Germantown Real Estate
With the first time home buyers tax credit expiration date coming to an end April 30th, the Germantown housing market has become very aggressive. A large number of my clients are first time home buyers and desire either TH or newer condo. Typically, these buyers would like their monthly payment to be at or around $1500 a month with all taxes, fees , and insurance included. This would make their price cap about $200,000. Contact a Loan Officer for greater pricing details.
It is possible to obtain a town home or newer/updated condo in that price range, but trust me, there will be competition. Germantown homes in this price range do not stay on the market long and more often then not there are multiple offers to compete with. On numerous occasions over the past year I have written up to 10 offers for one particular buyer in this price range because they may have been out-bid on other properties by other anxious buyers. Now, with a final push to have a ratified contract before April 30th, the market is more competitive then ever.
If you would like more information or are looking in this range, contact a local Germantown Agent who knows the market and can guide you to a successful offer. It is also imperative to have an official MLS search set up as I spoke about in my last blog.
Ben White- Montgomery County Agent
Category : Blog
Are you searching online for a new home? Odds show that if you have even thought about buying, you began your house hunt online. Percentage wise, more 90% of all home buyers begin the process on their computer. As a Realtor who meets a large number of his clients on The Choice Real Estate Teams website, I am very familiar with the online search process.
One of the most common questions I receive on an initial inquiry is, “What is the status of this home”. While searching online is clearly a great resource and easy way to do it yourself, it may not always give you the most recent status. Despite what most people believe, the market is actually very hot right now and if a home is priced well in Montgomery County it doesn’t last long. Especially in lower prices ranges where first time home buyers are scrambling to utilize the $8000 tax credit.
All third party sites are synchronized off of the Multiple Listing Service which licensed agents only have access to. Often times it takes a few days to have the correct status update on a property. My suggestions: If you’re a serious buyer, contact a real estate agent in order to have an automated Multiple Listing Service search set up. This way you will receive new listing within minutes of them going on the market and all status updates will be correct.
Ben White-Montgomery County Realtor
Category : Blog
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
Looking for a newer condo in Montgomery County for less than $200,000? How about less than $175,000 or even $150,000. You might be able to find a one bedroom or an older condo with very high condo fees, but what if there was a 4 year old development where you could get a 2 or 3 bedroom/2 bathroom condo with only a $300 fee for those prices?
Welcome the The Ashmore at Germantown Station. Sophisticated and elegant the Germantown Ashmore Condos are conveniently located near I-270, Germantown Rd, Great Seneca Highway & Park, Black Hills Regional Park, plus many stores, shops and restaurants. Being only four years old, it has attracted many first time home buyers and buyers who want something new yet affordable. The community is well laid out and features a pool, party room, gym, bike and walking trails. Not to mention, some of the units even offer a garage.
When first built and sold, some units were selling at or around $350,000. Now they are sometimes attainable for less than half of what they originally sold for. Due to this loss in value there are a number of short sales and foreclosure becoming available. However, they do not last long and multiple offers are being submitted on almost every unit that goes on the market. If you have further questions or interest, contact a real estate agent and loan officer to see if you can afford and have the agent keep a close eye on the community for you. The listings do not last long and you’ll need correct help and advice if you want a sparkling 4 year old condo with all the modern amenities most buyers yearn for.
Category : Uncategorized