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.


This condo is located at 739 Newton Place, NW:


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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?


This home is located at 1608 Buchanan Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Stately, elegant and tastefully renovated four-square on a deep, lush and beautifully landscaped lot in beautiful Crestwood. Original details include hardwood floors, pocket doors, tranquil porches and verandas and window seats updated with a spacious and attractive in-law suite with a second kitchen & washer/dryer on the lower level, a renovated eat-in kitchen, and other amenities.”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

I found lots of great homes in Crestwood on Monday so I thought it only fitting to put one up as the weekly Wed. House Porn GDoN. What do you think of the home itself? It’s yours for $995,000.


This home is located at 1840 Ontario Place, NW:


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The flier says:

“House & Garden w/ legal rental unit. Your wait is over!Wonderful 1909 brick TH w/ fab garden & pond. Many original architectural elements. 3BR, 2.5BA+1Br, 1BA Eng bsmt unit w/ C of O. Chef’s kit. Sep DR. Lovely master w/ bay, bath. Det gar. EZ walk to Woodley, Adams Morgan, METRO, restaurants, shops. Quiet street. Great opportunity.”

More info and photos found here.

I think folks who love old school detail are gonna love this one. What do you think of the photos? The garden?

Does $865,000 sound reasonable for this 4 bed/3.5 bath?


This home is located at 4213 8th Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Drop dead renovation from top to bottom on this Petworth TH just 4 blks to the subway. 10 foot ceilings, 4 FP’s all new windows, decorator paint colors, HWD Floors on 3 lvls. Don’t miss the gourmet kitchen w/ granite counter tops, SS appliances and ceramic flooring. Designer mirrors & vanities in all new 3.5 bathrooms and more!! Condos next door start at $388k. This is a bargin w/ 3 fin. levels!!”

More info and photos found here.

So do you think this is a “drop dead renovation”? Does $599,000 sound reasonable for this 4 bed/3.5 bath home?


“Dear PoP,

Sold for $310,000, quick reno and back on for $699,000!

http://www.redfin.com/DC/Washington/1816-Irving-St-NW-20010/home/10006978

http://www.princeofpetworth.com/2009/07/gdon-revisited-by-hipchickindc-15/

http://www.princeofpetworth.com/2008/11/good-deal-or-not-fixer-upper-edition/
And it’s already under contract! What do you think of the renovation?

And in other real estate news a reader writes that Shiloh Baptist Church has finally put two of its properties up for sale:

“Dear PoP,

Shiloh posted two of their properties for sale. Shiloh is asking 450K for each of the vacant and dilapidated shells. Good deal or no? LOL. They probably won


This home (mansion) is located at 1720 16th Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Exceptional historic property. Flemish Revival Architecture. Currently a Bed & Breakfast. Appx 17,000 sq/ft. Stunning renovation with grand finshes, Absolutely one of a kind Mansion in the city, Lrg courtyard which can be turned into additional pkging. Must send some form of prequal letter to view property.”

More info and photos found here.

The reader writes:

“I randomly stumbled across this listing today…I can’t believe this hasn’t been chopped up into apartments or condos. I love the gigantic fireplace and amazing original details.”

For those that were craving house porn this should sate you… What do you think of the photos? It’s yours for $5,750,000.


This condo is located at 1327 Randolph Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“NEW PRICE – MUST SEE!! Rich, contemporary finishes complement the open floorplan and two master suites!! Sip coffee or grill meals on the back terrace! Located in bustling Columbia Heights, this condo features glowing hardwood floors, stainless steal/granite kitchen, granite baths, and hardwired audio system. Walkscore gives 83 out of 100 – VERY WALKABLE!”

More info and photos found here.

I’ve always liked this building, I think I’ve posted the door before. The condo looks like it is on the ground floor or garden level. Do you think $395,000 sounds reasonable for this 2 bed/2 bath?


This house is located at 2127 10th Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Sweet c. 1900 row house in the heart of the U Street Corridor. Metro, shopping galore, lots of dining, and nightlife are all within a few blocks! Two bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms, wood floors, gas fireplace, washer/dryer, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters. Whole house was renovated within the last five years (all systems replaced).”

More info found here and a virtual tour found here.

As with houses like this let me know what you think of the renovation itself. Does $535,000 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/2.5 bath? I guess I should ask her, how much value do you add to a basement? Is that a big deciding factor on whether or not to purchase a home?


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