Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Cook Bros 101: How to Reduce Risk When Hiring a Contractor

Homeowners can take a class on how to choose the right contractor for their remodeling project at this years annual Arlington Home Show & Garden Expo this Saturday, April 27 at Kenmore Middle School.

Those homeowners will be learning from the best! Steven Tinter, President and General Manager of Arlington’s No. 1 Design Build Remodeling Firm, Cook Bros will be the instructor on the main stage at 10 a.m.

Tinter says that specialization reduces risk for consumers. Reducing risk is especially vital when it comes to one of the most expensive expenditures a homeowner will encounter — renovating their home.

“Arlington homes are modest, but they’re expensive homes,” Tinter says. And many of them are older, with residual quirks from previous builders. “Working with someone who specializes in renovating these homes will reduce your risk of cost overruns, delays and potentially missing out on something in the overall design.”

Cook Bros’ specialized experience in the area gives them an advantage when it comes to encountering challenges distinct to Arlington homes, including not only critical design elements but also navigating the county permitting processes. “Cook Bros only renovates homes in Arlington County, and has for 32 years.

We don’t do new homes, we don’t remodel homes in Maryland or D.C., or other places in Virginia,” he said. “Arlington County is all we’ve done for over 30 years. If you’re contemplating a major renovation and not talking to us, you’ll be missing out.”

Class seating for Steven Tinter’s class is limited. Kenmore Middle School is located at 202 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, Virginia.

Cook Bros is at 5521 Lee Highway in Arlington. Call 703-536-0900 or email at [email protected]. The website is here: cookbros.org.

GMU Antonin Scalia Law School has Launched a New Juris Master (JM) Degree Program

George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School is excited to announce the January launch of its Juris Master (JM) Degree Program!

The JM Degree is designed for professionals who interact with lawyers and legal issues regularly in the course of their careers. This type of program is in high demand and now offered by over half of all tier one law schools.

“We are proud to offer the Juris Master Degree Program at Scalia Law School,” said Dean Henry N. Butler. “This is an opportunity for professionals to learn the law, so they will be better equipped to provide leadership in their respective fields.”

Scalia Law’s two-year part-time program is offered at the Arlington campus, and enrollment for the Fall 2019 class is currently OPEN.

As listed on the JM Degree website, https://jurismaster.gmu.edu/, in addition to general legal research, writing and introductory law courses, JM students can select law school courses from six concentration areas:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Employment & Labor Relations
  • Financial & Commercial Services
  • Government Contracts & Regulations
  • Intellectual Property & Technology
  • National Security, Cybersecurity & Information Privacy

JM students can maintain employment schedules, while benefiting from the opportunities afforded by a tier-one law school.

There is a growing base of legal services and legal knowledge required by employers and the JM Degree is designed to educate students with the legal knowledge necessary for them to succeed in their chosen professions.

Applications are being accepted now. For more information about the JM degree program, please visit our website or contact Jessica L. Sartorius, Director of Juris Master (JM) Degree Program, at [email protected] or 703-993-8418.

Ask Eli: Should You Sell Your Home or Not?

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 read that home prices in Arlington are up since the Amazon announcement so I’m trying to decide if I should go ahead and sell my home now or if it makes more sense to wait for more appreciation when Amazon employees start to arrive. What is your recommendation?

Answer: Amazon’s decision to move HQ2 to Arlington has made an immediate impact on the local housing market and many home owners are asking whether or not they should sell or hold. As with most real estate decisions, the answer is… it depends.

It depends on your personal goals and circumstances, but the good news is that you’re likely going to be happy with either decision. Here are a few points to consider that are relevant to the market we’re currently experiencing:

Why You Should Sell Now

1. Highest One-Year Appreciation? — My guess is that 2019 will be our highest one year appreciation over the next decade barring some other major corporate news. While I do expect Arlington to experience steady growth over the next ten years from Amazon and the “Amazon-effect,” I don’t think the impact will be as extreme as many people fear/hope (see excellent analysis by the Stephen S Fuller Institute).

If you’re holding out for 40-50%+ returns over the next 5 years, I’d reconsider your strategy.

