Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

A Historic Change for the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

By Greg Godbout

37 years ago the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse opened as a second-run movie theater (1 to 3 months old) and has never played first-run movies (released in the first week). Until now! Next week — we are proud to present Star Wars: The Last Jedi. At the same release date as other theaters. Although it almost didn’t happen.

A year ago this month, we made the decision to become a first-run movie theater, because online streaming of films has cut out the second-run theater window. Our style of showing films vanished from the industry. The switch to first-run was made this summer (May 2017), and the timing was bad. This was the worst summer for the entire movie industry in 25 years. We could have done without that.

While suffering through a tragic summer movie season we experimented with arthouse films and top box office films. The top box office films performed better. The goal was to also try some first-run films in their first week of release — unfortunately, the studios wouldn’t give us early access to films. It was a difficult uphill battle. Many studios insisted that we pick between movies or live comedy. Fox Studios and Warner Brothers were the most difficult.

For the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse to thrive, we need both movies and live comedy. We are the only theater in the country to balance top national release films and top national touring comics. Our unique balance puts us at odds with the large corporate movie studios, even though we depend on them.

Disney came to our rescue. After politely declining our request to play Star Wars a couple of times, Disney ultimately agreed. They too wanted to see how we could do with a first-release blockbuster. After months of experimentation — the largest and most dominant studio helped us out.

Our experiment with Star Wars will inform many programing decisions as we move forward. So please join us and let us know what you think. This winter our programing will center on national live comedy and Oscar nominated films. If Star Wars does well, we will add stretches of movies to our line up in the summer — that are true first-run films.

Based on current pre-sales for Star Wars, it is going to be a successful experiment for us. We provide an amazing social movie experience and can’t wait to see you here. We will have Star Wars drink specials and, as always, full tableside service. Tickets will be $10 with $8 matinees.

Please help us out by purchasing tickets in advance and plan on watching Star Wars at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse this holiday season. We do not show ads or trailers so the movie start time is the actual start time. Please arrive early.

Ask Eli: Are Two Bedroom Condos a Better Investment Than One Bedroom Condos?

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: Is it true that two-bedroom condos are a better investment than one-bedroom condos?

Answer: If you’re asking this question strictly as an investor, the answer is purely based on the numbers. If you’re buying for yourself, you’ll want to consider appreciation as well as what makes the most sense for your lifestyle. For example, do not spend an extra $150,000 because a two-bedroom will appreciate faster, if you’ll end up using the second room for storage and an occasional guest.

Two-Bedroom Condos Appreciate More than One-Bedrooms Condos

Below is a graph showing appreciation of one and two bedroom condos in Arlington since 2010. To maintain consistency, the data set uses condos built from 2000-2008 limited to one bedroom units with 600-800 sq. ft. and two-bedroom units with 900-1,400 sq. ft.

The average one-bedroom sold for $364,000 in 2010 and is selling for $409,000 in 2017 while the average two-bedroom sold for $529,000 in 2010 and is selling for $638,000 today. If you bought the average one-bedroom in January 2010 with 20% down, you’d have approximately $172,000 in equity today. If you bought the average two-bedroom in January 2010 with 20% down, you’d have approximately $294,000 in equity today by putting an extra ~$33,000 down in 2010.

If You’re An Investor

If you’re an investor, you’re looking at rental income, in addition to appreciation. As I wrote this spring, rental rates have been pretty flat in Arlington, especially along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, due to a lot of new rental buildings being built the last 5-10 years.

Based on the average 2010 purchase prices, rental income and a 25% down payment (most common % down for an investor), the average investor along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor has no cash flow from their investment. The table below does not include maintenance or property management fees and assumes average condo fees, taxes and insurance.

So Why Invest?

Considering that the above monthly cash flow summary does not include maintenance costs, property management fees or vacancy periods where is the value in owning an investment property?

  • Equity Build-Up: For a one-bedroom, your tenants would have contributed an average of $460/mon over the last 8 years ($44,000) to your equity balance and for a two-bedroom, your tenants contributed an average of $680/mon over the last 8 years ($65,000)
  • Tax Benefits: Another major benefit of investing are the tax benefits. Being able to deduct expenses like condo fees, tax payments and repairs. As well as depreciate the value of the condo and provide a huge annual financial benefit to off-set the weak monthly cash flow. A one-bedroom investor may be able to deduct about $20,000 per year and a two-bedroom investor about $30,000. Of course, you’ll want to discuss any deductions with your tax professional first.

