Weekend Wednesdays

Yep! It's time to see what's up this weekend so you can make your plans!

Have fun out there! Life is short! Make Memories!

Boyd

Pumpkin Chucking

What do you do with your pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns after Halloween is over? You bring them to the catapult and see how far you can make them fly! Pumpkin Chucking Weekend at Clark's Elioak Farm

Eye an Owl

Whoo's Up for Owls--Get up close and personal with a couple of live owls at Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum. Saturday, 1-3. In Catonsville, 300 Oella Ave.

Giant Tug of War

 There has been some historical rivalry over the years between "The Maritime Republic of Eastport" and Annapolis. They have quite a civilized way of dealing with it. A huge, annual tug of war! Maritime Republic of Eastport Tug of War vs. Annapolis The "MRE" is even looking for volunteers, if you feel so inclined!

Love Oysters? Oysterfest!

One of my favorite places to visit in the Fall is St Michaels. It's a lovely place! Who knew they have an Oysterfest each year? Saturday, 10-4. I will never attend, since I'm allergic to shellfish, but it sure looks like the best place to go if you love oysters!

Sea Glass 

I've gained new appreciation for sea glass, after spending a week searching for it with friends in New Brunswick. If you want to check it out, you can visit Chesapeake Environmental Center, 600 Discovery Lane, Grasonville, MD on Saturday, 12-4. It's FREE! Semi Annual Sea Glass Vendor Fair

Tall Ships!

Wow. This is one of the largest annual Tall Ship and Wooden Boat Festivals on the East Coast. November 1-4, in Chestertown. And - they have fireworks at night! Sultana Projects Downrigging Weekend Tall Ship and Wooden Boat Festival

Maryland Monday

Columbia Lakefront

What Are You Doing This Weekend?

Maryland is such a great place to live! There are fantastic, fun things to do all through the year.

Once a week, starting today, I am going to post about some things you might consider doing for the weekend. The list won't be comprehensive. That would be nearly impossible! Just a few things each week to contemplate...

Take a look at these great activities!

Model Trains

Do you like model trains? Consider attending the Great Scale Model Train Show this weekend in Timonium. If you're a train collector, I'm sure it's a must. If you are not, I bet you'll see things you've never seen before!

Pumpkin Walk

Or what about a Pumpkin Walk? In Annapolis, from 4-6 on Friday. That's tomorrow, folks! It looks like fun!

Baltimore National Aquarium

And of course, we can now take advantage of the Fridays after Five at National Aquarium in Baltimore! Just $12, instead of the usual $34.95 for adults! Just show up on any Friday (before March 28, 2014) between 5 and 8, and you can tour the exhibits until 9:30. It's a real bargain!

Trick or Treat Among the Trees

Here in Howard County you can Trick or Treat among the Trees at Robinson Nature Center. This Saturday, 4-6:30 pm.

Marine Corps Marathon

And you know, this Sunday will be the Marine Corps Marathon. My wife Ninon and I went a few years ago to watch our friends compete, and I can tell you that just being a spectator is great fun!

Oh, Maryland!

I love Maryland! It is a great place to live, and is stunningly gorgeous to boot! So (starting today), on Mondays I am going to post a picture of beautiful Maryland. That's all. Just a record of my love affair with the state where I live.

Centennial Lake, Columbia

Market Watch

Baltimore Area Home Sales, Prices Rise in September

We have seen a busy and active market right up into mid September. This article is pretty accurate. However, over the past couple of weeks the market really quieted down; that government shut-down put a damper on things! Although it looks like we finally have an agreement, it will likely take a few weeks for people to regain their confidence. 

The silver lining? Interest rates have drifted lower. That's always nice to see.

Cheers!

Boyd

How Does the Current Government Shutdown Impact the Housing Market?

Everyone is talking about the Federal Government shutdown these days. Of course, here in the shadow of Washington DC, we all know someone, most of us know MANY someones, who are currently furloughed. 

There is a lot of speculation about what is going to happen next, how long this shutdown will last, and how it is going to impact us, so let's look at what is going to happen specifically in the housing industry as a result of the Federal Government shutdown.

If you are currently in the process of buying or selling a home, you must prepare yourself for the possibility of delays in loan processing - which could ultimately affect settlement dates.

Information is constantly changing so please verify details with the lender handling your transaction, and be sure to keep the lines of communication open with all parties in the transaction.  

Who can do what?

• FHA - Lenders can get FHA case numbers, FHA insurance, and order appraisals. 
• The Federal Homeownership Centers are CLOSED.  Any FHA issues that need federal assistance/attention will not get resolved until the shutdown is over.
• VA - All VA is operational.
• USDA - The USDA offices are CLOSED. Any loan that was submitted to them and not given a conditional commitment will not be able to close until the office opens.  If lenders have the conditional commitment, they should be able to close.
• IRS Transcripts - The IRS is not able to complete transcript requests. Many lenders will continue to need IRS transcripts prior to issuing a final approval on a loan.

Let's all hope this ends soon.

Boyd