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Dear Nalls Home Partners Clients, Friends and Family:
With the frenzy of activity in the market right now, we have spent a better part of a week "navigating" home inspections. The key to the process is to keep emotionally calm. At this point, the sellers and buyers have agreed on a contract, and it's important that emotions don't "muddy the waters" to hinder a smooth and successful transaction.
Sellers must realize that items mentioned in a home inspection are not a reflection on them or their house. Every house, regardless of age, will have things that need to be corrected. If the buyers didn't like your house, they would not have signed the contract. Nothing is gained by getting upset with any problems a home inspector may find. Inspectors are hired to find imperfections and they are usually very thorough. All houses develop problems with "normal living". It doesn't mean you haven't taken care of your home. Also, sellers need to disclose any issues with the house that they know about, so getting upset and "throwing the buyers out" doesn't do anything but cost you a contract. You will still have to tell any new buyers about anything on the inspection report.
Buyers need to be rational as well. No seller wants to be "nickeled and dimed" over a home inspection. More contracts fall through over $500 items than $5,000 items. When an offer is submitted, buyers need to realize that no house, even new construction, is perfect. That doesn't mean you don't ask for things to be repaired or replaced. The buyers need to determine what's important to them, and then ask for those items to be fixed. Sending a "laundry list" of repair items will only upset the sellers, making negotiations more difficult. Be reasonable. If there are minor items, even some you may be able to repair yourself if you're handy, let them go. You never know what you might ask for before settlement. An agitated seller is a lot less likely to let you in for measurements before settlement than someone you have negotiated with in good faith.
Sellers and buyers need to protect their interests, but not at the cost of losing a contract. This is where your agent can be of incredible value. There are very few problems we haven't seen before. If we don't know what a repair may cost, we'll find out. We know what is "reasonable" based on what the market is doing at the time. What is reasonable can change. In a strong seller's market, buyers will ask for less, and ask for more in a buyer's market. We are here to help with the navigation. Remember, the best settlement is one where everyone is smiling at the table. With a little perspective, you should have one of those settlements.
Warmly,
Tom, Barbara, Susan, Renee, Ron, Harrison, Lola and Jessica
Nalls Home Partners
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Featured Client of the Month
Our clients of the month are Giuseppe Randazzo and Jennifer Stolbach, shown here with the seller Precoisa Zakar, of their new home on Harling Drive in Bethesda. Both work for the Federal Government and we settled on Friday April 8th - the last day of the budget negotiations - with each of them on their blackberries throughout closing, checking to see if they still had jobs! It was an exciting day!
Their new home, a cape cod with loads of potential just a block off Wisconsin Ave, needs some updating and we have been promised lots of before, during and after pictures, which we will share here as the work progresses. With an adorable two year old son Max to help, and another due in July, they are hoping to have the house move in ready by June. We'll keep you posted!
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National Association of Realtor® Study Finds Americans Prefer Smart Growth Communities
Information Provided by National Association of Realtors®
Washington, DC, April 04, 2011
Americans favor walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods, with 56 percent of respondents preferring smart growth neighborhoods over neighborhoods that require more driving between home, work and recreation. That's according to a recent study, the Community Preference Survery, by the National Association of REALTORS®.
"REALTORS® care about improving communities through smart growth initiatives," said NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. "Our members don't just sell homes, they sell neighborhoods. REALTORS® understand that different home buyers are looking for all kinds of neighborhood settings and that many home buyers want walkable, transit-accessible communities."
Walkable communities are defined as those where shops, restaurants, and local businesses are within walking distance from homes. According to the survey, when considering a home purchase, 77 percent of respondents said they would look for neighborhoods with abundant sidewalks and other pedestrian-friendly features, and 50 percent would like to see improvements to existing public transportation rather than initiatives to build new roads and developments.
The survey also revealed that while space is important to home buyers, many are willing to sacrifice square footage for less driving. Eighty percent of those surveyed would prefer to live in a single-family, detached home as long as it didn't require a longer commute, but nearly three out of five of those surveyed - 59 percent - would choose a smaller home if it meant a commute time of 20 minutes or less.
The survey also found that community characteristics are very important to most people. When considering a home purchase, 88 percent of respondents placed more value on the quality of the neighborhood than the size of the home, and 77 percent of those surveyed want communities with high-quality schools.
The survey of 2,071 adult Americans was conducted by Belden, Russonello and Stewart from February 15-24, 2011.
