Original Source: NYC Bus to Bethesda
There are now two bus lines that go directly from mid-town NYC to downtown Bethesda, MD. They are cheap, convenient, fast, and mostly quite pleasant. And the good news is you don't have to schlep to catch the often delayed train, nor do you have to contend with driving on 95, which always leaves me a little harried. I love it. Another great thing...even if you're final destination is in DC, as long as you are headed somewhere along the red line/Metro, it might even save you some time.
I've taken a few trips on the Vamoose Line. They take reservations. The trip takes about 4 hours to Bethesda (4.5 if you're headed to Arlington). They have about 9 buses heading from NYC to Bethesda/Arlington on the weekends, and about 3-6 departures Monday-Thursday. It'll cost you $30 each way. If you sign up for their frequent traveler program and travel 4 times, the 5th ride is free. The bus will drop you off at 7409 Waverly Street in Bethesda... steps from the Bethesda Metro. If you feel like splurging, they also offer a gold line for the promise of 50% more leg room and wider, leather seats. It'll run you $50 for the fancy bus. Buses leave from the corner of 7th Avenue and 30th Street. Line up is along side the Bagel Maven Cafe. The bus will make one pit stop along the way, where you can grab a sandwich and stretch your legs (Update... caught the bus in December 2010 and no pit stop was made... not sure if it's a change to the service, or the individual bus? Be warned).
A second option is also available... the Tripper Bus. While I have no first-hand experience with this line, my friends do rave about it. Trips are a little cheaper, starting at $25. There is also the option of paying a lot less (supposedly trips start at $1), but I don't know how it works. I'll leave you to fend for yourself. Buses run with less frequency than Vamoose, but not by much. They offer the same frequent traveler program. Monday-Friday from 8-6:30pm buses depart on 7th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets, right in front of FootAction. On Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and after 6:30pm M-F, buses depart from 151 W. 34th Street between 7th and Broadway on the Macy's side of the street. Bethesda buses land at 4801 Edgemoor Lane, right near Old Georgetown Road and La Madeleine restaurant, also steps from Metro.
Click here for location of Bethesda bus stops.
You can charge your cell phone along the way, and your computer as well.
Hey- if you're heading to Bethesda to look into a new job or even a new home, give me a call or send me an e-mail. I've been selling property in the area for over 10 years. I'd love to get you started on your house hunt. And if you care to learn a bit more about Bethesda and surrounding areas, you might want to check out the following articles: B-CC Cluster Schools and 2010 Real Estate Statistics for Bethesda, Chevy Chase and DC
Happy trails.
Original Source: AU Park/Tenleytown 20016 Market Report- December 2010
In December of 2010 there were 35 homes that closed within the month for zip code 20016 in the District of Columbia (AU Park/Tenleytown/ Palisades). This was an increase of 0 units, as there were 35 homes that closed in December of 2009.
The average list price for homes that closed in December 2009 was $1,409,317. The average list price for homes that closed in December 2010 was $840,783.
The average sale price for the homes that closed in December 2009 was $1,297,900. The average sale price for the homes that closed in December 2010 was $796,495.
The average Days on Market for homes that closed in December 2009 was 75 days. The average Days on Market for homes that closed in December 2010 was 82 days.
17 homes went under contract in 20016 DC in the month of December 2010. The average list price of homes that went under contract was $705,171. The average Days on Market for these 20016 DC homes was 85 days.
January – December 2008 & 2009 Market Statistics for 20016 DC
In 20016 DC for the period of January to December 2008 there were 408 properties sold. In 20016 DC for the period of January to December 2009 there were 419 properties sold.
In 20016 DC for the period of January to December 2008 the average list price was $892,975, the average sales price was $814,681 and the average Days on Market was 61.5 days.
In 20016 DC for the period of January to December 2009 the average list price was $894,284, the average sales price was $843,916 and the average Days on Market was 76 days.
There certainly was a big swing between '09 and '10, but a one expensive house can skew the numbers, as it did in 2009. In all of 2010 there were 406 sales with an average list price of $879,962 and an average sales price of $834,500. Prices were down 1.1% from 2009. Days on market improved from 76 to 63 in 2010. There are currently 116 active listings in 20016 with the lowest priced listing starting at $145,000 and the highest at $5,000,000 (for 1.5 acres on Chain Bridge Road).
