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.
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 Tuesday, March 28 at 7:00-8:30pm 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 a 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 team in the DC Metro area, Debbie Gerald specializes in educating first-time homebuyers on the home buying process and the many avenues available when purchasing your first home. Buyers know they can count on Debbie to guide them as they search for the right home. Our agents are experts in the marketplace, highly experienced contract negotiators, and provide clients with superior service. Go Brent Team helped 45 clients purchase homes last year.
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.
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.
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
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.
Four of our recent clients were in a situation where they originally listed their homes with another brokerage, but after spending time on the market, their properties did not sell. When properties accumulate days on market, many buyers consider that property to be “stale”. After ending their agreement with their first brokerage, these sellers turned to Go Brent Team to market and sell their homes.
Our approach is always to discuss both price and product with sellers. We work with them to make their property most appealing to the widest pool of buyers. While pricing is one factor for discussion, the property must also be reevaluated to ensure its return to the market is noticed by buyers.
We recently took over the following listings with great results.
1502 Red Oak Drive (20910 – Woodside Forest)
Sold in 8 days after 48 days on the market with another broker.
We consulted with the client and decided the kitchen needed a cosmetic facelift. We also chose a clean neutral paint color to replace a dark blue accent wall in the family room; the neutral paint color made the room brighter and accented the cathedral ceiling and skylights. Staging furniture was added, along with décor and rugs to the family room, living room, and bedrooms, to give the home a more polished feel, both in the photos and in person.
9606 Bruce Drive (20901 – North Hills)
Sold in 6 days after 5 months on market with another broker.
Our strategy for selling this home involved ensuring that the home was well presented in on-line photographs and the virtual tour. We assisted the seller to select new interior paint colors, staged several rooms with furniture and décor, and rearranged the seller’s existing furniture so buyers could visualize living in the home.
10108 Grant Avenue (20910 – Capitol View Park)
Sold in 15 days after 2 months on market with another broker.
We worked with the seller to modify the front exterior – a new blue front door, landscaping, and exterior lighting improved the front walkway. We rearranged the seller’s furniture in the bedrooms and living area and also added artwork and rugs throughout the home. The result was a more welcoming feel in person and more appealing on-line photographs.
9412 Woodland Drive (20910 – Woodside Forest)
Sold in 7 days after 3 months on market with another broker.
A new green front door color was chosen to replace the previous red door. We also worked with the photographer to ensure the front exterior photos were taken from different angles to emphasize the home’s curb appeal, which included a beautiful tree, sea grass, and landscaping.
Selling the Unsold | Testimonial
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[wolf_testimonial_slide cite=”Philip & Jill Downs”]We were discouraged when our house wasn’t selling in an otherwise hot market. We called Liz Brent. Liz helped us understand why selling our home had been more challenging than expected. She renewed our appreciation for the many desirable features of our property, and worked with us to tweak staging and develop a results-oriented strategy forward. She produced thoughtful, descriptive language and beautiful photos, which highlighted the many charming aspects of the home. Most importantly, armed with in depth knowledge of real estate in our neighborhood, Liz suggested the correct price to sell. We received two offers, above asking, within the first week back on the market. Settlement was a breeze. We will be forever grateful to Liz and the Go Brent team for delivering us the sellers’ experience we deserved. [/wolf_testimonial_slide][wolf_testimonials_end]
Do you renovate, build an addition, or move to a home that “has it all”? What options are realistic for you and your current home? How do you best finance your dream home or renovation?
Join Liz Brent for a Home Expo on Tuesday, January 12 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Kaldi’s Social House (918 Silver Spring Avenue). Talk with neighborhood experts who will be ready to answer your specific questions:
