Nall Home Partners E-News Letter for December 2013

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year  

Click Here To View Entire E-News Flyer 

The real estate market has been terrific this year and thanks to your referrals it looks like one for the record books. We try to make it look easy but of course it rarely is, and heaven knows we couldn't do it alone. So as we wrap up the year and head into the holiday break, here's a big shout out and happy holidays to some of the many folks associated with our real estate team - with a big THANK YOU for a fantastic 2013! 

• Our terrific assistants: office manager and processor Marc Hershkowitz, marketing and internet assistant Becky Smith-Vogel, and Emily Bowers.  
• All of our dependable lenders but especially Deb Levy with Eagle Bank, Joe Nalls and Karen Van Zandt with Prosperity Mortgage, and Brian Farasy with 1st Place Bank
• Our tireless settlement attorneys John Nalls at Counselors Title, Bobby Lee at Sage Title, Tony Duvol at RGS - and all the their processors and staff too! 
• All the trades associated with getting our listings ready to show and attending to home inspection punch lists including Irshad and Nanda at Alliance Home Improvement, Casey Spears at Preston Landscaping, Nick  Sage at Smartbox, Rick Neumann, Neumann & Associates (floors), Alan Ruprecht at Benware Termite Control.  
• The folks who help us market your homes - all the photographers at Mouse on House (now TruPlace) but especially Sean and Bobby, L&F's own marketing Maven Julie Molster,  the great staff at Marketing Matters, and the unsung - but much appreciated - staff in our wonderful Long and Foster Bethesda office - Belinda, Tammy, Maureen and Pritesh

The list is woefully incomplete, but the point is the same - we are blessed to be associated with so many wonderful, dependable professionals and we truly couldn't do it all without them.

Now for a peek at 2014, check out this link for ideas about the real estate design trends and colors coming our way....

Click here to read about whats hot for home decor in 2014 Click here to read about whats hot for home decor in 2014

    

Barbara, Tom, Marc and Susan

Nalls Home Partners

The Perfect Location - Steps to Bethesda and the Crescent Trail! Updated 2 BR TH with Granite Kitchen!

Convenient Chevy Chase!

Click Here to View Virtual Tour

4826 Bradley Blvd Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Subdivision: KENWOOD FOREST II

Barbara Nalls and Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. are pleased to welcome you to an extraordinary opportunity to live in real style while enjoying a location second to none. This bright, renovated end unit townhouse sits in a quiet courtyard and provides fantastic space and light along with sought after high end features like built-in cabinetry and solid wood Plantation shutters, granite kitchen and updated baths. The main level offers an inviting entry foyer, living room with custom mill-work, a table space granite kitchen, powder room, coat closet,  clever additional storage space under the stairs and a large deck overlooking the private community green-space. Upstairs are two en-suite bedrooms with private full baths and double hung closets as well as a custom laundry closet with a stackable washer and dryer.   You cannot beat this location – steps to shopping, coffee shops, Metro, the Crescent Trail, Bethesda Pool and vibrant downtown Bethesda. This is the one you've been waiting for - Welcome Home!

MAIN LEVEL............................

• Inviting entry FOYER with coat closet

• Sun-filled LIVING ROOM with custom built-ins, Plantation shutters, gleaming wood floors and access to rear deck

• Granite table space KITCHEN with ample cabinet space, breakfast bar, pendulum lighting, and wood flooring

• Updated POWDER ROOM

UPPER LEVEL..........................

• Upper level LANDING AREA with LAUNDRY CLOSET (washer and dryer installed in 2012)

• MASTER SUITE with double hung closet, wall to wall carpeting and two exposures

• Renovated, reconfigured MASTER BATH featuring custom tile work,  a large marble vanity and spacious shower

• Second BEDROOM with double hung closet, separate vanity area, and PRIVATE BATH with new shower

*Pull down stair to floored ATTIC and additional storage

This property has a “Walk Score” of 92 out of 100. This location is a Walker’s Paradise so daily errands do not require a car. Red Line Metro is just 0.4 miles away from this location. 

