The D.C. Real Estate Guide

Most people understand that discrimination based on race is illegal; however, the majority of people are unaware of the other 15 protected classes in the District of Columbia.

As a real estate agent, I’m often asked about the demographics of neighborhoods; however, Fair Housing and DC Human Rights laws prohibit real estate professionals from answering questions like that. For example, if I said, “There are alot of young single students in this neighborhood,” it could be considered a violation of a D.C. human rights law. Most people understand that discrimination based on race is illegal; however, the majority of people are unaware of the other 15 protected classes in the District of Columbia. In this article, I will list all of the protected classes under Federal and District of Columbia law, explain what acts are considered discriminatory, list exemptions from human rights laws covering housing and commercial space, and explain how to file a claim if you feel you have been a victim of discrimination. Keep reading →

Check out the local and national real estate trends and headlines that made the news this week.

Several news articles this week discussed the Adjustable Rate Mortgage. Specifically, the new ARM model (5-1) and weighing in on the tax implication of the ARM. Technological advancements (blogging, Craigslist, Zillow) also made headlines. Keep reading →

The D.C. Neighborhood Spotlight provides the geographic location, location of shops and restaurants, public services, and real estate statistics for a specific neighborhood.

Adams Morgan’s mix of bars, cofee shops, eclectic restaurants, and funky shops guarantee a good time in this vibrant Washington, D.C. neighborhood. Adams Morgan’s signature landmarks can be found along 18th Street in the form of murals, which inlcude the Toulouse-Latrec (shown above)and Madams Organ. Most of Adams Morgan’s housing consists of pre-war and converted rowhouse apartments, condominiums, and co-ops. Keep reading →

Check out the local and national real estate trends and headlines that made the news this week.

The real estate headlines from the Washington Post, RealEstateJournal.com, CNN Money, and Bankrate.com dove into the following topics: reverse mortgages, Georgetown, universal design, eco-friendly homes, mortgage scams, and 2007 home design trends. Keep reading →

Palisades

Every week, The D.C. Real Estate Guide focuses on a Washington, D.C. neighborhood for the weekly Neighborhood Spotlight , which provides neighborhood information on geographic location, location of shops and restaurants, public services, and real estate statistics. This weeks Neighborhood Spotlight focuses on Palisades. Keep reading →

Check out the recent article from Bankrate.com dealing with the new legislation that makes mortgage insurance fully deductible in 2007

If you are planning to buy property with less than 20% down, new legislation can save you money. Lenders often require purchasers to take out a mortgage insurance policy for loans larger than 80% of the sales price. Check out the recent article from Bankrate.com dealing with the new legislation that makes mortgage insurance fully deductible in 2007. Click here to read article. The article explains the new legislation, mortgage insurance, piggy-back loans, and important caveats to the new legislation. Keep reading →