Out & About - Around town with Aelita

Aelita Brolis, who views property all the time, recently found much worth seeing in Foggy Bottom and points elsewhere. Her impressions follow.

• A gorgeous one bedroom condo in Foggy Bottom. Listed at $459,900 and only 14 days on the market, this is a unique gem that seems decently priced. It is 700 square feet, full of light and great angles everywhere. Everything is updated with granite and stainless. The ceilings are high. The one bathroom has two entrances. The parking spot – which is worth about $60,000 in that area – is HUGE and separately deeded. What a bonus! Residents are also allowed to build storage units on their parking spot if they so chose in this pet-friendly building. The condo fee is about $385, and that includes all the regulars plus cable TV and front desk service. The only utilities you have to pay are electric and phone. Wow.
  
• A Foggy Bottom cooperative building I have been in more times than I can count, always looking for something decent but rarely finding it, well, for at least the right price. The location - a few blocks from the metro, the new Trader Joe's, GW, etc. is the best thing this 465-square-foot efficiency has going for it after 22 days on the market. It is listed at $195,000, and its monthly fee is $487/month. There is a rooftop pool and taxes are included, as are utilities, and you have a 24-hour desk. The unit is a rectangle. Its kitchen is outdated, the carpet is okay, but the plaster blistering off the walls does not do much for me. For the rather modest monthly fees and its fabulous location, if this rectangle was updated, I think someone could be quite happy there for the current asking price.
  
• A spectacular townhouse in Foggy Bottom. Words can not appropriately describe this piece of craftsmanship. It has beautiful bamboo floors, bright light pouring in every window. Everything is brand new – from stainless to granite to cherry cabinets to cutting-edge electronics wiring throughout the main level. This historic home - built in 1900 - now has new walls, floors, roof, skylights, and plumbing and electrical systems. You want to move in the moment you walk in. Unfortunately, the kicker is that this is a 2-bedroom/1.5-bath home for $819,900 and has only street parking. You would have to LOVE Foggy Bottom and work just a block or two away to buy this townhouse. After 83 days on the market, many might agree with me.
  
• An okay row home in Capitol Hill. The property thankfully is not too far from Lincoln Park, but $540,000 for a "nice" two bedroom plus den home with one bathroom and one powder room seems a bit optimistic in this market. The first floor feels a little dark. The larger bedroom is separated from the much smaller bedroom by the den/family room on the second floor. The good news is that all appliances are less than three years old and there is garage parking. A little back patio also exists but needs some love if you ever want to sit outside. I rate it a C+. It has been on the market for merely two weeks – so it is hard to tell – but I think a couple of $10,000's need to be knocked off the asking price for a quicker sale.
  
• A stunning renovation in Columbia Heights and only two blocks from the Metro. This 3-bedroom/2.5-bath home is listed at $849,900 and has been on the market for two weeks. The beautiful architectural details have been meticulously restored – gorgeous inlaid floors, fireplace mantels, bay windows with their original glass, among other features. From the foyer, the sunny living room is off to the left and the reception hall lies ahead. From there, the inviting dining room could well accommodate a large dinner party' it flows into the state-of-the-art kitchen - everything from maple cabinets to Jenn-Air and Bosch appliances. Need I say more? Gorgeous. The three updated bedrooms still have the old school charm of a lovely 1900 Victorian but the bathrooms look perfectly and tastefully updated for the 2006 buyer. There is also parking for two cars, a deep front garden, a quiet rear deck and garden. Some one or ones will be very happy here.
  
• A 1-bedroom/1-bath apartment in Cathedral Heights. It has been on the market since mid-May, and the sellers are still asking for $325,000. The space is quite nice, with 840 square feet with which to work. The windows face - after a little bit of grass - a thickness of trees – hence giving the unit a quiet and serene feel. The unit boasts a huge closet and is clean – just itching for a buyer. The coop fee with taxes included is almost $1,000/month. Those coop fees – so often such a drawback.
  
• A single-family, detached home that I selfishly went to see in Brookland. As it is almost the exact replica of my own home, I wanted to see how someone else has decorated virtually the same space. Well, I am jealous. They done good. Listed at $519,000 and only four blocks to the Brookland Metro, restaurants and other neighborhood amenities, this cute bungalow brings out the charm of 1925, when it was built, and is beautifully complimented by all its 2002 renovations. Its curb appeal is what first draws you onto the welcoming porch. From there you have hardwood floors throughout the house, high ceilings, tons of light and loads of character. Upstairs are three bedrooms and one bath. The main level has a lovely living room, separate dining room, chef's kitchen and powder room. The lower level has been converted a fully finished basement with many window in its utility room, spacious family room and a little nook of a fourth bedroom and full bath. The back yard is completely fenced in. Its gardens just need one weekend with a green thumb and then would be perfect. Although I hope this seller does get his asking price, I think $489,000 might be a little more realistic. It has, though, been on the market only seven days.