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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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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Tulips are blooming in Kentlands   Spring is a good time to photowalk through the Kentlands and Lakelands communities in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  I enjoy photographing the flowers and the blossoms.  Many of the daffodils are past their prime but the tulips are blooming in many colors. The photographs in this blog were taken on Friday, April 19, 2013.  What is blooming in your neighborhood?  You are welcome to post your photographs with your comments on this blog.   Tulips, Kentlands IMG_4005   Tulips, Kentlands IMG_4004   Tulip, Kentlands IMG_4003   Tulips, Kentlands IMG_4001   Tulips, Kentlands IMG_3997   Tulip, Kentlands IMG_3995   Tulips, Kentlands IMG_3994   Tulip, Kentlands IMG_3993 Photographs by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Kentlands Farmers Market Opens Saturday, May 4, 2013   Gaithersburg residents look forward to the spring opening of the Farmers Market in Kentlands.  The season for the Farmers Market will run from May 4 through November 23, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The location is the Main Street Pavilion at 301 Main Street. There is always a nice selection of fruits and vegetables.  Local artists and craftspeople also have their works on display.  Plan to enjoy a meal after your visit to the Farmers Market.  There are several local restaurants within a short walking distance.     Iris, Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_9512 Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Kentlands Community-wide Follow-Up Inspections Scheduled for May   The following notice as distributed by the Kentlands Citizens Assembly. A number of home owners receive notices of violations relating to maintenance issues earlier this year.  Now that spring weather has arrived, it is time to correct any exterior issues.  Obvious pride of ownership is one of the factors that makes Kentlands one of the preferred communities for families that are re-located to the metropolitan area of the District of Columbia. Communitywide Inspection Services (CIS) will be conducting a second review of Kentlands properties with maintenance issues. Properties that received notification of items needing attention will receive a follow-up inspection of the issues noted in the first letter, beginning in May...
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Gaithersburg Annual Housing Fair, Saturday, April 27, 2013   The Gaithersburg Annual Housing Fair provides information on affordable housing options in the Gaithersburg area.   Advice will be provided for renters as well as those that wish to purchase a home.  Please note that registration is required for the two hour Affordable Housing Orientation.   Those that wish to purchase a home with the use of mortgage financing should make an appointment with a mortgage lender to obtain a pre-approval letter before looking at homes.  We will be happy to recommend lenders that participate in the mortgage programs offered by the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission. This is the official notice from the City of Gaithersburg: The City of Gaithersburg and HIP Services, Inc., a non-prof...
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Signs of Suspicious Behavior: See Something, Say Something, Call 911   The City of Gaithersburg has distributed the following notice from the Department of Homeland Security. Terrorism is a timely topic for family discussions. All of us need to be alert for the signs of terrorism.  Please make an immediate call to 911 if you identify any of these or other suspicious activities. The Department of Homeland Security has developed seven signs of suspicious behavior associated with terrorism (listed below). It is important to call 911 if any of the following behavior is observed: Surveillance: Recording or monitoring activities. May include drawing diagrams, note taking, use of cameras, binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices or possessing floor plans or blueprints of key facilities. El...
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Maryland Spring Colors:  Kentlands Photowalk   An easy way to get some needed exercise is to take walks through your home community.  Add a camera and you will be photowalking as you seek the colors of the season.  My daily photowalks are usually in our home community of Kentlands in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The photographs in this blog were taken on Friday in Kentlands.  We are fortunate to have beautiful weather in Maryland this week.  We have planted flowers and plants.  Today, Dolores and I visited George Washington’s River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia.  We purchased some additional plants, including several more tomato plants for our home garden.   Spring Blossoms, Kentlands IMG_3945   Spring Flowers, Kentlands IMG_3950   Tulips, Kentlands IMG_3943   Tulip, Kentlands IMG_3941   Spri...
