Tag Archives: Montgomery County

#GivingTuesday 2018 in Silver Spring

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday.

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:

Silver Spring Village

The mission of Silver Spring Village is to build and sustain a supportive network of neighbors helping neighbors remain in their own homes and be engaged in their community as they age.

Residents of various close-in Silver Spring neighborhoods serve on a volunteer basis on the board of directors and on the board’s committees.  Our (part-time) Executive Director develops strategies and plans and, together with our (part-time) Director of Volunteer Services and many volunteers, ensures their implementation.

[wolf_button url=”https://www.silverspringvillage.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=902719&module_id=144102″ color=”yellow” type=”flat” size=”small” target=”_blank”]Donate today![/wolf_button]

A Wider Circle

This #GivingTuesday, whatever you give will be DOUBLED or TRIPLED. All donations will be matched dollar for dollar – with gifts of $1,000 or more receiving a 2-for-1 match, up to a total of $30,000 to support our new Partnership to Independence Program!

[wolf_button url=”https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/awidercircle” color=”yellow” type=”flat” size=”small” target=”_blank”]Donate today![/wolf_button]

ArtStream, Inc.

Few theatres provide challenging arts opportunities for adults with disabilities and fewer still encourage them to be artists as well as audience members. ArtStream’s six Inclusive Theatre Companies invite actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities to collaborate with theater professionals and trained volunteer mentors to develop and present original musical theatre productions. Participants can also take theatre-based classes to boost self-confidence and strengthen communications and social skills. And the arts can heal, just as they can educate and entertain. Partnerships with schools, community organizations, and others ensure that adults and children can access the arts in a way that is meaningful, powerful, and healing. Your contribution makes it happen.

[wolf_button url=”https://www.cfp-dc.org/cfpdc/nonprofit-campaign.php?i=95251-1229″ color=”yellow” type=”flat” size=”small” target=”_blank”]Donate today![/wolf_button]

Friends of the Silver Spring Library

Friends of the Library, Silver Spring Chapter (FOLSS), is an all-volunteer organization of people who care about our library. FOLSS raises money to augment public funding for programs, materials, and equipment at the Silver Spring Library. We raised funds to pay for the state-of-the-art Early Literacy Center on the Silver Spring Library’s fifth floor; we also fund programming for Summer Reading, Library Lovers’ Month, and various other teen and adult programs during the year. Every dollar of donated funds goes directly to programming, materials, and services that benefit our local community.

[wolf_button url=”https://www.folmc.org/donate/” color=”yellow” type=”flat” size=”small” target=”_blank”]Donate today![/wolf_button]

Crossroads Community Food Network

Crossroads Community Food Network is building a healthier, more inclusive food system in our community. At the heart of this integrated network of food growers, makers, and consumers is Crossroads Farmers Market, where nutrition incentives make healthy food more affordable and at the same time helps support local farmers and vendors — 3/4 of whom are immigrants themselves.

[wolf_button url=”https://www.crossroadscommunityfoodnetwork.org/civicrm/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/contribute/transact&reset=1&id=3″ color=”yellow” type=”flat” size=”small”]Donate today![/wolf_button]

Shepherd’s Table

Shepherd’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 community!

[wolf_button url=”https://shepherdstable.networkforgood.com/projects/33988-it-s-a-new-day-transforming-lives-growing-our-community” color=”yellow” type=”flat” size=”small” target=”_blank”]Donate today![/wolf_button]

To find more local community programs to help support on #GivingTuesday, visit: Silver Spring Cares and for organizations world wide, visit https://www.givingtuesday.org.

Silver Spring Cares Presents the 2nd Annual Warm Clothing Drive!

Silver Spring Cares is kicking off their 2nd Annual Winter Clothing Drive to benefit Linkages to Learning at JoAnne Leleck Elementary at Broad Acres. If you find yourself with winter items you no longer need, consider donating your items to the drive. This will help ensure our Silver Spring residents are warm and healthy this winter season! Silver Spring Cares will be going around town picking up donations now through November 30th, just simply sign-up here to schedule your pick-up.

