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MoCo Areas
- Bethesda
- Clarksburg
- Darnestown
- Gaithersburg
- Germantown
- North Potomac
- Olney
- Poolesville
- Potomac
- Rockville
- Silver Spring
Article Topics
Past Articles
- August 2010 (3)
- July 2010 (8)
- June 2010 (22)
- May 2010 (15)
- April 2010 (4)
- March 2010 (5)
- February 2010 (3)
- January 2010 (8)
- December 2009 (53)
- November 2009 (4)
- October 2009 (5)
- September 2009 (4)
- August 2009 (21)
- July 2009 (6)
- June 2009 (14)
- May 2009 (6)
- April 2009 (5)
- March 2009 (3)
- February 2009 (7)
- January 2009 (8)
- December 2008 (5)
- November 2008 (8)
Three Levels of Perfection in a Great Location
August 27th, 2010 Categories: North Potomac, Our Homes
This three-level, end-unit townhome is in immaculate condition with bright interior spaces. The main level features a spacious open plan with a gas fireplace and architectural arches. The bedrooms all have soaring cathedral ceilings. See for yourself by seeing all of the details and a video tour at www.32CaseStreet.com.
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Montgomery County Housing Inventory for August
August 22nd, 2010 Categories: Market Updates
Our monthly snapshot of housing inventory shows that the number of available homes for August is just about the same as last month with 4,110 homes. The inventory of distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) makes up about 1/3 of the total which is the highest for the year.
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$3 Cupcakes Worth the Wait?
August 19th, 2010 Categories: Things to Do
Georgetown Cupcakes is a bakery in Georgetown that sells extravagant, $3 cupcakes. On weekends, the line to get in snakes around the block. This little shop gets a ton of media attention. It’s got its own show on TLC, gets write-ups in the Washington Post, and seems to be making it on everyone’s “Must Visit” list when they come to D.C. So in the interest of keeping up with What’s Hot in the area, My daughter and I took a quick outing to check it out.
Are these cupcakes worth the price and hassle? Here’s our review.
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New Pricing and Video for Great North Potomac Home
July 24th, 2010 Categories: North Potomac
Our listing at 15216 Gravenstein Way. We’ve just added a video tour below, so take a look around. See all the details and more pictures at www.GravensteinWay.com.
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Video and New Pricing on Spacious Darnestown Home
July 21st, 2010 Categories: Darnestown
This home at 15612 Copperfield Lane in Darnestown is an outstanding value. With new pricing, this home is an even better value. Get acquainted with the great features of this home by viewing this video tour.
Want to know more or see it yourself? See all the details at www.CopperfieldLane.com, or just contact us and we’ll be happy to help!
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New Custom Colonial in Darnestown
July 15th, 2010 Categories: Darnestown, Our Homes
Why buy resale when you can get this new, brick colonial on over 4 acres? Everything about this home is exceptional: three sides Williamsburg-style brick, hipped roof with architectural shingles, and soaring interior spaces with only the best finishes. Check out all of the home’s details and view tons of huge pictures at www.DarnestownKnolls.com.
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Montgomery County Inventory Continues to Climb
July 15th, 2010 Categories: Market Updates
This month’s check on available housing in Montgomery County shows that inventory continues to climb. For the first time this year, this month’s inventory exceeds 2009’s level. For qualified buyers, the mix of higher selection of homes and rock bottom interest rates make it a great time to buy.
[August 22, 2010 - I caught an error in calculation of the number of distress inventory which should be at 1,177 homes - or 28% of the total, not 20%. Sorry about that.]
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Harpers Ferry – A Great Day Trip
July 14th, 2010 Categories: Things to Do
Harpers Ferry is less than an hour from Montgomery County and is a great day-trip destination. There’s history, hiking, biking and paddling. We go there a quite a bit and plan to post more brief videos. The Maryland Heights trail may have the very best views of Harpers Ferry. It’s straight up – but worth the trip.
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Montgomery County Contract Trends
July 10th, 2010 Categories: Market Updates
Last month I summarized the rate of contracts by week just after the federal home buyer tax credit expired. Contract activity soared as the deadline approached, then plummeted the following weeks. My theory: I don’t believe the credit brought many new buyers into the market, but rather encouraged buyers to simply accelerate their purchases. The three most important factors driving home sales are affordability, interest rates and jobs. Right now, all three of these factors are favorable in Montgomery County.
