Sponsored

Get Smart With City Chic: Guide to DC’s First Time Home Buyer Programs

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.

Can you really buy a house with zero down?

Buying your first home can be exciting and scary. The most overwhelming part is figuring out how to finance your purchase and making sense of all your options.

The great news? D.C. has some awesome first time homebuyer programs available. Before we dive into specifics, let’s define a few terms.

  • Down Payment: Upfront money to purchase a home.
  • Closing Costs: Additional fees due at closing, above and beyond your down-payment, such as fees for an attorney, a title search, title insurance, taxes, lender costs and some upfront housing expenses such as homeowners insurance. Usually 3-4% of sales price.
  • Transfer/Recordation Tax: Tax charged at closing by the city/county/state.
  • Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): What you usually pay when you put less than a 20% down payment. PMI insures the mortgage for the lender in the event that the borrower defaults.

Okay, get to it… show me the money! Here’s the lowdown on D.C.’s first time homebuyer programs.

PS — income and price limits change annually, so these numbers are for 2022.

  • Overview: 30 year fixed, FHA or conventional loan where they give you 3-3.5% down-payment assistance. The down payment assistance is an interest free loan that is repaid when you sell, move out, or refinance.
  • Income Limit: $154,800
  • How to Apply: Through a participating lender

(more…)

Real Estate Fresh Finds: November 9

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: 232 Nicholson Street NE

“Modern 3 bedroom, 2 full bath semi-detached home in Riggs Park! From top to bottom you will find meticulous craftsmanship with quality upgrades and high design appeal. The owners recently expanded and opened up the first floor bringing in even more light and additional kitchen storage space (which we all need!). Striking hardwoods throughout, skylights, ceramic tiled bathrooms floor to ceiling, a gorgeous kitchen with pendant lighting, quartz countertops, subway tile, pantry and stainless-steel appliances make this home a space you will enjoy living and entertaining in. The lower level has a third bedroom with a full bath, luxury vinyl tile flooring, washer and dryer and plenty of storage. Enjoy the privacy of a backyard for grilling and nights around the firepit! Ease of access to a rear two car parking pad with steps down to your backdoor. Fort Totten Metro is only minutes away along with many other neighborhood amenities you will enjoy.”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 6 BR/7 FB/2 HB new construction in Wesley Heights. There is a total of 9,250 square feet on a half acre of property. With a pool, 5-car garage, elevator, and much more — all for under $9.5M
  • “This stunning [4 BR/3.5 BA Petworth] home has an open floor plan, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 2 private parking spaces, a fully finished basement that could be utilized as an income-producing unit, a home theater, a gym, and much more.”
  • “This 3 BD/3.5 BA home features well over 2,500 square feet of living space spread across 3 levels. This exclusive gated community of only 20 fully detached homes delivered in 2010 is perfect for a new or growing household!”
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a “3 BR/1 BA single-family home in Deanwood. ‘As is’ cash only sale with no contingencies or inspections”

Well-Paid Maids Wins Best Maid Service in DC For Second Year in a Row

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Last month, we asked PoPville readers to show their support for Well-Paid Maids by voting for their favorite maid service in Washington City Paper’s Best of D.C. contest.

This month, we have an exciting announcement: WE WON!

It’s official. Well-Paid Maids won best maid service in D.C. for the second year in a row.

Here’s what founder Aaron Seyedian had to say about the news:

For more than five years, Well-Paid Maids has served the D.C. area. 

(more…)

Is Your Home Actually Ready for the Holidays?

By PoP Sponsor (a)

I love entertaining, and the holidays are particularly important to me.

Opening my home brings me joy, and I want my space to shine, from the chandelier to crystal clear windows. But getting ready for the holidays is a hassle. A backlog of household repairs and upgrades seems impossible to tackle. Time is tight. Finding talent is tricky.

Trust me. You’re not alone. But I’ve got a tip. This year, let Birdwatch catch up on your home maintenance while you spend your time catching up with friends and family. What’s Birdwatch? We’re a hospitality-focused home maintenance membership service. We’ll paint the guest room, install that signature chandelier, sand and stain the front door, hang the seasonal wreath — and anything else you need to get your home ready for the holidays.

