My friend Peg and I sat by the window for lunch in a restaurant overlooking Columbia's largest lake. It was a perfect afternoon, gentle breeze, and sun flickering through the trees. As we ate, we noticed a young couple arrive and settle on a bench, obviously very much in love. With them came two men, one with a video camera and the other with a still camera with a lens more than a foot long – obviously a pro. Throughout our lunch they talked, posed, and hugged each other. The photographer moved around for different angles, and the videographer had them talking and laughing. As we left, they were just finishing, so we walked over to tell the couple we had enjoyed their photo shoot. Sure enough, it was for their wedding. Now you probably expect me to say we started talking about where the... 05/31/2008

Yoga for Runners (edit/delete)   Its back -- for those of you who missed the workshop in early May have another opportunity to attend.     Well -- A Workshop titled Yoga for Runners will combine the two exercises. Explore - How yoga can help you to improve your running technique:   Date:            Saturday, May 31st, 2008 Time:            12:00 - 2:00 pm Cost:            $60.00 Location:    Lifetime Fitness http://www.lifetimefitness.com7220 Lee Deforest DrColumbia, MD 21046(410) 953-0022   Attend the workshop and learn what yoga and running have in common.      For more information contact: Darcy Burkholder, 443-430-2171 or e mail dburkholder@lifetimefitness.com    05/29/2008

FREE Howard County "Paying off your Mortgage faster" FREE Keys to Paying off your home in 1/2 to 1/3 it normal takes Seminar!!!.Saturday, May 17th 2 Convenient Times, 1 Convenient Location,  + FREE Individual Consultations (If Desired)· FREE information· FREE light food and drink, door prizes / giveaways· NO MONEY DOWN programs available· Get a FREE credit analysis and tips on improving creditMake it yours, We'll Show You How. Free and ClearTMThe Money Merge Account System is an interest-reducing program.NO refinancing of your existing mortgageNO change in your monthly mortgage paymentMinimal change to your existing lifestyle. A FREE analysis is available from me at dgunter@dmgloan.com or visit my website at http://www.dmgloanmma.com/ when you get there push the yellow button, and then ... 05/08/2008

Hmmmm.......... Is that a oxymoronic statement?When I think of yoga, adjectives like relaxing, calm, peace come to mind.  When I think of running, terms like pain, soreness, and agony come to mind.Well -- A Workshop titled Yoga for Runners will combine the two exercises. Explore - How yoga can help you to improve your running technique: Date:            Saturday, May 3, 2008Time:            12:00 - 2:00 pmCost:            $60.00Location:    Lifetime Fitness Attend the workshop and learn what yoga and running have in common.             04/25/2008

COLUMBIA SINGLE FAMILY HOME PRICES - DETACHED HOMES IN COLUMBIA ARE MUCH IN DEMAND.Prices for Detached Single Family Real Estate in Columbia ranges from average prices of $371,500 to $709,700.There are ten "villages" in the Town of Columbia in Howard County, MD.  Prices are largely related to the age of the community or village.  Beginning in about 1965, construction of the village began and has continued to today.  PRICES FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOMES IN COLUMBIA, MD.                                         Columbia Village      List PriceVillage of Oakland Mills$371,747 Village of Owen Brown$418,946 Village of Kings Contrivance$464,251 Village of Long Reach$480,039 Village of Hickory Ridge$555,279 Village of Harper's Choice$571,900 Village of River Hill$709,707 The Villages of Wilde Lake, D... 03/08/2008

Find your next home on Baltimoresun.comBaltimoresun.com! It's the only place to find listings from real estate professionals, new home builders, as well as For Sale by Owner properties. Columbia, MD is one of our most popular searches and we currently have well over 300 active listings in the area. Give us a look and let me know what you think! 01/02/2008

The following is the market report for Columbia 21044 zip code, Maryland in the last 30 days of activity as of December 7th 2007Total Active Resale Properties: 208Number of Active Detached homes: 73New listings in the past 30 days: 46Total properties under contract: 38Total Properties sold in last 30 days: 33Average sold price: $361,191Low Sale Price: $139,000High Sale Price: $725,000Average Days on Market: 95If your interested in buying a home in Columbia Maryland, please contact The Mcintire Team of Long & Foster Real Estate. Ellie McIntireThe McIntire Team410-480-3398410-750-8781(FX)443-418-7668(cell)E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.comhttp://www.elliesteam.com/ We redefine the essence of service 12/07/2007

