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2011 Real Estate Statistics- Bethesda/Chevy Chase & DC

said on January 14th, 2012 filed under: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, District of Columbia, State of the Market

2011 Wrap up

On Wednesday of this week I had an opportunity to share some local real estate statistics on the new Washington Post’s Where We Live blog. While it didn’t exactly launch into a vibrant on-line discussion (come on… it’s statistics), it was fun having it out there.

The table below breaks down real estate activity for 2008-2011 in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase/DC markets.  Read below the graph for detailed analysis on what it all means…

I’ve been selling real estate for 12+ years. I’m always getting asked how the market is doing. The simple answer is that it’s a whole lot better than the rest of the country.  But those in the market always want more detail, and that’s complicated. It’s easier to talk about real estate when there is a distinct swing in the market. I’ve been tracking real estate trends in Bethesda/Chevy Chase/Northwest DC for many years (specifically zip codes 20814, 20815, 20816, 20817, 20015 and 20016) and in 2011 we’ve got a hodge-podge of plusses and minuses, ending the year on a bit of a dull plateau.  Still, given the turmoil in other parts of the US, this is a fine predicament.

  • In 2007 2,153 homes sold with an average price of $918,074
  • In 2008 1,796 homes sold with an average price of $870,833
  • In 2009 1,951 homes sold with an average price of $819,145
  • In 2010 1,978 homes sold with an average price of Read the rest of this entry »

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AU Park/Tenley 20016 Market Report 3Q 2011

said on October 17th, 2011 filed under: District of Columbia, State of the Market

Market Watch purple

In July, August & September of 2011 there were 113 homes that closed within the 3rd Quarter for 20016 AU Park/Tenley, DC. This was an increase of 2 units, as there were 111 homes that closed in 3Q 2010.

The average original list price for homes that closed in 3Q 2010 was $880,191
The average original list price for homes that closed in 3Q 2011 was $828,104

The average list price at time of sale for homes that closed in 3Q 2010 was $857,255
The average list price at time of sale for homes that closed in 3Q 2011 was $803,906

The average sale price for the homes that closed in 3Q 2010 was $840,721
The average sale price for the homes that closed in 3Q 2011 was Read the rest of this entry »

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3729 Veazey Street NW Washington DC 20016

said on September 19th, 2011 filed under: District of Columbia

3729 Veazey frontNorth Cleveland Park
3729 Veazey Street NW
Washington, DC 20016

Offered at $869,000

UNDER CONTRACT as of 9/30/11

Welcome to this delightful Wardman-style classic! Located on a tranquil, tree-lined street in the heart of North Cleveland park, the semi-detached city home combines carefully preserved period details with comfortable modern amenities such as central AC and updated systems.  A spacious entry hall, living room with wood-burning fireplace, and grand dining room welcome your guests, and the large eat-in kitchen with sliding doors to the deck makes for cheerful mornings in your new home. Read the rest of this entry »

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New Speed Cameras in DC

said on September 8th, 2011 filed under: District of Columbia, Just For Fun

DC speed camerasWTOP just reported that there’s a new (pesky) crop of speed cameras in DC.  Having paid for a camera or two myself, I thought I’d share the information.  Knowing of their location has certainly lightened my lead foot.  It’s good to slow down and sniff the flowers, eh?

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Add to list: 4700 block of MacArthur heading towards Canal Road and right alongside Reservoir…..25 mph.

Also add the corner of Fessenden and Nebraska Ave …. there is a camera …. not for speeding but you get a $150 fine if you don’t stop at the “limit” line (line before the crosswalk line).

Safe driving, folks!

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Shemali’s Middle Eastern Market

said on August 18th, 2011 filed under: District of Columbia, Just For Fun

Shemali'sA couple of times a year, whenever I visit my doctor at Foxhall Square, I stop off at Shemali’s.  Shemali’s specializes in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods, and it’s just a fabulous place for all sorts of delicacies.  My husband, who is a bit of a babaganoush snob, swears that theirs is the best in town.  I love their hummus, tabbouleh, falafel and spinach pies.  Their pita bread is always fresh and soft… not like the Read the rest of this entry »

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Washington Folk Festival at Glen Echo Park

said on June 2nd, 2011 filed under: Bethesda, District of Columbia, Just For Fun

Glen Echo Park

Glen Echo Park Entrance- circa 1938

The Washington Folk Festival will be returning to Glen Echo Park for its 31st year.  It’s free and features folk music, dance and crafts.  Over 450 performers on 7 stages.  There will be storytelling, music, and local artisans will exhibit their wares.

