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: 3822 10th St NW

Original List Price: $595,000.

List Price at Contract: $595,000.

List Date: 2/19/2009

Days on Market: 76

Settled Sales Price: $585,000.

Settlement Date:  06/19/2009

Seller Subsidy:  $10,000.

Bank Owned?: No. 

Type Of Financing: FHA with 3.5% down payment

Listing History: See below for listing history information

Original GDoN Post is: Here

Recent Listing is:  Here. To see more pics, click the arrows on the main picture.

Last week, a reader had asked if I might profile this property, so here you go!  Comments for the original Good Deal or Not (GDoN) post were overwhelmingly positive, with praise for both the home and location, as well as a few shout outs from the neighbors. 

Back during the craziness that was the 2004 DC real estate frenzy, the property went on the market for $225,000.  The listing agent noted, “GREAT POTENTIAL ABOUND IN THIS PROPERTY”.  The winning bid was $321,500. in cash.  Settlement occurred on April 30th, 2004, and it was back on the market in renovated condition on the 17th of November, 2004.  List price was $525,000.  It was on the market for 18 days and sold at full price with no seller subsidy.  The financing was conventional and the buyers at the time made a substantial down payment.

In contrast to the GDoN-R home located in Petworth that was profiled a week ago, which was last purchased around the same timeframe, this home showed a gain in market value from late 2004.  Considering the $10,000. paid toward closing costs, the net sales price was $575,000., which was at least enough to cover the Seller’s closing expenses.

On another note, for anybody who had read my posts about the renovation of Mark and Charles’ home, or is interested in properties to renovate, the Saturday real estate section in The Washington Post (I believe for this weekend) will feature Mark and Charles’ house in LeDroit Park/Bloomingdale.

Good Deal or Not? Dramatic Listing “One Life to Live” Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1340 Randolph Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“ONE LIFE TO LIVE!!!So start enjoying it now. A 3br, 1 1/2+ 1/4 bath colonial in Col. heights, just mins from tennis, golf and downtown DC. This has a delightful ft porch, spacious dining, off st parking and large rooms. Definitely a happy home at a price to make you smile.”

More info found here and but sadly no inside photos.

I like how they point out “just mins from tennis, golf…” I’ve never seen that as a huge selling point (though I love both sports). I know it’s a bit hard to say without inside photos (they psyched me out with a virtual tour of the outside). But does $380,000 sound reasonable? Particularly if you only have one life to live…?

Good Deal or Not? Weekly Wed. House Porn Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This house is located at 2014 15th Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“A traditional brick exterior elegantly surrounds the sophisticated, contemporary & renovated interior of this stately Victorian just 2 blocks to Metro & easy walking distance to the heart of U Street, Logan & Dupont. 2 car parking, a spectacular master suite, fine fixtures & finishes, hardwood floors, a gorgeous deck & yard, & a fabulous & legal rental unit completes this special offering.”

More info found here and a virtual tour found here.

Wow, this is a pretty cool house. The inside has this modern open vibe going on. Do you like the renovation? It is yours for $1,199,000. Enjoy the photos, they are pretty sweet.

Good Deal or Not? Private Entrance Condo Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 1901 Calvert Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Best Deal Around! Bright spacious 1BR terrace level unit with private entrance. Freshly painted and shows beautifully. Hardwood floors and carpeting in BR. Steps to the exciting Adams Morgan nightlife, and a short walk across the bridge to the Metro! Location Location Location!”

More info found here and a mouse on house tour found here.

I’m interested to hear what you guys think about this one because I almost bought one of these terrace units in 2002. Interesting to note is that at that time the unit also sold for around $300k (I got way out bid). Obviously, this one is under contract so somebody think’s it a good deal but I’m wondering what you guys think. Do you like the private terrace? I never actually see folks on those terraces.   It was listing for $309,000. Sound reasonable?

Good Deal or Not? Major Fixer Upper Upper Edition – Reader Request

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 3229 Hiatt Place, NW:


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The flier says:

“FEDERAL STYLE SEMI WITH MUCH POTENTIAL.”

Quite succinct. You can see photos here.

The reader writes:

“I just came across this property and was wondering about it. Obviously its a major fixer-upper.”

Yes, this is an interesting one as it’s the first time I’ve ever seen photos of a major fixer upper. I’m interested to hear what everyone thinks but especially those who have done renovations before. Does $319,900 sound reasonable for the amount of work that is needed here?

Good Deal or Not Re-Revisited (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

DSCN5442

“Dear PoP,

I noticed that this house on Newton Pl is still on the market.

It was actually a GDoN in its pre-renovated condition and was also a GDoN revisited.

http://www.princeofpetworth.com/2009/03/gdon-revisited-by-hipchickindc-4/

I think it would be interesting for people to weigh in on it now that it’s renovated and back on the market. I’m actually surprised it hasn’t sold yet.”

