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        <title>The Capital Park Team Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Washington DC Real Estate, Neighborhood News, and Culture</description>
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    <guid>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/hill-east/</guid>
    <link>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/hill-east/</link>
        <author>ben@cparkre.com (Ben Puchalski)</author>
        <title>Hill East</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Yes, the name Hill East is as simple as it sounds: It’s the DC neighborhood to the east of Capitol Hill. For many years it has been categorized as an extension or offshoot of Capitol Hill and lacked its own identity, but all of that will be changing soon. There are plans in the works for a large-scale mixed-use development known as Reservation 13. 


At present, Hill East is distinguishable from Capitol Hill by its real estate trend of simple and honest brick rowhomes, many of which, depending on location, have front yards as well as back gardens. This housing stock is akin to that of Petworth, in its working-class roots and promotion of neighborliness. Because of the neighborhood's recent rise in prominence, Hill East property values have been increasing steadily, putting most asking prices for single family homes between $700,000 and $1,000,000. Though it’s not yet the norm, it’s no longer a surprise to see price tags over a million in this neighborhood.


What often defines a neighborhood, especially in The District, is a place where people can gather and socialize, pick up life’s essentials, and even just unwind outside the house. Reservation 13 promises just that for Hill East. In addition to hundreds of residential units, it also comes with over 20,000 square feet of retail space, creating shorter grocery runs and less reliance on the offerings of Eastern Market and Barracks Row.


VIEW HILL EAST LISTINGS
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    <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2020 07:21:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/petworth1/</guid>
    <link>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/petworth1/</link>
        <author>ben@cparkre.com (Ben Puchalski)</author>
        <title>Petworth</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



It feels passé to discuss the renaissance of Petworth, so we won’t. Petworth is here, Petworth is excellent, Petworth has come into its own Could many more awesome things happen to this neighborhood? Yes. Will they? Absolutely At a certain point though, you, as buyers, just have to focus on what an amazing place Petworth is to live in right now rather than crossing your fingers for the future.


Featuring an exciting mix of single-family row homes and swanky condominiums such as The Montage and Quincy at 14th, Petworth real estate possibilities reflect the neighborhood’s vibrant, multi-generational population. Recent years have shown that Petworth’s brick rowhomes are well suited to updates for 21st-century living.


Above all, Petworth is a community in the truest sense of the word. As more and more DC residents discover the amazing quality of life available in Petworth and begin to call it home, local entrepreneurs create opportunities for locals to come together. That said, there’s nowhere better to witness this particular brand of neighborliness than on the seemingly endless front porches that have become a Petworth signature.


VIEW PETWORTH LISTINGS
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2020 07:35:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/capitol-riverfront/</guid>
    <link>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/capitol-riverfront/</link>
        <author>ben@cparkre.com (Ben Puchalski)</author>
        <title>Capitol Riverfront</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



As DC neighborhoods go, Capitol Riverfront (aka Navy Yard) is among the youngest. As such, it has benefited from growing up around big brothers and sisters, and seeing what works and what doesn’t. Compared to other communities that have grown and changed slowly over time, Capitol Riverfront has been thoughtfully planned out and has a lot to offer to a lot of people.


This wise planning extends to real estate and includes the construction of numerous condos. Armed with the knowledge that Capitol Riverfront would be a popular place to live--and is now one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in The District--the choice by developers to build vertically was a no-brainer. Capitol Riverfront condominiums include Velocity and Capitol Hill Tower (built in the neighborhood’s early years) as well as newer and to-be-completed endeavors such as Avidian, The Bower, and eNvy.


The current average asking price for a 2-bedroom condo in Capitol Riverfront is around $740,000. When you take a look around this well considered--nay, thoughtfully curated neighborhood, with its plethora of quality dining, retail, and recreation options, not to mention Nationals Park, you start to realize it’s well worth the investment.
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    <pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2020 10:16:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/brightwood/</guid>
    <link>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/brightwood/</link>
        <author>ben@cparkre.com (Ben Puchalski)</author>
        <title>Brightwood</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



In the very near future, Brightwood will have something for everyone This delightful L-shaped community in Northwest DC has been shaking off the dust for the past several years, creating public desire for its fantastic residential offerings. In addition to a bounty of assorted trees, Brightwood’s streets are lined with great, characterful single-family homes, apartments and condos, such as The Delaney have cropped up, but most Brightwood real estate options include rowhomes or detached houses of primarily brick construction.


Brightwood’s limited number of businesses helps to maintain the very residential vibe, but there are still some beloved local spots including Deset Ethiopian and Wapa Cafe Boutique. Situated five miles north of Downtown DC, one could expect a fair amount of parkland and Brightwood does not disappoint. Residents are spoiled for choice with Fort Stevens, Emery Heights Park, Emery Gardens, Missouri Avenue Park, Fort Slocum Park, Takoma Recreation Center, Peabody Community Garden, and Rock Creek Park which comprises the entire western border of Brightwood.


