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Gaithersburg, MD Real Estate News

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 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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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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Newest Episode of ‘50+ in Montgomery County’Highlights Joys and Benefits of DancingThe joys and benefits of dancing could apply to just about everyone, and in the latest episode of County Cable Montgomery’s (CCM) “50+ in Montgomery County,” the show focuses on how moving to music can particularly benefit older residents. The show can now be viewed on cable or online via the County's YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/montgomerycountymd.Montgomery County’s cable station produces numerous shows that can help residents or that better explain how County Government is using the funds in its budget. This show is co-produced by the County’s Commission on Aging.In this episode, host Katie Smith of the Commission on Aging leads the discussion about where seniors can find opportunities to ...
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Independence Day Celebration in Gaithersburg   The City of Gaithersburg will host an Independence Day Celebration on July 4, 2014 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. This event will include live music, family activities and fireworks. The gates will be open at 5 p.m. and the activities will begin at 5:15 p.m. Fireworks will be launched at dark. It is okay to take your own food for a picnic during the event. Food will also be available for purchase. For safety reasons, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, roller blades, skates, bikes, pets and fireworks are prohibited. The Montgomery County Fairgrounds are located at 16 Chestnut Street in Gaithersburg. Attendees can walk in at the entrances on Chestnut or Dalamar streets. The Perry Parkway entrance will be closed. In the event of rai...
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Heat Advisory in Maryland Today, Wednesday, July 2nd   The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the Baltimore/Washington for today from noon to 7 p.m. this evening. The heat index is expected to be in the range of 105 degrees. Area residents and visitors need to take extra precautions if working outside are spending much time outside. It is a good idea to reschedule strenuous activities. There is a risk of heat related illness for those without air conditioning or those outdoors for an extended period. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency.  Call 911! Be safe and make su...
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Summer Road Reconstruction Projects in Gaithersburg   Summertime drivers need to be aware of construction zones. Gaithersburg's Public Works Department has scheduled several street reconstruction projects this summer. Green Streets construction will take place on Quince Orchard Blvd. between the intersection of Diamond Dr./Sebastian Blvd. and Firstfield Rd. after July 1. Street reconstruction, which includes replacement of existing curb and gutter, sidewalk and pavement, will start on School Dr. on or about July 7 and on Travis Ave. later this summer. A project is also underway to replace culverts along the Izaak Walton Trail. Visit here for updates and information. In Montgomery County, the East Deer Park Bridge, also known as the Humpback Bridge, will be closed to traffic for several ...
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Izaak Walton League secures grant to improve watershed   Gaithersburg home owners that live near the Muddy Branch watershed will be delighted to see that the Izaak Walton League has secured a grant that will assist home owners with design and installation assistance for plantings that will improve the watershed. Interested home owners are also encouraged to take advantage of the City’s Rainscape Rewards program. This is the official announcement from the City of Gaithersburg: Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns The Izaak Walton League has secured a $139,370 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust's Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns program to work with homeowners in select neighborhoods that impact the Muddy Branch watershed, which feeds directly into the Potomac River and the Chesa...
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Book Recommendation:  Sniper’s Honor by Stephen Hunter   I just finished reading Sniper’s Honor (2014) by Stephen Hunter. This thriller is A Bob Lee Swagger Novel. This is a story about Swagger and reporter friend Kathy Reilly as they search for information on Mili Petrova, a highly decorated Russian sniper during World War II. Stephen Hunter has written many books and I suggest using this link to see more information on the author and his books on Wikipedia. One of my personal goals is to read at least one novel each week for personal pleasure. You will not regret adding some of Hunter’s novels to your summertime reading list.     Kentlands Flowers, Gaithersburg, MD IMG 7595 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Take time to stop and smell the flowers   “I think in the fast pace of our lives, we do miss the small beautiful details as we are so focused on the end game.  The old saying "Take time to stop and smell the flowers" is very appropriate.” Karen Anne Mathers  This is a comment, on one of my blogs, by Vero Beach, Florida real estate professional and ActiveRain blogger Karen Anne Mathers. All of us know this old saying but in the rush of business and active personal lives, many of us fail to stop to smell the flowers. Karen Anne Mathers As we prepare for the challenges of a new month, let’s remember to include lots of summertime activities on our schedule for quality time with our family and friends. The quality time spent with those that we love may be remembered long after those extra ho...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Pay attention to the small things   As we polish our level of knowledge about our communities and our business practices, it is a very good policy to pay close attention to the small things. Some have said that if you take care of the small things, the big things will take care of themselves. I will use this photograph as an example. I was photographing flowers when I noticed the nearby white clover. Clover is not well known for its beauty and most of us do not pay too much attention to clover unless we are pulling it up in our gardens. A close at the clover may reveal something that may not have been previously noticed. This small gift of nature deserves our full attention.     White Clover, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD IMG 7592 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Busy Bees and a Passion Flower   I just finished reading a book and decided to post a final blog of the day. This photograph was taken at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland. Bookside Gardens is one of the treasures that you will discover when you visit Montgomery County. Located in the western suburbs of Washington, DC, Brookside Gardens is a favorite destination for international visitors. You do not need to be able to speak English to fully appreciate the beauty of flowers and gardens. Note the coating of pollen on the bees that are enjoying this Passion Flower. Passion Flowers grow on vines. This vine was on a utility pole in the parking lot at Brookside Gardens.      Passion Flower, Bees, Brookside Gardens, Imagination IMG_7435 A Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley P...