November Report
October Report
September Report
August Report
Original Source: Chevy Chase, DC 20015 Market Report- December 2010
In December of 2010 there were 3 homes that closed within the month for 20015 Chevy Chase, DC. There were 16 homes that closed in December of 2009.
The average list price for homes that closed in December 2009 was $919,419. The average list price for homes that closed in December 2010 was $1,125,000.
The average sale price for the homes that closed in December 2009 was $884,147. The average sale price for the homes that closed in December 2010 was $1,071,667.
The average Days on Market for homes that closed in December 2009 was 43 days. The average Days on Market for homes that closed in December 2010 was 10 days.
4 homes went under contract in 20015 Chevy Chase, DC in the month of December 2010. The average list price of homes that went under contract was $783,225. The average Days on Market for these 20015 Chevy Chase, DC homes was 52 days.
January – December 2008 & 2009 Market Statistics for 20015 Chevy Chase, DC
In 20015 Chevy Chase, DC for the period of January to December 2008 there were 165 properties sold. In 20015 Chevy Chase, DC for the period of January to December 2009 there were 184 properties sold.
In 20015 Chevy Chase, DC for the period of January to December 2008 the average list price was $944,780, the average sales price was $902,340 and the average Days on Market was 59.7 days.
In 20015 Chevy Chase, DC for the period of January to December 2009 the average list price was $890,522, the average sales price was $842,155 and the average Days on Market was 65.1 days.
It's pretty hard to make sweeping generalizations about the Chevy Chase, DC market when only 3 homes sold in December, and a mere 4 homes went under contract in the same month. Not much to go on. For all of 2010, however, the 20015 sales numbered 189 with an average asking price of $855,775 and an average sales price of $834,500. This is down 1.1% from 2009. The good news is that sellers received 97% of their asking price, vs. 94.5% in 2009. That's a difference of $21,275 on an $855,775 listing... not too shabby. Days on market reduced from 65 days to 50 days in 2010. I'd say the market is looking up.
November Report
October Report
September Report
August Report
Original Source: Bethesda 20817 Market Report- December 2010
In December of 2010 there were 27 homes that closed within the month for 20817 Bethesda, Maryland. This was a decrease from 2009, as there were 35 homes that closed in December of that year.
The average list price for homes that closed in December 2009 was $1,099,318. The average list price for homes that closed in December 2010 was $897,481.
The average sale price for the homes that closed in December 2009 was $994,571. The average sale price for the homes that closed in December 2010 was $827,079.
The average Days on Market for homes that closed in December 2009 was 103 days. The average Days on Market for homes that closed in December 2010 was 77 days.
15 homes went under contract in 20817 Bethesda in the month of December 2010. The average list price of homes that went under contract was $873,753. The average Days on Market for these 20817 Bethesda homes was 81 days.
January – December 2008 & 2009 Market Statistics for 20817 Bethesda, MD
In 20817 Bethesda, MD for the period of January to December 2008 there were 396 properties sold. In 20817 Bethesda, MD for the period of January to December 2009 there were 432 properties sold.
In 20817 Bethesda, MD for the period of January to December 2008 the average list price was $1,049,400, the average sales price was $967,839 and the average Days on Market was 80.9 days.
In 20817 Bethesda, MD for the period of January to December 2009 the average list price was $919,361, the average sales price was $839,526 and the average Days on Market was 89.24 days.
December turned out to be a busy little month with 27 settled transactions and 15 contracts. While sellers received 90.4% of their original asking price in 2009, that number improved to 92.1% in 2010. Not a huge improvement, but a step in the right direction. There are currently 111 active listings in 20817 Bethesda- a bit more than other zip codes. Half the listings have been on the market for over 100 days.
