A concise synopsis of the Washington DC real estate market 

Buzz Around The Office

Spring has come early to the Washington DC real estate Market! Buyers are out in big numbers as inventory continues to be an issue. There are 25 percent fewer homes to choose from this March compared to last year and well-priced listings are often seeing multiple offers. Strong demand is undoubtedly exerting upward pressure on home prices here in the Nation's Capital.

Rent on apartments has continued a steady climb in recent years while interest rates have remained close to historic lows. As a result, many residents have found owning makes a lot more financial sense than renting and they're now looking to buy. The supply squeeze is also affecting small to mid-size…

This months CR was all about saving money at the grocery store. 

1.  The only company that makes a BPA-Free water carafe is the ZeroWater company.  The ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher is free of bisphenol A according to their website. 

2.  Dunkin' Donuts has the best bagels according to CR Ratings(Tested plain bagels).  The top 3 are Dunkin' Donuts, Lender's Original, and Kirckland Signature(Costo). 

3.  You can now buy devices to keep track of your pet using GPS.  They cost about $200.  They even have an upgrade for keeping track of kids. 

4.  Wegmans received the #1 rating out of 52 stores that CR took surveys on.  Trader Joe's was number 2.  Harris Teeter was in the top 10.  Giant was in the middle of the pack.  Safeway was in the bottom third. 

5. …

The Petworth real estate market is booming and I expect that to continue in 2012. Petworth is one of the few areas in DC that still offers affordable homes. The Petworth neighborhood is metro accessible with easy access to downtown. Young professionals and families are moving to the area because of the convenience and affordable housing prices. I consider Petworth to be Columbia Heights Jr.  The rise in prices in Columbia Heightshas been caused by investor activity in the commercial and residential sectors.  Columbia Heights has seen massive improvements to its main commercial corridor along 14th St NW.  Now Petworth is starting to see a lot of changes to its main commercial corridor (Georgia Ave NW).  Petworth has seen the following shops and restaurants…