Updating an Out-of-Date Bathroom Not all bathrooms are modern spa experiences. And in some cases, old and out-of-date bathrooms can be frustrating to use. They often have a lack of storage or space. But what can you do to make the space more functional and work for your family? Here are some tips to get you started:A fresh coat of paintThere is nothing a fresh coat of paint can't fix. It's simply the most affordable option to transform a room. Choose a color that matches your design aesthetic. Choose something in a light shade if you want the room to feel more open. Dark and jewel-tone colors can make the space pop for a more dramatic effect.Install wainscotting or tile boardInstalling wainscotting or tile board can give your bathroom a whole new look without requiring a huge constructi... 04/05/2024

#4 Best City to Live in Maryland - Ellicott CityIn keeping with a theme, The World Atlas published a list of the 7 best cities to live in Maryland last week. The number 4 city is Ellicott City. Ellicott City is the largest unincorporated county seat in the country.Ellicott City was founded in 1772 and is located along the Patapsco River. Ellicott City is known for its historic architecture and old-town feel along its historic main street which is lined with unique shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants.And, for the history buffs, the Ellicott City Station, the oldest surviving railroad depot in America, is now a museum dedicated to the city's role in the Industrial Revolution. The Ellicott City Firehouse Museum explores the challenges of fighting fires in the late 19th and early 20th centu... 03/29/2024

Coming up! The best time to sell your Lake Elkhorn home in Columbia, MD. With temperatures warming, turtles sunbathing, trees greening, and people out and about walking, jogging, and biking around Lake Elkhorn, spring is the best time to list and sell your home on or near the lake. The colors are going to be popping in all professional photography which - by the way - should showcase life at the lake and all it has to offer. If you are so lucky to have a home with premium lake views, then you really get to show it off during this time of the year. Interested in selling your Lake Elkhorn home? Let's get in touch! With 20 years in the business, I have the experience and expertise to generate the best offers. It takes more than just a For Sale sign. I will show you how we'll get your home ... 03/23/2024

(Dedicated) buyer's agents do A LOT more than just open a few doors. In this series, I'll highlight a few tales from the Real Estate trenches to emphasize just that. The value of a buyer's agent: protecting the client's best interest, part 2I've been working with a loyal investor client for a few years now, and am always on the lookout for him. One morning, a condo in Columbia, MD caught my eye that had been listed just moments prior. Although it had been vacant for some time, with utilities shut off, and needed some TLC, it was priced well below comparable sales (as it should but that's not always the case). My client already owned property in the development and was familiar with the location, condo amenities, and regulations. I knew it would pique his interest, and it did! We schedul... 03/18/2024

Where are the best places to live near Fort Meade, MD?   As Fort Meade real estate specialists and PCS pros, we get asked that a lot. So we're sharing our customer's top choices with you.  The Roskelly Team has the inside scoop on some of our most requested cities in Howard County that are within a 30 minute commute to the Fort Meade.  First, we want to tell you a little bit about the area surrounding the base.  Fort Meade is unique in that it is within close proximity to 4 different counties.  Anne Arundel County, where the base is housed, Howard County to the west, Baltimore county to the north, and Prince George's County to the South.  We're going to break this down by county, covering Howard county here and list the top city picks  within 30 minutes of Fort Meade based on our decade... 02/23/2024

Welcome to 18745 Penn Shop Rd, Mount Airy, MD                                       (follow this link for more details)A beautiful private 18.45-acre setting, family farm/kennel operation with a special zoning exception. The farmhouse features 3 BR 2 full baths approximately 2,400 sqft +/-, a large country kitchen, dining area with wood floors, deck off rear, main level bedroom and full bath, upper level has 2 bedrooms, full bath, large pond, many outbuildings. Detached garage with electric, heat/ AC system  and additional kennel runs on the side. Kennel building is 3,632 sqft w/ bathroom, plus 1,560 sqft with Kennel runs,10 paddocks, one 100" X 100 " lighted (flood lights) play yard/training area/event area Cattery room, kitchen with 5 stainless steel restaurant sinks, 2 stainless stee... 02/04/2024

Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a roofing company based in Columbia, MD, wants to point out that they don’t just provide roofing services but also soffit and fascia repair in Howard County. They are a leading provider of top-quality soffit and fascia repair and replacement services in the area. This is important because the soffit and fascia play a vital role in protecting the home from pests, moisture, and structural damage. The skilled technicians at Ridgeline Roofers fully understand the importance of these parts and are experienced and equipped to offer seamless solutions for the soffit and fascia that combine aesthetic appeal with functionality.A spokesperson for Ridgeline Roofers Columbia says, “At Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, we believe in delivering tailored solutions that align with... 01/10/2024

Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a leading roofing contractor in Columbia, MD, proudly announces its extensive experience and commitment to excellence in skylight installation and maintenance services. With a focus on quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal, the company's seasoned professionals bring unmatched expertise to every skylight project.Ridgeline Roofers Columbia boasts a wealth of experience in seamless skylight installation in Howard County. With a proven track record in the roofing industry, their skilled team brings expertise and precision to every skylight project. Their commitment to quality shines through in the careful selection of materials and the dedication to ensuring each installation meets the highest standards of durability and aesthetics.Ernest Krebs, owner of Ridg... 12/23/2023

Last night, my daughter and I went to Old Ellicott City to browse its boutiques and marvel at the beautiful window displays, all decked out in Christmas. It was the perfect place to kick off this Holiday weekend. Ellicott City's Main Street is a favorite of mine, it's just a 15-minute drive from my house, and I am a frequent visitor. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts, meet up with friends and clients, or attend any of their special events throughout the year (Girl's Night Out, Midnight Madness, the Ellicott City music festival, Wizarding weekend... to name a few). It's always a special place to visit, but particularly at Christmas time. This time of the year just adds magic to the old historic buildings... the only thing missing is snow!  Merry Christmas!   12/23/2023

Columbia, MD - Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a leading roofing contractor based in Columbia, Maryland, is revolutionizing the roofing industry with a commitment to redefining quality in services for both residential and commercial clients. With a focus on customer satisfaction, advanced materials, emergency roofing services, and transparent pricing, Ridgeline Roofers Columbia has become the go-to choice for superior roofing solutions in Columbia and its surrounding areas.Ensuring customer satisfaction is at the core of Ridgeline Roofers Columbia's philosophy. The company goes above and beyond by assigning dedicated project managers to each undertaking. These managers serve as liaisons between the clients and the roofing team, ensuring clear communication and transparency throughout the pr... 12/23/2023

Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a leading roofing contractor serving residential and commercial customers in Columbia, MD, is pleased to announce its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality flat roofing repairs and installations. Specializing in a variety of materials, including Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO), metal, rubber, and single-ply membranes, Ridgeline Roofers Columbia stands out as a reliable partner for homeowners and businesses seeking durable and sustainable flat roofing solutions.Flat roofing demands specialized expertise, and Ridgeline Roofers Columbia is at the forefront, offering comprehensive services for various flat roofing materials. Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO), a game-changer in the roofing industry, redefines durability, energy efficiency, and environmental sustaina... 12/22/2023

As the leading full-service roofing contractor in Columbia, Ridgeline Roofers Columbia is proud to underscore the importance of maintaining clean gutters for the longevity and structural integrity of residential and commercial properties. Neglecting gutter maintenance poses significant risks, including potential water damage to foundations, walls, and roofs.Water, which at first glance seems harmless, can wreak havoc on a property when gutters are clogged or malfunctioning. The significance of maintaining clean gutters cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in directing rainwater away from the foundation and walls. Without proper drainage, water can seep into the foundation, causing cracks and compromising the structural integrity of the entire building. Ridgeline Roofers Col... 12/22/2023

Since 2018, my children and I have gone to Payne Christmas Trees in Elkridge, MD to get our tree, and have turned it into an annual tradition. They are too old now to sit on Santa's lap, but they will enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and the Holiday displays and photo ops. They'll walk the rows of trees with me, pick out three or so, examine all one more time to then choose the winner. Remarkably, they always agree. The magic of the tree... when the tree is up, it's when it starts to feel and look and smell like Christmas. I love how ours turned out. We have a few very special ornaments - always a set of three - that we've been adding over the years. Putting these ornaments on the tree always brings on a flood of memories. I'm planning on giving my daughters their third of all our special ornam... 12/13/2023

Toys for Tots 2023 - Howard CountyHoward County folks can help make the holidays a little brighter for the kids and can drop off new unwrapped toys at several locations across the county before noon on December 15.While you are checking off holiday gifts for family and friends, don't forget the kids who aren't on anyone's shopping list and pick up some items for the Toys for Tots campaign. Besides dropping off new, unwrapped toys at any of the locations, people who want to support the campaign can also donate online.  Toys can be dropped off at the following locations before December 15, 2023 at noon: George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Dr., Ellicott City Department of Corrections, 7301 Waterloo Rd., Jessup Howard County Police Northern District, 3410 Courthouse Dr., Ellicott City ... 12/09/2023

