Tag Archives: Kensington

The Advantage of Pre-Sale Home Preparation

Pre-sale home preparation is one of the most important things you can do to add value in the mind of the buyer. Go Brent Team’s home preparation can raise the value of your property by leading the eye to attractive features while minimizing flaws.

We offer advice regarding all phases of property preparation. While some sellers paint, refinish floors, and take on other major projects, some clients do very little. We will advise you on which improvements will add value and, if appropriate, arrange for the work and oversee the contractors.

Even if major improvements to the house are not on your agenda, we can recommend minor changes and inexpensive adjustments that can make a big difference in attracting buyers. Cleaning, small repairs, and landscaping can go a long way in making an appealing visual statement, both in online photos and in person.

Considering selling? Ensure your home makes the best impression when it hits the market. Contact us for a free consultation today!

“We dreaded going through the prep work to get ready to sell. The fact that Go Brent Team could arrange for the contractor, mover, hauler, cleaner, and window washer was a huge load off our minds. You really, really surpassed our expectations. We thank you!”

— Ken Brown & Donna Creedon, sold in Silver Spring after just 5 days on the market

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Montgomery Co Tax Bills Are Coming – Are You Receiving the Homestead Tax Credit?

Tax Bills are Here – Ensure You’re Receiving Tax Credits!
Homestead Property Tax Credits and New Mo Co Tax Credits for Elderly & Military Retirees

It’s July, for Montgomery County homeowners this means that tax bills will be arriving in your mailboxes shortly – the County estimates mailing bills in mid-July (bills will also be available via the County website).

Homestead Property Tax Credits

Tax Bill Example
click to enlarge

When you receive your bill you should look to see if you are receiving the Homestead Property Tax Credit (you’ll see “County Property Tax Credit”). This tax credit was established to help homeowners deal with large assessment increases on their principal residence. The Homestead Credit limits the increase in taxable assessments each year to a fixed percentage.

To prevent improper granting of this credit, a law was enacted in 2007 that requires all homeowners to submit a one-time application to establish eligibility for the credit. There are several criteria to be met, but the main conditions are that the property is your principal residence and you must have lived in it for at least six months of the year, including July 1 of the year for which the credit is applicable.

If you are not seeing a homestead property tax credit on your tax bill, you should determine the status of your Homestead eligibility by looking up your property on the Real Property Database.

Homestead Exemption Example
Click to Enlarge

Look at the bottom of the page, where it says Homestead Application Status. If it says “No Application,” then you should reapply to capture this credit on future tax bills.

For more info, check out frequently asked questions about Homestead Property Tax Credit, or contact the Homestead unit directly at 1-866-650-8783 or visit their website.

Tax Credits for Elderly & Military Retirees

Earlier this year the Montgomery County Council also enacted new legislation granting property tax credits for elderly individuals and for military retirees. Owners who are 65 or over and who has owned and lived in the dwelling for at least 40 consecutive years or those who are 65 or over and a military retiree may qualify depending on the assessed value of the home.

For 2017 taxes only, applications will be accepted until September 1, 2017. If you wish to receive a credit for your 2017 taxes, you must apply by September 1, 2017. For all other tax years, you must apply by April 1. This tax credit will not be issued on the July property tax bill; instead it will be calculated and issued on a subsequent revision of your tax bill, with the tax credit appearing as a line item deduction on the bill.

You can read more about the new tax credit and how to apply here.

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Boomers, Millennials, and the McMansions No One Wants via Realtor.com

photo via Tom Merton/iStock; hobo_018/iStock; pamspix;iStock

We recently came across this article from realtor.com that digs into the current housing market for both baby boomers and millennials.

“Younger and older generations alike are gravitating toward smaller dwellings in more urban, walkable suburbs and cities, with restaurants and coffee shops around the corner.” – Realtor.com article

“This is spot on,” per Liz Brent. “The outer zip codes of Silver Spring have not recovered from the crash in 2008 and unless there is significant development other than housing and transportation fixes, they likely will not recover. Meanwhile, what we are seeing the innermost zip codes, in Takoma Park (20912) and Silver Spring (20910, 20901, and parts of 20902), is that very few houses stay on the market for any length of time and we continue to see multiple offers, particularly on renovated houses.”

Celebrate Independence Day with Local Fireworks Displays!

Many of you will surely be headed downtown for the Independence Day parade, A Capitol Fourth Concert, and the amazing fireworks display. If you’re planning on spending Independence Day on the National Mall, you can find a schedule of events, best firework viewing areas, and lots of other details on the National Park Service site. If you don’t want to venture downtown, here are some terrific July 4th events you can take in closer to home:

MONTGOMERY COUNTY MID-COUNTY SPARKLES

Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road

Live music will begin at 7:30 PM, featuring Gringo Jingo Ultimate Santana Tribute Group with fireworks at 9:15 PM. The viewing areas will be at the front of the school on the ball field and at the Newport Mill Middle School, 11311 Newport Mill Road. No on-site parking at either school or at adjacent properties, except for handicapped parking. Shuttle buses will pick up passengers, beginning at 6 PM, at Westfield Wheaton Plaza in the parking lot in between the North Building and the CVS store and at the Wheaton Metro Station Georgia Avenue side. Low lawn chairs and coolers are welcome. Food vendors will be on site. No alcoholic beverages are permitted. Rain date for the fireworks only is July 5th. No shuttle service will be available on the 5th.

