Capitol Hill house goes under contract in 2 days!

Above is a house on the corner of 9th and G, SE which came on the market last week at $569,000. I had hoped to show this house to clients last weekend but it was snapped up with 2 offers immediately after going on the market. It's in good shape and 2 BR plus a den/nursery which is very hard to find close-in on the hill for under $600k. More pics of the property here.

Great Decorating on Capitol Hill

I came across this new listing and thought it was a great condo with some nicely chosen renovations and good decor. $339,000 for this 2BR (really 1BR with den)on Morris Place NE. The Master is small and those windows don't look out at much, but the living space really shines. See pics here.

Just Sold! 304 3rd Street SE- $825,000

304 3rd Street SE sold on Wednesday for $825,000. Nancy Itteilag and I represented the sellers and Lise Howe from WC&AN Miller represented the very excited buyers. They will move in over the summer and have plenty of time to enjoy the fabulous rooftop deck!

304 3rd Street SE- Under Contract!!

This lovely Capitol Hill rowhome has gone under contract! More pictures here. The new owners will be able to move in just in time to enjoy the amazing rooftop deck all summer long!

Guest Restaurant Review- Popeye's

I always love when friends read my blog and give me constructive criticism. Bennett Golder felt that I was reviewing restaurants that might not be affordable for the average DC resident trying to make ends meet in this recession. He suggested that I include more fast food and inexpensive options in my reviews. Since I don't eat much fast food (I am very spoiled to work next to a Balducci's for when I need something on the go) he wrote a review of the Popeye's on Barracks Row for me to include...

Guest review from a Capitol Hill resident

Last week, while strolling along Capitol Hill’s tony Barracks Row neighborhood, I happened upon a local café by the name of Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits. While the speed of service left little to be desired, I was truly impressed with the quality (and quantity) of the cajun-influenced cuisine!

Now some in DC will tell you that Acadiana is the standard-bearer for Louisiana-style dining, but I beg to differ. Not only is Popeye’s red beans & rice dish spicy and succulent, but the spicy fried chicken will set your mouth on fire and send you back to those Southern Comfort-soaked nights on the bayou. The Mardi Gras mustard perfectly sets off the flavor of the biscuits and chicken strips. The décor—a flamboyant ode to the raucous watering holes and jazz clubs of the French Quarter—couldn’t help but lift one’s spirit, and the zydeco soundtrack will leave your feet tapping. Cleanliness was a bit of a problem, and the restrooms were strictly for customers only, but don’t let that stop you. For a delicious taste of the Mississippi Delta, go to a place where they truly “Laissez les bon temps rouler!” Try Popeye’s Barracks Row, they’ll do good ba-you!

Update on 333 11th Street- SOLD

The house that I blogged about previously, has since sold for $525,000, $75,000 OVER the asking price. 333 11th Street SE was on the market for a week and got 29 offers. At our last Long and Foster meeting we discussed how the under $500k market is very strong right now as these are mostly entry level buyers who do not need to sell anything in order to buy. This sector is then enabling the $500-$1M market as those folks are able to move up once their property sells. It will take a while for the upper echelons of DC's market (like Evermay-which I got to see today) to pick up but there is life in the market and it will "trickle up."

Capitol Hill Home Gets 29 Offers!

Last week I sent this Eastern Market listing over to clients because it looked like a lot of space for $449,000. They went to the open house on Sunday, came back Monday night with me, and decided to write an offer. Unfortunately, so did 28 other home shoppers! The property was in an estate and I assume the estate told the agent to sell it quickly and therefore he priced it under the market value. Well priced houses are getting multiple offers and selling for over the asking price all over the city, it's a clear statement of how much pent-up demand there is and people who are actively looking for real estate. Sadly, the estate decided on another offer (I don't know what the final contract price was yet) and my clients and I will be continuing the search for their perfect home. Bad news for us, but great news for the market!

Price Reduction! 304 3rd Street SE, Now $859,000

Price reduced to $859,000 for this great house on Capitol Hill (3rd and C, 2 blocks from Cap South metro) with the roofdeck pictured above!

www.304thirdstreet.com for more info and pictures.

