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In January, there were a number of neighborhoods where homes were selling almost as soon as they hit the market.

Thirty percent of homes sold in the District last year fetched more than their original listing price.

Thirty percent of homes sold in the District last year fetched more than their original listing price.

Thirty percent of homes sold in the District last year fetched more than their original listing price.

Home sellers last year saw an average profit of $87,000, according to ATTOM Data Solutions' 2020 Home Sale Report.

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    On Thursday, interest rates dropped to 2.65%, one basis point lower than the previous record low of 2.66%. It was the 15th time in the last 12 months that rates set a new record. READ FULL ARTICLE                     You don’t need a walk-in the size of a studio apartment to get organized. READ FULL ARTICLE                     8,744 homes sold in the District through the first 11 months of 2020 — and 15 percent of those homes went to buyers paying all cash. READ FULL ARTICLE          

    If you thought 2020 was a strong year for the housing market, 2021 may blow it out of the water. At least that is Zillow's assessment, per their 2021 sales forecast. READ FULL ARTICLE               Mimosas for all your takeout, delivery, and outdoor dining needs. READ FULL ARTICLE               A new report by Redfin real estate brokerage found that home searches in large cities were up by 200% in October compared to October 2019. READ FULL ARTICLE          

      The 2020 housing market was surprisingly resilient, and even record-setting, despite other economic indicators of tumult. Last Thursday, the National Association of Realtors held its Real Estate Forecast Summit where a number of experts weighed in on what the market will look like next year. READ FULL ARTICLE             Holidays during Covid-19 will look very different from last year’s, but around DC there are still many safe and fun ways that you can celebrate the festive season. READ FULL ARTICLE           Long-term mortgage rates and DC home prices have been doing the same thing in recent months: setting records. A report out today from Bright MLS analyzing the regional housing market reports that the median home price…

      Near the beginning of the year, there were just five areas where homes were fetching a premium; by October, that number had increased to 11. As we end the year, we find that homes are regularly selling above list price in 13 neighborhoods, an indication of the competition in the city at the moment. READ FULL ARTICLE           Support locally-owned businesses while checking off your holiday shopping list. READ FULL ARTICLE               Sandlot Northwest will have outdoor seating, a bar and restrooms retrofit out of shipping containers, and will host food trucks for its patrons. READ FULL ARTICLE          

      As the year comes to a close, UrbanTurf is taking its bi-annual look at the neighborhoods across the city that have seen the highest home price appreciation during the year. READ FULL ARTICLE                 On the menu: a winter wonderland, Salvadoran pop-up, and festive holiday bar. READ FULL ARTICLE                   The Office of Planning has five new Small Area Plan efforts in the pipeline. READ FULL ARTICLE          

    Between 2015 and 2020, the median home price citywide has risen roughly 20%, or $105,000, increasing from $520,000 to $625,000. Below, we pull some data from a sample of DC neighborhoods to get a look at how prices have fared on a more granular level. READ FULL ARTICLE                 In addition to heaters and fire pits, restaurants around DC hope to extend the outdoor dining season this winter with the help of semi and fully enclosed structures like faux igloos, yurts, cabanas, tents, and greenhouses. Air flow varies by structure; for fully enclosed setups like plastic bubbles, it’s probably a good idea to only dine with members of your immediate household. READ FULL ARTICLE        …

    The October housing market in the DC region was characterized by prices, specifically record home prices. From DC to Alexandria, prices across the region reached new highs last month, but as has been the case for most of the year, the rising prices are not dampening enormous buyer demand. READ FULL ARTICLE               Medium Rare, the steak-frites restaurant, is expanding its effort to help Washingtonians during the covid pandemic, pledging to deliver free Thanksgiving Day meals to elderly residents who’ll be spending the holiday alone. READ FULL ARTICLE               This small northwest neighborhood has been one of DC's most active and competitive housing markets for several years. Home prices shot up…

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    DC home prices set two records in October. The median home price came in at $675,000, a year-over-year increase of almost 17% and $15,000 higher than the previous record home price for the city, according to a new report out today from Bright MLS. However, prices for single-family homes in the city went through the roof. READ FULL ARTICLE             The National Zoo’s annual holiday extravaganza ZooLights will be reimagined as a holiday mobile this year. ZooLights Express is a massive 24-foot truck that will drive around DC neighborhoods starting Friday, November 27. READ FULL ARTICLE               It’s the perfect DIY project for a pandemic winter. READ FULL ARTICLE          

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        More than 220 homes in DC have sold for above $2 million this year, an indication that the city may be on track for its best year on record when it comes to luxury home sales. READ FULL ARTICLE                 Thanksgiving will be different this year, but we’ll always have a thousand iteration of pumpkin desserts. This year, many local restaurants and bakeries are also getting creative, and letting customers go the DIY route. Here’s where to buy pies, cakes, dinner rolls, and breakfast treats. READ FULL ARTICLE               The robust housing market in the DC region has meant a steady level of competition for homebuyers in 2020.…

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Long-term mortgage rates have dropped to new record lows several times this year, most recently last week when they fell to 2.80%. A year ago, rates were almost 100 basis points higher, so UrbanTurf is taking its semi-regular look to see how the much lower rates are impacting mortgage payments. READ FULL ARTICLE We are just a few days away from Halloween and one month till Thanksgiving. But it’s never too early to think about safety measures for this year’s holiday events and gatherings. Dr. Sunil Budhrani, CEO and Chief Medical Officer of Innovation Health —a joint venture partnership between Aetna and Inova—and local ER physician, shares some advice. READ FULL ARTICLE Fall foliage peaks this weekend and next week around DC. Don’t feel like…

While high housing demand and the housing crisis are not news to anybody, it seems the homebuilding industry is finally taking notice. The latest Census residential construction report shows that housing starts increased by 11% year-over-year in September, with over 1.1 million single-family homes and 295,000 units breaking ground. As reported by The Real Deal, this increase in construction reflects stronger homebuilder confidence. This also comes after August saw a 5% drop in housing starts compared to July, when housing inventory hit a 40-year low. National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, released a statement in response to the news, noting that, in addition to giving prospective buyers more options, increased housing production will also be a boon to the economy and employment. "A gain of 8.1%* from a year ago…

In case you need more evidence of how hot the local housing market has been this year, home seller profits have shot up over the past six months. Homeowners in the DC area who sold in the third quarter of 2020 saw an average profit of $92,100, according to the latest report from ATTOM Data Solutions. This is a 30% increase in profit year-over-year, the highest quarterly average profit since the first quarter of 2008, and represents a 26% return on investment for sellers. Home seller profits nationwide averaged $85,000 in the third quarter, reflecting a comparable rate of year-over-year growth (28.8%). Profit margins increased in nine out of 10 metro areas nationwide. Despite the profits, DC-area homeowners are staying put longer. Homeownership tenure has risen from…

Third Street NW between the corners of Rhode Island Avenue and Anna J. Cooper Circle in the District’s LeDroit Park neighborhood is a short block of rowhouses on red-brick sidewalks. The street is bookended by two low-rise, three-story condominiums — 1881 and 1844 Third St. Newly constructed, the Griffith at 1844 Third St. is being touched up by workers wielding paintbrushes, sanders and hammers. It replaces an Elks Lodge. The builder, District Quarters, saved some portions of the original foundation but otherwise the three-story-over-basement building is new. There are nine condos, three per floor. “What’s especially unique is that they all have sizable outdoor space,” said Lindsay Reishman of the Reishman Group, a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. The top three are…

The Smithsonian’s Food History Weekend kicks off on Thursday, October 15 and runs until Saturday, October 17 with free virtual sessions focused on food justice — an especially pertinent topic during the pandemic. Learn about food workers’ rights, the enduring history of native foodways, the future of American beer, and more. Carve a pumpkin and dive into caramel apples at Lawntoberfest on Saturday, October 17 at Hi-Lawn (1309 Fifth St., NE), Union Market’s rooftop spot. Tickets cost $150 per table, with seatings of up to six people available from noon to 10 PM. The price tag also includes a soft pretzel picnic basket, six steins of beer, and access to the pop-up “pumpkin patch” to hand select the gourd you could turn into a pumpkin keg. Peruse apple-spice kombucha and sustainable fashion made by women at Femme Fatale’s…

When we last checked in on the neighborhoods in DC where homes were selling for above asking, there were just five areas that were pushing for a premium. Four months later, that number has doubled. So far in 2020, homes in the 11 neighborhoods below have been selling at or above their asking price, on average. Neighborhood sales were calculated according to the advertised subdivision, and for inclusion on the list, there had to be at least ten sales in 2020. Click to enlarge. This list differs a bit from past lists, as the neighborhoods are almost entirely located in the NW quadrant of the city. Three of the four areas leading the way -- AU Park, N. Cleveland Park and Chevy Chase -- are…

The strength of the September housing market in the DC area was led by a property type that hasn't been making headlines recently. Condo and co-op sales hit a ten-year high in the region in September, according to a report out today from MarketStats by ShowingTime, increasing 44% year-over-year. DC proper saw sales rise 69% with sales tripling in the 20002 zip code. In Alexandria, sales jumped 60%. “Record low interest rates are fueling buyer demand," Chris Finnegan of Bright MLS said. "Condo and co-ops are over a third of all new listings. Sales of these units hit an all-time high, with median prices up 13% from last year.” Median home prices in the DC area. Click to enlarge. The activity in the condo sector was…

Even amid a pandemic, there are still lots of ways to freak yourself out this Halloween. Most of the following options are outdoors, and all must comply with local social-distancing guidelines. Costumes aren’t required, but face masks are! Haunted Houses and Attractions Markoff’s Haunted Forest Thanks to social distancing, this year’s dark, wooded trail will be the most desolate ever—all the better for the performers to scare you. There are no individual tickets; instead, Markoff’s is selling “cohort tickets” that are good for up to six guests. Each cohort will get an assigned time to walk the trail. Book online. 19120 Martinsburg Rd., Dickerson; October 9-November 1. Bennett’s Curse This is an indoor haunted house. The company has posted a list of the Covid-19 precautions it’s taking to keep guests…

Columbia Heights is one of the largest and most active housing markets in DC. However, the 2020 market was not quite as volatile as other local markets in the city. While home prices were up year-over-year, sales were down slightly despite leading the city in terms of overall volume. The contract ratio in Columbia Heights has been well below 1.0 for most of the year, an indication that the market is largely leaning in favor of buyers. Below UrbanTurf plucked out several other interesting stats about the Columbia Heights market. $655,000 -- The median home price in Columbia Heights, up 11% compared to last year. 417 -- The number of homes sold in the neighborhood this year, down slightly compared to 2019 but the highest volume of…

On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Council passed the “More Housing at Metrorail Stations Act”, a bill aiming to incentivize high-density residential transit-oriented development. Under the bill, new high-rise developments on land leased from Metro that are at least half rental apartments will be exempt from property taxes for the 15 years. Typically, WMATA does not pay property taxes, but developer-lessees on WMATA-owned land are subject to those taxes. Metro estimates that 8,600 housing units could be built at Montgomery County's Metrorail stations, including up to 1,300 moderately-priced dwelling units (MPDUs). Over the past decade, roughly 2,700 new housing units have been produced per year while the county added about 8,000 people annually. The bill was introduced three months ago, and three amendments were added during yesterday's deliberations,…

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Between low interest rates and loosening pandemic-related restrictions in the DC area, prospective home buyers are increasingly willing to get out and see listings in-person. Today, UrbanTurf takes an updated look at the trend of in-person home showings in the area. Change in showings nationwide from the beginning of the year. Click to enlarge. According to new data from ShowingTime, in-person property showings nationwide were slightly lower for the week ending September 26th than the pre-pandemic high for the year, yet 16.5% higher than the same timeframe last year. Change in showings in DC proper from the beginning of the year. Click to enlarge. Since June, in-person showings in DC have tracked closely with and even exceeded showings observed at the same time in 2019. For the week…

Homes are selling faster than ever in the DC market and today UrbanTurf looks at exactly where they are selling the quickest. Using median days on market data for advertised subdivisions around DC, we highlighted where homes have been selling the fastest in 2020. In the current high demand market, homes are selling in a week or less in ten neighborhoods across the city. Click to enlarge. Leading the way so far in 2020 are many of DC's "Parks": American University Park, North Cleveland Park, Woodley Park and Shepherd Park. In these neighborhoods, as well as Takoma, homes are selling on median in six days. Home prices in these neighborhoods have also risen at least 10 percent, year-over-year. There are five more neighborhoods in the city,…

Swiss restaurant Stable (1324 H St., NE) is converting their patio pop-up Pier 1351 into an outdoor fondue spot, Little Stable, on Thursday, October 1 (the pop-up runs until October 22). Get cozy in a blanket while dunking bread and potatoes into cauldrons of bubbling cheese dip. The restaurant is also offering warm apple cider and hot spiced wine as the weather cools down. Downtown Bethesda is getting a restaurant week of its own from Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 11. Dine at a restaurant streatery or order takeout — restaurants are offering $10, $25, and $35 promotions, depending on the spot. Petworth’s Capitol Cider House (3930 Georgia Ave., NW) is commemorating the fall harvest with a virtual cidermaking class on Friday, October 2 at 8:30 PM. Tickets cover ingredients and equipment for the Zoom class, as well as a…

Fall is primetime in Virginia wine country, when estates begin to harvest their grapes. (The beautiful weather doesn’t hurt, either.) Here’s where to stop for brunch—all places with outdoor and socially distanced options—on your day trip from the DC area. The Ashby Inn. Photograph by Scott Suchman  The Ashby Inn 692 Federal St., Paris, VA The scenic Ashby Inn sits within a short drive of some great wineries like RdV, which offers new reservation-only, private tastings. If you don’t feel like traveling, the wine list boasts plenty of local bottles. Snag a table on the patio overlooking the green hills, or in the atmospheric 19th century inn. The seasonal, locavore brunch menu is filled with dishes like local Ossabaw pork loin schnitzel or a smoked salmon…

UrbanTurf is taking its annual look at the neighborhood housing markets around the DC region. Today, we head over to Kent. Kent is a neighborhood in the upper reaches of NW DC just adjacent to the Maryland border where home prices rarely fall below $1 million. Despite the high price tags, the neighborhood saw home sales shoot up this year along with most of the rest of the city. While prices did not have the same upper trajectory as sales, they are up slightly compared to 2019 and homes are selling much closer to their original asking price this year. Below UrbanTurf plucked out several other interesting stats about the Kent market. $1.595 million -- The median home price in Kent, up 1.2% compared to 2019.…

With the first day of fall arriving this week, the fall housing market is officially here. UrbanTurf looked at what we think will be the three metrics that will determine the direction of the DC-area market in the coming months. DC-area home prices have been hitting new highs annually for almost a decade. However, unlike past years, record prices aren't dampening sales in 2020. As the chart above shows, both home prices and home sales were at decade highs in August. If the frenetic sales pace continues into the fall, the supply of homes for sale will continue to drop unless a glut of new listings come on the market. A year ago, there was a two-month supply of homes for sale on the market in…

Fall Festivals, those godsend events for parents looking to wear out their kids in one swoop (and gorge on caramel apples and maybe some hard cider), are still happening at many local farms. But they’re obviously different this year. Expect lots of hand sanitizer and cashless systems. Don’t forget to book tickets well in advance—most are scheduling a reduced number of guests—and of course, stay six feet apart in that corn maze. Butler’s Orchard 22222 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown; 301-428-0444 Offerings: Butler’s, which is only about 50 minutes from DC, is doing both weekday and weekend “pumpkin harvest” days. The 15 acre park offers a corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm animals, massive slides, and hayrides, among other things. If you’re in it for the bounce pad, that’s…

Much has been made of the plans for Metropolitan Park and the impending arrival of the Amazon banana stand to Arlington. On Saturday, the Arlington County Board voted to approve a master plan and design guidelines for the site. Proposed site plan. Click to enlarge. The approved plan will refresh the nearly 2.5 acres along the east side of the 1300 block of S. Fair Street (map). Besides the banana stand, the park will include: A 2,300 square-foot "edible garden" with community seating; An 8,800 square-foot Central Green with capacity for several hundred people that will occasionally host movie nights and festivals; An Overlook with trellis and swings; A 5,000 square-foot public playground; A private Children’s Garden operated by an adjacent planned daycare facility; A café terrace with…

The DC region just had its strongest August housing market ever, with record home prices and record sales driven by record demand and record low interest rates. Below, UrbanTurf plucked out a few of the more telling statistics from the August market. $515,000 -- The median home price in the DC region in August, the second highest level on record for the region. $648,000 -- The median home price for DC in August, the second highest level on record for the city. $1.16 million -- The median sales price for homes on Capitol Hill, up 25% compared to last year. 862 -- The number of pending home sales in the District in August, an increase of 48% compared to August 2019. 94% -- The year-over-year rise in the number of new condo…

Here’s what you should check out this weekend: Crash course: As the election looms near, attend a Profs and Pints virtual lecture to learn about the electoral college. GW history professor Denver Brunsman will talk about why the electoral college exists and explore the question of whether or not it’s still necessary, some 230 years after its creation. Thursday 9/10 at 7 PM; $12, buy tickets here. Remembering 9/11: There will be a “Commemorative Ceremony for 9/11” outside of the Pentagon Federal (PenFed) Credit Union building in Tysons. Veterans and first responders who were active duty during the 2001 attack will speak in a brief and socially distant ceremony. They will hold a moment of silence to mark the moment the Pentagon was hit that day.…

Downtown DC restaurants have been hit particularly hard in the pandemic with Capital One Arena and museums closed, tourism down 53 percent, and offices filled to a mere five percent capacity. But there’s a plan underway that aims to draw more dining interest downtown. Cuba Libre founder Barry Gutin and the DowntownDC BID dreamed up a new kind of “streatery” that would operate more like a communal outdoor dining room for six participating restaurants, all of which could prepare special food and drinks on site. If approved by the city, the al fresco venue, dubbed Dine Out on 8th, will take over a stretch in Penn Quarter on Eighth Street between H and I streets, Northwest. “The idea isn’t just to get more seats, but create a critical mass…

Mortgage rates paused ahead of Friday’s employment report and the Labor Day weekend. According to the latest data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average ticked up to 2.93 percent with an average 0.8 point. (Points are fees paid to a lender equal to 1 percent of the loan amount and are in addition to the interest rate.) It was 2.91 percent a week ago and 3.49 percent a year ago. Freddie Mac, the federally chartered mortgage investor, aggregates rates from around 80 lenders across the country to come up with weekly national average mortgage rates. It uses rates for high-quality borrowers who tend to have excellent credit scores and at least 20 percent for a down payment. These rates are not available to every…

Unbelievably, Labor Day—the unofficial end of summer—is fast approaching on Monday, September 7. These past few months have felt like a Salvador Dali painting of melting clocks, but the conclusion of another socially-distanced season is an occasion worth celebrating. Chefs at restaurants around DC are prepping barbecue boxes and seafood spreads to take the labor out of the summer holiday—just add a grill. Anxo 300 Florida Ave., NW; 711 Kennedy St., NW  Sip cold ciders with ribeyes and chicken thighs for four from this cidery’s grill kit. The $115 spread features Spanish-influenced accoutrements like marinated olives, chilled gazpacho, and romesco sauce. Tack on summer sangria, beer, and wine for an additional cost. Details: Pick up from either location; delivery. Bresca 1906 14th St., NW Ryan Ratino’s modernist restaurant…

If you’ve been wondering where to safely stash your collection of rare Bordeaux and Burgundy—outside your home cave, of course—there’s an even fancier place. Meet WineLair, a private European oenophile’s club that’s about to open its first US location in DC. Part members-only lounge and wine bar, part temperature-controlled storage facility, the chic den abutting the Ritz-Carlton in West End is set to debut on Tuesday, September 8.  The concept is a spinoff of WineBank, a German company founded in 2008 by Christian Ress, co-owner of Germany’s long-established (think 1870) Balthasar Ress winery. Locations include Basel, Vienna, Frankfurt, and beyond. Unlike the European model, designed to operate 24-7 with self-service, the American version boasts more of an elevated, clubby feel. Servers will pour your Chateau de…

Approximately one in five homes sold in DC this year fetched $1 million or above, an analysis by UrbanTurf found. Specifically, 901 of the 5,048 homes sold in the city between January and the end of July carried at least a $1 million price tag. July also witnessed the highest volume of sales between $2.5 million and $5 million for a month in three years (18), a sign that the luxury sector right now is moving just as swiftly as the rest of the market. In certain neighborhoods, the proportion of million-dollar sales was much higher than 20%. For example, in Georgetown and Chevy Chase DC, 65 percent of sales came in over $1 million. In Spring Valley, only two homes sold this year did…

Today, UrbanTurf is taking a look at the close-in Maryland suburbs that have seen the highest home price appreciation this year. In the table below, we outline the six areas that have seen the largest increase in home values. In order to qualify for the list, a jurisdiction had to record at least 20 sales this year. Also, if there was a wide disparity between the sales of single-family homes and condos/co-ops this year versus last year, we didn't include the area on the list. Click to enlarge. The two cities leading the way with home price appreciation levels approaching 17% are also two of the perennially popular areas for buyers looking for single-family homes at relatively affordable prices: Mount Rainier and Takoma Park. Riverdale…

After an uncharacteristically slow spring, thanks to stay-at-home orders and economic uncertainty stemming from Covid-19, Washington’s residential real estate market had a record-breaking July. According to the latest local data, the median home sale price in the DC metro area hit a 10-year high last month, coming in at $530,000—a nearly 13 percent increase compared with July 2019. And for the first time ever, the median price of DC rowhouses exceeded $800,000. The volume of transactions was also impressive, with more than 5,600 sales closing in July, up nearly 7 percent from 2019. Sellers have clearly gotten over any coronavirus-related hesitation: 7,285 new listings hit the market last month, up about 12 percent from June, and more than 20 percent compared to the same time last…

Two words of caution about getting out on the Potomac. First, plan ahead. In this age of Covid, reservations are required for all outings. Second, it’s a big river and can change rapidly, so be sure to check conditions before setting out. If you can, stick to protected areas like creeks and bays, or go out with a guide. Great for: Seeing Sunken Ships In September, Maryland’s Mallows Bay—where a “ghost fleet” of more than 100 wooden World War I–era ships lies partially submerged—was designated a Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. You can glide through the naval graveyard on a guided kayak tour ($49 or $75); register at charlescountyparks.com. 1440 Wilson Landing Rd., Nanjemoy. Great for: Spotting an Eagle Next to a federal sanctuary for bald…

The DC-area for-sale housing market has been relatively resilient despite the economic impacts of the pandemic, so we were curious as to how the new condo market is faring. A new report by condo sales and marketing firm McWilliams|Ballard zeroes in on how this year's market is faring. Below, UrbanTurf picks out some of the more interesting data points from the report. 8% — The year-over-year drop in new condo sales in the DC region between the first half of 2019 and the first half of 2020. 3% — The drop in new condo sales in DC proper; the 656 sales in the city account for 51% of the new condos sold areawide in 2020. 0.4% — The expected 2020 year-end increase above the 10-year average for new condo sales…

The month of July was one to remember for the DC housing market as home prices rose to records across the region and sales kept pace. With how much home prices have risen in the region this year, UrbanTurf decided to dig into the data and find the neighborhoods in the city where prices have never been higher. Comparing year-to-date data in 2020 to past years, we found seven neighborhoods in the city where prices are at record levels. Check out the list below.   SOURCE: UrbanTurf

Months of quarantine has bred a special sentimentality for the Before Times, reviving a mostly bygone artifact: the drive-in movie. Secluded car seats in marked parking spots turn catching a fresh-air flick into a responsibly social distanced activity—as well as an escape from yet another Netflix binge at home. Options for outdoor cinema are popping up around DC, bringing cars to open parking lots and projecting films al fresco on urban buildings. Different “theaters” have their own rules, so we recommend you read their guidelines carefully before purchasing a ticket. DC Films at the Stone 1964 Independence Ave., SW The Memorial Foundation is wrapping up the free summer film series, with sunset screenings by the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The movies spotlight stories of inspiring individuals, honoring the powerful…

Mortgage rates plummeted this week to yet another record low. On Thursday, long-term mortgage rates fell to 2.88%, ten basis points lower than the record low set just weeks ago when rates fell below 3%. It is the eighth time this year that rates have dropped to a new record low. “The resilience of the housing market continues as mortgage rates hit another all-time low, giving potential buyers more purchasing power and strengthening demand," Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a release. “We expect rates to stay low and continue to propel the purchase market forward. However, the main barrier to rising demand remains the lack of inventory, especially for entry-level homes.” The UrbanTurf Mortgage Rate Disclaimer: The rates reported by Freddie Mac for 30-year mortgages…

Thanks to the National Park Service, our region has beautiful places to hike. Here are some favorites for every skill level: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Easy jaunts in Harpers Ferry lead to history and river views. Photograph by Pat Blackley/Alamy. Distance from DC*: 64 miles. Why Go: Blue Ridge Mountain vistas, river views, and a generous dose of Civil War history are all on tap at this West Virginia park. Its 20 miles of trails—including the midpoint of the 2,178-mile Appalachian Trail—range from the pancake-flat C&O Canal towpath to challenging climbs over hardscrabble terrain. Best Easy Hike: Appalachian Trail North Starting at the information center in town (the inside of which is currently closed), the route crosses the Potomac River footbridge and traces the C&O towpath on the…

If you’re signing a new apartment lease or buying a home, you’ve likely considered this question: How safe is it to move during a pandemic? All the things that may be required when moving—the trips up and down an elevator, the movers touching all your boxed items and furniture, the tours of other people’s homes with agents—can seem especially…germy during a pandemic. “Moving is always a stressful time for people,” says Kate Ritson, the owner and CEO of DC moving company Bookstore Movers. “It’s one of the most stressful things you can do, so moving during Covid is particularly anxiety-inducing.” That being said, summer is usually the most popular season for moving, and despite a dangerous virus, 2020 hasn’t been an exception, says Ritson: “Our schedule is…

Mortgage rates fell back below 3% this week and are now just north of all-time record lows. On Thursday, Freddie Mac reported 2.99% with an average 0.8 point on a 30-year mortgage, down from 3.01% last week. The record low rate is 2.98%. “It’s Groundhog Day in the mortgage market as rates continue to remain near historic lows, driving purchase demand over 20 percent above a year ago,” Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a release. “Real estate is one of the bright spots in the economy, with strong demand and modest slowdown in home prices heading into the late summer. Home sales should remain strong the next few months into the early fall.” The UrbanTurf Mortgage Rate Disclaimer: The rates reported by Freddie Mac for 30-year mortgages…

The world might be turned upside down, but one thing is for certain: You can still get a $35 (or this year, there’s the option of a $55 dinner) at a cool restaurant. The DC area’s annual Summer Restaurant Week promotion, organized by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, is back—but things look different in the pandemic. To start, the promo will officially run for two weeks instead of one, between August 17 and 30. And you can now get your meals in carryout form for either solo or family-style dining, with the option of cocktails and wine. The sharable meals cost $60 to $100 for two people and $130 to $210 for four people. Restaurants will offer curbside pickup. Lunch and brunch menus are $22 a person.…

The month of June for the regional housing market was marked by a significant increase in pending sales and a home supply trying to keep up. The result? Homebuyers across the city were competing for the same homes. With the help of ShowingTime, UrbanTurf examined one of our favorite metrics regarding competition in the market to find the neighborhoods where homes for sale are attracting numerous bidders. For this article, UrbanTurf analyzed the contract ratio for advertised subdivisions in DC. Contract ratio compares the total number of homes under contract in a given period to the overall number of active listings. A higher ratio signifies an increase in contracts compared to supply. For example, a ratio of 1.2 means there are 1.2 listings under contract for…

Tabla 3227 Georgia Ave., NW The casual new Georgian restaurant in Park View from the Supra team specializes in two very delicious things: khachapuri (cheesy breads) and khinkali (soup dumplings). Both come in several varieties on the all-day menu,  alongside grilled meats and vegetables, sandwiches, and fun bites like Georgian fries. And for an afternoon drink on the patio, try a Chacha-spiked mule. Anju 1805 18th St., NW Dupont’s smash hit Korean restaurant just reopened for outdoor dining—including a brand new weekend brunch, launching this weekend. The kitchen continues its partnership with local Korean bakery OBread for a line of decadent-sounding breakfast sandwiches and pastries (we have our eye on the spicy fried chicken sando or a choco pie). Rounding out the menu are dishes like kimchee-baked eggs…

A new report out today from ATTOM Data Solutions states that home sellers in the U.S. saw a 36 percent return on investment in the second quarter of the year. In parts of DC, it was much higher UrbanTurf dug into the data for the city to find the zip codes where home sellers saw the highest profit in the second quarter. Click to enlarge.  20018, the zip code that runs along the eastern edge of the District and includes neighborhoods like Woodridge, Langdon and Brentwood, saw the highest profits. Sellers realized an average gain of $268,813, representing an average 71 percent return on a home's purchase price. Coming in second was the zip code of 20016, which borders the city's western boundary and includes neighborhoods like AU…

UrbanTurf is taking its annual look at the neighborhood housing markets around the DC region. Today, we head over to Spring Valley. Spring Valley is tucked away off Massachusetts Avenue near American University and is known for having some of the pricer homes for sale in the District. As the statistics below reveal, not only are homes expensive in Spring Valley, but they are large; the vast majority of listings sold this year had four or more bedrooms. As with many local markets these days, supply is also scant. Last year at this time, there was a four-month inventory of homes for sale. In June, it came in at about six weeks. $2.005 million -- The average sale price for homes sold in 2020, down about…

We’re not going to pretend that sitting on a pretty patio, sipping something frozen and delicious, makes up for lost time at the beach—but it does help. Here are some new and newly reopened spots to check out.  The Oasis at Hook Hall 3400 Georgia Ave., NW In addition to leading a major hospitality-industry relief effort during the pandemic, this Park View venue has reinvented its backyard as a leafy oasis. Beach-y cabanas with fans are available to rent for up to six guests ($100 for 2.5 hours) and include a complimentary bottle of Champagne and contact-free table service. There are also picnic tables for two-or-four starting at $10. Chef Ryan Gordon’s coastal menu includes crab cakes, tacos, and plenty of frozen, boozy delights. The patio at…

