Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Rethink Energy: Rule Your Attic — Air Seal and Insulate

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This regularly-scheduled sponsored column is written by the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy team (AIRE). This county program helps you make smart energy decisions that save you money and leaves a lighter footprint on the environment.

As we said in our last post, 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. In homes across Arlington, poorly sealed and under-insulated attics are taking money out of homeowners’ pockets in the form of high utility bills.

Now is a good time to double-check your rafters and attic space to ensure they are properly insulated against energy leakage.

To encourage Arlingtonians to take control over their high utility bills this heating season, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR program is promoting its annual “Rule Your Attic!” campaign.

Adding insulation and sealing air leaks in your attic can help you save up to $200 per year on your home’s annual energy bills and keep you more comfortable. You can also take advantage of the tax credit for insulation before the end of the year!

In addition to energy savings, other benefits to sealing and insulating include: reduced noise from outside; less pollen, dust and pests entering the home; and better humidity control.

Measure Your Insulation

This fall, take the first step to savings by measuring your attic’s insulation. This infographic from the EPA is a good guide to how much insulation your attic should have. If you can see the ceiling joists, you definitely don’t have enough insulation in your attic.

Seal and Insulate

If you determine your attic needs more insulation, install unfaced rolls or batts over the existing insulation; or rent a blower from a home center to blow loose fill insulation into the space.

While you’re in the attic, check for any leaks. Even if you have adequate attic insulation, sealing attic air leaks will enhance its performance and make your home more comfortable.

Common sources of air leaks:

  • Behind kneewalls
  • Attic entry hatch
  • Wiring holes
  • Plumbing vents
  • Open soffit (the boxes that house recessed lighting)
  • Recessed lights
  • Furnace flue or duct chaseways (the hollow box or wall feature that hides ducts)
  • Basement rim joists (where the foundation meets the wood framing)
  • Windows and doors

 

Additional Resources

Have more questions about insulation, air sealing or home renovations? Contact us at [email protected].

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:

3629 N. Vermont Street
6 BD/7 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Washington Fine Properties, Llc.
Listed: $3,400,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

6625 24th Street N.
5 BD/3 BA,1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Listed: $1,349,500
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

5148 11th Street S.
6 BD, 5 BA single-family home
Agent: Samson Properties
Listed: $1,199,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

2800 N. Pershing Street
4 BD/3 BA single-family home
Agent: Re/Max Executives
Listed: $959,900
Open: Sunda 2-4 p.m.

 

3617 2nd Street S.
4 BD/2 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Img Realty, Llc.
Listed: $799,500
Open: Saturday 1-4 p.m.

 

3409 Wilson Boulevard #610
2 BD/2 BA condo
Agent: Optime Realty
Listed: $699,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

3349 S. Wakefield Street B
2 BD/2 BA condo
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Listed: $599,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 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.

U.S. home ownership is on the rise — in fact it’s at the highest rate in 12 years, according to data from the U.S. Census. At about 68% this quarter, we’re only lagging the run-up of 2004-2005 by 1.5%. If the run of 2020 continues into next year, I believe we’ll set a new record.

Is it a bubble?

I’ve been hearing this question for years, and my answer continues to be a strong no, further bolstered by this year’s crazy, largely unpredictable ups and downs.

To back my opinion, let’s look back at 2004-2007… During that time period, house prices were jumping, not gradually increasing. 20% or more per year was simply unsustainable, but 4%, 5% and even 6% is sustainable. In fact, prices almost doubled from 2004-2007 on average in the U.S.

Additionally, interest rates were rising, not falling during that time period, from about 5.7% to 6.2%, significantly decreasing purchasing power. Lending restrictions are much, much tighter now than they were — despite being able to afford more home now, it is harder to qualify for a mortgage. Marginally qualified purchasers are not buying homes at near the same rate as they were, leaving less of a bottom to fall out if adverse economic or market conditions begin to occur.

All of these are reasons why the market seems to indicate more organic growth that is here to stay as opposed to a bubble about to burst. I could be wrong, but I think we’ve got at least a 12-18 month horizon of continued growth, and likely much more than that.

Okay James, enough conjecture, give us the numbers!

This past week in Arlington, sellers listed some 87 properties for sale while buyers ratified 62 contracts. 25 of the ratified contracts were on homes listed just within the past week.

There are currently 498 homes for sale in Arlington, 10 more than last week. 143 are detached homes, 48 are townhouses/semi-detached, and 307 are condos.

