Thursday, October 19, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
These days, if you're looking for ideas around home staging and improvement, all you have to do is turn on the TV. With dozens—dozens!—of real estate reality shows dominating prime time, you could conceivably never run out of inspiration to make your home stand out.
And sure, you might feel empowered after watching designers and builders knock down walls, repaint with bold colors, and then style the result with ornate throw pillows. But emulating these shows can be a slippery slope for sellers.
Somewhere along the way, these programs have created DIY monsters out of homeowners who think they can easily replicate what they see on TV. The result? A property that's nearly impossible for brokers to market and sell.
We're not saying you should never take your cues from these shows. But you should know the reality of reality TV advice—before your wallet is empty and you're knee-deep in shiplap. Here are seven pain points for a; ...
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dc, dc metro area, real estate, dmv, halloween, selling your home
Thursday, October 19, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
You’re buying a home and you need a mortgage. How do you choose the right lender—one that will offer not only the best deal, but also good customer service?
You’ll find no shortage of banks, online lenders, mortgage brokers and other players eager to take your loan application. Here are five tips for selecting the best mortgage lender out of the bunch.
Compare Offers and Lenders
Start getting familiar with various lenders and the deals they’re offering by browsing through mortgage rates. Lenders will “present price differently,” notes Robert Davis, an executive vice president at the American Bankers Association (ABA). “Some lower rates might include fees with it, so the annual percentage rate is different than what you might think.”
Also, understand that some lenders specialize. One might be a good choice if you’re financing a condo, while others might offer a better deal if you’re building your home from scratch. a ...
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dc, dc metro area, real estate, buying a home, mortgage, lenders
Friday, October 13, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
15 Of Our Favorite Events In D.C. This Weekend
Friday the 13th—sure, some will be cranking Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and avoiding black cats and mirrors, but why do that when there’s so much going on this weekend? With a Swedish film screening, free opera in the park, and a dog-friendly rooftop party, it’s another busy weekend in the District.
Take an Argentine tango class at 18th Street Lounge. (Photo by Victoria Pickering)
FRIDAY, OCT. 13
TWO TO TANGO: Dive headfirst into the passion and romance of the Argentine tango at a dance lesson hosted by the International Club of D.C. Post-instruction, stick around for an authentic tango performance, then take the floor: All participants are invited to stay and enjoy 18th Street Lounge throughout the evening. (18th Street Lounge, 7 - 9 p.m., $16)
CARTOON NIGHT: Cartoonist Roz Chast has an impressive resume: Her work has been featured in The New York ...
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dc, dc metro area, community, dc events, fun in dc, halloween, october, what to do in dc
Monday, October 2, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
What is going on in our Nations Capital this month?
Read below to find out!
Mini Golf at Penn Hill – Through Oct. 8Penn Hill Center hosts a mini-golf pop-up that will provide fun for the entire family. Each hole is individually designed and built by a local artist, which only increases the entertainment factor of the course. Once you are done competing, you can vote for your favorite hole, participate in lawn games and savor eats from local food trucks!12 – 7 p.m. | $3 per person or $10 for a group of fourShops at Penn Hill, 3200 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020
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PUB Dread – Oct. 1-31From the same group that brought you the Game of Thrones pop-up bar and Miracle on Seventh Street comes PUB Dread, a spooky way to savor drinks this Halloween season. Different themed rooms, including a haunted forest, a crypt, a parlor filled with creepy dolls and a “Spacebar,” will make up this lavish hog ...
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dc, dc metro area, real estate, community, october, halloween, fun in dc, what to do in dc, dc events
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
Designing your own home can be exciting, but it's a lot more work than buying an existing house. With so many moving pieces involved, knowing what works and what doesn't is key. Protect your home's long-term value by sidestepping these five avoidable pitfalls of building a new home.
1. Forgetting About Storage Space
From seasonal items to extra bedding, everything requires a temporary home when not in use. For that, you'll need plenty of storage space. Some simple solutions might include a few extra closets, a sizeable garage space or built-in cabinets and shelving.
2. Skimping on Materials
Anything worth doing is worth doing right, and new home construction is no exception. Even if you're watching your pennies, try not to scrimp on quality, especially when it comes to important things like flooring. The materials you choose can have a huge impact on your home's overall value.
3. Overlooking Energy Efficiency
For an energy-efficient home design, make sure to use earth- ane ...
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dc, dc metro area, real estate, community, dmv, building a house, new home
