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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: We want to upgrade our home with ‘smart’ technology but aren’t sure if it makes sense since we plan to sell our home in about a year. We’d feel better about doing so if it will increase the value of our home. Will these updates get us a higher price when it’s time to sell?

Answer: I see hundreds of homes each year and I’ve noticed only a slight increase in Arlington owners and renters using smart home devices. While supply is low for homes equipped with automated technology, evidence and buyer feedback points to increased interest in these homes and a slight bump in sale price, too.

What makes a home smart?

A smart home integrates three or more Internet of Things devices to solve daily tasks through automation, often working interdependently to complete them without human assistance. These devices are usually wirelessly connected to automate, control and monitor home functions like adjusting the temperature, grilling food, warming a mattress, dimming and turning off lights, checking on a video feed of your sleeping baby and feeding your pet.

Are buyers interested in smart technology in the home?

A recent Gartner survey of consumers in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia shows 10 percent of households take advantage of connected home solutions. Reasons for the lower adoption are varied: the perceived pain of the tech learning curve, the steady influx of new devices, and IoT privacy and security concerns.

In the US, adoption rates are higher:

By far the most popular devices are home security alarm systems, which have nearly double the adoption rates (18 percent) of newer connected home solutions, like home monitoring (11 percent), home automation or energy management (9 percent)… adoption rates were 5 to 6 percent higher in the U.S., where smart home devices were mostly first marketed.

You might think that smart homes are primarily valued by Millennials, but researchers are finding that home automation broadly appeals to Millennials, Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers, with Gen Xers spending the most money.

Will A Smart Home Technology Investment Pay Off When It’s Time to Sell?

I have a similar answer to this question as I do with a number of other home improvement projects. Yes, a smart home investment is likely to improve value, but it’s unlikely to return you 100 percent or more of your investment. Your decision to purchase smart home technology should factor both a bump in resale value and the personal value it brings to your family while you live there.

The type of smart home technology you choose will matter too. Selecting popular products like lights, thermostats, door lock, security systems, and cameras can be highlighted during showings and are generally pretty easy to control, which result in positive buyer reactions. However, I’ve visited a few homes with complex designs and unusual products, which ended up deterring my clients because of the presumed headache and cost of maintaining the system.

Thinking about renting out your property?

Renters are very interested in smart homes and I think this is one of the best ways for home-owners to compete for renters with higher end rental apartments. Millennial renters who live in multi-family dwellings were surveyed last fall about housing preferences. Eighty-six percent would pay more for a “smart” rental.  Sixty-five percent of Baby Boomers in the same survey indicated they would do the same. Furthermore, it was revealed that Millennial renters would pay about 20 percent more for smart home features; and 44 percent would trade a parking space to live in a “high-tech” apartment.

Has Smart Home Technology Influenced Your Purchase?

I’d like to hear from readers who have either been drawn to or turned away from a home with a smart technology package. If you’ve been a buyer in recent years and smart technology was a factor in your decision, I’d like to hear about it in the comments!

If you’re interested in seeing a smart home in action, I recently took a tour of the Alarm.com demonstration house in Falls Church, just off W. Broad Street. Send me an email if you’re interested in seeing the home and I can put you in touch with somebody from the team.

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at http://www.RealtyDCMetro.com.  

Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 2420 Wilson Blvd #101 Arlington, VA 22201, (202) 518-8781.


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.

When I first moved here six years ago from Brooklyn, N.Y., somewhere along the way my cats picked up fleas. With no money in my pocket, I had to deal with the issue myself instead of taking them to a professional. If you’ve never experienced giving three cats a flea dip, I don’t recommend trying. I was sure a neighbor would call the police to report a horrible crime was taking place from the sound of my cats’ yowling!

Cats by nature are clean animals. If you’re a cat owner, you know the two activities cats spend most of the day doing are sleeping and grooming.

So if cats are constantly grooming their fur, why do most of them dislike water?

Cats and Water

Although no one knows for certain, there are theories on why they freak out over a bath. When a cat’s fur gets wet, it feels heavier, making them very uncomfortable. Cats are naturally skittish and don’t care for surprises or change. When a cat is uncomfortable they’re not happy and won’t hesitate to let you know with a swift scratch or a piercing bite. Another reason is with wet fur, a cat experiences a loss of body heat, especially for those cats living in colder climates.

Another possibility is due to a cat’s sense of smell being up to 100,000 times stronger than ours. Perhaps they can smell the other nutrients or chemicals in our tap water and rebel against having that scent imbedded in their coats.