November Report
October Report
September Report
August Report
Original Source: East Bethesda -Homes for Sale 1/7/2011
All the homes in this article are currently for sale within East Bethesda. The top of the list features the newest listings, while the bottom showcases those that have been on the market for quite some time. I'll be updating this post every Friday, so be sure to check back to see what's new, what's gone, & what might be coming (and check out the date up top... if it's not current, neither is this information!). I've lived in East Bethesda for over 15 years. I've sold real estate in East Bethesda for over 11 years. I know it like the back of my hand. While all of this information is available to you on the various search engines, I've taken the time to inject my opinion on the condition, pricing, and likelihood of each property selling... or not. I hope you'll give me a call if you have any questions. I have loved living here over the years, and I want to share it with other enthusiastic people!
This week we've had two properties withdraw from the market. Sometimes sellers/agents do this so that they can re-list three months later and look like a new listing again. It takes 3-months for the clock to "reset" on the MLS. We've also added one new listing to the East Bethesda ma market, and had one price reduction.
4620 S. Chelsea, $789,000
This cute Cape was on the market back in 2005. Boy, what a difference. The house has been cleaned up and given a bit of a face lift, and it's looking pretty good. The kitchen, while dated, opens up to a good sized, sun-drenched family room which opens to a deck. While it's advertised as a 5BR house, two of 'em are a bit funky (one "L" shaped, the other with two entries). Still, it's clean, inviting, and will appeal to those who want a close-in home with lots of rooms. A second bath on the upper level would help. Days on Market: 0 
4713 N. Chelsea Lane, $699,000
Wow. I just love this house. Sun drenched, freshly painted cape cod home within walking distance of NIH and metro. 2BR/1FB on second floor, and another 1BR/1FB on the main level. Refinished floors. Fire place. 1-car garage. New patio. Small, updated kitchen. 1st floor addition/family room, but it's pretty tiny. Very decent and recent price reduction of $50K. Days on Market: 58
4400 Chestnut Street, $1,699,000
Lovely house with lots of Texas charm. Pretty front porch, perched up high so you can sit back and watch the world go by. Corner lot. 6 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. 2-car garage. Fenced yard. Radiant heated floors in master bath. Very fancy. Enthusiastic price. Recent price drop of $96,000. Days on Market: 91
4608 Harling Lane, $699,000
Pretty little cape cod on a pretty little block, steps from downtown Bethesda. Needs a lot of updating. Has a separate 2-story garage with office space (and a bathroom) on the second level. Large basement. There's plenty of potential. Days on Market: 92
4717 N. Chelsea Lane, $1,689,000
Right now it's just a bit of framing, but eventually this will be the first PASSIVE house in the metro area. A passive house is so energy efficient that it saves an average 90% of HVAC energy of a standard home. Cool. 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths & 1 half bath. Days on Market: 101
4306 Chestnut Street, $1,749,000
This one hasn't been built yet. There are additional home designs available that can work the price down to $1,600,000. Built by Georgetown Development. Beautiful block. Shady, large trees. Fabulous location. No photo available. Days on Market: 217
4608 W. Virginia Avenue, $1,000,000
This house is really different. It consists of a lovely bungalow, originally built in 1923, along with a sizable addition, which serves as a studio/office. The bungalow is inviting, though dated. The kitchen is older, but the house and garden ooze charm. The addition in the back, which is connected to the bungalow portion of the house by a corridor just off the kitchen, is large and cavernous, and also quite nice. It features a separate entrance off of the driveway, a full bath, a large studio, and a second floor office- quite large. It's not obvious how to incorporate this space into the bungalow... they really do function as separate quarters. Perfect for someone in need of a home office. Very buyer specific. Days on Market: 241
4514 Maple Avenue, @ $1,550,000
This is a property not yet available on the MLS, and in the beginning stages of building. Delivery is expected in Spring 2011. It will have 6 bedrooms and 5.5 baths, and sits on a lot that measures 6,000 square feet. For more information and floor plans, give me a call. Days on Market: unavailable
If you like East Bethesda, you might enjoy reading some of my other posts:
Top 10 Reasons to Live in East Bethesda
East Bethesda School Guide
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Helping buyers and sellers in Bethesda/Chevy Chase and DC. Fabulously organized. Locally knowledgeable. Cool under pressure. Connected. Please call me if you're looking to buy or sell in 2011.
