What’s New for Fall 2018: Our Top Trends

Fall is one of the best times of year for home décor – just look at that color palette! Take a break from the cliché classics and opt for a fresh take on fall home trends. Here are our top picks:

1.     Focus on Texture

The perfect way to maintain your minimalist style is to focus on contrasting textures while keeping a monochromatic color scheme. Rough and soft, smooth and fluffy – it’s time to get mixing and matching!

2.     Whimsical Shelves

With chilly fall days calling us to cozy up inside, it’s the perfect time of year to add a whimsical kitsch vibe to our shelves. Flea market knick knacks, brass heirlooms, and dainty miniatures all make cozy additions this fall.

3.     High Contrast

Just because oranges, reds, and browns are the seasonal colors does not mean you have to stick with earth tones. Go bold with a blue, black, or white-focused room, and add in a pop of burnt orange or oxblood to spice up your vibe.

4.     Lighten up

Mahogany is so last year. Overcast fall skies need something cheery, so look for light wood pieces that bring sun into your home. Footstools and coasters are the perfect small pieces to test run this trend on.

Skeets Be Gone! How to Beat the Summer Bugs

Living in the DC area means dealing with rampant humidity, the occasional motorcade, and of course...mosquitos! Don't let these pesky pests kill your late summer vibes. Here are our top tips for deterring them in style.

1. Attract birds

Many birds love to eat mosquitos, so try to make your outdoor space as inviting to birds as possible. Bird houses, bird baths, and hanging feeders are all great ways to attract these helpful bug hunters.

2. Turn up the fan

In case fans weren't already our saving grace from humidity, they're also the perfect tool for blowing away mosquitos! Either free standing or ceiling fans work wonderfully.

3. Citronella in style

Gone are the days of standard citronella candles. Instead, try a citronella coil for a stylish upgrade to this classic mosquito deterrent. Click here to check out our favorite from Nordstrom.

House Plants that can Beat the Heat!

Whether you’re looking for plants that can hold up while you’re on vacation or you need something to survive numerous open houses, it’s important to have house plants that can hold up to DC’s August temps! Here are our go-to picks:

Jade Plant

Indoor Money Tree

Indoor Palm Tree

Cactus

Aloe Vera

Modernize Your Bathroom

Don’t have the time to completely remodel your bathroom but in desperate need of a mini makeover? Here are our tips for a quick upgrade to your bathroom:

1.     Keep it Light

Light, monochromatic colors are a great way to add brightness to your bathroom and help the space feel clean and contemporary. For touches of color, still to neutrals or pastels. With such a stark palette, older features will feel like “vintage touches” instead.

2.     Add Luxe Touches

One of the reasons many people love vintage is that it often feels more luxe than our current IKEA findings. Play up the luxe side of your older bathroom by adding in antique gold wherever you can – towel racks, drawer pulls, and more.

3.     Make it Modern Where You Can

You may not be able to change the big stuff for now, but focus on the little pieces to bring your bathroom into the 21st century. Bath mats, shower curtains, and even toothbrush holders are all affordable and fast ways to bring in modern appeal.

Moving Like A Pro

There is no better example of a love-hate relationship than moving. We love the feeling of starting fresh in a new space, but the anxiety and exhaustion that comes from getting you, your family, and all of your worldly possessions there in one piece? Yikes. Here are our top tips for a pain-free move.

1.     Lots of labels

In addition to labeling boxes with what room they belong in, write down any key items you might need before all of your boxes are unpacked, such as over-the-counter medicines, coffee makers, or important documents. This is a great way to prevent Monday morning scrambling to find the iron!

2.     Check for deals

Many moving companies will offer discounts for paying in cash as opposed to credit card or check, so call ahead to see if this is an option. This is a great way to save yourself a bit of money that can go towards unpacking pizza!

3.     Donate, donate, donate!

Now is your chance to go through everything and get rid of anything and everything that goes unused. Call ahead to schedule an at-home pickup from the donation center of your choice, and start sorting!

Lean OUT!

Taking the plunge to move from the spacious suburbs to a chic-but-petite row house? Or maybe just ready to put a stop to bursting at the seams of your current home? It’s time to lean out your living space! Tackling a whole house’s worth of junk can be overwhelming, but we have your definitive guide to getting started.