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Gaithersburg Rabies Clinics Scheduled for 2013 The following notice was originally distributed by the City of Gaithersburg, Maryland.  The first rabies clinic of the season was held on Sunday, April 21, 2013.  Residents that were unable to take advantage of the first clinic have the opportunity to select another of the available dates.The City of Gaithersburg will be participating in a Free Rabies Clinic for cats and dogs on Sunday, May 19, 2013, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. There is no fee for the rabies vaccination; however, a City License must be purchased at the clinic.The Montgomery County Animal Services Division sponsors the clinics at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Rockville at 14645 Rothgeb Drive, which is just off East Gude Drive.At th...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Spring is blooming in Kentlands Life is better when there are flowers to photograph.   Dolores and I live in Kentlands, a neo-traditional community in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  This area is part of the Maryland suburbs of the District of Columbia.  Kentlands is great for photowalking.  The homes are pretty and there are many flowers among the white picket fences that are common in the neighborhood. This is a small sample of photographs from my Friday photowalk.  Enjoy the weekend.  Be sure to have your camera in hand to capture the colors of the season. By the way, we have another beautiful sunny day is Maryland and life is very good.     Tulip, Kentlands IMG_3976   Spring Blossoms, Kentlands IMG_3977   Spring Blossoms, Kentlands IMG_3978   Spring Flowers, Kentlands IMG_3975   Pink Dogwo...
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A different approach when dealing with dandelions   When we have dandelions in our lawns, we usually turn to weed killers or the special tools have been developed to dig up the dandelions.  Regardless of the removal techniques are used, many of the dandelions survive to grow to maturity. As I photowalk through Kentlands, I have a different approach to dandelions.  I like to photograph them.  You might not have noticed but every dandelion is different.  Dandelions provide some of the color that we know means that spring has arrived. Enjoy the dandelions in your neighborhood by taking photographs as you  photowalk and seek the colors of the season. No, I do not expect that you will photograph dandelions but I hope that you will walk for good health. These photographs are from my photowalk...
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Montgomery County, MD Real Estate Market Statistics, March 2013   There are 1,809 active listings of homes for sale in Montgomery County, MD.  41 (2.27%) of the available properties are lender owned foreclosures (REO).  134 (7.4%) of the active listings are short sale pre-foreclosures.  Short sale transactions require the approval of the secured mortgage lenders because the proceeds will not cover the outstanding mortgage balances. Let’s compare the current inventory with the real estate market statistics for March, 2013.  During March, the total sold dollar volume of residential properties in Montgomery County, Maryland was $400,424,125, up 25.56% from the same month last year.  There were 826 closed sales, up 13.15%, at a median sold price of $375,000, up 8.7%.  The average sold price...
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Gaithersburg Police Offer Bicycle Safety Tips The spring weather means that more bicyclists will be out on the local roadways.  The bicyclists need to be very careful and motorists need to be extra cautious.  The following press release is from the Gaithersburg Police Department.  The safety issues are a good topic for family discussions.  Every family should have safety as a high priority.  Children need to be reminded that bicyclists are required to comply with the rules of the road. Gaithersburg, MD   The Gaithersburg Police would like to remind citizens that with spring finally here and efforts underway to educate individuals and drivers about pedestrian safety, we can’t forget about the bicyclists, too. According to a fact sheet issued by the U. Department of Transportation’s Natio...
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The colors of spring at Green Spring Gardens   Some of the local residents may not yet have discovered Green Spring Gardens.  This is a 27 acre public garden located at 4306 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22312.  They have eight acres of demonstration gardens that are designed to appeal to the home gardener. Add Green Spring Gardens to you list of places to visit.  Be sure to have your camera in hand for your visit.  Check their website for Spring and Fall Garden Day programs that are offered in May and September. www.greenspring.org These are April photographs.   Green Spring Gardens IMG_7973   Green Spring Gardens IMG_7972   Green Spring Gardens IMG_7971   Green Spring Gardens IMG_7966   Green Spring Gardens IMG_7965   Green Spring Gardens IMG_7967 Photographs by Roy Kelley u...
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Emancipation Day, District of Columbia, April 16   Emancipation Day is a holiday in the District of Columbia.  This holiday marks the anniversary of the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act on April 16, 1862 by President  Abraham Lincoln.  It is held annually on April 16. Local government offices are closed in Washington, DC and a number of events take place to share the history of the District of Columbia in general and slavery in particular. Slavery was legal until 1865 in most of the area that is now the United States. The Compensation Emancipation Act freed more than 3,000 slaves in the District of Columbia.  However, slavery did not officially end in the rest of the country until the end of the American Civil War in 1865. Did you know that slavery was abolished in the Briti...