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Weekend Blogging Beverage, Sierra Nevada Stout   When you are blogging on the weekend, you need to make sure that you have the appropriate beverage. This afternoon, my beverage of choice is Sierra Nevada Stout bottled by the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico, California. As stated on the label, this is a full bodied American stout.  This is an excellent choice for your summertime entertaining beer list. Your guests will love this beer. Have a very special weekend! Reviews by Beeradvocate  
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By Barbara Michaluk, Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR
(Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office)
Another Home Sold in Middlebrook Hill for $390,000 by Barbara Michaluk, Realtor 18909 High Point Dr, Gaithersburg, MD   Beautiful 5 Bedroom Split Foyer in Middlebrook Hill  5 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms / .26 Acre Lot MLS# MC8299941 Sold Price $390,000 This fully remodeled 5 bedroom home is conveniently located in the Middlebrook Hill community. Featuring updated gourmet kitchen with newer appliances, cabinets, and granite counters. Spacious living room and dining room with hardwood flooring. Sliding door off main level to rear deck and fenced rear yard backing to woods. Fully finished lower level with walk-out includes spacious family room with fireplace, 2 bedrooms, full bath, and laundry room. All 3 bathrooms have been updated. Recently replaced roof, deck. All windows have been updated. ...
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FAA Restricts Use of Drones for Real Estate Photos   If you are using a camera mounted model airplane to photograph your listings or if you are hiring another person to provide those services, you need to know about the FAA requirements for an airworthiness certificate. You model airplane could be considered to be a civil aircraft subject to FAA regulations. The FAA interpretation is open for public comment through July 25, 2014. Click on the following link for more information and links to other articles on the use of drones in real estate. Drones Used for Real Estate Photos Could Be Grounded “The Federal Aviation Administration released its interpretation of model aircraft use this week, and it says that “a REALTOR® using a model aircraft to photograph a property that he (or she) is t...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Kentlands and New Urbanism   If you follow my blogs, you may have seen hundreds of posts on Kentlands, our home community. This year is the 25th anniversary of Kentlands and several articles have been recently published about the community. Take a few moments to click on the link and read this excellent article by Roger K. Lewis for The Washington Post. This article provides a better understanding of New Urbanism and Neotraditional communities. Kentlands, the Washington area’s first community shaped by New Urbanism, turns 25 “New Urbanism principles include composing legible patterns of blocks and interconnected, walkable streets while minimizing the use of cul-de-sacs; introducing memorable, well-shaped civic spaces at strategically appropriate places within the street-block framework;...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Parking Enforcement in Kentlands   Be careful where you park in the commercial areas of Kentlands. It is reported that the Gaithersburg Police Department is ticketing vehicles that overstay the 30 minute limit on some of the parking spaces. If you are going out for dinner or have an appointment, you may wish to avoid the 30 minute spaces. The fine is $60. There is plenty of free parking with no time limits. Count the extra block you may need to walk as part of your daily exercise program.     Lily, Kentlands Photowalk Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Book Recommendation:  The Target by David Baldacci   Dolores and I recently finished reading The Target (2014) by David Baldacci, one of our favorite authors. This novel is one of his series that features Will Robie, a government assassin and the adventures encountered during his assignments. Robie and his partner Jessica Reed provide plenty of action for this fast reading book. One of my personal goals is to read at least one novel each week. Read a good book this week for your personal enjoyment. Dolores and I have read all of the novels on the following list and recommend them to you. David Baldacci Novels   Absolute Power (January, 1996), Standalone Novel Total Control (January, 1997), Standalone Novel The Winner (January, 1998), Standalone Novel The Simple Truth (November, 1998), S...