The following is the market report for Columbia 21046 zip code, Maryland in the last 30 days of activity as of December 7th 2007Total Active Resale Properties: 95New listings in the past 30 days: 19Number of Active Detached homes: 32Total properties under contract: 13Total Properties sold in last 30 days: 10Average sold price: $327,330Low Sale Price: $219,900High Sale Price: $449,900Average Days on Market: 95If your interested in buying a home in Columbia Maryland, please contact The Mcintire Team of Long & Foster Real Estate. Ellie McIntireThe McIntire Team410-480-3398410-750-8781(FX)443-418-7668(cell)E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.comhttp://www.elliesteam.com/ We redefine the essence of service 12/07/2007

The Columbia Association in Columbia, MD is the largest Homeowners' Association in the country.  It provides hundreds of programs and services.  Columbia was James Rouse's brain child.  He said, "There really can be no other right purpose of community except to provide an environment and an opportunity to develop better people.  The most successful community would be that which contributed the most by its physical form, its institutions and its operations to the growth of people."  The Columbia Association or CA strives to enhance the quality of life for people living and working in Columbia, to respect the land, to foster the growth of individuals to ensure that the community remains open, integrated and caring.  CA is a private, nonprofit property owners association. CA operates a wel... 12/01/2007

The 14th Annual Symphony of Lights opens Monday, November 19, 2007 through Saturday, January 5 , 2008.Hours of Operation:Open Monday - Sunday, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm(including holidays)Costs:Vehicles holding up to 11 passengers: $20 per car Vehicles holding 12-24 passengers: $35 per vehicle Vehicles holding 25 or more passengers: $125 per bus Proceeds: All Proceeds from Symphony of Lights benefit HCGH's Maternal Child Services. To receive a discount of $5.00 off admission, click here.      11/15/2007

DAZZLE DASH  will kick off the 14th Annual Symphony of Lights. Runners will run the 1.4 mile course that will feature the light display. Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm(course open at 5:30pm)Cost: $20 per person; $50 per family of 4 or less($10 each for additional person)Register:  Download and print a registration form.  Sunday, November 18, 2007  Walkers only -- join in the fun and stroll through the Symphony of Lights and join in on the fun family oriented activities.Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm(course opens at 5:30pm)Cost: $20 per person; $50 per family of 4 or less($10 each for additional person)Register:  Download and print a registration form.  All proceeds from Dazzle Dash benefit HCGH's Maternal Child Services.  Join in this weekend of family fun and fitness.     11/15/2007

 Status: ACTIVE (4)List PriceBedroomsBathsFBHBDOMMDOMPLot SqftYr BuiltMin$262,5002110001,6111982Max$324,90033211031032,0031983Avg$290,600322163631,8291983Status: CONTRACT (1)List PriceBedroomsBathsFBHBDOMMDOMPLot SqftYr BuiltMin$255,000221156561,6981983Max$255,000221156561,6981983Avg$255,000221156561,6981983Status: SOLD (1)List PriceBedroomsBathsFBHBDOMMDOMPLot SqftYr BuiltMin$299,0003220881,8731983Max$299,0003220881,8731983Avg$299,0003220881,8731983Status: All (6)List PriceBedroomsBathsFBHBDOMMDOMPLot SqftYr BuiltMin$255,0002110001,6111982Max$324,90033211031032,0031983Avg$286,067322153531,8141983 Homes prices have remained steady in this beautifully maintained subdivision of Columbia Maryland.There are currently 4 homes for sale in Glen Oaks- The price range is $262,500 to $324,900. Ho... 10/17/2007

The following is the market report for Columbia 21046 zip code, Maryland in the last 30 days of activity as of October 12th 2007Total Active Resale Properties: 108New listings in the past 30 days: 23Lowest priced home in this zip code is $214,900 for a 2 Bedroom 1 Bath condo.Number of Active Detached homes: 45Total properties under contract: 13Total Properties sold in last 30 days: 17Average sold price: $370,821Low Sale Price: $265,000High Sale Price: $499,900Average Days on Market: 86If your interested in buying a home in Columbia Maryland, please contact The Mcintire Team of Long & Foster Real Estate. Ellie McIntireThe McIntire Team410-480-3398410-750-8781(FX)443-418-7668(cell)E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.comhttp://www.elliesteam.com/ We redefine the essence of service  10/12/2007

