Spacious Home in Kensington MD ~732 Byeforde Rd - 20895 - 02/28/11 04:03 PM
 9732 Byeforde Rd - Kensington MD 20895
                     
With its welcoming level front yard and entrance, this gracious Byeforde split level home is spacious and light-filled. Boasting hardwood floors and lovely custom plantation shutters, it has room to grow and entertain. The 4 ample bedrooms include a Master bedroom with 2 closets and en-suite bath. Two family rooms add to the spacious nature of this home: an addition off the dining room, with a sliding door opening to a side slate patio and yard; and a large full day-light lower level family room with a lovely fireplace, opening to the back yard via a sliding door.
The … (3 comments)

A Complete Guide to Home Buying -Part 1 - 02/23/11 10:18 AM


DANA'S COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE HOME BUYING PROCESS


Welcome!  The greater Washington DC region is one of the country's most vibrant metropolitan areas and a wonderful place to live. The mix of private enterprise, non-profit associations and U.S. and international government agencies attracts new residents every day and keeps long-time residents active. The sights of our nation's capital, the many museums, and a thriving theater and arts community contribute to its quality of life. According to the national rankings in numerous magazines, our region boasts many of the best public schools in the USA.
You are about to embark on the … (0 comments)

Dana’s Complete Guide to Home Buying –Part 2 - 02/23/11 10:18 AM
DANA'S UNIQUE CONSULTING APPROACH
 
There are a lot of agents available and willing to help you with your home purchase. To make a solid case for letting me help you, I have to provide more services and higher-quality services both before the sale and after the sale. I am not going to try to "sell you a home." My job is to work alongside you, to advise you in the process, and to assist you in purchasing your home of choice under the best possible terms for you, so that you will want me to be you and your family's … (0 comments)

Dana’s Complete Guide to Home Buying –Part 3 - 02/23/11 10:17 AM
HOW "BUYER AGENCY" IS A BENEFIT TO YOU
 
When a buyer agency relationship exists between you and I, you are entitled to special responsibilites, services, and benefits including, but not limited to:
Loyalty - the real estate agent must act in the best interest of the buyer
Obedience - must follow the lawful instructions of the buyer
Disclosure - of all material facts such as relationships between the agent and other parties, existence of other offers, status of earnest money, seller's financial condition, property's true worth, commission split with other brokers, and the legal effect(s) of important contract provisions.
Confidentiality … (0 comments)

Dana’s Complete Guide to Home Buying –Part 4 - 02/23/11 10:17 AM
HOW DO WE GET PAID?
 
After we have gotten acquainted and you have decided you want me to represent you, we will sign a Buyer Agency Agreement together.
Among other things, this agreement will spell out my responsibilities (see previous page) as well as how much the compensation paid to Keller Williams Metro Realty shall be. I receive a portion of that total compensation.
Legally, this Buyer Agency agreement allows me to advise you, negotiate for you, and provide you with the benefit of my professional skills.  This formalizes the relationship and only with this signed agreement am I … (0 comments)

Dana’s Complete Guide to Home Buying –Part 5 - 02/23/11 10:17 AM
I CAN SHOW YOU ANY PROPERTY FOR SALE IN MARYLAND, WASHINGTON DC AND VIRGINIA
 
Many buyers are not aware that as a Realtor® who is licensed in all three jurisdictions, I can show you any property for sale whether it's listed by me, my agency, or any other real estate firm. This is especially a big surprise to many of my international clients.
As a member of the Multiple Listing Service, I can show you any property listed by any agent anywhere in the greater DC area.
If you should see an ad in the paper or a sign in … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to home Buying - Part 6 - 02/23/11 10:16 AM
UNDERSTANDING BUYER AGENCY
 
How it Puts Me to Work for You!
Service & Duties Provided                                     Buyers Agent             Sellers Agent
Full Consultation appointment                                            X   
Give you advice and counsel                                               X
Analyze and interpret market data and trends                   X
Complete a comparative market analysis
on any property you want to buy                                X
Keep your bargaining and financial
information CONFIDENTIAL                                          X
Promote and protect your interests                                    X
Negotiate price and terms for you                                       X
Point out reasons NOT to buy                                             X
Provide any information that I know or can                          
learn to help you make a more informed decision       X
Arrange property showings                                                … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying - Part 7 - 02/23/11 10:15 AM

