If You Lived Here
Silver Spring
Season 1 Episode 4 | 28m 54sVideo has Closed Captions
John and Christine explore three properties in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The series hosts tour three homes and properties around Silver Spring, Maryland, with realtor Koki Adasi. They visit Highland View Park, National Seminary Park and Ritchie Avenue and learn about the community from food writer Tim Ebner, Velati’s Amy Servais, and others.
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If You Lived Here is a local public television program presented by WETA
If You Lived Here
Silver Spring
Season 1 Episode 4 | 28m 54sVideo has Closed Captions
The series hosts tour three homes and properties around Silver Spring, Maryland, with realtor Koki Adasi. They visit Highland View Park, National Seminary Park and Ritchie Avenue and learn about the community from food writer Tim Ebner, Velati’s Amy Servais, and others.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship♪ ♪ JOHN: I'm John Begeny.
CHRISTINE: And I'm Christine Louise.
We're producers at WETA, and best friends.
JOHN: We love living in D.C., but finding a place to live here can be tough.
CHRISTINE: Join us as we go house hunting and explore neighborhood options.
JOHN: We're going to tour three properties at three different price points.
CHRISTINE: And try to get the listing price without going over.
JOHN: And find out what it would be like...
BOTH: If you lived here!
JOHN: Welcome to Silver Spring, Maryland.
CHRISTINE: I remember when the AFI Silver Theater was one of the first historic buildings to be renovated here.
JOHN: It also revitalized so much of this block right here.
You know, it even brought The Fillmore back across the way.
CHRISTINE: Well, you know, I know you lived here in a high rise.
JOHN: I did.
CHRISTINE: Back in the day.
JOHN: Back in the day.
CHRISTINE: Okay.
But so much has changed and Silver Spring, there's, there's a lot to this area.
JOHN: Well, Silver Spring is actually huge.
I mean, it goes, you know, if you think about it, we're downtown; if you go this way, there's good old Wheaton.
And then up this way, it goes all the way up through Colesville and Burtonsville.
So there's a lot of different neighborhoods, a lot of different types of housing.
So your dollar goes a long way in Silver Spring.
More bang for your buck.
CHRISTINE: Well, that's always good, but we're also going to be looking at three different homes today that I'm really excited to see.
JOHN: I'm excited too.
Okay, Tina.
So we're going to head out of downtown Silver Spring to meet our realtor for the day, Koki Adasi.
CHRISTINE: Koki really knows the area because he grew up around here.
JOHN: That's right.
And he's been a realtor in the area for more than 15 years.
And just like that, we're here.
CHRISTINE: Ooh, it even comes with this charming neighborhood too.
You know, it's hard to believe that we're only a few minutes away from downtown Silver Spring.
Hi, Koki.
JOHN: Hey, Koki.
KOKI: Hi, John and Christine!
How you doing?
JOHN: Nice to meet you.
CHRISTINE: Great, great!
KOKI: All right guys, we're here at the first property of the three that we're going to see today.
And you know, I love Silver Spring.
Very special to me.
CHRISTINE: This is really, really cute home.
KOKI: This is a beautiful quaint property here in Highland View Park.
First thing you notice is how beautiful the house shows from the street.
Now, this is a 1940 build.
A Cape Cod style property.
The main level has wonderful hardwood floors, updated kitchen, updated bathroom.
Bathroom, to me, feels kind of like a spa when you enter.
And upper-level has a nice attic space, which is finished.
And the ceiling height is tall enough for me to stand, so.
JOHN: Oh well.
KOKI: It's a nice bonus.
As you'll see in the lower level, it's a perfect setup for an in-law suite or Airbnb.
Make sure to check out the back deck, which is nice Trex Decking.
Easy maintenance, but also very nice to sit on and relax and enjoy the beautiful view of your backyard, so.
JOHN: Beautiful.
KOKI: What do you guys think, you wanna head on in?
CHRISTINE: I can't wait to take a look.
JOHN: Me too.
KOKI: Let's do it!
JOHN: Ah, this is super cute.
CHRISTINE: This is just as I imagined this style home to be.
JOHN: I love this entry way.
CHRISTINE: So do I!
JOHN: And look, it's so efficient.
You can sit down on the bench, you can put your shoes underneath, you can hang your coats.
CHRISTINE: But I know what you liked right from the get-go when we walked in.
