Jennell Alexander's (realtorjennell) Blog

Hot Spot of the Week: The Pig

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 08:21:25 -0700

My family is always on the hunt for new dining experiences in DC. We were excited when we found The Pig in the Logan Circle neighborhood. We couldn’t wait to try out its unique menu.This contemporary American restaurant describes itself as, “A warm & rustic pork-centric dining experience of handmade food & drink with all respect to the whole animal.” The Pig is at the forefront of the growing “nose to tail” movement. Or, as John Witherspoon’s character in the movie Boomerang put it:There are two reasons why I loved my experience at this place. One, it gave me a reason to learn what the word charcuterie means. And two, the food was flat out delicious! I recommend that you start with the Pork Pelly Buns. This appetizer features braised pork belly sandwiched between soft buns and drizzled with a garlic glaze. These things are wonderful, and I could have eaten them as a meal.For our main course, my husband and I shared our orders of applewood smoked ribs and the pan seared pork chop. While the ribs did not knock our socks off, the pork chop was juicy and flavorful.Bottom LineWe are definitely adding The Pig to our “go-to” list of places to take out of town guests. The service was attentive and friendly, and the overall vibe was nice. This is a great place to share good food and drink with friends. I can’t wait to visit again and maybe try some of the more exotic choices. You should check it out!Details The Pig1320 14th St. NW Washington DC, 20005 202-290-2821Hours of operation:Dinner: Nightly, 5:00 pmLunch/Brunch: Friday, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm; Weekend + Holiday, 10:30 am – 3:00 pm You can check out their menu and learn more about this restaurant on the web, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. About Love Living DCLove Living DC is Washington’s #1 Real Estate team for dependable neighborhood expertise. We help busy families like yours find their DC Dream Home.This post first appeared on our blog at LoveLivingDC.com.

Washington, DC Weekend Event Guide: June 28 - 30

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 07:26:55 -0700

Hey Washington! Here’s your weekly list of fun, upcoming events!Southside rise up! I can't think of a weekend in recent memory when so many exciting activities were scheduled for venues East of the River!The party starts at noon on Friday at the Hookie DC Festival, which bills itself as a successor to the beloved DC Caribbean Day Parade.On Saturday morning, get your exercise on at the Inaugural Congress Heights Bike Ride.If you're not too tired from pedaling, stay to watch the Mystics take on the Connecticut Sun at the Entertainment and Sports Arena.Finally, the DC Black Theatre & Arts Festival spans the entire weekend, with multiple Theater, Arts, Music and Dance performances shining at The ARC and several Anacostia-based playhouses. See world-famous comedian Michael Colyar like you're never seen him before.Never miss a thing in DC. Click here to have fun upcoming events delivered to your inbox weekly!Friday June 28thPageantry and Pyrotechnics in the European Fete Book @ National Gallery of ArtDC Black Theatre & Arts Festival @ The ARC and various venuesJazz in the Garden | Vibes/ Harmonica @ National Gallery of Art Sculpture GardenDC Hookie Carnival @ Gateway Pavilion At St. Elizabeths | 2700 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SECapitol Riverfront Concert Series: Justin Trawick + The United States Navy Band @ The Yards ParkEn Vogue @ Bethesda Blues and JazzSaturday June 29thInaugural Congress Heights Bike Ride @ The R.I.S.E Center | 2730 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SEConnecticut Sun vs Washington Mystics @ Entertainment and Sports ArenaDC Black Theatre & Arts Festival @ The ARC and various venuesSmithsonian Folklife Festival @ The National MallShanice @ The Howard TheatreAfroMode DC: African Contemporary Art and Fashion Pop Up @ 1343 L St NWInaugural Celebration of the Arts in Ward 4 @ The Kingsbury Center | 5000 14th Street, NWToronto FC at DC United @ Audi FieldSunday June 30thDC Black Theatre & Arts Festival @ The ARC and various venuesSmithsonian Folklife Festival @ The National MallOne Life: Marian Anderson @ National Portrait GalleryWe the Kids: Engaging Kids in Local Politics @ 715 Van Buren St NW, Washington, DCAbout Love Living DCLove Living DC is Washington’s #1 real estate team for dependable neighborhood expertise.Our latest blog post has our notes from this week's community meeting for the Takoma, Manor Park and Lamond-Riggs neighborhoods.Learn about the new Office of Police Complaints and the dog park coming to the Takoma Rec Center. Be the first to know about the 37-unit condo project coming to the Takoma Metro.Have a great weekend!Jennell AlexanderThis post originally appeared on our blog at LoveLivingDC.com