2. Better Application of Equity — I think this is the most important, and most personal, reason to sell. If you can improve the quality of your life with the equity you have in your home (early retirement or larger home) or you have a more productive application of that equity (start a business or re-invest), selling now might make a lot of sense.

3. Looming Economic Downturn — There’s always somebody warning of the next economic doomsday, but consensus seems to be building that we will face an economic downturn within the next two years. The potential for an economic shift is much more important if your decision is between selling now or 2-5 years from now vs selling now or 10+ years from now.

4. Your House Needs Work — Supply is so low right now, and demand so high, that sellers can command premiums on their home even if it’s lacking in updates or curb appeal that may have made a sale difficult in the past.

5. Condo/Townhouse Owner — Condo and townhouse inventory is down over 50% in each of the last two quarters compared to the prior year, a significantly higher drop-off than single-family homes.

Over time, the County should be able to facilitate more supply of condos and townhouses through up-zoning so this may be the best time to sell yours, especially if you own a two-bedroom where year-over-year inventory is down about 60% the last six months.

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Legal Insider: When to Consult with a Security Clearance Lawyer

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 meet with federal employees and government contractors who are facing issues in the security clearance process.

They often ask our attorneys at what point they should consult with a security clearance attorney to assist, advise or represent them. The usual response is that an individual with a potential security concern should do so as soon as possible. Generally, the earlier that a person with possible security concerns consults with a security clearance lawyer, the better the odds become in avoiding a potential adverse outcome.

What Does a Security Clearance Lawyer Do?

There are a number of ways that an experienced lawyer in security clearance law can help someone with security concerns. It is often the case that they can advise an individual regarding potential strategies before a security clearance problem develops.

We have found that most individuals have a good sense as to whether or not they may have a security concern (e.g. recent drug use, bankruptcy, foreign contacts) as they prepare to complete their security clearance forms like the e-QIP, SF-86 and/or different various of the SF-85. The earlier advice is sought when there is an issue, the more that can be possibly done to mitigate the concern.

Clearance lawyers also advise individuals during the investigative process and during any security clearance responses or appeals.

Delays Can Hurt the Ability to Mitigate Security Concerns

One of the major issues that we see in the clearance process is where an individual has waited too long to consider or in starting to address a potential security clearance concern until it may be too late.

Sometimes, individuals who have had financial issues which could have been explained or refuted initially, wait too long thinking that if they lose during the clearance hearing or personal appearance that they will just retain an attorney further on in the appeals process. This is usually the worst strategy.

When people with serious security concerns have waited too long to address them, or gone through an in person response without representation, it is usually too late to do much on further appeal. One example I remember is a case where a government contractor had an alleged debt that was overdue, didn’t respond with evidence that it was not his debt thinking that he could appeal it after the administrative judge had ruled.

The debt was clearly not his, but because the clearance appeal could only be based on the evidence already presented, the clearance could not be saved.

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Rethink Energy: Home Show & Garden Expo on April 27

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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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.

Home renovations are almost a rite of passage in Arlington.

There’s no better way to get started on your home project than visiting Arlington’s Home Show and Garden Expo. Arlington’s largest Home Show & Garden Expo will return this month on April 27.

The Home Show will feature dozens of home builders, contractors, vendors, architects, inspectors, real estate agents, gardeners, lenders and nonprofits, as well as housing, zoning and inspection representatives from Arlington County.

Classes and seminars at the Home Show cover many topics including:

  • Green kitchen and bath remodeling
  • Move or remodel? Which is right for me?
  • Green remodeling, solar co-op, green home certification
  • How to choose and work with contractors
  • How to finance your remodeling project
  • Downsizing and aging in place
  • Edible landscaping and home gardening
  • Energy smart landscaping lighting solutions

Arlington’s Rethink Energy team will be there all day. We’ll have info on our green home renovation or new construction, solar co-op and more.

Stop by with your energy questions. We’re here to help you save energy and money.

The Expo is being held from 10-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at the Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carling Springs Road.