1.     Spread Out

Whether it’s an old chest of drawers or a kitchen cabinet, it’s best to empty it all out on a rug or counter. This will force you to acknowledge those forgotten items near the back, make sure you didn’t miss anything tucked in corners, and most importantly – with everything out in a mess, it will motivate you to purge and put away the rest!

2.     Make it Personal

Maybe you love keeping every band tee from every concert since high school, but you couldn’t care less about old birthday cards…who cares! Don’t let social norms guilt you into keeping (or purging) anything. We all have different priorities and memories. There’s no sense in hanging onto something just for the sake of hanging onto it! This should help relieve any purging anxiety that’s been keeping you from leaning out.

3.     Get Creative

If something is really important to you, consider crafting it into something useful or artistic that will get more enjoyment than being buried in a box. Turn old shirts into a quilt, or make a tile mosaic from old mugs. Something old just became something new!

Is a Condo the Right Fit for You?

With housing costs constantly on the rise in DC, it can be hard to find a single-family home within your budget. With so much development all around us, there are new opportunities for condo living by the day. But how do you know if the condo life is the right choice for you? Here are our tips:

1.     Location is your top priority.

With so much to do and see around DC, it’s easy to see why neighborhood would be your #1 priority. Not to mention, a shorter commute can save you time, money, and stress every day. If you’re looking for a lifestyle that offers the world at your doorstep, condos are a great option for increasing your affordability.

2.     You enjoy minimalism.

Condos typically mean smaller living spaces, so if you’re a kitchen gadget connoisseur or have a hoarder-status shoe collection, you’ll either need to scale back or stick to single-family spaces. In the era of Marie Kondo’s Spark Joy approach to living, it can be easy and more enjoyable to live a more minimalistic life with less things and more…living!

3.     Your life isn’t growing anytime soon.

If you’re considering adopting a large dog or starting to talk about kids with your partner, make careful considerations when condo shopping. Condos are perfect for offering that “just right” size for individuals or couples, but can be challenging when your family is growing.

4.     You are a social butterfly.

If you’re new to the city, or even just the neighborhood, condos are a great way to meet more people. Many condo buildings offer social activities and happy hours, and never underestimate the power of a hello in the elevator!

Spring Design: What's In + What's Out

What’s Out: Marble
What’s In: Concrete

Marble was the classy trend du jour for the last few years, but it’s time to leave this luxe look behind. Update your space with the more urban-chic concrete. We love concrete coffee tables, plant stands, end tables, and magazine racks.

What’s Out: Millennial pink
What’s In: Lavender

We’re still loving dusty pastels, but we’re ready for a fresh take on millennial pink. Try out touches of lavender instead with tea towels, candles, and of course – florals! This pastel purple shade also brings a gentle touch of spring into your home effortlessly.

What’s Out: Sharp Lines
What’s In: Circle Patterns

Time to bring back the ‘60s! This mod trend is oh-so chic when added in touches around the house. Try printed throw pillows, round coffee tables, and even serving platters featuring circle patterns.

What’s Out: Metallic
What’s In: Natural Finishes

Stainless steel is so expected, and we’re ready for something new! Natural stone is timeless, and always an ideal choice for bathrooms. Incorporate limestone and travertine on backsplashes, counters, and floors.

Spring Breaking in Style: The Chesapeake Bay

With spring break just around the corner, it’s officially time to start daydreaming of your upcoming vacation plans! Our go-to spring break spot? The Chesapeake Bay. With activities for the whole family and plenty of opportunities for relaxation, we are so ready to head to the bay. Check out our guide below for a fun-filled trip to the Chesapeake Bay.

EXPLORE

It should come as no surprise that the Chesapeake Bay is filled with many opportunities for outdoor exploration. This region is filled with abundant fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, birdwatching, camping, and more for your family to discover. In addition to the stunning waterfront, be sure to check out the state parkland and wildlife refuges. Our personal favorite is camping at False Cape State Park, where you can enjoy waking up right on the beach. According to our own Chesapeake Bay expert, Katie Horsley Dew of Horsley Dew Real Estate, if you’re looking for something closer to home or hotel, “Walk the streets and boardwalks of Kilmarnock, Irvington, or Urbanna, to name a few of the local waterfront towns.”

