♪ ♪ JOHN: I'm John Begeny.

CHRISTINE: And I'm Christine Louise.

We're producers at WETA and best friends.

JOHN: We love living in DC but finding a place to live here can be tough.

CHRISTINE: Join us as we go house hunting and explore neighborhood options.

JOHN: And find out what it would be like...

BOTH: If You Lived Here.

(doorbell).

JOHN: Hi, I'm John.

CHRISTINE: And I'm Christine.

And, we just arrived here in Takoma Park at the Takoma Park Metro.

JOHN: Now, Tina you're already commuting like a local because Takoma Park has the highest percentage of metro riders in all of DC.

CHRISTINE: Founded in 1883 by Benjamin Franklin Gilbert, Takoma Park was developed into one of DC's first railroad accessible suburbs.

JOHN: In the 1960s and 70s, Takoma Park residents pushed and stopped plans to build more DC freeways that would have displaced residents who lived right here on the land we're standing on.

CHRISTINE: That political activism and awareness would continue into the 1980s, as Takoma Park declared itself, a nuclear free zone.

Today, it's known for being a close-nit, diverse, vegan friendly community... JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: That cares deeply about the environment, regional national issues and each other.

JOHN: It's a happening place and I'm so excited to share it with you, Christine.

But we're not without help, we'll be stomping around with realtor, Anna Mackler, who was born right here.

CHRISTINE: We're going to tour three properties at three different price points.

JOHN: And try to guess the listing price without going over.

You ready?

CHRISTINE: Yup.

JOHN: Okay.

Let's do it.

(doorbell) JOHN: Hey, Anna.

ANNA: Hi, John.

Hi, Christine.

CHRISTINE: Hi, Anna.

ANNA: Great to see you guys.

JOHN: Nice to meet you.

ANNA: So welcome to Takoma Park, a place I know and love very much.

I grew up here.

Still, live close by so do my parents in the house I grew up in.

JOHN: Oh.

CHRISTINE: That's sweet.

ANNA: Yeah.

JOHN: That's so nice.

ANNA: So have you guys been in Takoma Park before?

JOHN: My parents actually, they, uh, had their first apartment here.

Uh, my sister was born here at the Sanitarium.

CHRISTINE: Wow.

JOHN: And I've lived on Elm street like, 28 years ago.

ANNA: Awesome.

JOHN: So I love Takoma Park.

CHRISTINE: But actually, I'm new to Takoma Park.

So tell me more about it.

ANNA: I love the trees.

JOHN: Yes.

ANNA: You know, Takoma helps protect the trees.

In the 70s, they had this tree ordinance that they started and so we have a beautiful green canopy.

We have a lot of unique architecture that we're known for, Craftsman's, Bungalows, Foursquares and then kind of this Cape Cod style, as well.

CHRISTINE: So one thing that we should let you know, is that after we tour the home... JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: We like to come out and guess the listing price.

ANNA: Oh.

JOHN: So the one that gets closest to the listing price... ANNA: Gets the house?

CHRISTINE: Oh, that would be great.

JOHN: Uh, we wish.

I don't think that's part of the rules.

No, the one that gets closest... CHRISTINE: Without going over, which is key.

JOHN: Gets bragging rights.

CHRISTINE: But I like your idea better.

ANNA: Awesome.

JOHN: I do to.

We're gonna pass that along.

ANNA: Yeah, we should talk to someone about that.

JOHN: Yeah.

ANNA: Go on in and see what you think.

JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: Okay, yeah.

Okay.

JOHN: Oh, this is sweet.

CHRISTINE: You know, I bet this home was built in the 40s.

JOHN: Uh, for sure.

CHRISTINE: And, you know what I like, is when you look at the floor you can tell how solid the home is because, you know, you don't see any sloping.

JOHN: This space goes directly into the dining room.

CHRISTINE: Which, and take note, the archway.

JOHN: Right, very typical for that era.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: This is, you know, not a big area but definitely big enough, you know, for like, a round table.

CHRISTINE: Actually, it's plenty of room for a nice big dining room table.

JOHN: Well, I wouldn't say a big dining room table.

But a nice round one, sure.

And, then this must be... CHRISTINE: Uh, basement?

Nope.

JOHN: No.

Okay, upstairs.

CHRISTINE: Okay, let's go.

JOHN: Let's do it.

CHRISTINE: So... JOHN: Oh, hey, this is big.

CHRISTINE: This is a good sized space.

