AGENT INSIGHTS

Amy Hullet, CENTURY 21 Morrison Realty Bismarck, North Dakota

Where are you located?

I’m in the capital city of North Dakota, Bismarck—we’re nestled along the Mighty Missouri River. CENTURY 21 Morrison Realty covers cities on both sides of the river: Bismarck and Mandan. Our new office is centrally located along I-94 in Bismarck.

What do you enjoy about the area?

I’ve been in Bismarck for 18 years, after moving when a job opportunity came up for my husband, Kelvin. I was really interested in the opportunities that it offered. There is no question that I now call this place home, due to the opportunities and the environment that you can find here. As Bismarck continues to grow, the people are still the draw of this city. When you are met on the walking paths or on the river, there is a very friendly greeting given to all.

How would you describe the area? What are the things that would attract people to live there?

There is a diverse economy fueled by education, health, state government, and energy sectors. North Dakota has many hidden gems, including the Missouri River, Medora, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and the International Peace Gardens, and it is the geographical center of North America. The 19-story Art Deco–style state capitol building is one of the only tower-style capitols in the United States.

People often move to North Dakota for the beautiful scenery, great career opportunities, and outdoor recreation.

North Dakota Heritage Center.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Are there any property trends that you’re seeing in Bismarck at the moment? Is there anything remarkable about the properties there?

First, we are currently seeing multiple offers, escalation clauses, and homes in several price ranges going for over asking price. Buyers are rarely being awarded the opportunity to receive concessions in this market. Second, the building permits are at an all-time high for the year; there are two new elementary schools in the works, so new development in those areas is on the rise. Third, 90 percent of North Dakota land is used for farming and ranching. Many homeowners in the Bismarck area are drawn to this area because they want to be on the river, or on a canal with access to the river.

What style of homes are in the area, predominantly?

We have a variety of homes in Bismarck, ranging from historic residences in districts downtown (Cathedral District), starter homes, patio homes, homes on two-acre lots with massive shops, high-end luxury homes with views of the Missouri River, and smart and modern cutting-edge new home construction. We have a lot of everything!

What is there to do in and around the town?

We are a state known for our history of Lewis and Clark, Teddy Roosevelt, General Custer’s North Dakota home, the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Medora, and Fort Abraham Lincoln.

North Dakota is very much an outdoor recreational state, offering plenty of outdoor activities, including fishing (we also have ice fishing in the winter) and watersports on the Missouri River, as well as on the many lakes throughout the state. Visitors to the lakes can camp or stay in lake cabins.

The Friends of the Rail Bridge connects Bismarck to Mandan.

On land, there are walking and bike trails along the Missouri and throughout the state, which also has plenty of green space and parks.

For community attractions and events in the Bismarck area, there is the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, craft shows, Art in the Park, Medora Musical, and more. North Dakota is also fantastic for history lovers, with many historic parks dotted throughout the state, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, North Dakota Heritage Center, and the International Peace Gardens.

What are some of your favorite places in the region? Why do these places stand out?

The local restaurants and downtown shops are truly a wonderful thing. We have plenty of local food, including some establishments with German and Norwegian roots.

One my favorites is Bistro, which offers an eclectic American menu served in a former carriage house with terra-cotta walls and Grecian art. It has a great patio to enjoy during the summer months.

Broadway Grill and Tavern is also great—it’s located in the heart of Downton Bismarck, and is a casual bar and grill offering refined, globally inspired New American fare. It has an exceptional outdoor patio area.

There are also some really good new breweries that are popping up throughout town, creating new social settings.

JONATHAN ENG

CENTURY 21 Redwood Realty Washington, D.C.

Where are you located?

I live in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.! And, more specifically, I live in a gorgeous craftsman in the Langdon Park neighborhood with my wonderful partner Kevin, but I sell all parts of D.C.; Montgomery County, Maryland; and Prince Georges County, Maryland. The city is only 10 square miles, so there is easy access to all neighborhoods. I’ve been at this location for 10 wonderful years and the time has flown by!

Washington D.C.’s Downtown Trolley.

How would you describe the area? What are the things that would attract people to live there?

The area is growing rapidly. As it’s the seat of government, there are always going to be people coming and going. It is also historic. Everywhere you look there are historic buildings, homes and parks. D.C. has done a great job of preserving its history.

What property trends are you seeing in D.C. at the moment? Is there anything remarkable about the properties there?

