A Variety of New Year’s Fun in Metro DC

If you still haven’t decided how to spend your New Year’s Eve in Bethesda or the Metro DC area, there’s still hope. Washington and the surrounding neighborhoods have so many great events to ring in the New Year.

Here are four of the many ways you can enjoy yourself this year, courtesy of the Bethesda Patch.

FAMILY FRIENDLY NEW YEAR’S EVE

Lebanese Taverna, 7141 Arlington Rd, Bethesda, MD, $18

Bring the Kids for the Family Friendly New Year's Eve celebration. Seating begins at 4:30 and Oh Susannah will entertain the kids. Price is $18.00 per child and includes party favors, dinner from kids menu, entertainment and "Ball Drop". Adult dinner is a la carte. Reservations are suggested as seating is limited. Call 301-951-8681 and reference Family Friendly event.

NEW YEAR’S EVE LABYRINTH WALK

Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, 9601 Cedar Ln, Bethesda, MD, FREE

Please join us for our annual candle lit New Year’s Eve labyrinth walk from 6:00 to 9:00 PM featuring live piano and harp music by Meg Baker. This indoor labyrinth walk is the spiritual highlight of the year!

NEW YEAR'S EVE SWING DANCE AT GLEN ECHO PARK

Glen Echo Park, 7300 Macarthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD, $25

Swing in the New Year at Glen Echo Park. Enjoy a night of swing dancing to the music of the Tom Cunningham Orchestra. Purchase tickets online or at the Spanish Ballroom.

NEW YEAR'S EVE AT BROOKSIDE GARDENS

Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD, FREE

Enjoy New Year's Eve at Brookside Gardens until 10 p.m. The Garden of Lights will be open, and there will be crafts and music in the visitor’s center

No matter what you choose, you’ll have a memorable time. To all my family, friends and clients, I wish you a very happy, healthy and successful New Year!

Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda and Whitehall Condominium.

A National Park Right Next to Bethesda

If you’re looking for something to do with the kids during the Bethesda school break, try the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park located in Washington, DC—and the surrounding suburbs!

The C&O Canal is a 184.4 mile stretch of water that moved goods to various communities between Washington, DC and Cumberland, MD from 1850 to 1924. It took 22 years to build (1828 to 1850), and during peak years of operation you would find up to 800 boats moving along this waterway, carrying 850 thousand tons of coal.

Boats moved along the canal by means of mules pulling the boats along a 100-foot tow rope. Top speed was 4 MPH, so it took seven 18-hour days to move the length of the canal. (Mules can only go so fast.) Each boat made about 25 trips per year and often carried the family that owned it.

There’s a great deal of history associated with the canal including western expansion, transportation, and the Civil War as well as the growth of industry and commerce. With over 1300 historical structures along the length of the water, there’s a lot you can learn. Some of these sites include lock houses, aqueducts, dams and pump houses. There are 74 locks along the canal which were based on a design by Leonardo Da Vinci.

If you’re not in the mood for history, the park has over 19,000 acres where you can stroll beside the water, ride a horse or bike, or just sit and enjoy the local wildlife. Or take a boat tour to combine relaxation with history.

To learn more about this great National Park right in our Bethesda backyard, check out their website.

This is just one of the great local attractions that area residents enjoy. Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda and Whitehall Condominium.

Hanukkah Celebrations in Metro DC

This time of year not only brings the festivities of Christmas but also the wonderful celebration of Hanukkah. From About.com, here is a list of Hanukkah festivities that will happen now through December 25 in the Greater Washington, DC area.

Clicking on any of the links will take you to a website with more information.

National Menorah Lighting

December 20, 2011, 4 p.m. The Ellipse, 1600 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC (202) 332-5600. Celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah with speeches, music, activities for kids and the lighting of the National Menorah by Rabbi Levi Shemtov. This event is free, but tickets are required.

JCC Gallery Art Show & Sale
December 4-25, 2011. Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, Maryland (301) 881-0100. Shop for decorative home items, jewelry, stained and fused glass, paintings, menorahs/chanukiot, quilting, textiles and fiber, challah covers, mezuzot, seder plates and more.

