Comp and Circumstance: Kalorama Convenience vs. H Street Potential

• September 8th 2010

by Rebecca Ortega

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Comp and Circumstance presents two “for-sale” homes of roughly similar prices in DC and compares the pros and cons of each. This week, we look at two distinctly different properties in the Kalorama and H Street NE neighborhoods. The price point is between $475,000 and $480,000. Let us know in the comments section below which of the two you feel is the better buy.

See all our past Comp and Circumstance features here.

Two-Bedroom Renovated Kalorama Condo

This week’s Comp and Circumstance considers two distinctly different homes in two distinctly different neighborhoods.

2107 S Street NW, Unit C is a terrace level condo in a Beaux Arts (characterized by details such as arched windows and pediments) building in Kalorama. The renovated two-bedroom, one-bath unit makes good use of its 969 square feet. The unit also has ample storage space, a wood-burning fireplace, a wine cooler, hardwood floors throughout, crown molding and spacious bedrooms. However, the dining area is a little narrow and as a terrace level unit it doesn’t get the natural light of one on an upper floor. The condo fees are about $320 a month, a portion of which pays for maintenance of shared outdoor space. The list price does not include parking, which in this extremely busy neighborhood will mean frustrating trips around the block to find a spot if the buyer has a car. That said, it is about a five-minute walk from the Dupont Circle Metro. Overall, the unit is a good buy in a highly desirable neighborhood where similarly-sized properties sell in the $500 and $600s.

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Two-Level Row Home Just Off H Street

Aside from the price, 1219 I Street NE is a fairly different property than 2107 S Street NW. It is a two-level row home near the H Street Corridor, a popular area, but not as desirable to most buyers as Kalorama. The 1,089 square-foot property is spread out on two levels and the exposed brick and 12-foot ceilings make the home feel even larger than it is.

The kitchen has been renovated, there are two full bathrooms upstairs including a spa-like master bath featuring separate tub and shower (a rarity in older row homes), and a small backyard patio. Like the S Street unit, the home does not have a parking space, and the patio backs up onto a not-so-picturesque alleyway. However, for those wanting to invest in the H Street area, the location is ideal, just around the corner from the neighborhood’s main drag.

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So, what do you think? Which of these distinctly different properties would you buy? In your mind, who is the ideal buyer? Are the properties priced correctly? Let us know your preference in the comments below.

	2107 S Street NW, Unit C	1219 I Street NE
Bedrooms	2	2
Bathrooms	1	2.5
Square footage	969	1,089
Pros	Nice renovations and use of a small space, 4 blocks to Dupont Circle, excellent amenities in established DC neighborhood	Spa bath, exposed brick, located in up-and-coming neighborhood with appreciation potential
Cons	Street parking, terrace unit, little natural light	Neighborhood still developing, not that close to Metro
Price	$475,000	$480,000
Neighborhood	Kalorama	H Street NE
Links	2107 S Street NW, Unit C — Map	1219 I Street NE — Map

This article originally published at http://dc.urbanturf.production.logicbrush.com/articles/blog/comp_and_circumstance_kalorama_convenience_vs_h_street_potential/2456.