By: Ellen Frick, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
One way to be involved in your neighborhood and promote community is through buying local. “Buying local” can mean many different things but a basic definition is supporting independently-owned businesses rather than larger, chain stores. Additionally, another aspect of buying local includes buying produce that is grown nearby, rather than shipped hundreds or thousands of miles.
You can find out more about buying local in Baltimore through the educational campaign Buy Local Baltimore. Their website elaborates on several reasons that buying local benefits the community. For instance, when shopping at local businesses more money goes into the local economy which in turn can make our neighborhoods a better place to live.
Some common misconceptions about shopping at independently-owned businesses instead of chain stores are that it is both inconvenient and expensive. However, shopping at local businesses can also mean better service. In addition, shopping at a smaller store or farmers market often means buying more of what you need and less wasteful spending on items you may end up throwing out. Check out Buy Local Baltimore’s business directory for a list of local businesses and discounts.
A great way to buy local this fall is to shop at one of the several farmers markets in the Baltimore area. I recently went to one of the Baltimore farmers markets and got bags full of fruits and vegetables for just ten bucks. Not only do farmers markets have great deals, but the experience is fun. Wandering outside through the several food and craft vendors can be much more enjoyable than a dreaded grocery store trip.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
AEI and NHS of Baltimore Launch Borrow and Save Program (small loans for East Baltimore Residents)
Baltimore, MD.
In an attempt to battle the use of so-called “Pay Day Loans” and “Cash Advances” in low income neighborhoods, the Baltimore Alliance for Economic Inclusion (BAEI) and member nonprofit Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Inc. (NHS) announced a new pilot loan program on September 24, 2009 during a press event.
The press event was hosted by NHS on Park Avenue in Baltimore and included Robert W. Mooney, Deputy Director, Consumer Protection and Community Affairs, Division of Supervisor and Consumer Protection, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); Maryland Commissioner for Financial Regulation Sarah Bloom Raskin; Baltimore City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City Housing Commissioner Paul Graziano, and other dignitaries, as well as members of BAEI.
The Borrow and Save Loan Program is a pilot program designed to help low-income families and individuals break the continuous cycle of borrowing from “payday loan”, “check cashing” or “cash advance” vendors, many of whom charge as much as 26% interest for clients in need of “fast cash”.
The most recent research conducted by NHS of Baltimore in 2008 shows the ratio of traditional banking institutions to check cashing and pay day lending centers varies greatly by neighborhood in Baltimore depending on the area median income (AMI). The study shows some disturbing trends:
• Neighborhoods with AMI of $60,000 and above have 1.6 times more traditional bank and credit union storefronts per population than neighborhoods with AMI of $30,000 or below
• Check cashing centers are 5x more prevalent in those same low income neighborhoods than in the higher income neighborhoods
BAEI and NHS of Baltimore see a clear correlation between household income and the use of check cashing centers for banking needs, instead of safer, traditional banking institutions. Individuals and families who are traditionally banked are typically more financially stable and solvent with a better understanding of budgeting and saving.
To qualify for the program, individuals must be:
• A resident of the East Baltimore area- zip codes include: 21202, 21205, 21213, 21224, and 21231
• Have some form of steady income (i.e. job, unemployment, disability, etc.)
Participants will have the opportunity to borrow from $300 up to $1,000 and will be allowed to pay the loan back over the course of one year.
How to obtain a Borrow and Save Loan:
• Loans may be obtained by qualified individuals through Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Inc. at 819 Park Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201
• Loan participants are required to participate in one-on-one counseling and financial fitness education to learn about saving, budgeting and using traditional banking institutions.
• Eligibility and payment cycles for each participant will be determined and monitored by one of NHS of Baltimore’s trained, not-for-profit loan officers
• To help break the cycle of loans/cash advances, participants have the opportunity to open a savings account to which NHS of Baltimore will match $5 dollars every month of what they save, as an added bonus and extra incentive to save
To apply for the Borrow and Save Loan today, please call 410-327-1200.