REASONS TO BUY A HOME
Pride of ownership is a key reason for wanting your own home. You get the opportunity to decorate it to your own taste and enjoy all of the benefits while making a great investment! Real estate over time has been considered a good investment because most of it has appreciated. In the long run, your home can be a wonderful source of financial security for retirement or future expenses. The equity that you build from owning a home can be used to cover college tuition, medical bills, or even to start your own business. Many … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying - Part 8 - 02/23/11 10:15 AM


BUYING VERSUS RENTING

THE BUYER
Miss Buyer's $1,500 monthly mortgage includes $1,200 in interest and property taxes. Her total house payments are $18,000 per year. At the end of the year, $14,400 (twelve months x $1,200)  is tax deductible because she is a US tax payer. She is in the 28% tax bracket, so her tax savings are $4,032. Miss Buyer's actual housing costs for the year are $13,968 ($18,000-$4,032) Miss Buyer has also built $3,700 in equity by paying down her principal: if the market value appreciates, she gains more equity. THE RENTER
Mr. Renter pays "only" … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying - Part 9 - 02/23/11 10:14 AM
THE MORTGAGE PROCESS
 
Working with me, you will contact a reliable lender at the beginning of the home buying process and search. Why?
Pre-qualifying will help you in the following ways:
Generally, interest rates are locked in for a set period of time. You will know in advance exactly what your payments will be on offers you choose to make. You won't waste time considering homes you cannot afford. Pre-approval will help you in the following ways:
A seller may choose to make concessions if they know that your financing is secured. You are like a cash buyer, and this … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying - Part 10 - 02/23/11 10:14 AM
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CREDIT SCORE
 
Your credit score is used by lenders to measure risk. How good are the prospects, if they lend you money to buy a home, that you will pay your monthly obligation on time? If you are considered an excellent risk, your interest rate will be lower than a good risk.
 
The most widely used formula for determining risk is the "FICO" credit score, developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation. Before purchasing a home, get to know your credit score, and work to improve it.
 
Scores range from 300 to 850, and credit data is … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying - Part 11 - 02/23/11 10:13 AM
HOW MUCH WILL THE LOAN COST?
 
Use the following chart to determine your monthly principal and interest payments at various interest rates for either 15 year or 30 year term.
Interest rate factors per $1,000 borrowed
INTEREST RATE              15 YEAR TERM            30 YEAR TERM
4.50%                              7.64                            5.06
4.75%                              7.76                            5.21
5.00%                              7.90                            5.36
5.25%                              8.03                            5.52
5.50%                              8.17                            5.67
5.75%                              8.30                            5.83
6.00%                              8.43                            5.99
6.25%                              8.57                            6.15
6.50%                              8.71                            6.32
6.75%                              8.84                            6.48
7.00%                              8.98                            6.65
7.25%                              9.12                            6.82
7.50%                              9.27                            6.99
7.75%                              9.41                            7.16
8.00%                              9.55                            7.33
Example:
If you qualify for a 6% interest rate and you  … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying - Part 12 - 02/23/11 10:13 AM



PREPARATION FOR A MORTGAGE APPLICATION
Your "Green File"
Documents you may need to provide the lender
Employment
Names and addresses of Employer(s) for two full years or more      
Gross monthly income
W-2s for two years, or tax returns
Year to date pay stub
Proof of income from rentals, investments, etc
Proof of retirement, disability, or Social Security if that is your source of income
Proof of child support or alimony paid/received
 
If self-employed:
Two years Federal Income Tax Returns
Current year profit and loss statement
Creditors
Each creditor's name, address, and type of account
Account numbers for … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying - Part 13 - 02/23/11 10:12 AM
FINDING THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOU
 
Your first step toward buying your new home will be to analyze your needs. As your real estate agent, I can assist in analyzing your needs so that you will be able to get a clear picture of exactly what you want your new home to look like and how it should function for you and your family.
Define Needs For Your New Home
First, you should write down why you are looking for a new home. For example, are you currently renting and would like to have a home where you can begin … (1 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying - Part 14 - 02/23/11 10:09 AM
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS WHEN APPLYING FOR A REAL ESTATE LOAN 
•1.                 Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job.
•2.                 Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it)!
•3.                 Thou shalt not use charge cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind.
•4.                 Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing.                       
•5.                 Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application.       
•6.                 Thou shalt not buy furniture.                                                          
•7.                 Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit.
•8.                 Thou shalt not make large deposits … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying - Part 15 - 02/23/11 10:08 AM
NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION
 
