Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Ask Eli: Should You Re-List In The Spring?

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: Are there certain considerations to be aware of when re-listing your home in the spring/summer market if you listed and then pulled it during the fall/winter market? Are there things that you would need to fix up in a slow winter market that you could let slide in a hotter market?

Answer: You’ve been on the market for months, had a few interested buyers, but nothing has stuck. Now you’re in the midst of the holidays during the coldest and darkest days of the year so you’re asking yourself what every seller is asking… should you pull your listing and wait for the market to heat back up in the spring?

There are three scenarios that I’ll consider advising sellers to take their home off the market during the winter:

  1. You are living in the home, are under no pressure to sell, have been on the market for more than 60 days without an acceptable offer and have exhausted conversations with any buyers who have shown interest.
  2. You have received feedback from agents and potential buyers that the home needs work and you will take time over the winter to make the necessary improvements, providing that the cost of those improvements will net you better terms than an immediate price reduction and avoiding additional carry cost.
  3. A key selling point of your home is landscaping and/or a view that is difficult to recognize during the winter.

Pros & Cons Of Re-Listing

  • Pro: More Buyers… The number of homes that go under contract drops substantially from November-January and picks up quickly in February. On average, the number of new purchase contracts more than doubles by March compared to December and January.

  • Pro: Faster Sales… The increase is buyer activity (demand) results in homes selling a lot faster in the spring/summer

  • Con: Not Necessarily Higher Prices… The increased buyer activity impacts days on market a lot more than it does pricing. The amount somebody is willing to pay or qualified to pay for a home often does not change based on the season, rather larger economic factors.

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Legal Insider: It’s Time to Reform the Congressional Accountability Act

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

The Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) is a law that governs the complaint procedure against Members of Congress and congressional employers in cases involving sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation and other related labor and employment matters.

The CAA has played a part in protecting Members of Congress and other congressional employers from having to pay or disclose settlements involving discrimination or sexual harassment. The CAA is flawed and changes to the law have been proposed. The CAA covers 13 employment-related laws, but the major problems in the law relate to the handling of sexual harassment and discrimination cases.

The problems with the CAA are many. First, the CAA itself was passed immediately after the Republicans took over Congress in 1995. It was essentially an attempt to place Congress under similar rules as other federal employers but with built-in protections for Members of Congress in order to protect them. The CAA was not debated extensively and many loopholes were left when enacted. Second, the CAA left out the ability of congressional employees to challenge improper employment terminations or adverse actions — rights given to most other federal employees through the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

Main Issues With the Current CAA

  1. Claims take too long.

The CAA takes too long to address claims, often stifling congressional staffers from filing complaints. Under the CAA, one cannot start the process of initiating a complaint of sexual harassment or discrimination for at least 30 days while waiting in a holding period known as the counseling process. A regular federal employee can initiate a complaint immediately, and regular federal agencies may take immediate remedial action against illegal practices. This is not the case for Congress.

Once a congressional staffer waits 30 days in the holding period, he or she must proceed to mandatory mediation with the congressional employer. This is not required for regular federal employees. This process can take at least 30 days or more. If mediation succeeds, it is confidential. If mediation fails, which it often does, then the next step is for the congressional staffer to wait another 30 days to file an administrative complaint or go to federal district court. Then after filing a complaint, the process in the courts can take years, or the congressional staffer can agree to expedite his or her case through the in-house confidential process, which only becomes known if the case decision is appealed.

Congress should change the CAA to enable congressional employees and staffers to have the same rights as regular federal employees. Doing so might put an end to serious cases of sexual harassment, retaliation or discrimination rather than allow it to linger while the process unfolds.

  1. Members of Congress have extensive legal representation that they do not pay for.

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Rethink Energy: New Green Building Report

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. 

The Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy has many programs that serve residents. We don’t talk much about our programs that serve other sectors, such as our Green Building Incentive Program that serves large-scale builders. While you may not hear much about it, arguably it is our must successful program.