Takoma Dog Park Highlights Busy June Community Meeting

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 11:09:34 -0700

The June Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 4B) meeting for the Takoma, Manor Park and Lamond-Riggs neighborhoods took place on Monday evening at the MPD Fourth District HQ Community Room. Commissioners and citizens rushed to complete their business before the two-month summer hiatus. Here are my highlights:Takoma Dog ParkThe nine-year quest to have the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) construct a dog park in the Takoma area is nearing its climax. Neighbors in and around the neighborhood have been debating the merits of a dog park since at least 2010. After many ups and downs, DPR finally approved a plan in July of 2017.The dog park will be in the square-shaped area off 5th St NW and next to the indoor pool. Coolidge High School used the site for its trailer campus during the school's renovation. Brent Sisco, a project manager for DPR, was there to share the project’s details.Construction of the dog park will begin in August and finish by the end of October. The Northern Ward 4 Dog Park Group is the sponsoring organization and will be charged with developing a culture of responsible park usage. This includes training owners to picking up dog waste. Another concern is teaching owners to maintain control of their animals while they are walking to and from the park. The site of the fenced area will be near a foot path that is regularly used by Coolidge students and others as they walk to the Metro station.The park will be approximately ten thousand square feet in area, which is about the same as the dog park on Upshur Street NW. DPR is still considering what type of surface to use and whether to include any agility apparatus.Construction will cost about $30 per square foot. Mr. Sisco said, contrary to popular opinion, dog urine is a bigger environmental concern than feces. Dog park users typically do not have a problem picking up after their pets, but the park must be engineered to contain the urine-contaminated stormwater runoff.I know at least one doggie who is very excited about the upcoming park!Office of Police ComplaintsNykisha Cleveland, Public Affairs Specialist for the Office of Police Complaints (OPC), paid a visit to inform the public about the new agency. This visit was especially timely considering the disturbing police involved incident that occurred at the U Street Metro station last week.The Office of Police Complaints is an independent DC agency whose main goal is to receive, investigate and resolve police misconduct complaints by citizens. It is the citizens’ best tool for oversight on Metropolitan Police and Housing Authority Police. Examples of abuse or misuse of power that can be investigated include harassment, excessive use of force, discrimination, retaliation and failure to identify to the public.What Citizens Can DoResidents can file a Complaints in several ways: Online at PoliceComplaints.dc.gov In person at the OPC office located at 1400 I Street NW, Suite 700 Call their 24-hour hotline 866-588-0569 In person at any Metropolitan Police Department district station Citizens should file complaints as soon as possible after an incident. They must be received within 90 days.Ms. Cleveland stated that OPC has “direct access” to police body camera footage. That is interesting because access to that footage has been a source of major dispute between MPD and many community activists.OPC has several remedies in its toolkit, including mediation between officers and the complainant, the issuance of policy recommendations and community outreach.Sadly, OPC does not have jurisdiction over Metro Transit police.Ms. Cleveland’s visit was well-received by the commissioners and audience members.Main Street TakomaLaura Barclay, the Executive Director of the Old Takoma Business Association (OTBA), came to share information about her organization and how it helps neighborhood residents and businesses.Since 2004, the mission of the Old Takoma Business Association has been to bring the businesses, residents and community organizations together to build and sustain a vibrant commercial district and preserve the neighborhood’s rich history. It is a non-profit organization and has the unique duty of serving members in both the District and the city of Takoma Park, Maryland.OTBA serves the commercial zone around 4th Street NW and Carroll Street in DC, and Carroll Avenue in Maryland. It supports these businesses with low-interest loans, micro-grants, technical support and promotion through the organization’s web site and on social media. OTBA produces a retail market analysis to help its members make decisions. It also hosts a series of events and meetings to showcase Takoma as a great place to work and live.Though many of the businesses of the Takoma main street are thriving, challenges remain. The difficulties in the national retail landscape affect our neighborhood as well. She encouraged the audience to shop local to support our small businesses.Takoma Business UpdatesMs. Barclay also updated the audience about several businesses that residents have been eagerly anticipating: S&S Liquors at the corner of Blair Road and Carroll Street NW has almost completed its renovation. It will reopen in July after a two-year absence caused by a fire and the illness of the owner. Interior construction of Children’s Hospital @ Takoma Theatre began last week. The 23,000 square foot facility will provide services in behavioral medicine, autism, hearing and speech, and developmental medicine. Two food and drink vendors will join Children’s at Takoma Theatre –Lost Sock Roasters is a small-batch artisanal coffee roaster. It will feature fresh brewed coffee drinks and food from the popular Call Your Mother café (this is the place on Georgia Avenue that produces those long lines.Turning Natural is a juice bar and café that features cold-pressed juices, nutritious food options, and natural ingredients.Finally, Takoma business on both sides of the border have identified a list of issues they would like to resolve. They have proposed to create a working group that will tackle issues like roadwork and sidewalks, coordinating traffic signals, parking and signage.To learn more, visit the organization’s web site at MainStreetTakoma.org. Condo Project at 218 Cedar Street NW[caption id="attachment_3602" align="aligncenter" width="800"] An artist's rendering of the proposed development on Cedar Street NW, across from the Takoma Metro.[/caption]Several months ago, Neighborhood Development Company purchased the site of the 7-11 store across the street from the Takoma Metro station. Their intention is to build a 37-unit condominium building with one- and two-bedrooms. Ten percent of the units will be designated as affordable housing through the Inclusionary Zoning provision.Because of the Takoma Historic District, this plan requires the developers to receive approval from the Historic Preservation Review Board. This necessitates a resolution from the local advisory neighborhood commission.Four neighbors spoke in opposition to the current design of the project during the Community Concerns section of the meeting. Generally, these residents feel that the five-story building is too tall and out of scale with two historic homes that exist on the eastern end of that block. One expressed a desire to send the plan back to the architect to “make it better” and improve the transition from the single-family homes to the condo building. Another all but asked that the developer remove a floor of the building to “decrease the massing” of the project.[caption id="attachment_3601" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Trees separating the development from the neighboring homes.[/caption]The site is zoned NC-2 for mixed-use development. NC-2 zone is a special zoning designation for the Takoma neighborhood. Two of its stated purposes are to: Allow and encourage residential development to help meet the need for housing, enhance safety, and provide sufficient resident population to support neighborhood-serving retail, service, and office uses; Encourage residential development to enhance safety and provide resident population to support neighborhood-serving commercial uses. This project delivers exactly what was intended by the special Takoma zone. In addition, it is separated from the adjacent single-family homes by a large bank of mature trees. You can barely see through this vegetation. Transit Oriented Development principles also support the concept. Every family living next door to the Metro station is one less car on our congested roads.The commission voted to approve the resolution in support of the project. The project moves on to a hearing at the Historic Preservation Review Board on July 11th. Love Living DC is Washington’s #1 Real Estate team for dependable neighborhood expertise. We help busy families like yours find their DC Dream Home. This article first appeard on our blog at LoveLivingDC.com

Washington, DC Weekend Event Guide: June 21 - 23

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 16:41:18 -0700

Hey Washington! Here’s your weekly list of fun, upcoming events!Many fan-favorite events hit the calendar this weekend.Explore DC's best museums under the stars during the Smithsonian's Solstice Saturday.Join National Book Awards-honored authors in a discussion of the importance of James Baldwin and his work’s urgent relevance in today’s society.Never miss a thing in DC. Click here to have fun upcoming events delivered to your inbox weekly!Friday June 21stMusic in the Park @ Triangle Park | Fourth and Blair Road NWDecade of Fire: Film Screening & Discussion @ Christ United Methodist Church | 900 4th Street, SWTI and Backyard Featuring Ocean @ The AnthemJazz in the Garden | World Steam Punk @ National Gallery of Art Sculpture GardenAtlanta Braves at Washington Nationals @ Nationals ParkSaturday June 22nd6th Annual Kennedy Street Festival @ 518 Kennedy Street NW27th Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle @ Pennsylvania Avenue, between 3rd and 7th Streets, NWD.C. Filipino Food Festival @ District Pier at The WharfAstronomy Festival on the National Mall @ The National MallSolstice Saturday: Stay Out Late with the Smithsonian @ Various Smithsonian MuseumsAtlanta Braves at Washington Nationals @ Nationals ParkSunday June 23rdWard 4 Family Fun Day @ Kingsbury Day School | 5000 14th St NW27th Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle @ Pennsylvania Avenue, between 3rd and 7th Streets, NWJames Baldwin and His Legacy @ Anacostia Neighborhood LibraryAtlanta Braves at Washington Nationals @ Nationals ParkConya Doss @ City Winery DCAbout Love Living DCLove Living DC is Washington’s #1 real estate team for dependable neighborhood expertise.The Neighborhood Guides are here! Learn everything you need to know about about DC neighborhoods before you begin your home search!Our first guide features the Crestwood neighborhood of NW. This idyllic community is waiting to be discovered by home buyers in search of their dream home. Check it out!Have a great weekend!Jennell Alexander

