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Gaithersburg, MD Real Estate News

Countryside Artisans 2012 Holiday Studio Tour   A unique, self-guided driving tour of artist studios located in Maryland's countryside.  Two weekends: Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 and Dec. 7 - 9Friday, Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. Meet and talk with the artisans as they open their studios to offer an array of handcrafted gifts for sale. Find hand blown glass, pottery, yarn, jewelry, textiles, prints, paintings, stone sculpture, furniture, ironware and local wines. Come out for some fresh air and take home a renewed sense of well being and possibly a wonderful piece of art. For a brochure and map, visit www.countrysideartisans.com. Dolores and I have taken this tour in the past and recommend it to you if you enjoy meeting with area artisans. Longwood Gardens IMG_2163...
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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 )
26 Tips You Should Know To Get Your Home Sold Fast For The Highest Amount and Less Hassle! Original Article Because your home is more likely your largest asset, deciding to sell your home is not a decision that you should take lightly.  Everyone wants to sell their home for top dollar,  fast and for the least amount of money. 26 Tips you should know to get your home SOLD for TOP DOLLAR @ the fastest time!     Tip #25  Communication Methods With Prospective Buyers. .  .   It seems obvious but I can assure you . .a lot of sellers miss this point When you put your house up for sale, you will have several places where you are going to have your phone number displayed for all to see. . You will have several places where your email address will be  also displayed for easy access to more info...
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Critter Sale at the Brandywine River Museum on Dec. 1 and 2   If you do not have critter ornaments for your Christmas tree, this is the weekend to visit the Brandywine River Museum. Over one hundred volunteers craft hand made ornaments from natural materials.  This year, over 9,000 critters will be on display and for sale.  You will have fun selecting your favorite ornaments for your tree and as gifts for family and friends.  The annual Critter Sale event will take place on December 1 and 2.  See the website for more details.  All proceeds from the sale of critters benefit the Volunteers" Art Purchase Fund which has added over 200 paintings, drawings and prints to the museum collection since 1975. By the way, you will also enjoy the beautiful art in the Brandywine River Museum. "Critter...
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Santa to visit Kentlands on Saturday, December 1   Santa is scheduled to make an appearance a the Kentlands holiday party on Saturday, December 1.  He plans to be at the Kentlands Clubhouse from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The party begins at 6 p.m. and all Kentlands families are welcome to attend this free event. Carriage rides will be available.  Food and cider will be furnished. Each family is asked to bring a favorite holiday dessert, in a disposable dish, to share with neighbors. Please call the Clubhouse by Thursday, November 29, to RSVP. Note:  If you are reading this blog and are not a local resident, Kentlands is located in the City of Gaithersburg, in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland.  The quality of life in the area attracts many families that are relocated to the Metro Ar...
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Gaithersburg Seeks Committee Members:  Constitution Gardens   The Mayor and City Council are seeking members to serve on the Constitution Gardens Ad Hoc Improvement Committee.  The members will represent a cross section of stakeholders including, those who live in proximity to Constitution Gardens, those who donated funds or have memorials to friends and families within the park, and others who are interested in the future of this property located at 112 Brookes Avenue in Olde Towne, Gaithersburg.  Functions of the committee will include:  Reviewing existing conditions of the site.  Identifying commemorative plantings that may be restored or relocated if necessary.  Reviewing information gathered by staff through outreach to the original donor base.  Consulting with the Gaithersburg Pol...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Kentlands Acoustic Jam Sessions Life is good in Kentlands! The Kentlands Community Foundation has announced a new program, Acoustic Jam Sessions, which will begin on January 22, 2013, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Ongoing sessions will be held on the first and fourth Tuesday of each month.  Participants are asked to bring an acoustic instrument and a dish, dessert or drink to share. The plan is to have an hour of slow jamming, a break for food and drink, and then more jamming. Sessions are open to all regardless of address or skill level. For more information, contact kentlandsjam@gmailcom.  Laguna Torcello, VMFA, Chihuly Exhibit IMG_7775 Photograph by Dolores Kelley using a Canon PowerShot S90 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Kentlands Community Holiday Party, December 1st   Kentlands residents will not want to miss the holiday party scheduled for Saturday, December 1, 2012 at the Kentlands Club House. Meet your neighbors and do a little social networking from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Refreshments will be provided but please bring your favorite dessert to share with new and old friends. Santa Claus will be there.  All should be good and bring a wish list.  Please RSVP by calling the Club House at 301-948-2071 by November 28. Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens, Chrysanthemum Society Show IMG_7956 Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Santa To Visit Carroll County Christmas Market on Nov. 24th The seasonal Christmas market which features hand made crafts is scheduled for Saturday mornings through December 15th at the Carroll County Farmers market in Westminster, Maryland. On November 24, 2012, Santa is scheduled to visit the Christmas Market at 11:30 a.m.  You will want to be there for this special event.  It is a great opportunity to do a little holiday shopping.  Over 75 vendors are present each week and you will have a big selection of good food and crafts.  I am attracted to the pies and Dolores is attracted to the jewelry.  Holiday wreaths and decorations will also be available. Breakfast and lunch will be served.  The market hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission and parking is free.  Follow the signs "To Ag...
