Recently buyers are faced with competing for properties that only last year had no takers. At Washington Fine Properties we have discussed in our sales meetings the strategies that best work in this newly competitive environment. Since the new GCAAR contract states that property is now sold “as is”, agents need to guide buyers on how to make your offer the most attractive (including pre-inspections, reducing appraisal time lines, and bank pre qualifications).
Since June I have been working with many buyers as they look carefully for their next move. An old saying “Buying well is half sold” is truer now than it ever has been. We did not suffer like other cities, and you may recall Washington is ranked as one of the happiest Cities in the United States and is the most sought after location for college grads and those in the tech, bio tech, consulting fields. Commercial real estate in DC is poised for a big comeback, and those in the know have a great chance to really position themselves for securing great leases as the city prepares for the prosperous years ahead. Read More→
This was not the kind of autumn we are used to. Normally we get bright sunny days, very little rain and a weak October stock market. This year we had unseasonal weather, a crazy stock market with huge ups and downs chasing headlines, and a Congress that seems broken. And yet in spite of all that uncertainty, we live in a city that seems to be able to withstand all of these gyrations. Thus I am cautiously optimistic about our tri-state real estate market. There has been some very strong activity while inventories remain very tight. High end investors decided to deploy cash in a smart way as many superb luxury properties went under contract in the last 90 days; meanwhile young college grads seem to be voting that Washington DC is a safer place to find a job or wait it out in a hip, vibrant place. Read More→
I had the privilege of marketing this amazing Chesapeake Bay property located on the West River, Anne Arundel County south of Annapolis. Set on 16 acres of magnificently wooded property, this home has sweeping views of green lawn with views of the Chesapeake Bay. Asking price was $5.2M and will close January 2012.
The home boasts a 40 foot in-ground pool, tennis court, professional croquet court, internationally recognized gardens and a private boat house with pier. The classically designed exterior is a wonderful contrast to the very modern interior featuring beautiful light and sweeping Bay views from every window. The house has a living room, dining room, two libraries, five bedrooms and a soaring atrium/family office. The guest house, next to charming gardens, is sublime. Take a moment to watch this Video Tour of Bayfields estate of a getaway home like no other. The best part is that it is only 50 minutes from Washington DC.
According to the Gallup Poll, Washington D.C. is the only place in the nation that believes its economy is improving. Nearly 60% of District Residents believe the economy is improving, while the rest of the nation has the opposite view. Washington is attracting top talent from around the country who want to be in a city that is vibrant, growing beyond its reputation for only being a government town. Read Catherine Rampell’s New York Times article on “Why Washington Likes Itself”.
Extraordinary stone manor estate sited on nearly 1 acre of spectacular park like grounds. The main level features grand Entry Foyer & Gallery, stunning LR w/fpl, formal DR, wood paneled Libr. & eat-in Kitch. The 2nd & 3rd levels feat. spacious Master Suite, 5 addt’l BR’s & 4BA’s. The grounds are breathtaking w/pool & pool house, boxwood gardens, south facing views of Rock Creek Park.
Listing Brokerage: WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES, LLC
Have you been thinking of investing in luxury home in Washington DC area?
When you are ready to take that next step let me put my experience, market knowledge and negotiating skills to work for you.
Remember, as your Buyer Broker, you can rely on me to:
If you are interested to buy or visit this specific property listing of Washington Fine Properties, LLC and you are not yet represented by any Real Estate agent please give me a call @ 202-491-6171 or send me a quick email by CLICKING HERE.
For access to the property search engine, Please enter your name, phone and email, then hit submit.
The Republic of Kazakhstan selected this substantial home in Washington D.C. for its Ambassadorial Residence after reviewing 30+ properties over a three year period. We began our search in 2008, and just as we were about to make an offer, the world economy changed, and everything was put on hold. In 2010 a superb property had been on the market for some time, and came up for rent. I submitted the property to the Ambassador for his consideration, structured a lease to purchase contract, and ultimately secured a beautiful home in Mass Avenue Heights at 2910 Edgevale Road NW. The deal calls for up to a three year lease with a purchase that will close sometime before July 2013. Some portion of the rental will go toward the purchase price depending on the ultimate settlement date.
The sellers were happy to have the income alongside a guaranteed sales price, and Ambassador Idrissov has now moved in with great plans to entertain in a glorious newly renovated space. I am most proud of this transaction as well as the creative “outside the box” thinking with my client to secure the property that worked for them.
