Category: DC real estate

The Wethman Group’s Real Estate News – June 2018

Posted on by Wethman Group

June 2018

MARKET UPDATE
May was another record-breaking month in the DC Metro housing market. Prices ticked up to the highest in a decade, but not by much, rising just 1.1% $5,000 over May last year, but up a seasonal 3% or $15,000 over just last month. This is correlated with the lowest active inventory we have seen in May since 2013, despite new listings being up a seasonal 3% from last month, those new listings are being absorbed in record time. Median Days on Market (DOM) is down to just 9! Half of the homes that come on the market now are under contract in less than 9 days! This is 1 day fewer than last year and in line with the 9 day average we saw in 2013.
Interest rates bounced up and down over the past month, but have ended up back in the same starting point, which is good news for buyers still hoping to make their move by the end of summer. Despite the competitive market, our clients are still finding their home of choice and we are handing over keys all the time! Thinking of buying? Let us walk you through what this market means for your search strategy, or get started by attending our upcoming free webinar THIS WEDNESDAY, June 20th (registration details below). For many buyers, depending on your individual circumstance, we still think buying this year, even with all of the competition, will be better than waiting until next.
With the continued emphasis on inventory and seasonality in your favor, if you are thinking of selling, get in touch now to have us create the best strategy for you to sell for top dollar! The market is hot, but taking advantage of that competition requires the right marketing strategy and team to optimize your exposure to buyers. Check out our listing highlights below- 2 recent listings sold within days of hitting the market!
CLIENT APPRECIATION EVENTS
Baseball Game- Sunday, July 8th– Clients, it’s that time of year, you’ve received your invitation to our annual baseball game and you’ve responded! The event has proven so popular we are already on a waitlist for tickets, but we are determined to make sure we can get as many clients in a possible, so DO sign up for the waitlist if you are interested and root, root, root for the home team with us! If you haven’t received your invitation, please email us at events@wethmangroup.com and we’ll get you sorted out.
UPCOMING CLASSES
First Time Home Buyer Webinar: THIS WEDNESDAY, June 20th at 7pm
Our popular First Time Home Buyer class covers deciding to buy, financing, your home search, trends in the local market, and even the implications of the new tax law! If you want a refresher before diving into the Spring market, join us for this free class and send your friends who are thinking of buying! Register here to join.
Senior Seminar: Downsizing and Preparing Your Home for Sale
We joined TAD relocation last Thursday at Grand Oaks Assisted Living for a special seminar for seniors preparing to downsize and thinking about selling their long-time home. We had a great response and would love to share this information with any groups who are interested! Let us know if you have a group (or individual) who would benefit from downsizing information. We’d be happy to reach out!
As always, if you or someone you know has a real estate need, please reach out. We are here to help!
The Wethman Group
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The Wethman Group’s Real Estate News – May 2018

Posted on by Wethman Group

May 2018

MARKET UPDATE
Remember when we said last month that the market had slowed slightly in March? Well April made up for it! We are seeing bidding wars and lots of activity across the board, but particularly in DC and close-in markets in Virginia and Maryland. The weather may be damp, but the housing market is hot.
Despite lower inventory than April last year, sales volume is up 10% from last April. Consequently, prices are up in all locations, but particularly in DC proper, which saw a median price increase of 13.5% from April 2017 (from a median sale price of $519k in April 2017 to $590k in April 2018). We are seeing that prices in neighborhoods that were previously considered a “good deal” have also risen, meaning prices are acting more flat across the district, regardless of where a property is located.
New listings were up almost 9% from April last year, but active inventory was down 9% from last April, meaning those new listings are being absorbed, plus some. This also marks 2 years of year-over-year decline in inventories, though it is worth noting that historically we are still 21% above the 5-year-low seen in 2013.
Still, our own clients are still finding their home of choice and we are handing over keys all the time! Thinking of buying? Let us walk you through what this market means for your search strategy, or get started by attending our upcoming free webinar Tuesday, June 19 (registration details below). For many buyers, depending on your individual circumstance, we still think buying this year, even with all of the competition, will be better than waiting until next.
With the continued emphasis on inventory, and seasonality in your favor, if you are thinking of selling, get in touch now to have us create the best strategy for you to sell for top dollar! The market is hot, but taking advantage of that competition requires the right marketing strategy and team to optimize your exposure to buyers. Check out our listing highlights below- 2 recent listings sold within days of hitting the market!
CLIENT APPRECIATION EVENTS
Picnic at the Winery
We had a great time with our clients, Saturday May 12th at our 2nd picnic at the Winery at Bull Run. The unseasonably 90+ degree weather meant the bottles of Rose went down easy in the shade! We loved seeing so many of you and look forward to catching up again at the baseball game in July!
Baseball Game- Sunday, July 8th– Clients, watch your mailboxes and inboxes for your invite to our Annual Baseball game, Sunday, July 8th as the Nats take on the Marlins at home! Enjoy a quintessential DC summer afternoon and root, root, root for the home team with us!
UPCOMING CLASSES
First Time Home Buyer Webinar: Tuesday, June 19th at 7pm
Our popular First Time Home Buyer class covers deciding to buy, financing, your home search, trends in the local market, and even the implications of the new tax law! If you want a refresher before diving into the Spring market, join us for this free class and send your friends who are thinking of buying! Register here to join.
Senior Seminar: Downsizing and Preparing Your Home for Sale
Grand Oaks Assisted Living at Sibley Hospital
Thursday, June 14 1-3pm
We are excited to be partnering with TAD Relocation and Grand Oaks Assisted Living to offer a seminar on downsizing and preparing your home for sale at Grand Oaks at Sibley Memorial Hospital. If you or a loved one is considering downsizing, or would just like more information about process of selling your home, join us! RSVP to mbuckl10@jhmi.edu, or call (202) 660-7882.
As always, if you or someone you know has a real estate need, please reach out. We are here to help!
The Wethman Group
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The Wethman Group’s Real Estate News – March 2018