For more info, visit: http://arlingtonhomeshow.org/

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:

6818 Williamsburge Boulevard
6 BR/6 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Ttr Sothebys International Realty
Listed: $1,697,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

1111 19th Street N. #2803
2 BR/2 BA, 1 half bath condo
Agent: Keller Williams Realty Falls Church
Listed: $1,200,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

2604 N. Pocomoke Street
3 BR/1 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Listed: $859,500
Open: Saturday 12-3 p.m.

 

3112 13th Street S.
3 BR/2 BA single-family home
Agent: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Listed: $699,900
Open: Saturday 2-4 p.m.

 

2001 15th Street N. #319
1 BR/1 BA condo
Agent: Optime Realty
Listed: $489,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

1001 N. Vermont Street #907
1 BR/1 BA condo
Agent: Keller Williams Capital Properties
Listed: $387,000
Open: Saturday 1-4 p.m.

 

2902 13th Road S. #2204
2 BR/1 BA condo
Agent: Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $299,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 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.”

The market remains hot, hot, hot.

Despite this being spring break week for area schools when families typically travel, and despite this weekend being Easter weekend, buyers and sellers were busy. Home owners listed 84 properties this week while buyers ratified 64 contracts with over half (37) of those homes sold within seven days.

Bidding wars have become common for fresh new inventory, especially for homes in pristine condition and priced under $750,000.

For buyers to have a chance, they first need to find a good agent and then follow their advice. Remember, you just need to get ahead of the market once to win. For every home you miss, that home becomes the next comp against your next attempt.

And by the way, all those other unfortunate losers will continue to be your competition on your next offer. So go big once early, and you’ll be further ahead.

Also, both buyers and sellers should not give much credibility to automated estimates of value on some popular websites especially for single family homes in Arlington. Unlike many other communities, Arlington’s homes vary greatly in style, size, degrees of upgrades, etc.

And auto stats on price per square foot are wholly unreliable as well mostly because there is no consistency in our public records on how finished square footage is measured. So you’re comparing apples to watermelons. Condos and townhomes are different. Those auto estimates are a little more reliable, but I wouldn’t take that info to the bank.

Mortgage rates creeped upward this week. The 30-yr fixed rate is now at 4.25%. This week saw the highest number of purchase mortgage applications in nine years.

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

Rock the Block at Quarterfest on May 18 and 19

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Quarterfest presented by Dittmar is coming to Ballston on May 18 and 19.

From 12-6 p.m. each day, this festival continues Ballston’s tradition of giving back, as a charitable event of BallstonGives, and invites visitors to sip, sample, shop and savor the best that Ballston has to offer!

Located on Wilson Boulevard near the Ballston/MU metro station, and directly in front of the newly redeveloped Ballston Quarter — an entertainment and dining destination, the festival will feature a Quarterfest Crawl on Saturday, Curbside Kitchen‘s Food Truck Alley on Sunday, street pub all weekend serving up craft brews, wine and specialty cocktails, and a free concert.

New to the neighborhood, the Quarterfest Crawl will allow festival-goers to explore the neighborhood, sampling “tastes” at each participating venue with purchase of a Quarterfest Crawl wristband.

Food crawl venues include established Ballston favorites such as SER and Mussel Bar, and neighborhood newcomers DIRT, True Food Kitchen, Punch Bowl Social and more. Additionally, the Crawl wristband entitles visitors to exclusive retail discounts and giveaways of experiential activities at Cookology and 5 Wits, plus two free drink tickets to use at the street pub.

The festival and concert are free and open to the public, but festival-goers will need a wristband and drink tickets to savor the food and drink experience at Quarterfest. Tickets and wristbands are now on sale at “early bird” pricing until May 1.

You can find out more about Quarterfest Crawl locations and what will be coming to Ballston May 18 and 19 at https://www.quarterfestballston.org/.

5 Loan Options for First-Time Home Buyers

Buying your first home is a huge step, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. These days, state and federal programs exist to help home buyers like you secure competitive-rate loans — and they can connect you with plenty of resources on financial incentives, tax credits and federal assistance that can reduce the cost of your home mortgage.