JCC Chanukah Celebration

December 18, 2011, 6-7:30 p.m., Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, Maryland 301-348-3880. Celebrate Chanukah with lots of latkes (potato pancakes) and loads of fun, all leading up to a premiere screening of Chanukah: The Missing Menorah, a new series from the creators of Sesame Street.

Hanukkah Celebration at Bethesda Row
December 22, 2011. Bethesda and Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD. The family-friendly event features live music, entertainment, hot latkes and chocolate gelt. Sponsored by Chabad of Bethesda-Chevy Chase.

Matzo Ball
December 24, 2011. 9 p.m. Eden, 1716 I St NW Washington, DC. $30. Singles Hanukkah party organized by the Society of Young Jewish Professionals.

Hanukkah Festival in Alexandria

December 25, 2011 6 p.m. Crown Plaza Hotel, 901 N Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA. Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington sponsors a Menorah Lighting, dreidels, lakes and donuts. (703)370-2774.

Hands on Hanukkah at the JCC

December 25, 2011, 11 a.m-3 p.m. Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031 (703) 323-0880. The event includes arts and crafts, games and activities, moon bounce, face painting, balloon artist and more.

No matter what traditions you celebrate, I wish you Happy Holidays and a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year!

Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda and Whitehall Condominium.

Great Holiday Gifts Outdoors in Downtown DC

If you’d like to buy your holiday gifts from local artisans and vendors without leaving Metro DC, head over to the annual Downtown DC Holiday Market. You’ll find abundant choices of unique gifts for all the people in your life, and you’ll get to spend some time outdoors while buying.

The Holiday Market is a seasonal outdoor shopping event held annually in DC's Penn Quarter neighborhood. Each week about 50 artisans and exhibitors rotate through the market, with about 180 total vendors participating. Items for sale include fine art, pottery, photography, jewelry, crafts, clothing and specialty foods.

Some of the local artisans who will participate include:

• De Nada Design - Handmade knits for men and women
• TORO MATA - Art of Peru
• 8th Street Soap Kitchen - Handcrafted soaps
• Smashing Jewels - Contemporary jewelry
• Janice's Table – European textiles
• Dangerously Delicious DC - Specialty food items
• J. Chocolatier - Chocolates, truffles, and toffee
• One Mango Tree – Fair-trade items
• Jonathan Blum - Portrait painter
• Carrie Saxl Jewelry – Jewelry

There is also musical entertainment for every taste by renowned local artists such as:

• Grammy-nominated Christylez Bacon (progressive hip hop)
• Dave Chappell (guitar)
• Flo Anito (jazz-pop)
• Gina DeSimone (swing)
• Glorious Sounds of the United House of Prayer (gospel brass)
• Janine Wilson & Max Evans (acoustic roots)
• Kid Goat (indie rock)
• Seth Kibel (jazz)
• The Sweater Set (folk)

Whether you’re in Bethesda, Chevy Chase or another local community, you’ll find something great at this year’s Market. The event runs from December 2 to 23, 2011 and is open from noon to 8:00 p.m. You’ll find it on the sidewalk of F Street, NW between 7^th and 9^th Streets, which is easily accessible from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro Station. See the Market's website for more information.

Beautiful and distinctive gifts right in your own back yard—another great advantage of living in the DC area. Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda and Whitehall Condominium.

Realtor.com survey: Holidays are 'good time to sell'

I have often been asked if a house for sale should be pulled off the market during the holiday season. My answer has always been consistent, "No! Houses still sell during the holiday season."

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. For instance, if sellers are going to be hosting a lot of family or if they really like to go overboard with the decorations, then maybe it's best to take it off the market for a few weeks. However, for the most part, a Christmas tree or holiday decorations tend to generate a warm and fuzzy feeling with a potential buyer that can play a big role in an emotionally charged decision.

While there may be less potential buyers looking, there is also less competition. Plus, the buyers that are out are probably very serious. Otherwise, they would be waiting in line to buy an iPhone4 at the Apple Store along with everyone else. My final point is that every day that it's not on the market is a day that the house could've sold. You can't sell a house if it's not on the market!

Apparently, my colleagues agree. Click below for more details...and Happy Holidays!

Realtor.com survey: Holidays are 'good time to sell'

Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda and Whitehall Condominium.

Cool Light Displays in the Metro DC Area



Photo Courtesy of National Zoo Website

 There are so many wonderful holiday activities in Bethesda and the surrounding area, including some great holiday light displays. Two of the nicer displays are ZooLights at The National Zoo in Washington, DC and Symphony of Lights at Symphony Woods in Columbia, MD.

ZooLights shows off many of the zoo’s most popular animals, built larger-than-life and constructed of LED lights. The LED lights are environmentally friendly and use about 90 percent less energy than traditional light bulbs. The event also offers hands-on activities, food, and other entertainment.

A new activity this year is an “Iceless” Skating Rink. Located at the Zoo’s picnic pavilion, this is among the best of the world’s eco-friendly synthetic ice skating surfaces. The “ice” is actually a special polymer that lets skate blades glide the same way they would on real ice. The price is pretty smooth, too--$5.00 for a 30-minute session.

ZooLights is open 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. nightly from December 16, 2011 to January 1, 2012 (except 12/24, 12/25 and 12/31). The event is free, but you will have to pay for parking: $9.00 for zoo members and $16.00 for non-members. See the National Zoo's website for more details.

For 18 years, Symphony of Lights has offered a wonderful holiday experience for those in Maryland and Virginia—and you don’t have to get out of your car!  In 20 to 30 minutes, you’ll drive past over 70 animated and stationary light creations that, like ZooLights, are larger-than-life.

The price for a car or van of up to 8 passengers is $20.00; vehicles seating 9 to 24 passengers pay $45.00; and larger busses that seat 25 or more will pay $125.00. You can find more information at their website.

There’s always something to do in the DC area, but the holidays offer some special ways to have a wonderful time. Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda and Whitehall Condominium.

Client Appreciation Fall Festival

Having a great time at the Fall Festival!

I recently hosted my annual client appreciation event and had a great time with many of my clients. We had wine, lunch, a hayride and ran wild all over Sharps Farm! Two lucky clients won stays at my beach condos! Hope to see more of you next year!

Click here to see photos - Provided by my good friend Jessica DelVecchio, Wedding & Portrait Photography – 202-744-3746. She's perfect for your holiday cards & gifts!

Special thanks also to those who ensure business runs smoothly:

• Roger Dennis, MetLife Home Loans - With rates this low, it's a GREAT time to buy or refinance! Contact me at 202 904 9573.
• Krauthamer & Stahl, Attorneys at Law - We concentrate in wills, estates, trusts, elder law, real estate and small business representation. Contact us at 301 656 0045 for a consultation.

Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda & Whitehall Condominium.

5 Free Apps That Will Save You Money This Holiday Season!

Here is a little something that will help you save up for a new house! :-)

A Place to Learn History, Ride a Trolley—and See Santa!

Just outside of Chevy Chase is the National Capital Trolley Museum where history and fun meet for a very good time. A visit here takes you back to a time when the building, maintenance and operation of street cars were the focus of most of the nation’s workforce.

The Museum’s website states that they exist “to collect and preserve artifacts of electrical street railways and to interpret their impact upon the development of communities in the Washington DC region.“ A stroll through this wonderful museum offers lots of interesting information.

In the Main Hall you’ll learn about the street car’s influence on communities and see working models of the street cars in the Chevy Chase of the 1930’s. The Conduit Hall shows off the different parts that made up the cars and how electricity was both made and transmitted so they could move. You’ll see actual street cars in Street Car Hall, with many from this region and some from Europe.

Once you’ve learned some history, you can step outside and take a ride on a real street car. The ride takes passengers into the woods and back in time by a century or so to see how Maryland and Virginia looked to riders at that time.

  

The Museum’s annual Holly Trolley Fest begins on November 26 and runs Saturdays and Sundays through December 18. The kids will love that Santa rides (and sometimes drives!) the trolleys between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and there’s also a Christmas Garden with a toy train display set up on Museum grounds. 

You can find the National Capital Trolley Museum in Northwest Branch Park, 1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville, MD.  Adult admission is $7.00, children ages 2-17 and seniors 65 and older pay $5.00. For more information, call them at 301-384-6088 or go to dctrolley.org. There are few other places where you can have so much fun for so little money. Plan to bring a camera!

If you lived here, you’d never run out of things to do! Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda & Whitehall Condominium.

