A Little Vintage with A Splash Old World

A L'il bit of everything Shaw/14th Street Meca

Sounds like a fabulous drink, right? What on earth could we be talking about? Well if you have ever parked on 14th Street near Eatonville and look up there is a little sign, boy I wish I had taken a picture of it, it says 14th/U/Shaw. A meeting of the minds. So today we thought we would talk about this slice of the city and some of the offerings that are served up.

This is funky part of town that is going through a major metamorphosis. What is emerging is fantastic. Themed Restaurants, coffee houses that double as poetry/live music enclaves, old fashion  grocery stores and vintage clothiers. Wow! Jammed packed with incredible finds.  

Ms. Zora Neale Hurston--Eatonville

First up on the roster--Eatonville. Summed up as yummy goodness. A restaurant extraordinaire, I happen to follow them on Facebook and they are serving up shear delight in the form of cuisine and guest! Eric Benet dropped by this week for a little treat before his big show. The story of Eatonville is another Andy Shallal special, known for his famed Busboys and Poets. Eatonville is influenced by the history of Zora Neale Hurston. The name of Ms. Hurston's Florida hometown and home to the United State's first, post-Civil War, African American incorporated town. There is more phenomenal history on the owner and the restaurant worth searching for on the net. But for now let's focus on the main attraction! The honey corn-bread muffins and the Eatonville Po-Boy, nothing left to say.

A little bit of Lancaster PA in downtown DC

Step back in time as you walk into Smucker Farms, smack dab in the middle of 14th Street NW. Unbelievable! I would have sworn I was in Amish country in Pennsylvania. Fresh preserves, fruit, vegetables---

Wine Cheese and Farm Fresh Veggies on 14th/U Street Shaw District

OH THE BAKED GOODS! In speaking with the employees the vegetables are delivered fresh daily, which means when you see it grab it. They have a full refrigerated section, with milk, butter and eggs. Living in the city just isn't what it used to be, no longer do you have to traipse into VA/MD or await the opening of your favorite farmers market. Fresh produce, dairy and goodies at your fingertips daily. Walk out of your penthouse into Smucker's and onto the Metro, just like that!

"This is for the cool in you." Vintage fly ware in blocks of each other. Martha's Table, for the thrifter in you and for those wishing to give back to the community. Consider touching the lives of others by donating to the cause. Let's not leave out the Federal and Palace 5ive. The Federal debuted on October 31,2011. The twist from its brother Palace 5ive, is that it is a heritage-focused menswear shop. Both owned and operated by Greg Gremmen, Palace 5ive speaks to the skate-board crowd and according to many reviews, 'Palace 5ive is a fabulous place to hang out and shoot the breeze'.

Boutique Condo Row---a great name for this district.  No shortage on amenities boasting amazing views of the city as roof decks abound, inner courtyards to wow your summer guest with a cold glass of Chardonnay. Many of the upscale condo buildings come complete with a Concierge, what more could you want?  We put together a treasure trove so you could walk through some of these gorgeous homes Shaw & 14th Boutique Heaven.

Short Sale Resurrection!!!!

In today's post we are going to focus on facts and figures that are specific to Bowie. HOWEVER please note that if you or a loved one are experiencing a hardship with your property and would like to do a Short Sale, what we are about to divulge can be done anywhere in the Washington DC Metro area.

Why do we say Short Sale Resurrection? There are a ton of homeowners out there who have thought about or even tried a short sale and have been wholly unsuccessful. The real reasons is because they are working with a professional who doesn't have the ability to successfully negotiate the short sale. MOST importantly does not have access to the program that we are going to explain in this post. This is a ground breaking program that is NOT hindered by declining values, NOT your traditional short sale, NOT a refinance and finally it is NOT a loan modification.

