Open House Blog

Say Cheese!

We're looking for photos of happy pets for an upcoming issue of the magazine. Does your cat or dog have a cute smile? Email high-resolution photos—5x7, 300 dpi—to Cindy Rich at crich@washingtonian.com. Please include your pet's name and breed, along with your name and contact information.

Design Deals

Here are four design picks that can give your living space a fast, elegant update—each under $30.

At Anthropologie, this throw pillow, originally $68, is marked down to $29.95. The funky pattern and cheery yellows and greens can make an old couch pop.

The Weekly Wag

Our weekly roundup of events worth barking about.

Friday, November 20
New dog owners can take advantage of a free prep class at the Washington Animal Rescue League (71 Oglethorpe St., NW; 202-726-2556). Led by a certified trainer, the course covers house training, socialization, and enrichment for the newest member of your family. This class is for humans only and runs from 6 to 7:30.

Saturday, November 21
When it comes to pet food, is there really a difference between the fancy gluten-free/organic/vegan brand and the regular old Kibbles ’n Bits? Find out at the Big Bad Woof’s pet-food seminar, “Beef, Biscuits and . . . BHT?” at the Washington Humane Society Behavior & Learning Center (7315 Georgia Ave., NW). The class will offer tips on a pet’s healthy diet, budget-friendly tricks, how to read an ingredients list, and food allergies. $25; 10 to noon. To reserve your spot, e-mail askthetrainer@washhumane.org.

Adoption events will be held from noon to 3 at the Big Bad Woof (117 Carroll St., NW; 202-291-2404) with the Washington Animal Rescue League and from noon to 2 at Chateau-Animaux’s Capitol Hill location (524 Eighth St., SE; 800-354-8710) with K9 Lifesavers.

Design Deals

These Thanksgiving looks prove that there’s room for both tradition and class around the table—and with the sale price, you can save a little cash for black Friday, too.

This rich-toned tablecloth from Crate & Barrel would look great with creamy white or ivory dinnerware—plus, matching jacquard-woven napkins are available, too. The tablecloth’s on sale for $46.95, down from $54.95, and the napkins are $3.95 each. The sale lasts until November 26.

New Neighbors: Povich and Chung Are Moving Back to Washington

Connie Chung and Maury Povich spent more than $8 million on their new house.

After more than two decades in New York, TV journalist Connie Chung and talk-show host Maury Povich are moving back to Washington. The pair bought a seven-bedroom, 11-bath Tudor-style home bordering Rock Creek Park in Northwest DC. Says Povich: “It’s like a new adventure in an old neighborhood.”

Chung and Povich, whose father was legendary Washington Post sportswriter Shirley Povich, both grew up in Washington and launched their journalism careers here. Chung went on to co-anchor The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather, Povich to host the popular newsmagazine A Current Affair.

“Maury thinks I kidnapped him and held him hostage in New York for the last 25 years,” Chung says. “He’s been angling to move back to Washington for years.”

The Weekly Wag

Our weekly roundup of events worth barking about.

Wednesday, November 11
Ingrid King, a former veterinary-hospital manager turned author, will speak about animals as teachers at the Humane Society of Loudoun County (1 Harrison St., SE, Leesburg; 703-777-2912) at 7. The author will also sign and sell books. All proceeds go to the Humane Society. For another book signing with King, see Sunday’s events.

Saturday, November 14
Who says you’re the only one who had a long week? Chasing your tail gets exhausting, too. Wind down at Chateau-Animaux’s (524 Eighth St., SE) Yappy Hour with fresh-baked Zanadoo biscuits for Fido and complimentary wine and cheese for two-legged guests. The evening will feature a free seminar, “Dealing With Down Times: Coping Skills for Dealing With Health Challenges, Healing, and Loss,” at 7. There’ll also be a Washington Humane Society adoption van from 5:30 to 8.

For more pet-themed education, Seneca Hill Animal Hospital Resort & Spa (11415 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls; 703-450-6760) and PetTech will host a four-hour first-aid course that will include topics such as restraining and muzzling; canine and feline CPR; assessing the pet’s vitals, fractures, and limb injuries; and shock and bleeding management. The class is $85, and the program runs from noon to 4.

Wylie Wagg pet boutique will host three adoption events: There’ll be Great Pyrenees at its Middleburg location (5-B E. Washington St.; 540-687-8727) from noon to 4; Greyhounds at its Tysons store (7505 Leesburg Pike, Ste. 120-A, Falls Church; 703-748-0022) from 11 to 2; and an event with the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA at its Fairfax location (11889 Grand Commons Ave.; 703-830-5454) from noon to 4.

