Dear PoPville

“I am liable for a Stop Work Order issued to a previous owner?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I purchased my home in Oct. 2021 (in Petworth!) and in the course of trying to get solar panels installed on the house, Solar Solutions informed us that there is a Stop Work Order on the house from 2017. Obviously, I did not own the home back then. I reached out to the previous owner and they say they never received notice from DCRA of any Stop Work Orders. I’ve reached out to DCRA repeatedly and they say we are liable even though it was issued under the previous owner’s name. (more…)

“I would love to hear perspectives from others on what it takes to win on homes in this market”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by angela n.

“Dear PoPville,

My partner and I have started the process of buying our first home. We recently lost a bid, but are preparing to bid on another home tomorrow. I would love to hear perspectives from others on what it takes to win on homes in this market and how they’ve structured bids on homes they won (we of course have our realtor’s perspective already).

I know waiving contingencies is basically required and we have an inspector who will come to the showing with us to give input so we can waive inspection l, but I would love to hear about:

– How much money people are putting down as earnest money (we’ve seen as high as 20% of the purchase price, which surprised me)
– How homes in the $1m-$2m range have appraised when you’ve offered above the list price
– The difference between your offer and the escalation cap (if any). How much should you signal your willingness to bid above your offer?

Thanks for the perspective!”

Pepco’s “Customer Charge”?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I live in a rowhouse that’s been converted into two condo units. Pepco runs three electrical meters to the property, one to each unit and the third to the common area, which is a small foyer with a single interior light fixture. We barely use this light (last month the actual usage was zero), but every month, the bill for the common meter includes a “Customer Charge” of $38.75. (more…)

“Yard sale restrictions?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve gotten different feedback from online resources so I was wondering if anyone knew… If I wanted to have a “yard sale” in the front, fenced in patio of a shared row home- do I need to get a permit? Do I need to do some kind of tax something? Do I just run it by my neighbors and stay off the sidewalk?”

“Seeking Thai vegan spots” and “Thai in SE?”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by KingoftheHill.

“Dear PoPville,

I was wondering if you could ask Popville readers for suggestions for a Thai restaurant that makes vegan curries (specifically green curry). For the past ten years I have been eating at the same Thai restaurant in DC thinking that the vegan green curry they made was actually vegan and found out that there is shrimp paste in the curry. Has anyone found a Thai restaurant that can make curry without shrimp paste? It is my favorite meal and really desperate for a replacement go-to Thai spot.”

Another reader asked more generally: “My go to thai spot on h street closed. Any recommendations for Thai in SE?”

Ed. Note: Discussion about best Thai food in general from 2019 here.

“The only problem is: I have never tested positive for COVID.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I was just curious if this has happened to anyone else.

I just received a call from “DC COVID19 TEAM” (the caller ID was marked as verified on my iPhone) so I picked up and was asked to verify some personal info. They asked me how I am doing since my positive COVID test result and if I have time to complete the Department of Health interview. The only problem is: I have never tested positive for COVID. (more…)

“Anyone know what the specific rules are here?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I recently moved back to DC from San Francisco just in time for seasonal street cleaning and am hoping to clarify exactly when you are able to park again on the street after the cleaning– is it after the street cleaner passes, or is it after the full two hour parking restriction window of time? (more…)

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