What Are Your Thoughts On Investing In Properties In SE DC?

Question

SE DC has the most affordable property in the city, but for obvious reasons. Is it a wise long term play for a buy and hold? Share your thoughts with me.

-Nate

Wendell Hall · Answer

Nathan. As you probably know as a fellow DC investor and owner, “SE, DC” includes everything from the Supreme Court, parts of Cap Hill, Hillcrest and many other parts of the city.

Just like most of the city (including NW), DC is block by block. I have properties in SE and they’re just fine (understatement). They’re not in the hood, or what some might classify as “war zones” as some describe specific neighborhoods, and they’re a great part of my portfolio.

I also own in NE and NW, and each cash flow and have appreciated. Happy to discuss any particular neighborhood or area, many of which will be unfamiliar with out of town folks who only know neighborhoods once they’re fully gentrified and overpriced.

Ron Gallagher · Answer

If you guys are happy with the level of crime in Trinidad then you are probably going to be OK with anything EOTR.

Russell Brazil · Answer

@Nathan Silver

SE varies from class A all the way to class D/F. I dont invest EOTR, east of the river, which is likely the part of SE you mean. Plenty of my clients do, but I prefer class A rentals. The nicer parts of SE, like Hillcrest for instance just dont have much hype, which drives prices. The hyped areas tend to be the lower class areas like Anacostia. Im fact some of the investors I know invest in Anacostia and leave the house vacant. They want to be in that neighborhood but don't want to deal with the tenanta. 3 years in a row Anacostia has had the highest price growth in the metro area.

Michael Garofalo · Answer

@Nathan Silver most definitely yes. If you look at how Washington, DC has transformed over the last 20+ years, coupled with many other macroeconomic and demographic factors, it is simply a matter of time before EOTR becomes more gentrified. There is a significant housing shortage in DC and it's one of the most stable markets in the country in terms of holding/appreciating home values.

In the long run (10+ years) I firmly believe you can't really go wrong wrong with anything within 0.5 miles of either the Anacostia, Benning Road, and Deanwood metro stations. Drive through any of those neighborhoods, in the right pockets, and you'll see early signs of redevelopment. Contrary to what many people believe, there are still deals to be had and opportunities for cash flow if you understand the neighborhoods and secure the right tenants.

Wendell Hall · Answer

@Russell Brazil @Nathan Silver I don’t have property in Anacostia, but know folks who invest and “even live there”—not all parts are as bad as folks will make it seem.

That said, it a few years when the walking bridge to Navy Yard and Yards is completed, it’ll then be “hyped” and so will the prices. To each his own. I try buying before the hype—so far, so good.

Jack Seiden · Answer

Silver spring, Wheaton, Rockville, twinbrook and Crown/Rio in Moco

Mt Rainer, Hyattsville, Riverdale Park and parts of College Park in PG

Elisheba Anderson · Answer

I’ve been focusing on Fort DuPont Park. I lived there for 5 years and felt safe. But it’s really street by street. Not many amenities, but very close to 295, Eastern Market etc.

Russell Brazil · Answer

@Aaron Silver

My personal investments are in, or have been in (I trade properties alot) Silver Spring, Rockville and Petworth primarily. Looking for my next purchase right now, likely to be in Rockville this go around unless something pops up in Brightwood or Riggs Park that I like.

Elisheba Anderson · Answer

Like Wendell said. It’s really neighborhood by neighborhood. Checkout the neighborhood and street on crime maps, use Google Maps and walk the neighborhood to get a feel. I invent in SE, and am happy with the neighborhood.

What Are Your Thoughts On Investing In Properties In SE DC?

What Are Your Thoughts On Investing In Properties In SE DC?

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