To read other articles about the program click these links. Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal
In an attempt to battle the use of so-called “Pay Day Loans” and “Cash Advances” in low income neighborhoods, the Baltimore Alliance for Economic Inclusion (BAEI) and member nonprofit Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Inc. (NHS) announced a new pilot loan program on September 24, 2009 during a press event.
The press event was hosted by NHS on Park Avenue in Baltimore and included Robert W. Mooney, Deputy Director, Consumer Protection and Community Affairs, Division of Supervisor and Consumer Protection, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); Maryland Commissioner for Financial Regulation Sarah Bloom Raskin; Baltimore City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City Housing Commissioner Paul Graziano, and other dignitaries, as well as members of BAEI.
The Borrow and Save Loan Program is a pilot program designed to help low-income families and individuals break the continuous cycle of borrowing from “payday loan”, “check cashing” or “cash advance” vendors, many of whom charge as much as 26% interest for clients in need of “fast cash”.
The most recent research conducted by NHS of Baltimore in 2008 shows the ratio of traditional banking institutions to check cashing and pay day lending centers varies greatly by neighborhood in Baltimore depending on the area median income (AMI). The study shows some disturbing trends:
• Neighborhoods with AMI of $60,000 and above have 1.6 times more traditional bank and credit union storefronts per population than neighborhoods with AMI of $30,000 or below
• Check cashing centers are 5x more prevalent in those same low income neighborhoods than in the higher income neighborhoods
BAEI and NHS of Baltimore see a clear correlation between household income and the use of check cashing centers for banking needs, instead of safer, traditional banking institutions. Individuals and families who are traditionally banked are typically more financially stable and solvent with a better understanding of budgeting and saving.
To qualify for the program, individuals must be:
• A resident of the East Baltimore area- zip codes include: 21202, 21205, 21213, 21224, and 21231
• Have some form of steady income (i.e. job, unemployment, disability, etc.)
Participants will have the opportunity to borrow from $300 up to $1,000 and will be allowed to pay the loan back over the course of one year.
How to obtain a Borrow and Save Loan:
• Loans may be obtained by qualified individuals through Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Inc. at 819 Park Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201
• Loan participants are required to participate in one-on-one counseling and financial fitness education to learn about saving, budgeting and using traditional banking institutions.
• Eligibility and payment cycles for each participant will be determined and monitored by one of NHS of Baltimore’s trained, not-for-profit loan officers
• To help break the cycle of loans/cash advances, participants have the opportunity to open a savings account to which NHS of Baltimore will match $5 dollars every month of what they save, as an added bonus and extra incentive to save
To apply for the Borrow and Save Loan today, please call 410-327-1200.
To read other articles about the program click these links. Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Housing Resource Day in Baltimore County
By: Ellen Frick, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
I recently participated in Housing Resource Day in Baltimore County. In addition to NHS, several other housing-related organizations were present to speak with homeowners and to offer assistance and resources. Individuals could also participate in workshops on topics such as homebuyer education.
One woman I spoke with expressed her gratitude towards all of the assistance available concerning homeownership matters. She explained that when she was a first-time homebuyer, twenty-five years ago, these resources for homeowners and potential homeowners were not around.
However, despite this woman’s insights into all of the currently available resources, the event had low attendance. This got me thinking that perhaps many homeowners are unaware of all the free and reliable resources that are available to them. This point emphasizes the importance of outreach on the part of non-profit organizations. We cannot just assume that people are aware of, or will take advantage of our services.
Nevertheless, most individuals who did attend the event had a positive experience. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to learn more about the other organizations that participated in the Housing Resource event.
I recently participated in Housing Resource Day in Baltimore County. In addition to NHS, several other housing-related organizations were present to speak with homeowners and to offer assistance and resources. Individuals could also participate in workshops on topics such as homebuyer education.
One woman I spoke with expressed her gratitude towards all of the assistance available concerning homeownership matters. She explained that when she was a first-time homebuyer, twenty-five years ago, these resources for homeowners and potential homeowners were not around.