JOHN: I love the woods screen.
That's really, really cute.
CHRISTINE: It is and you know, I love these style homes, but what I love the most is this hardwood floor.
Because you know it's original, it's refinished... JOHN: And it creaks just the right amount.
CHRISTINE: It does, it is.
JOHN: It's kind of charming.
CHRISTINE: It is.
JOHN: I love this living room.
It's a great place to entertain and kick back.
CHRISTINE: You just want to make yourself right at home.
JOHN: Yeah, here, I'll make you a little.
CHRISTINE: Oh, well, thank you!
JOHN: There you go.
Okay, that's enough for you.
CHRISTINE: It's empty.
JOHN: Well, it's very dry gin.
It's a dry martini.
CHRISTINE: Oh, okay.
JOHN: Very dry.
Yeah, yeah.
CHRISTINE: Thank you, thank you.
Yeah, now I'm noticing the one thing that you absolutely love.
Fireplaces.
JOHN: Wood-burning fireplaces.
Love the smell, I love the pops.
You know, there's, it's something that gas doesn't have, and this is just a very traditional Cape Cod feature.
I love it.
CHRISTINE: I want to check out the sunroom.
JOHN: Let's do it.
Put the...
Enough drinking, you're cut off.
CHRISTINE: There was, there was nothing here.
Oh, this is great.
This is just what I imagined.
JOHN: Yeah, great for an office.
And you know, this is the coolest room in the house so far.
I don't mean like, 'Hey, that's a cool room!'
I mean like it's actually feels... CHRISTINE: Yeah, I, I got it.
Let's go check out the kitchen.
JOHN: That's what porches do.
CHRISTINE: Yeah.
JOHN: And here we are in the dining room, and I think it's a perfect size for this house.
CHRISTINE: It is and you know, if you wanted to, you could put in even a little larger table.
JOHN: And I like how they did this floating buffet.
CHRISTINE: Well, you know how I feel about floating furniture.
For me, it just collects dust bunnies.
And, you know, I'm not the best housekeeper.
JOHN: She's not the best housekeeper.
Check out the kitchen.
CHRISTINE: Yep.
Wow, this is actually a very nice sized kitchen, even though it's small.
It has a lot of cabinet space... JOHN: And counter space.
CHRISTINE: And counter space!
You're right.
JOHN: And again, lights.
It's got three, two windows and a door.
I think that's what makes it seem a little bigger too.
Love the little side porch out back, you know, the deck.
That's where it's at.
I'd be out there every day.
CHRISTINE: Right, right.
And it's you can, you know, wash dishes, do stove.
I like it, I think it fits very well for this size.
JOHN: Wow, you were multitasking there.
CHRISTINE: I am, I'm multitasking.
And speaking of multitasking, you want check out downstairs?
JOHN: Yes ma'am.
CHRISTINE: Wow, this looks like a whole other living space down here.
JOHN: Sure does.
CHRISTINE: Oh, it's cause it is, wow.
JOHN: Huh, little living area.
CHRISTINE: And you know, the ceilings, you know, can feel a little low in a basement, but this feels really, actually, good.
JOHN: I think if you were 6'5", they would seem a little too low.
CHRISTINE: Maybe a little.
JOHN: Ahh.
CHRISTINE: Oh, this is a nice size space.
JOHN: Very nice.
This floor, look, just that little living room there.
This is a great rental.
CHRISTINE: It would, it would.
Or if you have family coming or an in-law suite.
JOHN: Yep.
CHRISTINE: But you know, how would you like to have guests over and say, “Hey, you have your own fireplace.” JOHN: Sounds dangerous.
CHRISTINE: I think it sounds cozy.
So let's check out the upstairs now.
JOHN: Wait, wait, wait, put the brakes on.
We haven't even seen the rest of this floor.
CHRISTINE: Oh, you're right.
JOHN: This house gets bigger and bigger by the second.
CHRISTINE: You're right!
JOHN: So this looks like it's the main bedroom.
CHRISTINE: And it's actually a nice size room.
Plenty of room for a good size bed.
JOHN: I like how pretty... CHRISTINE: Dresser.
JOHN: The trees are outside.
CHRISTINE: Yeah, what a nice view.
JOHN: Lush, yep, really nice.
CHRISTINE: Okay, let's go checkout, let's see.
