Maryland Black Bear Visits Kentlands Area:  Bear Etiquette   There have been multiple sightings of the black bear that is exploring the Kentlands and Gaithersburg communities. I have been taking long walks through the area but have not yet seen the bear. The bear has been featured in The Washington Post. Last night, the bear became a TV star after a police officer made a video of the bear on the deck of a home owner. The bear had destroyed the full bird feeder and was calmly enjoying all of the bird seed. This morning, the Kentlands Neighborhood Watch emailed an alert on bear etiquette. If you have bears in your area, this is good information to have in mind. This is the notice from the Kentlands Neighborhood Watch:   Bear etiquette - Black bears continue to expand their range throughou... 06/21/2013

Kentlands Geothermal Energy Model   The Kentlands community Clubhouse has received a State of Maryland Environmental Grant of $120,000 for the installation of a geothermal heating and air conditioning system.  The grant will cover about half of the overall cost.  The original electric heating and air conditioning system in the Kentlands Clubhouse needs to be replaced and the Kentlands Citizens Assembly has approved a standing column geothermal system. The work will take place during July and August.  According to the KCA, “The grant from the State of Maryland was awarded because the size, scope and uniqueness of the project will make it a model for other communities to replicate.” A  Gaithersburg  contractor, Harvey Hottel, Inc., provided guidance to secure the grant and will be handlin... 06/20/2013

Still waiting for lower mortgage interest rates to refinance   During one of my photowalks through Kentlands, a home owner invited me to see the garden in his back yard. The garden was lovely and I took a few photographs.  Everybody, of course, wants to talk about real estate. They have a lovely home that is worth about a million dollars. He told me that he wants to refinance their home and would use a 10 or 15 year mortgage that would have a lower interest rate than the traditional 30 year mortgage loans. However, he also said that he is waiting for lower rates before taking action. I hope he is right about interest rates going down even more.  My suggestion was not to gamble on lower interest rates and to take advantage of the current low rates. What would you recommend to a home owne... 06/19/2013

Bear sightings in Kentlands   The wildlife that we normally see in the Kentlands community in Gaithersburg, Maryland includes the birds, squirrels, rabbits and the occasional fox. Now we have more exciting expectations with today’s reports of bear sightings in the neighborhood. A community alert assures us the bear will probably make its way back to its natural habitat.  Residents are asked to be aware of their surroundings when out on foot or biking. Dog owners are asked to keep their pets on a leash at all times.  Since bears will eat almost anything, it is a good idea to have  lids on garbage cans that may offer possible bear meals. The Kentlands Watch recommends that you stop and slowly back away if you encounter a bear.  They say that it is best not to run because that might arouse... 06/19/2013

Kentlands Annual Fourth of July Parade   Kentlands residents will want to schedule their Independence Day activities to include the annual Kentlands Fourth of July Parade and Carnival. The planned events will add some extra excitement for the holiday.  Be sure to have your camera in hand to capture the special moment that you will want to share with family and friends. Have a wonderful summer. Please remember that every family member should know how to swim. Schedule lessons if needed and make it a very safe summer. This is the notice from the Kentlands Citizens Assembly: Fourth of July Parade and Carnival It's time to show your patriotic pride as the annual July 4th parade in Kentlands is set to take place.  Decorate your strollers, bicycles and floats and meet at Rachel Carson Element... 06/18/2013

Maryland homeowners shocked by deficiency judgments and collections   The Washington Post reports that “Years after foreclosures, old debt haunts homeowners….Lenders are filing new motions in old foreclosure lawsuits and hiring debt collectors to pursue leftover debt, plus court fees, attorney’s fees and tens of thousands in interest that had been accruing for years.” – Kimbriell Kelly After going through foreclosure, many families assume that the mortgage debt is satisfied as they focus on restoring their financial health. In Maryland, it appears that debt collectors have up to 36 years to pursue homeowners for amounts owed on deficiency judgments. Lenders have learned that collections are doubtful if they take place a short time after a foreclosure. Experience has shown that if they w... 06/17/2013

Revised schedule for alley paving in Kentlands   Weather conditions and contractor delays have again caused changes in the schedule for the Kentlands Citizens Assembly alley preparation and paving project.  Residents need to be alert because access to garages that open to the Kentlands alleys will not be available while work is in progress.  It is a good idea to call Randy Fox at the Clubhouse if you have any questions about the schedule or the work to be completed. Please keep in mind that this project does not involve the public streets that are maintained by the City of Gaithersburg.  The following notice was circulated by the Kentlands Citizens Assembly.   This is a paving schedule update dated June 14, 2013. Please note the change in the schedule as dates and areas have changed. We... 06/17/2013

