bethesda real estate
A lot of people moving to or within Montgomery County inquire about school assignments. Elementary, middle and high schools are broken down into specific clusters. On the Montgomery County Public Schools website http://gis.mcpsmd.org/gis/facilityinformation.asp you can search for schools by putting in the exact address of your property or the general area you are looking to buy in. You can find information and maps depicting the service areas and school locations for the elementary, middle and high schools that compose a specific areas cluster.
Despite common belief, clusters are not always assigned to areas you would assume them to be. They do not necessarily include neighborhoods and towns closest to them. Clusters are determined by demographics, population, bus routes, etc.
If you’re moving to Montgomery County or changing locations within it, and schools will play a major part in the decision, then the MCPS website will be very helpful. When working with your Realtor they should refer you to the website because school service areas change often.
Category : Blog
When buying a property with a HOA there are a few things a buyer must know. The most important being the rules of reviewing the HOA documents. The state of Maryland allows a buyer five days to review the HOA documents/resale package that must be provided by the seller prior to settlement. Once under contract the seller will order the package. Some seller may have already ordered it, but it must be recent. The docs must be no more than 60 days old. Upon review of the docs the buyer can terminate the contract and has no obligation to give an explanation.
The information will include all the rules, covenants, and regulations of the neighborhood amongst other valuable information about the community and the property. Personally, I have had a buyer terminate the contract because the HOA docs did not permit the owner have a satellite dish bigger than a standard TV dish on the property. This particular buyer had a job that required a large satellite be constructed in the back yard. Once he found out that this was not allowed, he had to terminate the contract. Other reasons may include parking regulations, pet regulations, or even gardening regulations. They HOA will usually mandate certain exterior colors be used and any exterior changes to the house or yard must receive approval as well.
Also, you will pay a fee for the HOA. You must include this in your estimated monthly payment, because it must be paid or a lien can be filed. The HOA fee does have it’s positives though. What the fee covers will vary, but the may include lawn maintenance, snow and trash removal, general maintenance or certain amenities like pools & playgrounds etc.
When looking to buy be sure to have your real estate agent look into the community and obtain your re-sale package asap. You will also want your loan officer to include the HOA fee in your Good Faith Estimate. Be sure you review the docs thoroughly and are prepared to make the required payment.
Ben White, Gaithersburg Real Estate Agent
Category : Blog