It's happened. Long-term mortgage rates have dropped below 3%. On Thursday, Freddie Mac reported 2.98% with an average 0.7 point on a 30-year mortgage, the first time that these long-term rates have fallen below 3%. In the early 1980s, rates hit 18% as the Federal Reserve raised rates to fight inflation. “Mortgage rates fell below 3 percent for the first time in 50 years. The drop has led to increased homebuyer demand and, these low rates have been capitalized into asset prices in support of the financial markets,” Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a release. “However, the countervailing force for the economy has been the rise in new virus cases which has caused the economic recovery to stagnate, and this economic pause puts many temporary…

If you were a home seller in the DC region in June, chances are you had a pretty good month, as UrbanTurf reported yesterday. While the market themes were primarily high home prices, rebounding home sales and signs that listings were starting to hit the market again, we decided to pluck out a few more statistics to give readers a sense of what is going on in the market. 15 -- The number of neighborhoods in DC where the median home price exceeded $1 million in June. $375,000 -- The median home price in Prince George's County, the highest price for the county in a decade. 32% -- The rise in townhome sales in DC's 20002 zip code, setting a ten-year high for sales of this property type. 46% -- The…

For the third time in the past four weeks, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate sank to a record low. According to the latest data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average fell to a historic low of 3.03 percent with an average 0.8 point. (Points are fees paid to a lender equal to 1 percent of the loan amount and are in addition to the interest rate.) It was 3.07 percent a week ago and 3.75 percent a year ago. Since November 2018 when it was 4.94 percent, it has fallen nearly 2 percentage points. The 30-year fixed rate is at its lowest level since Freddie Mac began tracking mortgage rates in 1971. It surpassed the previous low of 3.07 percent set last week.…

Like many restaurateurs, Aaron Gordon* spent March nights waking up in a 2 AM panic.  The owner of DC pizza bar Red Light and neighborhood hangout Little Beast says his mind bounced around—from vaccine timetables to years-long closures, from missed mortgage and rent payments to the potential of a looming recession or depression. In other words, he worried the restaurants he’d worked so hard to establish would be toast.   Then, he says, “something spectacular happened”: his takeout business at Chevy Chase’s Little Beast took off almost immediately. A few weeks into the Covid closures, Gordon was making even more in sales than he had pre-pandemic. He seized on a new idea: what if he went all-in on takeout? What if he merged the concept of a food hall with…

FRIDAY, JULY 10 SCIENCE NERDS: Unleash your inner science nerd and join Story Collider, a group of scientist storytellers, who will be sharing their stories on the theme of “home.” Audience members will be encouraged to share their own ten-word stories as well. This week, a biochemist and two neurobiologists will be entertaining you. Hop online and enjoy stories of home from home. (7 p.m., FREE or pay up to $50) TRUE CRIME: How does fictional forensic anthropologist Temperance “Bones” Brennan identify bodies and solve crimes? Novelist and forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs will be in conversation with Karin Slaughter on her character, who is also the inspiration for the show Bones, and how she translates real-life drama into fiction. This virtual program is by the Smithsonian Associates. (12 p.m., $25-$35) GRAND FINALE: It’s been…

First, food: This might be the most important part of your plans. If so, read no further (I won’t be offended) and check out these 10 great spots with BBQ specials like grill packs, rib racks, and more. The thing you’re already talking about: The Hamilton film is dropping on Disney+ at 3 AM Eastern time on July 3. The streaming platform reportedly spent $75 million to not throw away its shot (I had to say it) at buying the film rights. Featuring the original cast, the film is a live recording of three different 2016 performances edited into one. Oh, and it’s about Alexander Hamilton. The thing you’ve been wondering about: We finally have details on the Fourth of July fireworks show on the National Mall. There will be more…

In addition to contract ratio, the median days on market metric helps provide a sense of not only where homes are selling the fastest, but also a city's most competitive housing markets. Today, UrbanTurf parses the median days on market data for advertised subdivisions around DC to see where homes have been selling the quickest in 2020. And in the current high demand market, homes are selling in a week or less in ten neighborhoods across the city. Click to enlarge. Leading the way so far this year are two neighborhoods with "Park" in their name. American University Park, the upper Northwest neighborhood with a scant supply of homes for sale, is perennially one of the city's fastest moving markets. That is the case again in 2020. And…

Freddie Mac announced two things on Thursday that many in the mortgage industry never expected to hear: 1) Long-term rates dropped to 3.07%, their lowest level on record and 2) There is the likelihood that rates could go below 3% later this year. “Mortgage rates continue to slowly drift downward with a distinct possibility that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage could dip below 3 percent later this year,” Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a release. “On the economic front, incoming data suggest the rebound in economic activity has paused in the last couple of weeks with modest declines in consumer spending and a pullback in purchase activity.” The UrbanTurf Mortgage Rate Disclaimer: The rates reported by Freddie Mac for 30-year mortgages are usually the best…

One of DC’s historic roadways will transform into a temporary pedestrian and bicycle zone this weekend. The stretch of 18th Street, Northwest in Adams Morgan between Columbia Road and Kalorama Road will be closed for vehicle traffic Friday through Sunday. That will allow restaurants, bars, and shops to expand for outdoor service. The pedestrian zone will launch as a pilot program and may become a permanent fixture in the restaurant- and bar-heavy neighborhood. “This is a blueprint. If we do it right and it’s successful from a social distancing perspective, from a public health  and business perspective, it’s a template for the sustainability of the community,” says Matt Wexler, who spearheaded new neighborhood advocacy group the Adams Morgan Commercial Development Coalition (AMCDC) in May. The coalition, made up…

Restaurants and bars in DC entered phase two of reopening this week, meaning people can now sit inside. Food and drink establishments across the region can operate indoors at 50-percent capacity with six-foot spacing between tables, among other restrictions.  So what does that mean for your next meal out? Here are some big changes to expect. Creative partitions For some, spacing tables isn’t enough. Though no one has invented an insanely expensive, specialized air ventilation system a la Alain Ducasse, DC-area restaurateurs are getting creative with ways to keep guests apart and feeling safe. Take the Clyde’s Restaurant Group, which purchased 11,000 square feet of plexi-glass for bar and booth dividers at establishments like Old Ebbitt Grill. In Vienna, Clarity chef/owner Jonathan Krinn hung cloth curtains between banquette tables that can be…

The DC area is in the second phase of "reopening" as stay-at-home restrictions are lifted, but the real estate market has been defiantly high-demand throughout the public health crisis even when sales dipped. Today, UrbanTurf is taking another look at trends for showings of homes on the market in the region. The latest data from ShowingTime indicates that, for the week ending May 25th, in-person property showings nationwide had exceeded the rate observed during the same period in 2019. For the week ending June 21, showings were 9% higher than this year's pre-pandemic high, and nearly 5% higher than the same time last year. Change in showings in DC proper from the beginning of the year. Click to enlarge. Despite continuing to trend upward, DC proper showings are lagging behind the…

Go big for breakfast:  *If you’ve procrastinated making any dining plans—even until Sunday morning—order a round of massive breakfast sandwiches and Bloodies from Shaw sandwich pop-up Butter Me Up (651 Florida Ave., NW). They deliver. *St. Anselm’s buttermilk biscuits are some of the best in the city—and they are at peak amazingness when they come right out of the oven. We’ve got the recipe here, but if you want to make it easy on yourself, pick up a biscuit kit ($18) from the Union Market-adjacent steakhouse (1250 Fifth St., NE). *Starting at 10 AM on Sunday, pan-Latin hotspot Seven Reasons will package a barbecue-style brunch for takeout or delivery ( 2208 14th St., NW). The menu ($200), feeds three or four, and includes a half chicken, steak, blood sausage and chorizo, roasted potatoes, and a few…

The May housing market in the DC region was one of the wilder on record due to the roller coaster effect that COVID-19 is having on the market. The market is now characterized by record home prices, a dearth of homes for sale and buyer demand that is approaching pre-pandemic levels. Below, UrbanTurf plucked out a few of the more telling statistics from May. $500,000 -- The median home price in the DC region in May, the second highest level on record for the region. $660,000 -- The median home price for DC in May, the highest on record for the city. 15 -- The number of neighborhoods in DC where the median home price exceeded $1 million in May. 33% -- The drop in new listings on the…

Calls for racial justice have spurred Washingtonians to march through the streets of DC, to support black-owned restaurants, and to read and learn. Others have opened up their wallets, offering assistance to protestors as well as donations to nonprofits funding the movement. Looking for ways to help further? Washington is fortunate to have many local nonprofits which try to address racial disparities in education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and more. The Greater Washington Catalogue for Philanthropy, which each year creates a helpful guide to charitable giving after carefully vetting area nonprofits, has put together THIS LIST of 11 charities working toward racial justice. The organizations—including ones that promote food justice, mentor at-risk youth, and support expectant mothers—can always use donations. They are among just a handful of local groups working to build community and to…

DC home prices shattered their all-time record in May as the regional housing market continued its roller coaster ride as a result of the effects of COVID-19. The median home price in DC came in at $660,000, a whopping $25,000 higher than the previous record for the city of $635,000 set last December. The median price for the DC area hit $500,000, just below the record high for the region. In Alexandria,  single-family home prices hit a record of $964,000 and for the same property type in Prince George's County, home prices hit an all-time high for the third month in a row. Median home prices in May. Click to enlarge. These skyrocketing prices are largely the result of a severe drop in homes for sale…

Phase one is here, which means sparkling cocktails on the patio aren’t just a daydream anymore. Here, four newly relaunched spots, plus one that’s brand new. Millie’s 4866 Massachusetts Ave., NW Get ready for the frose crowd to descend on this Spring Valley patio, which reopens for 11 AM brunch this weekend. Pro tip: the coconutty frozen riptide cocktail is better. Italian doughnuts from Piccolina. Photograph by Scott Suchman  Piccolina 963 Palmer Alley, NW Reservations and advance dish selections are required for Amy Brandwein’s excellent Italian cafe (we’re partial to the vanilla-custard-filled bomboloni). There’s an hour time limit for brunch. Tiger prawns are cooked in a tandoor. Photograph courtesy of Punjab Grill. Punjab Grill 427 11th St., NW Many of this fancy Indian restaurant’s dinner…

Isherwood Street between 16th and 17th streets is a mix of old and new in Northeast Washington’s Kingman Park neighborhood. A number of buildings on both sides of the street are two-story, four-unit brick structures painted in shades of pale green, light gray, charcoal, yellow and salmon. They have a centered front door, with two windows on each side, and a row of five windows on the second floor. Some, like the four-unit condominium at 1603 Isherwood, have been rebuilt in a contemporary style that works well visually with the older buildings. At 1603 Isherwood, the facade is brick painted white and punctuated with large black window frames. The front door is glass with a lemon yellow border. The architecture was designed by the Alexandria,…

A year after the Office of Planning (OP) proposed amendments that could add more activity along DC's alleys, the Zoning Commission has scheduled a public hearing. The zoning amendments would enable more by-right alley dwellings by turning more alley-facing tax lots, which don't permit development, into record lots. Alley tax lots larger than 450 square feet created before May 1958 would be automatically grandfathered into this change, and people would be allowed to apply for special exceptions to convert alley lots created between 1958 and 2016 into record lots. OP has estimated that this change would enable development on 317 vacant alley lots in the city. Diagram from OP Setdown Report. Click to enlarge. The amendments would also create rules regarding alley studios and performances, which haven't…

The spring housing market in DC this year is characterized by scarcity, specifically the short supply of homes for sale. To provide a sense of where the inventory shortage could be particularly acute, UrbanTurf did some digging to find the five neighborhoods in DC where the inventory of homes for sale hovered around a month or less in April. The neighborhood with the lowest supply of homes for sale in April may also be the neighborhood that is least recognizable to readers. Colonial Village, which sits north of Rock Creek Park near the top of the DC diamond, had a 15-day supply of homes for sale on the market last month. What that means is that if no new listings hit the market, at current demand levels, the…

New week, new record. Today, Freddie Mac reported 3.15 percent with an average 0.8 point as the average for a 30-year mortgage, a new record low for long-term rates. The previous record was 3.23 percent, set at the end of April. "The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has again hit the lowest level in our survey’s nearly 50-year history, breaking the record for the third time in just the last few months,” Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a release. “These unprecedented rates have certainly made an impact as purchase demand rebounded from a 35 percent year-over-year decline in mid-April to an 8 percent increase as of last week—a remarkable turnaround given the sharp contraction in economic activity." The UrbanTurf Mortgage Rate Disclaimer: The rates reported by Freddie Mac…

With summer upon us and vacations on hold, we’ve been thinking a lot about how to spruce up our at-home outdoor spaces. And it seems we’re not alone—if you’re anything like us, you’ve probably noticed that patio decor is quickly selling out online. But we’ve rounded up dozens of options here—suitable for tiny apartment balconies, big backyards, and rowhouse decks–all still in stock, and all shippable to your quarantine. Herewith, our favorite ways to amp up your outdoor space this summer. Invest in an outdoor sofa *with* cushions It’s hard to adequately stress what a difference cushions make on outdoor furniture. They make seating comfier, of course, but they also make a patio or deck feel like a real extension of your living space. Morocco…

This month, weddings-and-events florist Sophie Felts Floral Design launched a flower drive to benefit Greater Washington Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. Over the next several weeks, they’ll be designing and assembling arrangements for pickup on June 11 at their Gaithersburg studio. Each arrangement will cost $35, and because a private donation is covering the costs of the flowers and the florists are donating their labor, 100 percent of the $35 from each bouquet will go to the Fund. Not local for pickup? You can still participate, and have your $35 go doubly far—choose the option to donate an arrangement and the Sophie Felts team will give your $35 to the Fund and give a bouquet on your behalf to health care workers on the front lines. Here’s…

Data in April suggested that the pandemic has tipped the DC-area housing market more in favor of home sellers — and according to realtors, this isn't a fluke. Compass' Maureen Weaver recently listed a home in Chevy Chase DC, and over the course of two days, the home was shown almost 40 times. "I scheduled appointments every 15 minutes so I could get as many buyers through the house on Saturday and Sunday while my clients were away," Weaver told UrbanTurf. Along with pacing the tours out, Weaver sat outside to make sure anyone entering the house had on a mask and gloves, was in the home alone, and adhered to the 15-minute schedule. The result? "It received 8 offers, and it escalated far above the list price."…

With Memorial Day coming up, UrbanTurf is taking its bi-annual look at the neighborhoods across the city that have seen the highest home price appreciation this year. In the table below, we outline the five neighborhoods that have seen the largest increase in home values. In order to qualify for the list, a neighborhood had to record at least 15 sales this year. Also, if there was a wide disparity between the sales of single-family homes and condos/co-ops this year versus last year, we didn't include the neighborhood on the list. Click to enlarge. The list represents a wide geographic swath of the city as evidenced by the top three neighborhoods -- Barry Farm, Wesley Heights and Woodridge -- covering three different quadrants. Coming in…

Wearing a cloth face mask in public is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and, in some scenarios, mandatory in DC As part of the latest emergency measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, Mayor Muriel Bowser has ordered workers, customers, and visitors to grocery stores and hotels to wear protective masks. With a flood of demand, many restaurants around town are adding masks to their online menus. Some are tapping talented sewers to add fashionable flair to the essential accessory designed to shield the mouth and nose. Here’s a list of where to find non-medical grade face masks, bandanas, and scarves, with a majority of proceeds going towards restaurant employees. Pub & the People: The corner neighborhood pub, open for takeout 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.…

When stay-at-home orders are lifted around the country, prospective home sellers are ready to move, per a new report. 77 percent of home sellers are preparing to list their homes for sale at the end of stay-at-home orders, according to a new report out today from the National Association of Realtors. “After a pause, home sellers are gearing up to list their properties with the reopening of the economy,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Plenty of buyers also appear ready to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates and the stability that comes with these locked-in monthly payments into future years.” There hasn't been that stark a difference between new listing activity in Washington, DC over the last month compared to the same time last year.…

Just because you can’t treat mom to a restaurant visit this year doesn’t mean you have to skip the celebratory Mother’s Day meal. Tons of DC-area restaurants are offering pickup and delivery brunches and dinners, from luxe spreads to comforting egg dishes, family-style feasts and DIY mimosa kits. Here’re some options for every taste. For the one-stop-shop with brunch and gifts: Neighborhood Provisions Delivery in DC, Arlington, and Alexandria In addition to a large brunch menu, the Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s online marketplace offers several gift options for mom, many of which are in collaboration with small local businesses. We like the looks of a “Pandemic Pamper” box ($60) with Wellness Apothecary bath salts or body butter, a Poze soy candle, Early Mountain rosé, and cards. Also…

Like a lot of people, Amanda Marshall and her family felt an urge to help those most affected by the Covid-19 crisis. But they weren’t quite sure what they could do. “We sat around the table and said, ‘what skillset do we have?’” says Marshall, of a conversation she had with her husband and their four sons. “We said okay, there’s no medical expertise here, and nobody in our family sews, so we couldn’t make masks.” Then, it occurred to them: with the pandemic taking a huge economic toll, and social-distancing protocols making it tough for many people to get to the store, the Marshalls decided they could buy groceries and bring them to households in need. About a month on, that idea has grown into a…

With the spring housing market underway, UrbanTurf is taking its annual look at the neighborhood markets around the DC region. Today, we head to American University Park. As has been the case for the past five years, AU Park remains one of the most, if not the most competitive housing market in the city. As the selection of statistics below show, homes are selling extremely quickly and for well above asking price in the neighborhood, which results in it having one of the lowest supplies of homes for sale in the city. 102.2% -- The average sales price to original list price ratio for homes that sold this year in AU Park. 86% -- The percentage of homes in AU Park that sold in ten days or less this…

With the spring housing market underway, UrbanTurf is taking its annual look at the neighborhood markets around the DC region. Today, we head over to Chevy Chase DC. Chevy Chase is perennially one of the more competitive DC neighborhood housing markets where high prices, high demand and low supply are constant themes. While UrbanTurf has anecdotally heard that many of these things represented the 2020 market pre-COVID, homes sales have already dropped off compared to last year. It will be interesting to see how the virus affects things in the coming months. Below are some statistics that UrbanTurf compiled about the Chevy Chase market. $1.045 million -- The average home sales price in Chevy Chase DC in 2020, down slightly from 2019. 30 -- The number of…

A dine-in ban in effect to quell the novel coronavirus has limited D.C. area restaurants to takeout and delivery, drastically reducing their sales. The drop in demand goes up the supply chain, hurting wholesalers that stock professional kitchens with meat, fish, and produce. While restaurants figure out how to adapt to the new normal, some purveyors are also pivoting by selling direct to consumers. Many people are wary of venturing into grocery stores and farmers markets, which means demand for home deliveries is at an all-time high. Here are some distributors offering direct-to-consumer deals on everything from lobsters to coffee to foie gras: Profish: The seafood purveyor specializing in local and sustainable fish and crab sends trucks out from its Ivy City warehouse to restaurants all over town.…

Albi 1346 Fourth St., SE Chef Michael Rafidi launches brunch at his new wood-fired Mediterranean restaurant on Sunday, April 26.  The menu includes fun items wood-baked bagels, za’atar croissaints, flatbreads, tahini soft-serve, and harissa-spiced bloodies. Order online via Toast or Tock for pickup between 11 AM and 2 PM.  Le Diplomate 1601 14th St., NW The French favorite reopened this week and has a special weekend menu for Saturday and Sunday between 1 and 8 PM. Brunch-y items include homemade croissants and pastries, a gruyere omelette, the famed burger, and not-so-famed-but-equally-tasty butter shrimp salad. Call for pickup or order delivery via Caviar and DoorDash. Bubbles and cocktails are pickup-only. Nina May 1337 11th St., NW Chef Colin McClimans just started a new brunch (and dinner) delivery at the seasonal Logan Circle restaurant. “Feast” packages include three-course meals for…

Evidence is mounting of how hot the DC area housing market was this year before the public health emergency. Home sellers in the region saw average profits of $68,010 in the first quarter of 2020, according to the most recent report from ATTOM Data Solutions. This means that sellers saw an average 22% return on their original investment. Home sellers nationwide also saw an increase in profits, with average gains of $67,100 compared to $57,500 a year earlier. Average homeownership tenure in the DC area has gone down a bit, to 7.86 years in the first quarter of the year compared to 8.13 years in the first quarter of 2019. While the gains in the first quarter were substantial, the report offers some perspective on how the pandemic will change…

Many restaurants and bars decided to shut down altogether when local governments banned dine-in service more than a month ago. But as the weeks have dragged on and stay-home orders have been extended, some businesses are popping back up for takeout. That means some new eating options for you: Bistro Bis 15 E St., NW A paired-down menu of French classics will go live on Wednesday, April 22. Start with shellfish bisque or asparagus polonaise or go straight for entrees like beef short rib bourguignon and bucatini mushroom bolognese. Accompany your meal with beers and wines to-go. It’s all pickup to start but delivery is coming soon. Bresca 2000 14th St., NW For a fancier night in, chef Ryan Ratino‘s modernist hotspot is offering a four-course prix-fixe menu…

While the closure of non-essential storefronts has affected local retailers and small business owners, you can do something to help: shop local. Spearheaded by DC jeweler Mallory Shelter of Shelter, a group of small business owners and retailers in the DC area have come together to host a Small Business Saturday April 25. All groups participating in the virtual event have been affected by the Covid-19 crisis, whether that means shuttering their storefronts or shifting operations. Meanwhile, they still have to pay overhead and operating costs. That’s where you come in: The group is encouraging folks to spread the word about shopping local on April 25.  Participating retailers—the majority of which are women-owned—include the likes of Salt & Sundry, Shop Made in DC, She Loves Me, Ivy Wild, Politics & Prose, the Outrage, Underbares, Lettie Gooch, and Dio Wine…

Jonah Docter-Loeb is a senior at Georgetown Day School. His Print to Protect project has corralled more than a hundred people to print and distribute medical gear for health-care workers and front-line responders. The group has made more than 3,000 parts for medical gear and delivered almost 1,500 completed face shields to local hospitals. What made you decide to take this project on? How did it all start? When the Covid-19 situation began to escalate in Europe and the US, I was shocked to see the lack of personal protective equipment available for medical professionals. I saw some posts online about hobbyists 3-D printing medical equipment and thought I could help make a difference. I’ve been working with 3-D printers at my high school for the past…

A month after home showings took a dramatic nosedive in DC in the wake of physical distancing guidelines, new data shows a rebound in April for both in-person property showings and online viewings. Change in showings in DC proper from beginning of year. Click to enlarge. The latest data from ShowingTime indicates that property showings in DC proper for the week ending April 21st fell by 45% from the 2020 weekly average, and by 54% compared to the same time last year. However, showings have been trending upward since the second week of April. In the week ending April 6th, showings hit their lowest level this year, sitting at 60% beneath this year's weekly average, so the drop-off of just 45% reveals an increase in activity. Year-over-year change in page…

Pasta from Stellina 399 Morse St., NE Make yourself a comfort dish with some help from this Italian hotspot. The restaurant supplies handmade pastas like paccheri or tonnarelli along with sauces (bolognese, cacio e pepe), and parm for $25. The kits make enough to feed four. Available for pickup or delivery via Caviar. Dumplings (and more!) from Laoban Dumplings Union Market, 1309 5th St., NE Stock up on frozen dumplings—including pork soup dumplings–along with noodles, sides, and choco pies. Add on a bamboo steamer while supplies last. Beginning April 16, Laoban will also offer a limited number of meal kits for two from chef Tim Ma for under $30. Look out for options like stir-fried chicken lo mein, spicy citrus, mangolian beef, and fermented black bean and shiitake mapo tofu.…

Thank-you signs for essential workers are popping up all over the DMV area.   Chevy Chase House, NW DC. Photograph by Evy Mages     Owen Pl. NE, DC. Photograph by Marisa Kashino   Arlington, VA. Photograph by Chaitanya Puri   Adams Morgan. Photograph by Evy Mages     Capitol Hill   Chevy Chase, DC. Photograph by Evy Mages     Adams Morgan. Photograph by Evy Mages     Photograph by Thomas Cluderay   Photograph by @MangoTomato/Twitter   Forest Hills, DC. Photograph by Michael Schaffer   Chevy Chase, DC. Photograph by Michael Schaffer   Mt. Pleasant. Photograph by Thomas CluderaySOURCE: Washingtonian 

The results of a new survey by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) illustrates how the home purchase process has changed in recent weeks. Surveyed realtors reported that one in four purchase contracts initiated over the last week happened without the buyer visiting the property in person. Those clients toured a median of three properties either in person or virtually before putting in a contract. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun has noted that despite a slowdown in the market, integration of technology has helped keep prices stable. “Expect second-quarter home sales activity to slow down with the broad observance of stay-at-home orders, but sales will pick up when the economy reopens as many potential home buyers and sellers indicate they’re still in the market or will be in…

Pretty much every DC distillery (plus at least one coffee roastery) has expanded its lineup from gin, whiskey, and rum to hand sanitizer amid nationwide shortages. The bulk of the product is being sold to local government for frontline workers or donated to healthcare professions, nonprofits, and other groups in need. However, the general public can also snag some bottles. Here’s how: Compass Coffee Multiple locations Find 16-ounce bottles of “Simple Sanitizer” at all Union Kitchen Grocery locations for $14.99 each. You can also stop by Compass Coffee’s shop at 1535 7th St., NW to fill your own bottle for a 25-percent discount. Cotton & Reed 1330 5th St., NE Sanitizer is available at the distillery only, Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 7 PM. A free…

The Washington Nationals have teamed up with chef José Andrés’s global nonprofit to utilize D.C.’s empty professional baseball stadium as a place to cook and distribute thousands of free meals to residents in need during the novel coronavirus crisis. Under its city-owned lease, Nationals Park is supposed to be used for sports and entertainment only, but the city signed off on a plan led by World Central Kitchen and the team’s newly established charity arm, Nationals Philanthropies (formerly the Dream Foundation). Two large kitchens at the park will be used to prepare hot meals that will be delivered to communities by Uber Eats drivers. One facility is typically reserved for suites, catering, and concessions. The other, PNC Diamond Club kitchen, normally makes food for big-ticket fans. It’s outfitted…

Elena Tompkins was more than busy when the coronavirus crisis hit—she’s a lobbyist for health-care companies and insurers. But one night she lay awake, restless and wondering how she could drum up business for a couple of restaurant-owner friends: “Literally, at 3 am, I was like, ‘Hospitals!’ ” The next morning, she e-mailed about 20 contacts, her friend Sarah Cannova among them, asking who wanted to go in on ordering lunch from Millie’s for nurses at Sibley. Tompkins pooled enough money for 30 meals. The day after that, another e-mail blast raised cash for 85. Soon her Venmo account was blowing up with donations from total strangers, too.  Tompkins launched Feed the Fight and brought on Cannova—former owner of Sassanova boutiques—to head up advance planning and help manage orders with…

You know there’s a nationwide protective face mask shortage. So how can you help?  There are two main ways: donating any supplies you already have, or banding with local businesses who are making cloth masks. How to Donate Existing Masks Maybe you have respirators, surgical masks, or other forms of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) on hand, or know someone who does (construction workers, e.g.). Those supplies are desperately needed by healthcare workers. Consider donating through one of these programs. #GetUsPPE The site has information for both those who have and those who need PPEs. There is a comprehensive spreadsheet that shows what hospitals need protective equipment and how they’re taking donations. #Findthemasks The site shows what kinds of protective equipment are needed, and has an interactive map…

For those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, here are some convenient testing sites in the DC area that maintain physical distance recommendations. Bear in mind that there is a limited quantity of tests, results often take up to seven days, and it is generally recommended to self-isolate and call your doctor before seeking testing or treatment. Referrals are required unless stated otherwise. District of Columbia The Children's National Health System opened the city's first drive thru and walk-up testing facility at Trinity Washington University for patients up to 22 years old. George Washington University Hospital in Foggy Bottom (map) has a walk-up tent to test potential patients with milder cases. Another drive thru facility is planned in the East End. Kaiser Permanente members can get a drive thru or walk-up test at the…

Clients, Neighbors, & Friends, First and foremost, we want to send our support and love during this time of uncertainty.  While our regular routines have been upended, please know we’re continuing to work diligently to provide the highest level of service and guidance to our clients. We're taking all necessary precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy during this time. We're thankful to be part of a brokerage that invests in innovative technology which provides us the opportunity to easily communicate and stay connected with our clients during challenging times. In an effort to practice social distancing, our team can offer both virtual consultations, and property tours. As agents, we're committed to being there for our clients each and every step no matter the circumstances.…

This week, a 13,000-square-foot events space in DC’s Park View neighborhood has turned into a relief center helping service industry workers secure essentials while fallout from the coronavirus pandemic grinds restaurant business to a halt. Since Monday, Hook Hall (3400 Georgia Avenue NW) has been distributing meals and care packages to a crowd facing reduced or revoked schedules and inconsistent pay. On Wednesday, organizers put out a call to chefs to volunteer kitchens and empty their walk-ins to help feed kids who attend nearby El Haynes Public Charter School, too. Sign up here to help. Affected workers and students can drop by for “Hook Hall Care Kits” packed with canned foods, non-perishable snacks like chips and cookies, pita bread, milk, tampons, toilet paper, and other items that can be…

As U.S. states, cities, and counties implement their own responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, one company is contemplating how well each is doing. Unacast has published an interactive analysis of the extent to which different places are following the World Health Organization's and the Center for Disease Control's recommendations to enact social distancing. So far, the country gets a grade of "B", with a nearly 39% drop in the average distance traveled. The District of Columbia, however, comes first both in the list of "states" and the list of "counties". DC proper's A-grade reflects a 60% decrease in the average distance traveled by city residents. This data is as of March 21st, by which time the city was under a state of emergency, dine-in service had been shut…

Destinations for pricey tasting menus, tweezer-plated dishes, and curated wine pairings have had to turn their entire business models upside down overnight in order to survive the coronavirus crisis. With restaurants across the region forced to close, the fanciest of dining rooms have suddenly become takeout and delivery joints. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that you can get a taste of restaurants where dinner often costs hundreds of dollars for a fraction of the price. Here are some options: Annabelle 2132 Florida Ave., NW Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj (Rasika, Oval Room) and chef Frank Ruta only recently opened this modern-American restaurant in the former Dupont home of Restaurant Nora. Now you can find a handful of more comforting, yet refined dishes for takeout, including a Reuben-inspired burger, rigatoni bolognese, and a…