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Free Friday Night Concerts in Montgomery County, Maryland   This Friday night, June 27, 2014, and every Friday night through September 26, there will be free concerts at the Rockville Town Square.  The hours for the Friday Night Live Concert Series are from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. White Ford Bronco (90’s music) will be featured this Friday night. The Whole Foods Market in Kentlands is also hosting free Friday night concerts from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tom Karpf from the Dutch Cousins (rock, pop, country, folk music) will be featured this Friday night. Visitors to the area should try to take advantage of the many free summer concerts that at held in Montgomery County, Maryland, in the western suburbs of Washington, DC.     Tulip, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolore...
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Over 50,000 comments received on my ActiveRain blogs   Members of ActiveRain that have been blogging for a few years will usually have very nice things to say about this supportive community of bloggers. As of this morning, I had received 50,552 comments on my blogs. I have no idea how that compares with the number of comments that have been received by others but the number is impressive since many of my blogs fail to attract many comments. Yes, I have left even more comments on the blogs of others. The count was 57,881 this morning. I try to reciprocate on comments and am able to do that most of the time.  Thanks to all of the ActiveRain members that have faithfully commented on my blogs. Every comment is very much appreciated.     Azalea, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD USA IMG 6936 Phot...
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Best Beverages for Blogging: Black Russian   If you happen to be blogging during Happy Hour, you may wish to consider a Black Russian as your blogging beverage.  Black Russians are among my favorites. This is one of my series on blogging beverages. Don't give this message any consideration other than as a suggestion for personal pleasure. Many would prefer to have a glass of iced tea or a bottle of water on a hot summer day and they are perfectly acceptable alternatives. The very simple recipe for a Black Russian is to pour 2 oz. of Vodka and 1 oz. of Kahlúa over ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Actually, the type of glass does not really matter for most of us. If you prefer a sweeter drink, just add more Kahlúa. What is your favorite beverage for blogging?   
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Farmers’ Markets in Gaithersburg, Thursday and Saturday   Farmers’ Markets are special attractions during the summer months in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The City promotes two markets. The Fulks Corner Farmers’ Market is on Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The available products include fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, and a variety of other items. The location is Rt. 355 and Fulks Corner Avenue in Olde Towne, Gaithersburg. The Main Street Farmers’ and Artists’ Market is every Saturday at the Main Street Pavilion in Kentlands.  The hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The products change with the season.  Add this market to your Saturday morning activities. Then, have lunch at one of the many restaurants in Kentlands.     Imagination, Kentlands Photowalk IMG 6951A Photograph by Roy Kell...
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Trash Removal and Recycling Days in Kentlands   New residents of Kentlands always ask about the trash pick-up days and the recycling days. Kentlands is served by a private contractor for trash pick-up on Tuesdays and Fridays. Trash should be in garbage cans with secure tops. Note that the trash collectors will not take items that should be recycled. The Kentlands community is located within the City of Gaithersburg and the City provides recycling services each Thursday. As with the trash collections, recycling containers are collected from alleys as well as from the public streets. On the first Thursday of each month, the City of Gaithersburg provides pick-ups for bulk items such as appliances or furniture. Those items should be left on the sides of the public streets. Larger trucks are...
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Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Housing Report, May, 2014   During the Month of May, 2014, the total sold dollar volume for residential properties in zip code 20879 in Gaithersburg, Maryland was $8,519,000, up 36.05% from the same month last year. There were 29 closed sales, up 11.54%, with a median sold price of $280,000, up 16.67%. The average sold price was $293,759, up 21.98%, with an average of 35 days on the market. The average sold to original list price ratio was 97.32%. Prospective home buyers and home sellers are advised to seek advice from a local real estate professional that is active in the current. Your agent should be able to provide a market analysis that relates to specific properties. Some home buyers may face multiple contract competition. Those that plan to use mortgage fina...
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