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Check Engine Light — Does it Really Matter? Yes!

By PoP Sponsor (a)

The Check Engine Light on your car’s dashboard is the canary in the coal mine but for your car.

It means that something is wrong but it doesn’t tell you what the problem is. A lit-up Check Engine Light could mean anything from the inconvenient — a loose gas cap — to the very serious — a damaged camshaft that could lead to costly and dangerous repairs if you continue to drive. You can find the ten most common issues that the Check Engine Light could mean here.

All this is to say that if your light comes on — and stays on — you should have a mechanic check it out as soon as you can. Hopefully, they will find that it’s something minor, but if not, that check-up could save you a lot of time, money and hassle down the line. And, if you use CarCare To Go with its free time-saving valet pick-up and return, it won’t be any inconvenience at all.

One critical thing to note: if your Check Engine Light is blinking, that’s a sign that you likely have a more dire issue. Find more here about a blinking Check Engine Light and other signs that your issues may be more serious.

If you’re lucky enough to have nothing on your dashboard lit up, you should still use CarCare To Go for all your car needs. Right now, they’re running a crazy special on your first oil change. It’s just $20.23. No catch. Seriously. It even covers synthetic oil.

You’ll wonder why you ever took care of your car any other way. Learn more here.

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DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Since it’s a pseudo-holiday weekend with the Super Bowl, we are seeing a lighter amount of open houses in the District, especially on Sunday. With only 250 opens on the books, if you’re planning on buying a house in 2023, huddle up with your partner and/or agent and get to running downfield. Take a look at our favorites below and to see the full Open House List, click here.

  • 718 13th Street NE — $899,900 — H Street Corridor
    Open Sat. 1-3 p.m. — Kevin Wood
    “Head-turning facade greets you in this awesome house just off H Street. With four full finished levels, this townhouse offers plenty of space to spread out. The main level has a sitting room, and large dining room adjacent to the kitchen. A door from the kitchen leads out to the brick patio, which feels cozy and private and is perfect for grilling. Each of the top two levels of the house has a full bathroom and two bedrooms. Just off one of the bedrooms is the house’s second big outdoor space, a deck with a motorized awning for shade. The basement level of the house has a large living area, along with a secondary space that would be great as an office, exercise space, playroom, bar, or whatever else you can imagine. There is a 1/2 bath on the lower level as well. 718 13th is steps away from tons of cool restaurants and bars, and a Whole Foods and Giant are just down the street. Centrally located, the house is steps from multiple bus lines and the streetcar, which takes you straight to the Red Line at Union Station, or to RFK Fields. Bike to the National Arboretum, just down Bladensburg Road. Proximity preference for Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School.”
  • 1713 New Jersey Ave NW #2 — $829,000 — Shaw
    Open Sat. 12-2 p.m. — Mandy & Tim Hursen Jr.
    BACK ON THE MARKET: “Price reduced $20k! Open Sat Feb 11th from 12-2 p.m. Welcome to the Abby on New Jersey. Unit #2 is the top 2 floors of this historic Victorian row home. 3 bedrooms and den, 3 full baths. 1 off street parking space included. Over 1300 sq. ft.! High ceilings and hardwood floors throughout.”
  • 1021 Sycamore Drive SE — $645,000 — Congress Heights
    Open Sat. 2-4 p.m. & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Matt White
    “NEW Construction ready for occupancy! Never lived in newly constructed [3 BR/2.5 BA] end unit townhome that’s flooded with sunlight. Wide open floorplan with 9′ ceilings. Main/entry level offers a den/home office, coat closet, utility closet + a 2 car garage, Level 2 offers a sizeable living/dining area w/bay window that is open to the kitchen.”
  • 4125 Parkglen Court NW — $4,250,000 — Burleith-Hillandale
    Open Sun. 2-4 p.m. — Kornelia Stuphan
    “Stepping into this most formidable, completely gutted and renovated [5 BR/4.5 BA]  residence (Built 2021) — you are immediately transported into a world of comforting luxury and European flair. A world where your sense of design and creativity gets inspired as the surroundings are calming and soothing to the eye, mind, and heart. The entire home can be sold with all the furniture and household items (furniture and household items priced separately at a discount and not included in the sales price) to make your life easy and simple and help you relax into a world of soothing calmness.”
  • 132 Urell Place NE — $424,000 — Brookland
    Open Sat. 12-2 p.m. — Stephanie Johnson
    “Property is sold, “AS IS”. Located in the Brookland Neighborhood you will find this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home looking for a new owner. A commuter’s dream with easy access to North Capitol Street, Ft Totten and Brookland Metro.”
  • 331 Upshur Street NW — $1,325,000 — Petworth
    Open Sat. 12-4 p.m. & Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Nick Despotidis
    “Custom-crafted end unit townhome in Petworth from ZIBA Development! 3 levels, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, 100% re-engineered with new structure + systems and inspired by original architectural elements. High ceilings and custom finishes throughout.”

Mayor Bowser Officially Opens New Brookland Grove Townhome Community

By PoP Sponsor (a)
1/5

The first residents accepted their key from the Mayor. Get yours soon!

Mayor Muriel Bowser cut the ribbon to open Tri Pointe Homes’ Brookland Grove community earlier this month before an audience of city council members, Tri Pointe officials, and the first two residents of the 60-dwelling development who were pleased to receive the ceremonial house key from the mayor.

The mayor, who identified as “a proud native of Ward 5,” which is Brookland Grove’s district, said she was pleased to attend the February 2 ribbon cutting to “celebrate these new arrivals for home ownership opportunities.”

It’s been a busy month for the new three- and four-level townhome development located at 436 Holmwood Drive NE, adjacent to the Brookland neighborhood. More than 150 guests attended the grand opening brunch hosted on February 4, which was catered by chef Jen Logan, who has worked with internationally renowned chefs Patrick O’Connell at The Inn at Little Washington and Jose Andres at Café Atlantico, minibar and Zaytinya.

While we’re dropping names, one of the big draws to the Brookland Grove launch was the unveiling of the model homes, the Edgewood and the Whitlow, which boast interiors by design expert and Emmy-nominated TV host Bobby Berk, one of the innovative designers in Netflix’s Queer Eye design show.

“When designing at Brookland Grove, I drew inspiration from the surrounding neighborhood, which is known for its artistic vibe, historic tree-lined streets, and plenty of green spaces,” says Berk. “The interiors at Edgewood and Whitlow provide stunning neutrals and warm, inviting elements akin to indoor/outdoor living.”

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Real Estate Fresh Finds: February 8

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Real Estate Fresh Finds is a weekly selection of newly-listed properties in the District, brought to you by RLAH Real Estate.

Featured Property of the Week: 5301 Chillum Place NE

“Tastefully renovated four bedroom 2.5 bath home in Riggs Park. Features fully enclosed front porch with ceiling fan, storm windows with screens and electricity. Main level boast gleaming hardwood floors throughout. Dining area features a custom cabinet with a built in wine refrigerator. Totally renovated kitchen with peninsula, stainless appliances, shaker cabinets, exhaust fan and quartz countertops and pot filler. Large custom deck off of kitchen overlooking rear fully fenced yard with large flagstone patio perfect for entertaining. Fully finished walk out basement with living area, large renovated full bathroom with double vanity. Rough in for future kitchenette in place — possible rental unit. An excellent location less than one mile to the Fort Totten metro station, bus stops, Walmart, Chick-fil-a, Five Guys and additional retail establishments. Priced to sell! A must see, you won’t be disappointed!”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 6 BR/5.5 BA detached home in Kent with 6,100+ square feet spread across 3 levels and features floor-to-ceiling windows, formal dining room, breakfast room, multiple built-ins, large owner’s suite with gorgeous spa bath, 2 fireplaces, rear elevated deck, stone walkout patio and a 2-car garage — all for just shy of $3.5M.
  • “Experience luxurious modern living in this [3 BR/3 BA] renovated smart home set in the desirable Petworth neighborhood! Inside, discover a sophisticated open concept with soaring ceilings and premium finishes.”
  • “This spacious and sunny [4 BR/3.5 BA] home features plenty of recent updates, four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms across two units (with C of O). The open layout on the main floor, has original hardwood floors throughout the living and dining room areas, which lead out to your private sanctuary — a large private enclosed patio, perfect for relaxing, grilling and entertaining.”
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a 5 BR/5 BA alley home that has been on the market since April 2022 and has endured 8 price reductions, the most recent of which was dropped by $150k last week.

The Underrated Perk Well-Paid Maids Employees Value

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Well-Paid Maids, the only living-wage cleaning company in D.C., prides itself on providing employees fair wages and benefits, including:

  • $22/hour starting wage
  • Health, dental, vision and life insurance
  • 24 paid days off per year
  • 100% employer-paid commuting costs
  • And more

But there’s one under-the-radar perk that employees have raved about time and time again: flexibility.

Last June, we chatted with Jasmine Cooke, who was expecting. During her pregnancy, Well-Paid Maids offered her the flexibility to take care of herself. Between morning sickness and doctor’s appointments, she cut back to cleaning one home a day.

Cleaner Brittany, a DMV native, also said she loves Well-Paid Maids’ flexibility. The mom of two said she sets her own schedule, allowing her to spend more time with her kids.

And Well-Paid Maids understands life happens. Employee Tati said she appreciates that her manager never puts her down when she has to call out for an emergency. For example, during a snowstorm one winter, she had car troubles. Tati’s manager assured her she didn’t have to worry about coming to work since the roads were dangerous anyway.

In fact, Well-Paid Maids takes flexibility so seriously that founder Aaron Seyedian spoke on the matter with the Department of Labor last year.

His reason for providing employees so much flexibility is simple: When you take care of your employees, they take care of your customers.

Learn more.

Local Florist Volanni Now Accepting Valentine’s Orders!

By PoP Sponsor (a)
1/5

Hey, heads up: Valentine’s Day is two weeks away. (Yeah, it has a special way of creeping up.)

Instead of treating your admirer to the same ole romanic dinner, why not go back to the basics and surprise them with flowers?

Instead of calling up one of those national florists and ordering a generic arrangement, shop local and order a unique bouquet from D.C.-based florist Volanni.

Michael Lanni, the artist behind these beautiful bouquets, is offering Valentine’s Day arrangements. You’ll find way more options than your classic red roses, too. (There’s even a “showy, elegant” arrangement called the Petworth.) Ultimately, Volanni is made up of artists and flowers are the medium.

So if you want to support local and surprise your special person with some flowers this Valentine’s Day, shop Volanni’s arrangements and place your order online by February 10 at 10 a.m.

Follow Volanni on Instagram @volanni_floral!

DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

In case you weren’t aware (or haven’t been outside yet), we are experiencing a brief Arctic Blast making the DMV a miserably cold place. If you are willing to brave the frigid temps, there are 280+ open houses scheduled in the District waiting for you to tour them. Check out our favorites below and to see the  full Open House List, click here.

  • 5400 4th Street NW — $825,000 — Petworth
    Open Sat. 1-4 p.m. & Sun. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Carlos Arroyo
    “District City Living Presents | Casa Brillante’ Experience luxurious modern living in this renovated smart home set in the desirable Petworth neighborhood! Inside, discover a sophisticated open concept with soaring ceilings and premium finishes. Entertain guests in the living room and dining area while listening to music through the Sonos surround sound system. In the gourmet chef’s kitchen, master the art of nouvelle cuisine with your suite of Café Signature stainless steel appliances, complete with an expansive Brazilian marble island and countertops. The generous primary suite highlights a vaulted ceiling, generously-sized closets and an ensuite bathroom with dual-shower heads and glass enclosure that transforms into a steam room! During the warm weather, entertain your guests on the secluded outdoor patio and deck. This home offers countless features, too many to list — come experience for yourself, and be the first to discover the surprise that awaits… shhhh… a secret door. This exceptional property is priced to sell! Photos by “Denis Largeron Photography.”
  • 718 13th Street NE — $899,900 — H Street Corridor
    Open Sat. 1-3 p.m. — Kevin Wood
    “Head-turning facade greets you in this awesome house just off H Street. With four full finished levels, this townhouse offers plenty of space to spread out. The main level has a sitting room, and large dining room adjacent to the kitchen. A door from the kitchen leads out to the brick patio, which feels cozy and private and is perfect for grilling.”
  • 3814 W Street NW — $1,000,000 — Glover Park
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Joe Himali
    “With unobstructed views and access to a national park from the back door, it provides an ideal retreat from the bustle of city life. The spacious front porch overlooks an oversized front yard with mature landscaping that changes with the seasons and welcomes guests to your [3 BR/3 BA] home. The entire house features newly refinished original oak flooring.”
  • 525 Water Street SW #405 — $475,000 — Southwest Waterfront
    Open Fri. 5-7 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Jackie Deane
    “This stunning condo at the heart of The Wharf on D.C.’s SW Waterfront offers a unique blend of urban life and waterfront living! Enjoy being steps away from everything that this neighborhood has to offer, including award winning restaurants, active nightlife, concerts at The Anthem, Union Stage or Pearl Street Warehouse, gym, shopping, and so much more!”
  • 1713 New Jersey Avenue NW #2 — $829,000 — Shaw
    Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Mandy Hursen & Tim Hursen Jr.
    $20k PRICE REDUCTION: “3 spacious BR’s with lots of closet space. 1 den/home office. 3 full bathrooms. 1 private, off street parking space included. Tons of space — over 1300 sq. ft.! Top 2 floors of a historic Victorian row home. High ceilings, hardwood floors, chef’s kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and breakfast bar.”
  • 613 Independence Avenue SE — $1,325,000 — Capitol Hill
    Open Sun. 1-4 p.m. — Judy Cranford
    “Wonderfully inviting treasure of a renovation. Semi detached federal shines with stunning high end kitchen, not the standard flip but so much better. Center island with breakfast bar. Quartz countertops, new custom white cabinets with all the extras, upgraded stainless appliances, diagonal subway tile. Complete open sweep of space on main level.”

