Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

You’re Invited: Schar School Graduate Programs Open Houses

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Join the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University for an upcoming virtual open house for prospective students! Learn more about our top-ranked degrees as our sessions will explore master’s, certificate and PhD programs.

Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House
Tuesday, September 15
6:30-8 p.m. (EDT)

PhD Virtual Open House
Wednesday, September 23
7-8:30 p.m. (EDT)

Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House
Thursday, October 22
6:30-8 p.m. (EDT)

Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House
Thursday, November 12
6:30-8 p.m. (EDT)

George Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 2 best school in the U.S. for security studies programs relating to intelligence, counterterrorism, and emergency management. With dedicated career services advisors, 16,000+ passionate alumni around the globe, and a faculty of leaders and experts in their fields, you will benefit from a world-class education.

Graduate Certificate Programs (5 Courses Each)

Part-time and full-time options available

Master’s Degree Programs

Part-time and full-time options available

PHD Degree Programs

Part-time and full-time options available

To learn more about graduate programs at the Schar School, fill out the inquiry form to indicate your interest to the Admissions team or register for a virtual open house.

Small Biz Focus: BizRefresh — Igniting the Spark in Your Business

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

By Tara Palacios

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from some of the regions most experienced business consultants!

Collectively the BizRefresh trainers represent over 100+ years of experience to address key topics impacting your business due to the effects of COVID-19 on the economy. Did we say the cost to attend the co-hort is free? Yes, this 8-week course is at no charge.

BizRefresh Session 1: Know Your Why

Rita Ricks has successfully led Virginia’s Scaling 4 Growth initiative which is an intensive executive-level training to help accelerate the growth of Virginia’s small businesses. Rita is experienced in leading businesses to success. In our first session, business coach Rita Ricks will help you get to your why, helping you develop a resilient vision, mission and strategy.

September 10 | 10-11:30 a.m.

BizRefresh Session 2: The Economist Viewpoint

Exclusive invitation to hear Anirban Basu, the nationally renowned Economist from Sage Policy Group. Mr. Basu will discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on the regional and national economy. Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate in this important discussion which will provide keen insight into our future economy as we begin to strategize during and post-COVID-19.

September 17 | 2-3:30 p.m.

BizRefresh Session 3: Demystifying Your Target Market

Greg Payne is the President and Principal Consultant at Emerging Market Enterprises. Greg is experienced in helping clients navigate private capital, acquisitions, client management and project execution. He has a passion to help small businesses and nonprofits grow and scale their businesses when facing challenges. Greg, will do a deep dive to help you better identify your target market, target customer and market size while also framing the competition.

September 24 | 10-11:30 a.m.

BizRefresh Session 4: Is Your Business on Brand?

Carla Uriona is the Chief Content Officer and Founder of Arlington-based Factor 3 Digital. Carla led the first design team at the Pew Charitable Trusts, where she helped Pew launch its first-ever data visualization products. Carla has spearheaded 360 rebranding projects, mentored writers on how to create for digital, and worked with many organizations transitioning from print to digital.

In this session, Carla Uriona, Founder Factor 3 Digital, will help businesses craft a powerful marketing message that not only matches their brand but also resonates with their target market.

October 1 | 10-11:30 a.m.

BizRefresh Session 5: Maximize Your Digital Presence

In this session, Carla Uriona, Founder Factor3 Digital, discusses how to develop a powerful digital marketing strategy building on lessons learned from the previous session ensuring your virtual storefront harmonizes with your brick and mortar store.

October 8 |  10-11:30 a.m.

BizRefresh Session 6: Back to Basics — COVID-19 Style

Carl Hairston is a 30-year Banking Executive in the D.C. metropolitan area. He has led innovative teams in the Mid-Atlantic to provide small businesses access to capital and financing opportunities. Carl is currently leading banking efforts at First Citizens Bank serving as their Area Director.

October 15 | 10-11:30 a.m.

BizRefresh Session 7: Business Sustainability Planning

Building upon lessons learned in the previous session, Carl Hairston Area Executive at First Citizens Bank, returns to discuss how to reassess your current business plan for resiliency and best practices in financial record keeping.

