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Washington, DC Real Estate News

By Shantée Haynes | AHWD, C2EX, Helping the DMV On The Move...
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty | Washington, DC )
If you’ve been quietly lurking on real estate websites, Googling phrases like “how to buy my first home,” “mortgage tips for first-time buyers,” or “what’s included in closing costs,” you’re not alone. The homebuying journey can feel like a crash course in finance, contracts, and stress management—especially if you’re navigating the process solo.Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or just starting to explore the idea of homeownership, here’s what you need to know before you get too deep into the mortgage rabbit hole.For most people, buying a home is the biggest financial decision of their lives. But no one really tells you that it's also like learning a whole new language:pre-approvals, underwriting, closing disclosures, origination fees, escrow accounts, loan-to-value ratios… the lis...
Comments 3
By Shantée Haynes | AHWD, C2EX, Helping the DMV On The Move...
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty | Washington, DC )
If you've ever wondered how long the average homeowner actually stays in their house before moving on , you're not alone. In the ever-shifting real estate markets of Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, understanding homeownership trends is more than just trivia. It’s key to making smarter buying or selling decisions.📊 DMV Homeownership Tenure: Then vs. NowAccording to housing market data and Redfin, the average time homeowners stay in their homes before selling has been steadily rising over the last decade: Year DMV Region (DC, MD, VA) Arlington, VA (Median) ~2014 11.2 years — 2024 13.6 years 7.2 years   In 2014, DMV homeowners typically sold after about 11.2 years. Today, that number is up to 13.6 years, a 21% increase over the decade. In Arlington, Virginia, a hot commute...
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By Shantée Haynes | AHWD, C2EX, Helping the DMV On The Move...
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty | Washington, DC )
🏢 Why Buying a Condo Isn’t Financial Suicide — And How to Do It Smartly When it comes to buying real estate, condos often get an unfair reputation—especially in online forums. It’s not uncommon to see condos referred to as "financial suicide" or “money pits with shared walls.” But is that really the case? Or is this another case of internet myth overtaking reality?Let’s unpack the pros, cons, and common misconceptions about condo ownership, and explore how to approach the process like a savvy, informed buyer—with the help of a qualified real estate professional.🔍 What’s the Real Deal with Condos?First, let’s acknowledge the obvious: condos aren’t for everyone. But that doesn’t mean they’re automatically a bad investment, especially for a first-time home buyer in DC.Within DC real estate...
Comments 1
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
  This is the neigborhood in Washington, DC.  Everyone wants live here, or to come here to eat and enjoy the city.Logan Circle is the quintessential NW DC neighborhood.  It simply looks and feels right, without the attitude one finds with the usually older & more established NW neighborhoods.Penn Quarter, closer to downtown/ Penn. Ave., has the nightlife, clubs and Capital One Arena.Shaw is the place to be and the neighborhood has a great feel of new & old woven together.  Up and down, up and down, last months numbers were higher, this month a little lower with a total of 80 homes sold in September 2020. Of course, that is still well above the 5 year average of 53.  It seems 2020 has a mind of it's own, so we'll continue to watch numbers, and as we move into fall.  We can't predict all ...
Comments 5
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
Capitol Hill is also a neighborhood in Washington, a big village, split halfway across, half in the NE and half in the SE quadrant of Washington, DC.  Politicians work here, but people live here also.On the north side, an iconic landmark is Union Station, with some 40 million people annually, shown here to represent the local perspective. This is a true transportation hub, with Amtrak, suburban rail, intercity  bus and the Metro(subway) stations to converge. As of 2019, 2nd busiest station in the country.As of February 2016, the H Street Trolley now gets people from (almost) Union Station to past the 15th St Starburst.This view shows the station as you drive up in a cab, or Bikeshare or walk from Capitol Hill on left.  If you were there today, you'd see no cabs, and no people inside (or...
