Baltimore's MeetUp   Great Turn Out and a Great Time

What a MeetUp!! We had a great time and a great turnout! 18 people showed up… including a couple of new agents* who, of course were invited to join ActiveRain. Do you recognize a few faces?

The People

Margaret Rome-Martha Brown- Bridget McGee -Cheryl Ritchie- Diane Philips Jan Bachman - Stephen Bachman- Anne Hruby- Margie Pachino- Andrea Bedard 

  Ellie McIntire- June Piper-Brandon-Rich Iarossi -Margaret Woda -James Brown (new*) Loletha Simmons(new*) - Kim Jones- Lenn Harley

    

The Food

At least one person ate healthy and we have the photo above to prove it! Our waitress Kim, did a superb job. We had a wonderful time today with many of the same guests from the last Baltimore MeetUp also at Bare Bones. 

Baltimore's MeetUp Great Turn Out and a Great Time

Wreaths the Rome Way

 Wreaths the Rome Way

Today there was a Maryland ActiveRain MeetUp Hosted By Cheryl Ritchie.

and one of the activities was holiday wreath making. The first wreath I made  was this Edible Tasty Version.

The other one was made with all natural grape vines gathered by Cheryl on her property and cuttings brought from the exterior of my home.

We had a great meetup today at Chesapeake Beach and I did Wreaths the Rome Way!

 

!!!!!!!

Reminder to all ActiveRain Members:

Monday December 3rd is the Baltimore MeetUp. 

 Bare Bones

11:30 AM

Bare Bones Grill and Brewery

9510 Baltimore National Parkway (Rt 40) Ellicott City, MD 21042

We will be collecting donations for Hurricane Sandy Relief.

Please  RSVP by email mrome@HomeRome.com or call me 410.530.2400 and let me know if you can join us.

!!!!!!!

Maryland ActiveRain MeetUp Hosted By Cheryl Ritchie

There were nine of us who met in Chesapeake Beach at Cheryl's lovely home. What a gracious host. The food was abundant with homemade potato salad, cabbage with smoked turkey, homemade beans and luscious mango and pineapple. The house was warm with a beautiful fire and all the fixings were ready for us to make wreaths.

 It was not easy interrupting the lively conversation to get a group picture

Posed below on the fireplace hearth-

Margaret Rome, Cheryl Ritchie, Cindy Jones, Pat Kennedy, Jan, Steven Bachman and Rich Iarossi. Gail Harris was taking the picture.

 

Cheryl is peeking through my wreath  but she did all the hard work getting the grape vines together. Jan, Pat and Cindy are behind Jan's masterpiece. 

TLH and Steven are listening to the stimulating conversation.

Thank you Cheryl for your wonderful hospitality. You made us all feel so welcome.

Are you hosting or attending a  MeetUp? For locations in your area check 2012 Winter MeetUps.

Maryland ActiveRain MeetUp Hosted By Cheryl Ritchie

A good time was had by all!

ActiveRain 9/29/2012 Chesapeake Beach

Meeting this morning in Chesapeake Beach were a bunch of the best ActiveRain members!

Here is a photo of Fernando, Rich, Cheryl, Margaret, Martha, Dr. Stacey, Jan, Lenn, Bridget, Tim, Clair and Diane.

 There are a few missing so go Check out Steve's blog and video. In total, we had 16 walkers and a dozen stayed for breakfast at Traders.

We were able to combine a wonderful get together of top agents and a charity walk for Ovarian Cancer.

For other recounts of the day, take a look at Rich's photos. 

....and  Dianne Phillip who came with her daughter.

We are pleased to announce that 100 % of the walkers generously participated and $450 was raised. There are still some people who are sending in donations to go into this very envelope.

                                     

  A good time was had by all!

ActiveRain 9/29/2012 Chesapeake Beach

ACTIVERAIN MEETUP in MARYLAND-Worth The Drive

We love our MeetUps in Maryland. Bridget gives a good recap below. If you missed this one there is another scheduled a week from Saturday. Please join us!
ActiveRain Walks For Charity and Breakfast 9/29/2012 at 9:29 AM In Chesapeake Beach, MD
                          

Via Bridget "Mortgage Mama" McGee (CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc. 410-960-2061):

ACTIVERAIN MEETUP in MARYLAND-Worth The Drive

Better late than never....

