It's not impossible to find a 2BD/2BA in NW D.C, but it is a bit of a challenge. The Glover Park/Cathedral area has some listings (zip code 20016) and so does Columbia Heights (zip code 20009). Other areas are Shaw, Eckington, Petworth - all in NW D.C. Also, the odd building in logan circle (20005) sometimes has possibilities. You will have to comb through a lot of ground-floor and 1st floor units, places with high condo and coop fees, etc. in that price range, and some of those neighborhoods are definitely still "up and coming" even though they are in NW.

Wed Apr 30 2008, 19:17

Thanks for the all advise. I did view their 1BR/1BA and didn't like the model.

I have searched for a 2BR/2BR in Washington DC for 350K for the last one year and am almost giving-up. I don't want to leave in NE, SE, SW or the suburbs. Am I searching for the impossible or are the prices in DC so high - I have to give up

Wed Apr 30 2008, 15:03

Hey Matt, if you still need info on 400 Mass Ave I'd be happy to help out. I actually own a unit there, though I do not live in it. I was one of the original purchasers and have had it rented out since I closed in January of '05. I'm happy to try and answer any questions you may have.

Tue Apr 29 2008, 07:36

Dear Matt, the 400 Mass Ave Condominium is a few years old, sandwiched between the ultra-hip Chinatown neighborhood and the up-and-coming Penn Quarter. It is association-owned and all sales are re-sales (i.e. you are not buying from the developer). It shares a city block with its largest competitors, 555 Mass Ave (already built and sold out) and the currently-selling new condos of 425 Mass (the Dumont). B/c it is just slightly north and east of the "thick" of Chinatown, it is a popular option for those wanting the fun of the area, who cannot afford the premium prices of some of the neighbors a few blocks south and west (the Clara Barton, Lafayette etc...). It is very metro accessible. There are a range of units, with smaller 1BR units hovering in mid to high 300's - these will be small units (under 700 sft) w/out parking or balconies, and probably will not have high-end upgrades. The higher-up and larger you get, the higher the prices, with 1BR plus dens getting into the mid to high 400s. A bit of "specu-vesting" did go on it that building, resulting in foreclosures and driving prices down a little since the 2005 peak. Not helping is 425 Mass Ave, which is releasing new units. On the interior, the units are standard new-construction rectangles for the most part, with open kitchens, and washers and dryers in-unit . Pricing and desirability will depend on the view, floor, upgrades, and square footage of each unique unit, but the developer was not looking to blow anyone away with thoughtful architectural details or anything like that. They made some bold choices with the bright paint colors in the hallway, going a little Miami-art deco. The common areas (business center and gym) are adequate but again, not super high-end. The rooftop area with big bbq pits and the pool is very nice. It is uncertain whether the mammoth City Vista condo to the North and East with affect the Mass Ave buildings. It might be just a little to far from the heart of the "fun" to factor into the supply and demand, but it is hard to know for sure. Overall, if you are looking to get into the Penn Quarter or Chinatown neighborhood at a somewhat more affordable price, 400 Mass Ave may be a good option. In light of the sheer volume of units in the neighborhood, there is some price volatility, so you want to be sure to negotiate and get a good deal.

Mon Apr 28 2008, 19:55

What information are you interested in?
I would be happy to help you.

Mon Apr 28 2008, 17:19

If you're talking about the foreclosure, they bought for $266k in August and are trying to sell for $319k!!!

Sat Apr 26 2008, 11:27

Yes; what exactly did you want to know?

Sat Apr 19 2008, 13:17