You'd better believe it! Every time I got to  get something out of my car's trunk, there is a little reminder.  It is on my license plates - I have tags issued by the District of Columgia.  They say: "Taxation Without Representation" On this day when we celebrate our break from England - and it was, um, taxation without representation that was the major issue - I noticed my this little reminder more than usual  Enough to merit a blog post! So, for those of you around the country who may be reading this, please remember your friends in the colony of Washington, DC who cannot write their senator or congressman when they are pissed about something. We don't have one!But we do get fantastic fireworks, although this year I'll be watching the fireworks in New York's Central Park! 07/04/2008

As we get close to July 4th, this is appropriate. Somedays, I do think of things besides real estate. I'm not so thrilled with some of the comic interpretations (eg, let's not bash Pres. Bush on this one), but this is a funny way to get people to consider the implications. What is more frustrating as a DC citizen is to see neighboring districts spend lots of money in order to have an election to fill a seat which would have otherwise remain opened for a few months. If the value of those citizen's votes justify the money, then does not the value of a city with over a half million people who have never voted not also worthy of "action". So, for a funny rendition on DC's Lack of Congressional Representation... 07/03/2008

If you've got less time than you'd like, and would appreciate a traveling vet, consider this. Let me just assure you, if your pet has any loathing for a vet's office, this is a great find. I've found Nia (the Housecall Vet) to be compassionate, and through. Give her a call, and you'll save stress and time, for you and your pets. 06/30/2008

Search ALL MLS LISTINGS IN Washington DCYou can elect to register or notIT'S YOUR CHOICE !FREE ACCESS TO ALL MLS LISTINGS IN Washington DC Finding homes for sale  in Washington DC  has never been easier. You can find all houses, condos, lofts and homes for sale from the same MLS all Realtors use.The NEW MLS SEARCH SAVER feature allows you to keep track of your favorites, and receive automatic updates of new listings! When you are ready to see a MLS lising, simply click to set an appt. or request more information and you will be contacted the way you prefer, by email or phone. You can elect to register or not. . it's your choice !"START HERE NOW"Need immediate help? Call 240.426.5754 right now!Fernando@ReallyNiceHomes.comFor Sale | Frederick Condos For Sale | Urbana Homes For Sale | Fred... 06/29/2008

How can you pick just 5 things to do in the D.C. area?  Washington D.C. and the surrounding metropolitan area serves not only as the capital of the free world, the center of politics for our nation, a bastion of monuments and memorials, but also as one of the most heavily trafficked tourist destinations in the country if not the entire planet.  Okay, DisneyWorld probably has D.C. beat out, but I haven’t checked the actual statistics. During the over 13 years that I’ve lived in the Washington D.C. area, I’ve had many a guest visit and stay for anywhere from a day to over a week.  If they’ve never been to D.C. before or even if they have, I’m always ready to indulge them on my standard D.C. area tour for out-of-town guests. If you are planning to move to D.C. or Northern Virginia, or just... 06/25/2008

Every city that is the state capital has a Capitol Hill area.  But in Washington, DC we are thrilled and privileged to have an area that is the legislative seat of power for the entire United States. Adjacent to the east of the United States Capitol Building is the neighborhoods that make up the Capitol Hill area.  They include the Seward Square Area, South Capitol Area, Lincoln Park Neighborhood, North Lincoln Park Neighborhood. The homes in these area range from quaint 2-3 bedroom rowhouses that are affordable in the market in the $400,000 price range to condos in the $600,000 range to large beautiful mansions on East Capitol Street that go for over $1,000,000 range. One of the things that I enjoy about Capitol Hill is that there seem to be small parks (maintained by the United States... 06/24/2008

The Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC is a vibrant and evolving urban destination for the arts, restaurants and boutique shops.  Sleek and modern loft condos are populating like rabbits and joining the elegant and stately Victorian homes in this walkable neighborhood bordering downtown DC. Click Photo for Virtual Tour Logan Circle Real EstateHome to a diverse array of architecture, Logan Circle's tree lined streets are blanketed with many well preserved homes from the 1800's.  While some remain single family residences, others have been converted into condominium units.  On the other side of the spectrum, Logan is also home to many of the city's modern and most luxurious condominium buildings.  Prices range from $180,000 for a studio condominium to well over $1M for the upscal... 06/22/2008

The DC Chamber of Commerce has just published their 2008 State of the Business Report. It's fairly predictable in that while there is a national economic slowdown (or use the R word if you wish), the local area is somewhat protected by Uncle Sam and a diverse economy. Notes of caution as unemployment is ticking up, albeit less than the national average. The urban center, DC itself, is higher. And of course, no economic report can not discuss real estate. The cost of housing is higher relative to income than we'd like, which is not an attraction to business, nor to it's employees. The report will likely not have thunderbolts of new refreshing thought, but it does compile strengths and opportunities fairly well. YourBusyLife.com 06/17/2008

Somewhere around 1950, when my next door neighbor was about six years old, he planted a bunch of lilies in his front yard.  He still lives in the house (where he was born), and his lilies still bloom every year. During the 25 years living in my house, I've enjoyed these blooms every single June.  Arold's lilies are an orange color, and there are others around the neighborhood in shades of yellow and pink.  They are hardy and easy to grow - they even grow wild in Rock Creek Park and in some of the neighborhood alleys.  These are some of the Washington June blooms! 06/14/2008

