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Vote for Your Favorite Maid Service in DC

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Washington City Paper is hosting its annual Best of D.C. contest, and readers are voting for their District favorites. One of the categories? You guessed it: the best maid service.

Well-Paid Maids was runner-up in 2019, and we secured first place in 2021. (The contest was paused in 2020 for COVID reasons.)

So that brings us to 2022. We would love to win again this year — and that’s where we need your help!

Simply go to the ballot and vote for your favorite maid service.

Before you vote, here’s some intel: Well-Paid Maids is the only living-wage cleaning company in D.C. We pay our employees (not contractors) at least $22 an hour and offer benefits like insurance, 24 paid days off per year and more.

Voting wraps up on October 16 at 11:59 p.m., and results will be announced October 31. (We’ll keep you posted!)

We can’t thank our PoPville readers enough for all the support through the years. You’re helping us prove our living-wage model can be successful in traditionally low-paying industries. 

P.S. If you still haven’t booked your fall cleaning, we’re getting busy, so book today!

Coffee With Coleman: Life With a Dog in DC

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Welcome to Coffee with Coleman! I’m John Coleman, and in this feature, I’ll cover real estate topics in fun and easy-to-digest video breakdowns. If there’s a topic you are interested in hearing more about, feel free to comment on the video and/or reach out to me directly.

Have you thought about getting a dog in D.C.? What should you be thinking about?

Most Thursdays I host a livestream at 6 p.m. to cover a lot of the nuts and bolts of the home-buying process. Sign up here to learn more: www.learntobuydc.com. 

Stop Wondering! Explore Park Van Ness at Saturday’s Open House

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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Stop wondering what’s inside the building. Visit Park Van Ness this Saturday, October 1 from  10 a.m.-4 p.m. during the Open House.

The luxury Connecticut Avenue apartment community Park Van Ness will open its doors at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, during a specials-laden Open House event. Visitors can see for themselves the luxurious amenities and finishes incorporated into the spacious studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments. 

As bonuses, visitors touring during the Open House, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (schedule a tour), will be eligible for new pricing, six months of free parking, a move-in fee credit, and other specials.

Visitors will also confirm what those who live there know all too well: While the building is convenient to NW D.C.’s fabled restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and landmarks, it’s also nestled in nature. The breathtaking “backyard” is Rock Creek Park National Park, Washington’s wondrous woodland.

Open House visitors will see the various floorplans that are available and can check out the modern kitchens, maple wood flooring, spacious walk-in closets, and Carrara marble bathroom flooring. The building’s amenities include a pet spa, a stunning rooftop pool and sundeck with a view of those Rock Creek treetops, a resident clubroom, spacious indoor and outdoor fitness center, ground floor restaurants, a WiFi lounge and conference center, and several courtyards.

Park Van Ness is a quick stroll to the Van Ness-UDC Metro two blocks away. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Park Van Ness is at 4455 Connecticut Avenue NW. See the website, email at [email protected], or call 202-774-5000. Better yet, schedule a tour today!

DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

While we have a stormy weekend ahead of us, there are still more than 300 open houses scheduled across the District this weekend. Don’t forget your umbrella or jacket and check out our favorite open houses below. To see the full Open House List, click here.

