Joseph Wathen's Blog Posts

Friday HoCo Local Spotlight: OneLove Cannabis CompanyA New Howard County Business Bringing Education, Hospitality and Cannabis Retail to ElkridgeBy Joe Wathen, REALTOR® | RE/MAX Advantage

Who Was Howard County Named After? The Story Behind the NameBy Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyHoward County HomeSmart with Joe WathenWe say the name Howard County every day. It's on our road

🌿 Home Tip Tuesday: Mulch Equals Instant Curb AppealA Simple Weekend Project That Can Transform the Look of Your HomeBy Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyWhen homeowners think about improving

🏡 Monday Market Minute: Howard County Real EstateAugust 31–September 6, 2026By Joe Wathen | HomeSmart with Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyAs summer winds down and Howard County begins

How 13 Miles of Track Helped Change American TransportationBy Joe Wathen, REALTOR® | HomeSmart with Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyWhen we think about Historic Ellicott City, we usually

A Small Park With a Big Connection to Ellicott City’s Past—and Its FutureBy Joe Wathen, REALTOR® | HomeSmart with Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyFor this week's Where in HoCo

Home Tip Tuesday: Upgrade Your Bathroom Mirror for a Fresh New LookBy Joe Wathen, REALTOR®HomeSmart with Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyWhen homeowners think about updating a bathroom, they

Where in HoCo Wednesday: Blandair Regional ParkFrom Historic Farmland to One of Columbia’s Premier ParksBy Joe Wathen, REALTOR® | HomeSmart with Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyFor

Monday Market Minute: A Changing Howard County Market?August 23–29, 2026 vs. August 16–22, 2026By Joe Wathen, REALTOR® | HomeSmart with Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyMore homes

Monday Market Minute: Howard County Real Estate Market UpdateWeek of August 17–23, 2026The Howard County real estate market continues to show plenty of life as we move through the second half

Friday HoCo Local Spotlight: The Collective — Offshore & EncoreThere are certain places in Howard County that capture what makes Columbia special: community, great food, entertainment, and

Monday Market Minute: Howard County Real Estate UpdateAugust 11–17, 2026By Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyThe Howard County real estate market continues to show plenty of activity as we

Saturday Showcase: What’s Happening Around Howard County This WeekendAugust 15–16, 2026By Joe Wathen | HomeSmart with Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyLooking for something to do

📰 Throwback Thursday Deep DiveFrom Waterwheel to Community Landmark: The Story of Savage MillBy Joe Wathen | HomeSmart with Joe WathenRE/MAX Advantage RealtyIf you've spent time in Howard County,

🔭 Where in HoCo WednesdayLook Up! Discovering the Observatory at Alpha Ridge ParkBy Joe Wathen | HomeSmartWhen you think about things to do in Howard County, you probably think about restaurants,

🏡 Monday Market Minute: Howard County Real EstateBuyers Are Still Buying—Even as More Homes Compete for Their AttentionWeek of August 2–9, 2026By Joe Wathen | HomeSmartNearly 40 Years

🏡 Home Tip TuesdayDeclutter Your Kitchen Counters: The Free Home Improvement That Makes Your Kitchen Look BiggerBy Joe Wathen | HomeSmartNearly 40 Years Serving Howard and Surrounding

🏡 Home Tip TuesdayMake Your Front Door Stand Out: A Small Change That Can Transform Your HomeBy Joe Wathen | HomeSmartNearly 40 Years Serving Howard and Surrounding CountiesWhen people approach

Saturday Showcase: Things to Do Around Howard County This WeekendLooking for something fun to do this weekend? Saturday Showcase with Joe Wathen is all about highlighting great activities,

🍔 Friday HoCo Local SpotlightThe White Oak Tavern — Eat Local. Drink Local. Be Local.By Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyOne of the reasons I enjoy doing my Friday HoCo Local Spotlight

🚂 Throwback ThursdayBenjamin Banneker: The Brilliant Mind Behind a Lasting Legacy in Howard CountyBy Joe WathenRE/MAX Advantage RealtyOne of the things I enjoy most about living and working in

🎥 Where in HoCo WednesdayCan You Guess Where I Am?This Week’s Stop: Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia, MarylandIf you’ve spent much time in Columbia, there’s a good chance you&rsquo

Howard County Housing Market UpdateWeek of July 26 – August 1, 2026By Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyWelcome to this week's Howard County Market Minute, where I break down what's

