Gaithersburg Real Estate — Montgomery County MD Real Estate

U.S. News Best High Schools Report

May 2, 2013 by Bob Myers

Once again, Maryland High Schools rank among the top in the country! After reviewing 21,035 U.S. public high schools, U.S. News Best High Schools annual report came out at the end of April, ranking several Montgomery County Public High Schools as some of the best in the country.

First, lets start with the Maryland numbers. There are 24 districts in Maryland, with 241 high schools in the state. Out of the TOP 10 high schools in Maryland, 7 are in Montgomery County:

1. Winston Churchill in Potomac
2. Walt Whitman in Bethesda
3. Poolesville in Poolesville
4. T.S. Wootton in Rockville
5. Richard Montgomery in Rockville
6. Bethesda-Chevy Chase in Bethesda
10. Montgomery Blair in Silver Spring

Montgomery County is home to 30 high schools, serving over 45, 000 students. These county high schools all ranked above Maryland averages in College Readiness, and proficiency in Algebra and English. Schools are evaluated on overall student performance on state assessments, as well as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams that are also used to determine which schools prepare students for college-level work.
The Montgomery County school district also contains eight schools that received gold, silver or bronze medals in the U.S. News’s Best High School rankings.

Below is the Nationally Ranked List and take note, all of these schools have received the Gold Medal Award:

Churchill – #52 in the Nation,
Whitman – #59 in the Nation,
Poolesville – #99 in the Nation, #35 Magnet Rank
Wootton – #105 in the Nation
Richard Montgomery #106 in the Nation, #36 Magnet Rank
Bethesda-Chevy Chase #128 in the Nation,
Montgomery Blair – #247 in the Nation, #63 Magnet Rank

Academic excellence continues in Montgomery County!

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Gaithersburg 20878 Market Report

April 11, 2013 by Bob Myers

How’s the Gaithersburg MD 20878 Real Estate Market?
The Gaithersburg real estate market in zip code 20878 saw the following changes at the end of the first quarter of 2013 – January and March – compared to last year at this time. As of the end of March:
– average sold price was $468,302 compared to last year’s $446,597
– average days on market to sell a home was down to 67 days in 2013 from 82 days in 2012
– average sold price sellers were getting increased in 2013 to 96.7% from 94.7% in 2012

- market activity is summarized in the following chart:

What Has Sold?
As of March 2013, 58 single family, 43 town houses and 46 condos sold, with 13 short sales and 1 foreclosure in the 20878 zip code.
The Gaithersburg neighborhoods with the most activity were in Diamond Farm, Kentlands and Lakelands.
Do you want to stay up to date on what homes are selling for in your neighborhood? Then sign up for our Market Snapshot Report.

Through March 2013, the most expensive home that sold in 20878 was a newly built brick colonial on a 2-acre lot in Belvedere for $2.08M.

You can see more details about home sales in our report on Gaithersburg Property Values.

Are Sellers Getting Their Asking Price in Gaithersburg?
The chart below (mouse over for details) shows the proportion of the original listing price a home seller is getting when they sell, taking into account price reductions. There were 24 cash buyers (often investors) in March.

How Long Is it Taking to Sell a Home?
Through March 2013, the average days on market was 67, compared to 82 days last year. You can see more market statistics in our Gaithersburg Real Estate Market Trends Report.

What is For Sale?
Click on the map below to start your Gaithersburg home search, save your favorites, set up automatic emails, and receive alerts for properties that fit your criteria.

Call Bob Myers of Re/Max Realty Services at 301-910-9910 if you have any questions about the value of your home or the real estate market.

Connect with the Author Bob Myers on Google+

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Filed Under: 20878 Real Estate, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Market Updates, Montgomery County Real Estate

Gaithersburg 20878 Market Report

March 12, 2013 by Bob Myers

How’s the Gaithersburg MD 20878 Real Estate Market?
The Gaithersburg real estate market in zip code 20878 saw the following changes at the beginning of 2013 – January and February – compared to last year at this time. As of the end of February:
– average sold price was $429,406 compared to last year’s $443,982
– average days on market to sell a home was down to 69 days in 2013 from 84 days in 2012
– average sold price sellers were getting increased in 2013 to 96% from 94.2% in 2012

- market activity is summarized in the following chart:

What Has Sold?
As of February 2013, 30 single family, 17 town houses and 29 condos sold, with 6 short sales and 1 foreclosure in the 20878 zip code.
The Gaithersburg neighborhoods with the most activity were in Diamond Farm, Kentlands and Lakelands.
Do you want to stay up to date on what homes are selling for in your neighborhood? Then sign up for our Market Snapshot Report.

