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Welcome to Real Estate Live, a online discussion of the Washington area housing market, featuring Post real estate writer Daniela Deane.

Submit your questions and comments.

In her live online discussions with the audience, Deane discusses the specifics of the market, from condos and investment properties to contracts and mortgages.

Deane has covered Real Estate for The Washington Post since 1999 and has worked as a reporter for more than 20 years.

The discussion follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Daniela Deane: Hello everybody and welcome to Real Estate Live, where I try (and often fail) to answer all these pesky questions you have about real estate....As usual, I have a slew of questions about what I think is going to happen and whether the market has slowed already. What I'd like to do today is ask you what you're seeing out there. All of you on the front lines buying and selling homes are the best barometer of what is actually happening. So I solicit comments today. Please tell me what you're seeing, what you're experiencing, what's happened to you in any part of the Washington area buying or selling or just looking. I'll post them all. And thank you for making me more informed. . Here we go! (you'll give me one tiny exclamation mark, won't you?)

Alexandria, Va.: Daniela,
The prices seem to be dropping. An example is the Fairlington Towne neighborhood. This summer, prices peaked and 3 or 4 townhouses listed for $250,000 and sold within a few days of list (so I'm assuming they got $250 or very close to it). In the past 3 weeks, 3 houses have listed at $235K, $235K, and $237K. One sold within 3 days of listing, one sat for 2 weeks, and one listed on Monday and is still active. That's a decrease of about 5% from the August peak of $250,000. I think that places are sitting in Fairlington villages and Park Fairfax, too.

Daniela Deane: Here's my first comment. Thank you, Alexandria, for sharing. I am hearing that the market is slowing...Houses seem to be sitting longer. But it's darn hard to tell whether they were overpriced to begin with. I still believe that a fairly priced property in a good area will sell quickly. Am I wrong?

Capitol Hill, D.C.: I purchased my home on Capitol Hill a couple of years ago and it just appraised for almost 60% more than what I paid.
Assuming the market will cool at some point, what typically happens to home prices that have aggresively appreciated? Will my home at least hold its current value or will it actually start depreciating?
Thanks!

Daniela Deane: It's very hard to say what typically happens, since this situation seems atypical. We've had a huge run-up in prices that hasn't been seen that many times before...(okay, in the late '80s...) What most housing economists are saying (are you guys sick of hearing this?) is that appreciation will slow, definitely, but that prices won't drop across the board. They're still predicting an annual appreciation rate in this area of about 6 percent...Now, a lot of people in real estate caution that housing is cyclical...what goes up, tends to come down...But I find it very hard to believe that we're going to wipe out the gains we've seen here...And the city has turned a corner and in my opinion, will never go back to what it was...I think you were smart to get a home on Capitol Hill and you'll be happy you did...Appreciation simply cannot continue at that kind of pace....And we don't want it to either...Remember the stock market? I'm a firm believer that you should own the property where you live, rather than pay rent...

Arlington, Va.: What I'm seeing in our N Arl neighborhood: more houses on the market, several open houses (instead of just one), settlement prices below asking. Things are slowing.

Daniela Deane: Yes, Arlington, I think you're right and thank you for your comment...A simply adorable house on a delightful street in my neighborhood has had a For Sale sign out now for a couple weeks...That wouldn't have happened last year...

Washington, D.C.: I have been seeing prices drop on properties in Rockville, Silver Spring and Gaithersburg - more from over pricing I think than lack of buyers. Many homes that were listing for $400-$450 are now listing for $375 - $400. I think reality is setting in!!! (That was for you, Daniela!!!).

Daniela Deane: Thank you. It is hard to tell whether it's just insane sellers or prices dropping, isn't it?...I think just the few comments I've gotten already show that something is afoot though...(Keep them coming...There's nothing more interesting than what the market is doing out there...at least to me.)

Washington, D.C.: I've never owned a home. In order to know what I can REALLY afford, I'm trying to figure out how much I would have to spend in water and electricity once I own a home (I'm thinking of somewhere in Fairfax County). Can anyone give me a ballpark figure for such costs for a family of two? I think I have all other costs figured out, but this one elludes me (and I don't want to be unpleasantly surprised). Thanks!

Daniela Deane: Shoot, it depends on how much water and electricity you use, doesn't it?? I sense that you're frugal and careful, though...Remember, with most rentals you have to pay electricity too, so that shouldn't be a key factor...And if you're cutting it that close, you should think about a cheaper property. Anybody with more to add for Washington?

