first, the question doesn’t come up.

Use your own senses to see, hear, and smell your home the way a buyer will. When it’s clean, neat, calm, and fresh, you won’t have to speak to the buyer…your house will do it for you, and what it says will be, "My new home!"

The "Special" Ed Haraway team can help you get your home ready with advice based on our many years in real estate working with Maryland homeowners. We really are the "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"

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Uncategorized | June 19th, 2008

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Get Out! and Enjoy Maryland’s Early Summer Activities

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Warm weather brings much to enjoy in Maryland

Whether you are looking for baseball or a bayside concert, there’s plenty to do in our area of Maryland. So pack a picnic, don’t forget the sun block, and get outside to enjoy these events.

Sunday, June 15,  2008     12:30 pm
Bowie Baysox "Meet The Team" event  
Father’s day at the Baysox, with our "Meet The Team" event of the season with pre-game autograph session and father and son catch on the field from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm. Bowie Baysox vs. Harrisburg Senators.

Contact: 301-464-4851 or visit www.baysox.com
Location: Bowie Baysox Stadium, 4101 NE Crain Highway , Bowie 20716.

Sunday, June 15, 2008     6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Bayside Summer Concert Series  
Concerts are held Sundays at Downs Park, located at 8311 John Downs Loop off Mountain Road in Pasadena. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and relax under summer skies in this scenic park. Alcohol is prohibited. The park charges $5 per car for parking (but the fee is waived for concerts by military performers). June 15, 6-7 p.m. – The Cruisers (military band; Top 40 and Motown).

Contact: 410-222-6230 or visit www.aacounty.org/recparks
Location: Downs Park. 8311 John Downs Loop , Pasadena.
 
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 – Friday, June 20, 2008    1:00 am – 11:00 pm
Race Across America Finishes!  
The World’s Toughest Bike Race finishes at the City Dock. See Solos and Teams at the end of a 3000-mile race from Oceanside, CA, to Annapolis, MD. Come cheer on these amazing people at the end of their journey!

Contact: 303-956-7226 Ext. or visit www.raceacrossamerica.org
Location: Annapolis City Dock. Market Space , Annapolis 21401

Wednesday, June 18, 2008   7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Summertime Maritime Concert Series – Evening
Catch the museum’s Summertime Maritime Concert series Wednesday evenings in Eastport. FREE! Wednesdays’ concerts are held from 7-9 p.m. at the Annapolis Maritime Museum (AMM) beach next to the museum, which is located on Back Creek at the end of Second Street in Eastport. Bring your own lawn chairs and a picnic baskets. Beverages will be available for purchase. June 18 – The Joe Byrd Trio, AMM beach. For more information, call the museum at 410-295-0104 or visit their Web site at www.annapolismaritimemuseum.org

Contact: 410-295-0104 or visit www.annapolismaritimemuseum.org 
Location: Annapolis Maritime Museum. 133 Bay Shore Drive , Eastport 21403

Thursday, June 19, 2008     12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Summertime Maritime Concert Series  - Lunchtime
Catch the museum’s Summertime Maritime Concert series at the City Dock in Annapolis on Thursdays. FREE! The concerts are held at noon on Thursdays at the City Dock so bring your lunch and grab a bench. June 19 – Tom McHugh, City Dock.  

Contact: 410-295-0104 or visit www.annapolismaritimemuseum.org
Location: Annapolis City Dock. Market Space , Annapolis 21401

Saturday, June 21, 2008     9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Disc Dog Contest

Bring your dog and participate in freestyle, time trial, distance, accuracy & more! FREE to participants and spectators. Held at Truxtun Park, Collison Field. Pre-register online at www.disc-dog.us

Contact: 410-263-7958 Ext. or visit www.annapolis.gov/recreation
Location: Truxton Park. 273 Hilltop Lane , Annapolis 21403

Saturday, June 21, 2008     11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Eastport-A-Rockin’  
Any type of music can be heard at Eastport-A-Rockin’, a one-day event crammed with live entertainment, food, and family fun. Bring the kids for moonbouncing, face-painting and laser tagging. Enjoy live music from 27 bands on three stages. You may even see the next big band walk across one of these stages! Whether you enjoy folk music or jazz, BBQ or gyros, tattoos or cotton candy, there is something for everyone at this event, just over the bridge in Eastport.

