The Shorb Team

Welcome to 1033 Michigan Ave NE, a charming end-unit townhome in the heart of Brookland. This true three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home features a private entrance, inviting front outdoor space, and a comfortable, flexible layout designed for everyday living and entertaining. The open main level creates an easy flow between the living and dining areas, while large windows bring in natural light and offer views of the park across the street. Upstairs, the spacious primary bedroom features an en-suite bath and a beautiful view of the Basilica. Two additional bedrooms provide flexibility for guests, a home office, kids, or pets. The home also features a wood-burning fireplace, central air, and an updated kitchen with marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. The location is hard to beat, with a quick walk to the Metro and easy access to the Metropolitan Branch Trail and nearby biking paths. Turkey Thicket Recreation Center is just across the street, offering an indoor pool, track, sports courts, fields, a recently renovated playground, and spray park. Enjoy the Brookland Arts Walk, Saturday farmers market, nearby grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and everyday conveniences. With its private outdoor space, townhome-style layout, thoughtful updates, and unbeatable Brookland location, 1033 Michigan Ave NE offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy city living with room to live, work, and entertain.

Washington, DC’s luxury market is showing some interesting signs of strength.

The median sale price across the Washington metropolitan area reached an all-time high of $680,000 in May, up 3% from $659,950 the year before.

At the same time, luxury home inventory is down 22%.

That combination matters. Higher prices and less luxury inventory suggest that demand for well-located, high-end properties remains strong, even as other parts of the market continue to feel more balanced.

Part of that demand is coming from executives in technology, finance, and government-related industries who place a premium on being close to Washington, DC and the opportunities concentrated around the capital.

Location continues to matter, especially at the higher end of the market. Properties that offer proximity to the city, strong neighborhoods, privacy, and quality are competing for a buyer pool that is less dependent on the broader affordability challenges facing the market.

For sellers, this is a reminder that the luxury segment has its own dynamics.

For buyers, fewer available homes can mean that the right property deserves a closer look when it comes to the market.

The DC luxury market isn’t moving exactly like the broader market, and that’s an important distinction to understand.

Source: WSJ

If you’re planning to buy your next home, you don’t necessarily need to put 20% down.

There are plenty of loan options that allow qualified buyers to put down less. But if you already own a home and have built significant equity, putting 20% or more toward your next purchase may be worth considering.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the typical repeat buyer puts 23% down, compared with around 10% for first-time buyers.

One of the biggest reasons is equity. After years of owning a home, you’ve likely paid down your mortgage while your property may have increased in value. When you sell, that equity can become a significant source of funds for your next purchase.

So what can a larger down payment actually do?

✓ Lower your monthly payment
Borrowing less means a smaller mortgage payment, which can make a significant difference at today’s rates.

✓ Reduce the amount of interest you pay
A smaller loan means you’re paying interest on less money over the life of the mortgage.

✓ Potentially eliminate PMI
With a conventional loan, putting 20% down typically means you won’t have to pay private mortgage insurance.

✓ Strengthen your offer
A larger down payment can make your financing look stronger to a seller and may give your offer an advantage in a competitive situation.

That doesn’t mean putting 20% down is automatically the best decision for every buyer. Keeping cash available for renovations, emergencies, investments, and other expenses can be just as important.

The right down payment is ultimately about your overall financial picture, not simply hitting a specific percentage.

If you’re already a homeowner and considering your next move, understanding how much equity you have could be the first step in figuring out what your next purchase could look like.

Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com

Should You Buy Now or Wait Until 2027?

If you’re thinking about buying a home in the DC area, you may be wondering if it makes more sense to wait.

Mortgage rates are still higher than many buyers would like, and it’s easy to assume that waiting for rates to come down will automatically mean getting a better deal.

But the market doesn’t always work that way.

If rates fall, more buyers could jump back into the market at the same time. That could mean more competition, fewer choices, and less negotiating power on the homes that stand out.

Right now, buyers may have an advantage in a different way.

More inventory means more opportunities to compare homes. And with less competition than we’ve seen in recent years, buyers may have more room to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing costs.

That doesn’t mean every buyer should purchase today.

If you’re not financially ready, don’t have enough savings, or aren’t confident you’ll stay in the home long enough, waiting may make sense.

But if you’re financially prepared and you find the right home, waiting for the “perfect” market could mean giving up some of the leverage buyers have today.

The better question isn’t simply, “Will rates be lower next year?”

It’s “Which market gives me the best opportunity for my specific situation?”

If you’re considering buying in DC, understanding both sides of the market can help you make a decision based on your goals instead of trying to time the market perfectly.

Three homes. Three different ways to live in Washington, DC.

Our current listings offer something a little different for every kind of buyer, from a flexible two-level condo with multiple living options to a refreshed West End residence and a modern home with skyline views.

🏡 740 Fairmont Street NW | $725,000
A rare 3-bedroom, 3-bath, two-level condo with a private entrance and a separate lower-level living space. A flexible setup for multigenerational living, guests, a home office, or potential rental use.

🏙 1140 23rd Street NW #802 | $475,000
A refreshed 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo in West End with a private balcony, in-unit fireplace, concierge service, rooftop terrace, and easy access to Georgetown and Foggy Bottom Metro.

🌆 460 New York Ave NW #802 | $449,000
A bright 1-bedroom condo with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private covered terrace, modern finishes, and rooftop amenities with sweeping views of the Washington skyline.

Three different price points, layouts, and lifestyles, all in the heart of DC.

If you’re considering a move in the DC area, these are three homes worth seeing.

Why do some homes receive multiple offers while others sit on the market?

It’s easy to assume the answer is price, but that’s only part of the story.

Today’s buyers have more choices than they did a few years ago. That means every home is being compared against the competition, and small details can make a big difference.

A home that’s priced correctly, professionally photographed, and thoughtfully prepared is much more likely to capture buyers’ attention early. That’s important because the first week on the market is often when interest is at its highest.

On the other hand, homes that are overpriced, poorly presented, or launched without a clear marketing strategy can quickly lose momentum. The longer a home sits on the market, the more buyers begin to wonder what’s wrong with it, even when nothing actually is.

The good news is that this is something sellers can control.

A successful sale isn’t usually the result of luck. It’s the result of the right pricing strategy, strong presentation, effective marketing, and understanding what today’s buyers are looking for.

Every home is different, and every market is different. That’s why the best strategy starts long before the listing goes live.

Just listed in Mt. Vernon Square! Light-filled 1 bed, 1 bath condo with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private covered terrace, and beautiful northwestern views.
The open concept space features wide plank flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, sleek European style cabinetry, and an in unit washer and dryer.

The pet-friendly building offers front desk services and a great rooftop lounge and terrace with grilling stations, a fire pit, and sweeping views of the DC skyline.

You’re just moments from neighborhood restaurants, shopping, grocery stores, parks, and multiple Metro lines, making this a great spot for easy city living!