  • 602 Quincy Street NW — $830,000 — Petworth
    Open Sat. 2-4 & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Kevin Wood
    “This gorgeous 1909 row house is very close (5 minute walk) to the Georgia Ave/Petworth Metro station, Safeway, Qualia Coffee, shops, restaurants and more! You’ll love the traditional floor plan with separate dining and living rooms, the inviting front porch, and finished basement. The house features three bedrooms and a full bath upstairs, and a second living room/bedroom and full bath on the lower level. A modern kitchen opens to the dining room for easy entertaining. Unlike in so many renovations, the original, warm hardwood floors have been preserved throughout, along with the 1909 staircase and newel post. In addition to the covered front porch, there is ample outdoor space, with a lovely front garden and rear patio. A must see!”
  • 1210 Perry Street NE #T3 — $460,000 — Brookland
    Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Trever Bellew
    “This sunlit 2-bedroom corner unit is updated throughout and ready to be called home! Featuring two sizable bedrooms and a den with custom built-ins and textured wallpaper that is just perfect for those work from home days.”
  • 66 New York Avenue NW #404 — $339,500 — NoMa
    Open Sat. 2-4 & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Dina Paxenos
    “Attention all first-time homebuyers and Investors: this top floor, spacious one bedroom condo is perfect for you. You will not find a better value in NOMA than this unique and appealing condo. The modern open floor plan is big enough for a comfy sectional sofa, overflow seating and an area for dining or desk/office space.”
  • 5052 Meade Street NE — $574,999 — Deanwood
    Open Sun. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Molly Branson
    “New, semi-detached townhome in Deanwood! 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths and 1 half bath. What’s not to love with over 2,600 square feet of spacious, open floor plans, ceiling fans, beautiful flooring, an abundance of window light and recessed lighting.”
  • 1427 Roxanna Road NW — $899,000 — Shepherd Park
    Open Sat. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Jason Lallis
    “This all-brick Colonial sitting atop a hill on one the the city’s quietest blocks preserves the original charm and character from the 1940’s that is ready for your personal touch. This three-level home on a 5,000 sq. ft. lot features 8’+ ceilings on all levels, a walk-out basement, original solid oak wood flooring on the main and upper levels, a newly installed HVAC, a newly installed roof, a wood-burning living room fireplace, and a cozy library with built-in bookshelves.”
  • 1115 H Street NE #501 — $390,000 — H Street Corridor
    Open Sat. 1:30-3:30 p.m. — Jordan Parker
    RECENT PRICE REDUCTION! “You can’t miss this quaint LIGHT FILLED 1 BD | 1 BA condo featuring FRESH paint throughout, gleaming hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and community roof top!”
  • 6805 5th Street NW — $1,374,900 — Takoma
    Open Fri. 4-7 p.m. — Denny & Leyla Team
    “Welcome to this 3 level, [4 BR/3.5 BA] expanded bungalow with a huge front porch” featuring a “lusciously green backyard with a patio, rain garden and a long driveway that offers parking for 2+ cars! Oh, and don’t forget about the solar panels, fully owned and transferable!”

Tour Motif — A New Community in Petworth!

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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Motif, a new community of 30 new modern condominiums in Petworth, is proud to announce its community grand opening!

Visitors can enjoy touring two furnished models and a generous selection of studio, one and two-bedroom residences as well as two Penthouse designs with starting pricing from the $310’s. For a limited time, they can also enjoy $10,000 toward closing costs.

Motif’s owners will delight in a wide range of luxurious amenities. Residents can enjoy a convenient elevator and spacious interior lobby with custom millwork, library and two modern seating areas. The secure building, package and bicycle storage rooms are another plus and the private rooftop terrace offers spectacular city views. Outdoor parking is available for sale.

All of Motif’s thoughtfully designed residences offer stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. From the white oak hardwoods throughout to the modern kitchens with sleek, flat-panel cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, tile backsplashes and luxurious spa baths with Waterworks fixtures, visitors at Motif will know that they are somewhere special.

Many homes offer outdoor living spaces such as exterior balconies and spacious welled patios.

Motif is located adjacent to Anxo Cidery and nights on the town are at your doorstep. The Fort Totten Metro is 1.2 miles away and the Capital Bike Share is two blocks away as is a stop for the bus lines taking residents directly downtown.

Developed by Bello Realty Partners Sales by Smith l Schnider. For more information visit www.motifdc.com or contact Jay Zelaska at [email protected], 202-900-9430.

Get Smart With City Chic: Buy a Home or Keep Renting?

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Get Smart With City Chic is a bi-weekly column giving you the real talk rundown on what’s happening with the D.C. real estate market. Sponsored and written by Lindsay Dreyer, the broker/owner of City Chic Real Estate.

The rental market has been a rollercoaster ride since early 2020.

Many people scooped up great deals on rentals during Covid, however, we’re definitely seeing the tide start to turn. Rental demand and prices, are up. According to Delta Associates, rents in the D.C. metro area are up 15.7% from Q1 2021 to Q1 2022.

With double-digit rent increases becoming more common, many renters are wondering: is now the right time to buy a home?

Here are some questions to get you thinking about whether homeownership is right for you.

Why is owning a home important to you?

Knowing your motivation for being a homeowner is important! Is it a goal you’ve always had? Do you long for a place you can make your own? Is it a financial investment in your future? Are you hoping for some stability in your long-term housing expenses? Whatever the reason, you should have a good one!

How long will you own this home?

Notice I didn’t say “live”, I said “own”. This can be a tricky one, especially if you aren’t sure how long you’ll be staying in the D.C. area. It can take years for prices to appreciate enough to breakeven on a sale, so you should have a plan B if you find yourself in that situation. For most people, they rent their home out until they can sell for a profit.

Can you afford it?

You’re not just paying the monthly mortgage payment, you’ll have condo/HOA dues, property taxes, insurance and utilities. Homes also need maintenance and repairs. We recommend putting together your annual budget to see if homeownership fits into the broader financial picture for your life.

Do you want the responsibility?

If something goes wrong or needs repairs, it’s on you. No more calls to your property manager or landlord. Some people just don’t want the responsibility of maintaining a home, and that’s totally fine!

Does your wish list line up with your financial reality?

Write out all your wants and needs, along with preferences on home type and locations. This can also be a good time to chat with a mortgage lender to see what options are available! (PS: happy to send you my recommendations)

Ultimately, there’s no shame in the renting game! But if homeownership is in your future, answering these 5 questions is a great place to start.

Want extra credit? Download our free, First Time Buyer Workbook, which will give you an even deeper dive into buying your first place.

City Chic Real Estate is a woman owned, independent real estate company, specializing in helping first time buyers and sellers in the DMV. Book a no pressure, intro call with our team at citychicre.com/popville.

DC’s Premier Puzzle Hunt Returns October 1

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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Game Genius will host its 4th annual District Hunt, a thematic outdoor adventure challenge through the city, from October 1-10.

This year’s literacy edition, The Wordsmith’s Wriddle, introduces a whodunit mystery within a secret society known as the Commission of Vowels. One of its own members went rogue and betrayed the group, so they are recruiting the public to help figure out what happened.

Everyone is welcome to play, and teams of 2-5 are encouraged to sign up together. Once registered, players can participate in two ways: join opening day and race against other teams, or start after opening day and finish the game at their own pace.

Event proceeds support literacy efforts across the region. In 2022, Game Genius has partnered with over 40 local organizations to celebrate their impact while providing a unique experience. “The whole purpose of the hunt is to offer a fun game that showcases D.C. and those who make it special,” said Peter Williamson, the Executive Director of Game Genius. “Every year gives us an opportunity to create new relationships and encourage collaboration across the region.”

For tickets and more info: givebutter.com/districthunt2022

Game Genius is a 501c3 nonprofit that makes social impact fun in the Greater Washington, D.C. region. Their innovative play-based approach helps nonprofits improve team capacity, program outcomes, and community awareness. Learn more on their website or follow @GameGeniusDC on social media.

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Real Estate Fresh Finds: September 28

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: 6805 5th Street NW

“Welcome to this 3 level, expanded bungalow with a huge front porch, a great lot and a stone’s throw from Takoma Park Metro, restaurants and shops, Takoma Park Recreation Center and one of the best Farmers Market around. The front door welcomes you into the foyer with a great closet and room to drop your keys and kick off your shoes. Walk past the formal living room with fireplace on one side and a bedroom (office/den, no closet) on the other to an open family room, dining room and a ‘knock-your socks off’ kitchen with a huge island, an electronics garage, induction stove, and tons of storage. Wood floors gleam throughout the first and second floors. Sunlight streams in from glass doors to a deck and windows lining the kitchen wall. There is a large a stylish full bath on the main floor as well as a great back ‘mudroom’ from the deck side door. The second level offers a wonderful primary suite with 2 walk-in closets and large, chic bathroom, 2 more bedrooms, a classically styled hall bathroom, linen closet and laundry room with side by side washer/dryer. In the basement you’ll find a powder room and blank canvas to make your own as additional flex space, all leading out to the lusciously green backyard with a patio, rain garden and a long driveway that offers parking for 2+ cars! Oh, and don’t forget about the solar panels, fully owned and transferable! Come check it out for yourselves, you’ll be happy you did!”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a Kalorama “stately Embassy-style, fully detached [5 BR/4.5 BA] residence tastefully renovated in Parisian style” with 4,700+ sq. ft. across 3 levels featuring a grand staircase, 2 fireplaces, a renovated kitchen, large stone patio, fenced-in backyard and more — all for just under $4M.
  • “You’ll love this stunning [5 BR/3.5 BA] Columbia Heights townhouse located in one of the most convenient spots in the neighborhood” and “has been completely renovated.”
  • “Charming, updated 3 BR/2.5 BA | 1,532 Sq Ft Townhome in Petworth, D.C., with loads of upgrades both In- and Outside” is “almost brand new, built in 2019” and is fully-renovated.
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is Petworth 4 BR/3.5 BA interior rowhome with a recent $20k PRICE REDUCTION on this “beautiful renovated home on a tree-lined street.”

It’s Officially Fall — and Time to Treat Yourself to a Professional Home Cleaning

By PoP Sponsor (a)
Photo via Mike Maguire/flickr

Spring cleaning gets a lot of hype, but hear us out: There’s nothing better than a good, deep fall cleaning.

Picture it. You step into your spotless home and light apple-scented candles. You throw on your favorite flannel before cozying in with a pumpkin-spice drink and flipping on your favorite spooky movie. The dream!

If you provide the candles and the pumpkin spice, Well-Paid Maids will do the cleaning.

Well-Paid Maids cleans homes around the DMV and has over 100 Yelp reviews and a 5-star rating. 

But Well-Paid Maids isn’t your average cleaning company. Like the name suggests, it pays employees a living wage of at least $22 an hour. It also provides benefits like 24 paid days off per year, insurance and employer-paid commuting costs.

And although its cleaning products aren’t pumpkin-spice scented, they are green and rated “low concern” and “lowest concern” by the Environmental Working Group.

So are you ready to fully embrace fall in D.C.? Schedule your home cleaning online.

Washington Improv Theater Kicks Off Residency at Studio Theatre With Unscripted Musicals

By PoP Sponsor (a)

This weekend, Washington Improv Theater begins a yearlong residency at Studio Theatre. The engagement starts with Playing It By Ear, a music-themed series featuring our family of company ensembles. The code POPVILLE gets you $3 off!

Celebrating our 25th anniversary season this year, WIT is the District’s premier destination for improv and home to the District’s most experienced improvisers. Inspired by audience suggestions, WIT’s shows are a refreshing dose of unpredictable energy.

Each early show in Playing It By Ear features a performance by WIT’s venerable musical improv ensemble iMusical, whose members combine the playfulness of comedic improvisation with the emotional power of musical theater. The Washington Post calls iMusical “spot on.”

Learn more about our residency and what we’ve got planned. This spring, we’ll debut Not a Pyramid Scheme, which satires the scam-ridden multi-level marketing industry, as well as Tumbleweed!, a light-hearted Western.

Don’t forget: 

Washington Improv Theater is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to sharing the creative, collaborative power of improv in D.C. We are guided by the belief that improv is for everyone.

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