Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

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:

4036 24th Road N.
5 BR/4 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Listed: $1,479,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

111 N. Highland Street
4 BR/2 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $1,049,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

1709 S. Quincy Street
4 BR/3 BA single-family home
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Listed: $839,999
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

3625 10th Street N. #608
2 BR/2 BA, 1 half bath condo
Agent: Mcenearney Associates, Inc.
Listed: $749,000
Open: Saturday 1-4 p.m.

 

851 N. Glebe Road #1304
2 BR/2 BA condo
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Listed: $649,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

4227 35th Street S.
1 BR/2 BA condo
Agent: Kw Metro Center
Listed: $459,900
Open: Saturday 1-4 p.m.

 

989 Buchanan Street S. #205
1 BR/1 BA condo
Agent: Mcwilliams/Ballard, Inc.
Listed: $309,9016
Open: Saturday 12-4 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.”

Arlington has blasted into the summer real estate market with a vengeance, setting a record for the year.

Sellers listed a whopping 91 homes for sale this week, the most so far this year. And buyers ratified a remarkable 78 contracts with 36 of those homes selling within a week. This could be a harbinger of what to expect for the summer: a sizzling hot market.

Certainly the demand has been there all year. The shortage of homes for sale has held back the number of transactions. Sellers should be getting the memo that NOW is a great time to list their home.

Buyers were handed some great news this week as interest rates dropped again to the lowest level since December 2017. The 30-yr fixed rate dropped to 3.85%. A year ago the rate was 4.54%.

The bad news for buyers: the cost of a new home will be going up as 5% tariffs will be imposed on Mexican products starting on Monday. The U.S. imports many home building products from Mexico such as steel and concrete.

Tight inventories are now effecting the rental market as well. Concessions to renters to entice them to sign up have dropped 30% since a year ago, and landlords are raising rent prices 3.1% on average.

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

Elite Patient Care At Elite Dental

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The doctors at Elite Dental believe the dental profession is as much about cultivating relationships as it is about teeth.

Through trust and integrity, they’ve built a reputation predicated on elite level patient care and service. Don’t just take it from them, read on for what their patients have to say about what makes Elite Dental unique.

Elite Dental accomplishes two things very well — it’s a progressively and technologically driven practice, (and one that offers a group of practitioners that are clearly some of the best in the field), all while providing an environment where patients feel comfortable and cared for! Staff are friendly and attentive, and work with you to answer questions — clearly investing in patients with a long-term view.

– Alexa H.

Elite dental offers personalized care from a dental team who makes you feel comfortable every visit. I looked forward to visiting the office because of how nice everyone always was. I knew my anxiety and concerns would never be dismissed or looked over, and I consistently felt like I was in the best hands with dentists who are ready to take on any challenge. My doctor listened to my concerns and took the time to discuss all treatment options with me. I knew she always had my best interest in mind.

– Crystal G.

It’s the first time in 30 years that someone truly cared, and I felt more than just a name or a number. This office is unique because they are an exclusive service that is available to the common man. It’s not normally pleasant or affordable to go to the dentist, but they’ve been able to close that gap.

– Gary  M.

Elite Dental is conveniently located in Clarendon, about 2 blocks from the Clarendon Metro stop.

Call 703-991-5169 or email [email protected] to schedule a new patient appointment!

Boring Title: Featuring Katie Wethman

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.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Boring Title!

This week, Allied Title & Escrow’s CEO, Latane Meade, sits down with Katie Wethman of The Wethman Group.

Katie talks about multiple offer situations and the good and bad that come with them, as well as what makes The Wethman Group different from other real estate teams.

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!

Hot Take: Make It A #FrayLife Summer

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Being a grown up means summer doesn’t come with a 2-month vacation anymore, but DC Fray still wants you to get out and play!

Leagues are happening all around Arlington this season and warm weather events are going down all summer long. What makes summer better than it was when you were a kid? The silver lining: happy hours!

Catch a buzz on and off the field with bar specials during or after your games! ​Sports happening in Arlington​ this summer include bocce, cornhole, flag football, hockey, kickball, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. It’s the best way to get outside, stay active and make friends.

