Germantown, MD Market Report – 2/2/10

Germantown is located on the northern end of Montgomery County. Part of its popularity is due to its proximity to many major north-south commuter routes into Washington, DC and Northern Virginia. Montgomery County’s public bus system also serves Germantown, along with surrounding areas.

The following conditions reflect the market in Germantown, Maryland during December:

• Homes for sale: 375
• Closed sales: 81
• Average sales price: $277,968
• Average days on market: 67

Compared to last year’s statistics, the market has stabilized and is continuing to improve. Average sales price, at $277,968 now, is one percent higher than the same period one year ago. First-time buyers and investors still make up the majority of the buyers in the Germantown market over the past few months.

In addition, the total number of homes for sale on the market is down by one-third from last year and the time it takes to sell a house has increased by eight days, or about 11%. Combined with today’s low interest rates, this has created a buyer frenzy on some of the lower priced listings. The recent upgrading of the classification of the DC area real estate market makes it easier to obtain financing.

Some of my favorite restaurants in the Germanton area are Carrabbas, Red Robin, and Long Horn Steakhouse. I like them because they are within walking distance to the Regal movie theater.

Market data and commentary provided by David Hess, Executive Vice President and Managing Broker.

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

Burtonsville, MD Market Report – 1/22/10

Burtonsville is located at the crossroads of Maryland Route 29, which is a major north-south road, and Maryland Route 198, which is a major east-west road. It is very close to the Howard County border and the Prince Georges County border. It is also near the midpoint between the employment centers of Columbia, Maryland and Washington, DC.

The following describes the market conditions in Burtonsville, Maryland:

• Homes for sale: 73
• Closed sales: 7
• Average sold price $254,286
• Average days on market: 66

Average sales prices in Burtonsville are down 11% from one year ago,  but with an average sales price of $254,286, houses are being scooped up fast. Available housing inventory is down 20% from one year ago, but is expected to increase slightly as we go into the spring.

When the new Intercounty Connector is completed, Burtonsville residents will enjoy even faster access to points west into Montgomery County all the way over to Interstate 270.

Market data and  commentary provided by David Hess, Executive Vice President and Managing Broker.

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

Gaithersburg, MD Market Report – 1/8/10

• Homes for sale: 710
• Closed sales: 182
• Average sold price: $307,630
• Average days on market: 64

The average sales price took a big dive from last month in large part because the majority of sales was comprised of lower priced properties. As a result, the average sales price dropped from $327,160 to $307,630. Common sense tells us that the market did not drop by 7% in one month. What we’re faced with here is a statistical anomaly that should smooth itself out over time.

In the meantime, almost any home priced under $350,000 in Gaithersburg is getting multiple contracts. The average days on market one year ago was 106 days, last month 63 days, and this month 64 days; the trend is unmistakable. It takes on average, about 65 days for a well-priced house in good condition to sell.

Gaithersburg is convenient to numerous major transportation routes and the Metrorail’s Shady Grove station. When the Inter County Connector is completed in a few years, Gaithersburg residents will be able to go directly East-West into Prince Georges County without having to go onto the interstates or wait at traffic lights as they cut across the county. Gaithersburg is well served by all major retailers and restaurant chains.

Market data and  commentary provided by David Hess, Executive Vice President and Managing Broker.

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

Derwood, MD Market Report – 12/22/09

The statistics below reflect the housing market in Derwood, Maryland:

• Homes for sale: 41
• Closed sales: 14
• Average sold price: $459,100
• Average days on market: 111

Derwood’s average sales price is 2% higher than the same time last year and its inventory of houses for sale is 38% less than last year. In fact, now there are only 41 houses for sale with a Derwood address. The vast majority of these houses with Derwood addresses are single family detached homes built 20-30 years ago.

Derwood is located just north of the center of Montgomery County, between Gaithersburg and Rockville. Residents live close to the Shady Grove Metro Station, which is the northernmost station on the western side of Metrorail’s Red Line. Derwood also has easy access to some great connector and commuter roads such as Shady Grove to I-270, Mid County Highway up into Gaithersburg, and in the future, the Inter-County Connector into Prince George’s County.

Market data and  commentary provided by David Hess, Executive Vice President and Managing Broker.

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

Takoma Park, MD Market Report – 12/21/09

The data below represents the current housing market in Takoma Park, Maryland:

• Homes for sale: 232
• Closed sales: 64
• Average sold price: $342,818
• Average days on market: 63

Takoma Park is blessed with a terrific location on the edge of Washington, DC. It is partly in Prince George’s County and partly in Montgomery County in Maryland. It is a very walkable city and is also served by bus and Metrorail. Much of Takoma Park was built in the early 1900s and there are newer homes on infill locations.

Prices are 8.3% lower versus the same time as last year and inventory has been reduced by 39%. Prices are still dropping according to the statistics.

Takoma Park is an eclectic city as evidence by things such as being a Nuclear Free Zone and other interesting political issues.

Market data and  commentary provided by David Hess, Executive Vice President and Managing Broker.

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

Poolesville, MD Market Report – 12/11/09

Poolesville is a suburban oasis unto itself in the far western/southwestern edge of Montgomery County. Its western border is the Potomac River. Much of the area with a Poolesville address has been designated as an agricultural preserve, so there is lots of open green space. Poolesville has townhouses and single family detached houses in all sizes and ages. Find out what’s happening in the housing market in Poolesville, Maryland:

• Homes for sale: 26
• Closed sales: 5
• Average sold price: $419,200
• Average days on market: 149

For those who live in Poolesville that work in Loudoun County, Virginia in towns such as Leesburg or Ashburn, getting to work is just a matter of taking the Whites Ferry across the Potomac River each day. It is a nice relaxing way to begin and end each work day.

Prices in Poolesville are up about 19% from a year ago. The inventory for sale, at 26 units, has been pretty stable over the year. Poolesville is the best of all worlds. You get Montgomery County services and public schools, but you also get the peace and quiet that can only be found in an undeveloped area.

Market data and commentary provided by David Hess, Executive Vice President and Managing Broker.

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