Archive for July 2016

Nowadays, the Union Market Historic District is known throughout the D.C. area as an up-and-coming neighborhood where you can find a collection of mixed residential and retail spaces. In the months to come, more development projects will flow into the neighborhood, making Union Market’s gentrification process complete.

Let’s travel back in time and unravel the origins of the Union Market Historic District, and what makes it truly one of the D.C. area’s local gems.

It all started approximately 145 years ago

Before the Union Market Historic District, there was Centre Market, known as the largest market in Washington D.C. Opened to the public in 1871, Centre Market served as a crossroads due to its location — right between the Capitol Building and the White House, just a stone’s throw away from a railroad station and several streetcar lines. By the turn of the century, Centre Market was the commercial heart of Washington D.C.

Centre Market was torn down in 1931 to give way for the National Archives, but its memory lived on. Many of the businesses once part of the market set up shop in another venue they named Union Terminal Market.

It was the best place to buy meat, fish, dairy, and produce back then. A policy banning the outdoor sale of meats and eggs, however, turned the market upside down. In its place, a new indoor market was built, the building we now know today as the Union Market.

From the 80s up to the present, Union Market has continued to flourish. According to developer EDENS, it’s a place where local businesses thrive, a melting pot full of character and opportunities. Its history, culture, and relevance to Washington D.C.’s history makes it a district to watch out for.

What you can find in Union Market Historic District

• The market itself, open Tuesdays to Sundays.
• No Kings Collective + Lab 1270 – A commune for artists; regularly hosts flash art exhibitions and the like to provide an artistic space for local artists and city organizations.
• Restaurants like Dolcezza, Cotton & Reed, Masseria, and Tap + Garden.
• Maurice Electrical Work Space – Planned for both residential, retail, and office uses.
• Angelika Pop-Up – A multi-screen cinema where you can enjoy specialty film programming and events.
• Dock 5 – A warehouse with over 12,000 square feet of event space located right above Union Market.

For more details about Union Market Historic District, check out its official website: http://unionmarketdc.com.

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Filed under: Area Information, Blog, Things to Do by Andrew Pariser
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You don’t need to wait for the “perfect” time to sell your home as the stars are all aligned for your real estate success this 2016. Here are a few reasons why.

1. Real estate inventories are low and demand is consistent. There is so much demand for real estate in the DC-area, there aren’t enough homes to accommodate all interested home buyers.

Choosing to sell your home this year without further ado might help you snag a great deal in a relatively short period of time. Remember: where there is demand, there should be an adequate supply.

2. Increased home values. The D.C.-area is becoming highly coveted by the day, and experts predict home values and median home prices will continue to increase this year. Coupled with the rise of mortgage rates, the odds of selling your home for a great price is high.

3. Continued development. More and more neighborhoods in the DC-area are gaining reputation as the “next big thing,” all thanks to the steady stream of investment and development in these communities.

If your home is located on one of these up-and-coming neighborhoods, you might see a significant rise in home values.

4. Move-in ready homes are highly coveted. Real estate market trends predict that home sellers with move-in ready properties are more likely to gain the attention of prospective buyers simply for all the basic amenities and facilities already installed.

Homebuyers are looking for such properties as this saves them a lot of time and money from any renovations or repairs.

5. Increased consumer confidence. With the job market slowly getting back on track, more and more people are gaining confidence in making big purchases.

With increased consumer confidence, you can expect the number of prospective buyers in the D.C.-area (and even from beyond) rise, thereby increasing your chances of making a better profit.

All in all, real estate experts and market trends point to the fact that 2016 will be a stellar year for Washington, DC real estate. For more information about selling your home, log on to this page.

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Filed under: Blog, Home Selling, Real Estate Tips by Andrew Pariser
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With temperatures reaching up to a hundred degrees between July and August, the best way to describe summer in the D.C. area is “hot and humid,” — a combination that can be dangerous to your health.

To keep yourself cool this summer, follow these simple tips.

1. Stay indoors. The best way to avoid heat is to stay within the comforts of your own home. If you’re going out, try not to be overexposed to the sun and avoid activities such as gardening and sports. If you really must partake in a strenuous activity, do it in the early morning, when the temperature is cooler.

2. Stay hydrated. To combat dehydration, drink plenty of water and stay away from carbonated drinks as well as liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Aside from dehydration, not drinking enough water can lead to exhaustion, head stroke, or cramps.

3. Avoid wearing dark colors. It’s not just a fashion statement, but a conscious style choice. Dark colors trap heat, while light-colored clothing are considerably more breezy and will help you keep cool. Don’t forget to complete your look with a nice pair of sunglasses and even a hat.

4. Wear sunscreen. Protect yourself from UV rays and wear a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. If you’re going out swimming, remember to re-apply sunblock once in a while. If you want to be eco-friendly, choose sunscreen without the harmful chemicals said to contribute to coral bleaching. Not only are you keeping yourself safe, you’re lending the environment a helping hand as well.

5. Don’t leave pets or young children in a car. Even if you’ll be back in a jiffy, it’s best not to leave your pets or kids in a car in broad daylight. If you have no choice, make sure the engine is running, the car on park, and the air condition working. Animals and kids trapped in hot cars can suffer from heatstroke or even death.

If you’ve got no air conditioning and you’ve no desire to go swimming, go to the nearest mall, library, or cafe, where you can find reprieve from the unbearable heat. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe to make this summer a memorable one.

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Here are some of the latest additions (or soon-to-be additions) to the real estate market in the neighborhoods of Columbia Heights, Kalorama, and Woodley Park.

Woodley Park

1. Marriott Wardman Park Hotel Redevelopment – Currently a planned project, this hotel redevelopment plan will transform the hotel into a condo or rental.

2. Wardman Tower – Already under construction and currently selling units, Wardman Tower will be a 32-unit condo development located in Woodley Park.

3. The Woodley – A rental development, The Woodley features 212 units. Developers are currently leasing up.

4. South Cathedral Mansions – Currently under construction, South Cathedral Mansions will feature 165 units available for rent.

Kalorama

1. The Calistoga – Developed by MMG Development, The Calistoga is a 5-story residential building with 9 condo units and a restored historic garage billed as the oldest garage in Washington, D.C.

2. Kalorama West – This 117-unit apartment building in Kalorama Road is currently under construction.

Columbia Heights

1. Victoria – Victoria has 16 units up for sale and features access to private courtyards and underground parking, among other amenities. Units range from one- to two-bedroom units to duplex penthouses.

2. The Apex – The Apex is a 20-unit condo development currently under construction in Columbia Heights. It’s strategically located near several establishments and the Columbia Heights metro stop.

3. The Helicopter Factory – A planned development, The Helicopter Factory will feature 15 condo units (14 duplex units and one three-level residence).

4. Lawrence House – A boutique condo currently under construction in Columbia Heights, Lawrence House will feature 30 units, two of which are penthouses with dens and roof decks.

5. 2914 Sherman Avenue NW – A project from Madison Investments, this new condo development under construction will house 15 two-bedroom units and 5 one-bedroom units.

6. 1315 Clifton Street NW – A planned rental development, this six-story project will feature 159 residential units available in different price points. Underground parking spaces and bicycle parking spots are just some of the planned amenities.

7. Meridian Hill Hall Redevelopment – Once a part of the Howard University campus, the Meridian Hill Hall is set to be renovated into a residential building with 200 rental units.

For more information on other real estate developments in the D.C. area, check out this page.

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Filed under: Area Information, Blog, Community Updates by Andrew Pariser
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Remodeling your home is always a good idea if you’re looking to update your property. It can be an extravagant renovation or a simple upgrade that will make your life easier and will give your home a fresh spin. Before you start your project, here are a couple of remodeling tips to bear in mind.

1. Hire people who understand what you want to achieve. As your home is the largest investment you’ll ever make in your life, it pays in the long term to surround yourself with people who understand the vision for your remodeling project.

A team of experts and professionals who get what you want will make it easier for you to achieve your desired finished product.

2. Dream big. For one moment, don’t think about financial constraints. List down all the things you want in your home, and then cross out everything you can live without.

Now that you have your must-haves, prioritizing remodeling projects will be easier and can even help you drive up your property’s value.

3. Plan accordingly. This is where the financial aspect comes in. Before you start drilling holes and installing upgrades, have a couple of contractors come through to give you a quote on everything.

This will help you research properly and plan out your remodeling project well, from choosing the right kind of materials to upgrades that will increase your the property value.

4. Avoid fads. Dream big, but think in the long term and avoid any kind of renovations that may go in and out of style in a short period of time. Be bold, but don’t forget your home’s resale value. You can still go all out and, at the same time, lend your property a timeless feel that will resonate to a large group of potential buyers.

5. Don’t be afraid to repurpose. Renovating your home doesn’t mean you have to throw out and replace everything. Consider items that you can use again, and look up DIY projects that can give these items a fresh look.

Remodeling a home is always an exciting step in every homeowner’s life. Consider these tips and I wish you all the success in your project.

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