Rt. 3 intersection changes at Johns Hopkins and Waugh Chapel Road

Technically, the changes that are being made are in Gambrills, but they certainly affect just about every Crofton, MD resident. The intersections of Johns Hopkins and Waugh Chapel roads where they intersect with Rt. 3 are changed forever.

No longer can you cross the highway at the light. If you find yourself at either of these intersections you will encounter the new traffic pattern which forces you to make a right turn only. At that point, you will be getting into the left lane if you want to change directions on the highway.

The whole process seems counter-intuitive to me, but I’m sure there is someone in MDOT that can show a savings. In any case, if you find yourself at either of these intersections, be aware of the new traffic patters, because they are confusing.

Crofton MD Real Estate–Crofton MD Rentals, October 26, 2011

crofton-300-picnik-copy

The Crofton MD rental market remains strong, and has been strong since the beginning of the year. This is primarily due to the fact that many of the employees coming into Ft. Meade, as a result of BRAC, are renting, rather than purchasing.

This has put continued pressure on the rental market in the entire area. As a result of the low inventory, you’re also seeing pretty heady prices as well. Today, rental prices range from $1,400/month for a 2 br, 1 ba condo, all the way to $3,200/month for a 5 br, 4 ba single family detached house.

The link below points to all of the current active Crofton, MD rentals, today October 26, 2011.

Crofton MD Rentals

If you’re looking to rent a home in Crofton, MD, or the surrounding area…give Rich a call at 443-995-9595.

Crofton MD Real Estate–September Market Statistics

I can tell you that Crofton REALTORS® are trying to figure out what’s going on with the real estate market in the last two months. No, we don’t always have the answers. After a great start to the year, the market seems to have stalled, especially when viewed by the declining market in August and September sales in zip code 21114.

With interest rates still very low for qualified buyers, and prices in Crofton now at an affordable rate, throw sellers willing to negotiate into the mix, and you’ll understand why the market activity numbers are puzzling. September was down -33% from September of last year, and down 24% over August 2011. What’s going on?

If I had to put my finger on it, I would say that buyers are fearful of the economy in general. Buying a house is going to be one of the largest financial transaction they’re going to make in their lifetime, and the general economic malaise that has been suffocating the country is still here. Crofton, MD, and several other communities, are being affected by larger economic issues. Those too will pass.

One positive indicator is pending contracts. While they aren’t trending up, they aren’t trending down either. From the looks of it, we’ll be sliding sideways in market activity as we go into the Fall and Winter months.

As you know, when sales goes down, other indicators take a hit as well. The median price is down slightly, and the average days on the market has jumped. These indicators generally track pretty closely with sales.

Buyers, I hope you can see an opportunity to get into a great Crofton, MD house before competing buyers make the connection.

If you’re not working with an agent, and would like to get into a great Crofton, MD home…call Rich at 443-995-9595.

Crofton MD–Blessing of the Animals, Sunday October 2, 2011

ar-st-francis-copyThis Sunday, October 2, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Crofton Maryland, the annual ceremony of Blessing of Pets will happen. This ceremony is associated with the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic saint, held on October 4th.

The blessing will occur, rain or shine, after the 11 AM mass, at the back of the church. All participants are encouraged to bring along a pet food donation, which will be given to the ASPCA.

Dogs, cats, birds, hamsters…bring them all. The lineup and sprinkling of holy water will occur outside, at the rear of the church.

The actual Blessing in honor of St. Francis goes like this:

“Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You call forth fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always preach you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”

Crofton, MD and the theory of evolution

Lurking Swamp CreatureWikipedia defines Evolution as the change over time in one or more inherited traits found in populations of individuals.

When I woke up this morning I swear that I’m growing gills on both sides of my neck. Evolving to better handle the weather we’ve had here in Crofton, MD. Unfortunately, some basements around here have evolved too…into indoor pools.

I can’t remember the last time we didn’t have a rainy day here. Oh yeah…it was the day we had the earthquake a couple of weeks ago. Sunny, clear with just a hint of ground movement.

Finally, late this afternoon a giant orange orb finally peeked through the clouds. Someone mentioned that they remember it’s called the Sun. Go figure, they actually have a name for that thing.

Crofton residents…my iPhone tells me that big orange orb will be back out again tomorrow, Saturday. Enjoy it while it lasts, because it looks like it goes back into hiding again Sunday.

