SOLD - Unit # 517 - 1BR / 1BA $ 372,000

Who says the market is slow?

Unit #517 went to settlement on September 22nd. The sales price for this 714 square foot unit was $372,000. ($521 per foot) This unit was only on the market for 26 days which is a good indication that Crescent Plaza is still a hot ticket in Bethesda.

The condo sold for 98% of its list price which was consistent with the last sale in the building. Unit #904 sold in 21 days at $385,000 ($525 per foot) which was within approximately 4% of the initial list price.

The market is good and getting better. There are still a limited number of purchasers looking at any given time. Pricing your unit correctly is still very important. If not priced correctly, the home will languish on the market and ultimately sell for less.

WEEKLY Specials in Bethesda!

You know, keeping up with what is going on in Bethesda can be a full time job. It is nice to know that someone is looking for the best values in the area, and you have a forum for keeping up with new restaurants and vendors.

YELP! is an online forum for communities to rate local vendors. You will find reviews, menus, list of services and contact information for local shops and restaurants.

This weeks special is for "The Shop Salon" on Woodmont Avenue. Mention YELP and you will get $15 off your first visit. The promotion is good through 10/23, so make your appointment today.

Guardado's is located on Del Ray Avenue and specializes in Spanish and Latin-American cuisine. They have a happy hour Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm with $3 Margaritas and $4 Mojitos. On Tuesday bottles of wine on their wine list are 50% Off regular prices.

Guardado's - 4918 Del Ray Avenue - Bethesda (301) 986-4920

The Shop Salon - 8231 Woodmont Ave. (301) 913-5955

The condo community in Bethesda and Chevy Chase is very important to the area shop and restaurant owners. Periodically, I will try to arrange special pricing and services for our group. Check back often to see what I have in store for the week!

Unit #912 Is Now FOR SALE $379,000

Unit #903 was put on the market for sale this morning according to MRIS (The local Multiple Listing Service). This one bedroom and one full bath unit is 626 square feet according to tax records.

This unit is currently rented, but easy to show.

If you would like to see this, or any other unit in Crescent Plaza, or Bethesda - call me at any time. I can always be reached by cell phone 301-651-8600. Stop and say hello at my open house this weekend in unit #618.

REMEMBER, CURRENT INVENTORY FOR SALE AND UNITS SOLD FOR THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS CAN ALWAYS BE FOUND IN THE RIGHT COLUMN.

Lebowski Fest - The DUDE comes to Bethesda

In 1998 the Coen Brothers produced the movie "The Big Lebowski". Who would have thought that this gem starring Jeff Bridges and John Goodman would become a cult classic.

Bowling and White Russian cocktails have never been so chic. This kitschy gem only gets more popular as the years roll on.

The Lebowski blog - the LeBLOGski - of course, is only one of the features of a site dedicated to all things Lebowski.

This Monday and Tuesday the Lebowskifest comes to D.C. Starting with a screening of the movie at the 9:30 club in D.C. on Monday. Tuesday follows with bowling at Strike Bethesda in full Lebowski costume. A contest for the best costume with prizes of course!

Market Update - One SOLD One LISTED !

The fall market is in full swing, and condos in our area ARE selling. Sales are up at The Adagio, The Chase and The Christopher.

Unit 301 is under contract. This one bedroom, one bath unit was listed for $368,900. It was on the market for 111 days, and should settle at the end of September to mid-October. I will update you once the sales price plus any concessions are published.

Unit #501, two floors up from the home that just went under contract was listed this week for $389,000. With upgraded kitchen and balcony, this unit has approximately 733 square feet of living area.

For further information on this and other units currently available in Crescent Plaza, you can click on the link in the right margin for instant information.

Unit #618 will be open this weekend from 11am to 4pm. Starbucks Coffee and Bagels will be served. Come up for a bagel and cream cheese and take a peek at the large 1 bedroom. Look forward to seeing you!

Board Meeting Cancelled ! Rescheduled for 10-13

• Due to unforeseen circumstances the September Board meeting scheduled for tonight - 9/22 – has been cancelled.

• Previous meeting minutes will be distributed next week.

• The next meeting will be held as planned on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00PM in the management office.

Bethesda Row - RESTAURANT WEEK - This week!

The phrase "Restaurant Week" is what all foodies love to hear. When it is as close as Bethesda, it becomes too convenient to avoid. The restaurants of Bethesda Row are hosting their very own "Restaurant Week" September 21st to 27th.

Bethesda Row restaurants participating restaurants include Redwood, Dalhi Dhaba, Le Pain Quotidien, Mon Ami Gabi, Tara Thai, Assaggi Mozzarella Bar, Lebanese Taverna and Raku.

Most will serve you a 2-course lunch for just $12, or a 3-course dinner for $30.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wife, boyfriend, significant other or a complete stranger and break some bread. Enjoy the rare fall weather and grab some outside seating. Be sure to wave hello as you walk by Crescent Plaza!

FREE Burger and Shake at Z-Burger! Tuesday 5-7pm

It is hard to pass up a good hamburger. Especially when the hamburger is free!

Kate Michael, also known as "K Street Kate", was Miss DC in 2006 and writes a local Blog in the DC area. Z-Burger is a sponsor of her blog, and is offering a free Hamburger, Cheeseburger or Cheesteak along with a free shake at their Tenley Town location.

You have to mention that KStreetKate sent you to qualify for the free promotion, and it is only at the Tenleytown location between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tomorrow.

ZBurger was in the news earlier this year when Bill Clinton visited to get a burger fix while in town. Click on the preceding link to see the NBC news clip of his visit.

SAPHIRE CAFE - Steak and Cheese Eating Contest - Results

While walking through Bethesda today I was drawn into South Street Steaks on Cordell Avenue. With the best Steak and Cheese served outside of Philly, I couldn't resist having lunch there. In Philly lingo - I had a cheese steak wit onions - CheezeWiz - plus sweet peppers on top. Wow...delicious.

While there the owner asked me if I was covering the WHIZ BOWL IV. A Steak and cheese eating contest? Wow...I was intrigued.

So, here I am at the Saphire Cafe @ 7940 Wisconsin Avenue waiting for the festivities to begin. With three whole steak and cheese subs lined up ready for consumption, the contestants cannot possibly imagine the world of hurt they will be in when it is all over.

For the first prize of $250, is it worth feeling miserable for the rest of the night? God help the 2nd and 3rd place contestants!

The contest started with everyone pounding down the cheesesteaks. After the first few were consumed, it became a two man contest. Both guys were eating faster then we could keep count. To keep tally, there was a female judges behind each contestant with crude paper signs indicating how many subs were consumed.

When the 15 minutes were up, the final tally for the winner was EIGHT and one half subs. It is hard to fathom how someone can consume over 8 subs, when the small sub I consumed four hours previous was still making me feel stuffed.

Congratulations to Phil "The Fury" Fiore. Tall and skinny, I don't know where this kid put it. A University of Maryland student from Randolph New Jersey, he was slightly behind until the last few minutes. When the final seconds ticked off, he was crowned the winner. I am just wondering how all of the contestants are feeling this morning.....Yikes!

LIVE MUSIC ! Flanigan's Harp and Fiddle

One of the greatest advantages to living in the Bethesda area is the wealth of Arts and Entertainment available, most often for free. Flanigan's has been around for over 20 years. Originally, it was located in the basement of what is now the Lionsgate Condominium. When the property was sold to construct the Lionsgate, Flanigan's moved and renamed itself Flanigan's Harp and Fiddle.

Change is good they say, and for Flanigan's it was fabulous. What was once a dark basement bar - a dive - with the expected odor of stale beer and worse, has reinvented itself. A lovely upscale location has brought in all the regulars from years past, and a new throng of fans. Irish themed, there are few bars that pour a better pint of Guinness. The food is typical pub-grub, it will fill your belly, but is not haute cuisine

The real beauty of this local bar is the music. The venue is small, and is a wonderful - intimate place to hear music. Check it out. Have them pour you a pint, and see how great our local music scene can be!

This week at Flanigan's Harp and Fiddle:

Sat. 9/19 40 Thieves - Irish
Sun. 9/20 Mary Ann Redmond - Blues
Wed. 9/23 The Colliders - Rockabilly
Thur. 9/24 Mary Ann Redmond - Blues
Fri. 9/25 The Brandon Combs Band - Funk/Rock
Sat. 9/26 The Flying Cows of Ventry - Irish
Sun. 9/27 Mary Ann Redmond - Blues

Flanigan's is located at:

4844 Cordell Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(301) 951-0115

Tell the Bartender that Gerry sent you!

Bethesda Row Arts Festival - Street Closures

Since 1997 The Bethesda Row Arts Festival has been pleasing art lovers in the Bethesda area. On the weekend of October 17th and 18th the 12th annual Art Festival will give local artist a chance to shine.

This festival has been attended by over 200,000 people since its inception in 1997. Over 180 artist will man booths to transform Bethesda's designated art district into a fabulous gallery. On display will be the finest in: ceramics, drawings, fabrics, glass, graphics, jewelry, metalwork, paintings, pastels, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood and mixed media.

There will be many artists that have participated in this festival since it started in 1997. There are others that will just be cutting their teeth as new members of this Fraternity. You can click on this link for a list of participating artist. Be sure to see if your local favorite will be in attendance.

The Festival is also a fundraiser for charity. This is from the Bethesda Row Arts Festival Website: "The Bethesda Row Arts Festival raises funds and awareness for the NIH Children’s Charities, which include The Children's Inn, Camp Fantastic/Special Love, Inc., and Friends of the Clinical Center. These three wonderful organizations are instrumental in providing much needed support for young patients and their families. The Festival will continue its support of the community with proceeds from the Art Sale, Poster Sale, Children’s Activities and Sponsorship funds, benefiting NIH Children’s Charities."

Click on this link to be directed to the Arts Festival website. Here you will find information with directions, parking, participating vendors and sponsors.

.See You There!

WALKABILITY ! The new buzzword

WALKABILITY! This is going to be the new buzzword for urban real estate. As was reported last week, Crescent Plaza has received a PERFECT score of 100!

I will keep you apprised of the evolution of WALKABILITY in the Real Estate world. As this concept becomes more ingrained in the consumer's search criteria, it can only mean rising prices for Crescent Plaza.

Check out the story done by MARKETWATCH to learn more about Walkability.

Speed Cameras Replaced in Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase has replaced its existing speed cameras with expensive, latest generation, "Laser" cameras. This will allow them to catch more then one driver at a time if speeding in Chevy Chase village.

The funds raised by these fines are supposed to be used to increase public safety in Chevy Chase village. Fox 5 DC news reports that the funds are actually being used to fund capital improvement projects and buy new lockers in the police department locker room.

Real Estate Broker Gerry Dunn, who often lists and sells units in Crescent Plaza, has been called a speed camera "watchdog" in the DC area. He is interviewed for this news report. You may recognize him as the agent that often holds open units for sale in the building.

The best advice this post can offer is to drive the speed limit in Chevy Chase. Big Brother is alive and well and looking to ticket you if you choose to speed!

How do you feel about Speed Cameras? Are they a necessary part of public safety, or an invasion of privacy? Please comment!

Bethesda Central Farm Market

We are in the midst of harvest season for most local farmers. It is worth checking out the Bethesda Farmers Market on Sunday mornings from 9am to 1pm. The market is set up in the parking lot along Elm Street adjacent to Jaleo.

It is scheduled from June through October, with in season offerings changing each week. Look for the last of the good tomatoes over the next few weeks.

The market is not the largest in the area, but it is worth getting there early for first choice of just picked produce and fresh fruit. It is so difficult to ever eat tomatoes again from a supermarket after slicing and salting a fresh Heirloom variety from the farm.

Give it a try and let me know what your think! You have the ability to comment on the post. PLEASE DO!

What other local events make this building and its location so fabulous?

Sunday 9/13 - COFFEE AND BAGELS!

FREE COFFEE AND BAGELS!

I am holding an open house in unit 618 on Sunday from 10am to 1pm. Don't forget to stop by and say hello. I will have bagels from BETHESDA BAGEL and freshly brewed, strong coffee to start your day.

I am looking forward to meeting all the residents of Crescent Plaza - whether owners or renters. I will have a list of units in the building that have sold with final sales prices, and a list of those currently on the market. This is a great opportunity to get an update on the state of the current market

If you want an idea of what your unit could sell for in this market, please let me know. I can take a look and give you a detailed analysis of what to expect. If you are currently renting in Crescent Plaza, ask me how easy it is to buy!

I hope to see you in Unit 618 this Sunday!

Taste of Bethesda - Official Line-up!

The "Taste of Bethesda" is one of my favorite annual festivals. This year it will be held on October 3rd from 11am to 4pm. Thousands of people will crowd the Woodmont Triangle to eat, drink and meet their neighbors. Local restaurants have the opportunity to really show their stuff and hopefully win over some new customers.

Here is a list of the participating Restaurants and what they will serve. Hope to see you there!

Angeethi Authentic Indian Cuisine - Samosa, kabob, tandoori & butter chicken
Austin Grill - Carnitas & red snapper tacos, wings
Baja Fresh - Burritos, tacos, salad
Bangkok Garden - Egg rolls, pad Thai, red curry chicken
Bangkok One Thai - Pad Thai, nam ya, fried rice, Thai iced tea
Ben & Jerry's - Ice cream
BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon - Beef & roast beef sliders, wings
Brasserie Monte Carlo - Onion tarte with cured ham & sausage
Bundles of Cookies - Almond cookies, gourmet lemon cookies
The Burger Joint - Sliders
Caddies on Cordell - Deviled eggs, wings, chicken satay
California Tortilla - Ceasar tacos
Chicken Out Rotisserie - Burgers, cabo spice wings, salad
Cookies by Design - Cookie kabobs, gourmet & sugar cookies
Crossfire Fresh Burgers - Mini burgers, sweet potato fries, lemonade
Delhi Dhaba - Butter chicken, chole punjabi, naan bread
Divino Lounge & Restaurant - Argentine sausage, steak, paellas
Drink More Water - Water, iced coffee
Fancy Cakes by Leslie - Mini cupcakes, cookies, fudge
Flaxella - Flax muffins, biscotti, crackers, flax beverages
Gifford's Ice cream & Candy Co. - Ice cream
Haagen-Dazs - Ice cream
Haandi Indian Cuisine - Murg makhni, palak paneer, rice samosa
Hanaro Restaurant & Lounge - sushi roll, pad Thai, fried rice
Hard Times Café - Chili, fries
Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle - Shepherd's pie, beef brisket, Bailey's ice cream
Honest Tea - Tea, lemonade, kid's drinks
Jaleo - Paellas, gazpacho, endibias
Just Cakes - Cupcakes
Lebanese Taverna - Chicken & beef shawarma sandwich, hommos
Mamma Lucia - Pizza
Matuba Japanese Restaurant - Sushi rolls, chicken teriyaki, tempura
Mia's Pizzas - Brick oven pizza
Morton's, The Steakhouse - Steak sandwiches
Nest Café - Muscles, tomato caprese, Italian donuts
Olazzo - Meatball & chicken parmesan sandwiches
The Original Pancake House - Nutella crepes, lemon crepes
Passage to India - Samosa, chicken makhani, vegetable korma
Penang Malaysian Cuisine - Chicken satay, charkoay teow, curry ayam
Philadelphia Mike's - Philly & chicken cheese steaks, fries
Positano - Pizza, sausages, meatball pastas
Quartermaine Coffee Roasters - Coffee
Ri-Ra Irish Pub - Shepherds pie, Guinness BBQ wings, chocolate cake
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery - TBD
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse -Tenderloin, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach
Sasso - Lamb wraps, fried okra, blue berry lemonade
Saveur India - Samosa, chana masaala, chicken makhani, palak paneer
Shangri-La - Butter chicken, soag poneer, chano mosala
Smoothie King - Fruit smoothies
South Street Steaks - Cheese steaks, fries
Spring Mill Bread - Breads, cookies, brownies
Tommy Joe's Restaurant - Mini burgers, mini crab balls
Trader Joe's - Chicken gyoza, Asian slaw with peanut dressing
Union Jack's - Strongpow wings, drunken chicken, bread pudding
Visions Restaurant - Crab cakes, lemonade, crab mac & cheese

For further information, visit the official site for "Taste of Bethesda".

Walkability? Crescent Plaza is PERFECT !

All of us are aware of the real estate adage "Location, Location, Location". The physical location of the property effects every aspect of marketing and sale. In Chevy Chase, Bethesda and most close in suburbs, Walkability has become a buzzword with potential buyers.

A new website has been developed to provide buyers with a objective analysis of how walkable a property is. This site, Walkscore.com , will allow you to compare various locations to determine how convenient they are to shopping, restaurants, public transportation and city conveniences.

If you live in Crescent Plaza, you already know how convenient the location is to all amenities. You will be pleased to hear that Crescent Plaza was awarded a perfect 100 for walkability.

What does my score mean?

Your Walk Score is a number between 0 and 100. Here are general guidelines for interpreting your score:
90–100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
70–89 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
50–69 = Somewhat Walkable: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
25–49 = Car-Dependent: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
0–24 = Car-Dependent (Driving Only): Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!

When marketing a condominium in the Chevy Chase and Bethesda area this walkability score is a must have in your marketing materials. Why wouldn't you exploit the beauty and convenience of Crescent Plaza by telling people how close you are to EVERYTHING!

If you are getting ready to prepare your home for sale, feel free to contact me regarding how to find this and other valuable marketing material.