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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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Gaithersburg Snow Emergency  Residents Asked to Prepare for Inclement Weather The following announcement was distributed by the City of Gaithersburg.  Area residents should be prepared for heavy snow.  Now is the time to get prepared and discuss your emergency plans with your family. Local weather reports have indicated the possibility of significant snowfall beginning Tuesday evening, March 5 and ending Thursday morning, March 7. The City of Gaithersburg is asking residents to make preparations now, especially moving cars from roadways so that snow removal can be done as efficiently as possible.Gaithersburg City Manager Tony Tomasello has issued a Snow Emergency effective at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5. Mandatory removal of cars from snow emergency routes and cul-de-sacs will be in eff...
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Maryland Orchid Society Show & Sale, March 8-10   Orchid lovers will want to attend the annual Maryland Orchid Society Show & Sale which is held in conjunction with the Spring Show of the Maryland Home & Garden Show at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland. The dates of the Orchid Society Show & Sale are March 8-10, 2013.  The hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Thousands of blooming orchids will be on display and for sale.  Visit www.mdorchids.org for more information. Cymbidium Orchids, Brookside Gardens, Spring Conservatory Display IMG_4348 Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Chocolate Chip Cookies Do Make A Difference I like to know what is happening in the Kentlands real estate market.  On Sunday afternoon, I attended two open houses in the community.  One of the open houses had more traffic and was very distinctive.  RE/MAX agent Johnice Comer has a special marketing technique at open houses.  Johnice bakes chocolate chip cookies at her open houses.  When you enter the home the aroma of chocolate chip cookies creates an immediate positive response.  The cookies are served in the kitchen which serves as the location to get to know the prospects. Her sign in sheets and home information sheets are in the kitchen. It is okay for you to copy this idea.  For a more positive response from open house prospects, bake and serve chocolate chip cookies. It works! Joh...
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The Sequester:  What will happen to home sales?   Many communities will be impacted by the anticipated automatic federal budget cuts.  When thousands of civil service employees go on furlough one day a week, service providers, including real estate professionals, will experience drastic changes in their business volume. Families with incomes reduced by furloughs will not be buying homes and mortgage loan professionals will have the new challenge of how to qualify government workers and employees of government contractors for mortgage financing. What impact will The Sequester have on your business? Brookside Gardens, Spring Display, Imagination IMG_4351 Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Maryland Home & Garden Show March 8-10, 2013   The Maryland Home & Garden Show was open this past weekend and will again be open this weekend.  The show is located at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.  This is the 32nd year for the show and there will be over 450 home, garden and craft booths.    Dolores and I like to attend the Maryland Home & Garden Show on the second weekend because that is the time to see the Maryland Orchid Society Show and Sale.  There will be thousands of orchids on display. Visit the website at Maryland Home and Garden Show  and let HGTV's Jim Parks show you around the site.  Jim helps the attendees plan their visit to the show.  He can even show you where you can purchase advance tickets on line. As an added bonus, if you purchase tickets on line, you...
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Walking for good health in Kentlands Update   ActiveRain blogger Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh challenged members to join her plan for a more healthy year. There is a new group called Get Healthy in the Rain Group. The first element of the challenge was to write a blog about the goal.  This was the easy part.  For many years, my exercise routine has included an hour or more walk through the communities of Kentlands and Lakelands in Gaithersburg, Maryland. I was sick during most of January and stopped my regular walks.  So, my goal was to get back in the habit of those daily walks which make me feel better and also provide an element that helps with weight control. Frequently, I turn my walks into photowalks by having my camera in hand to capture the colors of the season.  I recommend neighborhoo...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
 ActiveRain Meet-up with Roy & Dolores Kelley What a delight to Meet-up with Roy & Dolores Kelley in Frederick, Maryland! As a little token of my appreciation for all the flowers Roy has shared with ActiveRain I just had to bring one for him and a soy based candle for Dolores. Recently I wrote an endorsement for Roy Kelley and learned about his real estate career which he began while still in law school. After being virtual friends through ActiveRain we finally had the opportunity to meet in person. Dave & I were beginning a three week trip south and made arrangements to meet Roy & Dolores for drinks & appetizers mid- afternoon.   My sister, Irene & her husband who livein Frederick, joined us for dinner and lively conversation. Fantastic evening. Roy & Dolores blended right into our fam...