Read more info below via the Silver Spring Cares blog

Items accepted: Winter Coats,  Jackets, Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Boots, Sweatshirts, Sweaters, Pajamas, Pants, Fleece, Socks, etc! Basically, if it’s warm and in great condition, it’ll happily find a new home this winter! Please only consider donating items that are in excellent and clean condition. Please do not donate items that missing buttons, have stains or tears.

Silver Spring Cares will be hitting the streets to collect your donations. Simply place your clean and gently used donations in a clearly labeled bag and place on your porch for pick up.

Sign up here when you’re ready for pick up. Once your request is received, you will receive an email to confirm pick up. Please be aware that we are only able to pick up within a 20-minute drive of downtown Silver Spring. Have more questions? Email heather@silverspringcares.org. Thanks for helping make Silver Spring a great place to thrive! 

FREE First-Time Homebuyer Seminar – Saturday, October 27

Join Go Brent’s Debbie Gerald and Caliber Home Loans’ Ramez Fahmy for a free First-Time Homebuyer Seminar.

We’ll discuss the ins and outs of purchasing and financing your first home/condo. If you’ve been thinking about buying in the near future, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn about the buying process.

When:    Saturday,  October 27 from 10:00-11:30AM
Where:   Silver Spring Civic Center in downtown Silver Spring

Please sign-up in advance.

There is no cost or obligation, just plenty of information! Can’t attend but want to know more about the home buying process? Contact Debbie for more information.

Planning Department Addresses Missing Middle Housing in Montgomery County

What is Missing Middle Housing?

Missing Middle Housing are residential structures such as bungalows, duplexes,  triplexes, etc. — dwellings that have have become quite uncommon for developers over the last 70 years. The Montgomery County Planning Department recently presented their Missing Middle Housing Study to the Planning Board on Sept 20, 2018, a study addressing the absence of MMH structures within Montgomery County and their case to revive them within the county’s current housing needs.

The study also recognizes the challenges that should arise if missing middle housing were to be developed within the county’s current housing state but also presents the positive potential it would have for the county’s increasing population, as well as the opportunities it would have for those residents who seek more affordable housing options.

“I wish we had zoning that would encourage highest and best use for housing; we can’t fix our workforce housing shortage without zoning changes,” says Liz Brent. “Who are we to determine when development stops? Are we really prepared to say to the people who fight our fires, provide our emergency services, work in our restaurants, and teach our children that we don’t care how far they have to travel to get to their jobs?”

From the Montgomery County Planning Department’s Press Release:

“It’s clear from the study that, currently, the smaller developers who could create most of the Missing Middle housing types are finding it difficult to do that here,” says Paul Mortensen, a senior urban designer in the Planning Director’s office, who co-authored the report. “The study indicates ways we can streamline the development process for these housing types because the needs of the county are changing and there is a huge market demand for this type of adaptable housing.”

Read full press release from the Montgomery County Planning Department…

Are You Ready to Find Your Dream Home?

Are you ready to find your dream home? Let Go Brent be your guide!
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If you’ve decided to embark on your home buying journey, it’s time to schedule a free consultation with a Go Brent agent. Once we have a sense of your ideal home, we’ll ensure you’re aware of the best available properties in your desired area, price range, and location.

As well-connected experts, we’ll be in touch with other agents and may learn of new listings before they hit the market. And yes, while home searches on the internet can be fun, it can also be a time suck for you. Let us work on your behalf – we’ll send you on-going property and neighborhood updates, plus offer you flexibility for scheduling appointments.

Then when you find “the one,” you can count on our strong command of the sales contract; we’ll prepare a solid offer, minimize your risk, and negotiate on your behalf.

This year, we’ve worked with 50 clients who have purchased homes in Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Kensington, Rockville, Potomac, and Gaithersburg. We’ve helped first-time homebuyers, clients purchasing larger “move-up” homes, as well as clients who are downsizing.  And if you are thinking of simultaneously buying a new home and selling your current home, we can assist with that too.