JOHN: The....
BOTH: Bathroom.
CHRISTINE: You know, it's a modern look in a 1940s house.
JOHN: Yeah.
CHRISTINE: Do you know what's great about this bathroom?
JOHN: What's that?
CHRISTINE: Is that I can sit, I can brush my teeth.
JOHN: You can multitask!
CHRISTINE: I can do everything.
JOHN: Oh, and this would be the second bedroom, but um, it looks like they've been using it as an office and a laundry room.
So this is an offi...
BOTH: Laundry-room.
CHRISTINE: Let's just call it a multi-purpose room.
JOHN: That sounds good.
CHRISTINE: That's great.
JOHN: I'll take it!
CHRISTINE: So let's go check out the upstairs now.
Oh, cute doors.
JOHN: They are cute!
CHRISTINE: Yeah.
JOHN: Nice stairs, watch your head.
Oh wow.
CHRISTINE: Oh this is... JOHN: This is a nice surprise and it is a nice room for a bedroom or a TV room, right?
CHRISTINE: It is or a little, uh, play area.
But you know what I love is the built in file cabinet.
JOHN: Well, that's where all the secrets are kept.
Why don't we take a little seat here, have a little talk?
CHRISTINE: So now that we've seen the entire house, do you have a listing price in mind?
JOHN: I think I have a listing price in mind.
Yes ma'am.
CHRISTINE: Well, let's go talk to Koki then.
JOHN: Sounds good.
(thud) CHRISTINE: Oh!
Okay.
JOHN: You have to watch that.
Yeah, a little bit, a little bit.
KOKI: So what'd you guys think?
JOHN: Really cute, nice house.
CHRISTINE: Super cozy.
That lower level.
It is perfect for Airbnb or an in-law suite.
KOKI: It could be a great income generator.
CHRISTINE: Very much so.
JOHN: Sure enough.
KOKI: John, what do you think?
JOHN: I love the kitchen.
For such a small space, it is a lot of cabinetry in there.
And of course, out back is my favorite.
I love the side porch, I love the deck.
KOKI: The deck is my favorite too.
JOHN: I'd practically live out there.
KOKI: So just sit out there and relax, and listen to the birds chirp.
See how quiet it is?
JOHN: It is, it's very quiet.
KOKI: It's so peaceful here.
JOHN: Yeah, I love it.
CHRISTINE: That's what makes it a great family home because the neighborhood is so quiet.
JOHN: Yeah.
KOKI: Okay guys, so this is the first house of three that we're going to see today.
I know you guys have competition going on here.
JOHN: Just a little... CHRISTINE: Just a tiny... KOKI: Just a little bit, right?
So remember the details of the house; built in 1940, nice Cape Cod, four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, 1800 square feet spread across three levels.
You've seen all the updates already.
Newer windows, updated kitchen.
Updated bathrooms and potentially an Airbnb space in the basement.
JOHN: Sweet.
KOKI: So what are your thoughts?
CHRISTINE: Well, first of all, let's, let's talk about the rules.
The first rule is; I always win.
JOHN: Which is not a rule.
So whoever comes closest to the listing price, without going over, is the winner.
KOKI: Like "Price is Right"?
JOHN: It is.
CHRISTINE: Exactly.
JOHN: It is, it's "Price is Right".
Are you ready to guess?
CHRISTINE: I am, I am.
So I'm going to let you guess first.
JOHN: Oh, that's very kind of you.
CHRISTINE: Thank you.
JOHN: I'm going to make a guess of... 525,000.
KOKI: 525, okay.
Christine?
CHRISTINE: I say you're, you're too low.
I mean cause... JOHN: Well, go big or go home!
CHRISTINE: I'm going to go with 545,000.
KOKI: So we have 525.
JOHN: Yes, sir.
KOKI: And 545.
If I took the average of both guesses, then you'd be right at the list price of $535,000.
(Christine groans) JOHN: Applause all around and thank you, thank you, everybody.
CHRISTINE: I'm not really applauding... KOKI: Congratulations.
Christine, we have two more houses to see... CHRISTINE: And I... KOKI: I'll be rooting for you.
JOHN: Oh, come on, Koki.
CHRISTINE: Thank you.
And I can't wait to see them.
KOKI: Alright, let's go check them out.
JOHN: Okay.
