I was recently asked to write a guest blog for Dale Robyn Siegel an Author & Expert Speaker, licensed attorney in New York and President of Circle Mortgage Group. Take a look at Dale’s blog. Here is my guest blog:
A conversation with Diane M. Phillips, REALTOR® with Frankly Real Estate, Inc.
Welcome to Carroll County, Maryland Feel Right at Home, I do! As a lifetime resident I can’t imagine living any place else. I grew up in Carroll County and chose to raise my family here too! The combination of history, business, agriculture, amazing people and Central Maryland location makes Carroll a desirable location for professionals commuting to Baltimore and Washington D.C.
Just Facts
- Established in 1837
- Named after Charles Carroll (1737-1832), longest living signer of the Declaration of Independence
- County seat is Westminster
- Population 168,000 as of 2010 Census and growing
- Average age 41.1 years old
- Average annual income $81K
- Carroll County was originally created from portions of Frederick & Baltimore Counties
- Top three professional fields
- Medical
- Agriculture
- Education
A Piece of History
Standing on main street in Westminster, Maryland you can see history in the buildings that line the street. Carroll County is full of interesting historical sites and facts. Here is just one interesting piece. The United States Postal Service selected Carroll County to test the service, at the time it was called Rural Free Delivery (RFD). With a little imagination you can see the horse drawn wagon in front of the post office on April 3, 1899 preparing to head out for the inaugural mail delivery in the country. The controversy at the time, swirled around the negative impact RFD would have on local businesses. People would no longer have to go into town to visit the post office and retrieve their mail or parcels and therefore, less frequent visits to local merchants.
Carroll County Schools
Carroll County public schools are ranked fourth of 25 districts. The ratio of students per teacher is 14:1 and the county spends $11,409 per student (National Average $10,591).
The Public Schoolsystem is the ninth largest in the state with 27 Elementary Schools, 14 Middle Schools, 14 High Schools serving 27,960+ students pre-K through 12. In addition, there are several private schools, two career & technology centers and two colleges McDanieland Carroll Community.
Recreation
Carroll Counties rural community offers a wide array of outdoor activities: equestrian, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting and golf to name a few. Indoor activity's include big box and local shops, boutiques, historical sites, art galleries, indoor sports complexes and of course restaurants serving diverse cuisines. Don’t miss Carroll County Restaurant Week August 19-26, 2012.
Carroll County Parks & Recreation is a great resource for local programs. Learning a new skill or hobby, participate in sports teams throughout the county or walk one of the many trails, Carroll County has a lot going on.
Housing Statistics
Median sold price in Carroll County $221,500 down 11.89%over 2011 with 78 units sold, 22 attached and 56 detached. Average days on the market 162. Conventional financing was the most frequently used with FHA a close second.
One factor I use consistently is sold price (SP) to original list price (OLP) ratio. That number speaks volumes to me, for example January 2012 the SP to OLP 87.0%. That means that of the 78 units sold these properties were over priced. Numbers don’t lie.
New Horizons
Change is the one true constant in our lives. Recently, I was offered an unexpected opportunity to join a broker I believe in, Frank Llosa, Broker, Frankly Real Estate Inc. His integrity and innovative business tools are more than ideas, they are put into practice everyday and bring tremendous value to his clients. Frankly Real Estate, Inc. is a refreshing break from the traditional brokerage. I am excited and proud to work with.
My Advice
Sellers, once you make the decision to sell price the house properly according to your local market. Price it right from the start and you will net a better bottom line than if you chase the market down.
Buyers, get pre-approved for a mortgage. Once you get your pre-approval take time to look over your budget and evaluate what YOU feel comfortable with. Be smart and purchase below your means.
Professional Service
As a REALTOR® Specializing in Carroll County, I have had the opportunity to help many home buyers and sellers reach their real estate goals. I look forward to working with you, too!
Buying and selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions that most people ever undertake. Because the process can be lengthy and sometimes confusing, I want you to know that I will be here to help you through every step. My goal is to help you navigate the process and make the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.
When you are ready,I welcome the opportunity to represent you. In the meantime, I will provide you with valuable information about home ownership, the real estate market and many other helpful topics by email upon your approval.
I would be happy to answerany questions you might have about buying, selling, financing or current market conditions. I can also send you listings of suitable properties currently on the market where you want to live. My services include helping you find a home, arrange financing, negotiate the purchase, and handle the details to ensure a smooth closing.
When you are thinking about buying or selling a home, there are always plenty of questions to ask. Please don't hesitate to call or email me any time if I can help you with this. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.
My Story
My hubby, Chris, and I have been married since 1993. Together, we have had the pleasure of raising three children whom have all made us extremely proud, Mike, Cole & Claire. I can't leave out our furry kids, Raven, a German Shepard and Mater & Maisy Rottweilers.
Prior to real estate, my Dad, a retired Lieutenant with the Maryland State Police, and I operated gas stations/convenience stores for 23 years together. Although it had its trials and tribulations, both working for & with family, and the 24/7 obligation, I loved it. We ran a little place in Hampstead, I lovingly named "Hampstead Country Crown." That store was a cross between "Cheers" where everybody knows your name and "Petty-coat Junction" because a CSX train ran right past our place. The train conductor and crew would regularly stop the train for coffee, ice cream, fresh made deli sandwiches and other convenience items.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my community and my expertise with you.
Diane M. Phillips, REALTOR®
Frankly Real Estate Inc.
6304 Crosswoods Circle #102
Falls Church, VA 22044
Cell: 443-286-4365
Office: 703-827-4006
Email: DianeJustSold@gmail.com
Website: DianeJustSold.com
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A conversation with Diane M. Phillips, REALTOR® with Frankly Real Estate, Inc.
Just 60 miles from Washington D.C. is 
Real estate market reports can be drilled down in many ways.... national to local, even hyper-local. It’s important to understand what statistics you are dealing with.
