Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Rethink Energy: Community Energy Plan Open House June 4

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.

We need your input to help refine the draft Community Energy Plan.

Ask questions, get answers and make your voice heard. If you care about climate action and Arlington’s sustainability journey, this event is for you! Snacks will be provided.

Please join use at Central Library this Tuesday!

Community Energy Plan Open House:

Date: June 4
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Central Library Auditorium

Our lives are increasingly reliant on ever more energy. Air conditioning and heating, lighting, electric cars, tablets and smart phones, TVs and game consoles, and so much more. Energy is a key enabler of humanity’s progress.

It is also linked to global greenhouse gas increases and associated impacts that were recently detailed in the latest UN Climate Report.

The Rethink Energy program is Arlington’s climate action program and is moving the needle on energy efficiency, solar power, green building and more.

Why do we need a Community Energy Plan?

Arlington’s Community Energy Plan was first adopted in 2013. In the same way that Arlington’s smart growth journey was built upon land-use planning and transit, energy planning is the critical next layer to support Arlington’s evolution as a sustainable community.

Arlington County is updating the Community’s Energy Plan. This Plan is ambitious in its scope, but practical in its aims. Residents and businesses can expect a variety of benefits as we work to finalize this long-term plan:

  • Reducing energy costs that will save residents and businesses money
  • Generating energy locally with the use of renewables and other technologies
  • Reaching our carbon reduction goals by 2050

Please join us on June 4 at the Community Energy Plan Open House!

The draft Community Energy Plan update can be found here. An executive summary of the proposed changes can be found here.

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:

1724 N. Barton Street
5 BR/4 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Beacon Crest Real Estate Llc.
Listed: $2,095,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

5416 Washington Boulevard
5 BR/4 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: I-Agent Realty Incorporated
Listed: $1,150,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

6943 28th Street N.
4 BR/3 BA single-family home
Agent: Redfin Corporation
Listed: $849,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

5013 S. 24th Street
5 BR/3 BA single-family home
Agent: Classic Realty, Ltd
Listed: $714,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

411 S. Veitch Street
2 BR/2 BA villa/townhouse
Agent: Ttr Sotheby’s International Realty
Listed: $599,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.

 

989 Buchanan Street S. #306
1 BR/1 BA condo
Agent: Mcwilliams/Ballard, Inc.
Listed: $414,378
Open: Saturday 12-4 p.m.

 

3650 S. Glebe Road #149
Studio/1 BA condo
Agent: Keller Williams Capital Properties
Listed: $315,000
Open: Saturday 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.”

Like clockwork, Arlington’s real estate market hit the brakes this week as we entered the first week of the summer.

The market typically slows right after Memorial Day weekend, and this year was no different. Sellers listed 45 homes, while buyers ratified 44 contracts. That’s about a 40% drop in activity from last week.

There’s good news for buyers on two points: the inventory level improved and interest rates dropped. This week, inventory in Arlington increased to 1.4 months compared to just under one month for the last several weeks. The higher the inventory level, the more choices and negotiating power for buyers.

Mortgage interest rates dropped to 4% for a 30-yr fixed rate, and highly qualified buyers with great credit can get a rate in the high 3’s%. That adds considerably to a buyer’s purchasing power. The escalating trade war with China now shows signs of slowing the U.S. economy, and that news has impacted the drops on Wall Street and flow of capital into safe 10-yr U.S. Treasury bonds.

Further tensions with China could slow our economy more, and mortgage rates could see even lower numbers.

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

Thank You To Our Advertisers

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

ARLnow.com is an advertiser-supported independent local news website.

Our advertisers allow us to hire reporters and bring their local reporting to the entire community without a paywall. Please join us in supporting local organizations that support local journalism.

Interested in advertising? Check out our 2019 media kit which contains all of our advertising offerings.

Arts Focus: Walking Tour Explores Public Art in Rosslyn

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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This column is written and sponsored by Arlington Arts / Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Rosslyn has many celebrated works of public art throughout the neighborhood.

Public art helps to give a community a sense of place, yet often even longtime locals may not know the story behind the artworks. Explore these works of art on the Rosslyn Public Art Walking Tour, led by one of Arlington County’s Public Artists in Residence, Graham Coreil-Allen.

