Address:515 Seward Square, SE #4 Neighborhood: Capitol Hill Type: 3 BR, 2 BA apartment — 1,200 sq. ft. Rent: $4,970/mo
Noteworthy: Completely renovated
Classic turn-of-the-century 3 BR/2 BA apartment elegantly renovated and located within walking distance of the US Capitol and the National Mall.
Enjoy living in Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market neighborhood — one of the most sought-after neighborhood’s in D.C. With a Walk Score of 98, this unit offers easy access to many of Capitol Hill’s attractions including historic Eastern Market, Barracks Row, the U.S. House office buildings and many fine restaurants, coffee shops, book stores and yoga studios. The Orange, Silver and Blue METRO lines are one block away.
This bright apartment with approximately 1,200 square feet boasts gorgeous wood floors, separate living and dining rooms, brand new galley kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, side-by-side refrigerator and a 5-burner gas stove, plus 2 beautifully tiled bathrooms (one with a bathtub), central heat and air and an in-unit washer/dryer.
“Bright and updated 1 Bed/1 Bath condo in historic Yale Steam Laundry Condominium of Mount Vernon. This 785 sq. ft. home offers a spacious open-concept kitchen, living and dining area drenched in natural light — perfect for entertaining. Large windows bring in optimal southern and western sun exposure, showcasing tall ceilings and gleaming hardwood floors. The kitchen features a floating island/breakfast bar, subway tile backsplash, ample cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. Additional features include a refreshed bathroom with a walk-in shower, new HVAC (2021) and an in-unit washer and dryer. A true oasis in the city, Yale Steam Laundry Condos is a well-managed, pet-friendly building with amenities, including GARAGE PARKING, a state-of-the-art gym, rooftop pool, 24-hour concierge, and a billiards lounge. This prime location is steps to Safeway, VIDA Fitness, endless dining options, and more.”
Other Notable Fresh Listings:
The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 4 BR/5 BA Georgetown contemporary-style home with 5k sq. ft. across 3 levels that “has been meticulously and completely transformed through a full renovation” and features a luxurious primary suite, 3 fireplaces, a 1-car garage, terrace, built-in grilling area, putting green and a swimming pool with a swim-up bar — all for $7.5M.
COMING SOON: “A charming two-bedroom, one-bathroom Federal townhouse nestled in the heart of Foggy Bottom. This historic home built in 1900 is the perfect blend of classic charm with modern upgrades. Stroll through a picturesque front patio and garden, and enter to find hardwood floors, custom built-ins and a wood-burning fireplace.”
“Impeccable transformation of a storied detached Georgian Center Hall Colonial in Petworth. Meticulously redesigned and restored, this 6 BR/5.5 BA custom rebuild is the perfect union of turn-of-the-century craftsmanship, modern design elements and state of the art systems laid out with simplicity and elegance.”
Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a 4 BR/1 BA detached Colonial with 2 finished levels and an unfinished lower level waiting for someone’s vision and creativity to complete the home and is being sold AS-IS.
Assumable mortgages offer a fantastic opportunity to save thousands on your mortgage, especially in today’s high-interest rate environment. Understanding loan assumptions can set you apart from the competition and allow you to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
What is an Assumable Mortgage?
An assumable mortgage allows the buyer to purchase a home by taking over the seller’s existing loan.
All VA, FHA, and USDA loans are assumable, and anyone can assume these loan types. For VA assumptions, the buyer is not required to have VA eligibility.
Example Savings
Consider an $800,000 home with a 20% down payment:
A new loan at 7% interest would have a monthly payment of about $4,258 (principal and interest).
Assuming a loan at 75% interest would have a monthly payment of only $2,612. That’s over $1,600 per month in savings — nearly $20,000 per year!
In the current rising rate environment, it would be very costly, if not impossible, for a buyer to obtain a rate several points below market by buying down the rate on a new loan.
Lower Closing Costs
Closing costs are reduced when assuming an existing loan compared to taking out a new one. First, there is no requirement for an appraisal with a loan assumption. Second, the buyer benefits from not needing to purchase a new lender’s title insurance policy because the existing policy remains in place. Combined, these two items can save buyers a few thousand dollars in closing costs alone!
