April 2011

The DC real estate blogosphere has been buzzing this week about a Dupont Circle studio apartment listing where Washington Post columnist Bob Woodward lived during his days investigating the Watergate scandal.  The balcony of this unit was used by Woodward to signal his source "Deep Throat."  Woodward would plant a flag in a flower pot to indicate to Deep Throat that he wanted to meet.

It was incorrectly reported that Woodward owned the Webster House unit where he lived.  This is not accurate as the Webster House was an apartment building from its delivery in 1968 until it was converted to condos in 1978 by Holladay Corporation.  Bob Woodward confirmed to me renting at the Webster House " I believe that is the correct apartment number.  Never owned

Question: What is hot in DC real estate? 

Answer: 2 BR Lofts on the 1400 block of Church Street

DC's loft district is centered in Logan Circle on the 1400 block of Church Street.  Former industrial buildings in this neighborhood, that were originally automobile showrooms, have been converted to residential loft space.  Many of the condos in these buildings are true industrial lofts with high ceilings, exposed ductwork, concrete and brick walls and floor to ceiling windows.

Residents of Church Street lofts enjoy the easy access to Logan neighborhood favorites including Starbucks, Whole Foods, CVS and  Logan Tavern on P Street and dining at Bar Pilar, Birch & Barley, Masa 14 and many other inspiring restaurants around the corner on 14th Street. 

Cecil Place which runs a mere block in Georgetown between Grace Street and Water Street ranks at the top of the list of charming DC streets.  Adding to the enchantment and reminiscent of San Francisco, the grade of Cecil is very steep and traffic flows one way downhill towards Water Street

The west side of Cecil Place is dominated by the Papermill Condo development and the east side is home to 12 historic row houses. These quaint row houses date back to the late 19th century when Georgetown was an industrial neighborhood and home to many of the District's tradesmen.

Currently, one Cecil Place row house is listed for sale.  It features a renovated kitchen, fireplace and a rear courtyard.   This three level,  2 BR / 1.5 BA  row house is listed for

The most expensive condo to sell in the District during March 2011 was in the West End at 22 West, located at 1177 22nd Street NW #7E, Washington, DC.  This 3 BR / 3 BA, 2,480 SF condo also includes two parking spaces.  The selling price was $2.14M / $863 SF which was 97% of asking price.

Congratulations to Timothy Pierson of Weichert Realtors for closing the most expensive condo sale in the District in March 2011.

Honorable mention for the 2nd most expensive DC condo sold in March 2011 was in Logan Circle at the Metropole, located at 1515 15th Street NW #222, Washington, DC. This 2 BR / 3 BA, 1,995 SF condo includes a parking space.  The selling price was $1.36M / $682 SF which was 91% of asking

DC condos developed or renovated by Abdo Development usually elicit a wow from a potential buyer during a visit.  Abdo has left their mark across several DC neighborhoods including the Willison in Logan Circle, which they renovated in 2002.  Prior to the restoration, 1425 Rhode Island Ave was a circa 1928 apartment building known as the Chamberlin.  

To create desirable 21st century condos, Abdo reconfigured the interior layout of the Willison reducing the original 71 apartments to 23 luxury condos.  The restored condos feature large open floor plans ranging in size from 1,500 SF to 1,900 SF.  Front units at the Willison overlook tree-lined Rhode Island Avenue and rear units feature dramatic floor-to-ceiling walls of glass in the living room. 

3.5% Down Opportunities in DC's West End

DC condo buyers can qualify for 3.5% down mortgages at FHA approved buildings.  This represents a major savings over the 20% or more down payments required for condos with conventional financing.



The FHA maintains a website with a list of FHA approved projects.  We have extrapolated a list of FHA approved projects for the West End neighborhood and offer 1-click access to all the available MLS listings in these buildings.  If the West End isn't your neighborhood of choice, we have previously highlighted FHA approved buildings in other neighborhoods.



The FHA approval list changes routinely, these are selected West End developments that are currently approved at the time of this posting:

• 22 West
• Columbia

Washingtonians who have chosen to live on Q Street in the District enjoy some of the finest property in the entire city.   This venerable east-west corridor which runs from Eckington in the east through Shaw, Logan Circle, Dupont Circle, Georgetown before terminating in the Palisades.  Much of Q Street runs one-way in the easterly direction and it is not continuous through the Georgetown University campus.

Q Street in Georgetown traverses both the East and West Villages, home to some grand homes including historic Cooke's Row.  Condo developments in Georgetown include Sheridan Garage, Gateway Georgetown and Lyons Mill Condos.

After crossing over Rock Creek Park via the historic Dumbarton Bridge with its iconic buffalo sculptures, Q Street continues

The Q14, named for its location at the corner of 14th and Q Streets NW, delivers contemporary elegance in DC's hottest residential corridor.  With just 28 units, Q14 has a boutique feel, yet melds wonderfully with the historic row houses on tree-lined Q Street.

Bonstra/Haresign Architects designed the units at Q14 with highly-desirable, modern, open interiors.  Luxury appointments include floor-to-ceiling walls of glass with sweeping city views, private balconies and designer kitchens.  Building amenities include underground parking, club room and roof-top deck.

Currently, one unit is available for sale at Q14.  It is a 2 BR / 2.5 BA, 1678 SF duplex penthouse listed for $1.295M.  Here is a resource to view active Q14 real estate listings.