The Day After Christmas

Happy Holidays!

Well, it's here - the Day After Christmas.  And as you arise from your Christmas-Cookie-Induced coma, it's time to figure out where to store all of those new gifts. 

This is a great time to purge your attic, garage, basement and closets to make room for all of your new "stuff" and still get a tax deduction for 2013.   

If you have made the decision to make a little more room, where can you donate items that you no longer want or need and make a difference in someone else's life?

Clothing

We all know about Goodwill, the Salvation Army, AMVETS and Purple Heart. These are great organizations that turn your donations into funding for their programs.  Goodwill and the Salvation Army have numerous sites throughout the city and counties.  AMVETS and Purple Heart will pick up donations at your door step.

Two programs that you may not know about are Success In Style and Suited to Succeed.  These organizations are seeking donations of business attire.  They assist those in crisis in getting jobs and better paying employment. They counsel individuals on interviewing skills and then outfit them with appropriate business attire.

Pet Donations

The Baltimore Humane Society and the Harford Humane Society are always looking for donations.  Pet food is a big need for their Community Pet Food Pantry.  They also are in need of items you may not think of such as blankets, towels, cleaning supplies and office supplies.

General Donations 

Craigslist is great for selling things but is also great for giving away things.  They have a Free Section on the site.  You can post your items and have someone pick them up.  

In the same vein, you can also post items on Freecycle.org.  You must be a member of Freecycle to post.   This a great site for giving away anything you can imagine.  Both of my kid's bikes were procured through Freecycle.  Cost to me? $0.00!!

Now if you still don't know what to do with something and can't figure out where to take it, consult Donation Town.  They have compiled a comprehensive list of local and national charities that will pick up your donation.  Their goal is to make donating easier.

If you have a suggestion for a charity or cause about which you are passionate, please leave a comment below.

Have a safe and wonderful New Year!!

Alex

393 Dublin Drive Glen Burnie, MD 21060 MLS#AA8237534 Presented by Alexander D. Necker, Realtor

Do you like peace and quiet?  This beautiful 3 bedroom 2.5 bath colonial backs to the woods.  Conveniently located b/w Baltimore, DC, and Annapolis.   Brushed nickel hardware and brand-new stainless steel appliances appoint this beautifully decorated home.   Neutral paint and flooring are waiting for you to move right in.  With over 2400 square feet of living space, there is plenty of room for everyone.


Highlights

• Privacy - The Rear Yard Backs to Woods
• Move-In Ready - Updated appliances, brushed nickel hardware and fixtures, neutral paint and flooring
• Convenient Location - Near major arteries, shopping and great restaurants
• Plenty of Storage - generous closets, single car garage 
• Lots of Living Space - fully finished basement adds an additional 600 square feet

What were you drawn to when you bought the property?
I was looking for a single-family home that was convenient to work, shopping and great restaurants.  I love the fact that this home has a separate living room, a separate dining room and a first-floor family room.

What are some things you have done to the home, which you really like?
I really spend a lot of time outside.   My favorite feature of the house is that it backs to the woods.  I added a gate so I can get through to fill my bird feeders.  I love sitting on the back patio listening to the birds and enjoying the flowers and landscaping. 

I had crown molding installed throughout the house and updated all the hardware to a brushed nickel finish.   I updated all the light fixtures and chose neutral colors for the walls and the flooring.  I think it really gives the house a modern look.   

I recently had the basement finished.  I made sure there was plenty of storage and there is even an extra room down there. It could be used as an office or craft room.

I had the rain spouts and the sump pump discharge lines buried underground. So, now it drains at the roadside instead of on top of the sidewalk.  I do not have to worry about that freezing and creating a slipping hazard.

What is your favorite feature of your house?
I love the fact that the house backs to the woods.  It provides a lot of privacy.

I also really enjoy my family room on the first floor.   It is great when I entertain. Everyone is able to be all in the same area.  The wood pellet stove really keeps it nice and cozy.

What are things you love about your town?
Location!  Location!  Location!    Shannon Square is in the middle of everything. Baltimore to the north, Annapolis and DC to the south.  I am not far from the major arteries I-695, Route 97 and Route 100.

Where do you love to eat, grocery stores and other conveniences?
I love going out to eat. There are so many restaurants.   For breakfast, I recommend Honey Bee Diner, The Diner, Mikie's Diner, IHOP, Bob Evans, and the Friendly's.  Some of my favorite dinner restaurants are: Bonefish, Seaside Restaurant -the best crabs, Romano's Restaurant - best crab cakes, Outback, and Carrabba's

What other things do you love about the area?
It is so convenient to many places: Marley Station Mall, Arundel Mills Mall & Casino, Annapolis Mall. Easy to get to Fort Meade. Having a good time is easy to do with the movie theater, bowling, and swimming at the Aquatic Center all so close

What hobbies do you enjoy because of the area?
I love taking my dog for a walk on the Baltimore – Annapolis Trail.   The trail begins at Dorsey Road runs all the way down to Annapolis.