Washington, DC Weekend Event Guide: June 7 - 9 | #DCJazzFest

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 06:43:20 -0700

Hey Washington! Here’s your weekly list of fun, upcoming events!With DCJazzFest and Capital Pride events unfolding all over town, this weekend is packed with activities. DCJazzFest has a number of big-time stars on the bill like Jon Batiste and Cécile McLorin Salvant, but there are many local and free events to choose from as well.To top it all off, this weekend marks the beginning of the summer festival season, with events like the Taste of Jamaica and Fiesta Asia coming to Silver Spring.Never miss a thing in DC. Click here to have fun upcoming events delivered to your inbox weekly!Friday June 7thJazz in the Garden | Jazz Trombone @ National Gallery of Art Sculpture GardenCinema + Conversation: The Last Black Man In San Francisco @ Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureWhen They See Us Film Screening & Panel/Community Discussion @ Union Temple Baptist ChurchKent Miller Quartet @ Bus Boys and Poets, AnacostiaSaturday June 8thDC JazzFest Jazz in the ‘Hoods @ The Big ChairStep Afrika! Celebrates 25 Years @ Hartke Theater, Catholic University of AmericaForest Treás @ Dance Loft on 14thRick Ross @ Entertainment and Sports ArenaReopening: Hall of Fossils - Deep Time @ National Museum of Natural HistorySunday June 9thDeAndre Shaifer Trio @ Sotto | 1610 14th St. NWDallas Wings at Washington Mystics @ Entertainment and Sports ArenaTaste of Jamaica @ Veterans Plaza | Silver SpringFiesta Asia @ 916 Ellsworth Drive Silver SpringCapital Pride Festival @ Pennsylvania Ave & 3rd St NWAbout Love Living DCIn today’s housing market, home prices are above historical norms. Low supply of listed homes and high demand from buyers has pushed prices to rise rapidly.In the mind of the homeowner, annual home price appreciation over 6% has become the new normal. This becomes a challenge when a homeowner looks to refinance or sell their home, as the expectation of what the homeowner believes the home should be worth does not always line up with the bank’s appraisal or with what buyers are willing to pay.In today’s market, you need an expert agent who can help price your house right from the start. Homeowners who make the mistake of overpricing their homes will eventually have to drop the price. This leaves buyers wondering if the price drop was caused by something wrong with the house. In reality, nothing is wrong- the price was just too high!Bottom LineIf you are planning on selling your house in today’s market, meet with a local real estate professional, like me, who can help you set your listing price properly from the start!Have a great weekend!Jennell AlexanderThis blog post first appeared at LoveLivingDC.com

June 2019 Community Meeting for Shepherd Park, Brightwood & Crestwood

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 09:38:59 -0700

The Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 4A) meeting for the Colonial Village, Shepherd Park, Brightwood, 16th Street Heights and Crestwood neighborhoods for the month of June took place on Tuesday evening at the MPD Fourth District HQ Community Room. The agenda for this month was light but did touch on some important issues for the community.Report from the Mayor’s OfficeGabrielle Priest spoke on behalf of the Office of the Mayor. The biggest item that she presented was the establishment of the Mayor’s Commission on Healthcare Systems Transformation. The goal of this task force is to study the current state of the city’s complex healthcare delivery system. It would then make recommendations on strategies to improve access and equity across the city. The closure of Providence Hospital and the ongoing uncertainty over United Medical Center in Ward 8 make this especially important.Report from Councilmember Todd’s OfficeSheryl Newman, CM Todd’s chief of staff presented the report from Councilmember Todd’s office. She cheerfully rattled off the many budget achievements that the office can claim. Highlights include all Ward 4 schools with renovation needs being placed on the city’s capital improvement project, with secured funding.Other wins include funding set aside for various recreation center projects, like the creation of a public entrance to the Roosevelt High School pool, a new roof for the Takoma Aquatic Center and securing the planning funds for the highly anticipated Walter Reed pool. The city will build a new playground for the Crestwood neighborhood.On the small business front, she announced the pending publication of a Request for Proposals for an Upper Georgia Avenue MainStreet. This area would cover from Missouri to Eastern Avenues. This organization can help local small business modernize their business practices and learn how to market themselves in the digital age. The councilmember also found funds to expand the availability of the DPW Clean Team to help makes our streets and public spaces more appealing places to work and shop.Finally, she stated that the agreement with the Maryland Department of Transportation to redesign the 16th Street “Circle of Death” at the border has been finalized. The completed intersection will feature traffic signals at every entrance to the circle and improved crosswalks. A date for the next step in this project is forthcoming.Report from Councilmember Robert White’s OfficeDexter Williams from Councilmember Robert White’s Office came to last night’s meeting to give a legislative update as well. He focused on a package of budget items that CM White secured to benefit the operation of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions city-wide: $100,000 was earmarked to create a mobile app that will improve communication between ANCs and the public $80,000 will provide for American Sign Language Services $255,000 will be used for language access services for non-English speakers Mr. Williams also made note of CM White’s recent legislative proposal to restore the voting rights for incarcerated citizens.Walter Reed UpdateThe design teams for two of the residential buildings in the new town center area of the developing Walter Reed campus were present to share their latest images and seek the ANC 4A’s support via resolution. The teams will present these drawings to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) at the end of June.As you can see, the designs are very attractive. Keep in mind that this section of the project has an intentionally modern take on some of the classical features seen throughout the historical portions of the campus. The architects changed the designs in several places in response to feedback from earlier community meetings.There was a sense of urgency around these resolutions. The developer is in negotiations with a prospective grocery store tenant. That potential tenant remains unnamed due to a confidentiality agreement. However, this operator has made it known that it wants building O and P to be constructed and opened at the same time as building I and J where the store will be located. That is why it was important for this design to go through before the June 27 HPRB meeting.After a brief discussion, ANC 4A passed both resolutions.Washington Gas UpdateFinally, representatives from Washington Gas shared information about their infrastructure replacement project, called Project Pipes. The utility periodically upgrades its pipeline system to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to homes and businesses. It will replace street mainlines and service lines to homes and businesses. Lastly, the contractors will also move any interior gas meters outdoors. There is a current project in the area of 14th and Nicholson Street NW. Washington Gas will schedule other sites in ANC 4A in the future. This blog post first appeared on LoveLivigDC.com

