I may need some help here. Yesterday, I showed a listing that is the biggest kid on the block, meaning, it's not only much bigger and sitting on a bigger lot than anything else in the neighborhood, but it's also unique and has features few of the homes around it share.  It's surrounded by National park land, was designed by a well-known architect, has an indoor pool and a bunch of other things.  Yet it fits very well into the landscape. The list price is about two and a half times that of last year's average sales price in the neighborhood.  Make no mistake--the price is justified by the trend of the neighborhood's values, by the neighborhood's typical sale price-to-tax assessment ratio, by relative (to the location) comparison to other unique and striking houses in the surrounding area... 04/06/2011

How is the market?  What is actually out there for buyers?  Not much, at least that's what we get to hear from frustrated buyers all the time.  In a few days, it will be time for an analysis of the first quarter statistics.  For now, let's look at the available properties in this DC suburb: There are 6 active listings in Rock Creek Forest today, with asking prices ranging from $475,000 to $1,795,000.  5 homes are currently under contract, with asking prices from $535,000 to $1,150,000, after spending an average of 6 (!) days on the market. Here are the actives, in order from lowest to highest price (courtesy of MRIS):       2611 East-West-Highway; 3 br, 2 fb; $475,000 (listed by Sunshine Properties)               2817 Spencer Rd; 4 br, 3 fb;  $599,000 (listed by Long & Foster)          ... 03/24/2011

February 2011 Sorted by Subdivision & Close Price Address Style Subdivision List Price Close Date Close Price Seller Subsidy BR BA HB 8101 CONNECTICUT AVE #C-507 Colonial 8101 CONN AVE $580,000 02/03/11 $575,000 2 2 0 8101 CONNECTICUT AVE #S-604 Colonial 8101 CONN AVE $555,000 02/08/11 $545,000 2 2 0 204 PRIMROSE ST Federal CHEVY CHASE $2,395,000 02/15/11 $2,225,000 6 5 1 7002 VALLEY PL Colonial CHEVY CHASE $929,000 02/07/11 $929,000 4 2 2 4614 LANGDRUM LN Colonial CHEVY CHASE GARDENS $1,425,000 02/24/11 $1,375,000 6 4 2 7111 WOODMONT AVE #712 Other CRESCENT PLAZA $359,500 02/18/11 $347,500 1 1 0 7620 LYNN DR Colonial MEADOWBROOK VILLAGE $799,000 02/22/11 $785,000 $1,600 3 2 1 4601 PARK AVE N #1608-H Contemporary THE ELIZABETH $675,000 02/28/11 $675,000 3 3 0 4601 PARK AVE N #108-H Tra... 03/08/2011

  If, like me, you are all about trying to constantly "sharpen the saw" as S. Covey recommends, then I highly suggest going to www.Realtor.com and ordering the Accredited Buyer Representative Course. I just took the final exam online, and when I passed, I immediately got access to a wealth of info for buyers' agents including tips on negotiating contracts, suggested websites and recommended books. I have already read the first one on the list, but I guess I will have lots of choices to add to my summer reading list: ✦ Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury   ✦ Influence, Science and Practice by Robert B. Cialdini   ✦ Bargaining for Advantage, Negotiation Strategies for Reasonable People by G. Richard Shell   ✦ The Mind and Heart of the Negotiator, Third Edition by Leigh L. Thomp... 03/05/2011

Original Post:  Bethesda-Chevy Chase Pre-Apring Market Activity Not surprisingly, as we approach the spring, real estate activity has been picking up in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase marketplace. Certainly, the lack of inventory has been driving sales. Or, at least, that's what the neighborhood listing that got 4 offers suggested.  So what exactly has been happening? I decided it was time to look at the numbers and do some analysis. Currently within the Bethesda/Chevy Chase zip codes (20814, 20815, 20816, 20817 & 20818) and since the start of the year, exactly 287 new listings have hit the market. Of these 12 have sold, 85 are under contract, 178 remain active & 12 have withdrawn from the market. While it's challenging to compare the two years (mostly because this year has yet to fully play ... 03/01/2011

While January traditionally sees the fewest closings under any market conditions in the DC area—a consequence of the lowest level of contracts entered during the holiday season—the current weather improvement gives hope that market activity soon will pick up. (The groundhog can’t be wrong!) This would be good news for many frustrated buyers. The inventory in the more desirable neighborhoods in DC and its close-in Maryland suburbs is so low at the moment that it has actually been rather hard to find homes for those who are ready, able and willing to buy. The Rock Creek Forest neighborhood--right on the District Line between DC and MD—is no exception here. Only three houses are on the market at the moment (one of them only since yesterday), and they can be expected to move fast. But befor... 02/23/2011

Chevy Chase MD Condos and Townhomes for Sale Looking for the perfect place to live in the Washington DC suburbs that is close to the District of Columbia, and convenient to all?  You should consider buying condos and townhomes for sale in Chevy Chase MD.  If you are buying or selling a Chevy Chase MD condo and townhome properties in suburban Washington DC, in Montgomery county MD you are in the right place. It is a process that needs the assistance of a full time experienced real estate professional especially in this real estate market.  As your Chevy Chase Maryland condominium, condos, and town homes real estate specialist, I can assist you in choosing your new condos and townhomes in Chevy Chase Maryland, and suburban Washington DC. Feel free to search the listings below and search ... 02/17/2011

