Are you ready to find your dream home? Let Go Brent be your guide! [wolf_spacer height=”16″]
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!
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.
— 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.
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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
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.
