My favorite quote always seems to be relevant in an ever changing world and tells us why it is imperative that we must continue to educate ourselves. “In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” ― Eric Hoffer                                                                   ~ ~ ~ This is my entry in the Active Rain September Challenge "Blog 53 words" hosted by Nick Vandekar and Patricia Feager.  During my term as FCAR President back in 2003 I was asked by a local reporter to answer questions for his monthly Snapshot column for the Frederick News Post. One of the questions was what is your favorite quote? I remembered reading the Eric Hoffer quote in one of my college fraternity, Del... 09/10/2024

#3 Best City to Live in Maryland - FrederickIn keeping with a theme, The World Atlas published a list of the 7 best cities to live in Maryland last week. The number 3 city is Frederick.Frederick is located in the northern part of the state of Maryland and has served as a major crossroads since colonial times. Today it is located at the junction of I-70 and I-270, US Route 340, 40, and 15.  Frederick is 46 miles west of Baltimore, 50 miles northwest of Washington DC, and 24 miles southeast of Hagerstown. Frederick has maintained its small-town feel but has a big-town appeal. The city's historic downtown area is home to boutique shops and is surrounded by distilleries, wineries, and breweries. Frederick is so close to many historical spots like Antietam, C & O Canal, Point of Rocks, Harpe... 03/27/2024

When you have a soft spot for old homes, it is such a treat to visit historic Frederick and drive through the tree-lined streets of Baker Park and Hood College. Most of the homes were built from the 1910s to the 1940s with architecture ranging from arts & crafts bungalows to Victorians to (Dutch) colonials. It shows that residents take pride in their homes and neighborhoods. Historic character has been preserved and curb appeal is abundant. It's no exaggeration when I claim that one house is prettier than the next. The two subdivisions, Baker Park and Hood College, are in between/surrounding their namesakes, the 58-acre Baker Park with its jogging and biking trails, playgrounds, ball and tennis courts, carillon, and picturesque Culler Lake, and the private Hood College, established in 1... 12/19/2023

          627 GRANT PLACE, FREDERICK, MDThis renovated 3 bedroom, 2 full bath all-brick ranch is located on a double city lot, nearly 1/2 acre, a large yard, and an alley in the rear. Recent renovations include refinished gleaming hardwood floors, a new roof, new windows, a new exterior HVAC compressor, a remodeled kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and a new concrete patio off the kitchen that overlooks the large yard.  The living room includes a brick fireplace, and the dining room has two built-in corner curio cabinets. This home features a popular split bedroom plan with the owner's suite and full bath on one side and two bedrooms and full bath on the other end of the living room. You will find lots of space for storage and room to expand in the unfinishe... 09/15/2023

    104 MERCER CT # 15-8, FREDERICK, MD. 21701  The Premier penthouse at Fairfield includes 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms. You will be on top of the world with two large terraces with a sunrise view over Baker Park to the east and a sunset view behind the Catoctin Mountains to the west. This completely remodeled condo includes a designer gourmet kitchen with a center island, antique granite counters, top of the line stainless steel appliances, a large great room with an electric fireplace, a vaulted ceiling, and a formal dining room with terrace access. Impressive porcelain flooring throughout. Library/study off main entrance with built-in shelves. The owner's suite includes a huge custom walk-in closet/dressing area, terrace access, and a remodeled luxury bath with double vanities, a gar... 05/12/2023

Frederick County Maryland is home to a community that has something for everyone. Located 40 miles from Washington, DC, and the Baltimore metropolitan area Historic Frederick has been a center of American history since 1745. The County features the best of both suburban and rural living flanked by Sugarloaf Mountain to the south and the Catoctin Mountains to the north. These are just some of the main factors Frederick was listed as #17 on the Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2022.  Known for its skyline of clustered spires Frederick City features a 40 block historic district that is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a destination for residents and tourists alike. The annual "In the Street" celebration during the fall draws more than 50,000 people to enjoy downtown Frederi... 02/14/2023

Downtown Frederick, Maryland Home NeededI have a buyer that has a very small area where they want to live.  My buyers are looking for a 2-3 bedroom row house with 1 - 1 1/2 bathrooms.  The home should be well-maintained or newly renovated.  Priced between $250,000 to $370,000 in the downtown core area of Frederick, Maryland.Do you own a home in Frederick and are you thinking about selling?  I have sold many homes in the Frederick area recently and would love to help you sell yours, perhaps my buyers would love your home as much as you have.  Let's talk!! 02/06/2023

The official kick-off for the 275th anniversary of Frederick County Maryland will begin with the New Years' Eve Key Drop on Carroll Creek in downtown Frederick December 31st. The event will include Candle Lights on the Creek with hundreds of candles floating alongside the Sailing Through the Winter Solstice fleet and at midnight a large key suspended on the William O. Lee pedestrian bridge will drop.  Here are a few inspirational quotes to ring in the New Year:       "The best way to predict the future is to create it."   “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” Abraham Lincoln  “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.” Nido Qubein “Be always at war with your vices, at peace wi... 12/30/2022

In the past few weeks, I have visited a number of cities that are all decked out for the holidays. The holiday season would not be complete without a trip to see the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center.     At the beginning of December, the Christkindmarkt takes over the old Bethlehem Steel Mill in Bethlehem, Pa. to celebrate the spirit of the holidays. While there I discovered this town is one of six featured on the Hallmark Channel's Christmas Cams.     My hometown of Frederick, Maryland for the past few years has allowed local businesses to raise funds for local charities by placing boats on Carroll Creek that will be "Sailing Through the Winter Solstice"   Another place to take in the holiday lights is on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington DC to see the National Christ... 12/27/2022

314 - 316 W, Patrick Street, Frederick, Md. Located in Frederick's Historic district a block from Baker park these well maintained row houses include 4 units zoned DB, (DOWNTOWN BUSINESS), with 2 lower level commercial units and 2 upper level residential 1 BR apartments. separately metered and each unit has its own entrance. Ample off-street parking in the rear for 8 to 10 cars. Perfect for a live / work situation or great investor opportunity. Call for more details. 24 hour notice is required for an appointment to see. 12/13/2022

The Gaslight House in the heart of historic Frederick, MD is a gorgeous Italianate rowhome dating back to the 1810s. The original structure was expanded several times, culminating in its characteristic L-shape by the mid-1880s. Its exquisite interior holds historic treasures such as a restored curved staircase, a grand front parlor, floor-to-ceiling windows, wood floors, antique picture molding, clawfoot tub, multiple fireplaces, butler's pantry, and perfectly marries them with the modern conveniences of the chef's kitchen and the expansive outdoor spaces that include the balconies, patio, in-ground pool and landscaped gardens. Since November 2021 the iconic Gaslight House is home to the Gaslight Gallery which is showcasing contemporary art from across the country and international arti... 11/15/2022

**Back on market** Recent contract fell through**   ~  Second chance on this vintage farmhouse  ~      9518 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, Maryland                                                                       (Click link for listing info) This historic farmhouse, large bank barn and sheds would be an ideal place for a contractor or potential home-based business. located on a private 2.16 acre lot surrounded by a 25+ acre majestic nut orchard with chestnut, pecan, and walnut trees maintained by a non-profit that focuses on planting trees. A new septic system was recently installed September 2022. The original portion of the house is log that dates back to the 1700s, with numerous additions added over time.  4 bedrooms 3 full baths, large country kitchen with center island, Viking ... 11/02/2022

Frederick, MD - Restaurant Week Aug 8-14, 2022I have regularly blogged about Baltimore's Restaurant Week and just discovered that Frederick also has a restaurant week.  I sold several homes in Frederick County last year including homes in Monrovia, Middletown, Mount Airy, Walkersville, and the town of Frederick.  While there I did check out a few restaurants, you should check some out during this coming week too, and take advantage of the specials.Check out the full list of restaurants here.  My favorites are:Black Hog BBQ at 118 S Market St. - everyone that knows me, knows I like some good Q and I was not disappointed here!!Magoo's Pub & Eatery located at 1A W 2nd StThatcher & Rye at 228 N Market St.Please take time to get out and enjoy these and the other local eateries in Frederick.  08/09/2022

