Author Archives: Beth Stanton

Selling Your Home In A Strong Real Estate Market

We’re experiencing a strong local real estate market! Many of our listings are going under contract within 2 weeks, while some homes are selling just days after listing.

When homes sell quickly, many sellers think it doesn’t really matter who lists their home. Stick a sign in the yard and it’s done, right? Well actually, not really.

However you perceive the market, your home is likely your most valuable asset and selling it is an important business decision. The Realtor you hire will act as your advocate throughout the process.

Why hire Go Brent Team?

  1. Our agents are full-time Realtors and experts in the marketplace. We are the #1 team, sales and volume, in the combined area of Silver Spring, Takoma Park, and Kensington. We will assist you with pre-market preparation and professionally market your home to appeal to the widest pool of buyers.
  2. We are highly experienced contract negotiators; last year, we negotiated 116 sales for clients. This means we diligently work to evaluate offers, negotiate counter offers, and advise on terms, conditions, and home inspection items. All of these can affect your bottom line as a seller, so experience and expertise shouldn’t be overlooked when choosing an agent.
  3. We’re a team! We have the support and organization in place to always assist you quickly and efficiently. Your agent will guide you throughout the transaction and team members are in place to expertly handle specific parts of the transaction.

If you are thinking of buying or selling, contact us for a free consultation. Not moving? We appreciate your referrals – we’re happy to talk with your friends, neighbors, or colleagues.

We’re pleased to have assisted these clients this year: 

[wolf_flexslider ids=”1992,1995,1994,1993,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008″]

Upcoming Developments In Silver Spring

Driving around town, we are constantly amazed by all of the on-going construction. Ever drive by a site and wonder, “What are they building there?”

You can stay informed by attending the Development in Silver Spring: A Presentation and Community Dialogue event on Tuesday, April 25 at 7pm at the Silver Spring Civic Center.

See what projects have recently been completed, what is currently under construction, what’s been approved, and what may be coming in the near future.

Robert Kronenberg, the chief planner responsible for our area, will present the long (and growing) list of projects, followed by the opportunity for community conversation.

You can also check out area development projects, using the new the Development Finder tool.

12 Local Spots to Visit This Spring

Does winter have you in a rut? From local theaters to fantastic restaurants, here are a dozen ideas of places to check out in Silver Spring and Takoma Park this spring. Try something new and different! You won’t regret it!

1. AFI Silver Theatre

Whether you are looking for regular film showings, Silver Babies screenings or special events. AFI has something for everyone and the best movie popcorn around!

Upcoming features: The Muppet Movie, Environmental Film Festival, Kirk Douglas Centennial, and The Marx Brothers.

 Website: www.afi.com/silver

2. The Fillmore

Coming this spring: Wyclef Jean, The Pretenders, and Big Sean. You’ve likely seen the tour buses and lines.

Now head in and see a show!

Website: www.fillmoresilverspring.com

 

3. Cultural Arts Center Montgomery College Takoma Park / Silver Spring

Located at Montgomery College, this venue features music, theatre, dance, cultural exhibitions, film, lectures, forums and cultural exhibitions. A wide variety of programs are planned for this spring.

Website: mcblogs.montgomerycollege.edu

4. Bump and Grind

Their tag line is Coffee. Music. Food.

Check out this local coffee shop and their calendar of recurring and special events.

Website: bumpngrind.co

 

5. Denizens Brewing Co.

Our local brewpub serves up more than great beer and food. Does live music, DJ events, karaoke & trivia nights interest you? Don’t miss out on their regularly scheduled events lineup.

Website: denizensbrewingco.com

6. Republic

As warmer weather returns, so too will live music on the back patio in Takoma Park.

Website: www.republictakoma.com

 

7. Busboys and Poets

Think storytelling, book signings, and open mic nights.

Check out Takoma Park’s upcoming events.

Website: www.busboysandpoets.com

 

8. McGinty’sPublic House

A downtown Silver Spring staple for over 10 years; head out for a night of acoustic music, pub trivia, or traditional Irish music sessions.

Website: www.mcgintyspublichouse.com

 

9. The Highwood Theatre

Located in Fenton Village, this non-profit promotes performing arts through community-produced theatre. They offer shows and regularly scheduled improv nights.

Website: www.thehighwoodtheatre.org

 

10. Silver Spring Stage

Now in its 49th season, Silver Spring Stage is a community theatre with a mission to present the best in contemporary plays. Located in the Woodmoor Shopping Center, their current season is underway.

Website: www.ssstage.org

 

11. Silver Spring Black Box Theatre

An intimate 140-seat venue, near Colesville Road and Georgia Avenue, with four resident companies and multiple outside groups performing year-round shows.

