Last Monday I had the opportunity to spend some time with my 2 beautiful daughters. There was no school, and we were determined spend some time with each other. We had to watch the schedule – because Julia (my older one) had some arrangements with her friend related to her school, so … we looked at things to do and decided to visit Germantown Aquatic Center (which is actually in Boyds). I/we like this place a lot – not only the aquatic part – but there is a lot to do there. If you have never been there here is what the complex offer

Indoor swim center with small water park, slides, fountains for kids, big pool, huge diving platform, 2 huge slides (they are not always open – so check for the schedule before if you are planning on using them), and 2 hydrotherapy pools.

You may use the gym located in the center. Nice and clean space – so if you go with a group of people and not everyone wants to swim – there is an alternative

During summer time – they have a wonderful splash park – great for smaller kids

Mini Golf

There is a adventure playground in the same park. This is a spectacular playground with funky swings, big castles, stone animals and lots of other attractions. This is free – outside – so you can’t go wrong with using this park.

Tennis courts – which are open year-round. During winter they have the inflatable bubble roof.

Few things you need to know before you go:

The adventure park is free, however you need to pay for the pool. If you are a resident of Montgomery County, you pay a discounted fee. If you come from e.g. Frederick County you need to pay full price. The schedule is somewhat limited to when you can use the pool. The Center hosts a lot of events like swim classes and swim team meets, therefore you need to make sure you go when public is allowed to use the pool. The leisure pool is wonderful for kids of all ages, and I promise you won’t be disappointed with the variety of slides, fountains and other “wet” attractions, but if you want to use the big slides (which I know I probably would), it is somewhat limited.  

If you have never been there – please google the adventure playground to see how great it is. You can take your child there for many hours without them being bored. The best part is – you will stay outside and it is FREE.

Please take a look at some links below

General pool information

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/thingstodo/aquatics/germantown.html

Pool Schedule (as of January 2018)

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/resources/files/aquatics/giscpooluse.pdf

Splash Park and Mini Golf

https://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/splash-park-mini-golf/

For all bargain lovers and Dutch market lovers - Here is more info about the market and the link should take you to the website with coupons. 

Address

12613 Wisteria Drive

Germantown, MD 20874

Hours:

Thursday 10-6

Friday 9-7

Saturday 9-3

Contact Info: info@lcdutchmarket.com

Coupon page and information on how to redeem the coupons

https://www.lcdutchmarket.com/coupons

As a real estate agent, I often get the question about the first step, from people who are somewhat interested in jumping into the market and becoming a homeowner. Interestingly enough – the first step is one of the most difficult ones for potential future homebuyers for many reasons. I hope this short story will help you better understand, that there is nothing to fear.

So … the first step is ….. to get pre-approved. Yes – I’ve said it. This is, in my opinion the first step you should take and I will explain why and hopefully convince you that there is nothing to worry about.

What does it mean to get pre-approved and why is it so important? It initially means that you would need to talk to a lender (Loan Officer), who would be able to tell you what you can afford. It seems very scary – but it is a very power tool for every potential home buyer.

You need to team up with a RIGHT lender (loan officer) to succeed. Yes, you may go to your bank and ask for a lender there, or you can do it with the online services etc, but is this the best option for you? You are about to make a very important move in your life and you need to be sure that you are surrounded by the best. Maybe someone recommended the right lender to you – and if that is the case – great, let’s work with that lender. But if you do not have any connections yet, – let me connect you with the right person. A person who helped my past clients, who was there to pick up my call when I needed him at 10 p.m. on Saturday. A person who has number of successful stories in his portfolio. Please remember that you can chose whichever lender you want; however, your successful story is my successful story.

Once you talk to a lender he will be able to tell you whether your credit score is high enough to get pre-approved (If not he will work with you on improving the score and will tell you the time frame needed for that – e.g. 3 months). Loan officer will also tell you whether you can qualify for any buyers assistance programs (e.g. grants that would allow you to buy with a possibility of putting $0 money down). You will also find out whether you may qualify for some preferred loans (maybe you are a military veteran, or a spouse of a veteran, or maybe you want to live outside of city limits and may be eligible to purchase with a loan that can finance 100% of the price with $0 money down). Speaking with a loan officer will also re-assure you that your monthly mortgage payments will remain at certain amount.

The bottom line is, whether you are worried about old unpaid bills, not enough income, poor credit score, high monthly mortgage payments, no money for downpayment or anything else – working with the right lender could be a solution to your fear. Perhaps you qualify for a loan that does not need a downpayment, or your credit score could be improved within 2 months, or old unpaid bills are not relevant to your loan etc. I cannot tell you that – but my preferred lender can. On top of that his services are free.

If you are ready to start – please call me at 240-997-7284 or email me jackmaks@outlook.com

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