Well, I'm just going to stand here and bask in my glory.
It feels good to win.
Oh, wait!
Wait for me, don't go.
Don't go.
TIMOTHY: I love Silver Spring because you get the city feel of D.C. without actually paying the D.C. prices.
Um, and all throughout the city, there's hidden artwork that's everywhere.
Um, there's an acorn on one side of this city, a huge hand on another side.
So, that's a big thing for sure.
JOHN: We are here at Acorn Park, site of the original Silver Spring, which I bet you didn't know was filled with lots and lots of silver.
CHRISTINE: Actually, John, the name comes from discovery of a Mica-flecked spring in 1840.
JOHN: Mica-flecked spring, you say?
Who knew?
So from the mural down the block to the real thing, here we are in downtown Silver Spring, and the heart of it all, at the crossroads of Georgia and Colesville roads.
CHRISTINE: And I know you know this area really well because you used to live literally across the street.
JOHN: I lived right across the way at the twin towers.
That was a long time ago, and boy have things changed.
Back then, you know, things were quite different.
Tastee Diner was across the street and now you have the old Discovery Building on that block.
TIM: I'm standing in front of the Tastee Diner, which for me has always been a place that I have celebrated milestone moments in my life.
The Tastee Diner has been here since 1946, originally.
And it was actually at the heart of Silver Spring, on Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road.
When Discovery Channel moved its headquarters here.
The Tastee Diner actually moved three blocks away.
And I think the fascinating thing about it was the community really heralded and championed the move of this diner.
And they literally picked it up and put it on a flatbed truck and they placed it here.
LISA: My name is Lisa Wilkes, and my family has owned the Tastee Diner for 50 years.
My husband was in charge of the move.
He was the project manager, and I didn't know him at the time.
We're now married.
We have three kids and it's just kind of a win-win situation.
It really is a family owned restaurant, but also a family community as well.
They're not just customers.
I mean, honestly, they're family.
CHRISTINE: Okay.
So John, you know, a little bit about this next property, right?
JOHN: Yes I do.
Okay, so we're headed to another side of Silver Spring to an address at the National Park Seminary.
It's like a whole other world.
So, it was a resort hotel in the late 1800s, a school for young women until the 1940s, and then an army medical facility until the early 2000s, and now it's been converted into private residences.
CHRISTINE: Well, it appears Koki is just full of surprises.
JOHN: This is a fantastic neighborhood, Koki.
KOKI: Yeah, so this is quite different from the first property we saw.
We are standing in front of the firehouse here at the power plant and the historic National Park Seminary.
This place is rich with culture and history.
And, uh, to speak about that, I have someone very special, the developer of this project, who is Karl Voglmayr.
JOHN: Hi Karl.
So you are the developer of this part of the seminary, which is incredible.
Tell us about it.
KARL: Well, this part of the seminary is made up of three buildings.
It is a power plant, a fire station, and a musical hall.
JOHN: Cool, cool, and cooler.
KARL: Yeah, we bought this building three years ago and, uh, it was in disarray.
The floor you're sitting at had caved in.
CHRISTINE: So when you're redesigning these, what kind of design process do you have in mind?
KARL: We try to do a lot of repurposing of pieces that we find.
These buildings, you've noticed that the outsides are almost identical to what they were when they were originally created.
In the inside, we've used a lot of the reclaimed wood for instance, and you know, making sure that is exactly as it was.
And that's the defining point of how the building is to be developed.
We're coming up to the Practice House.
The Practice House originally was a servant's quarters for the hotel that was here back in the 1800s.
JOHN: Wow!
KARL: And when the girls were here, it was turned into a practice house for music practice purposes.
And all of the rooms were 7 by 7, 9 by 9, tiny little rooms.
JOHN: Oh, huh.
CHRISTINE: Well that's because you weren't going anywhere.
You were just going to practice.
Hey, Koki.
KOKI: Hey, how are you guys doin?
JOHN: Koki.
KOKI: How was your time with Karl?
JOHN: Interesting.
That was really cool.
CHRISTINE: It was great.
But after he described what he's done, I cannot wait to see the inside of this unit.
JOHN: Me too.
KOKI: Awesome.
Well, this is a phenomenal location here.
We are just a mile from Forest Glen Metro, we are close to my favorite restaurant, Pacci's.