Contact: 410-916-5500
Location: Eastport-A-Rockin’. 723 Second Street , Annapolis 21403
 
Saturday, June 21, 2008     4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tiller Club Open House  
The Tiller Club is having an open house for anyone interested in sailing in Annapolis! Come get involved in some serious sailing fun on the Chesapeake with a great sailing community. We’ve got opportunities for boat owners, non boat owners, people looking to pick up some crew, and anyone who wants to meet others to sail with. Boat rides from 4-6.

Contact: 303-521-8146 Ext. or visit www.sailingclasses.com 
Location: Port Annapolis Marina, 7074 Bembe Beach Road , Annapolis 21403

Saturday, June 21, 2008     6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Quiet Waters Park Summer Concert Series  
Concerts are held on Saturdays from 6-8 p.m. at the park, which is located off Hillsmere Drive in Annapolis. Admission to the park and concerts are free starting one hour prior to show time. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket for seating. June 21 – The Crawdaddies (Americana). June 28 – Lauren D’Aria (rock)

Contact: 410-222-1777 or visit www.aacounty.org/recparks
Location: Quiet Waters Park. 600 Quiet Waters Park Road , Annapolis 21403

Sunday, June 22, 2008     6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Crofton Summer Concert Series
These free concerts are held at 1678 Village Green, located on Crofton Parkway across from the Crofton Country Club, on Sundays, weather permitting, from 6-8 p.m. Concert-goers should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating and a picnic basket or cooler. June 22 – Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition.

Contact: 410-721-2301
Location: Crofton Village Green. 1678 Village Green , Crofton
 
Saturday, June 28, 2008     7:00 pm
Annual All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Tribute Night  
Saturday June 28 will feature the Baysox 2nd Annual All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Tribute Night! Come meet the ladies who played in the AAGPBL – The league immortalized in the movie "A League of Their Own," with post-game Fireworks. Bowie Baysox vs. Altoona Curve

Contact: 301-464-4851 or visit www.baysox.com Location: Bowie Baysox Stadium, 4101 NE Crain Highway , Bowie 20716.

Saturday, June 28, 2008     8:00 pm
Fourth of July Spectacular  

For a fifth consecutive year, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra leads the community in a special celebration of Independence Day with the Lexus Summer Series’ Fourth of July Spectacular, the first of our two FREE ADMISSION concerts for audiences of all ages to enjoy over the summer holidays! Join us at Anne Arundel Community College’s Siegert Field, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, Maryland, for a patriotic pops evening of all-American favorites, light classics, and our spectacular fireworks finale.

Contact: 410-263-0907 or visit www.annapolissymphony.org 
Location: Anne Arundel Community College, 101 College Parkway , Arnold 21012

While you’re out and enjoying the lifestyle of Annapolis-Bowie-Crofton, remember that The "Special" Ed Haraway Team can help you find the perfect house for you and your family in this land of pleasant living. We are "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"

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Uncategorized | June 13th, 2008

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Keep Your Maryland Home Cool Starting From the Top

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What's up top does make a difference

In Maryland it seems we go from spring to summer overnight. One night you need an extra blanket, and by the following afternoon you’re turning on the air conditioning. With the cost of energy always a concern, consider how what’s on your roof can help you keep cool and save money.

Replacing your roof is not something you do only to save energy costs, but if the time for a new roof is near, here are some things to consider:

  • Clay and concrete tiles have been around for thousands of years for a good reason. They are a green products because they come from the earth, not from petroleum like asphalt tiles.
  • Roofing tiles contain natural thermal resistance in the raw materials, and the installation of the individual tiles creates a natural airspace around the tiles allowing for ventilation that helps cool air to circulate through the roof.
  • While only eight percent of US homes use concrete and clay roof, these roofs are becoming more popular quickly as the cost of more traditional materials rises rapidly.
  • If you think all roof tiles are red, round, and heavy, think again. Tiles come flat and in many colors: blues, greens, browns, and blacks. You can get a concrete and clay roof tile in round and flat and any color that you want.
  • Roofing tiles on average come with a 50-year warranty, and a reputable roofing contractor should give you at least half that time as a warranty on labor. Compare this to the typical 20-year limited warranty on asphalt-based shingle roofing products. 