An update of contracts through the end of June is shown below. Contracts have trended up since the beginning of May. As we enter the hot, summer sales season, I would expect contract activity to begin trending down again as it does in a normal (whatever that is) year.
Contact us anytime with questions about our local market in Montgomery County.
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Renovated Colonial on Cul-de-Sac
July 9th, 2010 Categories: Germantown, Our Homes
This gleaming, four bedroom colonial home is in superb condition. It’s in move-in condition with new hardwood kitchen cabinets, appliances, heating and air-conditioning, and fully renovated baths. The main level features a gas fireplace and a sunken living room. Check out all of the details at www.WheatridgeTerrace.com and call to setup a private showing!
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Spectacular Brick Townhome
July 9th, 2010 Categories: Germantown, Our Homes
The three best words to describe this brick end-unit townhome: Wow, Wow and Wow! This home is in immaculate condition and has been renovated from top to bottom. This home is full of highlights, but the two master suites are spectacular. Take a long virtual tour at www.BlackSaddleLane.com and be ready to be impressed!
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Regal Darnestown Colonial
June 27th, 2010 Categories: Darnestown, Our Homes
Set high on a fantastic lot, this brick-front colonial has a regal presence. The interior spaces are also impressive with big rooms, soaring ceilings, a curved hardwood staircase and hardwood and slate flooring. Truly, a special property. See all the details and big pictures at www.FallingLeafWay.com.
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Expansive All-Brick Custom Colonial
June 26th, 2010 Categories: Darnestown, North Potomac, Our Homes
Wow, what a long list of phenomenal features: all brick, nearly three acres, hardwoods throughout on 3 levels, 4 car garage (not a typo), fabulous custom kitchen, new master bath, main level bedroom office. … gotta take a breath… 3rd level bonus room, bright walkout basement, 3 fireplaces and more. I’m exhausted! See a video and all the details at www.FallingLeafCt.com.
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Pristine Colonial with the Perfect Back Yard
June 25th, 2010 Categories: Darnestown, Our Homes
This traditional brick-front colonial sparkles inside and out. Everything’s been updated – new kitchen, new window, siding, flooring and more. The back yard is huge and level – more like a private park than a back yard. This home is move-in ready and is a great value. More pics and details at www.BraemarCrescentWay.com.
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Charming Townhome Condo
June 22nd, 2010 Categories: North Potomac, Our Homes, Quince Haven
This condo townhome features a brick front and front porch. Inside, the main level features a spacious kitchen and large family room with hardwood floors. Check out all the details and more pictures for 12548 Granite Ridge Drive.
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Stately Colonial in Potomac Grove
June 21st, 2010 Categories: North Potomac, Our Homes, Potomac Grove
The original owners of this stately brick-front colonial picked one of the very best lots in Potomac Grove when selecting this home. The interior features an abundance of amenities that provide a rich, comfortable setting for fantastic daily living. With 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths on three finished levels, there’s tons of room for family, friends and entertainment. See the details at www.GravensteinWay.com.
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A Great Value with Room to Roam
June 21st, 2010 Categories: Our Homes
This one level, all brick home is located just outside Montgomery County and is only minutes away from downtown Frederick. Talk about value – this home has over 16 acres backing to the Monocacy River and features hardwood floors throughout, a huge pool and a barn. See lots of huge pictures and get pricing and all details at www.OldFrederickRd.com.
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Great Value in Spring Meadows
June 20th, 2010 Categories: Darnestown, Our Homes
This regal colonial provides the space and amenities for fantastic daily living. Set in the heart of Spring Meadows, this home features great renovations including a luxurious first floor master suite and a huge screened-in back porch. Inside and out, this home is a perfect setting for comfortable living. See tons of huge pics and all the details at www.CopperfieldLane.com.
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Montgomery County Real Estate Trending to a Buyer’s Market
June 17th, 2010 Categories: Market Updates
After a crazy-busy spring market with 30% increase in contracts compared to 2009, the most current statistics indicate that buyers will soon be back in the drivers’ seat as available inventory jumps up while contract activity cools down.
