Silverspringism

Silver Spring's Pretty Older Sister - Takoma Park, Maryland - A Victorian Suburb

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:22:52 -0500

Takoma Park, or "Granola Park" as some locals call it now, was the first planned suburban community of Washington, DC. Founded in 1883, by Benjamin Franklin Gilbert, Takoma Park was developed along a branch of the B & O railroad. It was originally conceived as a "summer resort" area, as a healthful clean-water alternative to Washington, DC's malarial swamps. With a population of 18,000 it rests along the upper northeast boundary of D.C. and strattles Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties in Maryland.

B.F. Gilbert named his community TAKOMA an Indian word meaning "High Up - Near Heaven". Takoma Park has it's own city government, police department, library and is served by Montgomery County Schools

Religion and politics has shaped the Takoma Park community. From the early 1900's to 1990, Takoma Park was the world headquarters of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Two of the church's institutions remain today, The Washington Adventist Hospital, and Columbia Union College. The coming of metro service to Takoma Park has made it a perfect "bedroom community" for young professionals. It is a 15 minute commute to the middle of Downtown D.C. by Metro from the Takoma Station on the Red Line.

Takoma Park is a friendly "laid back", independent, small town with liberal politics. The residents are politically active and have put in place a number of progressive measures such as the declaration of a nuclear-free zone and legal recognition of non-marital partnerships.

In the historic district you will find grand old Victorians, Bungalows, American Four Squares and other old timey styles, along tree-lined streets.

The Old Town offers an eclectic, funky mix of small, locally owned specialty shops and small restaurants, cafes and a very popular FOOD COOP. From the end of April to mid December there is a farmers market every Sunday in the center of town. To celebrate July 4th, the town puts on its own parade and its own fireworks display.

Takoma Park Real Estate

In 2008 there were 100 sales of single family detached homes in Takoma Park, sales prices ranged from a low of $200,000 for a three bedroom one bath brick colonial in need of total renovation to a high of $1,005,000 for a completely restored 7 Bedroom, 5 1/2 Bath Victorian. The median price for a single family home in Takoma Park in 2008 is $429,700.

In 2009 there were 138 Sales of single family detached homes in Takoma Park, Maryland, sales prices ranged from a low of 85,000 for a 3 bedroom 1 & 1/2 Bath cape cod (built in 1950 and in need of total rehab) to a high sales price of $920,000 for a 5 Bedroom, 4 Bath, 94 year old restored Arts and Crafts Style House in the Historic District. Average List (Asking) Price for a Home in Takoma Park in 2009 was $484,545 and the Average Sold Price was $475,062. The Average Time on the market was 69 days.

Search all Homes for Sale Now in Takoma Park, Maryland, 20912

July 4th Weekend in Silver Spring, Maryland - Fun and Cheap!

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:50:32 -0400

Friday
Kick off the weekend tonight by attending a good "old fashioned" amateur wooden-bat summer baseball game. It's a home game for the T-Bolts ( Silver Spring - Takoma Thunderbolts) vs the Southern Maryland Nationals.

Tonight is Hawaiian Shirt Night.

Gates and Concession open at 6:00 pm. The game starts at 7 pm at the Montgomery Blair Baseball Stadium, Silver Spring, MD. The Stadium is located at Montgomery Blair High School, 51 East University Blvd., in the Four Corners area.
Admission is only $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids under 18.
Youth baseball and softball players in uniform and children under 5 get in FREE

Saturday
On Saturday don't miss the now very popular Fenton Street Market as the place to be on Saturdays. From 9am to 3 pm on Saturdays a vacant parking lot at the corner of Fenton Street and Silver Spring Avenue at the edge of Downtown Silver Spring transforms into a small business festival. Local artists, craftspeople, entrepreneurs and collectors exhibit their wares. There are different special events and a scavenger hunt every weekend, each weekend gets more interesting than the last at the Fenton Street Market.

Sunday July 4th
On Sunday enjoy what people living in Silver Spring and Takoma Park have have been enjoying for the past 120 years, the 121st annual Takoma Park 4th of July Celebration.

Parade

The parade starts at 10:00 am at Carroll & Ethan Allen Avenues, follows Carroll Avenue towards DC, crosses over to Maple Avenue along Carroll Street, then returns along Maple Avenue.

