Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Statutes of Liberty: Trump Admin Immigration Regulations Frozen

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This sponsored column is by James Montana, Esq. and Doran Shemin, Esq., practicing attorneys at Steelyard LLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Arlington, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact James for an appointment.

In the fair city of Washington D.C., we have a semi-quadrennial tradition. After we vote the bums out, the bums spend their last weeks in office working to enshrine their political program via last-minute regulatory and personnel actions. It’s not the most picturesque tradition, but it’s ours.

The Trump administration did exactly this with respect to immigration law and policy. It promulgated all sorts of regulations concerning asylum, student visas and the H-1B program: Asylum applicants would have to show “extreme and severe” harm, students would have to renew their visas frequently, and H-1B petitions would be cherry-picked for the highest-paying jobs.

The Biden administration — like Mr. Freeze, the most delightfully awful Batman villain of all time — has put all of these changes on ice with a memorandum entitled The Regulatory Freeze Memorandum. In short, it says that all of these midnight rules are being sent to the cooler.

[Arnold Schwarzenegger voice] CHILL

Here is the actual text. In paraphrase, it says:

  • No new regulations may be sent for publication in the Federal Register until a Biden-appointed agency head says so.
  • Regulations sent to the Federal Register but not yet published in the Federal Register shall not be published until a Biden-appointed agency head says so.
  • Regulations sent to the Federal Register and published but with an effective date in the future will not become effective for at least 60 dates from Jan. 28, 2021.

What this means, in practice, is that recently proposed changes to the H-1B visa system, the asylum system and the immigration courts will be frozen until the Biden administration decides (probably) to withdraw them. All regulations, which were effective before Inauguration Day, will remain in force. It takes as much administrative paper-shuffling to repeal a regulation as it does to promulgate one, so the Trump administration’s approach to immigration questions will be with us for some time.

The Biden administration has announced, with great fanfare, that the Department of Justice will be ending contracts with private prisons. That’s all to the good, but we want our readers to notice the dog that isn’t barking: the Department of Homeland Security, which holds the lion’s share of private prison contracts, will be renewing its contracts with the very same contractors.

We enjoy answering questions about immigration from commenters. We also enjoy the oeuvre of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Ask us anything, and we’ll do our best to answer.

Just Sold in Arlington: Feb. 4, 2021

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This past week, 54 properties were reported sold across Arlington County. That’s way up from last week’s 31 properties sold.

As of Jan. 31, there were 516 homes listed for sale in Arlington, according to Homesnap. This includes 363 condos, 122 detached homes and 31 townhomes.

“The median list price is $536,250 and the median sales price is $605,000,” Homesnap reports. “There have been 166 new listings in the last 4 weeks and 161 sales.”

Here’s a look at a few of the properties sold in the past seven days:

In the market? See properties that have been Just Listed and Just Reduced.

Local Celebrity Tommy McFly to Host A-SPAN Virtual Event

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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A-SPAN’s “Home for the Heart” virtual breakfast will take place Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. Tommy McFly will emcee the free event taking place on a-span.org and Facebook.

“I believe people will be excited to learn about our continuum of care which extends well beyond shelter,” said Betsy Frantz, President and CEO of A-SPAN. “I’m encouraging everyone who has ever wondered what we do at A-SPAN to join us on Feb. 12.”

Tommy McFly, D.C. radio and television celebrity, will share what it takes to successfully operate a 24/7 homeless services center during COVID-19.

“I’m excited to host this important event showcasing how A-SPAN makes a profound impact on those experiencing homelessness,” said McFly, a long-time Washingtonian who, with Kelly Collis, launched the local Real.Fun.DC. broadcast channel and “The Tommy + Kelly Show” on Alexa, Google Home and the Real.Fun.DC. app.


A-SPAN believes everyone deserves to be stable and free from the threat of homelessness and provides services including shelter, rapid and permanent supportive housing, day programs, medical respite, job/life skills coaching, and street outreach. For more information, contact Scott Miller at [email protected].

Visit a-span.org to register online and learn more about the event.

Small Biz Focus: ReLaunch Helps ReVitalize, ReNew, ReBuild Your Arlington Small Business

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Since BizLaunch’s inception 20 years ago, we’ve hosted numerous workshops to educate small business owners about the tools and resources available to help them take their business online. While many have launched an online marketplace, some have felt that they’ve been in business long enough and that their customers know who they are or haven’t seen the need to develop an online presence until recently.

Since the abrupt shift in consumer behavior that started with the shutdown orders last March, it’s becoming clear that many of these new trends are here to stay. A recent survey from McKinsey & Co. found that three out of four consumers have tried a new shopping method within the last year. Nearly 70% of consumers surveyed intend to continue buying online for store pickup.

