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Gaithersburg, MD Real Estate News

Gaithersburg Book Festival Volunteers Needed VOLUNTEER Sign up for a day full of books, authors, and fun! Saturday, May 18, 2024! The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an enormous undertaking that would not be possible without the generous assistance of numerous volunteers. We have many volunteer opportunities associated with putting on this world-class event. Please see the job descriptions below, and if you are interested is helping, fill out the Volunteer Sign-up Form by clicking the link below. SSL and PAU hours are available. Please note the following two requirements for volunteering at GBF: You must be age 16 or older  You must attend a volunteer training in early May (multiple session options will be offered) If you have questions about volunteering, please email Kathleen Benson at ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Driveway-Paving Scams Warning As the warm weather approaches, the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is warning homeowners about driveway-paving scammers who typically look to exploit them in spring. These scammers are a common problem not only in Montgomery County, but also across Maryland. Homeowners should be aware and take appropriate measures to avoid falling victim to it.In the last year, OCP has been taking measures against individuals who performed unlicensed home improvement work, particularly those who conducted driveway paving. As a result, civil and criminal charges have been issued against them, and several have been issued arrest warrants. OCP also has managed to suspend all websites associated with these criminals, either permanently or temporarily, thr...
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Gaithersburg Arts Barn Call to Artists The Arts Barn is seeking artwork for the Fiscal Year 2025 season brochure and related marketing materials. Artwork should prominently feature the diverse arts that are shared and celebrated at the Arts Barn. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 3.Learn more and apply here.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Orchids, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4341Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Going Solar in Montgomery County Montgomery County is going solar! We're converting facilities to clean energy thanks to a $790K state grant. Imagine reducing emissions equivalent to taking 968 cars off the road for a year! We're shining a light on sustainability this Earth Month! https://ow.ly/64AJ50RfQGkThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  African Daisy, Arctotis, 'Kleat12610', Opera Rose, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 6856Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Hidden danger when digging out your car There are still many snow covered vehicles after the recent blizzard. The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service in Montgomery County, Maryland issued the follow alert for area residents.Prior to starting your vehicle, first make sure that the exhaust pipe is not covered or encased with snow, even if the vehicle is unoccupied and you are just warming it up.Remember, the snow piled around your car can trap carbon monoxide coming from the exhaust. It can quickly incapacitate you before you realize what's happening. When the tailpipe is blocked, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly carbon monoxide fumes will be forced back into the passenger compartment and could overcome a person in a matter of seconds. The very first action you should taki...
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Book Recommendation: Fatal Conceit by Robert K. Tanenbaum Fatal Conceit (2014) is volume #26 of the Butch Karp legal suspense novels by New York Times bestselling author Robert K. Tanenbaum. Dolores and I recommend this series for your reading list. Use the links to learn more about this author and his novels. Books by Robert K. Tanenbaum Fatal Conceit - Goodreads Review   Meadow Garden, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA USA IMG 5762Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Lantana in the Rain, Longwood Gardens IMG 5710 If you follow my blogs on a regular basis, you already know that Dolores and I love to visit Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. Lantana flowers are very small and you have to take a close look to appreciate the beauty provided by nature. Subhash Sharma  These are fresh looking lantana flowers which despite their poisonous leaves for animals are a good source of pollens and nectar for the honeybee and many other insects. Most herbivores avoid eating these although their fruit is a delicacy for many birds, including the Yellow-fronted White-eye of Vanuatu, the Superb Fairy-wren in Australia, the Scaly-breasted Munia, and the Mauritius Bulbul in the Mascarenes; these distribute the seeds and thereby unwittingly contribute to the degradati...
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Book Recommendation: House of the Rising Sun by James Lee Burke House of the Rising Sun (2015) is novel number four of the Hackberry Holland series by New York Times bestselling author James Lee Burke. This is another good book to add to your reading list. The author has written over thirty previous novels and two collections of short stories. Please use the links to learn more about the author and his books.Books by James Lee Burke House of the Rising Sun – From the websiteThe story of a father and son separated by war and circumstance…whose encounter with the legendary Holy Grail will change their lives forever.“From its opening scene in revolutionary Mexico to the Battle of the Marne in 1918 to the bordellos and saloons of San Antonio during the reign of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, Ho...
