2. Rockville Pike at Ceder Ln

3. Randolph Rd at New Hampshire Ave

4. Connecticut Ave at Plyers Mill Rd

5. Georgia Ave at Norbeck Rd

6. MD 355 at Edmondston DR

7. Connecticut Ave at Randolph Rd

8. Veirs Mill Rd at Twinbrook Pkwy

9. Connecticut Ave at Jones Bridge Rd

10. Rockville Pike at East West/Old  Georgetown Rd

Source: Montgomery County, Maryland Highway Mobility Report

Under the guidance, FHA-approved lenders can develop bridge loans that home buyers can use to help cover their closing costs, buy down their interest rate, or put down more than the minimum 3.5 percent.

The loans can’t be used to cover the minimum 3.5 percent, senior HUD officials told reporters on a conference call Friday morning.

Thus, buyers applying for FHA-backed financing with an FHA-approved lender that offers a bridge-loan program can get a bridge loan to bring down the upfront costs of buying a home significantly but would still have to come up with the minimum 3.5 percent downpayment.

There remain many sources of assistance for buyers needing help with the 3.5 percent downpayment, including many state and local government instrumentalities and nonprofit lenders.

In addition, some state housing finance agencies have developed their own tax credit bridge loan programs, so buyers in states whose HFAs offer such programs can monetize the tax credit upfront to cover all or part of their downpayment. These programs are separate from what HUD announced today.

The first-time homebuyer tax credit was enacted last year–and improved upon earlier this year–to help encourage households to enter the housing market while interest rates are low and affordability is high. The credit is worth up to $8,000 and is available to households that haven’t owned a home in at least three years. The credit does not have to be repaid, and is fully reimbursable, so households can get their credit returned to them in the form of a payment.

1. Let the sun in. Make any room look brighter with clean blinds and windows. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to eight parts water, plus a drop or two of liquid dishwashing liquid, for a green window cleaner. Spray on and wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks. (Washing on a cloudy day also reduces streaking.)
Showing tip: Replace heavy drapes with lightweight shears during warmer months to give a room a brighter, lighter feel for prospective buyers.

2. Sniff out smells. Check the drip tray underneath your refrigerator and wash out any standing water from defrosting. Remove inside odors by washing the inside of the fridge with a baking soda and water solution. Boil lemon juice in your microwave and add it to your dishwasher to eliminate bad smells. Also, put the lemon rinds down the disposal. Add activated charcoal in the fridge to keep odors at bay.
Showing tip: Make the fridge smell fresh instantly with cotton balls soaked in vanilla extract or orange juice.

3. Make your bed better. Vacuum mattresses and box springs, and then rotate and flip over. Do the same for removable furniture cushions. This is also a great time to wash or dry-clean the dust ruffle and mattress pad.
Showing tip: Add new loft to a lumpy comforter by having two people vigorously shake the quilt up and down to redistribute stuffing.

4. Clean those coils. Improve energy efficiency by vacuuming grates, coils, and condensers in your furnace, stove, and refrigerator (either underneath or in back). If a vacuum won’t reach, try a rag tied to a yardstick.
Showing tip: Shut some air conditioning vents on the first floor or basement so that more air will reach and cool the second floor. Reverse the process in winter for heat vents.

5. Wash the walls. Grease, smoke, and dust can adhere to walls and make even the best decorating look dingy. Wash walls using a general-purpose cleaner with hot water. Start at the top of the wall to avoid drips and in a corner so that you wash one wall at a time. Rinse the mop head frequently in clean water. And don’t press too hard because flat latex paint won’t absorb too much water.
Showing tip: Resist the temptation to spot-clean walls since it will make the rest of the wall look dingy.

courtesy Al Matlock real estate agent  Washington DC and Maryland – Realtor 

The 14th Annual Taste of Wheaton will take place on Sunday, May 17th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm in downtown Wheaton at Grandview Avenue and Reedie Drive. 

The Taste of Wheaton highlights the eclectic and diverse restaurants in the downtown area, offering food samples from  participating restaurants at prices ranging from $1 to $5 per “taste.” 
Performances by:
WAMMIE winners Billy Coulter Band and Rumba Club
Urban Artistry
Wheaton Studio of Dance
LC Dreamers
SNAP!

for more info click here

Average. sold price $426,182 – $543,277    (-21.55%)
Total Units Sold - 708- 708 (00.00%)
Of that 708, 133 were condos
Average sold price Condos – NA

Avg. Days on Market - 106 - 112  (-5.36%)

Compare 2007/2006/2005  Real Estate Statistics for Montgomery County Maryland and Washington DC click here

source mris

courtesy Al Matlock real estate professional Washington DC and Maryland – Realtor

Average. sold price $412,552 – $511,525    (-19.35%)
Total Units Sold - 649- 562 (15.48%)
Of that 649, 123 were condos
Average sold price Condos – NA

Avg. Days on Market - 116 - 106  (9.43%)

Compare 2007/2006/2005  Real Estate Statistics for Montgomery County Maryland and Washington DC click here

source mris

courtesy Al Matlock real estate professional Washington DC and Maryland – Realtor