"Spring Real Estate Market In February?  Pat, You've Got To Be Kidding!" OK, you've read the weather reports - or if you live in Washington, DC, you've been living the weather reports!  Snow last week.  More snow yesterday.  And even more snow predicted for Friday and Saturday. And I've had "the conversation" in the past two days with two sellers who are preparing their homes to put on the market.  You know the talk - you want to get your home listed in time to take advantage of the spring market.  Oh, and it seems like it's started already. Sure, your flowering tress and bushes are not in bloom, but no to worry.  The competition does not have any advantage over you in this department.  And buyers do not seem to be deterred by the snow.  The streets are reasonably clear, and most seller... 02/03/2010

© 2009 Patricia Kennedy. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Patricia Kennedy . If you would like to use this image, please  email me (housepat@mac.com) with your request. I'll almost certainly say yes, and ask only that you provide a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment.  The same thing applies to any other material you see posted here on Active Rain or on any of my other blogs.             02/03/2010

So, one of my client's called yesterday to inform that he was behind in his mortgage and had, that day, received the "Notice of Sale."  He was in tears, asking me what he should do. Evidently, he's lost his job, had health issues necessitating surgery and hasn't paid his mortgage in seven months.   He's one of my favorite clients, so I knew he'd had surgery because, being a good Realtor, I've kept in touch.  I did not know, though, that he'd been laid off and was not paying his mortgage.  We cried together.  His situation just seems so bleak. Now folks, I'm a Realtor -- not a loan officer, home inspector or mortgage modification agent.  I honestly didn't know how to counsel him.  My only suggestion was that he work with the mortgage company.  I've since heard horror stories of propertie... 02/02/2010

What's Selling - Washington DC - Dupont Circle Neighborhood Here are the Properties that sold in this Washington DC Neighborhood:  January 2010           *This area includes parts of NW DC, Between K and U Street/Florida Ave and 16th to 23rd Street.           Contact James Downing of the Downing Real Estate Group, LLC; if you are selling, buying or have questions! Office: 202-469-6778  or  703-244-3971 Licensed in Washington DC, Virginia & Maryland. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase5028 Wisconsin Ave NW  Suite 100 * Washington DC 20016     02/02/2010

Washington, DC Luxury Homes: Top 10 Sales For January, 2010 January was another interesting month for the luxury home market here in Washington.  If, for example, you look at the ten highest priced homes for sale in the District, you will find prices ranging from a low of $8,500,000 to a high of $39,500,000 (and that one debuted on the market for $49,000,000 over a year ago).  But the highest priced homes that actually sold were showing much lower numbers. The homes that sold often had to reduce the original asking prices to attract an offer.  All of the sellers had to do at least some negotiating on the price in order to make it work.  And while two of these homes sold in a few days, most stayed on the market for  fairly long time, in one case over a year.  10.  3929 Highwood Court NW ... 02/01/2010

I took this in Rock Creek Park this afternoon.  It's got a little bit of ice and a lot of snow. © 2009 Patricia Kennedy. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Patricia Kennedy . If you would like to use this image, please  email me (housepat@mac.com) with your request. I'll almost certainly say yes, and ask only that you provide a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment.  The same thing applies to any other material you see posted here on Active Rain or on any of my other blogs. 01/31/2010

© 2009 Patricia Kennedy. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Patricia Kennedy . If you would like to use this image, please  email me (housepat@mac.com) with your request. I'll almost certainly say yes, and ask only that you provide a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment.  The same thing applies to any other material you see posted here on Active Rain or on any of my other blogs. 01/28/2010

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 MLS: DC7238460 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3.5 # of Floors: 3 Subdivision: Dupont Year Built: 1870 Property Amenities - Range/Oven- Sink Disposal- Full Refrigerator- Microwave- Washer/Dryer- Dishwasher- Fireplace - Hardwood floors- Pat... 01/24/2010

