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Get Smart With City Chic: Is DC Real Estate a Dumpster Fire?

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Get Smart With City Chic is a bi-weekly column giving you the real talk rundown on what’s happening with the D.C. real estate market. Sponsored and written by Lindsay Dreyer, the broker/owner of City Chic Real Estate.

This guest post is by Sarah Brazell, Realtor in DC/MD/VA with City Chic Real Estate. Book a call with Sarah!

I’ve had a lot of people ask, “How’s the real estate market?”… and even more friends send me that meme of Will Ferrell in a burning neighborhood yelling: “Does anyone want to buy a house?!”

It’s true the housing market is not the same market it was last year… but that’s not a bad thing!

Super low interest rates for the past decade allowed for people to borrow money for cheap. Those 2% and 3% interest rates flooded the market with tons of buyers who got into an absolute BLOODBATH to buy a home. Those buyers sought to be competitive by driving up the prices of homes. (Is a studio in Foggy Bottom really worth $400,000?) Along with inflating prices, perhaps even more dangerously, those buyers were waiving all contingencies. How comfortable would you have been buying a home without a home inspection or appraisal contingency?

As interest rates have started to rise, the frenzy has settled. Cheap money has dried up and stock portfolios have taken a hit. As a result: housing prices have started to dip, homes are sitting on the market for longer, and bidding wars are a thing of the past. Ladies and Gentlemen it is FINALLY a buyers’ market!

I don’t know about you… but being a buyer now sounds a lot nicer than it used to be!

And the housing market in D.C. remains a great long term investment.

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Get Ready for an After-Hours Adult Take Over!

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Keep It Lit!

Join us as we light up Sandy Spring Adventure Park and jam to music all the way until closing time!

Get ready on Saturday, November 5 from 6-9 p.m. for the glow takeover. Harness and equipment will be provided and we are offering complimentary climbing gloves and a one-of-a-kind outdoors AXE throwing experience to sweeten the deal!

Oh and did someone mention drinks? They’ll be plenty on site to quench your thirst after your climb.

Pick a start time, call your friends, and sign up today!

#Fraylife

Real Estate Fresh Finds: October 26

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: 5003 7th Place NW

“Welcome to your new home in the heart of Petworth. This home features an open floor plan, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 2 private parking spaces, a fully finished basement that could be utilized as an income-producing unit, a home theater, a gym, and much more. The appliances are all less than three years old. This home recently received a complete remodel, including a quartz countertop in the kitchen, a pantry, and sparkling hardwood floors. You can walk to shops and restaurants on Georgia Avenue and adjacent parks. This house is conveniently placed between Petworth Station, Fort Totten Station, and 16th St, making it easy to get around the city.”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 6 BR/5.5 BA detached Colonial in Cleveland Park with nearly 7,500 total square feet that boasts a 2-story foyer, smart technology throughout, wine cellar, 3-car garage and has “approved plans that convey for a new salt water, heated 50-ft in-ground swimming pool with 10-person spa, swim up bar, grotto, laminar jets, and sheer descent waterfalls,” all for $4M.
  • Spacious 4 BR/3.5 BA Kalorama townhome with nearly 3k total square feet spread across 4 levels features 2 laundry rooms, 2 kitchens, 1-car garage parking, gorgeous hardwood floors and an open layout.
  • “Why buy something newer and smaller when you can have a classic, historical beauty boasting almost 1,200 square feet? From the moment you walk into the building, you can feel that old-world charm and attention to detail oozing from the lobby. That feeling only continues as you take in the unit’s gorgeous hardwood floors, stunning built-ins, high ceilings, and timeless period details.”
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a “handyman special investment opportunity” with 5 BR/3 FB/2 HB, 4 levels and a 2-car detached garage.

7 Benefits of Professional Home Cleanings

By PoP Sponsor (a)
Photo via Juliana Romao/Unsplash

Honestly, we run into a lot of people who feel like they need a reason to get their home professionally cleaned. They feel guilty or embarrassed not doing it themselves.