Year Built: 1981

Block: 4

Subdivision: Kenwood Forest II

Square Feet: 944

Condo fee: $215.00

Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the first fiscal year of ownership $ 5,518.00

Schools: Bethesda Elementary, Westland Middle School, and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (International Baccalaureate Program)

OCTOBER STATISTICS CONFIRM STABLE HOME SALES MARKET

October data released by the Maryland Association of REALTORS® (MAR) reveal
continued strength in the state’s real estate market. The number of homes sold in October increased a robust 18.9 percent from the same time period in 2012, from 4,313 in 2012 to 5,128 in 2013.  Average and median prices increased 6.7 percent and 7.0 percent, respectively, with average price climbing $18,851 and median price up by $16,819.

“We are extremely pleased at the solid increase in home sales,” said MAR President Russ Boyce. “Increases in average and median prices also continue strong, and higher levels of homes under contract and active inventory indicate a healthy real estate market,“ he noted. Boyce went on to add, “The current inventory stands at 5.3 months, which is yet another sign that this is a strong market.”

Information From Maryland Association of REALTORS®

HUD ANNOUNCES NEW FHA LOAN LIMITS TO TAKE EFFECT JANUARY 1ST

Loan limits for highest cost areas of the country to be reduced

WASHINGTON – Today the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that it will implement new FHA single-family loan limits on January 1, 2014, as specified by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA). Read FHA’s mortgagee letter detailing the agency’s new loan limits.
“As the housing market continues its recovery, it is important for FHA to evaluate the role we need to play,” said FHA Commissioner Carol Galante. “Implementing lower loan limits is an important and appropriate step as private capital returns to portions of the market and enables FHA to concentrate on those borrowers that are still underserved.”

The current standard loan limit for areas where housing costs are relatively low will remain unchanged at $271,050. The new national-ceiling loan limit for the very highest cost areas will be reduced from $729,750 to $625,500. Areas are eligible for FHA loan limits above the national standard limit, and up to the national ceiling level, based on median area home prices. Additional information and loan limit adjustments for two-, three-, and four-unit properties, and in Special Exception Areas, are noted in FHA’s mortgagee letter. An attachment to the Mortgagee Letter provides information on which counties are eligible for loan limits above the national standard. Borrowers with existing FHA insured mortgages may continue to utilize FHA’s Streamline refinance program regardless of their loan balance. The changes announced today are effective for case number assignments between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014.

This will be the first full implementation of loan-limit calculations under HERA. Approximately 650 counties will have lower limits as a result of this change in the governing law. The higher limits that have been in place for six years were established by the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 as emergency measures to assure that mortgage credit was widely available during a time when private lending options were severely constrained. The lower loan limits under HERA were originally scheduled to take effect in January of 2009, however, due to continuing strains in credit markets, Congress delayed implementation several times.

The mortgage loan limits for FHA-insured reverse mortgages will remain unchanged. The FHA reverse-mortgage product, known as the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), will continue to have a maximum claim amount of $625,500, with actual loan limits based on property value, borrower age, and current interest rates. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners age 62 and older to age in place by borrowing against the value of their homes without any requirements for monthly payments; no repayment is required as long as a homeowner lives in the home. The reverse mortgage is repaid, with interest, when the homeowner leaves the home.

Information from HUD.GOV website

New Posting on The Heart of Bethesda! Just Steps to Downtown Bethesda!

Click Here To View Tour

5119 Manning Drive Bethesda, MD 20814

Price: $1,425,000

Beautifully appointed and expanded Cape Cod located just steps from downtown Bethesda. Built in 1938, a recent major addition and full renovation create the perfect combination of old world charm and luxurious modern family living spaces with exquisite finishes, delightful archways, handsome moldings, built-in mill-work, high ceilings, gleaming wood floors and other superb architectural details throughout.  The new layout offers a formal living room, elegant dining room with chair rail molding, and a sun-drenched family room addition that opens to the kitchen with coffered ceilings and inviting views. The renovated top-of-the-line chef’s kitchen features high end stainless steel appliances (Viking range, Sub Zero refrigerator and separate full Sub Zero freezer, Bosch dishwasher), granite counter-tops, large island and built-in desk area.  The main level also includes a playroom / 4^th bedroom, renovated full bath, mudroom area with expansive walk-in closet, and a rear deck and screened in porch overlooking the beautiful English garden. There are three bedrooms and two full baths on the upper level, including a luxurious master bedroom suite with decadent master bath, plus a bedroom level laundry room. The captivating grounds of this home have been meticulously cared for; the yard has stone walkways, colorful purple Beautyberry plants, remarkable Crape Myrtles and many more exquisite mature plantings. The home is complete with an deep private driveway and detached garage.  Ideally located near schools, library, shopping, coffee shops, Metro, the Crescent Trail and vibrant downtown Bethesda, this is the one you've been waiting for - Welcome Home!

