The Shady Grove Metro station which opened in 1984 has helped the Derwood area to greatly expand in size also.

As you can see from the Market Statistics for the October 2011 Derwood is pulling out of this Real Estate down turn.

October 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics for 20855 Derwood, MD–

Derwood, Maryland is a quiet community in Montgomery County.  I think of it, being a Realtor, as my secret weapon.  Many locals know about Derwood – but surprisingly enough not as many as you think.  I got an inquiry from a potential client who is being transferred to this area.  They want a single-family home, 3+ bedrooms, garage, nice size yard, good schools, safe BUT most importantly walking distance or VERY CLOSE to a Metro stop.  All of this, and they can pay no more than $400,000.  Well in Montgomery County that is a very tall order.  Derwood is a charming bedroom community that fits the mold for many anxious potential home owners.

While searching on line for a home, not many of us or our clients think to type in the city of Derwood.  Who has even heard of it right?  It’s time to find out.  As a BUYERS AGENT, Derwood, MD maybe just what your client is looking for don’t miss this little known opportunity.

As a LISTING AGENT this is a bit trickier — sure you have just listed the PERFECT HOME at the PERFECT PRICE.  Yet, no one is showing it.  Marketing a home in Derwood because of its anonymity takes a bit more effort.  Just placing one of these special properties in the MRIS is not going to cut it.  MRIS is very rigid.  As Realtors we all know that entering the city in as Rockville/Derwood will not work.  I have to tell you that most of the individual websites that pull information from MRIS do allow it.  So, going to all of the individual websites and making changes to increase exposure will increase traffic.  Additional advertising MUST be done with properties in this area.   Take a little time and spending a bit of money will get the job done.  You and your clients will be smiling.

See the additional GOOD NEWS about Derwood Maryland.  I find these statistics a breath of fresh air.  What do you think?

Market data and commentary provided by Kathy Fleskes, Managing Broker, and Serena Toro of the Rockville Regional Office.

Search for homes in Derwood, and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com

The Real Estate Market is very cyclical.  It goes up and it goes down, but it is always doing something. The question is how much farther will it go in Frederick County?  I don’t have a crystal ball but the signs I see indicate the bottom has hit: Low interest rates, low prices, and an ever increasing population.  Buyers can’t keep holding out for much longer – the time to buy is NOW!  Not only in Frederick County Maryland but everywhere!

According to Inman News™, US Census and the Mortgage Bankers Association: A housing shortage is coming in the not so distant future:

There are two primary factors that will contribute to a home shortage in the not-too-distant future:

1. The size of Generation Y (those born between 1977 and 1994), which is estimated to be approximately 80 million, or 25 percent of the U.S. population. They are now entering their prime time for starting their careers, their families, and for buying a home.

2. Supply. There has been very little new construction, despite the predicted explosion in population growth. To illustrate the severity of this problem, the 2010 census put the U.S. population at approximately 309 million. By 2050, the prediction is that the U.S. population will be 439 million. That’s an increase of 130 million people in just 40 years. Regardless of whether they own or rent, they will still need housing.

Buyers it’s time to WAKE UP – there is only a finite amount of housing out there and our population growth is not slowing down.  The time to buy is NOW! Not only in Frederick County Maryland but everywhere!

Market data and commentary provided by Kathy Fleskes & Serena Toro, Rockville Regional Office.

Search for homes in Frederick County, and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com

1. Holmdel, NJ
2. Southborough, MA
3. North Potomac, Maryland

Population: 24,909
Median family income (per year): $147,594

North Potomac was created in 1988 from the cities of Gaithersburg, Potomac and Rockville and lies parallel to the Potomac River.  Now we all know why Money Magazine rated North Potomac #3, with a Median Family Income of $147,594 per year – we have no doubt.

I would say that it is North Potomac’s, proximity to Washington D.C. and Nationally Recognized Schools that also make it one of the most desirable places to live.

Here is a snap shot of North Potomac’s Real Estate Market for last month:

July 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics for  20878 North Potomac, MD

Taking a quick glance at these stats – it isn’t as bad as the national news is saying, but it sure doesn’t look fabulous.

No one wants to see the percentage of Total Sold Dollar Volume go negative (-31.24% in this case) or the Average Days on Market Increase (+11.11%).

It is true that this economic down turn has affected even the best of areas.  BUT the information that this table fails to mention is that New Pending Sales (under Contract) are up +1.82% over this time last year, the Detached (single-family homes) Average Sold Price is up to $700,140 from $691,856.

Although this small increase is only +1.20%, I see it coupled with the minimal difference in Sold Price vs, List Price of -0.65%,

Is this a possible sign that this Real Estate Market is improving?  I like to think so.  Although it could be argued that Sellers are just pricing their homes more in line with the market?  Only time will tell.

Market data and commentary provided by Kathy Fleskes & Serena Toro, Rockville Regional Office.