October 22 | 10-11:30 a.m.

BizRefresh Session 8: The Pitch of Your Perfection

In this session, acceleration guru Will Fuentes of the Maestro Group will discuss the art of perfecting your sales pitch during COVID-19. Information on sales trends and how best to communicate to close deals during the current health pandemic are key. Three participants will have the opportunity to present their pitch at the culmination of this final BizRefresh session.

October 29 | 10-11:30 a.m

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.

There is plenty going on in our world to keep us more than occupied these days.

But amid the current happenings, we can never forget what our community endured 19 years ago this week.

September 11, 2001 was a dark day for our country and certainly here in Arlington County. Among the nearly 3,000 folks that perished as a result of the September 11 terror attacks, 125 were killed in Arlington at the Pentagon.

It’s a day that is etched forever in our memories. On behalf of our team and certainly so many in our community, our hearts continue to be with those that were affected on that day and well beyond.

Now nearly two decades beyond that dark day, our community is stronger than ever. In light of our current challenges — which certainly stretch well beyond our confines — we will rise yet again.

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

As of September 7, there are 149 detached homes, 38 townhouses and 269 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 30 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.

Listing of the Day: 2035 N. Harrison Street

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/10

Address: 2035 N. Harrison Street
Neighborhood: Leeway Heights
Listed: $850,000
Open: Sunday, September 13 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Conveniently located between Westover Village and the Lee-Harrison Center, this 1925 home brings a bit of history with it. It was originally the “kitchen house” for the larger Hall’s Hill farm house which adjoins it. The home was recently expanded and renovated and now offers the modern amenities that were the stuff of dreams for 1920s kitchen workers.

Enter the home through a sweeping front lawn graced by mature trees and shrubs to a foyer with bench and coat closet.  This leads to the expansive living room with a wood burning fireplace, built-ins and space for a desk and several seating areas. The large kitchen features crisp white cabinets, granite tops, stainless appliances and a breakfast area set in a bay window. Adjoining the kitchen is a dining area with seating area for family and guest to catch up with the sociable cook.

A powder room is tucked off the kitchen and entry to an area with sliding doors to the large deck and stone patio. The backyard has large trees providing shady spots for play and sports and sunny spots for gardening. The main level has excellent flow for daily living and a time when entertaining will be renewed.

Upstairs, the primary bedroom is anchored by built-ins surrounding space for a sitting area or second desk. A renovated hall bath with double sink vanity serves the three upstairs bedrooms.

The lower level has a bathroom and laundry room and is otherwise freshly painted and provides clean space for a workout area, storage, hobbies or a private Zoom room. A door leads to the back yard, making it convenient to have a quick clean up in the bath after sports or gardening.

The home is blocks from Big Walnut Park, the bike path and Parkhurst Park, the shops, restaurants, library, grocery stores, and farmer’s market at Westover Village and Lee-Harrison. The home is served by Glebe, Swanson and Yorktown schools.

Listed by:
Betsy Twigg
McEnearney Associates
703-967-4391
[email protected]
www.betsytwigg.com

Ask Eli: Why Is My Neighbor Mowing My Lawn

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: My neighbor is mowing a portion of the lawn I thought was mine, but my neighbor claims it is his. Is this something I can prove through my title work?

Answer: Clients often ask me whether or not they should purchase a property survey, which is optional, when they buy their home. I think that in almost every case it is worth the relatively small investment (usually about $300-$400 for a standard survey). I was chatting with the folks at Universal Title, my preferred title company in Northern Virginia (they also serve D.C. and MD), and heard a story about somebody who did not order a survey and ended up incorrectly assuming that a section of land was theirs.

Given how frequently I am asked about ordering surveys, I thought it was a good opportunity to share the story and provide some reasons why it’s a good idea to order a survey when you buy a home. Take it away Universal Title…

A new homeowner noticed a neighbor mowing part of her front lawn. When she asked the neighbor why he was mowing her lawn, the neighbor replied the property he was mowing belonged to him, even though the line of trees separating the two houses looked as if the property belonged to the new homeowner. She called her title agent and found out the neighbor was correct. “How can that be? Didn’t you search my property?”