Here are 5 of the best loan options for buyers seeking to enter the housing market:

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) — First time home buyers can get approved for as little as 3.5% down.

HomeReady and HomePossible — 3% minimum down payment, reduced rates and private mortgage insurance for certain buyers.

DC Open Doors — on-amortizing down payment assistance loan at 0% interest, as well as below-market interest rates for first trust mortgages. 

Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) — provides eligible homeowners a 2% to 5% grant toward their down payment.

Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) — allows borrowers to pay off their outstanding student debt as part of the home purchase.

To learn more home financing options, attend the upcoming Home Buying Seminar on April 22 in Arlington.

Topics Covered:

  • Financing programs
  • How to avoid double paying a rent and 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 to register

Benefits of Attending:

  • $1,500 credit towards your new home or towards 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:

Arts Focus: Create With Creatives at the “Make Your Mark!” Festival

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.

Experience hands-on making and innovation…

Learn new skills, from papercutting, calligraphy and mask making, to weaving, pottery and more. Not an arts and crafts fair, the Make Your Mark! festival on Saturday, May 18 lets you immerse yourself in a multicultural coming together of artists and makers ready to ignite your creativity.

Working in fields ranging from food to crafts to technology, the emergence of these innovators marks a transformative time in history when creatives… make their mark!

The Maker Movement is a community of millions of people who are taking the entrepreneurial leap to start their own small businesses dedicated to creating and selling self-made products. The movement is a feverishly creative intersection of technology and the arts, bringing together the most advanced computer innovations, with artistic skill as ancient as mankind.

Just in time for #BusinessAppreciationMonth, Make Your Mark! is presented by Arlington Arts, in partnership with Arlington Public Library, The Washington DC Modern Quilt Guild and New District Brewery.

Event Sponsorship is provided by ServiceSource-Arlington Weaves, Etc., Palette 22, Food. Art. Fun. and their Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program.

Modern technology allows the individual to create and distribute unique items, skipping the middlemen like manufacturers. This entrepreneurial mother and daughter are just two examples of the entrepreneurial spirit that will inspire you at Make Your Mark!:

During her 20+ years in corporate America, Tracy Wilkerson raised an entrepreneurial daughter who learned early how to market her own artistic talents. But Tracy’s own creativity didn’t kick in until 2006, when she began making hand-made greeting cards that continue to be sold in retail stores, online and at vendor shows.

In 2008, she expanded to working in 2D and 3D mixed media artwork utilizing anything that might otherwise end up in a landfill, including VCR tape, CD’s, floppy discs and circuit boards.

Meanwhile, her youngster Tamara Wilkerson got a head-start on mom, started to make jewelry in 2003. In 2006, she realized the potential of her hobby, earning enough money to pay her own way on international travel. Through high school and college, she focused on designing and improving the quality of materials to launch a fun small business, also incorporating her love of graphic design, marketing and dance.

Today, her company WiRealm is the result of a natural creator and entrepreneur who creates wearable art while staying true to her style and passion.

Make Your Mark! is fun for your whole family (…including those with four legs).

Join us on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at 3700 South Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22206. Admission is FREE.

For info call 703-228-1850, or visit www.arlingtonarts.org.

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 few days ago, an article on MarketWatch dubbed our real estate as currently being “crazy.”

It’s generally a good crazy, if you own property… and the craziness is still being attributed to Amazon’s HQ2 announcement.

Let’s look at some numbers. The average selling price popped 4.3 percent between March and February… of this year. Yowsers. While there are certainly some price fluctuations throughout the year, prices are up nearly 5 percent year-over-year.

Additionally, the number of active listings and homes sold is down, equating to a 23 percent and 10.4 percent drop year-over-year, respectively.

So, if you’re looking to sell, you are absolutely in the driver seat at the moment. It’s time to make the most of your rosy scenario. And, if you’re buying, it has never been more important to navigate the landscape with caution. While the market may be hot, you need to ensure you’re still getting the most bang for your buck.

When you’re ready to chat through your options, our team is ready to help you GET MORE out of your transaction.

As of April 15, there are 150 detached homes, 21 townhouses and 105 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 21 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.

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