Posts Tagged ‘Washigton DC SE’

Preparing For A Real Estate Transaction in 2012

Friday, December 30th, 2011

Happy New Year everyone! With just a few days before we say goodbye to 2011 and welcome 2012 with open arms, I thought we would spend a few minutes talking about what you can do to prepare to buy or sell a home next year. Buying and selling real estate often takes many months of preparation and getting started now can make the process that much easier.

Start with evaluating your credit score. You have certainly seen commercials on television, heard others talking about it and read numerous articles about the importance of your credit score when buying a home. This remains true. It is always a good idea to review your credit report from all three credit reporting bureaus annually, which makes the beginning of a new year the perfect time — it’s an annual reminder that will not change.

Evaluate your credit history with each company to ensure accurate information is being reported by current and former creditors. If you do find an error that could negatively impact your ability to obtain a mortgage, you will have plenty of notice and time to fix the problem. Nothing would hurt your chances of buying your dream home faster than the inability to secure a mortgage for your dream home — especially when other offers may be on the table.

Consolidate expenses where possible, and save the money. Many companies offer “bundle” packages for their services that will allow you to receive the same services at a lower price. Saving the extra money for a down payment on a home allows many first time home buyers to secure a lower interest rate and may even eliminate the requirement for private mortgage insurance, or PMI.

Research the areas you think you want to buy a home in before you begin house shopping. Even though it can be fun to browse through homes until you find the perfect one for your family, imagine the frustration when it turns out your dream home comes with a tax bill you cannot afford, or that you are unhappy with the school choices in the area. Knowing what to expect from the area and community before you choose a property is the easiest approach.

For more tips or if you have questions, just give me a call and I’d be happy to help!

Have a safe New Year’s Eve and a happy new year. I look forward to working with you soon!

~ Michelle

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Metropolitan Washington DC’s Capitol Hill Barracks Row

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

For those of you who frequent my Washington DC Realtor blog, you have become accustomed to reading about my fascination for all things historical.  When advising my clients on purchasing property in the metropolitan Washington DC area, I encourage them to educate themselves on the historical significance of the neighborhood that of are interest to them.  The best way to do so is by exploring one of Washington DC’s Neighborhood Heritage Trails.  One of my favorite Washington DC Neighborhood Heritage Trails is located in the historical industrial neighborhood of Barracks Row.

Capitol Hill, known almost exclusively for its rich political history, at one point in time was the home to the United States first line of defense, the U.S. Navy.  In 1799, President John Adams designated the area between Pennsylvania Avenue and Eight Street SE as the U.S. Navy Yard.  Two years later the U.S. Marines would build their barracks just north of the Navy Yard, an official decision made by President Thomas Jefferson.  Today, this area of Capitol Hill has become Barracks Row.

Unlike the polished white stone and regal federal home neighborhoods, Barracks Row provides South East Washington DC with a distinct industrial feel.  The historic buildings of the Eighth Street commercial area are home to new businesses.  Local streetscapes are being renovated as I write this by the Washington DC Department of Transportation.  Barracks Row is home to the Townhomes on Capitol Hill, a mixed-income development whose design complements the nearby Victorian era row houses.  Like most metropolitan Washington DC neighborhoods, any and all changes are made with the conscious effort of honoring a long history and cultural tradition.

The first sign is located on the Washington DC Barracks Row Heritage Trail is located at the Eastern Market Metro station plaza (Seventh Street and Pennsylvania Ave, SE).  The self-guided tour will take about 90 minutes to complete.  It looks you through the residential neighborhoods and concludes at Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market.

Along the way I suggest stopping off at Trattoria Alberto (506 8th Street, SE) for a bite of Italian dining. Capitol Hill Books (657 C Street, SE) is also a delightful Barracks Row haunt and a great spot for used, rare, and first edition books.

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