Tag Archives: Real Estate

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

New and Upcoming Spots in Silver Spring!

Pictured above: Tacos, Tortas, and Tequila – Now Open!

Silver Spring continues to expand as a city with it’s community and businesses. As we’ve seen, construction has become a challenge in DTSS, but that means new businesses are opening and others are coming soon! From the upcoming restaurants to the latest fitness franchises, it was easy to come up with a quick list on a lunchtime walk.

See our map and list below of all the businesses newly opened and those coming soon to the area!

Now Open!

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Tacos, Tortas, and Tequila

Address: 8407 Ramsey Avenue
Website: https://www.facebook.com/tttrestaurant

Orangetheory Fitness

Address: 8455 Fenton Street
Website: http://orangetheoryfitness.com/

Paisano’s Pizza

Address: 8213 Georgia Avenue
Website: https://www.paisanospizza.com/

Kaldi’s Social House (Updated Rooftop Deck)

Address: 918 Silver Spring Avenue
Website: https://www.kaldissocial.com/

Now Open!

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Tacos, Tortas, and Tequila

Address: 8407 Ramsey Avenue
Website: https://www.facebook.com/tttrestaurant

Orangetheory Fitness

Address: 8455 Fenton Street
Website: http://orangetheoryfitness.com/

Paisano’s Pizza

Address: 8213 Georgia Avenue
Website: https://www.paisanospizza.com/

Kaldi’s Social House (Updated Rooftop Deck)

Address: 918 Silver Spring Avenue
Website: https://www.kaldissocial.com/

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Coming Soon!

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Pure Barre

Address: 8455 Fenton Street
Website: http://purebarre.com/md-silverspring/

Astro Lab Brewing

Address: 8216 Georgia Avenue
Website: https://www.astrolabbrewing.com/

Lewi Café

Address: 911 Bonifant Street
Website: https://www.lewicafe.com/

District Taco

Address: 1312 East West Highway
Website: https://www.districttaco.com/

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What place are you most looking forward to trying out? If we’ve missed any spots in the area that you’re excited about, let us know!

Under Contract Quickly with Go Brent

On the market and under contract in less than a week!

Year after year, Go Brent agents are real estate service leaders in the DC metro area. We’ve been the top agents inside the Beltway since 2008 and in the past 3 years, we’ve been the top listing agents in all of Silver Spring. In 2017, we were among the top listing agents in Takoma Park. We are proud to have assisted over 1,000 home buyers and home sellers over the years.

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Are you ready to sell your home? Let us help you!

Maryland Updates Smoke Alarm Law – What You Need To Know

Did you know that as of January 1, 2018 Maryland law requires the replacement of all BATTERY-ONLY operated smoke alarms with tamper resistant units incorporating a silence/hush button and life-long batteries? Read Maryland’s updated law here.

If you are using “old” smoke alarms with 9-volt batteries, you are not in compliance with the new law. The intent of the new Smoke Alarm Law is to transition away from smoke alarms with 9-volt batteries, as these batteries can be easily removed and not replaced resulting in loss of life. The new sealed smoke alarms have long-life batteries and a hush feature allowing you to temporarily silence an alarm due to a non-emergency activation (think cooking!), with the alarm automatically resetting after a few minutes.

new smoke alarm law wants to transition away from 9-volt battery alarms pictured above

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The new law also intends to achieve more reliable smoke alarm coverage in older dwellings. Smoke alarm requirements are based on when a house was built and specific statutory and code requirements. Not sure where smoke alarms should be located – check out the handy matrix here.

As real estate agents, we’ve been counseling our property sellers about smoke alarms as they are required by Montgomery County Code to have both working smoke alarms and to be in compliance with the new 2018 law when they sell their home.

That being said to comply with the law and in the interest of safety, all property owners should install the new sealed alarms. You upgrade your phone and other technology – why use outdated fire alarms when new and better technology is now available?

If you want expert guidance, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) offers free home safety checks; you can request an appointment through their web form here.

While replacing your existing alarms with the new sealed smoke alarms will cost you out-of-pocket now, you should save money over the expected 10-year life of the device as you no longer need to purchase new batteries each year. And won’t you be happy to not hear the alarm chirping at 3am as you try to find those 9-volt batteries?

Be safe – please install new smoke alarms!

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.

Your Guide to Local Farmers Markets

Photo via: Takoma Park Market

When choosing neighborhoods many buyers look for perks including access to transit, local shops and restaurants, and neighborhood parks. Another perk – farmers markets! Been to one of our local farmers market lately? With the warmer weather expected (finally!) it may be a great time to visit. Many markets are ramping up with special events and new vendors for the spring/summer season.

