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Searching for your first family home can be overwhelming. There are just so many things to consider—from neighborhood safety, taxes, and the quality of the schools to weekend activities and the commute. The mission of the team at Streett Hopkins Real Estate, however, is to make the home-shopping experience surprisingly painless. They have become a reliable resource in both the residential and commercial real-estate worlds, but they’re also true believers in the Harford County community. We spoke with Chris Streett and Tim Hopkins of Streett Hopkins Real Estate to find out why Harford is becoming so popular.
What sets you apart from the competition?
Streett Hopkins is unique because we’re a one-stop shop for residential, commercial, and property-management needs. Many of our clients have both commercial and residential properties. With our collective average years of experience at over 20 years, we have vast contacts and solid relationships with people in the area that you can count on. Our service isn’t done on an a lá carte basis like some of our competitors. When it comes to selling a home, our fee encompasses the process start to finish with a superior marketing campaign. We use professional stagers, photographers, and videographers to get the images that will get clicks on websites and social media platforms. Buying and selling a home or business can be scary and confusing: That’s why we’re here with the expertise, experience, and knowledge to make sure all of our clients’ needs are met every step of the way.
What makes Harford County a good area to raise a family?
As a parent raising kids in the county, I can honestly say I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. It has the best of all types of living. Aside from high-performing schools, affordable housing, and easy access to major highways and transportation, we have beautiful, accessible hiking trails like the Ma and Pa, Susquehanna State Park, and Rocks State Park, plus, plenty of water activities on the Susquehanna, Gunpowder, and Chesapeake. Much of the county still maintains its rural aesthetic.
Harford County also hosts many sporting and entertainment events both at Harford Community College and Ripken Stadium. There is an array of boutique shops, restaurants, and other small businesses in Aberdeen, Bel Air, and Havre de Grace. Both towns host family-friendly events such as First Fridays with local breweries and live entertainment, weekly farmers markets, community fitness classes, arts festivals, and holiday parades. But mostly, I love the small-town feel you get here. Everybody seems to know everybody and looks out for one another.
How does Harford County stack up to other jurisdictions in terms of the current housing market?
Pricing is going up due to low inventory, showing that the market is stable. Homes that show well and are in a desirable location often will get multiple offers and sell within days.
Are low crime, low taxes, and good schools the reasons why Harford County is on the up and up?
I think they’re definitely a part of why many people are choosing to live in Harford County. The National Council for Home Safety and Security ranked the safest cities in Maryland based on the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report statistics and population sizes. Of the top 20 lowest crime rates, three of the cities were in Harford County. According to niche.com, “Harford County Public Schools came in at number seven among the state’s 24 school districts. It was ranked second-best school district in the Baltimore metro area.” I also think people are looking for more of a small-town feel as opposed to the detached and isolated way it can feel in larger counties. As I stated before, Harford County has a way of making you feel like you really belong in this community. It’s so welcoming.