I was so happy to hear that there was a meetup scheduled in Maryland for ActiveRain.  I love to get together with this ever-growing  group.  I was not surprised to hear that Margaret Rome and Martha Brown had stepped up to host.

I have to confess that when I found out the location was set for Bare Bones in Ellicott City, Maryland I knew that I was one of the lucky ones who were  just a hop, skip and a jump (actually, living in Catonsville, Maryland I am only about a hop away!).  I have to tell you that I will always be willing to make the drive, no matter where they are.  Not only do I get to rub elbows with some top agents, and meet new folks, the meet-ups are always full of great discussions, good food, tons of hugs and smiles and are just darn fun!
Since my daughter Sydney had not started school yet, I brought her along.  She is quite the marketer at just 7 years old.  On the drive there, I had asked her to get the business cards out of my briefcase since I was going to only bring in my purse.  She held on to them.  As soon as we walked in the area reserved for us, she started handing out my business cards and making sure that everyone knew who I was. My sister Amy started working with us about a month ago (and she is carrying my little niece or nephew!) so I also brought her along to allow folks to put a face with a name.

It's always great to see the "regulars":  Margaret Rome, Martha Brown, June Piper Brandon, Rich Iarossi, Ellie McIntire and some of our newer additions: Andrea Bedard and Diane Philips.  We also were blessed to host the incomparable Lenn Harley and Power Couple Steve and Jan Bachman.

I was lucky enough to snag a seat near Margaret Rome, Lenn Harley, Steve and Jan Bachman, Margaret's friend and mentor and real estate trainer, the lovely Anne Hruby and her past client and newest Realtor recruit Sharon Bass.   The conversation was lively with lots of real world situations being discussed. "Would you be the power of attorney for your buying client?"   "Do you really need a chimney inspection?"
I also was able to introduce Brent Kugle to this great group of folks (far right)  He is a renovation loan specialist.  I don't do renovation or reverse mortgages, so I like to make sure that I have someone I trust to send a referral.  Brent is one of the best in the business!

I know that Rich was happy to see Steve, Brent and Damon as he is usually quite out-numbered, but he still managed to sit with these beautiful ladies!



I had also invited Laura Burd and Christy Fratta of Maryland Title Works Unlimited-one of my favorite title company's to work with...They are sharp and consistent. (I was sorry that Stacey Anne Baugh didn't make it this time, since she introduced me to "the girls!) We also had Damon Stubblefield of Master's Title, he is one of ActiveRain's newest additions and needs some encouragement to write his first blog!  Somehow I didn't get a good picture of him!

Maryland ActiveRain Meetups, they are worth the drive....Just ask Lenn!

Warm Regards,
Bridget McGee  Maryland Mortgage Mama  NMLS# 196068  CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc.   410-960-2061 EHO
If you are considering purchasing a home in Maryland and want to be sure you are mortgage ready, my brother Tony and I will be happy to help! We help to make the mortgage process a pleasure!
If you already own your home, we are happy to provide a no-cost mortgage review to help you to determine if refinancing may be in your best interest.  Please contact me at 410-960-2061.

ActiveRainers MeetUp in Baltimore!

  ActiveRainers MeetUp in Baltimore! 
 
Thanks to the 19 people who met today at Bare Bones...our AR meetup was a huge success. They just keep getting better and better. This entire group is a delight to be around!

Below are few photos and not a lot of copy. It has been a wonderfully long day....ending with a settlement.  

Check out the list of everyone at the bottom.
 It was a Maryland MeetUp but Virginia's Lenn, Jan and Steve were wonderful guests.
                   


 
                
 
           
          
There were 19 of us who met today.

Martha Brown
Margaret Rome
Bridget McGee
Andrea Bedard
June Piper-Brandon
Richard Iarossi
Ellie McIntire
Anne Hruby
Jan Bachman
Steven Bachman
Sharon Bass
Brent Kluge
Laura Byrd
Amy Pherit
Christy Fratta
Sydney McGee
Diane Phillips
Lenn Harley
Damon Stubblefield
To see more about today's ActiveRainers MeetUp in Baltimore take a look at

Martha's Post...What A Beautiful Thing An Active Rain Meet-Up Is
and
Steven Bachman's Post with video.
and

Why Diane Phillips loves ActiveRain Meet-ups.

and some food photos

Bare Bones Grill and Brewery, Ellicott City, MD

Martha, Me and Bridget McGee

Martha, Me and Bridget McGee
 Will Be at the ActiveRain MeetUp Tuesday August 28th.
 