Best of Annapolis: On the Market

Historic homes, waterfront properties, and new condos.

>> See the full Best of Annapolis package here.

Annapolis has always been a popular place to live, offering waterfront properties and historic homes within decent driving distance of both Washington and Baltimore.

But it hasn’t been immune to price drops. “The downturn nationally has been so bad that even here the market has softened,” says Bob McWilliams, a real-estate agent with Long & Foster.

Average home prices in Annapolis are down by 6 percent from their peak in 2007, McWilliams says. The average sale price for a home in Annapolis in 2009 so far is around $470,000.

While waterfront and historic homes remain sought after, they’ve also seen some of the biggest price reductions because of overinflation during the boom.

“I’d say waterfront homes have been hit the hardest,” says Karlton Morris of Champion Realty. “Something that was $2 million might be $1.5 million now.” Still, Morris says, houses are selling: “To get a decent waterfront home, you’re looking at between $1 million and $2 million, but you’ll get a lot more for your money these days.”

The Week in Real Estate

Every Friday, we round up the week's real-estate news and gossip.

• The $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit was extended earlier this week. The credit will now run through April 2010. [WBJ]

• Park Place, the mixed-use development across from the Georgia Avenue Metro station in Petworth, will feature a Thai restaurant, a diner, and a wireless store. [UrbanTurf]

• The city council has agreed to redevelop a parcel of land in Southeast into a new fire station. The space is also expected to feature office and retail space. [DCMud]

Design Deals

Airline meals and security checkpoints notwithstanding, travel—or at least the idea of it—can be glamorous. Bring some of that class home with these pieces.

Get a cool taste of the coast with these chocolate-and-cream chandelier lampshades. Each six-inch parchment shade features a map of San Francisco in amber and slate-blue, and they’ll fit any Pottery Barn chandelier. The three-shade set is on sale for $23, down from $29.

On the Market: 220 Twentieth Street

Where: 220 20th St., Arlington

The Neighborhood: This new 19-floor apartment building is in the heart of Crystal City, just south of the Pentagon. The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets are walkable—pedestrians can easily get to parks, shops, hotels, and restaurants. Chef Morou Ouattara recently opened his newest restaurant, Kora, a block away. The building also features underground access to the Metro’s Blue and Yellow lines, so there’s no need to step outside in the winter.

Floorplans and Prices: The building opened this summer, and about half of the 265 residences have been leased. Floorplans range from one-bedroom, one-bath residences with or without balconies to two-bedroom, two-bath penthouses. One-bedroom apartments range from $2,155 to $5,235 a month. Two-bedroom apartments range from $2,940 to $6,365 a month. Apartments feature nine-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, full-size washers and dryers, and walk-in closets. Kitchens have granite countertops, cherry cabinets, and stainless-steel appliances.

The Weekly Wag

Every week, we round up the best events for you and your four-legged friends to attend.

Adoption is the theme of this week’s pet-centric events. With winter around the corner, the timing might be just right for a new family member who’s happy to curl up at the foot of your bed and keep you warm.

Friday, November 6
Before you bring home your new friend, the Washington Animal Rescue League will host a free new-dog orientation Friday. The league’s certified trainer will talk about chewing, socialization, training, and more. 6 to 7:30; 71 Oglethorpe St., NW. E-mail training@warl.org to RSVP.

Saturday, November 7
Feline fans can find the perfect match at the Washington Animal Rescue League’s cat-adoption event at the Big Bad Woof (117 Carroll St., NW; 202-291-2404), a store for eco-conscious pet products. WARL staff will be on hand to steer new pet owners through the process. Noon to 3.

Adoption goes glam at Saturday night’s Fuzzy and Funky Fall Benefit at the City Tavern Club (3206 M St., NW), hosted by the Washington Humane Society. The party will feature music by Big Sam’s Funky Nation, hurricane cocktails, beer specials, and snacks. The $25 ticket price will go to WHS.

The Week in Real Estate

Every Friday, we round up the week's real-estate news and gossip.

• Take a look inside the Dupont Circle house where the Real World DC cast lived for fourth months (we recommend turning down your speakers to avoid the asinine commentary from the cast members). [WaPo]

• Construction employment in the Washington region has suffered a significant drop in the last year, says a study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. [WBJ]

• Renderings of the seven-story Silver Spring library have been released as Montgomery County prepares to break ground next year. The building is designed to accommodate a Metro station for the proposed purple line. [DCMud]

Cheat Sheet: Obama’s Interior Designer

Decorating your space à la Michael S. Smith, the man behind the President’s living quarters.

Architectural Digest ranked him of the top 100 designers, Elle Decor frequently looks to him for style contributions, and his celebrity clients run from Steven Spielberg to Cindy Crawford. Hundreds of top-line (and top-price) carpets, chairs, and fabrics have been produced under his name and artistic direction. Going by credentials alone, it seems that interior designer Michael S. Smith—whose timeless aesthetic mixes European traditionalism and American modernism—is the man to be trusted when it comes to luxury living. And the White House agrees: In January, Michelle Obama tapped the California decorator to overhaul the First Family’s private living quarters.

On Tuesday, we heard Smith speak to a sold-out crowd at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Though he mostly kept mum on all things Obama, he did lace many a saucy one-liner through 90 minutes of insight into his work. Read on for the trends we picked up, and you too can bring a bit of presidential luxury to your living room.

Design Deals

These last-minute Halloween-themed design finds are sweeter than candy corn.

Alexandria’s Red Barn Mercantile is offering 25 percent off all Halloween decorations, cards, and gifts. We like the festive “Boo” pillow for $37.50 and the vintage-inspired devil basket for $12.00. If you’re willing to shell out a little more candy, this quirky chart of the human skeleton is $775.

The Weekly Wag

Check out our weekly roundup of fun events going on for pets in the Washington area.

Halloween week comes naturally for pets—they’re used to begging for treats. Their enthusiasm at being dressed as a bumblebee is less certain (check out photos of our Halloween costume contest here). But either way, animal lovers and their furry ghosts and goblins have plenty of ways to celebrate the bewitching season this week:

Tuesday: Choosing a dearly departed celeb for a Halloween costume is all the rage this year as spook shops report Michael Jackson getups and high-waisted Patrick Swayze pants flying off the shelves. In light of that trend, we’re predicting that a lot of pups will be sporting sombreros in honor of Taco Bell’s former spokesChihuahua, Gidget, who passed away this summer at age 15. Find out for sure at Spooktacular Canine Happy Hour and Costume Contest on Tommy Joe’s Restaurant’s outdoor patio Tuesday. Prizes, a raffle, drink specials and dog treats will have tails wagging. Admission is $10 cash at the door, and 100 percent of proceeds go to the Washington Animal Rescue League. Event starts at 6:30, contest at 7:30.

The Week in Real Estate

• Things seem to be looking up for Logan Circle’s Metropole condominium: 25 units have sold in the past six months. The building, which opened more than a year ago, still has 30 condos on the market. [WBJ]

• The Historic Preservation Office has raised concerns about the plans to redevelop the Takoma Theatre as an apartment building. [DCMud]

• Catholic University’s Brookland campus buildings will soon feature 1,000 solar panels, installed and operated by Washington Gas Services. The eco-friendly system will still only generate a very small percentage of the total electric power used by the university. [Housing Complex]

Design Deals

Sure, we could easily stare at Don Draper for an hour, but Mad Men is just as acclaimed for its set design and period decor as its acting. If you can look past the gender discrimination, there’s a certain charm to a 1960s office. Here are a few pieces that can help you capture the look.

The mid-back height, boxy shape, and chrome trim of this Zuo Modern office chair evoke the ‘60s. The black leatherette upholstery is easy to clean, too. Wholesale Furniture Brokers has slashed the price by nearly two-thirds to $286, and shipping is free.

To Do: DC Design Week

The Week in Real Estate

Every Friday, we round up the week's real-estate news and gossip.

• The Ritz, an affordable housing complex in Adams Morgan, opened this week after a $7 million renovation. [DCMud]

• Now that the Real World cast has left town, what will happen to the multi-million-dollar Dupont Circle property they called home? [Urban Turf]

• Myth-busting the tales and legends behind Georgetown’s lack of a Metro station. [WeLoveDC]

The Weekly Wag

Our weekly roundup of events worth barking about.

Saturday, October 17
Bring your animals to a day of pet-centric fun at the McLean Pet Expo in McLean Central Park (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean; 703-790-0123). Activities include Frisbee demonstrations, dog and cat stage acts, training and grooming services, pet adoption, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a pets Halloween costume contest. 11 to 5; free.