MAIN LEVEL............................

• Inviting FORMAL LIVING ROOM includes crown molding, recessed lighting and hardwood floors

• Convenient MUDROOM area with side entrance, sports closet, and HUGE double hung walk-in closet with closet organizing system

• Sophisticated CHEF'S KITCHEN with Ivory Chiffon granite counters and custom cabinetry with retractable drawers, Sub Zero refrigerator, separate full Sub Zero freezer, stainless steel six burner Viking gas cook-top with double oven and grill, stainless steel Bosch dishwasher, recessed lighting, large island / prep area, wine cooler, built-in wine rack, desk area, generous pantry, decorative archways, 18 inch tile flooring, opens to family room and mudroom

• Outstanding FAMILY ROOM with coffered ceilings, custom built-in display shelving and cabinets, recessed lighting, handsome stone fireplace; this room opens to the kitchen, screened in porch, and the rear deck and yard via French doors

• Tasteful FORMAL DINING ROOM with chair rail molding, recessed lighting, pleasing archway, and hardwood flooring

• Renovated FULL BATH with glass enclosed shower, ceramic tile accents and wood vanity

• Comfortable PLAYROOM or FOURTH BEDROOM with crown molding, recessed lighting, ceiling fan, deep closet and hardwood flooring

UPPER LEVEL.........................

• OWNER’S SUITE: Extraordinary freshly painted MASTER BEDROOM with long hallway to ensure privacy, his and her cedar lined closets, recessed lighting, linen closet, hardwood flooring, and French doors overlooking beautiful English garden. Luxury MASTER BATH with Italian marble tile, double vanity, a jetted soaking tub, designer custom tile work, and a separate large glass enclosed steam shower with bench seating

• SECOND BEDROOM: Amazing bedroom with delightful alcove (currently being used as a desk area and closet), recessed lighting, pitched ceilings, tons of natural light and wood flooring  

• Renovated HALL BATH: with porcelain and glass tile accents, granite counter-top, bathtub / shower and window

THIRD BEDROOM: with two windows, crown molding, recessed lighting, and double door closet with built-in shelving

• Large LAUNDRY ROOM with energy efficient washer, dryer, built-in drawers and an additional storage closet

ADDITIONAL AMENITIES:

• Built-in speaker system

• Custom mill-work

• Built-in sprinkler system

• Side screened in porch

• Rear deck

• Natural gas forced air heating (three zoned)

• Natural gas central air conditioning

• Public water and sewer

• Detached garage with remote controlled garage door opener

SPECIFICS:

• Price: $1,425,000

• Lot Size: 7,773 square feet

• Living Area: 2800 Square Feet ( per Truplace)

• Legal Description: Lot 44 Block: 4

• Subdivision: Bradley Hills

• Year Built: 1938

Schools: Bethesda Elementary, Westland Middle School, and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (International Baccalaureate Program)

Estimated tax and non-tax charges in the first fiscal year of ownership $11,532.51.

Our November E-News Letter

Our November E-News Letter  Click on Link to Read the Full E-Newsletter

With the holidays fast approaching, we thought it would be appropriate to list some things we are thankful for:

  

We're thankful we live in the strongest real estate market in the country. Other areas are years away from a housing recovery, but our local market is very strong. In addition, the sharp fluctuations in market activity are leveling off. Our market is steady and stable.

We're thankful the government shutdown didn't greatly affect our market. With a large concentration of government workers and associated businesses, the shut down could have been disastrous to local real estate. It appears the shut down extended the Fall market, a good thing really. Houses are selling briskly, well past the time things normally "slow down". We're expecting high levels of activity right into the New Year.

We're thankful interest rates are still very low, and it appears they will stay there. The new appointee  for the Fed has said she wants to keep them there. Low rates mean more people can achieve their dream of home ownership, always a good thing.

