Simone Bercu, Montgomery Co, MD Real Estate 's Blog

Why is Thanksgiving a Daily Event for Me?

2008-11-22T22:37:20Z

No, it is not the feast. In a class I attended this week, every person shared the blessings she plans to thankful at the Thanksgiving table,this year. I raised my hand and announced that I do that every day and do not wait for the New Year or Thanksgiving. The group seemed pleased, but also surprised, as if it was unusual to think about one's blessings daily.

I did not conduct a scientific poll, but I observed that individuals who have lived in other countries under tyrannical regimes or in countries that offered less opportunities, appreciate their good fortune to be living in the USA. I, too, love this country and my life here. There is so much I am thankful for...

Moreover, I noticed that it is a lot easier to be cheerful and thankful, if one turns off the TV and avoids the negative drum beat in the media.

You, too can become a happier person, if you turn off the TV, pick up a motivational book or enjoy time with your family.

Tips on Dividing Plants for the Bethesda Garden Club Plant Sale

2008-11-01T20:07:00Z

Try to dig your plants as early as possible so that the plants can develop strong healthy roots for our customers (who may be our own club member friends!)
Thoroughly soak the plants to be dug the day before you plan to lift them.
Prepare (purchase) some light potting soil to use instead of taking more soil from the bed where the plants are growing. Put potting soil in the bottom of each pot. After you dig, fill the hole with some potting soil, too, to enrich your garden.
As you dig, disturb the plant roots as little as possible. Lift the plant with a small bit of earth. Trim the roots slightly, if necessary, to fit the plant into the pot (or use the next size pot).
To prevent girdling, do not coil the stray roots around the root ball.
Work in more soil with your fingers. Gently rap the pot on the workbench to settle the soil.
Using an indelible marking pen put the plant's common/botanical name, growing conditions, color, use, etc. on a plant stake. The club will provide the stakes at the March and April meetings. A Popsicle stick would work, too.
Remember to water the new plants! And protect them from the sometimes harsh April sun and wind as they acclimate.

If you do not want to keep the plants over the winter, call Simone Bercu at 240 506 2340, or email to Simone@BercuHomes.com and our members will pick up the plants promptly.

Bethesda Garden Club's...Accepting Plants for the Annual Plant Sale

2008-10-15T20:07:37Z

On the first Thursday in May the Bethesda Garden Club has a Plant Sale. This is the club's major fund raiser event. The club sponsors numerous organizations and this year it added a scholarship to a Botany student at Montgomery College.

Our members dig out plants in the Fall from their gardens and/or those of friends and relatives who volunteer their plants.

If you are interested in donating plants or are willing to have our members dig some of your crowded plants, please contact me at Simone@BercuHomes.com or call me at 240 506 2370.

Your garden will look better and you would be doing a good deed, too. You might even want to join us at our monthly meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of each month September through June.

A Condominium that Feels Like a Single Family Home

2008-08-19T17:47:19Z

This Two bedroom Two bath + Den home is perfect for a buyer who wants lots of space (1310 sq. ft.), the view of trees , a lawn and vegetation from every window, a patio to grow one's favorite plants, a community pool and so much more for UNDER $200,000!!!

It is located between Great Senaca Highway and Cloper Road in the Heritage Green Community in Germantown, MD.

Click here to view all of Simone's Featured Listings!

For more information please contact Simone Bercu at 240 506 2370.

For Rent: Luxury, Upper Floor, Corner, Largest 2+ Bedrooms APT at the Gallery

2008-05-19T18:08:08Z

Though, this one was gone very fast, I can help you find other beautiful apartments in this building or others.

If you are looking for a totally remodelled penthouse contact me at 240 506 2370 or at Simone@BercuHomes.com

Oh what a view, location and amenities!!!

The building has been renovated in 2005. You will love the brightness, spacious rooms and the comfort of this apartment. The building has a party room, with separate dinning room, fitness center, media room, billiard room and a large out door pool.

It is located one block to White Flint Metro, close to shops, restaurants and Strathmore Music and Art Center.

Ayrlawn, Bethesda: A Great Location and a Popular Community

2008-04-28T15:58:28Z

There are 295 homes in Ayrlawn. Half the homes have over 2000 sq. ft. of living space. The largest one has over 5600 sq.ft. The rest are smaller homes of 1100-1700 sq. ft.

Presently, there are seven large homes listed for sale in MRIS the Regional Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Five are new and two are resales that were completed less than two years ago. The asking price for these homes range from $1,189,000 to $1,499,000.

