Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

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 licensed broker Aaron Seekford of Arlington Realty, Inc. GET MORE out of your real estate investment with Aaron and his team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6116 today!

Please note: While Aaron Seekford provides this information for the community, he may not be the listing agent of these homes.

A $999 reduction on a million-dollar home. Why should you care?

It’s a question we get quite a bit here at the Just Reduced column.

Sure, some of the reductions we see equate to a one percent savings off the list price… or even much less. These types of reductions may not seem that impressive, especially when we see prices on some listings drop by hundreds of thousands of dollars or upwards of 10 or even 25 percent.

But it’s important to keep this in mind: These reductions are only just the beginning.

Some sellers reduce prices to appease to online searchers (e.g. a buyer with a budget of $1 million won’t find your $1,000,001 listed home in a search of properties under $1 million). Some have drastically overpriced their initial listings. And, in some instances, buyers have deadlines of their own to meet and just need to get moving.

The bottom line with reduced properties: Sellers are taking action. With a trusted team by your side, you can harness their activity/urgency and negotiate further.

When you’re ready to embark on your real estate journey, the team at Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to roll on your behalf.

As of November 4, there are 151 detached homes, 18 townhouses and 104 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 27 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 Aaron Seekford.

Virginia Tech Offers Dual Degree MBA and IT Master in DC Area

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

In today’s digital age, as technology drives innovation throughout the enterprise, business acumen and technology expertise are emerging as essential skills.

At the same time, traditional functional roles are blurring, creating a blended business environment where IT leaders must embrace more business-oriented responsibilities and line of business leaders must find their way around sophisticated and complex technology systems. Only through education can these professionals gain the necessary skills and expertise to keep pace with this evolving business landscape. But it shouldn’t have to come at the cost of a full-time position.

Virginia Tech’s dual Master’s degree in business administration and information technology (MBA + MIT) is based in the D.C. area and can help professionals gain the experience, expertise and advantages they need to succeed in a blended business environment. Here’s how:

  • Career boost: Students receive an MBA while keeping up with changes in the technology industry by adding on a Master of IT. The result: greater marketability in a competitive labor market.
  • Economize time and money: The dual-degree program double-counts up to five courses earned in the MBA program toward those also offered in the MIT program or vice versa.
  • Work-life balance: Both the MBA and MIT degrees are built for full-time working professionals. Students have the flexibility to set their own pace by choosing the number of courses they will take each semester.
  • Variety: Students can select from a wide range of specialization areas including business intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, networking and software engineering.
  • Network: An in-person class format for the MBA program encourages students to establish valuable working relationships with classmates, and engage with top-notch faculty. A 100% online format for the MIT degree provides additional flexibility for working professionals and opportunity to work with students from across the country.

The Virginia Tech MBA + MIT dual-degree program offers the flexibility to contribute to business growth, revenue and innovation as a working professional today — and as a substantially more marketable leader tomorrow.

Learn more the dual degree program here or explore Virginia Tech’s other local MBA options here.

Ask Eli: Expect a Slower Market Until February

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: Does the Arlington market change in the winter?

Answer: November marks the start of the traditional “winter market” in Arlington that is defined by fewer homes being put up for sale and homes sitting on the market just a bit longer than they did earlier in the year. The decrease in new inventory will be obvious to anybody who has been searching for a home in 2019, but you’ll barely notice the increase in how long homes are taking to sell because the market is moving so quickly that even a slowdown will mimic spring markets in previous years.

Sharp Decrease In New Inventory

Historically, the fewest homes hit the market in Arlington from November-January, with the pace of new listings in December coming in at nearly 1/3 the rate of new listings from March-May. With inventory levels in 2019 already at historical lows, this winter will feel especially short on housing supply.

Buyer Demand Cools Off

Historically, the percentage of homes that go under contract within the first ten days decreases from November-January, with November and December (holiday season) having the most noticeable reduction in quick sales. However, with the pace of the Arlington market at all-time highs in 2019, you can expect the drop in demand in November and December to feel like peak spring demand in previous years.

