Open Houses don't sell homes - Do they? - 01/27/10 02:33 PM
Many people will tell you that Open Houses Don't sell homes and that Realtors do Open Houses to attract their own buyers.  Well that is only partially true. A small percentage maybe 1 or 2% of homes are sold via Open Houses. I myself am one of those odd "1%" people.  Before I was in the Real Estate Business I found and purchased two of my previous homes via Open Houses.  Perhaps a sign that I was destine for this business.
Open Houses do - IN SOME Neighborhoods - help sell homes.  In Washington DC, we have a few very popular, … (7 comments)

Home Sales Tumble Nationally - What about DC? - 01/25/10 09:37 PM
In an article which came out today from Associated Press says how Home Sales tumbled in December - The largest drop in 40 years.  But what is the story about Washington DC?
Well it's not so doom and gloom in DC at all.  In fact with the housing inventory dropping - buyers are starting to have a difficult time finding a good home.  Sure there are still lots homes out; but the choices are not as plentiful as in many parts of the country.
Look at the numbers for DC:

 
It may be taking a bit longer to sell … (3 comments)

Open House today 1 to 3pm - 01/24/10 08:47 AM
Dupont Oasis 1826 15TH ST NW, Washington, DC 20009 View Map This is Dupont living at it's best. This freshly painted and ready to move in home is not only in a great location; but updated to the nines. Hardwood floors throughout upper unit and flooded with light. A traditional floor plan with contemporary updates. Great deck and lower patio in rear along with 2 car parking pad. The Lower level In Law suite or au-pair is complete with full kitchen, good sized living space,a large bedroom and Den. This place has it all and more.
Details Asking Price: $1,014,731 … (1 comments)

Just Listed: Sun-filled Studio Co-op in SW Washington DC - 01/21/10 05:56 PM
Sun-Filled Studio in SW DC 1245 4th Street SW, Unit E-511, Washignton, DC 20024 View Map This is a must see! A fully renovated Studio filled with Natural Sunlight. Only steps from the Metro; new Waterfront Mall and the Nats Stadium. Hardwood Floors, a custom closet and a brand new kitchen. Large balcony to enjoy sunsets and 2 fitness rooms and outdoor pool in the very well run community. Co-op fee includes Electric, Gas, Cable, Community Maintenance & Property Taxes! Also a 24/7 Front Desk and Small Pets also welcome. James T. Downing The Downing Real Estate Group, LLC REALTOR, GRI, … (7 comments)

Changes to FHA Loans - 01/21/10 01:23 PM
There are some important changes happening to FHA loans.  One of my trusted lenders whom I work with has summarized these changes.  Please feel free to contact him or myself with any questions you may have about the FHA changes.
 
I think overall; these changes are good.  Borrowers with very poor credit or who need more than 3% in closing costs; need to focus on their credit repair and savings before getting into a situation where they could potentially loose their home and do more harm in the long-term
 


Bruce MeyersBranch Managerbmeyers@gofirsthome.com 301.562.9540x100  
 
 

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Pothole Time ... How to report a pothole from DC.gov - 01/21/10 12:25 PM
Oh yeah - we hate 'em; but they happen.  If you like in DC; here is how to report them:
(Maybe, just maybe - they will actually fix 'em).  At least try to avoid them when you see that hole; waiting to swallow your car!
 
Change in Temperatures is a Pothole's DreamReminder on How to Report a Pothole(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT)wants to remind residents the best practices in reporting a pothole asmoisture, salt, and fluctuating temperatures increase pothole instances.While "pothole season" is still over a month away, when the Districtlaunches an aggressive post-snow season pothole-filling effort, … (2 comments)

Is the property really vacant? - 01/17/10 09:54 AM
A funny thing happened to me today.  I was out showing some condos in Dupont Circle.  
The listing said: Lockbox on door; Vacant; Show Anytime.  Easy enough - we can run in and not have to worry about someone being home early in the morning.So we get to the building; go up to the unit and I unlock the door.  As I swing the door open I see; lots of boxes and furniture.  OK - so maybe the guy hadn't moved everything out yet.  I call out "Hello" - just in case.  No answer; as we walk inside.
THEN I HERE … (10 comments)

For RENT: Logan Circle Condo - 01/16/10 04:14 PM
Logan Circle at it's Best 1239 Vermont Ave NW, Unit #503, Washington, DC 20005 View Map Logan Circle at it's best. This is a REAL 1 bedroom; with a huge & updated kitchen; large bedroom; ample closets and your very own Washer & Dryer. Fully remodeled 2 years ago. Nice view, even an extra storage space. A pet-friendly building & you can walk to your choice of Metro stations. Parking for sale in building through another broker for $32,000. All utilities included in condo fee. James T. Downing Team Leader - The Downing Real Estate Group REALTOR, GRI, ABR Licensed in … (1 comments)

Circle Pix - You're FIRED ! - 01/16/10 04:04 PM
I am well informed about slander and libel.  That being said; stating FACTS about a horrible service experience is still legal.  It's only bad if you make stuff up. That being said....
 
