Well, let's remove one of the reasons you're not moving..."Oh, the gas prices are going to kill me"  Let's take a look at a couple scenarios; Moving from Montgomery County to Frederick County, and Frederick County to Washington County.  I also want to set out this disclaimer...The numbers are for the case of conversation.  They are not actual mortgage amounts or real gas prices.  You will need to check with your lender for actual loan payment amounts for your personal financial situation.  Please check your local gas station pumps for the most recent gas prices, but rest assured that farther you travel from DC, the cheaper that gas gets. 

You're tired of the crowd in Montgomery County and now you're ready for some cleaner air* (personal observation not factual.)  Let's sell your home and move out to Frederick County.  Here's some interesting information to consider...  The savings you can enjoy by settling down in Frederick County.  The average price last month in Frederick County was $340,377.   Let's use that number as our house price.  This would create a payment of  $2,126 (30 yr fixed 100% loan of Principle and Interest).  Now, the problem... the mileage is approximately 26 miles the center of things in Montgomery County.  This will cost you about $28 more a month if you drive a Prius Hybrid for your daily commute.  If you have a gas guzzler SUV, this is going to cost you an extra $147 a month. (If the gas prices get to $4/gal, $36 and $200 respectively.)   So, what's the average house cost in Montgomery County???  Let's try about $520,687 or $3,250 a month.  I'm not going to point out the savings.  You can see it for yourself. 

Now if you are looking to leave Frederick County and heading north... You will see a savings in the housing prices again.  Last month the average price in Washington County was $251,531 or $1,569 a month.  That's another $557 a month in Principle and Interest.  OK, now what about the commuting mileage?  Let's use 20 miles as the average.  Back to your super economical car; it will cost you $20 a month.  If you still have the super-sized SUV, $113.  ($27 and $151 when it hits $4/gal)

Please apply these scenarios to your own personal area.  Just substitute the areas...I am sure the housing prices won't be accurate.  You will need to check with your local REALTOR® for that information.  If you live in Montgomery County, Frederick County or Washington County and need a local REALTOR®, please don't hesitate to contact me.

There is no better time to buy like the present!!!