JOHN: Wow.

CHRISTINE: Oh, but look, there's even more space.

JOHN: Oh, this is great.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

JOHN: And the ceilings are higher.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, you know, that's what I appreciate as, you know, I'm always smacking my head.

JOHN: This is a total plus.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

JOHN: Adds to the value.

CHRISTINE: Shall we explore more?

JOHN: Totally.

Yup, I would say, master bedroom if I lived here, right?

CHRISTINE: Yeah, I would.

CHRISTINE: So, check out the kitchen.

JOHN: Yup, this is nice.

CHRISTINE: It's right.

JOHN: It's probably remodeled years ago.

CHRISTINE: For a house this size, this is the size kitchen you're going to have, but at the same time you still have plenty of counter space.

JOHN: And, you have high end appliances, KitchenAid.

And I actually, know what this, uh, granite is.

That's Uba Tuba.

CHRISTINE: Oh, well I know you know your Uba Tuba.

JOHN: I do know my Uba Tuba.

It's a very popular granite.

CHRISTINE: But, you know, you also have this great backyard too.

Enjoy this... JOHN: I'd go out there and crack some crabs and it's perfect.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, enjoy the breeze.

JOHN: That's what Maryland is all about, right?

CHRISTINE: All right.

JOHN: All right, bedroom number two.

CHRISTINE: All right.

JOHN: Nice space.

CHRISTINE: Nice size.

JOHN: Big windows.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

I love the windows.

JOHN: Me too.

Into a Jack and Jill.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

Oh, you know what I love about this bathroom, is that you can tell they updated it... JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: But at the same time, they kept the original bathtub which is cast iron.

JOHN: Well, that's a good melding of old and new.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, I love when builders do that.

JOHN: Yeah, and that subway tile fits in this bathroom.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

It works.

So, this must be the third bedroom.

JOHN: Bedroom number three.

I mean, it's basically the same bedroom as the one in the back.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Nice big windows.

CHRISTINE: Yup.

JOHN: Good space.

CHRISTINE: All the way through.

Oh, and you know what?

You know, I bet these are the original door handles.

JOHN: I'll betcha.

CHRISTINE: And look, skeleton key.

JOHN: Oh, my gosh, very cute.

JOHN: And so, this is a hallway closet.

Nice, but you know, uh... CHRISTINE: I was like, yes, it's a hallway closet.

JOHN: But you know, living room as a huge walk-in closet.

So you know, what I would do?

CHRISTINE: What would you do?

JOHN: If I lived here, I would bump out that wall and make this into a half bath.

It would be... CHRISTINE: Oh, that's a smart idea.

Oh, okay.

JOHN: Yeah, that way and then, seal all that off.

It's perfect.

CHRISTINE: You know, I don't like to give you that much credit.

But that was a great idea.

JOHN: Okay, one more floor, the basement.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Oh, this is a nice additional space.

JOHN: Yup, TV room, right?

CHRISTINE: Yeah, great rec room.

All right.

JOHN: This is an interesting space.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, I mean they're using it for storage which I think is a great idea.

JOHN: Yup.

CHRISTINE: But look, there's another full bathroom right here.

JOHN: There you go with a window.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

JOHN: Now, we're still on the hunt for bedroom number four.

CHRISTINE: Okay, closet.

JOHN: No.

CHRISTINE: Oh, I forgot we're missing a bedroom yet.

JOHN: This has got to be it, bedroom number four.

CHRISTINE: Oh, it's a good sized bedroom.

JOHN: Yup, and window.

CHRISTINE: Yup, it lets in a lot of light for a basement.

JOHN: Well, that concludes our tour.

ANNA: Hey.

CHRISTINE: Hi.

JOHN: Hey, Anna, what a great way to start the day in Takoma Park.

CHRISTINE: You were right.

It is super charming.

JOHN: This was built in the 40s?

ANNA: 1941.

Good guess, yeah.

CHRISTINE: Yup.

JOHN: We know it, yup.

CHRISTINE: Yup.

Well, I think, some of the characteristics, you know... JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: The original hardwood flooring.

And you're right, I love the archways.

JOHN: Yes.

And you know, they did fit so much into this house, it's adorable.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Because you walk in and it's like, it's smaller spaces but if... CHRISTINE: Yeah, but it kinda went on, 'cause you, you kinda went from room to room.

It was like, oh, there another room, there's another room.

JOHN: Yup.

ANNA: It's got great flow throughout the house, I feel like.

Yeah.

CHRISTINE: It does, it does.

JOHN: Great flow.

And upstairs was fantastic.

I mean, so much potential up there.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: So much potential.

I mean, that's what you're buying here too.

I think is, it's a starter home but it's got potential.

So you can build equity over time as you invest in a house like this.

JOHN: All the way.

CHRISTINE: Exactly, exactly.

ANNA: Yeah.

So four bedroom, two bath.

It's over 1900 square feet on three levels.

What's special and unique about this one compared to other homes, is that you have a detached garage.

JOHN: Yeah.

ANNA: You have a lot of outdoor space in the front.

And in the back, you see the amazing curb appeal.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: And then, it's move in ready.

So before you start, let me just give you a little hint... CHRISTINE: Okay.

ANNA: Which might not be a helpful hint.

But Takoma Park has a lot of different styles of houses and architecture.

It is very hard to price a home here.

JOHN: Okay.

ANNA: So much is kinda, depending on the street you live on, the location, how big your yard is, what the finishes are like... JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: And also, it's potential, like, this home has, right?

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Okay.

Well, that gives us some more to think about.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, it does, it does.

ANNA: Well, it's not supposed to be easy, right?

CHRISTINE: But actually, I'm gonna come in at a listing price of $550,000.

ANNA: Oh, okay.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: My price, Anna is $499,999.

ANNA: Oh.

CHRISTINE: Is that what you thought, I was gonna say?

JOHN: I thought, that's exactly what you were gonna say.

That, I was totally, oh, okay.

CHRISTINE: Oh, that's right.

See, I guess, well, you just don't know me as well as you thought.

JOHN: I guess, I don't know you as well as I thought I did.

ANNA: So, this house is listed for... $569,900.

CHRISTINE: Yes.

JOHN: Oh, it's way off.

Oh, Takoma Park, why?

ANNA: I told you, it was hard to price a home here, yeah.

CHRISTINE: I, I love Takoma Park.

JOHN: Okay, but this is house one or three.

So I still have two more chances.

ANNA: You do.

CHRISTINE: You do.

JOHN: Right?

The day is young.

ANNA: Hope is not lost.

JOHN: Yup.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, you keep telling yourself, that.

Okay.

ANNA: Let's go.

CHRISTINE: We'll follow you.

JOHN: All right, after you.

ANNA: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: I think John needs a quick refresher about Takoma Park, to save him from further embarrassment.

WAYNE: If you lived here, you'd be completely mesmerized by just the vibe.

There, there's a certain, uh, vibration in this area which really kind of embraces your heart.

DENISE: My favorite thing about Takoma Park is its walkability.

It's absolutely great for that.

I raised my daughter here and I had no problem letting her wander and walk about town.

JOHN: Well, that definitely helped but with so much history here, I'm always up for learning even more.

CHRISTINE: Wow, what a beautiful... JOHN: And there's no better place to look than at the Cady-Lee house.

One of the most impressive and historic homes, in all of Takoma Park.

CHRISTINE: We are here at this beautiful historic home called the Cady-Lee home.

Can you tell us more about it?

DIANA: This is the perfect place to tell the history of Takoma Park.

Because it was the major building that was saved in the 1970s from developers, who wanted to demolish basically, the whole town.

And the residents had been fighting developers for a decade.

But they have a new weapon, the Historic District Designation.

So this tell you that we're now in the Takoma Park, Maryland Historic district.

And Holly is one of the oldest streets.

JOHN: Right.

DIANA: And keep in mind, when BF Gilbert arrived, he had a blank canvas.

JOHN: Huh, hard to imagine.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

DIANA: He could do whatever he wanted and he started laying out streets.

CHRISTINE: So Diana, I grew up on a farm where seeing a rooster was not uncommon.

But I know, there's a great story of the rooster here in Takoma Park.

DIANA: Yes, yes.

They are all in honor of our Takoma Park mascot, Roscoe, who was a free range chicken.

No one owned him.

He would just run around and... CHRISTINE: He was a rebel rooster.

JOHN: I know.

DIANA: Crow and you know, all at, um, at all hours.

And eventually, like, sometimes happens with wildlife, uh, h-hit by a car.

JOHN: Oh.

DIANA: And a local African American sculptor named, Norman Greene, created a piece of sculpture that is now, sitting in, uh, a prominent place on the plaza at Laurel and Carroll.

So you'll see him all over town.

CHRISTINE: It's nice to Roscoe's legend still lives on.

DIANA: So as you can see, Holly is one of the wonderful streets in Takoma Park.

I think if Mr. Gilbert came back, he'd feel right at home.

Many of the houses he knew are still standing.

CHRISTINE: Yes.

JOHN: It's like going back in time.

CHRISTINE: It really is.

(doorbell) ANNA: So here we are, at a true American Foursquare.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

ANNA: This was built in 1923.

CHRISTINE: So what is the definition of a Foursquare?

ANNA: As you see when we'll walk around the property, it is a true square.

Each level has about four boxy rooms.

And it's kind of, uh, type of a Craftsman home.

It was actually, built as a single family.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: And then, converted to a three unit property.

And then, reconverted to single family, when my clients took ownership.

So some of the details that you would see in this Foursquare, you have the original stucco.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: You have the original lighting which is beautiful.

JOHN: Oh, that's cool.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: And this front porch which is amazing.

There's a lot of unique design details that make it modern and functional.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: But still play with the character of the house.

JOHN: Shall we take a look?

ANNA: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: Oh, okay.

JOHN: All right.

ANNA: Go take a look and then let me know what you think.

CHRISTINE: All right.

JOHN: Wow, look at this tile.

CHRISTINE: My eyes are buzzin' and lovin' at the same time.

JOHN: It is great.

Totally, not traditional for a 1924 house.

CHRISTINE: No, it's crazy.

Exactly.

JOHN: But I adore it.

It's that juxtaposition of old and new.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: And it's great.

CHRISTINE: But you know what?

We're starting in square one.

JOHN: Good one!

Well, let's see square two, the living room.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

This is so bright and charming.

JOHN: And I love these two windows and you know, you can open them up and let the breeze in.

CHRISTINE: Let that breeze in.

JOHN: Let that breeze in.

Square three.

CHRISTINE: Here, we have the dining room.

JOHN: You can just imagine like, the family living in these squares, you know.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: It's perfect.

CHRISTINE: Well, and you know, what the dining room table is always used for?

JOHN: Eating.

CHRISTINE: No, homework.

JOHN: Homework.

CHRISTINE: Well, I do plenty eating but I could have done a little more homework, let's just say.

So let's move onto square four.

JOHN: Square four.

CHRISTINE: The kitchen.

You know, I have to say, it is so nice to see something a little different.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: We haven't seen blue cabinets.

And we haven't seen a butcher block countertop.

JOHN: I also like this dark grout in this subway tile.

CHRISTINE: It does make it pop.

JOHN: Yup.

CHRISTINE: Definitely.

JOHN: And they took the cabinets out and they've got floating shelves, which I like here.

CHRISTINE: You know, I'm always torn with the floating shelves.

'Cause sometimes, I'm like, do they take away too much space?

But they have enough bottom cabinets, that I think, you can actually, get away with that.

And you're right.

It does open it up so much.

JOHN: It visually opens it up.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Not like, they needed it 'cause this is a big space, but it's nice.

CHRISTINE: No, 'cause this is a really good sized kitchen.

JOHN: Well, you know, what I'm noticing?

Porch.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

JOHN: Look at this.

Screened in porch.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Outdoor dining.

CHRISTINE: Oh, my gosh.

And take a look at that patio and garden space.

JOHN: Oh, that looks good.

Well, we'll wait and see that.

What do you say, we head upstairs and take a look at the bedrooms?

CHRISTINE: Sounds good.

JOHN: All right, top floor.

Well, here we are.

CHRISTINE: We have our square.

JOHN: Four bedrooms, one bathroom.

CHRISTINE: Okay, I'll check out bedroom one.

JOHN: All right.

CHRISTINE: All right.

Oh, you know, this really is ample space for a bedroom.

It has, you know, the natural light, the windows.

Nice sized room.

JOHN: And another nice sized room, front of the house, good lights.

CHRISTINE: Okay, we hit center square.

JOHN: Center square of the Foursquare.

CHRISTINE: Okay, uh, another bedroom.

I think this is probably, the, the parent's bedroom.

JOHN: And bedroom number four.

And again, big bedrooms, just like that one.

CHRISTINE: That's what I mean.

If I were a kid, I would love that sized bedroom.

JOHN: Me too.

My bedroom is smaller than that now.

CHRISTINE: Okay, and the bathroom.

JOHN: All right.

So here's the one bathroom on this level.

We love this honeycomb tile.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, it's been nicely remodeled.

JOHN: Yeah, and this bead board, very traditional for that time.

CHRISTINE: It is.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: Shall we check out the den?

Lower level.

JOHN: All the way down.

CHRISTINE: Watch your head.

JOHN: All right.

CHRISTINE: Oh, we have a whole other additional living space, down here.

JOHN: Sure enough.

CHRISTINE: Kitchen.

JOHN: Living room, here.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

I bet bedroom and probably, bath.

And actually, it does have a separate doorway.

So it would be a perfect Airbnb or rental.

JOHN: Right to the front yard.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

JOHN: So it's great.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, okay, so we've seen the entire house.

Let's go find Anna.

JOHN: Let's go find her.

CHRISTINE: Oh, great, at this great backyard.

JOHN: Like, I love that porch.

CHRISTINE: Oh, there's Anna.

ANNA: What'd you think?

CHRISTINE: Well, now, I know what a Foursquare is.

JOHN: Well, I'm gonna call this house, bohemian chic.

ANNA: That's a great description of this house.

JOHN: Well, you know, having these owner's accoutrements in their home, you know, every single facet of their design really helped the overall impression of the house.

ANNA: You really feel the love in here.

JOHN: Yes.

ANNA: You know, somebody really appreciated the character in this home.

And the updates are made with, uh... JOHN: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: Still kind of preserving that historic character but... JOHN: Yeah.

ANNA: Functional for a modern family.

JOHN: Absolutely.

ANNA: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: Well, I know, you've owned the inside but I have to own this outside.

This lot is amazing.

You have this great deck which just screams, dance party.

And then, I mean, you have this other space.

You have a garage and a space for a garden.

I think it's amazing.

ANNA: It's really the best of all outdoor spaces, combined into one.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: Because this have been a multi-family, this was all paved for parking.

CHRISTINE: See, in my family, we'd have Polka parties out here.

JOHN: Oh, Polka party.

That'll be great.

ANNA: Yeah, so this Foursquare, as you saw, is built in 1923.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: Five bedrooms good sized bedrooms.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: Yup.

ANNA: Three full baths.

Everything is really, renovated and up to date.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: You've got a lot of the unique features which have the wood burning fireplace and the hardwood floors and... JOHN: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: Renovated bathrooms and beautiful tile and light fixtures.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: It's over 2500 square feet on three levels.

JOHN: Oh.

ANNA: I would think that John is channeling his inner Flower Avenue.

JOHN: Oh, I'm trying.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm, yes.

JOHN: Oh, now, you're putting more pressure on, is like... CHRISTINE: Yes, yes.

ANNA: Well, you get to go first also.

JOHN: I do this time.

ANNA: You do.

JOHN: In this market, currently, based on other homes and what they've sold for.

What I think this house should sell for... ANNA: Yeah.

JOHN: I'm going to put it a guess of $655,000.

ANNA: Christine.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

ANNA: What are you thinking?

CHRISTINE: I agree.

It's worth every penny of $650,000 but I think, it's worth a little more.

So I'm gonna, I'm gonna come at a listing price of $725,000.

ANNA: Even more of a disparity than last time, right?

JOHN: Now, see, how we do that?

ANNA: Right.

JOHN: Yeah.

ANNA: So the actual listing price of this beautiful Foursquare on Flower... JOHN: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: Was $675,000.

CHRISTINE: Oh, you were so close.

ANNA: Yeah, well done.

CHRISTINE: Good job, good job.

JOHN: Okay, that makes me very happy.

ANNA: It was in the cards.

JOHN: That's a bargain.

ANNA: However, I will say, and to give you kudos, Christine.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

ANNA: This actually had multiple offers and escalated to a record breaking number of $851,000.

CHRISTINE: Wow.

JOHN: That is mind blowing.

ANNA: It really is, it really is.

I mean, I think this house spoke to a lot of people... JOHN: Yeah.

ANNA: In a good way, right?

CHRISTINE: Oh, definitely.

ANNA: And uh, the numbers proved that.

JOHN: Okay.

Record breaker, Anna.

ANNA: Yes?

JOHN: Well, this was great but we have one more property to look at.

CHRISTINE: Right.

JOHN: And so where are we headed to?

ANNA: So house number three is actually, on Takoma Avenue.

So a little bit of a different area, closer into town.

JOHN: Yeah.

ANNA: So those houses typically, command a higher price point.