Montgomery County, MD Real Estate Market Statistics, May, 2013   There are 2,100 active listings of homes for sale in Montgomery County, Maryland.  64 (3.05%) of the available properties are lender owned foreclosures. 127 (6.05%) of the active listings are short sale pre-foreclosures. Short sale transactions must be approved by the secured mortgage lenders since the proceeds will not satisfy the outstanding mortgage obligations. Now, let’s compare what is currently available with the statistics for the previous month.  During May, the total sold dollar volume of home sales was $610,849,855, up 15.29% from the same month last year. There were 1,157 closed sales during the month, up 7.83% at a median sold price of $420,000, up 5.26%.  The average sold price was $527,960, up 6.92%, with an... 06/17/2013

New Fitness Equipment  for the Kentlands Clubhouse Exercise Room Closed Monday - Friday   This is the week for the removal of the old fitness equipment at the Kentlands Clubhouse and the delivery of the new equipment that will be much appreciated by Kentlands residents. The Kentlands Citizens Assembly has announced that the Exercise Room will be closed from 9 a.m on Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21, 2013. The removal of the old equipment will begin on Monday and the new equipment assembly is scheduled to begin on Thursday. If all goes well, the Exercise Room, with new equipment, will be ready for use on Saturday, June 22nd.    Kentlands, Flowers IMG_5474 Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 06/16/2013

Carroll County Farmers Market Opening Day, June 15   Dolores and I always enjoy trips the Carroll County Farmers Market in Westminster, Maryland.  This Saturday, June 15, 2013, is the official opening day of the market for the 42nd summer season.  The location is on Agriculture Drive and the market will be open each Saturday through September 7.  The hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This Saturday, they will be offering a free drawing for a basket filled with grilling accessories and two Orioles baseball tickets for Father’s Day. This week’s demonstration is “Pet Portraits” by Diane Bauer. The Summer Market offers a variety of fruits and vegetables, agricultural products and handmade crafts. By the way, this is the oldest market in Carroll County. Master Gardeners will be available to ans... 06/14/2013

 Flag Day, Friday June 14, 2013     Flag Day, on June 14, was established by a proclamation issued by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. An Act of Congress, in 1949, established June 14 as National Flag Day. However, Flag Day is not an official federal holiday. Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777. The United States Army also celebrates the Army Birthday on June 14. The week of June 14 is designated as National Flag Week and residents are urged to fly the American flag for the duration of the week. The flag should also be displayed on government buildings. Flag Day is a very good time for real estate professionals to distribute American flags in their community.  Proudly display flags at your home and office and make it a very special day.   Kentlan... 06/14/2013

Kentlands Happy Hour, Friday, June 14   The June Happy Hour for Kentlands residents is scheduled for Friday, June 14, 2013 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  The location is the Kentlands Clubhouse. This is a good time to meet friends and to make some new friends before going out for dinner. Wine, beer and soft drinks and light hors d’oeurves  will be served.  This is an event that Dolores and I always enjoy.   Please call the Clubhouse to let them know that you will be attending. 301-948-2071. For out of the area readers, Kentlands is a neo-traditional community located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in the heart of Montgomery County. Kentlands is one of the favorite locations for families that are relocated to the Metro Area of Washington, DC.  Ride On bus service connects with the Metro System... 06/13/2013

Kentlands Gaithersburg Real Estate | Newest Listings  To get more information to assist you with buying, renting or selling real estate in the Kentlands Gaithersburg Area,  only one place to get them all. . Get the latest tips, articles and checklists from the Kentlands and  the latest property market news in our website www.ReallyNiceHomes.com   If you are searching for houses for sale in Gaithersburg Maryland and surrounding cities, then you have found the premier listings real estate website.   We have hundreds of listings from the area in one single place We are a local Maryland company and we pride ourselves from bringing you absolutely the latest local listings. Save time, save gas, save money searching for new homes in Maryland  and around Kentlands Gaithersburg  on www.ReallyNi... 06/13/2013

