Pre-sale home preparation is one of the most important things you can do to add value in the mind of the buyer. Go Brent Team’s home preparation can raise the value of your property by leading the eye to attractive features while minimizing flaws.
We offer advice regarding all phases of property preparation. While some sellers paint, refinish floors, and take on other major projects, some clients do very little. We will advise you on which improvements will add value and, if appropriate, arrange for the work and oversee the contractors.
Even if major improvements to the house are not on your agenda, we can recommend minor changes and inexpensive adjustments that can make a big difference in attracting buyers. Cleaning, small repairs, and landscaping can go a long way in making an appealing visual statement, both in online photos and in person.
Considering selling? Ensure your home makes the best impression when it hits the market. Contact us for a free consultation today!
“We dreaded going through the prep work to get ready to sell. The fact that Go Brent Team could arrange for the contractor, mover, hauler, cleaner, and window washer was a huge load off our minds. You really, really surpassed our expectations. We thank you!”
— Ken Brown & Donna Creedon, sold in Silver Spring after just 5 days on the market
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Tax Bills are Here – Ensure You’re Receiving Tax Credits! Homestead Property Tax Credits and New Mo Co Tax Credits for Elderly & Military Retirees
It’s July, for Montgomery County homeowners this means that tax bills will be arriving in your mailboxes shortly – the County estimates mailing bills in mid-July (bills will also be available via the County website).
Homestead Property Tax Credits
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When you receive your bill you should look to see if you are receiving the Homestead Property Tax Credit (you’ll see “County Property Tax Credit”). This tax credit was established to help homeowners deal with large assessment increases on their principal residence. The Homestead Credit limits the increase in taxable assessments each year to a fixed percentage.
To prevent improper granting of this credit, a law was enacted in 2007 that requires all homeowners to submit a one-time application to establish eligibility for the credit. There are several criteria to be met, but the main conditions are that the property is your principal residence and you must have lived in it for at least six months of the year, including July 1 of the year for which the credit is applicable.
If you are not seeing a homestead property tax credit on your tax bill, you should determine the status of your Homestead eligibility by looking up your property on the Real Property Database.
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Look at the bottom of the page, where it says Homestead Application Status. If it says “No Application,” then you should reapply to capture this credit on future tax bills.
For more info, check out frequently asked questions about Homestead Property Tax Credit, or contact the Homestead unit directly at 1-866-650-8783 or visit their website.
Tax Credits for Elderly & Military Retirees
Earlier this year the Montgomery County Council also enacted new legislation granting property tax credits for elderly individuals and for military retirees. Owners who are 65 or over and who has owned and lived in the dwelling for at least 40 consecutive years or those who are 65 or over and a military retiree may qualify depending on the assessed value of the home.
For 2017 taxes only, applications will be accepted until September 1, 2017. If you wish to receive a credit for your 2017 taxes, you must apply by September 1, 2017. For all other tax years, you must apply by April 1. This tax credit will not be issued on the July property tax bill; instead it will be calculated and issued on a subsequent revision of your tax bill, with the tax credit appearing as a line item deduction on the bill.
You can read more about the new tax credit and how to apply here.
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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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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
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.
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.*
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*according to MRIS statistics for the combined areas in 2016
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.
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:
