The First Steps: Expectations and Reality

I committed myself to the idea that with the new year (2009) it was a moment that I should look into and decide to peruse purchasing a home. My only real requirement was to remaining in the city proper. Admittedly I also had some other thoughts that would shape my expectations like: I didn't want to do a condo, because of the added cost of condo fees; nor a renovated property, because someone else's choices would probably not sit well with ones I would make; I simply wanted the opportunity to make a place my own, which meant finding something with the potential, or good bones as those in the business describes houses whose structures are solid though upgrades would still be recommended.

I found a real estate agent by recommended from acquaintances who had found properties and though the agent was helpful. My initial introduction and outing was to look at properties in the immediate neighborhood, Capitol Hill. Fortunately, the first meeting allowed me to see a property that became the model of what I would hold as possible in terms of a small space renovated successfully.

The other reality was the selling price of homes on the hill are far more than I was prepared to pay. My mid-western sensibilities would not in good conscious allow me of to consider dropping 400k on properties in desperate need of 200k in repairs. But that is the reality of established neighborhoods in DC.

My quick conclusion was I would have to look outside of the Hill for a home. This led me to focus on neigh hoods across the river. As history has recorded the railroad tracks or the river defined where affordable and often minority neighborhoods are situated.

Reflections on the Year Long Process of Becoming and Homeowner

Now that I have a little time and hope to gain more as the months of this new year pass, I will attempt to walk through the experience and share some of my insights.

As I struggle to find comfort in my new home I long for getting my simple life back. At present my mind and life still feels consumed with details related to the house. It is 2010 and I am slowly trying to establish that all important balance to my life.

Overall, I am pleased with my handling of this daunting process as a first timer. But my biggest struggle to settling in is my unexpected sensitivity to the noise that filters into my living space from the traffic. I am now on a mission to find an answer to this before it drives my mad.

My Search for a Home

With the new year I committed to starting the process of looking for property I could purchase.

And so, my search began in my immediate neighborhood when a for rent sign on a tiny townhouse went up around the corner. After scheduling a viewing of the property I asked the owner if she would consider selling which she was open to, but after several weeks of conversations her asking price of $360,000 was far out side of my mid-western view of reasonable.

The same can be said about most all of the properties in and on the edge of the expanding Capital Hills neighborhood.

Life on the Hill

Its been five years since I moved from the big shouldered city on the shoreline of Lake Michigan (Chicago) to the southern influenced midtempo pacing of Washington DC. The transition was needed and embraced having just completed my studies in design.

I settled comfortably and without much drama into a affordable and recently renovated 12 unit apartment building in the Capital Hill neighborhood. I marvel at how fast I adjusted to the white wall apartment life after spending eight years of living in community and sharing my living space with others.

The best part of the neighborhood is the convenience of services. I love being able to walk to the market (2 blocks), the metro (3 blocks), the cleaners (1/2 block) and church (1 block)...

Map: Washington DC, Viringia & Maryland (aka: the DMV)

One of the first steps in understanding the lay of the land in DC is to recognize that the city is divided into quadrants, referred to as NE, SE, NW and SW. Each quadrant has its own unique qualities whether real or perceived. The generalized view of each is as follows: NW - money and privilege, NE - a real mixed bag, SW water front and the new baseball stadium and SE Marion Berry and the expanding Capital Hill neighborhood.

I have only lived in the SE so far, and prefer it for its less dense and quieter environs.

Reflections on Living in Washington DC

This blog will be a reflection of my thoughts on living in the nation's capital city. On the suggestion from a hometown (Detroit) friend over the weekend I will attempt to share some of my experiences as I make DC my home.