Original Source:  Bethesda Chevy Chase High School District Home Sales Date: 2010 Bethesda-Chevy Chase (BCC) is an award winning high school featuring rigorous AP classes along with a very popular IB program. Real estate within the school boundary is expensive. This is an affluent community. Whether or not education is the deciding force behind real estate values in this area, sales prices for single family homes in the B-CC school district improved by 3.9% in 2010 whereas many other jurisdictions have seen losses. Some thoughts on the data: The number of homes sold has increased by 27 units, reflecting an increase in confidence in both buyers and sellers. In 2009 the final sales price was 91.1% of the original asking price. In 2010 that figure had increased to 93.2%, roughly a $22,882... 02/16/2011

Chevy Chase MD Subdivisions Are you interested in homes for sale in Chevy Chase MD?  Have you ever thought of searching for homes for sale in Chevy Chase by subdivision names?   You should! Searching for homes for sale in Chevy Chase MD has never been easier.  Now you can search MLS listings for homes for sale in Chevy Chase MD by subdivision names, developments, communities and neighborhoods.  If no homes appear, that means no homes are available for sale right now.  Check back soon. Chevy Chase real estate inventory changes every day. [ BUYING A HOME ] [SELLING A HOME ] [RELOCATING] Chevy Chase Subdivisions Homes for Sale 4620 North Park Ave Kenwood 8101 Conn Ave Martins Bradley Hills Norwood Heights Chevy Chase Parkcrest Chevy Chase Gardens Riviera Of Chevy Chase Chevy Chase Manor Ro... 02/16/2011

Chevy Chase MD Homes for Sale Updated Listings Looking for homes for sale in Chevy Chase MD?  You should search the updated MLS listings first!  Why?  Because updated MLS listings are changes to listings.  Updated listings can include many things...a change in price, a price reduction, new to market, a change in what is offered with the home, a correction to t the MLS or even back on market which means the home is available again because perhaps the contract feel through due to financing, inspection etc.  Search Chevy Chase MD updated listings to find the home of your dreams!  Updated Chevy Chase MD Homes Listings Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 02/15/2011

This is the famous Mushroom House in Chevy Chase, Maryland, just across the District line.  Every time I go past this place, I notice something different.  Today it was the peace symbol.  I can't remember this one ever being on the market, but if the owners ever decide to sell, think of the challenge for the listing agent.  I can just imagine my favorite home inspector, Jay Markanich, going over the place with his eagle eye.  He'd love the downspouts!  And the roofing material is sort of different. As I stood in front of the place with my camera, a neighbor drove past.  She waved and was laughing as she went down the street. If you are planning a move to or from the Washington, DC area, I can help!  Call, email or text me at: housepat@mac.com 202 549-5167 Licensed in DC, MD & VA   02/13/2011

This week, my colleague Bonnie Lewin and I listed the house that belongs to my neighbors, almost across the street.  It's a fabulous and very unique home designed by Travis Price, a well-known DC area architect.  It's nestled against DC's Rock Creek Park, has lots of "green" features and walls of windows and an indoor pool that overlook amazing Japanese-style landscaping.  (Check out these pictures from the architect's own website.) So, all in all this is very exciting.  But then, it's also a wee bit sad. It's sad because Joanne and Barry have been the greatest asset to the neighborhood. They have opened their home for so many parties, community meetings and discussions like no others have.  Their huge living room has been the site of political debate, Neighborhood Watch assemblies, lar... 01/13/2011

Original Source:  Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Market Report- December 20815 In December of 2010 there were 34 homes that closed within the month for 20815 Chevy Chase, Maryland. This was an increase of 5 units, as there were 29 homes that closed in December of 2009. The average list price for homes that closed in December of 2009 was $1,046,614. The average list price for homes that closed in December of 2010 was $916,444. The average sale price for the homes that closed in December 2009 was $981,810. The average sale price for the homes that closed in December 2010 was$859,397. The average Days on Market for homes that closed in December 2009 was 79 days. The average Days on Market for homes that closed in December 2010 was 68 days. 16 homes went under contract in 20815 Chevy Chase in the mo... 01/07/2011

Original Source: Chevy Chase, DC: The Last Video Store Standing Face it. It's getting harder and harder to find a video store these days. The Bethesda Blockbuster is long gone. Hollywood Video bit the dust long before them. And, frankly, the pickings have become pretty slim. Thank goodness for Potomac Video, located on Connecticut Avenue, just past the CC Circle in Chevy Chase, DC. They offer two floors of movies - DVDs, Bluerays and videos. Their older collection is a little difficult to navigate, but they are quite nice about pointing you in the right direction. Movies rent for about $3.99 each. Popular titles are due back in two days. You can keep the less popular titles for a week. They've got a pretty hefty kids section. And new releases are a plenty. When "On-Demand" just won't d... 12/22/2010

