Go Green - Trash Plastic Bags
More and more communities, including countries from China to Ireland are imposing bans, fines and restrictions on the use of plastic grocery bags. The larger trash bag continues to raise environmental concerns.
The trash bag, used for collecting leaves and containing kitchen garbage, have the same drawbacks as the small grocery bags. The are made from petroleum-based synthetics, so both extraction and manufacture contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Trash bags are used almost exclusively for disposal, which means that they are contributing to the growing landfill problem and are preventing compostable and biodegradable materials from decomposing.
The challenge -- trash bags are almost essential to even the greenest consumer. Many communities require that trash be gabbed rather than set out loose in trash containers to discourage animals. Few people have been able to reduce their household footprint to the point that they are no longer generating trash. This continues the problem.
Here are some suggestions on how to cut down on your use of plastic trash bags. In addition to ratcheting up your recycling efforts to reduce your waste output, follow these steps and watch your use of trash bags shrink:
Limit the use of trash liners to only those receptacles that collect wet or drippy garbage.
For smaller cans, such as those in the bedrooms or living areas, eliminate the trash bag. Many waste cans now come with a removable, washable plastic liner so you don't have to continue to use small liner bags.
Use bags you already have, such as brown paper bags from grocery stores, tired-looking gift bags and department store bags for trash.
This option is green because you're recycling, but it's a less green option because you shouldn't have these items in the first place if you've converted to taking your own cloth bags to the store.
Designate the lined trash bin as the home's "central" receptable and empty the smaller ins into this one.
That way you can limit your weekly bag use to one.
Look for biodegradable trash bags.
These bags are made from corn or other renewable sources, and many manufacturers advertise that they can biodegrade in a compost bin in just days. Even if you set them out for your weekly trash pickup, at least they are breaking down in the landfill.
Leisure World Maryland - The Foundation of Leisure World Upcoming Events 2009 - 2010
The Foundation of Leisure World of Maryland was formed in 1981 and tasked with enhancing the quality of life for Leisure World residents in the areas of culture, education and health.
The Foundation supports the Leisure World community in many ways including furnishing equipment such as pianos, exercise machines and audio-visual systems that are not included in the community budget; by providing seed money and guidance needed to form other organizations such as the Computer Center, the Center for Lifelong Learning, the Going-It-Alone-Club and the Retired Nurses Association.
The Foundation also sponsors performances by professional entertainers and educators so that the price of admission can be kept low and more residents can attend.
Upcoming sponsored Leisure World Events include:
November 29, 2009
OLNEY BIG BAND
December 17, 2009
NATIONAL BALLET - NUTCRACKER
January 29, 2010
ISIS ENSEMBLE
July 17, 2010
LUAU ON THE LANAI
Contact Barbara Michaluk, Realtor 240-506-2434 for more information about this desirable senior community located in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland.
Montgomery County Maryland CONDO Market Report October 2009
ACTIVE LISTINGS for month of October 2009 in Montgomery County Maryland have increased compared to October 2008.
Total Active Listings of Condos in Montgomery County Maryland are 26% less than 2008.
CONTRACTS for month of October 2009 in Montgomery County Maryland have increased 155% compared to October 2008.
Total Contracts Year-To-Date show 32% increase from 2008.
SOLD HOMES for month of October 2009 in Montgomery County Maryland have increased 78% compared to October 2008.
Total Sold homes Year-To-Date show 16% increase over 2008.
Contact Barbara Michaluk, Realtor for more information on Condos for sale in Montgomery County Maryland.
Olney Maryland 20832 - Homes Sold in October 2009 - Market Report
Olney Maryland Settlements - October 2009
These statistics give you a summary of single family homes that have sold in the month of October 2009 in Olney Maryland 20832.