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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 )
26 Tips You Should Know To Get Your Home Sold Fast For The Highest Amount and Less Hassle! Original Article Because your home is more likely your largest asset, deciding to sell your home is not a decision that you should take lightly.  Everyone wants to sell their home for top dollar,  fast and for the least amount of money. 26 Tips you should know to get your home SOLD for TOP DOLLAR @ the fastest time!     Tip #16  Home improvements projects to help you sell. . what to fix and what NOT TO FIX?   Fix It First No Doubt! If you feel that you need to make improvements to your home before selling it. . you must do the work before it goes on the market. . not during! Don't stage your house with paint buckets. . Potential buyers are not interested in hearing about the repairs you will do i...
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Sneak Preview Of Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival, Nov. 23-24 Area residents look forward to the annual City of Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival.  2012 marks the 17th season of this spectacular display of lights at the Seneca Creek State Park.  The display will be open nightly from November 30 through the end of December.  The hours on Sunday through Thursday will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the Friday and Saturday hours will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  The festival will be closed on Christmas Day. A sneak preview of the Winter Lights Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 23 and 24.  During this period, the display will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The admission cost is $15 per automobile. For additional infomation, visit the festival website at www.gaithersburg...
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Safety Reminder from the Gaithersburg Police Department   The Gaithersburg Police Department would like to remind citizens to drive safely during the Thanksgiving holiday.  “Officers will be out in force over the holiday weekend focusing on speed enforcement, seatbelt compliance, aggressive and impaired drivers.  Your safety is our number one priority,” said Chief of Police Mark P. Sroka.  To stay safe this Thanksgiving season, the Gaithersburg Police encourage drivers to plan ahead and be patient when traveling.  Drivers should not text or make any handheld cell phone calls.  If you find yourself to be impaired, call a friend or family member, or use public transportation, such as buses or cabs.  If you see a driver you think may be impaired or is driving their vehicle in an unsafe man...
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Gaithersburg Thanksgiving Day Recycling Collection    The City of Gaithersburg announces that the collection of recycled materials for residents whose regular recycling day is Thursday, November 22, 2012, will take place the FOLLOWING Saturday, November 24.  This includes newspaper, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, and commingled materials, as well as brush, branches, grass clippings, leaves and other yard trimmings, picked up by the City’s recycling contractor.  Regular trash and garbage collection for City residents is handled by private contractors.  Please contact your HOA or your private contractor regarding the holiday collection schedule for these materials.  For more information please contact the City’s Department of Public Works at 301-258-6370, or visit the City’s website a...
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Chihuly Exhibit, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond   Previously I have posted some of our photographs from the wonderful Chihuly at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts exhibit that runs until February 10, 2013.  Now is a good time for you to plan to visit Richmond, Virginia.  Let me know if you are tired of seeing examples of the work of Dale Chihuly. Chihuly’s art remains at the cutting edge of the technical and virtuoso possibilities of glass as a medium, and this exhibition includes many iconic works for which Chihuly is known — Ikebana, Mille Fiori, Chandeliers, Tabac Baskets, Venetians, Boats, Persian Ceiling — as well as site-specific installations, taking advantage of the soaring Atrium and reflecting pools.  The photographs in this group are by my wife, Dolores Kelley. Laguna ...
