Washington DC might have the National Art Gallery, but it's nearby Baltimore that boasts some of the most exciting up-and-coming artists in the nation. Baltimore is home to three state-designated arts and entertainment districts, and a community commitment to prioritizing promising and established artists. Case in point is the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, a 15-story building transitioned into artist studio spaces.

In addition to providing spaces for talented individuals and groups to produce art, our real estate agents are proud to work in this booming arts area and showcase some of the best Baltimore homes for sale ideal for those individuals and families seeking to move to the community.

Baltimore's arts community is also dedicated to throwing world-renowned events where art can be shared and viewed by the masses. Artscape 2019 is one such event that is coming up fast and should not be missed.

About Artscape 2019

Artscape is the largest free arts festival in the United States and a summer highlight for residents and tourists alike. The three-day event begins at 11 a.m. July 19th and runs until sunset Sunday, spanning 14 city blocks with the main festivities along Mt. Royal Avenue and Charles Street in Midtown and Station North Arts & Entertainment District neighborhoods.

It's long been hailed as the few free Maryland events that caters to attendants of all ages and backgrounds—with nearly half of its attendants coming from Baltimore and half coming from outside neighborhoods, counties, and even states. Last year, over 350,000 people came to experience this event and celebrate the arts in so many different ways, as one of the key aspects setting Artscape apart is its great variety of activities. At Artscape, attendants might walk through a jazz concert on one end, grab cotton candy and watch street art performances in the middle, and find themselves ending at a formal theater performance.

In addition to being the largest in the country, Artscape is also one of the longest-running arts festivals, with 2019 its 38th year. Every year delivers more than the one before. Musical acts on the Main Stage this year will include everything from raggae from Scotty P & The Love From Above, to country/folk from The Shroom Pickers, to New Orleans brass from Rufus & Da B'More Brass Factory.

Experiencing Artscape In All Its Flavors

Artscape 2019's theme of Discover is fitting for the festival organizers' goal of highlighting visual, performing, literary, and culinary arts in the Baltimore area. Here are just a few of the general activities you can expect.

• Exhibits boasting all things artistic. Artscape is about celebrating all things beautiful and creative. From choose-your-own-art installations that have visitors meander through colorful mazes, to sidewalk puppeteers and cars comprised of bottle caps and pennies, there's something interesting to see and experience around every corner. New this year is the Artist Books, Prints, Multiples & Editions Fair at 1714 N. Charles St. Garage. You'll find all things book related, as well as toys, games, tote bags, and more for sale.
  
  
• Hands-on activities. Artscape isn't just about showing you art, it's about inviting you to become a part of art creation. To that end, every year organizers and artists work together to ensure there are a lot of engaging and inventive hands-on activities and games where visitors can both compete and collaborate to create.
   
• Packed itinerary full of artists and artisans. Artscape will boast over 150 live artists and fashion designers eager to show and share their creations. In addition to art that you can look at and buy, the city and Artscape organizers have also procured the talent of dance, opera, theater, music, and film professionals so that visitors can walk in and experience a wealth of talent.
  
  
• Food options to fit anyone's taste. Whether it's crab cakes and a cold beer from Maryland's Open Gate Guinness Brewery, or you're brave enough to try deep-fried watermelon, you can sample a seemingly endless supply of festival food and drink at Artscape 2019.

Looking To Move Just Before The Festivities? Contact Us For Real Estate

Ready to get moved in before this major Baltimore event? Need help selling your current home? Contact me today and enjoy a beautiful Baltimore summer in your new home!

7-9:30 p.m. July 3 at Grace Baptist Church, 780 Woodland Ave., Lewisberry. (Rain date: July 4.)

Info: www.gbcministry.us or 717-938-6902.

Carnival games, activities for children and youth, a fire apparatus display  and fireworks provided (9:15 p.m.). Ice cream, cotton candy and other snacks available while supplies last. Bring your own seating.

Additional parking with shuttle service available at Wyndamere Heights EC Church, 736 Wyndamere Road, Lewisberry.

July4York

5-10 p.m. July 4 at PeoplesBank Park, 5 Brooks Robinson Way, York. Presented by York Traditions Bank.

Info: july4york.com or Adam Nugent at anugent@yorkrevolution.com, 717-801-4489.

Free activities for the kids will be held on the Brooks Robinson Plaza, outside the ballpark, from 5-8:30 p.m. The plaza will also host the Independence Walk, a display of vintage American flags. Plenty of summertime food and beverages will be available for purchase.

A climbing wall has been established this year on the Arch Nemesis, the tallest outfield wall in baseball.

During all the activities, the Big Boy Brass band will stroll through the crowds performing its energetic jazz-based brass band music.

All this ends with the 30-minute fireworks display that begins at 9:30 p.m.

Jacobus Fourth of July "BLAST"

9:15 a.m.- 10 p.m. July 4 at Jacobus Community Park, South Main Street, and other nearby venues. Free parking and admission. (Rain date: July 5 from 6 p.m., ending with fireworks.)

