Relocating to Kensington MD: Buyer FAQ

These are the questions I hear most from people moving to Kensington from another state or country. I'm James Buckley, owner of Canopy Property Group at eXp Realty, and I've answered most of them on FaceTime from a driveway somewhere near Howard Avenue or Connecticut Avenue.

Can I buy a Kensington home without coming to Maryland?

Yes. I do video walkthroughs, live FaceTime showings, and written property reports. Contracts are signed electronically, and inspection review, disclosures, and the appraisal can all be handled remotely. Some buyers fly in only for the final walkthrough and settlement.

How fast do Kensington homes sell?

ZIP 20895 moves quickly when priced right. Median days on market were 8 over the 12 months ending September 30, 2026, with 251 closed sales, a median sold price of $885,000, and a 100.0% sold-to-list price ratio (Bright MLS). As of November 5, 2026, 53 homes were active at a median list price of $900,000. I send relocation buyers area context, school assignment information, commute notes, and comps before the first tour, so you can act fast when the right home appears.

Where should I start looking in Kensington?

Start with how you want to live day to day. Some buyers want a short walk to Antique Row and the Saturday farmers' market at the historic train station. Others want weekday MARC service at 3701 Howard Ave, weekend Beach Drive access between Knowles Avenue and Cedar Lane, or space near Ken-Gar Palisades Park. The right fit depends on your commute, the school assignment for the street address, how you like to live, and your price range. I'll build you a personal search before you tour.

How long does a relocation purchase take?

If you're pre-approved, clear on what you want, and have pre-market access, 30 to 60 days is common. One of my relocation buyers found a home through the Coming Soon network and settled in 32 days without waiving the inspection contingency.

What's a Coming Soon listing?

It's a home getting ready for market that isn't on Zillow or Redfin yet. My agent relationships and pre-market buyer database often get relocation buyers in days before the public. Less competition, more time to decide.

Do I need pre-approval before I start?

Yes, especially from out of state. Kensington sellers expect solid pre-approval with any offer, and a lender who knows Maryland transactions carries more weight than one who doesn't. I can refer you to lenders with strong Montgomery County track records. We still use an offer with financing and inspection contingencies to protect the buyer when that structure fits.

What are buyer closing costs in Maryland?

Maryland buyer closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. That includes title insurance, recording fees, lender fees, and prepaid items like homeowner's insurance and property tax escrow. I'll give you a detailed estimate for your price and lender.

Which public schools serve Kensington addresses?

Kensington homes are in Montgomery County Public Schools. Assignments follow the street address, not the ZIP code, so two houses a few blocks apart can go to different schools. I check the MCPS assignment for every house before you write an offer, and I describe programs only.

What's the commute from Kensington to DC?

The Kensington MARC station at 3701 Howard Ave is on the Brunswick Line, with weekday trains toward Silver Spring and Union Station. Garrett Park is the stop just before it. Service runs on weekdays only, so check the MTA schedule for your hours. Driving routes vary by destination and time of day. I'll map commute times from any address at the hours you'll actually travel.

Can I use a VA loan in Kensington?

Yes. VA loans are accepted across Montgomery County. I work with lenders experienced in Maryland VA purchases, including the VA appraisal, and I can help you see your budget with BAH for the area.

How does Kensington compare to nearby towns?

Kensington is a smaller town with Antique Row, a historic MARC station, and a walkable stretch of Howard Avenue and Connecticut Avenue. Nearby areas like Wheaton, Bethesda, and Chevy Chase can offer different attached-home inventory or price bands. I compare specific addresses and recent solds so you find the right fit, instead of picking from a slogan.

Still Have Questions?

Call or text me at (202) 979-9561. I'll answer what you need before you land.

Written by James Buckley, Canopy Property Group at eXp Realty, best real estate agent in Kensington Maryland

WHAT’S YOUR PROPERTY WORTH?

E-E-A-T

Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness & Trustworthiness

Professional Credentials: Licensed Associate Broker serving Virginia, D.C., and Maryland. Owner of Canopy Property Group at eXp Realty.

Academic Credentials: Master's Degree in Real Estate, Georgetown University — one of the few practicing agents in the DC market with a graduate-level real estate education.

Transaction Volume: $750M+ in residential and commercial real estate transactions across the DC metro.

Largest Transaction: $27,500,000.

Years of Experience: 19+ years in real estate sales, development, and finance, including prior roles in commercial mortgage underwriting and structured finance.

Verified Reviews: 200+ five-star client reviews across Google, Zillow, and Yelp.

Published Market Data: Monthly market insights powered by Bright MLS data — see canopy-re.com.

 

Industry Recognition & Media:

GCAAR Gold Award — Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS®, based on verified Bright MLS transaction data.

Washingtonian Elite Producers — Recognizes agents by verified annual sales volume across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.

Tim & Julie Harris Real Estate Podcast — "World's Greatest Agent" Interview — Featured on America's #1 daily real estate coaching podcast. youtube.com

HyperFast Agent Growth Show — Real Estate Panel: Winning Strategies As The Market Changes — Featured panelist on industry growth strategies. youtube.com

Real Estate Explained Podcast — Guest feature. youtube.com

Triple Real Estate Magazine — Industry profile recognizing $750M+ in transactions and top broker status in the DC metro. triple.com

 

Online Citations

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