Washington, DC Luxury Homes: Top 5 Sales For 2009 Last year was an interesting one for the luxury home market in Washington.  While we saw many homes come on the market for much higher prices, these are the top 5 that actually sold during 2009: 1.  1714 Massachusetts Ave NW:  The downtown location and the possibility of using this home as an embassy, cultural institution or grand residence probably enhanced this home's value.  So did the fabulous renovation that felt like you were stepping back a century or so into some important historical family's grand salon.  When renovating, the previous owners kept many of the period details, adding totally modern kitchen, baths and mechanical systems. The dining room is big enough to host a state dinner, and there would even be room for all of th... 01/23/2010

  * This Blog is updated several times daily.  Just click on the blue Links to get the info:   Searchable List of the Missing in Haiti - CNN, Red Cross and Google Person Finder   ICRC List of People confirmed Alive Valuable list of Distribution Locations , Water, Food, Hospitals and all aid locations and updates.   US Embassy in Haiti   Haiti Embassy in Washington DC   Haiti Country Info   Le3900.com - All important contact information for Haiti   Cargo Movement Request & Other Valuable Logistics Cluster Forms   CHR Haiti Update - Feb 12 Pan Am Situation Report - Feb 24   Logistics Cluster Situation Report - Feb 15, 2010 OCHA Situation Report - Feb 16   USG HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO HAITI FOR THE EARTHQUAKE - Feb 9 US Aid Fact Sheet - Feb 17   Haiti Relief Organization Presence Map - a... 01/21/2010

I used to have issues with Zillow.  Even wrote a couple of blog rants about them.  But I got to like these guys a lot more after I met Sara Bonert at an Inman Connect a few years ago.  And today, I started to like them even more, especially now that I have Spencer Rascoff's email address.  When National Public Radio did a piece on Zillow.com a few years ago, I thought "No freakin' way!"  And they will convert me to a real fan the day they get the Zestimate on my house within 20% of it's actual value.  And I'll admit that they are getting closer than they used to be. And while my own house's magic number is a little off, they do pretty much nail the prices in neighborhoods that are a bit less architectrually diverse.  One of the things that Spencer dealt with at his presentation at Rain ... 01/12/2010

                                         For the past 17 years,Network Events,Inc. (NEI) and NBC4 have partnered together to produce and promote the 17th annual NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo. This year it will be held on January 16 and 17 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This free to the public event is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees. This is a great event for anyone who wants to get a free health tests and gain information for you,loved one or friend. Attendees also get to participae in a variety of interactive sports and activities that are fun for the whole family. Attendees will enjoy Healthy Cooking demonstrations, soccer, rock climbing, a community blood drive, and many more activities that are designed to engage and entertain. This expo is expecting ar... 01/07/2010

Whine!  Moan!  I Held An Open House And Only The Nosy Neighbors Showed Up! Um... and this is a bad thing? Let me share a couple of stories about a little nosy neighbor magic. I had a new listing and the first weekend held it open Saturday by invitation only just for the "nosy" neighbors.  On Sunday, the Open with the ad in the Washington Post and all that, one of these "nosy" neighbors came by with a co-worker who bought the place.  This has actually happened to me several times over the years. Another time, the "nosy" neighbors were nosy indeed.  They were nosing around to check out, not the house, but me!  You see, they were planning to list their own house down the street and buying a new one,  and they were secretly auditioning me for the role as their agent.  And I got the part.  I... 12/31/2009

    Does our government just have nuts and bolts for brains? Can one be so blind to the issues at hand in regards to our economic status, to how much further we are falling into debt, yet they keep announcing rays of hope? Let me pose a question to everyone. What has happened to common sense and logic? Is common sense not so common anymore?    Before I get into the gist of my gripe, frustration, and fear... yes, FEAR... Whenever I always debate a situation, a fact, or an issue, I always try my hardest to look at it from both sides and not just from my emotional state of mind.       As we venture into 2010, I see more chaos on several horizons. Let's attack 3 important issues that I see will bring much chaos, frustration, and fear. 1. The New Good Faith Estimate. Not only is this form mu... 12/28/2009