Info: http://e-clubhouse.org/userfiles/7926/file/BLAST%202019%20Event%20Schedule%2020190614.pdf, 717-668-1760.

The celebration, sponsored by the Jacobus Lions Club, begins with the children's parade (near Salem UCC) and opening ceremony honoring our military (at the park flag pole). Activities held throughout the day include a book sale, pie baking contest, children and teen activities (tractor pull, games, face painting), cake walk, community displays, food and craft vendors, 1:64 diecast "blast" drag racing, a silent auction, two baseball games, a Music Fest (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and fireworks at dusk.

Bands performing include Canaan's Land Bluegrass, Tonia Grubb, Three Dollar Suit, and JC Fisher Band. Performing music leading up to the fireworks are the First Capitol Drumline, Emigsville Band, and Trash Can Band -- beginning at 6 p.m.

Fireworks are set to go off at dusk, approximately 9:15 p.m.

Fourth of July "Stay-at-Home Celebration" in Red Lion

9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4 at Fairmount Park, off Fairview Street, Red Lion. Free admission.

Info: www.facebook.com/events/427650008056999, rlrec@redlionpa.org or 717-244-6896.

Red Lion Recreation sponsors the event, which includes a craft, antique and flea market, and chicken barbecue and other food vendors. In addition, White Rose Lion's Club holds its annual "Roarin' Great Car Show," from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., to benefit the Red Lion New Year's Eve Committee. Note: Red Lions' fireworks will be held July 3.

Fourth of July Celebration in Wrightsville

10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4 at the river, near the John Wright Building, Front and Walnut streets, Wrightsville. Free admission. Celebration is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Eastern York County.

Info: 717-252-2768, www.wrightsvilleborough.com/calendar/July%204th%202019%20flyer.pdf.

Starting the day is a trap shoot and bicycle contest. The day's activities get into full swing at 1 p.m. and include a pet show, various sports contests and baby shows at the Memorial Playground, Fourth and Orange streets.

Evening activities near the John Wright Building are an ice cream walk, lollipop scramble and concert by the Twin Rose Community Band (6:30-9 p.m.). Bring your own seating for the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series Independence Day Celebration.

5:30 p.m. July 7 at Springettsbury Twp. Park, 1501 Mount Zion Road. Free admission and parking. Info: www.springettsbury.com, 717-757-3521.

Food trucks will be on site. The concert, presented by The concert, presented by The Big House Band (featuring a powerhouse vocal lineup including Jimi Milligan from NBC's "The Voice"), begins at 7 p.m.

Looking for something fun to do this week in the Southern York County area?  The Shrewsbury Carnival is going on this week - June 24-29th.  Come visit the Realtors from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty.  Various realtors will be staffing the funnel cake stand on Tuesday and Saturday.  We will be handing out flags to veterans on Veteran's Night (Thursday).  I'll be there all three evenings to work at the funnel cake stand and to hand out flags.  Stop by to say hi!

Myth: Homes can only "pass" or "fail" inspections.

Truth: The home inspector's job isn't to pass or fail your home. They are there to outline potential problems and issues that need addressed for health and safety. They will also give you an evaluation with an estimation on the remaining economic life for some key systems like plumping, electric, HVAC and roofing. Think of it like a health check-up for your home instead of a test.

Myth: It's best to overprice your home for wiggle room during negotiation.

Truth: Although a high primary price point is a good negotiation tactic, it may not bode so well in the real estate market. In fact, overpricing your home could cause potential buyers not to even consider it, leaving your home stranded on the market for longer than you anticipated. By competitively pricing your home, there is a greater potential for multiple offers and a price increase during bidding wars.

Myth: Buying a new home means less repairs.

Truth: It can be true that the extent of repairs on a new home might be less than that of an older home, but that doesn't mean that you aren't going to encounter multiple hiccups in the first few years. Modern home builders are pushed to maximize profits and they do that by building quickly and with the least expense. This can result in poor craftmanship and overlooked details like countertops that haven't been sealed correctly or sections of walls with insufficient insulation.

Myth: You need a 20 percent down payment plus closing costs.

Truth: Having the full 20 percent and closing cost payment is ideal, but for the majority of home buyers, it isn't practical. There are many programs that allow you to only put down 3.5 percent and a small portion of the closing costs. Some of these options include FHA mortgage, VA mortgage, conventional loans and USDA home loans.

Myth: School districts don't matter if you don't have kids.

Truth: Not only does the school district matter when you purchase your home, but it also really comes into play when you sell your home. Whether you have kids or not, you are still going to be required to pay school taxes for the district you reside in. If they are more than you can afford on a monthly basis, then that can determine where you purchase a home. On the flip side, when selling your home in the future, houses in more prominent school districts have the potential to sell faster and at a higher price.