Search for homes in North Potomac, and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com

The Real Estate Market in Frederick, MD is a mixed bag of statistics (see charts below).  With four zip codes: 21701, 21702, 21703, and 21704, to cover – the news is not as positive as I would like.  For the most part all categories are down over this time last year.  But if you remember, the Spring of 2010; The Fed did artificially stimulate the market, with the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

If we compare these numbers with last month (March 2011): robust improvements can be found in all but one zip code in Frederick.  The SOLD Dollar Volume numbers for April 2011 of this year have shown significant improvements over last month, jumping as much as +68.96% in  21703.

With interest rates in the 4% range – Buyers are out there! When the numbers for May 2011 are posted, for Frederick, Maryland, I expect even more improvement.

April 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics for: 21701 Frederick, MD

April 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics for: 21702 Frederick, MD

April 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics for: 21703 Frederick, MD

April 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics for: 21704 Frederick, MD

There is so much to do in Frederick that it is hard to know where to begin.  Civil War battlefields, parks, museums, wineries, zoos, minor league ballgames, historic sites, antique shops, farm markets and more.

Not far from DC, the drive up 270 from the Washington suburbs is an easy one. As you near the Frederick area, you will see why so many people choose to live here – the view as you crest the rise on 270 is a spectacular one, with mountains in the background and the city spread out before you.  You might like it so much you won’t want to leave!

Market data and commentary provided by Kathy Fleskes & Serena Toro, Rockville Regional Office.

Search for homes in Frederick County, and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com

Looking back at April 2011; Rockville runs the gamut starting with Total Sold Dollar Volume: of $2,755,000 in 20850 all the way up to $27,365,900 in 20854.

Overall the Sold Dollar Volume is down with one exception: 20853, which is up +17.79% over this time last year ($8,494,000).  This wide range can be seen throughout Rockville.  It’s all about location in Real Estate and these charts definitely reflect that.

April 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics for:  20850 Rockville, MD

April 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics for:  20851 Rockville, MD

April 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics for:  20852 Rockville, MD

April 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics for:  20853 Rockville, MD

April 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics for:  20854 Rockville/Potomac, MD

As we begin to see this NEW more positive Real Estate Market take shape in Rockville – Avery Hess, Realtors is prepared.

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND — THE FUTURE IS NOW!

A NEW office for a NEW REAL ESTATE MARKET!!  Avery Hess, Realtors is proud to announce the opening of their new Rockville Branch.  I feel honored to be part of a company that understands what agents and consumers need.

The Rockville Avery-Hess, Realtors office has a new location – 6001 Montrose Road, Suite 101.  The new set-up is bright and modern.  Bring your laptop and sit in a beautiful new workstation or utilize the two conference rooms with wall-mounted flat screen monitors for clients to view properties.

Avery-Hess Sales Associates benefit from the most progressive working environment in Real Estate. We define our business model as consumer-centric—a model that focuses the effort of our entire team on the most important part Real Estate, the CLIENT. Our entire suite of technology, products, and services has been designed in order to serve the needs of today’s Real Estate consumer.

To put it in bluntly Avery-Hess, Realtors is about getting the job done.  Getting the property SOLD, finding that perfect home, doing MORE business using the latest TECHNOLGY, generating MORE LEADS, in a NO FEE environment.  Stop by and see our new space, you may just want to stay!!

Market data and commentary provided by Kathy Fleskes, Managing Broker, Rockville Regional Office.

Search for homes in Rockville, and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com

Although the town itself is less than one square mile, it is surrounded by the Montgomery County suburbs and is accessible to the county transportation system; making it a convenient place to live.  The town has its own Mayor and although it relies on the county for some services, it does manage many services on its own.

The citizens of Kensington are among the few that can honestly brag that the Real Estate bottom has come and gone.  With a Total Sales Volume of $8,010,210 just last month, which is up not only 2.05% over last month, and up 80.39% – yes, I said – 80.39%, over this time last year!

Before prices climb any higher you may want to join the residents of Kensington; who love the small town life, its unique shops, restaurants as well as the easy access to the Washington D.C.

Market data and commentary provided by Kathy Fleskes, Rockville Managing Broker and Serena Toro, Rockville Administrative Manager.
Search for homes in Kensington, and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com

Like the beautiful city itself, housing in Silver Spring is seeing some shiny spots – despite all the doom and gloom the media is continually throwing at all of us.

The Real Estate market statistics for zip codes 20905 and 20912 are moving in the right direction.

Zip code 20905 has a Total Sold Dollar Volume up +75.49% to $3,694,000.  The number of Closed Sales versus this time last year is up 80%. This is a tremendous upswing!

Another big mover in Silver Spring is the 20903 zip code. Sporting a Total Sold Dollar Volume of $2,347,900, this number is up +265.72% in comparison to February of 2010.  Closed Sales are up +266.67% and the Median Sold Price is $230,000.

I am really excited to see what the Spring Market will bring. Improvements all around have me saying the Real Estate Market in Silver Spring, Maryland is definitely shining!

