Tag Archives: Maryland

Comparing 2018 & 2017 YTD Listings in Silver Spring and Takoma Park

With the first half of the year in the books, we took a look at the number of single family and town homes listed in close-in Silver Spring and Takoma Park. The numbers below represent homes that were listed in 2018 year-to-date compared with listings for the same period in 2017.

Listings in 20910 and 20912 are both down significantly this year, 18% and 12% respectively; while the number of listings in 20901 and 20902 are about the same this year compared to last.

20910

2018: 169
2017: 205

20912

2018: 94
2017: 107

20901

2018: 311
2017: 303

20902

2018: 312
2017: 297

There is no crystal ball in real estate; the market ebbs and flows based on interest rates, buyer/seller motivation, and other factors. So, while we can’t predict exactly what will happen in the second half of the year, meeting with an agent to discuss the particulars of your situation is best. Go Brent agents are experienced and savvy; we’ve navigated the local market for years and we’ve been top agents inside the Beltway since 2008.

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today. We consult with both buyers and sellers. Many times we work with clients months, or even years, in advance of making a decision. Regardless of your timeframe,  we look forward to helping you plan for what’s next!

Giving Back Boredom Busters via Silver Spring Cares

We are in the thick of summer with the new school year still a ways away – this means more time for the kids to be bored and restless while they wait for school to start. Silver Spring Cares put together a great list to fight this with 10 ways to get your kids involved in the local community this summer!

Read some below or head on over to their site to read the full list.

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Welcome to the endless summer, Maryland! Where you’ll get 4,200 additional renditions of “I’m Bored!” Ok ok, school does start back September 4 but that seems really far away. So to help you reduce the “I’m Boreds” by 10, here are ten things your kids can do to help others this summer (with minimal supervision).

Host a food drive for Manna Food Center

Check out the Most Needed Foods list, make flyers, and let your neighbors know your kids will do porch pickup of food donations. Summer time is a lean time for food pantries so getting your neighborhood involved to bridge the summer food gap!

Paint Kindness Rocks inspired by Small Things Matter

Create kindness rocks to be abandoned and discovered by others as a Random Act of Kindness. Spread messages of love and kindness throughout your community!

Pick Up Litter on your Street for the Friends of Sligo Creek

Grab a trash bag and gloves and send your kids down your street to pick up the trash that gathers in the gutters. Trash gets washed to the creek from gutters so picking up trash along your street can help protect Sligo Creek!

Make Cards for our Senior Community Members through Silver Spring Village

Put your kids’ art skills to use and make beautiful drawings, colorings or cards to give to Silver Spring Village to distribute to their clients.

Clean out Closets for Mary’s Center

Two birds, one stone here, parents! Have your kids clean out their closets and toys and donate gently used things they no longer wear/play with to Mary’s Center for the families they serve.

Read Full List via Silver Spring Cares Blog

Could “Tiny Homes” Make Their Way to Montgomery County?

photo via The Design Of The House Is Cool And Simple

Repost below is from the Montgomery County MD Council Facebook Page

Looking for housing for elderly parents or a college student? An accessory dwelling unit (also known as an in-law unit, accessory apartment and by many other names) could be right for you. These units include living spaces constructed over garages, basement apartments and even tiny backyard homes. These types of units provide environmental, life-style and financial benefits.

Did you know the Montgomery County MD Council introduced legislation on July 17 to streamline the regulations associated with constructing accessory dwelling units? Let the Council know what you think by using #MoCoTinyHousing on social media or via letter/email to the Council. You can also testify at the Council’s public hearing on September 11 at 1:30 p.m.

For more information on Zoning Text Amendment 18-07 and Bill 26-18, which is sponsored by Council members Nancy Floreen and George Leventhal and Council President Hans Riemer, see the links to the Council staff reports below.

Read more here:
https://tinyurl.com/MoCoZTA1807

https://tinyurl.com/Bill2618

To keep updated on this and other County Council news, sign-up to receive The Council Connection, Council President Hans Reimer’s e-newsletter.

Celebrate 4th of July with these Community Events!

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

Where: Albert Einstein High School
Address: 11135 Newport Mill Road
Website: montgomerycountymd.gov

Live music will begin at 7:30 PM, featuring Quiet Fire 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.