In 13 weeks, the number of available condos has more than doubled, from 149 to 307. This has been a developing story in the Arlington market, but it’s now an unprecedented increase. This type of movement out of higher density housing is no doubt multi-faceted but is surely linked to COVID-19. Desire to get away from daily elevator use and to have some more space, especially while working from seems to line up with so much additional availability of condos.

Average days on market (DOM) for currently available homes is 47 and median DOM is 28. The median list price of currently available properties is $624,900, while the average is $831,636. Last year for the same week, sellers listed 69 homes and buyers ratified 61 contracts.

Click here to search currently available Arlington real estate — if you see a home you’re interested in purchasing, we’d love to help!

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

A New $20 Deal at Delhi Dhaba

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Arlington’s long-time favorite Delhi Dhaba Indian Restaurant is offering a new meal deal!

The meal deal: For a limited time, Delhi Dhaba’s $20 “Taste of India” special includes an entrée, a side dish of naan or rice, an appetizer of mixed pakoras and samosa, and a beverage, including Kingfisher Lager or a Golden Turmeric Latte. Entrée choices include butter chicken, chicken korma, chicken vindaloo, aloo gobi masala, palak paneer or chole.

The 29-year-old Delhi Dhaba, located in the heart of Arlington’s business district on Wilson Boulevard, continues to offer its successful “Family Meal” combination. The Family Meal offers four samosas, two chicken entrées, a vegetarian entrée, two orders of naan and two orders of rice for $40, and has proved to be a very popular as a carryout offering since its introduction this summer.

Delhi Dhaba regulars may not know what a “dhaba” is, but the word informs the philosophy behind the cooking: A dhaba is a roadside café, serving wholesome and hot Punjabi food to weary travelers in search of a hardy and inexpensive meal. That tradition continues, and has continued for nearly 30 years, at Delhi Dhaba.

The restaurant’s motto are words to live by: “khao, piyo, aish karo” — eat, drink and have fun.

Delhi Dhaba is open each day from  located at 2424 Wilson Blvd.; the phone number is 703-524-0008; email Delhi Dhaba here. 

Statutes of Liberty: New Fees Enjoined, New Requirements Applied — A Chaotic Week in Federal Court

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.

The Trump Administration moved in February to apply extensive additional requirements to the Public Charge Rule. We told you all about it. The Administration also moved in August to raise fees for most immigration cases. We told you all about that, too.

In the past fortnight, both of those reforms have been the subject of federal court action, with major implications for people with pending green card applications or thoughts of applying for a green card in the coming months. We will summarize the latest developments here, prioritizing “what to do” over “esoterica only a lawyer would care about.”

The Public Charge Rule

The new Public Charge Rule imposed a huge administrative burden on green card applicants. The new Rule was, accordingly, attacked in federal court by impact litigators in the immigration bar.

This effort met with initial success; Federal District Judge George Daniels enjoined enforcement of the new Public Charge Rule nationwide in July 2020. On September 11, 2020, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit lifted that nationwide injunction and allowed DHS to proceed with enforcement of the new Public Charge Rule. Here is a detailed, fair summary of the litigation from DHS.

What does all of that mean, practically speaking, for green card applicants? The answer depends on when your green application was filed.

  1. If your green card application was filed before or on February 24, 2020, you will not need to file the new Public Charge form (Form I-944) and supporting documents.
  2. If your green card application was filed on or after February 25, 2020, you will probably need to file the new Public Charge Form and supporting documents even if the injunction was in place at the time you filed. You should expect a big, fat Request for Evidence in the next few months.
  3. If you haven’t filed yet, but manage to file your green card application before October 13, 2020 without the new Form I-944, USCIS will send you a big, fat Request for Evidence but will not reject the application.
  4. If you file your green card application on or after October 13, 2020 without the new Form I-944, USCIS will simply reject your filing.

Our expectation is that lots of folks in #2, above, are going to get hit with Requests for Evidence and are going to need help in responding to them. Obviously, we’re here to help.

Immigration Fee Increases Enjoined Nationwide

USCIS fee increases were scheduled to go into effect on October 2, 2020. On September 29, just three days before the scheduled fee increases, Federal District Court Judge Jeffrey S. White enjoined the proposed fee increases in their entirety, thereby releasing — to borrow a metaphor from Dahlia Lithwick — a live ferret into the staid halls of immigration procedure.

USCIS managed to put out a press release yesterday bemoaning the decision, but has not otherwise updated its website to inform citizens and non-citizen applicants for immigration benefits about what will happen to the fees on October 2.