Save a Trip to the Suburbs and Get a $20.23 Synthetic Oil Change

By PoP Sponsor (a)
1/4

We could tell you how great CarCare To Go is.

We could tell you about how they are transforming the way people care for their cars with free valet pick-up and return from home or work, how they combine the full service of a mechanic with a uniquely transparent and convenient process. We could even tell you about their $20.23 introductory synthetic oil change offer. (Yes, they are THAT confident in their service and no, there is no catch.)

But rather than take our word for it, listen to what your neighbors are saying. (Oh, and you can see more reviews here.)

“I live in D.C. and this service saves me the trip to the suburbs to get my oil change and other car maintenance. The communication is excellent and the account view is super helpful in keeping track of the work done on your car over time. Customer service is excellent and they explain any issues identified in a succinct manner. They are not pushy, they are informative.” — Madeline S.  

“CarCare was incredible. I didn’t know a service like this existed, and frankly thought it would be too good to be true. I needed an oil change but kept going out of town on weekends and couldn’t make it to a shop after work hours. Having CarCare come pick my car up allowed me to stop stressing about taking PTO just to get an oil change. It was too easy and the care was too good to not continue using them.” — Johnsie W.

Could not recommend this company more! Everything from start to finish was effortless and easy. They communicated throughout the whole process, respond to all my questions promptly, and were efficient! Will absolutely be using the company again the next time I need any services done.” — Samantha O.

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District Residents: Assistance Is Here!

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Did you know the District of Columbia offers Utility Discount Programs to help residents pay their gas, water, electric and telephone utility bills?

Eligible Washington Gas customers in the District may qualify for a discount on a portion of the natural gas they use during the winter heating season from November to April. To participate, District residents must use natural gas as the primary heating source. Eligible customers will receive an approximate 46% discount on the total bill.

Eligible residential DC Water customers in the District may qualify for a discount of up to 400 cubic feet (4ccf or approx. 3,000 gallons) of water and sewer services used each month.

Eligible households will receive an additional credit of fifty percent (50%) off of the monthly Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) bill. Potential discount could be over $500.00 annually.

Eligible Pepco customers in the District may qualify for the Residential Aid Credit (RAC). This credit provides a discount on Pepco’s delivery charges and taxes. Potential savings of $300-475 annually.

For eligibility and to apply for these programs, visit doee.dc.gov/udp or call 311.

Economy II Service, also known as “Voice Lifeline” is an assistance program offered by Verizon. It offers discounted at home local telephone service to qualified D.C. customers. Voice Lifeline Service is available for $3.00 per month to customers under 65 years of age, and $1.00 for seniors 65 years of age and older.

To obtain a Lifeline application, visit lifelinesupport.org or call 1-800-234-9473.

Real Estate Fresh Finds: February 1

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Real Estate Fresh Finds is a weekly selection of newly-listed properties in the District, brought to you by RLAH Real Estate.

Featured Property of the Week: 73 N Street NW

“Just lovingly renovated for you to live in a classic rowhome with basement in-law suite, great Air-BnB for considerable income. Large gourmet quartz kitchen with gas and stainless steel appliances allows you to entertain inside or on the rear deck. Upper floor has an owner suite others will envy with a soaking tub and shower to refresh. Upper level laundry, 2 other guest bed rooms and guest bath; but if that’s not enough, there is interior access if you prefer to use the lower level unit as a 4th bedroom or home office. Also with its own laundry and kitchenette. Hardwood throughout the home. Secure rear parking and a walk score of 91 sure helps make living in the city easy.”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 6 BR/7.5 BA Wesley Heights Georgian Revival detached home with 6,500+ total sq. ft. spread across 4 levels and features a massive sunroom, elevator, library, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, 4 fireplaces, abundant storage and a backyard with multiple terraces, pool, water features, gazebo and more — all for $5.7M.
  • “This condo has 2 levels which is such a rarity and great floor plan for division of space. The main level has wood floors, a dining room, a modern kitchen, a half bathroom, a spacious closet, a living room with a wood burning fireplace, and TWO Balconies!”
  • “Completely new Wardman townhouse in Petworth! This five-bedroom three and one-half bath custom rebuild is the perfect blend of turn of the century charm, modern design elements and state of the art systems.”
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a LARGE 3 BR/2 BA unit in Adams Morgan with 1,700 square feet and boasts new hardwood floors, new windows and new HVAC.
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