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The Chew: A Vacation for Your Pet

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.

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

Colleen Corrigan, Writer and Animal Enthusiast

As much as we love being with our pets, when it comes to traveling during the holidays it’s worth considering what is best for your dog or cat. Our pets are creatures of habit and taking them out of their routines and familiar environments can be quite stressful, sometimes resulting in behavioral or medical problems.

At Bark + Boarding we are committed to providing owners and pets with a safe and supportive environment.  Here are some things we’d like to share about leaving your pet in competent hands while you head out for the holidays without your furry family member.

No Place Like Home

Cats definitely prefer to stay home. Change is hard on our felines and the stress of introducing them to new people in an unfamiliar place can cause problems such as urinating, clawing and relentless meowing.

At Bark + Boarding we make sure your cat is cared for by one of our trained pet care professionals who will visit your cat in your home and provide  just the right amount of attention and affection.

Lots of affection and attention

Dogs are very social creatures, but each is uniquely their own and some just need that special one on one connection whether it’s due to age, anxiety, medical issues or their particular breed.

Whatever the reason you prefer to keep your dog at home, in-home pet care professionals are trained to provide the best care possible for your dog where they have the comfort of their own bedding, toys, sights and smells. He or she should make sure your dog gets plenty of attention with play and gentle petting and of course, fresh air with a walk included during every visit.

Tell a pet-sitter about your pet

What is their favorite toy?  Where should they never be touched? Where are his hiding places? Share these details with your pet-sitter  and they will take it from there. Your pet will thank you for helping them communicate their wants and needs.

Stay, Play, Eat and Sleep Overnight

 Dogs who crave a lot of interaction will certainly benefit from running, playing and socializing to their heart’s content. You will be more relaxed, knowing your dog’s stay at a boarding facility like Bark + Boarding is full of constant care and attention in a safe, secure, clean environment with plenty of humans supervising his feedings, sleep and schedule.

Make sure it’s the right place for your dog

Some dogs are not suited for socializing with other dogs, therefore many reputable boarding facilities will require an evaluation of their temperament before they can stay. The ultimate goal is for all dogs to be able to play together safely and freely.

Some facilities, like Bark + Boarding, offer outdoor play time as well. Supervised play and exercise allows for all that energy to burn off making it less stressful for your dog to adjust to his new surroundings and sleep deeply after a full day of activities.

Bring your dog’s personal belongings for a smooth transition

Your dog adjusts better to being away from home with his personal belongings tucked in where he sleeps overnight. When you drop him off to board, bring a familiar blanket or toy to help him settle in.

It’s also important to bring enough of your dog’s food for the entire duration of his stay, and consider leaving some extra just in case your travel plans change. Eating his regular food will help prevent any digestive distress while you’re away.

Whether you’ll be away for one day or several, consider the options that are best for your furry friend. We hope the holidays are more happy than hectic and all of us at Bark + Boarding are here to offer peace of mind while you are away.

Mention this article for a FREE evaluation and click here to sign up for one today! If you have a question about your pet, feel free to come in, or email [email protected].

Rethink Energy: Arlington’s Energy Future

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. 

Two weeks ago the Rethink Energy program had the honor of partnering with Arlington’s Department of Technology services for a panel discussion on the Future of Energy in Arlington. This Digital Destiny series has taken Arlington on a conversational journey to look at the past, present and future of aging independently, mobility, learning and now energy.

Two questions immediately struck us at the event:

  1. How will we generate, store and use energy?
  2.  Can you predict the future of energy in Arlington?

How will we create, store and use energy?

Arlington’s electrical energy is generated far outside the Beltway, sent through transmission and distribution lines and arrives to power the device that you are presently using. More than half of the raw energy used to create electricity is lost during electrical generation.

Conversely, Arlington’s Discovery Elementary school generates as much solar power as it uses over the course of a year. This is a net zero energy school and it shows what is possible. APS is looking at how other schools may harness solar power and use it as a learning resource for students.

By mid-century, 2 of every 3 people on the planet will live in cities, or counties that resemble cities. Since cities are where people are and so much economic activity takes place, they are also the perfect place to generate and use energy. Renewable energy like solar power is an increasingly preferred power source. No fuel must be brought in, fewer additional long distance transmission lines will need to be built and the cost to install solar panels is dropping quickly.