RELAX

What’s a vacation without some me-time? When you’re worn out from fun in the sun, head to one of the many spas throughout the region for a facial or massage. The Chesapeake Bay is also home to many charming bed and breakfasts, where you can add some romantic flare to your weekend away. According to Horsley Dew, “Stay on the waterfront at the glorious Tides Inn with a fabulous spa, boat tours, food, and specialty drink of the Lancaster Lemonade. I also love the ever-charming Hope and Glory bed and breakfast, also located in Irvington.”

CELEBRATE

Vacations are a time to let loose! The Chesapeake Bay is packed with countless restaurants and bars offering local flavors with global flare. Breweries and creative cocktail bars make for a wonderful addition to any night out. Horsley Dew’s insider tip? “Don’t forget the Northern Neck/Middle Peninsula areas, where you will find local wineries Ingleside Vineyards and Good Luck Cellars.” Cheers!

Out with the Old, In with the New!

It's easy to get carefree with letting old trends lie dormant in our homes. Here's our guide to 3 quick fixes you can make to update your home instantly:

OUT: Cheap + simple furnishings

IN: Upcycled antique furniture

There is a time and place for IKEA furnishings and it’s called your early 20s. Instead, help your home stand out while also being green by buying old furniture and upcycling!

OUT: Densely decorated theme rooms

IN: Consistent color palette

You know how everyone’s mom has a powder bathroom that’s beach themed? Stop the cycle! Instead, pick a color palette and explore it in different shades and textures.

OUT: Exposed filament lighting

IN: Glam statement lighting

Thank goodness we’re finally seeing the end of this hipster farmhouse trend! Instead of Edison bulbs, opt for a chic lucite chandelier or a floor lamp with legs for days.

Luxe It Up

Kitchens can make or break a home’s value, so when you’re preparing to sell, it’s especially important to make your kitchen look as grand as possible. Here are our top tips:

1. Build Up
Don’t forget to look up! To maximize storage space and visual appeal, make sure your kitchen cabinets extend vertically as much as possible. Long lines modernize your space while adding valuable usable space.

2. Bling Out
Hardware is said to be the jewelry of the home, so don’t forget to add some spice with this finishing detail! This is a great way to add a pop of color, vintage appeal, or funky quirk to your kitchen. Show your personality!

3. Cue the Lights
Lighting can set the tone for the rest of the kitchen, so be careful not to forget this crucial element. Think in terms of one main fixture that draws attention, plus smaller lights that act as “supporting characters.”

4. Stay in Sink
More likely than not, your sink takes the hardest beating out of any other spot in the kitchen. Look for finishes that will wear well over time, and opt for high quality that is meant to last through years of wear and tear.

5. Splurge on the Splash
Kitchen backsplashes are the perfect place to splurge on higher-end materials: they cover a relatively small amount of space (requiring less materials), yet because of their positioning, they almost immediately catch the eye.

6. Floor Them
Floors are a large part of kitchens, so you’ll want to strategize a material that gives luxe vibes without overpowering. An open floorplan can also mean needing to make sure you stay coordinated with the rest of your home.

What Millennial Homebuyers Are Looking For

Though student loans and rising living costs have plagued this generation, many millennials are starting to enter the real estate industry, eager to find their first home. Whether you’re trying to attract a millennial buyer to your listing, or your just trying to fully understand the needs of your younger clients, check out our list of what this generation is looking for in real estate:

Proximity

Young buyers are all about walkability and minimizing commutes. This doesn’t limit them to city limits, however, as more town centers like Tysons Corner develop into mini metros where everything is still footsteps away. Access to public transit is also a big seller, as this expands what is considered “nearby.”

Luxe Updates

With many homes in the DC area on the older side, young buyers are looking for luxe updates, such as upscale flooring, cabinets, and lighting. While millennials can’t afford too much luxury at this point, a touch of class at home is greatly appreciated.

Eco-Friendly

Along with luxe updates, many millennials are looking for upgrades that help reduce their carbon footprint. This includes solar panels, high efficiency appliances, and optimal insulation.

Tech-Savvy

Millennials love tech that simplifies life, so any smart home features are big sellers. Smart thermostats, doorbells, and entertainment setups are at the top of the list.

Movie Night Amped Up

Whether planning a children’s birthday party, a first date, or rainy day activity, there’s few solutions better than a trip to the movies. Gone are the days of standard seats and only blockbusters – today’s theatres are offering more choices, higher quality, historic venues, and more. Check out our top picks for a unique movie night experience in the DC area!

