This week we're exploring deals in the easily-lampooned nabe of Takoma Park. Quickly id'ed as a "hippie village", there are homes (yes, completely detached) and condos on this Least Expensive list. All these digs are in DC proper and not across Eastern Ave into Silver Spring. And while Takoma's nabe to the south, Ft. Totten, is getting some new commercial activity with the coming of Wal-Mart, Takoma sticks with its family-owned, keep-it-local ethos and embraces the small mom-and-pop shop. So if your taste is for local, green, or some other trendy buzz word, start gathering legit US greenbacks (and not MD's Takoma's infamous "PEN Share" currency) to buy a plot in this communal nabe.
· Fort Totten Dares To Become A Place People Want To Go [CDC]
· Neighborhood Currency: Local Money Finds Purchase In Takoma Park [WCP]
10. 1211 Fern St
Asking Price: $699,000
Square Feet: 2,343
Price Per Square Foot: $298
The Lowdown: We start this week with a listing that needs a buyer who wants some serious space. Sprawling at over 2,300 sq.ft., the 6 (yes, 6) bedroom, 4.5 bath Victorian has an "additional building" that can provide rental income. There's plenty of room for you and someone else to live here, and you'd rarely run into each other. Of course, assuming that's what you want.
9. 7223 Blair Rd
Asking Price: $675,000
Square Feet: 2,028
Price Per Square Foot: $333
The Lowdown: This Arts & Crafts home has a new price - a new and substantially lower price. Reduced by nearly $85,000, the 4 bedroom, 3.5 detached home on a large lot has plenty of living space and still convenient to urban amenities. And the wrap-around porch is perfect for summertime cocktails.
8. 1129 Kalmia Rd
Asking Price: $549,000
Square Feet: 1,804
Price Per Square Foot: $304
The Lowdown: We've a potential short sale on our hands. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial has had its price approved by the bank, and the "seller says bring offers!" The prior price was $429,000, and this listing has been on the market for nearly 5 months.
7. 1230 Aspen St
Asking Price: $539,000
Square Feet: 1,392
Price Per Square Foot: $387
The Lowdown: Reduced in price by $30,000 even though the house has been on the market for a little more than a month, the place is a "great value, property, and area". With 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, the detached Colonial has a traditional layout, but it's all new renovations.
6. 725 Fern Pl
Asking Price: $485,000
Square Feet: 1,504
Price Per Square Foot: $322
The Lowdown: Well, we do declare...that this porch is fabulous and this home is indeed an "oasis in the midst of city living." The 4 bedroom, 2 bath detached home has been renovated from its top to its bottom. Check out the interior if you don't believe us.
5. 7422 Eastern Ave
Asking Price: $395,000
Square Feet: 1,636
Price Per Square Foot: $241
The Lowdown: Spank it. Or just enjoy this "brand spanking new renovation". The 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath end-unit townhouse has plenty of space and appeal. All it's asking from you is to "fall in love" with all it has to offer.
4. 343 Cedar St
Asking Price: $379,950
Square Feet: 1,264
Price Per Square Foot: $301
The Lowdown: Do you find your time limited? Always stressed because it takes minutes to walk to the Metro? Well, this 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo is only a "30 second walk" from the Metro stop in Takoma. Total time saver! Plus, you'll get an open floor plan with a dining room that could also be a family room. And for enjoying some time outside the house, you're only "steps to bar, dining, old town".
3. 506 Fern Pl
Asking Price: $349,900
Square Feet: 960
Price Per Square Foot: $364
The Lowdown: The most affordable detached house on the list, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath house has witnessed a $25,000 price drop from the original ask. On the market for a bit more than 2 months, it has "gorgeous wood floors", a fenced-in yard, and bathrooms that "really shine".
2. 422 Butternut St
Asking Price: $335,000
Square Feet: 1,080
Price Per Square Foot: $310
The Lowdown: Here's a 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo on two levels that's only a block from the Metro. Parking and many other features are included in the ask. And since it's been on the market for more than a year, you should have some room to negotiate to score an even better deal.
1. 554 Brummel Ct
Asking Price: $223,000
Square Feet: 1,312
Price Per Square Foot: $170
The Lowdown: If it's a "diamond in the rough" you're on a quest for, check out this week's least expensive Least Expensive. It's a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo that's in short sale. The prior price was $149,000. And while the exterior isn't exactly original, the interior might be an absolute treasure.
· Ft. Totten
· Dupont
· Adams Morgan
· Shaw
· H Street
· Glover Park
· Meridian Hill Park
· U Street Corridor
· Trinidad
· Truxton Circle
· Anacostia
· Cleveland Park
· Old Town Alexandria
· Trinidad
· Truxton Circle
· Anacostia
· Cleveland Park
· Old Town Alexandria
· Petworth
· Hyattsville
· Georgetown
· Bethesda
· Ballston/Virginia Square
· Hill East
· SW Waterfront/Buzzard Point
· Bloomingdale
· Eckington
· Columbia Heights
· Capitol Hill
· Logan Circle
· Brookland