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Celebrate Summer in the City at Alethia Tanner Day This Saturday!

By PoP Sponsor (a)

The heat is on, but there are plenty of ways to stay cool at Alethia Tanner Day, Saturday, July 23 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way, NE in Eckington.

From a tented outdoor market to free bottled water, the NoMa BID, has you covered!

This fun, free community celebration begins with the official signage dedication to share the legacy of Alethia Tanner, a formerly enslaved woman who purchased her freedom and the freedom of dozens of other people with money she earned by selling produce at outdoor markets.

To honor Alethia’s spirit of entrepreneurship, the festival includes a pop-up market featuring a lineup of Black female makers and curated by Neighbors DC. Stay cool under the tented outdoor market as you shop and browse the amazing hand-crafted fashions, jewelry and fare created by all local makers.

The festival also includes:

For more information, visit www.nomabid.org.

Free Paint Drop-off and Giveaway Event This Saturday

By PoP Sponsor (a)

PaintCare will host a one-day paint drop-off and giveaway event for District households and businesses on Saturday, July 23, at Ida B. Wells Middle School (405 Sheridan Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20011) between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Read a complete list of accepted products, check business limits, and register online.

Households may bring most types of paint, stain and varnish in any amount. Paint must be in sealed container with original manufacturer label. We cannot accept aerosols, solvents and other hazardous waste. Businesses must qualify as an exempt generator to use the PaintCare program for oil-based paint but can still use the program for latex products. Please visit www.paintcare.org/VSQG for more information on exempt generator rules.

Event attendees will also be able to browse partially filled containers of a variety of products including latex- and oil-based paints, primers and stains. Color options and volumes are not guaranteed. Paint is given away on a first come, first served basis.

If you cannot make this event, households and businesses can also drop off paint year-round at 9 locations throughout D.C. Find a drop-off site near you by visiting paintcare.org or calling (855)PAINT09.

Real Estate Fresh Finds: July 20

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: 555 Massachusetts Ave NW #717

“Amazing price for so much square footage! Luxury, convenience and style in the heart of Mount Vernon Triangle! Spacious and bright 1 BR/1 BA+den with assigned, full-sized garage parking space (next to elevator) and extra storage. This is an excellent floor plan and smart use of space. Enjoy a gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, gas cooking, granite counters and breakfast bar. The spacious bedroom features a walk-in closet and large window. The den is perfect for a work-from-home office or guest bedroom and also features large window. New hot water heater installed in 2019. Location can’t be beat! You’re just a short walk to everything you need — Safeway, shopping, great restaurants, nightlife, museums, Green/Yellow/Red Metro lines. Building amenities include a 24hr concierge, fitness room, community/party room, roof deck with monument views and excellent firework viewing, gas grills and an outdoor pool. Pet friendly building (no weight restriction for dogs, 2 pet limit). City living at its best!”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a huge 5 BR/5 FB/2 HB Kalorama brick Georgian with 6,600+ sq. ft spread across 4 levels that boasts an elevator, 2 kitchens, massive owner’s suite and a private rear terrace with garden-like landscaping — all for $4.5M.
  • “This rarely available [Petworth] unit in The Cassandra Condominium has two bedrooms, a separate den, one full bath along with a half bath, and extra storage.”
  • Fort Lincoln “townhouse style condo exudes personality and exceeds expectations. It takes comfortable living to the next level with an elevated two-bedroom floor plan that is equipped with loads of special features.”
  • Your Auction Property of the Week is a “Lender OREO Auction” for 3 partially finished homes in Marshall Heights with a recent price cut and bidding ending on July 28.

Operations Manager Ogi Reflects on 4.5 Years at Well-Paid Maids

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Well-Paid Maids’ long-time operations manager Ogi bid the company farewell this month. After 4.5 years, the team is bummed to see her go but excited for her next adventure. (See more on that below!)

To officially say goodbye, we caught up with Ogi for a bit of an unconventional exit interview.

Question: Tell us about your experience with Well-Paid Maids.

Answer: I started working as a cleaner. After about six months, I was promoted to operations manager.

I enjoyed every moment at Well-Paid Maids. It’s a company with a great mission, and it takes good care of employees. They constantly raised my salary and the hourly wage of cleaners based on the economy and the quality of our work.

No employee is left behind. They talk to every employee individually and listen to their concerns and problems and take immediate action. This includes:

  • Reducing hours as needed.
  • Taking a company-paid taxi to work when they have car problems.
  • Giving them smaller jobs if they’re no longer able to work long hours due to health or other reasons.