Soup Up: Brightwood Park Soup Bar Celebrates First Year

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 10:27:08 -0700

Love Living DC is Washington’s #1 real estate team for dependable neighborhood expertise. In this episode, Realtor Jennell Alexander visits Soup Up, one of uptown's most popular healthy dining destinations. She chats with owner Donna Henry to see what the Brightwood Park establishment is all about.Pillar of Kennedy StreetOne of the keys to the revitalization of the Kennedy Street NW corridor is the ingenuity of its small business owners. Soup Up is one of the shining retail stars of the Brightwood Park community. After incubating her craft in the Union Market food hall, owner Donna Henry established her own brick and mortar at 709 Kennedy Street NW. We visited with her recently to learn more about her story and the amazing selection of delicious foods that she offers.Health and tastiness are the foundations of the Soup Up menu. The soups are low sodium, prepared with organic, locally grown, fresh vegetables, herbs and spices. They are made in small batches, from scratch. Their key principle is that no additives, preservatives, dairy or oil is ever used in their products. Vegan and gluten free soups are always available. Customers will experience the warmth of authentic homemade cooking with every spoonful. More than just Soup Ultimately, the soup is the star of the show here, but the Soup Up menu contain a variety of surprising delights. The hand-crafted spring rolls have options for Jerk Shrimp, Jerk Chicken, sweet yams and other fillings. The salads are on point and the sandwiches and wraps fulfill that everyday craving.The brunch menu features flavorful waffles, omelets, loaded toasts and other classics. The shop creates Fresh pressed juices packed with fruits and veggies like kale, beets, carrot and wheatgrass.Bottom LineSoup Up is one of the city’s premier destinations for healthy, wholesome and delicious soups and other foods. Donna dug deep into her Caribbean heritage to craft an array of recipes full of homemade goodness. Stop by to check it out and tell them Jennell sent you!The shop is open for lunch and dinner and provides catering services.Soup Up709 Kennedy Street NW Washington, DC 20011Hours of operation are:Monday 11:00 am – 6:00 pmTuesday - Saturday 11 am – 8:00 pmSunday 11:00 am – 7:00 pmYou can check out their menu and learn more about this restaurant on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Washington, DC Weekend Event Guide: March 29-31, 2019

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 10:11:30 -0700

Hey Washington! Here’s your weekly list of fun, upcoming events!One of my favorite parts of the National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place this weekend: The Blossom Kite Festival. Join hundreds of families and kite afficiados as they build, fly and compete in this spirited event. There are plenty of kids activities as well.Big-time college basketball rolls into Chinatown as the NCAA's March Madness Sweet 16 kicks off Friday evening with a powerhouse lineup. Watch future pro star Zion Williamson and his Duke Blue Devils take on the local favorite Virginia Tech Hokies. And catch the Big-Ten champion Michigan State Spartans battle the LSU Tigers.Never miss a thing in DC. Click here to have fun upcoming events delivered to your inbox weekly!Friday March 29thMovie: Dumbo @ Area TheatersA Bronx Tale @ National TheatreComedy: J.B. Smoove @ Warner TheatreNCAA Tournament - Michigan St vs LSU; Duke vs Virginia Tech @ Capital One ArenaSaturday March 30thBlossom Kite Festival @ Washington Monument groundsCommunity Paint Party and Mural Unveiling @ The Parks at Walter ReedWharf Phase II Kick Off Celebration and Family Fun Day @ The WharfFilm and Discussion: Dog Parks & Coffee Shops @ Mount Pleasant LibraryWashington Nationals vs. NY Mets (Pups in the Park) @ Nationals ParkSunday March 31stTidal Potomac Slam (Fishing Tournament) @ Fletcher's Cove (DC)NCAA Tournament - Regional Finals @ Capital One ArenaWashington Nationals vs. NY Mets @ Nationals ParkMariah Carey @ The Theater at MGM National HarborHot Spot of the WeekLove Living DC is Washington’s #1 real estate team for dependable neighborhood expertise. In this second episode, Realtor Jennell Alexander visits Soup Up, one of uptown’s most popular healthy dining destinations. She chats with owner Donna Henry to see what the Brightwood Park establishment is all about.Soup Up: Delicious and Wholesome Soup Bar Celebrates First Year in Brightwood ParkHave a great weekend!

Washington, DC's Best Fried Chicken Restaurants

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 13:42:59 -0800

Living in a resourceful community can be so handy. A few weeks ago, one of our neighbors had the taste for some delicious Southern Fried Chicken. Wisely, she posted a request for suggestions on our community message board. Then watched as the recommendations rolled in.Here are several of the selections that my neighbors suggested. Do you agree? Are there any great fried chicken spots that you would add?Uptown DC Neighborhood Favorites Peach’s Kitchen - 6214 3rd St NW Washington, DC 20011This is comfort food at its most satisfying. Here, Peaches mixes soul food cuisine with a Caribbean vibe. Every meal is made from scratch, so call ahead for a takeout order or give yourself plenty of time if you’re eating in. This is food made to savor. The Hitching Post - 200 Upshur St NW Washington, DC 20011This neighborhood gem is off the beaten path but is certainly worth the trek to top of Upshur Street. This is another place that takes its time getting your food just right, but the result is so worth it. It has been in business since 1967 for a reason, and that reason is the scrumptious fried chicken. Oohs and Aaahs Soul Food Restaurant - Two locations5933 Georgia Ave NW Washington, DC 20011 & 1005 U St NW Washington, DC 20001This restaurant has been a favorite of late-night U Street diners for years and they recently opened a new location attached to the Georgia Avenue Walmart. That convenient parking makes this a great take-out option, but they have a nice two-level dining area as well.Washington, DC Citywide Favorites Georgia Brown’s - 950 15th St NW Washington, DC 20005This is a high-class place to take your out-of-town guests or to celebrate a promotion. But don’t get it twisted; they still know how to put their foot in a recipe and evoke that low country soul! Carolina Kitchen - 2350 Washington Pl NE Washington, DC 20018This is been a reliable go-to spot for soul food for years. Their portions are huge, and the customer service is intentional, warm and friendly. The pork chops are my favorite here, but the fried chicken is quality as well. This is a surefire weekend brunch location. Henry’s Soul Café - 1704 U St NW Washington, DC 20009Henry’s is world-famous for their sweet potato pies, which conjures hours-long lines during the holidays. But they can also throw down with their regular menu. Many say that this is the very best chicken in town, with crisp, crunchy breading and tender meat inside. District Soul Food - 500 8th St SE Washington, DC 20003There is a new contender on the block. This recently opened restaurant is here to stake a claim to the best fried chicken title. We visited this place a few weeks ago and we will definitely make a return visit. I love white meat and the breasts here were juicy and delicious. Bottom LineWashington, DC may be known for its international cuisine, but local chefs still know how to get down with their soul food. From white tablecloth restaurants to after-party hole-in-the-walls, there are multiple options to satisfy your fried chicken craving.--Jennell AlexanderReal Estate AgentLoveLivingDC.comKeller Williams Capital Properties(202) 717-2276Are you looking to Buy or Sell a Home in the Washington, DC area?Link to the original blog post.

