WHAT’S YOUR PROPERTY WORTH?

Downsizing in Kensington MD: Sell the Family Home and Find the Next One

Leaving a Kensington home you've had for decades is rarely just a listing decision. It's equity, memories, and figuring out what the next place should feel like. I'm James Buckley, owner of Canopy Property Group at eXp Realty. I start with a conversation, not a listing pitch.

How do I handle selling and buying at the same time?

Most downsizers need both deals to line up. I run the sale of your current home and the search for the next one as one plan. That can mean a rent-back so you stay after settlement, a contingent offer when it fits, or buying first when the numbers work. The goal is one move, not temporary housing in the middle.

  1. One plan for both sides: sell and buy timed together instead of two disconnected deals
  2. Rent-backs: time after settlement to close on the next place before you pack the last box
  3. Right-sized options: 55+ and active adult communities, maintenance-free condos, and smaller single-family homes
  4. A first meeting with no pitch: we talk about what you want next, then look at what your home can bring
  5. Equity awareness: capital gains exclusion questions and keeping the equity you've built (I'm not a tax advisor; I flag issues for your CPA)
  6. Move logistics: referrals for estate sale companies, senior move help, and storage
  7. Kensington selling points: listing copy that shows Antique Row, the Saturday farmers' market at the historic train station, and weekend walks on Beach Drive
  8. A 101.2% Sale Price / Original List Price ratio on my listings, against a 100.0% sold-to-list ratio for Kensington 20895 (Bright MLS)
  9. Georgetown Master's in Real Estate for the money side of a two-part move
  10. 200+ verified 5-star reviews and a 5.0 Yelp rating, including from families in big life transitions

Where do Kensington downsizers usually go?

  • 55+ and active adult communities with less yard and maintenance work
  • Condos and townhomes in Kensington, Wheaton, Bethesda, or Chevy Chase when stairs and upkeep matter
  • A smaller single-family home still near Howard Avenue, Connecticut Avenue, or the MARC line
  • New construction with single-level plans when the right community fits

Some people stay in ZIP 20895. Others move a few miles for a one-level layout or a building with an elevator. We map both before anyone talks about a list price.

What is a Kensington home of decades worth right now?

In the 12 months ending September 30, 2026, Kensington 20895 closed 251 sales at a median of $885,000, with a median of 8 days on market 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 price your home from recent solds on your street and nearby, not from a Zestimate.

Want to Talk It Through?

Call or text me at (202) 979-9561. We'll look at what your home is worth and what the next step could be, with no commitment.

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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