It is totally amazing to see that Chancellor’s Row, a new development of EYA, brings a unique flavor to this Brookland neighborhood. These townhomes are located primarily off of Jackson Street NE (not facing a main street) and surrounds itself by Catholic University, a monastery, a nunnery, a church, the Brookland metrorail station, and various retail vendors on 12th Street NE.

These swanky multi-colored 237 plus townhomes were built as part of the growing revitalization of the neighborhood. These townhomes include modern touches and provide similar characteristics of the 1950’s-1960’s Brookland homes in the area, which reminds me so much of the plain classic design of the 1920’s-1930’s style homes having a federal architectural feel and a front porch where a potential homebuyer can enjoy the fresh air.

While visiting Chancellor’s Row in the Brookland neighborhood, we were able to tour with an EYA representative named Mike. Mike discussed ZipCar being one of the community amenities for Chancellor’s Row and emphasized the importance of the metrorail station being nearby.

Mike also discussed the various models that Chancellor’s Row offer but only showed us two models which was the Barton and the Dupont while we were there. The first model was the Barton. The Barton included a foyer, a study/den, and a garage on the main entry level. The main level is where Mike introduces us to the combined kitchen, living room, and dining room area. The kitchen consists of stainless steel appliances, dark wood cabinetry, and a half bath nearby. The living room and dining room included exposed brick, hardwood flooring, a view of the church and the nunnery, and safety locks on the windows. The second level of the Barton model is the master bedroom, master bathroom, and a walk-in closet. The second bedroom was somewhat smaller in size as the window in the bathroom and the bathroom that adjoins took up the majority of the space. The loft level was totally amazing. The loft level included a third bedroom with an adjoined bathroom, a loft space to use for recreation, and a rooftop terrace to entertain family and friends.

The second model that we toured was the Dupont. The Dupont model featured the same similarities as the Barton for the entry level. The main level of the Dupont model did include a living room, dining room, and kitchen combined with hardwood flooring. The difference in the Dupont model was the kitchen and the living room. The kitchen included an island and the living room included a fireplace. The second level included the master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite, a walk-in closet, and a second bedroom (a light purple wall-palette painted on the ceiling) with a full bathroom adjoined.  The loft level includes a loft area and a rooftop terrace that can be used to entertain guest, family, and friends.

Even though Chancellor’s Row is a new development in the area, there are also other several major projects underway including:

1. Dance Place and Artspace. This is a partnership between Dance Place and Artspace to provide affordable live/work units for artists.
2. Apartment housing to be constructed for Catholic University
3. A development plan for Colonel Brooks Tavern area (901 Monroe)

For information about these fabulous listings, enter your information into the box on your right hand side and a rock star real estate agent will get it touch with you ASAP!

Image Credits: Eya.com

Old Town Alexandria, Pentagon City, Crystal City, and DC offer accessible shopping, dining, entertainment, and public transit to the Potomac Yards community. One of the beauties of living in Potomac Yards luxury townhomes is that is it adjacent to Potomac Yards shopping center that features Target, Best Buy, Barnes and Noble, the theatre, Old Navy, and much more.

Potomac Yards luxury townhomes, which is located on Route 1-Jefferson Highway, is an eclectic mix of modern and cosmopolitan feel with a historic charm. The architectural structure of these townhomes resembles much of the homes in the Alexandria area having a federal architectural feel with red-brick cobblestones.

It was such a great pleasure to go on a hard hat tour (Saturday, August 20, 2011) as Cammie spoke about the new developments of Potomac Yards luxury townhomes and condominiums. Here are a few conversation pieces that Cammie spoke about on the hard hat tour….

Q: What townhome are we touring?
A: We are touring a not so-completed model townhome that is located at 2309 Main Line Boulevard.

Q: Why did you choose this area?
A: This land was going to be used for the football stadium but it was a great idea to use this land to build a mix use of residential, commercial, and office space.

Q: Can you describe some of the exterior features of the Potomac townhomes?
A: The architectural style will mimic the style of Alexandria homes. The townhomes will include a private roof terrace, deck, or balcony. In addition to, there will either be a one or two car garage with garage door openers for each home.

Q: What are some interior features for Potomac Yards townhomes?
A: Some will include 10’ ceilings on the main living level, classic oak staircase off main level, hardwood flooring throughout main level, marble vanity tops, enclosed glass shower with tiled seating, a pedestal sink in the powder room, granite counters in the kitchen, and energy star appliances in the kitchen

Q: I noticed these are nearby Washington, DC and the airport. How sound proof are these homes?
A: We have a STC Rating Requirement that protects these homes from hearing sounds when a plane flies over.

Q: What else will be included in this community?
A: There is going to be a park in this area. The park will include a stage, a waterfall, tennis, and much more. The beauty of this is that the City of Alexandria will maintain the park as the residents do not have to maintain it.

Q: What is the price range of these homes?
A: They range anywhere between $400K -$800K+

Q: I noticed that most of these homes are still being constructed. When will all of them finally be completed?
A: We are hoping for all of the townhomes and condominiums are completed by November 2011.