When you choose Go Brent, you’ll work with a full-time agent with an unrivaled command of the local market.

Want to know more?
Learn more about our team or contact us to schedule your free consultation!

New Real Estate Pricing Stats: Mid-Year 2018

We have real estate pricing stats with data through mid-year 2018. 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.

Staging Sells!

Go Brent offers clients complimentary staging!

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Our staging strategy has been honed over the last 15+ years and focuses on transforming a property into a welcoming, enticing space to attract the largest pool of potential buyers thereby resulting in a quicker sale for the highest possible price for our sellers!

Over the past decade, we’ve built a substantial inventory of furniture, rugs, books and general décor to lend to clients. Years of experience arranging furniture in all types of homes, plus a retail background in home furnishings and décor merchandising, gives a strong base of knowledge.

Our complimentary service includes furniture, décor as well as the labor! This represents a significant cost savings for sellers.

We also work with clients to evaluate existing furniture placement and assist with a plan to declutter and depersonalize the home prior to listing for sale.

[wolf_button url=”http://www.gobrentteam.com/consult/” color=”yellow” type=”flat” size=”small”]Want to know more?[/wolf_button]

Our Summer Picks: What Our Team is Into This Summer!

With just a few weeks of summer left, we thought we’d share what’s captured our interest and kept us busy, aside from real estate. From books to podcasts, here’s what we’re into this summer…how about you?

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Debbie Gerald

LovesThe Moth Radio Hour Podcast on NPR. “Just people telling stories, you never know what you will get!”

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Liz Brent

Reading Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover; a book club pick for Now Read This from PBS NewsHour and The New York Times. Also enjoying local blog by Casey Anderson at Montgomery Planning.

 
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Cari Jordan

Enjoying The Habitat Podcast, just finished watching The Staircase documentary on Netflix, and starting to read Jenny Mollen’s Live Fast, Die Hot.

  

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Susanna Drayne

Favorite books this summer so far: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, This Could Hurt by Jillian Medoff, and The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin. Binged the 30 for 30 Podcast about Bikram Choudray of Bikram yoga.

   

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Beth Stanton

Hooked on Audible — just finished listening to A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and started Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. Also reading An American Marriage by Tayari Jones.

  

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Heather Foley

Listening to Slate’s new podcast Better Life Lab and reading Differently Wired by Deborah Reber. Checking our family-friendly podcasts too: Wow in the World, Brains On! & The Adventures of Eleanor Amplified.

   

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Marty Milam

Loving the podcast My Favorite Murder!

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Any of these on your summer list? Anything you recommend? Let us know what you’re into this summer!

The Silver Spring Cares Random Acts of Kindness Summer Challenge is On!

Our friends over at Silver Spring Cares have partnered up with McGinty’s Public House in Downtown Silver Spring, putting together their very first Random Acts of Kindness Summer Challenge catered toward all kids (0-12) to promote acts of kindness in our community. The Kindness Challenge is an easy five-step process and once completed, they can get a FREE kids meal at McGinty’s from August 27th – August 31st!

“Do kind things and get a free meal.”

Read some of the post below and head over to their site to challenge your kids to participate!

Here at Silver Spring Cares, we believe that that kindness is contagious. In fact, we know it to be a fact. It’s science!

We also happen to believe that with a little effort, we can make our community the kindest place to live.

That’s why we partnered up with our super kind friends at McGinty’s Public House to create our very first Random Acts of Kindness Summer Challenge! This month we’re challenging you (kids ages 0 – 12) to show off just how kind our community can be.  Complete the challenge and then join us at McGinty’s anytime between Monday, August 27th – Friday, August 31st and get a FREE kids meal! Yes, it’s that easy. Do kind things and get a free meal. What?! Amazeballs.

It’s fun and easy to participate!

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Head over to Silver Spring Cares and let’s show the community some kindness!

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!