My personal favorite theory is that cats evolved from felines living in dry warm areas of the world, such as Egypt, and therefore saw very little water. As they evolved, water was something they never got used to.

Not all cats have a fear of water. Chimi, my first cat, often crawled into the shower with me to let the water run down on him. If a toilet seat were left up, I would find him sitting inside like it was his own personal bathtub. When I would run any tap in sinks he would crawl under the tap and submerge his head. He was an extraordinary feline, however, there are breeds of cats, such as the Turkish Van, often called the “swimming cat,” that love being in water.

If You Must…

Most cats don’t require baths on a regular basis, but if you must, here are a few tips for fellow cat owners:

  • Don’t add anything to the water like scented bubble bath or oils. Make sure the      water is warm and run the sink or bath before getting them in the tub. The sound of running water can add to their fear. Don’t rinse them under a running tap. Instead use a cup to rinse them after shampooing.
  • Stroke and talk to them in a soothing calm voice during the process.
  • Place a towel on the bottom of the sink or tub for them to stand on so they won’t feel as if they could slip.
  • Use a shampoo made specifically made for cats. Make sure it is unscented.

Consult a Professional

If you find your cat has fleas or needs a bath for other reasons, the best advice is take them to a professional. Our groomer, Lux, is amazing at grooming cats and has taught me how to handle them for any future baths, brush outs or nail trims to avoid potential emergency room visits. I sure could have used her advice six years ago.

By Sara Schabach-In-Home Pet Sitting Manager and Company Writer

If you have a question about your pet’s behavior, feel free to email [email protected]. If you, your pet, and behavior are featured in an article, you will receive $10 off any of our services.


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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.

Today I want to tell you about the benefits of feeding Jim’s Birdacious Bark Butter. Bark Butter is a peanut butter, calcium and rendered beef suet concoction. It was created by Wild Birds Unlimited president Jim Carpenter to attract Brown Creepers to his yard.

Bark Butter can be smeared on any tree, seed cylinder, suet plug feeder, or a specialty Bark Butter feeder. It is a sticky recipe that allows it to be smeared with a fork, but not stick to the fork.

Many of our customers have used it on the sides of their seed cylinders for added calcium during nesting season or added fat for cold winters. Birds will grab on to any of these surfaces to grab a bite-sized chunk and fly away with a delicious meal.

As I told you, Jim created Bark Butter to attract his Brown Creepers which wouldn’t come to any other food he offered. Well he got them plus so many more birds. Jim found that about 140 species, from the East Coast to the West Coast, are eating his Bark Butter product and the list keeps growing.

Nuthatches, woodpeckers, chickadees, mockingbirds, catbirds and cardinals are just a few of the many interested birds. Birds that migrate through our area also loved Bark Butter. Summer tanagers, bluebirds, indigo buntings and many warblers are frequent visitors to Bark Butter feeders.

Why Bark Butter and not peanut butter you ask? Well for one peanut butter is loaded with sugar, salt and other unnatural ingredients that are not intended for birds.

Two, even if you buy organic it is full of salt that can dehydrate a bird quickly. The soft pliable texture of Bark Butter allows the adults birds to bring new fledgings to the feeders to eat. Bark Butter also comes in a “Bit” size formula which can be added to any regular seed and nut feeder.

Bark Butter can be a great addition to any backyard. Everyone can benefit from this nutritious snack. Mama and Papa birds can easily grab a chunk and feed it to their young, Nuthatches can creep up and down a tree trunk and enjoy a nibble and you can enjoy watching your feathered friends snack on a nutritious meal while sitting back drinking your cup of coffee.

Spread the Bark Butter on a large tree at dusk and you have a great chance to see “Flying Squirrels” come down and feed. Flying Squirrels are very common in this area.  But they are nocturnal and quite secretive.

Bark Butter and Bark Butter Bits is the most popular food you can offer the birds in your backyard.  Easy to use and absolutely no mess to clean up makes this a great food source to offer your wild birds.  We are the only store in the Northern Virginia area that carries this unique food.   Stop on by and pick up a tub.  Your birds will be very happy you did.

For an extended list of the birds that eat Bark Butter, go to www.barkbutter.com.


2501 N. Lincoln Street
Neighborhood: Dover Crystal
List Price: $3,195,000
Open House: Sunday, May 14 from 12-3 p.m.

This breathtaking home is a must-see property for those looking for a comfortable and versatile home that is perfect for intimate living and entertaining.