Unfortunately, the new homeowner did not understand the difference between a title search and a survey and failed to purchase a survey. A title search confirms ownership of property, but it does not show the details of the property location.

A survey is a map of real property that shows where the property is located on the earth, the boundary lines of the property, the improvements on the land and access to the property.

Five Great Reasons To Purchase A Survey

  1. Undisclosed Rights and Easements: You may own your new home and its surrounding land, but someone else might have a right to use a portion of your property. A survey will show physical evidence of the rights of others to use your property for access, parking, utilities and other situations.
  2. Undiscovered Encroachments: A survey may be the only way to tell if a third party holds a claim to part of your property because their improvements such as a garage, fence, or swimming pool, are on your land.
  3. House Built on Incorrect Lot: It may seem impossible, but sometimes a house is built on the wrong lot. A survey provides peace of mind by showing the exact location of the house you are buying.
  4. Size of the Property: A survey shows the exact dimensions of the property’s boundary lines and how much land is included within those lines.
  5. Adding on in the Future: Many residential platted lots have building restrictions known as setbacks which prohibit building anything within a certain distance from the boundary lines. If you are thinking of adding on in the future, a survey will help you determine if the property is right for both your current and future plans.

Thank you for sharing the story and information Universal Title. I’d also like to add that you can order a survey at any time if you did not do so when you purchased. If you are in need of a survey, planning to sell or purchase a home and would like to work with a great Title company, or have title questions in general I highly recommend reaching out to Universal Title.

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.

Legal Insider: How Alcohol Usage Affects Security Clearances

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.

By John V. Berry, Esq.

We see many types of security clearance cases involving alcohol usage. The pandemic has not helped matters as many people have engaged in more alcohol usage while at home.

One of the most common issues that has arisen over the past few years in the context of security clearance holders or applicants involves alcohol abuse or over-consumption.

Alcohol Consumption/Abuse by Cleared Employees or Applicants

Under the security clearance guidelines, alcohol over-consumption and abuse can be a major factor in determining whether a person obtains or keeps their security clearance.

Security concerns regarding this issue fall under Adjudicative Guideline G, Alcohol Consumption of Security Executive Agency Directive (SEAD) 4. These are the guidelines that apply across the Government for security clearance holders.

Alcohol security concerns can come into play when an individual has a major alcohol-related incident. The most common issue that begins a security clearance review is a recent alcohol-related traffic incident, such as being arrested for driving under the influence. A recent event gives security clearance officials pause and makes them ask the question of whether or not it is an isolated incident or something more serious.

Security Concerns Raised by Alcohol Abuse or Consumption

When security clearance issues arise involving alcohol abuse or over-consumption, it is very important to take them seriously.

The major security concern for federal agencies that evaluate security clearances is that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the use of questionable judgment or the failure to control impulses, both of which are not considered acceptable for purposes of access to classified information. As a result, the Government has listed alcohol-related concerns that could cause one to lose (or not get) a security clearance. Quoting from SEAD 4, these include:

“(a) alcohol-related incidents away from work, such as driving while under the influence, fighting, child or spouse abuse, disturbing the peace, or other incidents of concern, regardless of the frequency of the individual’s alcohol use or whether the individual has been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder

(b) alcohol-related incidents at work, such as reporting for work or duty in an intoxicated or impaired condition, drinking on the job, or jeopardizing the welfare and safety of others, regardless of whether the individual is diagnosed with alcohol use disorder

(c) habitual or binge consumption of alcohol to the point of impaired judgment, regardless of whether the individual is diagnosed with alcohol use disorder

(d) diagnosis by a duly qualified medical or mental health professional (e.g., physician, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed clinical social worker) of alcohol use disorder

(e) the failure to follow treatment advice once diagnosed

(f) alcohol consumption, which is not in accordance with treatment recommendations, after a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder

(g) failure to follow any court order regarding alcohol education, evaluation, treatment, or abstinence.”