Tuesday 11:30 August 28th 
Bare Bones Grill and Brewery
9510 Baltimore National Parkway
 (Rt 40) Ellicott City, MD 21042.
 Please let me or Martha know if you are attending.

                         

   Here is our VIP list so far..

Martha Brown
Margaret Rome
Bridget McGee
Andrea Bedard
June Piper-Brandon
Richard Iarossi
Ellie McIntire
Anne Hruby
Jan Bachman
Steven Bachman
Sharon Bass
Brent Kluge
Laura Byrd
Amy Pherit
Christy Fratta
Sidney McGee
Diane Phillips
Lenn Harley
Damon Stubblefield
                                                

                                    #########

Martha, Me and Bridget McGee...
Will Be at the ActiveRain MeetUp Tuesday August 28th.
ActiveRain Luncheon
Tuesday 11:30 August 28th
Bare Bones Grill and Brewery
9510 Baltimore National Parkway

Active Rain Maryland Meet Up Time again.

Active Rain Maryland Meet Up Time again. 

Please let us know who is coming.
Details below...thanks to Martha Brown.

Search All Active Listings

Via Martha Brown Homes & News Around Annapolis (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc):

It's Active Rain Maryland Meet Up Time.. 

Whoo Hoo!!

RainCamp is next week (if you haven't signed up you are missing sooooo much) and what would RainCamp be without a Maryland Meet Up? Ahhh it just wouldn't be the same. So Margaret Rome and I put our heads together as I wanted a place more central so some did not have to travel so far. Well ta da.... we found the perfect place (well Margaret did actually). It is Bare Bones Grill and Brewery in Ellicott City.

Margaret has been there a few times and I headed there last Saturday to check it out myself. Yum!!! I was so enamored with the great food that I totally forgot to take any photos other than my French Onion Soup so you will just have to come out and join us to experience for yourself.

Bare Bones Grill and Brewery is located on Rt 40 right across from Long & Foster's Ellicott City office. We are meeting for lunch starting at 11:30 on Tuesday August 28th and have room for up to 20!! Whoo Hoo!!  

Here is the website for Bare Bones Grill and Brewery so you can check out the menu. It is delish and reasonable.

So come on out for the Maryland Meet Up. There will be generous servings of hugs, laughter and conversation!!

Maryland Meet Up
Tuesday August 28, 2012
11:30 am
Bare Bones Grill and Brewery
9510 Baltimore National Parkway (Rt 40)
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Let us know who is coming by commenting on this post!

It's Active Rain Maryland Meet Up Time...Whoo Hoo!!

**************************************************************************************

Annapolis Area Real Estate 

 Make the Move with Martha

Call 410-440-7839 or 800-735-5122

martha@HomesAroundAnnapolis.com
Martha Brown CRS
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Bringing 'Peace of Mind' to Your Real Estate Transaction

                           

Lets House Hunt 

Visit Annapolis

Join Me on Facebook

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All Photographs and/or written material and content produced by Martha Brown. All Rights Reserved and may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of

Martha Brown of Long & Foster Real Estate.  

Every effort has been made to assure that the information in this blog is as accurate as possible. Martha Brown of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. disclaims any implied warranty or representation about it's accuracy, completeness or appropriateness for any particular purpose. This includes but is not limited to any information provided by third parties which is accessed through this blog via a hyperlink.

Active Rain Meetups-One Of My Favorite Things To Do

Active Rain Meetups-One Of My Favorite Things To Do

 This is the best recap of a MeetUp and the meaning of relationships formed on ActiveRain.
From my first  Open House Weekend, Bridget has always been there for support. Never once asking for business but alway earning it with her  knowledge, efficiency, caring and special touch that my clients appreciate. 


                                                 

Via Bridget "Mortgage Mama" McGee (CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc. 410-960-2061):

Active Rain Meetups-One Of My Favorite Things To Do

If you haven't been to or scheduled to attend an ActiveRain Meetup, WHY NOT?  You don't know what you are missing!   
We are very lucky in Maryland to have some of the most prolific, intelligent, professional, kind, funny, open, honest, beautiful, friendly....well I think you get the idea....ActiveRain members around. 