Click here for more information

photo via Visit Montgomery

129th Annual Takoma Park Independence Celebration

Parade: Carroll & Ethan Allen Avenues
Fireworks: Takoma Park Middle School
Address: 7611 Piney Branch Road
Website: takomapark4th.org

The parade begins at 10:00 AM and lasts until about noon. Parade is held rain or shine and begins 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.

Click here for more information

photo via Visit Montgomery

23rd Annual Kensington Fourth of July Bike Parade

Parade: St. Paul Park
Address: Plyers Mill Road and St. Paul Street
Website: tok.md.gov

The annual bike parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Park. Those wishing to participate should begin lining up along St. Paul Street between Plyers Mill Road and Oberon Street by 9:45 am. This event is open to all kids, and those young at heart, that wish to decorate their bike, scooter, wagon or stroller and follow a Kensington Volunteer Fire Department truck through the streets of Kensington.

Click here for more information

photo via eventbrite

City of College Park & The University of Maryland Concert & Fireworks

Where: University of Maryland
Address: Lot 1 adjacent to Campus Drive
Website: eventbrite.com

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.

Click here for more information

Looking for something else? Check out these other area events and celebrate!

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Bowie Baysox Ball Game, BBQ and Fireworks!

City of Rockville Independence Day Celebration at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park

Six Flags July 4th Fest!

Spotlight on Our Community Partners!

For almost two decades, we at Go Brent 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 below and obtain a quote today!

Abrahams Lawn Service

Website

About 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.

Backyard Bounty

Website

About Backyard Bounty: One of our favorites is Edamarie Mattai, NOFA (Northeast Organic Farmers Association) certified Master Gardner and owner of Backyard Bounty, a local business dedicated to improving the environment by re-imagining the American garden. She started Backyard Bounty in 2008 and now employs a planting crew, mason, and two designers. Together they have designed and installed dozens of conservation landscapes, kitchen gardens, permeable driveways, and rain gardens throughout the DC region.  Learn more or get a quote.

B&A Custom Painting General Contractor

Website

About 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

Website

About 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.

Dr. Glass

Website

About 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

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.

Website

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.

Mike’s Hauling

About Mike’s Hauling:When you’re de-cluttering and need help, call Mike Carmody Monday through Saturday. He’ll arrive with the truck, labor and experience (20+ years) required to help you remove unwanted items from anywhere at your home or business. Mike will haul away your junk but he enjoys transporting your charitable donations as well, making trips to local organizations to donate gently used household items. Learn more or get a quote.

Redbird Redesign

Website

About 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.

SureFit Security

Website

About 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 is not compensated in any way for recommending our community partners. Each business is separately owned and operated. Go Brent checks all contractor licenses annually; license statuses were checked on September 1, 2017. 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.

Go Brent Lists Historic Montgomery County Home

Go Brent is proud to list 605 St. Andrews Lane in the Silver Spring neighborhood of North Hills.

The Louis L. Brunett House was originally constructed circa 1864. This unique historic home is on the market for only the second time in 70 years. The original house was substantially remodeled in 1939 in an eclectic Neoclassical Revival design. The Brunett House has local architectural and historical significance and is listed as a Historic Site in the Montgomery County Master Plan for Historic Preservation.

This urban oasis is an engaging combination of charming architectural detail and modern convenience. The front porch with double entry doors beckons you inside to the main level offering rooms of gracious proportions with wonderful flow. There is a grand living room with working fireplace, custom bar room, formal dining room, powder room, and renovated kitchen with granite counters and breakfast room with working fireplace. The family room, at the rear of the home, offers a separate entryway to the driveway and yard. From this room there are stairs to the upper level media room. Two screened porches on either side of the home extend your living space outdoors. Details of note include floor to ceiling windows, period moldings, high ceilings, and hardwood floors on all three above ground levels.

From the main hall, the handsome staircase leads to the second level featuring a Master bedroom and bathroom, three additional large bedrooms, and a full bath located off the center hallway. On the third level, there are two additional bedrooms and another full bathroom.

