Author: Marcie Sandalow

Why we love Compass Concierge!

Marcie Sandalow Kit Houses ,

Concierge lets you easily prepare your home for sale by fronting the cost of home improvement services like staging, painting and more. Let us help you sell your home faster and for more money.

No hidden fees, no interest charged—ever.

BEFORE
AFTER

Strategic

Your Compass agent will work with you to determine which services will help sell your home.

Efficient

The entire process is designed for speed, so that work can begin—and your home can sell—as soon as possible.

Simple

Your agent will be by your side throughout the process, advising you along the way.

Clear

You’ll never have to worry about hidden costs or interest fees: just repay the money spent upon closing.

Exclusive to Compass, our Concierge program is among a suite of services designed to prepare your home for the market. Whether it’s roofing repairs, painting, moving and storage costs, or additional needs, your Compass agent will work with you to assess every opportunity to elevate your home’s value and improve your selling experience. 

Once the necessary improvements have been determined, Compass will cover all upfront costs, collecting payment for the services rendered at the time of the property’s closing. By investing in your home’s potential, we aim to provide a swifter, more profitable sale.

Are there any services not covered by the program?

Our goal is for Concierge to help as many clients as possible. The program is intentionally flexible; we’ve developed Concierge to be used with most vendors for your convenience.

What costs are associated with Compass Concierge?

Compass will invoice you during or post-closing for the total cost of work covered through the program, and nothing more. There is no added cost for participating or interest owed to the company.

How can I find out if I qualify for the program?

Easy! Call your Compass agent today to discuss eligibility.F

Marcie Sandalow 301-758-4894 Marcie@Compass.com

Catarina Bannier 202-487-7177 Catarina@Compass.com

East Bethesda Beauty

Marcie Sandalow Homes For Sale , , ,

Please join us for our first open house this Sunday, May 5 from 1-4pm.

4705 Maple Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814

Get ready to fall in love with this lovely home offering 1920s charm and character and 21st century amenities. The custom architect-designed 3-story addition provides beautiful spaces and lots of light. This well-thought out home has it all: gracious formal rooms, a generous open kitchen and family room, cozy corners, three fireplaces, and gorgeously designed outdoor spaces. The lot measures 9,000+ s.f. with a deck, patio, front porch, off-street parking, a gazebo and a water feature.You’re steps from downtown Bethesda, shopping, dining and entertainment. WalkScore rates this superb location a 90 (“Walker’s Paradise”), and the Bethesda Metro station is just 0.5 miles away.

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4911 Chevy Chase Boulevard, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Marcie Sandalow Homes For Sale , ,

Set on a quiet street just steps from Norwood Park, this brick colonial is close to downtown Bethesda and Friendship Heights. The unassuming exterior belies a bright and expansive interior space. 

The entry leads to an extensive kitchen/family room addition with southern exposures. In the front of the home, a charming living room with wood-burning fireplace opens to a formal dining room. Back in the addition, skylights, a vaulted ceiling and an arched gable transom bring in light and connect to the outdoors – a spacious, level fenced back yard with a patio. The kitchen has a large island and an abundance of cabinets. All first floor hardwoods have been newly refinished. Upstairs on the second level you’ll find a renovated hall bath along with two good size bedrooms. There is also a third room which can serve as an office or nursery. The third floor owner’s suite features a full bath, bedroom  and ample attic storage. 

The lower level is unfinished but freshly painted and houses the washer/dryer and a full bath.  It was formerly home to some pretty fierce ping-pong competitions!

Offered at $1,099,000

Open Saturday, March 6 from 2-4pm and Sunday, March 7 from 1-4pm.

For more photos go to: bit.ly/4911-Chevy-Chase

East Bethesda Cape Cod

Marcie Sandalow Homes For Sale , , ,

4545 South Chelsea Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814

Arguably the prettiest cottage on the block, this 1930s brick Cape Cod resides in the Glenbrook Village section of East Bethesda. Walk to Metro (NIH Medical Center/Red Line is 0.7 miles), downtown Bethesda, Walter Reed, parks, hundreds of shops and restaurants, Harris Teeter and Starbucks. Walk Score® gives it a 74, which means most errands can be done on foot.

The newly renovated kitchen features stainless appliances, quartz countertops and a spacious butler’s pantry. It opens to a sunny, separate dining room. The living room has a wood burning fireplace and is open to a comfortable family/TV room (which the sellers are willing to return to its original bedroom layout upon request). A bedroom and a full bath complete the first level.

Upstairs you’ll find a generous bedroom running the entire width of the house, a walk-in-closet, a dressing room (currently used as a home office)  and a full bath.

The basement provides a spacious recreation room, a third full bath with a jetted tub,  a work shop/utility room, a guest room with a pull-down Murphy bed and a laundry room with an exit to the side yard.  The verdant outdoor space oozes with charm. The back yard features a raised deck, ample seating and dining spaces, a built-in hot tub, swing, large patio and a shed. There is private off-street parking.