Comments 1
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
Capitol Hill is not only a political idea, it is also a big village, a neighborhood split halfway across, half in the NE and half in the SE quadrant of Washington, DC.  Politicians work here, but people live here also.On the south side of this neighborhood is Barracks Row, and the ever growing and popular Navy Yard with the Nationals Park neighborhood.  Let's consider there will be very litle foot traffic here in the summer of 2020.The Navy Yard has very good Metro access, and is also home to baseball's Nationals Park. This neighborhood has also become the 'it' neigborhood, growing faster than any other in the past year.  All the residential growth has fueled demand for lots of new neighborhood amenities, which brings more people.  It certainly fees like a 'new' city. And FINALLY in 201...
Comments 1
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
This quote is getting older, but even more relevant in 2018. Councilmember Charles Allen was quoted in the Washington City Paper (8/21/2015) saying "Southwest is an absolutely incredible neighborhood.  It'a neighborhood that has so many things: Metro stations,water access, parks & greenspaces, small and big residential buildings.  A lot of people just didn't realize it was there".Audi Field, home of DC United Soccer, as well as PNHoffman's The Wharf will ensure a lot more people find this neighborhood.This view shows the opening day, which was a good day, albeit with opening issues. DC United has upped it's game this season with a few team additions, surely to benefit a stronger team. We can see 24 homes were sold in September 2020, with an average for the prior 5 years being 18.  About...
Comments 1
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
  This is the neigborhood in Washington, DC.  Everyone wants live here, or to come here to eat and enjoy the city.Logan Circle is the quintessential NW DC neighborhood.  It simply looks and feels right, without the attitude one finds with the usually older & more established NW neighborhoods.Penn Quarter, closer to downtown/ Penn. Ave., has the nightlife, clubs and Capital One Arena.Shaw is the place to be and the neighborhood has a great feel of new & old woven together.  The COVID yoyo continues, last months numbers were lower, this month a little higher with a total of 94 homes sold in August 2020, that is well above the 5 year average of 71.  We'll continue to watch numbers because of COVID, and as we move through summer and into fall, each month is new territory.  We can't predict ...
Comments 3
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
Capitol Hill is also a neighborhood in Washington, a big village, split halfway across, half in the NE and half in the SE quadrant of Washington, DC.  Politicians work here, but people live here also.On the north side, an iconic landmark is Union Station, with some 40 million people annually, shown here to represent the local perspective. This is a true transportation hub, with Amtrak, suburban rail, intercity  bus and the Metro(subway) stations to converge. As of 2019, 2nd busiest station in the country.As of February 2016, the H Street Trolley now gets people from (almost) Union Station to past the 15th St Starburst.This view shows the station as you drive up in a cab, or Bikeshare or walk from Capitol Hill on left.  If you were there today, you'd see no cabs, and no people inside (or...
Comments 2
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
Capitol Hill is not only a political idea, it is also a big village, a neighborhood split halfway across, half in the NE and half in the SE quadrant of Washington, DC.  Politicians work here, but people live here also.On the south side of this neighborhood is Barracks Row, and the ever growing and popular Navy Yard with the Nationals Park neighborhood.  Let's consider there will be very litle foot traffic here in the summer of 2020.The Navy Yard has very good Metro access, and is also home to baseball's Nationals Park. This neighborhood has also become the 'it' neigborhood, growing faster than any other in the past year.  All the residential growth has fueled demand for lots of new neighborhood amenities, which brings more people.  It certainly fees like a 'new' city. And FINALLY in 201...
Comments 2
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
This quote is getting older, but even more relevant in 2018. Councilmember Charles Allen was quoted in the Washington City Paper (8/21/2015) saying "Southwest is an absolutely incredible neighborhood.  It'a neighborhood that has so many things: Metro stations,water access, parks & greenspaces, small and big residential buildings.  A lot of people just didn't realize it was there".Audi Field, home of DC United Soccer, as well as PNHoffman's The Wharf will ensure a lot more people find this neighborhood.This view shows the opening day, which was a good day, albeit with opening issues. DC United has upped it's game this season with a few team additions, surely to benefit a stronger team. We can see 25 homes were sold in August 2020, with an average for the prior 5 years being 20.  More tha...
