HOWARD COUNTY HOMES IN ELLICOTT CITY - CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL CLUSTER St. Johns * Gray Rock Farm * Font Hill * Dunloggin * Dorsey Hall * Burleigh Manor - These are some of the popular communities in Ellicott City and in the Centennial High School District.  Homes are rarely for sale and usually sell quickly.  One of the most popular features about homes for sale in Howard County is the highly ranked public schools.  In fact, we receive more requests for location by schools than any other specific request.  In fact, we receive many requests from home buyers to locate homes in the Centennial High School Cluster.     2009 SAT Scores for Howard County, Maryland;  Reading 544, Math 561.  The scores for individual high schools will be published later in September. Touring homes in the Centenn... 09/06/2009

We've had some crazy thunderstorms lately here in Howard County, Maryland.  Unfortunately, my neighbor had two trees come down.  The good part?  The two trees fell between her house and our other neighbors' home.  The not so good part is that one of the limbs caught the rear corner of her house.  Fortunately, no one was hurt and there wasn't much damage. I don't know what type of home owner's insurance she has, but I have to hand it to them, this having happened last night at 7pm.  This crane was out front by 9 am this morning.  That's service! 06/10/2009

Sunrise Spring Festival at Turf Valley, Ellicott City. MD All photos are the property of Ellie McIntire.  All Rights Reserved. This content may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of Ellie McIntire. The McIntire Team   Ellie McIntire The McIntire Team 9171 Baltimore National Pike Ellicott City. MD 21042  410. 461 1456        410. 750 8781  (FX) 443. 418 7668       (cell) E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.com http://www.elliesteam.com/ We redefine the essence of service 03/03/2009

  It's a great time to buy a home in one of the most desirable towns in Maryland. Ellicott City is steeped in great history, suberb educational facilities and has a "sweet spot" location between Washington DC and Baltimore. It remains in the TOP 10 most desirable places to live in the USA.   ZIP Code: 21043 Ellicott City, MD From: 01/01/2009 to 01/31/2009                  ResidentialUnit SalesNumber of Bedrooms Active Listings   Time on Market Price Class 2 Or Less   3 4  or More   CondoCoop GroundRent Residential   CondoCoop GroundRent of Units Sold(No. of Units) Under $100,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 -30 Days 2 $100,000 - 149,999 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31-60 Days 1 $150,000 - 199,999 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 61 - 90 Days 5 $200,000 - 249,999 0 1 0 1 0 1 12 0 91-120 Days 1 $250,000 - 299,999 0 0 0 0 0 10 1... 02/21/2009

I have a client who is making great progress on getting his home ready to list for sale. They have freshly painted, installed hardwood floors and spruced up their home. They have a beautiful young and spacious colonial home that sits on a healthy one acre of land in a TERRIFIC Howard County School district. They opted for many builder upgrades when they purchased including delicious 42 inch cabinets in the huge kitchen. The one suggestion I had was that they replaced the laminate counter tops with beautiful granite counter tops, after all KITCHENS SELL HOMES. My client contacted a local company that I referred him to. They recommended to him that he opt for the "New IN-THING" which was Quartz instead of Granite. I confess this is the first I have heard of this new option.. Has anyone ha... 01/08/2009

This is a bitter sweet post. This morning I came into the office for our first office meeting of the year and our Manager at this Long and Foster location in Ellicott City, Brian Lipsky approached me with his good news. "I have joined Active Rain" Shame on me. I never sent him an invitation. Brian's New Year mission is to get connected. He has heard me consistently talk about Active Rain and it's multiple benefits to my business. The resources of information, the "Google Juice" and the business connections that I have made. He wants a peice of the pie! He says he was up all last night setting up an account on Facebook, Linked-in and Active Rain. He is going to be sleepy today in his 6 hour Broker's class! So, wish Brian well- he has not posted a picture yet on his profile, so I thought ... 01/06/2009

New Years Eve is such a fun time of the year. Out with the old and in with the new. Make your reservations now to say farewell to 2008 with a delicious evening at Tersiguels French Country Restaurant on Main Street in Ellicott City. Chef Michel has created a full Chefs Menu to delight the palate. Hopefully he will be the re to celebrate the New Year- The next generation of Tersiguel is due any day now.  Best wishes Mrs. T for a healthy delivery.  Seatings at 5;00pm, 7;99pm and 9;30pm. Call 410-465-4004 to confirm your party seat. If your interested in relocating and finding a home in Howard County, Maryland, please Contact The Mcintire Team of Long & Foster Real Estate.   Ellie McIntire The McIntire Team 410-480-3398 410-750-8781(FX) 443-418-7668(cell) E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.com http://www.... 12/26/2008

If you are at a loss for ways to entertain your Children in Howard County now that Christmas is over, travel no further than Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department. For the 11th year the fire station located on Montgomery Road at the top of the Old Columbia Pike is hosting the annual "Holiday Train Garden & Open House" until January 4th 2009 The firefighters generously open their doors to the community after obviously MANY hours of labor putting together a spectacular display. There is also an opportunity to view the fire vehicles including the antique fire truck. The volunteers are always helpful and usually hand out fireman hats to the children. The display is of multiple dimensions. Lots of great trains rumble along beside Norman Rockwell-esqe settings.   Donations are gladly accept... 12/26/2008

How amazing the internet is. Even Santa Clause has progressed in this techie world we live in. Obviously the Big Guy in Red is using a GPS system to streamline his busy night. This year we have opened on my desktop computer that is in the family room, the web site that will be tracking the progress of Santa Clause as he makes his way across the world. Click here to see where Santa and his Reindeer are right now. I have family all over the world, so for my little guy this is really entertaining to know when his cousins will be getting their visit. For me this just adds to the magic. Merry Christmas.     12/23/2008

WOW! The market has picked up a bit since the elections.  Phones are ringing! Hopefully this is a sign that the consumers are building confidence.  Today the announcement was made that rates for home buyers have decreased to 5% or below.  There are many FHA products available to new buyers that require only 3 % down.  While this is all great news there are still many properties we are seeing that are distressed.  Distressed?  Bug infested, need work, missing appliances, so on and so on.  Some buyers do not want a fixer upper, but sometimes that is all that is available.  12/17/2008

Santa will be coming to Historic Ellicott City on Saturday December 6th at 10 am this year to the yellow firehouse with the typical parade of firetrucks. Santa will be arriving on the antique fire truck. Enjoy holiday shopping in Ellicott City's historic district while you are there. Visit with Santa at the Firehouse Museum from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Parking meters are free in the historic district from November 28th until January 1st.   The old Firehouse Museum is located at the corner of Church Road and Main Street. For all your Real Estate needs in Central Maryland. Ellie McIntire The McIntire Team 410-480-3398 410-750-8781(FX) 443-418-7668(cell) E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.com http://www.elliesteam.com/ We redefine the essence of service 12/04/2008

Christmas is arriving in Historic Ellicott City. Midnight Madness on Main Street. December 5th 2008 Howard County Council Chairwoman Courtney Watson along with Gov. Martin O'Malley and County Executive Kenneth Ulman  will kick off Midnight Madness in Historic Ellicott City with a tree lighting Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. at the plaza in front of the Ellicott City B&O Railroad Station. Into the early morning hours, shopkeepers will keep their doors open as customers enjoy extended hours of business during the annual holiday event. There are plenty of stores, restaurants and activities to amuse all age groups. For all your Real Estate needs in Central Maryland. Ellie McIntire The McIntire Team 410-480-3398 410-750-8781(FX) 443-418-7668(cell) E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.com http://www.elliesteam.com/ ... 12/04/2008

I am always an optimist. Every month is a great month, but this month is really going to be special. Professionally I am rallying as much as I can for the last month of the year. I am working like crazy showing as many homes as possible. I have some decent settlements before the end of the year. My holiday cards are ALMOST ready to hit the mail box, I am just waiting on the magnetic calendars to put inside. I have my last "Client Appreciation" event of the year this weekend and I am almost caught up on my expense sheets.  But none of that stuff is important this year. I have an amazing two year old that for the first time really "Gets" Christmas. He has a sparkle in his eye when he sees ANYTHING remotely festive. He has requested "Twas the night before Christmas" for his bed time story ... 12/01/2008