Is The Winter The Right Time For You?

The winter can be a great time to buy if you’re more focused on value because demand decreases so you may pick up some negotiation leverage. However, if you’re searching for something unique and struggling to find properties that fit your criteria, the odds of the perfect place hitting the market in the winter decreases.

Given how low inventory is heading into this winter, I’m not sure buyers will find as many deals as they have in previous years. Demand is still strong from buyers who haven’t found a home yet in 2019 and low supply makes it a strong market for sellers, even during the holidays.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Arlington or the surrounding D.C. Metro communities and would like to learn more about the impact seasonality will have on your process, feel free 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 D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 2420 Wilson Blvd #101 Arlington, VA 22201, (202) 518-8781.

Score a Free 2-Week Trial to SweatBox When You Join VIDA Ballston in November

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

VIDA Fitness is opening it’s first Virginia location in early 2020, and to celebrate, we want to give your body the full makeover it deserves.

When you join VIDA Ballston during November, you’ll also receive a complementary 2-week trial to SweatBox, D.C.’s premiere strength & cardio-based workout.

This is the perfect opportunity to see why VIDA is already D.C.’s favorite gym — voted by Washingtonian, D.C. City Paper, and the Blade. VIDA Ballston will conveniently be located next to Ballston Quarter and Ballston Metro stop, and will have everything you need to maintain a healthy & balanced lifestyle. Members have already fallen in love with our incredible group fitness offerings, beautiful Pilates studios and expansive Fuel Bar — featuring delicious smoothies and snacks for your workout recovery.

VIDA Ballston will also offer:

  • Individual programming to fit your goals, and hundreds of group fitness classes
  • State-of-the-art fitness equipment and expansive weight room floors
  • Brand new cardio equipment with the latest entertainment and technology
  • Qualified Personal Trainers to work with you on achieving your goals
  • Registered Dietitians to assist with keeping your diet on track
  • Amazing, spacious locker rooms with a sauna and steam room
  • Discounts on Bang Salon, Aura spa and hundreds of preferred partners

VIDA will also be opening up alongside SweatBox, a 55-minute class that will change the way you see fitness. Your 2-week trial will allow you to experience firsthand the benefits of the program, and burn up to 1,000 calories per class. This unique group fitness offering uses Coach-by-Color Bikes, free weights and XT Trainers to guide you through an unparalleled studio experience with flashing colorful lights, and energizing music.

All of these incredible benefits are at your fingertips, including the exclusive opportunity of a free 2-week SweatBox trial when joining VIDA in November.

Get ready to see some serious results, and crush your goals in new & innovative ways!

Legal Insider: What is a Whistleblower?

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 thought that an article on whistleblowing would be timely given the recent news involving the whistleblower complaint involving Ukraine. A whistleblower is simply an individual who learns of illegal or unethical activity (or waste, fraud and abuse) and reports it.

Most whistleblowers do not end up famous, but they often play a critical role in holding employers and the government accountable for engaging in illegal activities. Too often illegal activities are ignored by an employee for fear of retaliation. Some employees, however, take a stand at great risk to themselves. As a result, many whistleblower laws have developed over the years to protect these individuals.

Whistleblower Laws in the United States and Virginia

The United States has had whistleblower laws in effect since 1863 during the time of President Abraham Lincoln, who wanted to encourage individuals to report rampant fraud against the federal government in response to purchases during the Civil War. As a result, the False Claims Act (FCA) became law and encouraged private citizens to bring lawsuits against individuals and companies who were defrauding the government.

As an incentive, the whistleblower could receive a percentage of whatever the government recovered from the disclosure. The FCA is still in effect today, though numerous other federal and state laws cover different types of whistleblowers.