This home  is located at 529 Newton Place, NW:


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The flier says:

“Gorgeous renovation of Columbia Hts end unit brick row house * Gourmet kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and ceremic tile floor * Two bedrooms and 1 full baths with new fixtures, vanity and tub surround. Gleaming wood floors * Shows great, a must see!”

More info and photos found here.

Wow, this is kinda cool. So before the reno it sold for $165,000. Now it has been renovated and can be yours for $249,955. Think that is a realistic mark up for the 2 bed/1bath?

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: 213 Rock Creek Church Rd NW

Original List Price: $599,000.

List Price at Contract: $529,000.

List Date: 9/11/2008

Days on Market: 203

Settled Sales Price: $520,000.

Settlement Date:  06/12/2009

Seller Subsidy:  $15,000.

Bank Owned?: No. 

Type Of Financing: Conventional

Listing History: Changed hands as an estate property in need of work in April 2004 for $272,500.  Next was purchased with all the Bells and Whistles in January 2005 for $549,000.  Looks like the current Sellers took a bit of a hit, at a net of $505,000. this time.  It was not identified as a short sale (which means they did not need to get the bank involved despite selling for less than they did in ’05).

Original GDoN Post is:  Here.

Recent Listing is: Here.  To see more pics, click the arrows on the main picture (only available on the second version of the listing).  You’ll see two listings on top of each other.  The first one expired and the second was the same property entered back into the system.

Over the past several months, we’ve looked at quite a few Petworth properties, which range tremendously in price, condition, and that all important factor, proximity to Metro.  This property was featured as a “Good Deal or Not” (GDoN) post after the price had been lowered substantially from its highest pricing point.  It was interesting to see what people had to say about a renovated property in this location priced over half a million dollars.  Generally, I thought it fared pretty well comment-wise despite a, “I think the house has to be larger and/or closer to the metro to fetch over $500k”, here and there.

It’s great to see houses in all conditions actively selling.  Sales like this present the opportunity for someone to move in and not have to spend their time and money renovating.  Seeing that someone else paid over $500,000. for a renovated property in the neighborhood can be encouraging to those who are in the process or plan to do a lot of updating.  Subsequently, another wave of houses that have been lingering in bad condition are getting lived in again.  Good news all around.

Good Deal or Not? Reader Request “Classic Victorian” Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 131 10th Street, NE:


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The flier says:

“Top quality restoration of a classic Victorian Bayfront, on a Best Block. Period details (eg. , working transoms, vintage mantels) meet modern updates (even a central vac!). 3 brs, 2.5 bas, well-proportioned LR & Dr, each w/ wkng fpl, spiffy Kitchn, charming patio, full basement. Terrif location, just off Lincoln Pk.”

More info and photos found here.

The reader writes:

“Hey there – my neighbor’s place just went on the market. $709K asking. We’ve had 3 houses sell on our block in the last 2 mos for over asking, so I’d be curious what folks think of this one. I went to the Open House today, and the place is absolutely gorgeous.”

I think it’s a good looking house but I don’t know 10th Street, NE that well. What do you guys think of the house and of course does $709,000 sound reasonable?

Good Deal or Not? Weekly Wed. House Porn Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1929 13th Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Well maintained/restored by historically-minded owners. Beautiful 3-level renovated owners’ unit with endless upgrades: chef’s custom kitchen, open 3rd-flr loft/master suite w/ new bath, fireplace, wet bar, and great roof deck with umbrella, two-zone HVAC, and great closets. Plus two-car parking, and a 1BR/1BA income unit with stainless kitchen, all within steps of Metro and vibrant U Street.”

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

I’m gonna be honest this house blew me away. This is one of the few houses I’ve seen that is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.  I’m not sure if it’s the built in bookshelves or the dope roof deck but this is one of my new favorites. What do you guys think of the house itself? It’s yours for $1,225,000.

Good Deal or Not? No Photos but Great Location and Unusual House Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1923 12th Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“MAJESTIC WONDER ON THE AVENUE! Older rehab of large home only steps to U St. Large & one of a kind! Definite fixer upper but worth it! Large rooms with open flr plan, sizable expandable yard with parking! this is the opportunity to own unique property for homeowner! Acquistion/Rehab money available! Property sold “as is” and seller may refuse all offers.”

More info found here.

Normally I don’t like to post homes without pictures but I think this one deserves an exception. It is a really unusual home in a great location. Obviously, it’s going to need a lot of work but I’m curious what you think about the price. It says it was assessed for $917,000 in 2008. The asking price is $775,000. Do you think that seems like a good deal given all the work it likely needs? Think it will be bought and divided into condos?

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