Make sure your puppy’s in with the “in crowd” at Bark ’N’ Bubbles (795 Center St., Herndon; 703-437-9274). Weekly socialization parties sponsored by the dog wash and Opportunity Barks Behavior & Training are intended for puppies less than five months old to boost their social skills by playing with peers and people. Trainers will be available to answer questions. Who could resist spending an hour with a roomful of puppies? 9 to 9:45 AM; free.

Design Deals

Every time I go outside on a clear October day and see the trees laced in color, I don’t want to go back inside again. The next best thing? Bringing some of the outside in. Here are a few autumn-inspired pieces that caught my eye:

This organic herb wreath from Viva Terra is part of a sale that lasts through October 29. You can get $10 off the $65 wreath ($75 with hanger). And here’s the cool part: The aromatic herbs that make up the wreath—lavender, dill, thyme, anise, sage and cinnamon—can be clipped off and used for recipes.

Haunted House: Decorating Your Pad for Halloween

The Week in Real Estate

Every Friday, we round up the week's real-estate news and gossip.

• Could an extension on the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit be in the works? [Bloomberg via Housing Complex]

• Shiloh Baptist Church’s long-neglected properties on the 1500 block of 9th Sreet are (finally!) being renovated—a new cover of paint and windows were installed earlier this week. [DCist]

• The city government is looking for proposals to redevelop the Franklin School in Southeast. The building is currently used as a shelter and, for Dan Brown fans out there, is featured in his most recent book, The Lost Symbol. [DCMud]

Design Deals

This Saturday, the Washington DC Green Festival kicks off at Mount Vernon Square, bringing together hundreds of green businesses and showcasing community environmental initiatives, food, films, and music. To help you get into the spirit, we picked a few eco-friendly pieces for this week’s Design Deals round-up. With these prices, being kind to the planet is kind on your bank account, too.

Gaiam is closing out stock of its popular organic cotton sateen sheets. Made in India, the 250-thread count sheets use low-impact dyes and aren’t made with chemical softeners or chlorine. They’re going fast—not all colors are still available—and for good reason: once $50-$119, the bedding now ranges from $18.99-$61.99.

The Week in Real Estate

A round-up of real-estate news and gossip.

• Washington is the new New York. At least for young adults looking for lucrative jobs, says a panel of economists and demographers. Our city tied with Seattle for the title of “next youth-magnet city.” [WSJ]

• More potential delays are on the horizon for the planned Washington Convention Center hotel, as the development company JBG is suing the DC government over the contracting process by which competing developer Marriott International was selected. [WBJ]

• DC’s housing authority announced it received $34.4 million in competitive grants from the government.
[Housing Complex]

• Curious about Washington’s current condo market? Here’s a list of the top-selling condominiums in town. [Urban Turf]

Fall House Tours

Home tours and designer show houses can offer a sneak peak into beautiful area homes and provide good decorating ideas. Here are a handful going on around Washington this month.

During the DC Solar Tour this weekend, more than 70 eco-friendly homes open their doors to the public. Spread out across the area—from Baltimore and Frederick to Lorton and Manassas—the tour sites use all sorts of cutting-edge green technology. You’ll see tankless water heaters, low-water consumption toilets, green roofs, and more.
October 3 and 4 from 11 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free with a copy of the brochure, available here.

In its 54th year, the Potomac Country House Tour showcases four homes in the ritzy Montgomery County suburb. Highlights of this year’s tour include a French Country Manor and a replica of Chownings Tavern, a 230-year old landmark in Williamsburg.
October 3 and 4 from Noon to 5 PM. Tickets are $25, $20 in advance.

Fourteen Eastern Shore designers have redone the rectory of the Church of Holy Trinity in Oxford, Virginia. Called the Country Rectory Showhouse, the newly decorated spaces are on view through October 4. Suzanne Hanks of S. Hanks Interior Design has designed the master bedroom in a green and creme color scheme that matches the foliage outside the bedroom’s windows. Designer Maggie Sarsaty painted animals along the walls of the foyer and staircase.
Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM; Sunday from Noon to 4 PM. Admission is $20 at the door. For more information, call 410-226-5400.

Design Deals

The mad back-to-school rush has begun to subside—and the masses of papers, coats, permission slips, stray pens, and forgotten lunches have started to accumulate. Get everyone organized with a few items at great post-rush prices.

