What's the smallest, most affordable, nicely located DC property I can buy that is NOT a condo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can buy small rowhouses in Shaw, Foggy Bottom, and Capitol Hill at that price point.

Having lived in one, I'd question whether that's the right move given your needs/proposed use.

Older rowhomes require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. Given that you're only going to be there occasionally, it doesn't seem worth it to me. Condos do not require nearly that level of effort, and would seem like a better fit your needs.

While I think you're correct that there will not be substantial price appreciation for condos, (a) the appreciation of rowhomes is offset somewhat by the cost in money and time for maintenance, (b) I don't think we are going to see significant price appreciation in rowhomes over the next few years either, and (c) you'll benefit from a lower purchase price for a condo.

I wouldn't mind getting a small rowhouse like this in this area. How is the mouse/rat/roach situation given shared walls, proximity to restaurants, etc?

[Anonymous]

We have had issues, and hired exterminators over the years.

When I talk to the exterminators, they've always said essentially the same thing. No matter where you live, rodents are always nearby, and will get in eventually if there is an infiltration point. There are always more if there is an abundant food source nearby, such as food waste from restaurants. The key to eliminating them from your home is to close off the infiltration point, and kill or trap the rodents that are inside. If you don't find and close the infiltration point, the problem will persist, no matter how many you trap or kill.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can buy small rowhouses in Shaw, Foggy Bottom, and Capitol Hill at that price point.

Having lived in one, I'd question whether that's the right move given your needs/proposed use.

Older rowhomes require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. Given that you're only going to be there occasionally, it doesn't seem worth it to me. Condos do not require nearly that level of effort, and would seem like a better fit your needs.

While I think you're correct that there will not be substantial price appreciation for condos, (a) the appreciation of rowhomes is offset somewhat by the cost in money and time for maintenance, (b) I don't think we are going to see significant price appreciation in rowhomes over the next few years either, and (c) you'll benefit from a lower purchase price for a condo.

I wouldn't mind getting a small rowhouse like this in this area. How is the mouse/rat/roach situation given shared walls, proximity to restaurants, etc?

[Anonymous]

Meant to add. In older rowhomes, there is a greater chance that there's an infiltration point. This is because of years of wear and tear. And because there are plenty of ground level access points. Finding them usually isn't too hard if you know how to look (a good exterminator can help with this), and I've been able to eliminate them with a combination of steel wool and expanding foam.

Anonymous wrote:We have had issues, and hired exterminators over the years.

When I talk to the exterminators, they've always said essentially the same thing. No matter where you live, rodents are always nearby, and will get in eventually if there is an infiltration point. There are always more if there is an abundant food source nearby, such as food waste from restaurants. The key to eliminating them from your home is to close off the infiltration point, and kill or trap the rodents that are inside. If you don't find and close the infiltration point, the problem will persist, no matter how many you trap or kill.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can buy small rowhouses in Shaw, Foggy Bottom, and Capitol Hill at that price point.

Having lived in one, I'd question whether that's the right move given your needs/proposed use.

Older rowhomes require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. Given that you're only going to be there occasionally, it doesn't seem worth it to me. Condos do not require nearly that level of effort, and would seem like a better fit your needs.

While I think you're correct that there will not be substantial price appreciation for condos, (a) the appreciation of rowhomes is offset somewhat by the cost in money and time for maintenance, (b) I don't think we are going to see significant price appreciation in rowhomes over the next few years either, and (c) you'll benefit from a lower purchase price for a condo.

I wouldn't mind getting a small rowhouse like this in this area. How is the mouse/rat/roach situation given shared walls, proximity to restaurants, etc?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can buy small rowhouses in Shaw, Foggy Bottom, and Capitol Hill at that price point.

Having lived in one, I'd question whether that's the right move given your needs/proposed use.

Older rowhomes require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. Given that you're only going to be there occasionally, it doesn't seem worth it to me. Condos do not require nearly that level of effort, and would seem like a better fit your needs.

While I think you're correct that there will not be substantial price appreciation for condos, (a) the appreciation of rowhomes is offset somewhat by the cost in money and time for maintenance, (b) I don't think we are going to see significant price appreciation in rowhomes over the next few years either, and (c) you'll benefit from a lower purchase price for a condo.

I know many families with rowhomes in Capitol Hill and Georgetown. The maintenance and upkeep isn't all that substantial...especially with a brick exterior that never needs to be painted.

Just curious what you are referring specifically, especially if you buy one with modern heating/cooling, modern plumbing, modern electrical (i.e., it's been upgraded at least in the last 20 years).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can buy small rowhouses in Shaw, Foggy Bottom, and Capitol Hill at that price point.

Having lived in one, I'd question whether that's the right move given your needs/proposed use.