OK, I know that most of the folks that are ACTIVE ActiveRain members don't come to the party if they don't have something going on, but these people are truly amazing on and off the computer.  I bet if you attended one (or more) of these meetups, you found the same!
I attended my first ActiveRain event a few years ago, when Margaret Rome held a very special Open House.  I have attended every one in the area since.  Many of these folks have become business associates, all of them have become mentors, and most of them have truly become friends.  Each meetup is different, but there is always a common thread...sharing, friendship, positivity, laughs, and lots of pictures!
 

 These are not folks that are complaining about not being busy enough and don't have anything better to do.  These are folks that have been and are very successful (SUPER BUSY) in real estate and in life.  They come from different companies, but they don't try to recruit each other or poo poo the others business model.  They celebrate each others successes, refer business, ask and answer questions....They care about each other, having gotten to know them first by reading their posts here on ActiveRain.  They are authentic.  What you see is really what you get.

Margaret Rome said "It's not about the company, it's about the person.  We don't care where they hang their license, but how they treat their clients and our referrals."  

 
I am a loan officer.  I don't attend meetups to solicit business, although over time many of these folks have referred clients to me, and I have referred business to them.  I don't go with a rate sheet or reasons why they should use me.  Every lender touts "great rates and great service", my goal is to meet folks and get to know  them in person, share a laugh (many laughs, really), good food and great conversation.  If there is a good fit, the business will come.  When it does, I am grateful and do everything in my power to ensure that the referrals are well taken care of.  When it doesn't that's OK too.
 
I made the mistake of telling Margaret that I didn't get a chance to post this yesterday because I didn't "have time".  As soon as it came out of my mouth I realized what a silly thing that was to say (especially to Margaret who somehow finds time to call members, mentor, post daily, AND sell a ton of Real Estate.  No one has any more or less time than I do.  We all have business, family, life... but everyone who is ACTIVE realizes the importance of this forum, of the connections.  
 
I have fallen down a bit on my blogging of late.  The meetup was a great way to reconnect.  The online Boot Camp will help too.
Take the time to get out from behind the computer monitor and connect, truly connect.  Blogging is a form of social media.  I think sometimes we're so caught up in the media, we forget the social. If there wasn't a meetup scheduled in your area, pick up the phone and invite someone (or a few someone's) for lunch or for coffee, or for a cocktail or a walk.  We are blessed to have folks (Margaret Rome and Martha Brown so far) who have been willing to take the lead in our area and the group is growing.  


I am proud to say that several folks I personally invited joined in the fun:

• Andrea Bedard (Fabulous and caring Montgomery and Anne Arundel County Realtor...specializes in military buyers and sellers-a lifestyle she is intimately familiar with) 
• Diane Phillips (a sweet, hard-working Carroll County and PA Realtor-, both wonderful people and bloggers whom I would highly recommend you follow if you are not already. 
• Denise Litzau of Property Title & Escrow (She was kind enough to take the group pictures, unfortuately I missed capturing her)-I have worked with these folks for years and re-connected recently....I sent Denise an AR invite, I will let you know when she starts blogging. She was impressed with this group!  They are offering $295 plus title insurance on purchases over $300K.  They also offer free tax assessment appeals.  Try them, you won't be disappointed. 

Margaret's client Lucy Clark was there too.  She is not only the previous owner of the Chocolate House...
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2124363/this-is-a-reblog-by-c-tann-starr-you-missed-the-bixler-church-open-house
she has started a business that includes custom floor plans and custom maps for Real Estate.  Lucy has a ton of ideas and will Floor You (and your clients).  This is pretty cool stuff that would fit really well with the Single Property Websites I offer to my realtor partners to add to their marketing of their listings.

All in all, there were 15 of us...we had a few more who RSVP'd, but were unable to attend.  Ellie McIntire (and a few others) managed to scoot before the group picture, but I got to catch her with Diane and her newly signed copy of "Sell Your Home the Right Rome Way." 


I bet the next Maryland meetup will be even bigger.  Martha Brown is already planning one in Annapolis for May when Jeff Dowler is in town.  You know I will be there, won't you join us?
In the meantime...anybody want to have lunch?
ActiveRain Meetups-One of my favorite things to do!