The biggest news for Brightwood is the redevelopment of Walter Reed Army Medical Center which will begin delivering in phases by the end of 2020. This 66-acre project will provide over 2,000 housing units as well as a host of eateries and retailers, including the recently announced Whole Foods Market. Something for everyone.






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    <pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2020 06:59:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/warwick-village/</guid>
    <link>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/warwick-village/</link>
        <author>ben@cparkre.com (Ben Puchalski)</author>
        <title>Warwick Village</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 


Community, community, community. That’s the name of the game in Warwick Village, a cohesive collection of over 600 townhomes built in the 1950s. Situated at the northern end of Alexandria, developers lucked out when the Warwick Estate (home of 19th-century philanthropist Frank Hume) went on the market, creating housing opportunities just a little closer to DC.


Warwick Village is loved for its neighborliness and is highly sought after for its immediate proximity to the very hip neighborhood of Del Ray. Residents can maintain that ‘nestled’ feeling while at home, and still be amidst the great dining and retail options of Arlandria, Potomac Yard, and Del Ray after a ten-minute walk.


Upon completion of development, Warwick Village’s array of identical townhomes featured brick construction and identical floorplans, including 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and a basement. Now, however, the interiors are as different as the exteriors are similar. For occupants and investors alike, one great draw of these homes is a total lack of load-bearing interior walls, allowing great creative freedom when renovating. Combined larger bedrooms upstairs and open floorplans downstairs are just a couple of the exciting design choices featured at Warwick Village.


Property values have increased steadily during this fledgling period of rebirth, but the increase may not remain so steady for long. Check out Warwick Village before it becomes the Petworth of Northern Virginia
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2020 07:05:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/va-approved-condos-in-dc/</guid>
    <link>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/va-approved-condos-in-dc/</link>
        <author>ben@cparkre.com (Ben Puchalski)</author>
        <title>VA Approved Condos in DC</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



If you meet one or more of their requirements, you may be eligible for a home-buying loan from Veterans Affairs (VA). If so, there are two factors that can help get you closer to financing your new home with a VA loan.




The VA recently increased loan limits and removed state- and county-specific restrictions.


The Capital Park Team website features an advanced search filter for ‘VA Approved Condos Only.’




Some VA approved condos you should definitely know about are Chase Point in Friendship Heights, Residences at CityCenter in Chinatown, and Union Row in U Street. Because VA home loans are often easier to acquire for veterans and/or their families than conventional loans, the VA takes extra care to ensure the viability of the homes they will finance. Capital Park Team keeps a comprehensive list of VA Approved Condos/Developments in the DMV area.


Search VA Approved Condos





To learn more about VA Approved Condos, fill out the form below and one of our agents will reach out to you shortly:



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    <pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2020 06:51:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/va-loan-limit-increase/</guid>
    <link>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/va-loan-limit-increase/</link>
        <author>ben@cparkre.com (Ben Puchalski)</author>
        <title>VA Loan Limit Increase</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Starting January 2020, the maximum loan limit will be $1,500,000 across the country (no longer State or County specific). *Borrowers with partial VA Eligibility will want to review the amount they can purchase with no money down with a licensed lender*


What does this mean? The Funding Fee amounts for VA Purchase and Refinance transactions will increase for loans closing on or after January 1, 2020. The table below outlines these changes:





This is a great opportunity for our Veterans to purchase with no money down without county to county loan amount caps


Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC have considerably high veteran populations, both in terms of percentage and sheer number. That said, condominium boards and HOAs are wise to seek approval from Veterans Affairs (VA) for units to be purchased using VA home loans, lest they miss out on a huge number of potential buyers. The District of Columbia hosts hundreds of VA Approved Condos, let alone Maryland and Virginia.


To gain VA approval, a condominium (aka Planned Unit Development or Common Interest Community) must be at least 50 owner-occupied and have at least 85 of its owners current on association dues. New condo developments must be at least 75 sold before they can be approved.


Capital Park Team’s website (cparke.com) is home to one of the few comprehensive databases of VA Approved Condos in the DMV. Best of all, it’s connected to the site’s advanced search tool, allowing you to view any property listings that are approved for VA home loans.


Among the notable benefits provided to veterans in the G.I. Bill signed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1944, was a provision for low-cost mortgages. Since then over 20 million such loans have been provided.


If you have any questions regarding these changes please contact us below and an a member from our team will be in touch shortly.