Inventory in Montgomery County steadily declined every month in 2009 through early 2010. Then in March, tons of new homes came on the market. Luckily for many sellers, so did the contract activity. Now, new homes continue to be added to the market while buyer activity wanes. With super low interest rates and a larger selection of homes, home buyers are in a great position to negotiate a great deal on a home purchase.
[August 22, 2010 - I caught an error in calculation of the number of distress inventory which should be at 1,071 homes - or 26% of the total, not 19%. Sorry about that.]
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Historic Darnestown Home
June 16th, 2010 Categories: Darnestown, Our Homes
Originally built in 1860, this home was expanded and updated in 1995. With its distinctive red tin roof, towering mature trees and lush landscaping, this property says “Home”. It’s breezy, comfortable and just a little quirky. See all the details at www.TurkeyFootRoad.com.
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Rockville Contracts in 2010
June 14th, 2010 Categories: Rockville
The overall contract activity in Rockville and North Bethesda is 25% higher than 2009. Most of the higher contract volume took place for homes priced under $500,000.
Contact us for information about the market in Rockville and see these stats for other areas in Montgomery County.
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Potomac Contracts in 2010
June 14th, 2010 Categories: Potomac
The overall contract activity in Potomac is 40% higher than 2009. These statistics suggest that home prices have generally gone up this year with much stronger sales activity for homes priced over $600,000. The market for homes priced $1.5M or higher, however, is still soft. 15% fewer homes in this price bracket have gone under contract so far this year.
Contact us for information about the market in Potomac and see these stats for other areas in Montgomery County.
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Poolesville Contracts in 2010
June 14th, 2010 Categories: Poolesville
The overall contract activity in Poolesville, Dickerson, Barnesville and the Agricultural Reserve is 65% higher than 2009. Sales of entry level homes priced under $300,000 is up 200% from 2009.
Contact us for information about the market in Poolesville and see these stats for other areas in Montgomery County.
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Olney Contracts in 2010
June 14th, 2010 Categories: Olney
The overall contract activity in Olney, Ashton, Brookeville and Sandy Spring is 40% higher than 2009. Except for homes priced over $800,000, the number of contracts are up in all price ranges this year compared to 2009.
Contact us for information about the market in Olney and see these stats for other areas in Montgomery County.
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Germantown and Boyds Contracts in 2010
June 14th, 2010 Categories: Germantown
The overall contract activity in Germantown and Boyds is on third higher than in 2009. Activity has increased in most price segments. Over 86% of all contract activity took place for homes priced under $400,000.
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North Potomac Contracts in 2010
June 14th, 2010 Categories: North Potomac
Sales activity in North Potomac has been breath-taking so far in 2010 with a 56% increase in the contract activity compared to this time last year. Move-up buyers are driving the market here – especially for homes priced from $300,000 to $600,000 with a staggering increase of over 70% compared to 2009.
Contact us for information about the market in North Potomac and see these stats for other areas in Montgomery County.
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Gaithersburg Contracts in 2010
June 14th, 2010 Categories: Gaithersburg
The overall contract activity in Gaithersburg, Derwood and Montgomery Village is 26% higher than 2009. Activity has increased in all price segments except for higher-priced homes – over 95% of all contract activity takes place for homes priced under $600,000.
Contact us for information about the market in Gaithersburg and see these stats for other areas in Montgomery County.
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Darnestown Contract Activity in 2010
June 14th, 2010 Categories: Darnestown
The overall contract activity in Darnestown is 41% higher than 2009. Compared to 2007 and 2008, the market for upper bracket homes continues to be soft.
Contact us for information about the market in Darnestown and see these stats for other areas in Montgomery County.
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Clarksburg and Damascus Contracts in 2010
June 14th, 2010 Categories: Clarksburg
The overall contract activity in Clarksburg and Damascus is 28% higher than 2009. This area continues to have a high concentration of distress sales which has driven prices lower. Still, this year we’ve seen a big jump in contracts for homes priced $500,000 to $700,000 which is a big improvement from this time last year.
Contact us for information about the market in Clarksburg and Damascus and see these stats for other areas in Montgomery County.