However, despite this woman’s insights into all of the currently available resources, the event had low attendance. This got me thinking that perhaps many homeowners are unaware of all the free and reliable resources that are available to them. This point emphasizes the importance of outreach on the part of non-profit organizations. We cannot just assume that people are aware of, or will take advantage of our services.
Nevertheless, most individuals who did attend the event had a positive experience. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to learn more about the other organizations that participated in the Housing Resource event.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Attention: Dundalk Water Main Break Victims
By: Salina Greene, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
The unfortunate occurrence in Dundalk over the weekend has opened a new gateway for housing scams. Victims of this disaster are in need of hefty repairs and insurance assistance. Unfortunately, scam artists take situations such as these to capitalize upon the needs of the community. Remember to only deal with a licensed contractor. Proof can be shown through their home improvement license numbers on all their paperwork.
Another point of interest is not to pay more than one-third of the total contract price up front. Any initial pay above this is illegal in the state of Maryland. They know people can become desperate for help during an unexpected disaster. Not everyone has all the capital necessary to pay for costly repairs. In order to avoid a potential scam, the best sources to go to for information are the Baltimore City Office Help line: 410-685-0123 and The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA): 410-468-2340.
In addition, here are some MIA tips associated with disaster recovery:
Make sure you understand and clarify with your insurance agent, what is covered and what is not.
Take as many photographs and video footage documentation as possible to assist your insurance agent with assessing the damaged areas.
If relocation is necessary, make sure the insurance company knows where to reach you.
Keep all your receipts for any emergency repairs and/or temporary living expenses.
Most importantly, if your insurance company denies any part of your claim due to a disaster, do not be discouraged, you may qualify to file for federal relief under the government’s disaster act.
The unfortunate occurrence in Dundalk over the weekend has opened a new gateway for housing scams. Victims of this disaster are in need of hefty repairs and insurance assistance. Unfortunately, scam artists take situations such as these to capitalize upon the needs of the community. Remember to only deal with a licensed contractor. Proof can be shown through their home improvement license numbers on all their paperwork.
Another point of interest is not to pay more than one-third of the total contract price up front. Any initial pay above this is illegal in the state of Maryland. They know people can become desperate for help during an unexpected disaster. Not everyone has all the capital necessary to pay for costly repairs. In order to avoid a potential scam, the best sources to go to for information are the Baltimore City Office Help line: 410-685-0123 and The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA): 410-468-2340.
In addition, here are some MIA tips associated with disaster recovery:
Make sure you understand and clarify with your insurance agent, what is covered and what is not.
Take as many photographs and video footage documentation as possible to assist your insurance agent with assessing the damaged areas.
If relocation is necessary, make sure the insurance company knows where to reach you.
Keep all your receipts for any emergency repairs and/or temporary living expenses.
Most importantly, if your insurance company denies any part of your claim due to a disaster, do not be discouraged, you may qualify to file for federal relief under the government’s disaster act.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Become Apart of Your Neighborhood, Join a Community Association
By: Ellen Frick, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
Having recently moved to Baltimore, I have a lot to learn about the city and the many neighborhoods. In my work as an Outreach Coordinator, I have been learning about neighborhoods within the city through research and a bit of time wandering throughout the city. However, in order to truly become part of my new community, I realized that I need to do more than just research online or stroll through my neighborhood.
One way that I decided to get more involved was to go to a community meeting in the area I live. Attending a neighborhood association meeting is a great way to meet neighbors and get involved in your community. Working with fellow residents towards common goals both allows you to be aware of what is going on in the community and it is empowering.
From attending the meeting in my neighborhood, I gained knowledge about pertinent issues in my community. I began to form relationships with my neighbors. Now I am more equipped to discover what my role can be in making the neighborhood a better place to live. Being at the meeting showed me that everyday interactions and conversations with local residents has the potential to teach me so much more than what any book or website could tell me.
Do you know what is going on in your neighborhood? Try attending a local meeting – meet neighbors, find out what issues concern fellow residents, and get involved. We all have unique skills, experiences, and connections that we can contribute to enhance our communities. Check out the Baltimore Housing website for a list of dates for upcoming community meetings. You can also find a group near you using Baltimore City’s Community Association Directory.