Taking place on Thursday, June 6, at 6 p.m, the tour is free and open to the public, and starts and ends at Central Place Plaza: 1800 N. Lynn Street in Arlington, Virginia.

Directly following the tour, join us for a social at the Rosslyn Rocks! concert at Central Place Plaza (which features the new LED installation Gravity & Grace by internationally-acclaimed artist Cliff Garten). We will enjoy live music and share thoughts about the walking tour!

Space is limited, and registration is required (note: this popular tour often fills-up quickly).

Co-sponsored by Arlington Arts, the Rosslyn BID and WalkArlington, the event itself speaks to the pioneering combination of public and private resources which created this specific work and shaped Arlington’s internationally-acclaimed permanent collection of contemporary public art.

When the County, a citizen activist, the late artist Nancy Holt (profiled in this New York Times article), a developer and the National Endowment for the Arts collaborated to create Dark Star Park — the seminal landscape artwork in Rosslyn — the Arlington Public Art program has been characterized by its unique approach by combining public and private resources and its focus on enhancements to the public realm.

During this 90-minute tour, participants will discover the history, design and purpose of Rosslyn’s works of public art. Throughout the tour, Coreil-Allen will create opportunities for playful interaction and inclusive discussion.

Highlights include Cupid’s Garden, Dark Star Park, Liquid Pixels, the Le Meridien overlook, Anna and David, and Bennett Park Art Atrium.

Register for the tour via Eventbrite!

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.

Just how much have our local home prices jumped since the Amazon HQ2 announcement?

A new Realtor.com report sheds a bit more light as to what this mammoth news has meant. According to the report, houses have increased from an average of $640,000 in November 2018 to $750,000 in April 2019. This equates to a jump of 17.3 percent, compared to a national average increase of 5.5 percent. Additionally, the report indicated that the number of listings dropped by 48.2 percent in the same timeframe.

So, what does this all mean? It means our market remains red hot and there has never been a more important time to have a trusted advisor on your side.

Whether buying or selling in our increasingly competitive market, our team is here to help you navigate the waters and GET MORE out of your transaction.

As of May 27, there are 155 detached homes, 18 townhouses and 95 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.

The Chew: Summer Vacation — Grab Fido and Go

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

The following bi-weekly column is written and sponsored by Bark + Boarding, which provides a heart-centered and safe environment for your pets. Conveniently located at 5818-C Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, Bark & Boarding offers doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training services, plus in-home pet care.

When it’s time to head out for your summer getaway, you have two choices: take the entire family or leave man’s best friend out of the loop.

If you’d rather have Spot by your side, keep reading. It’s not always easy to travel with a dog, but it’s possible. These tips can help you make the most of your adventures with your four-legged traveling companion.

Health and Safety

Any time you’re heading away from home, you should first discuss the trip with your veterinarian. This is especially important if you will be traveling across state lines or via airplane.

Your dog will need to be up to date on vaccinations, and you may be required to present a health certificate at the airport. Find the number of the closest emergency veterinarian at your destination, and program your telephone with their contact information.

To lessen the chances of your dog getting sick on your trip, bring enough of his regular food to last while you are away, or confirm that your usual brand is available locally. Depending on where you’re going, you may also need extra travel gear. Pack a life jacket or hiking vest if you’ll be at the beach or mountains, and always bring a leash, collar and ID/rabies tags.

Nervousness

If your dog has never traveled before or shows signs of anxiety when he’s in the car, you can ease his nerves by bringing along a few familiar items. It will also help to get him used to short trips in the weeks leading up to a long journey. You might also wish to consult with your veterinarian on supplements that will help keep your dog calm on the road, on the railway, or in the air.

CBD oil is one option, and many pet owners have reported using quality CBD oil to treat phobias and anxiety. Keep in mind, however, that despite hemp and cannabis being well known, CBD oil is a relatively recent addition to commercially-available home treatments.

Practical Matters

There is no denying that traveling with your dog takes preparation. You may also find that you need to pad your schedule to account for bathroom breaks and exercise time. The American Kennel Club recommends teaching your dog to “go” on surfaces other than grass.

