Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Ask Eli: Arlington Rental Market

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 moving to Arlington from out of town and not yet ready to buy. I’ve heard the rental market is high in the DC area and wondering approximately how much it costs per bedroom to rent in Arlington.

Answer: I spend a lot of time in this column talking about buying and selling homes in Arlington, but about 54% of the County is renters, so as we head into the busiest rental months, I thought it’d be appropriate to share some helpful statistics on the cost of renting in Arlington.

For the most part, renters tend to be more focused on functional space to meet immediate needs, so I like the idea of using cost per bedroom on rentals more than I do for ownership.

The good news for renters is that developers have added thousands of new rental units over the last 5 years, particularly 1-2 bedroom units in the popular metro areas of the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor and Crystal/Pentagon City. While the cost of these newer units has increased, it’s kept the cost of renting condos and townhouses from owners pretty stable (or down).

The data I pulled below is primarily made up of non-commercial rental units (condos and townhouses owned by individuals) and restricted to units leased through the MLS (agent database), so only included a portion of the total rental activity in Arlington. I also excluded single family homes from the dataset.

Key Findings:

  • It costs about 40% more to rent a third bedroom than it does to rent a second bedroom
  • Rents have not gone up for one bedroom units, and have only increased about $100/month for two and three bedroom units
  • Most rental units are on the market for 6-7 weeks before being rented
  • There’s not nearly as much negotiating on rentals as there is purchases, with only about 1% or less negotiated off the asking price, on average
  • The least expensive rentals are in the 22204 zip code because there are not any walkable metro stations and the housing inventory tends to be substantially older
  • 22204 is the only zip code where the average rent of a two bedroom is under $2,000/mon and one of only two zip codes (22206) with an average rent under $3,000 for a three bedroom
  • 22209 is the most expensive zip code to rent by a wide margin due to the fact that it hosts two of the most expensive buildings in the DC Metro in Turnberry Tower and Waterview, as well as a host of other high-end buildings. It claims this top spot, despite also hosting one of the least expensive communities in Arlington, River Place.

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Arlington Youth Have Access to State-of-the-Art Media Training in Clarendon

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Much has been written about youth and their media consumption. In Arlington, they have an opportunity to be something more than just consumers — they can become media creators and generate their own high quality content.

Arlington Independent Media (AIM) has offered media training to the community since 1982. In addition to adult and teen programs, AIM offers spring break and summer camps for children as young as eight.

AIM’s Media Production camps are for youth ages 8-13.  Working with expert instructors and media professionals, participants will develop story ideas, write scripts, shoot footage, record audio, act in and edit their own short productions.  In the process, they will be introduced to the basic concepts of media literacy and critical thinking.

All camp sessions run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and take place at AIM’s facility in Clarendon.

iPad Movie and Animation Camp

In this one week camp, students learn iPad movie making, stop motion animation and sound effect production while they create several short works.

Spring Break Session — March 26-30
Summer Session — August 6-10

Cost — $299.00

Summer Movie Camps

In this two-week camp, students learn to use professional equipment and work together to develop a story idea, and write, plan, shoot and edit a production that will premiere on the final day of camp.

Session 1 — June 25-July 6
Session 2 — July 9-July 20
Session 3 — July 23-August 3

Cost – $599.00

Radio Production Camp

Campers learn basic audio production, sound effect recording and on-air DJ-ing to create several live and pre-recorded radio programs for air on WERA 96.7FM including a scripted radio play with live Foley sound effects.

Summer Session — August 13-17

Cost — $299.00

For more information, visit www.ArlingtonMedia.org, or phone 703-524-2388.

The Chew: Want to Include Rover in Your Wedding? Consider These Tips!

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.

Wedding season is fast approaching and many couples want their beloved four-legged companions to be part of the festivities.

Planning ahead is the key to incorporating your canine in the celebration and will help preclude any mishaps on your big day. Take into account the following factors when deciding if their presence will be a help or hinderance for either you or your pet.

Consider hiring a dog handler. If you’re concerned about the logistics of having your dog at your wedding, let Bark + Boarding be your dog’s personal assistant for the day!

Miranda Namrow of Arlington hired Bark + Boarding to dress, transport and handle her dogs Boz and Kobe at her October wedding to husband Mitch.

“Wedding planning is stressful, but having our pups with us on our wedding day was super important to us! It was such a relief to know our pups were not only in good hands, but would be dressed and delivered in time for our post-ceremony photos. They even helped get them to sit and settle down for the photographer!”

Will your dog be comfortable? Big gatherings such as weddings can be scary and overwhelming for a dog that does not adapt well to new environments or is uncomfortable around strangers. If your dog is fearful or shy around people, it’s best to leave her at home where she’ll be able to relax in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

In addition to Boz and Kobe, the Namrows have two other dogs, Barry and Jaxon, who did not attend the festivities. “Barry is a flight risk and Jaxon is not comfortable around new people, so there was no question that we would leave them at home” notes Miranda. “Their comfort level and safety were paramount.”

Check the location. Does your wedding venue allow dogs? Be sure to ask if your dog will be allowed in all areas or if there are certain areas that will be off-limits. Imagine the stress and disappointment if you’ve planned on having your dog walk the rings down the aisle only to discover ten minutes beforehand that she’s not allowed in the ceremony area.

The Namrows were married in a church in Old Town Alexandria, that did not permit dogs inside. They opted instead to include Boz and Kobe in several wedding photos taken on the grounds of the church.

Let everyone know. Inform your wedding party, guests and photographer well in advance of the event that your dog will be present. Not only is this common courtesy, but you want to provide people with pet allergies ample opportunity to prepare.

Practice makes perfect. Rehearse as much as you can with your dog before the big day and allow extra time to practice during the rehearsal so that she knows exactly what to do and when to do it.

Ensure that your dog is well-controlled around your guests. If your dog has a tendency to jump on people, teach her an alternative behavior such as greeting a person by sitting and offering her paw.

Most importantly, enjoy your big day and have fun!

Click here to check out our short (approx 60 second) video about this article!

Rethink Energy: Home Energy Rebate Deadline June 18

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. 

Arlington’s Home Energy Rebates will be available through June 18. Time is limited to insulate your home or upgrade to a more efficient water heater, heating or cooling system!

Nothing motivates like a deadline, right?

Follow these simple steps to claim your rebate:

1. Make energy upgrades to your home. The following items are eligible:

  • Central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and boilers and water heaters that meet the program’s minimum efficiency levels.
  • Duct sealing, air sealing and insulation projects.

2. Download, complete and submit your application, including your receipts or other proof of payment. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by the June 18 deadline to be eligible.

3. Receive your rebate check and enjoy your lower energy bills! It’s that easy.

Visit the rebate website for details.

You can also send your questions to us at [email protected]. We’re here to help!

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:


1818 N. Cleveland Street
6 bed/5 bath single-family home
Agent: Ruth Boyer O’dea
Listed: $1,925,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.


1511 N. Buchanan Street
4 bed/4 bath single-family home
Agent: Victoria (Tori) McKinney
Listed: $1,549,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.


20 N. Jackson Street
3 bed/2 bath single-family home
Agent: Ronald Cathell
Listed: $930,000
Open: Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m. (more…)

Flying Colors: More is Less

By ARLnow.com Sponsor


Flying Colors is a sponsored column on the hobby of backyard bird feeding written by Michael Zuiker, owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited store at the Lee Harrison Shopping Center. Visit the store at 2437 N. Harrison Street or call 703-241-3988.

Two weeks ago, I talked about how more and more of Nature’s natural wardrobe is being removed by human actions. I discussed the impact it had on the birds and their challenge to find food and shelter.

Well, just after that, Mother Nature showed us how to really shake things up and walloped us with a WIND storm for the ages. I hope that everyone is safe and no one sustained any injuries. That was scary.

But what of the birds?  Where did they go? How did they survive? How many lost homes or potential homes with so many downed trees and broken limbs?  They did survive. Although my instincts tell me some did perish during the storm. But these tiny birds are very resilient.

Before the storm, every morning at 5:45, a Cardinal sang an eight–note song near my bedroom window. “Siri” did not have to wake me up for work! Then the yard would be silent until six o clock when the bird would start to sing.

So you can imagine my surprise when at 5:45 in the morning, when the winds were howling at 60 miles per hour, the eight-note song came on at exactly 5:45.  How, I wondered, could it survive out there when I was up all night scared to death in my house? And what of the simple wakeup call? How and why would that bird do that in the storm?

My answer would be that it needs to keep to its internal rhythm to make it through the day. The bird made it through Spring hatching and fledging.  It made it through the heat and drought of Summer. It made it through the cold and dark of Winter. Now it was time to herald in the light and love of Spring and the bird needed to test its songs.

I was up all night; but I gladly welcomed my familiar song; even if it was only for eight notes. I will have to research why this bird only sang eight notes and then did not sing another note for 15 minutes.