I’ve been a D.C. general contractor for 17 years. Today, I’m part of your Birdwatch team.

Along with our Birdwatch technicians and home managers, I’m right here as you and your home head into the holidays. A call, text or email away. 24 hours a day. Let us tackle responsive repairs like a leaky faucet, replace that beeping smoke detector, fix the stove, and power wash the patio. You tend to the turkey and the tinsel.

My name is Jason, and I’ll help you fall in love with your home this season and all year round.

Let Birdwatch take you under our wing.

DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

It’s the last weekend before our clocks fall back, which means winter isn’t too far away. If you have been thinking about buying a home, now is the time if you want to move in before the weather gets too cold. Check out our favorites below and to see the full Open House List, click here.

  • 1986 Retta Gilliam Court SE — $669,900 — Congress Heights
    Open Sun. 12-2 p.m. — Tiffanyanne Tomlinson
    “Your SE D.C. oasis awaits you right here in Fairlawn Estates! This exclusive gated community of only 20 fully detached homes delivered in 2010 is perfect for a new or growing household! This home features well over 2,500 square feet of living space spread across 3 levels.”
  • 4121 9th Street NW #2 — $545,000 — Petworth
    Open Sat. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. & Sun. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Ashley Brudowsky
    “This stunning condo was built in 2018 — it boasts gorgeous hardwood floors, an open layout that is flooded with natural light, a designer kitchen that is perfect for entertaining, two spacious bedrooms, plentiful closet space, and the LOWEST condo fees in the neighborhood. This gem sits just blocks from the Petworth Metro, multiple grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness centers, and everything vibrant Upshur St. has to offer. On Saturdays, a charming farmer’s market full of fresh local veggies, flowers, coffee and pastries pops up just steps from the front door. It’s no surprise that it earned a walk score of 95, it’s a city dweller’s paradise!”
  • 232 Nicholson Street NE — $625,000 — Riggs Park
    Open Sat. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Molly Branson
    “Modern 3 bedroom, 2 full bath semi-detached home in Riggs Park! From top to bottom you will find meticulous craftsmanship with quality upgrades and high design appeal. The owners recently expanded and opened up the first floor bringing in even more light and additional kitchen storage space (which we all need!).”
  • 7058 Eastern Avenue NW #209 — $222,850 — Takoma
    Open Sun. 12-2 p.m. — Peter Paglio
    “This spacious, light-filled [2 BR/1 BA] home features two bedrooms and one bathroom in exciting Takoma, D.C.! Hardwood floors throughout, an updated kitchen with gas range, two massive walk-in closets (one in the main bedroom and a second in the hall), a sunny balcony, and assigned parking, this home offers tremendous space in a superb location.”
  • 1411 F Street NE — $1,115,000 — Capitol Hill
    Open Sun. 2-4 p.m. — Pfashema Faber & Katherine Krevor
    “This tastefully renovated classic D.C. Victorian row home has it all — including an English basement apartment that will subsidize your mortgage with the rental income you can generate! Light and airy, this home is a peaceful refuge in the heart of the city and perfectly situated at the crossroads of Capitol Hill and the H Street corridor. Exposed brick walls, newer windows, a new kitchen, new oak floors/refinished historic pine floors, new lights, updated bathrooms, skylights, and newer HVAC make this home truly turnkey, simply move in!”
  • 1454 Belmont Street NW #12 — $995,000 — Columbia Heights
    Open Sun. 2-4 p.m. — Kassie Payne
    “PRICE IMPROVEMENT!!! In this spacious 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom modern urban style loft! This truly amazing space features soaring 24ft. ceilings and sleek modern aesthetics, fixtures, and appliances, complete with an upper loft bedroom and a main level bedroom/den, both with their own full bathrooms, a main level hallway powder room, amazing floor to ceiling windows with automatic remote controlled window shades, and a balcony with some of the best monumental views of downtown D.C., with a total of 1,300 sq. ft. of living space!”
  • 1004 Sigsbee Place NE — $925,000 — Brookland
    Open Sun. 12-2 p.m. — John Coleman
    “This rare double-lot property boasts endless possibilities. In addition to the home itself, the sale includes the large adjacent lot, which could provide other opportunities. While it currently provides a massive and lush yard, it also offers potential opportunities for a separate structure, home addition, pool, or just an amazing gift to your four-legged friend who will have space to run to their heart’s content.”
  • 2113 11th Street NW — $1,550,000 — U Street
    Open Sat. 1-3 p.m. — Debi Fox
    “PRICE REDUCTION & NEW SELLER CREDIT OF $10,000 if Ratified Full Price Contract by November 15th! Plus Sellers paying 1 point to lower interest rate. Now’s the Time! That’s an Additional Reduction of over 20,000 off the Price! One of the BEST Row Houses in One of the Most Sought after Neighborhoods in the City!”