Who Can Assume a VA Loan?
There are no eligibility requirements for FHA assumptions, and anyone can assume a VA loan, even if they are not a veteran! While there are military service requirements to originate a new VA loan, almost any buyer can take over an existing VA loan if they meet the lender’s financial qualifications, such as:
Sufficient income
Good debt-to-income ratio
Decent credit score
Required down payment funds (which could be substantial if the seller has significant equity)
How to Find Homes with Assumable Mortgages
Until recently, it was exceedingly challenging to find homes for sale with assumable mortgages. Only about 10% of homes with assumable mortgages are advertised as such by listing agents, making it extremely difficult to use keywords to find those homes online.
Fortunately, if you are a prospective homebuyer in the National Capital Region, there is a purpose-built search platform to help — AssumeList. Veteran-owned, AssumeList enables users to search through every home listed for sale with a VA, FHA, and USDA assumable mortgage. Users can view interest rates and loan balances, and filter listings based on the down payment requirement (aka cash gap). Licensed agents who use AssumeList can even search all off-market homes with assumable loans. 100% of AssumeList homes contain an interest rate below 5%; the vast majority have rates of 3% and lower.
Not only can AssumeList help you find a home, if you work with one of their expert agents you’ll receive white-glove service throughout the entire assumption process at NO additional cost! From finding a home, to negotiating the contract, through working with the seller’s lender for prompt approval… AssumeList will get the job done!
The Bottom Line
As interest rates continue to rise, loan assumptions are primed to become increasingly popular. By educating yourself about this powerful financing option, you stand to benefit and save thousands on your next home purchase.
It’s Mother’s Day Weekend so there’s a slight temporary dip in DC Open Houses but still more than 360 across the District. With a majority on Saturday, there are still some Sunday options as well, so if you are looking for an epic gift for Mom, take her house hunting! Check out some of our favorites below and to see the full Open House List, click here.
3528 13th Street NW #1 — $929,000 — Columbia Heights
Open Sat. 12-2 p.m. — Nicole Roeberg
$6k PRICE REDUCTION: “You’ll love this massive 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bathroom condo with parking! Two living rooms, including a built in bar, make this an entertainer’s dream. Designer finishes include exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and a gourmet kitchen with marble countertops.”
151 North Carolina Avenue SE — $2,650,000 — Capitol Hill
Open Sat. 1-3 p.m. — Phyllis Jane Young
“Imagine approximately 4500 sq. feet (formerly 151 and 153 North Carolina Avenue) of living and entertaining space…2 living rooms, a banquet scaled formal dining room, den, library/great room, marvelous table-space chef’s kitchen, and even a catering kitchen!”
4505 15th Street NW — $1,390,000 — 16th St Heights
Open Sat. 12-4 p.m. — Ashk Adamiyatt
$8k PRICE REDUCTION: “Welcome to the epitome of modern luxury living in this exquisitely renovated Wardman-style rowhouse! Boasting approximately 3,000 square feet of living space across three levels, this fully renovated home is a sight to behold.”
3009 17th Street NE — $1,149,900 — Brookland
Open Sat. 2-4 p.m. & Sun. 4:30-6:30 p.m. — Anousha Nikjouian
“Welcome to your charming oasis nestled on an elevated corner lot! This delightful single-family bungalow offers a perfect blend of comfort and style. Step inside to discover a cozy living space adorned with natural light, creating an inviting ambiance for gatherings.”
437 New York Avenue NW #324 — $475,000 — Mt. Vernon Square
Open Sat. & Sun. 2-4 p.m. — Andy Hewitt
“Bright and updated 1 Bed/1 Bath condo in historic Yale Steam Laundry Condominium of Mount Vernon. This 785 sq. ft. home offers a spacious open-concept kitchen, living and dining area drenched in natural light — perfect for entertaining.”
815 6th Street SW — $1,269,900 — Southwest Waterfront
Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Kristin Francis
“A stunning property in the heart of Washington, D.C., newly renovated to redefine luxury living. This beautiful space offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and historic charm. Key features include: Prime Location: Ideally situated in the vibrant 6th St SW neighborhood, this residence is a short walk to The Wharf — an iconic waterfront destination with premier dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.”