On Saturday December 6th, Santa Clause and Mrs Clause will be stopping by for a delicious breakfast at Tersiguels French Country Restaurant in the heart of historic Ellicott City.   Enjoy some pancakes while you write your Christmas wish list. Then you get to have a special audience with the "Big Guy" to tell him in person what you would like him to bring you. Make sure your parents bring their camera. Seatings start at 9.30am Call for reservations-410-465-4004- this is a very popular event For all your Real Estate needs in Central Maryland. Ellie McIntire The McIntire Team 410-480-3398 410-750-8781(FX) 443-418-7668(cell) E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.com http://www.elliesteam.com/ We redefine the essence of service   12/01/2008

I trust you all had a blessed and abundant Thanksgiving? We sure did. Plenty of food, good friends and lots and lots of Turkey (Dennis). We ate dinner around 1pm and then lamented the over stuffing. After the dishes were done I snuggled up with my son and enjoyed a guilt free nap. 5 hours later I was a little peckish. Time for a Turkey sandwich. Tomorrow will be left overs (lots of potatoes too) and more Turkey. Still there will be the bones to make a tasty Turkey Stew. I love Thanksgiving Turkey.     11/27/2008

This morning was just an ordinary Friday in November. A little chilly, but tolerable; time for a warm coat and a hat. As I drove to the office there were some minuscule snow flakes, but nothing to get excited about. The weatherman had mentioned a little precipitation. I had a settlement this morning and the conference room is an internal room of the building. Imagine my surprise when I stepped outside to see this. Just a little dusting, but it's the first one of the season. Not a lot to get excited about, but sadly the sniff of snow and folk in Maryland go a little crazy. Watch out on the roads today. For all your Real Estate needs in Howard County and Central Maryland. Ellie McIntire The McIntire Team 410-480-3398 410-750-8781(FX) 443-418-7668(cell) E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.com http://www.el... 11/21/2008

Everyone has a connection to the place they call home for some reason or another, but I confess I stumbled across Historic Ellicott City, Maryland when I was not even looking for it. I was unaware that cold fall day in October of 1995 the impact this little town would have in my life. My then boyfriend, now best friend and assistant and I had come to Columbia, MD for a family wedding. During the down time of the occasion we had ventured out to explore. From Columbia we drove North on Route 29 and then down the winding road of Old Columbia Pike. The twists and the turns were definitely heading down the hill. On the side of the road there were stone houses and charming colonials. Framed in a blaze of fall colors and falling leaves it was quite breathtaking. After about 3 miles we found ou... 11/20/2008

The "Linens n Things" location in Long Gate Shopping Center, Ellicott City is liquidating assets and closing their doors. I wonder who will be taking their place in this 12 year old plaza? Strangely they have a "Now Hiring" sign above the door too. Not much job security there! (If you squint you can see it.) For all your Real Estate needs in Howard County and Central Maryland. Ellie McIntire The McIntire Team 410-480-3398 410-750-8781(FX) 443-418-7668(cell) E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.com http://www.elliesteam.com/ We redefine the essence of service 11/20/2008

   NEED SOMETHING FUN TO DO ON A THURSDAY NIGHT IN ELLICOTT CITY?       The third Thursday of November is a mere day away, which can mean only one thing: Beaujolais Nouveau day! Beaujolais Nouveau is a light, French red wine, purple-pink in color. It is meant for immediate drinking, not to be kept for maturation like some other wines. It's a yearly celebration. George Debouef is known as the king of Beaujolais and he generally produces one of the better nouveau wines each year. If you live in Maryland and you want to enjoy all of the festivities of the new wine arrival, head to Tersiguel's in Ellicott City. Fernand will be popping some bottles and Can Can dancers will be whooping up a storm. This is not a good evening for a QUIET meal. The fun starts at 6.30pm. Call 410-465-4004 for res... 11/19/2008

8308 Dawn Court, Ellicott City. is under contract. The sellers are downsizing. HUGE MOVING SALE. Saturday November 8th 2008 9am till 3pm Furniture, tools, office equipment, household items. etc. Visit www.ILoveEllicottCity.com for the virtual tour and your chance to see what items may be available. Ellie McIntire The McIntire Team 410-480-3398 410-750-8781(FX) 443-418-7668(cell) E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.com http://www.elliesteam.com/ We redefine the essence of service   11/05/2008