Older rowhomes require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. Given that you're only going to be there occasionally, it doesn't seem worth it to me. Condos do not require nearly that level of effort, and would seem like a better fit your needs.

While I think you're correct that there will not be substantial price appreciation for condos, (a) the appreciation of rowhomes is offset somewhat by the cost in money and time for maintenance, (b) I don't think we are going to see significant price appreciation in rowhomes over the next few years either, and (c) you'll benefit from a lower purchase price for a condo.

I know many families with rowhomes in Capitol Hill and Georgetown. The maintenance and upkeep isn't all that substantial...especially with a brick exterior that never needs to be painted.

Just curious what you are referring specifically, especially if you buy one with modern heating/cooling, modern plumbing, modern electrical (i.e., it's been upgraded at least in the last 20 years).

roof, gutters, hvac, water heater, extermination, exterior lights, cleaning the dryer vent, landscaping/masonry, snow removal (including shoveling sidewalk), scheduling bulk trash removal or dealing with missing/broken trash cans...it's not constant, but it's all stuff that many condo associations would hire pros for.

and a lot of cheaper rowhomes have not been flipped well, so you have that to deal with too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can buy small rowhouses in Shaw, Foggy Bottom, and Capitol Hill at that price point.

Having lived in one, I'd question whether that's the right move given your needs/proposed use.

Older rowhomes require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. Given that you're only going to be there occasionally, it doesn't seem worth it to me. Condos do not require nearly that level of effort, and would seem like a better fit your needs.

While I think you're correct that there will not be substantial price appreciation for condos, (a) the appreciation of rowhomes is offset somewhat by the cost in money and time for maintenance, (b) I don't think we are going to see significant price appreciation in rowhomes over the next few years either, and (c) you'll benefit from a lower purchase price for a condo.

I wouldn't mind getting a small rowhouse like this in this area. How is the mouse/rat/roach situation given shared walls, proximity to restaurants, etc?

I've been in Shaw for 15+ years in a rowhouse that was completely rebuilt in the early 2000s. Rat issues REALLY vary block by block. We've had none. One cockroach situation due to a neighbor issue, but totally resolved once remediated.

It is a bigger deal than you might think to share walls - in some houses, noise/smoke passes through. Your neighbors are REALLY close if they host late night parties, etc. A fire in a neighboring home can be devastating, etc. All relatively small chance things, but they do happen. For me, the tradeoffs of street life/vibrancy are well worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can buy small rowhouses in Shaw, Foggy Bottom, and Capitol Hill at that price point.

Having lived in one, I'd question whether that's the right move given your needs/proposed use.

Older rowhomes require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. Given that you're only going to be there occasionally, it doesn't seem worth it to me. Condos do not require nearly that level of effort, and would seem like a better fit your needs.

While I think you're correct that there will not be substantial price appreciation for condos, (a) the appreciation of rowhomes is offset somewhat by the cost in money and time for maintenance, (b) I don't think we are going to see significant price appreciation in rowhomes over the next few years either, and (c) you'll benefit from a lower purchase price for a condo.

I know many families with rowhomes in Capitol Hill and Georgetown. The maintenance and upkeep isn't all that substantial...especially with a brick exterior that never needs to be painted.

Just curious what you are referring specifically, especially if you buy one with modern heating/cooling, modern plumbing, modern electrical (i.e., it's been upgraded at least in the last 20 years).

roof, gutters, hvac, water heater, extermination, exterior lights, cleaning the dryer vent, landscaping/masonry, snow removal (including shoveling sidewalk), scheduling bulk trash removal or dealing with missing/broken trash cans...it's not constant, but it's all stuff that many condo associations would hire pros for.

and a lot of cheaper rowhomes have not been flipped well, so you have that to deal with too.

Well, ok...but those have nothing really to do with OP buying a rowhome vs. any home. Again, if the roof has somewhat recently been replaced, then that's a non-issue, and landscaping could easily be a complete non-issue with a Capitol Hill rowhome with little outdoor space.

Snow removal is also usually like next to nothing given it snows so infrequently these days and a rowhome has a tiny postage-stamp amount of shoveling that needs done. Work out a deal with a neighborhood kid to spend 15 minutes to shovel if needed.

Bulk trash removal is very rarely needed and it's free in DC...so not really an expense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can buy small rowhouses in Shaw, Foggy Bottom, and Capitol Hill at that price point.

Having lived in one, I'd question whether that's the right move given your needs/proposed use.

Older rowhomes require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. Given that you're only going to be there occasionally, it doesn't seem worth it to me. Condos do not require nearly that level of effort, and would seem like a better fit your needs.