Uh, you know, we're also close to Rock Creek Park as well.
So if you like biking, like, you know, walking trails and whatnot, very close to this property, very convenient, inside the beltway.
CHRISTINE: Well, I can't wait to take a look inside.
Let's go.
So John, the first thing, you know, what I'm drawn to in this unit is the reclaimed wood.
JOHN: Yes!
CHRISTINE: I'm always drawn to anything aesthetically like that.
JOHN: Nice touch against the modern quartz countertops too.
This is like one big living area, with the living space, the kitchen, and the dining room.
And this is a big kitchen.
CHRISTINE: It is, you've got ample counter space.
But you also have great cabinet space.
JOHN: Great appliances.
CHRISTINE: Five burner stove.
JOHN: Kitchen Aid microwave, which is a really groovy.
And you know, you always have to check the water pressure here.
It's one good sink, Tina.
CHRISTINE: That's nice.
Then, you know, again, I love the waterfall design.
JOHN: Me too.
CHRISTINE: It really does add a nice look to it.
JOHN: It's a nice clean edge to it.
CHRISTINE: It is.
JOHN: Yeah.
CHRISTINE: It's a great space.
JOHN: Yeah.
CHRISTINE: So let's go check out the upstairs.
This is nice I love these, beautiful stairs.
JOHN: Beautiful stairs!
Yeah.
CHRISTINE: Okay.
So this looks like it's the bigger of the two bedrooms.
Wow, look at the windows and how much light comes in here.
But the size of the room is really nice.
Although it doesn't have the en-suite.
JOHN: You know, it doesn't really need an en-suite, I don't think.
This would be like a guest suite, but this is the bathroom.
I think it's beautiful.
CHRISTINE: And it's fancy.
JOHN: Very European.
Well... CHRISTINE: And now this is the smaller of the two bedrooms.
JOHN: Yeah, nice little bedroom.
Compact, right?
CHRISTINE: But for a smaller bedroom, it's not even really that small.
JOHN: It has a good cohesive feel to this whole floor.
CHRISTINE: It does.
Let's go check out the basement level now.
JOHN: Third and final, let's do it.
CHRISTINE: Okay.
Oh, this is a nice space.
JOHN: It is, we'll call this the bonus room.
CHRISTINE: Well, you know, it works perfect as a home office.
JOHN: Yep.
CHRISTINE: Or you can even have a bedroom.
JOHN: And seemingly lots of storage in these side cabinets.
CHRISTINE: I'm guessing that's, uh, storage?
JOHN: Another... CHRISTINE: Oh wow, the washer and dryer.
JOHN: Washer and dryer, very nice.
Oh boy, this is nice, this is impressive.
CHRISTINE: It is, the same sink as the other one.
JOHN: This is the biggest bathroom in the house.
CHRISTINE: It has that same sleek design.
JOHN: Yeah, very clean.
CHRISTINE: I really like it.
You know, seeing all three levels, the high-end finishes, the design.
I, I think I've got a number.
JOHN: Okay, let's go find Koki.
CHRISTINE: Let's do that.
So Koki, you were spot on with this unit.
KOKI: I thought both of you would appreciate this.
JOHN: Very much so.
CHRISTINE: I did.
You know, I love the reclaimed wood and the history that Karl was talking about, you can see it in there.
JOHN: And you can see the love and craftsmanship too.
Makes it super special.
And I think it even elevates the price.
CHRISTINE: Okay, I have to admit, ah, I'm a little nervous on this one.
Because you're, you're more familiar with the area.
JOHN: I am.
CHRISTINE: So do you want to go first?
JOHN: No, I think you should go.
CHRISTINE: Okay, I was actually hoping you would, but.
KOKI: What a gentlemen!
What a gentlemen!
JOHN: It's really true.
CHRISTINE: Oh, yeah okay, taking... KOKI: Look, look, look before you guess this... CHRISTINE: Okay.
KOKI: This is a two bedroom, two and a half bath property.
JOHN: Yes.
KOKI: Over 1600 square feet.
There's actually parking below, and storage... JOHN: That is one of those things that is, wow, okay I didn't know that.
KOKI: As well.
CHRISTINE: That is really nice!
KOKI: So you've got to factor that into the price as well.
CHRISTINE: One other thing before I make my winning guess.
JOHN: Yes.
