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Real Estate Fresh Finds: September 20

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Real Estate Fresh Finds is a weekly selection of newly-listed properties in the District, brought to you by RLAH Real Estate. 

Featured Property of the Week: 523 10th Street SE

“This charming historic gem, dating back to 1847, is a true masterpiece in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Nestled at 523 10th St SE, this exquisite residence seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern convenience. Boasting an unbeatable location just steps away from Eastern Market Metro, this home offers easy access to all that the nation’s capital has to offer. Walk to loads of restaurants, shops and bars on Barrack’s Row and at Eastern Market. Beyond this lovely house’s timeless facade, you’ll discover a meticulously maintained interior, complete with original architectural details and contemporary updates. The house has three bedrooms, one full bath, and a convenient first floor half bath. The spacious rear brick patio is perfect for outdoor entertaining, while the rare two-car garage parking provides a coveted convenience in this bustling city. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of D.C. history with all the amenities of modern living.”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 7 BR/7 FB/4 HB Georgian home in Kent with 14k+ total sq. ft. spread across 6 levels and features an elevator, fully-fenced yard, ballroom, 4-car garage, 6 fireplaces, two separate kitchens, exercise room, wine cellar, sauna, safe room, numerous terraces, rooftop patio and a private pool with its own pool house — all for $10M.
  • “Experience the charm of this wonderful two-bedroom [Lily Ponds] home, a peaceful retreat nestled in Lily Ponds, D.C. Connected seamlessly to the 295 route, you can quickly reach downtown D.C. This home is like a doorway to the exciting future of the RFK Stadium redevelopment project, which adds to the evolving city vibe.”
  • “A total [4 BR/3.5 BA] renovation, including Interior Structure and all Utilities, Plus an Addition. An Architects’ Tree House surrounded by trees and wildlife! On one of the best lots in American University Park. The Contemporary, rear addition to the house includes an all glass facade and outdoor linear deck with glass railing that looks out onto a tree scape, overlooking the private backyard. The design keeps some of the original features of the house as it is a True Blending of Traditional and Contemporary.”
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a 1 BR/1 BA “turnkey condition” unit at Market Square in Penn Quarter, a building with numerous amenities and desirable location.

Well-Paid Maids is Fighting for a $17/Hour Federal Minimum Wage

By PoP Sponsor (a)
Photo via Alexander Schimmeck/Unsplash

The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 since July 2009. That’s the longest it’s remained unchanged since minimum wage was introduced in the U.S. in 1938.

Now, it’s time for a change.

In late July, House and Senate Democrats unveiled the latest iteration of Raise the Wage Act. If passed, minimum wage would gradually increase to $17 an hour over a five-year period. 

“No matter what the business size is, it’s good business sense to pay a living wage,” Aaron Seyedian, founder of Well-Paid Maids, said. 

Seyedian attended the introduction of the bill and is a firm believer in paying living wages. He pays his staff a starting wage of $23 an hour in D.C. — and $27 an hour in New York City. When Seyedian started the company back in 2017, he paid employees $16 an hour. Through the years, he has increased rates based on Living Wage For US standards.

“Profitability doesn’t have to come from squeezing your staff,” he said. “It can come from productivity, capacity and growth. Paying a living wage has helped my business succeed and grow.”

Support a higher federal minimum wage — and a company leading by example — when you book a home cleaning with Well-Paid Maids. Walking into a sparkling clean home is just the cherry on top!

Explore #dctheatre During Theatre Week!

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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Theatre Week, a 3-week long celebration of the #dctheatre season is back this year: September 21 to October 8!

Theatre Week offers an opportunity to explore the vibrant and diverse theatre scene in the Washington, D.C.-area with over 25 spectacular shows at $20, $40, and $60, a free Kickoff Fest, and other fun events. Tickets are now on sale at theatreweek.org. 

