Orin Knows Real Estate

Price Reduced - $574,900! This spacious home offers the perfect opportunity for you to create your dream space. With three bedrooms, two full baths, and two half baths, this property has all the space you need. The main living areas have hardwood floors, and the kitchen features a stylish island with a wine cooler, granite counters, and recessed lighting. The primary bedroom includes an ensuite full bath for added convenience. Outside, enjoy the deck off the kitchen and off-street parking for two cars. Conveniently located near Walmart, Costco, Fort Totten Metro, Chick-fil-A, and the neighborhood library. This home is perfect for both family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. Don't miss the opportunity to personalize this house into your dream home. Schedule a tour to see this home today.

4803 South Dakota Avenue, NE
Washington DC 20017
MLS # DCDC2153034
For more information, visit: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/4803-S-Dakota-Ave-NE_Washington_DC_20017_M92985-82936?msockid=3ad50c840c7a615c102a18580d356010

Or, contact me:
Orin Luke
Fairfax Realty Premier
Licensed in Washington DC and Maryland
Cell: 202-423-4211

Homeowners are you aware that an increase in property equity can help you avoid paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)? PMI is based on a home's loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which is the percentage of the home's value that's still owed on the mortgage. When a home's value increases, its equity increases, which lowers the LTV ratio. If the LTV ratio falls below 80%, you can request to cancel PMI with your lender and reduce your monthly mortgage payment.

Real estate agents, like me, can provide you with a comparable property sales analysis or "COMPS" to determine a home's worth based on a specific area and home type.

This information can also be useful for both buyers and sellers. For example, sellers can use comps to estimate their home's listing price, while buyers can use them to learn about the selling prices of similar homes in the area.

Contact me to discuss how real estate COMPS can benefit you.
Orin Luke
Email: OrinLuke(at)gmail.com
Cell: (202) 423-4211

- 8748 Ravenglass Way for $385,000!
MLS # MDMC2132848

- 3 Offers in the first weekend
- $10,000 over asking price

Let me know if you need assistance selling or purchasing a home.

Email: OrinLuke(at)gmail.com
Cell: (202) 423-4211

Under Contract! MLS # MDBC2099480

Looking to purchase or sell real estate in the District of Columbia or Maryland? Send me a message with your name and contact information, and I'll be in touch shortly.

Stop by my OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, June 23rd from 1 - 3PM EDT. This property will not last long!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore this gem at 4211 Hanwell Road in Randallstown, Maryland 21133. This updated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 1,872 square foot home could be the perfect fit for you with its perfect blend of modern amenities and classic charm. Hope to see you there!

Tour the property here: https://site.realestateexposures.com/4211-Hanwell-Rd

MLS # MDBC2099480

Questions? Call or text me at (202) 423-4211

This is the one that made me a father. The last few weeks have been filled with memorable events: senior project presentation, high school graduation, and a debutante cotillion. I couldn't be prouder to hold the title of Daddy to two beautiful, smart, and talented daughters. Yet, this Father's Day feels bittersweet knowing the first one is leaving home and heading off to college in the fall. She's already talking about participating in a study abroad program next summer. I better sell more houses!

Whether you're a dad or like a dad, wishing you a Happy Father's Day Weekend!

❤️

I had to cancel the Open House because the property was already ‼ Happy Friday!

🏡

MLS #: MDMC2132848

UPDATE OPEN HOUSE CANCELED!!!!

JUST LISTED & Open House scheduled:

Sunday, May 26 • 1PM - 3PM
8748 Ravenglass Way
Gaithersburg, MD 20886
MLS #: MDMC2132848

Welcome to this stunning and rarely available 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom semi-detached townhouse! With major updates and modern amenities, this move-in-ready home is the perfect blend of comfort and style. The entire home has been newly painted and features brand-new flooring throughout. New windows and custom blinds/shutters for optimal light and privacy. All bathrooms have been stylishly updated with new fixtures and finishes. The main level features a large, bright living room with a wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen has been tastefully done with new stainless-steel appliances, elegant quartz countertops, new cabinets, and there is a powder room. Outdoor living is a delight with a spacious deck, replaced in 2022, complete with under-decking perfect for entertaining. Upstairs, the primary bedroom features a cathedral ceiling, large windows for plenty of sunlight, two closets, and a full en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom has a space saving Murphy bed, good size closet and a full en-suite bathroom. The versatile basement can serve as a third bedroom and opens to a new patio in the backyard. It includes a storage room with rough-in for a potential powder room or bathroom and additional storage under the stairway. The laundry/utility room features tiled floors and sink. Residents enjoy proximity to Lake Marion with its pool, tennis courts, grills, picnic tables, and walking trails. Two large nearby shopping centers offering a variety of stores, including grocery and eateries provide convenience and choice. Conveniently located near Gaithersburg, Germantown, and Olney with easy access to I-270, this home provides both comfort and convenience. This impeccably maintained home comes with two assigned parking spaces. Schedule a visit today and see this stunning home!