In February 2013, the most expensive home that sold in 20878 was a colonial on a 2-acre lot in Seneca Highlands for $1.440M.

You can see more details about home sales in our report on Gaithersburg Property Values.

How Long Is it Taking to Sell a Home?
In February 2013, the average days on market was 69, compared to 84 days last year. You can see more market statistics in our Gaithersburg Real Estate Market Trends Report.

What is For Sale?
Click on the map below to start your Gaithersburg home search, save your favorites, set up automatic emails, and receive alerts for properties that fit your criteria.

Call Bob Myers of Re/Max Realty Services at 301-910-9910 if you have any questions about the value of your home or the real estate market.

Connect with the Author Bob Myers on Google+

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Filed Under: 20878 Real Estate, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Market Updates, Montgomery County Real Estate

Montgomery County MD 2012 – Out and About for the Holidays

November 27, 2012 by Bob Myers

How fantastic is it to live in an area of such diversity? We have the opportunity to experience a variety of cultures and traditions. ‘Tis the season and it’s time for the holiday festivities to begin – that and hot cocoa help make the cold weather bearable!

This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Saturday, December 8 and there are several activities around town to enjoy!

The lighting of the National Menorah will take place at the Ellipse on Sunday, December 9 at 4:00pm.

The Hanukkah Fire Truck Parade on December 11, will depart RVFD Fire Station 3, 380 Hungerford Drive in Rockville at 6 PM and make the following stops:
1st stop: Fallsgrove – Corner of Fallsgrove Blvd. & Fallsgrove Dr. [approx. 6:15 pm]
2nd stop: Potomac Glen – Deerbrook and Broadfield Drives [approx. 6:50 pm]
3rd stop: Hanukkah Wonderland – 10066 Darnestown Rd. Travilah Square Shopping Center [approx. 7:10 pm]
4th stop: Washingtonian Woods - The pool on Midsummer Drive [approx. 7:30 pm]
5th stop: Lakelands Park [approx. 7:50 pm]
Final stop: Chabad of Upper Montgomery County - 11520 Darnestown Rd. Gaithersburg for the Community Hanukkah Party and the Lighting of the outdoor Menorah at 8:00 pm.

The family Chanukkah Celebration at the JCCGW is on Dec 8, 2012, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

The 17th Annual Winter Lights Festival in Seneca Creek State Park is open nightly beginning November 30.

Click here for more Gaithersburg activities, such as “giving programs” and Arts Barn shows.

Celebrate the holiday season December 1-2, 2012 in downtown Bethesda with a variety of performances, a visit from Santa Claus and more! The ice sculpting presentation takes place Saturday, December 2 from 1- 2pm in Veterans Park, located on the corner of Woodmont and Norfolk Avenues in Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle.

In Rockville, stop by Glenview Mansion at Rockville Civic Center Park on Sundays in December for the free holiday festivities. There will be music, art and merriment for all!
Dec 2 – Art, Music and Holiday Cheer
Dec 9 – Children’s Sunday with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Dec 16 – Music & Merriment

Zoolights at the National Zoo with music, entertainment, beautiful light displays and runs weekends through January 1.

ICE – at the Gaylord National Resort – Don’t miss 2 million pounds of hand carved “Shrek The Halls” ice sculptures! This attraction is open daily until January 6.
Also at the National Harbor is the Harbor Holiday Festival on the weekend of Nov. 30 – Dec. 2.

Tickets are no longer available for the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, but the tree and the Pathway of Peace are lit each evening until 11:00 pm. Enjoy nightly musical performances on the Ellipse stage.

It’s always fun to see a show during the holidays. Whether it’s at the The Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theatre or the Olney Theatre, you can be sure to find Handel’s Messiah, White Christmas, The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol or another fun, holiday themed production for the whole family to enjoy!

