Real Estate
The décor of the floor
Laminate and luxury vinyl flooring a versatile, durable option

Love and marriage, milk and cookies, law and order. We all recognize these pairings, but luxury and vinyl are two words I never thought would appear together, especially when describing flooring.
When my best friend moved to Florida, I flew down to help her get settled in her new house. As soon as I stepped into the foyer, I was greeted by an odd smell and some wood-look, plank flooring that I could not identify. It turned out to be vinyl, with its volatile organic compounds (VOCs) still off-gassing from recent installation.
Vinyl flooring has been around since the 1800s and used to contain asbestos, although the carcinogen was phased out of the manufacturing process in the 1980s. The product I saw was known as Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and was entirely unlike the sheet vinyl that used to be installed in our kitchens and bathrooms of yesteryear.
In 1990, the Perstorp chemical corporation of Sweden patented its Pergo laminate flooring. Wildly popular, it was seen as the low-cost, DIY installation alternative to hardwood. These floorboards used photographs of different wood species, with a protective topcoat of melamine with aluminum oxide.
It was easy for a homeowner to “tap” or “click” the boards into place, and they could be installed over a variety of existing floors, including the old asbestos tiles. Unfortunately, they also chipped, warped and opened their seams with exposure to water and humidity. They also felt squishy underfoot and emitted a hollow sounding echo never heard when walking on real wood.
A couple of years ago, an agent in my consortium of Facebook real estate professionals asked whether LVP floors might be appropriate in a $3 million+ California home.
That took me back to 2005, when I lived in San Diego. While house hunting there, I had learned there were two materials required in a typical suburban home: 1) honed travertine tile with a pinkish cast and 2) everything that was popular 30 years earlier. I intended to be the savior of the 70’s ranch, but only stayed in the area long enough to bring my own house up to East Coast standards.
It came as no surprise, therefore, to hear the collective nodding of heads on the opposite coast, approving the use of LVP floors in a luxury market. At the time, I was aghast.
Now it seems that higher grade laminate and vinyl floors are increasing in popularity among renovators of mid-priced homes in the DMV. The manufacturing process has been refined as well, and the malodorous off-gasses of LVP generally dissipate within a few weeks.
So, between laminate and luxury vinyl flooring, who wins and why?
Ease of Installation: Due to its thickness and installation as a floating floor, laminate is more forgiving of imperfections in the subfloor beneath it. If you’re working with a flat surface, the glued down version of LVP is thinner and can be cut to fit without power tools. Verdict: A toss-up, depending on your DIY skills or those of your installer.
Water Resistance: LVP is considered waterproof and is the winner in this category, making it the better choice for kitchens and baths. If you are cursed with a leaking dishwasher on a laminate floor, then you may find your floors “dead in the water.”
Durability: The protective upper layer of each product will determine durability. With LVP, a 12 mm layer is considered commercial grade and will offer increased protection from scratches, but it is prone to fading in direct sunlight.
Laminate carries an Abrasion Criteria (AC) Rating to measure durability. An AC rating of at least three is recommended for residential use and may withstand fewer dents over time. An AC4 rating can handle most children and pets.
Budget: Both products are equally economical, ranging in price per square foot from $1 to $10 for laminate and from $1 to $14 for LVP. Add $1 per square foot if you need additional underlayment.
Looks: In the end, you want a floor that not only performs well but that looks good. The quality of both laminate and vinyl have improved to such a degree that they can simulate the look of wood, tile and stone; however, this is not a product you want to select online.
Visit a few flooring stores to look at, feel, and even smell the products. Take samples home if you can, to see them in both natural and artificial light. The winner will become clear.
Whichever you choose, I’m betting that the variety of species, available stains, and sanding capabilities will allow real wood to continue its reign as the true luxury flooring, even if the trend becomes covering it with carpet once again.
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Md. and Va. with RLAH Real Estate. Call or text her at (202) 246-8602, email her at DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.