| Address | Subdivision | List Price | Close Price | Subsidy | Close Date | Style | BR | Full BA | 1/2 BA | Gar | Ac |
| 4417 THORNHURST DR | BRIARS ACRES | $429,900 | $425,000 | $12,000 | 9-Oct-09 | Split Level | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0.272 |
| 17822 BUEHLER RD #3-A-2 | CAMELBACK VILLAGE | $125,000 | $107,000 | $5,000 | 30-Oct-09 | Colonial | 1 | 1 | 0 | ||
| 17220 EVANGELINE LN | CHERRYWOOD | $585,000 | $585,000 | $10,000 | 20-Oct-09 | Colonial | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0.253 |
| 17420 EVANGELINE LN | CHERRYWOOD | $579,900 | $565,000 | $ | 22-Oct-09 | Colonial | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0.322 |
| 16911 CONTINENTAL CT | CHERRYWOOD | $529,000 | $527,000 | $3,000 | 29-Oct-09 | Colonial | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0.321 |
| 4216 CHERRY VALLEY DR | CHERRYWOOD | $595,000 | $552,000 | $14,500 | 30-Oct-09 | Colonial | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0.323 |
| 18302 FOUNTAIN GROVE WAY | JAMES CREEK | $575,000 | $570,000 | $5,000 | 28-Oct-09 | Colonial | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0.184 |
| 3824 MOUNT OLNEY LN | OLNEY MILL | $451,500 | $461,000 | $20,000 | 13-Oct-09 | Colonial | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0.361 |
| 3609 DELLABROOKE ST | OLNEY MILL | $524,500 | $519,500 | $ | 30-Oct-09 | Colonial | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0.344 |
| 18606 BRANSFORD PL | $760,700 | $760,700 | $ | 29-Oct-09 | Colonial | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0.661 | |
| WOODGATE | $884,900 | $884,900 | $ | 12-Oct-09 | Colonial | 4 | 3 | 1 | |||
| 17404 RIO DULCE CT | WILLIAMSBURG VILL | $599,000 | $575,000 | $ | 5-Oct-09 | Colonial | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0.347 |
| 18036 ROCKY RIDGE LN | WILLIAMSBURG VILL | $499,900 | $449,000 | $9,000 |
16-Oct-09 |
Colonial | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0.133 |
Below is a comparison of single family home statistics for Olney Maryland 20832 in 2009 vs. 2008.
| 2009 | 2008 | % Change | |
| Total Units Sold | 23 | 17 | 35.29% |
| Average Days on Market | 32 | 143 | -77.62% |
| Average List Price for Solds | $448,280 | $597,190 | -24.94% |
| Average Sale Price as a | |||
| Percentage of Avg List Price | 97.15% | 87.45% | |
| Total New Listings | 31 | ||
| Total Under Contract | 27 |
Contact Barbara Michaluk, Realtor for more information about homes for sale in Olney Maryland and surrounding areas.
Composting Works!
Composting is an effective and natural way to turn yard trimmings such as leaves and grass clippings into a beneficial soil conditioner for your lawn and garden. Using compost on your lawn and in your garden replenishes essential nutrients in the soil without using commercial fertilizers that can be potentially harmful to the environment.
Here are some guidelines to follow for effective composting:
Composting DOs
Carbon-Rich (Brown) Materials
Nitrogen-Rich (Green) Materials
Composting DON'Ts
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Experienced, knowledgeable real estate agent working with home buyers and sellers in Maryland. Whether you are a first time home buyer, moving up, or senior -- I am with you every step of the way.
-- HOME SELLERS --
My aggressive and multi-level marketing plan will help you sell your home in the shortest time for the best price.
The days of just entering your home on the MLS system and expecting an easy sale are behind us.
Last year in Montgomery County, Maryland, only 64.7% of the homes that were listed for sale sold after many days on market. The average days on market soared, and frustrated sellers withdrew their homes from the market hoping to relist at a future date when the market improved. Perhaps not the best strategy, but that's what over 35% of sellers did.
What do you need to do to sell your home in today's market?
In today's buyer's market, properly marketing your home and selling it for it's full potential value, is a very carefully managed multi-level process.
When I work with you to sell your home, I will thoroughly research the local real estate market activity, identify your most likely target market, determine what buyer's would most likely be interested in buying your home, and create a marketing campaign that will capture the attention of your targeted prospects.
By using a multi-level strategy to market your home, I offer you a comprehensive plan to get your home sold in the shortest amount of time for the best price.
From a smaller condo to a luxury home, Barbara Michaluk works with you every step of the way!
-- HOME BUYERS --
Barbara Michaluk is a certified, experienced Maryland Real Estate Buyers' Agent
For all Home Buyers in Maryland
Are You looking for a home in the following:
Senior Community * Residential real estate * Bank owned home * New Home * Luxury Home * Fixer upper home * First Time home buyer * Detached * Townhome * Condo * Coop
ATTENTION HOME BUYERS: PRICES FOR HOMES IN MARYLAND ARE ABOUT 30-40% LOWER THAN THREE SHORT YEARS AGO.
IS IT TI
ME TO BUY A HOME? YOU DECIDE.