Before 2020, much of the growth of e-commerce was driven by millennial consumers and early adopters. Now with many baby boomers at higher risk for developing complications from contracting COVID-19, they are embracing online shopping. Between January and October of 2020, consumers 65 and older spent on average $1,615 online, a 49% increase from the previous year, according to The Washington Post. National brands are taking note, expanding customer support, educating customers how to shop online, and making their platforms more accessible and intuitive to cater to baby boomers.

In developing programming to support small businesses dealing with the ongoing public health emergency, the BizLaunch team was mindful of the need for capital but that the amount available wouldn’t be very impactful to the majority of businesses. From there, ReLaunch was born, a new initiative from BizLaunch in partnership with Amazon Web Services and additional partners to provide in-depth technical assistance, financial assistance to build out a website and an e-commerce platform, and numerous free resources.

Our first program in a four-part series, held last week, gave an overview of the program along with free technology consultations. On Feb. 18, Amazon Web Services, Amazon Business and Nub8 will discuss how small businesses can utilize Lightsail to build a website and e-commerce platform and to sell through Amazon.com.

Additional information about ReLaunch, including how to leverage the resources outlined for your small business, is available at www.relaunch.business. Stay up to date with us by signing up for our e-newsletter or following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and now TikTok.

Si está interesado en aprender más acerca de los nuevos recursos disponibles que tiene BizLaunch para apoyar su negocio por favor visite la página web www.relaunch.business. Adicional a ello si desea recibir información sobre diferentes iniciativas y recursos ofrecidos para su negocio suscríbase a nuestro boletín electrónico.

@aedbizlaunchAre you looking for FREE technical services? Click the link in our bio to get exactly that. #voiceeffects #arlingtonva #fyp #smallbusiness #ReLaunch♬ original sound – Josh Lepulu

Arlington Pet of the Week: Leo and Lenny

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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Meet the latest Pet of the Week, Leo and Lenny, energetic kitten brothers who are total goofballs.

Here’s what their human had to say about about their lives in Ballston…

Meet Leo and Lenny, or “The Leonards” as I sometimes call them. These are my rambunctious kitten brothers who were born from the same litter. They are full of energy and curiosity and make working from home more fun — and sometimes more distracting. I adopted them from To The Rescue animal shelter in Springfield and brought them back to the city life of Ballston!

They are obsessed with peering out windows, wrestling, letting themselves into the kitchen cabinets and… water. Yes! Water. Anytime they hear the shower or sink, they run in excitement to observe or play in it. The boys love chasing each other around the apartment, then taking naps together. They are also the most food-motivated kittens I’ve ever met. They will come running anytime I open a pantry in the kitchen or am cooking.

They are as much rowdy as they are cuddly and make for the ‘purrfect’ company while being cooped up at home.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos — they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.

Hello, lovebirds.

Rather than waiting for Valentine’s Day to super-creep up on us all, here is your friendly reminder: The big day is in 11 days (Feb. 14).

You’ll want to prepare accordingly. With everyone in the world going wild on Amazon, make sure to get your boo’s gifts well in advance so they arrive in time. And, please, let’s show our local retailers some love as we all continue to navigate these loony times.

For some couples, a nice box of chocolates or a colorful bouquet of roses strikes the perfect chord. And, for other couples, their Valentine’s priorities may be focused on even bigger or more long-term goals. Every couple is different, so do your thing!

As always, when you and your love are ready to talk real estate aspirations, the team at Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to roll on your behalf. In the meantime, here’s to a day of happiness and well beyond.

And now to this week’s Just Reduced figures…

As of Feb. 1, there are 106 detached homes, 31 townhouses and 286 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 32 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

Please note this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

Ask Eli: Market Values 18.2% Higher Than County Assessments

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!

Question: How accurate are the County’s tax assessments when it comes to determining the market value of a home?

Answer: Arlington’s property tax rate will remain unchanged in 2021 at just over 1%, but many homeowners will pay more in property taxes because of higher assessed values from the County. For those with plans to sell in the near future, the rapid appreciation of Arlington real estate values is a good thing, but for those with no plans to sell, appreciation simply means a higher annual tax bill.

If you’re upset by recent increases in your home’s assessed value, just know that you’re most likely getting a significant break compared to your home’s actual market value. Homes that sold in 2020 sold for an average of 18.2% (14.9% median) more than their most recent assessed value by the County. Last year, the average difference was 14.2% and the year before it was just 7.6%.