“In the nation’s capital, where history and creativity converge, our professional theatre scene stands as a dynamic testament to the power of live theatre,” said Amy Austin, Theatre Washington President and CEO. “We are excited to raise the curtain and invite people across the D.C. Metro area and beyond to see a show (or five!), and participate in the many immersive experiences tailored to engage new and seasoned theatre-goers alike.”

This year’s celebration goes beyond the stage, starting with the Theatre Week Kickoff Fest on Saturday, September 23 from 1-5 p.m. at Arena Stage (1101 6th St SW). This interactive event, free with registration through official ticketing partner TodayTix, will feature performances, workshops, conversations, free samples of locally-made food and drinks, giveaways, and more fun from over 40 D.C.-area theatres and dozens of theatre-makers. 

Other events include: Rolling on the River Concert, Raising the Curtain on Women in #DCTheatre Walking Tour, #DCTheatre Bike Ride, #DCTheatre Season Preview, and A Stage of Their Own: A Tribute to DC’s Early Black Women Performers and Playwrights.

More information on Theatre Week shows, events, and registration is available at theatreweek.org.

DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

The second week in a row with 400+ DC Open Houses has a lot to offer with hundreds of new listings as well as reduced prices on existing ones. This is the perfect time to get out and start your home buying journey! Take a look at our favorite open houses below and to see the complete Open House List, click here.

  • 1916 11th Street NW — $1,525,000 — U Street Corridor
    Open Sat. 1-3 p.m. — Fernando Garcia
    “With 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, soaring ceilings, a stunning kitchen any cook would be thrilled to own, secure 2-car parking abutting a glorious private terrace, this gorgeous row home’s attributes are nearly endless. The glass-brick foyer welcomes you into a truly enviable abode. The vast, tastefully finished living and dining area continues the welcome and invites you to truly make yourself at home. Just beyond, that aforementioned stunning — and recently renovated — kitchen deliciously marries space with style, from glass tile to exposed brick. Bring your appetite for aesthetics! The French doors lead you from the eat-in kitchen to the private terrace, resplendent with fire feature and fanciful foliage. Ascend the exquisitely maintained federal-style staircase to the second-floor bedrooms and be delighted by the possibilities.”
  • 523 10th Street SE — $1,150,000 — Capitol Hill
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Kevin Wood
    “This charming historic gem, dating back to 1847, is a true masterpiece in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Nestled at 523 10th St SE, this exquisite residence seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern convenience.”
  • 4106 46th Street NW — $1,999,999 — American University Park
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Debi Fox
    “Classic meets Contemporary in this Striking and Innovative Design. “The Panda House” A total renovation, including Interior Structure and all Utilities Plus an Addition. An Architects’ Tree House surrounded by trees and wildlife!”
  • 1032 5th Street NE #2 — $999,999 — H Street Corridor
    Open Sat. & Sun. 12-2 p.m. — Molly Branson & Jocelyn Vas
    “A stunning two-unit row home in the heart of the H Street Corridor has arrived! This amazing first floor unit exudes modern design and quality craftsmanship throughout. Featuring three bedrooms, two full baths and one-half bath and an expansive living room and dining room, this condominium is not to be missed.”
  • 1810 Kalorama Road NW #A3 — $620,000 — Adams Morgan
    Open Sat. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Tohmai Smith
    “Introducing a Gem in Adams Morgan/Kalorama: A 1-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom Condo with a Patio Step into the lap of luxury in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s vibrant Adams Morgan/Kalorama neighborhood with this exceptional 3-level condo, offering an exquisite blend of style, space, and city living.”
  • 3465 14th Street NW #A — $549,999 — Columbia Heights
    Open Sat. 12-2 p.m. — Jennifer Dameika
    “Welcome home to your two bedroom, two full bathroom condo with tons of thoughtful upgrades. Your new condo features over 1000 square feet of living space, stainless steel appliances, gas range, granite countertops, wood grain tile flooring throughout, built in speakers, washer and dryer in unit, the list goes on.”

Art All Night x District Bridges — Join All 4 Events!