This program allows homeowners to relieve themselves of over-leveraged property debt. We are working with a national firm that is able to purchase your short sale for CASH and allow you to get from under your debt giving you a fresh start. This program spells RELIEF!! If your property qualifies for the program here are the BENEFITS TO YOU:

1. No Fees to the Seller for your file to be submitted
2. No deficiency judgment
3. Your mortgage is "settled in full" 
4. You are released from any additional liability of the mortgage note
5. You will not receive a 1099 from your mortgage company as a penalty

We are solution oriented. We want to get All short sales to avoid Foreclosure and allow the homeowner to move on with their life! Have questions? Curious about the program and need more information? Give us a call or reach out by email and GIVE YOURSELF RELIEF IN 2012!!!!!

Bowie Short Sale Statistics:

Properties Status     Number of Properties      Average Days on Market       

Active                       64                                  166

Under Contract         93                                  116 

68 Under Contract between November 2011 and January 2012

25 Under Contract between April 2011 and September 2011

Sold                          36                                   123

17 Under Contract between August and November 2011

19 Under Contract between April and July 2011

DEAD SALES          55                                   155

ON AVERAGE PRICE CHANGED 8 TIMES BEFORE GOING OFF MARKET

What does this represent? 119 Families who were not able to gain RELIEF. The verdict is still out on the 93 under contract, and who knows how things will end up for these families or how long they have been waiting to hear the glorious words APPROVAL! Be among the group who works with the professional that ensures the following:

1. Your property is priced correctly from the Beginning! No price dropping games trying to find the right  number.
2. Works with professionals that are respected by theW Big Banks and gain rapid attention when their files are submitted for Approval.
3. Completely dedicated to negotiating short sales Everyday All Day Long with a Proven Track Record
4. Can work to get you what you want RELIEF from your existing debt!

Why hesitate? Get your life back on track and start 2012 off right! Connect with us at Getting Short Sales Sold. 

Little Ledroit Park and Beyond....

Ledroit Park 1st Gated Community in Washington DC

Who doesn't love the coziness that Ledroit Park has to offer? Perhaps not even a square mile, just a few quaint blocks make home to Little Ledroit Park. All who live here swear by the neighborhood. A quintessential blend of Victorian turn of the century restored homes meets contemporary sleek studios, the likes of which you  find on Park Avenue. The neighborhood has evolved before our eyes; home to Thai Bistros, artsy coffee houses and succulent Italian cuisine. If you haven't been here in 6 months you may not recognize the place.

Sitting in the crux of Georgia Avenue, U Street, North Capitol and Rhode Island Avenue lies this hidden gem. A little twist of French flair, this park was developed to be a very exclusive community in the mid 1800's. No more than 8 to 9 streets encompassed the community and not much has changed in the 21st Century. Still home to gorgeous Victorians a touch of Avant-garde has made it's way into the private community. UPDATES---In the video above I said "I haven't had an opportunity to try Beau Thai but heard it was awesome." Well I tried it on last Friday evening with my hubby, right before my last appointment for the evening. I arrived at 6:00pm, we were seated immediately by a smiling hostess and she left no stone unturned to ensure our comfort. We ordered our food and in 15 minutes we were eating two succulent dishes of authentic Thai cuisine. Delectable dishes of  spicy Seafood Fried Rice and the famed Drunken Noodle. As we sat there eating and enjoying the simplistic design of the restaurant it quickly filled up for a packed house. Awesome date night treat!

Posing with Owner "Aschara" behind the bar of Beau Thai

Ledroit has come of age from its predecessor of the 1800's adding luxurious condos to this whimsical community.  Introducing the Ledroit Park Condos located at 1907 3rd street NW. A marvelous little building with 4 units that feature Contemporary finishes, custom ice stone counters, bike storage, washer/dryers and Carrera marble baths. Unfortunately these little hideaways went quickly, the building is completely sold out. Not to despair, the same thing can be had on T Street, 2000 square feet of lush living. Hardwood floors, marble surround luxurious baths, 2 levels, 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms,rear patio and off street parking. 

Birdseye View Ledroit Park Circa 2012

Currently there are 23 properties for list in Little Ledroit. Ranging from row-houses, duplexes to Victorians. Preview what Ledroit Park has to offer Living Ledroit Park . Who knows you just might want to call it home one day. Well that's all for Little Ledroit Park so how do we put it? Quaint, turn of the century, contemporary and just plain fun!