Planet Fitness and Gold's Gym  are also right around the corner.

How much are your utility costs?
My BGE averages about $170-$180 per month.  The wood pellet is stove great in the winter.

What question didn't I ask?
I have great neighbors! They are so friendly.....Many are just not my neighbors, but my FRIENDS.

If you are interested in selling a property, please fill out our seller information form. You can also browse homes for sale now in Glen Burnie, or email me for your complimentary FREE buyer consultation appointment!!

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: Although this property was available at the time this ad was created, it is very possible that an offer has been submitted or even accepted since that time. This ad was created with the intent to sell this property. If you are interested in this property, please call or text 410-920-4760 to check on its current availability.

Alexander Necker is a licensed Realtor in the State of Maryland. 

Broker:  Keller Williams American Premier Realty, 2021B Emmorton Road, Suite 110 Bel Air, MD 21015
Office: (443) 512-0090 Office Fax:  (443) 512-0054

If you are interested in a showing of 393 Dublin Drive, Glen Burnie, MD 21060 please call or text Alex Necker at (410) 920-4760.  

Alex Necker's Guide to Holiday Activities

Well, Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas Season is here.  This year, with Thanksgiving so late in the month of November, the Holiday Season is a bit condensed.  There are tons of great activities going on around the area to celebrate the season.  The best part is most of them are free!!

Cut and Choose Tree Farms

Since there are only 19 days left till Christmas getting your tree has to be the number one priority.  

As a kid, I grew up in an artificial tree household.  My wife altered that pretty quickly.    Dragging the box out of storage and setting up the artificial tree doesn't leave a lasting impression.  We have made it a family tradition to choose and cut our tree each December.

Deer Creek Valley Tree Farm

3744 Ady Road, Street, MD 21154

410 452-9793

dcvtfarm@iximd.com

**Full Disclosure - This where the Necker Family purchased our tree this year.  I have proof - http://foxbaltimore.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/christmas-tree-season-at-deer-creek-valley-tree-farm-23755.shtml?wap=0

Doyle's Christmas Tree Farm

1155 Bernoudy Road

White Hall, MD 21161

410-404-2095

Stansbury Christmas Tree Farm

3519 Stansbury Mill Road

Phoenix, MD 21131

(410) 666-2531

Hickory Hill Tree Farm

3123 Copenhaver Road 

Street, MD 21154

410-838-8733

Jarrettsville Nurseries

4336 Saint Clair Bridge Road

Jarrettsville, MD 21084

or

1121 Holy Cross Road

Street, MD 21154

(410) 452-8677

Applewood Farm

4435 Prospect Road

Whiteford, MD 21160

(410) 836-1140

Christmas Lights 

My kids really enjoy traveling around and looking at Christmas lights.  Xander is always pointing out even the small displays.  

Here are few houses that have some great lights.

Roland Avenue and Hall Street in Bel Air, MD 21014

407 Gittings Ave, Baltimore, MD 21212

1401 Boyce Ave, Towson, MD 21204

2460 Spring Lake Dr, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093

Now there are some that have taken exterior illumination to the next level with lots of lights, a catchy tune and an FM transmitter.

Corinthian Court and Econ Drive in Bel Air, MD 21014

Hackberry Court and East Ring Factor in Bel Air, MD 21014 

Valley Forge Road and Federal Lane in Abingdon, MD 21009 

Of course if you are downtown this Saturday, you have to check out the Parade of Lighted Boats in the Harbor.  The Festooned Flotilla  will be passing through Fells Point at 6:00pm and the Inner Harbor at 6:30pm.

And then there is the granddaddy of them all…A Miracle on 34th Street in Hampden.  For this one you have to hoof it.  Park the car and walk down the street.  There is so much to see up on those porches.  

Train Gardens

One of my family's favorite activities is visiting the all the train gardens in the area.  The one my son is sure that we don't miss is Christopher's Train Garden at Brooms Bloom.  He really likes the trains, but I am onto him.  He is really in it for the ice cream afterwards.

Another 2 for 1 Train Garden is the train garden at the Jacksonville Senior Center.  We also make it a point to go on their Opening Day - 12/15/13 - to see the trains and catch up with Santa.  

Christopher's Train Garden at Brooms Bloom
1700 S Fountain Green Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015

11/28/13 to 01/01/14 - Daily - 11:00am to 8:00pm 

The Jacksonville Senior Center Train Garden
3506A Sweet Air Road, Phoenix, MD 21131

Opens December 15 11am - 4pm then continues December 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 31 10am - 2pm & December 18, 30 Noon - 8pm

The Shops at Kenilworth Train Garden
800 Kenilworth Dr, Towson, MD 21204

11/22/13 to 01/10/14 - Daily - If the mall is open, then the trains are running

The Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Department Train Garden
3825 Federal Hill Road Jarrettsville, MD 21084

11/29/13 to 01/12/14 - Check there website for hours, it runs mostly on the weekends

This is a great time of year to get out and create some great family memories.  So get out there, take some photos and share what you do with your family to celebrate the holiday season.