You never know when you will have a chance to stop. The last thing you want is for your dog to avoid eliminating his bladder or bowels until it’s too late and you have a mess in the back seat.

Something else that’s easy to overlook is whether or not your dog will actually be allowed at your preferred vacation accommodation. Keep in mind that hotels only have limited rooms available for guests traveling with pets, so book early. If you are not sure yet where you’d like to go, TripsToDiscover.com list more than a dozen pet-friendly resorts that happily say hello to your holiday-bound hound.

Visit a few local dog parks before your trip to get Ace acclimated to other animals if his social manners need refining; hotels can and will ask you to leave if your pet can’t behave.

The most important step in traveling with your dog is to prepare according to your destination. This means consulting with your veterinarian regarding your dog’s health, confirming his accommodations and getting him ready for the road.

It is extra work, but considering that your dog is an important part of your family, it’s a labor of love that will only strengthen your bond and give you memories to hold onto for the rest of your life.

Looking for more tips, interested in adorable pet pics or just want to get more information on what we do? Stay connected with Bark + Boarding on Facebook, Instagram and our website.

Click here to check out our short video about this article

Mention this article for a free evaluation and click here to sign up for one today. If you have a question about your pet, feel free to come in or email [email protected] any time.

22nd Annual Armed Forces Cycling Classic Returns June 1 and 2

2019 Armed Forces Cycling Classic
The 21st Armed Forces Cycling Classic held in Clarendon and Crystal City in 2018 (courtesy Douglas Graham/WLP)

The 22nd annual Armed Forces Cycling Classic, proudly brought to you by the Boeing Company, is the regions premier cycling event with fun for the entire family all cycling interests and abilities!

The weekend kicks off with our Challenge Ride, a non-competitive and traffic-free ride, Saturday morning in Crystal City. Participants enjoy a 10 km course, traveling past the Pentagon, up to Rosslyn and back. The event begins at 7 a.m. and all riders must be off the course by 10 a.m.

Riders completing 3, 6 or 9 laps will receive bronze, silver or gold finishers medals.

This year, we also invite participants of the Challenge Ride to help support our official beneficiary, TAPS. Those that raise more than $200 receive a limited edition TAPS cycling jersey.

Following the Challenge Ride on Saturday, professional and elite amateur teams from the U.S. and abroad, begin the weekends racing with the Crystal Cup. Then, the prestigious Clarendon Cup, will take place on Sunday in Clarendon, and will crown the weekends champions.

2019 Armed Forces Cycling Classic Schedule of Events:

Saturday, June 1 — Crystal City

7 a.m. — Challenge Ride
10:20 a.m. — Amateur Race
11:15 a.m. — Women’s Pro/AM Race
12:35 p.m. — Kids Race (FREE)
12:45 p.m. — Men’s Pro/AM Race

Sunday, June 2 — Clarendon

8 a.m. — Amateur Races
10 a.m. — LIVE BROADCAST BEGINS (www.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/afcycling)
10:05 a.m. — Women’s Pro/AM Race
11:30 a.m. — Kids Race (FREE)
12 p.m. — Men’s Pro/AM Race

For more information on the event, the live broadcast and VIP Viewing, visit www.CyclingClassic.org.

Ask Eli: Is Arlington Too Expensive?

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

Question: How do prices in the Arlington housing market compare to prices in neighboring communities?

Answer: I hope everybody had a great Memorial Day Weekend! You may have read ARLnow’s post last week that the median price of a home in Arlington is up by $100,000 or 17% this year and if you’re in the market to buy a home, this is alarming news.

Arlington and Alexandria have quickly gotten too expensive for many buyers since Amazon announced plans to move its second headquarters to National Landing, so I thought I’d share how prices in other nearby communities compare to Arlington’s prices.

The following data is based on sales going back to January 2018.

Annandale: I think Annandale is one of the best investments in Northern Virginia over the next 5-10 years and I encourage buyers who don’t need easy Metro access and who are looking for value, proximity to D.C. and appreciation potential to strongly consider it.

