Author: Nina Lane

The one that got away…

Nina Lane Buyers , , ,
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There’s a saying in real estate: “The house you fell in love with today, thought about tonight, and decided to write an offer on tomorrow… someone else saw yesterday.” 

Finding the right house can be challenging. Really! Keeping track of the market, fine-tuning your wishlist, zeroing in on the pricing, etc. And while everything is slowly coming together, the perfect house might slip through your fingers. You’ll be okay.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Fine tune your wish list.  Figure out what is going to work for you, and what might be a deal killer.  Allow yourself a little flexibility. Nothing is going to be absolutely perfect.
  • Don’t assume sellers are going to be happy with a home sale contingency.  If the bank advises you to sell your current home before buying a new one, consider putting your current place on the market before shopping around.
  • Get your financial house in order.  Make sure you are approved for a bank loan before looking for a new house. Check in with your bank on a regular basis to see if they have made any changes. Maybe there’s a new loan program they’ve just introduced that will allow you to buy something otherwise out of your reach. Also, that new car you just bought on a whim? Might make it difficult to stretch. Keep a copy of your pre-approval letter on hand, and be sure to get an updated letter after 90 days.
  • Consider an Escalation Clause or a Pre-inspection. These important factors in multiple-bid situations. An escalation clause allows you to top the best offer up to a specific cap, which you determine. Pre-inspections allow you to eliminate a home inspection contingency and head into a competitive situation with your eyes wide open. Sellers love this.
  • Know the market. Your real estate agent will provide you with up-to-date info on comparable sales in the area. This will help you arrive at the right price and help set boundaries.
  • The most important advice is this: Be prepared to jump in and make an offer, especially if you like it! Good houses don’t stick around, at least not in this market.

More NEWS from the Chestnut Team!

Nina Lane Homes For Sale , , , ,
4409 chestnut

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UNDER CONTRACT

If “Chestnut Street” rings a bell, or if you have a vague feeling you might have seen this before, that would be because this is our fifth (5th!!) listing on the same street this year. They all couldn’t be more different from one another, though. If not a coincidence, perhaps it’s serendipity (but we’re totally open to new streets!). This weekend, we’re presenting 4409 Chestnut St.

 Things we LOVE about this new listing near Downtown Bethesda:

  • The shady front porch with room for plants.
  • Wide living room, perfect for nights in with family and friends. (And a center fireplace that has a cast iron wood stove insert for extra cozy gatherings.)
  • Renovated kitchen!
  • Plenty of natural light in the dining room attached to the kitchen.
  • Den/TV room next to the dining room. And right next to that, a second bathroom with dual vanities and a jetted tub enclosure, with lots of light. 
  • Green views in all directions. The deck off the dining room is ideal for grilling, reading or watching fireflies.
  • Versatile basement: Tons of storage space, a laundry room and a bright in-law suite with full bath and second kitchen.
  • A workshop across the entire back of the house. Drywalled and insulated and ready to be turned into living space if needed. The possibilities are endless: a teenagers’ hangout, a hobby zone, a home office–or even just a garage!

East Bethesda combines the best of the suburbs with the amenities of big city living.  Medical Center and Bethesda metro stations are each about 0.8 miles away. The new Harris Teeter and hundreds of restaurants and shops are all within walking distance. East Bethesda has an active citizens association that plans events throughout the year, including the ever famous Halloween Parade.  Just a few short blocks away, Lynbrook Park is the neighborhood anchor with tennis courts, a playground, a baseball diamond and a gathering spot for dogs (and their people).

$799,000

3+ bedrooms, 3 full baths.