While I think you're correct that there will not be substantial price appreciation for condos, (a) the appreciation of rowhomes is offset somewhat by the cost in money and time for maintenance, (b) I don't think we are going to see significant price appreciation in rowhomes over the next few years either, and (c) you'll benefit from a lower purchase price for a condo.

I know many families with rowhomes in Capitol Hill and Georgetown. The maintenance and upkeep isn't all that substantial...especially with a brick exterior that never needs to be painted.

Just curious what you are referring specifically, especially if you buy one with modern heating/cooling, modern plumbing, modern electrical (i.e., it's been upgraded at least in the last 20 years).

roof, gutters, hvac, water heater, extermination, exterior lights, cleaning the dryer vent, landscaping/masonry, snow removal (including shoveling sidewalk), scheduling bulk trash removal or dealing with missing/broken trash cans...it's not constant, but it's all stuff that many condo associations would hire pros for.

and a lot of cheaper rowhomes have not been flipped well, so you have that to deal with too.

Well, ok...but those have nothing really to do with OP buying a rowhome vs. any home. Again, if the roof has somewhat recently been replaced, then that's a non-issue, and landscaping could easily be a complete non-issue with a Capitol Hill rowhome with little outdoor space.

Snow removal is also usually like next to nothing given it snows so infrequently these days and a rowhome has a tiny postage-stamp amount of shoveling that needs done. Work out a deal with a neighborhood kid to spend 15 minutes to shovel if needed.

Bulk trash removal is very rarely needed and it's free in DC...so not really an expense.

the question was not about a rowhouse v. detached home but rowhouse v. condo. If OP buys in a professionally managed condo building, he's never going to call a roofer, shovel snow, remove a fallen tree limb, etc. None of these things are a big deal, and maybe OP would rather deal with them than pay a condo fee. That's fine. It just gets a bit trickier if he's only there a few nights a week.

[Anonymous]

Genuinely confused why you wouldn’t want the ease of a condo in this situation? You’ll have fewer maintenance costs and headaches, it’s more secure for your kids when they stay and the fact that you’ll only be there a few nights a week. For 1m or under you can get a nice condo in neighborhoods you actually will want to be in for restaurants, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Genuinely confused why you wouldn’t want the ease of a condo in this situation? You’ll have fewer maintenance costs and headaches, it’s more secure for your kids when they stay and the fact that you’ll only be there a few nights a week. For 1m or under you can get a nice condo in neighborhoods you actually will want to be in for restaurants, etc.

Well, you will be paying a maintenance cost monthly in a condo…of course that amount depends upon how fancy the building (and may be worth it for a gym, pool, etc). You will still need to pay your own $$$s to replace appliances or upgrade an outdated condo and the big issue these days are getting hit with CapEx assessments by the building and rising condo fees.

If you buy a 2BR Cap Hill rowhome with mostly hard scape and a tiny front walk, then it’s easy to have little ongoing maintenance (that you do yourself).

Also, it’s likely to better retain/increase its value.

[Anonymous]

Your budget won't get you a rowhouse in a great area unless it's a fixer upper; otherwise you could get a renovated rowhouse in a not-so-great area which would be a bad idea as others have said...all the wrong people will learn what days you're out of town.

This is a small new rowhouse/townhouse in a great area - maybe a good option. I don't know the building itself, but Cleveland Park is great.
https://www.redfin.com/DC/Washington/2907-Newark-St-NW-20008/home/195852874

[Anonymous]

Your budget won't get you a rowhouse in a great area unless it's a fixer upper; otherwise you could get a renovated rowhouse in a not-so-great area which would be a bad idea as others have said...all the wrong people will learn what days you're out of town.

This is a small new rowhouse/townhouse in a great area - maybe a good option. I don't know the building itself, but Cleveland Park is great.
https://www.redfin.com/DC/Washington/2907-Newark-St-NW-20008/home/195852874

[Anonymous]

This in Tenleytown:

https://www.redfin.com/DC/Washington/4332-Chesapeake-St-NW-20016/home/9956888

Safe area, I would feel fine leaving this unoccupied a few days a week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Horrible idea unless you have money to burn.

I do have a small amount of money to burn, hence the bad idea.

I’d buy the cheapest studio possible closest to your office. This is not an investment - it’s something you are doing to make your life a little easier. (I won’t get into how your wife feels about it …) A rowhouse that you have to take a 20 min metro ride to makes very little sense. Unless you are actually trying to separate from your wife on the DL or won’t admit it to yourself. In that case you ought to consider the legal ramifications of moving out.


I would go for something like this: https://redf.in/qYEGul

Actually not a terrible investment if you pay cash and hold onto for a long time and rent to GW students when you don’t need it any more.

How do you know I'm not the wife

[Anonymous]

This looks perfect https://www.redfin.com/DC/Washington/19-Snows-Ct-NW-20037/home/9043554