Evening Program and Fireworks

Takoma Park Middle School - 7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park, Md 20912

Starts at 7:00pm

Concerts with Rizzy "King of Harmony", Acro-Airs and Takoma Park Community Bands
Announement of Parade Winners
Patriotic Songs and the National Anthem
Drawing for Raffle Prizes

                                                   Fireworks at 9:30 pm by Bay fireworks!
                                                                           FREE

Famous People's Houses in Silver Spring, Md - Annie Lebovitz

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:08:04 -0500

The famous photographer Annie Lebovitz lived in this split level house in Silver Spring.

Because of her father's career in the air force, Annie's Parents, Sam and Marilyn moved many many times. Transfers sent the family throughout the country and to The Philippines; Mom and Dad finally landed in Silver Spring, Md.

Her parents owned this house in the Forest Knolls subdivision of Silver Spring, Md 20902 from 1962 to 1978. Forest Knolls is a tidy neighborhood of modern early 1960's split levels, and ramblers.

Annie Lebovitz attended Northwood High School in Silver Spring.

In 1977 her parents sold the split level and built a bigger custom house with a pool on a large corner lot in the very nearby Springbrook Forest Neighborhood of Silver Spring.

The house in Springbrook Forest was sold in 2007 after the death of Maryiln Leibowitz, Annie Leibovitz's mother.

In 2007 The Corcoran Art Gallery in Washington,DC exhibited "A Photographers Life 1990-2005" through January 13, 2008.

Stay Cool at a Silver Spring, Maryland Neighborhood Pool Near You

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:59:58 -0400

With school out and the mercury rising, a neighborhood swimming pool is the perfect place to while away the hot, humid summer days in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Community spirit, the roar of the crowd and the excitement of youthful competition all combine at a neighborhood swim meet. What better way to spend a summer evening than gathering around your local pool in a group effort to be part of an event that promotes fellowship and fun. Swim Teams in Community Pools of Silver Spring , compete as division members of the Montgomery County Swim League (MCSL). Being a member of a swim team in Silver Spring is a great way for kids to make friends at the pool, share a teambuilding experience, and compete in a healthy, active sport over the summer. Some of the pools also have Dive Teams that compete in the Montgomery County Diving League.

Most of the Pools in Silver Spring offer great Family Oriented Social Events such as Pool Camp Out night, Ice cream socials, pizza night, teen night, family movie night, float night, talent shows and more.

Check out this list of links to some of the best Silver Spring Neighborhood Pools and Swim Clubs:

Northwest Branch Pool - Home of the Northwest Branch Dolphins Swim Team

Glenwood Recreation Club - Home of the Glenwood Tigers Swim Team and Dive StTeam

Calverton Swim Club - Home of the Calverton Chargers - Also has a Dive Team, Volleyball League, Horseshoes and Basketball Court

Forest Knolls Pool - Home of the Seahawks Swim Team

Daleview Pool - Home of the Daleview Swim Team

Franklin Knolls Pool - Home of the Gators Swim Team

Hillandale Swim and Tennis Association - Home of the Hillandale Hellcats Swim Team - Also offers 2 Lighted Tennis Courts, a practice wall and Tennis Camp

Oakview Pool - Home of the Oakview Octopi Swim Team - The Oakview Pool was the first community pool in Montgomery County and celebrated its 50th year in 2007

West Hillandale Swim Club - Home of the Dolphins Swim Team

Twin Farms Swim & Tennis Club - Home of the Twin Farms Tigers Swim Team, Dive Team, Tennis Team and Tennis Camp

Robin Hood Swim Club - Home of the Robin Hood Swim Team - Also has a Dive
Team and Tennis Team

Kemp Mill Swim Club - Home of the Kemp Mill Kangaroos

Silver Spring, Md - Quaint Acres Neighborhood

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Sat, 19 May 2007 13:32:34 -0400

Quaint Acres
Silver Spring, Maryland 20904

Located off New Hampshire Avenue near White Oak, the neighborhood is bordered by Northwest Branch Park. There are 156 Homes. Most were built between 1948 and 1974 and each lot is a little over an acre The oldest home is the original farmhouse built in 1853 where Quaint Acres Drive and Applegrove Rd meet inside the Entrance to the Subdivision. The homes are great examples of custom Mid-Century Modern Houses and no two are alike. This is a quiet, lovely neighborhood, where you can still find homes set back from the street on gorgeous, large, wooded lots, and NO McMansions! what-so-ever.