Montgomery County, MD Prepares for Storms   Residents of Montgomery County, Maryland have been advised to prepare for severe thunder storms in the area. There has been talk of a possible derecho.  Everybody should be alert for weather updates. It is a good time to review your family emergency plans. Outdoor activities may need a schedule change.  Be prepared for possible power outages and tree damage. Be careful and be safe. Do not drive through flooded area and keep you family members and pets away from downed power lines. The following notice was provided by Montgomery County.  You may wish to keep a record of the emergency contact information.   Montgomery County Emergency Storm Contacts Fallen trees, wires and other incidents For downed trees on public property, call 311 between 7 a... 06/12/2013

Have you missed out on a home purchase?   Some home buyers are still waiting for the bottom of the real estate market and the lowest interest rates.  Those of us that have been in real estate for long time know that it is very difficult to identify the bottom of the market.  When faced with a smaller selection because of the low inventory of homes for sale and seeing the daily reminders that mortgage interest rates are rising, it is understandable that many families feel that they have missed out on a home purchase.  These factors are compounded as buyers prepare themselves for multiple contract competition and higher home prices. Let’s take a closer look at the available opportunities.  Yes, home prices are rising and if the market gets back to normal, it is easy to anticipate an infla... 06/12/2013

Roy and Dolores Kelley Celebrate 48th Wedding Anniversary   Thanks to all for the many Facebook messages we have received for the celebration of our 48th wedding anniversary.  Yes, we might be the oldest people you know.  Our wedding, in Portsmouth, Virginia was on June 12, 1965. I was lucky to marry the best wife in the world and that is the secret that I share with you for a long marriage. My first real estate office was located on George Washington Highway in the Cradock area of Portsmouth, VA.  I was raised in Cradock and returned to the area after finishing Law School and opened the office in the summer of 1961. Dolores and I went to the same high school but I did not meet her until a fellow member of the Cradock Lions Club introduced me to his next door neighbor.  When Dolores and... 06/12/2013

New Homes for Sale in Gaithersburg MD     Looking For Your Dream Home in Gaithersburg?   Why spend endless hours on the Internet searching for a home from website to website full of outdated listings. .. and a monopoly of agents that pay the most money for your lead regardless of experience!   Instead. . .let your new home find you There is absolutely no need to go from website to website in search of a home. We have EVERY single home and condo that is listed in Gaithersburg  Maryland on our website with hourly updateds for accuraccy! We are including the latest and newest neighborhood near rio in Crown Gaithersburg.    Our FREE Home Finder System can notify you instantly when a new home goes on the market that matches your criteria.. Registration is instant. . FREE . . and you may  cha... 06/12/2013

Median Home Sale Price by Jurisdiction, DC Metro Area, May, 2013   The May median sales price for homes in the Washington, DC Metro Area was $424,800, up from $392,500 during the same month last year. This represents an 8.2% increase. Interesting, this was a record high median sales price for the month of May. The low inventory and strong demand continues to push up the prices. See the chart below for the median sales prices for the area jurisdictions. There were 5,088 home sales in the Washington, DC Metro Area during May. The number of sales was up 13.6% from last year. Condos were the fastest growing property segment, up 21.1%. Townhouse sales were up 18.4% and single family home sales were up 8.1%.   Please contact us for current market information on specific communities that may b... 06/11/2013

Kentlands Turf Management Committee Seeking Volunteers   The Kentlands Citizens Assembly is considering organic turf management options for the community.  The Turf Management Committee is now seeking volunteers that are interested in working on a proposal  for organic treatment of the HOA owned property. If you are interested in serving on the Turf Management Committee, please contact General Manager Randy Fox by June 15, 2013. You can reach Randy by email at rfox@cmc-management.com, by phone at 301-948-2071, or by stopping by the Clubhouse to meet in person. For out of town readers, Kentlands is a planned neo-traditional community in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in the heart of Montgomery County.  Kentlands is one of the favorite locations for families that are relocated to the Metro Area ... 06/11/2013

Is your real estate broker refusing to accept contracts on your home?   Home sellers need to be very careful when selecting a listing agent to market their home. It has always been good advice to use an experienced agent that really knows the local market.  That agent also needs to know how to successfully handle multiple contract situations. Now, there is another reason to avoid some listing agents. Montgomery County, Maryland real estate professional Johnice Comer posted this on Facebook this morning: “To the Weichert agent that called me on Sunday to tell me about her new listing that would be perfect for the buyers I've been working with for a very long time: After I made the appointment to show and got my clients very excited, she then tells me it's an exclusive listing to Weichert... 06/10/2013