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Low inventory impacts home prices in DC Metro Region Median sales prices were up in all areas of the region in March, 2013   The following statistics are provided by RBI, RealEstate Business Intelligence and are based on data generated by the regional multiple listing service, MRIS.   The chart the shows the median prices for the various areas in the region is very good information for families that are being relocated to the area.   Home buyers need to be well prepared for multiple contract competition in preferred areas. At $372,500, the median sale price in the Washington DC Metro Region is 8.0 percent higher than this time last year, and the highest March median price in five years. The low inventory of active listings continues to put upward pressure on prices around the region. On...
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Will radon cause lung cancer in your family?   The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has reported that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after active smoking and the leading cause among non-smokers. Radon is estimated to cause over 21,000 deaths in the United States each year. As shocking as the statistics may seem, an estimated 88% of Americans do not know that radon is a leading cause of lung cancer.  These families do not understand the connection between lung  cancer and the environment in their residence. Many radon induced lung cancer deaths could be prevented by testing for and mitigating high radon levels.  In existing homes, most radon testing and mitigation takes place as part of a real estate transaction. Less than 30% of tested homes are tested outside of ...
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Is your carpet causing illness in your family?   A family in the area has a young child that was experiencing chronic illnesses.  It seemed that every time the child caught a cold, he also ended up with a severe asthma attack that required a trip to the hospital.  One of the family members is a retired nurse that took the toddler for multiple tests to try to figure out what was causing the problems. The home environment was eventually identified as the problem.  The old carpet, after years of shampooing, had mildew and mold that was aggravating the child’s respiratory system.  The solution in this case was to replace the carpet with wood flooring.  This story was told in an article titled Ailing house, ailing people, in The Washington Post. According to the article in The Washington Pos...
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Sandbagging Traffic Camera Boxes in Maryland   Those of us that live in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC know that we have to be on constant alert for traffic cameras when we are out and about.  Cameras check our speed, cameras check to see if we stop behind the white line at traffic stops, they check to see if we are blocking an intersection after the light has changed, and heaven help you if you actually run through a red light or pass a stopped school bus.  Yes, there are cameras mounted on some of the school buses. Many of the traffic cameras are located in boxes placed along the roadways.  And, the locations are frequently changed to keep us alert.  Now, some area police officers have devised a new way to slow down traffic.  They are placing speed camera boxes without the cam...
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April is Volunteerism Month in Gaithersburg   The City of Gaithersburg, Maryland has declared April as Volunteerism Month.  Mayor Sidney Katz is encouraging every resident to step up and share their talents with the community.   We are fortunate to live in a community that celebrates the hard work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers that make a difference in the quality of life in our community.  The following is from the official City of Gaithersburg notice: “Volunteers are the backbone of our community,” said Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz.  “They supplement and enhance the work of nonprofit organizations, schools and City staff, ultimately adding to the quality of life in Gaithersburg and setting an example for future generations.”  The proclamation highlights just a few of the ...
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Gaithersburg ActiveRain Meet Up with Fernando Herboso This has been a busy week for meet ups.  On Tuesday, Dolores and I attended  Lenn Harley’s Meet Up in Lovettsville, Virginia.  On Wednesday, I was a co-host for Pat Kennedy’s Meet Up in Washington, DC.  On Thursday, Dolores and I attended the Gaithersburg, Maryland Meet Up hosted by Fernando Herboso. The Gaithersburg Meet Up was held at Guapo’s Restaurant which is located in the Washingtonian Center.  It was the second Meet Up to be held at that location.  The attendees were Fernando Herboso, Carlos Herboso, Susan Kirk, Lenn Harley, Dolores Kelley and Roy Kelley. Cherry blossoms were blooming in the area and we are enjoying the colors of the spring flowers.  We had perfect weather for all three of the area events.   District of Colum...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Cherry Blossoms in Kentlands   We promised a peak period of blooming cherry blossoms for those that would attend our ActiveRain Meet Up on  Wednesday at Pat Kennedy’ s house in Washington, DC.  The weather was beautiful for the Meet Up.  Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert and her husband Bob Gilbert traveled the longest distance to the luncheon.  They flew in from Katy, Texas.  When I got home to Kentlands after the luncheon, I walked half a block to take these photographs to share with you.  Enjoy the colors of spring and be sure to have your camera in hand to capture the special moments that you will want to share. District of Columbia ActiveRain Meet with Pat Kennedy Lovettsville ActiveRain Meet Up with Lenn Harley   Kentlands, Blossoms IMG_3480 Kentlands, Blossoms IMG_3479 Kentlands, Blossoms ...
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