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!
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.
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.
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.
An intimate 140-seat venue, near Colesville Road and Georgia Avenue, with four resident companies and multiple outside groups performing year-round shows.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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?
[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]
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
1. AFI Silver Theatre
2. The Fillmore
3. Cultural Arts Center Montgomery College Takoma Park / Silver Spring
4. Bump and Grind
6. Republic
7. Busboys and Poets
8. McGinty’sPublic House
9. The Highwood Theatre
10. Silver Spring Stage
11. Silver Spring Black Box Theatre
12. Maryland Youth Ballet