Interested in these new developments from Pulte Homes? If that is the case, check out this home that is nearby the model home that I went on tour to view having four bedrooms, 3 ½ baths priced at $830,740 with its location at 2313 Main Line Boulevard Unit #275.

For more information, call 1-877-852-6636 or contact a DC CondoDomain agent.

Source: The dialog are pieces of Cammie’s conversation as we went on a hard hat tour for at least 30 minutes.
Photo Courtesy of New Home Directory Pulte Homes in Alexandria, VA

Photo from Mashable Website

Have U Google Plus?
Social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are amazing tools  to connect with your friends and family. If you use Google, Google serves as a one-stop shop focusing on collaboration and sharing of documents, photos, and calendars. Google has added another feature to their one-stop shop: Google Plus.

With Google plus, you can categorize people based upon Friends, Family, Following, Acquaintances, or create your own group known as “Circles.” Another neat feature that Google Plus has that a potential homebuyer might use with their real estate agent, for example, is “Start a Hangout.” I find the Start a Hangout feature to be an amazing tool for both the real estate agent and potential homebuyer. The real estate agent can schedule a video chat with the potential homebuyers interested in purchasing a home or have questions about a particular home.

Google Plus presents yet another new opportunity for the potential homebuyer and real estate agent to interact, to connect, and share potential home purchasing information.

iPhone Apps to Use For House Hunting.

Have you ever thought about using your smartphone as part of your house hunting needs? If you have an iPhone, there are four apps to use while you are out house hunting.

WalkScore WalkScore is a free app that gives a rating on how well the neighborhood is designed. The factors it takes into account include pedestrian friendliness, proximity to stores, public transportation, proximity to schools, and proximity to workplaces.

QR Code Okay when I first saw this, I had no idea what this was. However, we’ve all seen these square bar-codes more and more often. Well these QR Codes are ‘quick readers’ that will allow you to find out more information about the object you scanned. This is especially useful if you see a QR Code on the sign in the yard of a home you are interested in.

EveryBlock. Do you want to know what is going on in the neighborhood? There is a free app called “Every Block.” Every Block is a website that a potential homebuyer can visit to see what’s happening in the neighborhood, follow your favorite places, and exchange ideas on how to make the neighborhood better.
Source: DC Every Block

Yelp. Yelp is a great free app to use. From user reviews and recommendations of top restaurants, shopping, nightlife, home services, to other several other useful categories for a potential homebuyer to use during their house hunt.
Source: Yelp

And let’s not forget DC Condo Domain’s search listings as we can mark this as one of our favorite bookmarks on the iPhone. If you would like more information about purchasing a potential home in the DC metropolitan area, please contact a DC Condo Domain agent.

So which social tools do YOU use in your home search? Is this the future or are we getting ahead of ourselves? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

Currently, Chancellor’s Row model townhomes includes “The Dupont”, “The Barton”, and “The Adams”. Each of these townhomes features a four-level row house that ranges in 1,400 to 2,100 square feet and start in the upper $400,000’s.  Out of the three models that I toured, I found the Dupont model the most intriguing. The Dupont model features an entry level that includes a garage, a foyer, and a study.  The main level has a spacious living room, dining room, and kitchen combination. The kitchen features birch cabinetry, granite countertops, hardwood flooring, Energy Star appliances, recessed lighting, and a pantry storage with shelving. The living room boasts of beautiful windows and a gas fireplace.

The second level of the Dupont model includes two bedrooms. On this second level, the master suite is attached to the master bathroom suite. Inside of the master bathroom suite is personified by beautiful ceramic tiling, double vanity sinks, a shower with glass enclosure, marble vanity tops, water conserving faucets and a shower head.

The loft level of the Dupont model can serve as a family or recreational room featuring a linen closet and a roof terrace for entertainment purposes.

Other features of the Chancellor’s Row Townhome- Dupont model include:

* Energy Star double pane windows and exterior doors
* Energy efficient gas heat
* Energy efficient electric water heater
* Programmable thermostat
* Standard rough-in for solar hot water system
* Built to Energy Star and LEED for homes third-party green building system.
* Energy efficient light-colored roof.
* Airy 9’ ceilings on the main level and upper level
* Satin nickel door knobs

If you find this place to be of interest in the northeast area of Washington, contact a CondoDomain Agent for more information.

For starters, according to the American Banking and Market News website, Turnberry Towers was listed as the top selling luxury condominiums in 2010 and looks like they are on track to do it again in 2011. Turnberry Towers is named as “The Height of Luxury” and have totaled $20 million in new sales with 15 signed contracts in the month of January alone with the average price of their luxury condominiums selling for $1.3 million. Absolutely amazing!

Also other noted news for Turnberry Tower Condominiums is that they won the 2011 Designers’ Choice Awards for “Favorite New Condo Lobby” according to Home and Design Magazine website.

