Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

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 housesin Arlington. Here are a few highlights:

117 Park Drive N
5 bed/3 bath single-family home
Agent: Susan Craft
Listed: $1,060,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

3830 Abingdon Street N
3 bed/3 bath single-family home
Agent: Ann Petree
Listed: $864,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

2110 Tazewell Court N
4 bed/3 bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Matthew Shepard
Listed: $699,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

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

 

1600 Oak Street N , #929
2 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Maria Fernandez
Listed: $425,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

1020 Highland Street , #506
Studio condo
Agent: Michelle Zelsman
Listed: $370,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

4500 Four Mile Run Drive , #231
1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Keri Shull
Listed: $240,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

Flying Colors: Do They Know?

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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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.

There is a very big change happening in Arlington. It has been going on now for some time. No, I am not talking about the transformation of the Metro corridor, which has been happening for the past 25 years. Where the sleepy two, lane road of Wilson Boulevard is now surrounded by concrete giants and teeming with thousands of human beings. Human beings, living in village like communities, filled with shops, restaurants and entertainment, enjoying their lives.

The change that I am seeing, from my vantage point of my Wild Birds Unlimited retail store in north Arlington, is the migration of urban families to more suburban locations and lifestyles. Yes, it is only three miles away, but it could be a totally different planet. By moving out of the high rise apartments, condominiums and densely packed townhouses to the breath of fresh air single family home with a yard, a new world awaits.

A world of Nature. Nature in the form of open space. OK, we are not talking about Wyoming wide open spaces where the deer and the antelope play! Although deer do come with the real estate taxes. But there is flora; flowers, shrubs, huge trees for shade and life in the form of birds. There are easily thirty to forty different species of birds, who can filter through your yard during the four seasons. To sing, to build nests, to create families and to entertain with their forms, colors and antics.

So, as I watch the reduction of my long time (26 years in the Lee Harrison Shopping Center) customer base to the new young families, I ask myself — Do They Know?

Do they know the incredible peace and joy in partaking of the hobby of feeding birds in their new back and front yards? Do they know of the incredible bonding that happens when they engage their young children about the wonders of Nature? Do they know of the incredible color and diversity of birds that live in the tree canopies and in the shrubs and forage for seed, fruit, nuts and insects that call their home, home? (more…)

Just Listed in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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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.”

On the eve of Halloween, ever wonder how many homes in Arlington are haunted? On trick or treat night, it sure seems like there’s a lot of them. But what if they really are haunted?

Is an owner or listing agent required to disclose that the home has spirits, non-rent paying occupants who refuse to leave? The answer is: NO. Since we have no formal agency to certify that a home either is, or is not, haunted then it’s anybody’s guess, and not the type of info that requires disclosure. It doesn’t rise to the level of an “adverse material defect” as far as the regulatory agencies are concerned. So before buying a house, you’ll need to bring in your own Ghost Busters to know if its haunted.

This week, 49 homes came on the market, and 56 were sold. Only one sold within a week, helping to clear out some stale inventory. Days on market rose to 44. And of those sold this week, only four were priced above $1m. These are key metrics to ponder.

Interest rates continued their slow and steady march upward. The 30-yr fixed rate rose nine basis points this week, and mortgage applications for home purchases were down 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.

Statutes of Liberty: What is Happening to DACA?

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.

My clients and my friends want to know: What on earth is happening to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?

Here’s the state of play.

In 2012, President Obama promulgated DACA which, in effect, granted work permits and security to people who were brought to the United States as minors and met a laundry list of qualifications.

These young men and women came from all walks of life. I’ve won DACA relief for skilled carpenters, salesmen, a few graduates of very ritzy private schools and one especially memorable young man who overcame homelessness after winning DACA relief. Getting work permits was a big deal for all of them, and helping them out has been one of the most rewarding elements of my practice.

DACA was granted to individual applicants in two-year increments, beginning on whatever date United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) happened to approve the initial application. For this reason, approval dates (and renewal dates) were spread all over the calendar.