Posted on by Wethman Group

March 2018

MARKET UPDATE
Your housing search this spring may seem like it requires a pot of gold! The February median price reached the highest in a decade, interest rates are still climbing, and inventory is holding low. While this sounds grim, these are all just trends of the averages over time. Historically interest rates are still low, and our buyers that are ready to compete are still walking away with their house of choice! We are beginning to see the expected seasonal increase in inventory (new listings up 25% from last month), but of those that come on the market, a larger percentage are finding contracts, making February Active Listings down 13% from February of last year. This is the 22nd consecutive month of year-over-year decline in active listings.
Closed sales and pending contracts remained flat against February last year again this month, meaning buyers are biting on a bigger percentage of homes on the market right now to make up for the lack of inventory. Buyers, let us help you gear up to move on YOUR house when it hits the market. Having your financing and game plan ready is essential this year.
 If you have been thinking about selling, now is the time. Every year buyers come out before the sellers, and the inventory this year is particularly lacking. Contact us now, to talk about how to make your property shine in this early spring market, or how to utilize coming soon marketing to get buyers interested in your property before you are even ready to move! We have sellers now with a summer move timeline, already gearing up to hit the market.
UPCOMING EVENTS
WG Perks Escape Room Event
This past Sunday our team, clients, and friends hit Escape Room Live Georgetown for some puzzle solving fun! Teams beat rooms themed Runaway Subway, Titanic, The Mummy, and Ghostbusters (alas the action in the rooms was too intense for photos). We are proud to report that ALL groups ESCAPED! Special thanks to our sponsors Vince Coyle Team at MVB Mortgage and Steve Milwicz at Atlantic Insurance Group.
Clients, Save the Date- Future Client Appreciation Events:
Saturday, May 12th– Picnic and Wine Tasting at The Winery at Bull Run
Sunday, July 8th– Annual Baseball Game- Nats vs. Marlins
First Time Home Buyer Webinar: THIS WEDNESDAY
We are taking out popular First Time Home Buyer Classes online, hosting a webinar Wednesday, March 21st at 7pm. The class covers deciding to buy, financing, your home search, and trends in the local market, among other topics. If you want a refresher before diving into the Spring market, join us for this free class! Feel free to send your friends who are thinking about buying this year, too. Register here for details.
 Welcome Alli Collier to the Wethman Group Team
We are excited to introduce you to our latest team member: Alli Collier. Alli joins the Wethman Group from a background in Public Relations and a former staffer for the US Senate. She is licensed in DC and Virginia and excited to help our buyers find the home of their dreams. When not scoping out the latest houses to hit the market, Alli spends her time outdoors, hiking, biking, or prepping for her next race.
As always, if you or someone you know has a real estate need, please reach out. We are here to help!
The Wethman Group
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JUST LISTED: 1414 Belmont Rd NW #102 Washington DC

Posted on by Bridget Hodge

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The spring market is here, and we’re excited about our newest listing in DC! This modern condo is located at 1414 Belmont Rd N at the Solea in bustling Columbia Height neighborhood.