Bethesda Students Put Kindness into Action

The kids at Bethesda's Carderock Springs Elementary School are learning more than just academics. They’ve discovered how great it is to help others.

It started at the beginning of October with a book called “The Lemonade Ripple: An Adventure in Philanthropy” by Paul Reichert, the father of a Carderock student. The story tells of a young girl who opens a lemonade stand to help get a new wheelchair for her friend, which creates a “lemonade ripple” that draws the whole community to help.

What the book did in Bethesda was to inspire students from kindergarten to the fifth grade to do their own acts of charity all through the month of October, visiting nursing homes or selling items to raise money for charity. One second grader created and sold homemade cards; a fourth-grader donated clothes and toys to the Salvation Army. Others made pictures for teachers or gave toys to the National Center for Children.

At the end of October, the students donated the $1,860.50 they’d earned to a Bethesda organization called “Just Tryan It,” a nonprofit that gives financial assistance to the families of children fighting cancer. And they’re not stopping now that October is over. During November they’ll hold a winter coat drive for the needy, and students plan to adopt families that they can help for the upcoming holiday season. The fourth-grader who gave to the Salvation Army is now getting socks and creams for homeless people with diabetes.

The book shows how small acts of kindness can lead to wonderful things, and a group of elementary school students put the idea into action. Bethesda is filled with great people, excellent schools, and a community that cares for others.

Come join us! Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda & Whitehall Condominium.

A Small Bethesda Business with a Big Impact

Anyone who lives here knows there’s always great stuff happening in Bethesda. Add to that list Savenia Labs, a small start-up company making a big environmental impact.

The company was started by John Jabara, a Bethesda resident, to provide consumers with the energy cost of operating various household appliances. A few years ago John was in the market for a coffeemaker and wanted to know not only how much energy it used, but also the long-term cost to both himself and the environment of using the different units on the market. Because this information wasn’t readily available, he started a company that could provide it.

Jabara states that an energy-efficient toaster can reduce 1200 pounds of carbon dioxide over six years, and a house filled with such appliances “would reduce the environmental impact by 20,000 pounds of carbon dioxide over the same period.” According to Jabara, this equals about 154 tanker trucks full of pollution that won’t get into the environment.

Headquartered at Bethesda Green, Savenia puts products through a 10-step test process to determine the true cost of operating the appliance. This includes market research, how much an appliance is used, and the energy consumption of a typical user. But they then go on to also study how far an item travels to get to a store and if packaging is made of recycled content, which also have an environmental impact. Oh, and they also test that the products perform their essential functions, like making coffee.

Savenia has tested over 200 appliances to date including coffeemakers, toaster ovens and microwaves—items that Energy Star does not cover. Jabara hopes that his energy rating system will push manufacturers to produce products with better energy-saving capacities.

Because the lab is independent and also independently funded, they don’t accept donations from manufacturers and buy all the products they test. Jabra envisions his profits coming from the sale of Savenia’s ratings to retailers, letting them use his labels in their stores.

There’s currently a display of Savenia’s energy-rated products in Bethesda and Silver Spring at Strosniders Hardware Stores, and it’s drawn a lot of interest from the public. Most people are very interested in choosing an energy-efficient product.

Bethesda Green and the College Park area are known for supporting and encouraging new businesses that promote sustainable living practices. This is just another reason why Bethesda is one of the greatest places in the country to call home.

Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda & Whitehall Condominium.

Learn how to protect Rock Creek Park

Advocates for Rock Creek have spotted and reported water main breaks, spills and mud washing into storm drains. Come to a short training session to learn what to look for and how and where to report any problems you might see in the creek, its tributaries, or surrounding neighborhoods. Speakers include a water quality expert from DDOE and a National Park Service ranger.


This is great for all of my neighbors in Rosemary Hills and Rock Creek Forest. Hope you can make it!

Wednesday, October 26, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW

Register here so enough refreshments and materials are on hand!

Call Joan Furlong, Rock Creek Conservancy, 202-215-4637 for more information.

Historic and Haunted Fun in Maryland

Attention residents of Bethesda and the general DC, Maryland and Virginia areas: If you’re in the vicinity of Clarksburg over Halloween weekend, you may run into some very “spirited” characters. 