The reality is, everyone deserves a clean home. But if “treat yourself, you deserve it” isn’t reason enough, here are seven other benefits to scheduling a professional home cleaner.

 1. Support local, hard-working employees.

When you hire the right cleaning company, you don’t have to feel guilty about handing over your “dirty work.”

With Well-Paid Maids, the only living-wage cleaning company in D.C., we pay our employees at least $22 an hour. We also provide them benefits, like 24 paid days off per year, insurance, paid commuting costs and more.

 2. Reclaim your time.

Think about how much time you spend cleaning. Even if it’s not a regular hours-long deep clean, you still likely sink hours into picking up around the house, wiping down the kitchen, vacuuming and dusting.

 3. Get a deeper clean.

Let’s be real: When’s the last time you really scrubbed your shower? Dusted the baseboards? Cleaned the crusty grime off your stovetop? When you hire a professional cleaner, they take care of every nook and cranny (some you might not even think about!).

 4. Breathe easier — literally.

Dust. Dirt. Pollen. Pet dander. These allergens can run amuck in your home. Improve your indoor air quality with professional home cleanings. Vacuuming, dusting and mopping regularly can help keep your sniffles and sneezing to a minimum.

 5. Go green.

Some cleaning products can be harmful to the environment — and to you and your family.

When you hire Well-Paid Maids, you can feel good knowing they only use cleaning products rated “low concern” and “lowest concern” for health and sustainability by the Environmental Working Group.

 6. Boost your confidence.

Plain and simple: You’ll feel better walking into a clean home. Plus, if you plan to host friends or family, you can feel confident inviting them over — not worried they’re going to spot a mountain of dust.

 7. Stress less.

When your home is a hot mess, it can be difficult to focus — especially if you work from home. Let Well-Paid Maids help you reclaim your focus and decrease your stress by giving you a sparkling clean home.

So go ahead and book your home cleaning around your schedule and customize it to your needs.

DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

It’s shaping up to be a beautiful weekend with 380+ open houses scheduled across the District. Whether you are just starting to look around or are deep into the homebuying journey, there are hundreds of great options. Check out our favorites below and to see the full Open House List, click here.

 

