US News & World Report looks to Urban Brokers for their McMansion Article

US News & World Report contacted Principal Broker Mark Meyerdirk on April 22nd for insight on a noticeable shift away from McMansions in today’s real estate Market.  Its true!  Following this most recent recession, consumers are more aware of their finances.  They’re re-evaluating their needs and ultimately enhancing their quality of life by choosing to live within their means by purchasing more modest-sized homes which reduces their mortgage, property taxes, and energy costs.  In addition to buying smaller homes, buyers are seeking out homes that are in neighborhoods that are closer to their work or at a minimum close to public transit.  The know that by reducing their commuting distance, they’ll also save on their commuting expenses.  The financial savings coupled with a growing overall awareness for the environment make it an each choice for homebuyers.   US News and World Report.

Paradise For Sale – One of Urban Brokers’ Most Unique Offerings Ever!

Urban Brokers is proud to present one of our most unique listings ever. Introducing The Green House located in Sacred Valley, Peru. This spectacular Property and B&B Business is being sold as a package. We had the pleasure of staying here when visiting Peru this past winter. If you’re looking to start a new chapter in your life, this is an amazing opportunity. Take a peek of this amazing place.

Quintessential Ledroit Park Rowhome listing selected “Best New Listing” by Mark Welborn’s UrbanTurf!

One of our newest listings at 1921 6th St NW in Ledroit Park is selected as UrbanTurf’s Best New Listing this week. This fantastic renovation by Avamere Property Holdings LLC sold in just 4 days!

UB chosen to market historic homes at National Park Seminary

Urban Brokers presents four amazing historic properties at the National Park Seminary in Silver Spring. Choose from the Japanese Pagoda, the Swiss Chalet, the American Bungalow, and the Colonial House. These one-of-a-kind historic properties are just waiting to be restored to their original splendor! The homes are beautifully situated throughout the 13 acre site and each conveys with two parking spaces and privileges to community amenities including the Ballroom, Fitness Center, and Recreation room.

Brett West joins Urban Brokers, LLC

Brett West joins Urban Brokers, LLC

We are pleased to announce our newest sales associate to join Urban Brokers!  Brett West comes to us from McEnearny & Associates.  He is a seasoned Realtor with 6 years of experience and was just recently featured on an episode of HGTV’s hit series House Hunters.

During Brett’s first visit to Washington, D.C. in 1981, he knew one day he would call our nation’s capital his home. In 20 years of living here, he has enjoyed watching our metropolitan area grow and thrive, watching Bethesda, Clarendon, Dupont Circle and other neighborhoods transform from outskirts to urban hubs of work, home and nightlife.

His seasoned career in public relations and public affairs afforded him many opportunities to equip Fortune 500 companies, elected officials and small start-up companies with strategic public relations counsel – to package them tastefully for public consumption.

Today, Brett employs these tools and talents to outline and deliver strategic campaigns to the benefit of consumers of real estate through world-class marketing efforts, industry knowledge and customer service.

Fun Fact: As a construction apprentice in 1985, Brett was among those to lay the ground work on Horton Plaza, a $140 million project credited with sparking the revival of downtown San Diego. The experience is the source of Brett’s passion for sustained urban economic development today.

Brett grew up in San Diego – living also in Los Angeles, Tehran and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – and is an alumnus of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

Happy New Year!

This January marked the 7 year anniversary of Urban Brokers, LLC. When I started the business in 2004, I never imagined that the company I created for myself would evolve into a real estate brokerage firm of 12 agents and two employees. It was in 2009 that I began to search for a new home for our growing company. It didn’t take long for me to identify just the perfect property caddy corner from my home at the time at 10th & U Streets NW. The 1900 rowhome that we acquired was most recently occupied by the Black Fashion Museum. We spent approximately 14 months renovating the derelict building to a first class real estate office featuring a beautiful reception area, 5 private offices, a spacious workroom, and a state of the art conference room.

In the 1st quarter of 2011, we will be launching a cutting-edge website for our clients to include an exciting new property search interface, Featured Properties Page, Open House listings, Rental Listings, and eConcierge – a database of our preferred vendors including lenders, title companies, home inspectors, general contractors, and other reputable service contractors. We are also excited to announce that beginning in March, we will offer full property management services including rental registration, leasing, and ongoing property management.

In 2011 we will continue to offer our clients the greatest level of real estate service available in our industry. We owe our success to you, our loyal client base. If you or anyone you know could use our guidance in 2011, we hope that you will think of us.