Most of all, we are thankful for you, our clients. Without your trust, our business would be nonexistent. Your commitment to us, and the referrals you send us, are the reasons we are able to stay involved in this "cray business".  Without you, we are nothing. THANK YOU!

 

Barbara, Tom, Marc and Susan

Nalls Home Partners

New Listing! Pristine Dutch Colonial in Glenfield Manor - Open Nov 17th 1-4PM!

1712 Billman Lane Silver Spring MD 20902

$429,000

Click Here for the Virtual Tour

Barbara Nalls and Long & Foster Realtors are proud to offer this beautifully appointed, move-in ready, 4 bedroom 2.5 bath Dutch colonial home in sought after Glenfield Manor! This spacious property is in pristine condition, having been thoughtfully renovated and updated over the years. The main floor features a bright oversized living room, generous formal dining room with chair rail molding, an adjacent screened in porch, a gorgeous renovated marble kitchen which opens to a warm family room with a brick fireplace and a powder room. Upstairs, the well proportioned master bedroom suite has a separate sitting room and updated master bath, with practical his / her double hung closets. There are three additional large bedrooms and a hall bath on the upper level. The fully finished walk-out lower level has a large open recreation room with a sliding glass door to the backyard, a den / guest room, and an expansive laundry / storage room. Outside there is a delightful screened in porch (perfect for entertaining or just relaxing), a shed, and a tranquil fenced in backyard. The captivating grounds of this home have been meticulously cared for; the yard has mature plantings, colorful Azaleas, a vibrant Red Maple, a handsome Magnolia tree, and many more exquisite plantings. This home has a superb location convenient to shops and restaurants, Brookside Nature Center, Brookside Gardens, Northwest Branch Trail, equestrian trails, and scenic Pine Lake.  A beautiful house in a wonderful neighborhood. WELCOME HOME!

BARBARA NALLS 240-602-9035

MAIN LEVEL....................................

• Welcoming FOYER with coat closet and 12 inch ceramic tile flooring

• Expansive LIVING ROOM with gleaming hardwood floor and two exposures

• Distinguished formal DINING ROOM with hardwood flooring, chair rail molding, brushed steel modern chandelier, ceiling medallion and access to screen porch

• Renovated marble KITCHEN with breakfast bar, tile back-splash, updated appliances, gas stove, access to side yard and opens to family room

• Outstanding FAMILY ROOM opens to kitchen, with brick fireplace and crown molding

• Main level POWDER ROOM

UPPER LEVEL.........................

• Generous MASTER SUITE with large sitting room, two double hung closets, ceiling fan and three exposures

• Luxurious MASTER BATH featuring double vanity, a jet soaking tub, and a linen closet

• Second BEDROOM with good sized closet, switched overhead light /ceiling fan, and charming nook ledge –the perfect place to read a book

• Pleasing FULL HALL BATH

• Third BEDROOM with large closet, switched overhead ceiling fan and wood floors

• Fourth BEDROOM with switched overhead ceiling fan, good closet space and wood floors

LOWER LEVEL.........................

• Huge walk-out RECREATION ROOM with gleaming floors, good natural overhead lighting, and access to backyard

• DEN / GUEST ROOM with laminate flooring and natural light

• Large LAUNDRY / STORAGE ROOM with GE energy efficient washer and dryer, utility sink and tons of storage space

ADDITIONAL FEATURES.........

• Picturesque screened in porch

• Private driveway and sidewalks

• Wood floors on main and upper level

• Carbon monoxide ventilation and monitoring system

• Public water and sewer

• Natural gas heat, electric central air conditioning and natural gas hot water (new unit installed in 2012)

GREAT LOCATION.........................

One cannot beat this location.....The Glenfield Manor community has much to offer including Brookside Nature Center, Brookside Gardens, Northwest Branch Trail, equestrian trails, scenic Pine Lake, Wheaton Regional Park and much more.. Easy access to Georgia Avenue, Connecticut Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue. It's a home that gives you everything you want for practical living and commuting with style.

Schools:

Glenallan Elementary School

Col. E. Brooke Lee Middle School

DCC (Kennedy) High School

Year Built: 1969

Subdivision: Glenfield Manor

Square Footage Per Truplace: 3, 251 Sq. Ft.