Ritchie’s Café, the Best Crepes in Washington, DC

Sun, 03 Mar 2019 17:13:48 -0800

Ritchie's Cafe, Best Crepes in Washington, DCWhere: 6204 Georgia Avenue NW Washington, DC 20011Hours: T, W, F, Sa 8am-8pm, Th, Su 8am-7pm, closed MWhat: Sweet & Savory Crepes and CupcakesCost: $1.50 - $8Contact: Fernando & SilviaPhone: 202-726-2000Specializing in Crepes and Cupcakes in BrightwoodThe revitalization of retail options along the Georgia Avenue corridor continues with the recent opening of Ritchie’s Café, an exciting new crêpe and bakery shop. We took a visit to see what it was all about.Brother and sister team Fernando and Silvia Rivera provide multiple ways to satisfy your sweet tooth and fill a big need for the community. Fernando is the crêpe master, who can mix up the pastry delights like a deejay spinning your favorite tunes. Their version is light, fluffy and delicious. You can fill it with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas and layer it with Nutella spread. Or, you can choose a heartier option and add mozzarella, grilled chicken and onions. The choice is yours. The house specialty is “Ritchie the Crêpe”, a multicolored pastry sure to delight your kids.Silvia is the baker who whips up marvelous cupcakes to make your mouth water. That’s right folks, no more trudging to Georgetown to wait in line like a tourist; you can get your cupcake fix right here in the neighborhood. She shared a few of her chocolate cupcakes with us: some with coffee frosting and others with vanilla French buttercream frosting and blueberries. Her creations are colorful, tasty and fun.A “Third Place” Uptown DC has a lack of spaces that can be considered a third place, somewhere other than home or work where folks can get together to shoot the breeze. With its relaxed and welcoming vibe, Ritchie’s Café is a candidate to fill that role. Free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating make it viable space to get some work done or meet friends for coffee. A unique “DC angel” mural provides an irresistible selfie opportunity. On-street parking is available, and the 70 bus stops right in front of the storefront.Bottom Line Ritchie’s Café is a welcome addition to our community’s dining options. Fernando and Silvia put their years of hospitality industry experience together to create a fun, new space for Brightwood and the surrounding area to enjoy. Stop by to check it out and tell them Jennell sent you! The shop is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and provides catering services. It is located at 6204 Georgia Avenue NW 20011 (Cross street is Rittenhouse).You can also follow Ritchie's Cafe on Facebook where they will occassionally share some special discounts.--Jennell AlexanderReal Estate AgentLoveLivingDC.comKeller Williams Capital Properties(202) 717-2276Are you looking to Buy or Sell a Home in the Washington, DC area?

KW BRN Mastermind at Keller Williams Family Reunion 2019

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 12:39:36 -0800

The First TimeThis is my first trip to Keller Williams Family Reunion. After just one day I can say that this has been a life-altering experience. The city of New Orleans is a magnificent host, with its vibrant culture on display on every street. The opportunity to network with and draw inspiration from over 18,000 other Keller Williams Realtors has me excited about taking my business to a higher level. Watching the rollout of the amazing new technology by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan on the big stage was invigorating. As one of our Market Center’s technology trainers, I have a LOT to look forward to. But as wonderful as all of that has been, the highlight of my trip so far has been the KW BRN Mastermind that took place on Saturday evening at the New Orleans Marriott. What is KW BRN?The KW BRN Mastermind is a nationwide networking and leadership event for African-American real estate professionals who serve under the Keller Williams brand. Over the years, leaders within Keller Williams advocated for this group to provide support to Black Realtors, with the goal of helping more agents reach their full potential.Let’s face it, minority Realtors and the people in their spheres of influence have had to overcome cultural, economic and historical barriers in the housing industry. Through knowledge-sharing, celebration and service, this group aims to break down those barriers and launch Rockstars into the real estate space. This is the fifth year that the KW BRN mastermind has been held in conjunction with Family Reunion.Sharing the KnowledgeThe KW BRN mastermind event was divided into six panels, each with a different area of focus. The topics included Leadership, Investment, Specialty, Emerging Leaders, Mega Teams/Groups and Mega Agents. Mr. Emerick Peace (Prince Georges County, MD), Mr. Mark Ellington (Prince Georges County, MD) and Mr. Martin Weldon (Washington, DC) skillfully moderated the talks and kept the conversation flowing. There were so many gifts of knowledge dispensed by the panelists that I couldn’t capture it all. Below you will find a selection of stories from the panels that really made an impact on me.On Moving to a New Level – Regina Polk, BOLD CoachMs. Regina Polk (Charlotte, NC) shared her story of transitioning from being a successful agent to becoming one of the most sought-after BOLD coaches in the country. She recalled, “I figured out early that while other people like houses, I love people.”When the opportunity to move to coaching presented itself, she was initially unsure about exactly what steps to take. Reflecting on that time, she says, “You must be willing to take risks. You don’t always know everything you need to be great. All you have to know is that you are.” Then she did what she now advises her clients to do: Hire a coach.That’s right, she hired a coach to teach her how to become a better coach. And it worked! After she demonstrated success with her first client, other agents quickly began coming to her for guidance.She acknowledged that many in the audience can’t find the space in our mindsets to hire a coach, but countered that by saying, “You are losing more money than you can imagine simply by not making that decision. You don’t have to know the “how”; there are so many people that can help you figure that out. We are just one person, or one belief away from success.”You must be willing to take risks. You don’t always know everything you need to be great. All you have to know is that you are.– Regina Polk, BOLD Coach.On Real Estate Investment - Johnny Collins, Title Company Partner & InvestorMr. Johnny Collins is a partner at Community National Title, a full-service title agent serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His story hit home because it speaks to what each of us should be striving toward every day: leaving a legacy for our families.He remembered a turbulent time in his family in the late 1990s when his father had been diagnosed with cancer. Two weeks before his passing, his father made him an offer: He could receive a brand-new Isuzu Rodeo with a chrome-kit and custom rims, or he could take $25,000 in cash.Of course, that was a trick question; his father only wanted to hear him make the right decision. But that trip to the bank revealed something incredible to Mr. Collins. Unbeknownst to him, his parents were millionaires! Over the years, they had accumulated a portfolio of over 900 homes through real estate investing.He then told a humorous story about a spat between his mother and one of his aunts over some money issues. In the punchline, his mother says to the aunt, “Shut up! The difference between me and you is that on the fifth (of the month, my money) is gonna reload, so I can do what I wanna to do!”Although it was told in a joking manner, the lesson still applies. We all should be working every day to create streams of residual income. None of us want to be working Open Houses and chasing down buyers when we’re seventy-two years old. The way to prevent that is to seek out and create investment opportunities now. As Mr. Collins mentioned, “You don’t save for the good times, you save for the bad times, so you have options.”On Accountability - Gerry Nicks, Mega AgentGerry Nicks (Torrance, CA) spoke on the final panel for Mega Agents. He sold 30 units last year for $15.7 million in volume. Mr. Nicks stated that “accountability was key” for his success. He shared how he was able to turn a tragic situation into triumph.During his first year in the real estate, his daughter suffered a stroke. He stepped away from the business to assist in her care. In her rehabilitation, he and her doctors set weekly, monthly and a year-long goal for her recuperation. And little by little, she passed each milestone until she re-learned how to stand, to speak and finally reach a full recovery.When he returned to work, his coach told him, “The same way you used that goal setting plan for your daughter’s recovery, you can use it for your business.” He really homed in on setting goals and following through with the prescribed actions.Of course, we here at Keller Williams call that accountability plan the 4-1-1. 4-1-1 stands for 4 weeks, 1 month, and 1 year. You can find a complete description of the 4-1-1 system here.With this accountability program in place, Mr. Nicks has set a big goal for himself; he plans to complete 75 sides in 2019. Each of us can dive into our copies of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent or check on KWConnect.com to download a goal setting template for this year.Party All The TimeOf course, no New Orleans gathering would be complete without a visit from an official parade krewe! This is how you end a meeting!Bottom LineThe KW BRN mastermind was an incredible experience and each of the panelists had something valuable to share. I’m ready to implement several of the techniques that I learned right now. There was a wide range of entrepreneurial talent on display, including coaches, husband & wife teams and Market Center owners. I want to personally thank the organizers, sponsors and each of the panelists for being so generous with their time. If you are looking for someone to model your career after, this was the place to be. I am already looking forward to next year’s event! Check out more local insights on Washington, DC on my web site LoveLivingDC.com