With the lowest interest rates we've every seen, plus low home prices, a buyer can qualify for more home for their money than at any time in memory. If you decide that you'd like to tour some homes in your qualifying price range (Barbara Michaluk, Realtor can help you determine your qualifying price range),
Call Barbara Michaluk 240-506-2434. She can help.
Let's take a tour of homes. YOU DECIDE!
-- SENIORS --
As an Authorized Leisure World® Specialist, Barbara Michaluk is the Realtor you want to work with if you are thinking of BUYING or SELLING in Leisure World of Maryland.
Are you thinking of Buying or Selling a home in Leisure World of Maryland, an 55+ Active Senior Community in Maryland?
She has all the floor plans and information about all the different type of units from patio homes, hi-rises, garden style and townhouses. Also, she is familiar with all the amenities, special addendums and the whole process. When you are ready to purchase in Leisure World of Maryland, Barbara will negotiate on your behalf.
Her specific knowledge of Leisure World of Maryland will also benefit you when SELLING to ensure you get the best price for your home based on the current market. She will work with you in preparing and staging your home for best exposure to potential buyers. She will work to ensure your home stands out from the many other homes for sale in the Leisure World of Maryland community located in Silver Spring, MD 20906.
Call the agent who offers personal, individual service with integrity for Buying and Selling in a Leisure World of Maryland.
-- ATTENTION Veterans Administration HOME BUYERS --
Barbara has a team of professionals working with her for all your needs. She can recommend a financial lender who can propose mortgage opportunities for her home buyers. Contact her and she'll go over your financing needs and the financing opportunities available.
-- SPECIAL FINANCING FOR BUYERS --
* The stimulus package permits buyers who close on a home prior to December 1, 2009 to take up to $8,000 credit on your 2008 or 2009 tax return. If your taxes are less than $8,000, you can receive the balance in a cash credit. This is real money. However, you MUST close by November 30, 2009.
-- Enjoy The Home Buying Experience --
As a Maryland Agent, Barbara Michaluk, Realtor helps home buyers find homes to buy; new homes in Maryland, resale homes in MD, condominiums, townhouses and single family homes. She covers the areas throughout Maryland. She specializes in the buyer's areas of choice and knows the neighborhoods. As a Buyers Agent in Maryland she helps home buyers find the best resale or new home in your price range and location of choice.
MARYLAND HOME BUYERS will benefit from the experience and dedication of an experienced agent. Barbara Michaluk, Realtor has a depth of understanding of the Maryland real estate market that gives her home buyer clients the benefit of real market experience. She knows the counties. She knows the neighborhoods. As a home buyer, you'll be represented by a buyer's agent who is well trained and has experience in the area of your home search.
Barbara Michaluk, Realtor keeps herself up-to-date on the real estate marke through on-going training to make sure she has the latest information of real estate law, contract forms, market trends, local settlement procedures, developers and builders activities in her areas, government actions that affect real estate sales throughout the Maryland market.
PROPERTY SEARCHES FOR BUYERS
Barbara Michaluk, Realtor can set you up on an automatic email search for properties based on your preferences and you will receive early notice of any homes as they come on the market for sale.
-- PROPERTY TOURS --
Contact Barbara Michaluk to schedule a tour of homes in the location and in the price range of your choice. She will arrange a wonderful tour of homes just for you. If you need to be pre-qualified for price, she can do that in minutes and if you need a mortgage loan officer referral, we can recommend local mortgage companies that specialize in home loans in the area.
-- SEARCH LISTINGS IN MARYLAND --
You may search for homes by county, city, price range, features, waterfront, acreage and more.
-- FORECLOSURES --
Barbara Michaluk, Realtor is experienced selling bank foreclosures. She will always look for the best value for her home buyers. There are about many Foreclosures and bank owned homes for sale in Maryland in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's Count. Barbara is experienced in negotiating with the banks to get the best price for her buyers on foreclosed homes.
FIXER UPPER HOMES FOR REHAB AND HOME IMPROVEMENT IN MARYLAND
ALL THE HOME BUYER NEEDS IS A VISION
To tour fixer upper, foreclosures, vacant homes in need of rehabilitation, call Barbara 240-506-2434.
-- INSPECTIONS --
Barbara Michaluk, Realtor will help you determine what inspections you need and recommend qualified inspection companies for home inspections, radon inspections, buried fuel oil tank inspections, termite inspections, water inspections, well inspections, septic inspections and other types suitable for your choice of home.