Lot: 2  Block: G

Lot Size: 8,864 Square Feet

Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $4,589.11

New Listing in Poolesville - Fantastic Layout! Open Nov 17th 1-4PM

17514 KOHLHOSS RD, POOLESVILLE, MD 20837 
List Price:  $209,000

$209,000

Poolesvile Elementary

John Poole M.S.

Poolesville H.S.

Year built: 1974

Lot Size: 1,344

Estimated taxes: $2,103.70

Click Here for the Virtual Tour

Long & Foster Real Estate and Tom Nalls are happy to present this . From the expanded kitchen to the light filled, finished lower level, this home provides an affordable opportunity to take advantage of Montgomery County's outstanding schools. This home features three ample bedrooms and two full baths, as well as a convenient powder room. In addition, there's a remodeled eat in kitchen with corian counters, bay window, and an open access to the rest of the main floor, a very unique floor plan for local townhouses. A glass slider grants easy access to the patio and fenced rear yard from the large living room. The bright lower level with plenty of natural light gives you the space for a family room, office, or a combination of both.Unusual for townhomes, this lovely home has plenty of storage and closet space as well. A wealth of commuting options exist, from driving through rolling fields and horse farms, to nearby MARC train stations, to the romantic White's Ferry, you have everything you could want. However, once you experience the old town charm of Poolesville, you'll find you don't want to go anywhere else. It's truly one of a kind. This home provides everything you need in a community you want! Welcome to your new home!

MAIN LEVEL

*Entrance FOYER with ceramic tile floor

*Two large coat closets

*Bright eat in KITCHEN with corian counters, large bay window, built-ins, recessed lighting, and open floor plan

*Spacious sun filled LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM combination with chair railing and glass sliders to a concrete PATIO and fenced rear yard

*Conveniently located POWDER ROOM

UPPER LEVEL

*Center HALLWAY with two huge LINEN CLOSETS

*Large MASTER BEDROOM with ceiling fan, oversized windows, and a walk in closet

*Second BEDROOM with sitting area and large windows

*Third BEDROOM with ceiling fan and ample closet

*Updated FULL BATH with tile floor

LOWER LEVEL

*Huge FAMILY ROOM with plenty of natural light and overhead lighting

*Additional area for OFFICE or work station

*Large FULL BATH featuring glass enclosed shower and tile floor

*Separate LAUNDRY/UTILITY room with additional freezer

*Additional STORAGE closet under the steps

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

*Solid brick and siding construction

*Replacement windows

*Unique open floor plan

*Concrete patio

*Fenced rear yard with storage shed

*Expanded closets

*Opens to fields in rear

*Assigned parking

*Close to schools

ALL ABOUT POOLESVILLE

Poolesville is the best kept secret in Montgomery County! First settled in 1760, it's been around for a long time but has maintained it's old world charm. It has all of the modern conveniences, including a high school ranked in the top 100 nationally by U.S. News and World Report, but still offers old fashioned community values. Surrounded by farms and stables, you're just over 30 miles from the Nation's Capital, and a short ferry ride from the outlets of Leesburg. Just minutes from the C & O Canal and the Potomac River,recreation opportunities are abundant. Once you arrive, you'll never want to leave.

Brand New Listing in Rock Creek Forest! Open this weekend 1-4PM!

2811 BLAINE DR, CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815 
$675,000
Click Here for Virtual Tour

Barbara Nalls and Long and Foster Real Estate are very pleased to welcome you to this exciting opportunity to own this well priced,  very special expanded rambler in sought after Rock Creek Forest. Flooded with light by expansive windows, the home boasts three large bedrooms and three full baths, an oversized formal living room with a brick fireplace and gorgeous picture window; a large formal dining room with gleaming wood floors; an updated eat-in kitchen with all new stainless steel appliances and new flooring; a comfortable sitting / breakfast room with three walls of windows, breakfast bar and two skylights; a spacious master bedroom with two closets and a private bath; two additional generously sized bedrooms, a hall bath, large coat closet and a linen closet complete the main level. Downstairs, the daylight walk-out lower level is completely finished with a family room, playroom / recreation room, full bath, an exercise area, mud room area, and ample storage space. The exterior of the home has a tranquil deck and a nice backyard. From the front yard of this home you have scenic views of Meadow Brook Park (The park comprises 16.6 acres of parkland, the park includes; a large playground, five softball fields, a lighted baseball field, four lighted tennis courts, football/soccer fields, indoor bathroom facilities, handicap accessible, and a picnic area)  and  Meadow Brook Riding Stables. All this and the comfort and convenience of wonderful Rock Creek Forest, with its fantastic location, amenities and sense of community.  It’s one of the very best values in Bethesda - Chevy Chase.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES.........

