Bel Air, MD

I'll preface this post by saying that I always advise my buyers to hire a home inspector and have a thorough inspection done on the property they've decided to purchase. Additionally, I always add,

"I wouldn't buy a house without getting an inspection done!".

Then, I give my buyers the contact info. for 3 inspectors that I know and love, one of whom is the inspector I used for my own residence. I tell 'em that since they have the right to use any inspector they want, they should not feel obligated to use my list (and might want to ask family or friends for a recommendation or even use the Yellow Pages or the internet, if they so desire).

O.K., now that all of the disclosures are out of the way -- this is the story of the buyer who went on-line to find the...

Inspector Extraordinaire,

The Inspector of all Inspectors,

The Inspecto-rama-nator-inator,

The guy who took 6 & 1/2 hours to inspect a 1100 square foot, 22 year old house.

I am not pulling your leg this wonderful New Year's Eve.

When this kook was done, he had nearly 6 pages of single-spaced, type-written "issues" with the house --

Yes, if you're counting (and as anal analytical as myself) that would translate to slightly less than 1 page o' issues per hour.

I had a home that was missing an anti-tip bracket on the stove (among a million other things) and a first-time buyer that was completely wigged out.

She didn't know her elbow from her...

But, I digress.

Guys, I've been doing this real estate thing for a minute or two and, although I am not an inspector, I've attended an inspection or two over the years. Subsequently, I've come to one conclusion --

It does not take 6 hours to inspect an 1100 square foot house.

It doesn't.

The purpose of the home inspection, and thus the inspector, is to inform the buyer. The buyer needs to know about the condition of the house and the inspector is there to help uncover any structural and/or mechanical defects within the property. Additionally, the inspector should be there to explain to the buyer that some things are truly repairs that need to be addressed by the sellers, yet other things are upgrades that the buyer should be alerted to, and still other things are maintenance issues that the buyer should be aware of having to do at certain intervals.

There are differences between repairs, upgrades, and maintenance items.

Granted, deferred maintenance items on the part of the seller, could indeed become a bonafide repair item at any given inspection -- don't get me wrong. However, I do not need Inspector Alarmist to provide a laundry list of everything that's wrong w/this house without tempering the issues. My job is hard enough. It's his job to put everything into perspective and not leave my buyer with her head spinning.

My buyer ran from this house. Literally.

She did not buy it or the other 2 houses that this kooky inspector inspected.

And he's not on my list of 3 contacts, either (never was, never will be).

All that to say -- A good home inspector is truly a buyer's best friend. Don't buy a home without one. I wouldn't.

Live in Bel Air, Maryland Harford County and want a fun and free New Years Eve for 2008?

For those of you that like a good fireworks display come to 401 Lewis Lane in Havre de Grace before midnight on New Years Eve.

What a great way to enjoy family and friends and celebrate the New Year. Plus it's free, my favorite word!!!

As for the Duck drop I have read varying reports of it happening, not happening, so we will just have to wait and see!!!

Belair, Maryland is located in Harford County, Maryland. Nestled off the I-95 corridor, and relatively close to downtown Baltimore, it offers much to draw potential homeowners to buy there. Located in the heart of Harford County, it offers big town conveniences, with a fabulous small town feeling.

Wonderful parks, classic victorians, charming pubs and shopping on Main Street welcome visitors. Seasonally, a weekly farmers market offers fresh produce from local Harford County farmers. Popular events include; the Harford COunty Farm Fair, The Chocolate Festival, and the BBQ Bash.

Many new developments surround Belair, as well as older charming homes, dating back to colonial days. Curious about what's for sale in Harford County??? Call Gloria Price today.. 443-676-0223

Belair, Maryland has two zip codes, 21014, 21015.

The median income for these zip codes are: $78,000 THe median age is 38, and a bit over 70,000 reside here.

www.belairmd.org

BEL AIR HARFORD COUNTY MARYLAND Foreclosure $364,900

4 BR, 3.5 Baths built in 2003

4BR Colonial w/Great Floorplan is being sold "AS IS" Includes LR, Separate Dining Room, Spacious Kitchen and First Floor Family Rm. Some Hardwood Floors! MBR has Walk-in Closet and Superbath. Finished LL and 2 car Garage

Listing by Sandie Klein, Long and Foster

Information believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

Provided by MRIS and may not be the listing of the poster.

BALTIMORE HARFORD CECIL COUNTY HOMES SEARCH

Kelly Willey is your expert in the Baltimore, Harford and Cecil Counties, Maryland with over 20 years of experience working with Short Sales, Foreclosures, Pre-Foreclosures, Bank-Owned, REO, HUD owned, VA owned and distressed properties.

Kelly Willey's Web Site

410-879-8080

What's Happening in Bel Air Right NOW?

Here's an up-to-the-minute snapshot of Real Estate activity in Harford County's Bel Air, Maryland (zip codes 21014 and 21015):*

• There are a total of 397 homes that are currently FOR SALE in Bel Air, MD
• 56% are detached single family homes, 22% are townhomes, and 22% are condos.
• Asking prices range from $112,000 to $1,350,000.

The inventory is abundant; there's something for everyone's taste and budget. What to buy? Choose from a 2 yr-old, 6 bedroom colonial priced at a cool $1.35 mil to a 35 yr-old 1 bedroom condo priced at a mere $112,000. Whichever you decide, now's an exceptional time to buy.

So, whether you're looking for that perfect first home, a decent fixer-upper, or your next buy-up -- call me for the best deals available.

If you'd like more information and/or have any questions about the Bel Air area give me a call or drop me a quick line. I'm very familiar with all that Bel Air has to offer and if you are a military family relocating to the area (probably due to BRAC), I look forward to assisting you with your move. Edgewood, Abingdon, and Bel Air are just some of the several areas close to Aberdeen Proving Ground and I'd be happy to show you homes in these areas, too. I'm sold on Bel Air and I'd be pleased as punch to sell you on Bel Air as well!

It's a pleasure to be of service,

Lanette Branch, REALTOR

RE/MAX 1^st Advantage Realty, Inc.

410-638-6661

800-975-7895

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*Information was obtained from our local MLS-Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc (MRIS) and is believed to be accurate, but should not be relied upon without verification. Accuracy of square footage, lot size and other information is not guaranteed.