Slice of Life Pie Sale and Fundraiser Provides Meals to Neighbors with Illnesses

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Food & Friends’ annual Thanksgiving pie sale and fundraiser, Slice of Life is happening now through November 16!

Each pie purchased through Slice of Life provides one full day of nutritious meals for Washington area neighbors battling cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or other serious illnesses.  

Local favorite Whisked! Bakery is teaming up with Food & Friends again this year as their official pie partner. Each pie is handmade, and ingredients are sourced from farms close to the region. The gourmet pies are available in five delicious flavors: Apple Crumble, Classic Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Nutty Pecan, and a decadent Sea Salt Chocolate Chess. Pie prices start at $28. 

Pre-purchased pies can be picked up on Tuesday, November 22 at 35 convenient walk-up, curbside or drive-thru locations throughout the D.C. metro region. Call Your Mother Deli and the Brookland Arts Walk are new partners this year, so you can plan a relaxing day browsing local arts and makers or grab a delicious bagel sandwich and coffee when you pick up your pies. Because you deserve it! 

All pies are 9″ rounds and packaged in a sturdy, gift-quality box. Purchasers can also donate a pie to a Food & Friends client, to be delivered to their doors by caring volunteers on Thanksgiving Day, along with a beautiful turkey dinner. Food & Friends home-delivers freshly prepared medically tailored meals year-round but Thanksgiving is a special tradition where they send a traditional feast to be shared with families.  

(more…)

DC Wine Walk is Returning Saturday, November 19!

By PoP Sponsor (a)
1/4

Calling all you wine lovers, come explore your neighborhood one wine at a time!

Thats’ right! It’s time to bring back the highly anticipated #DCWineWalk presented by Kim Crawford. Important to note: tickets for each neighborhood will be capped! More wine, less wait time!

Because wine not?

Neighborhood locations:

  • Shaw/U Street
  • Dupont Circle
  • Waterfront (Yards Park)
  • Shirlington (NOVA)

Every wine walker receives a souvenir wine glass. Showing the glass at each location gets you a minimum of two wine samples plus exclusive full pour specials! A portion of all sales will be donated to Wine to Water, who since 2007 have impacted over 700,000 lives around the world by providing clean water access to those who need it most.

This is a 21+ event (ID Required). Grab these limited spots here today!

#FrayLife

Four Finished Floors and Great Location: Welcome to 1433 Perry Place NW!

By PoP Sponsor (a)
1/5

Welcome to 1433 Perry Place NW!

A spacious townhouse with 2-3 private parking spaces in a great location! This rental has about 2,500 interior square feet including the finished basement and attic — possible bonus bedrooms or offices! Renovated in 2021 with new appliances, HVAC, and garage door. Flexible move-in dates between December 1 and January 1.

Just 15 minutes by bike to downtown D.C., a 10 minute walk to 2 Metro stations, and 2 minutes from the 16th/14th Street bus routes. NOVA is a quick drive through Rock Creek Park.

The Area: Great for recreation — next to new Piney Branch pathway to Rock Creek Park. Nine playgrounds and 3 farmer’s markets within a mile. Target, Giant, Safeway, Marshalls and more are within a 10 minute walk, as well as countless restaurants/cafes/bars, including 9 Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants within 1 mile.