When:  Saturday and Sunday, June 4 & 5, 2011 from noon – 7pm.

Where:  Glen Echo Park in Maryland

Parking:  Free satellite parking and a shuttle bus will run between the Park and parking lot at Geico in Friendship Heights.  It’s an easy walk from Friendship Heights Metro.

Enjoy!

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Fresh Produce Delivered to Your DC Doorstep

said on April 21st, 2011 filed under: District of Columbia, Just For Fun

lettuceThe theme of the week seems to be food.  My last post was about lobster.  I’ve now moved on to veggies.

A few months ago I signed up for a service that delivers organic fruits and vegetables to my house every other week.  I’ve been meaning to take a picture of the bounty, but twice now it has found the fridge before I remember to grab the camera.  So, behold my borrowed photo of delicious lettuce.

Washington’s Green Grocer started back in 1994 when owners Zeke and Lisa became distressed over the quality of the produce at their local shopping market.  Naturally, they started their own Read the rest of this entry »

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Walk to Tenleytown/AU Park Metro

said on March 31st, 2011 filed under: District of Columbia, Information for Buyers, Relocating to the DC area

Sadly, this metro is pretty unsightly.  Historic Marker much nicer!

Sadly, this metro is pretty unremarkable. Historic Marker much nicer!

Tenleytown-AU Metro is located just inside the district line in what was once a trolley town at the turn of the century. It’s the closest metro stop to American University which is home to roughly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Within walking distance of Tenleytown-AU Metro are BestBuy, the Container Store, a hardware store, a branch of the DC library (recently renovated), Whole Foods and numerous other shops and restaurants. Neighborhoods served by Tenleytown-AU metro include Tenleytown, AU Park, Wakefield/Chevy Chase and North Cleveland Park.

  • American University Park (orange/pink) covers a wide swath of land and is bordered by Mass Ave, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Western (roughly). One bedroom condos start in the high $300’s and single family homes stretch up to $1,750,000. Typical to the area, you’ll find a lot of brick colonials interspersed with some ramblers, the occasional split, and capes. Walk time to metro varies widely, and can range from 5 to 35 minutes. Some bus options exist, particularly along Massachusetts Avenue.
  • Chevy Chase/Tenleytown (purple) is made up primarily of townhouses, condos and single family homes. Back when I lived there, it was known simply as Tenleytown… not sure when the CC snuck in? Read the rest of this entry »

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Walk to Friedship Heights Metro

said on March 21st, 2011 filed under: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, District of Columbia, Relocating to the DC area

Friendship Heights Metro Entrance AND DC Cornerstone Marker

Walk to Friendship Heights Metro

Face it.  Living near a metro in and @ DC can save you loads of time.  And a lot of people approach their home searches based on proximity to metro.  Friendship Heights offers up a bunch of varied neighborhoods within walking distance… and is unique because it serves both DC and Maryland residents.

Friendship Heights Metro is located at Wisconsin and Western Avenues, right along the District line. Friendship Heights has gone through a little commercial explosion over the past several years and has emerged with some vibrant and upscale eateries, shops, and even a Whole Foods. Neighborhoods included in this “walk-to Friendship Heights Metro” group are Somerset, Friendship Village, Brookdale, Chevy Chase Village, Friendship Heights & Crestview/Greenacres.

  • Somerset (pink) was founded in the early 1900s with 33 frame Victorians which were built on spec. It now is home to over 400 households. The balance Read the rest of this entry »

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Absorption Rates @ Bethesda- February 2011

said on March 9th, 2011 filed under: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, District of Columbia, State of the Market

bigstock_Toilet_Paper_8338059There are a couple of ways to figure out how well the real estate market is doing. And one of them is to take a look at he absorption rate – or, the amount of time it will take to sell the current inventory.  It is by no means a science.  But it does help gauge the local action.

So, how did February fare?  Only so-so.

I took a look at zip codes that included Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Cleveland Park, Friendship Heights and Woodley Park (more specifically, 20814, 20815, 20816, 20817, 20818, 20015, 20016, & 20008).  Individually the zips range from a 2.6 months supply of housing to a 9.1 months supply.  Combined, they average a 6.1 months supply, which means it’ll take roughly 6 months to sell off the 608 listings currently for sale.  Anything under 5 months = a seller’s market.  Anything over Read the rest of this entry »

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