Check out our local farmers markets for the most up-to-date information:

Downtown Silver Spring FRESHFARM Market

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photo via: FreshFarm Downtown Silver Spring

The FRESHFARM Downtown Silver Spring Market is the second largest in our network of producer-only markets. This bustling, family-friendly market operates every Saturday year-round and boasts over 45 farmers and producers from DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Come and shop for conventional and certified organic fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meat, poultry and eggs, artisan sweet and savory baked goods, fresh milk, butter, and yogurt, goat, cow, and sheep cheeses, charcuterie, fermented foods and pickles, jams, jellies and sauces, honey, fresh oysters and handmade crab cakes, Maryland-made wines, beers, and ciders, flowers and plants, handmade soaps, and more!

Location: 890 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910
On Ellsworth Drive between Fenton Street and Georgia Avenue, and in Veterans Plaza

Hours: Saturdays, 10 am to 1 pm (Jan. to Mar. 2018)
Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm (April to Dec. 2018)

Learn more: http://freshfarm.org/downtown-silver-spring.html

Takoma Park Farmers Market

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Photo via Takomaparkmarket

Join us every Sunday on Laurel Avenue in the lovely historic business district of Takoma Park. You’ll find the freshest local, seasonal produce, breads, pasture raised meats, artisan cheese, eggs, baked goods and more from farms located within 125 miles of Takoma Park, MD. Each week, the market is a lively meeting place for residents and visitors. Street performers often set up along the sidewalks and non-profits share info at the Community Corner creating an enjoyable backdrop to market activities.

Location: Laurel Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912

Hours: Sunday, 10am-2pm, year round

Learn more: http://takomaparkmarket.com/

Bethesda Farm Women’s Market

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Photo via Fiveprime

A unique, intimate, quirky and festive shopping experience in Downtown Bethesda. The Market features great food, drink and music with artisans, crafts and boutique businesses from around the Mid-Atlantic region. Local vineyards and breweries provide tastings and food trucks offer a quick meal.We are a ten minute walk south on Wisconsin Ave from the Bethesda Metro Station at the intersection of Bethesda Ave. and Wisconsin Ave.

Location: 7155 Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda, MD

Hours: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday / Sunday Flea- Outside only / Market Bldg. Open 7:00am – 4:00pm

Learn more: http://farmwomensmarket.com

Kensington Farmers Market

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Photo via: Town of Kensington

Every Saturday from 9am-1pm, the MARC Train Station parking lot on Howard Avenue comes alive with vendors selling a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, meat, breads, olive oil, paella, homemade soaps, cheeses, meat pies, empanadas, cut flowers, cookies and other baked goods.

Location: Historic Train Station at 10417 Howard Ave.

Hours: Open every Saturday year-round, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Learn more: http://tok.md.gov/events/farmers-market/

Eastern Market

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Photo via: Washington.org

You may be familiar with Eastern Market, but checkout this list of local DC neighborhood markets.  Maybe you can make a market stop part of your next trip to DC!

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

10 Ways We Earn Your Business

Go Brent – Proven. Ready.

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1. We are Realists: We know any agent can list your home in the multiple listing system or open doors for buyer showings. We know we need to earn your business.

2. We are Present: We work with people in all situations and with varying timelines. You don’t have to be a buyer or a seller to talk with us.

3. We Listen: We really want to hear everything that’s on your mind. Knowing your ultimate goal is important of course, but to advise you in the most complete way possible, we want to know much more. We know you will have many questions about the process and we are here to assist you figure out the answers.

4. We Connect: Prior to and throughout the transaction, you’ll need knowledgeable, caring professionals. With over twenty years of experience in the community, we’ve built relationships with partners you can trust to serve you well: hauler, cleaner, plumber, mover, window washer, general contractors, locksmith, landscaper, structural engineer, radon remediator. You name it, we got it.

5. We Dig In: We know how to prepare our clients to maximize every market opportunity. This means guiding you to be the most prepared, educated, and savvy buyer. It also means how we handle the presentation of a home for sale. We are well known for shaping the best product on the market which includes the option of having your home staged at no initial charge and no monthly rental fee.

6. We Leverage: We are confident, knowledgeable, and tenacious in negotiation. We have a firm grasp on the sales contract and we understand how to use every bit of leverage possible to our clients’ advantage.

7. We Communicate: We are easy to find and easy to reach. Our team members all live locally and work from our office in downtown Silver Spring. Our office staff is experienced, cross-trained, and dedicated.

8. We Guide: We’ve vetted the local industry leaders for you including lenders, home inspectors, and settlement companies/attorneys.

9. We Protect: If ever there is a time that you need advice that we cannot provide, we’ll refer you to a professional that can help you.

10. We Know: Every client and every situation is unique. We know there really is no standard buyer, seller, property, or transaction. We work with you in the way that is most effective for you.

Let us know how we can assist you — contact us to schedule a free consultation and let’s get started!

Get Out in Front of the Spring Market

There’s little inventory now but as you know the DC-area market typically explodes come Spring. If you intend to buy or sell in 2018, now is the perfect time to meet with an agent to ensure you have a strategy in place and don’t miss out.

Go Brent agents are full-time Realtors who have an unrivaled command of the local market. In 2017, we successfully assisted our clients to buy and sell 131 homes.

Put our expertise to work for you – contact Go Brent to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to talking with you!