20011: Daniela:
Brand new D.C. homeowner here and now that I've broken the barrier, I'm interested in purchasing rental property in the next year or so. Is the 20% down thing firm for property that's not used as the owner's primary living space?

Daniela Deane: That's how much lenders usually want on an investment property...But remember you can borrow the down-payment off a home equity loan on your principal property and get even MORE in debt!!! You know, I've been looking for another rental property in D.C., but what I'm finding is that the numbers hardly work anymore..Rents have drifted down a bit, prices have continued to climb, and the positive cash flow I want just doesn't seem to exist...At least with what I've seen...I'm not sure I'll buy anything else..And frankly, my mortgage on my house is enough to put the fear of God in you...Let me know what you find, though. I'm interested...

Takoma Park, Md.: In my neighborhood things are still selling very fast. Contract signs going up within a couple of weeks of for sale signs. In fact, a neighbor put his house up for sale "by owner." It was up for a week, they had an open house on the following Sunday and a contract sign was up the next Tuesday.

Daniela Deane: Hmm...A colleague of mine here at the paper has been looking there and she got the feeling it had slowed..Another colleague here just sold there and didn't get what he thought he would...It's an uneven picture, I feel...But thanks for sharing, Takoma Park...(I love that neighborhood.)

Baghdad, Iraq: Home prices here seem to be dropping for some reason...

washingtonpost.com: Sorry, couldn't resist.

Daniela Deane: You're not really in Baghdad, are you?? This is a joke, I'm sure of it...You're in Takoma Park or something...

Bethesda, Md.: Condos in downtown Bethesda still seem to be selling for ever-larger sums-- an apparent exception to the higher-price/softer-market trend.

Daniela Deane: The condo market is still incredibly strong is what I'm hearing..So many people have been priced out of the single family home market that condos have become a lot more attractive. Younger buyers are also trying to take advantage of these lower mortgage rates and they tend to look at the condo market too...I think you're right...

Silver Spring, Md.: As a landlord I find it difficult to know what a reasonable rent is for my rental house. Do you have any advice on how to determine a fair market rent for a single family detached house in Silver Spring.

Daniela Deane: comps, comps and more comps...What other places in your area are renting for...Agents can help you determine this..

Falls Church Va.: First let me say thanks for the chats!! As a 1st time homebuyer in the very near future (hopefully!!) your info has been SO VERY HELPFUL!! Here's my comment--it seems that eventually those of us at the bottom of the income scale (40-50K) will be priced out of the home buying market altogether. Unless we are willing to move to West VA or something. What are we to do?

Daniela Deane: Thanks for the compliment! Sometimes I worry I don't know enough to keep up with all you chatters...I'm trying, though, I promise...I really feel for 1st time homebuyers like you. All I can say is don't give up. Start off small and then you can trade up later when you get some equity...How does an efficiency in West Virginia sound?

Falls Church, Va.: I just qualified for an investor property with only 5% down. Call Cendant Mortgage Company.

Daniela Deane: Thanks for that information, Falls Church. On my investment properties, I was advised to put down 20 percent. There are obviously lenders out there who don't require that...

Los Angeles: To the D.C. poster worried about water & power costs, they'll go up depending on you and on the size of the home. Most importantly, a home with a larger landscape/garden may require lots of water and that's where the bill can run high - well, we don't get much rain here so it may be a little better for you. And of course, running a washing machine and dryer can add to water/power costs. But it doesn't have to be too costly if you don't want it to. I'd be more concerned about increasing property insurance rates before utility bills since that is more out of our hands.

Thanks for letting me pipe in from the left coast. My thoughts are with you all.

Daniela Deane: Hey, thanks for tuning in from Los Angeles...And you've made some good points. How's the market out there?

Vienna, Va.: Daniella....Can I make a comment? I don't think that people are being priced out of single-family homes so much as it is that the enormously stressful conditions of this area just don't leave anyone with TIME to take care of them. It is so much easier just to move into a condo and let someone else do the lion's share of the work on the outside.

Daniela Deane: Amen..

Montgomery: A house just like the one we bought in June for low 300's is on the market in our neighborhood for low 400's. It hasn't sold yet -- no wonder. But is that evidence of a slowdown?

