Silver Spring Maryland Custom House Painter, Q Bramboeck, is one of the area's leading custom painters.  You may not know her now, but Q has developed quite a following for folk who have tired of regular painted walls and moved up to custom painted walls.  Whether it be Venetian Plaster, Faux Finishingor a custom palette which can highlight an art room or bring attention to a particular trophy wall, Q is the custom painter for the job.     Q has helped several of my clients whether they are just moving into a new home, or are tired of the builder's paint or want to bring various rooms of the house out of last century's design.  One client, who had been in his house for 10 years finally figured out he wanted an artist's touch so he could better entertain his high end clients, decided to ... 08/11/2009

Silver Spring, Md. 20906 - Kimberly Place - Market Report July 2009 This is a market report for the Kimberly Place community of Silver Spring, Md. 20906.  At the time of this report (8/8/2009) there are five homes in this subdivision on the market for sale.  The list price of the three or four bedroom townhouses range from $140,000 to $200,000, with the average being $167,475.  The days on market with the current Realtor for these homes range from about two wekes (16 days) to near teh months (317 days).  There are also a two-bedroom condo for sale at $111,000 and has been on the market for nearly three months (88 days). There are currently four three-bedroom townhouse under contract at this time.  The last known list price of these homes ranged from $140,000 to $185,000, with the averag... 08/08/2009

Silver Sping, Md. 20906 - Montgomery Chase July 2009 - Market Report This is a market report for the Montgomery Chase community of Silver Spring, Md. 20906.  At the time of this report (8/8/2009) there are three townhouses in this subdivision on the market for sale.  The list price of these homes range from $119,900 for a two-bedroom one bath home to $200,000 for a three-bedroom two full bath one half bath townhouse.  The average list price being #206,300.  The days on market with the current realtor range from just over two weeks (16 days) to near nine months (262 days), with the average being a little over four months (133 days). Currently there are two townhouses under contract in this community.  The last know list prices where $164,900 for a two-bedroom and $172,000 for a three-bed... 08/08/2009

The Real Estate Market in Silver Spring and Takoma Park continues to pick up momentum. The question is, have we hit bottom and are we heading out of this or is this just a short upswing before the bottom really falls out? I wish I had a Crystal Ball but . . . . . "Those that live by the Crystal Ball eat glass"!    My suggestion right now would be that if you are wanting to buy, jump in now.  You can't go wrong. If you are selling or need to sell, sell now and price your home to move fast. If this is a short upswing then you don't want to miss your chance to sell now during an upswing. How long of a window might we have?  This is another question that is begging for a Crystal Ball.  My guess is that we might see a better market for at least the next 60 days.  The problem longer term coul... 08/06/2009

Leisure World of Maryland - Market Report - Sales - July 2009 This market report details the sales activity in the senior citizens' community of Leisure World in Silver Spring, Maryland. The report period is for activity during the month July 2009. At the time of this report (8/5/2009), there are a total of 241 homes on the market for sale in this community. The asking price for homes in this community ranges from $43,000 for a one-bedroom co-op to $789,000 for a four-bedroom detached home. The list price for these homes averages $199,135. Thirty seven of these are new or returning to the market during the month.  If one does not take into consideration the nine homes that have been on the market for over two years, the average days on the market is very close to six months. During the ... 08/05/2009

4 Bedroom  , 4 1/2 Bath Colonial , Over 4000 Total Square Feet on more than 1/3 of an Acre. This House Sold in June of 2007 for $619,900  ,  NOW BANK OWNED & Just Listed for  $284,900    listing courtesy of Arcadia Realty I represent my buyers as their exclusive Agent ... if you are interested in one of the many opportunities in this unprededented buyer's market ... I would be glad to help.  rick.boothe@longandfoster.com  301-793-6796 *This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.       08/03/2009

The Bicycle Place:  The Friendliest Bike Store In Town! Yesterday, I needed a few things for my bicycle.  Nothing fancy.  Water bottle.  Bottle holder.  Odometer.  And instead of heading to my usual Georgetown bike store, I stopped by The Bicycle Place on Grubb Road in Silver Spring, just over the DC line.  And I got wowed! First of all, they acted glad to see me, and it's not like I was spending all that much money or anything.  In fact, the really helpful staff even had me spend less! Instead of the 15 function odometer, they sold me a much simpler one that passed the "Pat Test".  I may even be able to install it myself!  And they found a blue water bottle and holder that match my cobalt blue Fuji twenty-something speed. So there is a market force in action here. For years, I've been ... 08/01/2009