A book store called Novel Places—which just happens to be the site of the old Clarksburg Trading Post and the Wilson General Store of the 1950s and 60s—may be visited by the Maryland Goatman and the Snallygaster beast. These two haven’t been seen in this area since the early 20^th century, but Halloween is their time for fun and an old building the perfect place to play.

On October 28, 29 and 30, Rockville resident Larry Rodman will take folks through the building in a guided tour called “Famous Monsters of Maryland: The Haunted General Store.”  Rodman will place his own “artifacts” such as puppets and other animated objects on the store’s front porch to start the story of the two wily ghosts.

According to legend, the Goatman always carries an ax and the Snallygaster is a fast-moving creature that no one has ever seen clearly. Rodman’s tale will weave the folklore of the spirits into the history of Clarksburg and the surrounding area. This is a live show that will be viewed in small groups and if needed Rodman will tailor the script to each group.

The program will be geared toward families and young children, with a “full-scale monster surprise” at some point during the show when you will be asked to help find the Goatman and Snallygaster, but there is no blood or gore.

While it’s lower key than a typical haunted house, the Clarksburg version could be a wonderful new Halloween tradition. When you think about it, you can learn about the DC area's historic and haunted past—all at the same time!

Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda & Whitehall Condominium.

Homes in DC Area More Affordable Than Ever

If you’re buying in or relocating to the Metro DC area or the surrounding suburbs, you can breathe a little easier. For 252 zip codes in the DC area, the yearly income needed to buy a home has dropped dramatically from 2007 to present says the Washington Post.

Here’s how the numbers tell it.

• Since 2007, general interest rates have dropped from 6.58 percent to 4.62 percent.
• The average cost of a single-family home has fallen from $424,000 to $329,990.
• Therefore, the amount of income you need to buy a home has gone from $103,776 annually to $65,088. That’s a staggering 37% less than 4 years ago.

In fact, there are now 134 zip codes in the DC area where you can buy a home with $80,000 or less of annual income, up from just 42 zips in 2007.  According to the Post, the most affordable zip codes in the greater DC area are:

• Maryland: Brentwood 20722
• Washington 20019
• Virginia: Manassas 20109

Even the areas that are considered pricey are more affordable than 2007.  The income needed to buy in DC has dropped 17 percent to $217,056, Chevy Chase is down 28 percent ($181,536) and McLean fell 36 percent ($201,264).

The graphic below from the Post provides more detailed information from each area. Click here  to see the Post website for more details.

The DC area has so much to offer, and it’s more affordable to live here than ever before! Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda & Whitehall Condominium.

Metro DC: The Best No-Cost Events Anywhere!

As you’ve heard from me over and over, I love living in the Metro DC area. From DC proper to Bethesda and Silver Spring, I believe no other place can challenge my home for diversity of things to do. Whether it’s arts, history, government or fun, DC offers it almost every minute of the day and night. But what’s especially unique about Metro DC and the surrounding areas is that so much can be had for free.

And don’t worry--while these events have no cost, it’s definitely not a case of “you get what you pay for.” Our free programs are every bit as wonderful and educational as any for which you’ll lay out lots of cash, while their variety can keep you busy for days on end.

Here’s a sampling of October events from the website Free in DC, which describes itself as “dedicated to all the cool, free, and low-cost things to do in Washington, DC - proving that you needn't spend a lot to live a rich life in this town!”

·         See a film: If you’re a fan of Asian cinema, Friday nights at 7:00 at the Freer Gallery this October could be your bag, baby. The ambitious Boxer Rebellion tale, 55 Days at Peking, featuring Charlton Heston and Ava Gardner, is playing October 7. You can check out Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor, the aptly-titled film about Puyi, the last emperor of China on October 14. And in Rebels of the Neon God, October 21, a street hood gets a overly zealous student admirer.

·         Gaze into the starry, starry night: Get all romantic and hold hands with that special someone while you do some stargazing at the museum’s Public Observatory at the Air and Space Museum. No excuses, guys. You’ve got three dates to choose from—October 8, 21 or 22.

·         Do the locomotion: Receive a history lesson in cinematic form, courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. American Experience: Transcontinental Railroad covers the six-year construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, in all its laborious glory Thursday, October 20 at 6:30.

The Free in DC site is just one of many places to learn about cheap or no-cost events in the area. So pull out your computer, grab your calendar, and start making a plan to enjoy what DC offers—for free!

