MoCoRealEstate

Archive for February, 2009

This King Farm Townhome Has It All

February 26th, 2009 Categories: Rockville

This townhome has it all: brick end-unit, professional decor, oversized master suite, finished lower level, two car garage, private courtyard and more.  What more could a homeowner want? “Location”, you say?  You’re a quick walk to shops, restaurants and the King Farm Shuttle only minutes from the Metro Redline. Check out lots of big pics.

Posted by Bruce Lemieux | Leave A Comment

Hey You! Spring is coming!

February 23rd, 2009 Categories: In General

Forget groundhogs, meteorologists or the Farmers’ Almanac.  In the Metro D.C. area, there’s only one reliable expert on the start of spring — blooming forsythia.  In any other season, one might struggle to find kind words to describe these gangly bushes with their long, unruly stems.  “They are … errr… green”.  “They are really… hmmm…. drought-resistant”.

But in the final stages of winter, forsythia are pure joy.  They don’t just bloom, but they reach up and out as far as they can and scream, “Hey! Spring is coming!  Hey You — Yeah You – Spring is COMING!!“  Unlike tulips, they demonstrate absolutely no decorum.   Ornamental cherry trees are perfectly coiffed and perfectly elegant.  They show restraint and make a timely, gracious entrance.  Forsythia roll out of bed with not a branch in place unaware that it’s still too cold to be in bloom.  Daffodils are pretty and meek. Forsythia are loud and obnoxiously joyful.

It’s been a long, cold winter, so I’m very excited to have seen my first blooming forsythia bush while at the National Mall on Sunday.  In a matter of days, they will be rousing everyone up from their winter slumber.  Spring is coming! Spring is coming!

Posted by Bruce Lemieux | 1 Comment »

2009 Real Estate Survival Guide for Montgomery County

February 17th, 2009 Categories: Market Updates

Even though we’re about six weeks into 2009, the upcoming Spring market heralds the “real” start of our real estate market.  Although buyers and sellers are being continually battered by bad news, know that homes are still selling in Montgomery County. In fact, more homes sold the 2nd half of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 in Montgomery County. Still, expect 2009 to be a rocky year. Here’s a quick guide to help navigate our market. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by Bruce Lemieux | Leave A Comment

Montgomery County homebuyers want three things: Price, Price and Price.

February 8th, 2009 Categories: Market Updates

From the overview of Montgomery County sales stats from January, we see that over the last four months, contracts have increased 7% compared to the same period last year.  We also see more activity in lower price ranges.  But Montgomery County is a big place, so what’s driving sales in different areas of the county.

Price.

OK, but what about closer-in locations that have held their value better?

Price and Price.

What about homes in higher price brackets? Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by Bruce Lemieux | Leave A Comment

January’s sales activity: the good and the bad

February 6th, 2009 Categories: Market Updates

Home sales statistics for the last four months for Montgomery County are a good-news-bad-news story.  Let’s start with the good news.

• Compared to the last four months this time last year, overall sales activity increased over 7%.
• As a sign that buyers may be starting to shake off their buying blues, contracts for December and January were much stronger up 28% and 13% respectively.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by Bruce Lemieux | 1 Comment »

The Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve hits a milestone

February 4th, 2009 Categories: Poolesville

Less than 20 miles from the Washington Beltway is some of the most pristine countryside you will see anywhere.  The Agricultural Reserve in Montgomery County is the result of very progressive land use policies implemented in 1980.  With the easement acquisition of the Sunny Ridge Farm in January, Montgomery County reached its goal of preserving 70,000 acres of farmland through protective easements. Now, we have the largest percentage of preserved agricultural land in the United States.

This Ag Reserve is a real jewel in Montgomery County.  The area is laced with country roads perfect for riding bikes, visiting orchards and equestrian activities.  But it’s so much more than a destination to visit.  It’s a tranquil place to live and call home.  Check out homes for sale in the Agricultural Reserve and find your own place in the country.

Posted by Bruce Lemieux | Leave A Comment