Celebrate Frederick the 35th annual Frederick’s Fourth of July party at Baker Park will be held from Noon to dusk on Monday, July 4th!  This is Frederick Counties largest Independence Day celebration featuring two stages of live entertainment along with family-friendly rides, fireworks, vendors, and some familiar local celebrities! Enjoy sampling festival foods and local & national beer, wine & spirit selections in the Beer Gardens. Access to Frederick’s Fourth of July festivities are completely FREE along with Citywide parking! 06/30/2022

Prospect Hall is a well-known landmark property that was originally known as "Red Hill" when owned by Daniel Dulaney, a colonial civic leader and member of the Maryland General Assembly in the mid to late 1700s representing Frederick County. The historic mansion sits on one of the highest elevations outside of Frederick City. Construction began around 1787 however the current mansion known as Prospect Hall was probably not completed until 1810. The white, three-story structure, designed in a Greek revival style with additional Federal elements, has a storied past.   The Dulaney family was very involved with the American Revolution as patriots and an acquaintance of General George Washington.  Washington’s horse named Blueskin was raised at Prospect Hall and was also retired here until h... 06/27/2022

 Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Maryland is the final resting place for the author of the Star-Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key. FSK grew up in Frederick County and became a lawyer. After the British burned Washington DC in early September 1814  Dr. William Beanes an acquaintance of FSK was arrested. John S. Skinner, a US government agent for prisoner exchange, asked FSK to accompany him to help secure the release of Dr. Beanes. They were successful in negotiating his release. However the British feared they would divulge their plan to attack Baltimore and detained them on a truce ship during the battle. This is how FSK became an eyewitness to the bombardment of Fort McHenry. In the pre-dawn hours of September 14, 1814, seeing the stars and stripes still flying above the fort ins... 06/14/2022

 Located in Frederick, Maryland at 6 James Street this two bedroom one bath single family home has been recently renovated with engineered wood floors, HVAC / heat pump, a designer kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and granite counters.   New roof installed in June 2022, remodeled bathroom with new vanity. The large fenced rear yard with a patio overlooks Maryvale Park. Convenient downtown living, close to shopping, schools, Baker Park, restaurants, and commuter routes. Priced at $285,900 why buy a town home or a condo when you can own this super starter single family for less? ACT FAST and schedule an appointment today.     06/10/2022

  One of Frederick, Maryland's most famous residents was a 95 year old widow, Barbara Fritche, who in 1862 taunted the Confederate troops by waving the Stars and Stripes as they passed through town. The Barbara Fritchie house is located at 154 West Patrick Street, 1 block from Mackintosh REALTORS Historic District office.     John Greenleaf Whitter's poem "The Ballad of Barbara Fritchie" was published in October 1863 in The Atlantic Monthly. This would immortalize Fritchie and raised patriotic spirits throughout the Union at a time when an emotional boost was needed as a response to the Civil War.  The poem would go on to inspire a play and later a film featuring the famous line "Shoot if you must this old gray head, but spare your country's flag."Barbara Fritchie would never hear the p... 06/09/2022

This well maintained NVR colonial is located in Willow Brook at 88 Harrison Court on a quiet cul-de-sac lot.   The main level includes hardwood floors throughout. There is a large kitchen with an island, and granite counters open to a large family room with a stone gas fireplace.  The deck off the kitchen leads to a  fenced rear yard. The owner suite includes a full bath and walk-in closet. There is a finished basement with a large rec-room and full bath, a two-car garage with attic pull-down stairs for additional storage.   Super convenient location near Rt 15, shopping, schools, and a community park is located just around the corner. For further details contact Buzz    04/07/2022

Circa 1900 renovated semi detached downtown duplex located at 102 E. 4TH Street,  includes 3 BR 2 1/2 BA, living room / den with built-ins, fireplace and hardwood floors through out this beautiful home.   Kitchen was recently renovated with quartz counter tops, breakfast bar, open to family room , dining area with exposed brick wall. Laundry room with pantry and 1/2 bath located off the kitchen.  Owner's suite includes hardwood floors, built-ins, ceiling fan , walk-in-closet, private bath with heated marble floors, claw-foot tub, separate shower & double vanity. Nicely landscaped rear yard with privacy fence & brick patio. Full basement with concrete floor & rear Bilco door to back yard.  Super convenient to restaurants, Carroll Creek and all downtown living has to offer. This one has t... 03/29/2022