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Where are you celebrating D.C.’s Art All Night this year? Logan Circle, U Street, Mount Pleasant, Cleveland Park, or all the above?

Join District Bridges and your neighbors for a weekend filled with live music, foam parties, art installations, artisan markets, movie screenings, virtual reality, poetry and much more! Check out details for District Bridges’ “Art All Night” activations below:

Friday, September 29 (6-11 p.m.)

  • Mount Pleasant Art All Night — “The Faces of Mount Pleasant”

Schedule | Volunteer Signup | Site Map

Saturday, September 30 (5 p.m.-12 a.m.)

  • U Street Art All Night — “Black Broadway & Beyond”

Schedule | Volunteer Signup | Site Map

  • Logan Circle Art All Night — “Savor the Night”

Schedule | Volunteer Signup | Site Map

  • Cleveland Park Art All Night — “Small Village, Big Heart”

Schedule | Volunteer Signup | Site Map

Save the dates and make sure to bookmark these sitemaps to reference on the night of the event. Pro tip — double click each icon on the map to view details about what’s in store!

Real Estate Fresh Finds: September 13

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Real Estate Fresh Finds is a weekly selection of newly-listed properties in the District, brought to you by RLAH Real Estate. 

Featured Property of the Week: 4106 46th Street NW

“Classic meets Contemporary in this Striking and Innovative Design. ‘The Panda House’ A total renovation, including Interior Structure and all Utilities Plus an Addition. An Architects’ Tree House surrounded by trees and wildlife! On one of the best lots in American University Park. The Contemporary, rear addition to the house includes an all glass facade and outdoor linear deck with glass railing that looks out onto a tree scape, overlooking the private backyard. The design keeps some of the original features of the house as it is a True Blending of Traditional and Contemporary. The design embraces an open plan, providing the Freedom and Flexibility that addresses everyday needs. Each level has floor to ceiling windows, bringing the feel of nature to the inside. Features Include: On a corner lot, three levels of living space, with High Ceilings, Open Floor Plan, Private Balconies and Outdoor Deck, including a hot tub and custom built deck with extra storage, a fireplace, floor to ceiling glass walls that make the most of the natural light, Porcelanosa Link Flooring throughout the house, Designer Lighting & Custom Designed Kitchen & Bathrooms, a kitchenette off the terrace level, including a Bedroom, Bath with an entertainment room and office space plus a Separate Storage Building. A Unique Custom Steel Stairwell enclosed in glass leads you to the terrace level adding to the design aesthetic of the house. All new Windows to the original house just installed with a 10 year Warranty. Also includes two parking spaces. A visionary work of art.”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 7 BR/5 FB/2 HB detached Craftsman that was built in 2023 with 6,900 total square feet spread across 4 levels and features a screened-in porch, exercise room, game room, mudroom, 1-car garage + driveway and even space to install an elevator if desired — all for $5.25M.
  • “With 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, soaring ceilings, a stunning kitchen any cook would be thrilled to own, secure 2-car parking abutting a glorious private terrace, this gorgeous [U Street Corridor] row home’s attributes are nearly endless.”
  • “This stunning 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom [Petworth] townhouse, renovated by the renowned Dilan Investments, is NOT to be missed. The east facing, light-filled home has been meticulously cared for and improved upon by its current owners.”
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a 3 BR/2 BA interior rowhome in Randle Heights/Henson Ridge “feels brand new” with an open floorplan.

Well-Paid Maids Operations Manager Lexi Grant Goes Back to School

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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In 2019, Lexi Grant worked as a general manager at Chipotle while she took college classes. But she was pushed to work so many hours that she ultimately had to drop out.

“It was the type of job where if people didn’t come in for their shift, I had to cover it no matter my circumstances — which included school,” Lexi said.

Lexi is now an operations manager at the living-wage home cleaning company Well-Paid Maids — and she’s going back to school!

“Now, I have a job that cares about my financial stability as well as working to better myself and my situation,” she says. “They are incredibly supportive and are a key part of what’s helping me succeed this time.”