Silver Spring Md. 20906 - Rental - Market Report July 2009 This market report details the rental activity in the Silver Spring Maryland 20906 zip code, excluding the senior citizens' community of Leisure World.  The report for that area can be read in a seperate blog. The report period is for activity during the month of July 2009.   At the time of this report (7/30/2009), there are a total of 33 homes on the market for rent.  The rents of these homes range from $1,250 for a two-bedroom one bath condo to $3000 per month for a five-bedroom three bath detached home.  The average rent for these homes is $1,920.   While the longest has been on the market about five and a half months (161 days), the average time on the market is near one and a half month (40 days).  Thirty homes have had app... 07/30/2009

Leisure World of Maryland - Market Report - Rentals - July 2009 This market report details the rental activity in the senior citizens' community of Leisure World in Silver Spring, Maryland.  The report period is for activity during the month of July 2009.   At the time of this report (7/29/2009), there are a total of 42 homes on the market for rent.  The rents of these homes range from $900 for a one-bedroom condo to $2800 per month for a four-bedroom detached home.  The average rent for these homes is $1,352.   No significant change in the number of homes on the market of the average list price, since last month.  While the longest has been on the market about a year (363 days), the average time on the market is near three months (83 days).  During the month of July, while 18 units wer... 07/30/2009

This market report details the sales activity of condos in the Silver Spring, Md. zip code of 20906.  Not included in this report are those homes in the senior citizens' community of Leisure World.   At the time of this report (7/26/2009), there are a total of 39 condos on the market for sale.  The least expensive is a one- bedroom and one bath listed for $34,900.  The most expensive home is a two-bedroom, with two full baths, and a fireplace listed for $249,900.  The average list price for all the condos in the zip code is $140,381.  One-Bedroom There are six one-bedroom condos on the market for sale in this zip code at this time.  These homes range in price from $34,900 to $149,990, with the average being $104,057.  The days on market likewise range from 12 days to nearly five months ... 07/27/2009

Since I first put together my "Bucket List", learning to ride a horse was close to the top of the list.  I've been riding lots of time, but somehow whenever I did, the horse was in charge.  So I recently started to check out stables, and, like many home buyers, I started my search on line. The Woodland Horse Center in Silver Spring, Maryland caught my eye with the offer of a free riding lesson every Sunday at 1:00 pm.  So I played hooky from real estate and showed up at horse school. The whole thing was pure fun.  I loved Ernie, the horse I rode.  And Karen Parker, the instructor who worked with me, was able to communicate clearly what I needed to do to stay on the horse.  I'd never been on an English saddle before, so there was no horn to hold onto! They didn't do a hard sell, and they... 07/26/2009

This DEUTSCHE BANK Owned 7 Bedroom , 5 Bath Colonial located @ 9808 Dameron Drive was listed for sale in 2006 for $1,200,000  ,  Now Bank Owned & Just Listed for $575,000   I represent my buyers as their exclusive Agent ... if you are interested in one of the many opportunities in this unprededented buyer's market ... I would be glad to help.  rick.boothe@longandfoster.com listing courtesy of RE/MAX Excellence Realty   07/24/2009

Time is quickly coming to an end to take advantage of the $8,000 Federal Tax credit.  These are just some of the subjects that will be discussed at our monthly home buyer's webinar, such as: how much money is required for a down payment? What exactly are closing costs? What is an ernest money deposit? Am I qualified for the $8,000 Federal Tax credit? Join us from the comfort of your home or office for an informative home buyer's webinar! (Call-in details will be e-mailed to you upon registration.) Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 Time: 7 – 8:00pm To register: E-mail Here or Call: 888-625-8465 ext.4 If you prefer a face-to-face meeting, join us for this local home buyer’s seminar! (The address will be e-mailed to you upon registration.) Date: Saturday, August 15, 2009 Time: 10 a.m. – 12 ... 07/22/2009

Silver Sping, Md. 20906 - Detached Homes - Market Report - July 2009 This market report details the sales activity of detached homes in the Silver Spring, Md. zip code of 20906.  Not included in this report are those homes in the senior citizens' community of Leisure World.   At the time of this report (7/19/2009), there are a total of 89 detached homes on the market for sale.  The least expensive is a two- bedroom and one bath listed for $179,000.  The most expensive home is a five-bedroom, four full baths, 2 half baths home, with two fireplaces and a three car garage listed for $1,499,000.  The average list price for all the detached homes in the zip code is $410,894.  This is a change since the last time (April 2009) I wrote this report when the average list price was $377,500 with 1... 07/20/2009