1150 K Street NW #408 — $620,000 — Mt. Vernon Square
Open Sat. & Sun. 2-4 p.m. — John Mariz
$19k PRICE REDUCTION: “Fantastic unit at a fantastic location in Mount Vernon Square/Downtown! The best floor plan in a great building. This unit features 2 spacious and sunny bedrooms with large closets and two full bathrooms.”
“Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Takoma Park! Nestled just a few blocks from downtown, this charming duplex offers the perfect blend of modern convenience and classic charm. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by gleaming new hardwood floors that flow seamlessly throughout the main level. The abundance of windows on the main floor floods the space with natural light. The eat-in kitchen is a chef’s delight, featuring stainless-steel appliances, brand-new cabinets and granite countertops, and a large island for entertaining. Step outside to the backyard oasis, where you have a front porch and back porch, front yard, side yard, and back yard to entertain. Up one level features two large bedrooms and two large bathrooms. Head up to the finished attic, offering a perfect spot to create a home office/playroom and so much more with treetop views. The finished lower level has a bedroom, family room, and full bath, along with convenient access to the attached garage. Rarely in D.C. do you get an attached garage! This garage can also be converted to a hangout space or an additional bedroom. Step outside and discover the neighborhood’s best amenities right at your doorstep. Across the street, the Takoma Recreation Center offers a pool, playground, and dog park, while Wells Middle School and Coolidge High School are just a stone’s throw away. With Safeway and Walmart nearby, and an array of restaurants and boutiques in Takoma Park, everything you need is within reach. Plus, the metro is less than a mile away, making commuting a breeze. Don’t miss your chance to own this gem in one of D.C.’s most coveted neighborhoods.”
Other Notable Fresh Listings:
The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 4 BR/4.5 BA historically preserved Georgetown rowhome that was “completely renovated all the way down to the studs” with 3,700 sq. ft. across 4 levels and features floor-to-ceiling windows, 2 fireplaces, a slate patio with a walled-in backyard and more — all for $5.88M.
4 BR/3.5 BA Petworth interior rowhome “has a large living & dining space just off the updated gourmet kitchen which makes for a great space to enjoy an amazing meal as well as entertain friends & family.”
“Indulge in luxury living with this bright and airy one-bedroom [Southwest Waterfront] retreat offering breathtaking Potomac River views from every room. The expansive 39-foot balcony spans nearly 300 SqFt, offering panoramic views of the river, lush green space and a serene center courtyard adorned with a tranquil fountain.”
Your Auction/REO Property of the Week is a vacant, “uninhabitable” detached home in Lincoln Heights with “NO ACCESS due to unsafe conditions” and is being sold AS-IS with no disclosures and is a cash-only sale.
The Tony Award-nominated play Metamorphoses will be live on stage at Folger Theatre on Capitol Hill with performances starting May 7. Ovid’s classic stories of the loves, losses, and transformations of gods and mortals are reimagined for the 21st century in Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation directed by Psalmayene 24.
Arranged in a series of interwoven vignettes, the Folger’s version casts the tales in the African Diaspora and features an incredible all-Black ensemble cast. The play juxtaposes the mythic and the modern, with tales of Aphrodite, Midas, Cupid, and others told in a whimsical and poignant fashion, reminding audiences that the joys, follies, and heartbreaks of being human are universal.
Runtime is 90 minutes. Tickets are on sale now and start at just $20!
Purchase tickets and learn more about the play and special events and performances at folger.edu.
It already feels like summer outside but the spring market is still very much in bloom. Another weekend with 400+ DC Open Houses provides hundreds of options no matter the type of homebuyer. Take a look at some of our favorites below and to see the full Open House List, click here.