More About Silver Spring, MD:

Silver Spring is a suburb of Washington, D.C. with both urban and suburban areas.  With a community of over 76,000 people, Silver Spring is a happening place.  Its borders run as far north as Burtonsville, south to the dividing line with the District of Columbia and west to Chevy Chase and Rockville.  Silver Spring is located on the Red Line of the Metro system and the Silver Spring stop is the most used station in Maryland.

Looking for something to do outdoors this spring? Silver Spring has many amazing parks to explore:

Rock Creek Park which passes along the west side of Silver Spring, offers hiking trails, picnic grounds, and bicycling.  On weekends, its main road, Beach Drive, is usually closed to motor vehicles.

Sligo Creek Park follows Sligo Creek through Silver Spring and offers hiking trails, tennis courts, playgrounds and bicycling. On weekends, parts of Sligo Creek Parkway are also closed to motor vehicles.

Jesup Blair Park is a 14.5 acre park that has recently been renovated. In the park you’ll find a soccer field, tennis courts, basketball courts and a picnic area.

Wheaton Regional Park is located in “greater” Silver Spring and includes covered tennis courts, an ice skating rink, baseball fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, stables and Brookside Gardens, a 50 acre park with arboretums, nature center and magnificent gardens to stroll through.

Market data and commentary provided by Kathy Fleskes, Rockville Managing Broker.
Search for homes in Silver Spring, and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com

The north part of the county is anchored by the Capital Beltway and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.  The major employers in this part of the county are The University of Maryland, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center.  The community of Greenbelt was one of the earliest planned communities to be built.  This north part of the county also has many areas of historic homes including University Park, Mt. Rainier, Berwyn Heights and Hyattsville.  There are several parks and lakes for family enjoyment.

The central part of the county includes Mitchellville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, and more.  Bowie is best known as a planned Levittown and is currently the largest city in Prince George’s County.  Housing styles range from ultra-contemporary to century old homes in Bowie’s antique district.

The county also includes the rural tier, the inner beltway and the south county.  South County is one of the fastest growing areas and includes the newly developed National Harbor along the Anacostia River featuring riverside living, hotels, convention center, shops and restaurants and Nationals Park home to the Washington Nationals Baseball Team.  There are ferry rides that cross the river from National Harbor to Alexandria.

February 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics

Prices continue to fall in Prince Georges County.  The bottom experts say is in sight.  Keeping this in mind the time to buy is NOW.  With the number of Closed Sales up +1.48% over last month and also up +8.27% in comparison to this time last year.  I will not be surprised if there is a large increase in Average Sold Price next month.  Spring is here and so are the homebuyers.  Rates are still low and there are plenty of bargains to be had in Prince Georges County.

Market data and commentary provided by Kathy Fleskes, Managing Broker, Rockville Regional Office.

Search for homes in Prince Georges County, and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com

Looking at the Average for Frederick County does not accurately show the Good News – that I am happy to report in many areas.  New Market (zip code 21744) has an Average Sold Price of $287,682, Middletown (21769) Average Sold Price of $312,000, Dickerson (20842) $855,000 and Jefferson (21755) $870,000 have a lot to be proud of.   All of these numbers are well above the average for the county.  I see a very productive spring and summer ahead for 2011!

Downtown Frederick, named a Great American Main Street by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has a lot of historic charm,  and is home to Carroll Creek Park.  Shop for gifts, antiques and more or dine at the city’s share of more than 200 eateries countywide.   Sports enthusiasts can catch a Frederick Keys game at a home stadium that’s the envy of other minor league baseball teams.

If you enjoy the open spaces Frederick County has several award-winning wineries or take in the natural beauty of a 78-foot waterfall at Cunningham Falls. Hike the C&O Canal towpath.

Interested in History? Then explore Frederick County’s deep-rooted Civil War history by visiting the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, the Barbara Fritchie House or Monocacy Battlefield.

Market data and commentary provided by Kathy Fleskes & Serena Toro, Rockville Regional Office.

Search for homes in Frederick County, and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com

Here are the statistics for Gaithersburg:

• Homes for sale: 894 (very stable over the past four months, up from 813 in August one year  ago)
• Homes Sold: 142 (down from 160 in July, down from 180 sales one year ago)
• Average sold price: $340,058 (up from $331,238 in June, down from $343,284 one year  ago)-but look at how stable that is!
• Average days on market: 71 (very stable throughout 2010 and back to last year when it was 75 days in August 2009)

What says fall better than crisp, cool mornings, leaves turning beautiful reds, yellows and oranges and the sound of high school football games on a Friday night at any one of the three high schools that call Gaithersburg home.   On Saturday mornings you can see kids of all ages playing soccer or football at one of the athletic fields in Gaithersburg on teams sponsored by the Gaithersburg Boys and Girls Club or the Montgomery Village sports association.  There is still plenty of time to enjoy a game of golf at one of the public golf courses in the area or pick up a game of tennis.  Or get out and enjoy the walking trails and parks in Gaithersburg while the weather is still inviting!

Commentary and analysis provided by David Hess, Executive Vice President.