I stopped by The Pink Cabbage in Ellicott City, MD for their Holiday open house this past weekend. Such a beautiful store! I've been there many times over the years and have quite a few items throughout my house that I purchased at The Pink Cabbage, from pillows to candlesticks to picture frames. My dining table came from one of their summer funky flea markets. The Pink Cabbage is home in a 1940s colonial on Frederick Road and is a small collective of vendors specializing in shabby chic, antique, and repurposed home decor. There's always a treasure to be found! At this time of the year, every room is so beautifully decorated that you need to walk through at least twice to take it all in. If you are looking for a special gift or to add a little holiday magic to your home, stop by The Pin... 12/05/2023

Happy Closing Day in Marble Hill in Elkridge, MDThis darling 2-bedroom condo has found a very happy new owner, my client! It's a very special closing for so many reasons. My client is the son of friends I've known for more than 18 years. He's a VA buyer - we ratified just before Veteran's Day - and a first time buyer. In a fast-paced market with limited inventory buying with a VA loan can be quite the challenge. You are competing with cash buyers and conventional loan buyers who put down a large chunk of money, and possibly adding appraisal waivers to their offers. There's still a stigma attached to the VA loan process, unfortunately, because of its appraisal being often - and wrongly - viewed as too strict. My buyer wrote two prior offers before he got the one - neither presented any r... 11/30/2023

One of my favorite coffee shops in Howard County, MD is Roggenart, European Bakery Bistro & Cafe. They have 3 locations in the county, Ellicott City, Columbia, and in Savage at the entrance of the historic mill. The latter is my go-to place because the ambiance is cozy and reminds me most of a little cafe in Europe. So when I need a latte fix or my heart is a little heavy with a bout of homesickness, I am headed to Savage Mill to spend some time at Roggenart. It always does the trick. Roggenart serves up the most delicious lattes, any flavor combination you can possibly imagine, and always has quite a selection of yummy pastries and quiches. Unfortunately, there are no dairy/gluten-free options for me, but my children absolutely love the pastries. The caramel schnecke is among their fav... 11/27/2023

(Dedicated) buyer's agents do A LOT more than just open a few doors. In this series, I'll highlight a few tales from the Real Estate trenches to emphasize just that. The value of a buyer's agent: the forgotten storage unit. Last year, I worked with wonderful clients who first sold their family home and then purchased a condo in a 55 and better community in Howard County, MD. The sale of their home took a lot of preparation - on the house itself and emotionally - but had an incredibly happy ending selling 63K above list price and with a free rent-back period. Purchasing the retirement condo was a different story, however. In a highly competitive market, it took numerous home tours, a few offers (despite being cash buyers with no financing nor appraisal contingencies and offering a quick ... 11/21/2023

Coldwell Banker Howard County Helping OthersThe Howard County Regional Office of Coldwell Banker is helping those less fortunate than us during this holiday season.We are collecting clean coats in good condition for those less fortunate than ourselves as well as hats, scarves, and mittens.  Please bring your new or used, laundered coat or accessory to our office during office hours.  We are located at 6031 University Blvd, Suite 100 in Columbia, MD.We are also collecting non-perishable food items, personal hygiene items (baby, toddler, adult diapers, feminine hygiene products), and pet food for the Howard and Baltimore County food banks.Our office is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.  Please help those less fortunate than we are.This winter is supposed to be severe, let's help th... 11/16/2023

Walking around historic Ellicott City, you'll surely pass by this brick home just off Main Street and next to the Manor Hill Tavern. Ca. 1842, this historic home is known as the Day-O'Neal-French house, named after its first three consecutive residents. John Day bought the land from George Ellicott - one of the three Ellicott brothers who settled the land in the area - for $250. A master stone mason, Day opted to build a brick home, although many of the properties on Ellicott's land were built with stone, brick was a cheaper resource. The Day-O'Neal-French House is a three-story, three-bay by two-bay federal-style structure with a rubble stone foundation, a gable roof with a brick fireplace on each end, a bit less than 1,500 square feet, and three bedrooms. It has a little courtyard out... 10/30/2023