I only mentioned a few of the great things Well-Paid Maid does. There are too many awesome things the company does for its employees and customers to list.

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The Drain Guys: Siphoning Off Best Practices, Keeping Prices Low

By PoP Sponsor (a)

The Drain Guys learned from the big companies what customers want — and don’t want, including high prices. 

Wait. What? A full-service plumbing company that doesn’t charge for a diagnostic visit? Can that be possible?

Free diagnosis is just one of the traits owner and CEO Jay Glazer incorporated into the Drain Guys after spending years managing service teams for some of the largest plumbing companies in the DMV. Over the years, he saw the details in the service his customers wanted and expected and then exceeded those expectations by focusing on communication, timely response, quality work and fair pricing. 

As such, the Drain Guys prides itself on its outstanding local reputation, superior quality of customer service, knowledgeable technicians, and integrity.

“We had a great experience with [The Drain Guys],” says Alyssa F. in the Drain Guys’ online comments. “The technician came, arrived early and communicated their ETA for convenience, and diagnosed the issue within minutes of arrival. He then got us a quote in less than 10 minutes of arriving and since he had the parts with him, he was able to resolve the issue right away. I highly recommend, using them.”

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DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Tales of slowing inventory and rising interest rates still don’t seem to be impacting the overall weekly total of open houses scheduled across the District. With 310+ slated from Friday through Sunday, there are still plenty of great options at great prices! Check out our favorite open houses below and to see the full Open House List, click here.

  • 3259 O Street NW — $1,200,000 — Georgetown
    Open Sun. 2-4 p.m. — Metro DC Houses
    FRESH $50K PRICE REDUCTION! On a cobblestone-lined street where the old Georgetown trolley used to roll, the property is set back unlike many of the oh-so-familiar row houses. This semi-detached property boasts 2 real bedrooms and the owner’s suite has 2 closets and one is a WALK-IN closet in fact the previous owners have rough in for a half bath that still exists. The front yard is nicely manicured, but the private rear yard is the perfect oasis and escapes from all of the hustle of Georgetown. You can feel the history of this home from its stone basement foundation, which includes a full-size washer and dryer, plus the central AC system and boiler for radiators. As you walk through the house with its built-in bookshelves you are brought to its farmhouse feel with the kitchen in the rear of the home. That history comes with modern amenities, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and heated ceramic floors. You are less than two blocks off of Wisconsin Ave, which gives you access to all of the amazing restaurants and businesses in the area. You are also less than 2 blocks from Volta Park which is perfect for those fur babies and humans alike.
  • 1261 Oates Street NE — $699,999 — Trinidad
    Open Sat. 1-3 & Sun.2-4 p.m. — Kevin Wood
    “You’ll love this gorgeous 1925 rowhouse situated on a lovely block in Trinidad! 1261 Oates features newly refinished hardwood floors throughout, a newer kitchen and bathroom, three bedrooms (one with a den off the rear), and a large open basement ready for your finishing touches. This lovely house has a front garden with beautiful perennials, a covered front porch and swing, a large rear deck, huge back yard, and parking for one car in the rear.”
  • 811 4th Street NW #708 — $470,000 — Mt. Vernon Triangle
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Felicia Brewster
    “City-living at its best, tallying a 95 “Walk-Score” the restaurants, shops, and urban living are right outside your door. Madrigal Lofts boasts a 24-hour front desk service, a full fitness center, and a rooftop deck with grills and seating (perfect for get-togethers!) in addition to a plethora of outstanding views. Unit 708 is updated with new carpet in the bedroom, updated bathroom tile and fixtures, and is freshly painted.”
  • 1121 G Street NE #2 — $899,000 — H Street Corridor
    Open Sat. 12-2 p.m. — Andres Serafini
    “This totally redeveloped condo with 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, PLUS large den welcomes you with lots of natural light, open floor plan, and shining hardwood floors throughout. The reason this unique Double Wide model is set apart from others in D.C. is because two properties were combined to create this expansive unit with vast living and entertaining space on one floor.”
  • 5208 Bass Place SE — $539,900 — Marshall Heights
    Open Fri. 6-8 p.m. & Sat. 1-3 p.m. — Denise Greene
    RECENT $15k PRICE DROP! “Magnificently restored, cottage-style home where First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited in 1934. Open floor plan with nearly 10ft ceilings, recess lighting, hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen with 42″ custom cabinetry, SS appliances & quartz countertops. Natural light in abundance, custom geometric accent wall, and separate laundry room.”