Before the coronavirus crisis made social distancing a priority, local hiking trails were already go-to spots for respite from city crowds. Conveniently, Washingtonian has previously explored the area’s peaks and panoramas. We can’t guarantee these spots will be empty, so be prepared to adapt if trails begin to fill. Here are some hiking options in DC. Rock Creek Park Created by an act of Congress in 1890—and just the fourth national park at the time, after Yellowstone, Mackinac, and Sequoia—this District playland has 32 miles of hiking paths, including our favorite: the 3.5-mile Boulder Bridge loop, which starts at the Nature Center and runs through the woods and along the creek. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Bring binoculars and amble along the River Trail or the boardwalk, where you…

Social distancing doesn’t mean you have to put space between you and your bacon-egg-and-cheese. Before work-from-home orders and quarantines kept Washingtonians at home, we considered the convenience of breakfast delivered to your door: Bullfrog Bagels You can have bagels delivered by the dozen, mix-and-match flavors individually, or try their lineup of bagel sandwiches like a smoked salmon BLT.   Silver Diner We’re fans of this local diner chain, with branches in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. In addition to classics you’ll find plenty of items made with health and dietary issues in mind (i.e. huevos rancheros loaded with veggies, egg white power breakfasts). That said, the chicken tenders are hard to beat. Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. Flaky, homemade biscuits are Mason Dixie’s signature, and you’ll find them stuffed…

It may have been cold last month, but the housing market in the DC region was quite hot. From record home sales to rising prices to homes selling in less than a week, the market was firing on all cylinders in February. The latest report by ShowingTime, using Bright MLS data, shows that the median home price in the region hit a decade-high for the month of $460,000, an 8 percent year-over-year increase. In DC proper, prices were largely flat, however values for detached houses shot up almost 30 percent. Arlington saw prices for detached homes and condos rise to their highest level in ten years. Click to enlarge. Despite a low inventory of homes for sale, home buyers were out in force. There were 13…

In the last week, the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic (more popularly known as coronavirus) has penetrated the nationwide consciousness. Locally, events are being cancelled, college classes and workplaces are switching to remote work, and the DC mayor declared a public health emergency. Thus far, however, increasing awareness about coronavirus has not quelled demand in the DC housing market. Clint Mann, president of sales and marketing firm Urban Pace, said that the spring market started early this year and that new home sales at the firm are on track to beat projections. Last weekend, eNvy, a new condo development in the Ballpark District, saw its most traffic thus far this year. Mann observes that demand in the new condo market likely remains high in part because the average prospective buyer is…

Washington’s cherry blossoms are expected to be at peak bloom on March 27-30, 2020, the National Park Service announced Wednesday. The Park Service defines cherry blossom peak bloom as the date when 70 percent of the Tidal Basin’s Yoshino cherry trees are blossoming and determines the dates using a temperature-based model. Peak bloom dates are rarely exact–last year the Park Service predicted April 3 to April 6, but warmer temperatures moved the buds along, so NPS pushed up the peak bloom to April 1. This year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival will run from March 20 to April 12 and, as always, commemorates Japan’s 1912 gift of more than 3,000 cherry trees to the city of DC. The multi-week festival will include a series of cultural programming, including the blossom…

Mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest level on record. Today, Freddie Mac reported 3.29 percent with an average 0.7 point as the average for a 30-year mortgage, the lowest level for rates in fifty years. “The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a record 3.29 percent this week, the lowest level in its nearly 50-year history. Meanwhile, mortgage applications increased 10 percent last week from one year ago and show no signs of slowing down,” Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a release. “Given these strong indicators in rates and sales, as well as recent increases in new construction, it’s clear the housing market continues to be a positive force for the broader economy.” The UrbanTurf Mortgage Rate Disclaimer: The rates reported by Freddie Mac for 30-year mortgages…

Nicoletta's Calabrese Pizza. Photograph by Scoot Suchman. Want to try Thin Mints and a Kalamazoo Stout? The Craft Beer Cellar on H Street, Northeast is continuing its Girl Scout cookie and beer pairings on Thursday from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The $1 cost will be waived with a purchase of a box of cookies from DC’s Troop 44039, which will be selling the confections outside. This Thursday, Via Umbria’s Chef’s Table celebrates winter black truffles in five courses. The Georgetown market and cafe has incorporated the delicacy into every stage of the meal, including dessert: an apple-almond cake with truffle honey. Tickets are $125. Bad Saint and Domestique Wine have joined forces for a six-course vegetarian tasting menu and natural wine pairing (the latter highlights small producers from the Jura, Savoie, and United States). The family-style…

The National Children’s Museum is officially open. After a series of delays, the art and science center began welcoming visitors this week. Originally set to open last November, the museum in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center was delayed by a slow-moving federal permit process, according to its CEO and president, Crystal Bowyer. Here’s what you need to know before you go. Getting There The museum is located at Woodrow Wilson Plaza, just steps from the Federal Triangle Metro stop. There’s also parking available in private garages a short distance from the museum, and a public parking garage at the Ronald Reagan Building. You can access the garage from either 13 1/2 St., Northwest, and Pennsylvania Ave., or via two other entrances on either side of 14th…

A new report by condo sales and marketing firm McWilliams|Ballard aggregates sales and pipeline information from 2019 to lend some context to the areawide new condo market. Below, UrbanTurf picks out some of the more interesting data points from the report. 12% — The year-over-year increase in DC-area new condo sales between 2018 and 2019. 20% — The year-over-year increase in new condo sales in DC proper, accounting for 48% of the new condos sold areawide last year. 51% — The year-over-year increase in new condo sales in Loudoun County, accounting for 14% of the new condos sold areawide last year. New condo sales in DC proper by price range. Click to enlarge. Over 60% — The share of new condos sold in DC in 2019 that started sales in 2019. 3.2…

A sophisticated new steak and seafood place with a South Florida vibe, a theatrical grill, and an impressive array of martini supplies opens tonight on the Southwest Waterfront. The Grill (99 Market Square SW) comes from chef Roberto Santibañez and KNEAD Hospitality + Design — the same team that runs contemporary Mexican spot Mi Vida nearby. An open kitchen will attract attention with a Josper Basque Grill, made in Barcelona, that will send out steak, seafood, and vegetable plates cooked over charcoals and pecan wood. Santibañez says the heat gets intense, and he had to get comfortable raising and lowering grates to time out individual dishes. “It’s a whole dance,” he says. The grill will send out everything from Ora King salmon, barbecue pork ribs, and grilled cauliflower to naan, charred…

With interest rates at their lowest level in years, homebuyers are taking notice. On Thursday, Freddie Mac reported 3.49 percent with an average 0.7 point as the average for a 30-year mortgage, remaining near three-year lows. “The low mortgage rate environment continues to spur homebuying activity, with applications to purchase a home up fifteen percent from a year ago,” Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a release. The UrbanTurf Mortgage Rate Disclaimer: The rates reported by Freddie Mac for 30-year mortgages are usually the best rates that the most qualified borrowers can get, so borrowers or those considering refinancing should not necessarily read this news and think that they can go out and get a loan with the quoted interest rate. SOURCE: UrbanTurf

770 Park is the new name for the old school that has become a low-rise condominium at 770 Park Road NW in the District’s Columbia Heights neighborhood. The three-story white, painted-brick building is a renovated and enlarged version of the early 20th-century original. But the design, by John Linam Jr. Architect and Associates, preserved the peaked windows and ornamental sculptural detailings, as well as the curved wall rounding the corner at Sherman Avenue and Park Road. “While the existing building is not technically a registered historic property, it certainly has a unique traditional façade,” Linam said. “So we provided a design for the building expansion that offers a slightly more modern take, but also remains contextual and respectful of the existing building proportions and character.”…

Spend the evening with Washington Post food and dining editor Joe Yonan as he demos recipes inspired by his new cookbook, Cool Beans. The three-course tasting starts at 7 PM on Thursday in Arlington and includes garlicky beans-on-toast, a roasted beet hummus bowl, and silky chocolate mousse. Tickets are $15. It’s not just Valentine’s Day on Friday—it’s Valentine’s weekend. We have you covered, whether you’re looking for a super romantic dining spot, or want to go out with friends for a Galentine’s Day celebration. Or take a pro tip and go out for Valentine’s lunch or brunch instead. The Precious One, aka the local IPA that started a lawsuit against the federal government in 2019, has returned. In celebration, the beer’s maker, Atlas Brew Works, will host a tap-takeover at City Tap House in Penn Quarter on Friday starting at 5 PM. And since it’s Valentine’s Day, excavate…

January is normally a pretty slow month for the real estate market, but that wasn't the case this year. An approximately one-month supply of homes for sale in the DC region in January did not dampen regional home prices, which reached a 10-year high for January, or home sales, which rose 8% compared to January 2019. Below, UrbanTurf picked out a number of numbers and statistics from the January housing report from MarketStats by ShowingTime that illustrate the current climate of the market. 5,385 -- The number of active listings on the market in the region, down 15% compared to January 2019. 1.2 -- The months of supply of active homes for sale in January, down 21% from January 2019. $444,000 - The median home price for the…

Ditto Residential is back with a new, boutique residential project in Shaw. 1923 9th Street NW is a striking seven-unit condo development from DC-based developer, Ditto Residential, and architect Dep Designs, offering two-bedroom residences with an array of high-end finishes. Sales by The Reishman Group just started, with prices starting at $799,000. Kitchen. All the residences at 1923 9th Street NW (map) feature open floorplans, custom cabinetry and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the homes with natural light. Luxury finishes include 5-inch natural white oak flooring, quartz countertops, Bosch appliances, frameless glass enclosed showers, floating vanities and more. Bedroom. There is a sliding glass wall in the penthouse unit leading to a 500+ square-foot rooftop terrace with an outdoor shower deck, which creates an extraordinary indoor/outdoor space. The development…

Raphael Saadiq will play the 9:30 Club on February 8. Photograph by Peter Prato/New York Times/Redux. Gary Gulman Warner Theatre, February 1 In the space of a few years, Gulman has gone from a funny observational comic to someone—like groundbreaking comedians Tig Notaro and Hannah Gadsby—known for bravery and self-disclosure. This tour continues the conversation started by his 2019 HBO comedy special, The Great Depresh, in which Gulman tackles his mental-health struggles and still manages to find lots of laughs. $25 to $35. Exquisita Agonía GALA Hispanic Theatre, February 6–March 1 The latest from Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Nilo Cruz is coming to DC, and he’ll arrive along with it: The GALA production includes a rare opportunity to see Cruz direct his own work about an opera singer desperate to be with the young…

A new report shows how profitable it can be to be a homeowner in the DC area. Owners in the region who sold a home in 2019 saw an average profit of $69,500, according to ATTOM Data Solutions' 2019 US Home Sales Report. This represents a steady increase in average profits since 2015, when the average was $38,000; the average profit was just shy of $60,000 in 2018. Seller profits nationwide averaged $65,500, an increase from $58,100 in 2018 and the highest profit since 2006. Meanwhile, cash purchases represented 25 percent of home sales in 2019, the lowest level since 2007, but still higher than the 17 percent observed in DC proper. Unsurprisingly, the DC area was one of 105 out of 134 metro areas where home prices peaked in…

Above Asking is a regular UrbanTurf feature where we highlight homes that ended up selling for above listing price. Today, we take a look back at 2019 to see the neighborhoods in the region where homes regularly sold for more than their original price. Using data provided by Bright MLS, we combed through neighborhoods to find the areas where more than 40 percent of homes sold at a premium. Click to enlarge. The upper NW neighborhoods of AU Park and Chevy Chase led the way with more than 50 percent of homes selling for above asking. The Alexandria neighborhood of Del Ray came in third with 46 percent of listings selling at a premium (perhaps an Amazon effect, of sorts). North Cleveland Park and Mount Pleasant…

Officina at the Wharf getting into the winter bar game has transformed their waterfront rooftop into a outdoor drinking destination with blankets and hot drinks to keep you cozy. Kick off the weekend at the Italian trattoria on Thursday anytime after 5 PM with drinks like “A Toddy A Day”  made with bourbon, amaro, honey-ginger, lemon, and alpine whipped cream. For the whiskey aficionados, 2941 Restaurant is hosting a Woodford Reserve tasting party featuring, bourbon, rye, and Manhattans mixed up with both liquors. The event starts on Friday at 6 PM in their woodsy Falls Church eatery. Tickets are $25. Mindful eating guru and chef Ebeth Johnson is teaching a “Greens Glorious Greens” cooking class at Tastemakers on Friday from 7 PM to 9 PM. Pick up some tips on how to bedazzle bok choy and elevate braised cabbage while munching on…

The average on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 3.51% this week, the lowest level for these rates in almost three years. “Borrowers who take advantage of these low rates can improve their cash flow by lowering their monthly mortgage payments, giving them more money to spend or save,” Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a statement. A year ago, long-term rates were almost 100 basis points higher (4.46 percent), so it feels fitting for UrbanTurf to take its semi-regular look to see how changing rates are impacting mortgage payments. We took a home with a $800,000 purchase price and assumed our buyer has excellent credit. Using the current rates and rates from last year, we examined how monthly mortgage payments changed. In each case, we assumed…

This installment of What X Buys highlights three options in the DC area for prospective homebuyers with a roughly $900,000 budget. New Construction in Shaw At the intersection of Shaw and Cardozo, this two-bedroom condo is one of seven units in a new building at 1923 9th Street NW. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the wall of the L-shaped main living area, and the minimalist kitchen also enjoys this natural light, with darker floor-to-ceiling cabinetry concealing the fridge adjacent to white cabinetry surrounding the cooktop and concealed hood. The owner's bedroom has a floor-to-ceiling window and an en-suite bath where the dark tile flooring extends into the frameless glass-enclosed shower stall. The building also has extra storage and bicycle parking. Full Listing: 1923 9th Street NW, #1 (map) Price: $899,000 Bedrooms: Two Bathrooms: Two Square…

We’re only a little more than two weeks into 2020, but already it’s one of the more exciting times to dine around DC thanks to these newcomers. Maialino Mare 221 Tingey St SE Lauded New York restaurateur Danny Meyer just opened his first-ever full-service restaurant outside NYC in Navy Yard (if nothing else, you know him for Shake Shack). The Roman trattoria, a seafood-centric spinoff of his Gramercy Park Italian restaurant, serves crudos, pastas, and entrees like salt-baked branzino in a glassy dining room in the new Thompson Hotel. Look for a huge rooftop bar, Anchovy Social, to open soon. Annabelle from restaurateur Ashok Bajaj opens in the former Restaurant Nora space in Dupont Circle. Photograph by Evy Mages   Annabelle 2132 Florida Ave., NW Two veterans of…

Skiing requires two things: snow and slopes. A decent number of the latter are within an easy drive of Washington. The former is more of a challenge. In the Mid-Atlantic, snow can be elusive. Which is why skiers from our area and other not-quite-Switzerland locales might take heart from a trend that has quietly revolutionized nearby resorts: vastly improved snowmaking technology. About 90 percent of resorts now use machines to augment whatever Mother Nature delivers—and most skiers can’t tell the difference. Unlike previous models, the newest snow guns produce a consistent flake that lasts longer. The machines themselves also automatically turn on when the temperature and humidity reach ideal levels, meaning there’s no need to wait for a human to flick a switch, something that…

While DC home prices continue to rise and surpass previous records, one thing has seemingly stayed consistent over the past few years: there are usually about 8-10 neighborhoods in the city where the typical listing sells for above $1 million. For 2019, million-dollar neighborhood mainstays Spring Valley and Berkley were at the top of the list, with respective median sale prices of $1,805,000 and $1,665,000. On the other hand, Palisades and Burleith just missed the cut, both losing their million-dollar status as median prices dropped year-over-year in each to $995,000 and $970,000, respectively. DC's million-dollar neighborhoods. Click to enlarge. As seen in the table above, the American University Park (AU Park), Chevy Chase and North Cleveland Park neighborhoods stand apart in their competitiveness. The median price increased year-over-year in…

The long weekend means restaurants are offering brunch on Martin Luther King Day (Monday, January 20). Here’s where to start the week with free-flowing mimosas, all-you-can-eat specials, and extended restaurant week promotions. Ambar  523 8th St., SE; 2901 Wilson Blvd., Clarendon Savory pies, creamy spreads, and mezze platters are all part of Balkan brunch. For those eager to sample widely, try unlimited plates and brunch drinks (must be ordered by the whole table, $39 at the DC location; $34 with 25 cent drinks in Clarendon). Belga Cafe 514 8th St., SE  Barrack Row’s Belgian cafe is extending Winter Restaurant Week, another opportunity to try the $22, three-course menu. Entrees include a croissant and waffle hybrid dubbed the “croiffle” and short rib hash. Brookland’s Finest 3126 12th…

In December 2010, the median home price in Washington, DC came in at $399,000. Last month, the median price in the city shot up to $635,000, setting an all-time record and illustrating the magnitude of home appreciation in the city over the last decade. The previous record price of $620,000 was set just back in June. Click to enlarge. DC was not the only area to see prices shoot up last month. The December Bright MLS report stated that home prices rose in every local jurisdiction except for Fairfax City, with Arlington, Montgomery County and Prince George's County seeing significant gains. The median price for the DC area also set a new December record at $459,950, a 3.4% increase over December 2018. Despite rising prices, home…

With the 2019 housing market in the rearview mirror, UrbanTurf breaks down a series of numbers that provide a picture of the DC market last year. 9,278 -- The number of homes sold in 2019, up 3% from 2018. 4,534 -- The number of condos and co-ops that sold in 2019. $585,000 -- The median home sales price in 2019, the highest annual level on record for DC. $1.262 million -- The average price of a detached home with 4+ bedrooms in 2019. $9.1 million -- The sales price for the most expensive home sold last year. $49,500 -- The sales price for the least expensive home sold. 44% -- The percentage of homes that sold in 10 days or less. 17% -- The percentage of homes that sold for more than $1…

Jeff Bezos may soon own a second home in DC. UrbanTurf learned earlier this week that the founder of Amazon is scheduled to close on the four-bedroom home at 2325 S Street NW (map) on Friday. The home, listed for just under $5 million with Bobbie Brewster, Kimberly Casey and Daryl Judy of Washington Fine Properties, went under contract within two weeks of being listed in December. It sits directly across the street from the former Textile Museum, which Bezos purchased for $23 million in 2016 and has been renovating ever since. Washington Fine Properties did not comment on the transaction. It will be interesting to see what Bezos will do with his new acquisition. Reconfigured and renovated since it was last sold in 2001, the home has a four-level elevator,…

The percentage of cash home sales in DC in 2019 dropped slightly compared to previous years. 8,490 homes sold in the District through the first 11 months of 2019 — and 17 percent of those homes went to buyers paying all cash. This percentage is down from the three previous years in DC where approximately one in five homes sold did so in all-cash transactions. The all-cash neighborhoods in DC are also largely the priciest with four of the top five coming in neighborhoods where the median home price exceeds $1 million. However, it wasn't just the city's high-priced neighborhoods where cash was king. In Randle Heights east of the Anacostia River, 29 percent of homes purchased fell into the all-cash category. Below is a…

Whether you’re battling a cold or shivering while you await the next snow forecast, a hot bowl of soup is a winter survival necessity. These downtown spots ladle hearty stews, comforting noodle soups, and soothing bowls of broth. Greek Deli  1120 19th St., NW  Lunchtime crowds line up for Kostas Fostieris‘s orzo-dotted avgolemono soup, which comes with a slice of fresh bread for dipping. The rich elixir of chicken and eggs calls to mind curling up in a thick blanket, and the bursts of lemon brighten chilly days. Teaism 400 Eighth St., NW; 2009 R St., NW; 800 Connecticut Ave., NW, 1309 Fifth St., NE Go for double the warmth with both spoonfuls of soup and a cup of tea. Offerings include curried lentils, gingery udon, and restorative…

Long-term mortgage rates dropped slightly to open the new year. On Thursday, Freddie Mac reported 3.72 percent with an average 0.7 point as the average for a 30-year mortgage, down two basis points from last week. “The combination of improved economic data and market sentiment has led to stability in mortgage rates, which have hovered around 3.7 percent for nearly the last two months,” Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a release. “The stability is welcome news after the interest rate turbulence of the last year, which caused a slowdown in the housing market and other interest rate sensitive sectors. The low mortgage rate environment combined with the red-hot labor market is setting the stage for a continued rise in home sales and home prices.”…

Tom Sietsema, Washington Post food critic: In alphabetical order: Anju, Emilie’s, the Imperial, Mama Chang, Piccolina, Queen’s English, Rooster & Owl, Seven Reasons, Thamee (I could easily include half a dozen more places, but you get my drift. It was another banner year for D.C.). Ann Limpert, Washingtonian food editor and critic: I can’t get enough of Anju (The kimchi pancake! The beef tartare!). I also really love what Peter Prime is doing at Cane. D.C. needs more great daytime cafes like Piccolina. And I’m still craving Katherine Thompson’s desserts over at Thompson Italian. Laura Hayes, Washington City Paper food editor: Republic Cantina, Anju, Stellina Pizzeria, Thamee, Bandoola Bowl, Mansa Kunda, Cane, and Queen’s English. Jessica Sidman, Washingtonian food editor: Green Almond Pantry is a delight. It’s only got eight counter seats, and it’s only open for lunch. (The market, however, stays open ‘til 7.) The food is perfect in its simplicity,…

A new decade is officially upon us, and whether you’re feeling nostalgic or glad the year is over, it’s time to ring in 2020. From rowdy themed bashes to a laid-back evening of all-you-can-eat tacos, we’ve rounded up some of the most fun ways to spend your New Year’s Eve around DC. No-fuss (and no cover) parties at Jack Rose 2007 18th St., NW The Adams Morgan whiskey mecca is hosting not one but two New Year’s Eve parties. On the covered terrace, guests can load up on food and drinks at the a $50 all-you-can-eat cookout from 5 to 8 PM, which includes unlimited barbecue and low country boil-themed eats, beers, and select bourbons ($50 per person). In the saloon, there’s a “no cover, no…

Unless you’re counting that post-midnight Jumbo Slice, brunch on New Year’s Day is your first taste of the year—or in this case, the decade. Whether you’re toasting your resolutions with bottomless mimosas (or kicking off Dry January with zero-proof cocktails), these local spots will fuel you into 2020. All-Purpose  1250 9th St., NW; 79 Potomac Ave., SE  Pizza gets the brunch treatment with toppings like breakfast sausage, poached eggs, and maple syrup. For $21, you can sip on bottomless mimosas, bellinis, and Aperol spritzes. Ambar  523 8th St. SE; 2901 Wilson Blvd, Arlington Savory pies, creamy spreads, and mezze platters are all part of this Balkan brunch. For those eager to sample widely, try bottomless plates and brunch drinks (must be ordered by the whole…

Although a new project planned at Union Market may have offered the most striking design concept in DC this year, it was a rendering for a proposed project in Trinidad which perhaps raised the most eyebrows. Urbanico Realty Group enlisted industrial designer Karim Rashid and his firm Kurv Architecture to design a 37-unit building slated for 1200 Bladensburg Road NE (map). The rendering for the resulting design inspired a number of reactions from UrbanTurf readers when it debuted last month, with one commenter comparing the building to the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed MLK Library. Rendering of proposed development from Bladensburg Road. Click to enlarge. While the building design may seem unusual for DC, it may be tame (and is certainly very linear) in comparison to Rashid's other building designs,…

1. Nightly Caroling Program The Willard InterContinental, Through December 23 The hotel is decking the halls and rocking the lobby with its yearly tradition of caroling performances. You can enjoy nightly singing from renowned ensembles while drinking holiday spirits from their pop-up bar. There’s even a gingerbread display of the Jefferson Memorial. Free. 2. Walk Through a Holiday Market If you’re still looking for the right gift for your picky cousin, quirky roommate, or artsy brother, try stopping by one of the holiday markets around town. Though many closed earlier in the month, there are still some good ones for procrastinators, including the Really Big Holiday Market at the Eaton and Winterfest at Wunder Garten. For our full list of festive markets, click here. 3. The Hip Hop Nutcracker Strathmore, December…

Who says it’s too cold for ice cream? Ice Cream Jubilee is hosting holiday tasting parties at its Navy Yard, 14th Street, and Ballston Quarter locations on Thursday at 8 PM. Visitors will get flights of six mini-scoops with seasonal flavors like chocolate-orange and cardamom-amaretto, plus a pint to take home. Tickets are $16. The ice cream shop will also have tasting parties Friday at 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday at 3 PM. Experience an evening of jazz with bass clarinetist Todd Marcus at Sandbox in Georgetown on Friday at 6:30 PM. Jazz aficionados can enjoy the performance by Marcus and his trio in the intimate event space. There will be a one-beverage minimum and $20 minimum for light fare during the event. On Saturday at noon, culinary historian Michael W. Twitty will be at the National Museum of African American History…

DC home prices hit their highest level on record last month, but that didn't seem to deter buyers. The median home price for DC last month was $620,000, which matched the all-time record for prices set earlier this year. DC area prices followed suit coming in at $465,500, a decade-high for the month of November. “The November housing market clearly was a feast for area home sellers, as the median sales price was the best for the month in the past 10 years,” Chris Finnegan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Bright MLS, said.  “In Virginia, the median price of Fairfax County homes clocked in at $535,000 (up 7.0%), while Prince George continued to attract buyers with a median home price of $310,000 (up…

As Metro explores ways to alleviate congestion on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines, WMATA is putting forth some new (and old) proposals, most of which would add a second Metro stop in Rosslyn, and some of which resurrect the concept of a Georgetown Metro station. The six proposals, announced on Thursday, are part of the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity and Reliability Study (BOS Study). Perhaps the most eye-catching option, however, would redefine the Blue Line route. The New Blue Line option would entail building a second station in Rosslyn ("Rosslyn II"), tunneling beneath the Potomac River, then creating a stop in Georgetown near the terminus of Key Bridge. From the Georgetown stop, the line could take one of two routes: the first would go east to Dupont Circle,…

Christmas bulbs strung around the city are shining a light on the holiday season. These creative displays will get you in the caroling-and-eggnog mood. The District’s Holiday Boat Parade 760 Maine Ave., SW  Head to the Wharf to watch 60 boats float through the Washington Channel, decked out in their Christmas best. Illuminated by fireworks, the holiday light show runs from 6 to 9 PM. Details: December 7; Free. Enchant Christmas  1500 S. Capitol St., SE  After a Cinderella story of a baseball season, it’s only fitting that Nats Park would transform into a fairytale winter wonderland, complete with a giant ice rink and a 90,000-square-foot maze of lights. Details: November 22 through December 29; $19.99-$33.99. Zoo Lights 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW  Walk on the wild side at the…

As the year comes to a close, UrbanTurf is taking its bi-annual look at the neighborhoods across the city that have seen the highest home price appreciation during the year. In the table below, we outline the seven DC neighborhoods that have seen the largest increase in home values in 2019. In order to qualify for the list, a neighborhood had to record at least 20 sales this year. UrbanTurf used advertised subdivision statistics from Bright MLS to compile the list. Click to enlarge. The two neighborhoods leading the way represent different sides of the city. Hillcrest and Logan Circle saw prices rise by 27 percent, as virtually every property type in both neighborhoods (except for condos in Hillcrest), saw prices go up year-over-year. Prices…

Flooding at Washington Harbour; flood gates to right. Click to enlarge. Following years of intermittent flooding, a new flood wall is being proposed in Georgetown. On behalf of Global Holdings Management Group, architect Perkins Eastman has submitted plans for a new flood wall system at Washington Harbour for the Old Georgetown Board to review. Existing flood gates. Click to enlarge. The existing flood gates were up for 110 days in 2017 and 2018, or 15 percent of the year on average. Peak flood season is roughly from April to October, and over the past nine years, there have been an average of 17.56 "high water events" and 4.89 "gate raising" events per year along the harbor in Georgetown. To replace the wooden flood gates, Perkins Eastman…

If you’re on the hunt for personal, local gifts that will stand out (or if you just want to skip Black Friday so you can extend your post-Thanksgiving feast nap), check out Small Business Saturday. Since 2010, the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been dedicated to shopping local to show support for small businesses during the holiday season. Here are some of the deals you can find throughout D.C. and beyond on Saturday, November 30. Adams Morgan Over a dozen stores in Adams Morgan are kicking off the shopping season with savings. Swing by The Little Shop of Flowers and Urban Dwell for 20 percent off. Book lovers can snag a free tote bag at Lost City Books with any purchase over $50. After a long day of shopping, kick back at Perry’s or Mintwood Place for happy hour…

Almost 200 homes in DC sold for above $2 million in 2019, keeping up with the volume for this price point from past years. An analysis by UrbanTurf, with data provided by Bright MLS, found that 2.5 percent of the homes sold in the city this year fetched north of $2 million. Specifically, 190 of the 7,771 listings sold so far in 2019 were purchased for $2 million or more; 55 homes sold for above $3 million. For each of the last two years, luxury transactions in this price point have accounted for about 2.6 percent of total sales, even in 2017 when there were a record 240 sales above $2 million. As for where in DC homes are fetching more than $2 million, it is…

We’re coming to the end of Virginia Cider Week. Stop by Pizzeria Paradiso Old Town on Thursday for local pours from Albemarle CiderWorks and Blue Bee Cider. Prices range from $6 to $11 for the ciders but you can get $3 off drafts during happy hour from 3 to 6:30 PM. Dacha Beer Garden is also getting in on the apple action, Thursday through Wednesday, November 27 with a lineup of six local and regional ciders. Some highlights include ANXO’s strawberry-tinged rosé cider and Chesapeake Cider Company’s tart blackberry. Stop by La Cosecha for a beginners’ salsa class on Thursday at 7 PM taught by DC Style Salsa Academy. Seasoned dancers can stop by for the salsa social from 8 to 10 PM when DJ Gustoso will spin Latin tunes. Serenata will offer drink specials throughout the evening for those in need of a little liquid courage. Tickets are $15 for the…