CirclePix (.com) is a company which Realtors hire to do photo-shoots for our listings.  They have local photographers who come and take pictures of the house and then upload them to a website in Hi-Res format.  The agent can also download the photos to make flyers, etc.
 
So last month; I hired this company to shoot a new listing I have in Bethesda.  The last time i … (9 comments)

It's just an Open House - I don't need an Agent... - 01/16/10 01:15 PM
Last week I held my new listing in Bethesda Open.  Some agent love Open Houses; others hate them.  I am somewhere in the middle.  Do they sell houses?  Well only about 1% of the time.  But in a slow market - how can an agent only do 99% of the things required to sell a house?!  They need to 110% of the things needed to sell it.
So during my Open House; I was shocked - but not surprised- at how many people came in; who HAD a Realtor working for them.  Now I am sure some of these folks just said … (4 comments)

It's just a small condo - I don't need a Home Inspection... - 01/16/10 12:56 PM
There are a great many buyers who decide that they do not want to pay for a home inspection for a small condo purchase.  After-all; the place isn't that big, the roof and basement are not part of my condo unit, its brand new, etc, etc, etc.
If there is one thing I have learned over the years; it's that it doesn't matter how big or small, or how new or old a home or condo is; you should have an inspection. Now maybe your Uncle Larry is a licensed contractor and is going to inspect or you just don't want to … (2 comments)

Open House Today 12-3pm - 01/10/10 12:23 PM
Bethesda Location ! 5601 Alta Vista Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 View Map This well cared-for home-same owner for 30 years. Amazing closet space in this 4 large bedroom 2 1/2 bath home. Walk to Ayrlawn Park, Metro,Suburban Hospital and NIH ! Complete with a 1-car garage + 2 spot driveway parking. Partially finished basement begging to be family room and lots of storage space. Main floor bedroom. Beautiful sunroom and mature landscaping complete this home.
Details Asking Price: $687,900 MLS: MC7230847 Lot Size: .18 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.5 # of Floors: 3 Garage Size: 1 Subdivision: Alta Vista Year Built: … (3 comments)

It's a Dog's Life... - 01/08/10 10:47 AM
Here is my business partner hard at work at the office.
Truth be told; Riley doesn't do much real work; but keeps us all entertained.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
Contact James Downing of the Downing Real Estate Group, LLC; if you are selling, buying or have questions!
Office: 202-362-5800   Cell: 703.244.3971
Licensed in Washington DC, Virginia & Maryland.
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase5028 Wisconsin Ave NW  Suite 100 * Washington DC 20016
 

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Rents in DC to overtake New York - at least on the Commercial side - 01/08/10 09:49 AM
Now I do not do Commercial Real Estate; it is important to watch it and see what the current trends are throughout the year.  Commercial Real Estate tends to follow Residential.  So while Residential starts to improve; as will Commercial.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal tells how rents in DC are poised to out-pace those in New York City.  While the average rent in DC fell about 2.2% last year - New York saw about a 20% decrease in rents.
The government isn't getting any smaller - and as the largest employer in Washington DC; it is also … (2 comments)

Metro in DC proposes rate hikes or service changes... - 01/08/10 09:37 AM
The Washington DC METRO (our transit system) seems to always be plagued by issues.  From terrible train wrecks, more unsafe conditions to the general poor management from METRO.
Now the transit system is considering a fare hike and/or service changes.  While a 10 cent fare increase won't affect many of higher-paid commuter base of government employees and lawyers; every penny counts to a large number of people whom do not have high paying salaries and rely on Mass-Transit to get to and from work.  
Many of those service-oriented jobs, like the guy who serves you your morning coffee or the woman … (4 comments)

The Bag Tax - Good or a Pain ? - 01/05/10 09:11 PM
Those of us living in Washington DC probably heard about it; but until we walked into the grocery store for the 1st time and looked for the bags to bag our groceries - we remembered - there is no such thing as a free bag.
Starting January 1st; any store giving a customer a paper or plastic bag will charge a customer 5 cents per bag.
While I; like many; thought the 5-cent per bag tax was a good idea; the 1st day when I forgot my reusable grocery bag I was annoyed at having to juggle 6 items out to … (9 comments)

If you really don't want to buy it - DON'T ! - 01/05/10 08:54 PM
Every once in awhile a home buyer wants to buy a home so badly - they start the process; even when they (or their significant other) doesn't want to.  
Recently I had a client whom really wanted to buy.  Or at least he thought he did.  From the beginning I knew there was much apprehension.  I warned the buyer about rushing into something and educated them about the process.  They pushed and pushed.  The house was found and an offer was made.  

Now I knew while making the offer the buyer wasn't ready.  The buyer continually asked; "Now … (3 comments)