How to Mitigate Alcohol-Related Security Concerns

The Government has established a number of ways in which a security clearance holder or applicant can mitigate alcohol-related security concerns. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. A significant amount of time has passed since the alcohol-related incident.
  2. The alcohol usage or related incident was unusual and/or is unlikely to happen again.
  3. The individual acknowledges their alcohol issue and provides evidence to show that they have overcome it or are seriously working on the alcohol issues through treatment.
  4. The individual has completed a treatment program and established a pattern of modified consumption or abstinence.

Alcohol consumption security clearance issues can involve many different variables so seeking experienced counsel is critical; every case is different. The key for successfully handling alcohol-related security clearance issues is to focus on them as early as possible.

Contact Us

If you are in need of security clearance law representation or advice, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook or Twitter.

Rethink Energy: Thank You Commissioners — New Applicants Welcome

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.

Arlington County government relies on the hard work of its many civic-minded volunteers. More than 50 County Commissions and Advisory groups advise the County Board on decisions that affect and benefit our community.

We don’t say it enough, but we really mean it — THANK YOU to each commissioner for your service.

The Environment and Energy Conservation Commission — often abbreviated E2C2 — advises the County Board on a wide range of energy and environmental matters, from climate change to natural resource management. Several openings are expected in the next few months and we invite you to apply online.

Diverse voices are needed!  E2C2 is looking for applicants from various professional backgrounds, age ranges, ethnicities, geographic locations in Arlington, and all  walks of life to represent Arlington. A strong interest or background in environmental justice issues would be helpful.

Are you interested in energy, environment and climate change-related issues? Are you looking for a way to get involved in your community? This may be just the opportunity you are looking for.

There are several other commissions with openings, too. Visit the County’s Commission page to learn more and apply.

Thank you again to all the Commission and volunteers that continue to help shape Arlington, especially during the weird times we are living through.

Listing of the Day: 4411 7th Street N.

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/10

Address: 4411 7th Street N.
Neighborhood: Ballston Place
Listed: $799,000
Open: Sunday, September 6 from 1 to 4 p.m.

When John Ball received a 166 acre land grant from Lord Fairfax in 1742, he may not have  imagined that his land bordering Four Mile Run would lead to the Ballston community that now bears his name.

Nor could he have imagined that the fruit, vegetables and livestock that he and his wife, Elizabeth, grew on their farm in the Glencarlyn neighborhood would now be readily available at Ballston’s Harris-Teeter grocery store or in the many nearby restaurants and cafes. What John Ball could not imagine is available to the new owner of this two or three bedroom, three level townhouse on a quiet street in the heart of Ballston.

The kitchen has been renovated with white cabinets, granite tops, stainless appliances and wood floors. Wood floors continue into the dining room and living room, where a wood burning fireplace is flanked by new built-ins. The main level powder room has been renovated along with the two upstairs bathrooms. Each of the bathrooms has stylish tile, vanities, fixtures and accessories.

The primary bedroom has double closets and a vaulted ceilings with a loft above it. The loft has both skylights and sliding doors to a balcony with treed views of the courtyard and Ballston’s  northwestern skyline. It could be enclosed for a third bedroom or an office, workout space or Zoom room.  The second bedroom has a wall of closets and pretty views of greenery. The second bathroom, linen closet, washer and dryer complete this level.

The roof, heat pump and water heater have been recently replaced, and the home has fresh paint and new carpeting on the second and third levels. Many details such as crown molding, chair rail, and a built-in cupboard for shoes and coats distinguish this pristine urban home. Parking is included and the home is convenient to Ballston Metro, bike paths and walking trails.

Enjoy an enviable location with easy access to Washington, Rossly-Ballston business corridor, airport, Pentagon, Fort Myer/Henderson Hall, Crystal and Pentagon Cities at National Landing, and the Foreign Service Institute.

Happy Labor Day to all.

Listed by:
Betsy Twigg
McEnearney Associates
703-967-4391
[email protected]
www.betsytwigg.com

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:

3815 30th Road N.
4 BD/4 BA single-family home
Agent: Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $1,598,000
Open: Saturday 1-4 p.m.