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Same-sex marriages and the need for title changes    Same-sex marriage photographs are now appearing in newspapers since the Maryland law changed to permit these marriages beginning on January 1, 2013.  When there are changes in one sector of the law, all need to consider the impact of other laws on the newly married couples.  This is a new territory for those of us that provide professional real estate advice. According to The Washington Post, same-sex marriage is now permitted in the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire and New York as well as in Maryland.  Kerrie at ActiveRain reports that Washington has also approved same-sex marriage.  Real estate professionals in these areas need to be positioned to advise same-sex couples on how to best t...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Walking for good health in Kentlands   ActiveRain blogger Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh has challenged members to join her plan for a more healthy year. There is a new group called Get Healthy in the Rain Group. The first element of the challenge is to write a blog about the goal.  This is the easy part.  For many years, my exercise routine has included an hour walk through the communities of Kentlands and Lakelands in Gaithersburg, Maryland. I was sick during most of this month and stopped my regular walks.  So, my goal it to get back in the habit of those daily walks which make me feel better and also provide an element that helps with weight control. Frequently, I turn my walks into photowalks by having my camera in hand to capture the colors of the season.  I recommend neighborhood walks to ...
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Kentlands TGIF Happy Hour, Friday, March 1   The March TGIF Happy Hour for Kentlands residents is this Friday, March 1, 2013 at the Kentlands Clubhouse.  5:30 to 7:30 p.m. You need to call today to RSVP, 301-948-4290, if you wish to attend the social event.  This is a good stop to make before going out to dinner.  See old friends and make some new friends from the Kentlands community.  Wine, beer and soft drinks will be served.  There is no charge for the event. Kentlands Clubhouse IMG_6053 Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Montgomery County, MD Real Estate Market Statistics, January, 2013   There are 1,464 active listings of homes for sale in Montgomery County, Maryland.  137 (9.36%) of the available homes are short sale pre-foreclosures.  42 (2.8%) of the active listings are lender owned foreclosures.   During January, 2013, the total sold dollar volume of residential properties in Montgomery County, Maryland was $235,323,579, up 6.76% from the previous year.  There were 521 closed sales,down 1.7% at a median sold price of $365,500, up 12.46%.  The average sold price was $451,677, up 8.61% with an average of 69 days on the market, down 20.69%.  The average sold to original list price ratio was 95.45%, up 3.37%.  These statistics are from the regional multiple listing service (MRIS) and were complied by R...
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Make a Difference: Plant native species in your garden    Gaithersburg residents are making their commitments to change some habits for the benefit of our environment as we approach Make a Difference Day on Friday, April 5, 2013.  Small actions can add up to significant savings in our consumption of water, energy, and other natural resources.   Plant native species in your garden. Native plant species are better adapted to local conditions, use less water, and require fewer artificial inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.  Many native plant species have been displaced by non-native invasive species, so consider planting rare varieties to aid in the preservation of these species.  Native plants also attract native wildlife and beneficial native insects.  Gaithersburg's Rainscapes Rewa...
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Make a Difference:  Prevent energy leaks at home   Use less!  Do more!  This year, make a commitment to change a few habits for the benefit of our environment. Gaithersburg residents are making their commitments as we approach Make a Difference Day on Friday, April 5, 2013.  Small actions can add up to significant savings in our consumption of water, energy, and other natural resources. Prevent energy leaks at home.Heating and cooling can make up nearly half of your home's energy bills each month (Energy Star: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_hvac). By sealing air leaks and insulating effectively, you can save money and reduce your impact on the environment.  Energy Star's Home Energy Yardstick can help you assess your home's energy performance, and their Home Advisor ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Make a Difference:  Compost      Residents of the City of Gaithersburg are seeking ideas for Make a Difference day on Friday, April 5, 2013.  The challenge for all is to make commitments to change a few habits that will benefit our environment. Compost. Food waste and yard trimmings constituted 27.8 percent of the waste stream in the United States in 2009 (EPA: http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/organics/food/fd-basic.htm).  The decomposition of organic waste in landfills releases methane, a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide.  Rather than sending your grass clippings, banana peels, and coffee grounds to the dump where decomposition is a slow process, consider starting a compost pile.  Compost makes plants stronger and healthier, is a great alternative to sy...