In 1989, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) was enacted to protect federal employees who disclosed illegal actions by the federal government and waste, fraud and abuse. The WPA sought to protect federal employee whistleblowers who suffered retaliation for reporting these illegal activities. There are numerous other whistleblower laws at the federal and state levels that protect individuals who disclose different types of illegal activities, such as the Clean Air Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).

These are just some of the existing whistleblower laws that can protect individuals that make disclosures. Additionally, many states allow employees, either by statute or common law, the ability to challenge retaliation related to whistleblowing activities.

In Virginia, because the state has not yet enacted general state whistleblower protections for employees, the courts have allowed employees to bring whistleblower claims through common law. These are known as Bowman claims, after the case of Bowman v. State Bank of Keysville, 331 S.E.2d 797 (Va. 1985).

General Test to Qualify for Whistleblower Protection

The importance of being a whistleblower is that certain protections can then come into play after the disclosures are made. Generally, once a disclosure is made, an employer finds out who disclosed the illegal activity and are very unhappy with the employee. This often causes employer retaliation against the whistleblower.

Whistleblower protection laws usually follow the same 3-part test to determine if an employee can prevail on a retaliation claim. In general, this requires:

  1. That the individual had a good faith belief that their employer was engaging in illegal activities or waste, fraud and abuse and they reported it
  2. That the individual’s employer knew that the individual made such disclosures
  3. That the whistleblower suffered retaliation due to the disclosures

Depending on the statute involved, a whistleblower can receive legal protection from retaliation (the most common retaliatory action involves termination from employment), damages, back pay and attorney fees. Each statute is different so individuals should consult with an attorney if they believe that they may need whistleblower protection.

Conclusion

If you need assistance with whistleblower representation or other employment issues, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook.

Rethink Energy: 6 Winter Energy Saving (and Money!) Tips for Renters & Condos

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.

1. Let the Sun In
Leave south-facing blinds open during sunny days and close them at night to lock the heat in. The sun will give you free heating during the day.

2. Thermostat Setting
You can save energy and money by only running your furnace when you are home. Turn your thermostat down when you leave or get a motion sensing thermostat that automatically changes the temperature.

3. Air Flow
If your couch or other items are positioned to block your heating unit or vent, it reduces the amount of air flow. This makes your mechanical system work harder and it takes longer to heat your home. Let the air flow and make sure the vents are clear.

4. Ceiling Fan Setting
Have you ever noticed the switch on your ceiling fan? Your fan should push air down during warm summer months of the year and draw it up during the winter to help create a more even temperature year-round. 

5. LED Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs are still the easiest way to save energy and the prices have come way down. They also last longer and use a fraction of the energy compared to incandescents. LED bulbs come in an array of colors and can be dimmed. Swap out your standard bulbs for LED ones to reduce energy costs.

6. High-Performance Showerhead
WaterSense rated showerheads are the way to go. They are tested for performance. They reduce energy used associated with hot water as well as water and sewer costs. If you can’t install one yourself, talk to your landlord or apartment manager about having one installed.

Disclaimer: Your utility savings depends on what is or is not included in your rental agreement or HOA dues. Results may vary. Batteries not included. Ask your doctor before using. Past performance no indication of future success. Every action makes a difference.

New Homes in Arlington: November 1

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Welcome to New Homes, a biweekly column highlighting the new construction real estate market, written by Conor Sullivan and Dave Moya of Three Stones Residential at Keller Williams Realty. We are here to share our experience and expertise in lot acquisition, financing and construction of custom homes. 

When you first bought your home several years ago it may have been just what you were looking for! Memories have been made, but as life moves along, that home may not be exactly what you need any more. Now the question is – do you put your home up for sale to buy something new, or give your current home a facelift with renovations?

To help make this decision, there are several factors you should take into consideration. Here is a guide to help you decide what might be the best option:

  • What Is Your Emotional Investment In Your Current Home?

