Hipchickindc is a licensed real estate broker. Her latest business venture can be seen here. 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: 1243 New Jersey Ave NW
Legal Subdivision: Old City #2
Advertised Subdivision per Listing: Old City #2
Original List Price: $750,000.
List Price at Contract: $750,000.
List Date: 09/22/2011
Days on Market: 4
Settled Sales Price: $840,000.
Settlement Date: 10/11/2011
Seller Subsidy: $0.
Bank Owned?: No Short Sale? No
Type Of Financing: Conventional
Original GDoN post is: here. The GDoN post for the same property from 2010 is here.
The listing can be seen: here. To see the photos, after opening the listing link, scroll through the arrows on the main pic.

This sale is a perfect example of something that I try to remind both my buyer and seller clients about regularly. Real estate markets are not static. Of course, some situations are more predictable than others, but any moment in time is just a snapshot of conditions at any particular location. In this specific case, we are looking at a property that had been previously listed last year, with three different listing agents, at prices ranging from $799,000. to $899,000., for a total of 468 days without a sale.

This year, with pictures suggesting that the property is in similar if not the same condition as last year, the property was not only on the market for four short days, but apparently there was more than one party who wanted it. In fact, somebody wanted it so much that they paid almost a hundred thousand dollars over the asking price. Yes, I even called the listing agent, Alan Dalton with Re/Max Allegiance, to make sure that this is correctly entered into the MLS. Two of his team members confirm that it is.

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This home is located at 1461 Florida Ave, NW:


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The flier says:

“Historic exterior stunningly modern inside, top-to-bottom renovation of a 3 level rowhouse with addition and sep. 925 sq ft rental unit (will rent for over $2K a month. ) Top two floors feature 2 Master Bd, 2.5 Ba and grand entertainment space. Beautiful Hwd floors, skylights, floating stairs case, walk-out patio and sleek kitchen with huge stone-top island. Steps to U St Metro and park.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

This 3 bed/3.5 bath is going for $899,777.

Ed. Note: Last week’s GDoN Revisted 1412 Florida Ave NW which sold for $805,000.


This home is located at 1131 Columbia Rd, NW:


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The flier says:

“Rarely available, enormous rowhome replete with original details and in move-in condition. This lovely home is for your most discerning Buyers, a charming oasis in the heart of the city close to everything yet secluded and quiet. Large backyard with 2 car garage and deck. 1BR/1BA english basement can be viewed at Home Inspection.”

You can find more info here and some photos here.

This 5 bed/3 bath is going for $760,000.


This home is located at 1447 Swann St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Just 3 years young this Delightful 1BR + Den/2BA Condo features High Ceilings, Beautiful, Light, Wood Floors, LR w/ FP, Granite/Stainless Kit with Eat-In counter, Large Sunny MBR, Den (perfect as 2nd BR), W/ D hook up in unit. Perfect Location on pretty tree lined Swann Street, Just steps to 14th Street, U Street Corridor/Metro, Logan Circle and Whole Foods”

You can find more info here and photos here.

$449,995 ($248 monthly condo fee) sound right?


This condo is located at 106 Tennessee St, NE:


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The flier says:

“Hurry !!! This is a must see. Located on a great block. Your front door opens to Lincoln Park. Blocks from Eastern Market, Capitol Building, Barracks Row, Union Station, RFK Stadium, H St. NE Atlas District and Metro. This home is GREEN from end to end with Bamboo & Tile Floors, Stainless Steel Appliances, W/ D and a whole lot more !!!”

You can find more info here and photos here.

$374,900 ($290 monthly condo fee) sound right for this 2 bed/1 bath?


here. 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: 1412 Florida Ave NW
Legal Subdivision: Old City #2
Advertised Subdivision per Listing: U Street
Original List Price: $849,900.
List Price at Contract: $849,900.
List Date: 07/15/2011
Days on Market: 37
Settled Sales Price: $805,000.
Settlement Date: 09/30/2011
Seller Subsidy: $0.
Bank Owned?: No Short Sale? No
Type Of Financing: Conventional
Original post is: here.
The listing can be seen: here. To see the photos, after opening the listing link, scroll through the arrows on the main pic. If you prefer, there is also a Homevisit virtual tour.

