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.