-- BUYING A NEW HOME --
Ask Barbara Michaluk, Realtor to search for new homes in Maryland. You will have a Buyer Agent representation to negotiate on your behalf when purchasing a new home.
Home prices differ throughout our real estate area. To discuss a specific county or city home price, demographics or transportation alternatives, call Barbara Michaluk 240-506-2434
-- GET TO KNOW THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IN MARYLAND --
Real Estate values have reduced in the past few years. Sales have slowed down, this has greatly benefited home buyer clients. Price is the determining factor and resale homes have been having a hard time competing with new home builders in Maryland. New Home builders are offering incentives to home buyers. Foreclosures are often priced below market and offer excellent value for our home buyers.
-- LUXURY HOMES IN MARYLAND --
Your confidentiality is maintained throughout the home search. As an experienced luxury home agent she will show you model homes and lots available for luxury homes in the most popular luxury home communities in Potomac, Bethesda and other luxury communities with acreage.
-- NEW HOMES --
Barbara Michaluk, Realtor offers tours of new home sites. Buyers benefit from her knowledge and experience selling new homes. Her services are FREE to home buyers. Builders pay agents for introducing home buyers to their sites. She can help. Call Barbara 240-506-2434
Maryland Home buyers working with Barbara Michaluk, Realtor receive comprehensive and dedicated help from home search to settlement. Navigating the complex real estate contract in Maryland is a challenge and she is experienced and hard working. .
Contact Barbara Michaluk, Realtor for comprehensive Market Reports, MLS listings of homes for sale. She is are ready to take you on a tour of homes and help you from search to settlement. She is ready to help. When experience counts, Barbara Michaluk, buyer's agent will be in your corner.
As your Buyers Agent, she offers her services to home buyers in Maryland from home search to settlement. She also lists homes for sale for her Maryland buyer clients who need to sell a home. She is trained and experienced to monitor financing, inspections and settlement.
HOW MUCH HOME ARE YOU QUALIFIED TO BUY?
She can help you determine your estimated price range. When you are ready for a mortgage company referral, she knows local loan officers who will help you with mortgage types. Not all mortgage companies are alike. Barbara Michaluk, Realtor refers home buyers only to qualified experienced loan officers with direct lenders of major mortgage companies in Maryland.
-- When Experience Counts --
WHO WILL BENEFIT BY WORKING WITH BARBARA MICHALUK AS YOUR AGENT?
Use an Authorized Leisure World® of Maryland Specialist*: 
Discover this very desirable 55+ Active Senior Community of Leisure World of Maryland conveniently located in Montgomery County, Maryland.
There are many benefits of living in Leisure World of Maryland, a private, age-restricted community:
The Leisure World Community was started in September of 1966. The 610 acre parcel is fenced and entry is limited to residents and guests by using any of the three manned gatehouses located on Georgia Avenue (main gate), Norbeck Road and Connecticut Avenue. There are approximately 8,500 people residing in the community which is sub-divided into 29 housing associations which are referred to as mutuals.
The community amenities include an 18-hole golf course, two clubhouses (both indoor and outdoor swimming pools), tennis court, dining facilities, bus transportation (both within the community and to outside shopping centers), a medical center and pharmacy, and complete maintenance services.
A senior community newspaper . . . published the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The newspaper contains a calendar of events along with reports from the general manager, articles and advertisements relating to the 55+ senior community as well as its residents.
Community Amenities include:
Clubhouse1
Clubhouse 2
Includes:
Fitness Center
Auditorium
Computer Center
Community Room
Live Theatre
Indoor Pool
and more...
Contact Barbara Michaluk, Realtor for your own private tour of any home for sale in Leisure World of Maryland or for more information on this attractive community.
*Leisure World® is a registered trademark owned by RRLH, Inc. Barbara Michaluk and www.homeforyouinMD.com are authorized by RRLH, Inc. to use the Leisure World® service trademark.
Barbara Michaluk's integrity, reputation and strong knowledge of the real estate market made her a pleasure to work with for my whole family in buying a home in Montgomery County, MD. We would recommend her to family and friends.
-- Roman and Patricia
Our home buying experience with Barbara Michaluk as our buyer agent was excellent. Her knowledge of the senior community and availability was exactly what we needed to locate and purchase our condo in this 55+ senior gated community.
-- Ronald and Alicia
Barbara, Thanks again for all of your time and amazing knowledge today. We really enjoyed it, and you exceeded our expectations. I am so glad I discovered you on the internet!