The following is the market report for Columbia 21044 zip code, Maryland in the last 30 days of activity as of October 12th 2007Total Active Resale Properties: 293Lowest priced home in this zip code is $225,000 for a 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Townhouse.Number of Active Detached homes: 156Total properties under contract: 49Total Properties sold in last 30 days: 33Average sold price: $401,354Low Sale Price: $225,000High Sale Price: $979,900Average Days on Market: 66If your interested in buying a home in Columbia Maryland, please contact The Mcintire Team of Long & Foster Real Estate. Ellie McIntireThe McIntire Team410-480-3398410-750-8781(FX)443-418-7668(cell)E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.comhttp://www.elliesteam.com/ We redefine the essence of service 10/12/2007

  The long awaited Fed decision arrived with a bang! The Fed surprised many economists and traders with a half percent cut in both the Fed Funds and Discount Rates. Stocks soared higher and enjoyed their largest gain since 2003.What does the Fed cut mean? Rates on consumer debt, car loans, and Home Equity lines will all benefit. But because Home Loan rates are tied more closely to inflation, it is not uncommon to see less of a reaction...or even an opposite reaction in mortgage rates.The Fed cut also hurts rates of return on investments, which gives foreign investors less incentive to invest in US securities. This has sent the Dollar much lower against the currency of most major foreign countries. This makes foreign goods more expensive for us to buy, which adds to inflation pressures.O... 09/30/2007

  Today, was a good day because I caught my prey.  I love watching Hawks and other birds of prey.  They look so magnificent as they perch on light poles off the highway.  I just so happen to get close enough to this hawk right after a catch.  It shocked me because - I had just pulled into the parking lot, got out of the car and was walking toward my office building when lo and behold a huge hawk flies toward me with its prey in its talons.  I said to myself -- grab the camera ( I don't know how to work my camera phone) and take a picture.  I approached slowly -- someone getting into their car caught my attention so I knew I had little time to squeeze off a few shots before Hawk too off.         09/16/2007

Who: The Columbia AssociationWhat: Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month, this free event will offer fun and games for the entire family, including miniature golf, batting cages, a moon bounce, ethnic music, a salsa dance competition,  plenty of food, and much more! When:  Saturday, September 22, 2007 from 3:00 - 6:00 pmWhere: This annual event will be held at the Columbia SportsPark, 5453 Harper's Farm RoadContact: kelly.cooper@columbiaassociation.com  09/15/2007

The following is the market report for Columbia 21046 zip code, Maryland in the last 30 days of activity as of September 7th 2007Total Active Resale Properties:  108Lowest priced home in this zip code is $235,000 for a 2Bedroom 2 Bath Condo.Number of Active Detached homes: 45Total properties under contract: 6Total Properties sold in last 30 days: 19 Average sold price: $364,818Low Sale Price: $229,900High Sale Price: $649,000Average Days on Market: 62 If your interested in buying a home in Columbia, Maryland, please contact The Mcintire Team of Long & Foster Real Estate. 09/06/2007

Come live in ColumbiaThe following is the market report for Columbia 21044 zip code, Maryland in the last 30 days of activity as of September 7th 2007Total Active Resale Properties:  239Lowest priced home in this zip code is $159,900 for a 1Bedroom 1 Bath High Rise Condo.Number of Active Detached homes: 91Total properties under contract: 17Total Properties sold in last 30 days: 35 Average sold price: $430,120Low Sale Price: $159,900High Sale Price: $850,000Average Days on Market: 46Columbia 21044 has a wide variety of homes available to the home buyer.  Great schools and a great central Maryland location. If your interested in buying a home in Columbia Maryland, please contact The Mcintire Team of Long & Foster Real Estate. 09/06/2007

Attention all Home BuyersPlease do not be frightened by the recent mortgage commotion. Rates are still wonderful and guess what for all those who was pushed out of the market in the past three years, here is your chance to purchase a home at a great price. This is also a great time to purchase investment properties. My investor clients are doing great. So get off the fence and into the action, you will be pleasantly surprised. 09/02/2007