Tag Archives: Downtown Silver Spring

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

Our End of The Year Recap

Go Brent Team agents closed 116 transactions for buyers and sellers in 2016.

What does this mean for you? We’re experts in the marketplace. As a top-ranked team in the DC Metro area, we are highly experienced contract negotiators and we ensure our clients get to settlement smoothly. It also means we have the support and organization in place to provide our clients with superior service.

This year, we assisted 71 clients to sell their properties! Our sellers know we invest substantial time and effort to skillfully market their homes and neighborhoods through the internet, social media, paid advertising, and print materials.

We also helped 45 clients find a new place to call home in 2016. Our buyers know they can count on us to guide them as they search for the right home in their desired price range and neighborhoods.

Below is a sample of our 2016 home sales


If you have thoughts of buying or selling (or both!), let us help you prepare for what’s ahead.

We are looking forward to 2017 — Happy New Year!

Liz Brent
Tammy Thomas
Cari Jordan
Debbie Gerald
Patrick Thomas
Linda Magolda
Susanna Drayne
Beth Stanton
Marty Milam

301.565.2523
Info@GoBrentTeam.com

Go Brent Team: Living and Working in Silver Spring

After working here in Silver Spring for almost two decades, it’s no secret that we at Go Brent Team love serving our neighbors in this incredible community. Whether it’s buying or selling homes, recommending local partners, or providing real estate advice, we’re always here to help put the spotlight on the best that Silver Spring has to offer. Now, the spotlight is on us! Get to know more about Go Brent Team: our neighborhoods, favorite local spots, and local service recommendations – all the things we love about living and working in Silver Spring.


Liz Brent

SEVEN OAKS RESIDENT FOR 21 YEARS

I’ve lived in Silver Spring’s Seven Oaks neighborhood for 21 years now. The walkability is a huge plus since the kids could walk to schools and we have easy access to downtown Silver Spring. Kaldi’s Social House is my favorite local spot, it’s conveniently located next door to my office, and so stopping in for morning coffee is a must! I love that they are now offering lunch too. A great local service provider I’ve found and worked with over the years is Diana Hyatt at the local M&T Bank on Georgia Avenue.


Debbie Gerald

SLIGO PARK HILLS RESIDENT FOR 4 YEARS

I grew up in Silver Spring then moved away, returning 9 years ago to renovate and sell a home in Woodside Park, and then moving to Sligo Park Hills 4 years ago. The close proximity to downtown Silver Spring and Takoma Park was really important to me; I also enjoyed meeting my neighbors, many of whom are the second-generation residents. Kaldi’s is my local coffee shop and I also head to 8407 Kitchen Bar fairly regularly; Woodside Deli’s Turkey Ruebens are also a favorite (think takeout!).

Fantasy Nails at the Woodmoor Shopping Center in Four Corners is my favorite nail salon.


Cari Jordan

WOODMOOR RESIDENT FOR 17 YEARS

I’ve really loved living in Woodmoor for the past 17 years. I enjoy the sense of community – meeting friendly neighbors out in the community walking dogs or playing with kids. When my kids turned 10, I felt very comfortable with them walking themselves to and from friend’s homes in the neighborhood. My kids now also walk to the Sweet Frog in the Woodmoor Shopping Center. Speaking of the shopping center, we really appreciate the great wine and craft beer selection at the Woodmoor Market, and Santucci’s subs can’t be beat! With two kids and a dog life is busy, so KitchKat is a local business that I now use for fresh meal delivery or we may run over to Wheaton for Thai food from Ruan Thai or Ren’s Ramen for amazing, homemade ramen noodle soup.  ​ Two Coconuts in Kensington, owned by a Woodmoor neighbor, is my go to place for hostess and personalized gifts.


Susanna Drayne

NORTH WOODSIDE RESIDENT FOR 16 YEARS

Living in North Woodside has been terrific, especially with the walkability to stores, schools, daycare, and Metro.  Living near Sniders is also a big plus – I can do a week’s worth of food shopping in about 30 minutes! Fenwick Beer & Wine has been a welcome addition to the local scene. Not only do they have a phenomenal selection of wine and beer, but they also host free Friday evening tastings.