The Washington DC Economic Partnership hosted its annual meeting today, so we decided to take a look at their newly-released annual report and pick out some of the most interesting statistics when it comes to development in the city this year. $82,381 -- The median income for DC households, a 35 percent increase compared to 2010. By 2024, median income is projected to be $94,570. 19,725 -- The number of 25-39 year-olds that moved to DC between 2015 and 2018. 28.4 million -- The number of square feet of development under construction in DC. Of that, 16.6 million square feet is residential, equating to 89 projects and 17,088 units. $15.6 billion -- Taxable retail and restaurant sales in 2018, up 9 percent since 2017. 42 -- The number of projects totaling 9.1…

EDENS has big plans to expand its imprint on the Union Market neighborhood. Last night, EDENS development manager Sohael Chowfla shared an early look at a dramatic new concept slated for 401 New York Avenue NE (map) and 1348 4th Street NE (map). Aerial of subject site. Click to enlarge. The proposed 567,840 square-foot planned unit development (PUD) would include two 130-foot tall buildings, one office and one residential building with roughly 360 units, connected by a "rooftop plane". The development would also include ground floor retail and PDR/makerspace uses, and it would meet inclusionary zoning requirements. There would be 300 parking spaces across three below grade levels. "We're very, very, very early on in the process, and it's a big lift to get this through all of the agency approvals;…

October was a strong month for D.C. area home sellers, with the median sales price hitting $460,000, a record for the month. That was an increase of roughly 8 percent, or $33,500, over last year, representing the biggest year-over-year gain since December 2013, reports Bright MLS, the listings company. October home prices have steadily risen during the past several years; in 2014, the median sales price for the month in the D.C. area was $400,000. But overall inventory levels reached their lowest October level of the decade, at 8,495 active listings. This was about 18 percent less than last year (10,380) and about half their peak level in October 2010 (16,629). “Inventory levels declined everywhere except in Washington D.C., where they rose a slight 1.4%…

The historic Franklin School building in downtown D.C. will reopen May 31, 2020 as Planet Word, the city’s first-ever language arts museum, following a major renovation. The museum says it will also be “the world’s first voice-activated museum,” featuring interactive galleries and exhibits where visitors’ speech will trigger reactions. A “Speaking Willow” sculpture in the museum’s courtyard standing 20-feet-tall will play audio from 500 suspended speakers. The museum is the brainchild of philanthropist Ann Friedman, who serves as its CEO, and a partnership with the District government, which owns the Adolph Cluss-designed building and, in 2017, selected Friedman’s development team. (Patty Isacson Sabee is the executive director.) The team broke kicked off construction in June 2018, and since then Planet Word has received $16 million in donations out of a $20 million fundraising goal…

Freddie Mac noted earlier this year that senior homeowners opting to age in place is constraining the housing supply available to younger would-be buyers. Now, more data is emerging to illustrate just how much longer people are staying put. A recent Redfin report shows that in the DC area, the median homeowner had spent 13.4 years in their home in 2019, an increase from 9.2 years in 2010. This tracks with nationwide data, where the stay-put duration had increased from eight years to 13 years over the same timeframe. The increase in homeowner tenure partially accounts for the lack of inventory on the market, as there are 38 percent fewer homes for sale in the DC area in 2019 than there were in 2010. Median sales prices have gone…

Billionaire David Rubenstein has donated $10 million to support new repairs on the Jefferson Memorial. The donation, announced this week, will help fund new walkways, bathrooms, a visitor center, and exhibit space, according to WAMU and the Washington Post. It follows a more than $8 million project to remove black biofilm from the memorial. “Hopefully what we’ll be able to do is make the experience of visiting the Jefferson Memorial even better than it has been,” said Rubenstein, per the Post. Underground educational areas on Thomas Jefferson are expected as part of the renovations. It has been two decades since the memorial’s underbelly has been significantly upgraded. The National Park Foundation is receiving the gift and says the new exhibits will examine “the complexity” of Jefferson’s life, which spanned 1743 to 1826. The…

Yes, it really happened: The Washington Nationals won the World Series last night, marking the first time D.C.’s MLB baseball team has done so in 95 years. And on Saturday, the District will honor their championship victory with a parade just north of the National Mall. Starting at 2 p.m., the parade will go from Constitution Avenue NW at 15th Street NW, proceed east along the avenue, and end on Pennsylvania Avenue NW at 3rd Street NW with a team rally. That’s according to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office, which is encouraging Nats fans not to drive to the parade. To receive alerts about the event, people can text “NATS” to 888-777 or visit the District government’s sports landing page. Multiple city agencies are coordinating the parade. The…

Although many grand historic houses have been preserved, few modest frame houses for the middle and working classes survive. An exception is a mid-19th-century shotgun house on the east end of Capitol Hill that has been re-created as part of an unusual condominium project. “We have a lot of houses that are wonderful, and they’re designed by famous architects, and everybody wants to see them,” said Beth Purcell, chair of the Historic Preservation Committee of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society. “This is sort of the other end of the spectrum. This is real vernacular architecture.” Shotgun houses are long, narrow structures, one room wide and three to five rooms deep. Many people believe that the term “shotgun house” comes from the idea that a shotgun blast…

Amazon aims to begin construction on its planned headquarters in Northern Virginia next year, the Washington Business Journal reports. The first phase of Amazon’s “HQ2” project will include two 22-story office towers with about 67,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and 2.1 million square feet of office space at Metropolitan Park in Pentagon City. Arlington County planning officials are now examining designs for the project and its infrastructure. The towers could be completed by early 2023, according to the Business Journal. A senior vice president at Amazon’s co-developer for the project, JBG Smith, shared the timeline at the Arlington Site Plan Review Committee’s meeting last Monday, its third meeting on the project in 2019. The team presented renderings and blueprints showing several open areas around the park, bike and parking space, and a roughly 12,500-square-foot daycare center. Proposed uses for Amazon’s Northern Virginia…

This spring, Georgetown Heritage and the National Park Service, along with design firm James Corner Field Operations, unveiled more precise design concepts for the envisioned reactivation of a mile-long stretch of the C&O Canal in Georgetown. Now, the Environmental Assessment has been released and the project team is soliciting public feedback on the design alternatives — or on whether anything more than basic restoration and maintenance should happen in the first place. Map of Canal project area. Click to enlarge. The assessment finds little lasting impact of construction along the Canal following conclusion of that work, and the project team would like to see a series of experiences and educational, interactive and relaxation opportunities in the identified areas. Here are some of the newer, and more interesting, details of what the proposed…

Thanks to the locavore movement, farmers markets are booming and have become more than just a place to pick up a few salad items. They’re neighborhood gathering spots where families can brunch, meet local farmers, socialize, and enjoy live music and other events. Farmers markets in the DC area carry seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other products from farms in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Fall brings everything from the obligatory pumpkins and other gourds to kohlrabi, grapes, kale, and beets. Of course, the fresh finds go beyond produce. Stock your fridge with fish, poultry, grass-fed beef, eggs, and goat’s milk cheese and yogurt. Prepared foods make the trip extra worthwhile, as some of the region’s best-loved bakeries, delis, and cafes sell their treats all in one…

The tallest building on the boards for the DC area received a key approval yesterday. The Fairfax Board of Supervisors unanimously approved The View at Tysons on Tuesday, a massive six-building project with upwards of three million square feet near the Spring Hill Metro station in Tysons Corner. The overall development will include two residential buildings with retail, one hotel and residential building, and three office buildings. The first phase of The View at Tysons is expected to break ground next spring.   SOURCE: Urban Turf 

The Washington, D.C., metro area’s median home price set a record for September, up 2.6 percent annually to $431,000. That September increase marked the 36th straight month of price appreciation in the metro area. That’s according to data by MarketStats by ShowingTime based on listing activity from Bright MLS. The price increase, though, didn’t do much to dent sales. Buyers still turned out: The data showed regional sales volume in metro D.C. was up 15 percent year over year in September, to $2.1 billion. What’s more, the number of closed sales was up 9.2 percent annually, to 3,972, and the number of pending sales was up 10.5 percent, to 4,912. The sales jumps themselves happened not only in spite of higher prices. They also came as…

At Nationals Park, fans can expect a clean environment, local brews, and a perpetually packed Shake Shack. Where else in the nation can you root for bobble-headed presidents trotting along a ballpark? Nowhere, and that’s one of the reasons that makes Nationals Park such a special experience. Eight years after Nationals Park opened, Washington Post sports columnist Tom Boswell proclaimed that “Washington has won. And it has won big.” Boswell cited the major development that has popped up over the years in the surrounding Navy Yard neighborhood, including housing, retail, and restaurants. This has revitalized the Anacostia Waterfront—making it lively even when the Washington Nationals are not playing. For all your Nats news, visit SB Nation’s Federal Baseball blog. Eater DC also has a handy guide to all the foodstuff offerings. When are home games? You can check out…

Long-term mortgage rates dropped below 3.6 percent this week. On Thursday, Freddie Mac reported 3.57 percent with an average 0.5 point as the average for a 30-year mortgage, down eight basis points from last week. “The fifty-year low in the unemployment rate combined with low mortgage rates has led to increased homebuyer demand this year," Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a release. "Much of this strength is coming from entry-level buyers – the first-time homebuyer share of the loans Freddie Mac purchased in 2019 is forty-six percent, a two-decade high.” The UrbanTurf Mortgage Rate Disclaimer: The rates reported by Freddie Mac for 30-year mortgages are usually the best rates that the most qualified borrowers can get, so borrowers or those considering refinancing should not necessarily read…

The DC Council just passed emergency legislation to rename Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the District (at least for this year). Per usual, restaurants across Washington will commemorate the federal holiday with extended Monday brunches. Here’s where to find all-you-can-eat feasts, bottomless drinks—or, on the flip side, a simple but delicious breakfast plate. Shaw’s Tavern 520 Florida Ave., NW Shawn’s Tavern serves up a crowd-pleasing menu with dietary restrictions in mind, whether you’re looking for a vegetarian-friendly avocado Benedict or gluten-free shrimp and grits. Hours: 11 AM to 3 PM Ambar DC and Clarendon 523 8th St., SE; 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington Ambar is serving up unlimited Balkan small plates. Indulge in blueberry waffles and pulled pork Benedicts, mushroom crepes, and bread pudding. It’s $39 in DC,…

Last year, UrbanTurf reported on plans by the Ford's Theatre Society to expand and renovate a pair of buildings across the street from the historic theater. Now, the society is seeking zoning relief for the project. Previous rendering of the proposed development, looking west from 10th Street. Click to enlarge. The application requests a special exception for both the rear yard and penthouse setback requirements for a proposed addition atop 512 10th Street NW (map). The completed development would combine the interior of this building with its neighbor at 514 10th Street NW, which already houses a museum, retail and office space for the theater's use. Both buildings already flout the rear yard requirements, and the larger penthouse would accommodate the service elevator shaft while maintaining the preferred…

On Saturday, October 5, eight local houses will be open to the public as a part of the third-annual DC-Metro Modern Home Tour. For now, take a look at four of the homes here. (And check back tomorrow to see the remaining four.) The Ware Street House in Vienna Designed by: Eurohouse LLC. Built by: Govan Builders. Photos by: Sean Shanahan. This stop on the tour happens to be for sale. It’s brand new construction with five bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 5,400 square feet of space, and a list price of $1,790,000. The Highview Court House in Silver Spring Designed by: KUBE Architecture with landscaping by Campion Hruby. Built by: Think Make Build, with interior finishes by R Construction. Photos by: Julia Heine Photography. The 1950s home was originally…

It’s finally here! The sprawling Latin market La Cosecha is soft-launching on Thursday. Check out food vendors like Peruvian Brothers and La Casita and many more, which will be operating at a pop-up capacity while finishing touches are put in place. Already open: cocktail bar Seranata and fashion/jewelry/home goods outlets Zona E Home and Nova Bossa. On Thursday, the Ballston BID throws a Ballston Street Bash and Mega Farmers Market in Welburn Square from 3 to 8 PM. The five-hour mega market will feature shopping from local vendors, a beer and wine garden, and a live music performances. Get your taco fix: Mission’s Navy Yard and Dupont locations are offering $3.50 mushroom, chicken, or chorizo tacos from 4 PM until close on Friday in honor of National Taco Day. Patrons can also get $5 El Jimador shots, $8 margaritas, or $26 margarita…

If you want to get a handle on the DC neighborhoods that have the most competitive housing markets, the median days on market is a good metric to start with, as it shows you where homes are selling the fastest. The regional multiple listing service Bright MLS changed the way that it measures "days on market" about a year ago. In the past, homes were considered under contract when their status was switched to under contract in the listing service, even if there were still contingencies in place. Now, those contingencies need to be satisfied before it is considered under contract. Today, UrbanTurf parses the median days on market data for advertised subdivisions around the city to see where homes have been selling the quickest in…

Cox Farms 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville This farm’s annual fall festival also includes giant slides, a goat village, and a market full of doughnuts, apples, and pies. Their maze, Cornundrum, claims to have hidden surprises amid the rows of corn, including elephants and pirates. The admission fee varies by day of the week, from $7 to $20. Open September 21 through November 5. The Corn Maze in the Plains 4501 Old Tavern Rd., the Plains, Va. Past themes at the Corn Maze in the Plains have played off puns; this year, the family-friendly farm is carrying on tradition and celebrating “20 Ears” of corn-filled fun. Each night after 5 p.m., they will light a campfire, roasts s’mores, and open up the maze so visitors can…

This spring, the team behind the redevelopment of the former Superfresh grocery site in Spring Valley opted to file for a planned unit development on the site rather than continue with their long delayed design review. As the Zoning Commission prepares to consider the project early next month, the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) is, once again, expressing support for the development in the face of a dedicated opposition campaign. On Wednesday night, ANC 3E held a meeting which culminated in a unanimous vote in favor of a memoradum of understanding (MOU) which conditionally offers support for the PUD application. The PUD would deliver a 214-unit mixed-use building and five townhouses at 4330 48th Street NW (map), in addition to a MOM's Organic Market grocery store and…

Tech behemoth Amazon and the development team for its future headquarters in Northern Virginia revealed updated designs for the site at an Arlington County planning meeting this week. The designs depict refined building materials, including copper metal fins, vision and spandrel glass, and terracotta, for Amazon’s pair of proposed 22-story structures. They will be located at Pentagon City’s 16-acre Metropolitan Park area and replace empty warehouses. The new renderings surfaced in Amazon’s latest submissions to Arlington’s Site Plan Review Committee, which now has held two meetings on the headquarters project, called “HQ2” by Amazon. At the committee’s September 23 meeting, the development team discussed plans for HQ2’s open spaces and transportation infrastructure, such as bike lanes, garage parking, and dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones for…

On Friday, UrbanTurf looked at three real estate metrics that might determine the trajectory of the fall housing market in the DC area. One of those charts focused on the inventory of homes for sale (or lack thereof). Today, we dive a little deeper, examining the DC neighborhoods where the supply shortage is particularly acute. For the second quarter of the year, the markets in American University Park, North Cleveland Park and Takoma had essentially a three week's supply of homes for sale. What that means is that if no new listings came on the market, at current demand levels, the inventory of homes for sale would be zero in a few week's time. Chevy Chase DC offers a bit more breathing room with a six-week supply…

Construction began on 1.36 million housing units in August — a 12 percent jump compared to July, and 6.6 percent higher than observed in August 2018. The monthly total is the highest number of housing starts since June 2007. Residential building permits in August also increased to 1.42 million, 7.7 percent more than in July and 12 percent higher than August 2018. The last time building permits were this high was May 2007. Also, 1.29 million housing units were completed in August, 2.4 percent higher than July and 5 percent higher than August 2018. These strong numbers gel with Zillow stating that builder confidence is at an annual high despite economic uncertainties. SOURCE: UrbanTurf

Republic Cantina 43 N St., NW Owner Chris Svetlik’s Tex-Mex cantina isn’t brand new, but after a few weeks of limited preview dinners, the place is finally ready to roll out breakfast/daytime and dinner service, seven days a week. That means egg tacos on homemade flour tortillas in the morning and evening dishes that include classics (queso, poblano chicken enchiladas) and creative twists (Czech-style sausage fajitas, smoked-tuna tostadas). The bar gets creative, too, with sotol or a fermented chili margarita. To celebrate, they’re throwing a party—complete with a mariachi band—on Friday, September 6 from 5 PM to midnight.   Modena chef John Melfi rolls out the antipasti cart. Photograph by Evy Mages   Modena 1100 New York Ave., NW Restauratuer Ashok Bajaj recently closed his decade-old Bibiana to open this chic modern Italian…

New month, same story. The latest housing report out today for the DC area shows the continued trend of high home prices and scarce supply in the region. “The DC Metro Area remains hot, recording its highest August median pricing in a decade at $465,000," Chris Finnegan, Vice President at Bright MLS said. "Not surprisingly, Arlington and the Amazon Effect led the way with a median sales price of $635,000, an increase of 12.4 percent year-over-year." Below, UrbanTurf picked out a number of relevant numbers and statistics from the Bright MLS report. $465,000 -- The median home price in the region in August, up $22,750 year-over-year and the highest August level in a decade. 98.6% -- The average percent of original list price received at sale in the region,…

With fall right around the corner, UrbanTurf is taking its semi-annual look at the neighborhoods across DC that have seen the highest home price appreciation this year. In the table below, we outline the five neighborhoods in the city that have seen the largest increase in home values in 2019. In order to qualify, a neighborhood had to record at least 15 sales this year. Also, if there was a wide disparity between the sales of single-family homes and condos/co-ops this year versus last year, we didn't include the neighborhood on the list. Click to enlarge. As has been the case with this list, the neighborhoods represent the east and west sides of DC. The Ward 7 neighborhood of Hillcrest leads the way, with home…

Long-term mortgage rates are now at their lowest level in three years. On Thursday, Freddie Mac reported 3.49 percent with an average 0.5 point as the average for a 30-year mortgage. Rates fell below 3.5 percent for the first time since October 2016. “Mortgage rates continued the summer swoon due to weaker economic data," Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a release. "While economic growth is clearly slowing due to rising manufacturing and trade headwinds, economic fundamentals are still solid for U.S. consumers. The unemployment rate is low, housing affordability is improving, homebuyer demand is rising, and home price growth is stable.” The UrbanTurf Mortgage Rate Disclaimer: The rates reported by Freddie Mac for 30-year mortgages are usually the best rates that the most qualified borrowers can…

Earlier this summer, DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson filed a zoning application to nudge the Zoning Commission — and the Office of Planning (OP) — to codify short-term rentals in DC as by-right in residential zones. Now, the planning agency is offering recommendations on how zoning should address short-term rentals, including a hint at some changes which should be on the table in the future. The OP report encourages the Zoning Commission to amend the zoning text to permit short-term rentals in residential zones, first by adding a definition for Short-Term Rentals to the zoning code. This definition would mirror the one in the recently-passed Short-term Rental Regulation and Affordable Housing Protection Act, while linking directly to the DC Code to ensure usage of those rentals is compliant with the…

If you asked most DC residents where Berkley is located, you would likely get a lot of blank looks. The obscure neighborhood is tucked away in the upper reaches of Northwest DC just off Foxhall Road (map). However, what the neighborhood lacks in visibility, it makes up for in pricey real estate. Only two of the homes sold in the neighborhood this year carried price tags below $1.3 million, and the median home sales price was the highest in the city at almost $1.9 million. Below, UrbanTurf picked out some key housing statistics for the neighborhood. $1.875 million -- The median home sales price this year, a 30 percent increase over 2018. $1.82 million -- The average list price for homes sold in Berkley this year. 70 -- The average…

Labor Day means Monday mimosas at these DC-area restaurants, which are closing out summer with all-you-can-eat feasts, bottomless deals, and other daytime specials. All-Purpose 1250 9th St. NW; 79 Potomac Ave. SE Get ready to toast the holiday with bottomless Aperol spritzes, mimosas, bloody Marys, and bellinis ($21 per person). In addition to drinks specials, both the Shaw and Navy Yard locations will serve up their brunch pizzas as well as egg dishes and antipasti. Hours: 11 AM to 2:30 PM Alta Strada DC and Mosaic 465 K St. NW; 2911 District Ave., Fairfax Both casual Italian restaurants in Mt. Vernon Triangle and the Mosaic District will serve up a bottomless Italian brunch on Labor Day. In DC, $39 gets you as much food and drink as…

The competition in the DC housing market cooled over the summer, but with fall around the corner and inventory low, it is primed to pick back up. UrbanTurf decided to look at one of our favorite metrics regarding competition in the market to see the neighborhoods where homes for sale are attracting numerous bidders. For this article, UrbanTurf analyzed the contract ratio for advertised subdivisions in DC. Contract ratio compares the total number of homes under contract in a given period to the overall number of active listings. A higher ratio signifies an increase in contracts compared to supply. Leading the way in the second quarter of this year is American University Park where the contract ratio in the second quarter was 240 percent. Contributing to this…

Several of the restaurants participating in DC Summer Restaurant Week have graciously extended their offers through August 25. If you’re looking for somewhere to brunch, check out these places offering $22 three-course deals. Alta Strada Mosaic 2911 District Ave., Fairfax Brunch at this Virginia Italian restaurant includes tasty options like an everything-spiced pizza, shrimp and grits, or a smoked salmon Benedict. If you’ve got room for dessert, finish the meal with their signature “Mascarporeos”. Brothers and Sisters 1770 Euclid St., NW Chef Erik Bruner-Yang’s lobby restaurant in the Line DC hotel offers a weekend lunch course of tomato gazpacho followed by the choice of tempura Chesapeake blue catfish or stir-fried knife cut noodles. The meal includes the option of a slice of toasted coconut cake or cookies. Casolare 2505 Wisconsin Ave., NW…

Virginia is for lovers—of beer. City Tap DC is celebrating Old Dominion’s brews on Thursday from 5 to 10 PM with $5 pints of craft beer from across the state. Included on the roster are Port City Brewing, Väsen Brewing Company, and Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company, among others. Finish your tour of the near south with pimento and ham biscuits. For a different kind of crab feast head to DBGB on Thursday at 6:30 PM for a Singapore crab dinner. Maryland crabs will be prepared in black pepper and chili as part of the three-course dinner. Also included: brews, wines, and a Singaporean cocktail. Tickets are available for $90. Photo provided by Pitango Gelato. Take a deep dive into DC’s gelato and coffee scene on Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM at Pitango Gelato in Adams Morgan. Owner Noah Dan and Vigilante Coffee’s Chris Vigilante…

In about a month, the short-term rental regulatory bill which passed in DC last fall will take effect. However, some elements of the new regulatory structure remain up in the air. Below, UrbanTurf summarizes the most important aspects of the bill as a guide for those who already rent out their home(s) on sites like Airbnb. We also look at the status of some of the less clear aspects of the new guard. The Short-term Rental Regulation and Affordable Housing Protection Act places the short-term rental industry under the purview of Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), and will require hosts to acquire a permit for their short-term rentals. The details and process associated with the overall regulatory structure are still to be determined by DCRA. Here are…

Gelato has returned to the Georgetown building that housed the original Dolcezza. The newest business in the storefront at 560 Wisconsin Avenue NW is family-owned bakery that sells both savory and sweet pastries alongside smoothies and scoops from Villa Dolce Gelato to combat the heat. La Jolie Bleue opened in July in Dolcezza’s longtime former home, which most recently underwent a brief stint as a fast-casual Indian restaurant. Step into the window-filled storefront, and La Jolie Bleue owner Tahar Slimani is likely to offer a sample of one of the shop’s thirst-quenching green smoothies or icy strawberry drinks. A pastry case is full of desserts including biscotti, kataif (shredded phyllo), baklava, almond cake, almond cookies, French shortbread sablé, and kalbelouz (“almond hearts” cookie). The pastry case. Adele Chapin/For Eater D.C. The bakery used to house the original Dolcezza Adele…

It is not often that home prices shoot up in the middle of the summer, but with Amazon's impending arrival, nothing is "normal" in the Northern Virginia housing market. The latest report from Bright MLS reveals that both sales and listing prices skyrocketed in July in the zip code that will be home to National Landing. Median home list and sales prices both shot up to just under $1 million in 22202, an increase of 28 percent and 25 percent, respectively. The dramatic increase in prices is having a deleterious effect on sales. Home sales are down 31 percent in the zip code compared to last July and are down 37 percent for the year. Like the rest of the region, this could have as…

The value of home sales in the District and its environs keeps climbing. Two new real estate reports say in July the median home sales prices for the city and the D.C. metro region were $592,500 and $470,000, respectively. Each figure represents new highs for the busy month. The first report, from the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR), finds that July’s median sales price was the highest July level in the past decade and was up 4 percent from last year. “The 792 July sales represented a 6.8 percent decrease versus last year and below the July five-year average of 812,” says GCAAR. “Although the number of new listings decreased 2.2 percent compared to last July, the 1,046 new listings are significantly above the five-year…

The average on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remained at 3.6 percent today, the lowest level for these rates in almost three years. "The decline in mortgage rates over the last month is causing a spike in refinancing activity – as homeowners currently have $2 trillion in conventional mortgage loans that are in the money – which will help support consumer balance sheets and increase household cash flow," Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a statement. "On top of that, purchase demand is up seven percent from a year ago.” A year ago, long-term rates were almost 100 basis points higher (4.53 percent), so it feels fitting for UrbanTurf to take its semi-regular look to see how changing rates are impacting mortgage payments. We took a home…

Each year, the American Institute of Architects mounts a digital "Emerging Professionals Exhibit." This year, one of those exhibits centers around envisioning an equitable design approach to the Dupont Underground. Dupont Underground is an abandoned trolley tunnel-turned-arts space and performance venue which runs beneath Dupont Circle, having been given a facelift and returned to use over the past 4.5 years. Dupont Underground rendering at nexus of south tunnel and west platform.  The "DuPont Underground Uncovered For All" exhibit highlights renderings from architects Nick Cooper, Will Hinkley, and Jeannine Muller, which intend to "weave" various narratives of the space and its neighborhood together to offer a more creative and visually striking experience. The designs were created four years ago before the Underground was opened to the public…

The historic Dumbarton Oaks estate in Georgetown will receive greenhouse improvements meant to boost the campus’s sustainability, accessibility, and programming, the institution announced Wednesday. The project, to be led by New York-based Selldorf Architects, will entail the construction of a new greenhouse and the renovation of an existing greenhouse. “The new greenhouse will benefit from solar panels, improved irrigation, and state-of-the-art climate control, saving energy and reducing our ecological footprint,” Dumbarton Oaks said in a release, adding that the new greenhouse will provide additional capacity for horticulture. Meanwhile, the existing greenhouse, designed by McKim, Mead, & White Architects in 1925, “will be renovated to accommodate our active educational, scholarly, and arts programming while maintaining the aesthetic character of the original design,” Dumbarton Oaks explained. Selldorf has worked on the Frick…

Channel your inner Child on Friday at noon when the National Museum of American History hosts a free cooking demonstration featuring some of the Julia Child’s favorites, like French onion soup and crêpes suzette. Then, walk off the extra calories by browsing the museum’s exhibit on Child’s Cambridge, Massachusetts kitchen. Registration is available here. Sticky Rice Stop by Sticky Rice on Friday , when the Japanese joint hosts the third iteration of its plant-based sushi menu from 6 to 10 PM. Berries, veggies and other produce join sushi rice and seaweed. Make a $10 reservation deposit here. Join Gravitas chef Matt Baker for a Saturday morning cooking class focusing on his favorite summer ingredients. Don’t worry, there’ll be consumption, too. The demonstration is paired with a three-course lunch, featuring scallops and salmon—with a peach-and-blueberry crostata for dessert. Wine is…

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1  PUBLIC ART Nancy Holt’s Dark Star Park in Rosslyn aligns with the sun every August 1st at 9:32 AM—coinciding with the anniversary of Rosslyn’s Founding—and the spherical structure casts fascinating shadows. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Dark Star Park and the celebration includes a world premiere piece performed by Janel and Anthony on site (9 AM), viewing of the alignment (9:32 AM), and Nancy Holt film screenings (8/1 at 12:30 PM and 8/3 at 2 PM) at the Hirshhorn. All events are free. BEER As if we needed a reason to drink beer, International Beer Day is celebrated on the first Friday of August. Get the party started a day early at The Berliner with a tap takeover by Maine’s Allagash Brewing. Try six beers (five of which are…

While six-figure premiums for homes in DC aren't necessarily a rarity, they still occasionally surprise us. This week, a six-bedroom historic property at 1716 New Hampshire Avenue NW (map) closed for a half-million dollars above the original asking price. Listing agents Meredith Margolis and Jennifer Touchette of The P&rtners and Mark McFadden of McFadden Partners priced the house conservatively at $2.75 million because of a unique condition the house carries: with its historic status via the National Historic Trust (NHT), the house is one of three in DC with a first-floor easement which prohibits any changes to the interior floorplan or subdivisions of the property. "We felt the price had to reflect the limitations," Margolis explained. "We were surprised regarding the favorable response." The listing ended up garnering eight offers largely from…

Next Tuesday, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host its second public meeting on the Palisades Trolley Trail project, a roughly three-mile planned trail for cyclists and pedestrians along the Potomac River. The meeting will feature “focus group discussions on preliminary findings and design ideas for the trail, including rehabilitation of the Foundry Trestle Bridge,” DDOT says in a release. The bridge is unused and may be razed or preserved. The trail would be built on top of what used to be the Glen Echo Trolley line, an old streetcar line between Georgetown and Glen Echo Park, in Maryland. Now, the area is overgrown and somewhat inaccessible. DDOT’s meeting is scheduled to take place between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 3240 O Street NW. “The…

The median price for District home sales reached a new June record of $620,000 last month, according to the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR). That was up nearly 3 percent from the June 2018 median sales price of $603,000 and up 19 percent from the June 2014 sales price of $520,000. The total number of June home sales—857—was down relative to June 2018, representing a 3.7 percent decline, as well as the average for the last five Junes. “Supply remains scarce relative to demand, continuing to drive a strong seller’s market,” a recent release from GCAAR says. “Closed sales fell in all three segments”—detached single-family homes, townhouses, and condo and co-op units. In addition, half of the homes sold last month stayed on the market…

