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.

Spring has sprung!

Mark your calendar for the 2019 Green Home & Garden Tour to get inspiration from some of Arlington’s most beautiful and environmentally-friendly homes and gardens.

The tour is sponsored by Arlington County’s Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management, EcoAction Arlington and the Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Many of these homes have participated in Arlington’s Green Home ChoiceStormwaterWise and Solar Co-op programs.

This 17th annual tour offers ideas to go green in your own home and includes a mixture of new green homes, green renovations and watershed-friendly gardens. See homes featuring energy efficient technologies, solar energy, water-saving technologies, native plants, wildlife habitat and more.

The tour booklet with addresses and descriptions of homes will be emailed to registrants starting on Wednesday, May 29.

What: The 17th Annual Green Home and Garden Tour

When: June 2, 1-5 p.m., rain or shine

Where: Various sites throughout the County.

The fee to register for the tour is $5. Please register online by noon on Friday, May 31 for the tour. After that, you can register onsite at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington on Sunday, June 2 from 12:30-3 p.m.


Address: 4225 N. Carlin Springs Road
Neighborhood: Townes of Ballston
Listed: $840,000
Ice Cream Social Open House Weekend: Saturday, May 18 and Sunday May 19 from 1-4 p.m. Come tour this gorgeous townhome, a block from the new Ballston Quarter and then head to the Ballston Quarterfest activites! Bonus: delicious ice cream & a gorgeous Townhome!

This weekend, Bicycling Realty Group is excited to be putting a stunning end unit townhome, in the heart of Ballston, on the market.

The townhome is located in the sought after Townes of Ballston complex and is literally one block from the new Ballston Quarter. The property features three spacious bedrooms, each with an updated ensuite and walk-in closet, a main level powder room, top level trex deck, good size main floor private patio, perfect for entertaining family and friends, a living room wood fireplace, two underground garage parking spaces, gleaming hardwood floors and new wall-to-wall bedroom carpeting.

This jewel of a townhouse is walkable to Metro and everything the new Ballston Quarter has to offer. Icing on the cake: the townhome features a big kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. What more could you ask for?

This freshly painted townhome has it all, location, space and quality finishes. Don’t forget to join us for our back-to-back ice cream socials at both open houses this weekend!

Listed by:
Natalie U. Roy
Bicycling Realty Group of KW Metro Center
703-819-4915 (cell)
703-224-6000 (office)
[email protected]
www.bicyclingrealty.com


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. 

First, we need to understand who the top builders and influencers are that are reshaping our communities…

Deciding to build your own custom home does not need to be scary, nor does it have to be stressful. However, it does mean you will have to make a ton of decisions from insulation type to lighting fixtures, door trim, and dozens of other areas. That is why finding the 3 “R” are critical to success and happiness when building a new home.

Right Builder, Right Time, Right Lot. Let’s continue to meet some of the top builders in NOVA with experience building quality homes for clients every year.

Meet The Builder: Paradigm Building Group

Locations We Service: Northern Virginia

What differentiates you from other builders? 

In the competitive construction market Paradigm Building Group’s established systems and processes have provided our clients with an unmatched building experience. We pride ourselves on being client focused because we understand building a good relationship with our clients is just as important as building a great product.

When you choose to work with Paradigm, you get access to our entire team of home experts in a one-stop-shop. By having the Architect, Interior Designer, Project Manager and Owner all working together and willing to go the extra mile for you, you can be sure communication and execution will be improved, ensuring a great end result.

How many homes have you completed in the last 12 months? 

8.

How long have you been building homes and how many people work on your team? 

12 years and a team of 6.

What counties have you built in?

Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Fall Church City, Loudoun, Prince William and Montgomery.

What is the most popular model you build?

We do not adhere to a cookie-cutter business model. Whether the answer is a new custom home or reinventing our clients current home with a Pop Top Addition, we have a diverse portfolio, awarding us a unique skill set and vision to find a building solution that best fits our client’s needs.

A home is meant to be lived in and this is why no matter what type of home design our client needs help with, we focus on how they intend on using the new space so that the end product best fits their lifestyle and we work to build something that is special and unique for them.

Three Stones Residential specializes in matching home owners with the right builder and lot location. If you have any questions about new homes or builders that you’d like us to highlight please email us at [email protected].


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:

2820 Franklin Road
4 BR/2 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Metro West Realty
Listed: $1,750,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

5987 9th Road N.
4 BR/3 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Kw Metro Center
Listed: $1,125,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.