Having recently moved to Baltimore, I have a lot to learn about the city and the many neighborhoods. In my work as an Outreach Coordinator, I have been learning about neighborhoods within the city through research and a bit of time wandering throughout the city. However, in order to truly become part of my new community, I realized that I need to do more than just research online or stroll through my neighborhood.
One way that I decided to get more involved was to go to a community meeting in the area I live. Attending a neighborhood association meeting is a great way to meet neighbors and get involved in your community. Working with fellow residents towards common goals both allows you to be aware of what is going on in the community and it is empowering.
From attending the meeting in my neighborhood, I gained knowledge about pertinent issues in my community. I began to form relationships with my neighbors. Now I am more equipped to discover what my role can be in making the neighborhood a better place to live. Being at the meeting showed me that everyday interactions and conversations with local residents has the potential to teach me so much more than what any book or website could tell me.
Do you know what is going on in your neighborhood? Try attending a local meeting – meet neighbors, find out what issues concern fellow residents, and get involved. We all have unique skills, experiences, and connections that we can contribute to enhance our communities. Check out the Baltimore Housing website for a list of dates for upcoming community meetings. You can also find a group near you using Baltimore City’s Community Association Directory.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Congressman Elijah Cummings' Foreclosure Event Broadened My Perspective
By: Salina Greene, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
This past weekend, my colleagues and I were fortunate enough to participate in a free foreclosure prevention event held in Baltimore. It was unlike anything I had experienced in the past. My expectations as a volunteer were completely altered once I began working.
The morning started out fairly commonplace. Once the doors opened, the reality of the desperate need for housing services hit home for me. There were approximately 100 people waiting outside even before the event opened. By mid-morning, there was a line of people around the building. We estimated 1500 people showed up trying to fight for their homes.
I encountered people from all walks of life and situations. One of my duties was to manage the enormous crowd who tried to rush all of the lenders. I took some time throughout the day to speak with individuals and families about their particular experiences in this recession. There were three families whom I took personal interest in over the course of the day.
The first lady I spoke with ran up to me and begged me to help her. She had been in a dispute with her lender for 8 months to no avail. She felt she had run out of options and no one would hear her case. It is interesting to note, this woman was fully employed and received a decent salary, however she was the victim of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM). Her partner had also lost his job due to the recession. She tried to work something out with the bank but she said they would not return her calls or respond to other forms of attempted contact.
Surprisingly, a number of people complained about not being able to connect successfully with their lenders via telephone. This is why they chose to come to the event instead and seek help from the pro-bono attorneys present at the event. Another couple told me they had driven three hours to be there because they felt they had no other options. A third person told me she would chain herself to the building until someone helps her out. I overheard quite a few individuals discussing their cases and trying to find alternatives to survive.
I knew a lot of people were facing foreclosure but up until this point, I did not know the level of desperation. Not everyone was able to get the resolve they had hoped for as some cases were more complicated than others. For a few people who were on this side of the coin, I was able to reach out to a number of them and encourage them to contact our office for some help. This brought an air of relief to them in so many ways.
Basically, all people wanted was some encouragement and to know someone cares about them and their families. In all, I am glad this event was held because I saw so many people crying and heard sounds of relief that they had been able to come to a resolution with their lenders. I hope this initiative can continue in the future.
This past weekend, my colleagues and I were fortunate enough to participate in a free foreclosure prevention event held in Baltimore. It was unlike anything I had experienced in the past. My expectations as a volunteer were completely altered once I began working.
The morning started out fairly commonplace. Once the doors opened, the reality of the desperate need for housing services hit home for me. There were approximately 100 people waiting outside even before the event opened. By mid-morning, there was a line of people around the building. We estimated 1500 people showed up trying to fight for their homes.
I encountered people from all walks of life and situations. One of my duties was to manage the enormous crowd who tried to rush all of the lenders. I took some time throughout the day to speak with individuals and families about their particular experiences in this recession. There were three families whom I took personal interest in over the course of the day.