Of the  many favorite neighborhoods that we have in the DC metro area, Lise's favorite is probably Kenwood Forest!  Located on the edge of the Chevy Chase/Bethesda line, Kenwood Forest is a great community of townhouses created from existing housing stock by the Holliday Corporation in the late 1970s.  Now a community of 396 two, three, and four bedroom  townhomes,  and one bedroom and studio condos, Kenwood Forest is considered by many to be one of the best values in Bethesda and Chevy Chase. FEATURED LISTING  -4847 Willett Parkway - Just Sold for $695,500 I am including this one as the one that got away - a Rosewood model in Kenwood Forest with a walkout basement - three finished levels, four bedrooms, 3 and a half baths, an updated kitchen with beautiful hardwood floors and gleaming... 12/15/2010

Chevy Chase Village Homes for Sale MD The municipality of Chevy Chase Village is acknowledged by many to be one of the premiere residential communities in the Washington Metropolitan area. Walking along its beautiful tree-lined streets, one forgets that the Village borders the Nation's Capital at Western Avenue. Chevy Chase Village has a proud history of effective local government. In the early 1950s, it became one of the first incorporated municipalities in Montgomery County, Maryland. Prior to that time, it was a Special Tax District. The municipality is also one of the first to utilize the Manager/Council form of local government. Chevy Chase Village Homes for Sale MD as of December 13, 2010, total 89. These Chevy Chase Village homes for sale MD $197,000 to $7,995,000. For more infor... 12/13/2010

  I had a great meal this afternoon with my family at BGR, the Burger Joint, just a few minutes walk from Kenwood Forest. Located at 4827 Fairmont Ave. north of Old Georgetown, BGR, the Burger Joint, has been bringing smiles to Bethesda for nearly a year now.  My husband went classic with a delicious hamburger with Swiss cheese, cooked to order, and crispy onion rings.  According to the website for BGR the Burger Joint, their burgers are crafted with the finest beef on the planet. They only use grain-fed cattle; all natural, no hormones, fillers or antibiotics, and most importantly the cattle run free in the fields. The prime beef is dry aged (the amount of time is a closely guarded secret), blended and ground fresh. My daughter and I were a little more adventurous, and we tried the Gre... 12/11/2010

Gary & Diana Ditto’s Sold Report for Zip Code 20815 November 2010 Sorted by Month & then by Subdivision & Close Price Address Style Subdivision List Price Close Date Close Price Seller Subsidy BR BA HB 8101 CONNECTICUT AVE #S-502 Federal 8101 CONN AVE $475,000 11/2/10 $460,000 2 2 0 3 PRIMROSE ST Tudor CHEVY CHASE $2,199,000 11/10/10 $2,100,000 4 4 1 5600 WESTERN AVE Colonial CHEVY CHASE $1,495,000 11/5/10 $1,385,000 5 4 1 5501 KIRKSIDE DR Traditional CHEVY CHASE $1,399,000 11/5/10 $1,300,000 8 5 0 4207 ROSEMARY ST Dutch Colonial CHEVY CHASE $1,095,000 11/15/10 $1,041,000 $3,000 5 3 1 7714 CURTIS ST Colonial CHEVY CHASE $845,000 11/5/10 $780,000 3 2 1 7707 MEADOW LN Cape Cod CHEVY CHASE $749,900 11/30/10 $739,000 $500 2 2 0 3803 VILLAGE PARK DR Colonial CHEVY CHASE COMMONS $1,495,000 1... 12/10/2010

Chevy Chase was unincorporated farmland in the years before 1890, during which time Senator Francis G. Newlands of Nevada and his partners began the aggressive acquisition of land in northwestern Washington, D.C., and southern Montgomery County, Maryland, for the purpose of developing a residential streetcar suburb for Washington, DC.  The Chevy Chase Land Company was founded in 1890, and its eventual holdings of more than 1,700 acres (6.9 km2) would extend along the present-day Connecticut Avenue from Florida Avenue north to Jones Bridge Road. The Chevy Chase Land Company would build houses for no less than $5,000 on Connecticut Avenue or less than $3,000 on a side street.The name “Chevy Chase” was taken from one of the absorbed plots of land. Its name in turn, according to the Village... 11/27/2010

Original Source:  20815 Chevy Chase Market Report- October 2010 In October of 2010 there were 24 homes that closed within the month for 20815 Chevy Chase, Maryland. This was a decrease of 9 units, as there were 33 homes that closed in October of 2009. The average list price for homes that closed in October of 2009 was $$730,705. The average list price for homes that closed in October of 2010 was $1,175,125. The average sale price for the homes that closed in October 2009 was $675,463. The average sale price for the homes that closed in October 2010 was $1,022,311. The average Days on Market for homes that closed in October 2009 was 120 days. The average Days on Market for homes that closed in October 2010 was 84 days. 49 homes went under contract in 20815 Chevy Chase in the month of Oct... 11/23/2010