Kensington, MD

Fall 2008
Autumn in Kensington....

Halloween Fun at the Kensington Park Library—
Saturday, October 25, 2008 — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“ Scary Stories” —A family program of somewhat scary stories, treats, a craft, and
fun! Come in costume if you wish. Ages 4 through Elementary School Age
Monday, October 27, 2008 — 10:00 a.m.
“Not-So-Scary Preschool Stories” — Storytime with fun stories, flannel boards,
songs, film, and fingerplays for the season. Ages 3 to 5 years.
Halloween Theme for Kensington Park MOMS Club
October’s meeting of the Kensington Park MOMS Club will feature a Halloween
Party. The Club invites moms and their children to attend the meeting Wednesday,
October 29 at 10:15 a.m. at the Kensington Park Library. Kids should come in costumes
for a Halloween party, parade, and photos.
The Club is open to moms whose children are zoned to attend Garrett Park Elementary
School and Kensington Parkwood Elementary School. Activities include trips to parks,
lunch and coffee get-togethers, playgroups. and more. More information is available at
www.kensingtonparkmoms.com or e-mail to kpmomsclub@yahoo.com.-
A 75th Anniversary Celebration
Outdoor Nursery School’s 75th Anniversary Celebration brought together current
and former students, parents, staff, and friends on October 4th for an
afternoon of children’s activities and entertainment, plus cake and
lemonade. The school’s gardens and grounds are filled with varied
plantings that originated with the worldwide travels of horticulturist
David Fairchild. The school building was originally the home,
completed in 1910, of Fairchild and his wife Marian, daughter of
Alexander Graham Bell. You’ll find more about the school and its
history in two past issues of this newsletter:
www.garyditto.com/newsletters/2003/2003A70thAnniversary.htm
www.garyditto.com/newsletters/pre.1998/1985.86.winter.htm

KENSINGTON ORCHIDS REO PRICE REDUCTION - KENSINGTON, MARYLAND

Bargain hunters make note. September home buyers need to watch the inventory of lender owned homes in Montgomery County, MD, The result of the surge in foreclosures is that the lenders now own an excessive number of properties. The lenders are highly motivated sellers and are reducing the prices until the homes are under contract. Allow us to show you how to successfully purchase a lender owned foreclosure.

Many families are using FHA financing for the low cash requirement and the ability to have the seller assist with closing costs. FHA also offers renovation financing if you wish to purchase a home that needs repairs. Buyers need to be pre-qualified for mortgage financing since a lender letter must be submitted with any offer. Ask us for the name of a loan officer if you have not already selected a lender. We provide client reports on lender owned homes in Montgomery County and Frederick County, Maryland. roykelley@mris.com Client Assistance: 301-670-8996.

3205 RED ORCHID WAY, KENSINGTON, MD 20895
KENSINGTON ORCHIDS - 5 BEDROOMS/4.5 BATHS - $699,900

Dear Neighbors:

Recently it seems that every conversation I have begins with the question "How bad is it out there in the real estate market?" Typically, the questioner expects my response to be more dire than it turns out to be. Most of us are informed about this market by reading newspapers and watching the T.V. news. When you witness the magnitude of the problems in states like Florida, Arizona, Nevada, California and many others, it can be a sobering experience. A major difference between Maryland and other states is that we have a substantial and growing job market that is anchored by the Federal Government. This results in an inflow of highly educated professionals who are in need of housing. It is true that properties in lower Montgomery County are experiencing a slower sales pace and, in some cases, modestly reduced property values. However, the overall market remains strong. Please review the accompanying graphs for confirmation of these facts. Property values in our surrounding communities have many variables that impact the eventual sales price of a home. Many neighborhoods have experienced virtually no or minor loss of value, while other areas experience just the opposite. Part of my job is to position each property for sale correctly and also to ensure that potential purchasers are aware of the important elements that add value to a particular house in a specific neighborhood. What price a property will sell for is an issue that gets resolved in the "give and take" between the buyer and seller. The current real estate market is characterized by few purchasers and significant negotiations between interested parties. My 30 years of experience as a real estate agent, in both good and difficult markets, provides me with the wisdom and proficiency to successfully navigate the choppy waters of today's market. Like most things in life real estate has its ups and downs. Sellers in recent years experienced an unexpected and welcomed run up in value. Now we are on the other side of that curve. However, home buyers continue to have faith that residential real estate in our area not only provides shelter but it is also an excellent generator of long term wealth. If you would like to discuss the value of your property with me or "brainstorm" alternatives to selling, please feel free to use me as a resource. Also,if you ever need a reference for an electrician, plumber, yard person or any home maintenance jobplease call me. I have a list of contractors that I have worked with over the years and I also have access to a vendor group established by Long & Foster Realtors.

Gary H. Ditto