A great local shop we use regularly is the Jalal Barber Shop on Georgia Avenue near Seminary Place.


Linda Magolda

WOODSIDE PARK RESIDENT FOR 2 YEARS

I live in Woodside Park, where I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s.  I left the area and lived in New Jersey for the better part of 40 years, and just recently returned to Silver Spring to be closer to my family.  The neighborhood holds memories for me, and coming back has been very nostalgic. I often walk with my dog, and enjoy the beautiful homes, trees, and landscaped gardens.  The community is filled with friendly people — many fellow walkers and runners, and of course, canine buddies (and neighborhood cats too!)

The downtown I remember as a child was a smaller place; today’s city is bustling. I especially enjoy going to the year round Farmers Market in the heart of Silver Spring, and must also mention Sniders and Mrs. K’s Toll House Restaurant, which have been around as long as I have! Silver Spring was a fun place to be growing up as a child, and it’s equally as exciting returning as a seasoned citizen.


Tammy Thomas

WOODSIDE PARK RESIDENT FOR 33 YEARS

Having lived in Woodside Park for 33 years now, I truly appreciate the unique homes offering so much charm and appeal. Of course, our neighbors make this place special and we look forward to our annual Luzerne Block Party each year. Silver Spring offers so much — we enjoy dining at Mi Rancho and Mrs. K’s Toll House Restaurant, walking around the weekend farmers market, shopping at Sniders, and frequenting the Woodmoor Pastry Shop. It’s also wonderful to have Sligo Creek Park’s walking trails and golf course close by; I have fond memories of teaching our daughters to ride their bikes there!

For a special treat, we head to Velatis on Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring; this local business has been making delicious caramels and other sweets since 1866.


Beth Stanton

WOODSIDE RESIDENT FOR 13 YEARS

We moved to Woodside from a nearby Silver Spring neighborhood (Sligo Branview) — we were looking to be closer to Metro, and were hopeful that downtown Silver Spring’s revitalization would come to fruition.  So now 13 years later, we’ve love living inside the Beltway, walking to downtown Silver Spring, and having easy access to DC! Living and working in Silver Spring offers me a great work/life balance – I’ve got a 5-minute commute down Georgia Avenue and I’m able to be home with my kids after school. One of my favorite local restaurants is the Big Greek Café – their Greek salads are delicious! My kids are huge fans of Olazzo, and I recently learned they do catering which has come in handy when I need to feed a crowd.

There are many local businesses that I depend on, but two come to mind. John Greenan & Sons Jewelers on Fenwick Lane is a wonderful family-owned business. From watch batteries to jewelry repairs to gifts, it’s a local place I know I can trust. I like to entertain and was thrilled to find We’re Having a Party, located off Brookeville Road, for dependable but inexpensive party rentals – think tables, chairs, tablecloths, and more.

Free Consult Service

Go Brent Team agents offer free consults. We offer expert advice on a wide range of real estate topics. We can help whether you have specific real estate questions you need addressed right now or you simply are gathering information to make future decisions.

Many buyers want assistance deciding if the time is right to purchase a home. Sometimes buyers want to get a clear picture of what the home purchasing process entails or are simply gathering information on specific neighborhoods. Homeowners typically want to weigh options in terms of selling or renting. Many homeowners want assistance as they plan improvement projects; our services range from helping to pick paint colors or finishes to providing input on renovation or improvement projects. Whatever you need, Go Brent Team is happy to help!

How we can help

We offer a no pressure, low-key, informative, and discrete approach. Consults with Go Brent Team agents usually last an hour, and there is absolutely no charge. Since the majority of our business is done through word-of-mouth referrals, we simply ask that you pass along our contact information to anyone who is considering buying or selling.

We welcome all inquires – common consult topics include:

Selling and Preparation for Selling
Buying and Preparation for Buying
Selling vs. Renting
Buying vs. Renting
Moving vs. Renovating
Renovating vs. Over-Improving
Home Improvement Ideas
“Best Bang for the Buck” Renovations
What’s My Home Worth?

Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation


Testimonial from Our Free Consult Service

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[wolf_testimonial_slide cite=”Preeya Gholkar and Vijay Ejantkar, Takoma Park”]

We obtained Liz Brent’s name from our list serve almost 3 years ago, and asked her to come out for a general evaluation to get an idea of what she might list our house for, as well as where we might get the most “bang for the buck” in terms of home improvement projects.[/wolf_testimonial_slide]

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Highlighting Our Community Partners

For almost two decades, we at Go Brent Team have been proud to serve our neighbors in this wonderfully diverse community. Through the years of working with friends, helpers and businesspeople, we’ve forged strong and long-lasting relationships. Below are few of our dependable community partners that can help you with a whole array of services for your home. Ranging from painting to home security, these locals will keep things running smooth. Find a service you like and obtain a quote today!


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Abrahams Lawn Service

WebsiteAbout Abrahams Lawn Service: Residents of Silver Spring neighborhoods recognize Abrahams’ Lawn Maintenance as the leading residential landscape company in the area for two reasons: they treat each client like they were the only client, and they complete each job with the eye for detail. Now that same great service is also available to residents of Chevy Chase, Bethesda and Northwest D.C.  Learn more or get a quote.


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B&A Custom Painting General Contractor

WebsiteAbout B&A: Mario Pinto grew up watching his father, a skilled mason, work and began his career as a painter over 15 years ago. Mario honed his craft and a few years ago started B&A Custom Painting. From big to small, Mario does it all: kitchen and bathroom remodeling, basement finishing, drywall, painting and staining, hardwood flooring, and tile work.  B&A also offers exterior services such as painting, pressure washing, and concrete work. Mario can honestly say that he has been doing this type of work for most of his life! Learn more or get a quote.


George the Plumber
George the Plumber

WebsiteAbout George the Plumber: From pipe repair, to water filtration systems, to radiant floor heating, and more, Mike the Plumber does it all! (He’s come a long way from cleaning pipe fittings). Mike enjoys serving his community six days a week and maintains a high standard of customer satisfaction through his hands-on approach. His business has been built largely on all the good word-of-mouth from happy clients. Learn more or get a quote.


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Dr. Glass

WebsiteAbout Dr. Glass:Dr. Glass Window Washing is a family operated business that values quality services and good relationships with customers. Philip Bregstone started Dr. Glass Window Washing in 1978, one squeegee and one window at a time. As his business grew, Philip started to bring others on board with him so he could wash more windows but keep the signature personal touch. Learn more or get a quote.


Markham Movers
Markham Movers

About Markham Movers: One of Go Brent Team’s strongest and most enduring local partnerships has been with Markham Movers, a family run and operated business started over 30 years ago by Papa Richard. His son Shaun joined him in 1993 and they’ve handled all GBT’s moving and staging for about 15 years. Brawny enough to move you and all your possessions from here to there, they also possess a deft touch, making them a favorite among shop owners in Kensington’s Antique Row. They serve residential and commercial clients, and offer personalized moving and packing services, too. Learn more or get a quote.


Marzullo Construction, Inc.

About Marzullo Construction, Inc.:Locally owned and operated by father and son team Michael and Stefano, Marzullo Construction specializes in kitchen and bathroom renovations, basement remodeling, and more. With 55 years’ experience between the two of them, the Marzullos know their stuff – if they can’t do it, it probably can’t be done! It’s no wonder these guys have so many perennial repeat customers. Learn more or get a quote.