3542 Warder Street NW #302 — $649,990 — Petworth
Open Sat. & Sun. 12-4 p.m. — Jean Ropp
“Beautifully updated 2 Bed/2 Bath penthouse condo, with soaring ceilings, expansive kitchen, open layout, abundant natural light and a fantastic private roof deck. This home boasts a gorgeous kitchen with marble countertops, oversized island, gas range, floor-to-ceiling windows and slider doors, stainless steel appliances and ample cabinet space, perfect for everyday use and entertaining. The main living area includes both a designated dining area and living room, complete with stunning hardwood floors, storage closet and washer/dryer in the unit. Both spacious bedrooms have hardwood floors, large windows, modern finishes and are paired with updated full bathrooms. Street parking is easy and convenient in the neighborhood. Investors or primary-residence buyers are welcome. WHAT MAKES THIS UNIT STAND OUT? Rarely available to find a top floor unit with 13’ ceilings and over 1,000 square feet with W/D in unit and a deeded private 15’X11’ roof deck. The rooftop has spectacular views of both the Capitol and the Washington Monument and the sunsets are incredible!”
50 Florida Avenue NE #922 — $454,900 — Eckington
Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Jeffrey Reese
“Welcome home to your stunning penthouse unit with spectacular views and natural light. Unit 922 enjoys unparalleled views of the city and quiet from the outside world. Enjoy the open floorplan with beautiful sunsets from inside your home or on the spectacular balcony.”
532 Shepherd Street NW — $1,195,000 — Petworth
Open Sat. 1-3 p.m. — Ashk Adamiyatt
“Step into this newly renovated masterpiece nestled on a picturesque street in a delightful neighborhood, where charm meets modern luxury. Relax and unwind on the inviting front porch, offering a perfect vantage point to watch the world go by. Alternatively, retreat to your serene rear deck and admire the beauty of your pretty, fenced-in garden—an oasis of tranquility right at your doorstep. This meticulously crafted home boasts 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, providing ample space for comfortable living and entertaining.”
421 Brandywine Street SE — $449,900 — Washington Highlands
Open Sat. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Jimeen Doles
$10k PRICE REDUCTION: “Introducing a stunning and newly renovated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom semi-attached home that exudes luxury and style at every turn. This exquisite property boasts a front and back porch, a spacious back yard with a shed, and a private lower level entry to a suite that offers convenience and privacy.”
2328 Champlain Street NW #310 — $775,000 — Adams Morgan
Open Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Tracey Williams Barnett
“Welcome to The Lofts at Adams Morgan, a boutique, loft-warehouse style condominium with an iconic glass and steel bridge walkway — located in the heart of Adams Morgan! Fully renovated in recent years, this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo embraces every sumptuous amenity one might desire for urban luxury living.”
2817 7th Street NE #2 — $355,000 — Brookland
Open Sat. 12-2 p.m. — Meche Martinez & Brendan Mullenholz
“A bright, spacious and well maintained two bedroom 1 bath condo in wonderful Brookland. This quaint condo boasts great natural light, Stainless Steel Appliances, an In-unit washer and dryer, off-street parking, massive storage closet and a LOW condo fee!”
32 Hanover Place NW — $774,900 — Truxton Circle
Open Sun. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Katherine Krevor & Pfashema Faber
“Beautifully renovated 2-level rowhome in the heart of Truxton Circle, at the crossroads of Shaw, Bloomingdale, and NOMA. No detail has been spared in this stunning home! It is the best of both worlds, a home with historic aesthetics but is only 25 years young as it was built in 1997 — no 100-year-old plumbing or electrical to battle here.”
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! On Saturday, May 18, Woodley House will host its second annual 5K Run, Walk & Roll, a family-friendly event in Rock Creek Park to raise critical funds supporting individuals facing mental illness.
Founded in 1958, Woodley House has supported more than 20,000 Washingtonians living with mental illness, many of whom are at risk of chronic homelessness. The nonprofit enables D.C. residents to live full and healthy lives with dignity by providing supportive housing and services.
In response to growing community needs, Woodley House set a goal in 2022 to double its impact, with the goal of serving more than 600 individuals each year by 2030.
The 5K Run, Walk & Roll will support Woodley House’s mission and enhance the visibility of its important work across D.C. The event, hosted in Rock Creek Park (by the Rock Creek Tennis Center at 4850 Colorado Ave. NW) includes a half-mile Kids Fun Run at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K race at 8:15 a.m. The USATF-certified course is entirely on paved park roads to accommodate participants of all abilities.
There will be t-shirts, drawstring bags and snacks for all 5K participants, as well as prizes for top finishers.