This voluntary program guides large-scale commercial building development using the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Certification Program. Projects are designed and built using LEED in ways that use significantly less energy, water and sit more lightly on the land than they would otherwise.

Despite adding 22,000 new residents and 20+ million sq. ft. of commercial office and residential space over the past 10 years in Arlington, energy and water use have actually Decreased! That’s right, tons more people and buildings without so much as a drop of additional water or energy used. The Incentive Program isn’t solely responsible for this change, but it is a big piece that has guided 20 million square feet of development in Arlington to maintain this trend.

How much energy and water are saved as part of the Green Building Incentive Program? I’m glad you asked. Take a few minutes to read the newly released Green Building Report. We think you’ll agree; the results are pretty impressive.

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:

3117 1ST Street North
7 bed/6 bath, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Molly Branson
Listed: $1,599,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

2014 Westmoreland Street
3 bed/2 bath, 1 half bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Keri Shull
Listed: $925,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

822 Buchanan Street
3 bed/1 bath single-family home
Agent: Keri Shull
Listed: $749,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

3409 Wilson Boulevard, #605
2 bed/2 bath condo
Agent: Gerard Muskus
Listed: $614,900
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

1029 Stuart Street , #703
2 bed/2 bath condo
Agent: Christine Vanderhyde
Listed: $579,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

3737 Four Mile Run Drive
3 bed/2 bath single-family home
Agent: Dina Gorrell
Listed: $399,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

2911-D Woodley Street , #4
1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Bradley Wisley
Listed: $249,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

WWBG: Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery Cans

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Weekend Wine and Beer Guide logo

Editor’s Note: This biweekly column is sponsored by Dominion Wine and Beer (107 Rowell Court, Falls Church). It is written by Garrett Cruce, a Cicerone Program Certified Beer Server.

Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery (LCCB) — “Virginia’s Farm Brewery” — opened its doors in September 2013 northwest of Richmond in Goochland, VA; and has continued growing its capabilities and offerings ever since. I first became aware of LCCB in 2013 when they grew a large Instagram following with nothing but photos of their first plantings and the construction of their brewery building. It was clear then that this was a unique brewery.

The brewery and its farm is “water-conscious and biologically friendly,” they use well water and they reintroduce purified waste water back into the Lickinghole Creek watershed. A main aspect of their mission is to begin with their farm for the ingredients they need, then outsource for those that they cannot get. In fact, its Estate Series was created to use as many LCCB-grown ingredients as possible. While their other beers may not be made from ingredients grown on their own farm, they are often sourced from local farms or providers.

Their conscience doesn’t stop at their borders either. In fact, philanthropy has its own page on LCCB’s website. According to the page, 2017 saw donations of $5,000 to benefit the Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services’ Domestic Violence Prevention and Housing Program. They go on to list the even longer list of beneficiaries from 2016 and 2015. It’s a core value for LCCB. Now, they are canning flagship beers that are each linked to a cause that is near and dear to LCCB’s heart. With these new year-round cans, craft beer drinkers can do good and drink good all year long.

Maidens Blonde Ale (4.5% ABV)

Named for the Maidens Landing James River watershed, the area that Lickinghole Creek feeds into. In fact, portions of the proceeds of this beer go to funding the clean up of the James River. Blonde ales always seem like the light lagers of the ale world. Do you know what I mean? They’re usually simple and malty. Refreshing, but never terribly exciting. LCCB’s new flagship blonde is like the style’s cooler cousin. Pear and green apple team up with frosted flakes in the aroma. This ale is clean and crisp — malt balanced by floral hops. Maidens is a pleasant beer fit for just about any beer drinker.

Scarlet Honey Hoppy Red Ale (4.9% ABV)

An ode to the main pollinator of our food crops, bees, Scarlet Honey uses honey from the Lickinghole Creek Estate. This beer is helping to protect Virginia’s bees. The key word here is “hoppy.” Very pleasantly, Scarlet Honey smells of Christmas trees and wheat bread. That doesn’t sound that great, but for a red ale — typically malty — this is tasty. The piney hops overpower the malt, resulting in an ale that’s essentially a red IPA. I could see stocking up on this sessionable ale throughout the Winter to off set the strong, seasonal beers. (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.”

