In real life, hipchickindc is licensed as a real estate broker in the District of Columbia and Virginia, and as a real estate salesperson in Maryland. Unless specifically noted, neither she nor the company that she is affiliated with represented any of the parties or were directly involved in the transaction reported below. Unless otherwise noted, the source of information is Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), which is the local multiple listing system. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Property: 303 Rock Creek Church Rd NW

Original List Price: $469,900.

List Price at Contract: $399,000.

List Date: 09/10/2008

Days on Market: 91

Settled Sales Price: $379,500.

Settlement Date: 01/05/2009

Seller Subsidy: $6,000.

Bank Owned?: No

Recent Purchase and Re-Sale: Yes

Original GDoN Post is here.

You may notice that this week’s Good Deal or Not Revisited (GDoN-R) is in very close proximity to two very recent GDoN-R subjects, 23 Rock Creek Church Rd NW and 139 Varnum St NW. This may seem somewhat curious, especially given the breadth of PoP’s coverage. I’m keeping a list of all of the GDoNs, and for all the listings he’s pointed out to us in Columbia Heights and touching in to Logan and Dupont, for what it’s worth, it’s the close-ish-to-Metro Petworth properties that have actually gone to settlement lately. Prince, I guess that means your ‘hood is hot (but you knew that already…)

Seriously, though, it is curious to see that out of a handful of recent settled properties from all the GDoNs, the majority have been in this little pocket of Petworth. It makes some sense, in that much of the real estate activity going on right now seems to be financially conservative first time buyers looking to stay well under the $417,000. conforming loan limit. I thought these might also be FHA buyers, but none of these three properties were. Both 139 Varnum and 303 Rock Creek Church Rd NW were purchased with conventional loans, which currently require at least a ten percent down payment. 23 Rock Creek Church Rd NW was a foreclosure that was purchased using all cash. Continues after the jump. (more…)

Where can one buy a roasted duck?

And another food question that you can answer in the comments section here:

“Any idea where I can buy some paneer for Indian dishes? For that matter, any idea where I can find a good place to buy ingredients for homemade Indian food?”

Finally a reader would like some jogging route suggestions:

“I am planning to stay at my friend’s place in Petworth for the inauguration. I am therefore wondering if you know of any good jogging/walking routes nearby? My friend’s place is along 14th Street NW but just north of Columbia Heights.”

I’d suggest running over to 16th Street and going south to U Street then go east to 13th Street then go north on 13th to where your friend lives. Anyone have some favorite jogging routes?

Props, of course, go to Som Records on 14th Street. In case you can’t see the small print it says:

“Lush listening music inspired by the most glamorous girls in the world.” Too good!

Ed. Note: Som Records has recently become an advertiser on PoP. The selection of album cover of the week is in no way influenced by their advertising. I simply love their selection of album covers. As always reader submitted album covers are not only accepted they are encouraged.

I can’t believe I’ve waited so long to check these out. They are incredible. I remember Nichole mentioned them way back in the day but I saw them for the first time this past weekend. By the by, anyone know when Eastern Market is slated to be totally fixed up and opened again? Check out some close ups after the jump. (more…)

DSCN5781, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

I can’t decide if I’m a fan of the glass on the door but the stained glass up top is right on.

DSCN5918, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Surely, I’ve shown this house before. But dang some of them are worthy of multiple posts. For sure this is one of them.

A number of readers have sent me the following warning the 3DSubstation Listserv:

I find it to be my responsibility to alert you of a new trend (Home Invasion) within the Washington region that could pose a threat to the Columbia Heights Neighborhood. The common method of operation is that someone unexpectedly either knocks or bangs on your door. Upon opening the door to ascertain what the emergency is, they rush in and announce a robbery. I ask that if your front door is not equipped with a peep hole or similar device that you have one installed. If you feel uncomfortable with a person at your door please call 911 and advise them you have someone at your door and that they are trying to get in.

Also, with the cold weather upon us and there are many fraudulent methods that people use to get into your residence. Most of these criminals will engage you in a conversation about you utilities and ask to come into your home for a no fee inspection. Once inside they steal items from your residence without your knowledge. I urge everyone do not let anyone inside of your residence; just advise them that you are not interested. If you are please schedule an appointment with the main office and have them come out at your request. If they persist please call the police 911.

