Roundup: Tough Month For Housing Market, Winning Lottery Ticket Purchased in Perry Hall, And More

PERRY HALL - It's time to catch up on some stories from around Perry Hall this Wednesday. We have five stories for you today. Let's get more informed faster.

Baltimore County Housing Market Stumbles In October

October was a tough month for homeowners and those home shopping in Baltimore County, according to a Maryland Realtors housing statistics report.

Statewide, October home sales dropped 36.5% compared to the previous year, and 18.9% compared to September 2022. 5,745 units were sold in October 2022 versus 9,044 in October 2021.

Baltimore county specifically saw a 33.4% decrease in home sales compared to October 2021. Prices also rose, with the average sale price of a home in Baltimore County increasing by 10.1%.

Against this dynamic of fewer sales and higher prices were rising interest rates, as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate peaked at 7.08% and continued limited inventory. Active statewide Inventory fell 17.4% to 10,349 and the number of new listings fell 27.2% to 7,242.

It’s not all doom and gloom, National Association of Realtors, Chief Economist, Dr. Lawrence Yun, says that tight inventory, inflation, and elevated interest rates would help to keep prices stable heading into 2023.

"The gap between the 30-year fixed mortgage rate and the government borrowing rate is much higher today than it has been historically," Yun said. "If we didn't have this large gap, mortgage rates wouldn't be 7%, they would be 5.8%. If inflation eases, we'd see less anxiety within the financial markets and lower interest rates, which would allow owners to refinance."

Kingsville Couple Purchase $50,000 Winning Lottery Ticket In Perry Hall

A birthday party at DeSantis Pizza Grill and Bar in Perry Hall ended in a surprise for a Kingsville couple.

The Pair, who have chosen to remain anonymous were with friends at a birthday event when the husband purchased Maryland Lottery scratch-offs.

The Maryland Lottery spoke to the couple after they cashed their winning ticket.

“I figured there would be no line because the Powerball excitement was over,” the husband said. He got five instant tickets in all. Together, the husband and wife scratched and checked the games for prizes. The first game was a non-winner. The second scratch-off was worth $10. On the third game, they became confused about how to play the scratch-off.

“I was looking at the bonus part and didn’t focus on the instructions at the bottom,” the wife said. They scanned the instant ticket using their Lottery mobile app but didn’t get a good reading. The final two instant tickets they scanned were non-winners. They set all five scratch-offs aside on the bar and continued socializing.

A short time later, the bartender happened by and noticed the instant tickets. She realized straight away the one on top, a $5 Holiday Cash instant ticket, was a big winner.

“She said, ‘Where did you get this ticket?’” the husband recalled. The bartender explained, “You just won $50,000. Turn it over right away and sign that ticket!”

Although the two have no plans for the extra money, their win has inspired them to continue playing Maryland Lottery scratch-offs. “We’ve already bought more,” the husband said.

Silver Diner Coming To THE AVENUE At White Marsh

Silver Diner, a restaurant that serves “updated American Classics with Authentic Diner Hospitality,” is coming to THE AVENUE at White Marsh.

The 8,125-square-foot diner will open in 2024 as Silver Diner’s 23rd location. The new restaurant will be adjacent to Barnes and Noble and will include a full open-air bar and patio.

Silver Diner executive chef and co-founder, Ype Von Hengst, is famous for his win on the food reality show Chopped, and focuses on combining diner classics with vegan, plant-based, and low-calorie meals.

County Councilman David Marks expressed his support for more businesses at THE AVENUE in a statement about the new restaurant.

“With redistricting, we will be representing THE AVENUE at White Marsh – and it is with pride that I pass along news about the Silver Diner opening in this commercial center,” said Councilman Marks. “Thank you to Lisa Geiger and the Federal Realty team. THE AVENUE is a terrific destination in our area.”

Suspicious Baltimore County Death Ruled As A Homicide

According to police, On Tuesday, November 8, Baltimore County police officers responded to the 400 block of Eastern Boulevard for a reported cardiac arrest.

Upon arrival, officers say they found 67-year-old Michael Abey unresponsive and covered in blood. Medics transported Abey to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An autopsy later revealed that Abey had been shot multiple times.

Baltimore County Police are asking anyone with information about this crime to come forward. Contact 410-307-2020, or provide anonymously through Metro Crime Stoppers, or the Baltimore County iWATCH program.

Moms Demand Action Hosting “Meet The Moms” To Discuss Gun Violence

Gun Sense Voter, a non-partisan grassroots movement of people organizing to elect candidates who support common-sense gun safety laws, is hosting a forum/ meet and greet at the White Marsh Noodles and Company.

The group will be offering information about their cause and upcoming events/actions. They will also review past gun violence prevention legislation, and discuss how to move forward with bills to prevent gun violence.

Also, they will be discussing “Talking Turkey,” a seminar to provide facts about gun violence to counter myths you might hear at a holiday gathering.