A growing popularity of high-end rentals reflects a lifestyle decision and uncertainty about our economy. Up until a couple of years ago, perhaps it made more sense to purchase a home around Bethesda, Potomac, Reston or McLean. . a few minutes drive from the capital. Purchase prices ranged around teh one million mark. If you are going to be  just for a few short years . . Does it make any sense in buying a property now? The market for high-end rentals is going to grow and demand is at it's highest. In addition to lifestyle changes and concern over the economy, housing is very expensive and unstable right now. To see available rentals from $3000, to $9000 per month. . Around Potomac, Bethesda, McLean and Reston. CHECK THEM HERE!!Choose your property and call us and you will receive VIP s... 06/11/2008

The end of may I had the opportunity to go to the Natural History Museum in Washington DC. I spent a lot of my time looking at the fossils, and gems. I thought the fossil hunters in this group would enjoy seeing the pieces from the museum. Pieces this large and colorful would be a great find!         06/07/2008

I have been traveling recently and not doing a lot of blogging. I got a change to go to Washington D. C. for the first time. Since I love flowers my favorite places were the Botanical Gardens, and the rose gardens. I thought I would share a few pictures with you. It was hard to narrow them down.                 06/06/2008

Tomorrow, Saturday June 7th, I'll be hitting the streets, running in the road, and racing with RE/MAX for the annual Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure.  This annual event raises awareness and money for finding a cure for breast cancer which unfortunately afflicts so many women in this country.   I've been running this 5K race just about every year since I moved to the D.C. area in 1995.  Having trained for, run and completed all 26.2 miles of the Marines Corps Marathon in 2004, 5K races aren't really too much of a challenge anymore, but I enjoy supporting a great cause and a good run through D.C. on a Saturday morning. Moreover, having been affiliated with RE/MAX Allegiance since the summer of 2003, it's been an annual pilgrimage to the race for our brokerage.  This year we've g... 06/06/2008

In Washington, we get cherry blossoms in March and April.  May is about azaleas.  And June is the month for roses! During Willie's walks, we pass by these rosebushes on the corner of 17th and Allison Streets in Crestwood, the neighborhood where I live. Here is a close-up of one of the yellow roses.  It is so beautiful that even Miss Type-A here took time for a little stop and sniff.  And what a wonderful way to start a day! Across the street from these bushes, my friend and neighbor, Janice Sterling, has just about the prettiest rose garden in the neighborhood.  She has a mix of white, red, pink andpeach.  Some are growing over her white picket fence, and some are under the windows of her charing house. So if you are visiting Washington this June, take a trip up 16th Street, above Moun... 06/03/2008

Continuing to search for options to keep everything neat & tidy, I came across another vendor that can help people sort everything. At times, this can be a relationship assist, as some people don't notice, while their husbands/wives/partners sure do notice the clutter. Someone I know works with professionals and helps them recapture time (and thus money) by having their workspace structured and organized. Drive out to Tysons, or check out Capitol Closets. 05/29/2008

 If you live here, you know; and if you don't, it's a pseudo-secret. TV shows & movies portray a laid back, albeit thrilling life in this town. But the travel agents also point out the local attractions, including museums & theater. This area also has a very educated populace, which shows in bookstores and local activism. For those who don't want the excess of life in the downtown area, there are some suburban neighborhoods, and there are some top class suburbs, cities in their own rights. Forbes recently highlighted a few, in both Maryland and Virginia. I'd also add Reston,VA and Columbia, MD to their list. You'll find home prices in the premier suburbs as higher and higher than most of DC, but, as in all, you get what you pay for. 05/16/2008

I was wondering around this afternoon to take some new pictures for my website and am just amazed at all DC has to offer...most excitingly, I never experienced Meridian Hill Park in springtime, ...what a beautiful, tranquil and unique part of the city...    05/13/2008

Click for more detailed pics and info: http://www.postlets.com/res/391356 Gorgeous renovation, 2 BR / 2 BA Condo in Historic Gated Dupont Circle Community. Gourmet Kitchen w/ Flat Screen (conveys), Large Open Living Areas with Wood Burning Fireplace, Spa Baths, Secure Garage Parking, Hardwood floors, 12'x15' private terrace. Renovated with top of the line finishes & fixtures. New heat pump '07 *Home Warranty* New Pella Glass Storm Door! Offered for sale at $574,900 AHS Home Warranty Provided so your electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems as well as appliances are covered! 1715 15th St, NW #34, Washington, DC 20009 Dupont Circle MLS# DC6709267  Click here for a full description of the property: http://matrix.mris.com/Matrix/Public/Email.aspx?ID=24332967859 Take a virtual tour of this lis... 05/12/2008

Current Number of Homes Active and Under Contract in the Washington DC area: Here is the breakdown as of May 12th, 2008 Many of the "expired" listings from two weeks ago; returned to the market place last week.  However in DC and Arlington; homes inventories are remaining fairly steady. In most of these areas; the number of homes Under Contract, is the highest since late summer of '07.  Good news; especially since it is only mid-month; (and most homes sell in the last 2 weeks of the month).   Here are the number of homes on the market including the number of homes that were taken Off (EXPIRED) the market last week.  example: Single Family Homes in DC; 4 LESS on market from last week, but 21 "expired" - in reality 17 new listings came on the market.   Washington DC Single Family:     Act... 05/12/2008

A few weeks ago, Forbes published it's list of most congested cities.  Oh joy, we made the list!  Washington, DC made the list at #1.Hardly newsworthy to the locals, and this does help those on the Washington Metro understand why they are packed in tight, the system averaging 800,000 riders daily in April 2008.This fact of life also helps understand why home prices inside the Beltway continue to rise, while those outside, on the fringes of the Metro Washington DC area, those home prices are in a tailspin, still dropping.Real estate is local, I often say "hyper local". What's happening to your colleague's house in Haymarket has nothing to do with what is happening to your Capitol Hill house. The same is true, whether you're a buyer or a seller. 05/08/2008