 

210 N. Edison Street
3 BR/2 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Re/Max Allegiance
Listed: $850,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

1116 B N. Stafford Street
3 BR/2 BA, 1 half bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Mcenearney Associates, Inc
Listed: $730,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

900 N. Stafford Street #2328
2 BR/2 BA condo
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Listed: $592,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.

 

5536 Lee Highway 23E
2 BR/2 BA condo
Agent: Compass
Listed: $449,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

2809 A S. Woodrow Street #1
2 BR/1 BA condo
Agent: Kw Metro Center
Listed: $330,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.


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 pace of real estate sales slowed slightly this week after last week’s record setting numbers. But Arlington’s market is still strong.

Sellers listed 68 homes this week, while 73 buyers ratified contracts. Some 24 of those homes sold within a week.

The escalating rhetoric this week about trade wars with China and the administration’s increase of tariffs on imported Chinese goods was both good and bad for home buyers. New tariff announcements caused jitters on Wall Street and fears it could hurt the U.S. economy, driving down the Dow Jones. But those concerns helped to push mortgage rates a little lower.

Buyers will need that break because the trade wars are raising the costs of home building and home remodeling. About 450 products from China like tile, countertops, lighting and many more are affected now with total added costs increasing about $1.5 billion nationally. That translates to about 4-5% increase in materials costs, and will raise costs to consumers by about 7-8%, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Mortgage rates ended this week at about 4.125%-4.25% for a 30-yr fixed rate mortgage.

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


Address: 2003 N. Utah Street
Neighborhood: Waverly Hills
Listed: $1,169,000
Open: Sunday May 19, 1-3 p.m.

New price for this expanded Waverly Hills cape that just keeps giving!

The cozy front sitting room with wood burning fireplace is ideal for quiet mornings or evenings with a coffee and a good book. Host guests with space and privacy in the main level bedroom with fully renovated bath next door.

The bonus 5th bedroom (main level) offers any number of options depending on your needs, it could be an office, a dining room, a craft room, or a bedroom, or playroom.

From there the home really opens up and delivers exceptional value for the price! The kitchen, fully renovated and expanded in 2014, includes high end cooking, dishwasher to match cabinetry and large kitchen island with breakfast bar, all opening up to the gorgeous new light filled great room with cathedral ceiling.

From the added mud room entry you can see straight to the newly added craftsman style staircase that descends to the expanded and recently finished basement, and ascends to the lovely 2 secondary bedrooms, completely renovated hallway bath and master bedroom with renovated en suite bath and generous closet space.

A commuters delight! 1 Mile to Metro with just over 3 miles to Georgetown, 6 miles to Reagan Airport, 8 miles to Nats Park and more.

Listed by:
Colin Storm
Keller Williams Realty — Falls Church
M: 703.638.9144
O: 703.533.1500
[email protected]
fallschurchliving.com


When you’re making an offer on a home in a highly competitive real estate market, this 1 trick can give you an edge.

A buyer’s letter, also known as a “love letter,” is a simple personal note that helps your offer stand out in the seller’s mind. It helps the home seller put a human face to the offer, and can even help you win out over larger offers — if it creates a strong emotional connection with the home seller.

Things to include in your buyer’s letter:

  • Your name(s)
  • Your current career and background in a few words
  • If you’re buying the home as partners, include the story of how you met
  • Any common ground you discovered with the seller while walking through the home
  • Reasons why you’re interested in the property (“perfect place to raise a family,” etc.)
  • How you plan on using the home

It’s also a good idea to praise the seller by complimenting the home’s features and how well the property has been maintained.

To learn what else should go in your buyer’s letter, and get many more must-know home buying tips, attend the upcoming Home Buying Seminar on Monday, May 20 in Arlington.

Topics Covered include:

  • Financing programs
  • How to avoid double-paying rent and a mortgage
  • How to calculate your budget the right way
  • How to craft a winning offer in a highly competitive market
  • Finding off-market properties
  • Leveraging your equity
  • The 4 C’s of Real Estate

Space is limited — click here to register.

Benefits of Attending

  • $1,500 credit toward your new home or toward early lease termination
  • 12-month home buy-back guarantee — purchase with confidence!
  • Wine and cheese provided
  • The first 3 to attend will receive a gift card to Barley Mac restaurant!

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

Can’t make this Monday? Join us on Wednesday at the Westlee Condominiums for the same great info.


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

By Tara Palacios

What do CFO Services Group, Horizon Paramedical, Jamie Nicholas Printing & Graphics, Digital Recollections and Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant have in common?