2 Famous Pioneer Women called Quaint Acres Home

Rachael Carson , this pioneer activist stirred up controversy with her book "Silent Spring " She wrote the book in her house in the Quaint Acres Neighborhood of Silver Spring, Md. This fairly modest rambler with english basement was built in 1957 and sits on a heavily wood lot of a little over an acre. A Conservation park in Brookville and an elementary school in Gaithersburg are named after Carson. Rumor has it that Rachel Carson lived in a cape cod style home on Williamsburg Drive in the Woodmoor Subdivision of Silver Spring, Md 20901, many years before moving to her "Quaint Acres" house.

Another Controversial woman and 1st Female Senator, Margaret Chase Smith , also lived in the Quaint Acres Neighborhood, just around the corner from Carson. This home, a mid century Modern style house with lots of glass sits on 1.05 Acres and was built in 1951. "After many years of moving, Senator Smith finally found a permanent home in the Washington suburbs. In 1952 she began renting the lower level of a house located in Quaint Acres, Silver Spring, Maryland and owned by her Executive Assistant, William C. Lewis, Jr. Senator Smith continued to live there until she left Congress in 1973. In subsequent years, she stayed at the home during travels to Washington. She inherited the house in 1982, following the death of Bill Lewis. Senator Smith donated the property to Northwood University." It has since been sold twice. The house appears unaltered today and looks the same as it did in this old photo, taken of Ms. Smith, from the back of the house.

" Back in Quaint Acres , we had the original Quaintance house that guarded the orchards in that rolling terrain and many of the fruit trees. Margaret Chase Smith was there, the first woman senator and a person of stature, kindness, grace and seemingly inexhaustible patience for the kids in the neighborhood. Another lady of the neighborhood was soft-spoken, gentle-souled Rachel Carson, who lived in the house with the terrariums and found objects from the forest. I used to play in her house with her nephew Roger. Once, catching me idly digging at an ant hill, she explained what the ants do, how, why; and, by extension, how we should behave toward all creatures, and why." . . . .
Robert Aubry Davis

Robert Aubry Davis is a native of Silver Spring, Maryland, and an eighth-generation Washingtonian. He hosts WETA's arts program Around Town on TV 26 and Millennium of Music on 90.9 FM.

Search Homes for Sale in the Quaint Acres Neighborhood

Silver Spring, MD - Burnt Mills Hills Neighborhood Real Estate

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 19:07:22 -0400

Lush Majestic Settings in a coveted hidden community of only 60 estate homes. Burnt Mills Hills is a quiet pastoral neighborhood of rolling hills, lush indigenous and mature landscaping with Acre+ lots.

Silver Spring's best kept secret is this sylvan setting off of Route 29 (Colesville Road). It's hard to believe this subdivision is so close to the new Urban area of Downtown Silver Spring, the Capitol Beltway and just 4 miles from the District of Columbia - Washington DC line.

The Burnt Mills Hills subdivision is close to the New Federal Research Center, New Burnt Mills Shopping Center with a Trader Joes Grocery and The White Oak Shopping Center.

Sales in this Neigborhood do not occur too often.

4 Homes Sold in 2005

Average Sold Price - $956,000
Highest Sold Price - $1,250,000
Average Days on Market - 20 Days

In 2006 and 2007 there were no sales.

In 2008 there was 1 Sale

One Home Sold in Burnt Mills Hills priced at 950,000. This grand home, situated on 1.2 acres, features 6 bedrms & 4.5 bths. It has a separate 2-level Carriage House. The home sold
for $900,000

There were NO Sales in 2009

A great article about the Burnt Mills Hills Neighborhood was written in 2004 and published in the Washington Post.

Rambo and Rocky's Childhood Home on the Market in Silver Spring

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:18:35 -0400

This is the house that Sylvester Stallone lived in as a child in the Montgomery Hills/North Woodside Neighborhood of Silver Spring.

The Cape Cod House on Seminary Road was built in 1952. Sly's parents owned the home sometime between 1952 and 1962, when the Stallone's Sold it.