Comments 2
By Patricia Kennedy, Home in the Capital
(RLAH@properties)
People moving to Washington often start off with a wish list that includes a modest home in one of DC's upper NW neighborhoods, like Chevy Chase, American University Park, Forest Hills, Spring Valley and a bunch of other neighborhoods that are west of Rock Creek Park.  And the typical price range of up to $1million was usually doable, until lately.Checking availability for today, there were exactly 2 houses under $1million available in the entire area.  They are both new to the market, listed late last week.  Both were held open over the weekend, and typically, offers will be collected and reviewed on Tuesday or Wednesday.  Both of these have great photos and appear to be well-staged and looking their best.  And both are likely to end up in a rather gorey bidding war, selling at over $1...
Comments 13
By Patricia Kennedy, Home in the Capital
(RLAH@properties)
Three mornings each week, I start my days with a brisk walk with friends through Crestwood, the neighborhood where I live. And the great thing, other than the benefits of a little exercise, has been watching the changes in the gardens as small plants started last spring grew big and lush over the summer.  Almost every block, somebody has to stop, pull out an iPhone, and snap a shot of something, either funny, like the picture below – it makes me smile every time I walk by: Or maybe we see something simply beautiful, like this bush that was in an alley a block from my house;All over Washington, especially with all of the rain we've had, local gardens are growing like crazy.  It's like the city is putting on a bit of lipstick.And if you are thinking about selling your house, Mother Nature...
Comments 26
By Patricia Kennedy, Home in the Capital
(RLAH@properties)
OPEN HOUSESunday, September 5th, 1 to 4 pmThis pretty place could click every one of your boxes, especially if you are feeling a little cramped these days or are working from home. It’s located on a pretty, tree-lined street in Washington’s popular Dupont Circle neighborhood.  The unit occupies the top two floors of a bayfrontVictorian end-row house, built in 1900; Just click View Listing to get the full information and to see all of the photos.  Here are some of the features:  Create the perfect home office in the loft overlooking the sunny living room 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths A well designed kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances and more than ample storage and counter space A total of 1,550 square feet of living space  A private roof deck .   A four-block walk to the Dupont Metr...
Comments 25
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
  This is the neigborhood in Washington, DC.  Everyone wants live here, or to come here to eat and enjoy the city.Logan Circle is the quintessential NW DC neighborhood.  It simply looks and feels right, without the attitude one finds with the usually older & more established NW neighborhoods.Penn Quarter, closer to downtown/ Penn. Ave., has the nightlife, clubs and Capital One Arena.Shaw is the place to be and the neighborhood has a great feel of new & old woven together.  COVID crazy fits here, last months numbers were considerably lower, this month was nearly double with a total of 76 homes sold in July 2020, that is well above the 5 year average of 68.  We'll continue to watch numbers because of COVID, and as we move through summer and into fall, each month is new territory.  We can'...
Comments 6
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
Capitol Hill is also a neighborhood in Washington, a big village, split halfway across, half in the NE and half in the SE quadrant of Washington, DC.  Politicians work here, but people live here also.On the north side, an iconic landmark is Union Station, with some 40 million people annually, shown here to represent the local perspective. This is a true transportation hub, with Amtrak, suburban rail, intercity  bus and the Metro(subway) stations to converge. As of 2019, 2nd busiest station in the country.As of February 2016, the H Street Trolley now gets people from (almost) Union Station to past the 15th St Starburst.This view shows the station as you drive up in a cab, or Bikeshare or walk from Capitol Hill on left.  If you were there today, you'd see no cabs, and no people inside (or...
Comments 3
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
Capitol Hill is not only a political idea, it is also a big village, a neighborhood split halfway across, half in the NE and half in the SE quadrant of Washington, DC.  Politicians work here, but people live here also.On the south side of this neighborhood is Barracks Row, and the ever growing and popular Navy Yard with the Nationals Park neighborhood.  Let's consider there will be very litle foot traffic here in the summer of 2020.The Navy Yard has very good Metro access, and is also home to baseball's Nationals Park. This neighborhood has also become the 'it' neigborhood, growing faster than any other in the past year.  All the residential growth has fueled demand for lots of new neighborhood amenities, which brings more people.  It certainly fees like a 'new' city. And FINALLY in 201...