Nature does not take any rest. The world keeps spinning around, the sun and moon define the seasons with their visit every day. So too bird’s cycles go on. Weather patterns do not slow that down. Sure, a late Winter Nor-Easter can cause undue stress on all species. But migration, breeding and raising young must continue. All the birds are continuing to look for homes to raise their young.

You can be a vital key to their survival by keeping out those bird feeders filled with seed. Having a birdbath ready to bathe and drink from. Putting up nest boxes to watch them feed and raise their young. Chickadees, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, Titmouse and Bluebirds are some of the more common cavity nesting birds. Robins, Cardinals and Mourning Doves do not used this type of box. Robins and Doves will make nests on Nesting perch boxes.

If you already own a nest box, GREAT! If it’s looking a bit shabby it might be time for a new one. There are a few things to look for in a nest box, not all are the same. (more…)

Just Listed in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Just Listed banner
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 real estate market was on fire again this week.

Sellers listed 94 properties, and buyers ratified 79 contracts. That’s the busiest week so far this year. Of those ratified, 32 homes sold within a week. And the upper end market showed a huge rebound with 18 homes selling that were priced over $1 million. That’s the most in a week since last Spring.

Nationally, home values increased 6.2% last year. That’s 6% higher than peak values in 2006. Locally, prices haven’t increased at all in 2016 and 2017, but we should see some gains from this robust Spring market. Low inventory continues to put upward pressure on prices.

Buyers got a break this week with interest rates. The 30-yr fixed rate actually dropped just two basis points, breaking a nine-week consecutive streak of rising rates. Today’s 30-yr fixed rate now ranges 4.5%-4.6%.

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

Modern Condo Living in Del Ray to Be Unveiled at March Grand Opening

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Del Ray Place will unveil designs for its highly anticipated new condominium residences at a Grand Opening celebration on Thursday, March 22, at nearby Junction Bakery & Bistro.

Grand opening attendees will have the first chances to view never-before-seen floorplans and to schedule a private appointment to purchase their residence at limited-time Grand Opening pricing. They will also enjoy food and drinks at one of Del Ray’s most popular restaurants

To RSVP and receive additional details, interested home shoppers can register as VIPs at DelRayVA.com. Junction Bakery & Bistro is located at 1508 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va. 

Rising up at 1800 Mount Vernon Ave., Del Ray Place will feature 49 modern one- and two-bedroom residences set along the neighborhood’s central thoroughfare. With subtle art deco accents, the building has been tastefully designed to reflect all the color and character of the surrounding community.

Built by Brookfield Residential — “The Mid-Atlantic’s Most Innovative Homebuilder” — each residence will feature a spacious, open floorplan, voice-enabled Smart Home automation and luxurious contemporary styling. Private balconies are available with select residences. Pricing starts from the mid $300’s.

When you live at Del Ray Place, you’ll step out and have access to all your treasured places and new favorites you’ve yet to discover. A seemingly endless variety of local businesses and community events are incredibly close. And you’ll be just 10 minutes from Old Town and 15 minutes from Washington, D.C.

After the Grand Opening, home shoppers can meet with a sales manager at the Del Ray Place Sales Gallery, located just down the street at 2312 Mount Vernon Ave., Suite 206. For more information, visit DelRayVA.com.

Boring Title: Welcome to our First Ever Column

By ARLnow.com Sponsor


Title insurance is boring, but Allied Title & Escrow is here to decode the jargon and make it (somewhat) more interesting. This biweekly column will explore the mundane (but very necessary!) world of title insurance while sharing interesting stories of two friends’ entrepreneurial careers. 

Introducing BORING TITLE! To us it seems like the right name of our ongoing column because frankly is there anything more boring than title insurance? Does anyone even know what it is?

Our column is written by Latane Meade and Matt Paulson. Owners of Allied Title & Escrow, they started off as childhood friends, both went to JMU and then went different directions after attending college. One went to California, the other stayed in Arlington. One launched a business throwing parties, obstacle races and making Saturday Night Live costumes and the other went to law school and then started his own law firm. Fifteen years later, they’ve now teamed up to run a title company. Makes sense… well not really.

In our ongoing bi-weekly column we are going to try to take on one of life’s biggest challenges: making title insurance interesting.

We hope you check in every other week. The following are some topics we are going to cover in the coming months.

