Cultivating shiitake mushroomsThere are some incredible summer garden workshops being offered by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation (see a full list here). In addition to the shiitake mushroom session, you’ll find classes on spoon carving, vertical gardening, how to make cider, and growing rice and quinoa in D.C. There are more than 100 free classes to choose from this year (up from 70 last year).  Most classes can fit up to 40 people, but put your name on the waiting list even if a class appears full. There’s a good chance a spot will open up.Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th St. NE;  free; 202-727-0321I have started canning recently and it is so much fun! The idea of growing shiitake mushrooms in the city sounds positively intriguing! What is being offered in your commu... 07/31/2015

Did you ever wonder what the orangutans at the zoo really eat for breakfast or whether the seals play with their balls before it opens to the public and all the crowds arrive? In celebration of the Smithsonian Associates’ 50th anniversary year, you can find out! You can have breakfast with 50 of some of the National Zoo’s most popular, unusual, and sweetest animals as part of the Smithsonian Associates anniversary celebration from 8 am to 11 am on Saturday, September 19.  This is a great event whether you are a Washington native or newly relocated to Washington or Chevy Chase, MD! This annual Breakfast at the Zoo is popular event that offers Smithsonian Associates members the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of the National Zoo’s animals before it opens to the public.  Imagine havi... 07/22/2015

Sadly, Washington DC doesn't have many Greek restaurants to choose from.  We have lots of Italian restaurants, plenty of Ethiopian, a full selection of cuisines from every corner of China, and even several Nepalese. Every time there has been a civil war somewhere in the world which resulted in an embassy closing here in Washington, the chef would open a restaurant somewhere in the city rather than face going home!  But if you have a yearning for moussaka or taramosalata, your pickings are slim! To satisfy that urge for grilled octopus, the Parthenon at 5510 Connecticut is a great place to try in the Chevy Chase part of DC.  Upper Connecticut Avenue, just three or flour blocks south of the Chevy Chase Circle, is a quiet part of the city.  The apartments and condos were built in the later... 07/22/2015

It is a given that real estate is more expensive in places where children receive a better education, but new graphs from the District's Office of Revenue Analysis show just how closely they are aligned with each other.Three-bedroom homes in DC neighborhoods with the very best elementary schools (defined as a student body where 80 percent or more are proficient or advanced in reading) typically cost over $800,000. It will still cost a family between $600,000 and $1 million to buy a three bedroom home in Washington, DC, in areas where only 60 to 80 percent of students are proficient or advanced in reading.    What happens if you can't spend that much? If you are looking for a three bedroom home with a median price under $600,000, then you are looking in school zones that have fewer than ... 07/21/2015

Revitalizing The Dream #8 - 3212 Stephenson Place NW, Washington DC 20015                                Luxury Rehab Opportunity in Chevy Chase. Near shopping, Rock Creek Park and Georgetown.  Tudor single family home has elegant charm but needs new finishes to make it shine. Homes are selling from $1,100,000 to $1,350,000 in the area. Currently zoned for the following schools in District of Columbia  Lafayette Elementary School - Rated 8 Deal Middle School - Rated 8 Wilson High School - Rated 6   *Rating from www.GreatSchools.org. For more information about DC Public Schools, go to www.dcps.dc.gov   SEE YOUR POTENTIAL DREAM HOME - http://reshawnaleaven.com/PropertyDetails?ls=MRIS&pid=DC8467143   Listing Courtesy of Burt Abramowitz of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc   10/13/2014

WASHINGTON, DC 20015, Homes for Sale, Community and School Information, Virtual Tours Buy a home in WASHINGTON, DC Virtual Tour Homes for Sale in WASHINGTON, DC If you are interested in the current homes in WASHINGTON, DC neighborhoods, subdivisions and communities, use the link below to search for homes. Each of these Neighborhood and Community pages contains the active real estate listings in WASHINGTON, DC, and are updated multiple times per day. View full details and Virtual Tours online...   Find a Great home in WASHINGTON, DC, 20015 Find Homes in Other Areas What's Going on Nearby WASHINGTON, DC? Find out about all the local amenities near WASHINGTON, DC, 20015 including, banking, shopping, Attractions and recreation and much more on my website. Community Information What Schools ... 01/03/2014

 What better way to share property talk than over dinner and a movie?    SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, November 25th TIME: 4:30 PM LOCATION: Friendship Heights/Chevy Chase DETAILS:  We will meet for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory first, then head across the street to the movie theater to see "Silver Linings Playbook" starring Bradley Cooper ,Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro, Jackie Weaver and Chris Tucker. Everyone will be responsible for their own tab and movie ticket. I will be giving away gift cards before we go to the movies. To RSVP please email me at: ShanteeHaynes@KW.com   Come with your questions on anything concerning the market or the process on buying/selling! Look forward to you joining us, see you then!   Can't make it? No worries, email me at ShanteeHaynes@KW.com and ask me any... 11/01/2012

As we skipped the Kit House of the Week feature last week, I'm making up for it by presenting you with two historic mail-order homes for this weekend. Both are on the market for sale, and both will be open this weekend. Number one is a somewhat modified but still recognizable Sears "Americus" on Morrison Street in the historic part of Chevy Chase, DC. While unfortunately much of the original woodwork on the exterior has fallen victim to "modernization" efforts, presumably during the 1980s, there's a lot of it left inside. (Note the crude little wooden rectangles at the junction of baseboard and stair trim--this was a peculiar Sears feature to make this connection less awkward for the amateur home builder.) Preceding the current sellers' ownership, there were two additions made to the or... 01/27/2012

American University Park Homes American University Park Real Estate is the hot real estate people are talking about. American University Park in Washington D.C. is the perfect location for those who want the convenience of city life without giving up the luxuries of the suburbs. Avoid the trip on the beltway by living in this neighborhood in close proximity to downtown. Driving is optional as the community has excellent transit links into the city. Downtown Washington is only a short trip away and the Smithsonian Institutes Air and Space Museum, the Lincoln memorial, and the White House are at your fingertips. Imagine seeing the Washington Monument in your rear-view mirror on a regular basis as it towers above the skyline! After work or a day downtown you also have access to swimming p... 12/29/2011

I sent out an email a few days ago announcing that I had joined the Chevy Chase Coldwell Banker office. It was so heartening to see the amount of encouraging emails I got back. What also amazes me is how people start remembering friends of friends who are looking to buy property. I got a few of those and truly hope that they are legit. I guess its all about the follow-ups. Still, in just a few short days, I am feeling very encouraged and excited. 10/20/2011

Yes! That’s my new home. I am so ready to get going. There is so much to do and I just can’t contain all the excitement in me. This is just the beginning for me. I know that I will be a huge success.  Buying or selling a home is much more than a business transaction – it’s an intimately personal transition in our lives. That belief is the foundation for my work as a Realtor. 10/17/2011

The Broad Branch Farmers Market at Lafayette Elementary School in Chevy Chase DC runs every Saturday from 9-1 late April - November (market season).  There are several vegetable stands, a wonderful french bakery with really good croissants and almond delicacies.  Fresh cut flowers abound.  I recently bought some roasted cashews and some tarragon/garlic vinegar in a gorgeous glass bottle.  There are homemade pastas to be had, along with grass fed meats and free range eggs. Frozen fruit popsicles were also available... which comes in handy when the temperature reaches for the sky.  It's a great little market. 08/02/2011

Original Source:  Chevy Chase, DC 20015 Market Report- December 2010 In December of 2010 there were 3 homes that closed within the month for 20015 Chevy Chase, DC. There were 16 homes that closed in December of 2009. The average list price for homes that closed in December 2009 was $919,419. The average list price for homes that closed in December 2010 was $1,125,000. The average sale price for the homes that closed in December 2009 was $884,147. The average sale price for the homes that closed in December 2010 was $1,071,667. The average Days on Market for homes that closed in December 2009 was 43 days. The average Days on Market for homes that closed in December 2010 was 10 days. 4 homes went under contract in 20015 Chevy Chase, DC in the month of December 2010. The average list price... 01/15/2011

Original Source:  Chevy Chase 20815 Market Report- November 2010   In November of 2010 there were 37 homes that closed within the month for 20815 Chevy Chase, Maryland.  This was a decrease of 4 units, as there were 41 homes that closed in November of 2009. The average list price for homes that closed in November of 2009 was $$834,018.The average list price for homes that closed in November of 2010 was $970,122. The average sale price for the homes that closed in November 2009 was $772,678.The average sale price for the homes that closed in November 2010 was $900,568. The average Days on Market for homes that closed in November 2009 was 68 days.The average Days on Market for homes that closed in November 2010 was 80 days. 22 homes went under contract in 20815 Chevy Chase in the month of... 12/09/2010

Original Source:  Chevy Chase 20015 Market Report- October 2010 In October of 2010 there were 23 homes that closed within the month for 20015 Chevy Chase, DC. This was an increase of 8 units, as there were 15 homes that closed in October of 2009. The average list price for homes that closed in October 2009 was $834,658. The average list price for homes that closed in October 2010 was $893,226. The average sale price for the homes that closed in October 2009 was $778,333. The average sale price for the homes that closed in October 2010 was $863,843. The average Days on Market for homes that closed in October 2009 was 60 days. The average Days on Market for homes that closed in October 2010 was 50 days. 15 homes went under contract in 20015 Chevy Chase, DC in the month of October 2010. Th... 11/24/2010

Listed in Washington's Best Addresses, the Parker House is a well run condominium built in 1928. My new listing is a large two bedroom with one and a half baths, a solarium, separate dining room, updated kitchen and garage parking. It is available immediately and listed for $579,000. Give me a call and let me show it to you.  10/14/2010

Original Source:  Chevy Chase, DC 20015 Market Report, August 2010 In August of 2010 there were 15 homes that closed within the month for 20015 Chevy Chase, DC.  This was a decrease of 6 units, as there were 21 homes that closed in August of 2009. The average list price for homes that closed in August 2009 was $1,050,471The average list price for homes that closed in August 2010 was $806,178 The average sale price for the homes that closed in August 2009 was $971,566The average sale price for the homes that closed in August 2010 was $788,118 The average Days on Market for homes that closed in August 2009 was 95 days.The average Days on Market for homes that closed in August 2010 was 41 days. 25 homes went under contract in 20015 Chevy Chase, DC in the month of August 2010.  The average ... 09/08/2010

More than half of my business comes from first time home purchasers, and their enthusiasm and excitement is contagious!  It’s one of the best parts of being a Realtor.  Almost everyone has the same concerns, and most buyers will ask for advice and guidance on selecting the right home and neighborhood for them.    Here are my top 10 common sense TIPS to buying your first home: 1.     Don’t “over buy” or extend yourself!  This is especially true if you are utilizing a large portion of your savings to make a down payment.  Even if you are a self-described “homebody”, you will not enjoy being house poor. 2.     Sometimes a larger property is not better.  With a functional floor plan, properties with smaller square footage can appear larger than properties boasting a higher square footage n... 08/16/2010

The original founders of Chevy Chase envisioned beautiful homes in a park-like setting featuring spacious tree-lined streets and sidewalks and exquisite parks. This early development, a planned community centered around its bustling streetcar hub making it one of America's first streetcar suburbs. So advanced was the planning, that it even included a man-made lake for its residents.  Today the original site of Chevy Chase Lake is just a small patch of woods. The streetcars that were the center of activity are now just faded memories of the past. Since that time both technology and transportation have worn many faces. But for Chevy Chase, the original concept has weathered the test of time. Even what is known as the Metro DC urban sprawl has not been able to shake the solid foundation of... 04/28/2010

  Yesterday I was recognized by my company for recruiting.  The calculation was not based on how many people I hired, but how successful those agents became after joining the office.  And I realized, for a while now people have been asking me where I find such great agents.  So that got me thinking.  Here's what I thunk:   The 3 Things every Broker should know before they hire ANYONE!    Finding the right fit can be difficult when one is interviewing brokerages - regardless of the city you live in or where you do business.  For many of us there is no bigger decision than making sure the choice is a good one, because when it is not the damage is often pretty devastating to short term contentment.   But that is from the agent's perspective.   Have you ever considered the Broker's psyche? ... 02/18/2010