Even in the holiday season, people still need to buy and sell homes. Between shopping and hanging decorations, 34 buyers ratified contracts this week while 28 sellers listed their homes for sale. Arlington’s real estate market just never stops. Of the 34 homes sold, seven sold within a week and six sold for $1 million or more.

Interest rates remained virtually unchanged with just a slight drop by two basis points to 3.98% for a 30-yr fixed rate. The Fed raised its short term rate for only the third time in 2017 to 1.5%. This doesn’t directly affect mortgage rates, but it does affect consumer rates like credit card debt.

The elephant in the room this week effecting the housing market is the latest tax reform plan in Congress. The House and Senate have reached a compromise plan that could be put to a vote next week. Key elements are:

— Allow mortgage interest deduction up to $750,000 debt on owner occupied home
— Double the estate tax exemption up to $11.2 million
— Keep deductions for medical expenses and student loan interest
— Keep deductions for teacher expenses for school supplies

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

Pet Photos with Santa This Saturday in Virginia Square

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

ARLnow is co-sponsoring Santa Paws, a holiday event this Saturday at Latitude Apartments in Virginia Square.

Bring your pup — or your cat — and enjoy pet photos with Santa, a grooming raffle courtesy of Puppy Luv, an apple cider bar and some ARL stickers (and potentially other fun, pet appropriate ARLnow stuff).

When: Saturday, December 16 from 1-3 p.m
Where: Latitude Apartments, 3601 Fairfax Drive

The event is free, but register here to reserve your spot.

This events supports the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, which cares for more than 2,000 animals each year. Latitude is accepting doggy donations at the event on behalf of AWLA. Check out their Christmas wish list for regularly used items that are in need at the shelter.

Healthy Paws: Fur-baby It’s Cold Outside

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Healthy Paws

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.

Winter is finally here and we cannot stress enough the importance of keeping pets in a warm, protected environment this time of year. So, for this week’s post, we’re reminding everyone about some winter weather tips for our canine and feline companions. Because, even though our four-legged family members have fur, they too are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia (low body temperature) and other winter-related ailments.

What is frostbite?

Frostbite occurs when damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by exposure to extremely cold agents and weather occurs. Sub-freezing temperatures cause constriction/narrowing of blood vessels, which after long periods of time, reduces blood flow to certain parts of the body, especially the extremities. Together, the nearly freezing temperature and reduction of blood flow can result in severe injury to the exposed tissues. This is how frostbite develops in our furry friend’s paws, ears and tails (body parts farthest from the heart and most susceptible to becoming cold). Keep in mind young animals outdoors, or those in poor body condition, are at greater risk.

  • Signs/symptoms of frostbite
    • Often, mild cold injury to the extremities may go undetected (toe tips, ear tips, tail tips) until changes to the skin are noted, sometimes days later
    • Acutely affected animals may have pale gray or bluish areas of skin that are cool to the touch
    • Body parts may be numb, overly sensitive to touch or painful
    • As the affected areas of the body thaw, the tissues may become red or swollen and painful
    • Skin may blister or ulcerate
    • Days after the frostbite has occurred, tissues may appear shrunken and discolored and may begin to slough if the tissue becomes necrotic or dies
    • Days to weeks after injury, hair loss and sloughing may occur
  • What to do if your pet is suffering from hypothermia (and at risk for frostbite)
    • Remove any snow from in between the paws pads
    • Dry your pet off if their hair coat is wet or damp
    • Wrap your pet in a blanket or towel and contact your primary veterinarian, or the closest emergency hospital for further care and diagnostics
  • Prevention
    • No matter how thick-coated your furry friend is, no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather.

For those short-coated pets, this is a perfect time of the year to play dress-up with the pet winter sweaters and coats. Some pets may also benefit from booties to protect their feet. It’s best to have a few options since wet clothing can actually be more detrimental to the body, so after coming from outside, remove or change your pet’s winter gear.