CHRISTINE: Ooh, a clue.

JOHN: Yup, hint.

ANNA: Hint, yup.

So excited to show you.

Let's uh, go walk on over there.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Downtown, here we come.

DENISE: Takoma Park is a microcosm of the larger area.

We've got so much of what the DMV offers, right here, in Takoma Park.

Including, Sligo Creek Park.

The roads here in Takoma Park, are closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday which is great for outdoor exercise and just enjoyment for individuals and families.

IAN: Everybody here is, is very vested in their community.

If you live in Takoma, you love Takoma, you support Takoma businesses.

And it's just a gathering place.

JENNIFER: When people move to Takoma Park, they stay.

JOHN: Well, it's good to be back in downtown Takoma Park.

CHRISTINE: Hey, do you remember the unofficial mascot of Takoma Park?

JOHN: I sure do.

Charlie the Chicken.

CHRISTINE: No.

It's Roscoe the Rooster.

How did you not know that?

JOHN: There was no Roscoe the Rooster when I lived here.

It was a long time ago.

So much has changed since I've lived here in the 90s.

There's more than one restaurant.

And now, they can actually, serve alcohol.

And Takoma Park, even has its own radio station.

MARIKA: You're tuned into WOWD-LP in Takoma Park.

Catch us, anywhere in the world, takomaradio.org or 94.3 in the DC area.

JOHN: So the mother of all radio in Takoma Park, that's a big responsibility.

MARIKA: We're one of a crowd of great, little, tiny radio stations.

CHRISTINE: How did you get started?

MARIKA: This was kind of like, a "Field of Dreams".

Actually, we did it on a shoestring.

People were immediately interested in the idea of a radio station.

CHRISTINE: I got my start in high school and into college, in small town radio.

MARIKA: I really love this community and I love the, the diversity.

And I love the fact, that it has embraced the station.

CHRISTINE: I think this is so wonderful because so many of those small stations, they don't exist anymore.

That community connection, I think, is so valuable.

MARIKA: It's locally focused, so it feels like, it's an amplification of this diverse voice of Takoma.

95% of our shoestring budget, comes from our listeners.

JOHN: That's great.

MARIKA: And 5%, from local businesses.

CHRISTINE: We know a little something about that.

JOHN: Well, we are fundraisers for public media.

We appreciate that.

CHRISTINE: You've been here 30 years.

So obviously, you're passionate about the area.

MARIKA: I have called it and I will call it again, an adorable little town.

'Cause Takoma Park, its, uh, it's a unique community.

We're a small town... JOHN: Mm-hmm.

MARIKA: With, uh, with our own government... JOHN: Mm-hmm.

MARIKA: On the edge of a big city.

We have just this multi-generational, multi-racial mix.

I mean... CHRISTINE: Yeah.

MARIKA: It's rare.

CHRISTINE: It, it does really have that small town feel.

JOHN: It does.

MARIKA: We take of each other.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

JOHN: I wanna live here again.

MARIKA: Come back, John.

JOHN: Okay, thank you.

I'm gonna tune in tonight.

MARIKA: Okay.

CHRISTINE: So am I.

(doorbell) ANNA: All right, guys.

Well, let's stop here a second because I'd like you to admire the beautiful façade of house number three.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

ANNA: So what style, do you think this is?

JOHN: Hmm.

I'm gonna say, maybe deco?

ANNA: Deco.

JOHN: Because of the brick work.

ANNA: It's actually, listed as a Craftsman style... JOHN: Really?

CHRISTINE: Oh, wow.

ANNA: But it's definitely, it's definitely, different and it's built in 1928.

CHRISTINE: And the balcony is so cute up there.

ANNA: It really is.

There's a lot of charm to this house.

So I wanna take you around to the side to show you a different vantage point because there will be some surprises.

CHRISTINE: Oh, okay.

ANNA: All right, guys.

Here we are.

JOHN: There's a whole other house on the back end.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, there is.

ANNA: Exactly.

Someone bought this a little over a year and a half ago, and put on a massive addition in the back.

Three levels really expanded the size of the house and it causes a lot of twists and turns.

So I want you to start on the basement level.

And then I'm gonna meet you on the back deck.

CHRISTINE: I don't know if you've noticed, Anna, but I brought a little inspiration.

ANNA: Could that be Roscoe, a little good luck charm.

CHRISTINE: That's why, it, it is.

It's my tribute to Roscoe.

And I hope it will bring me some luck.

