Real Estate

Good Deal or Not? This is how you do Photos Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located in the Villaggio at 1425 Euclid Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“This unit has it all! Stunning walls of glass and extraordinary priv. roof deck w/ fabulous Monument views! Dramatic sunny space w/ open mezzanine, 2BR 2BA, gas frplc, tons of outfitted clset space, grnt countrs, custom wndw treatments, lights on dimmers, in-wall stereo wiring, W/ D and grge prkng. Great location! Walk to all amenities and two Metros.”

More info and amazing photos found here.

I’m dying to hear what you think of these photos. They blew me away. Be sure to check out the living room photo. Does $699,000 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/2 bath?

Good Deal or Not? “New Kitchen Floor!” Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1505 Emerson Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“NEW PRICE! NEW KITCHEN FLOOR! NEW BR CARPET! Handsome period piece: 10′ ceilings, hearts-of-pine floors, huge windows, gorgeous oak staircase; move-in condition, updated 1995. Great corner lot, fully fenced back yard, professional landscaping, back deck, all on a wonderful street just one block off 16th- easy access to everything!”

More info and photos found here.

This home stopped me in my tracks. What do you think of the photos? That new kitchen floor is pretty sweet, yeah? It has had a pretty significant price reduction. Originally offered at $875,000 it is now on the market for $725,000 – Good deal or not?

GDoN Revisited by Hipchickindc

By Prince Of Petworth

In real life, hipchickindc is licensed as a real estate broker in the District of Columbia and Virginia, and as a real estate salesperson in Maryland.  Unless specifically noted, neither she nor the company that she is affiliated with represented any of the parties or were directly involved in the transaction reported below.  Unless otherwise noted, the source of information is Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), which is the local multiple listing system.  Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Property: 1340 Randolph St NW

Original List Price: $380,000.

List Price at Contract: $380,000.

List Date: 07/10/2009

Days on Market: 14 days

Settled Sales Price: $370,000.

Settlement Date:  09/03/2009

Seller Subsidy:  $10,000.

Bank Owned?: No

Type Of Financing: Conventional with $74,000. (20%) down payment

Original GDoN Post is:  Here.

The recent listing is: Here.

Regardless of whether this was a good deal or not, I feel that I must first address a bit of DC housing trivia that surfaced during the original “Good Deal or Not” (GDoN) post discussion. While the lone toilet in the basement is not incorrectly referred to as a “1/4 bath”, the appropriate and technical terminology for that amenity is, (as Toby alluded to), “Emergency Commode”. An original one in your basement is a true piece of plumbing history. (This might be a good time to mention that my very favorite PoP post ever was the reader-submitted original outhouse photo in Petworth.)

I’m surprised that relative closeness to Metro never entered the discussion (or the listing description, for that matter.) Google maps says this is ½ mile to the Petworth Metro. When I am searching for clients who require proximity to Metro, that is usually an acceptable distance. Google maps says it’s a nine minute walk.

It is unfortunate that we don’t have any interior photos to go by, but given that this house was under contract within two weeks, I’m going to speculate that it had some nice solid woodwork and what is oft described as “character”. These are large homes and the listing indicates that there is an unfinished standing room attic. The basement is also unfinished but has both front and rear exits. It also has parking and a lot that is more than 1000 square feet larger than typical rowhouse lots found just a bit further south.

Good Deal or Not? “floor-to-ceiling windows” Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

These condos are located at 1466 Harvard Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“A fabulous new building with only 12 condos for sale. Sales start September 12, 2009. High end design features some of the most progressive, thoughtful design in Washington DC, with Porcelanosa kitchens, private outdoor spaces, 2-level spaces for privacy, floor-to-ceiling windows, Monument views, and designer layouts that trounce standard white box condos.”

More info and photos found here.

Here’s another building that we’ve judged in the past. Now we get to see the inside. What do you think of the photos? I’m a huge fan of the gigantic windows. Does $599,900 sound reasonable for this unit?

Good Deal or Not? Weekly Wed. House Porn Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1508 Q Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Stylish renovation of Classic Brownstone. Historic residence has been totally transformed into a 4-story contemporary, elegant townhouse. MULTI-UNIT w/ first-rate appliances, luxury finishes and 2-car parking. Owner’s residence on 2 levels: 2 BR, 2.5 baths, LR, Media Space and gourmet kitchen. Rooftop terrace. TWO/1 BR rentals to defray mortgage payments. Each w/ Patios. Ideal Dupont/Logan location.”

More info and photos found here.

What do you think of the renovation? That one room with the huge window is pretty amazing. This 4 bed/5.5 bath is yours for $1,649,000.

Good Deal or Not? “Beamed cathedral ceilings” Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1547 4th Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Spread out in this sun filled, spacious federal style townhome in the heart of Shaw! Luxury awaits you as you enter this renovated home to its original historic charm! Hardwoods, exposed brick, beamed cathedral ceilings and so much more!”