I've been selling houses in Bethesda, Chevy Chase and DC for 12+ years, though I've long been immersed in the world of real estate. My mother was an agent, and in fact, co-owned Chambers-Cross, a real estate office in the Chicago suburbs (Winnetka).
My area of expertise is concentrated in Bethesda/Chevy Chase, where I live, though I'm well versed in the overall DC market. I'm actively involved in the community and schools, having served as membership coordinator for the East Bethesda Citizens Association, and a two-year term as PTA Co-president at Chevy Chase Elementary School. In 2011-12 I'll serve as co-vice president for Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School PTSA. What was I thinking? I've got great contacts and a wealth of information about and throughout the region.
I work with new buyers, old buyers, repeat buyers, short sale buyers... These days most people can find their future home of choice on-line. My job is to help you sort through all of the minutia involved in buying a house: figuring out local comparables, transportation, restaurants, schools, and most importantly, financing, home inspections & contract negotiation. It's my job to help you get the best house for the best price. It can take a week. It can take a year. I'm with you every step of the way.
I also work with all sorts of sellers (condos, houses, down-sizers, up-sizers, estate sales, out-of-town sellers and those just plain leaving town!).. The key to my success has been in my extensive familiarity with the DC region and my complete devotion to detail. I work with an in-house graphic designer and photographer, so your house is always shown in the best possible light- both on-line and through our gorgeous brochures. I can offer a variety of inexpensive staging options for furnished or un-furnished homes. And I'll preview your home and make suggestions for improving various elements enabling you to position yourself to get top dollar. I advertise not only through print media (The Post, the Washingtonian, etc) but through a variety of social media including the Multiple Listing Service, Craigs List, Realtor.com, Zillow, Redfin, and my own website: bccdcRealEstate.com
Buying and selling property in Bethesda/Chevy Chase/DC need not be an angst-ridden event. With the right agent to guide you through the process, it can, in fact, be quite enjoyable. And while I'm laid-back with my clients, I'm rather fierce when it comes to negotiating on their behalf.
If you're in the market for a home in Bethesda, or have a home to sell in Chevy Chase, or DC, give me a call.
Here's why: I'm professional, organized, keep you in the loop on a daily (and sometimes hourly) basis, and have a wonderful roster of past and present clients. I know the schools, transportation, running trails, dog parks, restaurants, sports leagues, neighborhood clubs/pools, etc... I've got a long list of tried and true vendors who provide me (and you) with assistance on mortgages, inspections, home repairs, landscaping, under-ground oil tanks, mold remediation.... you name it! I can walk you forward and backward through a contract. I've got great connections AND I'm connected. Check out my BLOG at: www.bccdcRealEstate.com
I take pride in knowing the ins and outs of the Bethesda, Chevy Chase and DC real estate world. And with 11+ years experience in real estate, I've weathered every kind of market... the good, the bad and the recently complicated. I have first hand experience with what it's like to be an investor/landlord, and I have experience with bank sales. I enjoy doing the research required to thoroughly know my markets.
I take my job very seriously. And I love it! I'm happy to say that the bulk of my business comes from past clients and by the way of referrals. To me, that's the ultimate compliment.
If you're new to the Bethesda, Chevy Chase or DC market, you might care to check out some of the articles below (also found on my website). They are full of practical information along with local market trends:
2010 Wrap Up (for Bethesda, Chevy Chase and DC)
How to get from "Under Contract" to "Closed" in 11 (sometimes) Easy Steps
Asking Price vs. Selling Price
How to Avoid the Inspection Jitters
House Hunting Wish List: tips to help you figure it all out
Mortgage Don'ts
BCC Cluster Schools
Whitman Cluster Schools
10 Common Selling Myths
Selling an Estate in Bethesda, MD
When Part of the Job is NOT making the Sale
Walk to Bethesda Metro
Walk to NIH/Medical Center Metro
My husband and I worked with Marcie to purchase a single family home in Bethesda. Having worked with almost a half dozen realtors in the past ten years (bought and sold two other properties), we highly recommend Marcie as a knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professional.