Click here to see virtual tour of 2910 Edgevale Rd
Check the << VIRTUAL TOUR HERE >>
PALISADES
5137 Sherier Place, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
Asking Price is $1,849,000.
This newly built Nantucket Style home offers 4 floors of living space with 6 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. Located in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Washington, DC, it is close to MacArthur Boulevard”s shops, restaurants and schools. The house features a gourmet kitchen, family room, finished basement and attic, garage and lovely flagstone patio. Across the street is the Palisades Recreational Park. It features a turf soccer field, baseball, basketball, recreational center and access to the Capitol Crescent Trail.
Give me a call at 202-491-6171 if you want to learn more about this Palisades Home For Sale as featured listing by Washington Fine Properties.
For access to the property search engine, Please enter your name, phone and email, then hit submit.
Washington Fine Properties realtor, Connie Carter in her newly constructed home office. “I collaborated with reknowned architect Mark McInturff, to create this special work place. I love the bright light, and open spaces. The feeling of being outside in nature and the clean, modern lines of this space make it an inspiring place to work.”
The Meaning of Home
Realtor Magazine had a very interesting article on home buying. What do we need in our home? How should it look? What do we fill it with? According to Catherine Bateson our homes should be filled with bits and pieces of ourselves. She says “Your house is a reflection of your life.” Well this is certainly true for me. Trinkets from my many travels, photographs, and the infusion of my many styles have truly made my home a reflection of my life. My own home is a reflection of me, I would enjoy seeing what you have created.
View the article here:
The Meaning of Home

Washington D. C. Market Thriving
The big news is Washington D.C. is a bright spot in the U.S. Housing Market according to the Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Our growth is a modest, yet positive 3.5%. What accounts for this? The Tech world is seeing a second wave of innovation and development, Congress has welcomed a whole slew of new faces and all eyes are on how to grow jobs. Washington remains the fourth largest wealth center in the United States. The other big news is that inventory is limited, with less appealing properties languishing waiting to be scooped up, and prized properties selling in a matter of days. Interest rates are still low, the stock market is moving up steadily, and there is pent up demand among locals to move, improve, and change.
A trend that I witnessed personally this past year was the desire to get a foothold in the door with interest rates still low. A good deal of my sales last year focused on younger, first time home buyers who wanted to secure a nice, well priced condo or small townhouse in the DuPont, Logan or Adams Morgan area. The other trend is older friends who wanted to downsize, leave their larger suburban home for a sophisticated, easy-to-care for space. Both groups see the cultural and dining opportunities in Washington growing by leaps and bounds, want to avoid the traffic and enjoy the benefits of civilized city living. We are all very bullish about this flight to quality, and believe Washington will maintain its value. Many of you have heard me say, that on a world scale, Washington D.C. is the least expensive capital city for real estate. You get so much more for your money here than in NYC, Tokyo, Paris, or London with access to three International airports. The high end is seeing a new group of bargain hunters who understand the value.
As a native Washingtonian, who has also lived all over the world, I found myself in a unique position to work with a wide range of friends and children of friends, who have decided to make Washington their home or stay as they explore a new phase of their life. It has been a joy to work in this environment, as I can marshal lots of resources on behalf of my clients and get the ideal price on their sale or locate the perfect new home for buyers.
The most important factor was that ALL of my business last year came from personal referrals or personal contacts. My clients know they get a unique service from me, out of the box thinking, strong negotiating skills as well as every marketing benefit that Washington Fine Properties has to offer. Referrals are the greatest compliment you can give anyone who does their job well; I would be flattered by your referrals.
I am very proud of my company platform:
Washington Fine Properties sold $1.29 Billion in sales with 95 agents last year. We received the award for the “Highest Sales Volume Per Agent” in the United States of any firm in the International Leading Real Estate Companies network. I am proud to be part of such a powerful marketing force as well as my own individual achievements for each of my clients. I truly enjoy the team efforts of working with my experienced, WFP colleagues.
Average sales price in Washington was $1.2M, which is three times the national average. Yet more than 50% of WFP sales were under $1M.
Pricing was the key, and I worked hard to get the pricing right. Last year, I was able to secure properties for my buyers that were all at least 5% below the asking price while achieving 96% or better of my sellers’ original asking price.
Thank you to all of my clients and friends who recommended me on my page. I look forward to a greater dialogue with you, and hope I can be responsive in return.
CONNIE CARTER
Follow Me!