More info and photos found here.

I think this is a good looking house. Though, it’s interesting that it is three levels but only has 2 bedrooms. What do you think of the renovations/photos? Does $479,900 sound reasonable?

Good Deal or Not? Loft Edition (Reader/Owner Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 3039 16th Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The Craig’s List ad says:

“Incredible opportunity to live in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city. This large 1 BR/ 2Bath w/ large 2nd floor loft (2nd BR) is a modern masterpiece with elevator opening directly into unit. Columbia Heights Metro, Harris Teeter, Gourmet Giant, Target, Washington Sports Club, Commonwealth Gastropub, Wonderland, and Red Rocks Pizza only scratch the surface of what lies steps away. Or if you prefer, a 5 min walk places you at the doorstep of Rock Creek Park and the National Zoo. Unit includes washer/dryer, gas cooking, central A/C, gas fireplace, exposed brick, LARGE storage room, and bright views of city scape. Public roof deck has unobstructed views of DC/MD/VA. Ask about option for unit to be equipped with 42″ flat screen TV, surround sound, AND HD projector w/ 8 ft theater screen in loft area. You’ll never want to leave this place!”

The reader writes:

“$2750/month w/ $100 monthly credit for on-time payment
$560,000 to purchase
or
Purchase Option — rent for year and apply entire years’ payment towards purchase price”

This is an interesting one since it is for sale or rent. How do the prices for those options sound? What are your thoughts on loft condos? A few more photos after the jump. (more…)

Good Deal or Not? Converted Row House (Pop Up) Edition?

By Prince Of Petworth

These condos are located at 1449 Girard Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Spectacular new condos in Columbia Heights with unique bi-level layout. All new construction. 2 BR & 2 FB. Premium finishes. Gourmet kitchen w/ granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Luxurious baths w/ travertine tiles. 2 private patios. In-unit W/ D, hardwood floors, low condo fees. Parking available. 3 blocks to Columbia Heights metro.”

More info found here and a virtual tour found here.

I always enjoy checking out the inside of buildings we’ve judged. I seem to recall folks weren’t huge fans of the outside. But having the opportunity to look inside is quite interesting. I happen to be a huge fan of exposed brick. I think these look pretty sweet. What do you guys think of the renovations? Others must like them as well because units 2 ($475k) and 3 ($469k) are already under contract. Unit 1 is still available for $445,000. Sound reasonable for this 2 bed/2 bath?

GDoN Revisited (Again) by Hipchickindc

By Prince Of Petworth

In real life, hipchickindc is licensed as a real estate broker in the District of Columbia and Virginia, and as a real estate salesperson in Maryland.  Unless specifically noted, neither she nor the company that she is affiliated with represented any of the parties or were directly involved in the transaction reported below.  Unless otherwise noted, the source of information is Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), which is the local multiple listing system.  Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Property: 529 Newton Pl NW

Original List Price: $329,955.

List Price at Contract: $249,955.

List Date: 04/04/2009

Days on Market: 86 days

Settled Sales Price: $230,000.

Settlement Date:  08/24/2009

Seller Subsidy:  $8,500.

Bank Owned?: No

Type Of Financing: FHA with 3.5% down payment

1st GDoN Post is:  Here.

1st GDoN Revisited Post is: Here.

2nd GDoN Post is: Here.

All three listings of this property since 2005: Here.

If this house looks familiar, it might be because we’ve looked it over a few times already (see links above.)  A poster child for the changes in the DC real estate market over the past few years, this property has been through a foreclosure and two renovations since 2005.  In reviewing the listings, note that in 2005, it was listed as having three bedrooms and one bath.  By 2008, it was reconfigured to two bedrooms and two full baths.  In 2009, it took on a new life as a two bedroom, one bath home.

When we looked at the March 2009 sale of this property, I noted that it was a cash purchase and speculated that it was likely bought by an investor.  I learned later that it had been acquired by a group of investors that I’ve done a few deals with. 

The recent buyer of the newly renovated property paid (net) almost $30,000. less than the property changed hands for as a shell in 2005.

Good Deal or Not? “Phone Entry System” Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 739 Newton Place, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“”The Prasada” Beautiful 2br-2ba Condominium With Gourmet Kitchen, SS Appliances, Granite Counters, Pre-wired High Speed Internet, MBR Jacuzzi Tub, Washer/Dryer, Phone Entry System, Stylish Lighting, Gleaming Hardwood Floors And Much More. 3 BLOCKS TO PETWORTH METRO!”

You can find more info and photos here.

The photos look pretty nice. I’m not sure if I’d highlight a “phone entry system” though… But seriously what do you think of the condo itself? Does $329,000 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/2bath?

View More Stories