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        <title>Washington Metro Area Condo &amp; Co-op Living Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.dcmoderncondos.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Discover the latest trends and insights in the luxury condo market across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. From exclusive listings to market analyses, stay informed on the best in luxury condo living in the DMV area.</description>
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    <guid>https://www.dcmoderncondos.com/blog/recent-top-penthouse-sales-in-washington-2023/</guid>
    <link>https://www.dcmoderncondos.com/blog/recent-top-penthouse-sales-in-washington-2023/</link>
        <author>andre@districtpartners.com (Andre Perez)</author>
        <title>Recent Top Penthouse Sales in Washington, 2023</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Washington, DC's Top Penthouse Sales in 2023


Penthouse living represents the pinnacle of luxury in major cities across the country. In Washington, DC, these ultimate homes in the sky often represent the top of the condominium price charts as well, as evidenced by a rash of impressive sales in the first six months of 2023. These elite penthouses range from brand-new construction to historic landmarks, and from the Potomac River coastline to the urban heart of the District. Here, then, is a look at seven notable sales in a vibrant and culturally diverse city where history, modern luxury, and the seat of federal government exist side-by-side.


The Top of Amaris 



One of Washington’s newest high-end residential towers produced not only the most expansive condo sale this year, but the priciest one in the city’s history. Unit PH1 at Amaris in the Southwest Waterfront listed for $12,500,000 in April, and quickly sold for above-asking at $12,762,000. The 5,790 square foot penthouse features four bedrooms, five full baths, two half baths, and a giant private terrace. Floor-to-ceiling curved windows on three sides provide spectacular views of the Washington Channel and the Potomac River beyond. Amaris with its abstract, twisting façade, is perched right by the water’s edge at 601 Wharf Street, and is part of The Wharf, DC’s newest waterfront destination place.


A Favorite Building in Georgetown


Topping the penthouse list in May was Unit 8H at the always popular 3303 Water Street in Georgetown. The two-level residence with three bedrooms and three full baths sold for $5,719,000. Features like custom wall treatments, gleaming hardwood floors, and a stunning open chef-inspired kitchen are impressive indeed. But the real attention getter is he massive full height windows offering expansive and unobstructed views of the Potomac River, along with Georgetown’s curving coastline. At night, the city lights and glittering water provide the most alluring backdrop. An upstairs entertainment room leads out to an incredible 1,400 square foot private roof level terrace with more glorious river vistas.


Putting on the Ritz


An extraordinary penthouse at the Ritz-Carlton West End sold for a cool $5 million in February. Unit PH3E at 1155 23rd Street NW in the West End neighborhood has over 5,100 square feet of luxurious living space spread out over two levels. This very spacious residence has three bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and a giant main living room area with tray ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace. There are private outdoor spaces at each level, including a rooftop terrace with 360 degree views of the Washington cityscape. The many bonus features include an additional family room, a home office, a recreation room, an upstairs lofts with gym, marble baths, huge walk-in closets, and three reserved parking spaces.


A Wardman Classic, Reimagined 



Unit PH-D at the legendary Wardman Tower at 2660 Connecticut Avenue in Woodley Park was the most expensive condo sale in June, closing at $4.5 million. The landmark structure was built by Harry Wardman in 1928, and recently renovated and reimagined by Deborah Berke Partners. This three-bedroom, 3.5-bath penthouse with 4,527 square feet of exquisite living space across two levels melds Old World grandeur with new modernity. From the spectacular oak herringbone floors to an open chef’s kitchen that looks like a magazine cover, this duplex is truly noteworthy. The topper on the cake is the huge, private rooftop deck that is perfect for entertaining.


West End Modernity


Returning to recent construction and contemporary design principles. Unit PH103 at Westlight at 1111 24th Street NW, closed at $4,450,000 in May. This eye-catching building with its cantilevered façade was designed by Enrique Norten and is also home to the new West End Library. The three-bedroom penthouse with 3.5 baths and 4,500 square feet of living space offers a huge, open main living and dining area with towering floor-to-ceiling windows wrapping around three sides. The Euro-style gourmet kitchen faces one of the massive window walls, providing an incredible as you prepare meals. Westlight amenities include concierge, doorman and porter, as well as a state-of-the art fitness center, private clubroom, and the city’s only 25-meter heated rooftop pool.