CHRISTINE: What are the HOA and condo fees?
KOKI: Great question.
The condo fees here are $273 a month, and the HOA fee is $130 a month.
So it's very reasonable for what's offered here.
CHRISTINE: It really is.
JOHN: Such a great place.
And in a community like this, yeah.
CHRISTINE: Oh, this makes it harder.
Okay, so I am going to say this property is listed...
I'm going to say 645,000.
KOKI: 645 and what say you?
JOHN: I'm going to go a little bit higher.
Um, 646.
No!
I will say, uh, 675 to be fair.
KOKI: Another great guess.
The correct answer is 699.
CHRISTINE: Oh.
JOHN: Which, we were both in the zone.
CHRISTINE: Yeah.
KOKI: You were both in the zone.
CHRISTINE: So, so does that mean you're going split the win with me?
JOHN: No, there's only one winner, and that's me.
KOKI: Well you guys did a great job here!
Onto the third property.
JOHN: Are you gonna wow us?
KOKI: I have a special treat for you guys.
JOHN: Alright.
CHRISTINE: Great, I can't wait.
KOKI: Let's go check it out.
CHRISTINE: Alright, I'm, I'm going to win next time.
JOHN: Okay.
Oh, this is one of my favorite parts of town.
CHRISTINE: Oh, I can see why.
JOHN: Welcome to the new town center of downtown Silver Spring.
CHRISTINE: Well you can see how vibrant it is.
Look at all the great restaurants... JOHN: I know.
CHRISTINE: And shopping.
I can hang out here all day.
JOHN: Yeah, love it, right?
BRITTANY: One of the things I like about Silver Spring is the diversity, there's a lot of people from a lot of different countries, a lot different backgrounds.
TIM: When you walk up and down the streets, especially around Georgia Avenue, what you'll immediately notice is so many different kinds of restaurants.
There is an entire block of Ethiopian restaurants.
You can go two blocks further and you'll come upon La Casita, which is a Salvadorian restaurant serving fresh pupusas.
Or Cubanos, which is serving Cuban style food.
JAMES: Right over, down here on the Plaza.
Winter time, they have like skating.
And it's just uh, in the summertime, it's really lively.
You have people just living, you know, and a lot of cultures, a lot of sounds, a lot of smells.
So, it's pretty, pretty dope.
I love it here.
STEVE: The other great thing is Velatis Chocolate.
It's the best chocolate in the world.
Most people don't know it.
It's been here for years, and it's right on Georgia Avenue.
AMY: My family and I have owned the original Velatis since 1996.
The, the original Velatis has a long history, even though it says, "Famous Caramels Since 1866" it started in 1850 in Richmond, Virginia prior to the Civil War.
Um, at the end of the war, their candy shop burned.
Um, so instead of rebuilding in Richmond, they, um, decided to move to D.C.
The chocolates that you can see throughout the store; it's all natural, it's made by hand and love, which makes it a little bit tastier, I believe.
I have lived here since 2008.
It's just a great place to live.
CHRISTINE: Koki, we looked at two amazing places already and we have our third home that's new construction.
Can you tell us a little bit about it?
KOKI: Absolutely, so this was a 2020 build.
Location is always key in real estate, right?
So this property here is within a five minute walk of five different parks, a mile from Silver Spring Metro, a mile from Takoma Park Metro, close to restaurants and shops.
So, what else could you ask for?
JOHN: It's a beautiful house.
KOKI: You can see from the HardiePlank exterior, the wonderful, you know, white trim with the dark windows.
JOHN: Love the color.
CHRISTINE: I love the carriage garage doors.
KOKI: And inside you have an electric car charger.
So if you've got a Tesla, there you go.
JOHN: I don't have a Tesla, but I think one should come with the house, Koki.
KOKI: We can work that out.
JOHN: All right, deal.
CHRISTINE: That's wonderful.
I can't wait to look inside.
Oh, wow.
JOHN: Oh my goodness.
Wow, it's beautiful.
CHRISTINE: This is open and airy.
JOHN: Oh, look at this.
CHRISTINE: Oh!
JOHN: Mud room.
CHRISTINE: What my mother would have done for a mud room like this.
I mean, how great just to come in with the muddy boots, throw your sports stuff up in the, the little cubbies.
JOHN: Yeah, and look!
Your little boots are right there.
