FHA Maximum Loan Amount Reduction for Montgomery County, MD   Prospective home buyers and home owners that plan to use FHA financing to refinance their homes need to be alert for recently announced changes in the maximum allowed mortgage loan limit. Currently, in Montgomery County, Maryland, the FHA loan limit for single family loans is $729,750. That amount is to be reduced to $625,000 in 2014. If this change will impact you or your clients, you should make immediate contact with your mortgage loan officer to discuss the conventional loan alternatives. Please keep in mind that the maximum FHA mortgage loan limits vary by county. If you are uncertain about the limits in your market area, contact your loan officer for assistance or check use the following link to HUD.   FHA Mortgage Limi... 12/11/2013

Housing Report, Montgomery County, MD, November Summary   There are 2,020 active listings of homes for sale in Montgomery County, Maryland. 106 (5.25%) of the available properties are lender owned foreclosures (REO). 182 (9.0%) of the active listings are short sale pre-foreclosures. Short sale transactions require the approval of the secured mortgage lenders since the anticipated proceeds from a sale would not fully satisfy the outstanding mortgage obligations. During the month of November, 2013, the total sold dollar volume of residential transactions in Montgomery County, MD was $379,136,970, down slightly from the same month last year. There were 748 closed sales, down 9.66%, with a median sold price of $403,750, up 10.65%. The average sold price was $506,868, up 10.48%, with an aver... 12/11/2013

Is your chimney ready for winter?   We’ve experienced our second winter storm in two days in Maryland and anticipate a very icy night as the temperature keeps falling. Heating systems are going full blast. However many families are at risk because they failed to have their chimney cleaned this fall. The failure to clean chimneys is a major cause of home heating fires.   Is your chimney really ready for winter?   Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_1856 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/10/2013

Book Recommendation:  Hidden Order by Brad Thor   Those that follow my blogs know that I try to read at least one novel each week, every week of the year. I just finished reading Hidden Order (2013), the latest thriller by New York Times Bestselling Author Brad Thor. If you enjoy suspense novels, I recommend that you add this book and other novels by Brad Thor to your reading list. Enjoy a good book and have an outstanding week. We have a snow day in Kentlands and it is a very good time to do a little reading. Books by Brad Thor The Lions of Lucerne (2002)   Path of the Assassin (2003)   State of the Union (2004) Blowback (2005)   Takedown (2006)   The First Commandment  (2007)   The Last Patriot (2008)   The Apostle (novel) (2009)   Foreign Influence (2010)   The Athena Project (2010) ... 12/10/2013

Snow Cancellations in Gaithersburg   It is snowing in Gaithersburg, Maryland this morning and there are lots of cancellations.  You will want to check before trying to reach meetings and events this morning. Be careful if you must be out and about. If you have the choice, it may be a good time to spend the morning at home. This is the official notice from the City of Gaithersburg:   City of Gaithersburg Cancellations for Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013: Senior Center and Youth Centers closed.  Activity Center at Bohrer Park opens at 8 a.m.  All activities scheduled for school sites cancelled.  City sponsored morning/afternoon classes before 5:30 p.m. for preschool/youth/ teen/adults in City facilities cancelled.  A decision on evening teen and adult sports/recreation classes to be made by 2:30 p... 12/09/2013

Are you ready for the 2014 color of the year?    I love emerald green as the color of the year for 2013 but I may prefer the color for the new year. Radiant Orchid is the Pantone Color Institute color of the year for 2014. This tropical shade is a color-wheel contrast to green. You will be certain to see spring clothes in Radiant Orchid. Are you ready to paint an accent wall or room in your home this color?   What do you think? Do you like the selection? 12/09/2013

Is your family at risk from the space heater?   During the winter months, many families are using space heaters to heat or supplement the heat in their homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters account for one-third of home heating fires and four out of five heating fire deaths. “Placing things that can burn too close to heating equipment or placing heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding, was the leading factor contributing to ignition in fatal home heating fires and accounted for more than half (53%) of home heating fire deaths.” - NFPA Take time to discuss the risks with your family and always have emergency plans in place in case of fire. Even if you do not use space heaters ... 12/09/2013

Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens, ending a snowy day   We’ve had a snowy day in Kentlands. It was no fun to clear the driveway, sidewalks and steps. After the snow, we have freezing rain and I did not go out to take any snow pictures for our first winter storm of the season. Since I have no snow pictures to share, I hope you will be satisfied with a flower picture. This chrysanthemum was photographed at Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County, Maryland, in the suburbs of Washington, DC. Have a great week. Be careful out there if you will be dealing with snow or ice.   Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_2597 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/08/2013

Autumn colors may turn to white on Sunday in Maryland   The Sunday weather forecast for Montgomery County, Maryland is for snow and ice. Power outages should be expected and those that are planning to attend the Redskins game may face some difficult road conditions. It may be a good day to stay home and enjoy a good book or to watch the games on TV. I prefer autumn colors other than white. When you are out and about, take a closer look at the beauty of nature. These pine cones were photographed on a recent visit to Brookside Gardens in the Wheaton Regional Park in Montgomery County.   Pine Cones, Brookside Gardens IMG_2610 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/07/2013

Carroll County Farmers Market, Westminster, MD, Sat., December 7   On Saturday, December 7, 2013, the Carroll County Farmers Market will hold its sixth event of the season at the Ag Center, Westminster, Maryland. There is only one date left after this one. So now is the time to order cakes, pies, cookies and one of a kind hand crafted items for your holiday celebrations. The Market will be full with 100 vendors selling home baked goods, gourmet foods, handmade crafts and fine arts, fresh eggs, nuts, honey, jams and jellies, seasonal plants and holiday decorations. Several vendors will have beautiful fresh pine wreaths and arrangements. Hours for the Christmas Market are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission and parking is always free. Breakfast and lunch is served all day. Info: Anita Bullock 410-... 12/06/2013

Kentlands Winter Weather Reminder   The Kentlands Citizens Assembly has issued a Winter Weather Reminder.  If snow is in the weather forecast, the best place for your automobiles is in your garage. If you park on public streets, be aware of the Snow Emergency Routes that need to be clear. You will also want to make sure that your automobiles have been properly serviced and are ready for winter conditions. If your snow shovels are not in good condition, now is the time to pick up some new shovels. This is the KCA alert: If you hear about a possible snow forecast, please do not park on streets marked with "Snow Emergency Routes".  If you are parked on a Snow Emergency Route within the community, you are at risk of being towed by the City of Gaithersburg. Parking in the alleys is not permi... 12/06/2013

Kentlands alley lights should be left on at night   The Kentlands Citizens Assembly is reminding Kentlands residents to leave alley lights on at night, from dusk until dawn. Well lighted alleys help prevent trip hazards, discourage crime and promote a safe environment throughout the neighborhood. The management office will be monitoring alley light participation throughout the coming months. If you have any questions or concerns relating to this matter, please contact the Assistant Community Manager Arthur Gailes, at agailes@cmc-mangement.com or 301-948-2071. For out of the area readers, Kentlands is a planned neo-traditional community within the City of Gaithersburg, in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. Kentlands is one of the preferred communities for families that are relocat... 12/05/2013

Thanksgiving at Colonial Williamsburg   Dolores and I just returned from a nine day Thanksgiving vacation in Colonial Williamsburg in historic Virginia.  This is a great place to visit during the holiday season. There is much to see and much to learn.   One of the favorite places for Dolores to visit is the kitchen at the Governor’s Palace. If you can, add Colonial Williamsburg to your travel list. Colonial Williamsburg   Governor's Palace Kitchen, Colonial Williamsburg IMG_5617 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/05/2013