Redbird Redesign
Redbird Redesign

WebsiteAbout Redbird Redesign: Meet Colleen Mitchell, proprietor and creative force behind RedBird ReDesign, providing design guidance for creating comfortable, beautiful and coordinated interiors – be it one room or an entire house. Colleen will work with you and what you already own, editing and adding key pieces, and updating colors to meet realistic budgets and schedules. Learn more or get a quote.


servicemaster restoration
ServiceMaster

WebsiteAbout ServiceMaster: Brothers Phelan and Charlie Fowler grew up in Northern Virginia. After years of operating a business focused on exterior disaster clean-up (think tornadoes, floods & hurricanes), they decided to shift their focus to interior services. In 2012, they established Servicemaster Restoration by Fowler which specializes in water and fire damage restoration, mold remediation, odor control, and sewage clean-up. They are proud to give excellent service at a fair price; in addition, they hold several special certifications and have experience handling insurance claims. Learn more or get a quote.


Surefit Security
SureFit Security

WebsiteAbout SureFit Security:When you need peace of mind, Surefit Security are the people to call! This group of professional fully-licensed locksmiths have been providing quality service and assurance since 1962, and have called their Fenton Street location home since 1992. Surefit Security offers many services including selling, servicing and installation of locks, doors, and door-related hardware, closed circuit TV, video intercoms, telephone entry systems, and a complete line of access control systems. Questions? Stop by their shop and ask, and while you’re there, check out their display of safes, locks, and security doors and windows. Surefit offers free estimates, leasing and payment options, too. When you’re dealing with your home’s security, it’s important to have a trusted and legitimate locksmith you can rely on. Learn more or get a quote.


See more of our community partners: https://gobrent.co/community-partners/


Go Brent Team is not compensated in any way for recommending our community partners. Each business is separately owned and operated. Go Brent Team checks all contractor licenses annually; license statuses were checked on September 1, 2016. Consumers can access most licensing information at http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/ (choose the respective Industry/Profession on right); title agents are licensed by the Maryland Insurance Administration at http://www.mdinsurance.state.md.us.

#GIVINGTUESDAY 2016

Today is #GivingTuesday, celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving as a global movement that celebrates giving, generosity, and change for people throughout their communities. #GivingTuesday allows us to unite as one and to encourage more small acts of kindness. Here are a few Nonprofits celebrating #GivingTuesday in our local community today:

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Silver Spring Village

Silver Spring Village is using #GivingTuesday to provide continued support for a wide variety of programs and services for seniors in Silver Spring. You have the power to make Silver Spring a model community that takes care of its seniors. Silver Spring, Maryland Website


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A Wider Circle

A Wider Circle is using #GivingTuesday to help provide long term support to those in poverty. Silver Spring, Maryland Website


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Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County

AHCMC is using #Giving Tuesday to allow continued support for creativity, culture, and community. AHCMC helps put teaching artists back into our classrooms, costumes on our performers, and roofs over the theaters, galleries and education spaces. Keep MoCo creative! Silver Spring, Maryland Website


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Maryland Youth Ballet

MYB is using #GivingTuesday to support their Music and Motion classes – these classes are therapeutic dance instruction to young children with physical disabilities. Donations will support the purchase of new therapuetic equipment.

Silver Spring, Maryland Website


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Crossroads Community Food Network

CCFN 

is using #GivingTuesday to help support key initiatives like the Healthy Eating Program, because when kids know more about fruits and vegetables, they eat them! Takoma Park, Maryland Website


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Shepard’s Table

Shepard’s Table 

is using #GivingTuesday to expand their food service program that provides those in need with nutritious meals 365 days a year. Join their effort to DOUBLE their impact in the comunity! Silver Spring, Maryland Website


To find more local community programs to help support on #GivingTuesday, visit: https://www.givingtuesday.org

Selling the Unsold

Four of our recent clients were in a situation where they originally listed their homes with another brokerage, but after spending time on the market, their properties did not sell. When properties accumulate days on market, many buyers consider that property to be “stale”. After ending their agreement with their first brokerage, these sellers turned to Go Brent Team to market and sell their homes. Our approach is always to discuss both price and product with sellers. We work with them to make their property most appealing to the widest pool of buyers. While pricing is one factor for discussion, the property must also be reevaluated to ensure its return to the market is noticed by buyers. We recently took over the following listings with great results.