Daniela Deane: Beats me..That's exactly my point...Is it overpricing? Or is it a slowdown? Actually, I think it's a bit of both...Does anyone have a story about a well-priced house in a good location in a nice neighborhood that hasn't sold (somehow I don't think so, but please prove me wrong..)

Atlanta Ga.: Hi! I am planning to move back to Arlington, where I lived until 5 years ago (and sold my house there for about half what I could buy it back for today!). Anyway, as I move back, I am wondering how much money I will be allowed to borrow for a purchase. I have very good credit, and both my wife and I work, so I am trying to figure out what multiple of our combined salaries should I target as a reasonable amount that someone would be willing to lend. We can probably put about $100 K down as a downpayment. Thanks.

Daniela Deane: You sound in a pretty good position to me. Want make me a loan? Check with a mortgage broker for the exact number. They can tell you pretty quickly.

Rockville, Md.: I am thinking of buying a townhome in King Farm - because I have been priced out of the single family market. I really want to own this for 5-6 years, then upgrade. Is a townhome in King Farm a good investment for this short term?

Daniela Deane: I can't speak specifically about King Farm...What I can say is that most real estate watchers say that if you hold real estate from 4-7 years, you're likely to see a nice profit, even if you buy now. I would say you'd be okay, but don't hold me to it!

Silver Spring, Md.: I am a first-time home buyer. Given that my commute time is a no-factor and all things equal would you recommend buying a smaller house in a good location or larger house in a far away location? As far as I am concerned only thing I look for in a house is a good kitchen and the lot size.

Daniela Deane: If it were me, I would buy a smaller house in a closer-in location..but that's me...I simply go nuts in traffic. It ruins my day. What's your tolerance level for commuting? That's the key to it...Be honest with yourself...You can certainly get a cheaper place the farther you go, but did you see our story yesterday on how traffic has gotten worse outside the Beltway too? Perhaps you're a patient, tolerant type. I'm not.

Arlington, Va.: Is is worth getting an appraisal on your house just to know? We bought a first house just this past summer, and our agent told us recently that the house has already appreciated, but we are curious to find out by how much? We have a second mortgage we eventully want to get rid of, but need 15% appreciation of the property which I don't believe will happen anytime soon, but I am curious.

Thanks!

Daniela Deane: Well, you have to pay about $300-$400 for that curiosity...That's what an appraisal costs...An easier way would be to find out what comparable properties have sold around you. That's what appraisals are based on anyway...Snoop and be nosy! That's so much fun...

Los Angeles: The market here has definitely slowed in the past month. Where there were bidding wars on dinky little homes, there are now dusty signs that have been sitting for some time. As a homeowner I worry about my prospects as a seller. However, it is also the fall/winter season and it is always slower this time of year (great time to buy).

Still, in the end, this is still a city with a line of people vying to get into, to rent or own. So in the long term there will always be a demand. And traffic....

Daniela Deane: Thanks for that, L.A...Always interesting to know what's happening in other parts of the world...I'm intrigued by Baghdad...Really, really, someone is clicking on from Baghdad...That's got to go in my publicity packet!! ...All the way from Baghdad, people tune in to hear Real Estate Live....(something like that...)

Sterling, Va.: Hi Daniela. I see many homes up for sale in my area, including one that is baffling to me. In the last 6+ months, this home has had about 3 different realtor for sale, then for rent, then for sale signs, and now it is a for rent with option to buy sign. It is a brand new home, about a year old. As for the market, I think the market is slowing. With Iraq, the sniper shootings, and the layoffs/economic uncertainty, I am just staying put and concentrating on living and enjoying/appreciating what I do have, verses stretching my wallet to move up to a nicer home. The prices will come down if there are more people out there that are thinking what I am, and the sellers have a need to sell. Do you agree?

Daniela Deane: That's one schizophrenic owner, isn't it?? I personally don't believe prices will drop across the board. But that's barring any horrible events...We've had a bad year here in Washington, haven't we? Gosh, I wish they'd catch that horrible sniper.

Chantilly, Va.: Ms. Deane --

Regarding living in a home for 2/5 years with regard to taxes, it's my understanding that if you sell after two years (while living in the house for those two years), you won't pay capital gains. Did this replace the requirement of having to "buy-up" in order to avoid capital gains taxes or is this another loophole? For example, if I bought a year ago for 100k and sell today for 150k. If I buy a place for 200k, will the 50k be taxed as capital gains (since I didn't live there 2 years) or be untaxed (since I used to profit to buy-up).