Crofton, MD, Advances one new business at a time

ar-advance-autoNo small community likes to lose a business that has been an anchor for so many years. Last year, the local Blockbuster store, located at Rt. 3 and Cronson Blvd., closed its doors. Long time employees were let go, and a valuable space, and tax resource, was left empty.

A couple of months ago, construction activity started, and new signs were up and running at the location.Advance Auto Parts, a large corporate business, opened a branch in Crofton. Officially called, Store 8849, it’s now a favorite of many Crofton residents.

Admittedly, not everyone who goes into Advance Auto is doing their own car repairs, there is also a large selection of cleaning products, and accessories. You don’t need to be a mechanic to love Advance Auto Parts.

Advance Auto Parts
1268 Rt. 3 S
Crofton, MD 21114
410-451-7201

WELCOME TO CROFTON!

Crofton MD Real Estate–Open Houses for 9/3/11 and 9/4/11

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It looks like the Labor Day weekend isn’t detering Crofton, MD real estate agents and sellers, from holding some fantastic Open Houses this weekend. I’ve seen a couple of the houses that are being held open this weekend, and you won’t be disappointed.

 

Open Houses 9-3

A cautions REMINDER for anyone attending an Open House without an agent. The agent at the property is representing the SELLER, and not any potential BUYER. Also, they are not allowed to solicit your business for any other property while you are at the Open House.

If you’re interested in any property in Crofton, MD, or the surrounding area…I can help. Call Rich for Buyer Representation at 443-995-9595.

Crofton MD Civic Association – Fall General Membership Meeting

Crofton MD Main GateIf you live in the section of Crofton, MD that is governed by the Crofton Civic Association, you are invited to attend the Fall General Membership Meeting on September 19, 2011 at 7:30 PM. The meeting will be held at the Crofton Elementary School, on Duke of Kent.

State Senator “Big” Ed Reilly, a Crofton resident, will be the guest speaker. Also on the agenda, and of interest to many Crofton residents, is a report on redevelopment plans for Lake Louise, the Gateway to our community.

This is a great opportunity to meet and greet other Crofton residents, renew past friendships, learn about what our elected officials are doing, and have an input. Yes, have an input. I have found that the CCA elected officials actually listen. A rarity in 2011.

Join other Crofton residents on September 19th and get involved in keeping our community on the Money Magazines list of Top 100 Cities in the country.

Crofton MD Homes for Sale:
2109 Laurance Court, Crofton, MD 21114
1614 Ebbotts Place, Crofton, MD 21114 

When the lights are out in Crofton, it automatically becomes a four way STOP.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, power is out in some Crofton locations. It’s pretty hard to get fast food right now, and that’s probably a good thing.

One of the safety issues is the fact that traffic lights are out sporadically around Crofton. When a traffic light is out at a crossing, it becomes a serious safety issue. This is a light at a busy intersection where a County road intersects with a local road. The County road is pretty busy and many drivers come barrelling down without even giving a thought to stopping at the intersection.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re on the busy County road, or the local road, when a traffic signal is out, everybody is supposed to come to a four way stop, and then fight it out to see who proceeds first.

I went by this intersection earlier this morning, and all I can say is it’s an accident waiting to happen. Crofton residents beware, and be safe.

Crofton Night Out Against Crime

Crofton MD Real Estate

Anne Arundel County is sponsoring a “Night Out Against Crime” as part of the National event, in Crofton, MD. The event is open to everyone and will be held on August 2, 2011, from 5 – 8 PM at the Crofton Library Parking Lot. The Crofton Library is located at 1681 Reidel Road, Crofton, MD.
The event is designed to:
  • heighten crime drug prevention awareness,
  • generate support for, and participation in, local crime prevention programs,
  • strengthen community spirit and police community partnerships.

The Crofton Night Out Against Crime will have:

  • police and fire vehicles,
  • police K-9 demonstrations.
  • music,
  • children’s activities,
  • refreshments,
  • skateboarding demo.

If you would like to volunteer to help, or need more information, please call Jody Leddy at 410-222-1527, or, jleddy@aacounty.org.

Target is the National Sponsor of National Night Out 2011 and is providing free refreshments for all attendees. What a great way for Target to support our local communities.