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Gaithersburg, MD Real Estate News

Summertime Photowalking for Good Health   Today is the official first day of summer. It is a good time to commit to some summertime actions that will be good for our health and our quality of life. Some of us need to lose a few pounds and many of us need to get more exercise. There is no excuse for not taking time to improve our lives. If you really want to see what is going on in your community, put on your walking shoes and spend at least an hour a day walking through the area. If you enjoy photography, add a camera and your walks become photowalks. I like to photographs the flowers and to capture the colors of the season. Regular walks will burn some calories and you will feel better with the added exercise. Get away from that computer today. You say you don’t have time? All of us ar...
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Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Housing Report, May, 2014   During the month of May, 2014, the total sold dollar volume of residential properties in zip code 20878 in Gaithersburg, Maryland was $44,597,610, up 14.44% from the same month last year. There were 81 closed sales, up 9.46%, at a median sold price of $574,900, up 11.21%. The average sold price was $550,588, up 4.55%, with an average of 43 days on the market. The average sold to original list price ratio was 98.59%. Kentlands and Lakelands are included in this zip code. Home buyers and home sellers should not try to apply the zip code statistics to specific neighborhoods. We recommend the use of a local real estate professional that really knows the market to provide the needed market data for the best decisions. Home buyers that plan t...
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Prescription Drop Box Available in Gaithersburg   It is always a good idea to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. Some families still have prescriptions for deceased individuals.  The City of Gaithersburg is providing a very safe location for the disposal of medications. Do not risk the use of old medications by children or those that may abuse the use. This is the official notice from the City: Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue that can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse. Dispose of them safely and securely and keep them away from those at risk of abusing them. The Gaithersburg Police Department Prescription Drop Box is accessible in the Police Station Lobby at 14 Fulks Corner Ave. seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p....
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Commemoration Opportunities in Gaithersburg   When you wish to honor the memory of a friend or family member or to celebrate special moments, take advantage of the opportunity the make Gaithersburg more attractive by adding a tree, a park bench, or sponsoring a seat in a community building. Those of us that walk through the community on a regular basis do enjoy reading the plaques and markers in public places. This is the official notice from the City of Gaithersburg: Leave a lasting legacy for someone you love, or commemorate a special occasion like the birth of a child, a graduation, wedding, anniversary or special achievement. The City of Gaithersburg offers several opportunities to plant trees, install park benches, put name plates on theater seats, or be part of a brick walk, creat...
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Book Recommendation: Natchez Burning by Greg Iles   I just finished reading Natchez Burning (2014) by Greg Iles. This outstanding book should definitely be on your summertime reading list. It is long, with close to 800 pages. This is the first book of a trilogy and features a southern mayor and former prosecutor Penn Cage. Dolores and I have read and enjoyed all of the thrillers on the following list and we recommend them for your reading pleasure. This list could provide all you need for a full summer of reading. Enjoy a good book this week!  One of my personal goals is to read at least one novel each week.   Greg Iles Books Spandau Phoenix (1993) 1st Novel  The Black Cross (1995) 2nd Novel  Mortal Fear (1997)   The Quiet Game (1999)   24 Hours (2000)   Dead Sleep (2001)    Sleep No Mo...
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Confidence Title & Escrow Ice Cream Social, Wednesday, June 18th   Some of favorite summertime events for real estate agents and mortgage loan officers in Montgomery County, Maryland are the monthly Ice Cream Socials sponsored by Confidence Title & Escrow. The invitation is extended to all in the real estate industry.  The next Ice Cream Social is tomorrow, Wednesday, June 28, 2014 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Plan to stop by to enjoy some wonderful ice cream and to spend some quality time with friends. The event is free. Location: Bruster's Ice Cream 18519 North Frederick Road Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Sponsor: Confidence Title & Escrow 600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 204 Rockville, MD 20852 Phone:  301-740-1880 What flavors of ice cream will you select for your cone or cup?  
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Pearl Necklace Blogging: Oyster Stout   This blog is another of my series on the best beverages to enjoy while blogging. This afternoon, I am enjoying Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout, an ale brewed with Rappahannock River oysters. This is a local beer by Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, Maryland. Click on the link to see the reviews. If you have not yet sampled an Oyster Stout, this is a good one to try. Very good!  
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
An awkward moment in real estate   Most of us that have many years of real estate experience have experienced our share of awkward moments. One of the June challenges for ActiveRain bloggers is to share an awkward moment. I started to write about the time that I almost stepped on a dead cat in the dark basement of a HUD home but that is not a pleasant image for discussion. At another time, I was previewing a HUD home that had been vacant for some time. As usual there was no power but I always carried a flashlight for foreclosure properties. You always worry about going into dark basements because you do not know if there may be missing steps on the stairs or if they will hold your weight. So, you move slowly on basement stairs. I was being very careful on the stairs but the basement was...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Most desired new home feature   Beazer Homes and ActiveRain have challenged bloggers to write about a feature that we would most like to see in a new home. I am compelled to mention more than a single feature that would be ideal for our next home. Our current home has the traditional floor plan that includes a living room, dining room, office, family room, kitchen and breakfast area on the first floor. The plan is very nice and our furniture looks great just as it is. The practical issue is that we rarely use the living room unless Dolores is playing the piano and we seldom use the formal dining room because we usually go out for dinner when entertaining. So, from my personal perspective, I would opt for elimination of the living room and dining room and ask for a great room area that i...