There’s also a​ full calendar of events​ like DC Field Day, River Tubing, Speed Dating, Glow Yoga and Nationals Game Happy Hours. Soak up the fun-shine!

Sign up for a league​ // ​See the summer events

Small Biz Focus: 5 Things To Get You Noticed

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

By Tara Palacios

Each day we are bombarded with advertisements on TV, online, radio and print.

We are constantly exposed to information to entice us to buy products and services. Adding to the mix are the various platforms where these ads can reach us: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, blogs… and the list goes on and on. According to several leading marketing experts we are exposed to 4,000-10,000 ads per day.

How does your business stand apart and get noticed?

This question is super important for a business in 2019. It all leads back to the clutter. With so much information hitting our target markets daily — how do we stand out? Here are 5 Quick Tips we believe can help you:

Tip #1 — Tell a Story 

Everyone has a story to tell. Interweave it into your business. Make your unique story interesting and part of your business. We remember people through the stories they tell.

Tip #2 — Design a Solid Plan

I can’t emphasize this enough. Don’t throw everything and the kitchen sink at what you are trying to do. Develop a feasible marketing strategy that is clearly defined and keep doing it (lather, rinse, repeat) to build your pipeline.

Tip #3 — Understand Your Customer’s Needs, Not Your Needs

Your customer’s needs. Ask your clients directly what they like and don’t like about your product or service. Never assume you know what they need. ASK.

Tip #4 — Be Different by Being Distinct

Your branding is important. If there are industry trends make sure you incorporate those into your business brand; however, be distinct so that you stand out from the crowd. Whether attending a networking event or showcasing your product — dare to be different. It will make your business memorable.

Tip #5 — Be Yourself, Be You 

Being yourself is a great way to feel comfortable in any given business situation. Don’t be something you’re not in trying to stand out from the crowd. Your competition and clients know when you are authentic.

If you’d liked to learn more about making your business distinct, please join us June 13, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Arlington Economic Development as Zack Miller presents on Anomaly: How to Finally Stand Apart from the Crowd.

Zack started his first business at the age of 10. Since then he’s spent decades helping other people successfully start, grow and dominate their businesses through his company, Hatch.

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.

Today is World Environment Day.

In honor of our blue and green planet, there are a few simple things you can do around your home to protect/preserve our environment (and save a few bucks while you’re at it).

First, before we enter the dog days of summer here, check out your insulation. This may include your door sealings, windows, ducts and more. If they are not properly sealed, you are literally letting money (and precious cool air!) slip away.

Another quick tip, thinking about donating your unwanted items and not trashing them. There are plenty of folks in our community that would consider your trash to be treasure and there’s an environmental component to recycling goods, too.

Just think, by donating and having your items re-used, those items aren’t immediately going to a local landfill.

And, finally, think about how your water is being utilized. Is that showerhead efficient? Are you leaving your faucets running when you’re on the other side of your residence? Is that water heater still functional? In addition to preserving resources, your wallet will thank you.

When you’re ready to find the home of your dreams in Arlington, our team is ready to help you GET MORE out of your transaction.

As of June 3, there are 158 detached homes, 18 townhouses and 96 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 10 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.

Hidden Benefits Of New Construction Homes

There are a number of benefits that come with selecting a lot, tearing down any existing construction and building your new home from the ground up.

The most obvious benefit is that your new home can be almost 100% customized to your tastes, budget and lifestyle! Some of the benefits of new construction homes are not so obvious, however.

Most people aren’t aware that new construction homes are taxed substantially less. You’ll pay the least amount of property tax among homeowners because home taxes are based on the value of your home the year before it was purchased. Since your new construction home didn’t exist before you bought it, you will likely enjoy a tax break anywhere from a few months up to a few years.

Additionally, your home can be brand new and built to the strictest safety requirements during construction.

Learn more benefits of building your dream home by attending the upcoming New Construction Seminar on June 10 in Arlington.

The event is free and being held at a beautiful new construction home. Hors d’oeuvres and adult beverages will be served!