Four homes have gone under contract in the last 30 days. Dividing 7 (Active)/4 (under Contract) we get an Absorption Rate of 1.7 months.

The good news is that the Absorption Rate for Ayrlawn is only 1.7 month. The Absorption Rate on May 1, 2008, for Bethesda's single family homes is 1.95 months, and 2.96 months for homes priced over one million dollar.

A supply of over 6 months of homes for sale, is considered a Buyer's Market. A supply of 5-6 months is a Normal Market. Based on above market with a supply of under two months, Bethesda has a Seller's Market.

Oakmont: Unique Community in Bethesda

2008-04-27T17:54:24Z

The unique community of Oakmont comprises of two streets Oak Place and Oakmont Avenue. Both run from Old Georgetown Road to the Ayrlawn YMCA and the Ayrlawn Park (the former Ayrlawn farm) There are 57 homes in this special tax district community. Most lots are around 7500 sq. ft. and the largest is 24,456 sq. ft.

One of the good aspects of living in such a community must be first that the owners know each other, unlike other neighborhoods; and that the board and residents have some control over the use of their tax money.

For homes in the Oakmont community of Bethesda, click here!

Bethesda Garden Club's Annual Plant Sale----Today is the Day! Do Not Miss the Fun and Good Deed Oppurtunity!

2008-04-20T21:25:25Z

This is a great opportunity to buy the plants and support community activities.
The proceeds go towards landscaping the Bethesda and Davis Public Libraries.
Plants grown by members include annuals, perrenials, flowers, vegetables, herbs and more...

Date and Time: Thursday, May 1, 2008

7 am-2 pm Rain or Shine

Location: Farm Women's Market

7155 Wisconssin Avenue

Bethesda, Maryland

(public parking in the back)

Gorgeous End Unit Townhome Backs to Woods, Lake and Walking Path

2008-04-20T13:53:32Z

This home is surrounded by nature, and you can relax on your deck to view the lake in all its beauty.

The interior is bright and spacious with lots of windows on all three levels.

Because we priced this home to sell, if you are in the market for a three bedrooms, three baths townhome on a lake in Germantown; I suggest you act fast and get to view the home soon.

Click here to view this great townhome!

Devonshire Subdivision in Bethesda

2008-02-05T16:21:09Z

One of the smaller communities in Bethesda with 41 homes and has no home owner association restrictions. The homes range from about 1000 - 4100 sq. ft mostly updated ramblers, a few cape cods, and split level, five have under gone major renovation, and about six are new construction that sold for around $1.5 million. The last lot sold for $600,000 at the end of 2007.

The Devonshire streets include: Bradmoor Drive, Dunleer Court, Ridge Place and Greentree Road. The homes are divided into the two different school districts of Walter Johnson and Walt Whitman. Devonshire is located very conveniently between Fernwood Road, Old Georgetown Road and Greentree Road. The community is within walking distance to Wyngate Elementary, North Bethesda Middle School, The French School, YMCA center, Suburban Hospital and of course NIH. There are two bus lines to Bethesda and Montgomery Mall.

Truly Unique Estate with Awesome View of 3.5 Picturesque Private Acres

2008-02-05T14:52:54Z

This amazing home in Bradley Farms was built by a builder as his private residence on one of the most sought after streets in Potomac, and it was constructed from the finest materials such as rich mahogany wood, expansive glass and stone.

There is a smaller lot for sale next to this home for a buyer who desires more than 3.5 acres.

This "mini country club" on Harrington Drive is close to Congressional Country Club, Avenel Golf Course, Great Falls Park and the C & O Canal. It is a short ride to Routes I-495/I-270, Washington, DC and within easy reach of Reagan National & Dulles International airports.

In 2007, a smaller lot sold for $2,5 Million and another estate sold in April, 2008 for $10 Million.

For additional information: http://www.BercuHomes.com

What Hombuyers Will Want in the Coming Year...

2008-01-17T17:32:35Z

Loading
I naturally enjoy keeping up with real estate publications. The newest issue of "The Residential Specialist" discusses how upscale home buyers like to use their living rooms as parlors, libraries, or even music rooms. Younger buyers (in their 30s and 40s) prefer open floor plans with a kitchen, spacious eating area, and family room, all in one. With entertainment becoming more casual, buyers no longer demand the formal dining rooms of a prior generation.
This trend comes as no surprise to real-estate watchers or to an agent such as myself. A unique home I'm marketing (9301 Harrington Drive in Potomac, Maryland) features such an open floor plan. The builder and architect were ahead of their time in providing a flexible and rearrangeable living space.