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National Capital Orchid Society Auction   On Saturday, March 2, 2013, the National Capital Orchid Society will be holding its 35th Annual Orchid Auction at Behnke Nurseries in Beltsville, Maryland. Hundreds of blooming or near blooming size orchids from well known growers from across the country will be offered. This is one of the largest orchid auctions in the country.  Admission is free so you will want to take your friends. The auction date is Saturday, March 2, 2013.  The preview hour begins at 10 a.m. and the auction will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Food will be available. Location: Behnke Nurseries Co. 11300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 301-937-1100 National Capital Orchid Society   www.NCOS.us For more information, email Nancy Burns at n.burns@cox.net Photograph by Roy Ke...
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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 )
19819 WHEELWRIGHT DRIVE Gaithersburg, MD 20886 Property Description   Beautiful brick front end unit in Watkins Mill. This bright & sunny end unit town house features a spacious kitchen with newer appliances, new dishwasher, beautiful plush carpet on all 3 levels . Relax in your whirlpool bathtub, Kitchen offers eat-in area and backyard is nature's paradise with private view to woods . This end unit townhouse is the largest builder's model with 3.5 BATHS!   Additional Information Elementary SchoolStedwickMiddle SchoolNeelsvilleHigh SchoolWatkins MillStories3ExteriorBrick and Siding Call for the latest pricing301-246-0001           Call for the latest pricing301-246-0001 19819 WHEELWRIGHT DRIVE Gaithersburg, MD 20886  
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Brookside Gardens - Chrysanthemums   Those that follow my blogs know well that my wife, Dolores, and I love to photograph beautiful flowers.  We are fortunate to have Brookside Gardens in our area in Montgomery County, Maryland. Several times each year, Brookside Gardens hosts outstanding flower shows that are enjoyed by visitors from around the world.  A benefit for foreign guests is that you do not need to be able to speak English to enjoy flowers and gardens. The photographs in this post were taken during the Chesapeake Chrysanthemum Society Show at Brookside Gardens.  Many of us wish we had the gardening skills of the individuals that compete in the flower shows. Which bloom is your favorite in this group?   Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_7975   Chrysanthemum, Brookside Garden...
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Dolores Kelley shares a spot and stain removal secret PICRIN Dolores asked if I would take a short trip with her to an industrial park in Silver Spring, Maryland.  It is a bit unusual us us to go shopping in in industrial park but it was an interesting adventure. For many years, my wife, Dolores Kelley, has been using a product that has saved many trips to the dry cleaners and has made white upholstery more practical to use. You may not be familiar with this product since is is manufactured for professional use by dry cleaners.  Clothing stores use this product to remove lipstick stains and other spots. The product is PICRIN and can be purchased from distributors that sell to dry cleaners. PICRIN requires very careful use but it is a dream product that will remove spots and stains from ...
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Maryland Baked Scallops Recipe From the kitchen of Dolores Kelley (Adapted from Bea Conner’s Lightly Baked Scallops)  Set rack in upper third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees Place 2-4 minced, peeled garlic cloves and 4 Tbsp. butter in a shallow pan (I use an enameled medium-small size paella pan about 10 ½ inches across) and place pan in the oven until the butter melts.  Remove the pan from the oven, and add about 6 to 8 sea scallops and 4 Tbsp. dry white wine. Spoon sauce over scallops until evenly coated. Crumble 8-12 Ritz crackers over the scallops and sprinkle with 4 Tbsp. freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese. Bake scallops until they are hot and have turned opaque, about 10 minutes. Switch the oven to broil, and cook until cracker crumbs and cheese are lightly browned o...
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Looking for a retirement community in the southeast?   If you live near the DC Metro area, you may wish to attend the Live South Real Estate Show this weekend at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner Hotel in McLean, Virginia. The address is 1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean, VA. Selecting the best location for retirement can be a real challenge. This Ideal Living Resort & Retirement Expo is where you can meet representatives from many communities and attend seminars that will help guide you through the decision making process. The Saturday program on February 16 runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Sunday program runs from 11 a.m. 3 p.m.  Visit IdealRetirement.com for free registration and free admission or call 888-248-2989. Dolores and I have attended several of the previous shows and have visit...
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