Buying or selling a home is a stressful and emotional process. Buyers feel the disappointment when they're "outbid" for a house in a multiple offer situation. Sellers feel the pain when they don't sell their house right away. After all, it's the best house in the neighborhood!
The trick is to minimize the emotional part of the process. One of the hardest things for a seller to hear, either from their agent or others, is what's wrong with their house. I always use the same example. When I walk into my vet's office with one of my dogs and he says "Your dog is fat", the first thing I say is "No he isn't!". Well, chances are he is. The vet doesn't see him every day so he notices the difference. The same thing with a seller getting their house ready for the market. The small scratch in the hardwood that's been there is no big deal, you see it every day, but to a potential buyer, they'll notice it. Any needed repairs or improvements aren't evaluations of your house or you as homeowners. They are the necessary steps needed to try and maximize the price you get for your house. Replacing a solid brass and crystal chandelier worth $5,000 with a $200 fixture from Home Depot doesn't make much sense, but that's what today's buyers want, so you do it.
If a buyer gets to the point of writing an offer, they have invested in the property emotionally. When their offer isn't accepted, the feelings of rejection and disappointment are natural. Easier said than done, but you need to move on. Things truly happen for a reason, and we can't count the number of times a disappointed buyer ends up finding the "dream home" a week later. If it wasn't meant to be, it wasn't meant to be. Stay positive, the right one is out there.
One more potential emotional powder keg is the home inspection. Sellers get annoyed because someone is "criticizing" their house and their ability to care for it. Buyers get agitated because their "dream home" isn't perfect. Remember, all houses have flaws, even brand new ones. Keep things in perspective. Ask yourself if it's really important, and proceed accordingly.
The thing to remember, for buyers and sellers, is a house is four walls and a roof, and everything in between. You make it a home. The love and laughter of a home is what gives it value, and that doesn't convey. You get to keep that forever.
Tom, Barbara, Susan and Emily.
The Nalls Home Partners
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Client Of The Month
Our Clients of the Month are the O'Donoghues, Anne Marie, Karl, and their three adorable boys. We've had the pleasure of knowing the family for several years since Anne Marie is a teacher at Walt Whitman, where all five of our daughters went to high school. In addition, Anne Marie and Karl coached our daughter Eileen for four years in softball. Throw in a few nights of babysitting, pizza parties, and games, and we've spent a lot of time together.
After a lot of thought, Anne Marie and Karl decided they wanted to be closer to Whitman, where they spend so much time teaching and coaching, and closer to the schoolmates of the boys, so they took the plunge. They listed their house and sold it to be able to better compete in today's crazy buyer's market. A very scary process, but they got everything done. They got their house ready for the market, sold it with no new home on the horizon, worked full time, took care of three very active boys, found their new home, moved, all in a month's time! We truly don't know how they did it. I guess when you deal with teenagers every day all day, anything is possible. We're thrilled they were able to move into the community that they were already such a big part of. Welcome!
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List of Improving Housing Markets Grows 
More than 70 percent of U.S. metros' housing markets are showing signs of strengthening, according to the June release of the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index. The number of improving housing markets totaled 263 in June, with metros from 49 states and the District of Columbia included. The index identifies metro areas that have shown improvement in housing permits, employment, and housing prices for at least six consecutive months.
For June, 29 metros were added to the list while 24 dropped off. Among the new metros added in June: Salinas, Calif.; Sioux City, Iowa; Chicago; Topeka, Kan.; Baton Rouge, La.; Laredo, Texas; and Philadelphia.
"As market conditions improve across most of the country, some metros have moved onto the IMI list while marginal seasonal fluctuations have nudged others off of it," says NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "This is to be expected as the recovery expands. Meanwhile, it's worth noting that the number of improving markets is now more than three times what it was in June 2012."
Information Provided by National Association of Realtors® |
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Regional
Sales Trends
Sales Trends for
Single Family Homes
Contracts Ratified Per Month
Montgomery County
(information from GCAAR) 
Washington DC
(information from GCAAR) 
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7701 Marbury Road
Bethesda, MD 20817
$2,100,000
Gorgeous new-build in 2007 beautifully improved by meticulous owners. Six bedrooms, five and a half baths, 7500+ sq ft on four full daylight levels, gorgeous finishes, fantastic room proportions, very large, open lot. Sumptuous master w/the bath and closet of your dreams, Viking/subzero kitchen with an island that goes on for days, mud room, porches, the works! Great sports court, deck & fenced backyard!
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5513 Westbard Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20816
$1,089,000
Come see the fantastic interior of this 5 level, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home in sought after Westwood. Gourmet kitchen with skylights and breakfast room, oversized dining room, butlers pantry are ideal for entertaining. Ample living space with huge family room with fireplace, recreation room, media room, formal living room with fireplace. Great location, less than 2 miles to DC or downtown Bethesda.