Located in a sought-after Arlington neighborhood minutes to the George Washington Parkway and D.C., 2501 N. Lincoln is nestled at the end of a cul de sac on a beautifully landscaped lot with a private back yard overlooking Windy Run Park.

This stunning home has a large, open floor plan on the main and lower levels. The main level chef’s kitchen boasts granite counters, two sinks, two dishwashers, warming oven, Wolf range with two ovens, Sub-Zero refrigerator, ice maker, beverage cooler and a large island. The lower level is perfect for entertaining with another kitchen and bar area, game area, home theater, fifth bedroom and en suite bathroom.

The backyard is fully landscaped with a deck and patio accessed from the main level and another patio and grassy area accessed from the lower level. Terracing and mature trees complete this very private yard.

Lincoln is filled with custom touches including a cherry paneled study, a coffered ceiling on the main level living area, a mud room with ample storage, large walk-in pantry, wet bar off of study, butler’s pantry and three-car side load garage with organizational system. The upper level has four generously sized bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. The master has a deck overlooking the rear yard and master bathroom with heated floors and large walk-in closet.

Listed by:
Kate Thompson | Weichert, Realtors
3998 Fair Ridge Dr., Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22033
703.598.2073 | [email protected]


Sponsored By homezen.
homezen saves you thousands by making it easy to sell your home without an agent.
Created By BlankSlate

Rob and Feli were ready to sell their home, but there was one thing they wished to avoid-the 6 percent realtor commission. “We wanted to sell our house on our own to avoid that,” says Rob. “We felt that the real estate system is very broken. In our case, the fee would have been $31,500.”

But how does one sell a house when you’ve got no experience? “We were reluctant because we were not familiar enough with the process and the laws,” says Rob. “Then we stumbled across homezen. We were amazed at how low their flat fee was for the services that they were providing.”

To help the couple determine the value of their home, homezen did a competitive analysis. “Then they helped us to formulate a selling strategy to maximize our profit,” says Rob.

Next, homezen dispatched a professional real estate photographer to take photos, which they used to list the couple’s home on the MLS. Their listing went live on Good Friday and by Saturday morning the couple started getting requests for viewing; the first offer came in later that day. By Easter Sunday, they had an all-cash offer–at $5,000 higher than their list price.

“With homezen’s help, we sounded like we knew exactly what we were talking about in negotiations,” says Rob. “We were elated with the results, because it was $20,000 more than we thought we could sell the home for.”

An Easter miracle? The couple was so grateful that they crafted a personalized thank you (pictured).

“We learned a lot in the process,” says Rob, who adds that homezen continued to help them navigate through the contract paperwork and home inspection. “And we’ve been bragging to all of our friends about how we saved $21,000!”

How can homezen save you $20,000? Instead of charging the standard 6 percent commission, homezen charges a low flat fee. They’re already saving money for sellers in Logan Circle, Shaw, Brookland, the Palisades, Glover Park, Arlington, Alexandria and beyond.

You can check out the homezen website website or give them a call at 202.509.0553.


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This biweekly column is sponsored by the Arlington Office of Emergency Management.

If your answer to the headline was heat and drought emergencies — you’re right! And we’ll address that a little later this summer. But let’s drill down to the second and third deadliest weather hazards for a moment: tornadoes and lightning.

We’re entering the season when it seems like we have almost daily thunderstorms, and it can feel like Arlington Alert is notifying you of so many severe weather watches and warnings, you almost stop paying attention. Here’s why you shouldn’t:

What is a Severe Thunderstorm?

A severe thunderstorm is any storm that produces hail at least 1 inch or larger, or wind that is 58mph or higher. Don’t be fooled by the definition — softball-size hail and winds over 100mph have been reported with severe thunderstorms.

Severe thunderstorms also have another potential byproduct: tornadoes, dangerous lightning and flash flooding.

Steps from Safety

Lightning strikes the U.S. 25 million times a year, killing an average of 49 people and injuring hundreds.

Seventy percent of strikes occur during the summer months, and a majority of deaths occur in males, and in people who are outdoors enjoying leisure or sporting activities, like fishing, camping, boating, yard work and beach-going. Many victims of lightning strike were either headed to safety, or just steps away when they were struck.

Tornadoes can, and do, accompany severe thunderstorms

We tend to think of tornadoes as a weather hazard the southern part of the state has to deal with. But as we saw earlier this year, tornadoes are a very real threat of severe thunderstorms. Three tornadoes sprouted from a severe thunderstorm on April 6, injuring one person here in Arlington, and causing damage in Herndon and Arlington as well as in Washington, D.C.

In the April tornadoes, the National Weather Service did not classify the event as a tornado until the next day, so only a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was sent out. This makes it even more important to take every severe thunderstorm warning seriously.

Be Thunderstorm-Safe Every Time

Follow these tips to keep you and your family safe during a severe thunderstorm:

  • Know the Terms:
    • Watch = Severe storm/tornado is possible; monitor weather & local radio for information
    • Warning = TAKE COVER; a severe storm/tornado has been sighted or is about to happen
  • If the Thunder Roars, Go Indoors: If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. Stay inside for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.
  • Lose the Conductors: Avoid sinks, faucets, tubs, corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
  • Seek Safety Immediately
    • Go to a lower level, and stay away from windows and doors
    • Do not lie on concrete floors or lean on concrete walls
    • Get out of, and away from, bodies of water
    • Leave elevated areas, like hills, mountain ridges or peaks
  • Get the Message! Register with Arlington Alert to receive automated National Weather Service alerts. You can also choose to receive emergency notifications and traffic notifications from Arlington at the same time!

4903 Washington Boulevard
Neighborhood: Waycroft-Woodlawn
List Price: $935,000
Open House: Saturday, May 13 from 1-4 p.m.

Imagine yourself living in this authentic Arlington Tudor style home full of character! This charming home sits on an 8,200+ sq ft lot and has nearly 3,000 sq ft of living space on 4 finished levels. There are 5 bedrooms on the upper levels – which is a rare find in homes of this price range. There are 2 full and 2 half baths, and an expansive finished lower level with natural light streaming through large windows. Beautiful oversized landings are an additional bonus.

This home is perfect for entertaining with a circular flow on the main level and to the outside. The kitchen is updated with all new appliances and granite counters and there is a charming breakfast nook with butler’s pantry. You’ll love relaxing in the main level sunroom which you’ll enjoy year-round as it has efficient radiant heat in the floor. The sunroom opens up to a lovely deck leading out to a fenced level yard.

Architectural elements are pleasing to the eye with original moldings, arched doorways, beautifully restored hardwood floors, and many built-ins. The circular driveway and additional driveway to the detached garage are perfect for this home. And with only a block to the bus stop and less than 3/4 mile to the Ballston Metro, and less than a mile to Westover shops/restaurants, this is a fabulous location!

For floorplans and more photos, visit www.ArlingtonTudor.com

Listed by:
Donna Hamaker

Top 5% of Realtors Nationwide
Buck & Associates
www.DonnaHamaker.com
[email protected]
(703) 582-7779


What NOT to do before purchasing a new home:

  1. Don’t finance new big-ticket items. New financing will increase your debt-to-income ratio.
  2. Don’t open a new line of credit. Building good credit is a slow and steady process.
  3. Don’t switch jobs. Show potential lenders you are a low risk applicant by not making any major life changes.
  4. Don’t move your money. Lenders want to see consistent savings habits and for all deposits to be well documented.
  5. Don’t do it alone. While it certainly is possible to buy a home without a professional, a good real estate agent can save you time, money, and stress.

What SHOULD you do?

Attend the Home Buyer Class hosted by Orange Line Living!

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
  • 12-month home buy-back guarantee
  • Food and drinks provided
  • AND the first 3 to attend will receive a Roku Express!

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

To register, head over to arlingtonhomebuyerclass.com. There are only 18 seats available per session so register today!


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This biweekly sponsored column is written by the experts at Gordon James Realty, a local property management firm that specializes in residential real estate, commercial real estate and homeowner associations. Please submit any questions in the comments section or via email.

There’s no better time to live in Washington, D.C. than the spring. While visitors from all over the world flock to see the “City in Bloom” with 3,000 cherry trees in blossom, residents of the city know that there is much more to life in the capital. From Columbia Heights to NoMa, Washington, D.C. is filled with parks, green spaces and other ways to enjoy the outdoors and warmer weather. Professional sports, festivals, al fresco dining options and activities taking place throughout the city make D.C. a great place to live. Take a look at some of the best reasons to love the District in spring and summer:

  1. Open Air Dining

As the weather warms up, the restaurants and bars in D.C. open their doors to let in the sun. Patios become filled with tables and umbrellas; rooftop bars offer great places to enjoy a view of the city with a decadent cocktail or refreshing beer. Over in Columbia Heights, many apartments and buildings are within walking distance to some of the city’s best ethnic food restaurants. Nominated as one of Bon Appetit’s 50 Best Restaurants in America, Thip Khao Laotian cuisine offers air conditioned indoor dining and a spacious patio. Colorful El Chucho has a small rooftop space perfect for enjoying happy hour.

Food trucks are taking over the nation, including the capital. Lucky for D.C. dwellers, spring marks the opening of Truckeroo, a monthly gathering of food trucks that starts having events in April. Held at the Fairgrounds, Truckeroo features food trucks from D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Truckeroo draws families and foodies from all over the region looking for nearby entertainment, games and more.

  1. Festivals and Events

Festival season starts in the spring. Amongst the biggest spring festivals in the city is the world-famous National Cherry Blossom in April. Visitors from all over the world looking to see the blossoms, parades, cultural programs and festivities come to attend the three-day long festival. Lucky locals have the opportunity to enjoy the blossoms for as long as they linger on the trees.

Outdoor movies are just around the corner. Movies on the Green take place in neighborhood parks throughout D.C., Virginia and Maryland. Families and neighbors gather in parks around the city to watch classic family favorites on the big screen while picnicking and making new friends. Georgetown, Chinatown, Woodley Park and numerous other neighborhoods have all held outdoor screenings in the past. The outdoor event is something which residents look forward to each year when the weather warms up.

  1. Sports and Activities

The Washington Nationals are back in season. Throughout the year, proud fans wave flags from their homes and balconies and wear team apparel. Once spring rolls around, fans will be heading to the stadium to enjoy the game in the outdoors. Between games, the stadium hosts events and festivals, so even non-sports lovers get in on the action.

You don’t have to be a pro baseball fan to enjoy sports in D.C. With spring, parks begin to fill up with impromptu soccer games and other sports, while bikers take to the streets.

  1. Hiking

Rock Creek Park may be the most well known spot for hiking in D.C., but other neighborhoods have their share of trails as well. Suburban spots in Maryland and Virginia, including Great Falls and Catoctin Mountain Park are just a couple of favorite places for locals to get out of the city and into nature. Many spots are less than an hour away and make for a great day trip or weekend getaway without having to go too far from home.

  1. Farmer’s Markets

The city offers easily accessible farmer’s markets all over, from Columbia Heights to Georgetown. Often held on weekends in parks and parking lots, farmer’s markets make it easy to get your fruits and vegetables in a city that enjoys healthy eating options. Bring your own bag and try new things from farms in nearby Maryland and Virginia. Many farmer’s markets also offer live music and pre-made food so that you can get the ambience of a country fair without leaving your neighborhood.

Gordon James Realty is available to make sure everything is working well with your rental to allow you to enjoy the good weather.


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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.

The Caps absolutely schooled the Penguins earlier this week… and we hope there’s another schooling in store for Pittsburgh this evening.

Let’s go Caps!

While we’re on the topic of schooling, the Washington Post just released its “Challenge Index” rankings of U.S. high schools. All four Arlington County public high schools were ranked in the top 100 of area high schools and these same four schools were recognized as being among the best in the nation.

And, those are just our high schools – our elementary and middle schools are constantly being recognized as well. So, if you’re on the hunt for a home in Arlington County for your family, just know that you’ve got a pretty solid educational base for your kids to blossom from.

As of May 9 there are 230 detached homes, 55 townhouses and 258 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 51 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.


Ask Eli banner

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: How does the price range of the home for sale affect the speed of the sale?

Answer: Last week I published statistics showing how quickly homes in Arlington sell (20 percent in the first five days, 50 percent in the first 30 days) and received a follow-up question in the comments asking how price impacts days on market. Here’s your response!

Data Description

The following data represents more than 15,000 sales in Arlington since January 1, 2012, broken out by sold price within the three primary housing types in Arlington – apartments/condos, townhomes and single-family/detached homes.

Key Findings

  • The middle price ranges sell fastest, with the cheapest and most expensive inventory in each housing type taking the longest to sell
  • Townhomes are in the most demand and sell two and a half weeks faster than other housing types
  • If you’re selling an apartment or single family over $1 million, be patient with your pricing and don’t worry if you don’t get your asking price immediately. It usually takes some time for those buyers to materialize.
  • Yes, there were actually nine single-family homes that sold for under $300,000 in Arlington (eight in 22204 and one in 22206)

I always appreciate hearing from readers in the comments section and via email. If you have any questions about the Arlington real estate market, please do not hesitate to post them in the comments or send me an email to [email protected].

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at http://www.RealtyDCMetro.com.

Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 2420 Wilson Blvd #101 Arlington, VA 22201, (202) 518-8781.


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