Tag Archives: Takoma Park

Celebrate Independence Day with Local Fireworks Displays!

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

Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road

Live music will begin at 7:30 PM, featuring Gringo Jingo Ultimate Santana Tribute Group 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.

128th ANNUAL TAKOMA PARK INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION

Parade, Carroll & Ethan Allen Avenues

Fireworks, Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road

The parade begins at 10:00 AM, rain or shine, 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.

CITY OF COLLEGE PARK & THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

University of Maryland, Lot 1 adjacent to Campus Drive

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.

FREE First-time Homebuyer Seminar – Saturday, July 22 at 10AM

Join Debbie Gerald with Go Brent Team of Keller Williams Capital Properties and Ramez Fahmy, Branch Manager at Caliber Home Loans for an informative seminar on how to purchase your first home.  The seminar is offered on Saturday, July 22 from 10-11am at the Silver Spring Civic Center in downtown Silver Spring. There is no cost or obligation, just plenty of information! Please register in advance.

Homebuyers are invited to come discuss the ins and outs of purchasing and financing your first home. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how to start the home buying process.

A little more about your hosts:

As a member of Go Brent Team, a top-ranked DC Metro area team helping 40 clients to buy homes last year, Debbie Gerald specializes in educating first-time homebuyers on the home buying process and the many avenues available when purchasing your first home. Debbie is an expert in the marketplace and an experienced contract negotiator; she also provides clients with superior service. Buyers know they can count on Debbie to guide them as they search for the right home.

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Caliber Home Loans Branch Manager Ramez Fahmy offers buyers 20-years experience in mortgage lending. Ramez is dedicated to providing superior service and expert guidance to first-time buyers throughout the home financing process. Caliber Home Loans offers competitive rates and fees along with innovative mortgage solutions to first-time homebuyers. Last year Ramez helped over 100 clients finance their home purchase. (NMLS#: 476394)

Can’t attend but want more information about home buying process? Email Debbie or call 301.873.0422.

YTD Market Stats Round Up

Below are data statistics for single-family home sales year to date in 20910, 20901, 20912, and 20895.

Interested in what’s happening in another zip code or are you looking for information on the market in your specific neighborhood? Contact us for local market insights.

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73 Homes Sold in 20910

Highest Priced Sale – $1,213,990
Average Home Sold Price – $637,453
Average Days on Market – 22

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136 Homes Sold in 20901

Highest Priced Sale – $805,334
Average Home Sold Price – $471,015
Average Days on Market – 29

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46 Homes Sold in 20912

Highest Priced Sale – $1,050,000
Average Home Sold Price – $536,202
Average Days on Market – 28

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110 Homes Sold in 20895

Highest Priced Sale – $1,575,000
Average Home Sold Price – $623,168
Average Days on Market – 32

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6 Spots We Love for Mother’s Day Brunch

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’ve put together a list of 6 local area restaurants that are perfect for a Mother’s Day Brunch! Give Mom a break and treat her to a nice meal, she deserves it!

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photo via All Set

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1. All Set

Address: 8630 Fenton St, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301-495-8800
Website: allsetrestaurant.com

This Sunday, join us for Mother’s Day and treat mom to a bountiful Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet. The Brunch Buffet will feature items such as Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage and Chicken Sausage, Pancakes & French Toast with Macerated Berries, Smoked Salmon with Toasted Bagels, Chicken Wings with Ranch & Blue Cheese Dipping Sauces and Baby Cakes. A limited A La Carte menu will also be available.

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photo via mrs. k

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2. Mrs. K

Address: 9201 Colesville Road, Silver Spring 20910
Phone: 301-589-3500
Website: mrsks.com/events/

Sunday Brunch Buffet: They always feature a Carving Station, Custom Omelet Station, Freshly Made Belgian Waffles, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage and Ham, Home Fries, Oysters on the Half Shell, Assortment of Hot Breakfast and Lunch Foods, Cold Salads and Assorted cold appetizers, Assorted fine pastries and danishes, Freshly brewed Coffee and teas… and Much More!

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photo via Pacci’s

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3. Pacci’s Trattoria

Address: 6 Post Office Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301-588-0867
Website: www.paccistrattoria.com/sunday-brunch/

Pacci’s Trattoria & Pasticceria offers a Sunday All-You-Can-Eat Brunch Buffet, featuring homemade pastas, salads, and regional seafood, meat dishes and much more! Their beverage selection prides itself on hand-crafted signature cocktails, Italian and local beers, sodas and a wine list that features both Italian classics and new vintages.

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photo via 8407

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4. 8407 Kitchen Bar

Address: 8407 Ramsey Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301-587-8407
Website: www.8407kb.com/events/

8407 Kitchen Bar’s Sunday Brunch is not to be missed! They offer a 3 Course Menu, serving dishes like fried calamari, mixed berries, traditional omelets, benedicts, and of course…dessert! Each 3-course menu is served with bloody mary, mimosa, or OJ. This is the perfect gathering spot for Mother’s Day!

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photo via McGinty’s

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5. McGinty’s Public House

Address: 911 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301-587-1270
Website: www.mcgintyspublichouse.com/mother-s-day-brunch

McGinty’s Public House is a lively Irish pub with a wide selection of whiskey, traditional decor, patio, bar menu & live music. Join them for their McGinty’s Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch from 12-3pm.

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6. Fenton Cafe

Address: 8311 Fenton St, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301-326-1841
Website: www.fentoncafesilverspring.com

Not enough time for brunch but want a quick yet satisfying bite? Fenton Street offers traditional French sweet and savory crepes. Yum!

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Montgomery County to Consider Zoning Amendment on Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vacation Rentals by Owner (VBRO) continue to grow in popularity typically due to their affordability and convenience. Currently, these 30 day or less rentals are illegal in Montgomery County unless they are licensed as a hotel or Bed & Breakfast; however, this prohibition is weakly enforced and there are hundreds of Montgomery County listings on sites like Airbnb. Though the county doesn’t allow it, it still collects the local hotel/motel tax on rentals. The Montgomery County Planning Board has put together a proposed zoning text amendment (ZTA) that would regulate any short-term rental activity in Montgomery County.

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Silver Spring Airbnb Listings

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Takoma Park Airbnb Listings

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Just in Silver Spring and Takoma Park alone, you can see numerous short-term rentals.

Montgomery County follows Arlington County as the latest jurisdiction in the area attempting to put together proposed regulations, which states:

“…that a property can be used as a short-term residential rental for a maximum of 90 days in a calendar year and the use must be licensed. Each license would be issued for a term of one year and renewable for additional one-year terms, subject to payment of a license fee.

Occupancy in a short-term residential rental is limited to six adult guests per night. A maximum of two overnight guests may stay in each bedroom. A record of all overnight visitors must be maintained and ready for inspection by Health and Human Services (HHS) staff.” viamontgomeryplanning.org

A similar debate is now underway in the District as well.

The Montgomery Planning Board will meet to discuss the new short-term rental rules on May 11th.

For more information and coverage, visit montgomeryplanning.org

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