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Filed Under: Events, Montgomery County MD Fun Stuff, Montgomery County Real Estate

Gaithersburg 20878 Market Report

November 13, 2012 by Bob Myers

How’s the Gaithersburg MD 20878 Real Estate Market?
The Gaithersburg real estate market in zip code 20878 saw the following changes in the beginning the 4th quarter of 2012 compared to last year at this time. As of the end of October:
– average sold price in 2012 was $465,900 compared to last year’s $461,311
– average days on market to sell a home was 60 days in 2012 and 62 days in 2011
– average sold price sellers were getting increased slightly in 2012 to 96.2% from 95.1% in 2011

- market activity is summarized in the following chart:

What Has Sold?
As of October 2012, 261 single family, 212 town houses and 129 condos sold, with 65 short sales and 11 foreclosures in the 20878 zip code.
The Gaithersburg neighborhoods with the most activity were in Amberfield, Diamond Farm, Kentlands and Lakelands.
Do you want to stay up to date on what homes are selling for in your neighborhood? Then sign up for our Market Snapshot Report.

Since October, the most expensive home that sold in 20878 was a custom built colonial in Belvedere for $1.3M that closed in July.

You can see more details about home sales in our report on Gaithersburg Property Values.

How Long Is it Taking to Sell a Home?
So far this year, the average days on market is 60, compared to 62 days last year. You can see more market statistics in our Gaithersburg Real Estate Market Trends Report.

What is For Sale?
Click on the map below to start your Gaithersburg home search, save your favorites, set up automatic emails, and receive alerts for properties that fit your criteria.

Call Bob Myers of Re/Max Realty Services at 301-910-9910 if you have any questions about the value of your home or the real estate market.

Connect with the Author Bob Myers on Google+

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Filed Under: 20878 Real Estate, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Market Updates, Montgomery County Real Estate

Gaithersburg 20878 Market Report

October 18, 2012 by Bob Myers

How’s the Gaithersburg MD 20878 Real Estate Market?
The Gaithersburg real estate market in zip code 20878 saw the following changes in the end of the 3rd quarter of 2012 compared to last year at this time. As of the end of September:
– average sold price in 2012 was $472,276 compared to last year’s $463,353
– average days on market to sell a home was 61 days in 2012 and 60 days in 2011
– average sold price sellers were getting increased slightly in 2012 to 96.2% from 95.4% in 2011

- market activity is summarized in the following chart:

What Has Sold?
As of September 2012, 248 single family, 188 town houses and 106 condos sold, with 56 short sales and 10 foreclosures in the 20878 zip code.
The Gaithersburg neighborhoods with the most activity were in Amberfield, Diamond Farm, Kentlands and Lakelands.
Do you want to stay up to date on what homes are selling for in your neighborhood? Then sign up for our Market Snapshot Report.

Since September, the most expensive home that sold in 20878 was a custom built colonial in Belvedere for $1.3M that closed in July.

You can see more details about home sales in our report on Gaithersburg Property Values.

How Long Is it Taking to Sell a Home?
So far this year, the average days on market is 60 – exactly the same as last year. You can see more market statistics in our Gaithersburg Real Estate Market Trends Report.

What is For Sale?
Click on the map below to start your Gaithersburg home search, save your favorites, set up automatic emails, and receive alerts for properties that fit your criteria.

Call Bob Myers of Re/Max Realty Services at 301-910-9910 if you have any questions about the value of your home or the real estate market.

Connect with the Author Bob Myers on Google+

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Filed Under: 20878 Real Estate, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Market Updates, Montgomery County Real Estate

Gaithersburg 20878 Market Report

September 11, 2012 by Bob Myers

How’s the Gaithersburg MD 20878 Real Estate Market?
The Gaithersburg real estate market in zip code 20878 saw the following changes in the middle of the 3rd quarter of 2012 compared to last year at this time. As of the end of August:
– average sold price in 2012 was $475,588 compared to last year’s $460,765
– average days on market to sell a home was 60 days – the same for both 2012 and 2011
– average sold price sellers were getting increased slightly in 2012 to 96.1% from 95.4% in 2011

- market activity is summarized in the following chart:

What Has Sold?
As of August 2012, 223 single family, 172 town houses and 94 condos sold, with 55 short sales and 9 foreclosures in the 20878 zip code.
The Gaithersburg neighborhoods with the most activity were in Amberfield, Diamond Farm, Kentlands and Lakelands.
Do you want to stay up to date on what homes are selling for in your neighborhood? Then sign up for our Market Snapshot Report.