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Happy Hour Beverage: Caramel Black Russian If you have been shoveling snow after the recent blizzard, you might need a special drink for happy hour. A regular Black Russian cocktail is 1/3 Caffe Lolita or Kahlua coffee liqueur and 2/3 vodka. Use Smirnoff Kissed Caramel vodka to create a Caramel Black Russian. Satisfaction is guaranteed! Meadow Garden + Imagination, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA USA IMG 5809Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Joe-Pye Weed, Meadow Garden, Longwood Gardens IMG 5803  Joe-Pye Weed, Eutrochium purpureum can be found in the Meadow Garden at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. This is one of our favorite travel destinations.  Subhash Sharma These fresh looking 'Joe-Pye weeds'  (Eutrochium species) come from a Genus of about 42 species of the sunflower family with purple or white-flowered plants. They are named after Joe Pye  (Jopi in the Native tongue), an Indian healer from New England, used E. purpureum to treat a variety of ailments like the kidney stones and urinary tract ailments which led to the name Joe-Pye weed for these plants. Folklore says that Joe Pye used this plant to cure fevers and also that American colonists used this plant to treat typhus outbreaks.Mr. Sharma is a Facebook f...
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DC Metro Area Year Over Year Change in Home Listings It is interesting to see the changes in the volume of homes listed for sale when you compare the figures for 2014 with 2015. The volume of new listings was up during 2015 in all but one of the major jurisdictions in the market area. The following chart was provided by RealEstate Business Intelligence and was distributed to the members of MRIS, the regional multiple listing service.    Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 5520Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Montgomery County, Maryland Schools Closed on Monday and Tuesday “Montgomery County Public Schools and all administrative offices are closed Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 25 and 26, because of weather conditions.All school, child care and community activities in school buildings are canceled both days.Snowfall amounts range from 27 inches in the Bethesda area to 33 inches in Germantown, and crews are struggling to clear the county’s roads.A decision about administrative offices and childcare in school buildings for Tuesday will be made by 6 p.m. on Monday, the school system says.” – Gaithersburg Patch Winter Colors, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 9852Canon PowerShot G11 Camera Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photograph
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Misplaced Fireplace Ashes Caused House Fire Approximately fifty firefighters responded to a recent home fire in Montgomery County, Maryland.  One adult and two children were displaced as a result of the damage to the home.   The cause of the fire appears to be misplaced fireplace ashes in a combustible container on the back deck.  Damage to the home and contents is estimated to be approximately $300,000.The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service provided the following advisory for area residents:Please make sure you understand how to properly dispose of fireplace ashes as many people are unaware of the danger ashes can create.Fireplace and wood-stove ashes retain enough heat to ignite other combustible materials for several days after a fire. It is important to learn the following wa...
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Grab a shovel and keep fire hydrants clear The blizzard is still in full force in our area of Maryland and the snow is very deep. You never know when there might be a home fire so it is a good idea to be well prepared. Grab a shovel and keep the fire hydrants near your home clear. It is recommended to clear an area of at least three feet around the hydrants to allow emergency responders to act quickly. Kentlands PhotowalkPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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DC Metro Area Active Listings of Homes for Sale at 2015 Year End Prospective home sellers and home buyers sometimes ask how the inventory of homes for sale in the DC Metro Area compares with previous years. The following statistics and charts were provided by RealEstate Business Intelligence for distribution to the members of MRIS, the regional multiple listing service.  Inventories increased to 8,644 by year-end, a 4.6 percent increase compared to last year. End of year inventories exceed the 10-year low of 6,303 in 2012, but are down a whopping 60.2% from the year-end peak of 21,712 in 2007. Inventories are slightly above the 5-year average of 8,123 but substantially below the 10-year average of 12,574. Fairfax County had the largest percentage increase in year-end inventory with 2,58...
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Shrimp Plant, Justicia brandegeana, Longwood Gardens IMG 5850 We are in the midst of a blizzard in Maryland and expect to be at home for the next several days. I thought you might enjoy this photograph of a Shrimp Plant, Justicia brandegeana at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. I posted this photograph in a number of Facebook groups earlier today and have received many positive comments.Take care if you live in the path of the winter storm. Have an outstanding weekend. Shrimp Plant, Justicia brandegeana, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA USA IMG 5850Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/4.0, 1/100 sec., ISO-320, 21 mm, No Flash Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Snow Emergency Declared for Maryland Highways “A snow emergency plan will take effect for all Maryland counties at noon on Friday, Jan. 22, according to an announcement from Maryland State Police and the State Highway Administration.In a snow emergency, state police may immediately authorize the towing of vehicles parked on snow emergency routes as well as those left in roads or on shoulders.Also under a snow emergency plan, vehicles must be equipped with snow tires (all-weather tires are fine), chains or all-season radials to be allowed to drive on Maryland highways.” – Gaithersburg Patch Winter Colors, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 9826Canon PowerShot G11 Camera Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photograph
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Tax Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Extended Through 2016 We received this message from one of our favorite mortgage loan officers:Great news! Congress has voted to extend the tax deduction for mortgage insurance (MI) through 2016.Remind your clients that they can deduct their MI premiums on their federal income taxes this year and next year.Who qualifies for the tax deduction? Borrowers with adjusted gross incomes up to $100,000 can deduct 100% of their borrower-paid MI premiums. Deductions are reduced by 10% for each additional $1,000 of adjusted gross income, phasing out after $109,000.  The threshold for married borrowers filing separately is $50,000 of adjusted gross income per person. Deductions are reduced by 5% for each additional $500 of adjusted gross income, phasing out afte...