At The Container Store, a shelving sale offers good deals. We like this adjustable Elfa storage unit that creates a work surface and provides room for books and boxes—without taking up much floor space. Regularly $364.57, it’s been marked down to $273.32. For an even better deal, check its availability for pickup—there are Container Store locations in DC, Tysons Corner, Rockville, and Arlington—and save the $26 in shipping costs.

The Week in Real Estate

• Details continue to emerge about the $9 million mortgage fraud in Fairfax County. [WaPo]

• There’s talk of a sale of The Dumont, a 500-unit condo on 4th Street and Massachusetts Avenue. It was seized by banks earlier this year after failing to sell enough units to satisfy lenders. [UrbanTurf]

• Curious about the whereabouts of your favorite local celebrities and politicians? There’s now a map that makes stalking them super easy! [Georgetowner via Georgetown Metropolitan]

To Do: Capital Home Show

If your house is in need of an autumn facelift, The Capital Home Show at the Dulles Expo Center this weekend is a great chance to scope out ideas. A packed schedule of events includes seminars and guest appearances by Summer Baltzer of HGTV’s Design on a Dime and TLC’s Unhinged, and Chef Lou Petrozza of Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen. In a talk called “One Room, Three Ways,” designer Jean Daniel Pilon will show visitors how to decorate a room in different ways using the same pieces. Dozens of exhibitors—from appliance giant Bray & Scarff to custom flooring company H&H Hardwood—will be on hand to sell products and answer questions. The show’s “Green Zone” also features local companies offering tips and products for an eco-friendly home.

10 AM to 9 PM on Friday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26; 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday, September 27. Tickets are $12 for adults ($9 if you purchase them online); $3 for kids 6 to 12; free for kids under 5.

More>> Open House Blog | Homes | Real Estate

Best of Arlington: On the Market

New condos and apartments—some with great views.

Arlington has three distinct areas: the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor, the Crystal City/Pentagon City area, and South Arlington, which includes Shirlington. All three are walkable areas with good access to public transportation.

New condos in Arlington cost on average about $480 a square foot—up slightly from last year. Arlington is the only part of the Washington market to see an increase, according to William Rich, who tracks condo sales at the real-estate firm Delta Associates.

Here are some of Arlington’s new condo and townhouse developments:

Liberty Center (888 N. Quincy St.; 703-875-2211) in Ballston has rooftop views of the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Prices start at $379,999 for a one-bedroom and go up to $685,999 for two bedrooms with a den.

Nineteen new units are left in the 98-unit Park at Courthouse (2220 N. Fairfax Dr.; 703-516-9445), 2½ blocks from the Court House Metro. Remaining two-bedroom condos range from $599,999 to $650,000.

Turnberry Tower (1881 N. Nash St.; 877-872-7589) opened this summer. It has one-to-four-bedroom condos from $600,000 to more than $4 million.

Only about a dozen condos are left at Rosslyn’s Waterview Residences (1111 N. 19th St.; 703-879-6138), a building with great views of the Potomac River and the monuments. Junior one-bedrooms start in the high $300,000s; penthouses cost more than $4 million.

Design Deals

Last I checked, the economy was looking up—but the news hasn’t yet reached many furniture and home stores, several of which are slashing prices on surplus stock. You can find quality items from top retailers for a steal. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

Pottery Barn is having an as-long-as-it-lasts clearance sale—and it’s not going to last long. Some prices have dipped as low as 75 percent off their original price—including this 16-by-144-inch all-linen table runner, originally $79 and now going for $19.99. I love the border’s hand-cut detail. A word of advice to bargain hunters: Be sure to check carefully which sizes and colors are still available. Only one size of this runner is left.

Also from Pottery Barn are these throw-pillow covers, piano-striped in classic black-and-white ticking. These would look great against a sage or butter-yellow couch or on top of a neutral bedspread. They were originally $39 apiece, but you can snag them now for $12.99.

The Week in Real Estate

A round-up of real-estate news and gossip.