The first lady I spoke with ran up to me and begged me to help her. She had been in a dispute with her lender for 8 months to no avail. She felt she had run out of options and no one would hear her case. It is interesting to note, this woman was fully employed and received a decent salary, however she was the victim of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM). Her partner had also lost his job due to the recession. She tried to work something out with the bank but she said they would not return her calls or respond to other forms of attempted contact.
Surprisingly, a number of people complained about not being able to connect successfully with their lenders via telephone. This is why they chose to come to the event instead and seek help from the pro-bono attorneys present at the event. Another couple told me they had driven three hours to be there because they felt they had no other options. A third person told me she would chain herself to the building until someone helps her out. I overheard quite a few individuals discussing their cases and trying to find alternatives to survive.
I knew a lot of people were facing foreclosure but up until this point, I did not know the level of desperation. Not everyone was able to get the resolve they had hoped for as some cases were more complicated than others. For a few people who were on this side of the coin, I was able to reach out to a number of them and encourage them to contact our office for some help. This brought an air of relief to them in so many ways.
Basically, all people wanted was some encouragement and to know someone cares about them and their families. In all, I am glad this event was held because I saw so many people crying and heard sounds of relief that they had been able to come to a resolution with their lenders. I hope this initiative can continue in the future.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Homeowners Don't Have to Go it Alone
By: Ellen Frick, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
Today, NPR’s Morning Edition featured a story concerning how busy banks are getting in dealing with foreclosure prevention.
The mortgage crisis has affected thousands of homeowners over the past year. With so many people facing foreclosure, many lenders are now considering loan modifications. Preventing foreclosures not only benefits homeowners and families, it is also beneficial for businesses, real estate and the economy. Some banks, such as Bank of America have hired thousands of new employees to deal specifically with foreclosure and delinquency mitigation.
Unfortunately, some homeowners who want to modify their loans have experienced problems when it comes to actually getting the modification. This emphasizes the importance of utilizing free resources in order to advance the process of loan modification or refinancing. Many people are having difficulties achieving a loan modification from their lender by themselves and it is a good idea to consult a free, responsible, HUD approved counselor for help.
Today, NPR’s Morning Edition featured a story concerning how busy banks are getting in dealing with foreclosure prevention.
The mortgage crisis has affected thousands of homeowners over the past year. With so many people facing foreclosure, many lenders are now considering loan modifications. Preventing foreclosures not only benefits homeowners and families, it is also beneficial for businesses, real estate and the economy. Some banks, such as Bank of America have hired thousands of new employees to deal specifically with foreclosure and delinquency mitigation.
Unfortunately, some homeowners who want to modify their loans have experienced problems when it comes to actually getting the modification. This emphasizes the importance of utilizing free resources in order to advance the process of loan modification or refinancing. Many people are having difficulties achieving a loan modification from their lender by themselves and it is a good idea to consult a free, responsible, HUD approved counselor for help.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Add Color to the Trees Around Your Home- Knit a Sweater
By: Alicia Schuller, Marketing Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
Urban knitting, graffiti knitting, yarn storming, yarn bombing- it's a growing fad. Knitters across the country are knitting graffiti on trees, park benches, light poles and practically anything else you can think of. In Baltimore, it has become especially popular. The picture to the right (courtesy the Baltimore Sun), was taken in Hampden just this past weekend and highlights the budding prevalence of the new urban art form.
What a great way to express your creativity and liven up your front yard. And with the colder months drawing closer, I'm sure the trees will thank you too. However, I will say that if you don't already know how to knit, you may want to practice with a smaller object until you get the hang of it. If you already know how to knit, you'll be churning out sweaters for your trees in no time.
Click here for a template and step-by-step instructions on how to get started, from a veteran knitter.
Urban knitting, graffiti knitting, yarn storming, yarn bombing- it's a growing fad. Knitters across the country are knitting graffiti on trees, park benches, light poles and practically anything else you can think of. In Baltimore, it has become especially popular. The picture to the right (courtesy the Baltimore Sun), was taken in Hampden just this past weekend and highlights the budding prevalence of the new urban art form.