I'm confused....

Daniela Deane: Yes, that whole buy-up thing is gone...Now, if you live in a property an aggregate two of the past five years (doesn't have to be continuous) you don't have to pay capital gains taxes on the first $250,000 profit if you're single and $500,000 for a married couple...It's a wonderful change, if you ask me...There are also some exceptions to the two-year rule, like military transfers and the like..check with a tax advisor for more details.

Arlington: I live in a condo building in Ballston that has about 300 units. I went to an open house on Sunday in my building for another unit that is the same floor plan as mine. 2BD/2BA, pretty nice 11th floor view, about 1000 sq ft with a list price of $320K. It was in not great condition in my opinion and even though the building is only 13 years old, it's starting to show its age with respect to the kitchens and bathrooms. I am currently in the process of kitchen and bathroom renovation on my unit. I paid $165K for mine five years ago on the 20th floor. It's amazing to me that my property's value has risen so much. I guess people will pay for location now moreso than ever. Being right on top of the metro was at the top of my reasons for buying my unit and assume it must be on top of other people's lists too. Just amazing. I assume that being in a great location will mean that the unit's value is probably a good bit higher than the same unit would be in a less convenient place.

Daniela Deane: Yes, Arlington, you're right...You were smart to buy near a Metro..And then of course that entire Ballston-Clarendon-Courthouse corridor has just boomed, hasn't it?..You've done well. Go open a bottle of champagne! (It's a little bit early for that yet...)

Arlington: The person who wonders about how much their house appreciated can check the comps by simply going to the Arlington County website and seeing what houses are selling for in your neighborhood. You don't really have to be especially nosy.

Daniela Deane: Yes. They do lag a bit in time, but you're right...I'm typing too fast, I can tell...

Fairfax, Va.: Daniela,

The Baghdad response was an obvious joke. I'm sure there's a LOT of for-sale signs going up in the suburbs of Baghdad these days. Looking for some investment property?

Daniela Deane: Why was it an obvious joke? They do have computers in Baghdad you know...Don't burst my bubble!!!

Vienna, Va.: For anyone out there looking for a good deal, there are brand-new condos under construction RIGHT AT the Vienna Metro station starting at 170K. Yes, in high-dollar Vienna. This is not a joke...see for yourself.

Daniela Deane: Thanks for the encouragement, Vienna...And a story of mine that is running in the Saturday section this week features some new townhouses in Manassas Park that are selling in the $170,000s too. There's hope, first-time homebuyers!

Vienna, Va.: The sniper you mentioned may be temporarily depressing home prices by making many potential buyers (and agents) too scared to go out and shop.

Daniela Deane: Do you think that would actually depress home prices? Or just keep people indoors...? You've given me a story idea, even though I don't want to do it. I want them to catch this crazy SOON. I'm sure you all have your own sniper stories, but mine is this: My son, who's a freshman in high school was so excited about playing football this year. He was put on both offense and defense, much to his delight..Anyway, they've practiced almost every day but cancelled every game but two. He's so upset. Anyway, that's a small price to pay, of course...Did you hear that the teenager who was shot is getting better and looks like will have no permanent disability? My heart goes out to him and his family....

Derwood, Md.: Just a note for the person who asked about buying a townhouse in King Farm. Personally, I think that King Farm is tremendously overpriced. The poster should compare the prices in King Farm to prices in the developments on the other side of the Metro station. (King Farm is on the west side of the Shady Grove metro station; there are a lot of properties on the east side of the station.)

Back in 1998, I bought my townhouse outside of King Farm for -less- than a condo was selling in King Farm. I like it a lot, plus I have a much safer walk to the Metro -- I do not have to cross 355 to get there!

Another thing to consider is that there is a lot more green space on the east other side. We're much closer to Needwork Park, the hike/bike trail down to DC, etc.

Just my $0.02

--Chris in Derwood

Daniela Deane: Thank you, Chris..I'm soliciting everyone's two cents worth today....

Ellicott City: My recent real estate experiences: I sold a condo in Parkfairfax in August and I occasionally check the market to see how I did. Prices do seem to be stabilizing-- rather than the $10,000 increase each week!

