“It’s just 100 square feet—how much of a difference could it make?”
That was the question on my client’s mind as he stared down two nearly identical listings in the same Rockville condo building. It’s a fair question—and one I get a lot, especially in the fast-moving condo markets of Rockville, Bethesda, and Washington, DC.
In today’s competitive market, where every dollar (and square foot) counts, understanding true value goes way beyond just the asking price. Here’s a look at a real client story that shows how small differences in layout, light, and livability can have a big impact.
My client, relocating for work and looking to simplify life, had narrowed down his options to a prime Rockville location—38 Maryland Avenue—known for its walkability to the Red Line Metro, Rockville Town Square, restaurants, coffee shops, and a vibrant local scene.
We found two available condos in the same building:
But then came the fork in the road:
| Unit | Size | Price | Price/SF | Condo Fee |
| Option A | 1,000 sq ft | $400,000 | $400/sq ft | $400/month |
| Option B | 1,100 sq ft | $500,000 | $454/sq ft | $500/month |
A $100,000 difference for just 100 more square feet. Is it really worth it?
Let’s break down why this difference isn’t just about square footage.
In a 7,000 sq ft home, 10% more space doesn’t feel like much. But in a 1,000 sq ft condo, an extra 100 sq ft can completely change the way a home functions.
Here’s how the extra 100 sq ft mattered:
As a real estate agent, I always tell my clients: natural light improves livability.
Natural light has a profound effect on how we feel in a space. A bright room feels bigger, more welcoming, and more joyful to be in. In this case, the window in the second bedroom made a world of difference.
Bonus: Natural light doesn’t just impact how a space feels—it also impacts resale value. Bright, naturally lit condos are easier to sell, often at higher prices.
Yes, the larger condo came with:
But it also came with:
What my client was really buying wasn’t just 100 more square feet—it was a better lifestyle fit. That’s the part the MLS can’t always show.
After side-by-side tours, cost comparisons, and a deep conversation about future needs, my client chose the larger unit—and I’m glad he did.Ultimately, my client didn’t just buy more space; he invested in daily comfort, future flexibility, and a home that truly enhances his quality of life.It was the right call for someone who wanted to settle in for the long haul.
He got:
“Ron is an extremely well-organized, efficient, and affable agent. We were moving from out-of-state and had an original meeting on line. He gave us the valuable information we needed to begin the process of searching for our new home. The listings he sent us were all in the correct ball park. When we went to visit the area, Ron found appropriate properties for us to view and took in all our comments and feedback. The following day, we found our new home. Ron took us through the submission of our offer, which was successful. He stayed with us through the entire rest of the process and closing, anticipating many of the questions or issues we had, making the entire process as enjoyable as it might be. We should also mention that, since we did the closing from our current home, Ron conducted an on-line final inspection tour of the new home just before we met with the title company. We very much appreciated Ron’s caring and expertise.”
If you’re trying to make sense of condo pricing, square footage, layout, and long-term value, you’re not alone. These are the kinds of real-world decisions I help buyers with every day.
📞 Let’s talk.
Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or investing, I’ll help you compare the trade-offs and find a home that truly fits your lifestyle and your budget.
➡️ Contact The Ron Sitrin Team to get started.