Edward Delgado
Inspector
Third District Sub Station

I wonder how many crimes like this have to occur before an email like this is sent out? It quite a disturbing thought. But, I suppose one can never be too careful.

I don’t think this one is going to vanish anytime soon but I do appreciate signs that say “Good Food”. I’m gonna start a little “Good Food” sign series…

Located on 11th just south of Florida Ave., The Lacey, looks like it’s nearly completed. I have to admit as I’ve watched it’s progress this building continues to grow on me. I truly think it’s super cool. You?

fort totten., originally uploaded by norbert..

Thanks to a reader for sending.

” Mayor Adrian M. Fenty will announce the District has reached a deal with Lowe Enterprises and Jacksophie Development to dispose of a District-owned property that will be redeveloped into an $80 million mixed-use project near the Ft. Totten Metrorail Station. The project is one phase of a three-phase project that will ultimately total a million square feet of development on nine acres of land around the intersection of Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue.”

This home is located at 2533 11th Street, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“EXTREMELY LARGE ROWHOUSE IN CONVENIENT COLUMBIA HEIGHTS. FEATURES 5BR, 3FB, HARDWOOD FLOORS, TILE, CLEAN CARPETS, IN-LAW SUITE, WASHER/DRYER, SMALL BACKYARD AND MORE. SUPER LOCATION WITH THREE FINISHED LEVELS. BEING SOLD “AS IS”

More info but sadly no interior photos found here. It’s interesting to note that the exterior of the house is painted a different color than the shot I got this past weekend. Which paint job do you prefer? It seems clear that because there are no interior photos and it’s being sold as is there is probably a bit of work that needs to be done. So does $650,000 for a large (5 bedrooms) house on a great street, sound right? Personally, I’m a huge fan of 11th Street. But this might seem a bit high if it needs work done. What would be a more appropriate price?

INTI Peruvian Restaurant is located at 1825 18th St. NW. I gotta say the menu looks really good. Any fans out there?

In one of the comments earlier in the week a reader noted this proliferation of independent ATMs around U Street. Back in Sep. 2007 I wondered why there were no Chevy Chase Bank ATMs in Petworth, Columbia Heights and U Street. (Turned out Columbia Heights has one but Petworth and inexplicable U Street metro doesn’t have one.) It still seems crazy to me that the U Street metro doesn’t have a Chevy Chase ATM. Who’s with me on that? I suppose that contributes to the indy ATMs around U Street but also as U Street becomes a huge nightlife spot, I suppose people need their cash. Do you think the U Street metro will get a Chevy Chase ATM anytime soon? (If Chevy Chase doesn’t go out of business that is.)

If anyone checks them out be sure to let us know how their cupcakes rank.

From an email:

Red Velvet will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, January 15, 2009 by offering a complimentary cupcake to its first 500 customers. Red Velvet is open daily from 11am to 11pm.

Red Velvet is located on the corner of 7th St. and E St., NW (675 E St., NW; entrance on 7th St.) one block from the Verizon Center.

David Guas, the original creative force behind the sweets at Ceiba, TenPenh, Acadiana, and DC Coast, is the creator and executive pastry chef behind Red Velvet. In 2004, Guas was named Pastry Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, and Bon Appétit called him one of the country’s eight “Dessert Stars.” Red Velvet will feature a number of David’s signature flavors, many of them based on his Louisiana and Cuban heritage.

“From the finest French chocolate, the best European butter to the aromatic vanillas of the Bourbon Islands in Madagascar, Red Velvet seduces you from first bite to the last crumb. Baked in small batches to ensure the highest quality, Red Velvet prides itself on irresistible flavors and the yum factor,” says David.

Signature Red Velvet cupcakes include: morning call – chocolate espresso cake with mocha butter cream; devil’s food – chocolate-buttermilk cake with bittersweet chocolate ganache; peanut butter cup – chocolate chocolate-chip cake with salted peanut butter frosting; and southern belle – red velvet cake with whipped cream cheese frosting.

Red Velvet offers catering and pick-up services and delivery within the Penn Quarter.

DSCN5874, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

In the begining of the week I expressed my frustration with causes co-opting Obama’s Yes We Can! slogan. But this marketing things with Obama’s image has really gone too far. What’s the worst thing you’ve seen?