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Japanese Prints at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (FMFA) in Richmond, Virginia is one of our favorite places to visit. The Dale Chihuly art glass exhibit is currently being featured and is a display that you will want to see. During a recent visit to the museum, we spent some time looking at the Japanese print section.  These photographs, taken by Dolores Kelley, will provide a sample of what you might see in that section of VMFA. Include your favorite museums in your wintertime travel plans. Japanese Print, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts IMG_7844   Japanese Print, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts IMG_7843   Japanese Print, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts IMG_7846   Japanese Print, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts IMG_7845   Japanese Print, Virginia Museum of Fine ...
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Who we are in Montgomery County, Maryland A profile of area residents   Those of us in the real estate business spend much time studying the communities we serve and and the families that reside in the area.  The November issue of Washingtonian Magazine has a feature article on population profiles in the Metro Area of Washington, D.C.  The statistics in this blog were found in the Washingtonian article.  The population of Montgomery County, Maryland is close to one million people, up 13% from 2000. We live and work in the oldest jurisdiction in the area, with a median age of 39 and with 13% of the population being over the age of 65. Diversity is in place. 32% of the residents of Montgomery County were born in another country. About 14% of our residents are Asian and about 18% are Hispa...
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Homes For Sale Inventory Down In DC Metro Market Some prospective home buyers are wondering why home prices are rising in the DC Metro Market.  To over simplify the market, it is a matter of supply and demand. The five year average of the number of active listings in the metro is 15,476 as compared to he 8,766 active listings in October. With the low inventory of homes for sale, the selection is much more limited and many purchasers face the challenge of multiple contract competition. In a more normal market, the rising prices would encourage more sellers to put their homes on the market.  That impact is limited by the many home owners that can not afford to sell because of limited or negative home equity.  Other families still face economic uncertainty and are are not comfortable with ...
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Manna Food Center Needs Thanksgiving Turkeys   Manna Food Center is the largest food distribution center in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Manna plans to help 300 needy families during Thanksgiving week. Manna will provide 70 pounds of emergency food assistance for each family. Turkeys are needed. Please drop off turkey donations to Manna located at 9311 Gaither Road in Gaithersburg before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20th. Manna reminds us that hunger does not take a holiday. Manna Food Center 9311 Gaither Road Gaithersburg, MD 20877301-424-1130  |  info@mannafood.orgJust 2 blocks off of Shady GroveUnited Way #8846CFC #23028 Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens, Chrysanthemum Society Show IMG_7952 Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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DC Metro Home Prices Up 13.3% From October, 2011   Some prospective home buyers are still waiting for the bottom of the residential real estate market as home prices continue to rise in the area. Home buyers need to be prepared for the inventory shortage and conditions that favor home sellers.  Every home buyer should select an exclusive buyer agent that really knows the local market and has the experience to represent clients during negotiations that may be difficult.  There is multiple contract  competition for many homes. Those that plan to use mortgage financing should obtain a pre-approval letter from a well know area mortgage lender.  When the listing agent is not familiar with the reputation of the mortgage lender, advice may be given to the seller to consider other offers. "Medi...
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Kentlands Asphalt Restoration: Restricted Alley Access    Asphalt restoration work will begin at 7:00 am each day and will end at approximately 6:00 pm each day, so please make arrangements to park on the street during the day(s) of work in your area. Access to your alley will not be available while the work is in progress. The asphalt contractor will post signs indicating work will begin shortly in the affected areas, and listed below is the schedule and the addresses that will be affected by the work:     November 19 & 20 Thaxton Mews: 403 - 443 Little Quarry Rd., 308 - 324 Thaxton St. , 515 - 571 Chestertown St., and 504 - 544 Tschiffely Sq Rd   November 26 & 27 Clubhouse Parking Lot   Please call Randy Fox at 301-948-2071 if you have any questions.   This notice was provided by Kent...
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Gaithersburg Community Chorus Winter Concert   The Gaithersburg Community Chorus is pleased to present its winter concert, “A 25th Anniversary Retrospective,” directed by Hugh Harvey, III with organ and piano accompaniment by MaryLu Hartsell.  This celebration of song will feature a specially commissioned piece, “Let Us Be Merry,” by Chris Fraley.  The Tuesday, December 11 performance will be held at the Rosborough Cultural Arts Center Theater at Asbury Methodist Village, 409 Russell Avenue in Gaithersburg starting at 7 p.m.  A public reception will follow this performance.  On Saturday and Sunday, December 15 and 16, performances will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 9000 Warfield Road in Gaithersburg starting at 7:30 p.m.  Admission is free, and donations are gratefully ac...
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