The month of June was one to remember for the DC housing market as home prices in the city shattered their record high. The median sales price hit $621,000, eclipsing the previous record by $18,000. While just two neighborhoods -- Hillcrest and the Southwest Waterfront -- hit an all-time record, a slew of others broke price records for the month of June. Check out the list below. SOURCE: UrbanTurf

Stop by Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar on Thursday when the bar pours $1 classic mojitos from 4 to 7 PM in celebration of National Mojito Day (limit one per customer, more mojitos are $10 to $13). The Hip-Hop Museum Pop-Up Experience returns to DC this Thursday—this time at Union District Oyster Bar & Lounge. The five-week food and music pop-up kicks off with a grand opening celebration featuring DJ Clark Kent and DJ RBI. Guests can order Hennessy cocktails like the summery Rapper’s Delight alongside eats like Tupac’s Thai Chili Jerk Wings and Wu-Tang Clan’s Crab Fried Rice. Bastille Day is this Sunday but the festivities kick off at the French Embassy on Fridayand continue through the weekend. Look for Champagne-fueled parties, drag burlesque performances, food and drink specials, wine discounts, and more. Here’s our guide to la fête nationale. Courtesy of Spin DC. Competitive…

Beginning Monday, you can watch some tennis from a new angle in the District: on the roof of the Union Market building. Developer Edens is transforming the rooftop into a 700-seat tennis stadium for the Washington Kastles, whose summer season runs from July 15 through the end of the month. Grand Slam champion Venus Williams is set to play at the site July 25. The tournament, which features several matches, represents the first time the Union Market roof will be used for a public event. Concessions will be supplied by Union Market vendors, and the area will host various Kastles-related events during the season, such as a kids clinic. The stadium will contain general seating, boxes, and premium seating, including VIP tables. SOURCE: Curbed DC

New details and images have been unveiled for Amazon's first Virginia office building. On Wednesday night, staff from Arlington County, Amazon and other members of the development team hosted the first of several meetings introducing the Metropolitan Park project and explaining how the review and approval process will commence. While questions from the public were relegated to the unstructured "open house" portion of the evening, representatives from ZGF Architects also unveiled several new renderings. Eads Street retail.  Amazon is proposing to construct two 22-story mixed-use office towers at the Metropolitan Park site in the 1400 block of S. Eads Street (map), delivering over two million square feet for office use, over 55,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, and a daycare. The development would also have 1,968 spaces of…

Heads up, Megan Rapinoe fans: The U.S. Women’s National Team is playing the Netherlands in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final July 7, and you can watch the match at the SouthwestWharf. The waterfront megadevelopment is hosting a free watch party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wharf and Pearl streets SW. The match will be broadcast from a 16-foot jumbotron screen. Watchers of all ages are welcome and they can eat and drink on the patios of Kirwan’s on the Wharf, Kaliwa, Pearl Street Warehouse, and Lupo Marino. The match will be taking place at a stadium in Lyon, France, at 5 p.m. local time, and the U.S. is favored to emerge victorious. The American team bested the English team, 2-1, in a semi-final match July 2. In June, they beat France,…

A sea of high-profile restaurants are scheduled to join the local dining scene in the coming months, including some biggies held over from the spring. Here’s a roster of the most anticipated openings coming down the pike. Dos Mamis What: Two of the leaders of Petworth’s hospitality scene have teamed up to bring Upshur Street NW an inclusive cocktail bar with a wine garden out back. Carlie Steiner (Himitsu) and Anna Bran-Leis (Taqueria Del Barrio) have replaced the dark, purple hues of the former Hank’s Cocktail Bar space with brightly colored space full of pink and teal. You’ll catch both of them working the room with custom Miami Heat jerseys (In the Miami Vice color scheme) that Dos Mamis on the back. Charcuterie, cheese, and croquettas will accompany zero-proof,…

The neighborhoods in DC with the highest real estate prices per square foot in 2019 are concentrated in the NW quadrant of the city. Leading the way with a median price per square foot of $800 is West End. Coming in second at $722 a square foot is Georgetown, and rounding out the top four are Logan Circle ($704) and the U Street Corridor ($684). Despite the high prices, this metric has dropped over the last year in all of the above areas in all but one (Mount Vernon Square) of the neighborhoods in the top ten. As UrbanTurf has previously noted, price per square foot is one of those tricky measures in real estate. In DC, a home’s square footage consists of the above-grade…

July 4th lands on a Thursday this year, which means DC-area restaurants are rolling out special holiday brunches. Here’s where to fuel up on bottomless mimosas before the fireworks. And if you overindulge at your Independence Day barbecue, we have Friday brunches covered, too. Pancakes at Founding Farmers. Photograph courtesy of Farmers Restaurant Group. On July Fourth: All-Purpose Navy Yard 79 Potomac Ave., SE Take in water views while sipping bottomless mimosas, bellinis, and Aperol spritzes on the patio of this popular pizzeria on Independence Day. Their Red, White & Brunch runs from 10 AM to 2:30 PM. An a la carte menu includes tasty pizzas (breakfast and regular), egg dishes, and the $21 all-you-can-drink deal with the purchase of an entree. Ambar DC and Clarendon 523…

Last month, the Washington Business Journal reported on the plans to redevelop the building Zara once occupied in Georgetown. Now, those plans have a tweaked design. Rendering of the proposed redevelopment, as seen from west toward alley.  Eastbanc is seeking Old Georgetown Board review for a plan to reestablish smaller-format retail and add office and residential use to the 30,000-square-foot building at 1234-1242 Wisconsin Avenue NW (map). The rear addition would enable delivery of 15,000 square feet of office space and five residential units above the retail spaces. McInturff Architects is the design architect. Aerial of site and age of composing buildings, courtesy of EHT Traceries. Buildings outlined in green are considered historic. The project at 1234-1238 Wisconsin Avenue NW is actually comprised of five buildings fronting both Wisconsin Avenue…

The District saw its highest May median sales price for homes in a decade last month, recent data from the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR) show. The median sales price across all home types, including detached single-family homes, townhouses, and condo and co-op units, was $600,555, higher than the previous record of roughly $599,000 in May 2017. This was also slightly greater than the median sales price in May 2018, some $596,000. Except for last year, May median home prices in D.C. have jumped annually. GCAAR’s data show that the number of home sales declined 2.4 percent this May, to 926 from 949 in May 2018. Total year-to-date sales (3,710) were 2 percent higher than at the same point in 2018. Real estate “supply remains…

Enroll in a taco tutorial on Thursday at Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill, and learn how to make your own tortillas and prep taco fillings. Tickets are $55 per person and include a glass of wine to sip while you stir. Become a java connoisseur and learn how to brew coffee like a pro at a Baked Jointon Friday. The $3 ticket covers a coffee cupping lesson, using taste and smell to study six different coffees from around the world. Sample jambalaya, gyros, and tikka masala from 24 restaurants around Northern Virginia at Taste of Reston on Friday and Saturday. Stop by the Wine ‘n Dine booth to watch cooking demonstrations and take a culinary souvenir home. Crack into crawfish at Rustico Ballston‘s third annual Bluegrass & Crawfish Boil on Saturday starting at noon. The family-friendly, Southern-style feast includes a la carte crawfish, sides, and beers from…

Buying a home in the District seems to be increasingly out of reach for many residents. Data released Wednesday by the office of the D.C. Chief Financial Officer show that median home prices for detached single-family homes as well as attached townhouses went up by double-digit percentages from March 2018 to March 2019. The median price for a detached single-family home grew 10.9 percent, to $809,500, while that for a townhouse grew 11.9 percent, to $752,300. The median price for a condo or co-op unit also rose 0.6 percent, to $483,000. The District pulled the data from the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors. This past March, the number of completed real estate contracts was significantly up as compared with March 2018: Those for single-family…

The Arlington housing market continues to feel the effects of Amazon's impending arrival. This month, the effect can be seen in rising home prices, but more noticeably in a severe lack of homes for sale. “Amazon HQ2 continues to have an impact on the Arlington housing market," Andrew Strauch of Bright MLS said. "Housing inventory in Arlington is down 50% from a year ago and closed sales are down 11% due to the lack of inventory. With prices up 10%, new listings are still down 20%. We expect to continue seeing a very tight market in Arlington.” Below, UrbanTurf plucked out a few statistics that speak to the state of the market in the county. $615,000 -- The median price in Arlington in May, up 10…

More than one in four homes for sale in DC carry a seven-figure price tag. A recent analysis by UrbanTurf found that 27 percent of homes on the market in DC in April were priced above $1 million. In 2017, one in four homes in April carried a million-dollar price tag, and the year prior, the proportion was just 20 percent. Specifically, 371 of the 1,365 homes on the market in DC in April carried price tags above $1 million. In certain DC neighborhoods, the volume of million-dollar listings was much higher. For example, in Georgetown, 71 percent of active listings were listed for over $1 million. In Chevy Chase, about 62 percent of listings were million-dollar homes. In Spring Valley, every home on the…

Long-term mortgage rates haven't been this low since 2017. On Thursday, Freddie Mac reported 3.82 percent with an average 0.5 point as the average for a 30-year mortgage, down 17 basis points from last week. Long-term rates last dropped to this level in September 2017. “While the drop in mortgage rates is a good opportunity for consumers to save on their mortgage payment, our research indicates that there can be a wide dispersion among mortgage rate offers," Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a release. "By shopping around and getting a single additional mortgage rate quote, a borrower can save an average of $1,500.” The UrbanTurf Mortgage Rate Disclaimer: The rates reported by Freddie Mac for 30-year mortgages are usually the best rates that the most…

With Memorial Day coming up, UrbanTurf is taking its bi-annual look at the neighborhoods across the city that have seen the highest home price appreciation this year. In the table below, we outline the five neighborhoods in the city that have seen the largest increase in home values. In order to qualify for the list, a neighborhood had to record at least 10 sales this year. Also, if there was a wide disparity between the sales of single-family homes and condos/co-ops this year versus last year, we didn't include the neighborhood on the list. Click to enlarge. The neighborhoods cover a wide geographic swath with Wesley Heights and Kent, two upper Northwest areas known for expensive houses, leading the way. Third on the list  is…

Last week, UrbanTurf took a look at the DC neighborhoods that have seen the highest home appreciation this year. Today, we highlight the areas where you are likely paying above list price for your new home. So far in 2019, homes in the six neighborhoods below have been selling at or above their asking price, on average. Neighborhood sales were calculated according to the advertised subdivision, and for inclusion on the list, there had to be at least ten sales in 2019. DC's above asking neighborhoods. Click to enlarge. The list features a regular cast of characters from both sides of the city. Unsurprisingly, American University Park, a neighborhood that we posited could be the most competitive in the city, is leading the way. Congress Heights, LeDroit…

Overindulge the Georgian way—with big platters and big wines—at Logan Circle’s Supra on Thursday night with an all-inclusive dinner (8 to 10:30 PM). The $125 ticket includes patronage of a tamada (toastmaster), who will regale guests with customary Georgian toasts. Expect to walk into work full on Friday. Head to The Chocolate House on Friday for chocolate truffles paired with Spanish red, white, and sparkling wines from Tradewinds. The “DC Wine Guys” will be on hand to offer pairing tips and other helpful advice. An assortment of dips and cheeses on the Supra tasting board. Photography by Evy Mages   Visit Brookland food hall Tastemakers on Friday from 7 to 9PM for a vegetarian cooking class that bounds across Thailand, Spain, and Greece. That means learning about—then consuming—plates as eclectic as bamboo salad and moussaka in a single sitting. Tickets, which go for $75, include…

Can’t get out of the city for the Memorial Day holiday? Across the District, restaurants are extending their brunches for the three-day holiday weekend. Here’s where you can spend your staycation sipping Aperol spritzes. All-Purpose Capitol Riverfront 79 Potomac Ave. SE Whether you’re munching on breakfast pizza or sharing plates between friends, top off a meal with bottomless drink options including Aperol spritzes and mimosas for $21. Plus, $1 from every pizza sold will go to MTEC, an organization that helps develop medical solutions to prevent and treat injuries to U.S. armed services members. Ambar DC & Clarendon 523 8th St. SE; 2901 Wilson Blvd. Diners can indulge in endless libations and an array of Balkan small plates at this Capitol Hill haunt for $39…

With the spring housing market in full swing, UrbanTurf is taking its annual look at the neighborhood markets around the DC region. Today, we head to American University Park. For the last few years, AU Park has been one of the fastest-moving and most competitive housing markets in DC, and in 2019, it might be leading the way for both those attributes. As the selection of statistics below show, homes are selling extremely quickly and for well above asking price in the neighborhood which results in it having one of the lowest supplies of homes for sale in the city. 104% -- The average sales price to original list price ratio for homes that sold this year in AU Park. 78% -- The percentage of homes in AU Park…

Annapolis: Explore Naval History and Sleep on a Boat This waterfront town is all about historic streetscapes and bustling marinas. You can tap into the spirit of the town at the United States Naval Academy (52 King George St.; 410-293-8687), the training ground for America’s midshipmen, which offers tours of “The Yard” that include a visit to the crypt of Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones. Soak in American History The William Paca House (186 Prince George St.; 410-990-4543), a Georgian mansion that was home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, holds a trove of 18th-century furnishings and has a superb walled garden. Best Spot to Ogle Yachts Grab a charcuterie platter from Annapolis Market House (City Dock; 443-949-0024)and stake out a spot on a bench across…

Little known fact: Thursday is world Chartreuse Day. Officina plans to celebrate with a slew of Chartreuse cocktails across its three floors starting at 3 PM (head upstairs to the rooftop for a pineapple and lime Chartreuse Swizzle). Wharf neighbors Tiki TNT and Rappahannock Oyster Bar are also celebrating with Chartreuse specials. Here’s why DC bartenders love the 400 year-old liqueur. Go green at Up Top Acres’ rooftop garden during its inaugural Farm Friday Happy Hour at 5PM this Friday. The folks at the Southeast DC urban farm are picnic-friendly and encourage attendees to bring their own food. The $10 entry ticket includes a drink voucher. Use it on a cocktail that incorporates produce from the garden or beer and wine. Hank’s Oyster Bar in Dupont is commemorating its 14th birthday on Saturday with four hours of nonstop oysters (11AM to 3PM). Plan to…

If you thought that the effect of Amazon's impending arrival on the Arlington housing market would have worn off by this point, you would be incorrect. “In Arlington, market dynamics in April were driven, at least in part, by Amazon," Andrew Strauch, Vice President at Bright MLS, told UrbanTurf. "The median sales price went up by 19 percent year-over-year driven by condos increasing in price by 12 percent and, even more importantly, single family home sales volume being up 20 percent. Inventory is down by 37 percent for single family homes and 60 percent for condos, so look for a very tight market in Arlington over the next few months which could drive up prices." Below UrbanTurf plucked out a few numbers that illustrate the climate of the Arlington…

The DC-area housing market roared back in April. After months of declining sales and rising inventory, the April housing report by ShowingTime revealed a market in which record home prices were side-by-side with robust sales. The median home price in the DC area hit an all-time high of $475,000 in April, a 5.6 percent year-over-year increase. Home prices rose in every jurisdiction in the area, except for DC proper where they fell by less than a percent. "[The record prices] were driven by a 6.4 percent increase in condo pricing along with a higher ratio of single family homes sold as compared to condos and townhouses,” said Andrew Strauch, Vice President at Bright MLS. Despite prices hitting an all-time high, home buyers were undeterred. There were…

Union Market’s Indian vendor DC Dosa is dishing out its secrets on Thursday with an on-site dosa demo session. Join founder Priya Ammu and Jennifer Jones—the DC food event organizer behind Cosmopolitan Plated—for step-by-step instructions on how to create the rice-based Indian crepes along with chutney. Tickets are $60 and wine is included. Start the weekend a day early on Thursday with a hearty pig and oyster roast from Rockland’s Barbecue. Tickets ($35) cover a full spread, including oysters, sides, and beer and wine. The entirety of the proceeds will go to Doorways, an organization which supports the homeless and abuse victims in Northern Virginia. Photograph courtesy of ChurchKey. Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day; Teach people how to make pad Thai, lower their spending on takeout. Tastemakers is doing just that on Friday with a Thai food…

The percentage of cash home sales in DC so far in 2019 remains consistent with the first quarter of last year. 1,782 homes have sold in the District in 2019 — and 17 percent of those homes went to buyers paying all cash. In the first quarter of 2018, 1,892 homes sold and about 19 percent went to cash buyers. Neighborhoods where cash transactions are prevalent can be found on both sides of the city. West End saw half of home purchases made in cash while in Spring Valley, 45 percent of home sales were all-cash transactions. However, it wasn't just the city's high-priced neighborhoods where cash was king. In Randle Heights east of the Anacostia River, 33 percent of homes purchased fell into the…

With the redevelopment of the former Superfresh grocery site in Spring Valley still up in the air after 3.5 years, the development team is taking a new route. Rendering from Massachusetts Avenue, from west. Click to enlarge. Valor Development has filed a planned-unit development (PUD) application to construct a 214-unit mixed-use building and five townhouses at 4330 48th Street NW (map). As most recently proposed, the development would still include a 16,584 square-foot MOM's Organic Market grocery store, 1,614 additional square feet of retail and 370 parking spaces. The project had been in the voluntary design review application process over the past two years, until a Zoning Commission hearing earlier this year ended with the commissioners seeking clarity on whether the process was applicable (or even a necessary option).…

Yes, there have been a bunch of recent restaurant closures in Washington. But there have been just as many, if not more, exciting openings since the start of spring. The variety itself is enticing— from fast-casual concepts (Burmese, southern Italian) to finer-dining rooms, food halls, neighborhood spots, and cool cocktail haunts. Take a look and break out the calendar, you’ve got a lot of eating to do. The jewel-like dining room of Queen’s English. Photo by Jeff Elkins   1) Queen’s English 3410 11th St., NW New York transplants Sarah Thompson and Henji Cheung are behind this small, stunning restaurant in Columbia Heights. Cheung grew up in Hong Kong and creates modern renditions of dishes from Asia’s World City, whether steamed egg custard with anchovy and caviar; crispy “typhoon shelter” shrimp tossed with…

Mother’s Day is to brunch what Valentine’s Day is to dinner: any restaurant that’s open on Sunday, May 12 has something planned. So how does one decide where to eat? We’ve compiled a few itineraries for a meal and activities outside the typical brunch box. Hillsborough Vineyards. Photograph by Rick Collier Head to Virginia (or Maryland!) wine country Virginia wine country is green and gorgeous this time of year, and charming towns like Middleburg and The Plains are only about an hour driving distance from DC. Many vineyards are family-friendly, offering picnic spots, live music, and lawn games for the under-21 crowd. Combine a visit to a vineyard with a lovely wine-country brunch at destinations such as Girasole, Field & Main, and of course, The Inn at Little Washington. (the latter opens especially…

This Saturday, more than 50 international embassies located in the District will welcome the public for the annual Around the World Embassy Tour—part of the monthlong Passport DC event organized by nonprofit Cultural Tourism DC and held every May. The tour is free, but some embassy staff may ask to see visitors’ ID. Roughly 30,000 people participated last year. In general, the embassies will be accessible from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Per Cultural Tourism DC: Embassies will showcase their respective country’s food, fashion, arts and artisans, music and dance. Embassies participating to date include Afghanistan, African Union Representational Mission to the United States, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gabon,…

If you decided to sell your home in one of the five DC zip codes below this year, chances are you made a tidy profit. Last week, UrbanTurf covered a report from ATTOM Data Solutions that measured the profit that DC-area home sellers made in the first quarter of 2019. Today, we take a more granular look at where seller profits were the highest. 20008, the zip code that encompasses portions of Forest Hills, Van Ness, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, and Kalorama, is the section of DC that saw some of the best seller profits in 2019. Sellers in this zip code realized an average price gain of $312,500 in the first quarter representing an average 72 percent return on a home's purchase price. Click to enlarge. The…

A new spot to slurp fresh oysters sourced from both coasts and Canada is coming to the booming NoMa neighborhood later this summer. King Street Oyster Bar, which has two locations in Northern Virginia, is moving into D.C. Aiming to fill a void of oyster bars in Loudoun County, the company opened its first location in downtown Leesburg in 2016. Partners Rick Allison and Jorge Esguerra followed the inaugural location with another in Middleburg’s quaint restaurant strip a year later. The team is getting ready to start construction on what will be its first foray into the District (22 M Street NE). Located at the base of a 12-story apartment building that’s almost ready to open, the spacious, nautical-themed eatery will feature 180 seats inside and 80 seats…

DC area home sellers did well for themselves at the beginning of the year. Sellers in the region saw average profits of $62,000 in the first quarter of 2019, a 6 percent increase year-over-year, according to the most recent report from ATTOM Data Solutions. Home sellers nationwide did not fare as well, with average gains of $57,500, just a one percent increase from a year earlier. Seller gains in the DC region were at their peak in 2005, with profits of $171,000, and remained strong through 2007 before dropping off from 2008-2011. The ATTOM report also measures the average homeownership tenure in the DC area. In the first quarter of the year, that tenure rose to 8.13 years, a 5.7 percent increase compared to the first…

With the spring housing market in full swing, UrbanTurf is starting its annual look at the neighborhood markets around the DC region. Today, we take a look at Chevy Chase DC. As has been the case for a few years, Chevy Chase has been one of the more competitive DC neighborhood housing markets where high prices, high demand and low supply are constant themes. As the statistics below reveal, that seems to be the case again this year. $1.15 million -- The average home sales price in Chevy Chase DC in 2019, up 18% from last year. $1.351 million -- The average home sales price for a detached home, up 21% from last year. 91% -- The increase in dollar volume of homes sold, up 91% from 2018.…

If all goes according to plan, it will have been three years since the Washington Monument closed for elevator repairs and the addition of a new security center by the time it reopens to the public. The National Park Service (NPS) announced Monday that the iconic structure at the heart of the National Mall would be publicly accessible again this August, after “possibly contaminated soil in the construction area” was discovered, and now needs to be addressed. “The modernization of the monument’s elevator is substantially complete, with just final testing and certification of the safety systems remaining,” NPS explained in a release. “The potentially contaminated soil is below the ground surface and poses no risk to public health.” The park service added that the soil was “likely introduced in…

The effect of Amazon's impending arrival continues to be felt in the Alexandria housing market in two ways: skyrocketing prices and a dearth in inventory. Data from ShowingTime by RBI shows that the median sales price for homes in Alexandria in March was $579,250, a 24 percent increase compared to March 2018. Listings in March sold for an average of 100.1 percent of asking price, the highest proportion for a local jurisdiction, so it doesn't appear that the high prices are dissuading buyers. Or maybe they are. Closed sales fell 23 percent in Alexandria year-over-year. There were also 7 percent fewer pending sales in March. While prices may be affecting sales, a lack of supply may also be to blame. The active inventory in March…

Washington’s pro tennis team, the Kastles, will play their 2019 summer season on the rooftop of Northeast DC’s Union Market, team owner Mark Ein announced Friday. Jodie McLean, CEO of Union Market’s developer EDENS, and Ward 5 council member Kenyan McDuffie joined Ein in announcing the news. The first match, featuring Maryland native Frances Tiafoe, will be played July 15. Venus Williams and Nick Kyrgios will also play during the season, which lasts until July 29. EDENS has already begun retrofitting the rooftop to hold the 700-seat stadium. While the tennis courts are considered a “pop-up” installation for now, EDENS has a proposal pending before the DC Zoning Commission to permanently turn the roof into an 8,000-square-foot park and entertainment venue that would host future Kastles seasons, as well as a variety of other programming. In…

Union Market Test Kitchen returns Thursday with a cooking class from Puddin’ owner Toyin Alli and chef Jennifer Jones. Learn how to make New Orleans classics like sweet beignets and spring jambalaya. Your $60 ticket gets you into the class, where wine will also be served. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the classic Nas album illmatic at City WineryThursday. Vine of the Rhyme and LLeft Entertainment will pair the classic album with wines from City Winery’s selection. Howard graduate and rapper Tracey Lee will also perform selections from his latest album Expect the Unexpected. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. National Grilled Cheese Day is Friday and new Tin Shop bar Tallboy will celebrate with a $10 sandwich and beer special. Get “the OG” cheddar grilled cheese or the “Tom & Cheese” tomato and cheddar combo, with a PBR or Narragansett. The…

The latest housing report out today for the DC area shows the continued trend of rising home prices and dropping sales in the region. However, pending sales numbers were up in March, an indication that buyer demand may be starting to outweigh rising prices. Below, UrbanTurf picked out a number of relevant numbers and statistics from the MarketStats by ShowingTime report. $450,000 -- The median home price in the region in March, marking the 30th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases. $310,000 -- The median home price in the region in March 2010, 45 percent lower than the current median price. $579,250 -- The median home price in Alexandria in March, a 24 percent increase over March 2018. 10% -- The drop in closed sales in the region compared to…

Nearly 18 months after the first phase of The Wharf debuted in DC, the second phase broke ground at the end of March. This phase includes an additional half-mile of development to the stretch of the Anacostia waterfront between the Washington Channel and Maine Avenue, from 6th to 11th Streets SW (map). The 1.25 million square feet of development will deliver on a rolling basis by the end of 2022. The completion of the second phase will also mean the addition of 223 boat slips at The Wharf Marina and the 1.5-acre M Street Landing park. Below, UrbanTurf highlights what most of that development will entail. In case you missed them, here are the other neighborhoods we have taken a fresh look at this year: 4,000 Units, the…

When do DC-area farmers markets open in 2019? Prepare to fill your totes with cucumbers and kohlrabi, because farmers market season is here. Find opening dates and hours for the market nearest you in our guide below. Additional locations will be added as info becomes available. Send additional market information to kphilo@washingtonian.com. DC 14th & U 14th St., NW and U St., NW Open May 4 to November on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM. Bloomingdale R St., NW and 1st St., NW Open May 5 to November on Sundays from 9 AM to 1 PM. Capitol Riverfront 200 M St., SE Open May 5 to Sept. 29 on Sundays from 9 AM to 1 PM Chavez Veggie Stand 800 block of Parkside Pl., NE…

THURSDAY, APRIL 4 BOOKS Psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb breaks down the stigma of seeing a therapist in her new book, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, sharing her experiences as a clinician—and patient herself. Gottlieb, who also writes the “Dear Therapist” column for The Atlantic, will speak about her book and her observations on humanity at Sixth & I with NPR Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon. Book signing to follow. $15 (ticket) or $30 (ticket plus book), 7 PM. COMEDY New York-based comic Tim Dillon is spending the weekend at the DC Improv; in addition to his Comedy Central and Netflix specials, he also dishes out commentary on people and politics on his podcast “Tim Dillon is Going to Hell.” Through April 6. $17-$20. FRIDAY, APRIL 5 CARS Daydreaming about a new whip? Head over to the Washington Auto Show…

Downtown Bethesda is faced with a few competing dynamics: development in some portions of Bethesda may be slowed by an ongoing development moratorium currently in place as Montgomery County contends with school overcrowding, while some projects are upsizing to take advantage of the downtown Bethesda sector plan's density allowances. Below, we take a look at what is still on the boards and on-track for near-term development in the area. In case you missed them, here are the other neighborhoods we have covered this year: A Ladybird, A Wegmans and A Dancing Crab: The Tenleytown and AU Park Rundown Fitness Bridges, Danny Meyer and Almost 3,000 Residences: The Navy Yard Rundown Rooftop Tennis and DeafSpace Design: The Union Market Rundown From Whole Foods to Town: The…

Forget peanuts and Cracker Jacks. Nationals fans will singing “Buy me some bao buns and pupusas” this season as the ballpark unveils its eclectic food and beverage lineup. New concessions and partnerships with popular DC-area restaurants like Chiko, Medium Rare, Hank’s Oyster Bar, and La Casita Pupuseria bring a taste of DC’s diverse dining scene inside the stadium. “We see what’s going on in the city and what people are talking about,” says VP of Ballpark Operations Jonathan Stahl on how they decide which restaurants and cuisines to incorporate. “We also see what fits for baseball. It’s not a knife and fork situation.” Fans and foodies at the home opener on March 28 can also take advantage of some major tech advances. Boutique delivery service Caviar has partnered with a professional sports arena for…

La Betty opened without an announcement last Friday, giving Mount Vernon Triangle a first taste of what the family behind one of D.C.’s top bakeries has in store for dinner. The restaurant from the Velazquez family (Baked & Wired, A Baked Joint) is starting out with a limited menu that smartly integrates its expertise in all things dough. After welcoming its first walk-ins last weekend, the no-reservations restaurant opted to close Monday and today to let the crew recuperate. It will re-open for dinner at 5 p.m. tomorrow. One of the shared plates at La Betty (420 K Street NW) is a bread basket from A Baked Joint that comes with sourdough, seeded wheat bread, Parker House rolls, and honey butter. The base of a roasted root vegetable galette…

Interest rates are now at their lowest level in more than a year. Freddie Mac reported 4.28 percent with an average 0.4 point as the average for a 30-year mortgage on Thursday, down three basis points from last week. A year ago, rates came in at 4.45 percent. “Mortgage rates have dipped quite dramatically since the start of the year and house prices continue to moderate, which should help on the homebuyer affordability front," Freddie Mac's Sam Khater said in a release. "The combination of improving affordability and more inventory than the last few spring selling seasons should lead to improved home sales demand.” The UrbanTurf Mortgage Rate Disclaimer: The rates reported by Freddie Mac for 30-year mortgages are usually the best rates that the most qualified…

Little Red Fox has gained a reputation for its housemade pies and other baked goods. But with a tiny 400-square-foot kitchen, the baking team constantly struggled to find space in the ovens or room for ingredients in the single walk-in fridge. Now, with the debut of Sugar Fox, they have a lot more room to ease production and expand their offerings. The sweets shop, which is a couple doors down on Connecticut Avenue, comes from couple Jenna and Matt Carr (a former Washingtonian intern). It opens Saturday, March 16, with an array of ice creams, cakes, and other goodies. The new kitchen will also help supply Little Red Fox with items that weren’t previously made in-house, such as jams, quiches, and, eventually, breads (including ciabatta for sandwiches). Head baker Lauren Parlato, who…