Just looking at the photo of the condo lobby is breathtaking. It shows the contemporary style of the marble floor, the well placed neutral toned sofas accented with nice gray and bronze like pillows. Added are gray contemporary style chairs that bring balance to the area rug as well as the unique design of the tables and the table lamps. And let’s not forget other beautiful details of the decorative art with recessed lighting and the beautiful crystal-like glass fixture placed above the glass table making this condo lobby of Turnberry Towers Condominiums beautifully designed for its residents.

If you find this luxury condominium to be a fabulous place to live, Contact our agents to do so today!

Congratulations Turnberry Towers!

If you’re looking for uber-luxury living in the center of the city, look no farther than 2501 Pennsylvania Avenue in the West End neighborhood of NW. Set in between Georgetown and Foggy Bottom, 2501 Penn has features and amenities powerful enough to match its location. Just nine blocks west of the White House and three blocks east of the heart of M Street in Georgetown, there is never a dull moment when venturing outside of your 2501 Penn Condo.

Beyond the beauty of the units themselves, the location of 2501 Penn Ave is special. Restaurants, bars, art galleries, shopping, entertainment. You name it, and it can be found in the four neighborhoods that surround 2501 Penn Avenue. 2501 Pennsylvania Avenue Condos are represented by Intrepid Realty, and you can see their website here.

2501 Penn has a variety of floor-plans, but units are being sold fast. Right now, just six homes remain in the building, and only three penthouses are still available.

Remember, when you buy with CondoDomain DC, you can save thousands of dollars in cash back from our commission refund business model!

Don’t wait another second!  Contact one of our agents today!

“Developer Donatelli Development broke ground this past week at 3801 Georgia Avenue, until now a vacant lot in DC’s Petworth neighborhood,” Ken of DCMud wrote.  ”The 49-unit, 7-story project will rise across from the Petworth Metro, and across the street from Park Place, Donatelli’s last project. Originally the project was a joint venture between Willco Residential and Donatelli, but a source at Donatelli says Willco is no longer involved in the building.”

This addition to the Petworth community should further advance the development of the area.  Many are banking on the Petworth neighborhood to act as the next Columbia Heights.

Because of its relative lack of residential popularity compared to other Northwest neighborhoods like Dupont Circle and U Street, pricing in the Petworth community is currently far more affordable.  This could change down the road, however, should Petworth develop more attractions to draw District residents to the area.

“Given its proximity to Metro and retail components in the neighborhood, this could be the beginning of a more ‘downtown’ Petworth,”  Ken wrote.  ”Which has lacked a concentration of sustained retail, even along the busy Georgia Avenue corridor. While the groundbreaking was more ceremonial than real, actual work on the project is expected to get underway within weeks.”

You can read the entire DCMud article here.

See all of our Petworth neighborhood condominiums on CondoDomain!

This excerpt is from Chris Lewis’ story in the latest edition of the Washington City Paper, an article that attacks every nook and cranny of Southeast’s impending gentrification and the effects that it will have on the community.  The quote is from Donald Morgan, a resident of Anacostia, who owns a mom and pop style fried fish market on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.  In the article, Morgan expressed his fears that the essence of Anacostia will be lost because of new, higher priced development and construction.

“You have to have money to hold on to culture, in this country,” Morgan said.

Southeast is clearly on the verge of a transformation. Lewis was quick to point out, though, that it certainly isn’t the first neighborhood in D.C. to be gentrified.  In fact, it’s quite common.

(Condominium projects like Savoy Court Condos, pictured here, are popping up throughout Southeast DC)

“Gentrification is the oldest, most belabored story in the District—or at least much of the District,”  Lewis said.  ”Its impact on places like Columbia Heights, Shaw, and Brookland has been documented many times over, often with glee, sometimes with regret, depending on the teller’s perspective and socioeconomic status. It all boils down to one figure: The city’s median home sale price was $167,000 in 1995 and $496,000 in 2007.”

While new developments being added to Southeast is great news for those interested in purchasing a DC condominium, there is a flip side.

Current residents of Anacostia and other neighborhoods in Southeast feel as though they will soon be priced out of the community they call home.

“They done put up new houses and stuff like that, but the average person can’t afford them,” said Michael Humphrey. Humphrey has lived in this very community for the past 30 years.  According to Lewis, Humphrey  ’relies on Section 8 housing vouchers and Supplemental Security Income checks’.

“A 230-some-thousand-dollar house?”  Humphrey said.  ”That’s too damn much money.”

“Housing standards are increasing,” Lewis wrote. “The median home sale price in 2000 was $119,000 in Ward 7 and $124,000 in Ward 8. By 2007, the prices had risen to $281,000 and $295,000 before the recession began to stifle growth.  New and, by area standards, expensive market-rate homes are popping up everywhere.”

You can read Lewis’ entire story here.

It’s not like this is a new story.  It’s just the latest in a series of gentrifications that have become as natural to Washington, D.C. as the education gap.

Everyone has their own opinion on the issue and everyone is entitled to their own opinion on the issue. The new developments will be there though, that’s a fact.  As Donald Morgan put it, “Gentrification is coming, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.”

Check out CondoDomain to see the source of the discussion itself: the DC Condominiums that are popping up all over Southeast.