Washington, D.C
Is Buying a Condo Worth it in WASHINGTON DC | 5 Reasons
Is Buying a Condo Worth it in WASHINGTON DC
Condos enjoyed a decades-long run of popularity in the Nation’s Capital. Then this thing called Covid hit and everyone scrambled to get out to the suburbs. They wanted land and space. This was short-sighted, even without knowing how long the pandemic would last. Now that we are coming up on the four-year anniversary of the world lockdown, how has condominium ownership fared? And is it time to consider buying a condo again?
Buyers have come back to the condo market, and the condo market is embracing them. The condo was in the corner of the room, smoking a cigarette, nursing a gin and tonic and saying, “Of all the gin joints in all the town, in all the world…”
I’m going to tell you five reasons why it’s a great idea to consider buying a condo.
1) Not many other people are…yet
Who do we always quote around here? Warren Buffet – Be greedy when others are fearful and fearful when others are greedy. Since 2023 when mortgage rates started rising, we’ve seen a resurfacing in the interest in condos. Why? These are buyers who have been priced out of single-family homes. The rat race of chasing the new homes, watching the prices get bid up, the contingencies be waived, that got old after a couple years. Condos in DC basically fell off a cliff and became very difficult to sell. We’ve seen a resurgence of people coming back to reconsider a condo. Of course, city life having opened back up again has helped.
Historically, as in, pre-covid, condos weren’t as sought after in the suburbs as they were in DC. People wanted their city-living but when they moved out to Northern Virginia or Montgomery County Maryland it was to buy a house. That’s not the case anymore in many parts of Northern Virginia. I have a client who is currently finding multiple offers on condos in places like Oakton, Reston and Herndon.
2) The Condo Market is Ready to Embrace Buyers
There is enough for sale in many areas that the buyer now has options of places to see, and choices to make. This is a good feeling when the last decade has been a time where all choices have been taken from buyers. You won’t have to settle. You can get a place that checks most if not all your boxes.
3) Escalations are Minimal
In cases where there is interest from multiple buyers, translating to multiple offers, you won’t see escalations like you used to or that you see on houses. The price escalations may go up $10,000 – $15,000. And while I get that this is money you would rather not spend, this feels like a dream compared to what things used to be like with a mass exodus of the condo market to single family homes and escalations of hundreds of thousands of dollars over asking price.
It’s also easier to “predict” what will happen on a condo escalation as opposed to houses where it was anyone’s guess if it would go up $50,000, $100,000 or $300,000.
4) Minimal Upkeep
Do you want to spend time mowing lawns, shoveling sidewalks or constantly fighting mice. Because that’s what homeownership has boiled down to for us. We don’t want to spend our time doing these things and it can be a real drag. I miss the days of dumping my trash down a chute and never seeing it again. I won’t miss not being on the email list serv for the rat patrol for our alley, where we’re reminded to put a rock on our trash cans to keep the rodents away.
If you are back to a life of travel and leisure again, then the idea of turning the key and walking away from a condo and not needing anyone to watch it for you is pretty appealing.
5) The Lender is Your Friend
You may recall that during the whole Covid pandemic, we also witnessed the collapse of the Surfside Condo building in Miami. Things changed with lenders as a result of this, and they changed for the better. Side note – I have a couple videos on condo documents and what you should look for in reviewing them.
Long before Surfside, I would tell anyone who would listen that I despise 1980’s construction. It feels shoddy no matter where it is. My condo in DC is from the early 80’s and it’s been riddled with issues that trace back to the corners that were cut when it was built. My parents had an early 80’s condo in Florida, same thing. You can usually tell 80’s construction by its general ugliness and popcorn ceilings. Surfside was also a 1981 product.
Your lender is going to do everything in their power to ensure you don’t find yourself in a Surfside situation. They have strengthened the requirements of condos, requiring larger amounts to be set aside for reserves, engineering studies in some areas and stronger insurance requirements. In some places like Florida all eyes are on insurance and the companies and the state have gotten involved to mandate more protections for these homes. In many cases, condos are forced to replace roofs at regular increments (i.e. every 20 years) regardless of condition, otherwise their insurance company could drop them.
We’re only seeing the beginning of this in the DC Area, but I did tour a condo in Northern Virginia that had structural issues. They still had multiple offers, but whether it makes it through financing is another story. My client and I determined this was a risk not worth taking.
Are condos going away? I vote no. They aren’t making any more land and as the population explodes, we need places for people to live. The prices on condos now are fantastic and I wholeheartedly believe their heyday is coming.
