Simone Bercu, Montgomery Co, MD Real Estate, CRS, GRI, e-PRO, Assoc. Broker

Recently, the Bethesda Community Garden Club had its 66th Annual Plant Sale. Though, it was time consuming and hard work, I enjoyed being the chairperson and getting to know the members much better. Especially I relished the attitude of the customers who were polite, respectful, friendly, and treated us as the experts. I appreciated that attitude and would have loved to see it more from buyers who come to Open Houses.

Based on the experience of other plant sales that week, we were concerned about the possibility that we, too, will not have many buyers. However, we had a fantastic turnout. Our loyal customers were there before 7:00 am scouting the treasures. One woman was a bit late and was disappointed to not find a specific type of plant that she wanted. Since she was so friendly and a good attitude sure makes me go out of my way to help solve problems; I offered to get her the plants and I did after the rains stopped. I make it my goal to do nice things for kind, friendly individuals. Tune in for the other attitude.

To be continued...

DUFIEF MILL ESTATES: We had 60 groups of visitors at our Open House at 14 Paramus Court! I have not seen that many buyers since 2005.

With a supply of only 2 months, I have no doubt that 20878 has entered a sellers market. There is less available in Dufief Mill Estates. Numerous buyers were ready to buy, this past Sunday, but had few choices.

One guest mentioned that his agent told him to wait and see on another home they liked. That home sold right away. Well, the same happened yesterday. This Paramus Court home was under contract in 24 hours.

My suggestion to serious buyers: Evaluate the home you chose, get your agent to help determine its fair value and make an offer. Some owners prefer to work with the first offer. If you are the one, chances are you will avoid a bidding war.

Wyngate, Bethesda is located East of Fernwood Road and North of Greentree. There are 422 homes in Wyngate. Some of the homes are Ramblers, some are Cape Cods and some Colonial. There are contemporary homes, renovated homes and new Colonial homes.

Presently, there are Ten homes on the market. Seven are original homes listed from $450,000-$738,500.

Days on market range from 1 day to 387 days.

There are Two new homes: One has Five bedroom Five bath priced at $1,449,000 and one with six bedrooms and Six bath priced at $1,588,000.

One home listed at $550,000 is under contract after 8 days on the market.

Wyngate's absorption rate is 10 months.

Sonoma, Bethesda is located West of Old Georgetown and North of Suburban Hospital. There are 107 homes in the community. Last week, the Bethesda Community Garden Club donated all the left over plants from our sale to the community. I would expect the community to look even better with all the new landscaping.

Presently, there is one Cape Cod home with Three bedroom Two bath on the market. The 1938 home is priced at $699,000 and has some updates. It has been listed for the last 394 days.

There are no homes under contract.

Sonoma's absorption rate in One month.

Ayrlawn, Bethesda is located West of Old Georgetown Road and North of Greentree Road.

Presently, there are Eight homes on the market. Of the Six older homes One is in its origional condition and Five are renovated. Their prices range from $539,000 to $699,000.

There are Two newer Colonial homes priced at $1,298,500 (built 2005)and $1,450,000 (to be built).

In the last 30 days, One 2003 Colonial home priced at $1,230,000 has gone under contract after 24 days on the market.

Ayrlawn absorption rate is 8 months. In one month the absorption rate increased by Seven months.