Comments 2
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
This quote is getting older, but even more relevant in 2018. Councilmember Charles Allen was quoted in the Washington City Paper (8/21/2015) saying "Southwest is an absolutely incredible neighborhood.  It'a neighborhood that has so many things: Metro stations,water access, parks & greenspaces, small and big residential buildings.  A lot of people just didn't realize it was there".Audi Field, home of DC United Soccer, as well as PNHoffman's The Wharf will ensure a lot more people find this neighborhood.This view shows the opening day, which was a good day, albeit with opening issues. DC United has upped it's game this season with a few team additions, surely to benefit a stronger team. We can see 19 homes were sold in July 2020, with an average for the prior 5 years being 21.  A few less...
Comments 3
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
  This is the neigborhood in Washington, DC.  Everyone wants live here, or to come here to eat and enjoy the city.Logan Circle is the quintessential NW DC neighborhood.  It simply looks and feels right, without the attitude one finds with the usually older & more established NW neighborhoods.Penn Quarter, closer to downtown/ Penn. Ave., has the nightlife, clubs and Capital One Arena.Shaw is the place to be and the neighborhood has a great feel of new & old woven together.  COVID continues to perplex, and up and down numbers mean our market isn't normal right now, as a total of 48 homes were sold in June 2020, that is below the 5 year average of 69.  We'll continue to watch numbers because of COVID, and as we move through summer and into fall, each month is new territory.  We can't predi...
Comments 8
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
Capitol Hill is also a neighborhood in Washington, a big village, split halfway across, half in the NE and half in the SE quadrant of Washington, DC.  Politicians work here, but people live here also.On the north side, an iconic landmark is Union Station, with some 40 million people annually, shown here to represent the local perspective. This is a true transportation hub, with Amtrak, suburban rail, intercity  bus and the Metro(subway) stations to converge. As of 2019, 2nd busiest station in the country.As of February 2016, the H Street Trolley now gets people from (almost) Union Station to past the 15th St Starburst.This view shows the station as you drive up in a cab, or Bikeshare or walk from Capitol Hill on left.  If you were there today, you'd see no cabs, and no people inside (or...
Comments 4
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
Capitol Hill is not only a political idea, it is also a big village, a neighborhood split halfway across, half in the NE and half in the SE quadrant of Washington, DC.  Politicians work here, but people live here also.On the south side of this neighborhood is Barracks Row, and the ever growing and popular Navy Yard with the Nationals Park neighborhood.  Let's consider there will be very litle foot traffic here in the summer of 2020.The Navy Yard has very good Metro access, and is also home to baseball's Nationals Park. This neighborhood has also become the 'it' neigborhood, growing faster than any other in the past year.  All the residential growth has fueled demand for lots of new neighborhood amenities, which brings more people.  It certainly fees like a 'new' city. And FINALLY in 201...
Comments 4
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
This quote is getting older, but even more relevant in 2018. Councilmember Charles Allen was quoted in the Washington City Paper (8/21/2015) saying "Southwest is an absolutely incredible neighborhood.  It'a neighborhood that has so many things: Metro stations,water access, parks & greenspaces, small and big residential buildings.  A lot of people just didn't realize it was there".Audi Field, home of DC United Soccer, as well as PNHoffman's The Wharf will ensure a lot more people find this neighborhood.This view shows the opening day, which was a good day, albeit with opening issues. DC United has upped it's game this season with a few team additions, surely to benefit a stronger team. We can see 21 homes were sold in June 2020, with an average for the prior 5 years being 20.  A few more...
Comments 4
By Claude Labbe, Realty for Your Busy Life
(RLAH / @properties)
  This is the neigborhood in Washington, DC.  Everyone wants live here, or to come here to eat and enjoy the city.Logan Circle is the quintessential NW DC neighborhood.  It simply looks and feels right, without the attitude one finds with the usually older & more established NW neighborhoods.Penn Quarter, closer to downtown/ Penn. Ave., has the nightlife, clubs and Capital One Arena.Shaw is the place to be and the neighborhood has a great feel of new & old woven together.  We keep expecting issues to arise from COVID lockdown, but thankfully they haven't been as bad as we had expected.  We are finally seeing some reaction in the market as the number of homes sold dropped again for a second month for a total of 44 homes sold in May 2020, that is below the 5 year average of 69.  We'll con...
Comments 3
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