Tag Archives: Maryland

Getting Your Home On the Market Quickly

There are lots of times we talk about free consults and long-term planning for future sellers. But what if you want to get your house on the market ASAP?

Well, Go Brent Team can do that too!

A client recently hired us and wanted to get their house on the market as quickly as possible. We sprung into action! Within a week, we helped them prep the house, ensured all their paperwork was complete, and arranged for professional photographs. The following week we designed and printed color brochures, listed the house in the MLS, and held a weekend open house. By the end of week 3, the home was under contract.

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Are you thinking of making a move? Whether you want to be on the market in 3 weeks or 3 years, Go Brent Team is happy to help you plan for what’s next! Contact us to schedule your free consultation.

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

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: 

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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

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.*

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*according to MRIS statistics for the combined areas in 2016