Washington, D.C
DC police chief accused of manipulating crime data in new House Oversight Committee report – WTOP News
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith has been accused of manipulating crime data to “maintain the appearance of low crime” in a new report released Sunday by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith has been accused of manipulating crime data to “maintain the appearance of low crime” in a new report released Sunday by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The interim staff report came from transcribed interviews with the commanders of all seven D.C. patrol districts, as well as one former commander currently placed on suspended leave, according to a news release.
The report alleges Smith “punished and removed officers for reporting accurate crime numbers and fostered a toxic culture.”
D.C. police Chief Pamela Smith recently announced she is stepping down at the end of the month after two years leading the department.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office told WTOP they “are reviewing the report.”
Read the full report here.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
Washington, D.C
How Maryland is Tackling Traffic Delays and Enhancing Travel to Washington D.C. Through Key Infrastructure Upgrades, Here is All You Need to Know – Travel And Tour World
Published on
December 14, 2025
Traffic delays in D.C. have long been a challenge for both residents and visitors. In Maryland, addressing these issues has become a top priority, with major projects aimed at easing the notorious Beltway congestion. Among the most crucial initiatives are the reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge. These key infrastructure upgrades are essential not only for reducing traffic delays but also for improving access to Washington D.C.’s famous attractions. With millions of tourists visiting the nation’s capital every year, these projects aim to enhance the flow of traffic, ensuring a smoother travel experience for all. By tackling congestion head-on, Maryland is making significant strides in boosting Washington D.C. tourism. The ongoing improvements promise to make visiting the capital more convenient and enjoyable, benefiting both locals and travelers alike.
Maryland’s Focus on Infrastructure Upgrades
One of the most pressing issues currently being tackled by Maryland officials is the ongoing traffic delays in D.C. caused by outdated and overcrowded bridges. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, in particular, has seen its estimated costs balloon as the need for reconstruction becomes more urgent. The Maryland Department of Transportation has faced increasing pressure to ensure the timely and efficient completion of this project, which is expected to be fully funded by taxpayers.
In September 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy raised concerns regarding the proposed budget and timeline for the FSK Bridge replacement. This project, aimed at addressing significant traffic bottlenecks, is crucial to improving the daily commute for both locals and visitors heading into Washington D.C. for business, leisure, or cultural experiences.
Addressing Congestion on the American Legion Memorial Bridge
Another key project under discussion is the American Legion Memorial Bridge, which connects Maryland to Virginia along the I-495 Beltway. This bridge is notorious for heavy congestion, contributing significantly to the broader traffic delays in D.C. In 2025, Washington, D.C. was rated the worst city in the nation for traffic, with an average delay of more than six hours. As part of efforts to alleviate this problem, Secretary Duffy and Maryland Governor Wes Moore are exploring ways to accelerate the reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge.
A major focus of this initiative is the public’s input on how best to alleviate congestion in the I-495/I-270 corridor. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has recently released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather feedback on potential solutions. The aim is to develop a multi-state plan to address the congestion that affects both Maryland and Virginia, directly benefiting travelers heading into Washington D.C. This effort is seen as vital for improving the overall travel experience in the region, particularly for tourists navigating the Beltway.
Improving Access for Washington D.C. Tourists
Tourism in Washington D.C. is a significant economic driver for the region. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the nation’s capital to visit iconic landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian museums. However, these visitors often face traffic delays that hinder their ability to enjoy their trip. The ongoing congestion on the I-495 Beltway and critical bridges like the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge directly impact the ease with which tourists can access these sites.
Improving these key transportation routes will not only benefit local commuters but also enhance the tourism experience in Washington D.C. Faster and more efficient access to the city’s major attractions can encourage more visitors, boosting local tourism revenue and supporting the area’s hospitality sector. By addressing Beltway congestion and modernizing key infrastructure, Maryland is taking a proactive approach to ensuring that tourists spend less time stuck in traffic and more time exploring the capital’s many cultural and historical offerings.
The Role of the Capital Beltway Accord
Maryland’s commitment to improving transportation in the region is also evident in its collaboration with Virginia through the “Capital Beltway Accord.” In 2019, Maryland and Virginia announced a bipartisan agreement to build express lanes on the Beltway, designed to ease congestion. Virginia completed the 495 Express Lane Extension in November 2025, a move that aims to improve the flow of traffic between the two states.