Piney Branch Road Safeway Renovation Plans Announced

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 06:00:02 -0800

On Tuesday evening, a management team from the Safeway Corporation visited the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A meeting to explain some of the poor conditions that customers have faced over the past few years and display their proposed solution.Some of the things that residents have complained about at this grocery store include a dark and unsafe parking lot, broken freezers, poor quality produce and those interminable check-out lines.The team did not make excuses for the conditions and were all too happy to share architectural drawings of their proposed solutions which will give the store a nice face-lift and add seven to ten years to its useful life.The changes include all new freezers and refrigerators, eight new self-checkout aisles and deep shelves which can stock up to 10,000 addition items. The beer and wine aisle will also see a significant upgrade that will allow the store to carry a wider selection of alcoholic beverages.The exterior of the store will also see work done; new paint, LED lighting in the parking lot and improved landscaping should make the store more inviting. If everything goes to plan, the upgrade should be completed by the end of the summer.The audience was effusive in its praise of the store’s staff. We all hope that the improvements will allow this Safeway to continue to be a strong partner in our neighborhoods.Read move at LoveLivingDC.com!

DDOT Jumpstarts Upper Ward 4 Livability Study

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 06:00:02 -0800

It was standing room only last night at the first Rock Creek East Livability Study meeting at the Shepherd Park library. Over seventy residents and Department of Transportation (DDOT) staffers packed into the second floor meeting room to learn about the study process. Councilmember Brandon Todd welcomed the audience and remarked on how eagerly the community has anticipated this review. He introduced DDOT project manager Cynthia Lin, who gave a brief presentation that highlighted the purpose of the study.What is a Livability Study?As defined by DDOT, a livability study is much more than a traffic study. It encompasses all manner of improvements in public space that can increase safety and access for all users of modes of transportation. This includes driving, walking, biking, and public transportation. Creating neighborhood connections and improving the quality of life for residents is the ultimate goal.This meeting was the first of three for this process. The goal of the study is to identify opportunities for safer travel within the upper Ward 4 area. This map shows the boundary areas of this particular study:A companion study for the southern part of the Ward was recently completed. Recommendations gathered there are currently under review.Gathering InformationThe bulk of the meeting time was devoted to gathering ideas and suggestions from the attendees. Opportunities to provide input included a paper survey and various interactive displays. There were two comment maps that gave residents the chance to sticky note areas of concern. Another display showed a map of the upcoming Walter Reed development and solicited suggestions for bus routing to and through the campus. Finally, staffers were available at different stations to ask and answer questions.I had a conversation with one gentleman about the current disconnected bike routes in the area. The 14th Street bike lane effectively ends at Aspen Street NW. If you live in Shepherd Park or Colonial Village, there isn't really a safe route to get to 14th Street unless you ride on the sidewalk or have the courage to ride in traffic on 16th Street for a few blocks. If and when the Walter Reed campus opens to the public, that might alleviate this bottleneck. However, he told me that the northern section of 14th Street NW is too narrow to add a bike lane without removing street parking. Easy solutions are elusive.Next StepsUltimately, this meeting was a good first step in the process. Upcoming meetings in June and September aim to refine the feedback gathered here and produce final recommendations. Ms. Lin stated that final recommendations with a 1 to 2 year timeline may be able to be completed with current Department funds. Projects with a longer timeline will require capital investments by the city.DC city government specializes in hosting "engagement" sessions that feel perfunctory. I am hopeful that DDOT will take this input and use it to prioritize upcoming projects. With the Walter Reed campus slowly coming back to life, change is coming to our transportation network whether we like it or not. This is our opportunity to align our network with our near-future needs.Read more at LoveLivingDC.com