Real Estate
Surprising parallels between dating and house hunting
Both require patience, effort, and a clear idea of what you want

Valentine’s Day is often associated with romance, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. However, for eligible singles, this holiday can be about more than just relationships—it can also be the perfect time to invest in real estate.
Anyone who has been in the dating scene long knows that finding “the one” can be challenging. Whether you’re searching for love or the perfect home, there are surprising parallels between dating and house hunting. Both require patience, time, effort, and a clear idea of what you want.
Just like dating, home buying requires a well-thought-out list of must-haves and deal-breakers. Understanding your needs will help you find the perfect match, whether in love or real estate.
Are you looking for a cozy condo in the city, or do you prefer a suburban single-family home with a yard? Perhaps a renovated kitchen will spur you into cooking up the perfect recipe for love.
Do you want a fixer-upper to mold into your own vision? (Note: Molding to your idea of perfection works better with houses than with potential life mates.) What about being a landlord with a rental unit that can help with mortgage payments? Or, if you prefer, keep it empty to house your beloved on the days you argue.
Does your taste run toward the bearded, Paul Bunyan look of a cabin in the woods surrounded by bears? Is the sleek, sophisticated high-rise more your style? And what about the Dad-bod style of a ’70s split level in the suburbs?
When dating, first impressions can be powerful, and so can the first look at a home. Curb appeal and initial feelings about a property are just as important as charm and chemistry in a relationship, but flaws may not be immediately noticeable.
Buying a home, like committing to a partner, is a long-term investment. Both require financial and emotional readiness. No one is perfect, and neither is any home. While you should aim for a place (or person) that meets most of your needs, be prepared to compromise.
Working with experts helps. Whether you’re seeking relationship advice from Patty Stanger or guidance from your favorite real estate agent or mortgage lender, professionals can make the process smoother and more successful.
Many people don’t realize that Valentine’s Day and the mid-winter in general can be an advantageous time to shop for real estate. Since many couples are preoccupied with romantic plans or skiing vacations, there are often fewer buyers in the market around this time. Less competition for buyers and higher motivation of sellers could give singles an edge in negotiations. You may find better prices or flexible terms.
Consider the value of financial and personal independence. Instead of waiting to be swept off your feet by Prince Charming, singles can take control of their future by investing in property independently and finding Home Charming instead.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are some key steps to ensure you find the right home:
- Work with a Real Estate Agent – Interview agents. Ask friends for recommendations. Find someone you like and trust. An experienced agent can help you navigate the market, negotiate offers, and find a home that matches your needs.
- Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage – Knowing how much home you can afford is crucial. Talk to a lender and secure a pre-approval before you start your search.
- Narrow Down Your Location – Choose an area that fits your wallet and your lifestyle. Drive around. Get to know the area at night and on weekends. Check out nearby public transit and parking options. Try out your commute. Locate shopping areas, dining establishments, and other services you use regularly.
- Consider Future Needs – You may be single now but think about the future. If you plan to start a family or need a yard for a pet, factor that into your home-buying decision.
- Don’t Rush the Process – Just like finding the right partner, finding the right home takes time. Be patient and don’t settle for something that doesn’t feel right. It’s better to take your time than to end up with buyer’s remorse or, in the case of a rushed romantic decision, divorce.
So, instead of focusing on flowers that wilt and chocolates that don’t last this Valentine’s Day, why not fall in love with a home? Diving into the real estate market is a smart, long-term decision that offers stability, financial security, and a place you can truly call your own, making it one of the best gifts you can give yourself and the start of an exciting new chapter in your life.
You never know who you’ll meet at an open house.
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her via DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, our thoughts often turn to love. While we may think of candlelit dinners or romantic gestures, love extends beyond relationships—it’s about the spaces we inhabit and how we nurture our connection to them. Loving where you live can have a profound impact on your well-being, and for renters in Washington, D.C., transforming an apartment into a cherished home is not only possible, but also can feel essential.