My husband just sold his townhouse here-- one weekend, no open house, about 14 visitors, got asking price. Now we're wondering if it will "comp". I think it's important to note that in both cases, we listened to our real estate agents' advice about selling price and didn't try to be too greedy. We were originally going to FSBO, but I'm happy that we used the pros. It really saved us a bunch of time and headaches. -nope, I'm not in the real estate busines!-

We also spent about two months looking for a house before we got a buyers agent and then we found a place the first weekend that we are really happy about (good location and price). We offered asking with a clause for their moving needs and we got it w/o any escalation war (thank goodness!)

I then spent a week looking at mortgages and, despite all the advice to avoid "junk fees", the refi boom has allowed banks to get them. Basically, you either paid points or junk fees.

Good luck to all other sellers and buyers....

Daniela Deane: Thanks for sharing your experiences on every side of the spectrum!

Fairfax County: For the person concerned about water and electricity - my husband and I have a four bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bath home just south of Alexandria. Water bills are so low they don't even figure in our budgeting - roughly $40 per quarter. A bit more in summer, but we don't go nuts with watering the lawn, either. Electricity - about $130 - 160 in hot months when we use a lot of airconditioning, otherwise closer to $40 a month or so. Gas is the reverse - higher in winter (gas heat), minimal in summer. Figure an average of slightly more than $200 a month for utilities, all combined.

Daniela Deane: Thank you for a very informative breakdown, Fairfax! Is the water/electricity person still on? They better be with all this good info streaming in!

Mars, The Milky Way: Daniela,

They have computers here too!!

Us Martians

Daniela Deane: Very funny....

We're slowing in CChase D.C.: Well-cared for houses around here still sell within the week if they are priced in line with prices from, say, last spring. No more "add $40,000 to the price of the last house that sold and ask for that."

On the other hand, poorly maintained houses of the same size -- and the same price -- sit and sit. This was not the case last year. Someone would have bought them, water-damage and all.

Daniela Deane: And you're in one of the best areas of town....

Washington, D.C.: I'm considering buying a place in Columbia Heights. Are there still bargains to be found there? Is it true that a Target's being built there?

Daniela Deane: No, I would seriously doubt there are bargains there...But yes, Target is supposed to open there...

Crownsville, Md.: Just a note for the poster from Va. (or any first-time buyre)looking for housing with a 40-50K income: Many states offer low-interest mortage programs for first-time buyers. In Maryland, the Department of Housing and Communuity Development has a 5-percent program and also is offering differed loans to help with settlement costs. The Virginia Housing Authority may have similar programs. In Maryland, check at www.dhcd.state.md.us for more information.

Daniela Deane: Thank you Crownsville...I think I'll just shut up and let you guys answer the questions...I love the informed back and forth...The real wealth of information comes always from you all! I just can't remember everything and I want to keep it fast so nobody falls asleep out there waiting for me to answer...(or not answer.)

Slowing Market: It's when the bizarre houses don't sell that, to me, indicate a market slow-down. We have a home-made renovation in our neighborhood which is (rumour has it), about to go on the market. It is so egregious a house, I doubt it will sell now that the market is less hot.

Daniela Deane: Keep me posted! I'm dying to hear what happens with it...

Arlington: I live in South Arlington not too far from the Pentagon. It's an awesome neighborhood and we have seen tremendous appreciation in our property values (oh and our taxes have gone up, too). There definitely are more houses for sale here. I think maybe people who may have been thinking of selling are now putting their homes up and hoping they hit the peak. I agree with you that houses that are priced well sell quickly and those that are overpriced (some of them are ridiculous!) sit and sit.

Daniela Deane: Yes, I think some people are motivated by trying to hit the peak and take advantage of these low mortgage rates, which are keeping buyers coming...

Silver Spring: I am paying 8.5% on the mortgage for a townhouse, but since it's a rental and the monthly payments (about $465) so low, it doesn't seem worthwhile to refinance (I've looked into it). I'm paying considerably more on my residence (single family dwelling), but at 7.25% I don't know that the difference makes it worthwhile to refinance. The only ones who seem interested are mortgage companies I've never heard of.

Daniela Deane: I just refinanced my rental from 7.5 percent to 6.5 percent, so I would say that refinancing an 8.5 is worth it...I just refinanced; I'm closing in November...Check that out more carefully, I would say...If you can get a 2 percent reduction in a rental, that's definitely something worth looking at...

MoCo, Md.: My immediate neighborhood has about 5 houses for sale that have been sitting on the market for a few weeks longer than usual. I think it's mostly due to overpricing: over 250k for a 3 br brick cape. The neighborhood is older and established but it's often overlooked in the market and I think some owners are trying to sell at Kensington/Bethesda prices. We bought a 3 br brick colonial for 175k two years ago and the value a year ago was around $225 (with a new kitchen/bath).

To first time home buyers...there's still hope, maybe go to neighborhoods on the outskirts of neighborhoods you're outpriced in. That's what we did and couldn't be happier as it looks like we caught our neighborhood on its up swing.

Daniela Deane: Thanks for the update...I love that you lump Kensington and Bethesda together...I've got a colleague who lives in Kensington who's forever on about how Kensington isn't north Arlington (where I live), isn't rated, is cheaper, etc. etc...She knows who she is!!!

Washington D.C.: I'm looking to buy a house in Takoma Park or Silver Spring, inside the beltway. It seems that cute houses under 300,000 still are selling, but everything else is sitting. I hope some of these sellers come back to reality soon...(how long does their house have to sit before they realize it's overpriced?)

Daniela Deane: Yes, I think you're right..The lower-priced (is $300,000 a low price???) market is hotter than the higher price ranges...

Alex, Va.: For Ffx County: my hubby and I have a 2000 sq ft townhouse. All electric (no gas). Our electric bill is about $100/mo and water is only $40/quarter. We aren't frugal by any means. I find it pretty reasonable.

Daniela Deane: Yeah, well water really doesn't seem to be a problem...But don't you think someone who is that worried about their water bill needs to reconsider where they're buying??

Md.: Call me crazy, but why would one want an appraisal JUST to know what the house would be worth? The worth is going to be relative, anyway. Just because it appraises at a certain amount is not a guarantee it would sell at that price. Supply and demand.

And for all of you out there trying to beat the market and buy a house today that will double in value in 2 years - sigh. Buy a house you can afford in a neighborhood you like and let come what may. I got lucky - my house tripled in value (after 6 months of research and looking and a wee bit of luck when the contracts went in). But if had gone down by a third, it wouldn't matter. This is my HOME - I'm not moving just because it got more valuable and I wouldn't move if it became less so. The $$$ value the RE agents place on it doesn't matter a whit if you aren't planning to move. And selling it to take out the equity makes no sense, since I would still have to find a place to live.

Daniela Deane: It's easy for you to say: Your house has tripled!!!

College Park: I bought my house in College Park for 126000, a nice little 3 bedroom, one bath 1940 bungalow. lots of land (9500 sq feet). Alas a little baby is on the way, and we need a larger one. I need to live by the beltway and the house has to have at least 3 bedrooms, at least 2 bathrooms and central air. From what I see online, most of these stipulations will lead to pay between 195 and 210K. I think this is affordable considering elsewhere I am totally priced out. Question is, how much return will I get on my little home (it is fine shape of course...I am hoping for at least 170K).

Thanks

Daniela Deane: Okay, I know I left that crystal ball somewhere...Is it under my desk? I have about as much idea what return you'll get as what the sex of your baby will be..(Actually a lot less...I know you'll be having either a boy or a girl....) Okay, now that I've been obnoxious, I'll sweetly say: Good luck with the selling of your house! And your baby!

D.C.: It's late but pick me! What is the correct order? Sell house, then put a contract on another one w/in 2 months. Or find a house, get a contract, then sell current house and hope it goes fast? I'm hearing conflicting opinions.

Daniela Deane: Okay, since you beg....I would say that first you'd have to be pretty assured of selling your house...One of my colleagues is trying to sell her house in the District and buy something else but is having trouble selling...She's had to put off buying, obviously...

Annandale, Va.: Daniela -- Here in Camelot the market has cooled, houses are staying on the market longer and getting less than asking price, one realtor told us two were taken off the market altogther as no acceptable bids were received.

Daniela Deane: Thanks, Annandale!

Daniela Deane: Okay, folks, I'm out of here...Oh, and by the way, my colleague from Kensington was over here like a flash saying that there are houses in Kensington that go for close to $800,000 but not HERS...At least I have readers, huh, even from Mars and Baghdad...Thanks for all your insightful comments. It's been fun, as always...Come back in two weeks. Until then, good luck with buying, selling, looking or having babies!

About water/electric bills: Thanks for your responses on this matter. I really appreciate it. $200/month is not going to break me. It's just that I didn't even have a ballpark idea of how much utility bills would be. Thanks again!

Daniela Deane: Had to put our water/electric person in! See, folks, all your answers were worth it!

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