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Regional Sales Trends
Sales Trends for the Month of March
Single Family Homes
Contracts Ratified Per Month
(information from GCAAR)
Montgomery County
 DC Statistics
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2312 Washington Ave Chevy Chase, MD
$675,000
Wow! Privacy, space, charmlingly unique style and great close in location! Flexible floor plan flooded with light & up to 6 bedroom, including a huge master bedroom means choices for every lifestyle! Walls of windows bring the outdoors in and offer views of the lovely patio, deck and gardens. Fully redone kitchen / breakfast room, three updated baths & lot's of fresh paint make it move in ready. Great price, a real find!
Estimated tax and non-tax charges in the first fiscal year of ownership $6,789.16
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4201 River Road NW, Washington DC
$749,000
Unique offering just 2 blocks from the Tenley Metro, shops, etc. Very charming traditional farm house (maybe 2 joined houses & probably older than tax records indicate)on a 6,000+ sf lot(s) that may qualify for duplex zoning. LOTS of potential but the house will likely need significant work. Charming traditional farm house in an AMAZING CLOSE-IN LOCATION!
Click Here to View the Virtual Tour
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613 Montgomery Ave Rockville, MD
$549,000
Fully renovated charmer is now being sold on it's own. Nicely done updates feature rare original wood trim, large rooms, beautifully refinished hardwood floors, renovated baths, new kitchen, large bright lower level and attached garage. A great, versatile home on a very large fenced lot, parking and additional access on improved alley behind home.
Estimated tax and non-tax charges in the first fiscal year of ownership $7,554.54
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2206 Washington Ave #102A Silver Spring, MD 20910
$258,000
Rarely available two bedroom and 1 full bath condo with private patio! This condo boasts a newly renovated bath, updated kitchen with ceramic flooring, wood floors throughout and a washer and dryer in the unit. Walk to shops, metro, and rock creek park. Easy access to metro, 495 and downtown. Pet friendly building with pool access. Hurry this is a great opportunity!
Click Here for a Virtual Tour
Estimated tax and non-tax charges in first fiscal year of ownership is $2,088.99
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5225 Pooks Hill Road #1003N Bethesda, MD
$189,000
Complete renovation with every amenity you could imagine! Top of the line kitchen, bathroom, new hardwood flrs, too many updates to list. Coop fee includes taxes, heat, gas, cable amenities such as indoor pool and outdoor olympic pool, tennis, gym, billiards, putting green, 24 hour concierge, Metro-Ride-On, restaurant, grocery store, and more. Garage parking. Not to be missed!
Estimated tax and non-tax charges in the first fiscal year of ownership $1,567.67.
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7310 Joplin Street Capitol Heights, MD
$184,000
COMPLETELY RENOVATED, practically brand new. Three bedroom, two full bath townhome, great value & quality construction! Features gleaming hardwood floors throughout the main level, recessed lighting, beautiful granite counters brand new appliances, professionally landscaped & graded backyard, spacious basement withfull bath & much, much more. Must See!
Click Here for a Virtual Tour
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Under Contract!
2717 Abilene Drive Chevy Chase, MD
$849,000
The beautifully updated modern home you've been waiting for! Gorgeous fresh paint & gleaming hardwoods, stunning renovated master bath, bright inviting kitchen, adjacent custom screen porch. Great floor plan including a private den & family room on the main floor, versatile lower level (add a window & above grade bonus room in lower level is another bedroom!) Soaring ceilings & clear story windows let the sunshine in!
Click Here to View the Virtual Tour
Estimated tax and non tax charges in the first fiscal year of ownership $8,095.50
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Under Contract!
2817 Spencer Road Chevy Chase, MD
$599,000
Face-lift brings out the charm and all this wonderful home has to offer. Four bedrooms (lower level bedroom has a new window) Huge skylights, very generous room sizes, great modern kitchen, charming sun-room addition, newly updated bathrooms, fresh paint. TONS of space & light, great price & location close to everything. A best buy in Chevy Chase!
Click Here to View the Virtual TourEstimated tax and non-tax charges in the first fiscal year of ownership $5776.54
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Under Contract!
2407 Colston Drive Silver Spring, MD
$535,000
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Spacious three bedrooms and two and a half baths rambler in great location. Freshly painted inside and out, refinished hardwood floors, new granite counter-tops.Formal living room with fireplace,formal dining room,separate den/study, and fantastic all glass sunroom across the back.Fenced back yard,attached garage with driveway.Move in ready, this one won't last!
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Click Here to View the Virtual Tour
Estimated tax and non-tax charges in the first fiscal year of ownership $5,455.09.
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Under Contract!