If County assessments were representative of actual market values, the average Arlington homeowner would pay just over $1,100 more per year in property taxes. So don’t forget to send the Department of Real Estate Assessments a Christmas card this year for such generous valuations!

Only 5.9% of homes sold for less than their most recent assessed value. On the other end of the spectrum, 6% of homes sold for 38% or more over their most recent assessed value.

Let’s take a look at the data!

If you believe that the County’s assessment of your home’s value is too high, you have the right to appeal the assessed value, but that must be done by March 1. Here are the key steps in appealing your assessment:

Reminder: Your first appeal with the Department of Real Estate Assessments must be filed by March 1.

  • Step 1: Call 703-228-3920 for information on how your assessment was determined.
  • Step 2: File your appeal online here (first level).
  • Step 3: An assessor will visit your home and you can provide relevant info to make your case.
  • Step 4: If you’re not satisfied with the decision or have not received written notice by April 1, file your second appeal with the Board of Equalization online here (second level) by April 15.
  • Step 5: If you’re not satisfied with the decision, your final option for appeal is with the Circuit Court, which will likely require you to hire an attorney.

If you’d like to discuss buying or selling strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to set-up an in-person meeting to discuss local Real Estate, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at www.EliResidential.com. Call me directly at 703-539-2529.

Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203. 703-390-9460.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Rosslyn — Past and Present Meet By the Potomac

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

These streets are home to Nestle chocolate — but that’s not the sweetest part of this neighborhood! Join us today as we give you a full breakdown of Rosslyn, one of our favorite neighborhoods in Arlington.

No matter where you live in Arlington, there’s something unique to fall in love with! What do you love about your community? Let us know down in the comments below, so we can highlight them in a future Neighborhood Spotlight.

And, as always, if you have any questions about Arlington real estate, please contact the Keri Shull Team, the No. 1 top-selling real estate team in the Washington, D.C. area.

What Makes People Want to Live in Rosslyn?

Rosslyn is ideal for people who want the true urban village experience that is so unique to Arlington. In addition to having tons of entertainment and employment opportunities within Rosslyn itself, residents can also access the rest of the DMV with ease.

So, if you feel like popping over to historic Georgetown for a bit of shopping or a quick bite, living in Rosslyn makes that easy! With a great location on the Potomac River, world-class public transit options and high walkability, residents never have to worry about missing out on what this amazing city has to offer.

The View From the Top

If you’re looking for things to do in Arlington, Rosslyn not only offers you all of D.C. — it also has a lot to offer right in your neighborhood.

Some of our favorite destinations in Rosslyn include the memorials and public art — spots like Dark Star Park, Gateway Park and Roosevelt Island are great places to get some air.

There are also a ton of great places to eat in Rosslyn. Check out our Definitive Guide to Rosslyn, Virginia | Local Streets and Eats video to see some of the best dishes in the neighborhood.

One of the coolest spots in Rosslyn is The View of DC, a 31st-floor observation deck with 360-degree views of D.C. and all of Arlington. The View of DC is open to all Arlington residents free of charge.

A Great Place to Live — and Work!

Living in Rosslyn means living in the gateway connecting D.C. and Virginia, giving you the best of both!

High-rises dot the skyline, many of which are filled with urban, apartment-style condominiums. These homes offer super high walkability, and many of them are perfect for luxury living in Arlington.

Rosslyn also features a thriving job market. Nestle has its American headquarters in Rosslyn, and tech giant Microsoft just signed a lease for a new sales center in the neighborhood.

So, why are homes in such demand in Rosslyn? Here’s just a couple of reasons why:

  • Great public transportation via the Rosslyn Metro Stop
  • Close proximity to DC over the Key Bridge, especially to neighborhoods like Georgetown and Foggy Bottom
  • Stunning views of the District and North Arlington

Given how fast the housing market moves in Arlington, it can be difficult to find and win your dream home in Rosslyn. That’s why it’s so important to work with a real estate team that can streamline your search and help negotiate for you. In fact, the best thing to do is work with a team that can help you find “hidden gem” off-market homes in Rosslyn!

Popular Rosslyn Communities

The Pierce

The Pierce is the newest addition to the Rosslyn skyline — and what an addition it is! This hyper-modern, hyper-luxurious condo community stands at a towering 27 stories. It is still undergoing final construction at the time of recording, but the units are currently for sale.

Floor plans include 1-bedroom with den, 2-bedroom and 2-bedroom with den.