Think of the fun you could have if you lived here! Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda & Whitehall Condominium.

Summer Fun at Rock Creek Forest Block Party

This past June, the residents of Rock Creek Forest got together to hold a wonderful summer block party. The weather cooperated with a lovely day so that neighbors could share food and conversation while kids found each other for games and general fun.

Here are some pictures of this great event:

Rock Creek Forest Block Party - June 2011

Rock Creek Forest is just one of many great neighborhoods in the DC area. Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda & Whitehall Condominium.

Help Wanted ASAP! Looking for a Smart Executive Assistant & a Market Center Administrator!

Earlier this year I become a partner with Keller Williams Capital Properties' new Bethesda-Chevy Chase office and business continues to be be great! As we work towards reaching the next level, both in my personal business and as an office, we find ourselves in a place where we need more smart and dynamic people who are looking to grow with us.

It's an exciting time for me, my office and the real estate market and if you are someone you know are interested in being my Executive Assistant or the office's Market Center Administrator, please contact me ASAP for more details or simply send me a cover letter, resume and salary requirements. Thanks!

MYNOR HERRERA'S EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT'S OVERVIEW

 

Key Area of Accountability	Key Tasks
1.    Leadership	Ø  Design and implement systems. Ø  Create and maintain operations manual documenting systems and standards. Ø  Review Annual/Monthly/Weekly Goals (4-1-1). Ø  Hire, train, consult, and hold accountable all additional administrative team members as appropriate for team structure. Ø  Block and manage work and personal time.
2.    Lead Generation	Ø  Manage client database. Ø  Track and coordinate leads. Ø  Coordinate advertising, including writing and placing ads, and producing graphics and feature sheets. Ø  Prepare listing packages. Ø  Prepare buyer packages. Ø  Maintain files for testimonials. Ø  Handle customer inquiries and complaints.
3.    Client Care	Ø  For Buyers: 1.     Provide Buyer Representation packet. Ø  For Sellers: 1.     Arrange for signs, lockbox, and photographs. 2.     Enter and update information in the MLS. 3.     Put in or link to websites and update websites as needed. Ø  Transaction and closing coordination, including: 1.     Set up contract-to-closing file. 2.     Fill out Greensheet. 3.     Schedule and coordinate closing process, including Distribution Authorization (DA). 4.     Insure for all filings and notifications. 5.     Provide postclosing information and service.

4.    Administration and Communication

Ø  Schedule and attend training. Ø  Set up and maintain all files, including listing property files and contract files. Ø  Maintain archives. Ø  Maintain all databases. Ø  Bookkeeping, including monthly P&L statements. Ø  Open and distribute mail; deal with correspondence. Ø  Answer phones; take and deliver messages. Ø  Send and receive faxes and email. Ø   Personal assistance as needed.

BETHESDA MARKET CENTER ADMINISTRATOR OVERVIEW

Key Area of Accountability	Key Tasks
1.    Manage Market Center Finances	Ø  Manage full charge accounting for the Market Center. Ø  Manage the computerized bookkeeping for the Market Center. Ø  Act as the Market Center liaison to the CPA. Ø  Maintain all office files. Ø  Report all production and accounting figures to Keller Williams Realty International (KWRI) on a monthly basis. Ø  Process and pay associate commissions in locations where associates are not paid at closing.
2.    Manage All Market Center Operations and Administrative Functions	Ø  Recruit, select, and train Directors of First Impressions (DOFIs) or Assistant MCAs. Ø  Interact with staff, associates, and vendors. Ø  Purchase supplies and equipment. Ø  Ensure professional appearances of all physical facilities. Ø  Distribute communications. Ø  Coordinate maintenance of office equipment. Ø  Responsible for phones being covered.
3.    Support Team Leader and Associates	Ø  Assist Team Leader in implementing Market Center training calendar and in conducting orientation. Ø  Provide support and feedback to the Team Leader on all matters affecting growth, productivity, and operation of the Market Center. Ø  Assist the TL in gathering materials for the weekly newsletter. Ø  Understand, demonstrate, and promote the WI4C2TS and the KW culture as it relates to associates, staff, ownership, and others. Ø  Calculate and create reports for local, regional, and international awards.