Here’s the straight dope: the fee increases will not happen on October 2. The fee increases will eventually happen, but not quickly. A Federal Court of Appeals (in this case, for the 9th Circuit) may lift the injunction and allow the increases to proceed, or the Department of Homeland Security may redo its rulemaking process in order to address Judge White’s concerns.

If you file an immigration application on or after October 2, do not send the higher fee. USCIS reacts to excess payments by rejecting the application in full, and application rejections can delay or even prevent you from obtaining immigration benefits.

On a more theoretical level, one might wonder whether these nationwide injunctions (and stays of injunctions, and reimpositions of stays) are a healthy way to make immigration policy. Justice Thomas has raised such concerns in a broad way in his concurring opinion in Trump v. Hawaii. It’s an interesting question — tell us what you think in the comments — but we won’t address it here. Our focus is on getting the word out about these practical changes to our immigration system.

As always, we welcome your thoughts and comments and will do our best to respond.

At Inova Safety Is More Than a Checklist

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

With national recognition for safety excellence, Inova is at the leading edge of the science of safety for you.

Inova’s comprehensive care program, Safe@Inova, gives details about the safety of their locations, strict PPE requirements and cleaning protocols, so you feel confident it’s safe for you to receive the care you need.

Whether you come to Inova for routine care, emergency care or COVID-19 care, you’re Safe@Inova.

Virginia Tech’s Flexible MBA Program Helps Professionals Prepare for the Future

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

In an uncertain economy, professionals may find that returning to school for an MBA can be a productive way to sharpen skills and add credentials while working to launch the next stage of their careers.

Virginia Tech’s Evening MBA program, based in the university’s Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church, has attracted many new students this fall for several reasons, said MBA programs director Dana Hansson. These include its stellar reputation and top 20 national ranking; dedicated faculty, many with industry experience; extensive alumni network; and great value.

Those who majored in science, engineering and other nonbusiness disciplines as undergraduates — such as Ryan Feber, a 2003 Virginia Tech graduate in computer science, and Bryan Gassenmeyer, who earned a degree in industrial and systems engineering at Virginia Tech in 2006 — have found that not only is a prior business education not needed to enroll or excel in an MBA program, but that technical backgrounds can be a basis for diversifying or rounding out knowledge and skills for managing or leading change in today’s data economy.

Others like Cody Neder, a 2014 finance alumnus, and Alexis Monahan, a 2006 graduate in communications and psychology, have lauded the program for the business and management knowledge and skills they’ve gained and the rich contributions to their learning from faculty and classmates with diverse professional backgrounds.

And, because life circumstances can change, a program that offers flexibility and affordability — students can shift between full-time and part-time status and apply for paid graduate assistantships — are two more pluses.

Maryann Romero’s experience reflects both these benefits. A stay-at-home mom at the time with an undergraduate degree in communications and rhetorical studies from Syracuse University, Romero finished up in two-and-a-half years and credits the program for opening the door to a new career as a client insights analyst at a media analytics company.

Lastly, Virginia Tech’s caring and supportive community of faculty and staff left a lasting impression on Nicholle Clinton, who received a marketing degree in 2007 and currently expects to complete her MBA in December 2020. Clinton coped with a series of serious family illnesses and losses during her senior year as well as early in her MBA studies. She is grateful for the compassion and assistance she received during both periods from the teaching faculty and program staff.

Learn more about how Virginia Tech can support your career goals at mba.vt.edu.

Small Biz Focus: Boost Your Business on Local Governments

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

By Tara Palacios

2020 has been a tough year.

Businesses have had to quickly pivot and are searching for new opportunities to grow. Target markets are shifting, and the way customers purchase goods and services are simply not the same. Businesses are looking for new ways to engage in the market and time is of the essence.

Why not give your business a boost this fall by participating in our upcoming FREE virtual program: Boost Your Business on Local Governments. Arlington County’s BizLaunch program and the Arlington County Purchasing Office are partnering to bring you new business opportunities from around Northern Virginia each Friday during the month of October beginning October 9 at 10-11:30 a.m.

The program features business opportunities in Arlington (October 9) the City of Alexandria (October 16), Fairfax County (October 23) and Prince William County (October 30).

Each Purchasing office will share upcoming bids and procurement notices from around the Commonwealth as well as how to do business with their respective jurisdictions. In addition, each municipality will explain the specific process of doing business with their community.

Special guests include Virginia’s Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD). The SBSD is currently managing the ReBuildVA Grant Fund which recently changed its qualifications to open the program to more of Virginia’s small businesses. Click here for more information.