As the cost of energy rises, we need to look at alternatives to the way we’ve always done things, whether in our cars or our homes. For more information on tile roofing materials, visit http://www.tileroofing.org/.

And when it’s time to buy or sell a home, call on the "Special" Ed Haraway Team. We’ve earned the title of "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"

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Uncategorized | May 31st, 2008

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Got Color in Your Maryland Home?

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Color can change how you feel about your home

When spring arrives, we want to open all the windows and let the breeze blow out winter’s staleness. Like birds tending their nests, we think of freshening and changing our homes. Color is one powerful change we can make, whether it’s one small room or the whole house.

The Behr website has some helpful tools to spark your imagination in their "Inspiration" section. Not sure where to start? An easy way is to take your camera and start photographing colors that please your eye. Don’t worry about the photograph itself, just the colors. Then when you look at your pictures, you may see a pattern emerging of what colors please you and how you react to them.

  • Did you take pictures of trees and flower beds? Perhaps a rejuvenating palette of greens with spots of white and yellow will brighten your kitchen.
  • Did you find interesting warm beige, terra cotta and gray beach stones? That could be the basis of a neutral color scheme.
  • Are sunsets your thing? The warm orange and deep red with touches of golden yellow and lilac could be the basis for a room that is your retreat.
  • Perhaps you found a lady’s flower garden with pinks and delicate greens and whites? There’s a feminine bedroom color scheme.

You can see how looking outside your home for inspiration just might give you the right combination of shades and tones for every room in your house.

It’s a good idea to start with the main room and plan outward. Once you’ve chosen the basic color scheme, look at what other rooms and hallway areas are visible from that room and choose colors that coordinate and flow naturally. You’ll want to consider how the flooring and carpet work with your color choices. If any rooms have a focal point – such as a fine stone fireplace – that will also influence your choices. Need to go a little wild? Rooms that are usually closed, such as bathrooms, can be the place to let your imagination run wild to create a fun surprise.

Whatever your choices, adding or changing colors is a pick-me-up for you and your home. And when you’re ready to add your touch to a new home, the "Special" Ed Haraway Team knows how to help you sell your home and negotiate your best deal. We’ve earned the title of "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"

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Uncategorized | May 22nd, 2008

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First Time Maryland Home Buyer?

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Here are Some Tips to Help You De-stress

When you decide to buy your first home, it’s and exciting time. So much to learn, so much to do, and you worry about making all the right decisions along the way. Here are some tips to help you get started on the right track:

Got credit?  Before you apply for a loan, you need to know your credit standing, so get a copy of your credit report. It’s free from AnnualCreditReport.com, the federally regulated place to go. If you find errors, get started on correcting them right away. If your credit is less than great, start making the changes needed to improve it. You need to do this before you try to get a loan.

Have a mortgage pre-approval in your pocket. Take the time to work with a mortgage lender to have a loan pre-approved before you go house shopping. With that in hand, you know how much house you can afford, and you also have a good bargaining position.

Find the right professionals to be on your side. You want an experienced Realtor®, of course, but you may also want an attorney, a mortgage broker, home inspector, and other professionals to help you through the purchase.  

Set your priorities. Before you look at houses and risk falling in love with the "wrong one," make a list of what’s important to you. Is it size? Style? Location near to a particular school? Distance to work? City or suburban? Make a list, and be clear on what’s most important to you and your family.

Know your budget and stick to it. The last year or so has proven what a bad idea it is to buy more home than you can afford. Even if you’re comfortable with the mortgage payment, remember that monthly expenses will vary with the seasons, and big repairs can throw your budget out of kilter quickly. Just because you can get a bigger loan, doesn’t mean you should.

Buy your home to live in, not as an investment. Yes, your home’s value will likely increase over time, but there’s no guarantee that it won’t sometimes level off or even go down. You’re not buying a stock – you’re finding a home where you and your family will be happy.

Don’t sign anything until you’ve read it completely. Everyone "knows" this, but still people sign documents that they don’t read or don’t understand. If there is anything that is not clear, keep asking questions until you get answers that make sense.  