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Bethesda Contracts in 2010
June 14th, 2010 Categories: Bethesda
The overall contract activity in Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Kensington is 15% higher than 2009. Compared to other areas, this increase may seem tepid. Don’t be fooled – the market here is very healthy and has weathered the recent boom-and-bust years better than any other area in Montgomery County. Foreclosures and short sales continue to be rare keeping home prices stable.
Contact us for information about the market in Bethesda and see these stats for other areas in Montgomery County.
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Detailed View of Montgomery County Contract Activity
June 14th, 2010 Categories: Market Updates
Compared to 2009, home sales have increased in all areas of Montgomery County and in all price ranges so far in 2010.
See this overview for each area in Montgomery County:
- Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Kensington
- Clarksburg and Damascus
- Germantown and Boyds
- Darnestown
- Gaithersburg, Derwood and Montgomery Village
- North Potomac
- Olney, Ashton, Brookeville and Sandy Spring
- Poolesville and the Ag Reserve
- Potomac
- Rockville and North Bethesda
- Silver Spring, Takoma Park and Burtonsville
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Silver Spring Contracts in 2010
June 14th, 2010 Categories: Silver Spring
The overall contract activity in the Silver Spring area is 36% higher than 2009 strongly indicating the real estate market here has stabilized. Transaction volume is higher in all price ranges with most sales for homes priced under $600,000.
Contact us for information about the market in Silver Spring and see these stats for other areas in Montgomery County.
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Montgomery County Contracts by Price
June 6th, 2010 Categories: Market Updates
“How has the first time buyer and move-up tax credit affected the market?” We get this question a lot. My feeling is that the credit created a ‘cash for clunkers effect’ motivating buyers to make home purchases earlier than they would have normally made. A look at overall contract activity by week clearly shows buyers rushing to make the deadline.
Since the credit phases out for purchase over $800K and buyers with higher income, I took a look at contracts by price range:
As expected, the more expensive the home, the lower the impact. In the coming days I’ll provide updates for each area of Montgomery County. Contact us anytime for specific questions about our real estate market.
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Montgomery County Inventory Is Climbing
May 29th, 2010 Categories: Market Updates
We’ve been super busy over the last couple of months with buyers and sellers, so I haven’t made market update recently. And the market has changed a lot this spring. Total inventory has jumped up quite a bit. Here’s a snapshot taken mid May:
The total distress inventory continues to trend down. And since ‘normal’ inventory has jumped up, distress inventory is a smaller percentage of the total. Inventory tells only part of the story. Next up: spring contract activity.
[August 22, 2010 - I caught an error in calculation of the number of distress inventory which should be at 953 homes - or 25% of the total, not 17%. Sorry about that.]
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Spring Contract Activity for Montgomery County
May 29th, 2010 Categories: Market Updates
Here’s a snapshot of a summary of weekly contract activity for Montgomery County. Compared to 2009, contract activity is up 20% so far compared to last year. The year started out strong, took a pause during Snowmageddon 2010, and then roared to the tax credit deadline on April 30th. Now, the market is taking a breather.
Contact us if you have questions about specific areas and price ranges in Montgomery County, Maryland.
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2010 Home Sales for Quail Run
May 22nd, 2010 Categories: Quail Run
Home sales so far this year in Quail Run are listed below. Contact us if you would like regular email updates of real estate activity in this great neighborhood.
| Address | Neighborhood | Sold | Price | |
| 13133 Scarlet Oak Dr | Quail Run | 5/20/10 | 895,000 |
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2010 Home Sales for Orchard Hills
May 22nd, 2010 Categories: Orchard Hills
Home sales in Orchard Hills so far this year are listed below. Contact us if you would like to receive email updates for home sales activity in this great neighborhood.
| Address | Neighborhood | Sold | Price | |
| 12165 McDonald Chpl Dr | Orchard Hills | 3/29/10 | 590,000 | |
| 14 McDonald Chapel Ct | Orchard Hills | 4/16/10 | 257,000 |
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2010 Spring Meadows Home Sales
May 21st, 2010 Categories: Spring Meadows
Home sales for Spring Meadows so far in 2010 are listed below. Contact us if you would like regular updates of home sale activity in this great neighborhood.