What a great way to express your creativity and liven up your front yard. And with the colder months drawing closer, I'm sure the trees will thank you too. However, I will say that if you don't already know how to knit, you may want to practice with a smaller object until you get the hang of it. If you already know how to knit, you'll be churning out sweaters for your trees in no time.
Click here for a template and step-by-step instructions on how to get started, from a veteran knitter.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Loan Modifications a Lucrative Business for Scammers
By: Jason Rich, Community Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
While my associates and I were flyering for NHS in Fells Point the other day, we were asked by a muscular man with a beaming smile if we were doing loan modifications.
We said, "Yes, Neighborhood Housing Services offers free counseling to help homeowners obtain a loan modification. Unfortunately, these same free services are being offered by scam companies for thousands of dollars. We are out here trying to get the word out so that people in vulnerable situations don't lose even more money."
Without missing a beat, the young man replied excitedly, "It's great work! I'm about to get into the foreclosure business too. People are making a killing on it right now! You can charge like $1,500 or more for a loan modification!"
Troubled by his response, we replied to him, "OK, but we help homeowners obtain loan modifications for free. Why would a person in financial trouble pay $1,500 for a free service?"
His ever-glowing optimism unrelenting, "Well, it's still helping people!"
"It's not though," we said.
After a brief period of silence that lasted five seconds, but felt like forever, we said our socially acceptable goodbyes and went on with our day. As soon as he was gone, my associate and I looked at each other incredulously. Did he really believe that he would be helping people by taking a large sum of money that they probably don't have to give? Or was he just deluding himself so that he could cash in on the times? Either way, the experience showed us that these scams are coming from every direction indeed, even the boy next door.
If you are facing foreclosure, you may get phone calls, flyers, or e-mails from companies claiming they can save your home if you pay their fee. Don't fall for it. In Maryland, it is illegal to charge consumers up-front fees for a loan modification. These companies are out to scam you.
Neighborhood Housing Services provides reputable, quality loan modification and home-ownership counseling services for free. If you live in the Baltimore area and are facing foreclosure, call us at: 410-327-1200.
While my associates and I were flyering for NHS in Fells Point the other day, we were asked by a muscular man with a beaming smile if we were doing loan modifications.
We said, "Yes, Neighborhood Housing Services offers free counseling to help homeowners obtain a loan modification. Unfortunately, these same free services are being offered by scam companies for thousands of dollars. We are out here trying to get the word out so that people in vulnerable situations don't lose even more money."
Without missing a beat, the young man replied excitedly, "It's great work! I'm about to get into the foreclosure business too. People are making a killing on it right now! You can charge like $1,500 or more for a loan modification!"
Troubled by his response, we replied to him, "OK, but we help homeowners obtain loan modifications for free. Why would a person in financial trouble pay $1,500 for a free service?"
His ever-glowing optimism unrelenting, "Well, it's still helping people!"
"It's not though," we said.
After a brief period of silence that lasted five seconds, but felt like forever, we said our socially acceptable goodbyes and went on with our day. As soon as he was gone, my associate and I looked at each other incredulously. Did he really believe that he would be helping people by taking a large sum of money that they probably don't have to give? Or was he just deluding himself so that he could cash in on the times? Either way, the experience showed us that these scams are coming from every direction indeed, even the boy next door.
If you are facing foreclosure, you may get phone calls, flyers, or e-mails from companies claiming they can save your home if you pay their fee. Don't fall for it. In Maryland, it is illegal to charge consumers up-front fees for a loan modification. These companies are out to scam you.
Neighborhood Housing Services provides reputable, quality loan modification and home-ownership counseling services for free. If you live in the Baltimore area and are facing foreclosure, call us at: 410-327-1200.
10 Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Baltimore
Jamie Smith Hopkins of the Baltimore Sun released a list of the most expensive neighborhoods in Baltimore city yesterday.