• Plans for the transformation of Capitol Hill’s Hine Junior High School into a mixed-use development featuring restaurant, retail, and office space were announced earlier this week by the mayor. Construction is set to begin in 2011. [Housing Complex]

• Cleveland Park is facing tough times: Eleven of 64 storefronts are empty in the neighborhood. The vacancies have sparked debate among residents and business owners on how to prevent future closings. [WaPo]

• Plans for the conversion of the H Street Connection strip mall in the Atlas District into a mixed-use building with retail and apartment space were discussed at an ANC meeting earlier this week. [Greater Greater Washington]

• Some of the weekend’s best open houses include a two-bedroom in Columbia Heights and another in Logan Circle. [Urban Turf]

A Hot Tub on the Hill for Max Baucus

Senator Max Baucus bought this three-bedroom, three-bath Victorian on Capitol Hill for $970,000. Built in 1885, the house has twin fireplaces in the living room and an outdoor hot tub. The Montana Democrat was elected to the Senate in 1978.

The Week in Real Estate

Every Friday, we round up the week's real-estate news and gossip.

• Looking for the mixed-use development promised by Monument Realty on Half Street near the ballpark? All you’ll find is a hole in the ground. [WBJ]

• Street car rails are being installed along H Street in Northeast, despite the city’s ban on overhead wires and the lack of details about the route. Also, the cars are still in the Czech Republic. [DCmud]

• The U.S. Secretaries of Energy, Education, and Labor will be visiting the Finishing School in Northeast this afternoon from 3 to 6. The school was selected by television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for a renovation. [Housing Complex]

Craigslist Treasure Hunt

These six dining-room chairs have a cool mid-century modern look. The seat cushions could be reupholstered to add a pop of color. They’re a steal at $100.

More good finds:
• Four black bar stools for $150
• Hutch/storage cabinet from Pier 1 for $70
• Fixer-upper cedar headboard for a double bed for $30
• Circular mirror for $75
• Modern glass dining-room table for $150

Thanks, Craig!

Welcome to Obamaland

When Barack Obama moved into the White House, he brought with him lots of experts, strategists, and friends. Some were insiders who had lived here for years; others were transplants who had to scramble to find a place to live.

Click here to take a look at the homes of President Obama’s brain trust—from this $3 million Cleveland Park spread owned by Greg Craig to Robert Gibbs’s tidy Colonial in Alexandria.

The Week in Real Estate

• Here are some renderings of the plans to expand the U Street building that now houses Results Gym. [Housing Complex]

• Could a Wal-Mart be in the city’s future? The company is eyeing a spot on Howard Road in Southeast but there are no immediate plans. [WBJ]

• Former President John F. Kennedy’s first home in Georgetown, currently occupied by congressman Roy Blunt, was on the market for all but a day before being snatched up. [Georgetown Metropolitan]

Home Hunt

This Kalorama one-bedroom is in a great location, is completely furnished, and has an ornate bathroom sink. There’s also an outdoor deck and a skylight in the kitchen. The apartment is in move-in condition with furnishings that include a couch, dining table, television, and even kitchen supplies.

Address: 1844 Columbia Road, NW
Price: $2,050
Move-in: September 1

The Week in Real Estate

Every Friday, we round up the week's real-estate news and gossip.

• Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis bought a $2.6 million condo in Georgetown’s Wormly Row. [WBJ]

• Plans for a four-building mixed-use development on the intersection of Eisenhower Avenue and Mill Road are close to being approved by Alexandria’s city council. [DCMud]

• HGTV is casting in town for its show My First Place, which documents the experience of first-time homebuyers. [UrbanTurf]

• Madison Square Garden LP, the entertainment-promotion company that owns Madison Square Garden and also operates Radio City Music Hall in New York City, is scouting around DC in hopes of opening an entertainment venue. [WBJ]

Craigslist Treasure Hunt

This week’s pick is a nine-piece bedroom set, including a queen-size bed, two night stands, two dressers, and an armoire. The seller, who says the set was bought in 2004 for $5,000, is asking for $2,500.

More good finds:

• A corner china cabinet (in need of a new hinge) for $60
• Dining-room table with six chairs for $300
• Pair of Eames leather chairs for $400
• Bevelled mirror for $55

Thanks, Craig!

Home Hunt

This one-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in Columbia Heights seems homey. The furnished space comes with a sizable dining area, antique-looking furniture in the bedroom (an ornate bed frame and dark wood armoire), a cozy kitchen, and two levels. A 42-inch plasma TV is included, with the option to add a 62-inch LCD TV as well. Not too shabby.

Address: 1372 Randolph St., NW
Price: $1,675
Move-in: Available now.

In the August Issue

The Washingtonian’s August issue, which is on newsstands now, has lots of reading material for those who like to keep up on home-design and real-estate trends.