Click here for more photos.

Open Sunday, April 14 from 1-4pm.

Offered at $799,000

For more information contact:

Marcie Sandalow/Compass 301-758-4894 or Marcie@Compass.com
or
Catarina Bannier/Compass 202-487-7177 or Catarina@Compass.com

6BR/3.5BA in Cleveland Park

Marcie Sandalow Homes For Sale , , , ,

3711 Idaho Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016

Classic 1920’s brick colonial in a lovely Cleveland Park setting. Light and bright, this expanded house offers abundant space throughout. The 2006 renovation/addition added amazing tree-top views from the third floor, a large master bedroom and a sunny family/breakfast room. The living room overlooks the front of the house with park views. The spacious dining room can seat a large party. The open kitchen offers a variety of stainless appliances (Bosch, Kitchen Aid & Dacor) and granite counter tops. The basement provides great overflow space with a recreation, exercise, laundry and storage rooms. There is a car port in the back along with a handsome stone patio. The yard was professionally landscaped and maintained, and even though the season doesn’t show it to its advantage right now, it’s lush and handsomely done. Sidwell Friends is just around the corner. Shopping, groceries and restaurants are a 3-block stroll. Metro is 0.8 miles, though buses to downtown DC can be found on Wisconsin Avenue. The house resides within the boundaries of the Cleveland Park Club which has a pool and party facilities.

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First Open House: Sunday, February 17 from 1-4pm.

Offered at $1,895,000

Spring Sale? Steps to Take This Winter.

Marcie Sandalow Sellers , , , ,

It may seem like a long way away, but the spring market is just around the corner. In recent years, the hottest time in DC real estate has typically started not long after New Year’s. New listings start coming on by February, and the numbers grow in volume as spring progresses. But just because the market is undersupplied doesn’t mean that sellers can command any price or fail to prepare their house for sale. Not if they want the best price possible AND a quick sale. 

First of all, consider your situation. What are your priorities?  Money? Speed? Rent back? Sell before you buy? Work on the house? Do nothing? Timing? All of these items can impact the way a home is ultimately marketed and sold and should be discussed in full with your agent. 

As a seller, you get to decide on the condition of the “product” while your agent controls the marketing. Together, we team to sell the listing. Sometimes it involves some hefty tweaking of the property itself (revamped bathrooms, walls moved, new windows, etc). Other properties might require just cosmetic stuff (decluttering, minor landscaping or paint). There’s no right or wrong approach.  A lot of it depends on your budget, your tolerance for upheaval and construction, and timing. We recommend that you consult with a realtor early on to help prioritize your “to-do” list. 

Investing in physical improvements to a home can increase its sale price dramatically, but many clients aren’t able to spend that money. With Compass Concierge, we can now fund the cosmetic services that will increase the value of your property – staging, repairs, cleaning, landscaping- and when your home sells, you’ll simply add that amount (and nothing more) to the commission.

If you are concerned about the state of your aging home, you might consider hiring an inspector for a pre-listing inspection. We do NOT usually recommend this approach (ask us why!!). We do understand, however, that sometimes it’s better to take care of known issues now when you control the terms and the timing than to have them become a negotiating point when you are on the market. Plus, you get bragging rights for the repair/replacement. 

The next step is to start thinking like a buyer. What was it that attracted you to it in the first place? How is the neighborhood? These impressions once shared with your agent, can help with marketing. Be sure to tour other houses in the neighborhood. See how they are presented and how quickly they take to go under contract (we’ve got a great tool to help you keep up with this information). Follow up and see what price they got in the end. It all helps shape a strategy for your own home. 

December may have just begun, but February is just around the corner. If you’re looking to hit the market running in the Spring, then a Winter call is in order! We’d love to help. 

 

Victorian Perfection, Down to a T

Marcie Sandalow Homes For Sale , , , ,

1509 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Offered at $1,395,000

First Open House:  Sunday, September 2 from 1-4pm

Situated in the Greater U-Street Historic District (and simultaneously located within the boundaries of Dupont), this stately Victorian home resides in a thriving, ever-dynamic neighborhood on a tree-lined street within blocks of “everything”!

Feel the substance and grace of life in the 19th century while enjoying the ease and comforts of the 21st. The U-Street and 14th Street corridors offer everything from superb dining and night life, stylish shopping & health clubs to supermarkets, caffeine and other every-day needs.

In the home itself, a tiled foyer leads to a deep reception hall, offering a traditional yet semi-open floor plan with a bay-front living room, large dining room, coat closet, powder room and eat-in kitchen on the first floor. Access to the backyard and patio provide lovely flow for entertaining.

On the upper two floors, find a total of five gracious bedrooms and two full, renovated baths with ample closet space. The master bathroom features a jetted tub, dual vanities, a separate toilet enclosure and a separate shower. Gallery lighting on the third floor showcases your art work, and green vistas in all directions make for a tranquil atmosphere.