128th ANNUAL TAKOMA PARK INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION

Parade, Carroll & Ethan Allen Avenues

Fireworks, Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road

The parade begins at 10:00 AM, rain or shine, at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen Avenues. It will travel south on Carroll Avenue, turn right on Maple Avenue, and continue to Ritchie Avenue. The evening celebration will be held at Takoma Park Middle School starting at 7:00 PM with entertainment provided by bilingual folk-rock band Elena & Los Fulanos, the Takoma Park Community Band, and The AcroAirs from Washington Adventist University. Fireworks display is slated to start at 9:30 PM. Limited parking is available in the parking lot of the Takoma Park Middle School and on nearby side streets. There will be food vendors on-site.  Rain date is slated for next clear evening.

CITY OF COLLEGE PARK & THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

University of Maryland, Lot 1 adjacent to Campus Drive

Free concert featuring The Nightlife Band from 7:00-9:00 PM followed by a 30-40 minute Fireworks Extravaganza at dusk! Fun for all ages with concessions open at 5:00 PM (hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, ice cream, snow cones, soda and bottled water). Grass seating is limited, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Personal coolers are also allowed, but alcohol is not permitted. Rain date for fireworks only is July 5th.

FREE First-time Homebuyer Seminar – Saturday, July 22 at 10AM

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 Saturday, July 22 from 10-11am 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 your 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 DC Metro area team helping 40 clients to buy homes last year, Debbie Gerald specializes in educating first-time homebuyers on the home buying process and the many avenues available when purchasing your first home. Debbie is an expert in the marketplace and an experienced contract negotiator; she also provides clients with superior service. Buyers know they can count on Debbie to guide them as they search for the right home.

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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.

YTD Market Stats Round Up

Below are data statistics for single-family home sales year to date in 20910, 20901, 20912, and 20895.

Interested in what’s happening in another zip code or are you looking for information on the market in your specific neighborhood? Contact us for local market insights.

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73 Homes Sold in 20910

Highest Priced Sale – $1,213,990
Average Home Sold Price – $637,453
Average Days on Market – 22

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136 Homes Sold in 20901

Highest Priced Sale – $805,334
Average Home Sold Price – $471,015
Average Days on Market – 29

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46 Homes Sold in 20912

Highest Priced Sale – $1,050,000
Average Home Sold Price – $536,202
Average Days on Market – 28

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110 Homes Sold in 20895

Highest Priced Sale – $1,575,000
Average Home Sold Price – $623,168
Average Days on Market – 32

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Dive In With Our Local Pool Round Up

photo via Forest Knolls Pool

April 15th may be tax day to most but for many it’s the official start of summer – it’s the time to send in summer pool dues! In addition to our local Montgomery County pools, there are many local pools with awesome swim teams, snack shacks, social events, and holiday celebrations.

If you are looking to join a pool we’ve compiled a list of some local ones along with links for membership info:

Calverton Swim Club

Address: 12615 Galway Drive
Phone: 301-572-4203
Website: calvertonswimclub.com
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More

Connecticut Belair Swim & Tennis Club

Address: 3901 Ferrara Drive
Phone: 301-946-4500
Website: cbpool.net
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More

Daleview Swim Club

Address: 901 Daleview Drive
Phone: 301-434-9555
Website: www.daleview.org
Membership Status: Memberships are not available at this time but the pool maintains a wait list. Learn More

Forest Knolls Pool

Address: 11105 Foxglove Lane
Phone: 301-593-9883
Website: forestknollspool.com
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More

Franklin Knolls Pool

Address: 820 E Franklin Avenue
Phone: 301-585-2153
Website: www.franklinknollspool.org
Membership Status: Memberships are not available at this time but the pool maintains a wait list. Learn More

Glenwood Pool

Address: 10012 Gardiner Avenue
Phone: 301-681-7599
Website: www.glenwoodpool.org
Membership Status: Memberships are not available at this time but the pool maintains a wait list; there is a $50 registration fee. Learn More

Hillandale Swim & Tennis Association

Address: 10116 Green Forest Drive
Phone: 301-434-4782
Website: www.hillandalepool.com
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More

Kemp Mill Swim Club

Address: 11805 Stonington Place
Phone: 301-593-7506
Website: swim.kempmill.org
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More

Kenmont Swim & Tennis Club

Address: 2900 Faulkner Place
Phone: 301-933-0047
Website: www.kenmont.com
Membership Status: Memberships are not available at this time but the pool maintains a wait list; there is a $50 registration fee. Learn More

Northwest Branch Pool

Address: 10850 Lockwood Drive
Phone: 301-593-9462
Website : www.nwbranchpool.com
Membership Status: Memberships are not available at this time but the pool does maintain a wait list. There is a $50 fee to be put on the waiting list but it will be credited towards your dues. Learn More

Robin Hood Swim Club

Address: 225 Mowbray Road
Phone: 301-384-9732
Website: www.robinhoodpool.club
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More

West Hillandale Swim Club

Address: 915 Schindler Drive
Phone: 301-439-4208
Website: www.westhillandaleswimclub.org
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More

YMCA Silver Spring

Address: 9800 Hastings Drive
Phone: 301-585-2120
Website: ymcadc.org
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More

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.

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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.

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!