On Thursday, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will hold a public meeting on the planned closure and replacement of the 31st Street Bridge, which stretches over the scenic C&O Canal in Georgetown. Having stone walls and a cast iron pier, the 1867 bridge is “structurally deficient” and limited in how much weight it can still hold, according to DDOT. The agency’s plans call for the historic pier to be removed and refurbished. In a release this week, DDOT says the project will force vehicular traffic to detour around 31st Street NW at the canal. Officials will present a detour plan at Thursday’s public meeting, set for 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Grace Episcopal Church (1041 Wisconsin Ave. NW), located near the bridge. The 31st Street Bridge D.C.…

The development train continues to slowly chug along around Tenleytown, American University Park and along the Wisconsin Avenue corridor, perhaps exemplified best by the lot zoned for mixed use that was granted a permanent special exception for use as surface parking last year. Some sizeable developments are planned for the area and the news that a small-format Targetis slated for the former Best Buy space has brought more attention to the corridor. Below, UrbanTurf catches up on the residential developments on the boards. In case you missed them, here are the other neighborhoods we have covered this year: Fitness Bridges, Danny Meyer and Almost 3,000 Residences: The Navy Yard Rundown Rooftop Tennis and DeafSpace Design: The Union Market Rundown From Whole Foods to Town: The 1,440 Units Slated…

The effect of Amazon's arrival on the region continues to be felt in a variety of ways, and that includes the housing market. UrbanTurf plucked out a few numbers that illustrate the effect that the online giant continues to have on the Arlington housing market, three months after the online behemoth announced its plans to come to Northern Virginia. $558,750 -- The median home sales price in February, the highest on record for Arlington for the month of February. $1.015 million -- The average price for a detached home in February. 65% -- The increase in the number of homes that went under contract in Arlington compared to February 2018. 54 -- The average number of days that homes spent on the market in February, a 40 percent drop…

An International Women’s Day market will take over Fairfax’s Caboose Brewing Company a day early on Thursday from 4 to 6 PM. Over 15 women-owned small businesses will run pop-up shops out of the space in Vienna. Shoppers can sip brews while they browse wares from Skips and Flutters, Park Story, and more. Restaurants are also commemorating International Women’s Day this Friday with charity. Georgian restaurant Supra will pour wine from female winemakers (discounted at $10 off select bottles) and host a fundraiser for N Street Village with 8% of sales going towards the nonprofit. Meanwhile Doron Petersan’s vegan diner Fare Well makes a Shirley MacLaine cocktail with Civic vodka and cherry flavors from Ivy City’s woman-owned distillery. A portion of proceeds will support Planned Parenthood. Khachapuri with egg yolk at Supra. Photo by Evy Mages. Fast-casual Israeli eatery Little…

#10 Where: 4998 Warren St. NW How much: $2,400,000 This 7,678-square-foot home in Spring Valley has seven bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet, as well as a finished basement, two fireplaces, and a four-car garage. #9 Where: 7609 Glenbrook Rd., Bethesda How much: $2,450,000 This renovated Colonial sits on a third of an acre, and comes with six bedrooms, four bathrooms, two half-baths, a carriage house, and a pool. #8 Where: 5415 Mohican Rd., Bethesda How much: $2,665,000 This 1890s castle-like mansion is spread out over 9,000 square feet, with five bedrooms and bathrooms, six fireplaces, an elevator, and views of the Potomac. #7 Where: 7846 Westmont Ln., McLean How much: $2,870,000 Renovated in 2017, the 8,800-square-foot house in McLean’s Reserve community has six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and two…

If you bought a home in DC back in 2013, new data reveals that you have made a tidy return on your investment. A new analysis by UrbanTurf takes a look at the trajectory of home prices in the last five years. The median home price in DC has risen about 20 percent or $95,000 since 2013, increasing from $475,000 citywide to $570,000 last year. However as the chart below reveals, the price movement has had valleys and peaks. In the first quarter of every year, prices typically dipped, as is expected in the slower winter months. Median prices reached their highest level in the second and quarters of each year when the housing market was in full swing. As is always the case, how much homes…

One of DC’s most famous (and heavily touristed) neighborhoods is a prime place to breakfast or brunch before hitting the shops, waterfront, or a movie. Inexpensive Chaia 3207 Grace St., NW This airy vegetarian taqueria works well for both grab-and-go and sit-down meals (hello, draft Lambrusco). Homemade corn tortillas are stuffed with local eggs on weekends plus seasonal veggie combos.  Dog Tag Bakery 3206 Grace St., NW This bakery and cafe doubles as a non-profit that serves as a “living business school” for veterans looking to enter the civilian workforce. It’s also a tasty stop for coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches. Fresh (and gluten-free) corn tortillas stuffed with seasonal vegetables at Chaia in Georgetown. Photograph courtesy of Chaia. Kafe Leopold 3315 Cady’s Alley, NW Tucked…

Beard season has officially arrived: Today the James Beard Foundation released its list of Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists for 2019. On Wednesday, March 27, James Beard Award–winning chef Hugo Ortega will announce the (much shorter) list of final nominees at his namesake Mexican restaurant, Hugo’s, in Houston. (For the majority who can’t be present, they’ll also be announced via Twitter and Facebook Live.) Winners will be announced Monday, May 6 at a gala at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The 2019 Media Awards will be held on Friday, April 26, at Pier Sixty in New York City. Here are the D.C. area chefs and restaurants who made the cut this year: Best New Restaurant A restaurant opened in the calendar year before the award will be…

Nearly eight years after an earthquake rattled the DC area, the Washington National Cathedral is still rebuilding. Now, as part of its ongoing fundraising efforts, you can help the Cathedral be rebuilt, albeit on a much smaller scale. Today, the Cathedral launched "Let There Be LEGO", an endeavor to build a to-scale model of the iconic edifice out of 400,000 LEGO blocks. Members of the public can purchase a block for $2 each and add it to the model. All proceeds will go toward ongoing earthquake-related repairs to the real Cathedral. “The Cathedral is thrilled to offer a new way for visitors and worshippers to engage the building, and to relive the process of building a grand cathedral from the ground up,” Charles Fulcher, the Cathedral’s director of visitor…

The Amazon real estate effect in Northern Virginia now seems to be affecting home prices. The median home sales price in Arlington shot up 20 percent in January. While it is impossible to specifically draw a connection between this rise in prices and real estate speculation related to Amazon, closed sales in January are likely on homes that went under contract in November and December following Amazon's decision to bring HQ2 to National Landing. January housing statistics for Arlington. Click to enlarge. The 633 percent increase in pending home sales back in December in the section of Arlington County that is close to National Landing is being revealed in an inventory of homes for sale that is significantly lower than last January. The active inventory of homes in…

Forget popsicle crafts and canoeing. Letting your kids roam city streets—with supervision, of course—is the new summer camp. Let’s call them urban camps. But by that we don’t mean camps that just happen to be within city limits. Rather, these are programs that, instead of hosting kids at a specific site, take them out to enjoy and learn from all the free and accessible resources Washington has to offer. Your children can spend the summer exploring local parks, museums, and businesses, plus participating in community projects—while riding Metro and getting to know their city in a new way. The following are a few day camps whose boundaries are limited only by the hours of the day and the ends of the Metro lines. Each blends…

Hank’s Cocktail Bar re-opens tonight, expanding the ambitions of the mixology lab formerly housed in an old church in Petworth with new digs in Dupont Circle. Chef and restaurateur Jamie Leeds moved the bar in part to optimize the second-story space above the original Hank’s Oyster Bar and in part to give bar program manager Hunter Douglas a bigger stage. “He wasn’t getting the exposure that I felt like he deserved,” says Leeds, whose restaurant group brought Douglas over from the Alex speakeasy at the Graham hotel last year. For Douglas, the most enticing part of the move is the opportunity to root around in the kitchen downstairs. Now that he works above Hank’s Oyster Bar, Douglas can search for ways to reduce food waste and incorporate more…

Department store retailer Target will continue its expansion in the District by moving into the former Best Buy space in Tenleytown, commercial real estate company CBRE said in a release on Friday. At roughly 46,000 square feet, the store is set to open its doors in 2020. The Washington Business Journal was the first to report the news, citing a 10-year lease with renewal options that cropped up in property records yesterday. The Best Buy closed last year. Michael Zacharia with CBRE negotiated the lease on Target’s behalf, according to the release. Located at street level at D.C.-based Roadside Development’s Cityline at Tenley project, the site used to house a Sears in the 1940s. The address is 4500 Wisconsin Ave. NW, above the neighborhood’s Metro station and across the street from its public library.…

Tech giant Amazon says it will no longer locate its new corporate offices in New York’s Long Island City, according to a statement obtained by the New York Times on Thursday. Still, the Seattle-based company notes that it will “proceed as planned in Northern Virginia,” where it has offered to create 25,000 new jobs—through the next decade—in and around Crystal City. “We do not intend to re-open the HQ2 search at this time,” Amazon’s statement reads. “We will proceed as planned in Northern Virginia and Nashville, and we will continue to hire and grow across our 17 corporate offices and tech hubs in the U.S. and Canada.” Last November, when announcing its much-ballyhooed decision for new corporate sites, the company said it would bring 5,000 jobs to the Tennessee city. New York…

Make the most of a President’s Day Monday on February 18 with brunch dishes and bottomless mimosas at restaurants around Washington. Alta Strada 465 K St., NW; 2911 District Ave., Fairfax Start the day with eggs, bacon, or both in a creamy carbonara pasta dish, which is on the menu at both locations. In DC, toast the long weekend with $22 bottomless mimosas. When: 11 AM to 3 PM Ambar  523 8th St., SE; 2901 Wilson Blvd., Clarendon Savory pies, creamy spreads, and mezze platters are all part Balkan brunch. For those eager to sample widely, try bottomless plates and brunch drinks (must be ordered by the whole table, $39 at the DC location; $34 with 25 cent drinks in Clarendon). When:10 AM to 3:30 PM at Ambar…

While the DC area housing market continues to make consistently strong showings, this dynamic obscures some more interesting facts at play. Since 2000, the average homeownership tenure in the DC area has gone up virtually every year, according to ATTOM Data Solutions's 2018 US Home Sales Report, from just over one year in the first quarter of 2000 to 8.3 years in 2018. Despite the increase in tenure, the DC area was tied for 10th place for the shortest homeowner tenure among the largest U.S. metropolitan areas. Another interesting statistic from the report focused on how home seller profits have changed over the years. The gains in the region were at their peak in 2005, with profits of $171,000, and remained strong through 2007 before…

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 WINE Winemaking is in all 50 states from Rhode Island to Alaska. Learn the history of US wine nationwide at City Winery’s “They Make Wine Where?” event, which features a tasting of four wines from different parts of the country. 21+ only. $30, 6:30 PM. BOOKS What’s so special about Mar-A-Lago? Laurence Leamer profiles the president’s ritzy getaway in his new book Mar-A-Lago: Inside the Gates of Power at Donald Trump’s Presidential Palace. Leamer goes back to Trump’s entry into Palm Beach society in the early 1980s and follows his frictions with the locals and the development of his property into an exclusive resort. Leamer will speak at Politics & Prose. Free, 7 PM. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1 KIDS Fans of the Nickelodeon show PAW Patrol can head over to EagleBank Arena(with their parents’ help,…

This year’s Super Bowl kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 4, in Atlanta, pitting the polarizing dynasty of the New England Patriots — who have five championships — against the dynamic, youthful Los Angeles Rams. The game is sure to dominate TVs from coast to coast, and D.C. area bars and restaurants are getting in on the action with build-your-own nacho bars, all-night happy hours, and cheap buckets of beers. California fans can find deals on fish tacos and Coronas, while New Englanders can warm up with bowls of hearty clam chowder or American chop suey. 1. Hellbender Brewing Company 5788 2nd St NE Washington, DC 20011 (202) 827-8768 Visit Website Bring a crowd up to Hellbender Brewing and unwind with $5 pints on all of…

The restaurant group that runs the Salt Line, the New England-style restaurant that slings sustainable seafood in Navy Yard, is teaming up with a James Beard Award-winning cocktail expert from New Orleans to open a Gulf Coast-themed restaurant downtown later this year. Washingtonian reports that the new venue, called Dauphine’s, is expected to open this fall in the Midtown Center development at the site of the old Washington Post building. Salt Line chef Kyle Bailey will create a menu that cribs from Louisiana classics, and Long Shot Hospitality co-owner tells Washingtonian that Dauphine’s will have “creative leeway” with the cuisine. Neal Bodenheimer, who owns Cure in New Orleans, will oversee the cocktails at Dauphine’s. Cure was honored by the James Beard Foundation in 2018 for Outstanding Bar Program. Bodenheimer, a longtime friend of Long Shot…

With the 2018 housing market in the rearview mirror, UrbanTurf breaks down a series of numbers that provide a picture of the DC market last year. 9,042 -- The number of homes that sold in 2018. 1,783 -- The number of homes that sold for all cash. $570,000 -- The median home sales price in 2018, the highest annual level on record for DC. $399,000 -- The median sales price for a home in 2011. $1,274,502 -- The average price of a detached home in 2018. $16.5 million -- The sales price for the most expensive home sold. $24,900 -- The sales price for the least expensive home sold. 23% -- The percentage of homes that sold in 10 days or less. 16 -- The number of homes that have been on the market for…

The national housing market has gained a tremendous amount of value in recent years, and a new report is trying to quantify the increase. The Zillow report released last week analyzes the aggregate value of residential real estate in each state and some of the largest metro areas. For the DC area, the housing market is worth $892 billion, an increase of almost $27 billion since last year. The DC metro housing market is worth more than that of each state highlighted above. Click to enlarge.The cumulative worth of the metrowide housing market exceeds that of 40 states. Despite the impressive sum, the value of the regional market remains $55.6 billion, or 5.9 percent, lower than the value observed when the housing bubble peaked. California is where the…

This week, long-term mortgage rates dropped to their lowest level in nine months, which appears to have spurred home buying activity. Freddie Mac reported 4.45 percent with an average 0.5 point as the average for a 30-year mortgage on Thursday, down six basis points from last week. “Mortgage rates fell to the lowest level in nine months, and in response, mortgage applications jumped more than 20 percent," Freddie Mac chief economist Sam Khater said. "Lower mortgage rates combined with continued income growth and lower energy prices are all positive indicators for consumers that should lead to a firming of home sales.” The UrbanTurf Mortgage Rate Disclaimer: The rates reported by Freddie Mac for 30-year mortgages are usually the best rates that the most qualified borrowers can…

Catoctin Creek in Purcelville, VA is taking Friday happy hour to the next level with this latest installment of their Art of the Cocktail series. This week, guests travel to Spain and Portugal, led by co-founder Scott Harris, with cocktails made from sherry, brandy, port, and saffron. Tickets are $35. Calling all Potterheads! The Auld Shebeen in Fairfax is transforming itself into the Great Hall for Saturday night’s Yule Ball from 9:30 PM to 2 AM. For one night only, muggles can guzzle down butter beer, pumpkin juice and dark arts cocktails conjured by the “death eaters turned bartenders.” Tickets are $10, and include one free butter beer. It’s One Eight Distilling‘s fourth birthday this Saturday, and they’re celebrating by releasing Untitled 14, a new line of whiskey. The first 75 guests at 1 PM will get complimentary whoopie pies, but…

Amazon’s HQ2 search has ended. But the trickle of information about the contestant cities’ billion-dollar bids suggest that it’ll take a long time for local leaders to change their ways when it comes to courting corporations, in the hopes of creating new jobs and prosperity. Amazon’s initial promise of a new office and 50,000 high-paying jobs—since divided between the winning cities, New York and Crystal City, Virginia—created a media frenzy (ahem, hi) and an outpouring of quirky, attention-getting bids. Kansas City left 5-star product reviews on the e-commerce site, Calgary offered to rename their city, and Birmingham promised to install massive Dash buttons in its downtown, all in attempts to become North America’s next big company town. The final bids showed just how serious the site selection game has become.…

Winter in Washington—when rain and slush replace heat and humidity along the Potomac—and when flights to Vail and Los Cabos replace flights to Nantucket and Barcelona on our airport departure boards. Here’s this year’s roster of seasonal flights from Reagan National and Dulles. Dynamic Duo Saint Martin This 34-square-mile Caribbean island (also known by its Dutch name, Sint Maartin) has a split personality: It’s a member of the kingdom of the Netherlands to the south and a part of France to the north. The main airport is on the Dutch side, but it’s easy enough to explore the two distinct cultures. Though Hurricane Irma hit the island hard in 2017, many resorts—such as Divi Little Bay Beach Resort—and restaurants have reopened, as well as all of…

House-made waffles at America Eats Tavern in Georgetown. Photograph by Rey Lopez. Before writing off 2019 as the Year of the Hangover Headache, try a holistic brunch and hair of the dog at one of these restaurants serving New Year’s Day brunch on Tuesday, January 1. Le Diplomate  1601 14th St. NW Celebrate the beginning of the year with oysters and bubbles (or that hangover-helping burger Americain) at Stephen Starr’s brasserie. Pastry chef Fabrice Bendanowhips up a comforting basket of breakfast pastries for a chilly January morning. Hours: Starting at 9:30 AM Jack Rose Dining Saloon 2007 18th St. NW Head to the Hangover Hog Roast for $15 plates of pork with fixins like cornbread and collard greens. The heated rooftop is offering a complimentary whiskey toast, and college footballs fans…

Online search activity from other tech hubs—such as Silicon Valley and Seattle—for houses near Crystal City spiked 743 percent a week before Amazon confirmed that half of HQ2 would come to Northern Virginia, according to a report released by Trulia on Tuesday. Despite the heightened interest in the area, and the fact that real-estate agents are now using HQ2 as a selling point in their listings, Trulia reported no noticeable price or rent changes for homes as of yet. The rise in searches started November 3, the day the Washington Post dropped the bomb that Amazon was in “advanced talks” with Crystal City, and remained high until Amazon’s official announcement on November 13. Search activity has since returned to a more normal level, says Trulia. In addition to…

Foie Gras Tacos Mirabelle The bar-snacks menu at this opulent French restaurant near the White House holds many (relatively) affordable treasures. Perhaps none is more innovative, more delicious—and more evocative of chef Keith Bombaugh’s Alinea training—than these foie-gras-stuffed “tacos” served in a shell of dehydrated bananas. The presentation, over a bed of roasted pistachios, isn’t just for show—it’s two bar snacks for the price of one. 900 16th St., NW. Smoked-Trout Dip Momofuku CCDC What’s a creamy smoked-fish spread fit for a Jewish deli doing on chef Tae Strain’s nouveau Korean/American menu? “I always think of bagels and smoked fish—it’s so delicious,” Strain shrugs. The dip is made with double-smoked Carolina trout plus cream cheese, sour cream, crème fraîche, and lemon. Smoked trout roe and pickled red onions…

The Amazon Effect in the Northern Virginia real estate market appears to be quite real. Prior to the announcement that Amazon would split its second headquarters between Queens and Northern Virginia, UrbanTurf observed that rumors of the online giant's arrival hadn't impacted the housing market in places like Crystal City (one-third of the National Landing neighborhood where the headquarters will be located). However, new data shows that buyer activity skyrocketed following the official announcement. Twenty-two homes went under contract last month in the zip code* that includes Crystal City and Pentagon City, a staggering 633 percent increase compared to a year ago. The number of new pending sales rose by 121 percent year-over-year. In Arlington and Alexandria counties, new pending sales rose by a respective 46 and 39 percent. Inventory felt…

Cranes above D.C. buildings | Andrei Medvedev/Shutterstock Urban planning nerds who are anxious to see what local lawmakers are going to do to the District’s Comprehensive Plan for development and growth will have to wait a little longer. Earlier this week, D.C. Council Council Chairman Phil Mendelson told reporters at a media briefing that his committee of the whole would not mark up proposed amendments to the Comp Plan—as the District’s overarching framework for land-use is known—before the end of 2018. Some community activists and leaders had expected changes to move forward by then because the Council’s current two-year legislative session terminates later this month. Mendelson said the “crush of business” that lawmakers are handling as they head into next year, which has included everything from decriminalizing Metro fare evasion to a deal for a new…

Mortgage rates leveled off this week, pausing amid stock market fluctuations, global trade concerns and comments by Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome H. Powell. According to the latest data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average stayed the same, at 4.81 percent, with an average 0.5 point. (Points are fees paid to a lender equal to 1 percent of the loan amount.) It was 3.90 percent a year ago. The 15-year fixed-rate average inched up to 4.25 percent with an average 0.4 point. It was 4.24 percent a week ago and 3.30 percent a year ago. The five-year adjustable rate average rose to 4.12 percent with an average 0.3 point. It was 4.09 percent a week ago and 3.32 percent a year ago. “Mortgage…

Welcome to Eater DC’s events roundup, a weekly curated listing of dining and drinking festivals, classes, dinners, and more. Updated regularly, this is a one-stop-shop for all the happenings in the D.C. area that are worth the calories and expense. Every week, Eater DC editors sift through tips, emails, and listings to choose the most essential food-related events to attend. Below find events taking place the next three months, as well as recently announced and upcoming affairs (some of which require tickets or reservations). Upcoming activities are listed in chronological order. Have an event for consideration? Send us an email (dc@eater.com). Wednesday, November 28 Ocean Prime Celebrates National Christmas Tree Lighting What: The seafood haunt, located blocks from the White House, is offering $1 oysters in the lounge all…

Feast your eyes on this year's White House Christmas decorations while enjoying these many photos from the Washingtonian. On display are many rooms in the White House and the Trumps’ official 2018 holiday card. “American Treasures” is the theme to this year’s White House Christmas decorations, with scenes from the National Mall to the New York skyline to the crops grown in America’s heartland showcased throughout the East Wing of the building. Volunteers spent much of the Thanksgiving weekend outfitting the White House in various shades of red, green, gold, and blue.  Many visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy that labor over the coming weeks as the building is opened to private holiday receptions and public tours. The Office of the First Lady began planning…

Confession time: Do you support your neighborhood small businesses? This year you'll find tons of discounts and everything from an elf gang to a holiday bazaar. If not, this Saturday, November 24, or Small Business Saturday might be a great time to start. Local independent retailers will be slashing prices, giving away freebies, and handing out gifts for one day only. Here are the best neighborhoods to hit: Adams Morgan A handful of small businesses in Adams Morgan are offering storewide discounts. Check out the glassware at FunkyPiece or the delicate lingerie at Le Bustiere Boutique for 10 percent off, or grab a trendy succulent from the Little Shop of Flowers using their 25 percent discount. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot councilmember Phil Mendelson as he makes his…

D.C. residents who use Airbnb or similar booking services to rent out their homes will likely have to abide by new regulations starting next October, when they are set to go into effect. The policies represent the first time the city has charted comprehensive laws for short-term rental units—an effort that has sparked a fierce debate spanning roughly the past two years. District lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously green-lit rules for short-term rentals, after they had delayed a final vote on the rules last month. The legislation bans property owners from renting out any homes other than their primary residences for fewer than 30 days at a time, commonly done through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. It also restricts to 90 the total number of days a year that…

If you’re looking for the top places in Washington, D.C., for families, we’ve got you covered with this handy map. From vintage carousels to artsy hot spots, D.C. offers something for everyone. With a plethora of attractions, easy-to-use transportation, and some of our country’s top museums, Washington, D.C., should be on every family’s must-travel list. But determining which sites to see—and what to do when you get there—can be downright overwhelming. We’ve catalogued the most important tourist sites on the National Mall as well as under-the-radar destinations that will have your kiddos pretending to be international spies or kayaking in the Potomac. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor to our nation’s capitol, here are the 25 best things to do with kids. Traveling…

Compass, a New York-based real estate technology company with a goal of dominating the nation's largest markets, has hired Kristen Ankerbrandt of The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) as the company's new chief financial officer. She will take her post Nov. 26. Ankerbrandt, who worked 11 years as a principal at Carlyle, will oversee Compass' financial strategy and functions. She managed investment opportunities in technology, media and telecommunications for Carlyle's $18.5 billion investment fund. Compass has hired a number of high-profile execs this year, including Chief Marketing Officer Khurrum Malik from Spotify, Chief Revenue Officer Matt Rosenberg from Eventbrite and Chief Sales Strategy Officer Michael Coscetta from Square Inc. The hire comes on the heels of a $400 million Series F funding round that brought Compass' total capital raised to $1.2 billion. Compass has set ambitious plans to…

Amazon says HQ2 – now split in half – will bring more than 25,000 employees and a $2.5 billion investment to Northern Virginia and the surrounding region. To support the new hires, according to written agreements with the state and with Arlington, the e-commerce giant would receive a workforce cash grant from Virginia of up to $550 million based on $22,000 for each job created over the next 12 years, as well as a cash grant from Arlington of $23 million over 15 years based on the incremental growth of the local Transient Occupancy Tax. Hiring for both locations will begin in 2019. With that many jobs at stake, DC Inno interviewed founders and investors in the region’s business community to get their thoughts on what HQ2…

There's still time to leave the cooking to the pros. Feel like out-sourcing the job? Here’s who we would turn to for takeout versions of breads, sides, whole turkeys, and desserts.  As thrilling as it can be to spend hours, if not days, plotting out and preparing Thanksgiving dinner, it takes a lot of time and energy. Alex Levin’s Pop-Up Bakeshop 2505 Wisconsin Ave, 465 K St., NW or 2911 District Ave, Fairfax Pastry chef Alex Levin’s annual holiday pop-up now has three locations (Alta Strada in DC and Fairfax and Casolare in DC’s Glover Park). He’s offering both sweet confections (vanilla-bean cheesecake with a brownie base, $32) and savory baked goods (Italian turkey-sausage stuffing), along with breads. All proceeds benefit a Youth Friendsgiving Dinner hosted by SMYAL, an…

On the day that Amazon announced that it would be bringing its second headquarters to the DC area, the second most expensive home in DC sold. Coincidence? Two years after being listed for $22 million, the reconstructed former Cafritz mansion settled for $16.5 million on Tuesday. The home was listed with Marc Fleisher of TTR Sotheby's International Realty. The eight-bedroom estate was built by Banks Development at 3030 Chain Bridge Road NW (map), the site of a mansion previously owned by the late DC luminary Peggy Cooper Cafritz. Cafritz's home, which contained one of the largest known private collections of African American art, was destroyed by a fire in 2009. Family room. Click to enlarge. The house, which also has 11 bathrooms and sits on a…

Amazon's two selections show that big tech companies do not seem to view housing costs as a barrier for hiring workers. By choosing the New York and Washington areas, Amazon has inadvertently thrown a spotlight on the gulf between a small group of thriving but high-cost U.S. cities and the rest of the country. Amazon executives were drawn to the sizable pools of well-educated and skilled workers in the two areas Amazon has just sparked a real estate frenzy to rival Cyber Monday with its choice of two locations -- Long Island City, New York, and Arlington County, Virginia -- to host massive new corporate complexes promising $2.5 billion apiece in local development. A three-bedroom condo with Manhattan views that had sat on the market for…

For people who want to let local chefs do the heavy lifting, here’s a look at restaurants in the D.C. area that will welcome diners for a holiday meal on Thursday, November 22. As the old saw goes, all the effort that goes into cooking and cleaning on Thanksgiving cuts down on time that could be spent arguing about politics with a zany uncle. 1. City Perch Kitchen + Bar 11830 Grand Park Ave b North Bethesda, MD 20852 (301) 231-2310 Visit Website A holiday buffet boasts highlights such as acorn squash bisque, herb-roasted turkey, and stuffing made with chestnut confit. A variety of pies will be featured for dessert along with apple cider doughnuts and chocolate chip toffee cookies. The price is $58 per adult, and…

These 6 developments, in various stages of planning and completion, could soon provide up to 1,200 residential units in proximity to Crystal City. In anticipation of talks moving beyond Amazon's decision to choose a second headquarters here locally, many of these residences could become welcome new accommodations for many moving to the area.  News came this past weekend that Amazon is in late-stage discussions to bring its second headquarters to Crystal City. Given that news, UrbanTurf updated our article from this past summer on what is in the residential pipeline for the area. While we are still days, if not weeks, away from the behemoth corporation announcing its decision, developments in and around Crystal City are in various stages of planning and completion. Many of…

Topping the list are neighborhoods like Trinidad, the northern section of Capitol Hill, Kingman Park, Eckington and Union Market. Also notable, in the section of the city from Park View to Mount Pleasant median home values took the second-biggest leap observed in DC. Over the past 18 months, we have watched as the vast majority homes in DC proper surpassed pre-recession values and learned how the housing market in the city has changed since the recession. In light of a new Zillow report on how home values in various zip codes have recovered post-housing bubble, UrbanTurf is taking a look at how far home values in DC have come based on where they are located. Zip codes with highest post-bubble recovery rates. Click to enlarge. Leading the way in DC is…

In a week a new daytime cafe opens brought to you by the folks from Little Beast. We will soon be able to try their croissant-muffin hybrids dubbed “cruffins” and we can't wait! Neighborhood newcomer Little Beast is close to tacking on an interior cafe stocked with pistachio croissants, Vigilante coffee, and quirky croissant-muffin hybrids dubbed “cruffins.” Owner Aaron Gordon (Red Velvet Cupcakery, Bakers & Baristas) tells Eater his family-friendly eatery (5600 Connecticut Avenue NW) is about a week away from opening its morning-to-late afternoon extension. The cafe is projected to operate daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the weeks-old rustic restaurant, which seats 74 inside and 44 on its adjacent outdoor patio. He says pastry chef Naomi Gallego, who hails from critically acclaimed Blue Duck Tavern and Le…

There have been so many restaurant openings this year and more to come. DC Eater refreshed the Hottest 15 right now for our our delight. More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: “Where should I eat right now?” Restaurant obsessives want to know what’s new, what’s hot, which favorite chef just launched a new project, where to sip the cocktail of the moment. And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering trusted standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the ‘it’ places of the moment. Enter the Eater Heatmap, which will change often to continually highlight where discerning diners are flocking to right now. There’s been an avalanche of D.C. restaurant openings…