Just waiting for you.
CHRISTINE: They're even cuter than mine.
JOHN: Well, it's the cleanest mud room I've ever seen.
And there's a half bath.
CHRISTINE: Very nice.
So this room is amazing.
It's so open, and bright, and the sunlight coming in.
JOHN: Yeah, the windows are great.
CHRISTINE: It's got the great fireplace.
And of course the shiplap.
JOHN: I love that light pickle.
These floors are the real McCoy.
These are beautiful wood floors.
And then, oh my God, the kitchen.
This is incredible.
CHRISTINE: I am going to just be on this side because this is where I usually... JOHN: Oh, wait.
Yeah, I cook, so I'll be on this side.
CHRISTINE: Okay.
JOHN: Cause, look at this.
Look, this is amazing.
Two extra fridges right here.
CHRISTINE: Oh nice.
JOHN: Auto close, right?
CHRISTINE: That's really nice.
I love the range hood.
JOHN: Well, you know, it mirrors the fireplace.
CHRISTINE: And of course for hot water.
JOHN: Yeah, pot filter... CHRISTINE: Yeah.
JOHN: Everybody has to have one of those.
You know, this kitchen, isn't huge, but it has everything that you need right here.
CHRISTINE: It does.
It's very nicely set up and this.
JOHN: And this is the best, right?
The pantry, this is practically a room into itself.
Yeah, I could live in here.
CHRISTINE: All right.
Um, bye, see ya.
JOHN: Oh, bye everybody.
CHRISTINE: I'll meet ya out here.
JOHN: Finally, solitude, peace.
CHRISTINE: You want to go check out the upstairs?
JOHN: I would love to.
And I love that they've carried the floor color throughout the first floor, up the stairs, and up to the second level.
CHRISTINE: Ah.
JOHN: This be the owner's suite.
Big windows, look at this.
This is your en suite, Madame.
CHRISTINE: Oh wow, his and hers.
JOHN: Two very nice walk-in closet, his-hers.
CHRISTINE: Oh my gosh!
This is such a selling point.
JOHN: Yeah.
CHRISTINE: Oh now this is a bathroom.
JOHN: Very nice.
CHRISTINE: Oh my gosh, talk about spa-like.
That shower... JOHN: Yeah, that's beautiful.
CHRISTINE: That is really, really nice.
And I, I love the tub.
JOHN: The giant tub.
CHRISTINE: What I love are the details, like simple spigots actually coming out on the wall.
And you know I gotta see what the... Ah, nice.
JOHN: Very nice.
What do you say we check out the other three bedrooms in this beautiful home.
CHRISTINE: Yeah.
JOHN: After you.
CHRISTINE: Thank you.
Ah, we've gotta talk about this closet space.
JOHN: Yes, yes, keep dreaming.
Keep dreaming, my dear.
CHRISTINE: Oh wow.
This is the laundry room.
JOHN: Wow, these floors are beautiful.
This is very much on trend right now.
This is a good size.
And, it connects with the other bedroom and the old Jack and Jill bathroom.
CHRISTINE: I love this Jack and Jill bathroom.
JOHN: Just like the "Brady Bunch".
CHRISTINE: It is, Marsha!
JOHN: Stop hogging it, Peter!
Into the other back two bedrooms.
Oh, this is a good size too.
CHRISTINE: Another bedroom.
JOHN: Okay, here we go, wow.
CHRISTINE: Okay, another nice size bedroom.
JOHN: This is number four and final with it's own private, uh, full bath too.
Very nice.
CHRISTINE: Bathroom, yeah, again, nice, nice.
Alright, to the basement we go.
CHRISTINE: Well, do you have a price point in your head?
JOHN: I'm... CHRISTINE: I don't want to intimidate but I've go... JOHN: Getting a price point.
CHRISTINE: I'm getting a number in my head.
JOHN: Ah, look at this.
CHRISTINE: Wow.
This is a lot of space.
JOHN: And polished concrete floors.
CHRISTINE: I love the floors.
JOHN: Yeah, they're durable.
CHRISTINE: You know, it reminds me, back in the day, the roller skating rink.
You know?
JOHN: Yeah, you can roller skate down here.
CHRISTINE: Couples skate, have the disco ball going.
JOHN: And another bathroom.
So that makes four bathrooms, five bathrooms!
