The Rhapsody, located on Vermont Avenue NW between Florida and W is positioned in the heart of the dynamic Mid-city Corridor.  Hop on the Metro which is a block away or walk to dining and entertainment venues of both the U Street Corridor and Logan Circle neighborhoods.  Located at 2120 Vermont Ave NW, the Rhapsody is among the most walkable developments in the District with a WalkScore ranking of 95.

The Rhapsody is an FHA-approved condo development which allows condo buyers to get approved for mortgages with a down payment as low as 3.5%.  Condo owners appreciate the pet-friendly policies of the Rhapsody, a growing rarity in the District.  Building amenities include a fitness room, 24-hour security and a rooftop terrace with grilles, seating and great views of the city.

Currently there are two units for sale at the Rhapsody including unit #5 featuring 2 BR / 2 BA / 1,200 SF / 2 patios and one parking space.  This unit is listed by TTR Sotheby's International Realty for $459,900.  Here is a resource to learn more about and view active Rhapsody real estate listings.

A new two-unit luxury development overlooking McMillan Reservoir is now on the market and the developer is accepting non-binding reservations.  The project features the complete restoration of an early 20th-century row house into two spectacular units.  This development is located in the historic Dobbins Addition section of Bloomingdale.

Developer finishes at 2419 1st are high-end and include Poggenpohl Cabinetry, concrete (unit #1) and stainless (unit #2) counters, Gaggenau and Bosch appliances, exposed ductwork, ecosmart fireplaces, AeT Italia bathroom fixtures and Brazillian KOA hardwood floors.  Each unit includes private outdoor space and dedicated off-street parking.

The location of this project on 1st Street NW between Adams Place and Channing Place is steps from Howard University, Catholic University and MedStar Washington Hospital Center.  Bloomingdale residents enjoy frequenting local merchants and venues including Bacio Pizzeria, Big Bear Cafe, Boundary Stone and Field to City. The dining and entertainment options in the U Street Corridor and Downtown are convenient from this location.

Unit #1 featuring 2 BR /  2.5 BA /  and a private balcony is listed for $530,000 and unit #2 featuring 2 BR / 2.5 BA / 2 balconies and a private roof-top deck is listed for $640,000.

The most expensive condo to sell in the District during April 2012 was in Friendship Heights at Chase Point located at 4301 Military Road #711, Washington, DC.   This 3 BR / 2.5 BA / 2,093 SF condo includes two parking spaces and storage.  The selling price was $1.725M / $824 SF, which was 86% of asking price.

Congratulations to Jaleh Hafzi of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. for closing the most expensive condo sale in the District in April 2012.

Honorable mention for the second most expensive DC condo sold in April 2012 was in Wesley Heights at The Foxhall located at 4200 Massachusetts Avenue, #606A Washington, DC.  This 3 BR / 5 BA / 3,274 SF condo includes three parking spaces.  The selling price was $1.7M / $519 SF, which was 95% of asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Nancy Itteilag of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. for closing this transaction.

In April 2012, six DC condos sold for $1M or more, up from four in March 2012, four in February and four in January 2012.  If you are interested in learning more about luxury condos, here is a resource to view DC luxury condos that are currently listed for sale.

Nothing gets the DC Condo Boutique as excited as the announcement of a new condo project in our Logan Circle neighborhood.  One of the newest Logan projects slated to deliver in the summer of 2012 is Standard Eleven.  This project is being constructed in the space formerly occupied by the Laogai Museum on the block of M Street NW between 11th and 12th.

This three-story development features eleven units with a mix of efficiencies, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  Developer finishes include Bosch appliances, maple cabinetry, Waterworks bath fixtures and private outdoor space in selected units.  Common amenities include a shared rooftop space and limited on-site parking.

The Standard Eleven location on M Street offers convenient access to the Mt Vernon Metro Station and all the retail, dining and entertainment venues in the Logan Circle and City Center neighborhoods.  Here is a resource to learn more about the Standard Eleven development.

The most expensive condo to sell in the District during March 2012 was in Georgetown at 3303 Water located at 3303 Water Street, NW #E-6, Washington, DC.   This 2 BR / 2.5 BA / 1,886 SF condo includes two parking spaces.  The selling price was $1.85M / $981 SF, which was 93% of asking price.

Congratulations to Monica Boyd of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage for closing the most expensive condo sale in the District in March 2012.

Honorable mention for the second most expensive DC condo sold in March 2012 was in Kalorama at 2029 Connecticut located at 2029 Connecticut Avenue, #53 Washington, DC.  This 3 BR / 2 BA / 3,150 SF condo includes two parking spaces.  The selling price was $1.33M / $422 SF, which was 95% of asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Matthew Cliney of ZipRealty, Inc. for closing this transaction.

In March 2012, four DC condos sold for $1M or more, on par with four in February, four in January and down from eight in December 2011.  If you are interested in learning more about luxury condos, here is a resource to view DC luxury condos that are currently listed for sale.

Foxhall Ridge is a new community of 32 luxury town homes currently under development in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington, DC.  The first Foxhall Ridge model has recently been completed and as now available for viewing.  The Foxhall Ridge developer, Stanley Martin Homes has released 17 homes which are now available to purchase.

Palisades, which is located along the Potomac River, offers the feel of a suburban setting with the conveniences of urban living.  The location of Foxhall Ridge on MacArthur Boulevard between Foxhall Road and Q Street is across the street from the C & O Canal, close to MacArthur Boulevard's quaint commercial district and less than a mile from Georgetown.

Foxhall Ridge developer finishes include hardwood floors, granite counters, Cardell Cabinetry, stainless appliances, double-sided fireplaces, two-car garages and rooftop decks.

Here is a resource to learn more about this exciting new community and view active Foxhall Ridge real estate listings.

Twelve new construction condos are rising from the former parking lot located at he corner of P Street and 8th in Shaw.  The project, being developed by Capital City Real Estate, is designed to look like six row houses and blend into the historic Shaw neighborhood.

Individual unit floor plans will feature 2 BR / 2 or 2.5 BA with over 1,150 SF of living space.  Developer finishes include cherry cabinets with expresso finish, marble countertops, stainless appliances, hardwood flooring, master closet with Elfa shelving, frameless glass showers, grecian slate bath tile and  private balconies or patios.

Here is a resource to learn more about 751 P Street and other DC new construction opportunities.  Our team at TTR Sotheby's International Realty has significant experience helping condo buyers negotiate new construction contracts with DC developers.  We have previewed all the new projects currently available in the District and can help expedite and focus your search.

The long neglected mansion located at the corner of 18th and Monroe Streets in Mount Pleasant is coming back to life as a boutique condo development called The Shafer.  The project draws its name from Charles Shafer, the President of American Fire Insurance Company who originally built the mansion in 1909.

The Shafer, which is expected to deliver in 2012, features 12 one and two bedroom condos in this stately structure and adjacent carriage house.  The Developer, Community Three which recently delivered the Residences at St. Monica's project on Capitol Hill, plans to utilize the same unique unit floor plan designs which highlight the historic architectural features of the building.  Custom touches include restored original woodwork, wood-burning fireplaces, 11-foot ceilings, private terraces and individual entries. 

Here is a resource to learn more about The Shafer development in Mount Pleasant.

Washington DC median real estate prices increased by a whopping 18.45% as reported by AOL Real Estate for the 12-month period ending February 2012.  This 18.45% increase ranked DC fifth nationally for median price increases for this timeframe.

A shortage of inventory has significantly impacted the market in 2011, with inventory levels throughout the year averaging between three and four months supply.  Buyers are often confronted with multiple offer scenarios in the popular urban DC neighborhoods.  With several of the planned new condo developments now coming to market as rentals, it is likely that inventory shortages will continue in 2012 for the condo sector.

If you are considering a purchase of a home or condo in the District, here is a resource to evaluate neighborhoods and developments in the District.