In real life, hipchickindc is actually the not-so-hip Suzanne Des Marais, an associate broker with Urban Pace. Voted one of the best real estate agents in DC by the Washington City Paper Readers’ Choice Poll in 2009, Suzanne is currently Chair of the DC Public Policy Committee for the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® and is President Elect of the Washington, DC Association of REALTORS®. She lives (and sells a lot of houses) in Bloomingdale, but works all over DC, with everyone from first time buyers to highly regarded developers.

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: 2359 Ashmead Pl NW

Original List Price: $845,000.

List Price at Contract: $845,000.

List Date: 03/26/2010

Days on Market: 7

Settled Sales Price: $950,000.

Settlement Date: 05/17/2010

Seller Subsidy: $0.

Bank Owned?: No

Type Of Financing: Conventional

Original GDoN is: here.

Listing is: >here. To see pics, click on the listing, then click on the main pic and scroll on the arrows.

My very favorite kinds of houses are those with, shall we say, “possibility”. This sentiment seems to be shared by commenters on the original Good Deal or Not (GDoN) post, many of whom drooled over this one. This house has not only the location thing going for it, and of course, it’s humongous, but perhaps more importantly, it has that elusive indescribable thing that people sometimes refer to as character. (Not insignificant is that it is reported to be located within the Oyster school district, where Michelle Rhee’s kids attend). Clearly a grand house in its day, I truly hope that the new owner does restoration in the process of renovation.

There was some discussion as to whether the property will remain a single family or will it be converted to multiple units. The agent who represented the purchaser was Anthony Bozzi of CityLights Realty Group. I’m hoping that Anthony will check in here and give us the scoop.


This home is located at 322 T St, NW:


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The flier says:

“TOTAL Renovation! EVERYTHING is BRAND NEW in this gorgeous two level condo in historic LeDroit Park!Gourmet kitchen, Bosch appliances, travertine marble tile in kitchen & baths, Brazilian cherry floors, custom tray ceilings, heated jacuzzi spa!All bedrooms have en suite full baths, special treats around every corner! Built-ins, custom details, Your own back yard & two gated parking spaces INCLUDED!”

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

What do you think of the reno? Does $599,000 sound reasonable for this 3 bed/3 bath condo ($213.83 monthly condo fee)?


This house is located at 1242 10th St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Sellers very ready to move. Glorious Victorian is the best of the neighborhood. Beautifully cared for and updated over the years. Magnificent space and detail abound-wood trim, plaster mouldings, high ceilings, unique windows. Secluded brick patio leads to 2 secured parking spaces. Legal rental unit.”

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

For those who like original details – enjoy! What’s your favorite part? It’s yours for $1,199,000.


This home is located at 226 Parker St, NE:


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The flier says:

“Great rowhouse just a few blocks from NoMa Metro, across from Union Station. Charming exposed brick interiors, private 2nd level deck, many recent updates including new kitchen & appliances, new roof, new wood floors, new windows. Well maintained, close to 2 new groceries, Senate Square, on quaint quiet street.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

The reader writes:

“This cute little house went up for sale, right next to Senate Square in the NoMa area. It is the most inexpensive property in the area, but does that make it a good deal?”

What do you guys think – does $395,000 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/1bath?


This home is located at 3203 Macomb St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Stunning, bright home with glorious private grounds and 2 lower level suites. Large open first floor with wonderful great room, perfect for art collectors and set up for entertaining indoors and outdoors. Private top floor master suite. Double size lot, perfect for gardeners. Close to metro, shops, and schools.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

So what do you think of that water feature? It’s yours for $1,699,000.


This house is located at 3300 13th St, NE:


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The flier says:

“Lovely renovated home on a corner lot located just 5 blocks to the Brookland METRO. A beautiful kitchen w/ Stainless Steel Appliances. Dining area with office nook/built-in storage. Generous living room w/ wood-burning fireplace. 2 BRs upstairs, Spacious master bedroom on main level. 2 full baths. Expansive wrap-around deck. Landscaped yard. Driveway parking. Closets, closets, closets!”

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

Wow, I think they did a great job on this one. That deck is pretty killer. Do you like the reno? Does $434,555 sound reasonable for this 3 bed/2 bath?


In real life, hipchickindc is actually the not-so-hip Suzanne Des Marais, an associate broker with Urban Pace. Voted one of the best real estate agents in DC by the Washington City Paper Readers’ Choice Poll in 2009, Suzanne is currently Chair of the DC Public Policy Committee for the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® and is President Elect of the Washington, DC Association of REALTORS®. She lives (and sells a lot of houses) in Bloomingdale, but works all over DC, with everyone from first time buyers to highly regarded developers.

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: 38 Rhode Island Ave NE

Original List Price: $450,000.

List Price at Contract
: $450,000.

List Date: 04/15/2010

Days on Market: 5

Settled Sales Price: $495,000.

Settlement Date: 05/18/2010

Seller Subsidy: $0.

Bank Owned?: No

Type Of Financing: Conventional

Original GDoN is: here.

Listing is: here.

Despite being located on busy Rhode Island Avenue, this fully renovated Victorian with three levels above grade went under contract in less than a week. Listed about two weeks prior to the end of the Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit contract deadline, it sold for nearly $50,000. above list price. Granted, it is a lot of house for under $500,000., even with an unfinished basement and no off street parking.

Continues after the jump. (more…)


This home is located at 923 T St, NW:


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The flier says:

“C. 1978 construction bright, South facing two unit townehome with expansive front and back yard and two car covered and gated parking. Spacious Three bedroom, two and a half bath owners unit with deck leading to yard and parking. Below a separately metered one bedroom apartment currently vacant. The perfect location 1 block to metro and U street shops and restaurants on quiet tree lined Street”

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

Well, I’ve never seen circa 1978 construction highlighted in a listing before… Do you dig the look? Does $799,000 sound reasonable for this 4 bed/3.5 bath?



Photo from PoPville flickr user AWard Tour

“Dear PoP,

I appreciate you last time being able to help me with trying to find out more about the Hill East Area. Unfortunately things haven’t worked out as I planned, but I have found greener pastures in the Florida Avenue/ north of H street/ “Trolleytown” area. Would you be able to ask your readers what people think of that area in terms of safety, what the H street resurgence (street car, etc) will do that that Florida Avenue/ Trinidad area. Is it worth to look in that area for homes, or has this area not progressed as an anticipated? Pretty much what do areas who live in that area or close by think of that area right now. The more feedback the better.”

I said in a recent interview that I thought Trinidad will be a great long term investment (2015/2020). But what advice would folks who live in or nearby give about the neighborhood today?


This home is located at 2999 38TH St NW:


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The flier says:

“Constructed in 2002, this elegant four story custom townhome at The Residences of Alban Row features a Entry Foyer boasting 20′ ceilings, sun-filled Living and Dining Rooms, gourmet Kitchen w/ limestone island opening to Family Room overlooking landscaped patio, Master Suite, 3 addit’l BR’s and 2 BA’s, Elevator to all levels and 2 car Garage.”

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

I’m not sure folks will like the decorating choices but the home itself is pretty sweet. It’s yours for $1,745,000. Any fans?


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