Washington, DC’s Best Pizza Places

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 17:17:31 -0800

There are so many fun, unofficial holidays. One of my favorites, National Pizza Day, happens on Saturday, February 9th. What better excuse do you need to bite into your favorite deep-dish or thin-crust pie?In honor of this momentous occasion, here are our choices for the best Pizza Places that you can find right here in DC. Don’t see your favorite on the list? Send me a message @RealtorJennell and try to Change My Mind! Pete’s New Haven Style ApizzaPete’s offers a great northeast style pizza with an amazing list of toppings. This is our family’s go-to for Neapolitan. I was so disappointed when the Silver Spring location closed, but Friendship Heights is not too far away.Pi PizzeriaHands down, this place serves the best deep-dish in the region. Bring your wallet because it is not cheap, but you will be lost in pizza heaven for hours.Pizzeria ParadisoThis Dupont gem specializes in wood-fired pizza with fresh, flavorful toppings. Perfect for a night on the town.Timber Pizza CompanyThis Petworth sensation hit the ground running and has not slowed down yet. Yes, we know the line is incredible, but the pizza is worth the wait. The perfect, crispy crust is the star here.Two AmysAfter recovering from a disastrous basement flood, this mom-and-pop is back in action. Their specialty is Neapolitan pizza that tastes best straight out of the oven.&pizzaFinally, we were hesitant to include a chain restaurant on this list. However, local company &pizza earned the nod with its tasty, personalized pies. Somehow, that quick-service assembly line produces a crust that is better than most shops. Endless customization options are the cherry on top, especially that spicy honey finisher. You can’t go wrong at &pizza. Find out more about the bustling Washington, DC community at LoveLivingDC.com!

Step Afrika! Summer Camp Rocks The Kennedy Center

Sun, 19 Aug 2018 19:28:18 -0700

The Step Show ExperienceStep Afrika! is the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. They use stepping as an educational and motivational tool to inspire young people. The Company is now in its twenty-fourth year of service to the community.Throughout the year, Step Afrika! engages in arts education activities, cultural exchange opportunities and performances all across the world. Their curriculum includes in-school reading, history and physical education programs, a residency program for college-bound students and college scholarships. The keystone of the Company’s arts education program is the highly popular Summer Steps Summer Camp.Summer StepsSummer Steps with Step Afrika! is a week-long summer camp for students in rising grades 4 to 12. This year, it was again held at Trinity University. It was our daughter Savannah’s second year attending the camp and she absolutely loves it…so much so that she spends most of her summer stepping and stomping her way through our house. I asked her a few questions to get her perspective on the Summer Steps experience:What was a typical day like?A typical day at summer steps began with the warm up at the Top of the Day. All students would gather in Trinity Washington’s main hall for lead moves. Next, the camp director, Ms. Mfon, would give a brief introduction about the theme of the camp day. This could be information about an African American or Hispanic historic fraternity or sorority or advice on college life. The six groups would be dismissed to their part of the campus for morning sessions.After a quick drink of water and bathroom break, morning sessions would commence. The morning sessions were a full 2 hours of choreography, classes, and practice. We had an hour to enjoy a homemade lunch and relax with our friends in the campus cafeteria. Students had the option of bringing their own lunch or eating Step Afrika!’s homemade delight.After lunch, each group would craft a party walk with a visiting group’s instructor. This was a fun break and we learned about each fraternity or sorority’s strolling traditions.In the final afternoon session we repeated choreography to sharpen the morning’s lesson. Cool down is similar to warm up. Students were then dismissed at 3:30 pm.What did you take from the experience?I gained an intense knowledge of the history of stepping, including its origin and cultivation.Would your recommend the camp?I would recommend the camp to others because not only do you learn the historic art form of stepping, you learn the history and origin along with life lessons on money saving, life skills, and college life. Step Afrika! prides itself on the fact all performers are graduates of an accredited college.Culminating PerformanceOn Saturday, August 11th, the campers welcomed their family and friends to the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for their Culminating Performance. This extravaganza has become so popular that the audience on the South Millennium Stage, where the performance took place, as well as overflow viewing on the North Millennium Stage, were both at standing room only capacity. The District of Columbia’s Housing and Finance Agency (DCHFA) is a major sponsor of the event. DCHFA administers many of the city’s most important homeownership programs, including DC Open Doors, the Mortgage Credit Certificate program and the Home Purchase Assistance Program.The six teams were composed of students from rising fourth graders to rising high school seniors. The teams delivered an amazing show of precision, energy and humor. The cheering crowd really absorbed the energy and encouraged each team to give their absolute best. We described the format in detail in our article from last year, but you can get the full flavor of their exciting performance by the highlight video above.We are already looking forward to next year’s camp!About Step Afrika!Founded in 1994, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. The Company blends percussive dance styles practices by historically African American fraternities and sororities with African traditional dance and influences from a variety of other dance and art forms. Learn more at StepAfrika.org.

What’s My Brightwood Home Worth? July 2018

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:19:08 -0700

Welcome to the real estate market report for Washington DC’s Brightwood neighborhood. I will present a few regional news tidbits, and then dive into the analysis of the Brightwood area home sales.Washington, DC Market TrendsThe Washington real estate market continued its long hot streak. July’s median sales price of $569,000 was just $500 shy of the all-time record high.Scarce supply continues to be the story, with less than a two-month supply of homes for sale on hand.Half the homes sold in July were on the market 11 days or less.Despite the gaudy numbers, many veteran real estate agents are beginning to watch for signs of a shift in the market. One top-selling agent that I work with says, “I think buyer fatigue is setting in a bit. Many are getting frustrated with low inventory, competing with so many people and they really don’t want to overpay.”I am tracking that issue and you will be the first to know if that shift happens by reading this report each month.Brightwood Real Estate Market Stats Number of Brightwood Homes Sold by MonthMedian Price of Brightwood homes (single family & rowhouse) by MonthJuly 2018 Brightwood Market DataSo, what advice can we give based on the latest statistics?Advice for Potential Brightwood Home SellersThere’s never been a better time to be a home seller, and now is the time to act.Take advantage of the extremely low inventory and list your home before more competition comes on the market in September. For an evaluation of your specific home's marketability, please contact me at 202-717-2276.If you would like a customized report on What’s My Brightwood Home Worth? please click here.Advice for Potential Brightwood Home BuyersLow inventory of homes for sale has been a burden for home buyers, but there are signs that that crunch is beginning to ease. Stay patient and keep your eyes on the daily MLS updates.With interest rates predicted to rise, now might be a great time to purchase your first home or move up to that dream house while mortgage affordability stays within reach for the average family. If you're considering buying a home in the Brightwood area, please contact me at 202-717-2276 with your needs and I will help you find the right home!First-time homebuyers may want to check out my story: Diary of a First-Time Homebuyer.To Search Brightwood homes for sale, please use this link.See you next month!About BrightwoodForged with a civil war battlefield at its heart, Brightwood is a historic neighborhood that stands at the dawn of a new era. With a diverse and sensible housing stock, it has always been known as a family-friendly, “move-up” destination for hardworking Washingtonians.Now, with the redevelopment of the 110-acre Walter Reed campus just to the north, this neighborhood is poised to join the ranks of the hottest areas in the city. This project will bring 66 acres of mixed-use development: shops, restaurants, entertainment and new residents. Children’s Hospital is developing a new health research campus and the U.S. Department of State will welcome chancelleries from a dozen nations.All data is derived from the Washington area Bright MLS system as of August 14, 2018.This report is for single family homes and rowhouse, NOT condos. The report covers the advertised subdivision of Brightwood, which includes many blocks that are traditionally considered to be Manor Park and Takoma DC. This report is informational and for the best advice for you as an area home buyer or seller, please contact me for a specific review of your needs.

