January Newsletter: Celebrating 25 Years of the Martin & Jeff Group

Celebrating 25 Years of the Martin & Jeff Group

We're elated to celebrate our 25th year. We wish to express our sincere thanks to each and every client for their continued support over the years. The greatest gift is the trust you continue to place in us. We look forward to an amazing 2020 with you.

You'll hear a lot about the "spring market," but the fact is this year January is the new April. Don't wait for the weather to warm up, the market is already getting hot. If you're considering buying or selling this year, now is the time to start preparing.

Upcoming Listing - Open House January 19th 1-4pm

Chevy Chase, MD

Major full renovation in 2017

5 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | expansive 7,800+ SF lot

More details to come...

All the best,

Martin, Jeff, Olivia & Dito

Did You Know?

Tip: Sign all your official documents this year with the full "2020" to avoid potential fraud of someone adding digits to the shortened year. A

person could add the digits "19" to make it look like "2019."

In parts of DC and Maryland, the number of homes sold has increased year-to-date, while the median sold price increased 5.8% in DC and 5.6% in Montgomery County compared to the prior year. Northern Virginia has also seen a median sold price increase of 3.9%, and even higher in areas immediately around the upcoming Amazon HQ2.

Across the board, these homes have been selling faster and for more money, meaning the demand for homes is higher than it was a year ago, and that there is more room for negotiation on the seller side.

17% of DC sales in 2019 were all cash deals, down from 20% in prior years. The all cash purchases were mainly in the lower price point and at the extreme high end of the market.

Winter Adventures Near DC

For the art-loving gourmet, Martin & Jeff recommend a couple nights in historic and charming Washington, VA, a short drive from DC. For a splurge, dine at the Michelin-starred Inn at Little Washington. Enjoy the art scene a few minutes down the road in Sperryville. If you're lucky, snag a reservation at the revered Three Blacksmiths (pro tip: sign up for the waiting list as soon as you pick your travel dates!).

Sometimes a day trip will do! Life on the water doesn’t end when the summer does. For a quick and easy day away, take a short drive to Maryland’s eastern shore and discover the historical charm of beautiful Annapolis. Dito loves Sailor Oyster Bar for an indulgent afternoon of oysters, caviar, champagne, and amazing cocktails. If you're a history buff, don't miss the Maryland State House, the oldest state house in continuous legislative use - open every day from 9am-5pm.

From deep in the caverns to the top of Skyline Drive, there's no better place to enjoy the great outdoors than Luray, VA. With ties that run deep in the area, Olivia loves the charm and natural beauty of this idyllic spot nestled in the Shenandoah Valley just 2 hours from DC. For expansive mountain views and a cozy fireplace, check out Olivia's dog-friendly Airbnb. If you prefer to stay in town, we recommend the Hotel Laurance.

2020 Design Review

Infusing your spaces with what’s au courant can be tricky, but Elle Decor has got you covered with this list of home trends projected to be in and out in 2020, from color palettes to furniture.

Local Happenings

Your neighborhood guide to restaurant week

One great way to dig in to DC's dynamite food scene is to book a table during Restaurant Week, which runs between January 13th-19th. Reserve a table today at any of the 100+ participating restaurants across the DC area to discover an impressive variety of deals and discounts.

6 spots to ski and snowboard near DC

Wondering where you can hit the slopes this season? Washingtonian has rounded up the best spots for skiing and snowboarding -- all a short drive from DC.

This & That

The top 20 places to travel in 2020

From under-the-radar European cities and remote islands to classic destinations, these 20 places top Architectural Digest's must-visit list for 2020.

The most important design moments

of the past 10 years

From the birth of Instagram to the death of Zaha Hadid, these moments shaped the design landscape of the past decade.

Looking to stay on top of the market? With Compass Collections, we can curate a targeted selection of the properties that have sold in your neighborhood as well as the homes currently on the market in your desired zip code. Interested in learning more? Contact us today to receive a Compass Collection made just for you.

Martin Toews

Realtor®
202.255.9195
martin.toews@compass.com

Jeff Brier

Realtor®
202.255.9205
jeff.brier@compass.com

Olivia Kibler

Director of Operations | Realtor®
301.351.9630
olivia.kibler@compass.com

Dito Sevilla

Realtor®
202.549.2491
dito.sevilla@compass.com

Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. DC office: 202.386.6330. Maryland office: 301.298.1001.

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