ANNA: And maybe it will.

JOHN: All right.

ANNA: All right.

CHRISTINE: And let's go.

ANNA: Let's do it.

CHRISTINE: Oh, okay.

JOHN: We have not seen a first level like this one.

CHRISTINE: You know, first, start as a basement but this does not feel like a basement at all.

JOHN: No.

This would be great TV room down here.

CHRISTINE: Home office.

JOHN: Yeah.

Oh, it would be great if you worked at home down here.

CHRISTINE: Oh, it would.

JOHN: This would be your getaway every day.

CHRISTINE: You've got this other additional space, here.

JOHN: This is great.

This could be a game room.

CHRISTINE: Oh, yeah.

JOHN: And here, bathroom.

CHRISTINE: Oh, and it's a full bath.

JOHN: A... CHRISTINE: Again, that blue cabinetry.

JOHN: I'm crazy for that color blue.

CHRISTINE: We saw that in the second house.

JOHN: Yeah.

I love that blue.

CHRISTINE: Except it was in the kitchen.

JOHN: And it matches the accent in the tile on the, uh, floor.

CHRISTINE: So shall we continue upstairs?

JOHN: Let's go.

CHRISTINE: All right.

JOHN: A lot more to see.

CHRISTINE: Upward and onward.

CHRISTINE: So this would be the foyer that you'd walk into.

JOHN: Yeah, this is a nice welcoming space.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: And what a great living room.

CHRISTINE: And in this room, you could really see the old house.

I bet this is the original fireplace.

JOHN: All the way.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

I love that they went with the wider casings and moldings 'cause that would have been more true to that time period.

JOHN: And it's just handsome, isn't it?

CHRISTINE: It is.

So we flow right into the dining room.

JOHN: This is like a Foursquare.

Wow.

CHRISTINE: So this again, was part of the original house.

Do you think this was the original dining room?

JOHN: I think this was the original dining room, for sure.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Love the windows and the natural light.

JOHN: Uh-huh.

CHRISTINE: It really opens the space but, you wanna talk about opening spaces, right?

JOHN: This is it.

CHRISTINE: So... JOHN: So definitely, you see the transition between old and new.

CHRISTINE: You do.

So this is definitely, the new addition.

JOHN: So this would have been the back of the house... CHRISTINE: It would have.

JOHN: Before they added the new extension.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: And this would have been the backyard.

CHRISTINE: Nice entrance.

Look at this island.

JOHN: Quartz countertops.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

I mean, all of the cabinetry, plenty of room for storage.

JOHN: White cabinets, subway tile.

CHRISTINE: And you know what I like about this subway tile?

Is that it's smaller, so it's a little different from what we see.

JOHN: Yes.

You know what I see?

You have not just one, but two over the sink windows.

CHRISTINE: Oh, you know I love that.

JOHN: How about that?

It's very nice.

CHRISTINE: And you know, just the, the fixtures, because these lights... JOHN: Yeah, a pop of color to this room.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, they pop.

They do, they do.

JOHN: Which leads us to this all-season room.

CHRISTINE: Oh, I could just live in this room.

JOHN: I love all these windows.

CHRISTINE: And you know, these windows, although they're brand new, they really kind of have a Craftsman home kinda feel to them.

JOHN: They sure do.

Well, let's carry on.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Upstairs?

JOHN: Upstairs, we go.

CHRISTINE: Okay, so here we have the owner's suite.

JOHN: Oh, this is nice.

CHRISTINE: Isn't this?

JOHN: Okay, they did a good job with this.

This view, all these trees, you can see the whole neighborhood, everything is so green and verdant.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: And look at this.

You have windows on this side that wrap around the room.

And so you have great views out these, as well.

Okay, let's see what else is in this beauty.

CHRISTINE: We were so drawn to the windows... JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: We forgot the actual bath.

JOHN: So this must be the owner's suite bath.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: So full bath.

JOHN: All big and new, right?

But this is actually, in the older part of the home.

CHRISTINE: Oh, so you're right.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: So obviously, this has all been remodeled.

'Cause this is probably, originally a bedroom.

JOHN: It probably was a small bedroom.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm, okay.

So this was one of the original bedrooms in the home.

JOHN: Definitely, the main bedroom.

CHRISTINE: Yes.

I would agree.

But you know what, I think my balcony is over here.

Oh, this is so sweet.

JOHN: Aw, this is charming.

