Current Value of the White House

President Obama has now been a White House resident for one year. While other analysts will critique his record and performance over the year, zillow.com has valued his home at around $292,470,000. That is a 5.1% ($15.6 million) decrease from last January's value of $308,059,000.

These numbers were based on the home's physical attributes (132 rooms, 55,000 square feet, 18 acres, 16 family-guest rooms, 3 kitchens, 3 elevators, 28 fireplaces, and an underground bunker), historical value, and housing performance in the local Washington, DC market.

This may seem like quite a hit but not when compared to the previous years dip of 7.2%, $23.8 million decrease from $331,841,734.

This seems to reflect the nationwide market trends. Housing prices continue to fall, but at a slowing rate. Whether that is a sign of the market bottoming out or mearly a temporary trend remains to be seen.

The Mike Webb Team: http://www.northernvirginiahouses.com/

Obama's Decor

On Tuesday, the White House released a list of works it has borrowed for its walls. With the help of museum curators, from which the works are being borrowed, Michelle Obama has chosen 45 pieces to don the Obamas' temporary residence and offices.
There are seven works from African American artists, four from Native Americans (12 more depicting Native Americans). 41 of the creators were male, to six female artists. None of the works were done by a Latino.
The collection seems to focus on Native American and African American pottery, paintings of "black life" in the 19th century, and several abstract pieces. There is also a handful of sculptures as well.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2009/10/06/GA2009100602826.html?sid=ST2009100603682

In your house, the wall decor (and artistic compliments) are as important as the furnature chosen (see past blog).