1. Homeland: Average price: $549,900
2. Roland Park: Average price: $487,300
3. Guilford: Average price: $471,20
4. Inner Harbor: Average price: $423,800
5. Otterbein: Average price: $361,700
6. Federal Hill: Average price: $323,900
7. Mount Washington: Average price: $313,300
8. Locust Point: Average price: $298,400
9. Bolton Hill: Average price: $293,900
10. Fells Point: Average price: $291,500
1. Homeland: Average price: $549,900
2. Roland Park: Average price: $487,300
3. Guilford: Average price: $471,20
4. Inner Harbor: Average price: $423,800
5. Otterbein: Average price: $361,700
6. Federal Hill: Average price: $323,900
7. Mount Washington: Average price: $313,300
8. Locust Point: Average price: $298,400
9. Bolton Hill: Average price: $293,900
10. Fells Point: Average price: $291,500
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
10 Most Expensive Places to Live in Baltimore Metro Area
Jamie Smith Hopkins, Real Estate Wonk columnist for the Baltimore Sun, released a list today of the top 10 most expensive places to live in the Baltimore area.
10. Towson (Baltimore County-21204): Average price: $500,300
9. Riva (Anne Arundel County- 21140): Average price: $531,900
8. Phoenix (Baltimore County- 21131: Average price: $542,200
7. West River (Anne Arundel County- 20778): Average price: $587,100
6. Fulton (Howard County- 20759): Average price: $621,800
5. Clarksville (Howard County- 21029): Average price: $622,400
4. Highland (Howard County- 20777) Average price: $666,900
3. Monkton (Baltimore County- 21111): Average price: $668,200.
2. Davidsonville (Anne Arundel County- 21035): Average price: $707,600
1. Glenwood (Howard County- 21738): Average price: $843,700
10. Towson (Baltimore County-21204): Average price: $500,300
9. Riva (Anne Arundel County- 21140): Average price: $531,900
8. Phoenix (Baltimore County- 21131: Average price: $542,200
7. West River (Anne Arundel County- 20778): Average price: $587,100
6. Fulton (Howard County- 20759): Average price: $621,800
5. Clarksville (Howard County- 21029): Average price: $622,400
4. Highland (Howard County- 20777) Average price: $666,900
3. Monkton (Baltimore County- 21111): Average price: $668,200.
2. Davidsonville (Anne Arundel County- 21035): Average price: $707,600
1. Glenwood (Howard County- 21738): Average price: $843,700
Baltimore Department of Housing to Crack Down on Permit Violations
By: Ellen Frick, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
If you are a homeowner thinking about any construction or repair projects, make sure you are aware of the laws for acquiring a permit. Several regulations exist and as of recently, the Baltimore City Department of Housing stated that they are going to crack down on violations. Punishment could consist of a written warning, or expensive fees. You can read more about the specifics here.
Even less elaborate projects such as building a fence or repairing plumbing, may require you to get a permit before any construction begins. Check here to see if you will need a permit and if you will be able to get it over the counter. If you have any questions about whether or not you need to apply for a permit, call Baltimore Housing's Office of Permits & Building Inspections at 410-396-3360.
There are several reasons why the permit system is in place. Not only does it ensure that city codes are being met, the permit system seeks to preserve the historic districts of the city. Remember, if you are not sure if the work you will be doing will require a permit, call Office of Permits or check out their website to learn more. It is better to be safe than sorry in order to avoid paying those expensive fines.
If you are a homeowner thinking about any construction or repair projects, make sure you are aware of the laws for acquiring a permit. Several regulations exist and as of recently, the Baltimore City Department of Housing stated that they are going to crack down on violations. Punishment could consist of a written warning, or expensive fees. You can read more about the specifics here.
Even less elaborate projects such as building a fence or repairing plumbing, may require you to get a permit before any construction begins. Check here to see if you will need a permit and if you will be able to get it over the counter. If you have any questions about whether or not you need to apply for a permit, call Baltimore Housing's Office of Permits & Building Inspections at 410-396-3360.
There are several reasons why the permit system is in place. Not only does it ensure that city codes are being met, the permit system seeks to preserve the historic districts of the city. Remember, if you are not sure if the work you will be doing will require a permit, call Office of Permits or check out their website to learn more. It is better to be safe than sorry in order to avoid paying those expensive fines.
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