  • 2559 Waterside Drive NW — $1,200,000 — Kalorama
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3PM — Joe Himali
    “On a secluded garden plot overlooking Rock Creek Park you’ll find a collection of English-style rowhouses brimming with charm and light. Coming in from the hand-laid brick walk you’ll immediately be struck by the bright, natural light and the glistening, newly refinished hardwood floors found throughout the open living area on the main level. The spacious living area provides a wood-burning fireplace and coat closet and is open to the dining area. The updated, eat-in kitchen features crisp white cabinetry, granite counters, a handsome mosaic backsplash and a wall of windows overlooking the back courtyard. There is also a powder room off the kitchen which also hosts a washer and dryer. The back patio can be accessed off of the kitchen and offers a private outdoor space, ideal for grilling and entertaining. Upstairs, the primary bedroom and bathroom can be found. The primary bedroom has an attached sitting room which could also be a home office and both have oak hardwood floors. Alternatively, the sitting room can be separated from the primary bedroom and become a fifth bedroom. An abundance of windows allows light to encase the room with crisp sunshine. The primary bedroom boasts a walk-in closet and a wood-burning fireplace. On the top level of the house, there are two spacious bedrooms with oak hardwood floors, ample closet space and a ceramic tile full bathroom. An in-law suite can be found on the lower level. It can be accessed through the main house, or through a private entrance to the rear courtyard. There is a cheerful yellow kitchen, an updated ceramic tile full bathroom and its own washer and dryer. This home also offers a detached garage located just down the alley, providing off-street parking. 2559 Waterside Drive, NW is perched on a hill with just a few other homes overlooking Rock Creek Park, steps from Embassy Row. It is less than a mile from Dupont Circle Metro, and close to many parks, shops and restaurants in both the Dupont Circle and Georgetown neighborhoods.”
  • 718 13th Street NE — $899,900 — H Street Corridor
    Open Sat. 1-3PM — Kevin Wood
    “New Price!! Head-turning facade greets you in this awesome house just off H Street. With four full finished levels, this townhouse offers plenty of space to spread out.”
  • 5885 Colorado Avenue NW #202 — $279,900 — 16th Street Heights
    Open Sun. 12-2PM — Djana Morris
    “If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a NYC-style loft apartment, you’re going to LOVE this stunning 1BR/1BA industrial loft, with 10+-foot metal ceilings, exposed steel beams, huge windows, and recent updates that took it from nice to next level! The space is both moody and light-filled with sustainable bamboo floors, exquisite lighting, and bold accents throughout!”
  • 1800 Potomac Avenue SE — $1,275,000 — Hill East
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3PM — Mike Craig
    “Welcome to this beautifully renovated semi detached row home with a manicured yard on a corner lot in the heart of Capitol Hill. This spacious 4 bd/3.5 bath home is filled with a mixture of elegant styles and finishes.”
  • 3550 10th Street NW — $1,299,000 — Petworth
    Open Sun. 1-3PM — Lucy Blundon
    “This beautifully renovated 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom semi detached row home has the perfect mix of modern upgrades and historic charm. It is truly a showstopper!”
  • 824 Capitol Square Place SW — $1,225,000 — Southwest Waterfront
    Open Sat. & Sun. 2-4PM — Lisa Merkel
    “Rare Find! Beautiful views of nature while being close to everything! Large, end unit townhome nestled on a quiet tree-lined street, beautifully maintained courtyards, off street parking AND minutes to metro, highways and a block away from the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. This beautifully maintained and updated 4 bedroom / 4 1/2 bath townhome is an oasis and offers both luxury and convenience.”
  • 66 New York Avenue NW #404 — $339,500 — NoMa
    Open Sat. 1-3PM — Dina Paxenos
    “Attention all first-time homebuyers and Investors: this top floor, spacious one bedroom condo is perfect for you. You will not find a better value in NOMA than this unique and appealing condo. The modern open floor plan is big enough for a comfy sectional sofa, overflow seating and an area for dining or desk/office space.”

Open Bar Halloween Bash October 29!

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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DCFray presents this year’s Halloween Bash on Saturday, October 29 from 8-11 p.m.

This ultimate Halloween Bash, complete with OPEN BAR and a costume contest with up to $100 prizes up for grabs, promises to be the spookiest in the city!

And of course, what’s a party without a skilled DJ to keep the dance floor moving all night?

So get creative on your look and creep on over to register as spots are limited!

#Fraylife

Real Estate Fresh Finds: October 19

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: 4009 20th Street NE

“Nestled in the Michigan Park community of Washington, D.C., this charming brick home is the perfect place to call home. The tree lined neighborhood surrounding this lovely home creates a welcoming first impression. As you take your first steps into this freshly painted home you are greeted with plenty of natural light streaming through the windows. The living room, with a cozy fireplace and hardwood floors, offers plenty of space to lounge. Enjoy a feast with friends or family in the adjacent dining room. The kitchen is ideal for the home chef; boasting granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and room to enjoy your morning coffee at a breakfast table. A bright and airy screened porch is the perfect place to sip a cold drink while relaxing and recharging after a long day. The main level bedroom and full bathroom offer flexibility as a primary bedroom, a space for out-of-town or airbnb guests, or a huge at home office. There are also two well proportioned bedrooms and a full bathroom upstairs. And depending on your needs the “bonus room” (which is through one of the bedrooms) could be another bedroom, a huge walk-in closet, or playroom. And if that wasn’t enough space to stretch out and relax, there is an additional rec room in the basement, perfect for working, playing, exercising, or lounging; there’s a space for everything and everyone has space. And of course, for hectic days when every extra second counts, a full size washer and dryer will be a welcome convenience! Craving some fresh air? Step out into your own deck, perfect for grilling, entertaining, and gardening. Imagine a refreshing drink with friends on the patio, grow your own vegetables, or just sit back and with a good book and relax amongst the mature trees; a get-away right out your back door.”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 6 BR/6.5 BA detached farmhouse-style home in Cleveland Park that boasts 5,300+ square feet across 4 levels and features a wrap-around porch, 3 fireplaces, a fenced-in yard, luxurious owner’s suite, upper-level laundry and a lower level with its own kitchen, laundry room and potential for a bedroom as well as a gym/rec room — all for $4.75M.
  • “If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a NYC-style loft apartment with soaring ceilings and exposed steel beams, look no further! You’re going to LOVE this stunning 1 BR/1 BA industrial loft, with 10+ foot metal ceilings, exposed steel beams, huge windows, and recent updates that took it from nice to next level!”
  • 3 BR/2.5 BA Petworth townhouse condo features 2 floors and “has been expertly crafted” with 2,200+ square feet “for comfortable family living and has been perfected with premium finishes throughout.”
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a 2 BR/1 BA condo unit with off-street parking in Washington Highlands that will definitely need a fresh coat of paint.

