Author: ARLnow.com Sponsor

Biz Talk: Arlington Economic Development unveils new workforce program

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This article was written by Conor Courtney, strategic initiatives manager for Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington’s Amazon HQ2 bid brought the issue of workforce front and center for future economic development projects. As Arlington’s tech ecosystem continues to grow, so does the opportunity to innovate workforce development programs.

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is proud to announce a new workforce development program, the Arlington Talent Pilot Program, supporting Arlington residents and businesses. The Program provides companies with an increase of local talent by offering Arlington residents experiential opportunities in the tech industry.

“Arlington is home to both a highly educated workforce and many fast-growing tech companies. We know there are residents who may have the interest, but perhaps no formal tech background,” said Marian Marquez, Arlington Economic Development’s director of business investment. “This Program will support aspiring Arlingtonians in developing in-demand skills for a career in technology through a paid, experiential learning program.”

What is the Arlington Talent Pilot Program?

The Arlington Talent Pilot Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, will provide 10 Arlington residents the opportunity to gain valuable software development experience and a pathway into a technology career.

Arlington-based Exelaration, the #2 tech and engineering internship provider in the U.S., will deliver these results through experiential learning and software development mentorship. The Program is designed to accommodate career changers and others without a traditional higher education background in tech. Rather than requiring 4-year college, the application process and Program emphasize skills, capabilities and aptitude.

How does it work?

The Arlington Talent Pilot Program connects aspiring software developers with temporary, full-time paid positions at Exelaration, where they develop essential tech industry experience under expert mentorship. Program participants work on real-world client projects and learn industry best practices through instruction and mentorship.

Exelaration is partnering with local programs and organizations such as Bridges to Independence and Capital Youth Empowerment Program, as sources for potential talent.

There are several ways for companies and organizations to get involved, including events, networking, projects, donations, lectures and more. Interested companies and organizations can learn more through Exelaration’s partnership page.

How to Apply

Those interested in learning more about applying for the Arlington Talent Pilot Program can do so directly through Exelaration’s applicant portal. The application portal closes on July 1, and the first cohort begins on September 6, 2022. Applicants must be Arlington, Virginia residents, and no secondary degree is required.

About Arlington Economic Development 

Arlington Economic Development (AED), part of Arlington County Government, is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of an economically competitive and sustainable community, and the creation of exciting, diverse and amenity-rich places. AED provides visionary leadership and superior services to Arlington’s business and arts community, its tourism industry and its real estate development. For more information, visit arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com.

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 Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes. 

As of June 6, there are 155 detached homes, 46 townhouses and 236 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 46 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

900 S. Wakefield Street

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 Arlington Realty, Inc.

Building your dream home: New construction seminar

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Building your perfect home is a memorable and rewarding experience.

However, it does not come without its challenges. Navigate the new construction process with ease while avoiding expensive mistakes with the help of experts on the top-selling real estate team in the D.C. metro area!

Two of Keri Shull Team’s seasoned Client Success Agents, Bridget Mendes and Sofia Luna, will be leading this seminar at our Rosslyn office.

Attend to learn about:

  • Advantages of New Construction — We’ll take an in-depth look at how you can design the exact home you are dreaming of!
  • Buying a Builder-Owned Lot vs. Finding Your Own — Which solution is best when finding a lot? In the D.C. metro area, land can be rare. We’ll show you how to find it.
  • Choosing the Right Agents and Specialists — Don’t risk costly problems or losing your dream home! A good agent will help you close faster and pay less.

Come join us at 1600 Wilson Boulevard, Suite #101, on Tuesday, June 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. for this FREE seminar. Don’t miss the opportunity to turn your dream home into a reality through the proper education and support!

Claim your seat today!

Ask Eli: Which property types appreciate faster?

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This regularly scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Ask Eli, Live With Jean playlist. Enjoy!

Question: What type of property appreciates faster — condo, townhouse, or single-family?

Answer: Since 2012, the data is clear — single-family homes appreciate the fastest, followed by townhouses/duplexes, and then condos. Since 2012, the average single-family home has appreciated 69% compared to 27% for condos.

This pattern was true before the pandemic market sent single-family home prices through the roof (see 2016/2018 numbers below), but was amplified over the last two years as demand intensified for single-family homes.

South Arlington Appreciating Faster Than North Arlington

Based on appreciation since 2012, South Arlington has been a better investment than North Arlington for all three property types. I expect that trend to continue as new construction picks up steam in South Arlington, Columbia Pike development continues to thrive, and Amazon HQ2 expands hiring.

(more…)

Home selling seminar: Best tips to sell your home for more!

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

With many homes on the market moving quickly for above the asking price, now is the perfect time to maximize your home’s value!

Learn how to get top dollar for your home while minimizing stress and saving time with the help of expert agents on the top-selling real estate team in the D.C. metro area.

Angela Decint, ranked as a top realtor by the Washingtonian, and listing specialist Lane Brenner, will be hosting this selling seminar at Keri Shull Team’s office in Rosslyn. Attend to get all your burning real estate questions answered.

You’ll discover:

  • How to know the perfect time to sell your home
  • The right strategy for pricing your home to sell
  • The power of off-market home sales
  • How to market your home to as many buyers as possible
  • And much more!

Join us on Thursday, June 9 at 6 p.m. for this FREE in-person seminar. You won’t want to miss out on learning how to sell your home for the best possible price through cutting-edge techniques. We will validate parking for those commuting by car.

Reserve your seat today!

Just Listed in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Just Listed highlights Arlington properties that just came on the market within the past week. This feature is written and sponsored by Andors Real Estate Group.

Good morning Arlingtonians, welcome to Just Listed and as always, thanks for reading!

Inventory has continued to rise, we’re now on a nine-week run, up about 33% in that timeframe!

Mortgage rates technically declined, sitting at 5.09% for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage. Three weeks in a row of declines continues to bring a bit of reprieve for buyers, but these rates have simultaneously pushed many out of the market. I spoke with a couple lenders yesterday who told me they are able to quote well qualified purchasers just under the 5% mark as of the past few days.

Arlington is up to 374 pieces of currently available inventory throughout the county; this includes all property types that are fully available for sale, up from 360 last week. 121 of those are detached homes, 42 are semi-detached/town homes, and the remaining 211 are condominiums.

This past week, sellers listed 74 homes for sale while buyers ratified 52 contracts, 16 of which were on homes just listed within the past seven days.

Average asking price of currently available homes is $922,578 and the median is $650,999. Currently available homes have been on the market for an average of 43 days and a median of 22 days.

PICK OF THE WEEK — 836 31st Street S., Arlington, VA 22202 — $875,000

836 31st Street S.

Welcome home to this private three-bedroom, two-bathroom home situated on a private 6,011sf lot! You’ll love the quartz countertops in the kitchen, recently renovated bathrooms, and an easy, open floor plan. Driveway parking for up to four cars, a private backyard with two large decks and plenty of room for growing veggies! Freshly refinished hardwood floors on the main level, lower level has brand new carpeting, freshly painted throughout and entirely move-in ready.

Find me here this Saturday from 1-4 p.m. for a public open house.

This week last year, rates were sitting at 2.99%, sellers has listed 110 homes for sale and buyers ratified 66 contracts. There was a total of 543 properties for sale!

Click here to search currently available Arlington real estate. If you see a home that you’re interested in purchasing, give us a call! Our team are experts at WINNING when it comes to Arlington real estate — our agents routinely outmaneuver others when it comes to multiple offer scenarios — call us to find out how!

Call the Andors Real Estate Group today at (703) 203-1117 to talk more about buying or selling Arlington real estate. Below are eight properties I think you might light to check out.

Listing of the Day: 6132 12th Road N.

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/5

Address: 6132 12th Road N.
Neighborhood: Madison Manor
Listed: $850,000
Open: Sunday, June 5 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Adorable, affordable, Arlington classic with a big screen porch for lazy day lounging or weekday working from home. Recent updates include gas furnace, gas water heater, gutters, microwave and fresh paint.

The long living room is anchored by a wood burning fireplace and accommodates a desk or several seating areas. A French door opens to the screened porch and the lushly landscaped yard — complete with garden shed. A breakfast bar separates the dining room from the kitchen, and a wall of built-ins provides cabinet storage and display shelving for the dining room. Crisp white cabinets, granite countertops and stainless appliances — including a gas range — will appeal to cooks of every skill set. And a door from the kitchen to the driveway makes it easy to bring groceries and packages directly into the home.

Wood floors extend from the main level to the upstairs. The primary bedroom has a fitted closet and seating area while the second and third bedrooms each have space for a desk or reading nook. The updated hall bathroom and linen closet complete this level. Downstairs the rec room has space for media, play, and workouts while an office niche is a private spot for zooming. A big laundry room with utility sink, and a storage and utility room are also on this level.

The home is blocks from Madison Manor Park, and the bike and walking path to either East Falls Church or Ballston Metro. The home is near Westover Village and the shops and restaurants along Wilson Blvd. Easy daily or occasional commute to D.C., Tysons, Dulles Tech Corridor, Pentagon, Fort Myer, and National Landing’s Pentagon and Crystal Cities. The home is in the Cardinal, Swanson, Yorktown school zone.

Grab a rung on Arlington housing ladder with this character filled home in move-in condition.

Listed by:
Betsy Twigg
McEnearney Associates
703-967-4391
[email protected]
www.betsytwigg.com

The annual Green Community Tour returns this Sunday

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Join us Sunday, June 5 from 1-4 p.m. for the 19th annual Green Community Tour (formerly the Green Home and Garden Tour)! Get great ideas and inspiration for how YOU can help Arlington build a greener community.

This event is sponsored by Arlington County’s Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management, Arlington Public Libraries, EcoAction Arlington and Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Learn how fun and easy it is to make choices that better your home, community and the environment! The Green Community Tour will showcase green homes, green renovations, and watershed-friendly gardens in Arlington County. Come meet and speak to site hosts who have made eco-friendly choices that have both improved the quality of their living space and reinforced their commitment to a healthier environment.

Learn about their stories and efforts through 14 sites available to view through the self-guided tour between 1-4 p.m. Participants can visit as many as they like and, in any order!

The simultaneous Green Community Celebration at Shirlington Library Plaza will feature electric vehicles, exhibits and family-friendly fun! Learn from electric vehicle owners and experts about the installation of home chargers, using public chargers, different types of chargers and how to care for an EV.

*Note — vehicles will be available for viewing, but not test driving!

Meet Arlington County representatives to answer any questions you may have regarding energy efficient technologies, solar energy, water-saving technologies, rain gardens, native plants, wildlife habitat and more!

Register here for free via EcoAction Arlington to attend!

Location: Shirlington Library Plaza at 4200 Campbell Avenue, and homes, gardens, and community spaces at locations throughout Arlington.

For questions about this event, please email [email protected].

COVID-19 Safety: Participants entering homes on the guided tour are asked to wear a mask or face covering. The Celebration will take place outside in front of Arlington County’s Shirlington Branch Library where masks are not required but recommended. Stay home if you are feeling sick and/or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Parking/Transit Options: Shirlington garage offers free parking for up to 4 hours, as well as free all-day street parking. Check here for public transit and biking options.

Small Business Focus: Congratulations Casual Adventure

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

On May 25, at the SWaMmy Honors in Richmond, Virginia, Casual Adventure was recognized as a 2022 SWaMmy Honoree for its legacy in Arlington going back 77 years.

“On behalf of our family, our staff, friends, and customers thank you to the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity for recognizing Casual Adventure for its history, current form, and potential,” said Stern.

Recognized as a 2022 SWaMmy Honoree for its longstanding commitment to Arlington, Casual Adventure is a family-owned small business founded at its current location along Washington Boulevard in 1945. Eric Stern currently operates the company, the fourth generation of Sterns to own Casual Adventure. In 1945, it was called The District Grocery Store, founded by Eric Stern’s great grandfather. “Our store has always been a family business focused on our community, and our staff shares this sentiment,” said Stern.

In the mid-1950s, Eric’s grandfather took over the store and changed the name to The Surplus Center. He altered the product mix from groceries and focused on Army and Navy surplus. After running a successful business for 30 years, Eric’s father took over the company, changed the name to Casual Adventure and added outdoor fitting brands.

Eric Stern has been at the helm of Casual Adventure for more than twenty years and has added sporting goods to the product mix, which many Arlingtonians think of as the Casual Adventure of today. “I’m constantly amazed by how our little footprint continues to make such a large impact. But I’m also reminded that I get to stand on the shoulders of those before me and those around me,” said Stern.

Of course, being in business for 77 years, the Stern family has seen their fair number of challenges. “Each of us faced our challenges: starting a business as an immigrant, living with multiple sclerosis, passing away from a brain tumor, staying relevant in an ever-changing society, just to name a few,” said Stern. However, each generation succeeded by tailoring the business to their strengths.

“I am honored to carry on the traditions set before me — a genuine interest and participation in local activities and organizations, a friendly and sincere engagement with our customers, an ability to adapt and overcome obstacles, and a sense of responsibility to perpetuate these life lessons,” said Stern.

For more information about Casual Adventure, stop by the store located at 3451 Washington Blvd., or check out the online store at www.casualadventure.com.

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 Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes. 

As of May 30, there are 140 detached homes, 39 townhouses and 233 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 21 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

1900 N. Daniel Street

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 Arlington Realty, Inc.

Home buying seminar: Make the most of your home search!

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Start investing in your financial freedom through homeownership with expert help!

The Keri Shull Team, the top-producing real estate team in Virginia, is hosting a seminar to help aspiring buyers navigate the competitive DMV real estate market and maximize their home search.

In 2021, our agents helped over 1,100 families with their real estate needs. This is your opportunity to find your dream home and start building long-term wealth, while avoiding costly mistakes.

Bridget Mendes and Sofia Luna, two of Keri Shull Team’s expert Client Success Agents, will be leading this seminar at our office in Rosslyn.

Attendees will discover:

  • How to find off-market homes — hidden gems that don’t appear on popular home search websites
  • How to get out of your lease so you can move on your timeline
  • The “4 C’s” that determine home prices in any market
  • How to set a realistic budget for your home search
  • And more!

Join us in-person on Tuesday, June 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. for this FREE seminar! You won’t want to miss out on getting your burning real estate questions answered at no cost to you!

Register for this event today.

View More Stories