Now that you have your list of needs and wants and you know how much you can afford to spend, it's time to look at some homes! But wait - not just yet. Step back for a moment and consider the larger picture. People don't just buy a house; they buy the neighborhood the house is in. Think about that...if you found the perfect house but it was in a neighborhood that wasn't to your liking, would you make an offer on it? Most likely the answer would be, "No."
So, you will need to make another list … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying - Part 16 - 02/23/11 10:08 AM
GREAT RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR RESEARCH
 
Some of the best web research tools to help you find the right neighborhood for you.  
GENERAL NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION
Mass transit: Metro subways/buses, commute times using mass transit www.wmata.com
City profiles, demographics, income, education level, etc by zip code  www.homefair.com  and    www.city-data.com
Walking distance: Find out what is within walking distance of your planned residence at
www.walkscore.com
DC metro area neighborhood information:
 http://www.washingtonpost.com/real-estate/neighborhoods/index.html
 
SCHOOL INFORMATION
Public school locators:
Montgomery County gis.mcpsmd.org/gis/Publiclocator.asp ;
Fairfax County boundary.fcps.edu/boundary/ ; DC dcatlas.dcgis.dc.gov/schools/
List of top public high schools in the USA www.newsweek.com  under Education tab
List … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying - Part 17 - 02/23/11 10:07 AM
RESEACH AND PROPERTY VISITS
 
Research into different home styles, which you will be able to see from photos and virtual tours on the internet listings I will send you, can first be done from the comfort of your home computer. We will review listings together and you will pick out your favorites. I will give you feedback. Armed with all our research, we will begin visiting properties together until we find the home that best fits your needs and budget. I will constantly adjust my searches according to your feedback, and keep you updated on new listings.                  
 
See … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying - Part 18 - 02/23/11 10:07 AM
 
MAKING THE OFFER AND WHAT COMES NEXT
Whether it takes 5 home visits or 50, together we will find the home that is right for you.
Then, it will be time to make an offer. Taking into account the recent sales of homes in that neighborhood which are similar in size, quality, conveniences, and amenities, we will determine what are you willing to pay for the home. I will consult with you and advise you on how to create an offer that be at or below market price, and that will have the best chance of being accepted.
I will … (0 comments)

Dana’s Complete Guide to Home Buying –Part 19 - 02/23/11 10:06 AM
HOME INSPECTION
 
 
If you are purchasing a resale property, we highly recommend that you have a professional home inspector conduct a thorough inspection.  The inspection of a single family home will include the following (condo inspection will deal with the unit itself not the building):
 
•§  Appliances
•§  Plumbing
•§  Electrical
•§  Air conditioning and heating
•§  Ventilation
•§  Roof and Attic
•§  Foundation
•§  General Structure
 
The inspection is not designed to criticize every minor problem or defect in the home.  It is intended to report on major damage or serious problems that require repair.  Should … (0 comments)

Dana’s Complete Guide to Home Buying –Part 20 - 02/23/11 10:06 AM
AFTER CONTRACT RATIFICATION
 
Now that you have decided to buy your home, what happens between now and the time you legally own the home?  A Title Company may handle the following items.  NOTE: In different parts of the country, attorneys, lenders, escrow companies and other persons who are independent of title companies perform some or all of these functions.                                                                  
Loan application - Within days after ratification you must  submit the loan application; it is usually subject to a final credit check, an appraisal, and sometimes, a survey of the property
Earnest Money - Your earnest money will be transferred … (0 comments)

Dana’s Complete Guide to Home Buying –Part 21 - 02/23/11 10:05 AM
WHAT IS A REAL ESTATE CLOSING OR SETTLEMENT?
 
A "closing" is where you and I meet with some or all of the following individuals: the Seller, the Seller's agent, a representative from the lending institution and a representative from the title company, in order to transfer the property title to you.  The purchase agreement or contract you signed describes the property, states the purchase price and terms, sets forth the method of payment, and usually names the date and place where the closing or actual transfer of the property title and keys will occur. 
 
If financing the property, your … (0 comments)

Dana's Complete Guide to Home Buying Part 22 - 02/23/11 10:03 AM
MOVING
 
CONGRATULATIONS! You have closed on your new home and now you are ready to move!  The next few pages contain tips and checklists so that your move is as organized and effortless as possible.  Think about your move as a series of small projects that you can begin while your home is under contract.  Your move will progress as your contract and closing progress.  That way, when the day comes to physically move your belongings, most of the details will be taken care of.
 
Keep detailed records - some moving expenses are tax deductible!
 