The House has been renovated since the Stalone Family lived there. There are now 4 Bedrooms and 4 1/2 Baths. http://matrix.mris.com/Matrix/Public/Email.aspx?ID=24670174438

Famous People's Houses in Silver Spring, Md - Lefty Driesell

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 11:46:40 -0400

Built in 1968, this big contemporary split level was the private home of Charles "Lefty" Driesell until it was sold by him in 1988. This unique custom built home is on a short, no-thru street in the subdivision known as Valleybrook. The home is set on a densely wooded 1/2 acre within walking distance to Springbrook High School.
The bright main level of the house has vaulted ceilings and extra windows everywhere. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths on the upper level; plus an extra bedroom and full bathroom in the lower level. The backyard is level and private, it has (of course) a half court basketball court with lighting! and steps to a path that leads all the way to Wheaton Regional Park.
More on highlights of Lefty's career and my favorite all time quote from him . . .
"The Harder you work, the Luckier you get" . . . Lefty Driesell

Famous People from Silver Spring, Md - Harold Solomon

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 08:18:00 -0400

The 1970's and 80's Tennis Star Harold Solomon grew up in this big custom-built split level home in the Springbrook Estates Subdivision of Silver Spring. The house was built in 1958 and has 7 Bedrooms and 4 Full Baths, an inground swimming pool and (of course) a Tennis Court. The house is located within one block of the former home of Lefty Driesell. Harold Solomon graduated from Springbrook High School in 1970 and became known with fellow tennis star Eddie Dibbs as one of the "BAGEL TWINS". Solomon's parents sold the home in 1977 and moved to Florida. Harold Solomon runs the Harold Solomon Institue of Tennis and is featured in the book "Great Jews in Sports"

Silver Spring Real Estate - Mica Condominiums - Real Estate Sales

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:05:19 -0500

Originally Built in the 1960's as a rental apartment building, the MICA was converted to condominium ownership in 2006. There are 151 Units in the Mica Building

Features include floor to ceiling windows with great views of Downtown Silver Spring looking towards Rock Creek Park, private balconies, maple cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and ceramic tile baths. Square footage of these units is Spacious, ranging from 817 to over 1700 square feet. There is a Swimming Pool with sun deck, a full media center and state-of-the-art fitness center. All units have garage parking and the Building is located 2 Blocks from the Silver Spring Metro Station in Downtown Silver Spring.

2008 Sales in the MICA

11 Sold Listings

8 were 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Units
1 was a 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Unit
2 were 3 Bedroom 2 1/2 Bath Units

Average List/Asking Price - 340,300
Average Sold Price - 336,918
Average Seller Subsidy/Concessions - $9,247
Average Days on Market - 59

Lowest Price was for a 860 sq ft 1 Bedroom Unit - $268,900
Highest Price was for a 1,718 sq ft 3 Bedroom 2 1/2 Bath Unit - $539,900

2009 Sales in the MICA

3 Sold Listings

1 Bedroom 1 Bath - (848 sq ft) 1st Floor - Asking Price - $242,137 Sold - $240,000
   $9,000 Seller Subsidy - 29 Days on Market
2 Bedroom 1 Bath - (1,020 sq ft) 11th Floor - Asking Price - $365,000 Sold - $340,000
   $10,000 Seller Subsidy - 131 Days on Market
3 Bedroom 2 1/2 Bath - (1,665 sq ft) 12th Floor - Asking Price - $530,000 Sold - $533,000
   7 Days on Market

Chart market activity with current up-to-the-minute homes in your area, including such data as sold homes, properties for sale, inventory counts and even days-on-market at Silver Spring Market Snapshot

Interested in a condominium in Downtown Silver Spring?

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Call Debbie Cook - Silver Spring Realtor (301) 587-3528 for experienced help in navigating the Current Real Estate Market

South Silver Spring Real Estate - The Silverton

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 13:50:44 -0500

The Silverton Condos (by JBG Group) on East West Highway was built around the vintage art deco facade of the former Canada Dry bottling plant and has 210 dwelling units.
The units were finished in 2006 - 2007

The Silverton has Beautifully Appointed Floor Plans, Glass Doors Leading to Private Balconies,
Chef-Caliber Kitchens with Maple Cabinets and Granite Countertops, Granite Vanities in Bathrooms and Full-Size Washers and Dryers in the units!