Pierre L’Enfant’s original plan for the Federal City ended to the north at Boundary Street, currently known as Florida Avenue. This explains why the even numbered properties on the south side of the 1400 block of Florida Ave NW are part of the legal subdivision of Old City #2. The odd numbered properties on the north side, however, are identified as being in the very wide ranging legal subdivision of Columbia Heights. Reviewing listings for the block reveals that real estate agents like to refer to this location with names such as “Dupont East”, or “Dupont North”, or, in the case of the subject property, “U Street”.

The 1400 block of Florida Avenue is an excellent study in the relatively rapid escalation of real estate prices in downtown DC since the late 1990’s. In 1995, a “lovingly restored and renovated 20 foot wide Edwardian townhome” located at 1459 Florida Ave NW sold for $181,500. with a $6000. subsidy towards closing costs. The market clearly started to smoke in 1999 when 1479 Florida Ave NW passed the $300k mark and went for $305,000. In 2001, a large home at 1469 Florida Ave NW set the bar at $450,000. The next big jump didn’t happen until 2003, when 1434 Florida Ave NW sold for $529,000. In 2004, 1475 Florida Ave NW sold for $660,000. In 2005, 1469 Florida Ave NW once again pushed prices and sold for $842,000. less a $17,000. subsidy. (Note that the 2005 listing describes 1469 Florida as being divided into three units.)

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This home is located at 310 Upshur St, NW:


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The flier says:

“A Rock Homes full renovation. This 4 bd/3.5 full bth, 3 Level home. Gourmet Kitchen w/ stainless appliances & Granite, Open Floor Plan, 2 large decks, finished lower level with rear door-and Kitchenette. Master Suite w/ private bath. Private secure parking & Spacious fenced backyard with grass. Walk to Grant Circle & Petworth Metro. Views of the National Cathedral!”

You can find more info here and photos here.

This 4 bed/3.5 bath is going for $529,900.


This condo is located at 1740 U St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Awesome, renovated, and spacious 2BR/1BA condo w/ PARKING in Dupont/Adams Morgan!!! Great light! Pet-friendly! Fantastic location! Incredibly LOW CONDO FEE!! Granite counters, brand-new stainless appliances, Bosch W/ D, new windows, wood burning FP, recessed lighting, wood flooring, and MORE!”

You can find more info here and photos here.

$461,000 ($90 monthly condo fee) sound right for this 2 bed/1 bath?



michael k. wilkinson, photographs

This house is located at 4026 Arkansas Ave, NW:


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The flier says:

“Meticulously maintained mid-cenutry modern across the street from Rock Creek Park with 3 bedrooms/3 baths, in-law suite, oak floors, CAC, & off-street parking. Updated kitchen & baths, sunny & spacious. Convenient location just off of 16th Street. Why buy a condo when you could have a house? and no monthly fee. Freshly painted and ready to move right into.”

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

Thanks to Michael for the heads up and the photos. This is one of my favorite blocks in the city. While I wish it was a bit closer walking distance to restaurants, I’ll just say it – if I were looking I’d buy this one in a heartbeat. What do you think – $439,000 sound right for this 3 bed/3 bath?


This condo is located at 3013 11th St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Beautiful, sunny top floor (2nd level) unit with approx. 16′ ceilings & complete renovation in 2004! Open Great Room encompasses Cook’s Kitchen (w/ island, 42′ maple cabinetry, granite, gas range & SS appliances), Living/Dining area w/ gas fireplace, exposed brick wall, recessed lighting & skylight. Hardwood floors, washer/dryer & rear deck/balcony! Perfection-just move in! 2 bllocks to Metro!”

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

As you know I usually don’t like to do GDoN posts that are already under contract but I always admire this house when I pass it and I’ve always wanted to see the inside. What do you think of the inside? Are you surprised it went under contract in only 4 days? This 2 bed/1 bath was going for $409,900 ($272 monthly condo fee).


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