Keep detailed records … (0 comments)

Would you play Russian Roulette with your mortgage application? - 02/09/11 03:24 PM
 When working with buyers I can't emphasize enough how important it is to work with a trusted, proven lender, rather than "shopping on the web" or going with "my college buddy's best friend's cousin". Your Realtor® should be able to recommend a few lenders with whom they and their past clients have done business and received consistently excellent service & rates -- and promises kept. Getting to closing on time can be just as important as getting a great rate. Conversely, when scrutinizing an offer on one of my listings I dont wan't to see a "pre-approval letter" from some fly … (1 comments)

CHEAPER TO BUY THAN RENT IN WASHINGTON DC METRO AREA says TRULIA - 02/08/11 11:00 PM
New data indicates that it is more affordable to buy than to rent a two-bedroom home in 72 percent of America's 50 largest cities, including the metropolitain Washington DC area.The consumer real estate web site www.trulia.com recently released its January 2010 Rent vs. Buy Index. Washington DC ranked 13th (just after Detroit MI and Baltimore MD) among major cities where it is much cheaper to buy than rent. Miami ranked 1st on the list, followed by half a dozen "warm climate" cities that has been devastated by foreclosures.
 New York City ranked 1st on the list of locations where it is much … (5 comments)

Market update: Bethesda MD 20814 December 2010 vs December 2009 - 02/07/11 03:45 PM

 
Bethesda Zip code 20814 shows a improvement over December 2009 by 20% in total home sales volume. Average home sale prices were up a whopping 24% in this zip code. The beginning of a trend? Let's see what the spring market has to say!
 
… (0 comments)

Market update: Bethesda MD 20816 December 2010 vs December 2009 - 02/07/11 03:36 PM

   
Average and median home sale prices in Bethesda's 20816 zip code were down in December compared with one year earlier.  
 
 Data courtesy MRIS and RBIntel
… (0 comments)

Market update: Bethesda MD 20817 December 2010 vs December 2009 - 02/07/11 03:26 PM
Average and median home sale prices in Bethesda's 20817 zip code were down in December 2010 compared with one year earlier.   
 
 
Data courtesy of MRIS/RBIntel
… (0 comments)

Free and Fun: Dance Bethesda! - 02/02/11 04:33 PM
Enjoy a weekend of dance events, including free dance lessons and parties at Bethesda dance studios, February. 18-19, 2011.
The 7th annual Dance Bethesda celebrates dance by providing fun dancing opportunities for young and old alike, and performances in downtown Bethesda. This year, the event includes for the first time a FREE Youth Dance Party featuring dance lessons, discounts, raffles & prizes for ages 10-17. 
Also, the event includes some great performances by local dance groups on Sat. February 19. Admission is $15 for adults and $8 children under 12, tickets can be purchased on line. Featuring ClancyWorks Dance Co., Furia Flamenco, Lesole's Dance … (0 comments)

Montgomery and Washington DC Real Estate Market update for December 2010 - 02/01/11 01:46 PM
For the latest information on trends in the Montgomery County and DC real estate markets, watch this informative video from MRIS/ our local multiple listing system. These are broad county-wide trends. Remember: all real estate is local, hyper-local in some cases. If you are planning to buy or sell a home in Bethesda, the market dynamics are not the same as in Gaithersburg. Consult with an experienced local Realtor® first to understand the trends that will most affect you. … (0 comments)

Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Update for December 2010 - 02/01/11 01:34 PM
For the latest in real estate market activity for Northern Virginia, watch this informative video from the MRIS/multiple listing system. These are broad county-wide trends. Remember: all real estate is local, hyper-local in some cases. If you are planning to buy or sell a home in Arlington, the market dynamics are not the same as in Leesburg. Consult with an experienced local Realtor® first to understand the trends that will most affect you. … (0 comments)

 
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Dana Scanlon, Bethesda MD, CIPS, GRI Award-Winning Bethesda Realtor

Bethesda, MD

More about me…

Keller Williams Capital Properties

Address: 7801 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD, 20814

Office Phone: (240) 383-1350 x 610

Cell Phone: (301) 575-4915

Email Me

Voted one of the Best Realtors by the Readers of Bethesda magazine 2012. Experienced Bethesda, Kensington & DC metro area Realtor®, serving the needs of home buyers, sellers and the luxury market. From the international community to first-time home buyers, I provide real estate services and results with "savoir faire." Agent immobilier au service des francophones à Bethesda et la région de Washington, pour acheter ou vendre votre bien immobilier. Dana Scanlon on Zillow


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