Topics Covered:

  • Advantages of new construction
  • Construction loan process
  • Buying a builder owned lot vs. finding your own
  • What to expect financially
  • Negotiating with builders
  • Builder contracts

Space is limited — click here to register

Benefits of Attending:

  • New Construction Guarantee: Buy or build a new construction home with our team and we will sell your current home for free!
  • Free consultations from renowned builders, lenders and real estate professionals

This event is hosted by The Keri Shull Team, the D.C. metro’s top producing real estate team. Details are as follows:

Ask Eli: When Can I Negotiate?

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: I’ve made a few offers on homes and am frustrated by the lack of negotiating I’m able to do. Are there things I can look for that are a sign that there’s room to negotiate price and terms?

Answer: Most buyers think that negotiating the terms of a home purchase is between them and the home owners, but in reality, most of the time you’re actually negotiating against other buyers. This is especially true when a home has been on the market for 30 days or less.

You can make a perfect case for why a home is worth less than the owner is asking, but if there are other buyers willing to pay more and offer better supporting terms, you don’t even get a participation trophy. If you’re dead-set on negotiating the price and maintaining favorable contingencies, the best thing to look at is the number of days a home has been on the market.

Historical data supports the following:

  • If you want to purchase a home that has been on market for 10 days or less, you should be prepared to pay at or above the asking price.
  • There is very little room to negotiate price in the first 30 days.
  • Buyers gain negotiation leverage after a home has been listed for 30 days and it gets better each month after that.

The last three months of closed sales in Arlington shows the following:

  • Buyers who purchased a home within 10 days of it being listed for sale negotiated 1% or more off the asking price on just 7.9% of transactions.

  • Buyers who purchased a home within 10 days of it being listed for sale paid 5% or more over the asking price on 18.7% of transactions.

Use this data to make buying more strategic and less guesswork/frustration, but remember there is no hard rule that you can’t negotiate a price and terms from day 1 or that a seller is going to agree to discount their price after three months.

Remember that each transaction is unique in that both parties have their own set of priorities/circumstances, each house comes with its own unique strengths and flaws, and all it takes is one or two buyers being on vacation/busy for a deal to go from multiple escalating offers to one negotiable contract.

Take some time to understand underlying market trends and probabilities and apply those to each individual transaction based on the information that is unique to it.

If you’d like to meet to discuss how data can be used to develop your purchase strategy, you can email me at [email protected] to schedule a time to meet.

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.

Job of the Day: Compass Coffee

Love coffee? Love people?

Want to work in a fast-paced, exciting environment with a great team?

Compass Coffee is currently interviewing for full-time positions in Rosslyn and Ballston. We are looking for people that want to grow into leaders and plan to stay for a minimum of 6 months.

For more information or to apply online visit at https://www.compasscoffee.com/careers.

Legal Insider: Preventing Pregnancy Discrimination

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 represent employees that have been affected by pregnancy discrimination. Here are some tips on the subject.

Prevention of Pregnancy Discrimination 

Pregnancy discrimination, unfortunately, is one of the fastest-growing areas of discrimination law because many employers do not understand the legal requirements that are in place to protect pregnant employees.

The following general guidance is meant to help employers prevent and appropriately deal with, as well as educate employees regarding, issues of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace.

Know Duties and Rights of Pregnant Employees 

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act makes it illegal for an employer with 15 or more employees to discriminate against an employee in all areas of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training and benefits (e.g., leave and health insurance). It is important for employers and employees to understand these rights.

Example: Rachel applies for a position as a pharmaceutical sales representative. She is also five months pregnant. During her interview, the hiring manager explains that the position will require a lot of walking and asks whether Rachel’s pregnancy will affect her ability to work or return to work.

Due to concerns about this issue, Rachel is not hired as a result of the hiring manager’s belief that her pregnancy will affect her ability to work. Jennifer could bring a case of pregnancy discrimination.

Providing Equal Treatment to Pregnant Employees

If an employee becomes pregnant or is unable to perform her job due to issues during and/or after her pregnancy, the employer must treat the employee the same way it treats temporarily disabled employees. Employers often misunderstand this.

Example: Employees at Smith Co. with two years of seniority can apply for promotions. Mary is excluded from an upcoming promotion process at work. She is told that her three months of maternity leave will not count towards her seniority.

At the same time, Smith Co. continues to give seniority credit to employees who take leave for temporary injuries and medical issues, such as back injuries. Mary could bring a case of unequal treatment and discrimination.

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