Deanwood DC Houses for sale -zip code 20019. There are currently 139 Deanwood DC Houses/listings for sale in zip code 20019. 124 of the Deanwood DC houses for sale are houses.   14 of the Deanwood DC houses for sale are condos.     1 of the Deanwood DC houses for sale is a Co-op. The highest priced Deanwood DC house for sale -zip code 20019 is a 10 unit building under construction selling for $1,600,000. The lowest priced Deanwood DC house for sale -zip code 20019 is a one bed,one bath attached row house colonial selling for $34,900. The highest priced Deanwood DC condo for sale -zip code 20019 is a three bedroom and a two bath selling for $175,000. The lowest priced Deanwood DC condo for sale-zip code 20019 is a one bedroom,one bath selling for $105,900. And the Deanwood DC Co-op for s... 12/12/2009

BEFORE: AFTER: Willie the Labradoodle loves mud.  And we had enough rain earlier in the week that he rolled around the back yard puddles, and with his shaggy hair, it got pretty funky.  So we headed for the Petco on Connecticut Avenue for his quarterly grooming.  He was such a mess that they recommended a buzz cut.  Willie now looks like a Marine!  Oh, and I can see his eyes! The grooming staff at Petco clearly love thier jobs.  And Willie loves to spend an afternoon with the pampering.  And don't you love the little poofy thing at the end of his tail? If your dog has been rolling in the mud and getting him clean is beyond your powers, you can call the store in Cleveland Park at (202) 686-0901 for an appointment.   They are located at 3505 Connecticut Avenue NW, on the corner of Connect... 12/11/2009

© 2009 Patricia Kennedy. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Patricia Kennedy . If you would like to use this image, please  email me (housepat@mac.com) with your request. I'll almost certainly say yes, and ask only that you provide a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment.  The same thing applies to any other material you see posted here on Active Rain or on any of my other blogs. 12/09/2009

Got an trulia e-mail alert this morning. It read Do you live in an odd-shaped condo? Washington Post Express wants to feature your quirky home improvement projects! Email josieroberts@gmail.com. So if you know anybody who lives in an odd shaped condo,please let them know about this. Looking for a Real Estate Professional that will help you buy and/or sell your next house? Want a "Free Real Estate Market Report" in your area of choice? Free search of DC and P.G County MD Homes for sale   . I can also be reached at my new Active Rain Outside Blog www.GetDCSold.com - "Where we will get it sold-your home that is". Twitter http://twitter.com/DCHomesforsale. Please give me a call at 202-378-0283 (Direct) or 301-560-6700 x1154 (Office) at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much. Lookin... 12/08/2009

Today, I previewed a condo that could have been really gorgeous - or not.  It had a fabulous virtual tour, but I suspected that it might have had a pretty high funk factor with the location.  It's in Columbia Heights, an emerging neighborhood that is probably about a half renovated, and half a little funky.  So I wanted to check out the block before I showed it.  And, yeah.  The block was a little bit dodgy, with a bunch of boarded up buildings.  Although in this town, especially in Columbia Heights, that often means renovations about to happen.  Still, I made sure the car alarm was on and I hid my purse under my trench coat before I got out to open the lock box. It was a short sale, so I didn't have real high expectations.  But other than being slightly soiled, it was a pretty nice pla... 12/08/2009

Yesterday, I showed a cooperative apartment that was not bad.  Except for one little tiny thing.  Actually, there were a few hundred little tiny things - cabinet moths! They are small brownish-gray, and very fragile looking, and they are sort of the reproductive equivalent of rabbits in the moth community. There were about 20 of them flitting around enjoying the wide open spaces of the fully renovated kitchen.  Then, oops, I stupidly opened one of the new cabinets, and an extended family of these small creatures was enjoying a reunion.  I gagged.  So did my client. And my client and I both started to wonder if they were going to start eating our coats right off our backs!  But I think these little guys prefer flour and rice and Wheaties to fine wool.  Now, this place was being shown as ... 12/07/2009