Avalon Theatre
5612 Connecticut Ave NW, 20015

Stands out for: being a nonprofit, community-supported movie house in a historic building with both indies and blockbusters.

Landmark E Street Cinema
555 11th St NW, 20004

Stands out for: a full bar with local microbrews and full-bottle wine service, and films ranging from cult classics to foreign indies.

Landmark Atlantic Plumbing Cinema
807 V St NW, 20001

Stands out for: its proximity to U Street and Shaw for post-show bar-hopping, as well as advanced reserved seating and luxe leather armchairs.

Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market
550 Penn St NE, 20002

Stands out for: bringing the renowned institution of the Angelika Film Center (and its superb selection of art films) from SoHo all the way to Union Market.

Uptown Theater
3426 Connecticut Ave NW, 20008

Stands out for: a historic past, including hosting the world premiere of 2001: A Space Odyssey back in 1968, as well as one of the largest screens of all theatres in DC.

iPic Pike & Rose
11830 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852

Stands out for: in-theatre service that includes gourmet snacks and cocktails, plus plush seating adorned with pillows and blankets.

Suns Cinema
3107 Mt Pleasant St NW, 20010

Stands out for: retro décor that sets the mood for the plethora of artsy and vintage film picks, plus an exceptional selection of beer.

AFI Silver
8633 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Stands out for: Art Deco design that harkens back to its opening day in the 1930s, a broad range of film events, and excellent state-of-the-art theatre renovation.

Say Hello to the New West End Library!

After years of construction, the completely redone West End location of the DC Public Library is welcoming visitors to its brand new space.

21,000 square feet, plentiful natural light, and over 40,000 books make this new space an exciting addition to the West End neighborhood. The children’s area offers communal spaces, as well as a beautiful garden mural.

Stop by the West End Library today, located at 2301 L St NW, 20037.

For more information, visit: https://dc.curbed.com/2017/12/11/16761564/library-west-end-dc

Photo courtesy of DC Public Library.

Spice Up Your Holiday Open Houses

This holiday season, don’t forget to stimulate the senses at your open houses. Help a house smell like home by using simmering potpourri, a combination of fruits, whole spices, herbs, and water in a crockpot or stovetop pot of water. As the ingredients simmer, their natural scents are released and your listing will smell perfect for the holidays. Here are some of our favorite ideas for seasonal simmering potpourri.

Christmas Classic:
cranberries
orange
cloves
cinnamon
nutmeg

Williams Sonoma:
lemon
rosemary
vanilla

Coffee House:
coffee beans
cinnamon
cardamom
star anise
allspice

Sugar and Spice:
vanilla
ginger
apple

Woodsy Winter:
fresh pine
juniper berries
orange
lemon

Bakeries of DC

Nothing cuts through chilly fall air quite like the scent of a nearby bakery. Whether stopping in for a baguette to pair with a wintry stew or a quick pre-meeting croissant, there’s never a bad time to try one of DC’s many fantastic bakeries.

Baked & Wired
1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, 20007
Known For: Cakecups
Hidden Gem: Espresso bar

Stop in Baked & Wired for an afternoon pick-me-up that satisfies all your cravings, with giant ‘cakecups’ and perfect espresso.

Lyon Bakery
Union Market
Known For: Dinner rolls
Hidden Gem: Olive loaf

If you need bread to impress the most discerning of dinner party guests, Lyon Bakery is your new go-to.

Le Caprice
3456 14th St NW, 20010
Known For: Croissants
Hidden Gem: Quiche

Head to Le Caprice for a taste of Paris and enjoy what are advertised as DC’s best croissants.

Bread Furst
4434 Connecticut Avenue NW, 20008
Known For: Canelé
Hidden Gem: Pain au chocolat

Bread Furst is known for its in-and-out style and wide variety, the perfect find if you’re in a hurry and need a one-stop shop.

The Sweet Lobby
404 8th St SE, 20003
Known For: Macarons
Hidden Gem: Madeleines

The Sweet Lobby takes sweet treats to the next level, offering countless flavors of macarons and amped-up cupcakes.

Buttercream
1250 9th Street NW, 20001
Known For: Artistic cakes
Hidden Gem: Instructional classes

Buttercream’s cakes are Pinterest dreams come true, with stunning artistry and skill in every one. The shop also offers private classes to amp up your own decorating skills.