 

3732 N. Oakland Street
4 BD/3 BA single-family home
Agent: Compass
Listed: $1,195,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

879 N. Harrison Street
4 BD/4 BA single-family home
Agent: Re/Max Realty Group
Listed: $899,990
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

3200 12th Street S.
4 BD/3 BA single-family home
Agent: Compass
Listed: $749,000
Open: Saturday 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

 

1805 Crystal Drive #205S
2 BD/2 BA condo
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Listed: $635,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

1111 19th Street N. #1805
1 BD/1 BA condo
Agent: Re/Max Realty Services
Listed: $525,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

801 S. Greenbrier Street #413
2 BD/2 BA condo
Agent: Compass
Listed: $430,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 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.

Condo inventory shrinks for the first time in nine weeks! Arlington’s available inventory as a whole declined, while demand remains very strong.

As we head into fall, with more and more COVID-19 restrictions and concerns eased, I’m expecting we’ll see abundant market activity. Historically speaking, the fall market is kind of like our “second spring” market. Pent up demand is still substantial; if sellers are ready to list, buyers will be there to scoop them up. This is especially true for single family homes and town houses.

Working from home may or may not be here to stay, but it is absolutely impacting the decision making of buyers and sellers alike. Many of our buyers and open house visitors over the past few months have said that having a dedicated space for their work has jumped nearly to top priority in their wants/needs lists.

That might translate to needing another bedroom or convertible living space. I’ve also been asked “can we put doors on this room” during home tours multiple times. Similarly for sellers, they are finding their existing space just isn’t adequate, especially with more than one family member spending time working remotely.

This past week in Arlington, sellers listed some 82 properties for sale while buyers ratified 72 contracts. 38 of the ratified contracts were on homes listed just within the past week!

There are currently 384 homes for sale in Arlington, 31 less than last week, our first decline in available inventory in nine weeks. 116 are detached homes, 32 are townhouses/semi-detached and 236 are condos. Average days on market (DOM) for currently available homes is 51 and median DOM is 35.

The median list price of currently available properties is $689,000, while the average is $906,613. These numbers have been falling consistently, but that doesn’t mean prices are declining in Arlington. The median of currently pending properties is $101,000 higher than those currently available, and days on market are slowly creeping back up. This demonstrates a mismatch between what buyers want and what sellers are offering, and also shows we still have a healthy dose of price escalations occurring.

Also, condos generally sell for less than single family homes, and as that inventory lags, it is weighing down the average.

Last year for the same week, sellers listed 40 homes and buyers ratified 49 contracts.

Click here to search currently available Arlington real estate. 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.

In an Industry Ranked 2nd Worst: A Company Built to be Different

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

According to the Consumer Federation of America’s annual Consumer Complaints Report, the Home Improvement/Construction industry had the second highest number of complaints of all consumer industries in 2017-2019.

The most common complaints cited: “Shoddy work, failure to start or complete the job, failure to have required licensing or registration.” Additionally, the industry also ranked first for the “worst” complaints according to the surveys, meaning “…the dollar amount involved, the impact on vulnerable consumers, or the sheer outrageousness of the situation.”

These are some of the reasons that local startup, Remodelmate, was founded in 2018 with a different goal in mind: To build a home renovation company that put consumer interests first.

According to CEO and founder, Chad Hall, “When you’re making an investment in something as personal as your bathroom, you should have complete confidence that your contractor is an expert, that he’s going to do what he’s supposed to do, when he says he’s going to do it, and at the quoted price. Unfortunately, that is not most people’s experience.”

To address homeowner concerns, Remodelmate starts by fully vetting the background, reputation and licensure of all their contractors. Further, they address several other concerns directly, including a no down payment policy (just a $100 booking fee), no charges until after each phase of work is completed and no markup on materials.

Perhaps the most interesting difference is a project manager assigned to every job whose role is to keep the project on time and on budget so the homeowner has complete peace of mind. The PM is assigned when a project is booked and oversees material orders, contractor booking, permit requirements, construction progress and any issues that arise along the way.

For more information, visit remodelmate.com or schedule a free phone consultation.

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