Our main criterion for selecting an agent was expertise in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase market as we were looking for a house within walking distance of a Bethesda-area metro stop. Marcie did not disappoint! Her extensive knowledge of the characteristics of the various neighborhoods and the quality and value of the housing options within the neighborhoods were invaluable in setting our expectations and helping us buy the best house for us. Marcie is easy to talk to and is a good listener, which ended up being critical for us as she found us our house before it officially went on the market.
Marcie’s experience and professionalism really shine when it comes to getting from the contract to the closing. For us, the process was almost painless with Marcie. She was always on top of the deadlines and details, she negotiated title company fees on our behalf, and she took care of several items that were not her responsibility but made life easier for us (for example, arranging for the removal of the freezer left behind by the seller).
Marcie’s dedication to real estate and to her clients goes beyond the transaction at hand. She has generously shared with us many of her contacts: from hardwood flooring vendors to pediatricians. And her website and blog continue to provide us with useful information about Bethesda and the surrounding community.
Marcie has an easy-going personality and is a pleasure to work with. We highly recommend her to home buyers.
-Rosemary & John, 2011 Purchasers
I am pleased to write a review about Marcie Sandalow. I was a first time home buyer and found Marcie on the internet while I was inquiring about a property. Though I ended up not pursuing that particular listing, Marcie suggested we still meet and I could give her my wish lists for a home. She was extremely flexible and was able to show me several properties around my schedule. Being from the area, Marcie has extensive knowledge about the Washington, DC metro area, and has many great connections in financing and home repairs. Once I found the property I knew I wanted to pursue, Marcie was very diligent and thorough in making sure I got what I wanted. Not to mention, she showed me the property several times at my request so I could make sure it was perfect. I really felt that she was looking out for my best interests during and after the sell. I would recommend Marcie to anyone looking to purchase a house from a first time home buyer to a veteran.
Melanie A. (Washington, DC), 2011 Purchaser
We worked with Marcie to sell our house. We really enjoyed the experience (as much as you can enjoy selling your house). We felt well matched with her. She was easy to work with, well organized and personable. We were confident in her knowledge of our neighborhood. We agreed with the price range that she suggested and sold the house in just a few days. One of the most important factors for us in choosing someone was their integrity. Marcie has a great reputation in our neighborhood and we felt like she was following good business practices and treating us fairly. We would freely recommend her to anyone who asks.
Heather & Greg, 2010 Sellers
I have been a real estate owner and investor in the DC area for ten years. I’ve worked with several agents, but always keep coming back to Marcie. She has several qualities that make her both an excellent agent and a pleasure to work with.
First, Marcie treats your priorities as her own. This is a rare quality among real estate agents as most of them frankly are after a commission and don’t make their decisions based on the client’s needs and wants. Marcie in contrast makes important decisions (such as recommendations for offering price) based on what the client’s bottom line priorities are.
Second, Marcie is patient and has a pleasant personality. This is important because real estate transactions can often be somewhat of an emotional roller coaster and its good if someone on the team is grounded and willing to deal with the back and forth of the shopping process. Buying or selling real estate can take a long time, and it’s a real bonus to work with someone who is likable.
Third, Marcie is organized, efficient and follows through. The process of buying or selling real estate in DC often has a lot of moving parts, for example you need to draw up lists of open houses to visit, often there is a need to coordinate with four or five different individuals or organizations (buyers, sellers, agents, bankers, closing attorneys, inspectors, contractors, etc.). Marcie is also great about keeping her word. If she says something will get taken care of it, it gets taken care of. No need to monitor or follow up, she gets the job done and moves the deal forward.
Fourth, Marcie works with a good outfit. Evers and Company is a good real estate agency with a great reputation for honesty and excellent service. This is important because there are synergies that come along with working for a better company – for example you get more local knowledge about which properties have problems, which closing attorneys are to be avoided, where good deals can be found, etc. This is important for reducing the overall amount of stress in the transaction as well as maximizing your profit and minimizing your hassles.
All in all I give Marcie an A+. Give her a call, you won’t regret it.
-James H., Multiple Purchaser and Seller 1999-Present
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