Radiator heat and two-zone central air conditioning guarantee comfort in all seasons. The unfinished basement offers ample storage along with a laundry room, a separate exit and lots of future potential. And with a parking space in back–secured by remote-controlled gate–you’ll never have to worry about coming home late.

For more information contact:

Catarina Bannier 202-487-7177 or Catarina@Compass.com
or
Marcie Sandalow 301-758-4894 or Marcie@Compass.com

Baby Boomer Bust?

Marcie Sandalow Market Statistics and Updates , , , ,

One item that has been on our mind as of late is whether or not the looming exodus from the housing market (as baby boomers age) will create an over-supply of inventory that lowers home prices and stalls sales. Fannie Mae warns that demand from younger generations is insufficient to fill the void left by older departing owners. The result may be gluts in some marketplaces. A Fuller Institute study, which focuses on the DC region, concurs.

Demographic data makes the case. Baby boomers, born between 1946-1964 own 32-million homes, or 2 of every 5 in the country. These homeowners face some key choices: sell, stay put and age-in-place, downsize or rent.

Fannie Mae estimates that between 2016-2026 between 10.5 million and 11.9 million older homeowners will end their ownership status. Between 2026 and 2036 that group will add another 13.1 to 14.6 million. The implications of this massive unloading remain to be seen.

Not surprisingly, there are some detractors. Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the NAR (National Association of Realtors) sees some positive developments underway which might offset the “sell-off”: strong population growth within the US and the rise of over-seas buyers.

But don’t panic, the sell-off hasn’t happened yet. A recent study from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies says that we’ve got at least 10 years before the glut kicks in. Many boomers are expecting to age-in-place which may well result in a robust remodeling boom.

Millennials (those born between 1985-2004) have recently surpassed Boomers as the largest generation (both around 74 million), though they’ve been slow to jump on the home buying bandwagon, largely due to affordability. They tend to prefer smaller homes closer to city centers. The areas most likely to be affected by the sell-off are the exurbs and rural areas, where demand will be slight.

Where is all of this going? Who the hell knows. But it’s good to be aware of the issue and consider strategies for your future self.

Articles of interest:

Washington Post

Realtor Magazine  

And another Realtor Magazine article

CityLab

 

California Dreaming in Bethesda

Marcie Sandalow Homes For Sale , , ,

It doesn’t get much better! Come check out our favorite new listing:

UNDER CONTRACT

4304 Chestnut Street

Bethesda, MD 20814

Offered at $949,000

First Open House:  Sunday, July 15 from 1-4pm. 

Beautifully remodeled and expanded with an attention to detail throughout, this lovely home offers bright and inviting spaces for every aspect of modern living. The open floor plan allows in light and creates great flow for entertaining. Understated Arts & Crafts features make for a unified and distinctive charm. 

True one-floor living makes this home the perfect condo alternative for those that prefer to be surrounded by lush green gardens yet want to be close to the many urban amenities of downtown Bethesda. NIH Medical Center and Bethesda Metros are each within a mile. Lynbrook Park with a playground, tennis courts, baseball diamond and leafy splendor is just around the corner.  A plethora of dining and shopping options are all within walking distance. 

3 Bedrooms/2.5 Baths. 

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For more information, get in touch!

Marcie Sandalow 301-758-4894 or Marcie@Compass.com

Cati Bannier 202-487-7177 or Catarina@Compass.com

Rarely available 2BR/2FB at City Vista

Marcie Sandalow Homes For Sale , , , ,

SOLD FOR $832,500

Multiple offers

475 K Street NW, Unit 716, Washington, DC 20001

Offered at $799,000

First Open House- – Sunday, June 24 from 1-4pm. 

Here’s your rare opportunity to own one of the brightest flats in this landmark luxury “it” building.  At City Vista, sleek city style meets great amenities in a vibrant and convenient historic neighborhood. 

Walls of windows offer spectacular city views from the spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath 7th floor corner unit. 

An open-concept living area with stainless/granite kitchen at the heart of the condo is framed by bedrooms on opposite sides for extra privacy. Brand new carpet in the bedrooms complements the freshly painted walls. Enjoy in-unit laundry, deeded garage parking and extra storage.  Step down for a coffee at Busboys and Poets in the morning, walk to your downtown office, come home for a swim in the rooftop pool at lunchtime, or watch the sunset from your west-facing balcony – this place truly has it all. A communal grill area and tables for rooftop dining against a spectacular setting, the beautifully designed party and community lounge, the residents’ library and private 1-acre interior park-like gardens make City Vista a truly exceptional place to call home. 

 

 

For more information, contact

Marcie Sandalow at 301-758-4894 or Marcie@Compass.com

or

Catarina Bannier at 202-487-7177 or Catarina@Compass.com