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Kentlands Community Happy Hour, Friday, June 20th   This Friday, June 20, 2014 is the date for the next Kentlands Community Happy hour at the Kentlands Clubhouse from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There is no charge for this adults only event that is open to all of the residents of Kentlands. The event is sponsored by the Kentlands Citizens assembly and the staff will be serving wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks. This is a good time to meet with friends and neighbors and to meet some of the new residents of the community. Plan to stop by before going out for your Friday night dinner. Please call the Clubhouse at 301-948-2071 to make reservations.     Allium, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, MD IMG 6933 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Financial Reporting & Budget Awards for Gaithersburg   For the 36th consecutive year, the City of Gaithersburg has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2013. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting. The City of Gaithersburg has also received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013 from the GFOA. Gaithersburg is receiving this award, the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting, for the 12th consecutive time. Read more here. For out of the area ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Eradicating Household Aromas    Try sprinkling a bit of baby powder on the pillow covers before putting the case back on. For persistent smells, try lemon oil or spray on the carpet, curtains, sofas, and even mattresses. Use a waterlogged sponge for bad kitchen odors such as those created from fried foods. On a plate, place a big sponge (natural or loofah) in very hot water. The vapor will replace the molecules responsible for the annoyance. Repeat as necessary. Place a few cubes of charcoal in a container and put the container in the closet. It removes that damp, musty smell. Blackboard chalk will work, too. Before throwing away orange or lemon rinds, toss them into a pot of simmering water on the stove to make the kitchen smell inviting and lift the cook's spirits. Combining them with...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Cleaning An Egged Car Ted Blitgen provided these tips for his Kentlands neighbors A solution for removing the egg:If you've ever been victimized by neighborhood pranksters or vandalism, you've likely had your car egged. While discovering an egged car is nerve racking, trying to remove the egg and yolk creates further irritation. The key is to remove the egg stain shortly after the incident. However, if the egging occurred overnight, or while you were out of town, the yolk will crust, making removal twice and hard. Here are a few tips for removing egg from cars, without ruining the paint. Step 1: If possible, do not allow the egg to sit on the car for an extended period, especially in the sun. Every second counts. As soon as you discover the mess, begin steps to clean the vehicle. Step 2...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Flower Photography: An Iris for You!   I normally prefer the morning light or a cloudy day for flower photographs. It is usually good to avoid the harsh shadows. However, sunny days also present some great photo opportunities.This Iris was ready to pose in the bright sun with a background of the green grass. Another good tip for flower photography is to be very much aware of the background. Enjoy the colors of the season and the beauty of nature with your camera in hand. It is easy to set aside the problems of the moment as you focus your attention and your camera on a beautiful flower. And, there is no charge for the very effective therapy. Have an outstanding week!     Iris, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, MD USA IMG 6932 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Click here if you love pink in your garden   One of the favorite flowers for Maryland gardens is the Watermelon Gerbera Daisy. Watermelon, of course, refers to the pink color. Gerbera daisies are available in several different colors but I think this is my favorite. They do grow well in the Kentlands community and I will share more photographs on Facebook during the summer. Add some pink to your home garden with Watermelon Gerbera Daisies. Home sellers should definitely have flowers blooming while their home is on the market.     Watermelon Gerbera Daisy, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD USA IMG 7100 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Today is Flag Day:  Display your American Flag   Display your American flag today for Flag Day. The flag in this photograph is located on the grounds of the Kentlands Clubhouse, in our home community in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Make this a very special weekend!     Dawn in Kentlands Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Can you identify this blossom?   As I take photowalks through the Kentlands community, I photograph flowers, plants and trees that catch my eye. If it is beautiful and the light is right, I will photograph it even when I am now sure of the identity.  I was uncertain with this photograph and had to ask for identification assistance from the Gardening group on Facebook. Do you recognize this blossom? The identification is below the photograph.     Wisteria, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, MD USA IMG 6939 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Maryland Azaleas are Blooming   We have a rainy afternoon in Maryland and I am posting some flower photographs in Facebook groups. I thought you might need a little color so I am sharing this photograph of azalea blooms in Kentlands. Enjoy the colors of the season with your camera in hand.   Azalea, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, MD USA IMG 6937 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA, 301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA
(Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties )
What I love About Rio, The Washingtonian Center Located in Gaithersburg Maryland  The city of Gaithersburg is located in the heart of affluent Montgomery County, which consistently ranks among the nation’s wealthiest counties with an average household income of $126,900, according to Forbes. The city of Gaithersburg is ranked 23rd on CNN Money’s “Best Places to Live” in 2012 .. in addition the city also is on Forbes Magazine’s current list of “Top 25 Places to Retire.” The Washingtonian Center called RIO for short is the playground fro Gaithersburg residents.   A tranquil lake defines the RIO complex, Outdoor dining and shopping is a pleasant experience because of it's unique unmatched picturesque setting   The Washingtonian Center, Waterfront and Rio Entertainment Center combine and am...
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Kentlands Outdoor Movie Night, Saturday, June 14th   Take your family and friends to a free movie on Saturday night on the lawn at the Kentlands Clubhouse. This is a new event to add to your summertime activities. This is the notice from the Kentlands Citizens Assembly Come join us on the Clubhouse Lawn this Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. for an outdoor showing of Despicable Me 2! There will be a 26' screen and professional sound system to give you a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.  Grab your favorite blanket or lawn chair and a snack or beverage, and we will see you this weekend! For out of the area readers, Kentlands is located within the City of Gaithersburg in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. Kentlands is a preferred community for families that are relocated to the metro ...
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