Arlington: I don’t think we’ll see double-digit appreciation in Arlington after this year, but I do expect steady growth over the next 8-10 years, with the exception of any years slowed down by a market downturn.

Burke: Burke is popular for its combination of highly rated schools, VRE access, quiet residential neighborhoods and much home lower prices. Despite its distance from Arlington, the Amazon-effect is being felt here too; I’ve run into multiple offers and escalating prices over the last couple of months on properties that normally would have sat on the market for weeks or months.

Mclean: Host to many of Northern Virginia’s most expensive homes as well as its top-rated public schools, the average price of a townhouse or single-family home in Mclean is higher than Arlington, but with a lower $/sq. ft. your dollar usually goes further. Lot sizes also increase significantly over the average Arlington lot.

Vienna: Vienna is more Metro accessible than Mclean, Burke and Annandale, most of the schools have above-average ratings, and there’s a great downtown area along Maple Avenue. The downside for many commuters is the traffic along 66. Like Arlington, Vienna has a diverse housing inventory so there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for at a significant discount from Arlington and Mclean.

If you’re in the market for a home and struggling with the recent double-digit increase in prices in Arlington and Alexandria, I’d be happy to help you find other communities in Northern VA, D.C., or MD that will fit your budget. Send me an email to [email protected] to schedule 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.

Stay Fresh with a Haircut and Lather Shave at Bearded Goat Barber

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

In this Arlington Spotlight video, Hiwa Sheikh of The Keri Shull Team takes us inside Bearded Goat Barber.

Bearded Goat Barber is a full-service barbershop in Arlington, located one block from the Ballston Metro station. Bearded Goat Barber offers classic cuts as well as current styles in a relaxing atmosphere. Kick back and chat as the team’s razors, clippers, and scissors do their work.

At Bearded Goat Barber you can get fresh with a shampoo/scalp massage, beard sculpting, grey blending, hot lather neck shave, relaxing hot towel treatment, and more.

Bearded Goat also sells branded merchandise and gear, including a spread of handmade beard oils and balms made from scratch by co-owner Jon Dodson. The olive oil in Jon’s creations comes from his family’s olive groves in Greece.

Co-owners Jon Dodson and Eric Renfro have been cutting hair and sculpting beards in Arlington for almost 20 combined years. They joined forces with co-owner Scott Parker, a serial small business entrepreneur, to open Bearded Goat Barber in early 2019.

Other ventures Scott Parker is partnering on in Ballston this year include another Bash Boxing location in Ballston mall and the opening of German-inspired Bronson Beer Hall (formerly known as A-Town Bar and Grill). Scott’s first restaurant in D.C. – Roy Boys – has grown so popular in its first three months that it will open a second location in Navy Yard by the end of this summer.

Next time you need a haircut, stop by Bearded Goat Barber in Arlington.

Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this post, be sure to watch for our upcoming features as we explore the best entertainment venues Arlington has to offer. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the DMV area, The Keri Shull Team is here to help.

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.”

The last week of the Spring market has ended on high notes. The real estate market in Arlington continues at a near record pace this week with 81 sellers listing their homes and 71 buyers ratifying contracts. Over half (39) of the homes sold were gone within seven days. The higher end market also continues at a strong pace with nine of those sales over $1 million.

Low inventory continues to be a huge problem, and this week was one of the worst. At the current rate of absorption, there is only 0.87 months of inventory. You saw it correctly, less than a month. A market is considered in equilibrium when there’s 5.5 months of inventory.

It will be very interesting to see how well this hot spring market performs as we enter summer after the Memorial Day weekend holiday. Data by mid-June should provide a big clue.

You know home prices have overheated when 25% of techies surveyed say they are leaving the San Francisco Bay area to seek lower housing costs in other cities.

They cite five favorite “home” alternatives: New York area, Austin, Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles. The median home price in San Fran/Oakland/Hayward is $815,000. The New York/New Jersey area median price is $515,000.

A favorite location for many techies is Austin at just $400,000 median price. And windy city Chicago is just $350,000. It’s not clear why some prefer Los Angeles at a higher price, at $829,000, but maybe it’s just because they can’t bear to leave California.

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

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