3001 Veazy Terrace NW #334
Washington, DC
$424,000
Rarely available HUGE (0ver 1500sqft) 2 bedroom & 2 bath coop.This home boasts a lovely hall entry, an over-sized living area, a large formal dining room, a big table-spaced kitchen, two generous bedrooms including a master bath, picture windows in every room, beautiful & private patio, refinished floors, fresh paint, parking, & lots of storage. This ideal location offers Metro, shops,
restaurants & more.
Click Here for a Virtual Tour
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Under Contract!
7829 Whiterim Terrace Potomac, MD
$720,000
Prettiest updates I've seen in Woodrock! Beautifully done high end Mission style kitchen,gorgeous new master baths, tasteful fixtures, beautiful floors, custom stained glass, private walled entry, serene trex deck...the list goes on & on. End unit flooded with light, skylights drench soaring two story stair, Den in lower level now used as storage.
Click Here to View the Virtual Tour
Estimated tax and non tax charges in the first fiscal year of ownership $6,342.83
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Under Contract!
731 Lake Varuna Drive Gaithersburg, MD
$799,000
Very special larger Lakelands home in gorgeous location with lake views, all the bells and whistles that the neighborhood is famous for. Wonderful open floor plan, good condition and shows well. Subject to third party approval but we'll make it as easy as possible. Great opportunity!
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Coupon! 10% Off
for Nalls Home Partners Clients!
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410-353-5268
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Today's Rates |
- 30 year fixed rate 4.87%
- 15 year fixed rate 4.10%
- 5 year ARM 3.72%
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Fun Event
National Cathedral Flower Mart 2011
Location: On the grounds of the National Cathedral 3101 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest Washington D.C Dates and TimesMay 6 - 7, 2011 Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The National Cathedral Flower Mart is Washington, DC's annual outdoor festival for garden enthusiasts and families. The Flower Mart features annuals, perennials, landscape exhibits, Olmsted Woods and Garden Tours, musical entertainment, gourmet food, a book sale, and children's activities such as a rock wall, moon bounce, mini-Ferris wheel and a century-old restored carousel.
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Walk Score!
 What is Your Home's Walk Score? Click on the Above Image to Find Out!
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Fun Event
Earth Day at Brookside Gardens!
April 17, 2011, 12-4 p.m. Wheaton, MD.
Where: 1800 Glenallan Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20902-1369
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day with an all-day festival, featuring a series of daytime events and activities, and a documentary film showing and reception in the evening. Kick off the day by participating in the Earth Day Network's Global Day of Service through a volunteer planting project; or enjoy a bird walk around the gardens; then have the whole family join in on the interactive children's activities, and visit the educational exhibit fair. 301-962-1429.
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Bank of America
Deb Levy - Mortgage Loan Officer
1801 K Street NW, Suite 440
Washington, DC
202-416-2898 202-416-2898 | |
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Prosperity Mortgage
Karen Van Zandt
Home Mortgage Consultant
4733 Bethesda Avenue #100
Bethesda, MD 20814
Office: 240-497-1772 240-497-1772
Fax: 301-654-4259
Mobile: 301-613-5780 301-613-5780
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Counselor Title, LLC
John G. Nalls
4400 Jenifer Street, NW Suite 200
240-498-8290
240-498-8290
240-498-8290
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Smart Box of Maryland
www.SmartboxMD.com
nick.sage@smartboxusa.com
410-353-5268 410-353-5268
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F&M Carpet and Floors
Alex Mirhadi
Alex@fandmfloors.com
7909 Central Ave.
Capitol Heights, MD
20743
301-336-3000
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Castell Home Consultants
Home Inspector Chip Castell
301-593-7964
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Carlos Handyman Services
Carlos Antezana
202-744-5050
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Casey Spears
240-388-7303
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HVAC REPAIRS & Service
Foley Mechanical Inc.
Dan Foley
703-751-3288
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Penan & Scott, P.C. C.P.A's and Financial Advisors
James Scott, Jr.
6001 Montrose Road Suite 805
Rockville, MD 20852
301-881-3220 |
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Case Design / Remodeling Inc. Lisa Cortright
301-229-4600
4701 Sangmore Road - North Plaza
Suite 40
Bethesda, MD 20816
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Contact Us
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Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Nalls Home Partners, LLC.
Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide
4733 Bethesda Ave,
Bethesda, MD 20814
Tom's Cell: 301-237-5170
Barbara's Cell: 240-602-9035
Susan's Cell: 301-943-3851
Harrison's Cell: 301-448-6569
Renee's Cell: 301-651-0521
Lola's Cell: 301-651-9011
Ron's Cell: 202-345-1880
Office: 240-497-1700
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All information in this e-newsletter is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
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