The House: Three full bathrooms with shower/bath, and a fourth half bath on the main floor. Stainless steel gas stove, oven, dishwasher and two refrigerators are all new. Three bedrooms on the second floor and each one has a spacious closet. The finished attic provides great bonus room for storage, home office, yoga or more! The finished basement has a laundry room, more storage, a full bathroom, fridge and wet bar — great bonus area for a home office, media room, kids, hosting visiting relatives or more. Includes a shaded front porch for chatting with friendly neighbors or relaxing.

For more information or to apply, check out the compete profile for 1433 Perry Place NW today!

Real Estate Fresh Finds: November 2

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: 1411 F Street NE

“This tastefully renovated classic D.C. Victorian row home has it all — including an English basement apartment that will subsidize your mortgage with the rental income you can generate! Light and airy, this home is a peaceful refuge in the heart of the city and perfectly situated at the crossroads of Capitol Hill and the H Street corridor. Exposed brick walls, newer windows, a new kitchen, new oak floors/refinished historic pine floors, new lights, updated bathrooms, skylights, and newer HVAC make this home truly turnkey, simply move in! The top floor has two huge bedrooms and a third bedroom that is large enough to function as more than just an office or baby room. There is a large bathroom with a double vanity on this level with ensuite access to the primary bedroom as well as hallway access. The main floor is the perfect mix of open floor plan and division, so it has traditional zones for each of the spaces on this level; a roomy living room, a proper dining room, coat closet, half bathroom, a kitchen with space for an eat-in table that overlooks the backyard, and laundry. The lower level is wow! A 1 bedroom/1 bathroom apartment with a full kitchen (electrical roughed in for an oven if you want to put one in), living room, dining, a pantry, a full bathroom, a coat closet, and a bedroom. The ceiling height here is 8 ft and the front was completely dug out to create a lot of natural light. There is both a front entrance and walk out back entrance — a rarity and premium for any home and/or rental. This level could be used as additional space to enjoy for yourself OR to create real income, making this home a strong investment opportunity.”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 7 BR/6 FB/3 HB Colonial in American University Park with 11k+ total square feet spread across 3 levels on a 6.7-acre lot and features 3 fireplaces, 4-car garage, formal library, ballroom, theater, gym, workshop and a private tennis court — all for $19.5M.
  • “This stunning [2 BR/2 BA Petworth] condo was built in 2018 — it boasts gorgeous hardwood floors, an open layout that is flooded with natural light, a designer kitchen that is perfect for entertaining, two spacious bedrooms, plentiful closet space, and the LOWEST condo fees in the neighborhood.”
  • “Charming 2 BR/1 BA row home with tons of potential is ready for new owners! Upon entering, you’ll notice the bright and airy feel of this lovely home which is complimented by the 10 and 9 foot ceilings and open floor plan.”
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a 3 BR/2 BA detached Cape Cod-style in tear-down/gut renovation condition in Congress Heights.

Hosting For The Holidays? Book a Professional Home Cleaning Before It’s Too Late

By PoP Sponsor (a)
Photo by Kelsey Chance/Unsplash

Believe it or not, the holidays are nigh. Whether you’re hosting Friendsgiving, a white elephant gift exchange or a New Year’s bash, you’re going to have plenty on your plate this season.

Go ahead and check one big task off your to-do list when you schedule a home cleaning with Well-Paid Maids.

Well-Paid Maids is the only living-wage cleaning company in D.C. That means it pays employees (not contractors!) fair, living wages of at least $22 an hour. It also provides benefits, like 24 paid days off a year, insurance and 100% employer-paid commuting costs.

In other words: You can feel good supporting Well-Paid Maids!

Plus, Well-Paid Maids will leave your home sparkling clean. Over on Yelp, it has a 5-star rating with more than 100 reviews.

Here’s what one reviewer had to say:

“WPM was a big help when I fell behind in cleaning during a hectic time. Jasmine did a great job.”

The holidays are a busy time for the cleaning company, so book your cleaning today!

View More Stories