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Happy Hour Beverage: New Belgium Rampant Imperial IPA As we await the arrival of the winter storm that is approaching the Metro Area of Washington, DC, it is time to turn our attention to the appropriate Happy Hour beverage. Dolores and I both enjoy the New Belgium Rampant Imperial India Pale Ale by New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, CO. Use the link to learn more and you will want to add this ale to your shopping list.   Winter Colors, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 9936Canon PowerShot G11 Camera Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photograph
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Snowfall Estimates Increase in New Blizzard Warning for DC Metro Area “With a dangerous winter storm heading for the Washington, D.C. area, the National Weather Service has issued a new blizzard warning, with an increase in snow estimates.The warning will be in effect from 3 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Sunday. The area includes the D.C. metro area, with Fairfax, Loudoun, Alexandria and Arlington in Virginia and Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Howard and Montgomery counties in Maryland.Expect heavy snow and wind with blowing and driving snow Friday afternoon through Saturday night, according to the weather service. Sleet may mix with the snow Friday night and into Saturday morning east of Interstate 95.Snow accumulations of 18-24 inches in the eastern suburbs of Washington D.C. and 24-30 inc...
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Stay off of the Maryland highways this weekend: State Police Alert Rules of the road during the snowstorm from state troopers: Stay home this weekend unless your job requires you to travel (emergency responder, medical profession, snow removal etc.) Maryland State Police will begin towing vehicles currently abandoned more than 24 hours before the storm’s arrival Once the snow emergency plan is put in place for a particular county, abandoned vehicles will be towed immediately If you have to drive, ensure you are driving a vehicle equipped for snow travel Don’t abandon your vehicle on a snow emergency route (interstate, Maryland or US route) without notifying Maryland State Police or the police agency responsible for that roadway If you have called a private tow to remove your vehicle, le...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
DC Metro Area Home Listings by Year Some home prospective home buyers and home sellers ask about the inventory of homes offered for sale in the DC Metro Area as compared with previous years. The following statistics were provided by RealEstate Business Intelligence for the members of MRIS, the regional multiple listing service. There was an 8.5 percent annual increase in the number of new listings added in 2015.The 73,733 cumulative listings in were up 24 percent compared to the 59,476 low of 2012.New listings in 2015 were 11.8 percent above the 5-year average but less than a percent below the 10-year average.All jurisdictions except Falls Church City saw year-over-year increases in new listings.Fairfax City had the largest percentage increase in the number of new listings, with a 14.6 ...
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Snow Removal Announcement for Kentlands Residents This is an announcement from the Kentlands Citizens Assembly.For out of the area readers, Kentlands is our home community within the City of Gaithersburg in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. We are under a major winter storm watch.    In anticipation of a significant amount of snow being forecast for the weekend, the Kentlands Citizens Assembly, as well as the City of Gaithersburg is urging residents to make preparations now for the coming weather event. The KCA's snow removal provider will begin bringing numerous pieces of equipment onto the property Thursday evening. They will use the Clubhouse parking lot as a staging area, so please do not plan to use the parking lot as an alternative parking area. There will be multiple crew...
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Winter Storm Preparations in Gaithersburg With a winter storm predicted for January 22 & 23, Gaithersburg residents are asked to make preparations now. If significant snowfall is expected, remove cars from roadways on Thursday evening to allow our plowing crews to work as efficiently as possible. Obey Snow Emergency Route signs when a snow emergency is declared. Hold your recycling until your next regularly scheduled pick-up day. Make sure your home and your vehicle are properly stocked so you're prepared for whatever comes our way. And please remember to shovel all sidewalks abutting your property once the snow has ended. Click here for more information and resources. – This is a City of Gaithersburg announcement. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY has been issued for Montgomery County, Marylan...
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