• Natural gas heat, electric central air conditioning and supplemental ceiling fans

• Natural gas hot water

• Public water and sewer

• All new stainless steel appliances in kitchen

• New carpet in family room

• Energy efficient windows

• New storm doors

• Large rear deck

• Attached garage

• Community pool membership can convey

Estimated tax and non-tax charges for first fiscal year of ownership $6,455.16

Lot: 12

Block: A

Built In: 1954

Lot Size: 6,500 Sq. Ft.

Legal Subdivision: Rock Creek Forest

Home prices post strongest annual gain in nearly 8 years

From Iman News

Home prices in most metropolitan areas grew significantly in the third quarter, with the national median price rising at its fastest annual clip in nearly eight years, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Click Here to Read More

Open This Sunday November 10th 1-4PM!

2709 BLAINE DR, CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815 $749,500

Expanded, updated, col on one of RCF's prettiest streets! Versatile floor plan, Large bright rooms, updated eat in kit, real 1st floor family room, beautiful... sun room open to patio, generous BR's w good closets, large, charming LL w multiple rooms, great private lot. Very well maintained & cared for, new windows, recent systems, excellent opportunity in very popular neighborhood! Click here for the virtual tour

511 GOODLAND PL, ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
List Price: $699,000
Super popular Lakewood Model on beautiful Goodland Place w ALL the builder upgrades: fin 3rd floor w/ bath, fin garage loft w bath, an inviting front porch, gorgeous finishes, hardwood floors, the works! 3/4/5 bedrooms (including loft and 3rd floor), 3 full and 2 half baths, kitchen open to FR w fireplace, courtyard patio, great garage, loads of storage. No disappointments - this one shines! Click here for the virtual tour

Mortgage rates fall to four-month lows

Mortgage rates fall to four-month lows

Written By Christina Mlynski HOUSINGWIRE

October 24, 2013 10:00AM

 

Fixed mortgage rates spiraled down this week amid market speculation that the Federal Reserve will continue to commit to its bond buying purchases this year. Click Here to Read More

Our E-News Letter for October 2013

Click Here to See Entire E-News Letter

 

Absolutely no way am I wading into the morass of the "Partial Government Shutdown" with an opinion or even a scholarly report. But as it is, quite obviously, the most important single issue impacting our local real estate market this fall, I'll address it today - but lightly, and around the edges. 

It's not all bad news. The market was pretty strong going into this business so there was some momentum. If it doesn't last too long, we should be able to bounce right through it. There was great fear that lending would freeze because of  difficulty getting income verification for some Federal workers and IRS income verification, but many lenders have told me that their institutions are going ahead and manually processing the loans based on old fashioned pay stubs and tax documents. Many lenders are also continuing to process government loans - VA and FHA - with fingers crossed that there won't be any problems sending the loans on when the government re-opens. Good for them!  So lending hasn't gotten any easier but with a little good ole American ingenuity, they're getting the job done. 

What this will do to consumer confidence in our area's housing market remains to be seen. Obviously, with the largest concentration of Federal workers in the country,  there are lots of folks who are sitting home with time on their hands, but somehow I doubt that their first thought is to get online and look at houses. Whether existing buyers will jump right back into the market and / or new buyers enter the market when this is over is hard to say. Assuming it doesn't go too much longer, we'll still have a few weeks of our fall market left. If it goes on into November, buyers might just decide to wait until spring. Some agents I've spoken with think we'll have a super busy late fall season to catch up with the demand; others suspect we won't see the buyers again until February. I tend a bit to the latter, but am hopeful for the former.  We'll see. 