All 5 businesses were started by members of Arlington’s LGBT community. A recent study by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce found, “…if all LGBT-owned businesses in America are projected, their contribution to the economy exceeds $1.7 trillion.” The impact of entrepreneurs in the rainbow community is priceless.

Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Uprising in New York City, which began on June 28, 1969. Each year, Pride events are held during the month of June to recognize the millions of moments of LGBT Pride, and the impact they have had on the world, and to understand the path to equality.

2019 is special because it marks the 50th Year Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Events around the world culminating in New York City will celebrate and honor the history of LBGT people and their fight for equality.

In Arlington, we celebrate 50 years of Pride by honoring our local entrepreneurs on June 5 who have had such a great impact on our community. Hear the personal journeys of business owners as they describe how they live their dream of entrepreneurship each day.

Understand the founder’s challenges and celebrate their victories at our final Brunch and Business: BizPride, Celebrating Arlington’s OUTstanding Entrepreneurs.

For more information or to register click here.

Brunch and Business is a quarterly series of hot business topics sponsored by BizLaunch, the Arlington Community Federal Credit Union and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. We hope you attend our final Brunch and Business for the season on June 5.

We look to inspire you into next season! Brunch and Business will return in the fall.


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 a big-time holiday.

It’s Peace Officers Memorial Day and the start of Police Week. It’s a day to remember our federal, state and local officers that have died or been disabled in the line of duty.

So, to our local heroes in uniform and their families, our team thanks you for all you do. And to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we will certainly honor your memory today and beyond.

One of the most awesome parts of living in this part of the country, are all of the heroes that we get to work with on a daily basis. Our police officers. Military members. Firefighters. Teachers. And the list goes on and on.

If and when you’re ready to explore your real estate options, we’re always ready to step up to the plate (just as you have done for us!) to help you GET MORE out of your transaction.

As of May 13, there are 172 detached homes, 15 townhouses and 99 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.


Revelers headed to Ballston Quarterfest on May 18 are invited to take part in the “Party on the Paseo” at Ballston Exchange!

Located directly across the street from the mall (4121 and 4201 Wilson Blvd.), the festivities begin at noon and continue until 6 p.m.

For those participating in the food crawl (tickets available here) the “Party on the Paseo” features free and tasty samples from Shake Shack, an assortment of offerings from “clean eating,” enviro-conscious DIRT, hot slices from We The Pizza, and iced coffee and mini croissants from Philz. A custom “donut wall” will also be present, featuring offerings from Dunkin’ Donuts.

After the snacks, chill out in a private cabana, snap a selfie or two at the photobooths, or challenge your friends to a game of Giant Jenga or cornhole.

Formerly home to the National Science Foundation, Ballston Exchange is home to the popular co-working space Industrious with additional spaces leased for Booz Allen Hamilton, Core Power Yoga and more.

The buildings at Ballston Exchange are bringing renewed vitality to the greater Ballston community with an innovative hyper-connected and collaborative workplace environment. The common spaces at Ballston Exchange, including the recently opened Atrium, are designed to foster a sense of community among tenants, metro commuters, office workers and the neighborhood.

Information about Ballston Exchange, the newly renovated and repurposed office complex that anchors Wilson Boulevard, can be found here.

Keep up with the latest from Ballston Exchange on Instagram and Facebook.


With the rise of coworking spaces appearing in Ballston and many other markets, companies have a lot to think about when selecting a coworking space.

As with any major decisions, there are important factors to think about including the atmosphere, office design and layout, and technical capabilities. While there are many trendy options in our market, there is only one that is designed with tech companies in mind — TechSpace Ballston.

TechSpace caters to the needs of growing tech companies in many ways including our robust technology platform, phone services, scalable private office suites and overall community atmosphere.

Creating an identity that resonates with technology companies is incredibly important to us, and members see it and experience it by just being in our halls — from the sleek, minimalist design of our space to the tech-oriented events, you are in a coworking space like no other.

Speaking of events, we host a variety of them! We highly encourage the Ballston community to join our bi-monthly Kublr meetups (next one on May 15 at 6 p.m.) where Arkadii Ocheretnoi, a Lead Platform Developer at Kublr who will be discussing “Stable, Predictable etcd Storage with Kubernetes.”

Please RSVP to attend. We look forward to showing you TechSpace Ballston!

Feel free to contact us at 703-650-7700 or reach out to our site manager, Julie Manning.  


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