On September 5, 2017, President Trump issued a memorandum rescinding DACA. This memorandum had the following effects:

  1. USCIS is no longer accepting new applications for DACA.
  2. USCIS set a deadline of October 5, 2017 for renewal requests for DACA recipients whose status was expected to expire between September 2017 and March 5, 2018. That deadline has now passed.
  3. Current DACA recipients can no longer apply for travel permits.
  4. USCIS continues to re-issue requests to replace lost DACA work permits.

As of now, the unlucky folks who run out of DACA status will not be able to renew. That means that work permits can’t be renewed, and old deportation orders can, in theory, be put into effect.

The news isn’t all bad for DACA recipients. There are four major ongoing lawsuits challenging President Trump’s rescission of DACA in federal court. One or more of them might succeed, in one way or another: by halting the rescission of DACA, by overturning it completely or by preventing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using biographical data garnered through DACA in enforcement actions. I’m tracking these lawsuits closely.

Despite these setbacks, some DACA recipients are eligible to apply for green cards. DACA recipients who are married to U.S. Citizens (or lawful permanent residents) should contact an immigration attorney to learn more.

A more general solution remains elusive. Congress may act to formalize DACA through legislation; but, in my view, the chance of that happening is low. The more likely outcome is that President Trump will lift the rescission of DACA. We know he wants to. How do we know?

BASIS Independent McLean Open House

Curious Students. Expert Teachers. Endless Potential.  

At BASIS Independent McLean, a PreK-12 private school in Tysons Corner, students are inspired daily to discover their passions and learn at the highest international levels. Passionate expert teachers, a curriculum built from global best practices and an array of engaging extracurriculars, all unite to foster a joyful learning culture where all students can excel.

Join BASIS Independent McLean on November 4 for the first Open House of the school year, and experience our engaging teachers, dynamic classrooms and acclaimed program inaction!

Saturday, November 4 | 10 a.m.
8000 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, VA 22102

Register here.

Arts Focus: New Mural Debuts at Shirlington’s Valley Fest

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

If you see stars and paper airplanes circling your head when you look up from your beer during the first annual Valley Fest Celebration, it’s not that you’ve had one too many. It’s a new Arlington Arts Mural by artist Ham Smith on the façade of 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, adjacent to the event.

The Mural is making its official debut on Sunday, November 5, 2017 during this new street festival in front of Shirlington’s New District Brewing Company, 2709 S. Oakland Street, in Arlington, Virginia.

With live music, food trucks and local art on display, admission to Valley Fest is Free (with tickets for sale for the beer tastings). The first 50 attendees who stop by the Arlington Arts booth between 2-4 p.m. will receive a free tee shirt based on themes from the Mural, signed by the Artist himself.

Now based in Brooklyn, Ham Smith’s roots in the Arlington/Falls Church area go back five generations. Highly influenced by mid-century American blue collar culture, Smith’s work is prominently featured in celebrity chef Jose Andres’ Jaleo restaurants and numerous other commercial projects. His most recent projects have been commissioned in New York City, Los Angeles, Virginia and Savannah.

The home-base for Arlington artists and cultural groups ranging from WSC Avant Bard and Halau O ‘Aulani, to Jane Franklin Dance, the County-run 3700 venue is used for everything from workshops and rehearsals and a recording studio, to performances in the 80+ seat Theatre on the Run. The vibrant shapes and colors of the mural reflect the buzz of activity that occurs at the venue from morning till night.

If you miss getting your free Arlington Arts Mural Tee Shirt at Valley Fest, you can also purchase one at the new Made In Arlington pop-up retail market, a new showcase for the work of creative Arlington makers and artists. It’s located in The Plaza Shop on the 1st Floor lobby of 2100 Clarendon Boulevard (open M-F, 8-5 p.m.).

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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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. 

According to weather.com, we’re now in a “patchy” state in terms of fall foliage. Before we know it, all of Arlington County and much of our beautiful state will be painted with vibrant colors.