🏡 Home Tip Tuesday BlogCabinet Hardware: The Small Upgrade That Makes a Big DifferenceBy Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyWhen homeowners think about updating their kitchen or bathroom, they

Weekly Real Estate Update | July 19–25, 2026By Joe Wathen, REALTOR®RE/MAX Advantage RealtyIf you're wondering whether the Howard County housing market is still moving despite higher

Friday HoCo Local SpotlightKupcakes & Co.: A Howard County Bakery Built on Family, Passion, and Sweet TraditionsFrom Homemade Cookies to Award-Winning Cakes—One Family's Recipe for

The B&O Railroad: The First Railroad in America and the Birth of Modern TransportationHow a Vision Born in Maryland Changed the Nation ForeverBy Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyHoward County

Discover the Alpha Ridge Park Observatory in MarriottsvilleOne of Howard County's Best Hidden Gems for StargazingBy Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyWhen most people think of Howard County parks,

Brighten Your Home: Why Updating Every Light Bulb MattersA Simple Upgrade That Makes a Big First ImpressionBy Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyWhen homeowners prepare to sell, they often focus on

Howard County Housing Market Update: July 12–18, 2026By Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyThe Howard County housing market remained active during the week of July 12 through July 18, 2026.

Friday HoCo Local Spotlight with Joe Wathen Friday, July 10, 2026Xenia Greek Kouzina: A Taste of Greece in Columbia, MarylandBy Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyClick Here to see my Video of

HoCo Local Spotlight, July 17,2026Great Harvest Bread CompanyFresh-Baked Goodness in the Heart of ColumbiaBy Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyClick here for Video Interview, Seth, Great Harvest

Throwback Thursday, July 16, 2026The Founding of Ellicott City: How Three Brothers Changed Maryland HistoryHoward County HomeSmart with Joe WathenBy Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyEvery week on

Where in HoCo Wednesday July 15, 2026Discover the Howard County ConservancyOne of Howard County's Hidden GemsBy Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyIf you're looking for a peaceful place to

Home Tip Tuesday July 14, 2026Replace Your Switch Plates for an Instant Home RefreshBy Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyOne of the easiest and most overlooked ways to make your home feel fresh

Monday Market MinuteHoward County Housing Market UpdateJuly 4 – July 11, 2026By Joe Wathen | RE/MAX Advantage RealtyIf you've been wondering what's happening in the Howard County housing,

The Best Parks in Howard County, Maryland: A Local Guide to Outdoor LivingBy Joe Wathen, RE/MAX Advantage RealtyOne of the many reasons people love living in Howard County, Maryland is the

Discover walkable communities in Howard County with easy access to shops, dining, parks, and entertainment.Walkability has become one of the most desirable features for today’s buyers

Explore luxury real estate trends and upscale living options in Howard County.Luxury homes in Howard County continue to attract buyers seeking space, privacy, and high-end finishes.Today’s

Trying to decide between a townhome or single-family home in Columbia? Here’s what to consider.Choosing between a townhome and single-family home depends on lifestyle, budget, and long-term

Find out whether Howard County is currently a buyer or seller market and what it means for your next move.The real estate market in Howard County continues to lean toward sellers in many price

Discover lesser-known neighborhoods in Columbia that offer value, charm, and strong lifestyle appeal.While many buyers focus on Columbia’s most recognized villages, there are several hidden

Discover how home prices in Columbia have changed over the past five years and what it means for buyers and sellers today.Over the last five years, home prices in Columbia have shown impressive

Learn how interest rates affect home affordability and why home prices matter just as much in today’s Maryland market.Many buyers are focused entirely on interest rates—but rates are

If you’re preparing to sell in Ellicott City, Maryland, not all renovations are created equal.Kitchens remain the top value driver. Updated cabinets, countertops, and appliances can

If you're deciding between Columbia and Ellicott City, you're choosing between two of the most desirable areas in Maryland.Columbia is known for its planned communities, walkability, and convenient

The real estate market in Howard County continues to show strength despite shifting national trends.  Low inventory remains one fo the biggest drivers, keeping home prices stable and.

🏡cThinking about buying a home in Ellicott City, Md? Learn about current market trends, home prices, and expert advice to decide if now is the right time.📍 If you have been asking yourself,

Ellicott City, Maryland is one of the most desirable places to live in Howard County, offering a unique blend of historic charm, top-rated schools, and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque