Former Republican Lobbyist Jack Abramoff must have liked Silver Spring as a place to live.  Since moving to the area in the 1980's He has owned 4 houses in Silver Spring.  Two in the Woodside Park Neighborhood and 2 in the Burnt Mills Hills Neighborhood.  During the mid 1980's the Abramoffs lived in a house on Woodside Parkway in Woodside Park.  In 1994 they sold the house on Woodside Parkway and moved into this brick and slate Colonial house on Alton Parkway, a larger house on a larger lot in the same neighborhood of Woodside Park. In 1998 Jack and his wife sold the house on Alton Parkway and in 1999 they moved into this luxury contemporary style house, built in 1989.  They are still the owners of record of the Burnt Mills house today.The house is is set back off the road in an awesom... 12/11/2007

This post was inspired by a another local blogger www.ThayerAvenue.com  who posted about a ginormous McMansion going up in East Silver Spring on Thayer Avenue.                                              Most of East Silver Spring still has "normal sized" older houses.  The few McMansions or new infill construction that we do have REALLY stand out.  One example on Easley street is the "McMansion with no windows"  It started out as a small bungalow home built in 1928 between 2 other similar houses.  The home had a larger and deeper than average lot size of 12,180 sq ft.  It was torn down sometime ago and remained a big watery mud hole with trash and debris in it for a few years.  I once walked by the lot and noticed they were still getting junk and other mail delivered to 701 Easley, it... 12/11/2007

SILVER SPRING RAMBLERS SILVER SPRING RAMBLER FOR SALE - MONTGOMERY COUNTY REAL ESTATESILVER SPRING REAL ESTATE, RAMBLER FOR SALE - 20905$468,00014908 Claude Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20905Recently updated SILVER SPRING RAMBER.  Bright, cheerful home ready for folks that love the classic one level homein a convenient and quiet neighborhood.  MAIN LEVEL:  3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, Living Room, Dining Room, Foyer Entrance, Breakfast Area, Kitchen  LOWER LEVEL:Recreation Room, Bedroom, Full Bath, Mechanical, LaundryLOT:1.04 Acre on a level, cul-de-sac, wooded lot with open area backing to Paint Branch Park.Listing Broker, Principal Real Estate ServicesTo see this lovely and convenient home, contactLenn Harley, BrokerHomefinders.com800-711-7988Ask about our Buyer Rebate and Free One Year Home ... 12/11/2007

The famous photographer Annie Leboivitz lived in this split level house in the Forest Knolls subdivision of Silver Spring.  Because of her father's career in the air force, Annie's Parents, Sam and Marilyn moved many many times.   Transfers sent the family throughout the country and to The Philippines; Mom and Dad finally landed in Silver Spring, Md. Her parents owned this house in the Forest Knolls subdivision of Silver Spring, Md 20901 from 1962 to 1978. Forest Knolls is a tidy neighborhood of modern early 1960's split levels, and ramblers.  Annie Lebovitz attended Northwood High School in Silver Spring.In 1977 her parents sold the split level home in Forest Knolls and built a bigger custom house with a pool on a large corner lot in the very nearby Springbrook Forest Neighborhood of S... 12/08/2007

Josette Skilling | Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. | 301-385-9213 909 Northwest Drive, Silver Spring, MD Fabulous contemporary rambler - 3 bed 2 1/2 bath, all beautifully remodeled! Open floor plan w/wrap around fireplace. 3 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $475,000 Year Built 1955 Sq Footage 1,652 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size 10,099 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This lovely 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath comtemporary rambler sits on a large, flat lot filled with trees. The view from inside can't be beat since the cathedral ceilings allow abundant light to flow throughout this open floor plan. Harwood floors and a wraparound fireplace complete the picture and await you to create family memories! All the bathrooms have been exquisitely... 11/30/2007

The Dougé Team of Exit Realty Enterprises is conducting a Coat & Jacket Drive to benefit those less fortunate during the upcoming winter season.  We are seeking donations of used winter coats and fall jackets.  We ask that all coats and jackets be in good, clean condition.All donations will be collected through December 31st, then presented to Martha's Table, Inc in Washington DC in January.  Donations can be dropped off at: Exit Realty Enterprises at 11120 New Hampshire Ave, Suite 200 in Silver Spring Maryland; Monday-Friday, 12-5pm.Martha's Table, Inc serves the needs of the less fortunate in the Washington DC community through food, learning, healthy living, recreational, and family support services.During these last two months of the year, it's important to recognize the true meanin... 11/25/2007

Following in the footsteps of the famous Macy's Day Parade in New York, this local Silver Spring attraction promises to be nothing short of a spectacular event in downtown Silver Spring tomorrow! There will be 12 foot turkeys, pilgrims and other massive balloons, Mounted police, Shriners, fire engines, antique cars, trained dogs and a special appearance by Santa Claus, Now in its 10th year, the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature the local talents of the Montgomery Blair High School , Eubie Blake High School and Einstien High School marching bands, which are located in Silver Spring, Md., as well as the Redskins marching band and the Greater Overbrook string band from Philadelphia. The parade will be broadcast live on News Channel 8 from 10 a.m. to noonParade Start Ti... 11/16/2007

8045 Newell Street (by Patriot Group) is a five story, 120 unit condominium building.  This building was completed and already Sold out in 2005. This market report is for the last 6 month period May 4 through November 4th 2007.  All units are resales reported in the Metropolitan Regional Information Service (MRIS)3 Active For Sale Listings1)  2 Bedroom - 2 Bath 2nd floor unit  (1,222 sq ft)  Asking  - $420,000 Days on Market - 472)  1 Bedroom - 1 Bath 2nd floor unit (817 sq ft) Asking - $309,900 Days on Market - 753)  1 Bedroom - 1 Bath 5th floor unit (820 sq ft) - Asking $325,000  Days on Market - 921 Listing is Under Contract2 Bedroom - 1 Bath - Asking $339,000 1st floor unit (883 sq ft)Days on Market 1703 Sold Listings1)  2 Bedroom - 1 Bath - 2nd floor unit (883 sq ft) Days on Market... 11/06/2007

The Silverton Condos (by JBG Group) on East West Highway was built around the vintage art deco facade of the former Canada Dry bottling plant and has 210 dwelling units. The units were finished in 2006.This market report encompasses All Sales Activity at the Silverton   If you are thinking about Selling Your Silver Spring Condominium - Call on Debbie Cook and The Silver Spring Team for a No Obligation Market Report on Your Silver Spring Condominium. With our 21 years of Experience and our Enthusiasm for Silver Spring, we know how to get Silver Spring Condos Sold Fast and for Top Dollar in the Current Silver Spring Real Estate Market.            Click for an Over the Net Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of your Silver Spring Home's Value 11/06/2007

I am pleased and excited that Tuesday Morning Home Goods Store is opening in Silver Spring!  I've shopped at Tuesday Morning before.  It is a great store for gifts, things for your home and for Staging Houses for Sale.  It is a lot like Linen's and Things or Bed Bath and Beyond, but much less expensive!Now Silver Springers, including me, will not have to schlep to Rockville or Bowie to shop at this amazing discount home goods store.  The store is ready and opens on Tuesday (of course), that's tommorow, November 6th, 2007! This store will open in the building that SAM KUGLER's House of Linens Store used to occupy at the corner of University Boulevard and Colesville Road (RT 29).By the way, SAM KUGLER is alive and well.  He moved further out Route 29 past White Oak to the Tech Road Busine... 11/05/2007

The Aurora Condominium project in South Silver Spring is a 145 Unit Condominium Community built by reclaiming and rehabbing 2 old office buildings on Eastern Avenue just over the District of Columbia border line.Developed by RST Development, Aurora Condominiums combined adjacent 12-story and 8-story office buildings into one integrated 143,000-square-foot residential community. The renovated twin towers are connected by a dramatic lobby and landscaped garden.  The project completely Sold out in 2005. The residents of the Aurora are part of the young and growing South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association.This real estate market report encompasses activity for resale condos in the Aurora for the past 6 month period (May 4th - November 4th 2007)3 Active ListingsAverage List Price - 347,4... 11/04/2007

The Seven Oaks Neighborhood in Silver Spring straddles Sligo Creek Park from Dale Drive and Colesville Road at Mrs. K's Tollhouse to the Silver Spring International Middle / Sligo Creek Elementary Schools (the Old Blair High School Buildings) on one side where the zip code is 20910.  The other side of Seven Oaks is located in the zip code 20901 and extends from Colesville Road and Sligo Creek Parkway up to and including part of Franklin Avenue. The houses are an eclectic mix of older 1920's stone tudors, brick colonials, cape cods, bungalows to more modern and contemporary split levels and ramblers. There are 291 Homes in the Seven Oaks Subdivision located "inside the beltway".  The Seven Oaks neighborhood offers ready access to Beautiful Sligo Creek Park, the Silver Spring METRO statio... 11/04/2007

FORECLOSED HOMES AND BANK OWNED REAL ESTATE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND, the town of Silver Spring.Consumers wishing to buy a home in Silver Spring have an increased number of foreclosed and REO properties from which to select in 2007 because of the increase numbers of foreclosures and REO properties.Homefinders network of experienced agents and brokers are skilled in locating these homes.  While our network of agents and brokers sell all homes offered for sale, foreclosures and REO, For Sale By Owners, and generally listed homes for sale, we can locate the bank foreclosures and help you make smart buying decisions.  FORECLOSURES FOR SALE IN SILVER SPRINGThere are 24 foreclosures for sale in Silver Spring.  Examples belowForeclosure in Silver Spring, 3 bedroom, 2 bath town house $239... 10/10/2007

Clifton Park Village is a older, small neighborhood of 62 single family homes that connects to the Montgomery Knolls Subdivision in Silver Spring, Md 20901.  In this mature, established area with tall towering trees and Shady streets, the homes are quaint, mostly frame, mostly cape cod style homes built in the late 1930's to early 1940. Some of the houses have been restored and added onto in recent years and because a lot of the homes are frame they are painted a rainbow of different colors 2 Active ListingsBoth Listings are priced at $420,000Average Time on Market - 70 Days*Both Houses are 4 Bedroom - 2 Bath Cape Cods with Basements2 Sold ListingsAverage List Price - $359,000Average Sale Price - $352,000Average Time on the Market - 24 Days* Both properties were smaller than the norm in... 10/08/2007

The Montgomery Knolls Neighborhood is located just off of University Blvd where University intersects Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring - zip code 20901  This mature, established  community has rolling hills with Post WWII brick Colonials, Cape Cods and Ramblers.  There are 168 Single Family Homes in Montgomery Knolls and a small 44 Home Townhouse Development built in the early 1980's. 10/07/2007

Capitol View Park is an Old Historic Neighborhood down by the Railroad Tracks and just past Forest Glen in the area of Silver Spring that borders Kensington, Maryland.  In this quiet shaded glen, away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown, you will find a mix of every thing from old "Sears" Bungalows, Restored Victorians, post WWII capes cods, colonials and ramblers to recently built homes. There are 395 Total Single Family Houses in Capitol View Park, Silver Spring zip code 20910Real Estate Market Activity Report is for the preceding 6 Months -April - October 2007More info about the Capitol View Park Neighborhood, 5 Active Listings for SaleAverage List Price - $533,685Lowest Asking Price - $380,000Highest Asking Price - 845,000Average Time on Market - 108 Days9 Sold ListingsAverage Li... 10/06/2007

This report covers the time period of September 1 - September 30 - 2007 and is for single family homes only in Silver Spring, MD 20901 (part of Montgomery County)20901 in Silver Spring encompasses the neighborhoods from Dumont Oaks to Highland View.  It's a broad geographical zip code, covering homes both inside and outside the Beltway.  If your home falls in this zip code and you plan to sell I'm happy to help you understand what it will take to get your home sold in this market.  Each locale is still unique since all real estate is local and some neighborhoods fare better than others in the same market.   What does it mean?On average, the homes in this zip code only got 93.35% of their asking price and it took 57 days to get there.  Condition is undoubtably one of the largest factors ... 10/02/2007

It was announced today that, finally, the old historic, art deco J.C. Penney Building, will come back to life!  This building, one of the last vacant deteriorating eyesores in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring will become the home to the Live Nation Music Venue - The Fillmore.  Vacant for way over a decade, this building is located right accross the street from the restored Silver Theatre which houses the American Film Institute.  Lee Development Group owns the site and has set up a website about this property.  This is exciting and big news for Silver Spring, Maryland! Not all Silver Spring residents are happy about this . . . . many people in Silver Spring have been hoping for more than 5 years, that The Birchmere, a Virginia based folk music venue would be moving into the J.C. Penn... 09/26/2007

Carl Bernstein the reporter and author of Watergate Scandal fame grew up in this modern custom contemporary house built in 1954. The house is located right next door to where Carl's schoolmate and childhood friend Ben Stein grew up, in the Woodside Neighborhood of Silver Spring, Md. The home is larger than it looks from the street and  is nestled on a large deep 15,576 square foot wooded lot backing to Sligo Creek Park. 09/25/2007

Now living in Beverly Hills, California, this Actor, Comedian, Speech Writer, Lawyer, Author, etc, etc has his roots in Silver Spring, Md.  Benjamin Jeremy Stein grew up in this very Contemporary Custom Home in the Woodside Neighborhood of Silver Spring, Maryland.  Ben Stein attended elementary school at the old Parkside Elementary School which was walking distance from this house.  He also attended Montgomery Hills Jr High School and the old Montgomery Blair Senior High School.  The house, built in 1953, belies it's real size from this street view, it is actually a very large home that backs to the woods of  Sligo Creek Park. on a 10,257 square foot lot. This picture does not do this house justice - It is a spectacular mid century modern that's much larger than it appears (due to my "n... 09/24/2007