Homeward Bound: Holiday Travel with Ease

There’s a good reason there are dozens of holiday movies that focus on the perils of travel – it can be super stressful! Between inclement weather, crowded roads and terminals, and impatient children, there are a number of pitfalls to avoid. Here are our tips for making holiday travel plans as painless as possible!

Entertain the Kids

Regardless of your usual screen time policy, long drives and flights are the times to let little ones indulge in their favorite shows or games. Don’t forget to bring chargers, extra batteries, and headphones too.

Cushion Your Time

Due to crowds and weather, traveling during the holidays can face many holdups. Not only should you allow for extra time overall, but also be sure to avoid tight layovers. There is nothing worse than missing your connecting flight, and this is all-too-likely with delayed holiday flights.

Stay Healthy

Planes and trains are breeding grounds for illness, so be sure to plan ahead to stay shielded. Make sure the whole family has received a flu shot, pack plenty of hand sanitizer, and of course – wash those hands!

Get an Early Start

Early mornings are a magical time when flights are less likely to be delayed and roads are less likely to be congested. Take advantage of this and leave early! Be sure to have everything packed and ready to go the night before, so that the early wake-up call isn’t too painful!

Can You Walk the Walk?

For those of us in real estate, we know walkability is a big buzzword right now, and for those of us living in the city, we know just how important it is. Let's take a closer look at what walkability means for DC homeowners.

Why Walkability Is Important:

1. Not only are you near stores and amenities, but you are also most likely near where many community and neighborhood events take place. Hate trying to find parking at the farmers market? Problem solved.

2. Public transportation tends to follow along business districts and denser areas, so being walkable to those areas also means being walkable to the best public transit options.

3. Watch your trips to the gas station dwindle when you are in a walkable neighborhood. In fact, you may even be able to reduce the number of cars your family owns. These savings add up over time!

4. Accessibility, especially during winter weather, is much better in walkable areas. Roads are plowed quickly, sidewalks are salted often, and with stores nearby, there's no need to drive in the snow.

5. The exercise adds up! A five minute walk to the store may not seem like a real calorie-burner, but keep an eye on your Fitbit and see what a difference a day of errands on foot can make!

6. Walkability is an asset to your home's value that you will be grateful for when the time comes to sell. No matter a buyer's taste in architecture or opinion on the yard, walkability is always a perk.

How to Find Walkability:

Obviously, staying within city limits is a great way to ensure walkability. However, that location comes with a price tag, so lucky for us, suburban town centers are a booming development trend. In the DC area, check out Chevy Chase, Clarendon, Tysons Corner, and Silver Spring. 

Discovering Deanwood

Situated to the east of the Anacostia River and to the south of Kenilworth Park, Deanwood is DC’s neighborhood du jour for homebuyers and flippers alike. If you haven’t ventured here yet, it’s time to discover the real estate marvel that is Deanwood.

By the Numbers:

• The 7th hottest neighborhood in the US in 2017

• Has the 5th highest sales volumes among all DC neighborhoods in 2017

• Sales volume is up 33% from 2016

• Median sales price is up nearly 18% year-over-year to almost $300,000

• Inventory is down nearly 25% from 2016

• Located in the 2nd most profitable zip code for flipping in DC

(Statistics from Redfin & SmartCharts)

Historic Homes: The Wardman Row Houses

Though DC is known for its abundant museums, another way to learn about our history is through our homes. District properties are made in a number of iconic styles, and while we may know the physical characteristics, it’s helpful to know the history as well, especially when buying or selling.

One of the most prolific residential developers in our city’s history, Harry Wardman (1871-1938) helped cover our city with many of the iconic row houses that still stand today, often dubbed “Wardmans.”

Why Wardmans Are Valuable

Not only are Wardman-built homes carrying an infamous name tag, but they are also known for ample interior space, sturdy construction and materials, and exceptional design. In real estate, agents often label replicas as “Wardman-style” to capitalize on this value.

Where They Are Located

Columbia Heights
Woodley Park
Bloomingdale
Eckington
Brightwood

How To Find Out if Your Home is a Wardman

Because of the associated value, it’s important to know whether or not your home or listing is an authentic Wardman. While some homes may be easier to identify than others, a good place to start is WardmansWashington.com, where a database of Wardman homes can be found. Other helpful resources are the Washingtoniana Collection at the DC Public Library, and HistoryQuest DC, which provides an online building permits database.

Photo courtesy of WardmansWashington.com