August2014

We are now approaching the end of Summer and Back to School Season. The summer real estate market has continued to be quite busy. There is still a rather low inventory and there still seem to be quite a few buyers out looking. I had two of the busiest open houses I have seen all year this past Sunday. Perhaps people are back from their vacations and ready to get back to business. Interest rates remain low so it is a good time to buy and since inventory remains low it is a good time to sell.
If you are thinking of selling your home Iwould be happy to meet with you to discuss the market, how you can prepare your home for sale and what the current pricing in your market looks like.
Please see the articles in the right hand column with tips for first-time homebuyers and information on how credit scores are affecting mortgage applications.
Please visit my website at www.kathywhalen.com. It iseasy to search the Multiple Listing Service for homes with upgraded map searches, there is more information on Schools, more Community information, easy access to information on upcoming open houses in Montgomery County and DC as well as links to pictures and disclosures for my listings. I also have a mobile website: m.kathywhalen.com which allows you to search for homes based on where you are located using the GPS feature.Please scan the QR code at the bottom of this article to take a test drive.
Also, be sure to see my listngs below, read the real estate articles in the column to the rightand visitmy website where you can click to see current interest rates and a link to all homes currently listed for sale.
As always, if you have any real estate questions or needs I am available to help.
Thanks,
Kathy Whalen .

My Listings......
/ ACTIVE
$635,000
11015 Wickshire Way
North Bethesda, MD 20852

Click on picture above to see additional photos
Wow! Beautifully Renovated Home in Sought After White Flint Area. New Hardwood Flooring, Gorgeous Master Bath, New Heat and Air Conditioning and Perfect Condition!
Estimated property tax and non-tax charges in first fiscal year of ownership is $5,829.78.
/ ACTIVE
$450,000
1405 Gridley Lane
Silver Spring, MD 20902

Click on picture above to see additional photos
Move Right in to this Beautifully Updated and Maintained Home! Gorgeous Deck, Large, Attached Garage, Landscaped Yard, 4 Bedrooms and 2 Full Baths, Open Floor Plan Kitchen & 3 Finished Levels. Hurry!
Estimated property tax and non-tax charges in first fiscal year of ownership is $4,018.14
/ ACTIVE
$435,000
10408 Conover Street
Silver Spring, MD 20902

Click on picture above to see additional photos
Spacious Split Level Home in Sought After Neighborhood near Metro! New Kitchen, 3 New Baths, Freshly Painted, Refinished Hardwood Flooring, New Carpet and Large, Private Yard. Move Right In!
Estimated Taxes are $4,148.58
/ ACTIVE
$385,000
10709 Francis Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20902

Click on picture above to see additional photos
Spacious Split in Neighborhood Near Metro! With 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, Family Room, Dining Room, Large Kitchen and Deck Overlooking Private Level Yard this is the Perfect Home! Estimated property tax and non-tax charges in first fiscal year of ownership is $4,422.98
/ ACTIVE
$575,000
10502 Drumm Avenue
Kensington, MD 20895

Click on picture above to see additional photos
Updated 1987 Colonial on over 1/3 Acre Lot Backing to Parkland! New Hardwood Flooring on Main Level, New Paint, New Carpet and Renovated Kitchen. 3 Full Baths, 3 Finished Levels,Gas Fireplaceand Two Decks! Hurry!
Estimated property tax and non-tax charges in first fiscal year of ownership is $5,883.00
/ UNDER CONTRACT
$699,000
9809 Forest Grove Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20902

Click on picture above to see additional photos
Old World Charm Combined with Modern Amenities! Brand New Kitchen, Light Filled Interior, Spacious Living Room with Fireplace, Dining Room with Tray Ceiling, Half Acre Lot Consisting of 3 Separate Lots and Convenient Location Near Metro.
Estimated property tax and non-tax charges in first fiscal year of ownership is $7,303.49
/ UNDER CONTRACT
$399,900
2619 Cory Terrace
Silver Spring, MD 20902

Click on picture above to see additional photos
Spacious and Updated Home with Separate Apartment/In Law Suitein Back of Home. Renovated Kitchen, Deck, 3 Full Baths, Hardwood Flooring & Great Fenced Yard!
Estimated property tax and non-tax charges in first fiscal year of ownership is $3,738.
SOLD
$375,000
10343 Green Holly Terrace
Silver Spring, MD 20902

Click on picture above to see additional photos
Three Level Townhome in Sought After Forest Estates Neighborhood. Incredible View of the Pond from the Deck and Updated Kitchen with Stainless Appliances. Many Updates!
Estimated property tax and non-tax charges in first fiscal year of ownership is $3,492.50
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Link to all Upcoming Open Houses
Contact Me
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Kathy Whalen, Realtor
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Direct: 301-649-5743
Office: 240-497-1700

10 best tips for first-time homebuyers - MSN Real Estate
ByMarcie GeffnerofHSH.com
First-time homebuyers are crucial to healthy housing markets because they enable existing homeowners to sell their current home and purchase another one. That means if you're thinking about buying a home, you're important -- someone who owns a home can't sell it without you.
With that in mind, here are 10 tips to help you achieve your goal of homeownership.

Click on image above to read the full article
Credit scores remain a high hurdle for many mortgage applicants as banks stay gun-shy
Washington Post - Kenneth R. Harney
August 1, 2014
Are mortgage lenders finally loosening up a little on their credit score requirements, opening the door to larger numbers of home purchasers this summer and fall?
It depends on what type of loan you're seeking. If it's a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, the answer is a resounding yes. The average FICO credit scores for approved applicants for FHA home purchase loans have been dropping steadily this year, according to new data from Pleasanton, Calif.-based Ellie Mae, whose mortgage origination software is used by most large lenders.

Click on picture above to read the full article.

Search the Multiple Listing Service for Homes

Maryland's Foreclosure Mediation Program

(Click on Above Image to Read Information About Maryland's Mediation Foreclosure Program)

Click on Picture for Information on Downtown Silver Spring

Montgomery County School Assignment Locator

Estimated Real Property Tax and Other Non-tax Charges

Visit My Website

Please Click On Picture to See Homes I Have Recently Sold
HOUSELOGIC
HouseLogic is a free source of information and tools-from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®-that can help you make smart and timely decisions about your home.

(Click on Above Logo to Visit Houselogic's New Helpful Website for Homeowners and Potential Homeowner)

Thank you for taking the time to read my Monthly Real Estate Newsletter! I hope you found it both interesting & informative. I would love to help you with your real estate needs! Please call or email me & I would be happy to set up a time to meet with you to discuss buying or selling your home.
Sincerely,
Kathy Whalen
Kathy WhalenLong & Foster Real Estate
7700 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
kathy@
kathywhalen.com