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Gaithersburg, MD Real Estate News

By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Molly the Lifesaver Meet Molly, the 8-year-old Labrador who saved her family from a fire in their Montgomery County home! Alerting them to call the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Squad just in time, Molly proved that sometimes heroes have four legs and a tail. She's not just a pet; she's a lifesaver. https://ow.ly/XlEN50RiXZ0This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Orchid, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4342Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Prescription Drug Take Back Day, April 27The Gaithersburg Police Department is gearing up for Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27! Safely dispose of old or unused prescription medications by dropping by our police station at 14 Fulks Corner Avenue between 10am and 2pm.Info: https://gburg.md/takebackdayThis is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Kentlands Photowalk + Imagination, Color Edited for our Imagination Series, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA 2930 ACanon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Calling All Artists: PRIDE T-shirt Design ContestCalling all artists in Montgomery County! Design the official t-shirt for Pride in the Plaza and you could win a $1,000 VISA gift card! Submissions due by May 15. Let your creativity shine and help us celebrate diversity! Details at https://ow.ly/LQa850Rn1TF This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.    Orchids, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 2494Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/4.5, 1/160 sec., ISO-100, 30 mm., No flashPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Vendor Connection Summit, Thursday, April 25The Montgomery County Office of Procurement will host a “Vendor Connection Summit” from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 25, at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Any company or business that is interested in doing business with County Government is encouraged to attend—and they do not have to be companies located in the County. There is no fee to attend.The Silver Spring Civic Building is located at 1 Veterans Pl. in Downtown Silver Spring, near the Silver Spring Metrorail Red Line station.More than 50 prime contractors, government agencies and local resources are expected to be represented at the expo-style event. Attendees can meet with prime contractors that currently have a contract with Montgomery County and discuss potential subcontract...
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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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Loudoun Grown Expo, Purcellville, VA - Saturday, Feb. 16   The 3rd Annual Loudoun Grown Expo, sponsored by the Town of Purcellville, will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 from 2 to 6PM. The Expo is held in the historic Bush Tabernacle (skating rink) in Purcellville, Virginia. This is a free event to attend. You can download the vendor map for the Expo here. There is ample parking at the Tabernacle and on street. We have made arrangements for free overflow parking at the Blue Ridge Bible Church and Loudoun Valley Community Center with free shuttle service between 2 and 6:30PM. You can view a map of the overflow parking here. Last year more than 2,000 folks passed through the doors and had a wonderful time. We look forward to your joining us for another great event. You can find a v...
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Have you read the novels by Stephen Hunter?   Stephen Hunter is an American novelist, essayist, and Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hunter I recommend his books if you are ready to discover another author that you will enjoy.  His thriller series on Earl Sagger and Bob Lee Swagger are outstanding.  I now need to read his Ray Cruz novels.  My personal goal is to read at least one novel each week and I try to read two novels each week. Earl Swagger Series Hot Springs (2000) Pale Horse Coming (2001) Havana (2003) Bob Lee Swagger Series Point of Impact (1993) Black Light (1996) Time to Hunt (1998) The 47th Samurai (2007) Night of Thunder (2008) I, Sniper (2009) Dead Zero (2010) The Third Bullet (2013) Ray Cruz Series Dead Zero (2010) Soft Target (201...
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Condos led the January home sales in the DC Metro Market area   There were 3,916 new home sale contracts signed in January in the DC Metro Area, up 3.0 percent from this time last year. New contracts on condos rose 10.3 percent from this time last year, the highest gain of all property types.  Condos accounted for 27.0 percent of all new contracts in the Metro Area in January, which is the highest proportion in over 3 years. New contracts for single-family homes rose slightly, up 1.9 percent from January 2012.  New contracts on townhomes fell 2.2 percent.  These statistics are from the regional multiple listing service (MRIS) and were published by RBI, RealEstate Business Intelligence for the use of real estate professionals and their clients. Prospective home buyers should be prepared ...
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Housing Inventory Shortage in the DC Metro Area   Reports published today show that the total number of new residential listings during January was at the lowest level in over 15 years.  The demand is strong but home buyers are having more difficulty with their home searches because of the limited selection in preferred areas.  Evidently, many prospective sellers are not responding to the needs of the market because of other concerns.  Many home owners do not have enough equity to comfortably trade up and many have economic uncertainty.  Dahlia, Brookside Gardens, Imagination IMG_7418 A Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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4,000 fewer homes for sale in DC Metro Area in January   Families that are searching for a home in the DC Metro Area are finding a much smaller selection of available properties.  Active listings of homes for sale in January were 4,000 less than were available in January, 2012. There were 6,049 active listings in the DC Metro Area at the end of January, a drop of over 4,000 listings from January 2012.  The inventory shortage continues to impact all property segments, with active listings down over 40 percent across the board.  Townhomes have the lowest supply, and account for only 16.2 percent of all listings in the metro area.  This is the lowest proportion on record for the region, with data available back to 1997.  There were 4,004 new listings entered in January, down 4.2 percent fr...
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Kentlands Community Happy Hour, Feb. 15   You will want to be available to meet your friends and neighbors at the first Kentlands community happy hour of the year.  TGIF Happy Hour will be held on Friday, February 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kentlands club house. The staff will be serving beer, wine, soft drinks and light hors d'oeuvres.  Stop by before going out for dinner. RSVP by calling 301-948-2071 by February 12. Posted on ActiveRain as a community service.  Kentlands is a neo-traditional community located in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  Kentlands is a favorite neighborhood for families that are relocated to the metropolitan area of Washington, DC. Dahlia, Brookside Gardens, Imagination IMG_7176 A Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores K...
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January Home sales up in DC Metro Area   There were 2,497 home sales in January in the Washington DC Metro Area, 6.6 percent higher than January 2012.  Real estate professionals know that the limited inventory has negatively impacted the home sales volume and that sales would have been much higher if prospective home buyer could find the properties they need. Single-family detached homes led all property types in year-over-year growth, up 8.8 percent from this time last year.  Sales of condos and townhomes rose 5.4 and 3.9 percent respectively from January 2012. Prospective home buyers are advised to be prepared for multiple contract competition in preferred areas.  Those that plan to use mortgage financing should obtain a pre-approval letter from their mortgage lender as an initial ste...
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