Silver Spring Md. 20906 - Townhouse - Market Report - July 2009 This market report details the sales activity of townhouses in the Silver Spring, Md. zip code of 20906.  Not included in this report are those homes in the senior citizens' community of Leisure World.   At the time of this report (7/19/2009), there are a total of 54 townhouses on the market for sale.  While there are two bedroom townhouses on the market in this area, the cheapest is a three bedroom and one bath listed for $100,000.  While there are four bedroom homes on the market, the most expensive home is a three bedroom home listed at $425,000.   The average list price for all townhouses in the zip code is $273,318.  This is really no significant change since the last time (April 2009) I wrote this report when the aver... 07/19/2009

Main Level Foyer • coat closet Living Room & Dining Room • 26’6” x 11’7” • bay window overlooking the street • French doors to private deck, patio & back yard Updated Kitchen • HotPoint Oven/Range • Built-in GE Microwave • Kenmore Refrigerator • disposal • Updated cabinets, flooring (2002) • Maytag Dishwasher (2005) Upper Level 1: Master Bedroom with Full Bath • 12’9” x 12’ • two closets • bath Hallway • linen closet • attic access Bedroom # 2 • 10’8” x 11’ • closet Full Bath Bedroom # 3 • closet Lower Level 1: Daylight Recreation Room with Fireplace • 19’8” x 12’11” • access to back yard Utility Room Half Bath Lower Level 2: Family Room Exterior: Partially fenced, private, landscaped back yard Private deck & patio   Please Note: Rent Includes Lawn Service Tenant is responsible for all... 07/16/2009

The below listed 20906 Silver Spring FHA APPROVED condominium listings in Montgomery County Maryland are all the active listings for sale in the MRIS as of today.  This is a keyword search, and sometimes you will also see homes listed from other areas.  Whenever you check back you will be updated with the latest listings, as the below link is updated daily. Aspen Green Autumn Walk Fairways North Glenwaye Gardens Kimberly Place Longmead Crossing Parker Farm   Glenfield North - Northwest Park Golf Course - Ashton Village - Ashton Meadows - Ednor HighlandsBrookhaven - Viers Mill Village - Garrett Forest - Layhill South - Fairways North - Montgomery Chase - Villa Cortez garden style condos - Vantage Point West - Aquarius at Bel Pre - Bonifant Woods - Windsor Square townhomes - Kimberly Plac... 06/30/2009

The below listed 20910 Silver Spring FHA APPROVED condominium listings in Montgomery County Maryland are all the active listings for sale in the MRIS as of today.  This is a keyword search, and sometimes you will also see homes listed from other areas.  Whenever you check back you will be updated with the latest listings, as the below link is updated daily. Argent condominium Glen Briar Rock Creek Gardens   Dale Drive - Connecticut - Country Hills Road - Rollingwood Apartments - High School - Holy Cross Hospital - Lyttonsville Rd - Seminary Road - Eastern Avenue - Fairview - Forest Glen - Georgia ave., Colesville Rd 29, East West Highway, Discovery - Tree Lawn Drive - Sir Galahad Way - Onion Club Drive - Ligon Lane - Mink Hollow Road - Westlawn Drive - Crystal Spring Dr -  Sligo Creek P... 06/30/2009

ow, I am used to having to respond and act quickly when working with local realtors to stage properties.  But my last project was the fastest one yet!  The realtor called me on Wednesday, I viewed the space on Thursday morning and we staged it on Friday afternoon!  Whew! To our benefit, the house was only 1.5 miles from the office AND we were only focused on the basement level. But it was a long basement - 38' ft long by 11ft wide that was forgettable to potential buyers.  And the good thing about it the basement and just off the garage, no stairs...items could basically come right in! Take a look at the photos below and let me know what you think! Before After -check out our handy work below!   DC/Maryland based realtors - don't show your vacant, sell it!  We can stage your properties ... 06/11/2009

Thanks to a heads up from my clients (an Army pediatrician and DOD contractor) I realized that the Army Corps of Engineers has a program designed to help military families feeling the pinch of having to sell their homes in order to move from one station to another through no fault of their own.  They need to go where the military sends them and, in this housing market, that's not always a good thing for selling a home they may have purchased not too long ago. Enter: the Military Maven of all Realtors (at least in this area) - Cindy Jones of Woodbridge, VA.  Cindy's input and insight have been invaluable.  Her experience working with military clients over the years and he selfless assistance led me to the HAP website and then to a phone call to a HAP counselor in Savannah, GA. Here's the... 06/09/2009