The home is nestled on a hill above the quiet one-way street on a generous lot featuring mature trees and landscaping and beautiful gardens. The property offers walkways, stone/brick walls, and a spacious stone patio. The crowning jewel is the outdoor kitchen and deck. Inside and out, this home provides a wonderful venue for entertaining.

The location is ideal. You are inside the Beltway and just steps to Sligo Creek Park. Walk a few blocks to downtown Silver Spring and enjoy restaurants, shops, Whole Foods, the year-round FRESHFARM farmers market, and entertainment venues including The Fillmore and AFI Silver Theatre. Commuting is simple – you’re just a mile walk or drive to the Silver Spring Transit Center with Metro and MARC trains. You also have quick access to area buses, the Beltway and major commuter routes.

View floorplans, photos, and the virtual tour.

For more information, contact Go Brent.

Finding Your New Home: Think Budget and Location

Photo: 2018 Sold/Under Contract homes for Go Brent buyers

A recent Washington Post article discussed home ownership and how “buyers in the Washington area, accustomed to the lack of available homes and declining affordability in the past few years, are beginning to recognize that widening their scope of potential neighborhoods might be necessary to get a home they want.”

Many times, buyers know what they are looking for and have preconceived notions of where they want to live. Working with an experienced Go Brent agent may help you think outside the box and consider other neighborhoods you aren’t familiar with. Go Brent has recently worked with several buyers who purchased in Riverdale Park, near the Gateway Arts District. One of our recent listings in Wheaton received 10 offers; buyers are just a bit further from downtown Silver Spring but maintained walkability to Metro, access to Sligo Creek Park, and saw a more affordable sales price.

Go Brent agents can also help you determine which home features or neighborhood attributes are most important to you, which may help broaden your search. Looking at your max budget – what is most important to you? Is Metro access a must or is it a home with all bedrooms upstairs? Is walkability a priority or would a more suburban location be ok if you could find a home with certain other attributes?

A free buyer consultation with one of our buyer agents can help you prioritize your wants and needs while considering a variety of locations and neighborhoods. Contact us to set up a consult with one of our expert buyer agents. We look forward to helping you find your first, or next, home!

Why Pre-Sale Home Prep Brings Value

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‘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!

Hear What Our Clients Have to Say

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[wolf_testimonials_start][wolf_testimonial_slide cite=”Ken Brown & Donna Creedon, sold in Silver Spring after just 5 days on the market”]We dreaded going through the prep work to get ready to sell. The fact that you 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![/wolf_testimonial_slide][wolf_testimonials_end]

With Home Inventory Low – Go Brent is Ready to help Sellers

The number of single-family homes on the market now is quite low. Sellers don’t have a lot of competition and we have many buyers who are eager to buy but are fazed by the lack of inventory.

If selling your home has crossed your mind, now may be an excellent time to sell. We are currently meeting with homeowners to discuss if they should put their home on the market quickly to take advantage of the lack of inventory or prep their home and wait for the spring market.

Sellers Blog | 9309 Glenville
9309 Glenville Road
Long Branch Village

Listed and Under Contract in:
6 days

*Just 70 days from listing to sold

Sellers Blog | 111 Elm Ave
111 Elm Avenue
Takoma Park

Listed and Under Contract in:
6 days

*Received multiple offers for more than list price

Sellers Blog | 301 Lexington
301 Lexington Drive
Woodmoor

Listed and Under Contract in:
5 days

*Previously on market 4+ months with another brokerage

A Go Brent agent can provide you with a free consultation to discuss your property and the current market situation.

Please reach out if you are interested in a free seller consultation or would like to discuss other options such as leasing or home renovation projects.

With Home Inventory Low – Go Brent is Ready to help Buyers

As a buyer, competition can be stiff — we are seeing multiple offers and escalation clauses on many properties. As seasoned full-time agents, we’ve navigated competitive markets before and can best assist you with your home purchase. We know how to prepare a strong offer, best leverage your position, and minimize your risk. Also, Go Brent agents are in constant communication with area agents and often learn of new listings before they hit the market. A free consult with a Go Brent agent will be advantageous as you begin or continue your search for a home.

If you are interested in a free consultation or would like to hear about new listings that are “Coming Soon” – please contact us!

Detached Single Family Homes Currently on Market

2090116
209029
209038
2090426
2090521
2090621
2091018
209129
2089519