Other winter preparation/safety tips

A warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats as well as wildlife — but that can lead to some pretty disastrous consequences. Check underneath your car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to encourage wanna-be hitchhikers to abandon their roost under the hood. (more…)

Listing of the Day: 3611 3rd Street North

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Address: 3611 3rd Street North
Neighborhood: Ashton Heights
Listed: $1,190,000
Holiday Open Houses: Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Could this home have the prettiest sunroom in all of Arlington? Come see for yourself at one of the open houses this weekend. This classic colonial is the whole package.

Located in Arlington’s picturesque Ashton Heights neighborhood, this charmer, nestled on a quiet street, has 3 bedrooms and 4 baths (two full/two half). Features include four gas fireplaces, attached garage, a gourmet custom kitchen with marble countertops, finished lower level recreation room, large master bedroom with ensuite and a gracious living room, perfect for entertaining.

The home is convenient to two metro stops, Virginia Square and Clarendon, the Arlington Arts Center and a variety of shops, restaurants and stores. It is close to parks, playgrounds and biking paths.  The home is also convenient to major commuter routes, Arlington Boulevard (Rt. 50), Glebe Road, Washington Boulevard and I-66. This location is the perfect blend of a scenic setting and urban amenities. School pyramid: Long Branch Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Middle and Washington-Lee High School.

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

Arts Focus: Final Weeks to Shop Local

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This is a column written and sponsored by Arlington Arts / Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

What started as a partnership with Arlington Public Library and a showcase for Arlington artisans and makers, has grown to attract regional media attention and many new shoppers. Soon after the shop opened, five vendors, Mira Jean textile design, Can you Solve Me puzzles, Jules Jewels, Arlington Weaves and Dennison lane home goods were interviewed in the studios of FOX5 DC.

Even the hosts were stumped to arrange the asymmetrical ‘Can You Solve Me’ puzzle pieces into a simple shape. Also, on Friday, December 1, NBC 4 hosted their morning segment ‘Live in the Community’ on site at the Courthouse shop for the entire 6 a.m. hour. Plenty of coffee from Commonwealth Joe got the day off to a great start.

There are still lots of items in the shop that are perfect for the office gift exchange, visiting holiday relatives and the friend who has everything. Coffee, tea towels, wine stops, t-shirts, wine bottle bags, handwoven yoga mat straps and plenty of chocolate are all available. And two weekly lobby pop-up vendors are still to come.

On Thursday, December 14 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., shoppers will be treated to edible and wearable eye candy. Ruth Barzel, master jewelry designer who uses fine metals and semi-precious stones to make delectable and timeless pieces that suit anyone’s style will show off her beautiful work. The pieces are meant to reflect the wearer and be worn daily as the new favorite.

The final weekly pop-up on Thursday, December 21 will satisfy any sweet tooth. Kingsbury Chocolates is the expert in connecting the sweet experience with unusual ingredients that take the confections to a new level. Rob Kingsbury has never been one to stick to one type of sweet product. Who knew his lavender lemonade mix was the secret ingredient to a local restaurant’s summer ice pop? Come for some sweets, sample some surprises. Finish your holiday shopping in one unique place and support Arlington entrepreneurs.

The Plaza Shop is located on the 1st Floor lobby of 2100 Clarendon Blvd and will be open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through December 22 unless otherwise noted.

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. 

Well, we’re starting to see the snowflakes fall and there will surely be more on the way. So, if you’re selling a home here in Arlington County, what does that mean for you?

For starters, it means you need to have your shovel ready. No prospective buyer wants to trek through powdery or icy terrain when they already have to everywhere else.

And, in general, while the season may be slightly gloomy, it doesn’t mean your home has to be as well. Think about what you can do to brighten up your home — from lighting to festive décor — amid the dark skies and periodic grey days.

While my team and I have helped many folks find the perfect home in Arlington County, we’ve also helped equally as many sell theirs. When it comes time to GET MORE out of your home sale — regardless of the season — we’re here for you!

As of December 11 there are 169 detached homes, 34 townhouses and 219 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 15 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.

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