Timeless Style


The 2501 Penn condo building with its Beaux-Arts style is named for its address at 2501 Pennsylvania Avenue. Unit PH2B closes out our list of top penthouse sales in the first half of 2023. The two-story residence with 4,500 square feet of living space recently underwent a makeover from noted interior designer Barry Dixon. The three-bedroom, 3.5-bath dwelling with its own private elevator sold for $4,450,000 in April, matching the price of the above-mentioned transaction at the nearby Westlight. The style couldn’t be more different, however, eschewing modern minimalism in favor of traditional elegance, such as coffered ceilings, a wood and fabric paneled library, winding stairs, and multiple fireplaces. The view from the private roof-level terrace is also sublime.


Wrapping Up


That concludes our list of six notable penthouse sales over the first six months of 2023. From an all-time record setter to a timeless classic that has recently been reborn, these spacious top floor residences are emblematic of a refined lifestyle in a cosmopolitan city that also happens to be the nation’s capital. While these particular gems are now off the market, there are still numerous available penthouse condos for sale. To learn more, please call Andre Perez at District Partners at Compass, 202-400-3040
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 09 Mar 2024 21:09:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.dcmoderncondos.com/blog/why-some-home-just-dont-sell/</guid>
    <link>https://www.dcmoderncondos.com/blog/why-some-home-just-dont-sell/</link>
        <author>andre@districtpartners.com (Andre Perez)</author>
        <title>Why Some Home Just Don't Sell</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
One of the major complaints in real estate is the length of time it can take for certain homes to sell. Even worse, sometimes the right offer never comes at all. Why is this?


There are many reasons, from pricing to making a property stand out from the rest. Let’s drill a little deeper into some key selling points.


Pricing Your Home Too High


Washington Metro home prices have been soaring in recent years, from the District itself to Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda and other parts of the region. But sellers still have to recognize their specific neighborhood and the most recent value trends. One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is falling into the trap of unreasonable expectations and pricing their property too high.


The first days on the market mark the period when the iron is hot—it’s now that you have the upper hand and the most exposure to hungry buyers. After all, “new to market” listings attract the most attention.


But an overinflated asking price can cause buyers to hesitate and turn to other listings. True, the interested party may bookmark your home and revisit the notion, especially if it’s an eye-catcher or in a great location. But as time passes, there comes the obvious question—why hasn’t somebody else bought it? Is there something wrong beside the price?


And so it becomes a deteriorating cycle. The higher the price, the longer it takes. And the longer it takes, the less likely it is that you’ll ever get an offer. On the other hand, pricing a home right in the first place can often lead to multiple bids and over-price offers.


Poor Condition of Your Home


Home sellers can come up with a million reasons to put off repairs or cosmetic preparations. After all, you have a busy life and you’re selling the place anyway, right? Why go through all that hassle if you don’t need to?


But this is a major mistake and it can definitely lead to the loss of a sale.


Just as you don’t want to spend time and money on repairs, neither do buyers. After all, they’re about to commit to what could be the biggest purchase of their lives. Who wants to hire a plumber, electrician or painter right after forking over all that green on a down payment?


You don’t have to be in this alone. If you’re working with a realtor, ask for help and advice. And remember, it’s not only the major problems that can be red flags, but minor cosmetic issues as well. Water stains, cracked tiles and dingy carpeting can really turn off a visitor to your home.


So fix those rain gutters, spruce up the yard, get rid of the clutter and give the interior a fresh coat of neutral paint.


Not Using Proper Marketing


There are a lot of ways to market your home, from DYI to costly paid advertising. But sometimes, the best method is to use an experienced professional without spending a dime. How is this possible?


Brokers often offer to market your property free of charge—it’s all part of getting your listing and collecting a commission when it sells. But sometimes, these marketing solutions are little more than planting a yard sign.


It makes sense, then, to look at all the different selling tools and make sure you hire a representative who will go the extra mile.


A good picture tells a thousand words. Find out if your realtor is the one taking those pics or if they’re using a professional. Creative real estate photography with eye-popping colors and great definitions will showcase your listing to discerning shoppers.


Also, make sure your agent provides professionally designed property brochures, postcards and internet media posts.