The express lanes offer an expedited route for drivers and are expected to have a direct impact on reducing congestion, particularly in areas where traffic delays have historically been the most severe. For tourists traveling to Washington D.C., these lanes represent a potential shortcut that could significantly shorten travel times to key attractions. The implementation of such infrastructure upgrades helps ensure that both residents and tourists benefit from improved access to the region.
Public Input and Community Involvement
Secretary Duffy has emphasized the importance of involving the public in the planning and development of these transportation projects. The release of the Request for Information (RFI) for the American Legion Memorial Bridge reconstruction is a clear indication of Maryland’s commitment to ensuring that local communities, commuters and tourists alike have a say in how congestion is addressed. Public input is vital for shaping the future of transportation in the region, particularly when it comes to making improvements that impact everyday lives and travel experiences.
A Brighter Future for Maryland’s Transportation Network
With ongoing efforts to tackle Beltway congestion, rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge and improve the American Legion Memorial Bridge, Maryland is positioning itself to enhance travel to Washington D.C. for years to come. The state’s focus on modernizing key infrastructure projects is crucial for easing traffic delays and improving the overall experience for both residents and tourists. As these projects progress, they promise to unlock smoother, more efficient travel, benefiting everyone who relies on these critical routes.
Conclusion: Enhancing Travel Through Strategic Infrastructure Investment
Maryland’s commitment to addressing traffic delays in Washington D.C. through key infrastructure upgrades is set to have a significant impact on both local commuters and tourists. The reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge will not only ease Beltway congestion but also improve access to the capital’s major attractions. By ensuring that these vital projects are completed on time and within budget, Maryland is making strides in improving travel for everyone who relies on these roads. With the ongoing public input process and collaboration with neighboring Virginia, the future of travel in the Washington D.C. metro area looks brighter than ever.
President Donald Trump has set his sights on his next renovation project: Washington, D.C.’s golf courses, according to a new report.
The president, who frequently spends weekends on the fairways at his various properties, is seeking to redevelop the three public golf courses in the nation’s capital, The Wall Street Journal reported.
“If we do them, we’ll do it really beautifully,” he told the outlet on Friday after reportedly describing the courses as run down and neglected. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum echoed this sentiment, describing one course as “in total disrepair,” adding that Trump is trying to bring it “back to what it was originally envisioned to be, which is the finest municipal golf in the country, right here in our capital.”
In his pursuit to remake the green spaces, he is attempting to wrest control from the National Links Trust, a non-profit with a 50-year lease to operate, restore and maintain the affordability of East Potomac Golf Links, Rock Creek Park Golf and Langston Golf Course.
Earlier in 2025, the administration ordered the group to take dirt resulting from the demolition of the East Wing of the White House or risk defaulting on its lease with the government, people familiar with the matter told the outlet. The group accepted and trucks were seen dumping piles of soil onto one of East Potomac’s courses.
Despite this, the Interior Department told the National Links Trust that it violated its lease and delivered an official default notice. Trump said that the courses will fall under the administration’s control if the group does not remedy alleged violations by the end of the year.
“Such a move could make it easier for Trump to implement his vision for the East Potomac course, which sits on a prime stretch of Washington real estate along the river,” the outlet reported, noting that the course is “at the top of his list.”
In a statement, the group disputed the administration’s assessment.
“National Links Trust respectfully disagrees with the characterization that we are in default,” a spokesman for the National Links Trust told the newspaper. “National Links Trust appreciates the president’s interest in the D.C. golf courses and looks forward to the opportunity to partner with the administration to improve these historically significant facilities.”
But the Republican president has no interest in working with the organization.
“I think what we’re looking to do is just build something different, and build them in government,” he said.
He’s also shown interest in hiring Tom Fazio, a famed golf course architect, to create designs for a new East Potomac course and hopes to host a professional golfing event in the capital in the near future.
The president’s renovation attempts have triggered consternation among some golfers in Washington, D.C., who fear Trump’s beautifying efforts could boost prices and render the courses unaffordable for residents.
But, Trump said that, if he takes over the three courses, D.C. inhabitants will receive lower rates than visiting golfers.
If Trump is successful in his bid, it would add to the many changes he’s made to the nation’s capital since returning to office in January. At the White House, he’s paved over the Rose Garden, installed towering flag poles on the lawn, affixed gilded furnishings to the Oval Office and began constructing a massive ballroom where the East Wing once stood.
He’s also proposed building a victory arch on the banks of the Potomac and is considering renovating the Reflecting Pool that sits in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
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