CHRISTINE: You know what, every morning, I could come out here and say, hello Takoma Park.

JOHN: Wow, every morning.

CHRISTINE: Every morning.

JOHN: I don't think you have to do that every morning.

CHRISTINE: Oh, maybe every other day.

JOHN: Sure, every other Tuesday.

CHRISTINE: Sure, okay.

JOHN: You know, I like the original part of this house.

CHRISTINE: So do I and here we have another bedroom.

JOHN: Oh, right.

Hey, this has nice windows in it too.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, it's comfortable.

JOHN: And a bathroom.

CHRISTINE: All right, full bath.

JOHN: Yup.

Okay, well, how are you feeling about guessing this price?

CHRISTINE: Well, I think Roscoe and I are feeling pretty good.

JOHN: Feel a little cocky, are we?

CHRISTINE: I think we are.

JOHN: All right.

CHRISTINE: Hey, Anna.

ANNA: Hey, guys.

JOHN: Hey.

ANNA: So tell me about what features you liked in the house.

CHRISTINE: John and I, we love historic and I think, that's part of what we did like about this house, is that they took the old but brought in the new.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: And it works.

JOHN: Addition added a lot to this house so I like, a good kitchen.

ANNA: What'd you think about the lower level where I had you start?

JOHN: Total surprise.

ANNA: Right?

CHRISTINE: Yes, yup.

JOHN: One of the nicest lower levels we've entered, you know.

ANNA: Right.

JOHN: So much light and that room is spectacular.

But I also liked, as you said, um, views from upstairs in the bedrooms.

ANNA: Great views.

JOHN: Great views.

ANNA: Yeah.

JOHN: Very serene.

ANNA: Okay, but enough stalling.

I think we need to settle this once and for all.

JOHN: This is it... CHRISTINE: Okay.

ANNA: House three.

CHRISTINE: All right.

JOHN: House number three.

ANNA: The big finale.

CHRISTINE: It is a big finale.

ANNA: Yeah.

JOHN: Right.

CHRISTINE: But uh, I'm gonna channel my little Roscoe here to bring me luck.

ANNA: Ah.

We have four bedrooms, three and half baths... Over three levels.

A little bit more than 3100 square feet.

And as you saw and loved inside, it's got a lot of character, But a ton of modern updates which make it great for the modern buyer.

CHRISTINE: So I'm goin to come in at $997,000.

ANNA: Oh.

JOHN: Very interesting number.

CHRISTINE: Thank you.

ANNA: It is an interesting number.

CHRISTINE: Thank you.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: I'm shaking it up a little bit, this time.

JOHN: You are shaking that up.

CHRISTINE: Thank you.

JOHN: So I'm going to go with $1,010,000.

ANNA: You guys are starting to think a little bit more alike.

You're a little bit more aligned with this price.

CHRISTINE: So, you know, we always come together in the end so.

JOHN: We've only known each other 20 years.

20 years of thinking alike.

ANNA: All right, well, I wish you both could win.

JOHN: Me too.

ANNA: Yeah.

JOHN: No.

CHRISTINE: I, I don't.

I don't.

ANNA: Well, clearly this time, someone did channel Roscoe's energy... CHRISTINE: Yes.

ANNA: And it was John.

No.

CHRISTINE: Oh, no.

ANNA: It was John.

He won.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: No.

ANNA: So the price of this house $1,036,000.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

You know, I still love Roscoe, okay.

JOHN: But that's great.

ANNA: Congratulations.

But I think, we should definitely, I'd love to take you to celebrate at one of my favorite spots, Takoma Bev Co. JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: Oh, I do to.

ANNA: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: And because John won, he pays.

JOHN: I'll pay.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

ANNA: That works.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

DENISE: If you lived here you would know that, there's rent control policy here, in Takoma Park, that supports the diversity of everyone being able to live and benefit from this community.

TRUDY: If you lived here you would know about the farmer's market which is just wonderful, on Sunday mornings.

I mean, fresh eggs.

CHRISTINE: What's the best part about owning a business here?

IAN: You get to know everyone that walks down the street every day.

WAYNE: Just a slower pace.

And I just think, it's a really positive atmosphere.

JENNIFER: If you lived here, you would be part of the family.

CHRISTINE: But you know what, I could live in Takoma Park.

JOHN: Oh, certainly.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

JOHN: I love Takoma.

ANNOUNCER: To find out more about living in the Washington Metro area, visit weta.org/ifyoulivedhere.

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