Barbara, thanks for helping Sharma and me find this wonderful home. Your knowledge and experience were extremely helpful in every step of the process. We will surely recommend you to our family and friends when they are ready to buy or sell their homes. Barbara, Just a quick word to let you know we appreciate all your help in selling our home in this great senior community in Maryland. Your expert marketing and hard work paid off in getting us a good price in a short time. Everything went so smoothly. Barbara. Thanks for helping us get those repairs done in our home. I know the seller didn't want to do anything. Your persistance and knowledge made the difference. I don't know why anyone would buy a home without their own agent. This taught me a good lesson. Dear Barbara. I don't usually write letters, but in this case I want everyone to know how hard you worked to help me get my home. It's hard when one is out of the country. But, your management of my purchase was admirable. My family and I are very pleased with our home in Gaithersburg. Barbara. Thank you very much for helping my wife and me get our home financed. I didn't believe that anyone would give us a VA loan after the last one. We love our home and we'll be in touch with you when my brother is ready. Barbara This is a long overdue note of thanks for your hard work helping me in finding my home in Bethesda. I never dreamed that an agent could make so much difference. Thanks for setting me straight about the lender and title company. You saved me almost $3,000. I am very happy with my home and, as you said, those tulips bloomed. Barbara. Thank you very much for all of your hard work. Not only did you sell my home but you worked for a solid year to help me find the home for my family. Jen is very happy not working in the city any longer and loves living in the suburbs. I believe we're in our last home until our children are grown, but I'll remember you whenever the word real estate agent is mentioned. Thanks again. . P.S. Thanks for your patience. Barbara, we have our new home and it's everything you said it would be. We're still waiting for a shower part but we love our new home. Please come to our house warming in March. We want to introduce you to our new Maryland friends. Sue loves her new school. She's grown in the past 8 months and loves her new playroom. Thanks again and we'll see you soon. Barbara. Please accept our gratitude for your hard work helping us make our dream come true. The dogs are enjoying the yard every day. Our commute is less than 30 minutes and that's a real improvement over driving from Virginia. Stay in touch and we'll see you in about 5 years. Thanks for guiding us to our wonderful new home Maryland. We appreciate your looking out for our mortgage. Thanks for looking out for us and helping us find exactly when we were searching for and within our budget. You were right--New homes are the best buy. We can't wait to enjoy the neighborhood with our 2 children. Barbara. I am very pleased with our home. Everything is so beautiful. The inspection you recommended was very thorough and saved us money in the long run. Thanks for being there and giving me the information. I believe we have the best buy in Montgomery County. Miss Barbara. We appreciate your help getting us money to help with the closing costs. Your service is so good for first time home buyers like us who needed an experienced agent to explain everything about buying a home Thank you for all your help and patience. Barbara. Thank you for your patience. Barbara. Please accept thanks for helping our son with buying his home. He told us you were very knowledgeable and showed him many condos to choose from. Barbara. You helped us just as you said you would. We love our home and the kids are happy in their new school. The dog is still barking but it's getting better. Yesterday, he caught a bird in the back yard. We love living in Maryland. Come by over the holidays. We have a thank you under the tree for you. Barbara. What would we do without you? We are very happy with our new home. Our daughter loves it that she didn't have to change schools. We'll be in touch in a couple of years when we buy our dream home. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my dream home. Not only do my children and I have a home now, so does my pets. The mower works fine and I'm in heaven. Barbara. We are so pleased with our home we cannot begin to thank you. Your attention to detail was amazing. I knew when I read your info on the internet that we had an agent that knew what she was doing and you proved that throughout the whole deal.
-John
I would like to thank you for the great service you offered in helping us find a home that we love. Barbara came with several suggested locations on the first day we met. Although I had thoroughly researched sales on the internet, Barbara's knowledge of the area was invaluable. Barbara's intimate knowledge of the community was what led us to the location. We had no intention of settling on a place immediately, but we found exactly what we wanted after just a short time of looking.
During negotiations and contract preparation, Barbara assisted us all aspects of the deal. She also referred us to a lender who offered excellent financing. The result was that we were exceptionally pleased with all aspects of our purchase experience.
- Ken and Joan
- Josh and Melinda
- Robert and Lauren
--Sean
-Paula and Steve
-George and Linda
-John
-Barry and Jen
-Mark and Sue
-Joe and Deb
--Karen and Ron
Thanks again. -Mike and Jennifer
--Jose and Yolanda
-Mr. and Mrs. L.
-Lynn
-Jessica & Josh
-Jane
-Mary
-Jason and Margaret
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