Details on the unit:
A spacious studio that lives like a one bedroom!
The unit features 670 sq feet of living space, 12 ft ceilings, gleaming wide plank, bamboo hardwood floors and fresh paint throughout.
Ideal layout with plenty of space for a bedroom and living area.
Updated kitchen with granite countertops and newer cabinets.
Spacious foyer perfect for an office nook.
Walk-in closet with custom shelving.
Expansive bathroom with large vanity, shower/tub, and tiled floor. Stacked washer and dryer in unit.
The front door opens to a private and secured courtyard with outdoor furniture.
Reserved parking spot, just steps from your front door.
The building was built in 2008, is pet-friendly, and offers a low condo fee.
Ideal location, just 1 Block to Meridian Hill Park- 4 blocks to Metro- Mins to 14th St, U St, and Columbia Heights!
Plenty of retail & restaurants nearby: Busboys & Poets Kapnos, Provision no 14, Marvin, Policy and more!

This unit is unique because it’s almost twice the size of other studios and features convenient access right off the private courtyard. Other studios in the building have sold for $280K-$330K, depending on their size and updated. One bedroom units in the building have sold for $390K-$420K, depending on their size and amenities.

This unit is being listed for $389,900. Please contact us for a private showing!

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The Wethman Group’s Real Estate News – February 2018

Posted on by Wethman Group

February 2018

MARKET UPDATE

The groundhog may have seen his shadow, but in the real estate market Spring is coming early! While working with our buyer clients, we are seeing bustling open houses around the DC Metro area and crowded showing appointments. Driving some of the clustering at listings is near historically low inventory levels. January saw the 21st consecutive month of decline in year-over-year inventories and active listings are down 15% from January last year.

Median price in our area reached the highest median January price in a decade ($399,900), though we saw a seasonal dip of 5% from the median sales price in December. Closed sales and pending contracts remained flat, meaning buyers are biting on a bigger percentage of homes on the market right now to make up for the lack of inventory. Buyers, let us help you gear up to move on YOUR house when it hits the market. Having your financing and game plan ready is essential this year.

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If you have been thinking about selling, now is the time. Every year buyers come out before the sellers, and the inventory this year is particularly lacking. Contact us now, to talk about how to make your property shine in this early spring market, or how to utilize coming soon marketing to get buyers interested in your property before you are even ready to move!

UPCOMING EVENTS

unnamedWG Perks Escape Room Event

We are hosting our first Client Appreciation Event of the year, Sunday, March 11th at DC’s top-rated escape room experience. We’ll solve puzzles to escape from rooms with themes like Friday the 13th and Runaway Subway, and save some time to mingle after. Clients should have received your invite last week. Contact us if you haven’t. RSVP soon (and no later than March 1)! Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Special thanks to our sponsors Vince Coyle Team at MVB Mortgage and Steve Milwicz at Atlantic Insurance Group.

 

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First Time Home Buyer Webinar

We are taking out popular First Time Home Buyer Classes online, hosting a webinar Wednesday, February 21st at 7pm. The class covers deciding to buy, financing, your home search, and trends in the local market, among other topics. If you want a refresher before diving into the Spring market, join us for this free class! Feel free to send your friends who are thinking about buying this year, too. Register here for details.

As always, if you or someone you know has a real estate need, please reach out. We are here to help!

The Wethman Group

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SOLD: 1701 16th St NW Washington DC

Posted on by Bridget Hodge

1701 16th St NW 822 Washington-MLS_Size-001-40-Exterior-2048x1536-72dpi

Congrats to our client for selling her one bedroom coop in DC!

Spacious and bright top floor 1 bedroom unit located in the historic Chastleton in Dupont Circle!
Completely updated and move in ready.
Open floor plan with high ceilings, separate office nook, kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, plus custom closets, crown molding, new windows.
Hardwood floors throughout.
Large bedroom with plenty of closet space.
Washer and dryer in unit!
Surround sound speakers, receiver, and 2 flat screen TVs convey.
Building amenities include a 24-hour front desk with an onsite manager, fitness center, bike storage, ballroom, common courtyard with a grill, and a breathtaking rooftop terrace.
Rental storage and rental parking usually available.
Monthly co-op fee includes property taxes, building maintenance, plus cable with HBO, high-speed internet, trash removal, heat, and water. Owner pays only electric!
One of the most sought-after locations in DC! Located just minutes from Dupont Circle Metro, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Ted’s Bulletin, El Centro, & lots more!
Other units in The Chastleton have sold for $194K up to $618K depending on size, updates and number of bedrooms & baths. Most one bedroom and one bath units in 2017 sold for between $269k and $425K. Our unit was a larger one bedroom with 712 sq ft and sold for $389K.
If you have questions about the DC market or pricing for your home, please contact us for a free consultation!
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The Wethman Group’s Real Estate News – January 2018