High-priced properties are selling quicker and high level of demand continues for million dollar-plus properties. While the DC-area housing market is showing signs of a slowdown, the market for homes priced over $1 million is holding strong. A new quarterly report from Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage shows that sales for listings at the upper end of the market in the DC region rose 6.4 percent during the third quarter of this year (1,047) compared to the third quarter of 2017 (984). During the third quarter, properties priced above $1 million sold at a median of $1.325 million, a slight drop from the Q3 2017 median of $1.349 million. However, considering how much area home prices have risen, the additional properties breaking the $1 million threshold may be weighing the…

DC Eater has put together a diverse list of 15 spots to seek out for everything from a three-course supper to a quick bite.  Here’s where to head for a bite before or after a performance. The Kennedy Center is a world-class venue for the arts, drawing crowds nightly to its many theaters inside. That leaves a lot of hungry patrons wandering the nearby streets for a satisfying meal before or after a show. Diners looking for an upscale experience don’t have to look far, thanks to the building’s on-site Roof Terrace Restaurant. Across the street, Kingbird at the Watergate Hotel makes for another special occasion dinner spot, as does the nearby Marcel’s with one of the most robust Champagne selections in town. Come next month, the neighborhood will get a…

Nats fan? This could be your ultimate new pad! Amenities include a rooftop pool, an interior courtyard, dining and retail options. The development recently wrapped up and will begin leasing units next year. Several new residential buildings cropping up in Navy Yard are able to boast vantage points into or toward Nationals Park as a building amenity. One, however, is attempting to offer those views to half its residents. On the former site of the Half Street Fairgrounds at 1221 Half Street SE (map), the 13-story West Half mixed-use apartment project will, at the very least, alter the visual experience of the neighborhood. The design, courtesy of ODA Architecture, is characterized by a consistent pattern of staggered cantilevers that are increasingly setback as the building…

For the first time in the District, autonomous cars will be rolling around town as Ford is aiming for commercial service in 2021. New job positions like vehicle operator and vehicle technician will be arriving from Ford as well. American car behemoth Ford will bring autonomous vehicles to the District in early 2019, the company and Mayor Muriel Bowser said on Monday. D.C. will be the second city where the Dearborn, Michigan-based company will test driverless cars, after launching them in Miami last February, and Ford will be the first company to test such vehicles in the District. “We believe that ensuring widespread access to mobility services enabled by self-driving vehicles is vital,” writes Sherif Marakby, the CEO of Ford Autonomous Vehicles, in a post on Medium. “Over the…

Closing the third quarter, overall supply was down to 13.2 months across the region. Sixty-four percent of the new condo market in the District is concentrated in the Capitol East submarket. However, this blip is not expected to disrupt the overall trends in the market. While new condo sales in the DC area fell over the course of the last year, the market is still holding firm. The latest quarterly report from Delta Associates shows 339 new condo sales during the third quarter of the year, a drop-off from the 414 sold in the second quarter. DC proper saw the strongest sales pace with 134 units sold; there were 112 and 93 sales in suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia, respectively. Sixty-four percent of the new…

Some of the best fall vibes are right outside the District — no need to drive to New England. Seeing the color and majesty of fall doesn’t mean driving to New England. It’s about knowing where to go in this region. Good 40 Minutes From DC Prince William Forest Park, only 35 miles outside the District, is the National Park Service’s largest contiguous piedmont forest. In autumn, the Virginia park turns into a sea of bright oranges and yellows, thanks to its oaks, yellow poplars, and American beeches. 18170 Park Entrance Rd., Triangle; 703-221-7181. Better 80 Minutes From DC Stroll under a bright-yellow canopy of Pratt ginkgo trees at the Blandy Experimental Farm, about 70 miles west of here. The Blandy ginkgo grove, part of a 700-acre University of…

Whole Foods debuts its first location in Southeast DC featuring everything from sushi to wine and a build-your-own-avocado-toast station. Check it out for yourself! Washington’s roster of Whole Foods expanded from four to five this morning, as the Amazon-owned grocer opened a new location in Navy Yard—its first-ever in Southeast DC. More than a grocery, the market hopes to draw in neighborhood business with local chefs, a bar, new prepared food, and more. Among those present on opening day was Top Chef alum Kwame Onwuachi, whose new fast-casual restaurant, Philly Wing Fry, is housed inside the 35,000 square-foot store. The Kith and Kin chef/owner pays homage to his favorite comfort foods, albeit with a cheffy twist: dry-aged ribeye cheesesteaks, Ethiopian-spiced waffle fries, and tamarind-glazed wings. There’s also a spicy mushroom sandwich for vegetarians,…

Lawmakers hope to address the zoning and cost issues with the short-term rentals bill over the coming weeks. Several councilmembers said they were concerned about the estimated price tag of the regulations and the logistics of enforcing them. The regulations are expected to come up again in November. In a move that took both supporters and opponents of the effort by surprise, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson on Tuesday postponed a second and final vote by lawmakers on sweeping regulations for the city’s short-term rentals and the platforms that promote them. Mendelson has in recent weeks led the charge to pass the rules, but delayed further action on them until Nov. 13—when the Council will hold another legislative meeting—after several councilmembers said they were concerned about the…

Three years ago, Valor Development gave the Spring Valley and American University Park neighborhoods a glimpse of a proposed development which would replace the shopping center that previously hosted a Superfresh grocery store at 4330 48th Street NW (map). After encountering consistent opposition from a dedicated cohort of neighbors, the development team is returning with a slightly less imposing project. Previous rendering of the development seen from the Spring Valley Shopping Center. Last night, Valor presented a new iteration of the project at a meeting of ANC 3E. In the new design, the primary building is almost a floor shorter, shifting the massing away from the streetfront and shifting the configuration of the residences; the smaller building is gone; and the grocery store is nearly 2,000 square…

Including Chevy Chase newcomer, Little Beast (topping the list!), this delicious list is your guide on where to eat right now around the DMV. More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: “Where should I eat right now?” Restaurant obsessives want to know what’s new, what’s hot, which favorite chef just launched a new project, where to sip the cocktail of the moment. And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering trusted standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the ‘it’ places of the moment. Enter the Eater Heatmap, which will change often to continually highlight where discerning diners are flocking to right now. There’s been an avalanche of D.C. restaurant openings this year,…

Here are the broad trends and innovations expected to shape the real estate industry next year. The Urban Land Institute’s annual look at the year ahead focuses on technology and transformation at an uncertain moment. It’s complicated. In the course of compiling its annual Emerging Trends report, the Urban Land Institute found that the only certainty in its outlook for 2019 was uncertainty. Expert analysis points to a more complex, multi-layered series of overlapping trends, with unpredictable results, as opposed to a few strong narratives. Will technology offer more opportunity and enhance competition and efficiency, or help consolidate the industry and drive out smaller players? How will shifts in demographics and shopping patterns challenge current investment practices? Will the U.S. ever get a grip on its…

Surprise: The top three schools are public, not private Some Washington parents spend as much as $43,000 a year to send their child to a private high school. A good education is the top goal, of course, but there’s often another: getting their son or daughter into an Ivy League college. Private schools can sometimes be secretive about sharing data such as how many of their students get into elite colleges. But now, thanks to research by PolarisList, first reported locally by the Washington Business Journal, we have a peek at which high schools in this region, both public and private, had the most alumni graduate from Harvard, Princeton, and MIT—three schools that top the Ivy rankings—between 2015 and 2017. Number one on the list is not a surprise: Thomas…

Everything at this retreat in Pennsylvania is calm. Escape the city and treat yourself to a day away where classes, cooking demos and massages are available in addition to spa treatments. A spa weekend can be a reset, maybe even a transformative experience. For that to happen, quiet is not required—but it helps. Pennsylvania’s modern-rustic Lodge at Woodloch was built—and recently refreshed—for tranquility. Glass, wood, and water reflect its dedication to being a true destination spa. Sure, it’s beautiful and has creative, healthful cuisine and interesting guest speakers, but the reason to drive five hours is the peace you find there. When you emerge from a massage or return from a walk in the woods, you won’t encounter screaming children or earnest tennis players rushing through the…

Cozy eatery I’m Eddie Cano opens for dinner service on Tuesday, October 9 on Connecticut Avenue. The restaurant will feature a two-fold menu with Americanized Italian dishes on one side and authentic Italian staples on the other. 25 varieties of Wine, cocktails, prosecco and beer will also be served.  Chevy Chase newcomer I’m Eddie Cano brings the neighborhood a retro respite to sample Italy’s greatest pasta hits and knock back Vespers — the martini made famous by James Bond — all while Italian film stars like Sophia Loren watch over diners below. “We pulled from that romantic era of 1970s Italy of Vespas and espressos — a peak time of Italian culture that really boomed in America at that time,” says executive chef James Gee, a former…

Now here is a rare opportunity to experience a behind the scenes of the most private plane in the world. A replica of Air Force One will open to the public on October 19. A full-size replica of Air Force One is expected to arrive at National Harbor in Prince George’s County on Oct. 1 and and be open for public tours from Oct. 19 through the end of 2018. The 747 model of the presidential plane is scheduled to arrive at 701 National Harbor Boulevard, next to Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, by barge from Rhode Island on Monday, October 1, between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Billed as the Air Force One Experience, the 90-minute tours starting 18 days later—which are part of an initiative…

Although a Second vote is still needed, new rules are poised to go into effect in the coming months. The Bill introduces new licensing requirements for renting out housing units listed on digital platforms. In addition, the legislation includes civil penalties for operating illegal short-term rentals.  The District took a major step toward reigning in short-term rental activity on Tuesday, when the D.C. Council unanimously approved new licensing requirements for renting out housing units commonly listed on digital platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Lawmakers also approved a prohibition on property owners renting out secondary homes on a short-term basis, and an annual 90-day ceiling on rentals of primary residences when the homeowner is not present. Although another vote is required in the coming weeks before the bill is sent…

Well known for DC Central Kitchen, which combats hunger and creates opportunities with culinary training, José Andrés has been involved here locally for the past 20 years. Since 2010 World Central Kitchen has been helping on a grand scale internationally. Following the devastation of Hurricane Florence, humanitarian chef José Andrés and his nonprofit World Central Kitchen are on the ground providing meals and water to residents of North and South Carolina. Per recent tweets from Andrés, it seems the hunger relief group currently has two kitchens set up in Wilmington and Raleigh, and is working with FEMA, the Red Cross, state emergency management agencies, and the military to transport meals to shelters in numerous other cities. WCK is also making meal deliveries to EMTs and first…

The Tavern takes over the salad chain's original storefront in Georgetown. In addition to partnering with local groups to create one-of-a-kind offerings, the frozen yogurt Sweetflow is back! While you won't be able to customize your Sweetgreen salad in-store, you can order one online and pick it up at the Tavern. Sweetgreen is returning to its very first location in Georgetown on Tuesday as it celebrates the opening of the Tavern, a grocery with an emphasis on all things local and healthy. The iconic 500-square-foot cottage-like spot was home to a hamburger joint called Little Tavern before 2007, when three Georgetown University students turned it into a salad shop. The owners hope their new market will deliver a similar resource Georgetown sorely needs—fresh, high-quality groceries and goods from local…

Summit Ropes in Loudoun County could be an oasis of indoor fun for kids during the cold months. The Nearly 17,000-square-foot is due to open by February. Business partners Amy Stuart and Daniel Kasabian are building what they describe as the largest indoor ropes course in the United States in about half of the interior of an old industrial building in Sterling in Loudoun County. The 16,550-square-foot course, called Summit Ropes, is due to open by February 2019 at 44810 Old Ox Road. The claim to fame—that of the largest such indoor course in the U.S.—is based not on the square-footage, but on the number of rope elements, Kasabian told the Washington Business Journal’s Michael Neibauer: There will be 120 rope obstacles—or elements—between poles. Bulgaria-based…

Compass, a real-estate marketplace startup, raised $400 million in an investment round that will bring the company closer to an eventual initial public offering. After the investment, the New York-based company will have a $4.4 billion valuation, a person familiar with the matter said. The financing will help Compass expand its real-estate technology into more cities, including outside the U.S., the firm said in a statement. The Softbank Vision Fund and Qatar Investment Authority are leading the round, Compass said. The company expects growth in 2018 to double to almost $1 billion in revenue, according to the person, who asked not to be identified because the information is confidential. Compass makes its money by taking a small cut of each transaction coordinated by its real-estate…

UrbanTurf analyzed legal and advertised subdivisions in DC that have at least twenty home sales in 2018. Neighborhoods all east of the Anacostia River where the contract ratio has been above 200 percent in the second quarter. Marshall Heights, Congress Heights and Randle Heights are leading the way so far this year. The fierce competition in the DC housing market continues to be concentrated on the east side of the city. An updated look at the neighborhoods in DC where homes for sale are garnering multiple bids reveals that, aside from a handful, these neighborhoods are concentrated in the eastern section of the city. Leading the way are Marshall Heights, Congress Heights and Randle Heights, all neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River where the contract…

From What's New to What's Best and What's Classic and much more. This extensive list is sure to provide everyone with something new to try. From the Washingtonian here is Where to eat, shop, and explore right now. The best of What you should know about Georgetown—right now. What’s New Wawa on Wisconsin The Pennsylvania convenience-store chain with a cult following opened its first DC location in December, and in less than a year its kiosks and lines for hoagies have been packed every day at lunchtime. Now Wawa has announced it’s coming to Georgetown, causing some well-manicured hands to reach pearlward. The store will replace high-end furnishings favorite Restoration Hardware at 1222 Wisconsin Avenue. But Wawa says it can fit in with its Wisconsin Avenue neighbors,…

There are 20 stars across the DMV, from the Inn at Little Washington to Tail Up Goat. See the complete list below and know where to go for the finest of dining in and round D.C. 1. The Inn at Little Washington 309 Middle St Washington, VA 22747 (540) 675-3800 Visit Website Self-taught chef Patrick O’Connell, who is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the world renowned Washington, Va. dining destination, now operates the first and only D.C. area restaurant with three stars. Pan-seared veal tenderloin with taleggio cheese and cracked pepper ravioli in tomato cream at Inn at Little Washington. Inn at Little Washington/Facebook 2. Minibar 855 E St NW Washington, DC 20004 (202) 393-0812 Visit Website Restaurateur José Andrés’ imaginative food lab holds steady at two stars.…

While checking to see if flooding is covered in your home or renters' insurance policy can be one of the easiest and most important things to do prior to a large storm, there are other items to check off your list in order to be prepared. Clearing out gutters and ensuring exterior drains are functioning can make a huge difference in avoiding damage. Below are some more tips. After record levels of rain this year and with the impending landfall of Hurricane Florence, the DC region continues to be tested when it comes to storm preparedness. Below are some tips as to how best prepare your home prior to a storm arriving. Make sure your home is secure. Clear out gutters and ensure exterior drains…

Exercise is better when it's paired with gorgeous scenery and good food. Does your perfect day trip combine something active with a relaxing lunch or a drink? No sweat, then—these six outings are for you. A Catered Canoe Trip “If you don’t want to get wet and muddy, golf is your thing—not kayaking,” says Mike Dudash, a guide with River & Trail Outfitters, by way of introduction. We are 15 not-yet-drenched-or-dirty kayakers gathered on the expansive lawn of the Newcomer House at the eastern edge of Antietam National Battlefield. We’ll put into Antietam Creek for a leisurely three-hour paddle, punctuated by some adrenaline-inducing rapids, wildlife sightings, and history lessons. But first, we eat. A caterer from nearby Sharpsburg, Maryland, has laid out a midmorning spread that would make even a…

Since prices reaching record highs over the summer and evidence that buyer demand is softening, signs are pointing toward inventories increasing and thus buyers having more options. This fall, there will be a number of questions about the DC housing market that will determine its trajectory. Will rising rates and prices dampen buyer demand? Will the market swing back in favor of buyers, as a result? And will the long-running inventory shortage finally end? Today, we address (a part) of the last question by looking at the five neighborhoods in DC where the inventory of homes for sale is hovering around a month or less. For the second quarter of the year, the markets in Brightwood, Randle Heights and Takoma have all essentially had a month’s…

An analysis assumes that Amazon's future 2nd headquarters will bring 50,000 jobs. The DC area already has a robust apartment development pipeline, with 37,340 units expected to deliver in the next three years. As the twenty locales on Amazon's shortlist for a second headquarters wait with bated breath for news of a selection, many have speculated how the arrival of the economic behemoth would affect the housing market. Now, a new HotPads analysis has quantified what the selected city would need to do to keep its rental market stable. If Amazon selects any of the three local jurisdictions that are on the finalist list, the DC area would need to deliver an additional 2,600 apartments to the market each year to meet demand and keep rents growing at their…

A historic mansion with nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and three half-baths on prime Georgetown real estate, is the most expensive house sold in August. Some of the most luxurious homes in DC closed last month. Take a look below! #10 Where: 2408 California St., NW How much: $3,055,000 This five-bedroom, five-and-a-half bath spot in Kalorama has been renovated top-to-bottom, with a gourmet kitchen, a basement in-law suite, a sunroom, and backyard gardens. #9 Where: 4100 37th St. N, Arlington How much: $3,125,000 With six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and two half-baths, this home sitting on almost an acre has plenty of room—not to mention the backyard with a basketball court, batting cage, hot tub, and fire pit. #8 Where: 3122 Newark St. NW How much: $3,200,000 The historic five-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom home…

Look inside these creative lunchboxes (and you'll wish you were a kid again). Chefs and restaurateurs are just like any parents—they want fill their children’s lunchboxes with healthful, delicious food (that their kids will actually eat). That being said, they often get a little more creative with their cooking, sourcing, and presentation. We asked nine restaurant industry families to let us look inside their lunchboxes. The parents: Javier Candon, owner of Ser and Joselito, and communications strategist Christiana Campos. The kids: Lucas Candon, 12, and Luna Candon, 8. “Luna will try anything once,” Campos says. “Lucas is less adventurous. So it’s challenging.” Another rub: Neither likes sandwiches. Lucas gets a thermos of spaghetti cacio e pepe, plus romaine-lettuce spears and apple slices with lemon. Luna, who likes “cute foods,” eats turkey “lollipops”…

New recreational fields are coming to the site next spring. City leaders plan to hold a ceremonial groundbreaking for new multipurpose recreational fields at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium campus on Wednesday as the inaugural piece of the sports complex’s $489 million redevelopment. Twenty-seven acres of asphalt parking lots will be transformed into community amenities, according to Events DC, the District’s sports and entertainment authority. Construction is expected to begin in September and be completed next spring. The redevelopment plans call for 217,000 square feet of recreational fields that will be used for soccer, baseball, and lacrosse. The fields will lie next to a new picnic and playground area and connect to the existing Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and pedestrian/bike paths. They are estimated to cost $32 million.…

The housing market in American University Park continues to be one of the most competitive and fastest moving markets in DC. Here are the three statistical metrics that illustrate the climate of the market in AU Park: The average sales price to list price ratio so far in 2018 sits at 101.5 percent, the second highest level in the city and an indication that homes are regularly selling for above list price in the neighborhood. 65 percent of homes sold in AU Park this year did so within the first ten days of hitting the market. At just 6 days, the median days on market for homes in the neighborhood is the lowest for any legal subdivision in DC. The inventory of homes for sale…

  We are thrilled to announce the recent growth of our team. It has always been our goal to provide an exceptional experience for our clients and to bring the greatest level of sophistication to each transaction. We've recently joined forces with several seasoned agents who share this desire and vision. To learn more about our agents, click HERE.

Location Brookland is best known for its churches, beautiful green space, and ever-growing arts scene. One of the neighborhood’s most expansive residents, Catholic University of America,…

Location Dupont Circle offers a pleasant mix of historic row houses, stately…

While the spring weather may be a little delayed this year, we're thinking ahead to sunnier days. We've curated a collection of the homes on the market with the best outdoor spaces for spring entertaining. We'd gladly host or attend a spring time celebration at any of these beautiful homes. Below are a few of the spaces - to see more, visit our full Collection HERE.  

Image Source: Washington.org Named after Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Dupont, Dupont Circle, DC is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. The area is known for its stunning rowhouses as well as the iconic traffic circle. Dupont Circle, DC is also home to the Embassies of Uzbekistan, Grenada and many others. Within the neighborhood, there’s a residential area called Striver’s Section. Frederick Douglass owned a few of the homes in this particular area. The Dupont Circle Fountain is a landmark in the neighborhood and stands as a great place for a fun photo op or a picnic. On a day when the weather is nice, grab a book and sit beside the fountain and enjoy the neighborhood ambiance. When visiting this neighborhood, don’t…

As the largest historic neighborhood in the District of Columbia, Capitol Hill stands out as one of the most famous neighborhoods in the entire world. It is famously known as the beloved home of the United States Congress. Capitol Hill covers parts of both Northeast and Southeast DC. The Navy Yard, the Anacostia River, and the National Mall surround Capitol Hill. With so much history and culture in this one neighborhood alone, it’s understandably challenging to figure out where to start to enjoy and soak in all Capitol Hill has to offer. Here’s a list to help you experience the best that Capitol Hill has to offer. Congress –There is a protocol, so plan this trip in advance. Plus, when you plan in advance, you’ll…

One of the most beautiful parts of living in a city like D.C. involves living amongst so much rich culture and history. One of the more popular museums is the National Building Museum. This place isn’t only a dream museum for architects and real estate enthusiasts. The National Building Museum features a lot of fun and frequently changing exhibits each year. Many people have enjoyed past exhibits like The Beach Ball Pit in 2015 and the Hive Installation that’s currently standing until September 4th. Currently, the House and Home Exhibit is at the National Building Museum and is proving to be an attractive outing for families all across the region. This exhibit uses different types of media to display how things have shaped how we…

Located at 911 2nd Street, NE Washington, DC, Pullman Place DC is the home to 42 luxury condominiums. This stunning complex is located in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Pullman Place DC has been coined as the “new class of address” and offers a lifestyle that’s equivalent to royalty. If you’re a fan of the Union Market, living here will allow you to be really close to the fabulous market. Pullman Place is also only two blocks away from Union Station and it’s very close to the NoMa Metro stop. This development is currently at 75 percent occupancy for good reason. The building itself is a stunning experience with a custom-designed lobby, a fitness center and a rooftop lounge with a grilling area. Outdoor ambiance…

If you’d like to experience a quiet ambiance in the midst of the busy district, Elysium Logan is the ideal residential spot. The condo development is strategically located in the residential neighborhood of Logan Circle, DC yet is still close to the entertainment hotspots of 14th Street. When most people think of a D.C. neighborhood with quiet, residential streets and loads of retail charm, they think of Georgetown. Logan Circle is quickly rising as a formidable threat to that position. Many young people are realizing the beauty of Logan Circle, DC and with well-appointed condos like Elysium, it’s hard to see a better option. Elysium Logan’s condos range from $450,000 to $3.2 million. The condos are one and two bedroom units. The bathrooms in each…

When the weather's warm, it's great to soak in a pool and cool down. If you live in the city and don't have access to a pool in your neighborhood, learn where to find great pools in DC.

Not only is Logan Circle an actual traffic circle in Washington, D.C., it also stands as a historic and residential neighborhood. This D.C. neighborhood is located in between the Shaw and Dupont Circle neighborhoods. Mt. Vernon Square, Penn Quarter and the U Street Corridor also border it. Upon driving to the area, you'll see a large bronze statute proudly standing in the center of Logan Circle. At a closer glance, you'll realize it's an equestrian. The equestrian is also the man that this area is named after. General John A. Logan was a famed army commander during the Civil War. He also served as a U.S. representative and an Illinois state senator. When he lived in Logan Circle, it was originally named Iowa Circle. Congress…

There’s nothing quite like summertime in the District. The weather is warm and there are so many fun activities enjoy. Even if you just drive down a few blocks within any pocket of the city, you’ll easily see some folks enjoying soccer on one of the fields and others enjoying fine dining on rooftop terraces. A common pastime involves the classic outdoor movies in DC. It’s a great way to spend an evening after a long day at work. It’s perfect for a date night or a night out with the whole family. Just grab a blanket or a lawn chair. Pack a few delicious snacks and enjoy the ambiance of a great movie under the open sky. If you’ve never tried this type of…

At the International Council of Shopping Center’s annual Recon meeting in Las Vegas last month, Wegmans announced exciting new plans to expand their base and build a location right here in the Nation’s Capital. The 80,000 square-foot store will be housed in the Fannie Mae headquarters on Wisconsin Avenue in Tenleytown. Fannie Mae plans to move out of the complex next year. Once the development process…

It is not unusual these days to see crowds gathering around Washington, D.C.  However, what is unusual is to see people lined up for a condominium presale.  Yes, that is right – people lined up to purchase real estate in Washington, DC!  That is exactly what happened on a cold day last November when buyers camped out overnight to be the first on a presale list…

When you visit Georgetown, it feels like you are stepping back in time. Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Graham Bell, and John F. Kennedy have all called Georgetown home. It is, in fact, the oldest neighborhood in Washington, D.C.  Because the homes are often interspersed between various boutiques and major retail stores, Georgetown residents get to be in the heart of all the action. Georgetown University also proudly…

Take an old school building, an ideal location, and a bit of creativity and what do you get?  A new development located in the heart of Capitol Hill DC.  The residences at Buchanan Park offer a unique blend of history, convenience, and luxury. Located at the intersection of 13th & D Streets Southeast, Buchanan Park is within walking distance of the Eastern Market Metro station and…

We've rounded up the best events around DC in the coming days!

In case you missed our first blog post…

Restaurants and bars all around DC are hosting events and offering food and drink specials for March Madness. Check out a few great options below with great specials and even better televisions. Jack Rose Dining Saloon DRINKS: $5 draft beers, $7 specialty punch and $9 whiskey drinks FOOD: Half-priced snacks including fried oysters, whiskey wings, fried mac & cheese and crispy chicken skins. 2007 18th Street NW, www.jackrosediningsaloon.com The Partisan FOOD: $3 select charcuterie 709 D Street NW; www.thepartisandc.com Rustico Happy hour all day from March 16 to March 19, and March 23 to March 26, including $2 off all drafts. 827 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA; www.rusticorestaurant.com Mason Social DRINKS: Beer specials FOOD: $7 bacon jalapeno poppers and chili cheese nachos 728 North Henry Street, Alexandria,…

Things to do in DC this week. From world renowned art exhibits to head-shaving fundraisers, we’ve rounded up things to do in DC this week.

Just Listed in Bethesda 11 New Elevator Townhomes Phase 1 of Sales Has Begun Brookes Ridge is a privately set community of 11 elevator townhomes and one…

We find properties for our clients before they even go on the market. 1848 Biltmore is a new development featuring five residences. Previously a traditional Victorian Home, the interiors are elegantly traditional while incorporating modern amenities. Several of the units feature private outdoor space and all are filled with natural light. Heres a unit breakdown: Unit 1: 2 Bed, 2 Bath and approximately 800 sf Unit 2: 1 Bed, 1 Bath and approximately 700 sf Unit 3: 3 Bed, 3 bath and approximately 1500 sf…

Ideally nestled in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, Buchanan Park will feature thoughtfully designed town homes and condos. Buchanan Park spans one block on the hill and in many ways will be a community in itself.

Whether you are celebrating with a significant other or friends (hello, Galentines...), we've rounded up the best Valentines Day festivities in DC this year. Compass Rose Where: 1346 T Street NW When: Three seatings on February 14th at 5PM, 7PM and 9PM What: Compass Rose will transform their entire restaurant into a "magical, lantern-lit North African market." Each ticket for dinner will includes a glass of bubbly, two items from their North African-inspired menu. Additional items can be ordered a la carte. Compass Rose is offering two types of tables - intimate tables for two and larger tables for groups. Cost: $50/person *Tickets Required* - To reserve your ticket, visit THIS website. Hank's Cocktail Bar Where: 819 Upshur Street NW When: February 14th, 4PM-10PM What: Unlimited select cocktails…

At the Reishman Group, we spend countless hours searching for and seeking off market opportunities for our clients. We want our clients to know about the best properties before any one else. When we came across this incredible opportunity in Wesley Heights, we had to share with you all. So, are you looking for your dream house? We've found a property in Wesley Heights with the opportunity to customize your dream home. This home will be priced at around $3M and featured 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. The property includes incredible outdoor space privately positioned next to Glover Park. Interested in learning more? Contact us!

Just steps from the Brookland Metro stop and the Monroe Market, the much anticipated Otis Place Flats have arrived. Our architect and developer friends at SGA Companies, along with Harbor Builders, have created 16 bi-level town home style homes that are absolutely stunning. Each home features two bedrooms and two and a half baths, along with a spacious living/dining area framed by large windows and a gorgeous, modern kitchen. Otis Place Flats offers an incredible opportunity to join the vibrant Brookland community.

Incredible new properties have hit the market this week. We've rounded up a few of our favorites.

In November we announced the opening of SGA Companies’ development Alexander Hall and its Church Residences. You can read our review of their three stunning condos, but this week we are proud to announce that The Hall House is now on the market.

Buyers often have an abundance of “must haves” on their home wish lists, and big, beautiful windows consistently top the list. The good news is developers realize this and go above and beyond to incorporate stunning windows into their designs. Below are some of our favorite properties with remarkable windows and wonderful natural light.

Buying a home is one of life's most expensive investments, so you need to make sure you know exactly what you are getting before you sign on the dotted line. That is why a home inspection is one of the most crucial steps in the home buying process. To begin the inspection process, work with your agent to find a certified home inspector. It is a certified home inspector's job to “look under the hood” and make sure everything meets or exceeds current regulatory and safety standards. The American Home Inspector Training Institute (AHITI) indicates a thorough home inspection can take anywhere from 1-5 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property. A basic home inspection consists of checking the structure, exterior, roof, electrical, plumbing,…

Whether you relocated for a job, followed a partner, came for school, or followed a dream – DC has become your home. Over the years, DC has given us so much, and we want to start the new year off right by establishing a trend of thankfulness for our city, its communities, its people, and of course, its real estate. In order to promote thankfulness, we wanted to highlight ways that we can give back. Below are four DC-based charities that are doing spectacular things for members of our community experiencing homelessness or hunger.