Barbara, Tom, and Susan

Nalls Home Partners

Median Sales Price Increases Across the Board in the DC Metro Region

New Article From RBI. Posted on October 10, 2013 by Corey Hart

Double-digit growth for new listings for the sixth straight month  

Click on Link Above to Read Newest Blog Form RBI 

Low Inventory Still the Story for DC Condos and Single-Family Homes

Information for GCAAR

Contract and Settlement Activity Remains Brisk for Both Jurisdictions
Inventory remained tight in the District for condos and single-family homes during the month of August.

Condo inventory rose slightly in Montgomery County, but there was less available single-family inventory than the same time last year. Both jurisdictions continue to see strong contract and settlement activity.

Washington, DC
The average number of days on market was down 30% compared to August 2012. The median price for condos was up 6.5%, and single-family homes saw an 14.3% increase. Available inventory continued to decline in August, with 20.8% fewer condo listings and 5.4% fewer single-family listings. Condo contracts rose 7%, and condo settlement activity was robust with a 43.6% increase over 2012. Single-family contracts increased 12.5%, with single-family settlements showing a 5.7% increase over August 2012.
 
Montgomery County
The average number of days on market was down 28% from August 2012. Median condo prices saw a 7.3% increase, with the price of single-family homes increasing by 8.1%. The amount of available inventory for single-family homes was 5.4% lower than last year, but condo inventory increased 1.6% compared to August 2012. New condo contracts saw a 11.4% in August, and new single-family contracts rose by 10.8%. Settlements were again on the rise in August, with a 13.9% gain for condos, and a 19.7% increase for single-family homes. District

New Listing! 1st Open Sunday October 6th! Brick Colonial in Rock Creek Forest!

2709 BLAINE DRIVE,  CHEVY CHASE, MD                  

$749,500

 

Click Here to View the Virtual Tour

Rock Creek Forest

Spacious Expanded Colonial in Rock Creek Forest

Barbara Nalls and Long and Foster Real Estate are very pleased to welcome to a fantastic opportunity to own very special home in the highly sought after Chevy Chase community of Rock Creek Forest. This beautiful brick colonial offers convenience, value, and urban proximity within a suburban setting. A flexible floor plan provides multiple options for comfortable living, including gleaming hardwood floors, fresh paint throughout, replacement windows, Silestone quartz counters, a living room with a brick fireplace, a main level family room or 4th bedroom, and sunroom just to name a few. With three ample bedrooms on the upper level and a possible fourth bedroom on the main level, you can customize the layout to fit your specific needs. In addition, a finished lower level provides plenty of extra space for fun and entertainment with its spacious recreation room with built-in water well bar and bench seating, office / guest room, full bath, laundry room, and ample storage - absolutely everything on your list! The home is situated on one of the original streets in the neighborhood, between two Metro stations and less than 1/4 mile from Meadowbrook Stables and Rock Creek Park - you won't find a better location. A home of remarkable size and style, priced to sell, ready for you to move right in ... Welcome Home!

Three Great Opens House! This Sunday 1-4PM!

7701 MARBURY RD, BETHESDA, MD 20817
List Price:  $1,999,000

Gorgeous new-build in 2007 beautifully improved by meticulous owners. 6 BR, 5.5 BA, 7500+ sq ft on 4 full day light levels, gorgeous finishes, fantastic rm proportions, large, open lot. Sumptuous master w/bath & closet of your dreams, Viking / Subzero kit w/ an island & new back-splash , mud rm, porches, the works! Sport ct, deck & fenced backyard!

Click Here to View the Tour

511 GOODLAND PL, ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
List Price:  $710,000
JUST LISTED! Super popular Lakewood Model on beautiful Goodland Place w ALL the builder upgrades: fin 3rd flr w/ bath, fin garage loft w bath, an inviting front porch, gorgeous finishes, hardwood floors, the works! 3/4/5 bedrooms (inc loft and 3rd floor), 3 full and 2 half baths, kitchen open to FR w fireplace, courtyard patio, great garage, loads of storage. No disappointments - this one shines!...  

Click Here to View the Tour 

4020 17TH ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20011
List Price:  $849,000

The best of EVERYTHING!! Beautiful original owner colonial, new kitchen, fresh paint, gleaming hardwood floors, renovated baths & newly finished LL - the works! 3/4 BR's 2+2 BA's inc possible 1st floor master bedroom. Sun room, family room. Fantastic over sized lot w plenty of room for expansion and/or garage,Fantastic Crestwood location just minutes to downtown, Rock Creek Park, vibrant SS. Will always honor. Hurry!...