Virtual tour here:
https://site.realestateexposures.com/8748-Ravenglass-Way

I Another House... in 21 Days! [MLS # MDPG2107098]
Thinking of Buying? Selling? Leasing?
Contact me at (202) 423-4211 or OrinLuke (at) gmail.com

If you inherited this house, do you keep or sell it? Leave a comment below. I'll respond tomorrow with my

I've been quite busy (no complaints) so this post is late.
since April 9th!

Today, a rare earthquake hit the New Jersey/New York area. It was felt along the Northeast corridor, from Maine to Maryland. Praying everyone in the affected areas are safe.

Though earthquakes on the East Coast are rare, they can cause property damage. Here are a few suggestions from the California Seismic Safety Commission to make certain your home is safe:

- Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe. Aftershocks following earthquakes can cause further damage.

- Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to fire or injury from falling debris during an aftershock. Cracks in chimneys can be the cause of a fire years later.

- Examine walls, floor, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.

- Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

- Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

- Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water from undamaged water heaters or by melting ice cubes.

- Watch for loose plaster, drywall, and ceilings that could fall.

- Clean up spilled flammable liquids immediately

- Open closet and cabinet doors cautiously. Contents may have shifted during the shaking of an earthquake and could fall, creating further damage or injury.

- Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies. Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in disaster situations. They need to be clear for emergency calls to get through.

- Expect aftershocks. They can occur minutes, days, weeks, and even months following an earthquake.

For more information, visit: https://ssc.ca.gov/disasters/after_earthquake/

The Healthy Homes Fair is SATURDAY, APRIL 6, at the DC Armory!

It's a FREE expo and interactive experience for homeowners, renters, home renovation professionals and career seekers to learn about the products and services needed to improve our health, increase comfort, and reduce emissions from the homes of the DC region.

Also, E-bike curious? Test ride a wide array of brands and models, learn about the DC E-bike Incentive, and connect with local shops and organizations.

Register to attend and learn how to use your home as a tool to fight climate change here: https://www.healthyhomesfair.org/ or Follow District of Columbia Department of Buildings

Don't miss my Open House this Saturday, March 30, 12PM to 3PM EDT. This home is brimming with potential. With a little bit of TLC, this house could become your dream home.

14444 Bonnett Lane
Laurel, Maryland 20707
MLS # MDPG2107098

YOU can purchase a house in Baltimore for $1!

Baltimore has over 13,500 vacant properties, nearly 900 of which are owned by the city. Officials approved a fixed-price program to allow certain city-owned properties, found on the "Buy Into BMore" website https://buyintobmore.baltimorecity.gov/

Yes, there are some strings attached.

Buyers need to promise to fix up the homes
Those purchasing a home in the program must promise to renovate the property and have at least $90,000 to fix it up. Owners must also move in within a year and stay in the home for five years.

Who can buy a home for $1?
As part of the program, only individual buyers and community land trusts would be able to purchase the properties for $1. Nonprofits with 50 or fewer employees would pay $1,000 while developers and nonprofits with more than 50 employees would have to pay $3,000.

NOTE: PHASE ONE - Fixed Pricing Priority Application Period: Future Homeowners This is For You!!! The homeowner priority application period beginning April 1, 2024, for applicants who intend to purchase a property for their primary residence!

For more information, visit: https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/fixed-pricing-program

Yesterday, I renewed my daughter's passports in less than 30-minutes with NO APPOINTMENT!

Are you aware you can apply for a new passport or renew your current one at the DC Public Library Passport Acceptance Office, located on the 2nd floor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library?

***** FIVE (5) THINGS TO KNOW *****

1. UNLIKE the Post Office, NO APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED!
Yes, no appointment means you might find a line - especially on Saturday. However, it's more fun to wait in the library versus the post office. With the available paging service, consider passing the time in the children's section with your little one, grabbing a bite at Marianne's by DC Central Kitchen, or view the public art exhibits.

Hours of Operation
Sunday | Closed
Monday | Closed
Tuesday | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (sign-up list closes at 6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (sign-up list closes at 6:30 p.m.)
Thursday | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (sign-up list closes at 6:30 p.m.)
Friday | Closed
Saturday | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (sign-up list closes at 2:30 pm)

2. Payment requires at least two (2) Personal Checks (no starter checks) or Money Orders.

One (1) form of payment, payable to the U.S. Department of State is required for each passport application. In the memo, you will indicate the applicants name and birthdate.

Another personal check or money order, payable to D.C. Treasurer, is required for the acceptance fee, passport photo, and/or overnight mailing.

3. While at the library, you can access free WiFi and print, copy or scan up to 20 pages a day at no cost with your DC Public Library Card. That includes printing your passport application.

4. For an additional fee, the Passport Acceptance Office will provide you with the required passport photo.

5. This service is available for ANYONE! Not just DC Residents.

Thanks again to Abdul for his assistance and making the process so easy!

