We’ve looked at the two relatively new buildings on the 3500 block of Warder Street, NW. The rundown house in the middle has been torn down and a new condo building is set to go in the space. I wonder if they’ll paint it yellow? I’ll be sure to update as the building gets constructed and the units go for sale.

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

6 Comments

Back in December we heard about a new restaurant coming to 3542 Georgia Ave. At the time I thought it was going to serve some sort of American cuisine (due to language difficulties). Well I just saw the new sign go up and it will be Spanish and TexMex. I’m excited to try some TexMex. I’ll be reporting back on this when it opens!

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

11 Comments

View Larger Map

This coop is located at 429 Kenyon Street, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Lower-level, two bedroom unit offers one full bathroom and lots of closet space. In good condition but needs a little TLC. Great opportunity, great price. Enjoy co-op ownership (co-op fee includes all utilities, taxes, operating expenses and underlying mortgage) and lower closing costs! Seller will replace all appliances and install carpet prior to closing.”

You can find more info here.

Sadly there are no interior photos but I thought the price was too incredible for a 2 bedroom not to discuss. Given that the rooms may need some updating do you think $150,000 sounds reasonable for this 2bed/1 bath?

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

16 Comments

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: 2905 Sherman Ave NW

Original List Price: $345,000.

List Price at Contract: $325,000.

List Date: 06/27/2009

Days on Market: 88

Settled Sales Price: $315,000.

Settlement Date:  10/22/2009

Seller Subsidy:  $12,600.

Bank Owned?: No

Type Of Financing: FHA loan with a loan amount of $303,975., so maybe these folks financed the upfront MIP (as noted in comments as a possibility in last week’s GDoN-R)

Original GDoN Post is:  Here

Recent Listing is: Here .  To see pics, click on the main picture after opening the link.

Perusing the original Good Deal or Not (GDoN) post of this property, it struck me that an overwhelming majority called “good deal”.  Frequent GDoN readers know that this, indeed, is a rarity.  That was at the original list price of $345,000., so $315,000. plus $12,600. toward closing costs should look pretty sweet.  For reference, recently converted condos down the street (the last one I listed at 2608 Sherman, 2BR, nicely upgraded and staged, sold in May 2009 for $299,990. with a $7500. subsidy) are selling in a similar price range.

Some mentioned that Sherman is a busy street to be on, and for sure, that was the major objection I heard when I had my client’s condo on the market.  The lot size is a mere 869, but includes a bit of outdoor space.  Love it or hate it, as one reader mentioned, the new owners should never have trouble giving directions to their very yellow house.  I admire the listing agent’s optimism in noting that one of the conveniences of the property is that it is “close to Schools”.

The recent Seller purchased the property back in January 2009 when it was a foreclosure.  The listing from that time period shows that it was priced at $189,000., and settled at $180,000.  It was purchased with cash.

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

10 Comments

View Larger Map

This home is located at 734 Rock Creek Church Road, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Beautifully renovated 1910 townhome on a quiet street just one block from Georgia Ave/Petworth Metro/Shopping Ctr. Main level entry with artfully exposed brick, LR w/ fire-place, elegant dining, btfl kitchen. Second level 3BRs, ldry rm, 3rd level light-flooded master BR-Suite w/sitting area, study, his/hers closets, dbl vanity and jet tub, lwr lvl 2BR aptmt with Cert. of Occupancy,rent $1500/month”

More info and photos found here. I’ve received the most emails requesting a GDoN for this house. It does look pretty nice, but most who’ve written think the price may be a bit high. What do you guys think of the home itself? Do you think $724,900 is realistic?

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

27 Comments

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: 529 Newton Pl NW

Original List Price: $329,955.

List Price at Contract: $249,955.

List Date: 04/04/2009

Days on Market: 86 days

Settled Sales Price: $230,000.

Settlement Date:  08/24/2009

Seller Subsidy:  $8,500.

Bank Owned?: No

Type Of Financing: FHA with 3.5% down payment

1st GDoN Post is:  Here.

1^st GDoN Revisited Post is: Here.

2^nd GDoN Post is: Here.

All three listings of this property since 2005: Here.

If this house looks familiar, it might be because we’ve looked it over a few times already (see links above.)  A poster child for the changes in the DC real estate market over the past few years, this property has been through a foreclosure and two renovations since 2005.  In reviewing the listings, note that in 2005, it was listed as having three bedrooms and one bath.  By 2008, it was reconfigured to two bedrooms and two full baths.  In 2009, it took on a new life as a two bedroom, one bath home.

When we looked at the March 2009 sale of this property, I noted that it was a cash purchase and speculated that it was likely bought by an investor.  I learned later that it had been acquired by a group of investors that I’ve done a few deals with. 

The recent buyer of the newly renovated property paid (net) almost $30,000. less than the property changed hands for as a shell in 2005.

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

12 Comments

This condo is located at 739 Newton Place, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“”The Prasada” Beautiful 2br-2ba Condominium With Gourmet Kitchen, SS Appliances, Granite Counters, Pre-wired High Speed Internet, MBR Jacuzzi Tub, Washer/Dryer, Phone Entry System, Stylish Lighting, Gleaming Hardwood Floors And Much More. 3 BLOCKS TO PETWORTH METRO!”

You can find more info and photos here.

The photos look pretty nice. I’m not sure if I’d highlight a “phone entry system” though… But seriously what do you think of the condo itself? Does $329,000 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/2bath?