Commission a Watercolor Portrait of Your Dog and Support Logan Circle Main Street

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Commission a Watercolor Portrait of your dog and support Logan Circle Main Street!

Sign up to have your furry friend painted by @elizabeth_draws as part of the Dog Days of Summer Sidewalk Sale.

Watercolor portraits will be painted by Elizabeth Graeber on Saturday, July 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Joybird, 1328 14th Street. The cost is $75 (including a $25 donation to LCMS).

Elizabeth Graeber is a freelance artist and illustrator working with watercolor and gouache paint on paper. She is inspired by color and pattern and enjoys painting a series of things such as birds, plants, food and DOGS!  Her style is reminiscent of a delightful New Yorker cartoon. Elizabeth has created illustrations Alice + Olivia, Whole Foods, Warby Parker, Edible DC and the Washington Post.

The cost is $75 (including a $25 donation to Logan Circle Main Street). Donations will be used to support the Mid-City Dog Days Summer Sidewalk Sale which attracts 20,000 people annually.

The Custom Pet Portraits with Elizabeth Graeber is organized by District Bridges’ Logan Circle Main Street. District Bridges is a nonprofit organization with a mission to enrich neighborhood vitality by bridging community engagement and economic development opportunities so individuals, businesses, and organizations can thrive together. District Bridges offers a broad range of small business technical assistance, neighborhood development and consulting services.

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Life Hack #4: Car Repair and Maintenance Without Leaving Home

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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This idea seems so obvious (and so needed!) we’re wondering why someone hasn’t done this sooner. New local business CarCare To Go makes getting your car repaired or maintained as easy as ordering groceries online.

It’s celebrity-level service at reasonable prices. (Including a crazy special on your first oil change. It’s just $20.22. No catch. Seriously. It even covers synthetic oil.) Every appointment includes a FREE valet pick-up and return.

Here’s how it works:

  • Schedule online for any service for any kind of car.
  • A valet picks it up at your house or office and brings it to their full-service shop.
  • They communicate via video and photos so you get to see — and approve — all work.
  • The valet returns your car to you.

It sounds too good to be true, but with hundreds of happy customer reviews including the recent one below, this looks to be the real deal.

This is the second time I have used CarCare To Go, once for brake replacement and maintenance work, and just recently for interior detailing. I could not be more pleased with the quality of work and the service on both occasions. The pricing is transparent and very highly competitive. The car was picked up from my home and delivered back with no hassle. Everything was on time and with reminders and updates all along the way. I was able to go about my day working at home as normal without any disruption or inconvenience. Getting my car repaired, serviced and cleaned has never been easier. I highly recommend this group and plan to keep CarCare To Go as my “go to” auto service center. — Cynthia S.

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

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Real Estate Fresh Finds: July 13

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: 241 K Street NE

“241 K is at the heart of NoMa, H Street and The Hill. You get that urban feel with a blend of historic charm without sacrificing modern luxuries. Close to Union Market and La Cosecha, Giant, Wholefoods, Harris Teeter, Trader Joes, REI, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and Downtown! Welcome home to this beautiful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home, great for entertaining with a large open living area, rustic exposed brick walls, a half bath on the main floor, a grand front yard, French Doors to the private back patio with encased blinds for light and privacy. A spacious owner’s suite and two glorious bedrooms with a 2nd full bathroom upstairs. In the back you have a private patio, a RiverSmart rain barrel to help keep our rivers clean and parking for 2 cars! Blocks to the dog park, museums, the Capitol, Senate buildings, the Supreme Court, DC Streetcar, NoMa metro station, Union Station, Amtrak and so MUCH MORE!”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 6 BR/8 FB/1 HB contemporary Foxhall Village/Berkely home built in 2016 with 11k+ total square feet spread across 4 levels and features a 2-car garage, sauna, home gym, fully automated smart features, 2 screened-in porches and a gorgeous backyard with patio and swimming pool — all for $9.75M.
  • “Don’t miss this beautiful home located in Petworth! This wonderful 3 bedroom and 2 full bath property boasts gleaming hardwood floors on the main and upper level. It also features an attached upper and lower back bedroom and lower level interior porch space.”
  • This 2 BR/2 BA “is a charming and perfectly located [Mt. Vernon] condo with an enormous living room [that] has space to entertain friends, play with your dog, sprawl yourself out, or get away from your cohabitants.”
  • Your Bankruptcy Property of the Week is a 2 BR/2.5 BA 2-story condo unit in the U Street neighborhood being sold AS-IS with offers due August 9th.

Coffee With Coleman: What to Know When Becoming a Landlord for the First Time

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.

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. 

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