Washington, D.C., offers a vibrant lifestyle, but it can also pose challenges for renters. High costs, stressful work environments, limited space, and the very nature of urban living might make it harder to settle in. However, with some thoughtful adjustments, you can turn your rental into a space you love. Let’s explore how to create a home that’s a sanctuary, not just a stopover.
Personalize Your Space
One of the first steps to loving where you live is making it feel uniquely yours. Although renting may come with restrictions, there are plenty of ways to customize your apartment:
- Add Color: Use removable wallpaper or peel-and-stick decals to introduce vibrant or calming hues. Area rugs are another excellent way to bring warmth and character to any room.
- Display Your Story: Showcase meaningful art, family photos, or souvenirs from your travels. Gallery walls can make even a small space feel personal.
- Lighting Matters: Replace harsh overhead lighting with floor or table lamps to create a cozy ambiance. Use LED bulbs to save energy and customize brightness levels.
Embrace Multifunctional Furniture
City living can impose limited square footage and multifunctional furniture is your best friend. Look for pieces that serve dual purposes:
- A storage ottoman can double as seating.
- Fold-out tables save space while offering dining or work surfaces when you need them.
- A quality sofa bed is perfect for accommodating guests
Incorporate Plants and Greenery
Bringing nature indoors can instantly uplift your mood and enhance your living space:
- Low-Maintenance Options: Snake plants, pothos, and succulents thrive with minimal care.
- Vertical Gardens: If floor space is limited, consider wall-mounted planters.
- Window Sills: Herbs like basil or mint not only look and smell good, they are useful for cooking.
Create Comfortable Zones
Think about how you use your apartment and design dedicated areas:
- Work Corner: With remote work becoming increasingly common, invest in a comfortable chair, desk, and good lighting.
- Relaxation Spot: A corner with a plush chair, blanket, and books can be your go-to for unwinding.
- Entertaining Area: Even small spaces can shine with the right setup for hosting, such as a stylish bar cart or foldable chairs.
Maintain and Refresh Regularly
A clutter-free and clean apartment naturally feels more inviting:
- De-clutter quarterly, donating or discarding items you no longer use.
- Use storage systems to stash things away you do not need regularly
- Add seasonal touches like new cushions or throws to keep your space feeling fresh.
- Invest in quality cleaning tools to make upkeep easier.
Discovering the Loveable Side of D.C.
Beyond your apartment, Washington, D.C., is a city rich in experiences that make life here unique. Embracing the D.C. lifestyle can deepen your connection to where you live. Here are a few affordable and distinctly D.C. activities to enjoy this Valentine’s Day month:
Loving Life in D.C.
1. Explore Hidden Gems:
- The United States Botanical Garden: Even though it is the middle of winter, the Conservatory on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol is a wonderful place to get out of the cold. And a bonus – it is the time of year when orchids are in bloom. Enjoy a touch of a tropical environment right in downtown DC.
- Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage: Enjoy free performances showcasing local and international talent. Every day, usually at 6 p.m., you can see artists from around the world in the central hall at the Kennedy Center. And all you have to do is get there in time! Check out the entire program here: https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/millennium-stage
2. Taste D.C.’s Diverse Cuisine:
- Sample global flavors at Union Market. https://unionmarketdc.com
- Grab a half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl, a true local original, on U Street, H Street, and other locations citywide.
3. Embrace the Outdoors:
- Walk or bike the Mount Vernon Trail along the Potomac River; the Capitol Crescent Trail on the west side, and the newer trail, the Metropolitan Branch Trail that runs from Union Station to Silver Spring.
- Visit Malcolm X Park (also known as Meridian Hill Park) for its cascading fountains, lively drum circles, snow ball fights, and more!
4. Dive Into History:
- Tour the lesser-known exhibits at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, the National Museums of Asian or African Art, and the incredible Renwick Gallery of American Art opposite the White House.