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

14 Comments

This home is located at 824 Otis Place, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“CONVENIENT LOCATION 4+ BLOCKS FROM THE METRO * * NICE LOOKING NEIGHBORHOOD * * GOOD BONES BUT IN NEED OF REPAIR — SOLD STRICTLY “AS IS”–ALL CASH/CONVENTIONAL/FHA 203K ONLY!SELLER WANTS TO MAKE A DEAL SO BRING ALL OFFERS.”

More info but sadly no photos found here.

I know folks don’t like GDoN without photos but I was intrigued by the price on this one. It’s close to the metro and all the happenings on 11th Street, NW. So does $250,000 sound reasonable? Even if you need to put in some money seems like it could be a good deal. What do you guys think?

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

32 Comments

“Dear PoP,

I noticed that this house on Newton Pl is still on the market.

It was actually a GDoN in its pre-renovated condition and was also a GDoN revisited.

http://www.princeofpetworth.com/2009/03/gdon-revisited-by-hipchickindc-4/

I think it would be interesting for people to weigh in on it now that it’s renovated and back on the market. I’m actually surprised it hasn’t sold yet.”

This home  is located at 529 Newton Place, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Gorgeous renovation of Columbia Hts end unit brick row house * Gourmet kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and ceremic tile floor * Two bedrooms and 1 full baths with new fixtures, vanity and tub surround. Gleaming wood floors * Shows great, a must see!”

More info and photos found here.

Wow, this is kinda cool. So before the reno it sold for $165,000. Now it has been renovated and can be yours for $249,955. Think that is a realistic mark up for the 2 bed/1bath?

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

0 Comments

This home is located at 537 Kenyon Street, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Gleaming totally redone rowhouse w/ legal sep unit able to bring up to $1K/mo in rent! Granite/SS breakfast bar kit, sunroom, 2-car off-street parking, deep yard. Great, modern baths, good closets + light! Sep unit w/ own entrances, SS kit, gorg granite bath, good light. In middle of CH/Petworth commercial districts! GREAT PRICE – WOW!”

More info and photos found here.

This looks like a nice reno. I dig the kitchen and am intrigued by the backyard. What do you guys think of the house? I wonder if the legal separate unit can really bring in $1k per month? Does $475,000 sound reasonable for this 4 bed 2.5 bath house?

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

14 Comments

This condo is located at 437 Manor Place, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“This sleek and stylish unit features soaring vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, a gas fire place, an open gourmet kitchen, luxurious bath with a jacuzzi tub. The unit also has a huge private deck off of bedroom, tons of overhead storage, and a separately deeded parking space. Enjoy the wonderful Columbia Heights location on a beautiful quiet street near two metros!”

More info and photos found here.

The photos look pretty good. I dig the exposed brick and it’s nice that it has that private deck. But I’d have to say this is most definitely in the Park View neighborhood. So the 2 bed 1 bath is going for $339,000. Sound reasonable?

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

0 Comments

This home is located at 634 Otis Place, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Location, Location, Location! Community reflect pride of ownership. Very stable Columbia Heights neighborhood. This three level homes is perfect for the first time home buyer including HPAP program participants. Close to public transportation, Howard University School and Hospital.”

More info and photos found here.

This looks like a home that lots of my friends live in. It is a classic rowhome not completely pimped out but very nice. But for the fact that there is only 1 bathroom I think this sounds pretty good at $350,000. Sound reasonable to you?

For those that just want some Friday fun the condo above is a 2 bed 2.5 bathroom located at 1229 10th St, NW. There is a sweet virtual tour here. It’s asking price is $669,000.

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

0 Comments

This home is located at 425 Irving Street, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“3 levels of fully finished space, completely renovated from top to bottom and nothing spared as part of this spacious and spectacular renovation. Hardwood floors throughout, a spectacular kitchen with an amazing backyard for all those great Summer parties coming up. From here you have amazing Metro & bus access to around the city. Park the car and kick up your feet!Open House 4/19/09 1-5pm”

More info and a virtual tour found here and the home’s Web site found here.

I’m always curious to hear what you guys think of complete renovations. Does $445,000 sound reasonable?

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

0 Comments

This Carriage House is located at 3640 New Hampshire Avenue, NW (in the back):

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Welcome to The Woodrow, this carriage house is fantastic with two master suites, one with it’s own private balcony. A renovated Carriage house is one of DC’s rare gems and this one is quite a find. Inside you will be welcomed by a distinct balance of trational and contemporary design. This home was created for entertainers, whether cocktail or dinner parties, you and your guests are home.”

More info but sadly no photos found here.

So I went inside and you’ll have to trust me on this, the place is totally redone. In my humble opinion I think it looks really nice. It’s definitely a high end renovation. The flier also says ” 2 Master Suites, Roof Deck, Private Balcony, Fire Place, and Custom Granite Bar.”

I’m also a sucker for carriage houses… But this is on the market for $499,900. Sound reasonable assuming the inside is decked out (and trust me it is)? I’m thinking even though it’s really nice that price is a bit too high for a 2 bedroom.

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

0 Comments

This home is located at 3546 Rock Creek Church Road, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“This single family home is waiting for your touches. Home is sold strictly as-is. Seller will make no repairs. Home features 3 possible 4 bedrooms 1 possible 2 full baths, parking in rear of yard, upper and lower entry to home. Large living room, separate dining room, partially finished basement. This is perfect for investors or contractors”

More info but sadly no photo found here.

I think this is a great location as it’s close to the Petworth Metro but also close to all the development on 11th Street. But for a clear fixer upper the asking price may be a bit high. Do you think $399,000 would be a good deal or not? What would be a more realistic price?

Digg it!   Stumble it!   reddit   Del.icio.us   Facebook

0 Comments