Website: www.silverspringblackbox.com

 

12. Maryland Youth Ballet

You’ve probably seen the students on Ellsworth in downtown Silver Spring but have you seen a performance? Their Spring Concert is held in April.

Website: www.marylandyouthballet.org

Rising Interest Rates

Many buyers are contemplating what a rise in interest rates would mean. Here are two scenarios that illustrate savings at a lower rate:

Buying a $400,000 home with 5% down at an interest rate of 4.125% vs. 4.5%:

You save approximately:
$80/per month
$960/per year
$30,000 over the life or the loan

Buying a $650,000 home with 5% down at an interest rate of 4.125% vs. 4.5%:

You save approximately:
$135/per month
$1,620/per year
$50,000 over the life or the loan

One of the most important factors when buying a home (or refinancing your current home) is choosing a lender.

As Cari Jordan stated, “I am concerned about the transaction going as smoothly as possible; the chances of that happening increase when a buyer uses a local lender with a good track record, who has processors, underwriters, and appraisers who are also based locally and familiar with our area.”

Over the years, these local lenders have served Go Brent Team’s clients well. Feel free to contact them directly or reach out to us and we’ll be happy to introduce you.

Chad Loube
George Mason Mortgage, LLC

Ramez Fahmy
Caliber Home Loans

Bruce Meyers
First Home Mortgage

Craig Strent
Apex Home Loans

FREE First Time Homebuyer Seminar – Tuesday, March 28

Join Debbie Gerald with Go Brent Team of Keller Williams Capital Properties and Ramez Fahmy, Branch Manager at Caliber Home Loans for an informative seminar on how to purchase your first home.  The seminar is offered on Tuesday, March 28 at 7:00-8:30pm at the Silver Spring Civic Center in downtown Silver Spring. There is no cost or obligation, just plenty of information! Please register in advance.

Homebuyers are invited to come discuss the ins and outs of purchasing and financing a first home. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how to start the home buying process.

A little more about your hosts:

As a member of Go Brent Team, a top-ranked team in the DC Metro area, Debbie Gerald specializes in educating first-time homebuyers on the home buying process and the many avenues available when purchasing your first home. Buyers know they can count on Debbie to guide them as they search for the right home. Our agents are experts in the marketplace, highly experienced contract negotiators, and provide clients with superior service. Go Brent Team helped 45 clients purchase homes last year.

rfahmy9cbf7f7235e36a8cbf7fff0000809951

Caliber Home Loans Branch manager Ramez Fahmy offers buyers 20-years experience in mortgage lending. Ramez is dedicated to providing superior service and expert guidance to first-time buyers throughout the home financing process. Caliber Home Loans offers competitive rates and fees along with innovative mortgage solutions to first-time homebuyers. Last year Ramez helped over 100 clients finance their home purchase. (NMLS#: 476394)

Can’t attend but want more information about home buying process? Email Debbie or call 301.873.0422.

Valentine’s Day Spots in Silver Spring

Happy Valentine’s Day from us at Go Brent Team! If you’re in need of some last minute dinner plans, look no further than some of our favorite local restaurants in the Silver Spring area.

[wolf_col_6 class=”first”]

photo via Urban Butcher

[/wolf_col_6]

[wolf_col_6 class=”last”]

Urban Butcher

Address: 8226 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone: (301) 585-5800

Website: www.urbanbutcher.com

[/wolf_col_6]

[wolf_col_6 class=”first”]

photo via La Malinche

[/wolf_col_6]

[wolf_col_6 class=”last”]

La Malinche

Address: 8622 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone: (301) 562-8622

Website: www.lamalinchetapas.com

[/wolf_col_6]

[wolf_col_6 class=”first”]

photo via TripAdvisor

[/wolf_col_6]

[wolf_col_6 class=”last”]

Olazzo

Address: 8235 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone: (301) 588-2540

Website: www.olazzo.com

[/wolf_col_6]

[wolf_col_6 class=”first”]

photo via 8407 Kitchen Bar

[/wolf_col_6]

[wolf_col_6 class=”last”]

8407 Kitchen Bar

Address: 8407 Ramsey Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone: (301) 587-8407

Website: www.8407kb.com

[/wolf_col_6]

[wolf_col_6 class=”first”]

photo via Runinout

[/wolf_col_6]

[wolf_col_6 class=”last”]

Mrs. K’s Toll House

Address: 9201 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone: (301) 589-3500

Website: mrsks.com

[/wolf_col_6]

[wolf_col_6 class=”first”]

photo via El Zol 107.9

[/wolf_col_6]

[wolf_col_6 class=”last”]

Mi Rancho

Address: 8701 Ramsey Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone: (301) 588-4872

Website: miranchomd.com

[/wolf_col_6]

And for you anti-valentine’s folks…

[wolf_col_6 class=”first”]

photo via The Fetching Foodie

[/wolf_col_6]

[wolf_col_6 class=”last”]

Denizens Brewing Co.