- Explore the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site for a deeper understanding of D.C.’s role in history. https://www.nps.gov/frdo/index.htm
5. Enjoy Affordable Culture:
- Attend pay-what-you-can nights at local theaters like Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, or Theatre J located in the Jewish Community Center at 16th Street and Q Streets, NW.
- Take advantage of free museum access year-round, from the National Gallery of Art to the Hirshhorn Museum.
Building a Life You Love
Loving where you live isn’t just about the walls that surround you—it’s about the life you create within them. By personalizing your apartment and immersing yourself in the unique experiences D.C. offers, you’ll better foster a personal sense of belonging and joy. This Valentine’s Day, remember to nurture not only your relationships, but also your relationship with your home and your city. After all, love begins at home.
Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management. For more information and resources, go to ColumbiaPM.com
Real Estate
Navigating D.C.’s down payment assistance programs
On the way home, after a detour and a few speed bumps

D.C. offers some of the most extensive programs for down payment assistance that are managed by the Greater Washington Urban League and the DC Housing Finance Authority, for programs like HPAP and EAHP (Home Purchase Assistance Program and Employer Assisted Housing Program).
The District also offers the DC Opens Doors Program. All of these are great examples of offerings to help first-time or newer home purchasers to afford buying in the District of Columbia, one of the nation’s most expensive housing markets.
There are various requirements for a buyer to use the program. These can be found at dhcd.dc.gov/service/homeownership. Many qualified local lenders are knowledgeable about these programs and can assist in dozens of these transactions each year. Often, asking a lender about these programs is a great place to start. Tina Del Casale with Sandy Spring Bank has been helping her clients with these programs for years. As part of her education outreach for clients, Tina informs her buyers of the following:
- In the HPAP and the EAHP program, the seller must provide the opportunity for the buyer to perform a home inspection with a qualified home inspector.
- The items that are flagged as “must repairs” need to be fixed by the seller.
- The buyer must get their financial documentation to the lenders involved, as well as to the District of Columbia to be approved to use the program.
- Whichever organization or department is managing the down payment assistance fund disbursal will also be involved in the process.
- Ideally, it takes about 45-60 days from the date of ratification (going under contract) to close (the settlement date)
- The lenders help to qualify/approve the condo buildings for financial health, ensuring that the finances within the building are being maintained by the homeowner association.
What happens, often, is that the process goes smoothly until the organization that manages the down payment assistance funds receives the file. The closing date can be extended time and time again, causing both the buyer and the seller to recalculate moving dates, moving trucks, packing, when to move funds around, whose home they will be sleeping at after the 3rd or 4th delay, and wondering if the seller is going to become so agitated with the entire process that they begin to Google search the term “small claims court.” In a recent instance, the buyer was delayed about four times over the holidays and when the file was ready to close, they were informed that the settlement had to be the following day. So, it was a situation of delay, delay, delay, delay, delay, delay, delay, and do this NOW, which means a buyer must coordinate (for the maybe 3rd time) a day off of work and recalculate their entire schedule at the last second to accommodate an organization that seems to have made few efforts to stay in communication along the way.
These delays make the buyer less competitive to win an offer and can make a planned purchase fail due to the failure of the buyer to perform. Nobody wants to be told their house will sell and then must make alternative plans when they realize the contract is not going through, OR there will be a significant delay by up to one to three months.
How can we make this process more user friendly? If we could, developers might be more motivated to make affordable housing units available for more people, knowing that the process of selling a unit won’t cause interminable delays and headaches for all parties involved. Buyers must be fully vetted financially before submitting an offer. Is there a way to fully vet the down payment assistance funds, that they arrive in escrow at the title company a week or two before settlement so that all parties can plan their lives accordingly?
Self-awareness as an organization is crucial for knowing where blind spots exist, how they can be looked at, and how a decent process can be improved to fulfill its own goal of helping buyers get into homeownership. Perhaps an exit interview or feedback form could be sent to each buyer after purchase and looked at for suggestions for improvement.
Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals. Reach him at 703-587-0597 or [email protected].
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