UrbanTurf Reader Asks: Which One Should I Buy?

• April 2, 2009
• 12 Comments

by Mark Wellborn

An idea was born last night at UrbanTurf’s Happy Hour between a reader and the editor of this publication. The reader is currently looking for a condo in DC and has narrowed her search down to three listings. We thought it would be a good idea to feature those listings, and get feedback on each from you, our readers. So, let her know which one you like best in the comments section.

3573 Warder St NW in Petworth (see map here)

• Price: $349,000
• Bedrooms: Two
• Baths: Two
• Square Footage: 1,176

The photo above is of a model in this development, but our reader says that the unit she is interested in is a duplex with the bedrooms on the bottom floor and living area/kitchen on the top floor. While she loves the apartment, she is a little concerned about the neighborhood, especially because the bedrooms are on the bottom floor, and there is a side door that would be accessible from the street. Is she right to worry about crime here? Click here for the full listing.

1714 Independence Ave SE in Hill East (see map here)

• Price: $337,900
• Bedrooms: Two
• Baths: Two
• Square Footage (Lot): 2,189

This is a large apartment and she likes the neighborhood and the fact that the property has a backyard. Because it has been on the market awhile she thinks that she can get a good deal (the price has been reduced by $70K already), but says that it definitely needs some work (cleaning and painting, new appliances, carpet and bath tubs). Click here for the full listing.

11 16th St SE in Hill East (see map here)

• Price: $325,000
• Bedrooms: Two
• Baths: 1.5
• Square Footage (Approx.): 825

Our reader is visiting this property for the first time today, but was very impressed from the photos in the listing. Her main worry is the small size (825 square feet) on two floors. Click here for the full listing.

So, readers, please let us know your vote. The duplex in Petworth, the roomy apartment in Hill East with a backyard, or the smaller one in Hill East?

This article originally published at http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/urbanturf_reader_asks_which_one_should_i_buy/749

12 Comments

1. Also Buying said at 3:40 pm on Thursday April 2, 2009:

   The Petworth property looks best to me. I really like the neighborhood and while there are still some sketchy parts, that is true of most neighborhoods in DC.

1. Scott Dailey said at 3:53 pm on Thursday April 2, 2009:

   I think this is a great conversation about what goes into a decision to purchase a home.  Personally, 825 square feet is very small.  Is there any information about the home HVAC systems or construction?

1. Tom A said at 4:16 pm on Thursday April 2, 2009:

   I’d definitely buy a house - NO condo fees or condo boards.  I’d pick the house on 16th Street NE.  It’s been renovated, and is on a quieter street.  Independence has a lot of traffic, and that house needs work.  Also, the one on 16th seems to have some sort of small yard.  In full disclosure, I live on 16th Street a few block north, and I could always use a cool new neighbor!

1. Samantha said at 4:54 pm on Thursday April 2, 2009:

   I agree with Tom. Go with the house and avoid the condo fees.

1. roslyn said at 5:01 pm on Thursday April 2, 2009:

   i vote for 16th street, se.  if she is concerned about safety, then something will probability that something will happen to confirm her fears is greater. so that one is out. i know why the independence ave one is still on market - too many colors and work to be done. they need to neutralize (yes, i am a stager!)
   The 16th street one is good size for one person.

1. jd said at 5:37 pm on Thursday April 2, 2009:

   The one on independence!!! nice location close to metro and improving area. a little paint can do wonders and looks like good rental ability if they want help on the mortgage.

1. Ingrid said at 5:55 pm on Thursday April 2, 2009:

   Independence Ave for sure.  It definitely looks like the best deal. Painting and changing appliances are easy fixes plus it has a backyard and parking.  Those two added elements will add so much value when you sell! Plus, location cannot be changed so if this seems like the safest and most ideal neighborhood, go with it! I am a single woman and that would be my choice.

1. Greta Joynes said at 6:59 pm on Thursday April 2, 2009:

   The one on Independence.  I have never felt comfortable in Petworth at night and I really like the Hill.  Great people and great walking community.

1. Michael said at 11:38 am on Friday April 3, 2009:

   Painting and changing appliances are easy and FUN fixes… so I would agree on the choice of Independence Ave.  And, it’s two blocks or so closer to the Metro than the 16th St unit.

   My only concern would be that it’s too big - I have trouble keeping a 1 br condo clean.

1. Pat Harrison said at 11:42 am on Friday April 3, 2009:

   Independence Ave is on the Hill so it is definitely a good choice for the short and long term.  However, if you want to pay lower taxes, pick 16th Street.  Altough it’s small, it’s an up and coming neighborhood and personally I like small - less to clean.  Lastly, take it from me - stay away from condos esp in small buildings - mismanagement.

1. Maria S. said at 5:03 pm on Saturday April 4, 2009:

   Definitely the one on Independence Avenue!  I bought my first house 2 blocks away in 1999 which I still own as an investment property.  It’s a great neighborhood in a safe and prosperous part of town.  I only wish I had bought a few more houses back in 1999 when they were so affordable!

1. Tom A. said at 12:07 pm on Monday April 13, 2009:

   Do u know if she choose one?  I walked by the one on 16th yesterday, and it’s under contract, according to the sign.

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