So, with so much natural beauty on the horizon and incredibly pleasant temperatures, how can you use these natural elements to your advantage? If you’re thinking of selling your home, well, it’s a perfect time.

You’ll want to take a few simple steps to ensure your curb appeal is on it’s A game. As beautiful as the leaves will be, you’ll want to be proactive in terms of raking your yard and keeping the gutters clean. And, as for your lawn, now is not the time to slack off. Just as you spent spring and summer keeping it well watered, you’ll want to keep an eye on any brown spots as the temps drop.

These tips are only the beginning in helping you GET MORE out of your home sale. When you’re ready to get it sold quickly and for the most dough possible, give my team a buzz.

And, as for the homes already on the market, here’s this week’s scoop:

As of October 23 there are 235 detached homes, 52 townhouses and 303 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 48 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.

Deal of the Day: Half Off Tickets to Clarendon Halloween Crawl

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

In Clarendon, you get one more chance to celebrate the most thrilling and chilling time of year, The Clarendon Halloween Crawl. Rise of the Day Drinkers on Saturday, November 4 will be the largest Halloween bar event in Arlington.

A ticket includes a souvenir haunted mug, party favors, access to Clarendon’s best bars, exclusive drink and food specials, free pictures of the event and a raffle entry to win great prizes. There will be amazing door prizes for the best dressed, so participants are encouraged to go all out with their most creative, funny or terrifying costumes.

Participating bars include: Clarendon Grill, Pamplona, Bar Bao, Mister Days, Whitlow’s, Whitlow’s Rooftop, Hunan One, Oz. and more bars to be announced.

With today’s ARLnow Deal of the Day, tickets are 50 percent off. Tickets, normally $20 each online, are half off when you use promo code “ARLNOW50.” Day of event tickets will be sold for $30.

Purchase Today’s Deal Now

Discount Code: ARLNOW50

WHEN: Saturday, November 4 from 1-9 p.m.

WHERE: Clarendon Neighborhood Bars

WHAT: Clarendon’s largest Halloween bar event.  Cover-free access to Clarendon’s best bars, great food and drink specials, party favors, free pictures of the event, costume contest and free raffle entry with amazing prizes. For more information please visit the event’s website: www.clarendonhalloweencrawl.com

You must be 21 or older to participate. Please drink responsibly.

Ask Eli: What Are The Biggest Mistakes Sellers Make?

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 came across an article you wrote about how buyers and sellers can avoid the most common problems encountered in a real estate transaction and it made me wonder what some of the most common mistakes are that home owners make when selling that have the biggest impact on their bottom line.

Answer: The biggest mistake a home owner can make when selling their home is not calling me first… kidding (but not really). Below are a handful of the biggest mistakes I see home owners make when selling their home, that have the most impact on their net bottom line. This is not exclusive to homes sold without an agent either. Unfortunately, I see many of the same mistakes on For Sale By Owner (FSBO) homes as I do on listings owners are paying an agent to manage.

Over-Investing In Updates

Choosing the right combination of updates to invest in (or not) to prepare your home for sale has the biggest impact on your net bottom line of any decision you’ll make. I cannot stress the importance of getting this decision right early in the process.

You should only invest in updates that will result in an ROI of greater than 100% or it’s a waste of money and time. Of course you will be able to sell your home for more money if you redo the kitchen and master bathroom, but in most cases, you’ll only get a fraction of your money back, generating a huge net loss for you.

Similarly, don’t spend $10,000 replacing floors, but ignore painting and leave your old brass doorknobs. Selecting the right “package” of updates that will generate the highest ROI is specific to your sub-market, budget, priorities and time of year.

Working with an agent on these decisions who works with both sellers and buyers is critical because they have a strong understanding of how buyers interact with homes during showings and the impact certain updates have on their buying decisions.

Stop Using Amateur Photography

My photographers are some of the most valuable assets I have because the quality of photos can make the difference between drawing heavy traffic and being passed over… Traffic = offers and heavy traffic = multiple offers. Buyers and agents are combing through a lot of homes to decide what is worth seeing in person and the quality of your photos influences that decision more than anything else. Do not take pictures with your cell phone. Do not use an amateur photographer. Do not use a photographer without real estate experience.

Listing On The Wrong Day

It’s Sunday evening… you’ve taken pictures, selected your asking price and spent all weekend cleaning so you’re finally ready to put your beautiful home on the market, make yourself a drink and watch the offers roll in. STOP. There is one day of the week that you should put your home on the market to maximize exposure while minimizing days on market (and two acceptable alternatives), but Sunday evening is not one of them. Feel free to email me to find out which day you should list your property and why.

Stage It… Vacant Or Not

I discussed this in detail earlier this year. It hasn’t changed. Yes, you should hire a staging professional. (more…)

Legal Insider: Be Wary of Non-Compete Agreements for Independent Contractors in Virginia

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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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 Kimberly H. Berry

An interesting question that has arisen recently is whether Virginia employers can use non-compete agreements with independent contractors. The answer is not entirely clear. There are many potential pitfalls for both the independent contractors that sign such agreements and the employers that attempt to enforce them.

The Problems with Non-Compete Agreements for Independent Contractors        

One of the main problems with requiring independent contractors to sign non-compete agreements is that independent contractors are different types of workers. An independent contractor is essentially its own business. Generally, an employer cannot compel an independent contractor, which is a separate business, to forfeit his or her business simply because it gave the independent contractor business.

Independent contractors may appear similar to employees (and many employers cross the line in terms of who they think they can classify as an independent contractor), but there are different loyalties and duties. For the most part, the more that an individual becomes a part of an employer’s business or organization, such as through signing non-compete agreements and assuming duties of loyalty, the more likely that the individual can be classified an employee.

Suppose that an independent contractor is paid and taxed as an independent contractor, and then the employer has the independent contractor sign a non-compete agreement. The very existence of such an agreement arguably initiates a shift of the contractor’s status from that of an independent contractor to a misclassified employee who owes a duty of loyalty to the employer. If the independent contractor has been misclassified by the employer, then the employer may risk having an unenforceable non-compete agreement, and potentially subjects itself to serious tax, overtime and government fine issues as a result of not paying the worker properly.

The legal issues and determinations associated with non-compete agreements for independent contractors in Virginia are in the very early stages and cannot be fully predicted. Given the large amount of government contractors in Northern Virginia alone, it appears that this issue will be further litigated.

Despite the relative uncertainty, an employer can easily run afoul of Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines regarding misclassification, and end up owing significant sums to the government as well as the misclassified employee following enforcement efforts related to a non-compete agreement.

To date, there are a few interesting Virginia cases on the topic, including the case of Reading & Language Learning Ctr. v. Sturgill, 94 Va. Cir. 94, Case No. CL-2015-10699 (Fairfax County Aug. 4, 2016). The Reading case involved an individual (Sturgill) who was training to be a speech therapist, but needed a clinical fellowship to obtain certification. (more…)

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:

3313 John Marshall Drive
6 bed/6 bath single-family home
Agent: Tom Francis
Listed: $1,675,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

2406 Quincy Street
3 bed/2 bath single-family home
Agent: Kenneth Courtade
Listed: $874,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

851 Glebe Road , #206
 1 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Jacqueline Miller
Listed: $455,000
Open: Sunday 12-2 p.m.

 

2600 16TH Street S , #732
4 bed/2 bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Diane Duston
Listed: $365,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

2869 Buchanan Street , B1
2 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: H. Zaza Pasori
Listed: $345,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

2902 13TH Street S , #2201
2 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Michael Webb
Listed: $295,000
Open: Friday 5-7 p.m., Saturday 1-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

105 George Mason Drive , 105-3
2 bed/1 bath condo
Agent: Miguel Avila
Listed: $250,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

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