We’ve noted most of these stores have closed. But I always keep my eyes peeled for paper to cover the windows because that means work is being done and it won’t be left vacant. So stay tuned for lots of development. Above of course is located just south of U St.

Paper just went up on the Swann Cleaners across from Black Cat on 14th.

Paper has also gone up at the other laundry near 14th and Q has paper up. Of course paper doesn’t guarantee that movement will be rapid but it is an encouraging first step.

And after the jump there is also movement at one spot on Connecticut Ave north of Dupont Circle. (more…)


Mid City Deli is located at the corner of 14th and P Streets, NW. This is kinda funny as I’ve often admired the sign:

But I had no idea they were actually open. While I’m obviously not expecting fine dining here, I’m just wondering if this is a good spot to grab an egg sandwich? Anyone ever stop by?


These new spots opened up at 1337 14th Street, NW back in October. We took an early look here. But now that it’s been open for a while a reader wrote in requesting an update. She was curious about Birch & Barley (the restaurant) but I’m also interested in what you think of Churchkey upstairs (primarily a bar though food is also served). Both of these spaces seem to be packed every weekend. Have they lived up to the hype? Have you discovered a new favorite beer? What’s the best dish?


This condo is located at 1441 Rhode Island Avenue, NW:


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The flier says:

“Top floor studio w/ amazing southern light & views, large walk-in closet & bath, hardwoods, oval & arched windows, granite kitchen, great use of space. Located in sought-after 5YO bldg w/ concierge, fitness center, club room. AMAZING LOCATION – Only 1-2 blks to the best on 14th Street + Whole Foods, coffeehouses, etc.”

You can find more info here and virtual tour here.

We haven’t looked at a big building like this in a while so I thought it’d be interesting to check the prices. This one is a studio going for $314,900 with a $278 condo fee. Think that sounds reasonable given the location?

And because it’s a big building there were a couple more units for sale. A 2 bed/1 bath is going for $469,000 with a $470 condo fee. And a 1 bed/1 bath just went under contract for $425,000 with a $377 condo fee.


In real life, hipchickindc is licensed as a real estate broker in the District of Columbia, 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 Properties: 1522 Kingman Pl NW

Original List Price: $995,000.

List Price at Contract: $995,000.

List Date: 9/6/2009

Days on Market: 248 (had been listed from Feb-July ’09 with other agent at $975,000.)

Settled Sales Price: $945,000.

Settlement Date: 2/4/2010

Seller Subsidy: $5000.

Bank Owned?: No

Type Of Financing: Conventional with $193,000. down payment

Original GDoN Post is: here.

Recent Listing is: here.

Kingman Place is a lovely one block long street just off of Logan Circle. I might not even be aware of its existence, except that a friend of mine developed a small condo building on that block a few years back. As commenters to the original Good Deal or Not (GDoN) post noted, it is a sweet location, considering that it’s tucked away and quiet, as well as a quick stroll to Whole Foods and other downtown neighborhood amenities.

I believe the current PoP criteria for official house porn designation is a list price over $1,000,000. From a real estate agent’s or lender’s perspective, it’s more accurate to look at luxury levels according to the need for jumbo financing. Typically, loan amounts above $729,000. require a purchaser to put a higher percentage of down payment, to have more cash in reserves, and to pay a slightly higher interest rate. Given that folks looking in this price range are often using cash from the sale of a property they already own and have sold or are selling, as well as investments held in securities, this segment of the market has not been moving quite as rapidly as the first time buyer market over the past year.

We’re still waiting for the final tabulation of specifically DC numbers to be published by Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), so I can’t compare overall sales yet, but here’s a general overview of the trend in fee simple (no condos or co-ops) home sales in NW DC over $900,000. From 1999 to 2003, there was a steady increase in the number of sales over $900,000., starting with 103 in all of NW in 1999, and ending with 406 in 2003. All of the years between 2004 and 2007 saw greater than 500 sales over $900,000. in NW DC. In 2008, there were 480 sales over $900,000. in NW, compared to even fewer (439) in 2009.


This condo is located at 1401 Church Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Finally a spectacular one bedroom loft at the sought after Loft 14, which features authentic & spacious lofts. This unit includes exposed brick, 11″ concrete ceiling, bamboo flooring, Europen Scavolini cabinets, track lighting, granite counter, upgraded stainless steel appliances & commercial grade windows!Don’t forget, its at Logan Circle!”

You can find more info and photos here.

Since they had an open house right after the snowstorm I thought it appropriate to make them a GDoN?

IMG_2461

Does $499,500 sound reasonable? And does it make sense to have an open house the day after a historic snowstorm…?


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