Warm Regards,
Bridget McGee  Maryland Mortgage Mama  NMLS# 196068  CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc.   410-960-2061 EHO
If you are considering purchasing a home in Maryland and want to be sure you are mortgage ready, my brother Tony and I will be happy to help! We help to make the mortgage process a pleasure!
If you already own your home, we are happy to provide a no-cost mortgage review to help you to determine if refinancing may be in your best interest.  Please contact me at 410-960-2061.

Just Too Busy To Blog Today.

                                   Just  Too Busy To Blog Today.

What do you do when you are too busy to blog?  ...you skip it. Well that's what I planned to do tonight. With yesterday's  ActiveRain MeetUp , a ratified contract, a home inspection this morning and another offer arriving today on one of my condos that needed to be presented. Thank goodness the seller is out of town and everything was done electronically.

Another offer was countered on a new listing and ...there were all the things to do to set up inspections, termite, radon, title etc.

Oh and there was that little three and a half hour RainCamp that I was listening to while making appointments and all those other details.

I am not a list maker but today... even I made a list. Just about got through everything.

Hmmm...what did I forget?

My Blog!.. Just Too Busy To Blog Today.

                                                     

Baltimore MeetUp Means Business, Friendship, Sharing, Food and Fun!

                                 

  Baltimore MeetUp Means Business, Friendship, Sharing, Food and Fun!

  

Business...yes blogging and MeetUps are about business!

Check the time of this email 11:52AM. I was already at G & M Restaurant waiting for the Rainers to show up. Message came through on my iPad. The contract was signed and I was able to share the good news with the buyer!  'We Bought a House!'

                                                   

Friendships...yes blogging and MeetUps are about friendships!

                                                                                                   
                                   

Sharing...yes blogging and MeetUps are about sharing ideas!

                                  

Food and Fun...yes blogging and MeetUps are about good food and fun!

                                            

        These special employees made us all feel welcome while serving the delicious food at G & M Restaurant today! 

                                                    

 As they are written, I will link posts and photos from today's MeetUp below.

Martha Brown wrote -Ahhh...Active Rain Meet Ups Are Worth They're Weight In ---Gold!!!...Maryland Meet Up  

Ellie's Post -Active Rain Spring Meet-up ~ Maryland CRABCAKES.  

-Look Who Showed Up at the Baltimore ActiveRain MeetUp Wednesday April 18th at Noon 

-Bridget McGee really captured the meaning of our MeetUp-Active Rain Meetups-One Of My Favorite Things To Do.

-Here's another from my friend June Piper  Brandon. Better Late Than Never - ActiveRain Meetup - a Great Networking Event

Baltimore ActiveRain MeetUp April 18th at Noon

Baltimore ActiveRain MeetUp April 18th at Noon


Don't forget to sign up for   RainCamp April 19th
Don't forget to sign up for Baltimore's   MeetUp on Wednesday April 18th.
                                 

We have a dozen ActiveRain members who will be having fun at our meetup the day before RainCamp. Please let me know if you are attending. We meed a head count for the restaurant.

 G&M Restaurant

804 Hammonds Ferry Road

Linthicum Heights, Md. 21090

         Note; located near the airport.

      RSVP in the comments or email mrome@HomeRome.com

          Baltimore ActiveRain MeetUp April 18th at Noon

ActiveRain MeetUp in Baltimore...A Lunch Date Wednesday April 18

ActiveRain Meet Up For Baltimore Rainers 12 Noon Wednesday  April 18th!!

If ActiveRain can write a post  Save the Date and register then so can I.

On Wednesday, April 18th which is day before RainCamp, we are going to have another Baltimore MeetUp.

G&M Restaurant & Lounge

804 Hammonds Ferry Road | Linthicum Heights, Maryland 21090 410-636-1777

                                                             
                                                               

How many will attend? How far will they travel? Take a guess!

Would love to see everyone of you for our gathering. Lunch time was decided so no one would have to drive in the dark and besides it is better for my schedule.  I will let you know details in the next day or so.

Have you ever been to a MeetUp in Baltimore? We draw a wonderful group and have the best time. Hope you will join us. Please let me know if you are planning to attend. Share this with others. We already have about 10 signed up and it hasn't even been announced.

 ActiveRain Meet Up For Baltimore Rainers 12 Noon Wednesday  April 18th!!

G&M Restaurant & Lounge

804 Hammonds Ferry Road 

 Linthicum Heights, Maryland 21090

Please  RSVP in the comments! 

How many ActiveRain BLOGGERS will be attending?

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