Showing posts with label Maryland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maryland. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

In for the Long Haul

I had three settlements on listings last week. Each had a unique set of circumstances and were atypical from what your standard Realtor may handle. As I reflect on those experiences, there are at least two common themes among them: longevity and expertise.

First, a brief overview of these sales:

1. A DC rowhouse, administered by an attorney as the court appointed Personal Representative of an estate for a person who died in 2006. This was also a short sale requiring bank and investor approval. I also had to appeal the sales price with the investor after ratification.

2. A split-level home in good condition in Montgomery County, Maryland, also an estate managed by two of the three adult children (all who had grown up in the home) of the deceased owner.

3. A nice sized brick Colonial in Upper NW DC with property condition challenges in FHA loan pre-foreclosure status. This one required lengthy bank approval and multiple appeals.

Next, details on staying power:

1. The attorney for the estate is one of my regular clients. By establishing a long term working relationship with her, we can work together efficiently with trust.

2. I initially had met one of the siblings in October 2016. We all kept in touch regularly. I weighed in on preparation decisions (colors, finishes, updates to do or not to do) as they made progress. Once the house was market ready, we were on the market with 3 offers and one ratified contract 6 days later and closed 32 days after that.

3. The sellers and I first met on April 7. 2017. We closed March 30, 2018. From start to finish:

  • 357 days
  • 84 showings
  • 12 offers
  • 6 inspections
  • 4 contracts
  • 3 foreclosure dates postponed
  • 3 appraisals
  • 3 walk throughs
  • 1 closing
I am with clients for the long haul.... whether within one transaction or across multiple sales for a single client.

More on my areas and levels of expertise in future (and some past) posts.

Sunday, June 7, 2015

5 Things I Love About 10703 Lexington Street

I love the details, the unexpected, the unique elements of houses I am selling. Here are the 5 Things I Love about my new listing at 10703 Lexington Street, Kensington, Maryland.

vibrant blue front door
1. I love that the front door is a vibrant color both inside and out. This makes the house stand out from the crowd and gives it personality and whimsy.

cookbook storage and display in kitchen cabinets
 2. In addition to abundant kitchen cabinets with a custom glaze, I love the use of the end space for cookbook storage and display.

modern crystal chandelier with five arms, simple arches, large crystal sphere in middle.
3. While so many Colonial houses in our real estate market in Montgomery County, Maryland (not to mention Washington, DC, and Prince George's County, Maryland), have typical brass chandeliers in the dining room, I love that this homeowner added a modern flair of a crystal chandelier without being too trendy or gaudy.

home office loft nook with one wall of windows, white desk, clear chair, green chandelier stencil.
4. Taking advantage of an 8 foot by 5 foot nook on the upper level landing, I love how these sellers tucked in a desk and bookcase, even using an applique decoration and a clear desk chair, to create a workable home office space.

thick green lawn, privacy created by wooden fencing, neat garden borders with hostas and other bushes, wooden bench
5. While I truly love many aspects of this home, and I had a difficult time finding only 5 things to highlight in this post, I do love how they landscaped the gardens to create a lush, peaceful environment.

These types of details and carefully planned touches make a house into a home.