We checked in with Lexi, who is also a mom, to see how her first few weeks have gone and how Well-Paid Maids has supported her.

What inspired you to go back to school?

Lexi: I never thought I would be able to graduate college, but after seeing my son grow and prosper, I wanted to go back to school to give myself a new challenge. My son is now 3 and starting pre-k, so with him being on a consistent school schedule, I have more time to focus on my work and myself. 

I was a manager at my last job and now moved up to management again. With this pattern, I figured it was best to go back to school to learn more about my profession. I want to find new ways to improve my work and what I can bring to Well-Paid Maids. 

Tell us more about the program. How has balancing work, family and school been so far?

Lexi: I am going to Montgomery College to get my associate degree in business. I’m doing mostly online classes since life with a little one can be unpredictable! Once I get to my third semester, I will start looking into a four-year degree.

This semester, I’m taking two classes, communications and English. I’m really excited about the communications course because I don’t like speaking in front of people. I am hoping I can start to work on clearly conveying a message in public settings. I want to be able to start taking on speaking with Well-Paid Maids, and I think this is a great starter course.

So far, balancing work, school and motherhood is challenging! When my son is napping, I am working on homework, or he is coloring and I am reading. It’s a different type of routine, but it’s exciting! My son loves to copy me, so it works out because he pretends to read a lot more!

How has Well-Paid Maids supported you?

Lexi: Well-Paid Maids has given me an environment and support system to encourage me to go back to school. I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. Most of my ideas were, “What is going to give me a roof over my head and my bills paid for?” 

When I got this job in management at Well-Paid Maids, I realized that this could be my career now that I have two previous job roles in this type of position. 

Our owners, Aaron and Aubrey, have offered to work with me and my schedule so I can work on this degree while working full time.

Thank you, Lexi, for sharing part of your journey with us!

If you want to schedule a home cleaning and support a company that backs its employees, book online. Or, you can give us a call at 202-715-1646. (Ask if Lexi is around so you can tell her congrats!)

Imagine a Wonderful Place… Capital Exotic Fish

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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Imagine a store where you are always greeted when you walk in. The staff knows your name, favorite hobby (exotic fish, underwater plants, and magnificent aquariums), and can quickly assess your needs so you make good selections.

The stereo is powered by Bose, and there are two Chill Zones — a dedicated place in the store, each with comfortable sofas, oriental rugs, and multiple show-tanks surrounding you with relaxation and happiness. The store has over 70 tanks.

Capital Exotic Fish (CEF) is a family-owned business with a strong team of employees coming out of the Aquarium Industry. The General Manger, Chris Teems, left Alabama to lead the CEF team. The Manager, Nick Kinser, is a nationally renowned aquascaper and established the Glen Echo Aquarium. James Blehr spent 15 years managing a PetCo Fish Division. This talent pool is seven staff members deep.

CEF’s founders, and team members, are deeply committed to habitat protection and sustainability. About 80% of its fish are domestically bred and many are from CEF’s own tanks. They have hundreds of juveniles — Discus, Cichlids, African Cichlids, Betas, and Plecos. CEF offers free bi-weekly classes on Fridays between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The last class was taught by Nick — Aquarium Plants 101 and in June we hosted the World’s third best aquascaper, Hiep Hong. About 100 people attended the three day event.

CEF also offers Installation and Maintenance contracts. In fact, next month, our show tanks can be found in Vaughan Place (high-end residential community), a local law office, and American University. CEF is highly service oriented and pays attention to every detail and we look forward to meeting your installation and maintenance contracts.

We are also opening a sizeable Saltwater section and will specialize in corals!

Capital Exotic Fish offers discounts to veterans, law enforcement, and fire fighters. Capital Exotic Fish is located at 3404 Idaho Avenue, NW. CEF is open everyday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., except Wednesday. Follow @capitalexoticfish on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the latest news/inventory.

DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

The post-Labor Day rush is here. More than 200 new listings went on the market in the District since Tuesday and a whopping total of 431 open houses are scheduled for this weekend alone. If you had been putting off homebuying until after the weather cools down, you might need to wait a bit longer, but act fast before the market starts to cool down! Check out our favorite open houses below and to see the complete Open House List, click here.

  • 3465 14th Street NW #A — $569,900 — Columbia Heights
    Open Sat. 12-2 p.m. — Jennifer Dameika
    “Welcome home to your two bedroom, two full bathroom condo with tons of thoughtful upgrades. Your new condo features over 1000 square feet of living space, stainless steel appliances, gas range, granite countertops, wood grain tile flooring throughout, built in speakers, washer and dryer in unit, the list goes on.”
  • 1247 Delafield Place NE — $600,000 — Riggs Park
    Open Sat. 12-2 & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Jocelyn Vas
    “This splendid duplex offers a spacious layout with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs and a separate 1 bedroom efficiency with a full kitchen and bathroom in the basement. Natural light floods through, creating an inviting and vibrant atmosphere. With fresh paint throughout, the interior is a canvas awaiting your personal touch.”
  • 4705 4th Street NW — $799,900 — Petworth
    Open Sat. 1-3 p.m. — Fernando Garcia
    “PRETTY IN PETWORTH! On a charming, tree-lined block of Petworth, 4705 Fourth St. NW welcomes you. From the breezy front porch to the fenced rear deck, warm wood floors to sublime skylights, 4705 wraps you in a blanket of beauty. The exposed brick, ground-floor tray ceiling, and vaulted primary simply add to the wonder.”
  • 1409 G Street NE #5 — $719,000 — H Street Corridor
    Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Annette Coram
    “Beautiful, updated 2-level condo with HUGE private outdoor patio and garden in PRIME D.C. location. The first floor boasts a gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, large kitchen island, breakfast bar, living area with large windows for maximum natural light, and powder room.”
  • 2429 Skyland Place SE — $560,000 — Skyland
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Lorielle Akintunde
    “This immaculate 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home features the perfect taste of simplicity and comfort making it the perfect home to host your many gatherings! The two-level floor plan is flooded with natural light throughout. The main level was renovated in 2021.”
  • 1322 Kenyon Street NW #2 — $749,900 — Columbia Heights
    Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Joe Himali
    $20k PRICE REDUCTION: “The ideal city home awaits its next fortunate owner! Unit #2 lives like a house — located on the main level of a converted, grand bayfront house — you enter well above street level as if in a private residence. Immediately upon entering you’ll notice the light streaming in from the bay window bathing the open plan with natural light.”
  • 919 5th Street SE — $899,000 — Navy Yard
    Open Sat. 12-2 p.m. — Mark Bertini
    “This Fantastic 2 bed 2.5 Bath home with a new Kitchen and first floor Laundry has a Front Porch and Rear Patio along with a 2nd story deck out back off the second bedroom ! New HVAC, New roof, New Half Bath on the first floor.”
  • 2122 Rand Place NE — $949,900 — Woodridge
    Open Sun. 12-2 p.m. — Mandy & Tim Hursen Jr.
    $25k PRICE REDUCTION: “Nestled next to the US National Arboretum and the newly renovated Arboretum rec center. Contemporary bungalow. Expansive and fully fenced corner lot. FULL HOME RENOVATION IN 2016 — kitchen, all bathrooms, HVAC, tankless water heater, custom windows, wood floors, etc.”

Join the Race for Every Child Next Month

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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Children’s National Hospital will host the annual Race for Every Child on Saturday, October 21 at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., and virtually.

Funds raised from the 5K and Kids Dash benefit Children’s National patients and families. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Children’s National relies on donations to make world-class care and research possible. The event has raised more than $11.4 million since 2013.

Sam, who had heart surgery as a baby at the hospital, now plans to run the 5K for the 11th year. His parents, Taryn and Eric, are co-chairs of the Race. “We wanted to do everything we could to help this amazing hospital who helped us,” Taryn says.

Register for free to support kids in the community like Sam.

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