Pam Canova (Realtor®) Mount Airy, Md.

Kensington Market Report

During the last month, 10 properties sold in the city of Kensington. The average price of these units was $646,981. Median number of bedrooms was 4 while bathrooms averaged 2 per unit. Surprisingly, days on market averaged 63 days, or a little over 2 months. The average year built was 1960 for the 10 units, while the average square footage came in at 7,153.

The most expensive home sold for about $1,145,000 whereas the least expensive sold for $212,000. One home went under contract in only 5 days, and it sold for over $1 million.

The most popular style of architecture was rambler/rancher (5), followed by the colonial (2). Also included were the cape cod and certain contemporary models. The majority of the units had 3 bedrooms (6), followed by 4 bedrooms (3), and one 6 bedroom model.

Mt. Airy Market Report

Only two properties sold in Mt. Airy during the past month. Both sold in the $300's and had 4 bedrooms and 2 to 2.5 baths. Both gave seller concessions: $9,600 and $5,000, respectively. One property was on 2.2 acres and the other was a little under one acre. The exact prices (sold) were $320,000 and $385,000. The second property had a lot of upgrades, such as a newer kitchen and beautifully landscaped back yard.

Several factors may account for the slower market during the last month, including holidays and inclement weather.

Introduction to Kensington 101

I have always liked Kensington for many reasons. First of all, there is the Mormon Temple, which is exquisite and fun to visit, especially around Christmas time. Secondly, there are the antique shops. If you enjoy shopping for antiques, you will have a ball in Kensington. Thirdly, I have belonged for many years to the Kenmont Swim and Tennis Club. For a very reasonable price, you can enjoy swimming laps, freestyling it in the general pool, or dousing your baby in the kiddie pool. Just make sure that diaper is airtight, ok? There is a large picnic area with jungle gyms and tether ball. But I digress. (Sorry, I get a little carried away about the Kenmont Club-see separate blog post). Fourthly (I think), Kensington is near Westfield Shopping Mall, or, if you prefer a more upscale (and more expensive) mall, White Flint. Furthermore (hey I lost count), Kensington boasts a very active volunteer fire department. Who doesn't like a good firefighter? Come on.

Real estate is prodigious in Kensington. You can find anything you want at about any price you want. Seriously, check out my latest market report. Prices range from $199,000 to $1,999,999. ( Hey, they got it under $2 mil, what do you want?) You want a two bedroom, you got it. How about a large 6-bedroom mansion? Provided you've got the goods, that baby is all yours. Everything, from the oldest to the old to new construction. We have it all in Kensington. What's not to like? Come and see. Let's check out some properties together. Come on, it'll be fun. What else have you got to do today? Feeling bored, bug a realtor. Remember, you heard it here first.

Monthly Market Report for Kensington, Maryland

Real estate is alive and well in Kensington, Maryland. One reason may be that Kensington offers a wide variety of dwellings at a wide variety of prices; presently 39 active properties ranging in price from $199,000 to $1,999,999-that's right we're under 2 mil here so no complaints, right? The average price for these properties is $666,469; average number of bedrooms is 4; average number of baths is 3.5. Days on market range from 3 to 830. Wow! That's quite a difference, isn't it? The oldest house was built in 1898; the newest in 2010-average year built is 1961, so it is an older community generally, which gives it a lot of charm and character.

Starting with the two-bedroom homes, four currently grace the market, with price tags ranging from $199,000 to $765,000. Average year built was 1951. The pricier property has 2 full baths and 1 half bath. It also has a lot of 19,784 square feet. Average square footage for this group of homes comes in at 9,868, with the smallest having 5,885. Days on market range from 25 to 87.

Three bedroom homes in Kensington, as elsewhere are very popular. As of this date, there are currently 13 three-bedroom homes listed in Kensington. Prices range from $259,900 to $899,900, with the average coming in at $565,700. The oldest three-bedroom was built in 1941, while the newest was constructed in 1979. Days on market range from 3 to 830. Baths? You can have a one-bath model all the way up to one with four. If you want lots of square footage, and your checkbook can afford it, go with the 19,756 lot size at $899,900; however if you would rather economize, try the lesser bobka at $259,900. It's all good.

Now on to the four bedrooms. Ready? You can own a four-bedroom home in the swingin' town of Kensington for $364,900! No kidding, and you might be able to get it for less if you know a good realtor (ahem). Now if you just have to own the top-of-the-line Mercedes of the four BR's, how about the little number on Baltimore St. For $1,150,000. Or perhaps you might like a middle of the road approach. There are 4 homes offered in the $399-$487,000 range. Pretty reasonable for what you get. Two homes are offered for $699,000+, both in Chevy Chase View and both colonials. Baths range from 2 to 4.5. Days on market from 3 to 112. Interested? You should be.

How about a five- bedroom home? I used to own one. It was nice. But enough about me. In Kensington, you can own a five-bedroom home for, get ready, $305,000. I have almost talked myself into buying one. Now grant you, I would rather have the $980,000 model with 16,860 square feet of land, and built in 2010 (are we seeing a pattern here), but oh, well. I can only come up with about-never mind, too much information. The most ancient property was built in 1947, and you already know about the newest (you do, too). Average price of these homes is $674,688, and days on market range from 3 to 610. How's that for variety?

Now for the really sexy homes, the six bedroom ones. All were built in 2008 and all have 6 bedrooms, 9 baths (no I'm not kidding). Why does anyone need all of those bathrooms? Well you only have 7 full bathrooms, the other 2 are half baths. Days on market for all two of them are 571 and the list prices are $1,600,000 and $1,999,999. I think you can figure the average price out for yourself, and if you have that much money, you shouldn't care, but be sure to call me if you want to buy either one. I'm sure we can work something out. (Just kidding).

Th, th, th, that's all folks. Until next month, that is. See ya.

Kenmont Swim Club, Kensington, Maryland

I have belonged to the Kenmont Swim and Tennis Club since my children were in grade school. They are now young adults. The reason I have belonged, and continue to belong, is that it is the best deal around and is just a delightful place to spend a summer afternoon. The location is ideal, right next to the Westfield Mall, but well hidden in a copse of trees. One can take tennis lessons, play basketball, or just swim in one of the two (three if you count the baby pool) well maintained pools. The lifeguards are college students, usually sons or daughters of the members, who have the summer off and they are very well supervised. They do a great job.

The club has regular organized activities: dances, barbeques, pool parties, "raft night"; and they are well attended. The culminating activity is the potluck Labor Day picnic where one can get some really good homemade food. The Club is very child-friendly with a separate picnic and play area containing swings, jungle gyms, and tether ball. Adjacent to it is a baby pool, surrounded by trees. The clubhouse contains a ping pong table and a snack bar run by a kind older gentleman who charges next to nothing for the drinks and snacks.

The swim team is very active and successful. They practice several times a week before the pool opens. The price to join is very reasonable, considering all of the perks, and well worth the cost. Just another great feature of the lovely community of Kensington.