Buying your first home can be great fun, and we’re here to help you get in the game. The "Special" Ed Haraway Team has earned the title of "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"

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Uncategorized | May 16th, 2008

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History and Heritage in Annapolis

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Maryland's Capital is a great destination

Looking for a place to go with the family that has something for every age and interest? It’s hard to beat a visit to Annapolis, especially now that the nice weather is here.

Start by strolling along the waterfront or sit at City Dock and imagine what the city might have been during the 1700s when Annapolis was a busy Chesapeake Bay port trading with the world. As the first capital of the United States, Annapolis boasts the oldest capitol building in the nation. Steeped in history and tradition, the city is also home to the U. S. Naval Academy. Annapolis is America’s Sailing Capital and hosts sail and powerboat shows every year that draw visitors from around the world.

Of course there are wonderful shops and plenty of places for good seafood in Annapolis, so bring your appetite as well as your enthusiasm when you visit this historic city. Start with these resources, and then plan a day or weekend in beautiful Annapolis.

Annapolis Maritime Museum
Preserving and teaching 400 years of maritime history. Current exhibit: " The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse Experience," gift shop. Thomas Point Lighthouse tours available mid-summer. Open Sat & Sun Call for hours. Group tours by appointment.

Banneker-Douglass Museum
Museum of African American history and culture, changing exhibits, lectures, films, tours and educational programs. Open Tue-Fri., 10a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sat, noon – 4p.m.

Charles Carroll House of Annapolis
Home of Charles Carroll, the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence and one of the wealthiest men in colonial America. Partially restored House, 18th century terraced gardens overlooking Spa Creek. Open Fri. and Sun, 12-4p.m.; Sat. 10-2p.m. or by appointment. Fee

Discover Annapolis Tours
One-hour air-conditioned trolley tours depart from the Visitors Center, 26 West Street, April – November, and most weekends December – March, to explore waterfront neighborhoods, U.S. Naval Academy (exterior), colonial history and surprises!

Historic Annapolis Foundation
Offering two self-guided walking tours, "Historic Annapolis Walk with Walter Cronkite" and the "African American Heritage Walking Tour." available at the Historic Annapolis Foundation Museum Store

Kunta Kinte – Alex Haley Foundation
The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation supports development initiatives for the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial located at the City Dock in Annapolis. The Foundation encourages greater study and awareness of African American culture, history, and genealogy and supports the research of family heritage among Americans of all ethnic origins.

After you’ve visited Annapolis and fallen in love with the history and heritage, we can help you find a home that will keep you close to this city with so much to offer. The "Special" Ed Haraway Team has earned the title of "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"

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Uncategorized | May 9th, 2008

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The Benefits of Bowie, Maryland

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Did you know that rebates and fame could be yours?

City Rebate

If you are in the market for a new mulching mower, and you’re a resident of Bowie, hang on to that receipt! As of April 2, 2008, the city increased the rebate and will now pay you $50 for choosing a mower that is good for you and the local environment. Mulching mowers save time plus they help lawns retain moisture while providing organic fertilizer in the grass clippings.

To obtain your cash rebate, bring proof of City residency and the receipt for the mulching mower to the Finance Department Cashier’s Window at City Hall between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If the receipt does not specify that the mower is a mulching one, please also bring a manual or other documentation for the mower. To find out more, visit the rebate website.

Youth Leadership

Entering its eleventh year, the Youth Leadership Bowie program is designed to provide young people with experiential leadership opportunities while exposing them to career paths. Networking and relationship building will be key components of this program that motivates young people to get involved in their community. The program will run from September thru May and participants will meet one day per month for a group activity.

Students who will be High School sophomores and juniors in the Fall of 2008 are invited to apply, and all applications must be received by May 16, 2008. Contact Bowie City Hall (301-809-3014) or the Chamber of Commerce (301-262-0920) for more information. The application form can be downloaded from this site: http://www.cityofbowie.org/news/ylb_application08.pdf.

Be a Star!

National Anthem Auditions

The City of Bowie will be holding auditions to perform the National Anthem at city-sponsored events on Saturday, May 10th from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Bowie City Hall in the Multi-Purpose Room. Participants should come prepared to perform the National Anthem and one other piece a cappella for a judging panel.