Since August, the most expensive home that sold in 20878 was a colonial in Belvedere for $1.3M that closed in July.

You can see more details about home sales in our report on Gaithersburg Property Values.

How Long Is it Taking to Sell a Home?
So far this year, the average days on market is 60 – exactly the same as last year.

What is For Sale?
Click on the map below to start your Gaithersburg home search, save your favorites, set up automatic emails, and receive alerts for properties that fit your criteria.

Call Bob Myers of Re/Max Realty Services at 301-910-9910 if you have any questions about the value of your home or the real estate market.
Connect with the Author Bob Myers on Google+

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Filed Under: 20878 Real Estate, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Market Updates

4th of July Celebrations & Fireworks Displays 2012

July 3, 2012 by Bob Myers

Fireworks displays will go on…but not as usual in Montgomery County in 2012. Several local Independence Day Celebrations and fireworks displays have been cancelled due to last weeks storms and power outages, and the stressed out emergency workers! Some may be rescheduled, stay tuned.

First, the cancellations: celebrations in Kensington, Rockville and South Germantown plus the County’s display at Gaithersburg’s Montgomery County Fairgrounds are cancelled in order to aid in the efforts of storm recovery and clean up.

So here is the good news if you enjoy a good fireworks display! You don’t have to travel a great distance to “oooh and aaahhh” and see the night sky lit up in honor of our nation’s birthday.

In DC, A Capitol Fourth concert featuring Matthew Broderick, the National Symphony Orchestra, Apolo Anton Ohno, John Williams and Josh Turner will go on as planned on July 4th on the Capitol grounds. In addition, the popular Capitol Fourth rehearsal set for today, Tuesday the 3rd, is also scheduled to go on as planned. And if you’ve seen the DC fireworks display in person or on TV, it is a sight to behold!

In Maryland, Chevy Chase’s’s celebration, which includes a parade that ends at Oliver Street Park with family-friendly activities, will go on as scheduled.

Frederick MD starts their festivities at noon with three stages of entertainment ending with fireworks. Make sure you get early to Baker Park to get a good viewing position. See more here about Frederick fireworks.

The All-Star Fourth of July Block Party in Silver Spring, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. features live music on the Silver Plaza stage, children’s activities including carnival games, face painting and a moon bounce, will go on as planned.

In Columbia, The Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will kick off the festivities at 5 p.m. and fireworks begin at dusk at Lake Kittamaqundi.

Takoma Park‘s festivities, featuring a parade at 10 a.m., barbecue from noon to 6 p.m., Wiffle Ball tournament at 2:30 p.m., concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m., will go on as scheduled.

College Park Fireworks Spectacular! will feature a concert by the Hubcaps and will go on as planned.

Fort Meade’s celebration includes children’s rides and games start at noon. New Monopoly performs from 5:30 until fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Everything will go on as scheduled.

July 4 Fanfare in Greenbelt, featuring the Greenbelt Concert Band and a community drum circle, will go on as planned.

Saturday’s events at Granville Gude Park in Laurel, including a parade, horseshoe contest and classic car show start at 11 a.m.; Hotdog eating contest at 2 p.m; the grand opening with flag raising and national anthem sung by Christina Landis at 3:15 p.m; Oracle performances at 5:15 and 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m., are on as scheduled.

In Virginia, Alexandria’s celebration, which includes children’s activities, exhibits, musical performances, a birthday cake and fireworks at dusk, will go on as planned.

The celebration at Arlington’s Long Bridge Park will go on as planned with vendors and family-friendly events.

Great Falls Village Centre fireworks will be postponed, however, to July 14 from 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. at Turner Park.

Activities including music by the Darby Brothers at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. will go on as scheduled as part of Herndon’s festivities.

McLean is waiting until tomorrow to determine whether or not to cancel, postpone or go on with its fireworks.

An American Celebration at Mount Vernon, complete with day-time fireworks, will go on as planned.

The Vienna Fourth of July Celebration, including games, rides, arts and crafts vendors and chili cook off will take place as planned from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center; a fireworks celebration beginning at 7 p.m. will also go on as planned with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. at Southside Park.