First Baptist Church Holiday Craft Mart, Gaithersburg, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013   The annual Holiday Craft Mart will be held this Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the First Baptist Church of Gaithersburg, 200 Diamond Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Admission is free and the hours are from 9 p.m. to 3 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to select some special gifts from the juried artisans, crafters and the vendors of farm raised goods. Food will be served and you will enjoy a selection of hot soups and sandwiches.  And, you will have to make some choices at the Holiday Sweet Mart.   Dolores and I enjoyed the event last year and this one will be even better. One of the favorite items that Dolores purchased last year was a Crab Dip Baker.    Photographs by Roy Kelley at the 2012 Holiday Craf... 12/05/2013

Book Recommendation:  Storm Front by John Sanford   I just finished reading Storm Front (2013), the latest novel by New York Times Bestselling Author John Sanford. This is A Virgil Flowers Novel and I recommend it for your holiday reading list. One of my personal goals is to read a least one novel a week, every week of the year. The following list includes the books by John Sanford that I have read. You should be able to find most of them in your local library. Some readers would prefer to read each series by date order. John Sandford Books The Prey Series Shadow Prey (1990) Winter Prey (1993)  Mind Prey (1995) Chosen Prey (2001) Mortal Prey (2002) Naked Prey (2003) Hidden Prey (2004) Broken Prey (2005) Invisible Prey (2007) Phantom Prey (2008) Wicked Prey (2009) Storm Prey (2010) Burie... 12/05/2013

Kentlands Holiday Party Reminder The Kentlands Citizens Assembly is reminding residents to plan to attend the annual Holiday Party that will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the Kentlands Clubhouse. The time is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  You will enjoy good food, beverages and entertainment.  Everyone is asked to bring a dessert to share with your neighbors. Please call 301-948-2071 to register for this event. For out of town readers, Kentlands is located in the City of Gaithersburg in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. Kentlands is a favorite community for families that are relocated to the Metro Area of Washington, DC.   Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_1795 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/03/2013

Colonial Williamsburg Flowers   Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderful place to visit to learn much about American history at the time of the Revolution.  Dolores and I enjoy visiting the area several times each year. We are annual members so we are able to take advantage of all of the benefits. The gardens of Colonial Williamsburg offer special treats for those that enjoy flower photography.  Take time to enjoy the flowers and plants when you visit the area during the primary growing seasons.   Garden, Colonial Williamsburg IMG_0826 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/02/2013

Movie Recommendation:  The Book Thief “THE BOOK THIEF reminded me of how lucky we can be with the right mindset and attitude about the life we are given. It also prompted me to wonder, should secrets be kept secret? For me, it was the PERFECT movie to reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving.”  Patricia Feager Dolores and I took the advice of Patricia Feager and went to see The Book Thief on Sunday.  It is an excellent movie and we also recommend it to you.  ActiveRain may not be best known for movie reviews but this was a great suggestion.   Dahlia, Kentlands IMG_2024 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/01/2013

The perfect December blog topic Dolores and I have enjoyed a very busy day on this first day of December.  Those activities and photographs will have to be the subjects for future blogs.  When you are sitting at your computer on Sunday evening and are anxious to get back to the good book you are reading, it is a good time to post a photograph of a beautiful flower and wish a happy week for every reader. Enjoy the week and have a most productive December. A dahlia from our Kentlands home garden...   Dahlia, Kentlands IMG_2022 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/01/2013

Kentlands Holiday Tree Lighting   The Kentlands Holiday Tree Lighting is sponsored by the Kentlands Downtown Partnership and will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Market Square Plaza behind the Diner. The trees are donated by Potomac Garden Center and the lighting is donated by Hallco.   There will be live entertainment, an official tree lighting count down, and a fire truck is expected to transport Santa to the event. There will be refreshments available as well as goody bags stuffed full with items from our local merchants. Some local restaurants will be running specials that evening, so plan to extend your holiday spirit by having dinner out while supporting our local businesses.   Longwood Gardens IMG_2136 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores... 11/30/2013