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    <pubDate>Sun, 05 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/best-dc-neighborhoods-to-buy-in-2020/</guid>
    <link>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/best-dc-neighborhoods-to-buy-in-2020/</link>
        <author>ben@cparkre.com (Ben Puchalski)</author>
        <title>Best DC Neighborhoods to Buy in 2020</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



That’s right--the year 2020 is here Although we’re not all riding around on hoverboards, these are still very exciting times In a real estate market as hot as the DMV, there are still plenty of great purchase opportunities. Based on recent trends, new development plans throughout the area, and 40+ years of combined experience selling homes in the DMV, here is our 2020 vision of neighborhoods to keep an eye on over the next 12 months


Warwick Village 


Situated in northern Alexandria between Del Ray, Potomac Yard, and Arlandria, Warwick Village should be high up on your list. Originally conceived as rental community of over 600 townhomes, this neighborhood was developed to help house the DC area population boom of the 1940s and eventually sold as individual units. Situated on an eastern facing hill with substantial views on select streets, Warwick Village was completely built out 60+ years ago has a classic 1940s vibe. Instead of potential eyesores, you’ll find iconic brick townhomes of dependably sturdy construction everywhere you look. In addition to exterior accents, residents take this opportunity to be creative with interior design and renovation. Warwick Village homes are currently selling in the $500K to $700K range.



Brentwood 


Conveniently located just north of Union Station and Capitol Hill, Brentwood is about to start heating up in a big way. The ambitious redevelopment undertaking known as RIA (Rhode Island Avenue corridor) will put a new face on twenty acres of Brentwood and will surely have an impact on the value of existing condos and rowhomes. Construction of RIA Phase 1 will begin ASAP and is expected to complete in 2021, so the time to buy is now.



Brightwood 


Five words: The, Parks, at, Walter, Reed. In addition to hosting a diverse stock of duplexes, bungalows, rowhomes, and colonials, Brightwood will be undergoing a dramatic change in the next few years. The 66 acres of what was once Walter Reed Army Medical Center is being redeveloped to include over 2,000 housing units mixed with lots of brand new commercial and recreational space. Whole Foods Market has just been confirmed as the community’s supermarket, and developers expect to deliver the first several buildings before the end of 2020.



Captiol Riverfront 


As many locals probably already know, the Navy Yard, or Capitol Riverfront, has really been coming into its own lately. It’s difficult to imagine a better time to buy in this neighborhood. Encouraged by attractions such as Nationals Park, Yards Park, and the amazing dining and retail options on and around M Street SE, many thoughtfully considered condos have been sprouting up in Capitol Riverfront. Prior to a massive influx of large scale investment funds in the past few years, Navy Yard had no significant housing stock to speak of. This relatively young neighborhood was a blank canvas not so long ago and is on track to become the most densely populated neighborhood in all of DC with a food and entertainment scene to match. If you’re looking for an ultra-walkable scene with lots to see and do, then Capitol Riverfront should be on your short list.



Petworth 


This Northwest DC neighborhood has become a darling of the District’s real estate market. Just over a decade ago, Petworth was nothing to write home about, or even think twice about, really. The once sleepy corner of DC is now on the tip of everyone’s tongues and is thought of especially for its vibrant and engaged community feel. Most of the larger condo projects under construction in Petworth are centered around Upshur Street, Georgia Ave, and New Hampshire Ave while the neighborhoods expanse of rowhomes and has seen a tremendous uptick in redevelopment as well. Petworth is now known for its well-built, classic wardman rowhomes and relatively large lots. If you’re in the market for a property with some outdoor space, definitely check out Petworth.



Hill East 


Named by real estate professionals and new residents, Hill East flows naturally from Capitol Hill, but has until recently been missing something crucial: local spots Residents have enjoyed Hill East’s roomy early-20th-century rowhomes and low-rise apartment buildings, as well as outdoor spaces, but they’ve needed to trek to Barracks Row or H Street to meet their dining and shopping needs. Reservation 13 is changing all of that. A 60-acre redevelopment project, stretching between Potomac Ave and Stadium-Armory Metro stations will provide ample space for such amenities. The first phase of the Reservation 13 redevelopment is already underway and promises to make Hill East a destination-neighborhood in the years to come.


Park View 


Park View is one of those head scratchers where you look at it on a map and think “How is it that this area wasn’t redeveloped sooner?” Bounded by neighborhoods that have already undergone a full renaissance or are well on their way, Park View was a little late to join the party. With that said, the neighborhood is easily accessible to multiple yellow/green line metro stops and is looking to make up for lost time. Park View is benefiting greatly from the 2016 DC zoning rewrite that brought much higher housing density to the Georgia Ave corridor. Home to a number of locally owned bars and eateries that are exploding in popularity (Midlands Beer Garden, Call Your Mother Bagels, and Sonny’s Pizza) to name a few, the scene in Park View is changing dramatically. New condos are sprouting up everywhere you look and there is more to see and do than ever before.


Interested in purchasing in one of these neighborhoods? Contact us today



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    <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/new-development-the-shaw/</guid>
    <link>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/new-development-the-shaw/</link>
        <author>ben@cparkre.com (Ben Puchalski)</author>
        <title>New Development: The Shaw</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Recently completed and now selling quickly, The Shaw is an incomparably classy multi-family dwelling in the beating heart of Washington DC. Comprised of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and penthouse units that range from 546 ft² to 1,343 ft², The Shaw now stands at 618 T Street NW in the thriving and vibrant neighborhood from which it takes its name.


Home to Howard University and named for Robert Gould Shaw--a forward-thinking Union army general--the Shaw neighborhood of DC has recently become a hotspot for great dining and retail (local, national, and international alike) and has a thriving nightlife that owes much to the influence of music legends who played there, including DC native Duke Ellington, whose shining sculptural likeness greets residents of The Shaw on their way home. Such ongoing prosperity has attracted numerous other developments including 10Eleven and The Perla.


When deciding on units at The Shaw, buyers may choose from two distinct design aesthetics: the Bright Minimalist and the Warm Sophisticate. In either scenario, residents will enjoy massive windows with great natural light, slick finishes, hardwood floors, appliances that blend seamlessly into the room, and great options for tech-enhanced living.


For even better views of DC, head upstairs to the rooftop terrace and lounge to unwind or relax--or both The terrace features gas grills, comfy seating, and beautiful nature-inspired landscaping which perfectly complements The Shaw’s modern vibe.


With a host of other amenities, including bicycle storage and a car-washing station, The Shaw has residents covered for all things living, so they can make the most of their experience in the vibrant community around them. Schedule a tour today before all the units are spoken for


 


 
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    <pubDate>Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/new-devolopment-envy/</guid>
    <link>https://www.cparkre.com/blog/new-devolopment-envy/</link>
        <author>ben@cparkre.com (Ben Puchalski)</author>
        <title>New Devolopment: eNvy</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



DC is brimming with ‘great’ condos, but only a few are exciting. The soon-to-be-completed eNvy condominium definitely falls under the latter descriptor. Perhaps what makes it even more exciting is that it is so incredibly understated. The building and its beautiful 127 units do not scream “Come live in me” but rather say “Hi. I’m elegant in my simplicity and I’m here for you if you need anything at all.”


The first exciting thing to note about eNvy is its brilliant location at 70 N Street SE. Capitol Riverfront (aka Navy Yard, aka Ballpark District) has been steadily upping its game as a neighborhood over the last decade and features (or will feature) such other condos as Veliocity, The Bower, and Avidian. eNvy residents will not only have homes that are ready to move into, but a neighborhood that is fully updated as well In addition to the seemingly unending desire for waterfront living these days, Capitol Riverfront is a well-known destination for great eats and drinks and eNvy is in the thick of it. The eNvy condominium is a short stroll from a plethora of established or incoming spots including Compass Coffee, Gatsby (Knead Hospitality &amp; Design), Gordon Biersch Brewery, The Salt Line, Orestia Morini, Bluejacket, and Punch Bowl Social, which in addition to great cuisine and cocktails, features bowling, karaoke, and ping-pong.


The building’s exterior includes a classic and sensible combination of glass and brickwork which allows for great views and natural light, as well as increased efficiency when it comes to heating and cooling. Once inside, shared and private features await your every need. 


The eNvy condo community benefits from 18-hour onsite concierge services, free bicycle storage, a two-story library, shared TV- and e-lounges, a fitness center designed by FX Studios, a relaxing courtyard with water feature, and other beautifully landscaped grounds. The Kelvin (the luxury building next door) features a rooftop pool to which eNvy dwellers will have easy access. eNvy’s roof is its own sort of microcosm that includes indoor lounges (not unlike ballpark skyboxes) equipped with kitchens, great seating &amp; dining options, and cozy fireplaces; as well as an impressive patio featuring gorgeous landscaping, comfy seating, grills, a fire pit, and views right down into Nats Park for ballgames and other live events


Individual units, which include studio, 1-bed, and 2-bed condos ranging from $429k to upwards of $1M, include gas cooking, stainless steel appliances, and under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen; vessel sinks, concealed toilets, and illuminable mirrors in the bathroom; and hardwood floors, 10’ ceilings, huge windows with solar roller shades, WiFi-ready thermostats, USB outlets, and adjustable closet systems in the living spaces. In many units, residents will also find full-size washers and dryers, bathtubs, and balconies. The general aesthetic is quite modern, but in an exciting twist, all the cold and museum-like qualities associated with ‘modern’ have been replaced with warmth and livability.


If you appreciate thoughtful design and are interested in a home that takes good care of you in a thriving and prosperous neighborhood, move eNvy to the top of your list and schedule a tour. 


Right. Now.


 
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    <pubDate>Mon, 07 Oct 2019 13:33:00 -0400</pubDate>
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