In the past 24 months more than 120 Arlingtonians have participated in the solar co-op which has more than doubled the amount of solar on homes in Arlington. As electric vehicles increase in prevalence and are connected to homes with a solar array, opportunities exist to store solar power and even use a car to power your home.

We could go on and on about other emerging technologies, but folks, what you need to know is that things are changing quickly and the future of energy generation, storage and use is unfolding before our eyes.

Can you predict the future of energy in Arlington?

Not exactly, but here are a few things we see that may be in Arlington’s energy future.

  • Home values will increasingly be tied to energy efficiency and solar exposure
  • Electric vehicles (and eventually autonomous vehicles) will rule our streets
  • Time-of-use utility charges are likely coming, but will require the utility to expand the use of smart meters throughout the state. Energy is more expensive and dirty to produce when demand is highest, such as the middle of the day and especially during the dog days of summer.
  • Your home’s devices (e.g. dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator, thermostat, air conditioner, lighting) will increasingly include microchips connected to the internet, turn things off when you leave, adjust their operation to run when energy is cheaper (as noted in tie-of-use item above), order things for you and notify you when they need service.
  • Smart grids or micro grids will become a critical piece of community infrastructure. Right now when your home’s energy goes out, you likely have no other choice for power unless you have a generator. Micro grids are small electrical grids that can be separate and isolated from the overall grid. This could afford Arlington more control to operate in the event of a power interruption (e.g. derecho, snowmageddon, the great earthquake of 8/23/11).

We had a great time discussing Arlington’s energy past, present and future! If you are interested in attending or watching future Digital Destiny events in 2018 on Place and Livelihood, stop by the Digital Destiny page as more information is firmed up.  Also, take a look at the archived event videos while you’re at it.

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:

6827 28TH Street N
6 bed/6 bath, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Arcenious (Wylie) Bean
Listed: $1,695,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

1861 Adams Street N
3 bed/3 bath, 1 half bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Diane Lee
Listed: $849,900
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.

 

3207 South Glebe Road
3 bed/2 bath, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: James Larsen
Listed: $749,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

3183 Stafford Street S
3 bed/2 bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Thomas Arehart
Listed: $619,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

4929 7TH Road S, #4929
3 bed/2 bath, 2 half bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Janice Brangman
Listed: $442,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

2101 Monroe Street, #317
1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Lucinda Beline
Listed: $344,000
Open: Saturday 2-4 p.m.

 

1315 Walter Reed Drive S, #15101
1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Kari Steinberg
Listed: $255,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

Flying Colors: Flying Furnaces

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.

Every Fall, many customers come into my store and ask me what is the matter with the birds. They tell me they do not see them in their yards or at their feeders. They have become concerned that maybe there is some disease that has reduced the number of birds.

If you are new to feeding the birds, it is alarming to all of a sudden see the birds almost disappear. At best the birds only intermittently come to the feeders. And yet this is a perfectly normal event that occurs in the Fall. Some people think the birds have all migrated. Most of our backyards birds do not migrate. We lose the hummingbirds and warblers and some robins (although they seem to be staying around all winter now. We also receive a lot of Winter visitors like Juncos, White Throated Sparrows and Purple Finches. They will be in very large flocks usually bouncing around the ground and on platform feeders, picking up millet, sunflower chips and peanut pieces.

When Fall comes, the bounty of natural food is exploding. In our yards and gardens, in parks, in the forests, in meadows and even in the median area of our highways; there is an abundance of food. Flowers produce seeds. Shrubs and bushes produce fruit. Trees produce nuts such as acorns. And the wild birds in our yards notice and take advantage of the bounty. With all of the different sources of food to choose from, our feeders are visited less often.

That does not mean they are not coming to your feeders. But it will take a little longer for the food to be eaten. It is important to keep the food fresh. It is never a good idea to let the food stay more than a couple of weeks in the feeder if the birds have not been visiting.

But this phenomenon always occurs in the early part of Fall. For the past two months, the natural food has been eaten down. Days are getting shorter.   Nights are getting longer and colder. The birds in your area are eating more to survive.

Twenty-five years ago, I heard someone describe wild birds as flying furnaces. That description has always stayed me and I use it often to help customers visualize the challenges of birds in the wild. They need to fill up their stomachs with enough food to burn off and stay warm throughout the ten, eleven or twelve-hour nights. The more fat, in the form of nuts and suet’s, the more calories the birds can pack in and burn off at night. The longer the night, the colder the night, the harsher the night in the form of ice, snow, wind — the more birds will need the fat to survive. (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.”