The inauguration is about to bring an estimated 800,000 visitors to DC and with it, many road closures. Despite the historic nature of any inaugural activities, the influx of visitors into our quaint city can add a bit of a headache. The amount expected this weekend is enough visitors to more than double the city's current population, causing many to forego political events and escape the city completely. The good news is that the regions surrounding DC have a lot to offer those seeking an escape. If enjoying green spaces with a nice glass of wine is your thing, check out a local winery. The Olney Winery in Maryland and the Winery at Bull Run in Virginia both make for wonderful day trips and are less than an hour from…

With the Obamas, Ivanka Trump, and Jeff Bezos all purchasing multi-million dollar homes throughout the District, we wondered what was available just above the million dollar mark. If you are looking in the 1.2-1.5 million dollar price range, here are some homes that could be perfect for you. 1837 Wyoming Avenue Northwest, Unit C $1,499,000 | 2 Beds | 2.5 Baths 5119 Newport Avenue $1,395,000 | 4 Beds | 3 Baths     1177 22nd Street Northwest, Unit 1E $1,349,900 | 2 Beds | 2.5 Baths All photos courtesy of MRIS

Recently, Uber announced their intentions to release their global ride sharing data to the world, free of charge. DC, along with Manila and Sydney, will be the first three cities to have their data released.

On Tuesday, January 10th, UrbanTurf released an article announcing that the 29,000 square foot Textile Museum in Dupont was being converted into one of DC’s largest single family homes.

As the inauguration draws near, the Secret Service has prepared a complete list of road closures and no parking zones for Thursday, January 19th through Saturday, January 21st.

Looking to get out of the house this weekend? Compass agents throughout the DMV are showcasing some amazing properties Saturday and Sunday. Get out of the house and explore the market. 5912 9th Street Northwest, Unit 2 Washington, DC $369,900 | 2 Beds | 2 Baths Saturday, January 7th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm Sunday, January 8th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm 2665 Prosperity Avenue, Unit 343 Fairfax, VA $320,000 | 1 Bed | 1 Bath Sunday, January 8th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm 6301 Stevenson Avenue, Unit 1308 Alexandria, VA $219,900 | 2 Beds | 2 Baths Sunday, January 8th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm 4516 Chestnut Street Bethesda, MD $1,489,000 | 6 Beds | 5.5 Baths Saturday, January 7th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm Sunday, January 8th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm 4000…

If beginning the home buying process is one of your goals this year, before your search with an agent, you need to get pre-approved for a loan. Getting pre-approval has a number of benefits including, streamlining your search, better informing your agent, creating a stronger offer, and reducing stress. First, sit down with a financial advisor to review your finances and establish a reasonable budget. The market is full of homes that could be perfect for you, but out of your budget. Narrowing the field with a reasonable budget allows you to search efficiently, and find hidden gems that could have been overlooked with a generalized search. Working with an agent is the next step in the home buying process, and is made much easier…

The DMV’s real estate market has a wide variety of homes ranging from 22 million dollar mansions to beautiful and historic 300 thousand dollars studios, but many of our buyers fall in the $750,000 to $1.2 million range. For those looking more towards $750k, here are a sampling of the homes that fall within that price range: 2703 11th Street Northwest, Unit 2 Washington, DC Columbia Heights  $750,000 | 2 Beds | 2 Baths 3222 Cherry Hill Lane Northwest, Unit A2 Washington, DC Georgetown $699,000 | 2 Beds | 2 Baths 8920 Courts Way Silver Spring, MD $745,00 | 4 Beds | 4 Baths 1316 Main Line Boulevard Alexandria, VA $725,000 | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths All Photos Courtesy of MRIS  

The Riggsby New Years Eve Casino Royal What: To celebrate the arrival of 2017, The Riggsby will be hosting a grand casino affair offering an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and live music! Party like Gatsby and dress to impress. With the purchase of a ticket their guests will be issued chips to play a variety of table games and can cash in winnings to enter various raffle prizes. In addition to a variety of table games, admission also comes with: Open bar from 9pm-1am, a midnight champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres from 9pm-Midnight, live music (performer to be announced), and raffle prizes When: December 31, at 9:00 pm Where: 1731 New Hampshire Ave N.W. The Carlyle Hotel Taylor Room Washington, DC Cost: $125 Maketto’s New Years Eve What:…

As 2016 comes to a close, the DMV region has yet to see lasting snowfall. While this has been wonderful so far, we know that snow is coming, bringing questions of how we get around. Below we cover WMATA and the City's plan for keeping us moving during, and after, a snowstorm.  WMATA: The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, or WMATA, has the enormous task of transporting approximately 710,000 rail and 424,000 bus passengers safely every weekday. WMATA, having learned the dangers of cold conditions, has outlined what you can expect during winter storms, summarized below.  Metrorail trains can operate safely with four to six accumulated inches of snow, however, if overly snowy conditions, ice, or extreme cold are present service may be delayed or…

Beyond the White House, Capitol, and monuments, it’s Georgetown that captures the public’s imagination when they think about the glamor of old Washington. From Federal townhouses and Georgian mansions on gas-lit streets to the gothic spires of the university and the industrial chic of the waterfront, today’s Georgetown residents effortlessly combine tradition and trendiness. Check out three of our favorite on the market listings in Georgetown, each surrounded by history and a gem in the Georgetown landscape.   3245 N Street NW $9,995,000 | 6 Beds | 4 Baths | 5,680sq feet 3425 Prospect Street Northwest $7,750,000 | 9 Beds | 8 Baths | 6,433sq feet 3401 N Street Northwest $4,250,000 | 7 beds | 4.5 baths | 5,260sq feet

Nestled between Shaw and Columbia Heights, the Helicopter Factory is a wonderful fusion of old and new. Developed by Brook Rose, the Helicopter Factory’s name is an homage to the property’s previous owner, Emile Berliner.

Kalorama is a neighborhood in Northwest DC known for its stunning architecture, ornate embassies and grand private residences reserved for the elite. Kalorama once housed the beginnings of Joseph Hirschorn’s art collection and will soon be the post-White House home to the Obama’s. Take a look below at three of our favorite Kalorama listings currently on the market. Each residence is unique from the other, but stunning nonetheless. 2449 Tracy Place NW 6 Bed | 6.5 Bath | $5,600,000 (Photos courtesy of Homevisit via Gordon Beall) 2241 Bancroft Road NW 8 Beds | 4 Full & 3 Half Baths | $6,250,000 (Photos courtesy of MRIS) 1840 Wyoming Avenue NW 5 Beds | 3.5 Baths | For Rent: $10,500/month (Photo courtesy of MRIS) Want to learn more about…

DC might be small but our city never lacks something to do. Check out our the following ideas for things to do with visiting family.

For only the second time since 2008, the Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday the decision to raise their benchmark interest rate. When the benchmark rate rises, so does the cost of borrowing for banks. In turn, banks pass that additional cost on to the consumer in the form of increased interest rates for home mortgages. The Fed's raising of interest rates can be interpreted as a positive sign, as the decision reflects confidence in our economy.  In a press conference, Janet Yellen, Chair of the Federal Reserve, explained, “Our decision to raise rates should certainly be understood as a reflection of the confidence we have in the progress the economy has made.” While we are all for an improving economy, we realize that rising rates do impact…

  There is a new show in town, and we are proud to share the news! The Capitol Artist Collective, is an online art gallery representing local, emerging artists, which launched this month. The Capitol Artist Collective showcases themed monthly sales where a portion of the sales is donated to a non-profit supporting our community. Lindsay's wife, Katharine Reishman, is the director of the Capitol Artist Collective, so we are even more thrilled to share these fabulous original paintings with you. Shop Local, Buy Local and feel great doing so. Visit http://capitol.artistcollectives.org/ to see for yourself! (Showcased here are two pieces by local artist, Lauren Adams. Available for purchase here and here)            

As the holiday party season is upon us, we thought it would be fun to share a few of our favorite cocktail recipes that are sure to make the party merry and bright.

Whether you find the season magical or miserable, winter is right around the corner. With snowfall predicted for Saturday, here are some helpful tips to keep your house cozy and cost effective throughout the season: Be sure to inspect your roof and clear your gutters. We know that getting the ladder out can be a hassle, but making sure your roof is leak proof and your gutters are clear can make a big difference through the season. Inspecting the roof now will also save you money in the summer when you are trying to keep the cold in and the heat out. Buy a shovel and purchase snowmelt. The city government requires the sidewalk in front of your home to be shoveled and clear during…

Visit With Santa!!! What: Celebrate the season at the Newseum with a reading of the heart-warming editorial, Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus. Afterward, the One-and-Only Macy’s Santa Claus will make a special guest appearance to read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and pose for photos with good boys and girls with music by the Figgy Puddings Holiday Carolers from the Washington National Opera. When: December 10, From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Where: The Newseum Costs: Kids 18 and younger will receive FREE ADMISSION to the Newseum that day if they bring a letter to put in Macy’s Believe Mailbox. (There will also be a table outside the Newseum where youth can fill out a letter on the spot). Macy’s will donate $1…

We were given one of the best gifts this holiday season, an inside scoop on SGA Company’s Georgetown development, Alexander Hall. Located in Georgetown’s idyllic east village, just far enough from the hustle and bustle, but still close to the action. This new development features three stunning three-bedroom condos and one gigantic 5000 square foot house. The development is nestled by foliage which created a sense of privacy and exclusivity. Perhaps our favorite feature at Alexander Hall is access to the Four Seasons amenities including reserved parking in the 24-hour valet garage and fitness, spa, and pool membership privileges. The interior of the condos are just as beautiful as the exterior. Each of the condos features wide plank wooden floors and spacious high ceilings. Natural…

Whether you are passionate about the holiday season, or feeling a little grinch-y this year, the DMV has a variety of ways to get you feeling festive. One of our favorite activities is visiting one of the many pop-up holiday markets. They are the perfect place to find festive gifts, enjoy holiday fare, or take that special someone (or the kids) out for a date. The first markets of the year open this weekend, most offering free admission. If you are looking for an opportunity to give back, many of the markets feature DC based artists and charities whose work directly supports members of our DC community. CREATE+DISCOVER When: December 1-4,Thursday, December 1 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 12:00-8:00 p.m. and Sunday: 12:00-6:00 p.m.…

Our friends at The Rubin Group were recently kind enough to give us a tour of the nearly complete, and nearly sold out, new condo development, The Sanctuary. Our favorite part of touring new construction projects with the developer is the insight and background that we gain. When presented with the opportunity, the Rubin Group acquired and converted the Way of the Cross Church of Christ into 30 magnificent residences on historic Capitol Hill. Andrew, the firm’s founder, walked us through the project sharing his initial vision for the Sanctuary and pointed out stunning details. Our first and most obvious impression of the conversion was the developer’s respect for the site’s history. While fully updated, modern amenities never appeared garish or out of place. Starting…

To us, the end of the year holidays seem to be in perfect order. Halloween reminds us of the things we are afraid of, Thanksgiving quells those fears by encouraging us to ruminate on the things that we are thankful for, and the winter holidays encourage us to give back out of the abundance of thanks in our hearts. But come wintertime, we tend to struggle with discerning how to do the most good. This year however, we think we’ve found it. Our friends at Ditto Residential have opened a tree farm that is staffed by, and supports, Changing Perceptions, a DC based charity and support network that works with returning citizens to “create a life and career pathway for returning citizens willing to work…

Thanksgiving is on Thursday. Chances are, the holiday snuck up on you faster than you'd imagined. Never fear, we've compiled our favorite Thanksgiving recipes from around the web. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner or attending a family or friendsgiving event, these recipes are easy and sure to impress. Appetizers: Roasted Beet & Walnut Dip Chipotle & Rosemary Spiced Nuts Lemony Crème Fraîche Dip Sides: THIS Mac & Cheese Recipe Kale & Brussel Sprout Salad Autumn Root Vegetable Gratin with Herbs & Cheese Cocktails: Mulled Wine Cranberry Cider Punch Pear & Ginger-Sage Champagne Cocktail Our favorite is the Cranberry Cider Punch from the blog How Sweet It Is. It takes a little effort to prep, but is a great cocktail recipe for a crowd because it…

Thanksgiving week is here. We've rounded up the best events of the week happening in DC. Trot For Hunger  This annual Turkey Trot event is hosted by So Others Might Eat (SOME). The event benefits the hungry and homeless in DC. Day: Thanksgiving Day, November 24th Time: 8:30am Little Turkey Fun Run, 9:00am 5k timed race, 9:15am 5k untimed race Place: Freedom Plaza (corner of 13th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW) Read more HERE. Thanksgiving Buffet at The Hay-Adams Don't want to cook? Enjoy a sophisticated Thanksgiving spread at the beautiful Hay-Adams. Day: Thanksgiving Day, November 24th Time: 11am - 4pm Place: The Hay-Adams hotel at 800 16th Street NW Check out the menu HERE. ZooLights A free event, ZooLights is an annual tradition for thousands…

As you may have heard, Valor Development intends to redevelop the former Superfresh site in AU Park. The firm recently submitted a voluntary design review application to the city. The application details Valor's intentions for the Ladybird, a 230-unit residential development. The Ladybird would include 200 apartments and 30 condos across two buildings. Based on the quality of the developments we've seen come from Valor in the past, we're excited to follow along as the project progresses! You can read the plans for yourself HERE.

Foto Week Foto Week is here again in DC. Don't miss the amazing exhibitions running this week. We are most looking forward to the exhibitions at the Phillips Collection and National Geographic. See the whole list of events here. *Photo above from National Geographic's most liked instagram photos* Beaujolais Nouveau Day 2016 This Thursday, November 17th, is Beaujolais Nouveau Day - an annual French day of celebrating the release of the wine just weeks after the Beaujolais grapes were harvested. It always falls on the third Thursday of November. In the US, Beaujolais wine is considered a Thanksgiving wine as the holiday always falls one week after Beaujolais Nouveau Day. We've heard Le Diplomate and ENO Wine Bar will be serving fine Beaujolais to celebrate. Cocktail…

We find properties before they hit the market. We have inside knowledge and that gives our clients an advantage in the buying process. Here’s just a sample of new construction condos coming to the market: Farragut North: 15 condo units just north of the White House Columbia Heights: 20 condo units ranging from one to two bedrooms Edgewood: 4 two bedroom condos made out of repurposed shipping containers Dupont Circle: 9 units with a planned green roof deck Interested in any of these developments? Contact us to learn more.

Choosing a dining room table and coordinating chairs can be a daunting task. Maybe you're torn between design styles or colors or materials. Sure, you could take the easy route and go with a matching set. A design decision which, don't get us wrong, can be done very well. Or... if you're interested in taking a more adventurous approach, here are some of our favorite combinations: Mixing Materials: Acrylic + Wood Lacquer + Metal Mixing Design Styles Industrial Table + Coastal Chairs Traditional Table + Modern Chairs

Brookes Ridge is a new hillside development located in Bethesda. Developed by SGA Companies,the community includes eleven new elevator town homes & 1 restored Manor House that combine traditional and modern features. Here are the details: Eleven, 4,000 square foot, four story town homes ranging from four to five bedrooms Each home features a roughly 400 square foot private roof deck Wolf, Subzero and Asko appliances Our favorite features: floor-to-ceiling windows, gas fireplace and elevator Contact us to see this lovely development for yourself.

We find properties before they hit the market. We have inside knowledge and that gives our clients an advantage in the buying process. Here’s just a sample of condos coming to the market within the next two weeks: Adams Morgan: 5 bed/4.5 bath rowhome with lovely character, rear garage & spacious back patio, mid $1m Cathedral Heights: large 1 bed/ 1.5 bath in building with indoor pool, low $300s Chevy Chase: 2 bed/2 bath in building with 24 hour front desk and great amenities, upper $500s Dupont Circle: 5 bed/3.5 bath gorgeous Victorian, upper $1m - lower $2m Interested in any of these homes? Contact us to learn more.

Styling a kitchen can be tricking. There is a fine line between too little and too much. Here are our top tips for achieving a beautifully decorated kitchen. Clean it up. If you can put it away, do so. Your kitchen will (of course) look cleaner and more organized with less clutter. Keep it simple. Use mostly white and muted wooden pieces. We're talking white ceramic jars, wooden bowls, white plates on display. Add a plant. Even better, add fresh flowers. Display beautiful cookbooks. They're functional and they add a fun element.    

We find properties before they hit the market. We have inside knowledge and that gives our clients an advantage in the buying process. Here’s just a sample of new developments coming soon: Columbia Heights: 10 units – mix of 1 and 2 beds, modern features, bright natural light, large windows Dupont Circle: 4 units in traditional Victorian ranging from high $900s to mid $2m Adams Morgan: 4 units in beautiful Victorian ranging from mid $500s to low $1m Truxton Circle: 4 units in modern new building ranging from high $900s to low $1m Interested in any of these homes? Contact us to learn more.

We’re confident in our ability to sell homes for the highest dollar.  We know the market and we know DC buyers.  One of the most powerful tools we have cultivated is our ability to stage a property well and showcase it through photography.  For us, it’s an art.  We envision the perfect buyer for your home and then we create a space they will fall in love with. Our recent four-unit development project at 1617 Riggs Place NW is a great example.  Before we staged the home, we took traditional property photos without staging, similar to those you might regularly see when browsing properties.  Above you’ll see the difference once we strategically staged and photographed the home.  All four units sold within 10 days between…

Earlier this week we got an inside look at two of the new condominium buildings calling the Southwest Waterfront home - 525 Water and VIO. Here's what we learned: 525 Water: 107 unit condo located on the western end of the Wharf development and move-in ready. The project is 60% sold. 1 bedrooms start at $389,900, 2 bedrooms at $599,900 and 2 bedrooms+den at $969,900. Our favorite amenities: resident lounge with kitchen and media services, fitness center, Miele espresso machine in lobby, daily staffed front desk and beautiful courtyard. The very best part: future Waterfront Park. 3.5 acres of lush waterfront park adjacent to 525 Water. Construction of the park is set to be completed Spring 2017. VIO 12 story, 112 unit condo located in the…

We find properties before they hit the market. We have inside knowledge and that gives our clients an advantage in the buying process. Here's just a sample of condos coming soon: Logan Circle: Studio/1 bath with large walk-in closet – Mid $300s U Street: 2 bed+den/2 bath with tall ceilings – Mid 800s Wesley Heights: 3 bed/3.5 baths with private balcony – High 900s Logan Circle: Bright 1 bed/1 bath with wall of windows – High $400s Southwest Waterfront: 1 bed/1 bath - High 300s Interested in any of these homes? Give us a call to learn more, 202.818.8722

Inside Jackie Kennedy’s $9 Million Georgetown Mansion (DCist) DC’s Response to Michelin’s First DC List (Washingtonian) Airbnb Launches Calculator to Help Pay the Rent (Urban Turf) Over-the-Top Amenities Trends in Real Estate (Washington Post) Busboys & Poets Breaks Ground in Anacostia (Curbed DC)

Wardman Tower, JBG’s residential project of 32 high-end units ranging from three to nine million, is set to deliver later this year. The condos are classically designed, filled with natural light and boast panorama views of the nation's capital. Our favorite design feature? The herringbone patterned floors in the living and gallery areas. These two, three- and four-bedroom and absolutely immaculate residences, truly unlike any other condominium in DC, are also now available for pre-sales. Contact us if you’re interested in seeing the units in person.

We've got news for you: 50 photos inside this year’s DC Design House (Curbed DC) Tom Sietsema’s countdown to the 2016 Fall Dining Guide has begun (Washington Post) Ever wondered what the ANCs actually do? Here’s a good summary (Greater Greater Washington) The Great Debate: Airbnb – Arlington is taking a stance (WTOP) A private compound on the Eastern Shore (Urban Turf)

Shakeshack is coming to 14th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW. There go all of our good intentions. "I'm just going to grab a salad for lunch." Ten minutes later: Return stealthily to office with a bag wafting french fry smell. The popular burger joint has four D.C. locations, including one at Nationals Park. Shakeshack is opening in the Abdo mixed-use building at the northwest corner of 14th Street and Rhode Island Avenue NW in Logan Circle, Prince of Petworth reports. The site used to be home to a Caribou Coffee.

Brookland will get its second shipping container residential project if the plans  from Hinds Development and Travis Price Architects come to fruition. The partners plan to convert a building that was a Safeway grocery store in a former life into condos composed of shipping containers, UrbanTurf reports. The latest project is planned for 1201 Franklin St., NE and marks the third such shipping container project planned or existing in the city. We love smart design and modern materials, so these certainly caught our eye. Interested in these or other modern homes on the market? Contact us today.

Last week we got a sneak peek at the future practice facility for the Washington Wizards, the home court for the Washington Mystics and a future concert venue proposed for the St. Elizabeths Campus in Congress Heights. The $65 million project features designs by Rossetti Architects and Marshall Moya Design. Mayor Muriel Bowser hopes that this new facility can do for Congress Heights what the Verizon Center did for Chinatown--create a destination. The Washington Post has details on how the facility would operate.

The newest Smithsonian is officially open. The National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates its Grand Opening with a weekend-long celebration. Initially you can only attend with a timed pass, to learn more go here.

Apple might plant its flag downtown. The Carnegie Library in the center of Mount Vernon Square could be a flagship location for the retailer, The Washington Post reports. Previous plans to move the Spy Museum to the building fell through. (Image from Chris Hsia on Flickr.)

Real estate with proximity and access to Rock Creek Parkway comes with a higher price tag, but for the next three years it might also come with a traffic headache. The National Park Service will be closing sections of Beach Drive for repairs starting as soon as Sept. 22. That's this week! The first segment will be Beach Drive from Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW to Tilden St NW, starting this week through Spring 2017. Each segment of Beach Drive will be closed for in both directions 24/7 during work. Work on four segments will last three years. The good news is pedestrians and cyclists will continue to have access to paths during daylight hours. The National Park Service has more information on closures and…

The lingering summer heat reminds us of Architectural Digest's collection of stunning pools featured earlier this summer. See their slideshow and transport your mind to quiet summer moments, poolside.

The District's first REI outdoor retailer will open on Oct. 21 in the former Uline Arena building in NoMa. The one-time concert venue for the Beatles has been transformed by Douglas Development into a mixed-use building. See behind the scenes photos of this work in progress on the Washington Business Journal and CurbedDC. (Image by Michelle Goldchain, CurbedDC.)

Our friends at CAS Riegler are working on 9 brand new condo units on the 1700 block of P Street–that's a prime Dupont location. While it is still in the planning stages, the proposal calls for one and two-bedroom units, 7 of which will have private outdoor space, Urban Turf reports. It could be some time before the project is built as it is just now going before the Historic Preservation Review Board for review. You can bet we will be keeping tabs on this and other project from our friends and partners in the development world. Want to know more? Contact us today and we'll fill you in on this excellent project and others like it.

Bikeshare can be a real estate agent's back pocket secret weapon. When traffic grinds to a halt (ahem, motorcade, ahem) and you've GOT to be somewhere on time, these red bikes dotting street corners across the region can make the difference between making your train, or missing out on a business trip. and now bikeshare is expanding to Fairfax! How does bikeshare work? There are bikes docked at stations across the city and the region. You can go to the kiosk and buy an hourly, daily, 3-Day or monthly pass or you can sign up online for annual membership. Once you've paid you pick a bike, adjust the seat height and remove the bike from the dock (with either a fob or a code). Bike…

So you are ready to sell your home--the place you spent years adding personnel touches to and making fit your personality. One of our first pieces of advice is this: remove those personal items, make it look like anyone could live there. Better yet, let us stage the property for you. Developers know that a carefully staged home will sell for more and faster. A home needs to be aspirational. A potential buyer wants to be able to envision his or her life in this space. Your taste-specific decorations OR a totally empty palette get in the way…

With a prime location across from the Smithsonian National Zoo and just blocks from the metro, our sunny one-bedroom condo is the perfect investment for efficient city living. Truly, 3100 Connecticut Ave. NW #304 is Woodley Park at its best. Enjoy meals in your separate dining room off of the recently-renovated kitchen or dine out at one of the many nearby eateries. 

The DC Streetcar (have you heard the jingle?) is celebrating six months of operation along H Street and Benning Road this week. And the District Department of Transportation just announced the free transit option will begin Sunday service in September. While there are questions about whether the $200 million 2.2 mile streetcar line was a worthwhile investment, we have seen first-hand the economic development that has arrived on H Street. New apartments are leasing now at The Apollo, which will be anchored by a Whole Foods set to open in 2017. New condos and apartments are coming online north of the line as well, including projects by our friends at Lock 7 and Ditto Residential. H Street has changed dramatically in recent years, whether the…

As summer winds down, we thought we'd share a few items that we either bookmarked to read later or that we read with great interest. Some are about real estate, some are just about DC, each gave us pause and made us grateful for the luxury of time that seems more abundant in summer. The Tale of the Mall: This feature on The Washington Post online is both compelling for its story and the way the Post tells it. Learn about the history of the National Mall and consider the technology that made this brand of storytelling possible. [Insert Project Here] is the New High Line: While New York's High Line redevelopment has become a bit of a trope as city's across the country look to old infrastructure…

What has two bedrooms, two baths, more than 1,800 square feet and windows for days? Our incredible penthouse listing at Atlantic Plumbing. 2030 8th St. NW PH-01 is unrivaled in the city. Our video below gives you a taste of what it would be like to call this Morris Adjmi-designed condo home. Contact us to see it in person.

Wegmans is not coming to Walter Reed, dashing the hopes of many a wistful shopper. The Walter Reed Campus had been rumored as a possible opportunity for the beloved grocery chain to enter the DC market, but alas, it was not meant to be, the Washington Business Journal reports. The site in upper northwest DC would have been sufficiently large for a Wegmans store, which typically requires between 110,000 to 140,000 square feet, according to WBJ. "Wegmans was originally aligned with a team led by Roadside Development that was bidding to redevelop the Walter Reed site, but when Roadside lost out to a team led by Hines Interests LP, Wegmans began working with the winner. The company was in active discussions with Hines and its partners in 2015, but those talks…

We find ourselves looking for something to do that stimulates that mind and challenges the senses after a restoring summer of relaxing poolside and slowing down. Here are a few highlights of the interesting exhibits and shows you can find on any given day around DC. Unexpected Indie Sofar concerts are hosted at secret locations across the city as part of an international movement to reconnect music with audiences, according to The Washington Post. Sign up for a date and a neighborhood, purchase a ticket or pay-what-you like. Then show up where you're told to go the day of the concert. How the Other Half Lives The Library of Congress has an incredible collection of images of New York's squalid tenements by photojournalist Jacob Riis. The…

Our friends at Ditto Residential have a sleek two-unit condo in Northeast Capital Hill, south of H Street and east of Union Station. Ditto is known for its boutique condos from small project like this to bigger ones like the Edmonds School also on Capital Hill. The project at 625 5th St NE features spacious floor plans, floor-to-ceiling windows, and tall ceilings. We love the large roof deck for its city view and the storage space--so much storage! Want to know more? Contact us today and we'll fill you in on this excellent project by one of our friends in the DC development community.

DC residents have access to some truly great parks, libraries and, yes, swimming pools. We love showing off these local resources to clients when they are trying to get a feeling for a new neighborhood. Though it is hard to believe summer's end is near, the DC government just gave us a reality check when it announced pool closures. Before Labor Day! To add insult to injury they even referenced doing the closures in "waves" with no apparent intended irony. Anyway, make sure you look at this list before you pack up your towel and sunscreen. Outdoor Pools will close in waves beginning on Sunday, August 14, 2016.  Pools will close for the season at 6 pm on their respective Sundays; with the exception of…

We are always keeping an eye out for comings and goings in the culinary scene because a great new restaurant or a long-time corner bar can change the way potential buyers think about a neighborhood or block. Enjoy your monthly helping of the latest news about the DC restaurant scene. We're #1! Did you see that Bon Appetit said Washington was the Restaurant City of the Year? Seriously. Not just one of our restaurants (thanks Rose's!) but the whole city. Eat your heart out NYC. Losing a Legend. Michel Richard, 68, died Saturday. He was a legend among DC chefs--known for his restaurants Citronelle and Central Michel Richard--and should be credited with elevating the Washington dining scene to its current heights. Restaurant Week is Here. Today through Aug. 21  enjoy…

Summer vacation--an escape from the DC humidity, the hustle--should be a stress-free experience. We've got some tips on how to make sure your home is safe and secure while you are away. Stop the Mail Thieves are often on the look out for unoccupied homes: an overflowing mailbox is a total giveaway that you're out of town. The USPS has a service to put a hold on your mail for 3 to 30 days. You can fill out a stop-mail form online or at your local post office. Don't forget to put a hold on your newspaper as well! Unplug Appliances Your toaster, TV and coffee maker won't get used while you're away. Unplugging your appliances before you unplug from life saves you on your power bill…

Shaw is getting a shipping container condo project of its own, following the success of the apartments near Catholic University. Urban Turf reports the project will have four units. The new development at 1512 6th Street NW will use 12 containers to create the four, two-bedroom units. Developers Sean Joiner and Matthew Grace, and architect Travis Price first brought shipping containers to the DC residential market in 2014 with their SEA UA development near Catholic University. The Shaw project is a collaboration between developer Rob Carter and Price. Units could deliver in 2017. Image of SEA UA under construction by David on Flickr.

Have we mentioned how much we love good design? From modern exteriors to space-efficient interiors, we love getting to explore homes each and every day. Here's some of the design-related news and updates that caught our eye lately. DC Design House? Mais, Oui! The 2016 DC design house is 2509 Foxhall Rd. former residence of the French Ambassador. Twenty designers will transform the 9th Annual DC Design House. The public tours starting in October will be $35 which benefits Children’s National Health System. The Secret is Out. Architecture Digest runs through a list of design shops in DC, many of which are our go-to for high-design elements for homes, from fixtures to furniture. Want more suggestions? Oh, we've got them, just ask. Built to Scale. Geek for architecture and…

Our brand new and pristine, bi-level penthouse unit at Atlantic Plumbing features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and expansive outdoor space. The careful design and rich detail by renowned architect, Morris Adjmi, exudes luxury and grace. This penthouse is like no other on the market. From the dedicated dining space to the expansive roof top terrace, this unit offers the perfect space for entertaining guests. The size of this private terrace and views truly combine to offer a rare gem in Washington, D.C. The main level features a gourmet, chef’s kitchen with Bosch stainless steel appliances, a sleek stainless steel island and expansive storage space. The kitchen flows into the dedicated dining space as well as the spacious living space, which offers a unique entertaining experience. From…