There is a High-Tech Resident E-Lounge, Swimming Pool, Expansive Sundeck and a Cutting-Edge Fitness Center.

The Building is within Walking Distance to Metro and has Easy Access to Washington, DC & I-495. Walk to Excellent Shopping, Fine Dining & Entertainment.

                                                                 Sales at the Silverton 2008

There were 8 Closed Sales

1)  1 Bedroom 1 Bath - 2rd Floor Unit (718 sq ft)            Asking Price - 250,000 SOLD Price - $250,000
     Days on Market - 282
2)  1 Bedroom 1 Bath - 1st Floor Unit (831 sq ft)            Asking Price - $269,900 SOLD Price - $269,900
     Days on Market - 35
3) 1 Bedroom 1 Bath - 1st Floor Unit (792 sq ft)            Asking Price - $290,000 SOLD Price -$280,000
     Days on Market - 65
4) 1 Bedroom 1 Bath - 2nd Floor Unit (776 sq ft)           Asking Price - $295,000 SOLD Price - $290,000
     $7,700 Seller Subsidy
     Days on Market - 58
5)  1 Bedroom 2 Bath Special Loft Unit (955 sq ft)          Asking Price - $324,900 SOLD Price - $324,900
     Days on Market - 25
6) 1 Bedroom 2 Bath Special Loft Unit (955 sq ft)          Asking Price - $324,900 SOLD Price - $324,900
     Days on Market - 25
7)  2 Bedroom 2 Bath 2nd Floor Unit with Loft                Asking Price - $425,000 Sold Price - $392,500
     (1,212 sq ft) Days on Market - 68
8) 2 Bedroom 2 Bath 4th Floor Unit with Loft                 Asking Price - $490,000 SOLD Price - $450,000
     (1,300 sq ft) 15,000 Seller Subsidy
     Days on Market - 34

                                                   Sales at the Silverton in 2009

There were 9 Closed Sales in 2009

1) 1 Bedroom 1 Bath - 4th Floor Unit (750 sq ft)           Asking Price - $188,217 Sold Price - $188,217
     Days on Market - 23
2) 2 Bedroom 1 Bath - 2nd Floor Unit (992 sq ft)          Asking Price - $231,324  Sold Price - $231,324
     $7,300 Seller Subsidy - 2 days on the Market
3) 1 Bedroom 1 Bath - 1st Floor Unit (781 sq ft)           Asking Price - $285,000 Sold Price - $280,000
     $5,000 Seller Subsidy - 47 Days on Market
4) 1 Bedroom 1 Bath - 2nd Floor Unit (819 sq ft)          Asking Price - $289,000  Sold Price - $275,000
     Days on Market - 118
5) 2 Bedroom 2 Bath -2nd Floor Unit (1,084 sq ft)        Asking Price - $330,000 Sold Price - $330,000
     $10,000 Seller Subsidy - Days on Market - 160
6) 2 Bedroom 2 Bath - 3rd Floor Unit (1,212 sq ft)        Asking Price - $360,000 Sold Price - $350,000
     $5,000 Seller Subsidy - Days on Market - 51
7)  1 Bedroom 1 Bath - 4th Floor Unit (935 sq ft)           Asking Price - $365,000 Sold Price - $310,000
     $4,600 Subsidy - Days on Market - 52
8) 2 Bedroom 2 Bath - 2nd Floor Unit (1,165 sq ft)       Asking Price - $375,000 Sold Price - $332,000
     $9,960 Seller Subsidy - Days on Market - 28
9) 2 Bedroom 2 Bath - 2nd Floor Unit (1,386 sq ft)       Asking Price - $419,000  Sold - $415,000
     $5,000 Seller Subsidy - Days on Market - 16

            Keep up to date on the prices, market changes and trends in your area of Silver Spring with
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                               Search all Condo's for Sale in the Downtown Silver Spring Area

      For Expert Advice in Navigating the Current Real Estate Market - Call Debbie Cook (301) 587-3528
                                               Silver Spring - Takoma Park Realtor

South Silver Spring Real Estate - 8045 @ Silver Spring Metro (Newell Street) Condos

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 12:01:17 -0500

8045 Newell Street (by Patriot Group) is a five story, 120 unit condominium building. This building was completed and already Sold out in 2006.