| Address | Neighborhood | Sold | Price | |
| 15105 Poplar Hill Rd | Spring Meadows | 3/22/2010 | 1,155,000 | |
| 14917 Kelley Farm Rd | Spring Meadows | 5/19/2010 | 850,000 |
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2010 Home Sales for Potomac Homes on Large Lots
May 21st, 2010 Categories: Potomac Acreage
Sales so far this year for homes in Potomac on lots 2 acres or more are listed below. Contact us if you would like to receive regular email updates for Potomac home sales activity.
| Address | Neighborhood | Sold | Price | |
| 12105 Drews Ct | Beallmount | 3/23/2010 | 930,000 | |
| 8801 Brickyard Rd | Potomac Ranch | 2/9/2010 | 1,454,796 | |
| 8606 Bradley Blvd | Cong Forest Estates | 1/31/2010 | 1,227,501 | |
| 12505 Noble Ct | Palatine | 5/6/2010 | 1,320,000 | |
| 10016 Bentcross Dr | Falconhurst | 4/26/2010 | 1,450,000 | |
| 10406 Tanager Ln | Glen Mill Knolls | 2/16/2010 | 1,225,000 | |
| 10908 Riverwood Dr | Potomac View Ests | 1/25/2010 | 1,320,000 | |
| 10605 Riverwood Dr | Potomac View Ests | 4/8/2010 | 990,820 | |
| 9800 Bentcross Dr | Falconhurst | 3/8/2010 | 3,750,000 | |
| 10103 Bentcross Dr | Camotop | 3/25/2010 | 1,725,000 | |
| 13136 Brushwood Way | Travilah Meadows | 1/29/2010 | 1,160,000 | |
| 10900 Edison Rd | Potomac Outside | 4/15/2010 | 1,065,000 | |
| 12413 Bacall Ln | Stoney Creek Estates | 2/25/2010 | 1,100,101 | |
| 11900 Piney Glen Ln | Potomac Outside | 2/26/2010 | 1,289,000 | |
| 12088 Wetherfield Ln | Stoney Creek | 4/30/2010 | 1,560,000 | |
| 12428 Bacall Ln | Stoney Creek Estates | 4/29/2010 | 1,300,000 | |
| 9451 Newbridge Dr | Falconhurst | 4/12/2010 | 1,650,000 | |
| 10840 Spring Knoll Dr | Potomac Outside | 4/22/2010 | 1,050,000 | |
| 10601 River Rd | Potomac Outside | 4/15/2010 | 1,700,000 | |
| 10824 Barn Wood Ln | River Oaks Farm | 4/30/2010 | 1,675,000 | |
| 13116 Brushwood Way | Travilah Meadows | 5/14/2010 | 1,650,000 | |
| 12316 Briarbush Ln | Darnestown Outside | 4/20/2010 | 1,020,000 | |
| 12305 Briarbush Ln | Darnestown Outside | 4/30/2010 | 1,210,000 |
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2010 Home Sales for Darnestown
May 21st, 2010 Categories: Darnestown
Home sales for Darnestown so far this year are listed below. Contact us if you would like email updates of home sales activity here on a regular basis.
| Address | Neighborhood | Sold | Price | |
| 12931 Meadow View Dr | Ancient Oak | 4/28/2010 | 665,000 | |
| 13115 Violettes Lock Rd | Darnestown Outside | 4/26/2010 | 305,000 | |
| 15200 Springfield Rd | Darnestown Outside | 5/14/2010 | 689,000 | |
| 13701 Esworthy Rd | Darnestown Outside | 1/6/2010 | 825,000 | |
| 13500 Deakins Ln | Darnestown Outside | 1/26/2010 | 1,065,000 | |
| 15728 Pagano Ln | Pioneer Hills | 4/9/2010 | 435,000 | |
| 15812 Pioneer Hills Ter | Pioneer Hills | 5/10/2010 | 712,000 | |
| 15216 Turkey Foot Rd | Seneca Highlands | 5/14/2010 | 665,000 | |
| 15105 Poplar Hill Rd | Spring Meadows | 3/22/2010 | 1,155,000 | |
| 14917 Kelley Farm Drive | Spring Meadows | 5/19/2010 | 850,000 |
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