Bloomberg Report: Housing Cooldown Ahead?

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 18:09:21 -0700

Last Thursday, a Bloomberg Business report noted an interesting shift in some of the country’s hottest real estate markets. In places such as Seattle and Austin, Texas, where homebuyers once seemingly needed to pledge their first-born children to win bidding wars, homes were sitting on the market longer and selling below list price. Economist Robert Shiller was quoted as saying, “This could be the very beginning of a turning point.”Let’s explore some national and local trends to find out if this cooling effect is a real phenomenon.A Softening Market?A review of the June existing-home sales data provided by the National Association of Realtors reveals at least some evidence that this theory may be correct. The report showed that sales prices for existing homes had their smallest year-over-year increases in over a year.On the inventory side, the months supply of homes for sale has jumped quickly to 4.1 in 2018. To find the months supply of inventory for an area, you divide the number of active listings for sale by the number of homes sold per month on average during the previous 12 months.We all know that real estate is local. No matter what is happening on the national level, we need to look at what is happening close to home. I advise my homesellers best by studying the local trends monthly and providing advice on list pricing and market activity. I consider providing sellers with insights and managing their expectations to be one of the most important parts of my job.D.C. on the edge?With its super-tight inventory and exploding restaurant and nightlife scene, the Washington, D.C. real estate market has been scorching for several years. Does the data show anything to worry about?A quick peek at the single-family June sales data shows that prospective homesellers in the District shouldn’t have concerns. Despite higher interest rates and sky-high prices, buyers are still pouring into the city, even driving the supply of homes for sale down 18% below last’s year level to an incredible 2.12 months.A Different Story in the Maryland SuburbsI also serve Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties in Maryland, the jurisdictions closest to Washington. The June sales data shows that, indeed, there has been a bit of a slowdown in the suburban areas. Inventory in June and in May is up over prior years, to 2.6 months.True, that number is still extremely low. Most real estate agents would consider a market to be balanced if there were a six-month supply of homes for sale. However, it is notable that this is the first time since May of 2015 that this number has been in the positive, breaking an amazing 37-month streak!The Bottom LineIt is still way too early to call anything that we see here a trend. Still, every market shift must begin somewhere. I held an open house in the Maryland suburbs yesterday and had 17 families visit. Buyer traffic is still strong, but the change in inventory levels is something worth taking note of. If you are thinking about selling a home soon, you should ask your real estate agent to check this type of data for your local market. And if you are in D.C. or Maryland and you need assistance, I would be happy to help you. Please visit LoveLivingDC.com for more information.

Let’s Talk TOPA: Single Homes Exempted from Controversial D.C. Law

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 09:58:08 -0700

As a Realtor®, I often meet homeowners who rent out a house or an English basement to earn some extra money. While that is often a wise financial decision, in some cases it carries a hidden risk. Washington, D.C. is known as one of the most tenant-friendly jurisdictions in country. One of the key features of that generosity is known as The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA).TOPA BackgroundThe TOPA law has been on the books for 38 years and has provided tenants of all rental properties a right-of-first-refusal when an owner wished to sell, demolish or discontinue housing use of a rental unit.As time went on, the law became increasing controversial. You see, in addition to giving tenants the right-of-first-refusal and a lengthy period to secure financing (up to a year), it allowed tenants to assign those rights to a third party and be financially compensated for it. It became common to see cases where tenants who had no intention of buying a home hold out for payments of $5,000, $10,000 or even $100,000 from the homeowner! To make matters worse, a person didn’t even have to be on the lease to receive those rights…they just had to have lived in the home at some point.What began as a well-meaning provision to protect tenants turned into a mountain of mischief. The stories of elderly homeowners being driven into bankruptcy by manipulative tenants and their enablers were heartbreaking.A New ApproachIn April of 2018, the D.C. City Council passed the TOPA Single-Family Home Exemption Act. This amendment exempts all single-family dwellings from the requirements of TOPA. Rental units occupied by elderly or disabled tenants may still be subject to certain provisions of TOPA for a limited time.On July 25th, the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate held a special training for Realtors®, title officers and other real estate professionals to learn about many aspects of the new law. I am sharing what I learned to help homeowners and other Realtors® gain an understanding of this complex new system.Who Is Covered by the New Law?The new law applies to tenants who live in “single family accommodations”; a house, rowhouse or a single condo unit in a building. Accessory dwellings such as English basements and carriage houses are also covered. Tenants in multi-family buildings (i.e. apartments) are still protected by the original TOPA provisions.Tenants in single family accommodations must meet all three of the following requirements to be eligible for TOPA:1. They must be elderly (62 years of age or older) or have a disability,2. They must have signed a written lease on or before March 31, 2018; AND3. They must have moved into the unit on or before April 15, 2018If tenants do not meet all three qualifications, they have no further TOPA rights. However, they are still entitled to all other protections under DC law (Rental Housing Act of 1985).My Tenants are Covered. What’s Next?If you are a landlord and your tenants meet the requirements above, there is notification process that you must complete. Fortunately, the sequence is must shorter than the old law. The following infographic explains the new timeline and the actions that you must take as a landlord:If you are an owner of a rental single-family dwelling in the District of Columbia and you are considering selling your property, give me a call and let’s talk about what options the new law may afford you. Tenants still have very strong rights and protections in the city, so any transaction must be handled with care. Reach me today at LoveLivingDC.com.