Gaslight Square

The condos at Gaslight Square are some of the most unique in Rosslyn. With soaring ceilings and an old-world aesthetic, these homes offer a distinctly loft-like atmosphere. Each condominium unit features its own private outdoor space, so you can enjoy a slice of privacy in the heart of Rosslyn.

To see the rest of our favorite Rosslyn condo buildings, make sure to check out the expanded Spotlight on our blog.

Bridging the Gap in the Market

The Arlington housing market is already moving fast in 2021. When Rosslyn homes do come onto the market, they tend to sell very quickly and with a lot of competition.

If you aren’t taking the proper precautions, you might have serious trouble finding the right home now — but there is help out there. At the Keri Shull Team, we have access to hundreds of off-market properties that you cannot find online or anywhere else… and we want to give you priority access!

When selling a house in Arlington, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are taking the proper precautions to protect your investment. The best way to do that is to speak with a top-tier real estate agent and create a completely customized home selling strategy.

So what are you waiting for? Schedule a time for a free, no-pressure consultation with one of our Real Estate Needs Analysts!

Open Houses in Arlington This Weekend

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Looking for a home? There are plenty of houses and condos open for viewing this weekend.

Check out the Arlington Realty website for a full list of homes for sale and open houses in Arlington. Here are a few highlights:

1610 N. Queen Street, #218
2 BD/2 BA, 1 half bath condo
Agent: McWilliams Ballard
Listed: $1,599,900
Open: Sunday, 2-4 p.m.

 

2500 Washington Blvd
6 BD/5 BA single-family home
Agent: RE/MAX Allegiance
Listed: $1,400,000
Open: Saturday and Sunday, 2-4 p.m.

 

1806 24th Street S.
3 BD/3 BA, 1 half bath townhouse
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate
Listed: $1,100,000
Open: Sunday, 1-3 p.m.

 

1013 N. Quintana Street
3 BD/2 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Local Expert Realty
Listed: $949,990
Open: Saturday and Sunday, 12-2 p.m.

 

2020 N. Lincoln Street
2 BD/2 BA single-family home
Agent: Redfin
Listed: $829,900
Open: Sunday, 1-3 p.m.

 

1200 Crystal Drive, #312
2 BD/2 BA condo
Agent: Compass
Listed: $789,900
Open: Sunday, 2-4 p.m.

Just Listed in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Just Listed highlights Arlington properties that just came on the market within the past week. This feature is written and sponsored by Andors Real Estate Group.

Good morning, Arlington!

We are rocking and rolling here in Arlington, and it’s starting to feel like spring already. Well, OK, not the temperature outside, but the temperature of the real estate market is way, way up these past few weeks!

We live in a bubble in Arlington, but the bubble is expanding. Insane market conditions are stretching as far west as Ashburn, where properties are selling before hitting the market — for way above asking price. A recent example is a townhome listed by my brokerage that sold for 8% over list price without a single buyer stepping foot in the property. No contingencies — just a fast closing and much more for the seller than they were anticipating.

Northern Virginia is hot, hot, hot, and if you’re thinking about selling your home, call The Andors Real Estate Group of Keller Williams Realty! We can position you to maximize the sale and walk away with more money.

We saw 75 new listings come online this week in Arlington. Buyers worked hard to keep pace with sellers, ratifying 64 contracts, 27 of which were on homes listed just within the past seven days.

Arlington inventory went up a bit, we now have 388 properties available, up from 375 last week. Of those, 84 are single family homes, 29 are town houses/semi-detached and 275 are condos.

The average list price for currently available properties is $761,516 and the median is $510,000.

Click here to search currently available Arlington real estate. If you see a home you’re interested in purchasing, give us a call.

Call the Andors Real Estate Group today at 703-203-1117 to talk more about buying or selling Arlington real estate. Below are eight new listings I think you might like to check out:

Just Listed: 1120 19th Street S.

Boring Title: Presenting “Office Space” Printer Scene (Allied Title Edition)

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Title insurance is boring, but Allied Title & Escrow is here to decode the jargon and make it (somewhat) more interesting. This biweekly feature will explore the mundane (but very necessary!) world of title insurance while sharing interesting stories of two friends’ entrepreneurial careers.

For this week’s edition of Boring Title, we present to you: Office Space — Printer Scene (Allied Title Edition).

After our 6,000th closing, our very first printer finally gave out. We wanted to have a little fun with it, and let out some of our built-up frustration it gave us over the years. We hope you enjoy it!

How did we do against the original?

Have questions related to title insurance? Email Latane and Matt at [email protected]. Want to use Allied Title & Escrow when you buy a home? Tell your agent when you buy a house to write in Allied Title & Escrow as your settlement company! 

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