If you have any questions, contact the Passport Acceptance Office:

Phone: (202) 727-3257
Email: [email protected]

Or visit the website here: https://www.dclibrary.org/using-the-library/passport-acceptance-office

SOLD Over Asking with 18 Offers! In this market, to gain the most when selling your property, having an experienced agent does matter. If you have any real estate concerns, contact me:

Orin Luke
Fairfax Realty Premier
Licensed in DC and MD
Cell: 202-423-4211

Are you aware of the 2024 Washington Nationals home game tickets starting at $5?

The Nationals announced a discounted ticket deal exclusively for during the 2024 Major League Baseball season called “District Tickets.” The new program is a way of thanking the community for supporting the team.

Buy in sections 401 & 402 and enjoy a great game at a great price while hanging out with fellow neighborhood !

The discounted tickets can be purchased in person at the National Park Center Field Gate box office with proof of D.C. residency. They can be bought before and on game days as available. Baseball fans are limited to buying tickets for four games and four tickets per game. The box office is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in March.

NOTE: District Tickets are available for all home games, including Opening Day [Monday, April 1 against the Pittsburgh Pirates], premier opponents, theme games and giveaways. Buy Early! Capacity is limited, so buy your District Tickets before they sell out.

For more information, visit: https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/specials/district

Non-district fans, the Ballpark Access Pass includes a Standing Room Only ticket to all 82 Nationals home games in 2024. Pay just $5 per game, while receiving access to great benefits & discounts throughout Nationals Park. Tickets are stored exclusively in the MLB Ballpark app. Details: https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/season-tickets/plan-options/ballpark-access

Unlock the door to your new home with the Affordable Housing Program Homeownership Set-Aside Program. This program provides financial assistance that you can use towards your downpayment and closing costs. You can enjoy the benefits of a 30-year fixed mortgage rate without the need for repayment – it’s fully forgiven in just 5 years.

Qualify for $12,500 as a first-time buyer or $15,000 if you’re a community hero—law enforcement, educators, firefighters, healthcare workers, veterans, or military members and their spouses.

For more information on the AHP Homeownership Set-Aside Program, visit: https://federalhillmortgage.com/ahp-homeownership-set-aside-program/

Thanks Federal Hill Mortgage Company, LLC for sharing this program!

First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program
Pathway to Purchase - Prince George's County, Maryland

If you are a first-time homebuyer, you could be eligible for up to $25,000 in down payment and closing costs toward purchasing your first home.

Any residential property including:
- Resale
- Foreclosure
- Short Sale
- New Construction

Pathway to Purchase is a 0% interest, deferred payment loan. The loan is forgiven after 10 years!

Let me know if you are ready to get started with the Pathway to Purchase process. The first step is to contact one of the approved mortgage lenders to get qualified for a mortgage loan. Once you qualify for a mortgage loan, your lender will send your loan documents to the Pathway to Purchase program for review and consideration.

As of February 1, 2024, Pathway to Purchase available funds are $816,526.83.

For more information, visit:
https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/business/redevelopment-authority/first-time-home-buyer-assistance-programs/pathway-to-purchase

The National Park Service (NPS) has projected that the peak bloom for the cherry blossoms in , will occur between March 23 and March 26, 2024. During this period, approximately 70% of the Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) blossoms will be open, creating a stunning display of delicate pink and white flowers around the Tidal Basin.

Are you planning to view the and participate in the festival activities, March 20 - April 14? If so, leave a comment on your favorite event. I enjoy the kite festival happening Saturday, March 30, 2024 (Rain Date: March 31, 2024) 🌸10 AM - 4 PM 🌸 Washington Monument Grounds.

Keep an eye on the National Mall and Memorial Parks updates here: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm

🌸 ®

Photo: NPS

The main difference between a condo and a co-op is the ownership structure. A condo owner owns their individual unit, while a co-op owner owns shares of a company that owns the building. Co-ops tend to have lower purchase prices, but higher down payments, monthly fees, and buyer financial requirements. Co-ops also have stricter subletting rules and board approval processes than condos. Condos and co-ops have different oversight entities, such as a board or a HOA.

Do you understand the difference between the condo and co-op fees?

The differences between condo fees and co-op fees might seem small, but there are some key distinctions that UrbanTurf outlines in this article:
https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/what_are_the_differences_between_condo_fees_and_co-op_fees/20714

If you have questions, DM me to address your real estate concerns.

That feeling when you receive 18 offers on your listing!

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M5309943296

media.tenor.co

Are you taking advantage of the FREE programming at the Smithsonian?

This weekend:

Calling all artists! Get creative during a drop-in workshops for all ages. Learn about artists and change-makers and create art inspired by their stories.

Weekend Workshops
Saturday, February 24 &
Sunday, February 25
12 – 3pm EST

Location:
National Portrait Gallery USA
8th and G Streets NW
Washington, DC 20001
Room: Education Center, E151
Cost: Free. No Registration Required.
Category: Kids & Families
Event Details: https://npg.si.edu/events/family-programs

For more events, visit: https://www.si.edu/events/

Smithsonian Event | Smithsonian Institution Learn more about Smithsonian Event