About Washington's Georgetown

© 2009 Patricia Kennedy. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Patricia Kennedy . If you would like to use this image, please email me (housepat@mac.com) with your request. I'll almost certianly say yes, and ask only that you provide a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. The same thing applies to any other material you see posted here on Active Rain or on any of my other blogs.

And of course, if you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Washington, DC or the surrounding area, please contact Patricia Kennedy at 202-549-5167 or housepat@mac.com

Jack's Boats: rent a kayak in Georgetown!

© 2009 Patricia Kennedy. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Patricia Kennedy . If you would like to use this image, please email me (housepat@mac.com) with your request. I'll almost certianly say yes, and ask only that you provide a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. The same thing applies to any other material you see posted here on Active Rain or on any of my other blogs.

And of course, if you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Washington, DC or the surrounding area, please contact Patricia Kennedy at 202-549-5167

Posh Washington: Georgetown Market Update

For many decades, Georgetown has been a favorite Washington neighborhood for many of the politicians, journalists, lawyers, and all the other charachters who make life in this city so interesting. So when I meet new buyers who are relocating here to DC, this historic place is often at the top of their list.

Houses in Georgetown come in all shapes, sizes and price points. Right now, they range from a low of $644,900 for a little 2-bedroom near the old C&O Canal to a high of $39,500,000 for a magnificent 9-bedroom mansion on a 3.5 acre estate. Of course, it’s the rich choices in between that will be of interest to most buyers.

Currently, there are 67 homes to choose from. You may click here for a complete list, most with virtual tours, of homes that are now on the market.

During the first six months of this year, Georgetown bucked the national trends. In most parts of the country, more houses are selling for less money. In Georgetown, there were fewer sales with higher average and median sales prices.

2008 2009
Number Sold 54 49
Average List Price $1,621,544 $1,733,714
Average Sold Price $1,553,575 $1,610,552
Median List Price $1,395,000 $1,395,000
Median Sold Price $1,300,000 $1,312,000

This is one more example of how, in real estate, everything is local!

If you are interested in getting more information about this historic Washington neighborhood, call me at 202-549-5167 or drop me an email at housepat@mac.com.

There are seven properties on the market in DC over $10 million - ranging from $10 million to $39.5 million. Five have been listed for at least 6 months - with one being on the market almost two years, but no properties over $10 million have sold in the same 6 month time frame.

Interestingly, the "youngest" of the properties (57 years old) is the least expensive, while the oldest ones - both in Georgetown - are the most expensive. Halcyon House is a 30,500s.f.historically designated mansion overlooking Potomac River.The home was built in 1787 by James Stoddert- the 1st US Secretary of Navy, and George Washinton confidante. It was once owned and expanded by Mark Twain's nephew. Originally listed at $30 million but reduced to $19,500,000 this 5 level home with 9 fireplaces and room for 12 cars all on 1/2 an acre in Georgetown is waiting for your buyers,

Evermay in Georgetown started out at $49 million but now is available at $39,500,000. Evermay is a gated,magnificent,historic estate on 3.5+ acres in a tranquil setting w/ majestic grounds&gardens, Built in 1801, the dining room seats 40, orangerie/ballroom promise grand parties, and guesthouse+annex/office guarantee privacy. With parking for 100 cars, parties will be easy at this estate that overlooks the Washington Monument and Rock Creek Park.

What I can't imagine is having a conversation with a seller and suggesting that they should reduce their price by $10 million! How do you start that conversation!

None of these are my listings, but Lise Howe will be glad to show them to you!

The entire process of purchasing property to live requires thought, analysis and decisions. Active buyers are constantly processing questions like

Will I enjoy living in this new community?

Is this location safe for me and my family?

Can I easily manage all of the necessary payments to maintain this property?

Will all of my personal items fit within this property?

When a vacant property is shown, this forces even more on the buyer to think think think! Buyers wonder whether their items will fit or if they need to purchase items, what will fit in the space. This becomes even more of an issue with smaller condos and homes. Let's face it - open spaces just confuse buyers. Common in condo spaces is an the open area...which tends to confuse lots of buyers. But staging a home with furniture can help address those issues and at least quiet those space questions down. Take a look at our example below to see what we mean.

Empty room/space in a condo...BEFORE

The space AFTER we dressed it up and staged it with nicely sized and furniture, added color and life!

Now you can really see how the family room and dining room space come together! And your brain doesn't have to work so hard to figure out where pieces of furniture can go and how they can fit.

If you are a homeowner or realtor selling a condo in DC, MD or Northern Virginia - stop confusing your buyers! They will thank you with a sale! So make it easy - stage your vacant property! We have great furniture to use make your place shine! See more of this condo at www.rarooms.com/portfolio.htm

Regards,


Roslyn Ashford, Interior Decorator and Stager
CEO, ra reDoes rooms, Inc.
http://www.rarooms.com; 240-423-1732

"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair