Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Ask Eli: Remodeling for Resale vs. Personal Taste

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

Question: I am interested in remodeling my home to better suit my family’s current lifestyle. How much should I consider resale value over our personal preferences?

Answer: I often say that the best way to ensure your home is a good investment is to find one that will suit you for a long time. Market appreciation and local development are never guaranteed, but eliminating one or two real estate transactions from your lifetime is a guaranteed way to generate value.

This is why many homeowners take on major remodeling projects instead of moving to a new home. Major remodeling projects often cost well into the six-figures so homeowners rightly question resale value.

To provide an insider’s opinion, I reached out to Caroline Goree, a Project Leader with BOWA, a local design build firm that specializes in luxury renovations from kitchens to whole-home remodels.

In Caroline’s role, she works almost daily with her clients from the design consultation through construction so she is intimately familiar with the challenges homeowners face when choosing between resale value and personal preference. The following is courtesy of Caroline:

Renovation Expert Advice

As a Project Leader, I am part of the remodeling process from beginning to end and there almost always comes a point during the design phase when clients ask “Will I ever get a return on my investment?”

How often do you buy a new pair of shoes or new tech and consider its return on investment? Taking on a major renovation allows you to stay in your neighborhood, extend the time you live in your home and customize to your lifestyle.

Some of these bonuses won’t show up in a financial model, so it’s important to remember that return on investment can be about more than money (like the one year old iPhone you just replaced with a newer iPhone).

Does Quality Pay?

“Buy well, cry once.” Getting value out of your renovation isn’t just about purchase price and resale potential. Appliances and other systems (HVAC, windows, roofing, etc.) vary greatly in maintenance costs, life expectancy, energy usage and more. Spending more up-front on design consultation and materials often pays off in the long run.

If maximizing resale value is more important than personal preference, talk with your Realtor about the appropriate level of finish for your home that will maximize your return on investment. I typically use appliance packages as an example.

You can purchase a GE Electric Range from Home Depot for under $1,000 or a custom built La Cornue for $25,000. Clients who choose the La Cornue are making a personal choice and should not expect to recoup much of the cost on resale, save the ultra-luxury market. Similarly, choosing a sub-$1,000 range in a $1M+ home is likely to hurt resale value by more than $1,000.

Be Design Specific

In Matthew Frederick’s book “101 Things I Learned in Architecture School” he highlights what I believe is the backbone to a great renovation project, saying “Being nonspecific in an effort to appeal to everyone usually results in reaching no one. Designing in idea-specific ways will not limit the ways in which people use and understand your buildings; it will give them license to bring their own interpretations and idiosyncrasies to them.” Most homeowners and builders are scared of doing something different but, I believe that “the more specific a design idea is, the greater its appeal is likely to be.”

Click here to see an example of a recently completely BOWA kitchen that does not follow the “all white everything” trend that has taken over (dare I blame Chip and Joanna Gains?!), but is absolutely stunning and certain to attract the most discerning buyer… at a premium.

If you and your renovation partner spend the time creating a thoughtful design that is functional and tasteful, there will be other buyers down the road who are equally as passionate about it.

Eli’s Perspective

Caroline, thank you very much for your insight! I’ll add that your decisions don’t have to be 100% for personal enjoyment or 100% for resale, it can be a blended decision.

To help you prioritize, think about how long you’ll live in the home after the renovation. If it’s less than five years, resale should be a higher priority. If you’ll be there for another 12-15+ years, personalize away!

Remodeling.com conducts annual studies on the resale value of popular renovation projects. Their studies found that most projects return 50-80% of their value upon resale. HGTV would have you think otherwise…

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column, 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 DC, and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 2420 Wilson Blvd #101 Arlington, VA 22201, (202) 518-8781.

WIT Launches Campaign of Citywide Free Improv Workshops

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From now through January of 2019, Washington Improv Theater is offering a record number of free improv workshops to the public. Twelve “Improv for All” workshops are currently on the books (in seven out of eight wards in DC), with more being added every week.

What’s an Improv for All workshop?

  • It’s a high-fun, low-stress class designed to show you how improvisers create spontaneous, off-the-cuff theater.
  • It’s for everyone: You don’t need theater experience. You don’t need to be a “funny person.” Just come in ready to have a good time.
  • It’s a way to learn about yourself: Whether you’re a nonprofit employee, a corporate lawyer, a software engineer or a teacher, you’ve got something to gain from taking improv. Trying something new that makes you laugh is good for your brain and for your soul.

You can find workshops at places like Anacostia Arts Center (Ward 8), Deanwood Library (Ward 7), Petworth Neighborhood Library (Ward 4), Source Theater (Ward 1) and more! For a full list of locations and times, check out the calendar.

If you like it and can’t wait for more, you can sign up for an eight-week Foundations of Improv class starting in the new year!

Want to catch WIT on stage as well? Use the code TICKETSFORTWO to get two tickets to the winter improv spectacular Seasonal Disorder for just $25.

Clarendon’s Alto Fumo: Authentic House-Made Italian Fare With Flair (and a Great Bar)

Not every neighborhood is lucky enough to have a chef-owned, non-chain, full-service Italian restaurant with a lively bar, but Clarendon does. And oh look: Free parking in the rear.

Alto Fumo Pizza and Pasta Bar in the heart of Clarendon is a locally owned business that takes pride in offering fresh and wholesome authentic Italian dishes, created from the finest regionally sourced ingredients and prepared by chefs with more than 30 years of experience.

The pasta is made in the kitchen, nothing is ever frozen, and the pizza… well, one look at the Yelp! reviews and you will be curious about what the raving is about.

There are daily specials on the menu, including Monday evening’s 12-inch, two-topping pizza with two salads and two glasses of wine for a whopping $25. Happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-7 p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday from 12-7 p.m. includes $4 drinks as well as a list of substantial small plates for $5 — among them, fried oysters in remoulade sauce, the popular crispy calamari and the killer meatball sliders.

You can do the traditional “prima piatto” method of Italian multi-course dining — and you should! — but for a simpler after-work weeknight dinner, Alto Fumo has you and your wallet covered. The pasta portions are generous, the salads ample and the “Old School Subs” (with fries) will easily get you to your next meal.

And if for some rare reason the pizzas and pastas on the menu are not striking your fancy, you can “build your own” from the kitchen’s house-made pastas, crusts, sauces and toppings. It’s your chance to get creative with capellini, gnocchi, ziti, tri-color fettuccine, basil pesto cream, Bolognese, marinara and vodka sauce.

Clarendon is lucky to have a locally owned, authentic Italian restaurant owned and operated by chefs who take deserving pride in their efforts.

Did we mention the free parking in the rear?

Alto Fumo–the name means “high-rising smoke,” as if from a fired pizza oven–is at 2909 Wilson Boulevard; the phone number for carry-out and reservations is 703-276-3099; the email address is [email protected]. Delivery and kids’ menu are available.

Houwzer Agents Are Saving Home Sellers Thousands

It’s been said that the 7 most expensive words in business are “this is how we’ve always done it.” Yet, remarkably, there are still a handful of billion-dollar industries plagued by an unwillingness to change.

For decades, residential real estate brokerages have enjoyed enormous profits while providing a poor customer experience, simply because consumers lacked options.

Not anymore.

Houwzer, a modern real estate agency, is offering consumers a better alternative by saving home sellers an average of $15,000 and providing home buyers a pressure-free experience with their top rated, salaried agents.

Here’s how they do it.

They slash the cost of selling a home in half.

In a typical real estate transaction, the seller pays a steep 6% of their home’s selling price in commissions — 3% to their listing agent and 3% to the buyer’s agent.

When you sell with Houwzer, you only pay their full service listing agents a flat $5,000 fee plus 2.5% to the buyer’s agent at closing. That’s a savings of $16,000 on a $600,000 home.

Many sellers are so happy with Houwzer’s service they decide to buy their next home with Houwzer and refer their friends. This is where Houwzer makes the bulk of their money.

They train salaried agents to improve the customer experience.

Unlike traditional commission-based agents, Houwzer Agents are full-time, salaried employees. This enables them to prioritize customer service over commissions.

Sean, a Houwzer client, said this was invaluable to buyers. “Houwzer is THE superior real estate company, because they are the only guys with salaried agents who go through extensive training. They are in it to get you the house you want, not to make commissions.”

After serving over 1,000 clients, their average review is 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Legal Insider: Marijuana & Security Clearances Don’t Mix

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.

There have been at least 10 states that have legalized marijuana over the past 5-10 years. The change in state laws has led to significant confusion by security clearance holders about their ability to use marijuana while holding or seeking a security clearance.

States like Massachusetts or California have legalized marijuana, but marijuana use remains illegal under federal criminal law as a Schedule I drug. The state and federal conflict in laws has caused both confusion and problems for security clearance applicants or holders.

Security Clearance Rules Governing Marijuana Usage

Security clearance holders and applicants frequently run into security clearance problems under Guideline H of the Security Clearance Guidelines (Security Executive Agent Directive 4) because they don’t realize that the use of marijuana, even in a state that has legalized it, remains illegal under federal law.

I believe that these guidelines will be amended in the next 5-7 years to change the use of marijuana from a complete ban to an abuse standard, like with alcohol, but the issue remains a problem today for those in the security clearance world.

Additionally, the type of marijuana which is used makes no difference (e.g. candy form, chocolate, brownie, smoking) under the guidelines. We have seen individuals that have had security clearance problems stemming from eating a single gummy candy which contained the active ingredients of marijuana.

We have defended many security clearance clients who have engaged in the light (or even one-time) usage of marijuana, who have had difficulties in overcoming the presumption that even minor use makes one ineligible to hold or maintain a security clearance. If the usage was a long time ago, this can significantly help mitigate a security concern, but the trickiest situations arise when marijuana usage has occurred within the past year.

The key in such cases is to attempt to mitigate security concerns by showing abstinence, changes in attitude, changes in associations with friends that engage in drug use and counseling, where needed.

Guideline H of the SEAD 4 states that:

The illegal use of controlled substances, to include the misuse of prescription and non-prescription drugs, and the use of other substances that cause physical or mental impairment or are used in a manner inconsistent with their intended purpose can raise questions about an individual’s reliability and trustworthiness, both because such behavior may lead to physical or psychological impairment and because it raises questions about a person’s ability or willingness to comply with laws, rules, and regulations. Controlled substance means any “controlled substance” as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802. Substance misuse is the generic term adopted in this guideline to describe any of the behaviors listed above.

Mitigation of Marijuana Use

Certain factors can mitigate security concerns for marijuana usage. These include:

(a) the behavior happened so long ago, was so infrequent, or happened under such circumstances that it is unlikely to recur or does not cast doubt on the individual’s current reliability, trustworthiness, or good judgment;

(b) the individual acknowledges his or her drug involvement and substance misuse, provides evidence of actions taken to overcome this problem, and has established a pattern of abstinence, including, but not limited to:

     (1) disassociation from drug-using associates and contacts;
     (2) changing or avoiding the environment where drugs were used; and
     (3) providing a signed statement of intent to abstain from all drug involvement and
substance misuse, acknowledging that any future involvement or misuse is grounds for
revocation of national security eligibility;

(c) abuse of prescription drugs was after a severe or prolonged illness during which these drugs were prescribed, and abuse has since ended; and

(d) satisfactory completion of a prescribed drug treatment program, including, but not limited to, rehabilitation and aftercare requirements, without recurrence of abuse, and a favorable prognosis by a duly qualified medical professional.

How to Approach a Marijuana Use Issue When a Security Clearance is Involved

It is very important not to underestimate the seriousness involved when a security clearance application, investigation or appeal reveals even minor usage of marijuana. Even minor usage of marijuana can cause the loss of a security clearance.

Marijuana usage issues may change in the future as the government likely moves from complete marijuana abstinence to an abuse threshold. In such cases, mitigation and the Whole-person concept are critical to attempting to obtain or retain one’s security clearance.

Conclusion

If you are in need of assistance in the security clearance process, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook or Twitter.

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.

Housing affordability isn’t just about the rent. It’s about the utilities, too. Adopting a few practices in your apartment and condo can keep more money in your pocket.

Making your apartment or condo more energy efficient doesn’t have to be a lengthy or costly process. Spending a few minutes after work or on the weekend would be enough to make these changes.

Most of these tips are things renters or condo owners can do on their own. However, if you have questions or need help, don’t be afraid to reach out to your apartment manager or landlord.

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.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Crystal City

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This content was written and sponsored by The Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s top producing residential real estate team.

The Crystal City neighborhood in Arlington has brought enormous job growth and sweeping development projects expected to have a ripple effect across the entire D.C. Metro region.

Crystal City has found new fame thanks to news of Amazon’s HQ2 announcement. Along with Pentagon City and Potomac Yard, Crystal City is part of the area local planners have nicknamed National Landing. This neighborhood is a great place to live and work.

Housing

Crystal City offers multiple large buildings and a variety of houses within easy reach.

One notable condo building is The Eclipse, located at 3600 and 3650 Glebe Rd South in Arlington. The Eclipse has 11 stories and 221 units spread across East and West wings. It offers everything from studios to two bed two bath units with lots of amenities.

Those looking for larger homes can find them just beyond the neighborhood’s edge. Aurora Highlands, Arlington Ridge, Arlington Views, and Arlandria offer houses with an easy commute to Crystal City. Attached and detached homes in these areas can be found starting at $400k with new construction homes costing as much as $2 million dollars or more.

Entertainment

You’ll find over 130 restaurants, bars and coffee shops in the Crystal City area. A five-minute walk allows you to choose from 20 places to eat. Some of our favorite restaurants are: the Skydome, Clark Street Grill, Jaleo, Neramitra Thai and Legal Sea Foods.

Be aware that “Crystal City Water Park” has a confusing name: it’s a gorgeous fountain, not a family destination with water slides. This sculpture park is a relaxing place to take a break, get some work done outdoors or hangout with friends. After dark, romantic lighting makes it the perfect date night venue.

Miles of jogging and biking trails connect Crystal City to nearby scenic and significant places. The Potomac River Trail and Mt. Vernon Trails can take you to the National Mall in D.C. The trails also lead to scenic Old Town Alexandria; and reach west toward nature via Four Mile Run & the W&OD trail.

If you like outdoor sports, Virginia Highlands Park offers diamond fields and fully-lighted tennis courts; practice walls; basketball courts and a volleyball court. For wintertime ice skating, visit Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating.

Commuting

Crystal City has access to great transportation options whether you walk, drive, bike or ride the metro. It’s achieved a walk score of 84, meaning that you can accomplish almost all errands on foot here. The area has excellent bike lanes and offers convenient access to transit.

The Crystal City and Pentagon City D.C. metro stations are located here, both connecting to the blue and yellow train lines. Car owners will appreciate Crystal City’s plentiful parking options, and those who travel often for work will appreciate Crystal City’s proximity to DCA, also known by its much longer name Ronald Reagan National Airport.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is investing $195 million in transportation infrastructure, including creating additional entrances to Crystal City’s metro stations and improving Route 1.

General Livability

Crystal City is home to over 23,000 smart, busy professionals in the private and government sectors, as well as a rising startup scene. Matched with low crime and great schools like Arlington Oak Ridge Elementary School, Crystal City could be your perfect neighborhood.

If you’d like to call Crystal City your new home, get in touch with The Keri Shull Team today. They have access to more off-market properties than any other team in town, which means more housing options for you.

What is your favorite part of Crystal City? Let us know in the comments!

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:

4957 N. Rock Spring Road
5 bed/5 bath, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Washington Fine Properties LLC
Listed: $2,099,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

2401 N. John Marshall Drive
6 bed/6 bath single-family home
Agent: Samson Properties
Listed: $1,199,000
Open: Saturday 1-4:15 p.m.

 

27 N. Fenwick Street
5 bed/3 bath, single-family home
Agent: Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $998,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

1111 19th Street N. #1503
2 bed/2 bath condo
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Listed: $735,000
Open: Sunday 12-2 p.m.

 

3600 S. Glebe Road 219W
2 bed/2 bath condo
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Listed: $599,000
Open: Saturday 12-2 p.m.

 

2903-C S. Woodstock Street #3
3 bed/1 bath, 2 half bath condo
Agent: Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $474,800
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

1736 N. Rhodes Street 5-293
1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Redfin Corporation
Listed: $285,000
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.”

Arlington’s inventory of homes actively for sale is at a near all time low of only 350 homes. This is down 20-25% from typical levels in the summer and early fall.

Only 30 sellers put their homes on the market this week, while 43 buyers ratified contracts. The pace has clearly slowed but even at this snail speed, Arlington has only two months of inventory.

While prices are increasing slightly, the number of sales is declining. This is felt nationally as well. October saw a 2.6% drop over September, and a 6.7% drop from a year ago. This is the 10th straight month of sales decline nationally.

So what’s going on? Many factors, but economists point primarily at affordability. Prices and interest rates have continued to rise, but incomes have only marginally begun to increase. Low inventory is also to blame, as well as many new home buyers, aka millennials, are carrying significant student loan debt that delays their ability to buy a home.

Fortunately, interest rates did not increase this week but held steady at about 5% with no points for a 30-yr fixed rate.

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

Kinder, Gentler Shopping Under the Awnings at Lee Heights

It’s a challenge to find courtesy and civility these days. Why navigate congested lots for contested parking spots and crowded stores with harried service at the mall?

Lee Heights Shops in North Arlington, where Old Dominion Drive and Lee Highway meet, features independent shops, restaurants and cafes that specialize in individual attention and personal service – with staff that truly know their merchandise and customers – and want to help you find just the right thing.

Plus, here’s always plenty of free parking in front and rear.

In fact, the readers of Arlington Magazine just made it a top vote getter for best shopping area in their Best Of edition.

Just opened: Everyone gets great cuts and brilliant color by Jon David Salon’s highly trained hair stylists. The look is sophisticated – yet the vibe is friendly.

Bring your four-footed friends to Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming. While your pup’s getting beautiful, you can shop for dog products and healthy, delicious treats.

Entertaining at home? Get expert guidance then stock up on wine, premium beer and artisanal cheese at Arrowine. Pick up a Peruvian-style chicken at the perfectly named Crisp and Juicy. And treat your guests to a sweet finish with treats baked in-house at Pastries by Randolph.

Make sure you stop by in late December to get to know The Old Dominion Pizza Company. These pros promise to deliver the iconic neighborhood pizza place with awesome pies.

And, for your gift-giving, the merchants at Lee Heights can help you pick out the perfect sparkly bauble at Facets Jewelers, unique stylish lady’s and children’s clothing and accessories at Lemoncello, or find the ‘this season’s ‘must-have-it-toy’ at Barston’s Childs Play.

Join us at Lee Heights Shops — the Mall Alternative.

Healthy Paws: These Are A Few of My Favorite Things

By ARLnow.com Sponsor


Editor’s Note: Healthy Paws is a column sponsored and written by the owners of Clarendon Animal Care, a full-service, general practice veterinary clinic and winner of a 2017 Arlington Chamber of Commerce Best Business Award. The clinic is located 3000 10th Street N., Suite B. and can be reached at 703-997-9776.

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It’s that time of year again! Time to embrace the season and ponder on the best gift for your fur-kid! This year we polled our staff and have some of their pet’s favorite things!

Frankie’s Favorite Things

Audrey Hepburn’s Favorite Things

Biscoe & Peanut’s Favorite Things

Monty’s Favorite Things

Weebles’ Favorite Things

Moana & Heihei’s Favorite Things

  • Mealworms

And some more of our favorite things to help enrich the lives of our dogs and cats who graciously share their lives and snuggles with us.

Interactive Feeding/Activity Things

Books

Giving Back

Perhaps you have everything your pet may need and want (food, love, safety and enrichment), perhaps giving a gift/donation in your pets name to a rescue organization in need will warm your heart. Below are a few of the groups we love and work with regularly:

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