Come out and join Woodley House on May 18: a fun event for a great cause!
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq
Federal employees facing discrimination or retaliation cases must use specific processes in order to file their complaints. This article covers some of the basic issues involved in the federal employee Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) process. Please visit our webpage for more information.
Grounds for an EEO Claim
Federal employee EEO complaints can involve a range of discriminatory conduct by federal agencies. These can include discrimination on the basis of age, disability, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and national origin. In addition, EEO complaints can also involve a hostile work environment, sexual harassment and retaliation.
Sample EEO Complaints
Some of the more common EEO claims brought by federal employees are demonstrated in the following five hypothetical scenarios:
Example A: Federal employee is sexually harassed at work by her supervisor. The supervisor then asks the federal employee on a date. When the federal employee refuses her supervisor’s advances, she is then proposed for a suspension by the same supervisor for alleged misconduct. The federal employee brings a claim for sexual harassment.
Example B: Federal employee has previously filed an EEO complaint against his supervisor for discrimination. A year later, the federal employee discovers that his promotion was denied by this same supervisor because they were upset that the federal employee had filed the earlier EEO complaint. The federal employee brings a claim for retaliation.
Example C: Federal employee takes sick leave related to treatment for heart disease. Upon the employee’s return, her supervisor gives the employee a bad performance evaluation for having bad performance. The federal employee claims disability discrimination.
Example D: Federal employee takes sick leave due to a recent car accident and requires a lot of time out of the office for physical therapy. The federal employee is also unable to perform some of her duties as she recovers, including the lifting of boxes for a limited period of time. The federal employee asks her supervisor for modifications to her duties (a reasonable accommodation), but the supervisor refuses to modify the employee’s schedule without reason. The federal employee claims disability discrimination for her agency’s failure to accommodate her serious medical condition.
Example E: 62-year-old federal employee is competing for a promotion to a GS-14 position. This federal employee competes against two other employees, both under the age of 40, for the same position. The 62-year-old federal employee is ultimately not selected for the position. The federal employee later discovers that the selecting official expressed concerns about the individual being 62 years old because they might retire sooner than the younger applicants. The 62-year-old federal employee claims age discrimination.
EEO Complaint Deadlines
Typically, a federal employee only has 45 days from the date of discrimination to contact an EEO counselor at the federal agency to initiate the informal EEO complaint process. If a complaint is not timely initiated, the federal employee may be time-barred from filing an EEO complaint. Timing can be extended in some unique cases, but it is critical to be aware of the time limits in filing EEO cases.
Potential EEO Remedies
There are a number of potential remedies for federal employee EEO violations. Remedies for illegal discrimination and retaliation caused by federal agencies involve several types of potential monetary relief, including lost back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees. Non-monetary remedies can include the clearing of negative performance records and disciplinary actions, transfers and promotions.
TheEEO Process
Typically, once a federal employee initiates contact with an EEO counselor regarding an informal complaint, assuming there is no earlier resolution or settlement, the next steps include: (1) the filing of a formal EEO complaint, (2) the investigation of the EEO complaint, (3) either a request for a decision on the EEO complaint from the federal agency or a request for a full hearing before a federal administrative judge and (4) proceeding to a hearing on the merits. In our experience, many discrimination cases are settled with federal agencies during the EEOC hearing process prior to the hearing stage.
AdditionalEEO Information
Federal employees can find more detailed information about filing EEO complaints at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) website.
Contact Us
Our law firm represents and advises federal employees in EEO and other employment matters. If you need legal assistance regarding an EEO complaint or other employment matter, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation.
Forget the matching pajama set, coffee mug or body scrub this Mother’s Day. (She already has plenty.)
Instead, surprise the special woman in your life with a creative, fresh flower bouquet from D.C. florist Volanni!
These aren’t generic, big-box arrangements. Michael Lanni, the artist behind these bouquets, puts creative care into each of his designs. As Lanni likes to say, “This is our art, and flowers are our medium.”
Pick out the perfect Mother’s Day bouquet, and place your order online. Volanni makes deliveries throughout the DMV. All deliveries will go out Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 10-12).
Remember: Mother’s Day is coming up on May 12 and flower availability is limited, so you won’t want to procrastinate!
