Real Estate

Good Deal or Not? Weekly Wed. House Porn Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 3601 Macomb Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Historic 1899 Georgian w/ gorgeous sun-lit living spaces, beautiful architectural details & hrdwd flrs throughout. Gracious dining room, lovely living room, updated gourmet eat-in kit leading to 2-level screened porch. 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths including spacious master suite with dressing room & walk-in closet. Near shops & Metro!”

More info and photos found here and a virtual tour found here.

I think Macomb Street, NW has some amazing homes and this is certainly one of them. I’m always curious how much they cost. Most of them fall into the house porn category. So what do you think about this particular home? Do you think it’s too close to Wisconsin Ave or is that a good thing? It’s yours for $2,850,000.

Good Deal or Not? One of my Favorite Buildings Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 1413 T Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Ultra-cool Jr. 1BR in DC’s most dynamic location with every little convenience, entertainment, and culture DC has to offer. Great use of space, up-to-date kitchen and bath, tall ceilings, and an open floor plan make this a terrific place. Located in an architecturally historic boutique building, here is the perfect pad for the ultimate experience in city living.”

More info found here and a virtual tour found here.

I think this is a super cool looking building (we’ve judged it in the past). The condo itself seems a bit small and the views don’t seem to be great but man is that a fantastic location. Obviously someone else agrees since it’s under contract. I know some folks don’t like GDoN posts under contract but I’ve always been curious about this place.  I was surprised at how reasonable the price seemed – $249,000. Is that a great deal or have I lost perspective?

Good Deal or Not? Emergency Reader Request – Thinking of Putting in a Bid Soon, Help!

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 55 Quincy Place NE:


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The flier says:

“Gorgeous 3bd, 1fba, 2hba 3-lvl rowhouse w/ walk-out bsmt, parking space & many updates. Steps to NY Ave METRO. Features hdwds on main & upper lvls, 3 FPs. Bank-Owned. Sold As-Is. Shows well, but needs a little work. Seller responds quickly to offers. Request seller’s choice of closing co. & to hold EMD. Seller=”Owner of Record”.”

More info and photos found here.

I’ve only walked down this block a few times but thought the area was quite nice. There aren’t too many dining areas but you’re not too far from Big Bear Cafe across North Capitol in Bloomingdale. The house itself also seems quite nice, I dig the style on the outside, but I’d be sure to have a inspector with you as the house is “as-is”. Asking price is $308,900. Sound like a good deal?

Good Deal or Not? Reader Request – When Will H St., NE Become Like U St., NW?

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 920 3rd Street, NE:


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The flier says:

“Wonderful 2BR + Den Victorian located between Union Station, H Street NE and NOMA. This home features 2 full baths, hardwood floors, skylight, fireplace, remodeled kitchen and patio.”

More infor found here.

The reader writes:

“It is 1 block to H St, 4 blocks to Union Station and 5 blocks to New York Ave Station and the tram tracks are FINALLY going in on H St after years of discussion. But, it could be a “sketchy” neighborhood (hahahahaha, love that word) as it is so descriptive and everyone understands exactly what it “means”. Another aspect of this is that once someone crosses H st the prices seem to fall off a bit compared to say F St or G St and does this price fit the North H St pricing?

Also, another question that may be interesting for your readers is how long do they think it will take for H St to become more like U St? H is “great” around 12th and 13th where there are restaurants and music venues, but there is not a ton of retail / restaurants in between that attract a lot of foot traffic. What will need to be done to improve it and will the Tram help H St prosper?”

This house is going for $425,000. I find it very unusual that there are no photos for a house at that price particularly if it has been renovated. But to address the reader’s questions – personally I think it is a bit of a gamble. It is a gamble that I would take. (I’m talking about the neighborhood not the specific house.) While H St, NE is more lively around 12th Street I do believe the development will ultimately expand toward 3rd St. For me I moved to Petworth before there were any destination spots aside for the Hitching Post. I loved my house and I loved the feel of the neighborhood. I hoped that development with new destination spots would arrive. Thankfully they have and are still coming. I believe the same will happen to the H Street, NE area. But look, if you or your wife don’t feel comfortable then it’s probably not a good idea. Because a gamble is a gamble and you should like the neighborhood as it is because you never know how long it will take for the development to occur. Of course, you should keep in mind that you’ll be very close (in my opinion) to lots of good stuff. As for H St, NE becoming like U Street, NW that will probably depend on the economy rebounding. But I’ve heard folks say it is generally 5-7 years behind. What do you guys think?

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?

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