Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Rethink Energy: What the 30% Solar Tariff Means for Arlingtonians

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. 

Solar has been booming in Arlington.

Through Arlington Solar Co-ops, Arlingtonians have more than doubled the amount of solar on homes in just 2 years. The co-op helps residents buy solar panels in bulk to drive down the cost by as much as 20%.

This month the federal government announced a 30% tariff on solar equipment manufactured outside of the U.S. But what does this really mean for Arlingtonians who want to go solar?

The short answer is that the 30% tariff will add approximately 10-15 cents per watt, or about 6% to a system’s total cost. This is because solar panels are only a portion of the cost of going solar.

The tariff does not apply to the “soft costs” associated with going solar. The increased cost of panels would add about $1,050 to the total cost of an average solar installation. If you apply for the 30% federal solar tax credit available to residents, the additional tariff amounts to approximately $735 per home system.

We will launch another solar co-op this spring to support residents who want to lead on going solar, take their energy future into their own hands and help create a more sustainable Arlington.

If you would like to receive information about the co-op when it opens, please email [email protected].

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:

1717 22nd Street N.
6 bed/5 bath, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Patrick O’keefe
Listed: $2,199,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

1600 Clarendon Boulevard, W310
2 bed/2 bath, 1 half bath condo
Agent: Brad House
Listed: $1,325,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.

 

2227 N. Powhatan Street
5 bed/2 bath single-family home
Agent: Coral Gundlach
Listed: $839,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m. Sunday 12-2 p.m.

 

1200 N. Nash Street #537
1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Keri Shull
Listed: $649,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

1205 N. Garfield Street #409
1 bed/1 bath, 1 half bath condo
Agent: Helene Ivey
Listed: $549,999
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

2301 25th Street S. #4-401
2 bed/2 bath condo
Agent: Dawn Wilson
Listed: $399,000
Open: Saturday 2-4 p.m. Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

205 N. Trenton Street #205-4
1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Elisabetta Young
Listed: $219,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

Flying Colors: The Great Backyard Bird Count

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.

So, your mom wanted you to be a doctor or a lawyer. Well how about a scientist. Well you can be. We all can be!

How can I do that you ask? I am only eight years old. You can become a scientist for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).

Each year, for the past 21 years, the Cornell Lab has been recruiting volunteer scientist to help them study the wild birds all over the world. All you need is a pen, a piece of paper and internet access, and you can help them with this study. You will need to set up an account at http://gbbc.birdcount.org.

This year the GBBC takes place from February 16-19. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

  1. Find a comfy spot, grab some snacks and hang out for 15 minutes. Have a pen and paper ready and jot down what species you are seeing. You can sit and hang out longer if you like, just keep track of how long you recorded the birds.
  2. Keep a tally of the birds you see, if there is a large flock just try for your best estimate. Make sure to account for gender.
  3. Finally hop online and enter your data. Voila! You are a scientist.

You don’t have a feeder you say? No problem. You can also go out hiking or just walk your local neighborhood and keep a tally that way too. Or better yet stop on in and we will get you started on the best hobby ever.

There is no better way to start your “Year of the Bird” like helping out and being a scientist. In 2017, Great Backyard Bird Count participants in more than 100 countries counted more than 6,200 species of birds on more than 180,000 checklists.

Why do we count the birds? Scientists keep track of the birds with our help to answer many questions. How will their migration this year differ from last years? How will weather and climate change affect the bird population? Why do large numbers of winter finches show up one year but not the next?

While you are on the GBBC site, check out their tab marked “Explore Data.” Under this tab you can check out other peoples check list, who knows maybe your neighbor three blocks over has a bird different from you. You can also watch the map for live updates, and there is a tab where you can search for sounds.

Are you a skilled photographer? You can enter the 2018 photo contest located on the home page of their site. There are gifts for the winners: a squirrel proof feeder and a finch feeder are just two of the great prizes you can win!

We hope you will help the Cornell Lab this February and count the birds. We look forward to helping you find the perfect set up for your yard. Stop in our store and you can get a FREE one-pound bag of our No-Mess seed blend with any purchase.

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.”

It’s been a great week for buyers. Some 84 new listings came on the market in Arlington this week, and buyers ratified 59 contracts.