This Building offers a Fun, Funky, Hip and Laid Back Urban Lifestyle, in a Small Intimate "Pet Friendly" Building. Located by Historic Acorn Park in the South Silver Spring neighborhood, the Units have Open Floor Plans with High Ceilings, Washers and Dryers in the Units and either a balcony or sunroom.

SAVE your GAS! and Walk everywhere from this building that has a very high Walkabilty Score. Walking Distance to Silver Spring Metro/Red Line, Rock Creek Park hiking biking trails and all the ammenities of Downtown Silver Spring.

2008 Sales for 8045 @Silver Spring Metro

8 Listings SOLD in 2008

1)  1 Bedroom 1 Bath 2nd Floor
     (820 sq ft) Asking - $245,000
     Sold Price - 245,000
     Days on Market - 222
2) 1 Bedroom - 1 Bath 5th Floor
    (820 sq ft) Asking - $285,000
     Sold for - $285,000
     Days on Market - 21
3) 1 Bedroom - 1 Bath 4th Floor
     (820 sq ft) with Gar. Parking Space
     List Price - $299,000
     Sold Price - $284,000
     Days on Market - 8
4)  1 Bedroom 1 Bath with Den 3rd Floor
    (935 sq ft) - with Garage Parking
     Asking - $320,000
     Sold Price - $320,000
     Seller Subsidy $10,000
     Days on Market - 85
5) 1 Bedroom 1 Bath with Den 2nd Floor
     (900 Sq ft) with Gar. Parking
     Asking Price $347,500
     Sold Price - $335,000
     Days on Market - 11
6) 2 Bedroom 2 Bath 2nd Floor
     (1,221 sq ft) No Parking space
     Asking Price - $324,000
     Sold Price - $324,000
     Days on Market - 6
7) 2 Bedroom 2 Bath 1st Floor
     (1,177 sq ft) with Garage Parking
     Asking Price - $389,000
     Sold Price - $375,000
     Days on Market - 44
8)  2 Bedroom - 2 Bath 3rd Floor
     (820 sq ft) with Garage Parking
     Asking Price - $410,000
     Sold Price - $401,000
     Days on Market - 7

2009 Sales Activity in 8045 Newell Street @ Silver Spring Metro - 9 Units were SOLD

5 - 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Units Sold were Sold - Average List Price - $255,857
      Average Sold Price $253,800   Average Days on Market - 111

1 - 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Plus Den Sold in 2009 - List Price - $299,000
      Sold Price 280,000   Days on Market - 7

3 - 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Units Sold in 2009 - Average List Price - $388,233
      Average Sold Price - $382,467     Average Days on Market - 73

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South Silver Spring Real Estate - Aurora Condos

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:09:30 -0500

The Aurora Condominium project in South Silver Spring is a 145 Unit Condominium Community built by reclaiming and rehabbing 2 1950's era office buildings on Eastern Avenue just over the District of Columbia border line.

Developed by RST Development, Aurora Condominiums combined adjacent 12-story and 8-story office buildings into one integrated 143,000-square-foot residential community. The renovated twin towers are connected by a dramatic lobby and landscaped garden. The project completely Sold out in 2006.

Located in the heart of the new Silver Spring "arts and entertainment" district, a few blocks from Metro's Silver Spring station on the Red Line, you're close to everything you need. Units come with everything that today's buyers want: hardwood floors, ceramic tile baths, stainless steel appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows and airy floor plans that bring in lots of natural light.

Market Activity All Sales in the Aurora 2008

7 Sold Listings

All Listings were 2 Bedroom - 2 Bath Units (Ranging from 1,004 sq ft to 1,148 sq ft)
Average Listing Price - $346,400 Average SOLD Price - $339,429 Average Days on Market - 43
Lowest Sold Price - $320,000   Highest Sold Price - $365,000   Average Seller Subsidy - $3,350

Market Activity in the Aurora in 2009

5 Sold Listings

All Listings were 2 Bedroom - 2 Bath Units (Ranging from 1,004 sq ft to 1,148 sq ft)
Average List (Asking Price) - $309,580   Average Sold Price - $296,000   Average Days on Market - 181
Lowest Sold Price - $255,000 Highest Sold Price - $320,000 Average Seller Subsidy - $2,050

Get a computerized Market Analysis of your Silver Spring Condo or House

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Silver Spring Real Estate and Home Sales in North Hills of Sligo Creek and Argyle Park

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:16:28 -0400

North Hills of Sligo is a beautiful neighborhood of some of the finest older single family homes in Silver Spring.