Appointments can be made by calling 301-809-3078. Walk-ins are welcome, however, you must sign up before 1:00 PM.

The Voice of Bowie – Event Announcer Auditions

Do you like to be up in front of a crowd? Do your friends and family tell you that you should be on the radio or in show business? Here is your opportunity to shine and audition to be the voice of Bowie on Saturday, May 10th from 2:15 PM until 3:30 PM at Bowie City Hall in the Multi-Purpose Room. Announcing opportunities include events such as Bowiefest, the July 4th Celebration, and the Bowie International Festival. A script will be provided for you to read in front of event organizers to see if your voice is right for the occasion! All you need to do is show up ready to have fun!

Appointments can be made by calling 301-809-3078. Walk-ins are welcome, however, you must sign up before 1:30 PM.

Whatever kind of star you are, the "Special" Ed Haraway Team can help you shine when it comes to buying or selling a home. We’ve earned the title of "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"

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Uncategorized | May 2nd, 2008

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Maryland Schools are a Good Selling Point for Your Home

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The state's education system is one of the best

A recent survey offers some interesting insights into what matters to mothers when they are going to move. At the top of  many mothers’ lists is a nicer home with more room. But right after that, they care most about the schools where they live. Even if it means a longer commute or a job transfer, Mothers will tend to avoid moving once their children enter school.

According to the survey, of the more than 2,400 mothers who moved in the last 18 months, more than 65 percent moved while they were pregnant or during their child’s first two years. When children entered kindergarten, less than 15 percent moved. The study reinforces what real estate agents have long known – that families will move to improve their location and type of home until children enter school. Then, they settle in where they expect to stay for many years as their children go through school.  

In Maryland, we are fortunate to have schools that are highly rated. Our elementary, middle, and high schools prepare children for higher education and the high-tech careers that will spell success in the future. When selling your home, be sure to have information on your local school system available for potential buyers. Success stories can make the difference in a young family’s decision to see your home as the right place for them. 

The "Special" Ed Haraway Team has more than 20 years of experience in the local market, and we can help with the all-important school information. No wonder we are known as the "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"

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Uncategorized | April 25th, 2008

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Give Your Maryland Home a New Spring Outfit

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Time to spruce up your curb appeal

The folks at This Old House know all about fixing homes up to look their best. Now that spring is finally here in Maryland, people are ready to get outside and spruce things up, especially if they are thinking of selling. But before you dig that old can of paint out of the garage, take a few minutes to hear what the experts have to say about ramping up your curb appeal.  

Don’t stand out like a sore thumb. Recognize that your home will be looked at in the context of its neighbors. Buyers will be looking at your home most closely, but also at the overall picture of the neighborhood. So, if you are thinking of adding a grand entrance portico, but everyone around you has a less formal style, your home could end up looking out of step with its neighbors. In the same way, keep your paint color and tones in line with neighbors’ shades. Some neighborhoods actually compete for who can have the brightest and wildest color combinations. But in most cases, a paler shade with coordinating deeper accent colors for door and shutters is a better choice. 

Nature is a great decorator. If you are lucky enough to have a big old maple out front that makes it a bit hard to see your house from the street, don’t even think of cutting it down. Mature trees add to the value of a home, so if it needs trimming, hire a professional. More than just a nice, homey appearance, trees can actually help you save energy by providing shade in the heat of summer.  

Nature will help your house look inviting throughout the year if you choose plants that have color in every season. Bright flowers in spring and summer, plants that change color in the fall, and colorful berries and evergreens for the winter make your house more attractive no matter when buyers see it. 

Keep it simple. Before you decide on a major improvement, consider how much of the cost will come back to you when you sell. Remodeling Magazine’s online edition does an annual survey of cost vs. return on a variety of projects. Check out the latest figures here: http://costvalue.remodelingmagazine.com/index.html before you start a major project.  

Keeping it simple doesn’t mean you can ignore the little stuff. Details like visible house numbers, nice light fixtures, and attractive potted plants help dress up your home for spring.  

With more than 20 years of experience in the local market, the "Special" Ed Haraway Team has knows how to help you sell your home and negotiate your best deal. We’ve earned the title of "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"

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Uncategorized | April 16th, 2008

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