  Click Here to View the Tour

Brand New Listing in Crestwood! 1st Open 1-4PM September 22nd!

4020 17th Street NW, Washington DC 20011

$849,000

Barbara Nalls and Long and Foster Real Estate are very pleased to welcome you to this picture perfect brick and stone colonial on an extra large lot in highly sought after Crestwood.  Nestled among the lovely mature trees for which the neighborhood is famous, this renovated home boasts four bedrooms and two and a half baths plus, a quarter bath in the basement. The house features a sun-filled large formal living room that beautifully retains the charm of the original home; a bright sunroom with French doors off the living room; a generous formal dining room with a large picture window and built in china cabinet; a brand new granite kitchen with all new stainless steel appliances; a renovated powder room; and a versatile first floor ensuite with a walk-in closet and private renovated full bath - could alternatively serve as a family room.  Upstairs there are three bedrooms, a charming landing alcove with a built-in bookcase and a hall bath; the lower level boasts a newly refinished recreation room, quarter bath, modern laundry, and ample storage; outside there’s substantial hardscaping including a beautifully done flagstone patio, complementary landscaping and fencing for privacy. Best of all, it’s a home you'll never grow out of – a perfect place to put down roots whether you are just starting out or ready to “move up” in the neighborhood and don't want the hassle of remodeling – the renovation is already done!

All this and the comfort and convenience of wonderful Crestwood - with it’s fantastic location, just minutes to downtown and close proximity to Rock Creek and Piney Branch Parks, Carter Barron Amphitheater, William Fitzgerald Tennis Center and a real sense of community . . . it’s one of the very best values in the District! Welcome Home! Click Here to View the Virtual Tour

Our E-newsletter for September 2013

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Fall Real Estate 101

A group of us were talking yesterday about how the fall real estate market always catches us by surprise. Always. 

We had, I think, about 100 years of experience between us. (And the room wasn't crowded, but that's another article.) You'd think we would have learned by now. 

It starts the day after Labor Day like someone threw a switch. Not the gradual build up we get as late winter turns to spring. It's like getting in a time machine and suddenly it's the middle of April, only we're tan and sort of sluggish. The phones light up (thank you.) Our email boxes fill with notifications of new listings. Signs pop up all over town. And we go from the arguably slowest weeks of the year (late August) to just about the busiest. Overnight. 

The hardest part for us is helping buyers and sellers understand what a very short window of opportunity we're talking here. Two months - maybe ten weeks depending on the weather and how early Labor Day fell - and then we slow down for the holidays and for the winter. 

For sellers, that's ten weeks to get you ready to show, on the market and negotiate a contract. Fortunately, low inventory and rising interest rates are creating such high demand that marketing times are short, prices are rising and negotiations fairly straightforward. It's the beautifully presented homes which are leading the market though so as much as ever, it pays to stage! Putting the effort into being sure that every last detail of your property really, really shines before we order that sign up in your front yard will come back to you tenfold. For my scrambling sellers out there this week (you know who you are) -  keep going! You're doing a great job!

For buyers, this means no dawdling, as my mother used to say. If we're just beginning your search we need to get you pre-approved with a good lender and need to get out there to see a bunch of houses now so you'll know it when IT comes. Even houses you don't especially fancy or want to buy - as long as they are in the area and price range, we need to do the leg work. And when a good one does come along, we should try to see it the same day it comes on the market. That way you'll have time for a second look if necessary. Then we'll want to get an offer in right away because waiting for the open house these days just isn't realistic.Some agents wait a few days to give all interested parties a chance to come forward, but not always. Plenty of good properties are selling 'first come first served" and even a day can mean disappointment. Even when they wait, a good agent will often note who showed the first interest, an advantage that can tip the balance if your offer is essentially tied with another. In short, evenings, lunch time, whatever works. 

If you're thinking about a move, give us a call! We're here to help whatever the time of year - but the more lead time we have the better we can help you plan. 

Everyone enjoy this lovely cool weather!

 

Barbara, Tom, and Susan

Nalls Home Partners