    Think deeply about what life would look like if you were to move to a new home. Does this mean living in a new neighborhood or a new town? If you have built a strong attachment to your neighborhood and the life you’ve built there, maybe a renovation is the best option. Or perhaps you have a neighbor that has just been a pin your side since you bought the home – perfect opportunity to move on up!

  • What Is Your Budget?

    Perhaps the most important question to consider is what are the actual costs of selling/moving vs. renovating. Take a look at how much equity you have in your current home, price points and other costs associated with buying a new home, and if it will leave you in a better financial situation than renovating.

    If going the renovation route, planning out exactly what updates you are looking for will help determine if your budget will get you there. Work with a variety of contractors to get quotes. You’ll want to include different options so you won’t be surprised if an unexpected issue comes up with renovations. If you plan to move, you’ll need to consider the costs of selling your home (commission and closing costs), as well as buying a new home and moving.

  • What Is Your Timeframe?

    Both options of moving and renovating come with their own timing frustrations. Before making a decision of which route you want to go, determine if you have a deadline date. For example, do you need to be moved in by a certain date before school starts? If you plan to move, you may not find your dream home right away. Establishing your moving timeframe needs up-front will help your real estate agent understand expectations ahead of time. If you plan to renovate, work with your contractor to establish an end date, then add some buffer time just in case!

  • What Is Potential ROI?

    Even if you don’t plan on moving in the next several years after remodeling your current home, you’ll still want to evaluate what the return on investment will be if you decide to make upgrades. Will the costs of remodeling be covered with a future sale of the home? It may be worthwhile to speak with a real estate agent to review your neighborhood marketplace trends and comps of recently sold homes.

At Three Stones Residential, we understand that these decisions can be tough! We want to help make the process as smooth and stress free as possible. We offer home valuations to help determine if selling your home is the right step for you. We will work with you to understand your goals, and explain our process so you will know what to expect from us. We will provide you with comparable marketplace data to help determine the best price for your home and how long it should take to sell. For more information to set up a home valuation, contact us at [email protected] or 571-429-7670.

Below is a list of new homes currently on the market in the Arlington area.

Want to learn more about financing a New Home build? McLean Mortgage (NMLS ID: 99665) can handle all of your construction financing needs. You can build your new home with as little as 5% down. Contact construction loan expert Troy Toureau (NMLS ID: 5618) at 301-440-4261 or AnyHomeLoans.com to learn more.

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:

419 N. Upton Court
3 BD/4 BA, 1 half bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Redfin Corporation
Listed: $1,025,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

530 N. Monroe Street
3 BD/2 BA single-family home
Agent: Re/Max Allegiance
Listed: $895,000
Open: Saturday 1-4 p.m.

 

3835 9th Street N., 102W
2 BD/2 BA condo
Agent: Rose Enterprises, Inc
Listed: $689,900
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.

 

4302 36th Street S.
2 BD/2 BA condo
Agent: Samson Properties
Listed: $539,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

2101 N. Monroe Street #118
1 BD/1 BA, 1 half bath condo
Agent: Exp Realty, Llc
Listed: $414,500
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

1913 N. Rhodes Street #19
1 BD/1 BA condo
Agent: Redfin Corporation
Listed: $299,900
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 Team Cathell, “Your Orange Line Specialists.”

First, a huge Congrats to the Nats for winning the World Series for the first time by showing their grit and toughness against the powerful Astros. Simply an outstanding performance. Go Nats!

As we get over our morning-after Halloween sugar rush, we can feel good that Arlington’s real estate market remains robust amid national news that the economy appears to be slowing. This week, home buyers and sellers each did their part to keep our housing market buzzing. Sellers listed 44 homes, and buyers ratified 40 contracts. The average days on market was only 30 for those homes that sold.

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate by 0.25% on Wednesday citing concerns of a slowing U.S. economy. The cut helps reduce consumer short term loan rates on credit cards and car loans. But mortgage rates actually ticked upward a few basis points after the Fed cut. Long term rates like mortgages are influenced by the U.S. Treasury 10-yr bond, not the Fed.