Coffee With Coleman: Biggest Regrets for First-Time Home Buyers

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Welcome to Coffee with Coleman! I’m John Coleman, and in this feature, I’ll cover real estate topics in fun and easy-to-digest video breakdowns. If there’s a topic you are interested in hearing more about, feel free to comment on the video and/or reach out to me directly.

In this article we explore the biggest regrets home buyers have when they purchase and what you can do to overcome those hurdles.

Want to learn more about the market and what interest rates are doing? Join us at Solid State Books tomorrow night (Oct.19) to discuss the finer details about what’s going on.

Register Here!

Most Thursdays I host a livestream at 6 p.m. to cover a lot of the nuts and bolts of the home-buying process. Sign up here to learn more: www.learntobuydc.com. 

Reader Question: Do I Have To Leave While Well-Paid Maids Cleans My Home?

By PoP Sponsor (a)
Photo by Surface/Unsplash

Hello, PoPville readers! We love answering your questions down in the comments section.

Here’s one question we get: Do I have to leave while Well-Paid Maids cleans my home?

No, you don’t have to leave! You’re welcome to hang out, and we’re happy to work around your needs.

In fact, we often say Well-Paid Maids is the best cleaning company for remote workers.

Here’s why:

  • You book an appointment for an exact time, not in hours-long estimated windows. That way you can plan your day (or your Zoom meetings) accordingly.
  • We send one person — not an entire team — who can easily work around your needs.
  • You can personalize your cleanings. If you don’t want your den cleaned because you’re working in there, just let us know!
  • We only use eco-friendly cleaning products, so you don’t have to worry about getting a headache.

Even better, Well-Paid Maids is the only living-wage cleaning company in D.C. That means employees earn at least $22 an hour and get a full range of benefits, including 24 days off per year and insurance. That also means you can feel good about supporting them.

Book your cleaning online — we can’t wait to meet you!

Make an Impact, Become a Tutor

By PoP Sponsor (a)

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted three school years for more than 50 million students across the country.

In D.C., PARCC scores, which measure the share of students who meet or exceed academic expectations, fell from 37% to 31% in English language arts, and from 31% to 19% in math.

Tutoring has been proven as one of the most effective ways to help students supplement math and literacy skills learned in the classroom. The need for tutors is massive this school year, with thousands of individuals needed.

CityTutor DC partners offer both virtual and in-person tutoring options, making tutoring a convenient and flexible way to make an impact. You will be paired with an elementary or middle school student and have the opportunity to form bonds that will keep you coming back every week.

By tutoring, you will bring back the human connection, attention, and support needed to help students accelerate academically and socially.

Tutoring is the perfect volunteer opportunity to apply your skills, connect directly with a D.C. student, and make a difference.

Sign up with CityTutor DC today!

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