Restaurant Review- Two Quail, Skip It

Two Quail on Capitol Hill is reputed to be one of DC's most romantic and charming restaurants but I did not find that to be true. It's in an old rowhouse and decorated like the parlor of your weird great aunt's house; lots of mismatched florals and random antiques. It was still decorated for Christmas, which was nice, but it was so cluttered in there. The restaurant is very small and filled with couples who didn't talk to one another so my group of 4 felt very awkward making conversation. The food we ordered as appetizers and salads was fine, but the entrees were not exciting. I ordered their "two quail" which was decent but with bland rice and some veggies it wasn't a great meal. The three others all got the beef tenderloin special ordered medium rare and out came three well done tenderloins with a heavy sticky sauce. It was an expensive restaurant that was definitely not worth the price. As far as the decor and ambiance, I didn't find it charming or fun, just stuffy and awkward.

Just Listed! 304 3rd Street SE $899,000

Check out this absolutely stunning Capitol Hill townhouse! It just went on the market today and I think it will go fast...The house is in a great location, blocks to Cap. South metro, the House Office Buildings, Eastern Market, Pennsylvania Avenue and lots of pretty parks. Take a look at the pictures to see how the owners blended the historic and classic charm of the house with some architecturally interesting and contemporary details. The kitchen is fabulous, they did so much with a smaller space and I would love to entertain or even just relax on that roofdeck! I'm holding an open for agents, tomorrow Oct 21st from 12-2 but anyone is welcome to stop by!

www.304thirdstreet.com for more pics and details!

Coming Soon....Fabulous house on Capitol Hill

Nancy Itteilag and I will be listing a gorgeous house right on 3rd Street SE, a great location near the Capitol and Eastern Market. Everything is top notch, hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, back deck, and an out of this world rooftop deck. Will be priced somewhere around 900k....let me know if you want to see it early!

Restaurant Review- Park Cafe on Capitol Hill

Last week I discovered a new favorite restaurant, Park Cafe near Lincoln Park. Its the only restaurant in this completely residential area, which is nice because its very easy to park. The interior is cozy, small and quiet with dim lighting and Capital Hill streetscapes done by local artists on the walls. I had a great salad with sweet pears, walnuts and creamy blue cheese and then the roast chicken and rice, it was all delicious. I also got to try the gazpacho and the duck, both wonderful and flavorful as well. For dessert the waiter recommended the white chocolate cheesecake square with blueberries which was just divine. The owner, Alcione Vinet, is quite a wine collector with thousands of vintage bottles. I would absolutely recommend this for anyone looking for great food and wine on the hill.

Capitol Hill Condo with Fireplace and New Open Kitchen- $324,990

This 1 BR apartment looks very charming with lots of light. I love the bay windows and fireplace, architectural touches that you don't often find in the brand new cookie cutter condos. For more pictures click : http://matrix.mris.com/Matrix/Public/DisplayITQPopup.aspx?iid=39&did=13547&params=2803%20OTAwMDg1MTI4MjM);2807%20RnVsbA))&exk=1852792623

Restaurant Review- Montmartre by Eastern Market

If you are around Capitol Hill's famous Eastern Market area, I highly recommend Montmartre, a tasty french bistro. The menu is much more limited than, say, Bistro Francais or Bistro du Coin, so instead of putting together a tasting menu of appetizers and salads (as I often do), one is expected to order a first course and main dish. This was inconsequential since I was starving and ordered a delicious gazpacho with avocado and feta cheese crumbles to start. The smooth avocado bits added some richness to the soup and the feta was a nice tangyness complementing the sweet tomato flavor. For a main course I had the hanger steak which came with potatoes and sauteed mushrooms. I wish I could describe the sauce it came it but it was absolutely wonderful and not overpowering. I also had a bite of my friends seared tuna and that was great as well. Montmartre is located on 7th St. SE, just blocks from the Eastern Market metro stop.