The current rate on 30-yr fixed rate mortgage is 3.75%-3.875% and probably rising. So for those lucky 40 buyers who ratified this week, I would advise them to lock in their rates ASAP if not sooner.

The cool autumn weather brings us beautiful vistas of brilliantly colored trees, but it sometimes also brings us unwanted visitors. Those noises in the attic or your walls aren’t Halloween spirits, but outdoor critters seeking warmth and nesting places. Get them out immediately before they cause more harm and health concerns. After professionals remove the squatters, make sure you properly plug their access routes to prevent them and their friends from coming back. The longer you wait, the more it will cost.

Click to see all the fresh new inventory in MRIS and call Team Cathell (703-975-2500) when you find a home you like.

Learn About Crystal City BID’s Expansion & Collective Vision for the Area at Open Houses and Office Hours

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is in the midst of a robust community engagement process, which includes a slate of events and opportunities where the public will have the opportunity to meet the BID staff, learn how its recently-approved expansion to include Pentagon City and the Arlington portion of Potomac Yard better positions the organization to support the district’s transformation, weigh in on the future of the area, and learn about the approach to and need for a new name for the BID.

Just weeks ago, the BID held two Open House events in Crystal City where more than 130 local residents gathered to celebrate the organization’s expansion and hear more about its ongoing place branding effort.

To continue the community dialogue, the BID will be holding two additional Open Houses, which will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6 at the Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium at Central Library and Thursday, November 7 at the Arlington Mill Community Center Room 421.

“Expanding the BID’s boundaries is a longstanding goal and we are excited to commemorate this accomplishment with the community,” said Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, President and Executive Director of the Crystal City BID. “Through our strategic approach and place branding effort, we hope to elevate the area so it is regarded as one of the region’s most convenient, inviting and evolving urban centers, and we look forward to discussing these initiatives with the community at our upcoming events.”

In addition to the Open Houses, the BID will be holding office hours at various locations throughout its expanded boundaries, in which residents can stop by and meet members of the organization, learn about the BID’s naming and branding approach, and give feedback.

Office Hours and Locations:

Origin: The New Rental Community Built for The True Originals

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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Located in the midst of Ballston, Origin is among Arlington’s newest residential developments, rising 22-stories with 406-units ranging from studios to two-bedroom residences and a wealth of indoor and outdoor amenity space.

At Origin, residences feel inspired with an elevated level of finish that can be observed in every room. Residences feature stunning interiors with fully equipped chef-inspired kitchens and relaxing bathrooms. Homes are adaptable to every lifestyle with the available upgrade packages that include ample walk-in closets, in-unit washer and dryer, patios and terraces, kitchen islands and more.

Spread throughout three floors, amenities and services were thoughtfully curated so residents could live their life with purpose.

On the ground floor, residents will encounter the 24/7 concierge, bike storage and repair center, onsite management and maintenance team, and onsite access-controlled garage parking.

The third floor has everything you need, want, or wish you ever had, with extensive fitness, work and entertainment options. The cutting-edge fitness center with multiple studios that feature Technogym equipment, Nexersys boxing, Peloton bikes and Fitness on Demand programs. The work lounge features open study nooks and enclosed work pods. For entertainment, residents have a rentable lounge and dining lounge connected with a fireplace, a spacious programmed outdoor terrace and additional lounges facing the south end of the building.

The rooftop boasts an expansive deck with 360 views that can be enjoyed from the pool or from the clubroom lounge with alcove seating.

Not enough? Just outside the front door, you will find Ballston Quarter, Compass Coffee, Union Kitchen Grocery, South Block Juice and convenient access to Ballston Metro station that houses the orange and silver lines.

For a limited time, Origin is offering 1 month free when you lease. Schedule a tour on originballston.com to make Origin your home.

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