Listings and sales picked up a little this week over last week. Sellers listed 41 homes, while buyers ratified 37 contracts on homes priced from $140,000 to over $2.2 million. The upper end market also saw a boost with seven sales over $1 million. And nine of the new listings sold within seven days.

Interest rates bounced around this week ending about four basis points lower at about 3.96% for a 30-yr fixed rate.

The Republican Senate and House are now trying to reconcile their two different tax reform bills and some of the provisions effecting homeowners may be dropped or modified. Watch the news to see what happens and how it will effect your wallet.

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

(We apologize, but we are having issues with our website links this week. The individual links have been temporarily removed due to technical difficulties. You can use this link to get some information on the properties.)

  • 1304 MEADE ST #APPT #1 ENG4, ARLINGTON, VA 22209 – $299,000
  • 2605 WALTER REED DR #B, ARLINGTON, VA 22206 – $319,900
  • 4073 COLUMBIA PIKE, ARLINGTON, VA 22204 – $599,888
  • 2216 CULPEPER ST S, ARLINGTON, VA 22206 – $639,000
  • 1200 HARTFORD ST N #211, ARLINGTON, VA 22201 – $659,000
  • 2819 21ST RD S, ARLINGTON, VA 22204 – $739,000
  • 4418 7TH ST N, ARLINGTON, VA 22203 – $755,000
  • 3611 3RD ST N, ARLINGTON, VA 22201 – $1,190,000

Statutes of Liberty: Temporary Protected Status is Ending. What to Do?

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This sponsored column is by James Montana, Esq., the principal of Steelyard LLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Arlington, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact him for an appointment.

By James Montana, Esq.

Temporary Protected Status (“TPS,” in legal argot) is one of the zaniest creatures in the Seussian paper-palace of immigration law. If disaster or civil war strikes Country X, the TPS system enables various actors in the Executive Branch to declare that Country X is temporarily unable to receive a wave of deportees from the United States, and, therefore, that the United States will allow potential deportees to Country X to remain here on sufferance. Through that procedure, TPS-holders can receive work permits and temporary safe harbor from deportation.

On the terms of the program, TPS is temporary. In practice, for most people most of the time, TPS has been permanent. TPS-El Salvador was designated during the George Bush presidency — George H.W. Bush, kids! — but has been renewed repeatedly since then by Republican and Democratic administrations alike.

The renewals appear to be over. The Trump Administration recently announced that it will terminate TPS protections for Nicaragua, Honduras and Haiti. Salvadorans, however, are the most numerous beneficiaries of TPS in the United States, and are disproportionately concentrated in our area — and TPS-El Salvador remains intact for now. A decision will be made by January 8, 2018.

So, what happens if TPS-El Salvador is shut down?

The simple answer is that Salvadorans with TPS will revert to the formal immigration status that they had before TPS was granted.

The more complex answer is that Salvadorans will face a list of interesting options. Of those, asylum and family petitions will be the most helpful for most people.

  1. Asylum

Under ordinary circumstances, you must apply for asylum within one year of entry into the United States. These are not ordinary circumstances. Under current law, the termination of TPS is an “extraordinary circumstance” which may excuse late filing. That “may” is going to blast tens of thousands of Salvadoran families into asylum offices across the United States — in particular, to the Arlington Asylum Office, where wait times are measured in years.

  1. Family petitions

TPS-holders aren’t all the same. Some of them entered the United States without inspection, by walking across the border. Some of them entered the United States with visas which have long since expired. Some of them entered without inspection and then later entered with inspection via a program called Advance Parole. TPS-holders who entered with inspection, either initially or subsequent to their initial entry, may be eligible for family petitions, through relationships (chiefly, marriage and children) which have sprung up in the decades since TPS was announced.

The important thing is to not act too hastily, and — above all — not to rely on the services of an “immigration consultant” or a notary. If you can’t afford a lawyer, my former colleagues at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, or our sister organization in Arlington, will be delighted to help you at a low-bono rate. Please be careful out there.

Orange Line Living Hosts Home Buying Class in Arlington

Attend the free Home Buyer Class hosted by Orange Line Living on December 12 to learn all of our tips and get $1,500 towards your next home purchase. + Another $500 towards appraisal from our friends at Pure Mortgage. The first 3 to attend each class get a free Google Chromecast!

Reasons to consider buying even if you’re unsure how long you will stay in Arlington:

  1. Your rental prices will increase each year, your mortgage typically will not
  2. You will have more options for using it to generate revenue
  3. Benefit of home-owner tax deductions on your mortgage interest and real estate taxes
  4. Benefit from leveraged appreciation

You will get a comprehensive explanation of the home purchasing process — there’s more to know than you’d think. The Orange Line Living Team will be teaching all of the acronyms and definitions you will need, what happens at each stage of your transaction, real strategies on how to negotiate a lower purchase price, the different type of loans available and much more. There will be local specialists from multiple industries in attendance, so come with questions.

Benefits of Attending

  • $1,500 credit towards your new home or towards early lease termination
  • 12-month home buy-back guarantee
  • Wine and cheese provided
  • $500 off your appraisal
  • The first 3 to attend will receive a Google Chromecast

Space is limited, register by clicking here.

The event is hosted by best-selling author and top nationally-ranked real estate agent Dan Lesniak, author of The HyperLocal HyperFast Real Estate Agent. Dan and his team have developed a special process that has allowed them to help over one thousand local families buy or sell their home.

Details

Space is limited so be sure to register here or at arlingtonhomebuyerclass.com.

Arts Focus: ‘Tis the Season for GRUMP Holiday Arts & Crafts Show in Crystal City

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

The words “grump” and Christmas may seem an unlikely pair. But for several years, the GRUMP Holiday Arts & Crafts Show has delighted those looking for unique, artist-designed and locally-sourced gift alternatives for the holidays (and those who want to see the Yeti). The popular pop-up market returns to the Crystal City Underground on Saturday, December 9 from 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Imagine shopping in a virtual-reality Etsy.com, and you’ll get the gist of GRUMP, which is co-sponsored by Arlington Arts, the Crystal City BID and JBG Smith. Experience 50 local makers chosen via jury. From the sublime (luxurious all-natural cosmetics) to the quirky (Lego©-covered bound journals), the vendors offer locally produced items including jewelry and bags, t-shirts, hand-milled soaps, stuffed animals, clever greeting cards and baked goods. Find something one-of-a-kind and local without browsing multiple boutiques, including:

Holland Cox handbags; Scarvelous (fabric accessories); Langdon Wood Maple Syrup (condiments); Legendary Bowties; Maré Naturals (cosmetics); Wunder Around (blown glass); Potomac Chocolate; Tigerflight (stuffed animals); Kuzeh Pottery; Craftgasm (paper craft); Becca & Mars (bath products); Sarah Cecilia Jewelry & Metal Goods; American Roadtrip Pillows; Block Party Press; Woolgathering; Bow Glass; Downward Dye; Artologica (science-inspired gifts); Spaghetti Kiss (tee shirts); Marney and swa (accessories); Splotch Monster Island; Laughing Moon Artworks; Jenny Wren Jewelry; Cuddles and Rage; Joe Engel; Naked Décor; Moonlight Bindery; Cynthia Connolly (Banned in DC); Karmic Kollections; Tina Seamonster; I Wear Blue Tights (clothespin magnets); Handmade Habitat (candles); Three Ravens Studio; Seeing in Fabric, Santiago Casares and many more.

And the fun doesn’t end with shopping. In partnership with Arlington Arts, there are numerous workshops* offered during the day:

*Alas, both of the Splotch Monster workshops are already at-capacity.

Among the highlights is an opportunity to Meet a Yeti at GRUMP (2 p.m.-2:45 p.m.) the ‘ferociously-loveable’ costumed ‘abominable snowman’ character that provides a great photo-op for all ages. Get on over to GRUMP Crystal City, at the Crystal City Underground, 1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Just Reduced banner

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, here we are. The last month of the year!

Things are beginning to look (and feel) a lot like Christmas here in Arlington County. The holiday décor is out. There are gifts galore at our malls and mom-and-pop shops. And, the temps are getting frigid.

While the mercury may be taking a nosedive on thermometers, our local real estate market remains hot. Sure, now is not the peak time for inventory. But, there are still some great bargains to be negotiated out there in one of the strongest markets in the country.

Not every market is anchored by low unemployment rates, comparatively high-paying jobs, a nationally recognized school system and dining/shopping options galore. We have it all here in Arlington County… and now we just need to find you a place to call home.

When you’re ready to GET MORE out of your home purchase this holiday season, our team is ready to roll.

As of December 4 there are 177 detached homes, 39 townhouses and 234 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 29 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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