Features editor Denise Kersten Wills interviewed dozens of interior designers for her piece on design secrets. Take a peek inside the homes of local designers who mix pricey items with inexpensive pieces from places like Ikea and Target. You’ll also get the scoop on design consultations, designers’ favorite paint colors, where to shop for furniture bargains, and tips for how to get free design help.

In “Move Right In,” we take a look at six condo buildings that are move-in ready. In boom times buyers were often forced to put down a deposit based on architectural renderings and small samples of countertops. No longer. Developers have postponed new buildings while they try to sell those already completed—giving buyers lots of bargaining power.

The Week in Real Estate

Every Friday, we round up the week's real-estate news and gossip.

• The Old Georgetown Theatre on Wisconsin Avenue is currently on the market for $4.5 million. [Georgetown Metropolitan]

• Construction of a $550 million hotel across from the Convention Center is expected to begin in October. [WaPo]

• Plans to sell the vacant lots behind the Lincoln Theatre in the U Street area may be put on the backburner. [DCMud]

Craigslist Treasure Hunt

Our pick this week is a large Storehouse sofa that looks to be in good condition. A small rip under the right arm has been patched. The seller says it originally cost $2,000, but they are asking $650.

Other picks:

• Large mirror with gold leaf frame for $180
• Walnut bookcase for $290
• Black wooden table with metal legs for $30
• Spider floor lamp for $40
• Pair of dark wood nightstands for $200

Thanks, Craig!

Home Hunt

This pricey one-bedroom in Logan Circle would be ideal for a couple. The second-story bedroom—accessed by a spiral staircase—provides both style and space. One-and-a-half bathrooms and entries on both levels would give the tenants some much-needed breathing room. The contemporary space has 18-foot ceilings, large windows, hardwood floors, stainless-steel appliances, and granite countertops.

Address: 1225 13th Street NW
Price: $2,800; includes utilities
Move-in: Available now

More>> Open House Blog | Homes | Real Estate

Bye-Bye, Bethesda

Ex-NBA star Alonzo Mourning sells for $1.5 million. Plus—TV reporters Kimberly Dozier and Andrea McCarren make deals.

The Week in Real Estate

Every Friday, we round up the week's real-estate news and gossip.

• A month later, and the developer behind The Floridian is still butting heads with the project's lender. Stay tuned. [DCMud]

• Despite rumors that circulated earlier this week, Kate Gosselin of TLC’s popular show Jon & Kate Plus Eight will not be moving to Rockville anytime soon. [WaPo]

• Shiloh Baptist Church is selling two properties to fund a redevelopment project elsewhere. The properties, which have been vacant for years, have been the cause of much controversy between neighbors and church leaders. [DCist]

Craigslist Treasure Hunt

This week’s pick is a retro-looking wooden cabinet with a removable glass top. The piece would go well behind a bar or for serving hors d’oeuvres at parties. The Ashburn seller is asking for $300.

More good finds:

• Broyhill sofa for $350
• Coffee table from Pottery Barn for $250
• Funky Ikea loveseat, which retails for $249 new, for $80
• Matching leather chair and loveseat for $500
• Quirky ladder-chair that would work in an office or study for $75

Thanks, Craig!

Home Hunt

Amid the high-rise condos and basement apartments that dominate Craigslist’s housing section, we found a renovated mansion that’s the subject of local lore. The building is the inspiration for the novel and subsequent film War of the Roses, in which a divorced couple draws a battle line in their home when neither of the two agrees to move out. The real-life couple refused to maintain the house to spite each other, but later sold it to a developer who renovated the neglected home and split it up into apartments.

Even after the renovations, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom space retains old-world charm with 13-foot ceilings, a fireplace, and elegant details on the molding. Other perks of the 1,250-square-foot home include a large kitchen and dining area, a master bedroom with a walk-in closet and Jacuzzi bath, a small balcony, and a great conversation starter about your history-filled apartment.

Address: 1 Logan Circle NW, Apt. 5
Price: $3,900
Move-in: September 1

On the Market: 34 Kalorama Circle

Where: 34 Kalorama Circle, NW
List Price: $7,995,000
Details: Eight bedrooms, seven full baths, and two half baths on three levels

This magnificent eight-bedroom, nine-bath Beaux Arts home is in Kalorama, one of Washington’s most prestigious residential neighborhoods. Jeff Mauer of Coldwell Banker gave us a tour of the recently renovated home, which was originally built in the 1930s.