Set into the heavily wooded hills of Sligo Creek Park (thus the name) this subdivision of Single Family Homes built during the early 1930's to late 1940's is located "inside the Capitol Beltway", close to Downtown Silver Spring and Washington, DC.

The subdivision of North Hills was originally sold as a suburban Neighborhood with large lots "overlooking 2 golf courses". The two golf courses were at Argyle Country Club (what's left of the Argyle Golf Course is now the Public MNCPPC - Sligo Golf Course) and Indian Spring Country Club (what's left of Indian Spring is now the YMCA property)

On an interesting note: Considered a Landmark - The old original Brunett Farmhouse (circa 1864) that preceded the development of North Hills, still stands today on an impressive 3/4 acre lot at the top of a hill in the North Hills Subdivision.

A fasinating and detailed book about the history of North Hills of Sligo Creek was written by Sally Gagne in 2003. This 190 page book titled "North Hills of Sligo Creek - History, People and Surroundings", is not only about the history of the North Hills area, but everything you'd really like to know about Silver Spring from it's development right down to the people that lived here before and that live here now. Sally also knows all about Sligo Creek Park., from how it began up to current wild inhabitants and vegetation.
The Parkside Headquarters are just at the edge of the Community in the park. There are miles and miles of Trails for Hiking, Biking, Fitness, Dog walking and just nature watching! The park also offers picnic areas, ball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts and many playgounds.

Schools
Montgomery County public school system is well known as one of the best in the nation. Public schools serving the North Hills Subdivision:

Sligo Creek Elementary School
Silver Spring International Middle School,
Northwood High School,

At the high school level the Downcounty consortium is available giving students a choice regarding their academic area of study. The five high schools in the Downcounty cluster include Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy and Wheaton.

There is the the ACORN HILL Waldorf Kindergarten and Nursery School just steps from the edge of this neighborhood nestled in Sligo Creek Park.

Private schools convenient to the North Hills Neighborhood are:

St. Bernadette's fondly called "ST B's"
Grace Episcopal Day School
Calvery Lutheran School

North Hills & Argyle Park Real Estate
There are 356 Single Family Houses in the Legal Subdivisions of North Hills of Sligo Creek and Argyle Park

There were 12 Sales in 2008

Average List Price - $478,
Average Sold Price - $469,806
Highest Sale Price - $650,000
Lowest Sale Price - $370,000
Average Seller Subsidy - $5,407
Average Days on Market in 2008 - 112

There were 13 Sales in 2009

Average List Price - $546,650
Average Sold Price - $530,331
Highest Sale Price - $935,000 (NEW Construction)
Lowest Sale Price - $374,000
Average Seller Subsidy - $2,200
Average Days on Market 2009 - 77

Curious about your Silver Spring Home's Value or what's happening in the Real Estate Market right NOW?
Get a computerized Market Analysis of your Silver Spring Home at: www.SilverSpringCMA.com

Want to Live in North Hills?
Check out all homes for Sale in North Hills of Sligo Creek Silver Spring, Md 20901

For Expert Assistance Navigating the Current Real Estate Market in Silver Spring or Takoma Park Maryland contact Debbie -
"Your Silver Spring Realtor" (301)587-3528

The New New York Bagel Place in Silver Spring, MD

Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:17:06 -0400

There has not been a real Bagel Place for Silver Springers in a long time.

To get good fresh bagels took a drive to Rockville or Bethesda for them. With the opening of Goldbergs New York Bagels in the Montgomery Hills - "Dale Center" (16th Street and Georgia Ave), we now have our own Silver Spring place to go!

I thought the bagels were great (though I am not an expert), they definitely beat the kind you get at a restaurant, local deli or in the grocery store. They are fresher bigger and crustier.

Here's a review and comments from those Silver Springers who are more New York Bagel Conscience than I am.