Posted on by Wethman Group

January 2018

Greetings!
In the News 
  • Local Market Update
  • Tax Law Update & Market Impact
  • Wethman Group PERKS! Client Appreciation Program Launches
Local Market Update
December was busier than normal for sellers and buyers!
In the DC area, the market remains hot. There were 695 sales, which topped the December average of 673 homes sold. Pending sales and active listings were also higher than previous years. The month’s supply dipped to just below 1.5 months of inventory! Most homes were on the market 18 days or less.
In the Northern Virginia area, there were 2,599 sales in December which is lower than the five-year average. This is similar to the number of sales the same period in 2016. Pending and active listings were lower than previous December averages, but more homes were sold throughout the entire year compared to volume in 2016. The month’s supply also dipped to 1.4 months (from a 2.0 average) confirming that there is less inventory for buyers. The average days on market also decreased in most counties compared to sales in December 2016. The market is still strong in most counties.
Thinking about selling your home in 2018? Don’t wait for Spring! The serious buyers start looking as early as February, and we typically see higher prices and multiple offers for our sellers *very* early in the season! Contact us to get a free consultation for your home and updated market analysis of your neighborhood.
( Data & graph from SmartCharts by Showingtime)
 
Tax Law Update & Market Impact
 

The tax bill is now final and is largely the same as what was in the combined bill coming out of committee.  A brief refresher:
– The bill allows a “pass through” deduction of 20% of income to an LLCs, S-Corps, and partnerships for income up to $315,000 (phases out completely at $415,000).  Details are still being studied by CPAs everywhere, but this could be a good tax-saving opportunity for owners of rental properties.
– The bill allows mortgage interest on the first $750,000 of debt to be deducted.
– Itemizers can deduct a combined state and local tax PLUS property taxes but CAPS the combined deduction at $10,000.
– The “2 out of 5 years” exclusion on capital gains on the sale of a primary residence remains.
In our area, we don’t expect to see a significant impact on the immediate real estate market as a result of the tax bill.  While homeowners with mortgages > $750k will certainly be impacted, it’s not likely to cause large numbers to change their home buying or selling decisions. The cap on SALT deductions has a larger impact on more home owners locally, but the increase in the standard deduction, combined with lower rates overall, makes it unlikely that most home owners will see a change significant enough to impact the buying and selling (at least until the individual cuts sunset down the road).  Of course there are always exceptions, but in general, I do not expect a big shift in our market currently.  We’re already seeing a lot of buyers and sellers getting ready for spring, and while they’re all curious about the new law’s impact, we’re just not seeing it change anyone’s plans yet.
The law *will* eventually have an impact on first time buyers, who will see less of a tax advantage, or no advantage at all, to buying vs renting.  Of course there are other incentives, financial and otherwise, to owning, so buyers won’t disappear, but it may take longer for it to make financial sense for first time buyers, which will slow down their entry into the market and have a ripple effect upwards.
Client Appreciation Program and Events 
 
WG PERKS Client Appreciation Program Launch
 
We are always looking for ways to show our clients how much we value you! We are excited to roll out a new Client Appreciation Program for 2018: WG Perks! As part of the program we will continue to offer our moving truck, client appreciation events, and loaner library, and have added for 2018 free office services (copies, faxes, and notary service), new loaner library equipment, and monthly drawings for some great prizes! If you are a client and did not receive your invitation to participate, please email us at wgperks@wethmangroup.com.
WG PERKS LOANER LIBRARY ADDITIONS:You probably know we have a free moving truck, but we’ve also now added 2 warming buffets, a large coffee urn, and a 4 foot table, available for your short-term use. Need to take down those holiday lights? Ask us about our 22′ ladder! Just email us at wgperks@wethmangroup.comto reserve an item for pickup.
 
First Time Home Buyer Classes – Coming Soon ONLINE!
In 2018 we are taking out popular First Time Home Buyer Classes online! Beginning in February, we will be offering a free online webinar that covers: deciding to buy, financing, your home search, and trends in the local market, among other topics. Register here and we will keep you in the loop when the dates are set, or forward this to a friend who is thinking about starting their search!
As always, if you or someone you know has a real estate need please reach out. We’re here to help!
The Wethman Group
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