Is your agent affiliated with a company with a great support structure? Will he or she share your listing on major national websites? How about offering a custom-designed property website specific to your property?


Cutting-edge software, email blasts, social media, strategic tours, electronic fliers and more are all part of the new interactive age of real estate marketing.

 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:45:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.dcmoderncondos.com/blog/5-reasons-to-live-at-muse-in-old-town-alexandria/</guid>
    <link>https://www.dcmoderncondos.com/blog/5-reasons-to-live-at-muse-in-old-town-alexandria/</link>
        <author>andre@districtpartners.com (Andre Perez)</author>
        <title>5 Reasons to Live at Muse in Old Town Alexandria</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Muse Condominium in Old Town, Alexandria


Slated for a 2021 delivery, the new Muse Condominium project in Alexandria’s Old Town North has been described by its developers as Artful Living. There’s more to the slogan than typical marketing jargon, as its location is in the city’s Arts Corridor. With 73 luxury condos for sale scheduled to deliver by the end of the year, the development is being shepherded by Carr Companies, with exteriors by SK&amp;I Architecture based in Bethesda, and interior design from ADG of Alexandria. What are some good reasons for prospective buyers to scope Muse out? Let’s dig a little deeper. 


An Appealing Exterior


It’s hard to argue the visual appeal of Muse, with cubist brick structures backed by a taller glass and steel building. Old Town Alexandria prides itself on its tradition and history. As a result, the local planning commission holds developers to rigorous standards when it comes to any new construction. SK&amp;I Architecture passed the test with flying colors, melding Alexandria’s familiar boxy brick themes with more modern elements. The end result is highly pleasing to the eye. An added bonus is the positioning of balconies so that they face east toward the Potomac River.


Luxury Floorplans and More


Living options are quite varied, with two-story lofts in the one of the front buildings and chic flats for sale in the tower. Models are priced from the $800s to around $2.2 million, with floorplans climbing from 920 to 2,800 square feet of space. Tower layouts start with one bedroom plus den and two full baths, increasing in size to two bedrooms plus den and 2.5 baths. Interiors are bright and open with giant windows looking out on Old Town. Many units also have private balconies or terraces, offering views of the river. Wide-plank engineered hardwood floors, luxurious spa baths and Italian gourmet kitchens with Thermador and Bosch appliances add to the interior appeal.


Amenities Abound


Muse offers lots of bells and whistles to accompany the luxury apartments and lofts for sale, such as the rooftop clubroom with its expansive waterfront views. You can warm at the fireplace, have a drink at the bar or step out to chic terrace areas to grill while enjoying a breeze off the river. The luxe lobby includes white gloves service with a 24-hour concierge, private mail room and package storage. A first floor lounge boasts a marble fireplace and sitting areas. There’s also penthouse-level fitness and yoga studios, plus an outdoor fitness terrace. The pet-friendly condominium even has grooming facilities with tub and drying area for your four-legged friends


Artful Living


A connection between the arts community and residents is a deliberate focus, with the Muse developers partnering with The Art League in order to bring creativity to the front door. An outdoor “Arts Walk” is a key component, featuring a landscaped open space with display areas, seating and lighting.  The two brick buildings in front with their distinctive facades are joined by an enclosed bridge above the Arts Walk. While the larger of the two front buildings is dedicated to loft space, the smaller is described as a “jewel box,” serving as welcoming the local arts community with The Art League occupying the first floor. Additionally, the new Metro Stage Theatre is right next-door


Location, Location, Location


Muse is located at 1201 N. Royal Street in Alexandria. The local neighborhood is the Old Town North Arts District, an area that has increasingly emerged as a trendy and vibrant place to live, work and play. The Potomac River and Tide Lock Park are steps away, with bakeries, coffeehouses and restaurants all within walking distance. You can gather groceries at the nearby Trader Joes, Harris and Teeters, and Slaters markets. There’s also a great local farmers market for foodies. Del Ray with its fabulous indie shops and eateries is a few blocks west, and you’ll also be next-door to the rest of Old Town Alexandria and all it has to offer


To learn more about Muse, call Andre Perez at  202-798-3600 or email at andre@districtpartners.com
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2022 11:51:00 -0500</pubDate>
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