MCDOT to Hold Three US 29 BRT (in Montgomery County, Maryland) Open Houses in March

Learn more about the Bus Rapid Transit system planned for US 29 at an open house. Attend one of the events on March 15, 20 or 21 in Silver Spring or White Oak.

(Details about the open houses can be found by clicking on the RIA Blog "Title" above, or the RIA Blog "Source" below)

Why 'Messy Kitchens' Are the Newest Custom Home Trend

HINT: "Messy Kitchen" = hidden prep kitchen tucked behind the main kitchen space

(Click on RIA Blog "Title" above or RIA Blog "Source" below to see article)

National Institute of Building Sciences Finds Investment in Resilient Design Can Pay Off By More than SIXFOLD

A new report by the National Institute of Building Sciences calculates the long-term benefits of implementing hazard mitigation measures.

(Click "Blog Title" or "Source" to see the full article)

MCDOT to Hold Public Hearing on February 28th to Consider Creation of Purple Line Parking Impact Areas

MCDOT wants public input on a proposal to create several new Residential Permit Parking Areas (RPPAs) in East Silver Spring in neighborhoods within 4,000 feet of Purple Line light rail stations.

  *Public Hearing Notice.
  *RPPA Frequently Asked Questions:
    English and En Espanol.
  *RPPA Guidelines Executive Regulation.
  *Map of Proposed RPPA Areas.

Find Out If A Real Estate Agent Is Really the Right Fit

10 Questions to Ask A Real Estate Agent Before Hiring them to Help You Buy A Home

(Click on Blog Post Title above or Blog Post Source below to see full article)

The Mold-Specific Quantitative PCR test can be very valuable in buying a house.

MOLD-SPECIFIC QUANTITATIVE PCR

A DNA-based testing method.

Mold-Specific Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (MSQPCR) is a fast and highly accurate method for identifying and quantifying molds. It is a very valuable test is buying a house.

(Click on RIA Blog "Title" above, or RIA Blog "Source" below to learn more)

Sponsored Content from the Baxter Group, Inc.

9 Home Features Clients Don't Know They Need

TAKEAWAY:

• Open Floor Plans
• Updated Kitchen Ideas
• Smarthomes
• Luxury Bathrooms
• Storage Solutions
• Recessed Lighting
• Pet Friendly
• Privacy
• Amenities

The City of Alexandria, Virginia 2018 Real Estate Assessments Increase Just 2% Overall

Alexandria 2018 Real Estate Assessments Increase Just 2% Overall

The City of Alexandria has issued assessments for all real property, reflecting the second lowest increase in citywide property values in the last eight years. The overall value of Alexandria’s tax base increased just 2.34 percent compared to January 2017, although each individual property’s value may have increased, decreased or remained unchanged. Assessment notices, representing fair market values as of January 1, have been mailed to property owners and are available online.

Change in the residential tax base was largely due to appreciation of existing properties, while the commercial tax base was strengthened by the appreciation of multifamily and warehouse properties.  The commercial tax base includes multifamily commercial properties (apartments), office buildings, hotels, and shopping centers, with office buildings representing nearly 30 percent of the commercial base value. Compared to January 2017, the commercial tax base is increasing 0.93 percent.

The 2018 commercial tax base increase is primarily attributed to increased values in warehouse properties. Multifamily rental property, which led the commercial market for the past several years, increased 7.68 percent.

Residential assessments grew moderately across nearly all classifications of property. In total, the City’s residential tax base increased by 3.40 percent. The average assessment for all residential property types, including single family homes, townhomes, and condominiums, has increased 3.33 percent, to $547,626.  The average single-family home value has increased by 3.40 percent, to $752,585. The average condominium value has increased 3.15 percent, to $324,024.

As required by state law, the City assesses all properties at 100 percent of their fair market value as of January 1 of each year. The 2018 assessments will be used to apply the real estate tax rate to be set by City Council on May 3, with payments due on June 15 and November 15. Residential assessments are based primarily on neighborhood sales of comparable properties in 2017. Commercial assessments are based on sales of similar properties, income and expense data related to the property type and other economic factors.

To research property and sales data, tax payment history, and parcel maps, or for information about the real estate assessment, review, and appeal process, visit alexandriava.gov/RealEstate or call the Office of Real Estate Assessments at 703.746.4646.

For information about the process to develop the City’s budget and tax rates, including opportunities for community input, visit alexandriava.gov/Budget or call the Office of Management and Budget at 703.746.3737.

What did you breathe today?: Lead-based Paint (sponsored post)

Buildings built before 1978 are much more likely to have lead-based paint. Lead is a naturally occurring element in the earth, but it is known to cause cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure, decreased kidney function, behavior and learning problems in children, hearing problems, anemia, and more.
Federal law requires real estate agents to provide specified important information about lead-based paint before a prospective buyer is obligated under a contract to purchase.

(Please click on the RIA Blog Title above or the RIA Sponsor below to find out more, or contact The Baxter Group, Inc.)