Four and a half.
CHRISTINE: It's a full bathroom.
So I think we have one more... JOHN: One more room to go.
And it looks like another bedroom.
CHRISTINE: This is really good size.
JOHN: It's a big room.
So this could be a, easily a bedroom with a full bath.
CHRISTINE: Nice basement, lot of living space.
JOHN: Yep.
CHRISTINE: So let's go.
JOHN: Okay are you ready to guess?
CHRISTINE: Yeah, let's go talk to Koki.
JOHN: Let's play the game.
KOKI: So what'd you think?
JOHN: Wow!
CHRISTINE: Koki, that home is amazing.
I thought the outside was spectacular, but the inside is just as spectacular.
KOKI: What was your favorite?
JOHN: The kitchen was great.
The pantry is amazing.
CHRISTINE: For me, I grew up in the country, so the mud room, that was top of my list.
I love that.
Now, before we guess, because John's going to need the help.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us to help us in our, uh, game?
KOKI: Sure.
Well, now you remember that this property has over 10,000 square feet on this lot.
Five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms.
4,300 plus square feet of finished living space inside.
The wonderful two car garage with the EV car charger for that Tesla.
The nice, beautiful gourmet kitchen, the wide plank hardwood floors that you liked so much.
The nine foot ceilings on each level.
Don't forget the gas fireplace.
Owner's suite with a separate tub and shower... JOHN: Yep.
KOKI: I can go on and on, but you guys realize that this is an amazing property here.
So what are your thoughts on price?
CHRISTINE: You know, I'm going to do you a favor.
I'm going to let you guess first.
JOHN: Wow, that's so generous.
CHRISTINE: Thank you.
JOHN: Okay.
So, um, I am going to put in, a guess of 1.15 million.
KOKI: Okay.
CHRISTINE: Okay.
I love the open concept, I love the basement.
With the garage in the setting, I'm going to go a little higher, okay.
JOHN: Fair.
CHRISTINE: It's, it's fair.
I'm going to go with 1.2 million.
KOKI: Both fair guesses.
CHRISTINE: Thank you.
KOKI: You're both wrong.
However, Christine, you are closer.
CHRISTINE: Yes!
Yes, I did it!
KOKI: The same price of the home is $1.3 million.
CHRISTINE: Oh, that's not too bad.
JOHN: Well, Congratulations.
CHRISTINE: Thank you.
JOHN: I mean, you have to win one time on it... CHRISTINE: Thank you, thank you.
JOHN: So, congratulations.
CHRISTINE: Koki, I wasn't all that familiar with the area, but I love it.
Seeing the different neighborhoods, seeing the environment, it's just been a spectacular day, and I can't wait to come back to Silver Spring.
KOKI: Oh, you're welcome.
JOHN: And for somebody who was born here, and lived in many places around the area in Silver Spring, it's been nice to revisit it, and you've been great.
So we thank you and we hope to see you again.
KOKI: Awesome.
My pleasure, my pleasure.
JOHN: Pleasure's ours, Koki.
TIM: If you lived here in Silver Spring, I would say come hungry, because all you're going to want to do here is eat as much food as possible.
JAMES: If you lived here and you like Thai, there's a restaurant called Kao Thai right next to a Fillmore, unbelievable.
BRITTANY: If you lived here, you would know about El Sapo, and it's one of the few Cuban restaurants in the area.
LISA: If you lived here in Silver Spring, you would definitely want to come to the Tastee Diner, because they have the best breakfast in town.
NARRATOR: To find out more about living in the Washington Metro area, visit weta.org/ifyoulivedhere.
(ribbit)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: S1 Ep4 | 6m 7s | This new 5BR, 4500-sq ft. home doesn’t lack for space to spread out, indoors or outdoors. (6m 7s)
A Quaint House in a Quiet Neighborhood
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: S1 Ep4 | 6m 4s | This charming Highland View Park house offers something for all the seasons. (6m 4s)
The Tastee Diner is the Flavor of Silver Spring
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: S1 Ep4 | 1m 10s | Writer Tim Ebner explores the history of the Tastee Diner, a neighborhood institution. (1m 10s)
This Converted 2-bedroom Embraces Its Boarding School Past
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: S1 Ep4 | 6m 11s | This newly converted home includes plenty of details which speak to its unique past. (6m 11s)
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