An incredible 27 new listings sold within seven days, all but two priced under $1 million. The upper market appears to be rebounding from last fall’s slump. Of the 59 homes that sold this week, eight were priced over $1 million. The average days on market has now dropped to just 43.

At this week’s current high pace of absorption, and with ONLY 343 homes actively for sale (including condos and townhomes), Arlington currently has a remarkable ONE month’s supply of inventory. This is the lowest level that I can recall in the last 20 years.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday voted to keep its short term rate unchanged but signaled increases in coming months. The Fed cited an improving economy, tightening labor markets and an unemployment rate of just 4.1%, the lowest in 17 years.

Long term interest rates however continue to increase for a fourth week in a row. Freddie Mac reported the average 30-yr fixed rate is up over a 1/4% from the first week of the year. Increased borrowing by the US Treasury is putting upward pressure on rates. The 30-yr fixed rate ended this week about 9 basis points higher at 4.34%, but rates vary widely among lenders so be sure to shop around.

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

Listing of the Day: 4612 24th Street N.

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Address: 4612 24th Street N.
Neighborhood: Old Dominion
Listed: $919,000
Open: Sunday, February 4 from 1-4 p.m.

The perfect combination in Lee Heights! Spacious and bright updated 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom colonial home with finished basement and separate two-car garage with finished work-out/game room, newly remodeled kitchen and updated master bath, excellent N. Arlington school pyramid (Discovery/Williamsburg/Yorktown). Located within blocks to Lee Heights shopping and restaurants, Marymount farmer’s market as well as nearby running and nature trails.

Kitchen remodeled top to bottom featuring quartz countertops, all new stainless appliances. Large master bedroom with walk-in closet and recently updated en-suite bathroom with new tile throughout. Mud room and office space add to comfortable main level living. Finished basement includes a large rec. room, full bath and separate office/den; perfect for guests or an au-pair/nanny. New landscaping enhances this large flat property, ideal for entertaining and play.

If you’re looking for a quiet and friendly neighborhood with walkability to stores and public transport (3Y Lee Highway — Farragut Square Metrobus Line), look no further!

To view a 3-D tour of the property, click here.

Listed by:
Liz Lord
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: (571) 331-9213
[email protected]
www.arlvahomes.com

Listing of the Day: 213 N. Fillmore Street

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Address: 213 N. Fillmore Street
Neighborhood: Lyon Park
Listed: $1,775,000
Open Houses: Saturday, February 3 and Sunday, February 4 from 2-4 p.m.

Beautiful three car garage for sale in the heart of Lyon Park. Bonus — it comes with a stunning five bedroom home.

This American Craftsman features four finished levels, a gourmet custom kitchen with high end Bosch and Viking appliances, 6 bathrooms (4 full and two half bath), an expansive family room with a striking central gas fireplace, classic study with built in bookshelves and formal dining and living rooms.

The home also includes gleaming hardwoods throughout the main floor and master bedroom, distinctive crown molding, a freshly carpeted lower level recreation/game room, a huge deck and an inviting front porch. All of the bedrooms have walk-in closets and three have en-suites.

The location is ideal, close to the Clarendon Metro (.8M), Trader Joe’s (.8M), the Lyon Park Community Center (.2M), restaurants, coffee shops, Lyon Park (.2M), Rockwell Park (.1M), bike paths and playgrounds. And one more time, the icing on the cake: A rare three-car garage.

Listed by:
Natalie U. Roy
Keller Williams Realty Metro Center
Bicycling Realty Group
Cell: (703) 819-4915 Office: (703) 224-6000
[email protected]
www.bicyclingrealty.com

Small Biz Focus: 5 Top Things to Know When Seeking Financing for Your Business

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

By Tara Palacios and Amanda Gant

When is the best time to seek financing for your business? Small business owners tell us they don’t need financing… until they need it. Based on our experience, the best time for a new business or a startup to acquire financing is when you don’t need it.

Why is this? Typically, a financial institution will want to know your business can pay back a loan. As a business owner, you will want to be in the best position financially to afford to take the risk. Underwriters will also want to know that you are personally invested (some cash on hand) in the endeavor, understand what you will use the proceeds for and have background and experience in your industry.

Speaking on the topic of small business and financing, we are excited to announce BizLaunch and the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) will be offering personalized one-on-one appointment opportunities for entrepreneurs who are interested in acquiring financing on Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. beginning Wednesday, February 7. If you have questions about financing any aspect of your business feel free to set up an appointment by calling us at (703)228-0808.

Below are our 5 top things to know when seeking financing for your small business:

  1. Make sure your business is registered

For your loan to be a business loan (instead of a personal loan) your business will need to be registered. The business loan will start or continue to build your business’s credit. For this purpose, if your business isn’t already registered, now is the time to do so, and BizLaunch can help with this, too.

  1. Gather the right documents

Documents are the building block of a loan application, so having your documents ready will help speed along the loan process. Documents often required for a small business loan are:

  • 3-6 months of bank statements
  • Taxes from the previous two years
  • Business plan for startups
  • Business registration and licenses
  • Business lease (if applicable)
  • Business financial statements
  1. Create a strong business plan

Many financial institutions will require a business that has been operating less than two years to provide a business plan. Your business plan will need to communicate basic ideas about how you are running or plan to run your business. When a plan is submitted, your lending officer will follow up with any points that need clarification or additional information that may be needed. (more…)

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 is not the listing agent of these homes.  

The last day of January has arrived.

How are those New Year’s resolutions coming along?

Alright, so by now you may have skipped a day or two at the gym. Perhaps you gave in to that ridiculously delicious looking cookie (I don’t blame you). And, maybe you just missed the mark on a financial goal.

I’m here to tell you: Don’t give up.

And, if your dream in 2018 is to find a home for you and/or your family, you can do it! As the temps warm up, more and more homes will be listed in our area, meaning more options for pinpointing the home of your dreams.

Sometimes the best first step in achieving a goal is asking for help. We’re here to help you GET MORE out of the most important transaction you’ll make this year. Let’s roll!

As of January 29 there are 146 detached homes, 19 townhouses and 153 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 19 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week.

Here is this week’s selection of Just Reduced properties:

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.

Next Phase Arlington Offers High Intensity Interval Training Classes

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Last September, ARLnow introduced you to Next Phase Arlington, the newest boutique fitness studio in Courthouse. The studio opened its doors in June 2017 and since then, its community and unique monthly events have grown to represent the best fitness experience in Arlington.

Next Phase Arlington offers high intensity interval training (HIIT) classes — with a twist. Upbeat group exercise classes meet performance-driven workouts, incorporating a variety of equipment, including Pilates reformers, TRX, ropes and weights, to give you the most rewarding 50 minutes of your day. From TRX Fusion to heart-pumping HIIT Pilates and early bird Sunrise Circuits, Next Phase workouts focus on building strength, developing lean muscle and increasing endurance through dynamic movements and functional equipment.

The classes keep your muscles guessing, and the results keep you coming back for more. As if that wasn’t motivation enough to try them out, your first class is always free.

Don’t take our word for how awesome this place is — check out what loyal Next Phase member have to say:

“I found out about Next Phase classes just a couple months before my wedding and my only regret is that I didn’t start taking them sooner! I love each class and find that every instructor is always friendly and helpful. The HIIT Pilates class is my favorite as it offers a combination of exercises plus the reformer that you can’t find anywhere else,” said Next Phase member, Lauren Dehoff.

It’s challenging, but worth it. As one Next Phase member said, “Seriously — if you put in the work, Next Phase will give you the results!”

“The first 3-4 classes I took at Next Phase honestly left me thinking, ‘Can I really do this?’ The answer is a resounding ‘YES!’ The instructors are fun, motivating and they throw you a variety of equipment that will challenge every single teeny or massive muscle that you have! I saw changes in my body I had never seen in my life before! Defined abs and triceps started peeping through for the first time ever,” said student Katriona Buhler.

It’s no surprise that Next Phase gets such rave reviews. After all, their main mission is to spread happiness, believing the healthier you are, the happier you are.

Friendly, helpful instructors, each with their unique teaching style, foster a supportive sense of community seven days a week. You’re just as likely to take a class from an instructor as you are to be in a class with them — because they love the workouts and community, too!