We hope you join us during the month of October to discover opportunities for your business into 2021.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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.

2020 is officially three-fourths of the way over.

For many, this may evoke an audible “PHEW! I CAN’T WAIT!” For others, it’s certainly a “where in the world did the time go?” type of moment. And, for some, it’s a great time to check in on your 2020 goals.

Without a doubt, this has been a year like no other. But, amid the global wackiness, some still have a real estate goal to punch off that checklist. For those seeking to achieve their 2020 dreams — regardless of what this year has thrown at us — there are still three whole months left in this year.

The Arlington County real estate landscape has certainly shifted a bit since the beginning of the year and now, more than ever, it’s vital to have a trusted team by your side to help you navigate it all. When you’re ready to talk through your real estate goals, the team at Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to roll on your behalf.

And now on to this week’s Just Reduced figures.

As of September 28, there are 176 detached homes, 52 townhouses and 307 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 60 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week:

Please note that 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: Condo Smoking Ban Update

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: Do you have any updates on how smoking bans are going in Arlington condo buildings?

Answer: In 2016, I wrote a column on condo smoking bans as my fellow 1800 Wilson Board members and I explored a smoking ban within our community. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting members of our condo communities that have been instrumental in clearing the path for healthier, more welcoming condo buildings by navigating the complex rules and challenges of banning smoking in condo units and on private balconies (banning smoking in common areas is easy).

The process of implementing a smoking ban is long, difficult and time-consuming for those involved, but it is possible. I’m aware of at least 10 buildings in Arlington and Alexandria that have already passed, or are in the process of passing, amendments to their by-laws to ban smoking inside units and on balconies. Some of those communities I know of off-hand are (I know I’m missing a few):

  • Hyde Park (Ballston)
  • Wentworth Place (Virginia Square)
  • Carlyle House (Columbia Pike)
  • Lyon Pointe (Lyon Village)
  • Horizon House (Pentagon City) *I believe they’re in process
  • Carlyle Towers (Alexandria)
  • The Towers (NW D.C.)

For those of you interested in pursuing a smoking ban within your condo community, I recorded the panel discussion I hosted last year and you can watch it on YouTube here. It’s a long video (almost two hours), but it provides a highly detailed roadmap and great lessons learned from members of the community who have gone through the process already.

I also have some materials from the meeting that I would be more than happy to email to anybody who wants it. Just email me at [email protected].

For those of you considering a smoking ban effort, it’s important to understand a few things before you get started:

  • It usually takes 18-24+ months
  • It requires a by-law change, which usually requires at least 2/3 “yes” votes (non-votes are the same as “no” votes)
  • Start with an informal survey of the community to see if you have enough support to reach 2/3
  • Documentation and organization are critical
  • Prepare to have an attorney involved throughout the process
  • Some communities must compromise on a Grandfather Clause in order to get the necessary votes, but Grandfather Clauses are not required

I love hearing from people in communities who are making progress towards a smoke-free building, so please reach out to share your successes and frustrations!

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 D.C., and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. #10C Arlington, VA 22203, (703) 390-9460.

Listing of the Day: 1111 19th Street N. #1706

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Address: 1111 19th Street N. #1706
Neighborhood: Rosslyn | The Waterview
Listed: $609,900

Welcome to 1706 at the Waterview! This is a modern 1 bedroom + den in a premier building in Rosslyn.

The residence features a gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and an open floor plan. The kitchen is outfitted with SubZero,Viking and Bosch appliances. There is a large breakfast island to go along with excellent cabinet and counter space great for entertaining.

The den is located off of the entrance and is perfect for a private home office. The den features a closet as well as a sliding accordion door if you want to turn the den into a second bedroom. Both the den and the owner’s suite feature brand new carpet.

The bedroom has floor-to-ceiling windows with city views and a walk-in closet. The Waterview community features a spectacular rooftop that has unobstructed views of D.C. The rooftop is outfitted with grills, tables, chairs and a fireplace area. Amenities also include a 24/7 front desk and a community room. Additional hotel services are available to residents including room service, spa, dry cleaning and housekeeping to truly provide for upscale living. One large parking spot conveys.

The Waterview is located in the heart of Rosslyn and offers easy access to DCA, the Metro, the Pentagon and all major commuter routes.

Contact the Orange Line Condo team or your buyer’s agent for more information or to set up a private showing.

Listed by:
Matt Leighton
Century 21 Redwood Realty
703-472-0574
[email protected]
TheMattLeighton.com

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