Join the Anti-Valentine’s Party today from 4PM – 11PM. Click here for more info.

Address: 1115 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone: (301) 557-9818

Website: denizensbrewingco.com

[/wolf_col_6]

Buying a Home in a Seller’s Market

1504 Ballard Street, Silver Spring – Just 6 days on the market and under contract!

Our region is currently experiencing a “seller’s market,” meaning the demand for housing currently exceeds the supply and as a result, the market can be quite competitive for buyers – there may be multiple offers or homes may go under contract quickly.

Go Brent Team offers clients a working partnership to assess your needs and assist you to determine the best strategy for buying in the current market. Tammy Thomas, Cari Jordan, and Debbie Gerald are all full-time agents who have an unrivaled command of the local market.

WHAT WE DO

First, we provide you with a free consultation to get a clear picture of your ideal home. We work to ensure you are aware of the best properties available in your desired area, price range, and location; we can also suggest other neighborhoods that you may have overlooked but might want to consider. We provide you with sound advice by assessing what’s happening in today’s market and taking into account market forecasts, as well as your preferred timeframe and needs.

We recommend experienced lenders who can pre-approve you and determine the best financing plan for your situation. Your choice of lender will play a role when sellers and listing agents consider your offer; we’ll offer you guidance so you can make the best decision.

We also provide you with on-going updates of available properties in your target neighborhoods. We schedule showing appointments and assist you to compare homes. We are area experts and well connected in our communities. We can plug you in to local resources for hot topics like schools, transportation, parks, entertainment, dining and more. We offer you flexibility to tour homes when you are available. We are also in constant communication with agents in your target neighborhoods and often learn of new listings before they hit the market!

When you are ready to make an offer, we strategize to prepare your strongest offer. Writing and negotiating an offer is complex; our experience, knowledge and transaction volume means we can offer you expert advice. Go Brent Team agents are well-known, well respected, and have collegial relationships with area Realtors, so we offer you negotiating strength.

We would be happy to assist you whether you are ready to buy now or contemplating a future move.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE BUYER CONSULT:

Go Brent Team: Winter Clothing Drive Recap

Our Winter clothing drive was a success! Thank you for all of your donations. As a community, we were able to directly impact many of our neighbors in need.

Go Brent Team was proud to partner with you to assist several local Linkages to Learning programs.

  • The program at Leleck ES received 90 coats, 80 hats, 60 pairs of gloves, and 3 dozen scarves. In addition, they received dozens of bags of winter clothing.
  • Teens at Silver Spring International MS received 20 coats.
  • The Pinecrest / Rosemary Hills ES program received several bags of warm clothing.
  • Additionally, 49 coats and 26 hats (mostly new) were collected/purchased for a group of our Long Branch neighbors in need. These neighbors were impacted by the gas explosion last summer and desperately needed winter coats.
  • Through our relationship with the program at Leleck ES, Go Brent Team was able to underwrite the cost of Thanksgiving/emergency grocery gift cards for families utilizing their program.

We look forward to partnering with you all next year!

New Real Estate Pricing Stats

We’ve updated our real estate pricing stats through year-end 2016. The stats cover the past ten years of home sales. We have stats available for zip codes in Silver Spring, Takoma Park, and Kensington. Some zip codes show that home prices are near, or exceed, where we were at the top of the market.

We’re happy to share this data with you! Fill out the form below to request your copy.

Sell Your Home with Go Brent Team

Looking to sell your home in the new year? Let Go Brent Team help.

First, we’ll meet for a free consultation to determine your needs and discuss your personal transition strategy. Your GBT agent will provide you with sound advice based on your needs and preferred timeframe.

Once you’ve decided to list your home for sale, your GBT agent will offer a complete marketing strategy, taking into account today’s market and forecasts. We’ll conduct a room-by-room assessment to determine how best to showcase your property. We offer hands-on assistance with pre-sale prep, recommend trusted vendors, and if you like, help coordinate and execute your to-do list.

Go Brent Team also offers free staging services include complimentary furniture, décor, and labor.

Free consultations, meticulous pre-sale preparation, and complimentary staging – just a few of the reasons sellers choose to work with Go Brent Team, the #1 Real Estate Team in Silver Spring, Takoma Park & Kensington.*

[wolf_button url=”https://gobrent.co/consult” color=”yellow” type=”flat” size=”small”]Schedule your free initial consultation[/wolf_button]

*according to MRIS statistics for the combined areas in 2016