Please Click Here to View the Virtual Tour
Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $10,788.40
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821 Violet Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
$599,000
Renovated Sears bungalow with top end upgrades. From the covered front sitting porch to the fenced back,this one has it all! three finished levels with master suite and bath, bright custom kitchen with bamboo floors,cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances, concrete counters. Finished lower level with new full bath, recreation room and rear entrance.Off street parking, close to Downtown Silver Spring and Takoma Park Metro.Classic detail with modern finishes.
Please Click Here to View the Virtual Tour
Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $4,909
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7403 Torran Rocks Way
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
$225,000
This is a great home, excellent value! Large eat-in country kitchen with skylight, Pergo flooring & new frig. Living room w/ fireplace. Bath w/ skylight. Finished lower level. Big in yard. Off street parking.
Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $2,792.92
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5101 River Road #1502
Bethesda, MD 20816
$395,000
Amazing Location - Steps to Crescent Trail, Whole Food & Metro Bus in Front of Building! Spacious two bedroom, two full bath corner unit corner unit with awesome views from 15th floor balcony! Huge living room opens to gracious dining room, both rooms have crown molding & scenic views. Lots of closet space- 3 HUGE walk-in closets. Building includes: 24 hr Front Desk, Pool, Fitness Room, & Party Room. Garage Parking space included.
Condo Fee: $1013.00 Condo fee includes: Air Conditioning, Cable TV, Electricity, Heat, Management, Master Insurance, Trash Removal, Water, Pool, and Exercise Room
Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $3,369
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Under Contract
911 Davis Ave.
Takoma Park, MD 20912
$649,000
Original Farm Home in highly sought-after Takoma Park. This rarely available special property, built circa 1900, boasts an enchanting covered front porch, original wood floors, intricate wood trim, period moldings, and custom built-ins, and sits on a lovely corner lot with a fish pond, a fully fenced in yard, mature espaliered apple tree, and blooming flowers. Huge rear deck & great front porch!
Please Click Here to View the Virtual Tour
Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $7,502.26
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Under Contract
1622 Cody Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20902
$488,000
Renovated & expanded cape cod in Forest Estates, .52 miles to Forest Glen Metro. Four bedrooms, two and a half baths. Granite & stainless steel kitchen, opens to sun-filled family room. Stylish new kitchen, sleek new baths, magnificent Bamboo flooring, replacement windows & new high-end appliances! Finished lower level. Covered front porch, rear shed, built-in brick BBQ pit, patio, rear basketball court & fenced in level backyard!.
 Please Click Here to View the Virtual Tour   Â
Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $4,235
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Under Contract
4216 Gelding Lane
Olney MD 20832
$525,000
Immaculate four bedroom, two and a half bath colonial. Updated throughout, three finished levels, two car garage, great lot, across from park. Kitchen with granite, stainless steel and custom cabinets. Renovated baths. Large bedrooms. Screen porch and deck. Gleaming hardwood floors, two story foyer, built ins, crown molding, to much to list. Priced to sell!
Please Click Here to View the Virtual Tour
Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $4,804.27
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Under Contract
2708 Blaine Drive
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
$710,000
Picture perfect, classic colonial in sought after Rock Creek Forest. GREAT room sizes, updated kitchen, dining room with 2 built-in China cabinets, main level family room addition, 3 sun filled bedrooms on upper level, + finished walk-out lower level with full bath & 4th bedroom! Exterior with side screened in porch, deck, driveway & garage! Near park, school, shops, swim/tennis - a great value!
Please Click Here to View the Virtual Tour
Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $6,128.82
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Sold
6506 79th Place
Cabin John, MD 20818
$1,389,000
Impressive Arts & Crafts home with 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, chef's kitchen w/granite counters & stainless steel appliances, 2 fireplaces, 1st floor bedroom suite with walk-in closet & full bath, master bedroom suite with dual walk-in closets, cathedral ceilings & lux bath. Finished lower level with recreation / media room, 6th bedroom, wine cellar / utility closet & full bath. Front & rear covered porches + 2-car garage & additional front driveway for extra parking! Rear hot tub! Easy commute to VA & DC. Whitman cluster.
Please Click Here to View the Virtual Tour
Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $13,494.51
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Sold
1912 Cradock Street
Silver Spring MD, 20905
$399,000
Spacious five bedroom, three and a half bath colonial in Good Hope Estates. Fresh paint and carpet ,hardwood floors,l arge level lot, on a quiet street. Large kitchen opens to family room,formal living and dining room, finished lower level with separate bedroom and full bath, renovated baths, attached garage. Plenty of practical living space at a very attractive price.
Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $3,999.00
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Sold
5101 River Road #1504
Bethesda, MD 20816
$375,000
Fabulous Location - Steps to Crescent Trail, Whole Food & Metro Bus in Front of Bldg! Spacious two bedrooms and two full baths, unit with Awesome Views from 15th Floor Balcony! Huge Living Room Opens to Gracious Dining Room. Lots of Closet Space. Purchase and Expansion Opportunity Exists with Adjacent Unit Which is Owned by Same Owner. Bldg includes: 24 hr Front Desk, Pool, Fitness Room, & Party Room. Garage Parking.
Condo Fee: $774.00
Condo fee includes: Air Conditioning, Cable TV, Electricity, Heat, Management, Master Insurance, Trash Removal, Water, Pool, and Exercise Room
Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $3,368.12
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Sold
506 Jaystone Pace
Silver Spring, MD 20905
$649,000
Beautiful home on cul-de-sac backs to parkland! Four bedrooms, four full baths and 1 half bath, dramatic LR, stunning DR, Chef's Kit, mudroom, office, AMAZING master bedroom suite with sitting rm, upper level lounge, walk-out LL! This house has it ALL!Breathtaking details abound; exquisite built in cabinetry, crown & chair rail moldings, cathedral ceilings & skylights! Huge deck w/ hot tub & great yard + 3 car garage!Please Click Here for the Virtual Tour
Estimated Tax and Non-Tax Charges in the First Fiscal Year of Ownership $6,298.59
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 Coupon! 10% Off
for Nalls Home Partners Clients!  We Deliver - You Pack - We Pick Up - We Store and Move!410-353-5268
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Today's Interest Rates
30 Year Fixed 3.91%
15 Year Fixed 3.03%
5 Year Arm 2.74%
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Know Your Stuff® - Home Inventory, the Insurance Information Institute's free online home inventory software. This application makes creating and updating your home inventory easy and efficient. And with our free, secure online storage you will have access to your inventory anywhere, any time. You never know when a disaster may strike, but you can be prepared with an up-to-date home inventory.
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National Capital Barbecue Battle 2013
Dates and Times:
June 22-23, 2013
Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC between 9th & 14th Streets. Near Federal Triangle, Metro Center and Navy-Mem'l Archives Metro Stations.
The National Capital Barbecue Battle is an annual competition between top BBQ restaurants from the Washington, DC area and around the country. If you love barbecue you'll love the food samples, cooking demonstrations, interactive displays and children's activities at this sizzling summer festival. The nation's best barbecue teams cook-off for over $40,000 in cash and prizes in two major contests.
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AFI DOCS 2013 (formerly Silverdocs)
Dates: June 19-23, 2013
Location: AFI Silver Theater 8633 Colesville Road
AFI DOCS (formerly Silverdocs) is a film festival that was created through a unique alliance between the American Film Institute (AFI) and Discovery Channel to showcase, honor and expand the audience for independent documentaries. AFI DOCS brings the best new documentaries to Washington, DC area audiences, showcasing 53 films representing 30 countries. In 2013, the film festival was renamed and expanded to include venues on the National Mall and the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington DC and at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Click Here for Schedules and Film Details
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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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Check Out Our School Boundary Widget on Our Website!
Find School and District Boundaries
 What School is this Property Zoned to? Click on the Above Image or go to our Home Page www.nallshome.com to Find Out! (Look in the Middle of the Home Page)
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Deb Levy Eagle Bank 1425 K Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 Office 202-292-1581 Mobile 301-332-7758 Fax 301-841-0282 NMLS ID: 481255
deblevy@eaglebankcorp.com
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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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Chip Castell
301-593-7964
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Brian T. FarasyVice President/Mortgage Banker
NMLS# 728159
15400 Calhoun Drive Suite 170
Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: (301) 279-5145
Mobile: (240) 277-4422
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Alliance Home Improvement
301-260-7695 Main
240-223-7733 Direct
301-260-7693 Fax
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RTS Environmental
Services, Inc.
www.rtsenvironmental.com 301-607-6276 1-800-722-5589 rtsenviro@comcast.net RTS Environmental Services performs Pre-Purchase and discovery inspections for Mold and Asbestos building issues. RTS also provides solutions for issues which may require mold and asbestos removal according to industry methods, practices and standards.
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James Scott, Jr.
6001 Montrose Road Suite 805
Rockville, MD 20852
301-881-3220
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Contact Us
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Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Nalls Home Partners, LLC.
Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide
7700 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 120
Bethesda, MD 20814
Tom's Cell: 301-237-5170
Barbara's Cell: 240-602-9035
Susan's Cell: 301-943-3851
Office: 240-497-1700
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All information in this e-newsletter is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
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