Right now, because of COVID, people are looking for more square footage and outdoor space. For those properties, we are seeing multiple offers, escalation clauses and homes going well above list price.

What style of homes are in the area, predominantly?

The home styles are mainly historic, such as Georgian and Federal. But you can definitely find plenty of craftsman, and even modern architecture. And on top of that, D.C. is actually a patchwork of individual neighborhoods, each of which has its own character where certain architecture dominates over others. I can almost always tell which neighborhood I am in based on the architecture of the townhouse. That is one of the many things that I love about the area.

What is there to do in and around D.C.?

The draw to D.C. is that it basically has everything. Washington, D.C. is the seat of the Federal Government, so you have the Capitol, the White House, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and other recognizable government buildings that attract tourists from all over the world. And, of course, there is an international vibe because of all of the embassies. We have restaurants that represent every cuisine imaginable. There are also all of the monuments and museums on the National Mall, and the National Zoo. Rock Creek Park is a beautiful natural oasis that city dwellers love to walk, jog, cycle and walk their dogs through. And Rock Creek is certainly far from the only park in the city. Washington, D.C. is known for its green space—including the Tidal Basin with the famous cherry blossoms that just had their peak bloom.

The Tidal Basin is resplendent in springtime.

Tell us about what visitors to the city enjoy.

You get tourists from across the country and around the world. Each spring, the city is visited by school children on class trips, and during the summer and fall we get a constant flow of international tourists visiting the countless museums. One of our newest Smithsonian Museums is the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Air and Space Museum are also big draws. Private museums like the Spy Museum are also quite popular.

What is the commute like in Washington, D.C.?

We are second to Los Angeles in car traffic, but we have a wonderful subway system, the Metro, that can get you almost anywhere in the region. We are also serviced by three airports—Reagan National, Dulles, and Baltimore Washington International Airport—so it’s easy to get in and out. If you love to travel, it’s great to have a choice of airports and carriers.

Washington D.C.’s iconic skyline.

What are some of your favorite businesses or attractions in the region?

The fairly new 14th Street NW corridor between Florida Avenue and Thomas Circle has a vibrant nightlife. Its mixed-use first-floor commercial and upper-floor residential buildings mean you’re steps away from grocery stores, restaurants and bars. One of my favorite places to dine on 14th Street is Le Diplomate, which serves the most amazing French cuisine. But there’s also Pearl Dive oyster bar, The Pig, Barcelona, and Ted’s Bulletin. And the shopping is fantastic—there is everything from Miss Pixie’s antique furniture, to Room and Board, to Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. And 14th Street is just one of many neighborhoods in D.C. with fantastic dining shops and attractions. It’s hard to pick a favorite place in a city with countless options.

KELLY GALVIN

CENTURY 21 Award San Clemente, California

Tell us about your time with CENTURY 21 in San Clemente.

I’ve spent seven years with the CENTURY 21® brand, but more than 20 years in San Clemente.

How would you describe the area? What are the things that would attract people to live there?

San Clemente is a beautiful, laid-back ocean community with friendly residents. It’s a quiet, fun, oceanfront town with great restaurants and a true hometown feel. San Clemente has skyrocketed in popularity during the last three years.

What style of homes are in the area, predominantly?

San Clemente was founded by Ole Hanson in 1925, and many of its historical buildings still exist. It is home to the historic and beautiful Nixon Western White House (for sale for a mere $65 million), and the city is nicknamed the “Spanish Village by the Sea.”

What is there to do in and around the town?

The ocean, beautiful pier, four-and-a-half-mile beachfront walking trail, lovely downtown and Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens are all places you will not want to miss.

Is there much tourism in the region?

San Clemente is a beautiful place to visit. There are no major hotel chains, but there are lots of vacation rentals and small motels. The beaches are clean and uncrowded, and there are plenty of fun activities.

San Clemente is a laid-back ocean community

How far is San Clemente from the nearest major city?

San Clemente is centrally located approximately an hour and a half from Los Angeles, and an hour and a half from San Diego. It is only 30 minutes from the city of Irvine and the nearby Orange County airport.

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is the historic home of the founder of San Clemente.

What are some of your favorite businesses and attractions in San Clemente? Why do these places stand out?

San Clemente has a beautiful downtown, including fabulous restaurants like Nick’s, The Cellar, Vine, Brick and more! Cute shops run right along Avenida Del Mar, and they’re popular with locals and visitors alike. 