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1502 Red Oak Drive (20910 – Woodside Forest)

Sold in 8 days after 48 days on the market with another broker. We consulted with the client and decided the kitchen needed a cosmetic facelift. We also chose a clean neutral paint color to replace a dark blue accent wall in the family room; the neutral paint color made the room brighter and accented the cathedral ceiling and skylights. Staging furniture was added, along with décor and rugs to the family room, living room, and bedrooms, to give the home a more polished feel, both in the photos and in person.


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9606 Bruce Drive (20901 – North Hills)

Sold in 6 days after 5 months on market with another broker. Our strategy for selling this home involved ensuring that the home was well presented in on-line photographs and the virtual tour.  We assisted the seller to select new interior paint colors, staged several rooms with furniture and décor, and rearranged the seller’s existing furniture so buyers could visualize living in the home.


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10108 Grant Avenue  (20910 – Capitol View Park)

Sold in 15 days after 2 months on market with another broker.  We worked with the seller to modify the front exterior – a new blue front door, landscaping, and exterior lighting improved the front walkway. We rearranged the seller’s furniture in the bedrooms and living area and also added artwork and rugs throughout the home. The result was a more welcoming feel in person and more appealing on-line photographs.


9412 Woodland Drive (20910 – Woodside Forest)

Sold in 7 days after 3 months on market with another broker. A new green front door color was chosen to replace the previous red door. We also worked with the photographer to ensure the front exterior photos were taken from different angles to emphasize the home’s curb appeal, which included a beautiful tree, sea grass, and landscaping.


Selling the Unsold | Testimonial

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[wolf_testimonial_slide cite=”Philip & Jill Downs”]We were discouraged when our house wasn’t selling in an otherwise hot market. We called Liz Brent. Liz helped us understand why selling our home had been more challenging than expected. She renewed our appreciation for the many desirable features of our property, and worked with us to tweak staging and develop a results-oriented strategy forward. She produced thoughtful, descriptive language and beautiful photos, which highlighted the many charming aspects of the home. Most importantly, armed with in depth knowledge of real estate in our neighborhood, Liz suggested the correct price to sell. We received two offers, above asking, within the first week back on the market. Settlement was a breeze. We will be forever grateful to Liz and the Go Brent team for delivering us the sellers’ experience we deserved. [/wolf_testimonial_slide][wolf_testimonials_end]


Ready to put your property on the market? Contact Go Brent Team today!


FREE First Time Homebuyer Seminar – Wednesday September 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 Wednesday, September 28 from 6:30-8:00 pm 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 50 clients purchase homes last year.

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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.

Refresh, Renovate or Relocate? Join us for a free Home Expo – Tuesday, January 12

Do you renovate, build an addition, or move to a home that “has it all”? What options are realistic for you and your current home? How do you best finance your dream home or renovation?

Join Liz Brent for a Home Expo on Tuesday, January 12 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Kaldi’s Social House (918 Silver Spring Avenue). Talk with neighborhood experts who will be ready to answer your specific questions:

• Liz Brent, Associate Broker – Go Brent Team

• Chad Loube, Senior VP (NMLS #675038) – George Mason Mortgage/Cardinal Bank

• Stefano Marzullo, General Contractor – Marzullo Construction, Inc.

• Eric Saul, Architect/Owner – Saul Architects

• Colleen Mitchell, Designer/Owner – RedBird ReDesign

Complimentary Kaldi’s coffee will be served!

Drop by anytime but please register in advance.  Questions? Contact Liz Brent.

Silver Spring Transit Center Opens Sunday (Finally)!

The Silver Spring Transit Center will finally open this Sunday, September 20th. Buses will begin using the new facility at 4am on Sunday. Much-delayed and over-budget – there’s no ribbon-cutting planned. “No pomp and circumstance. It will just open,” said Metro spokeswoman Sherri Ly told the Washington Post.

Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker told WTOP, “Bus riders probably ought to allow themselves a little extra time to figure out exactly where to go. I’ve been through a tour of the Transit Center and it’s a very large facility. It’ll take a little while to figure out exactly where to go.”

The transit center will be a major hub connecting local, regional and commuter buses to Metrorail and eventually the Purple Line.