  • Why would someone go from running companies in the sports and entertainment industry (eg., adult sports leagues, obstacle racing, 3,000 person parties) to title insurance?
  • How is owning a 5K race series different and the same as owning a law firm and a title company?
  • Horror stories: What’s the most ridiculous thing that has happened with each business?
  • How dressing up as a Saturday Night Live character (Ace and Gary) led to a partnership with Disney and ABC.
  • What did two childhood friends see in the industry to make them think there was a big opportunity and a better way to serve agents, builders, lenders and home buyers?
  • Why do I need title insurance? We will provide some nightmare scenarios of homeowners who didn’t get title insurance and the hundreds of thousands of dollars they had to come out of pocket as a result.
  • The biggest struggles we’ve encountered growing businesses.
  • Aren’t all title insurance companies the same? Why does it matter who you choose?
  • What are the FAQs that homebuyers should know related to title insurance?
  • What is the difference between the standard and enhanced title insurance policy? What are the scenarios where I should get one or the other?
  • What are Matt and Lat wearing to Halloween this year?

Have any questions or comments? Email us directly at [email protected].

Oh, and one quick note: don’t risk not getting title insurance for your own home! In the coming weeks we’ll explain why going without it can cost unsuspecting homebuyers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Say Yes to Your Creativity: Four Reasons to Start Doing Improv

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Be spontaneous — do something fun for yourself today and jump into a class at Washington Improv Theater. Folks from all over the DMV take WIT’s improv classes for all sorts of reasons.

Washington Improv Theater is DC’s oldest and only nonprofit improv theater. Chances are you know at least one person who has taken (and loved!) our Foundations of Improv class.

Here are four reasons to get off the fence about taking a WIT class:

1. Meet new people (outside the bar scene) — WIT students come from all walks of life — but they all come to improv with open minds, daring to try something new. Abandon your iPhone and share face-to-face laughs with a dozen strangers who will quickly become friends.

One student told us “you make instant friends, and you push yourself in ways that you might not initially believe possible.”

2. Unlock your creative potential — Everyone has untapped creativity — unleash yours with one of our eight-week classes. A testimonial: “You get to exercise your imagination in a way that most adults don’t get to do on a regular basis.”

3. Find yourself – without having to scale Mt. Everest — From the way you communicate in your relationships to learning about the choices you make in life, improv spurs personal breakthroughs. Learn how you can change your life when you eradicate the word “no” from your day-to-day. 

4. Up your game at work — Show your boss you’re taking your skills to the next level. Improv gives you the confidence to speak up, the positivity to collaborate, and clarity to communicate — it’s the best and most versatile professional development ever!. (Side note: You can also bring us to your office for a WIT@Work training.)

Get off the fence — spring session starts March 26! A couple hours a week with WIT can change your whole perspective!

Small Business Focus: Top Tax Tips for 2018

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

Businesses sometimes fall prey to tax scams especially during the tax season. BizLaunch reached out to our partners at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to find out what business owners should be concerned about in 2018. The following blog post by IRS Senior Stakeholder Liaison Anna Falkenstein provides tips on what to do to secure your information and scams to be aware of this tax season.

Guest BizLaunch Blogger: Anna Falkenstein, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Senior Stakeholder Liaison

While the Internal Revenue Service reports that the number of reported fraudulent returns have decreased, the number of incidents and the variety of scams makes it a major focus again in the current filing season. Fraudsters are creative and consistently find new ways to scam innocent taxpayers (individuals and businesses).

The IRS has posted their annual list of the “Dirty Dozen” scams annually. You can check this year’s list at Annual List of Dirty Dozen Scams.

The IRS encourages business owners to take these scams seriously and take steps to try to prevent them. Create unusual passwords and change them periodically. Don’t use the same password for every system. Update/change passwords if an employee departs the business. Provide training regarding emails, links and attachments. Publication 4557 Safeguarding-taxpayer-data  is a good tool to use to train and refresh employees on protecting data on behalf of employees and clients. Don’t forget to update anti-virus protection, encryption software and firewalls.

Should you receive an IRS notice or find something in your records that leads you to believe that you have become a victim of Tax Identity Theft, there are steps you should take to immediately circumvent the fraudsters.

Notify the IRS immediately! The faster you act, the better chance the processing units at the IRS has at stopping the fraudsters from using your information. Individuals can contact the Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 or File a Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with their tax return.

Businesses who suspect a data loss from hacking can email [email protected] to start the initial reporting. Businesses should also follow state requirements to report the data loss as well.  They can start this at [email protected].

Once you have determined that you are a victim of tax identity theft, you have several other steps that you can take to minimize the damage.

These include reporting to the FTC, your Insurance company, police and credit bureaus. If your theft includes personnel or client information, you will want to notify them as well. News Release 2018-27 provides the steps a business victim should take to minimize the effect of data theft: Steps Business Victims Should Take

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