(Read more on the multifamily market.)

WASHINGTON, DC-The metro office of Marcus & Millichap RealEstate Investment Brokerage Co.'s national multihousing group hasclosed $22.3 million of multifamily sales in the District over thelast three months by successfully sourcing the deals to nonprofits.In several cases, says Ari Firoozabadi, an associate in the office,the tenants chose to exercise their first right of refusal under DClaw and obtained the funding from non-profits that wanted to keepthe housing affordable. In other cases, the properties did notattract interest from investors or condo converters. Nonprofitsthough, due to their special use, were able to afford to pay forthe property--again to keep it as affordable housing.

Firoozabadi says, there has been an increase in this activity inthe DC area since the last election. "I think the reason nonprofitsare buying now is because Mayor Adrian Fenty has been increasingefforts around affordable housing," he tells GlobeSt.com.