In addition to the wide variety of group fitness classes at Next Phase, you can also find quality private and semi-private personal training and nutrition support through their in-house experts. After a free one-on-one consultation, their knowledgeable team designs a customized plan to include personal training, classes and nutrition to help you reach your goals.

Between its fun, fusion-style workouts, quality personal training and welcoming instructors, we believe Next Phase is a standout Arlington fitness studio, but we’ll let you be the final judge. After all, your first class is free!

Arlington is Next Phase’s second location. The company first started spreading happiness in Bethesda in 2014.

The preceding post was written and sponsored by Next Phase Arlington.

Ask Eli: Home Values 10% Higher Than Assessed Tax Values

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: My property taxes didn’t change much this year, but the County announced that residential home prices increased 3.9%. Are the County’s tax assessments a good way of determining the market value of my home?

Answer: Tax assessments are not a good way of establishing the market value of your home. In fact, if Arlington homeowners used their tax assessment to determine their asking price, on average they’d be undervaluing their home by 10%!

Also, just because the County saw appreciation of 3-4% this year doesn’t mean that will be applied to all homes. Tax assessments are adjusted on a much more localized level based on neighborhood, number of bedrooms, square footage and other factors specific to your home. I would also advise that just because your tax assessment did not increase, doesn’t mean the market value of your home did not increase (and vice versa).

Market Values Higher Than Assessed Values

The following table compares the average sold price (market value) with the average 2017 tax assessment for all homes sold in 2017. I cleaned up the data a bit by removing Co-op sales (River Place), Ballston’s Senior Living Community, new construction (new tax assessments may take a year to catch-up) and a handful of sales that didn’t have a tax assessment available.

Notable Findings:

  • The average Arlington home has a market value 10% higher than its tax assessment
  • Only 14% of homes sold in 2017 sold for less than their 2017 tax assessment
  • The County struggles the most assessing the value of detached homes in Arlington, likely because of how difficult it is to assess land value with due to the proliferation of tear-downs being bought for land only
  • The most under-assessed zip codes were 22213, 22205 and 22204 with homes selling for 12% or more above the assessed value
  • The most accurately assessed zip code was 22201, with assessments coming in within 7.4% of the average market prices

(more…)

Legal Insider: New Virginia Legislation Introduced Regarding Workplace Violence

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.

Virginia Delegate Chris Hurst has introduced new legislation that he hopes will reduce incidents of workplace violence in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Specifically, the proposed legislation would grant civil immunity to employers who share information about violent acts or threats made by current or former employees with potential employers or law enforcement.

In addition, a job candidate would not be able to sue a current or former employer for sharing his or her previous violent or threatening behavior with a prospective employer that will impact a hiring decision.

Delegate Hurst’s House Bill (HB 1457) would allow hiring managers to openly discuss job candidates with their current, prospective or former employers. The text of the proposed law reads as follows:

  • 8.01-226.10:1. Immunity of employers and potential employers; reports of violent behavior.
  1. Any employer who, in good faith with reasonable cause, makes or causes to be made a voluntary report about violent or threatened violent behavior, by an employee or former employee to a potential employer of such employee, or to any law-enforcement officer or agency, shall be immune from civil liability for making such report, provided that the employer is not acting in bad faith. An employer shall be presumed to be acting in good faith. The presumption of good faith shall be rebutted if it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the employer knew such report was false, or made such report with reckless disregard for whether such report was false or not.
  2. Any potential employer who receives a report from an employer pursuant to subsection B of an employee or potential employee and takes reasonable action in good faith to respond to the violent or threatened violent behavior noted in such report shall be immune from civil liability for such action.
  3. Any employer or potential employer who has a suit dismissed against him pursuant to the immunity provided by this section shall be awarded reasonable attorney fees and costs.

Understandably, former employers would like the freedom to discuss workplace incidents by former employees with other employers without being subject to potential liability. However, some problems with this potential law relate to how to do so in a way that protects an employee’s rights or does not place him or her on some type of permanent “do not hire” list. Oftentimes, employees are wrongfully terminated or accused of significant misconduct (even about alleged threats) that is not true. As a result, some supervisors or employers may feel free to exaggerate or retaliate against a former employee under this new law. (more…)

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