Real Estate

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: 651 8th St NE

Original List Price: $599,000.

List Price at Contract: $575,000.

List Date: 06/24/2009

Days on Market: 59 days

Settled Sales Price: $565,000.

Settlement Date:  09/24/2009

Seller Subsidy:  $16,950.

Bank Owned?: No

Type Of Financing: Conventional with $113,000. (20%) down payment.  There also appears to be a 10% second trust, which is very unusual in this day and age.

Original GDoN Post is:  Here.

The recent listing is:  Here.

Now that the Prince of Petworth is a full-time blogger, I am looking forward to his continued ventures into the other neighborhoods of Washington, DC (aka The Hill).  There’s something about that significant increase in price per square foot that makes for a heated Good Deal or Not (GDoN) smackdown between the NWers and Hill/H Street dwellers.  According to the GDoN comments, I expect more than a few readers will be surprised at the current sales price of this two bedroom, two and a half bath home.  For NWers who haven’t been paying much attention to the subject neighborhood, it’s worth a glance at the H Street Main Street web site. 

The sales history over the past ten years speaks to the extensive changes both the overall DC real estate market and this neighborhood have experienced.

1999: Listed for $169,900.  Sold for $169,900. less $3350. subsidy.  98 Days on Market.

2001: Listed for $299,000.  Sold for $312,000. less $6240. subsidy.  5 Days on Market.

2005: Listed for $529,500.  Sold for $529,500. less $500. Subsidy (usually a subsidy this small indicates a repair credit).  14 Days on Market.
2009: See above for details.

Good Deal or Not? Loft Studio Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 3155 Mt. Pleasant Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Lovely renovated studio at The Mount Pleasant with 14′ vaulted ceilings & stunning sunset & National Cathedral views. Charming LR with fixed stairs to sleeping LOFT, granite kitchen w/ breakfast bar, large renovated bath, loads of closets, exposed brick walls, wood floors, W/ D combo in unit, low fee (includes WiFi), pets welcome!”

More info and photos found here.

Well this is a bit of a contrast from yesterday’s house porn but I think this is one cool looking studio. In this case I think the Loft makes a big difference as you can put your bed up there. And as I’ve said before, I dig the exposed brick. What do you guys think? Does $209,000 sound reasonable?

Good Deal or Not? Weekly Wed. House Porn XXX Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This mansion is located at 2850 Woodland Drive, NW:


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The flier says:

“NEW PRICE! Elegance, privacy, an acre of land & 1920s craftsmanship combine to make this residence a sophisticated in-town estate. Features include very high ceilings, ornate plaster moldings, herringbone oak floors, stucco exterior, multiple fireplaces and terraces. The home offers large entertaining rooms, excellent bedroom space, staff quarters w/ sep kitchens, 7-zone HVAC, and a pool.”

More info found here and a virtual tour found here.

Ok, while previously I have shown some Cinemax style house porn this one is of the full XXX variety. You have to see the virtual tour. You can barely tell it is that opulent from the street. Of course, this is from the new (to me) neighborhood of Woodland-Normstone. If you’ve ever wondered how the top .00001% live – here it is. Unbelievable. And there’s been a serious price cut. It was originally on the market for $14,600,000 but has come down to the more reasonable $10,750,000…

Good Deal or Not? Right Above Busboys & Poets Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 1390 V Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“LOCATION-LOCATION! REDUCED $10K w/ $6K clos. help! Secure 4 yr old beautiful Condo in sought after bldg & conv. to bus, subway, stores, restaurants, etc. Spectacular views from private balc w/ gourmet kit, wood floors, SS appl. , stack W & D, track lighting, high ceilings, LOFT BR & more. Owner found HOC & ready to move. Priced below mkt for a quick sale. Call LA w/ ?’s & to show. HURRY, won’t last!”

More info and photos found here.

I’ve been curious to see the condos inside this building, the Langston Lofts. It is a pretty killer location. But what do you think of the condo itself? Does $389,998 sound reasonable for this 1 bed/1 bath?

There is also a 1 bed/1.5 bath for $452,900.

And a 2 bed/2.5 bath for $519,900.

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:


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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:


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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:


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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:


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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:


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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?

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