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Filed Under: Events, Montgomery County Real Estate

Gaithersburg & North Potomac 20878 Real Estate Market Report Q1 2012

April 21, 2012 by Bob Myers

How’s the Darnestown, Gaithersburg & North Potomac Real Estate Market in 20878?
The North Potomac/Gaithersburg real estate market in zip code 20878 saw the following changes in the first quarter of 2012, and compared to last year at this time:
- median sold price went up by 5% in January from December, then up by 5.3% in February and in March, sales prices barely dropped by .01%
- average days on market were higher – from 76 to 97 days to get a home sold in January, higher in February – from 83 to 117 days, and again higher in March, from 88 to 112 days
- sellers were getting less of what they were asking in January (92.8% of the list price vs 94.7% of last year’s average), more of what they are asking in February (92.7% vs 89.4%) and in March, less again (93% vs 95.4% of last year’s average)
- market activity is summarized in the following chart:

What Has Sold?
In January, 21 single family, 21 townhomes and 8 condos sold. There were 8 short sales and 2 foreclosures, making up 20% of sales. In February, 16 single family, 18 townhomes and 4 condos sold. There were 5 short sales and 3 foreclosures, making distressed sales 21%. In March, 23 single family, 22 townhomes and 8 condos were sold, with 4 foreclosure and 2 short sales, making up 11.32% of the market in 20878.
The Gaitherburg/North Potomac neighborhoods with the most activity were Lakelands, Kentlands and Diamond Farm.
Do you want to stay up to date on what homes are selling for in your neighborhood? Then sign up for our Market Snapshot Report.

What Is Happening with Home Prices in Darnestown, North Potomac and Gaithersburg?
The average price of single family homes decreased in January from December, but increased through March. Townhomes increased through February leveling off in March and condos saw a decline through February, but rose in March. (see chart – mouse over for details). A change in the average sales price for one month is not necessarily an indication of a trend, it could just indicate that more homes were sold in a more or less expensive neighborhood of zip code 20878.
The most expensive home that sold in January was a traditional style home in Lakelands for $890K, in February a colonial for $850K and in March, again in Kentlands, a colonial for $825K.

You can see more details about home sales in our report on Gaithersburg Property Values.

Are Sellers Getting Their Asking Price in 20878 Cities of North Potomac and Gaithersburg?
The chart below (mouse over for details) shows the proportion of the original listing price a home seller is getting when they sell, taking into account price reductions. January’s overall average was 94.4%, compared to last January’s 94.5%; February’s overall average was 93.9%, compared to last year’s average of 91.1% and March’s overall average of 94.9% compared to last year’s 95.4%. The county average in March was 93.6% compared to last year’s 92.8%.

How Long Is it Taking to Sell a Home?
In January it took 75 days to sell a home in 20878, compared to 78 days last year; it took 98 days to sell a home in February, compared to 92 last February and in March, 80 days compared to 73 in 2011. The overall county average for the month of March was 90 days. You can see more market statistics in our Gaithersburg Real Estate Market Trends Report.

Who is Buying?
In January there were 16% cash buyers (often investors) in 20878. There were 14.28% cash buyers for February and 17.3% in March. Overall in Montgomery County, cash buyers made up 20.13% of home sales in March.

Call Bob Myers of Re/Max Realty Services at 301-910-9910 if you have any questions about the value of your home or the real estate market.

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Filed Under: 20878 Real Estate, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Market Updates

Paws in the Park

March 22, 2012 by Bob Myers

PAWS IN THE PARK

The Montgomery County Humane Society, along with the City of Gaithersburg, are pleased to announce PAWS IN THE PARK DOG WALK & FEST 2012! On April 29th from 12:00 – 4:00, there will be festivities such as pet games, demos and a mile walk. PAWS IN THE PARK will be held at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm in Gaithersburg. Bring your well-behaved pooch with you for a good time, but make sure you are aware of the rules for your 4-legged family member!

There will be vendors, rescue groups, food, music and much more! What fun and a great way to get involved in a fundraising event for animals in need in our community!

We all know that our local shelters can’t survive without your help. What a great way to get involved in the Gaithersburg community, the MCHS and have fun at the same time.

To register a team or as an individual, visit www.mchumane.org. Volunteers are needed as well, and that information is also available at the website.
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Filed Under: Events, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Gaithersburg Real Estate, Montgomery County Real Estate