Thinking about taking the next step in your career?
The Arlington-based Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University offers flexible part-time or full-time options for graduate certificate and master’s degree programs designed to teach applicable, real-world knowledge for in-demand careers. Learn more at the upcoming open house.
Prospective master’s and graduate certificate students who attend this event will be provided with an application fee waiver for the Fall 2022 graduate application.
The Summit is hosted by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce at Marymount University on February 4. This impactful half-day conference features panel discussions and presentations from experienced female leaders from across the region.
“Female entrepreneurs are starting businesses at record numbers, not only in Arlington but also across the country. We’re thrilled to be able to help women achieve their entrepreneurial dreams through this dynamic conference,” says Tara Palacios, Director of BizLaunch.
Designed for women entrepreneurs, executives and professionals of all levels, all genders and gender identities are welcome at the AWE Women in Business Summit. The Summit will provide education, inspiration and connections to foster success, helping attendees achieve their personal and professional goals.
Exclusive for ARLnow readers, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is offering $20 off the prospective member registration. To take advantage of this special offer, use promo code AWENOW at checkout. To view the full agenda and speaker bios for the event, visit the Arlington Chamber’s website.
For more information about BizLaunch, visit www.bizlaunch.org. We look forward to seeing you on February 4, at the AWE Women in Business Summit.
Photos courtesy of Tara Palacios taken from the 2020 AWE Summit before COVID-19 restrictions and when the AWE and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce merger was announced.
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.
Believe it or not, we’ve already arrived at the last Just Reduced column of January 2022!
In a few days, we’ll be flipping the calendar to February. What a first month of the year it’s been — we’ve experienced some wild local snowstorms and winter weather, we’ve endured a surge of omicron and our beloved Capitals and Wizards remain in the playoff picture… though it’s still early in their respective seasons.
We’ll just have to see what this next month (and the upcoming year) brings.
But, know amid all the variables, real estate remains a constant strength in our area. With continued low unemployment rates, high-paying salaries and incredible cultural opportunities, it’s no wonder folks decide to call the D.C. metro area home.
When you’re ready to explore the Arlington County real estate market and beyond, the time-tested team at Arlington Realty, Inc. has your back any month of the year. Until then, here are this week’s Just Reduced numbers.
As of January 24, there are 75 detached homes, 21 townhouses and 180 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 17 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
lease note 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.
Digital platforms like Zoom and Slack enable companies to continue operating during the pandemic. After almost three years, most people know these platforms are not a replacement to the office, they are a complement to them.
Why?
Because digital platforms available today cannot fully replicate the energy of being in an office with peers. The office banter, seeing your teammates in person, the smile in your colleague’s eyes — it happens most when you’re in the office. “Water-cooler moments” haven’t translated well into the digital realm.
That is not to say people should go to the office everyday. The hybrid work model has gained a lot of traction over the last year, and for good reason. Along with hybrid work, coworking has become a clear top choice for those seeking increased flexibility in how and where they work.
Early on in the pandemic, many wondered whether coworking spaces would survive the pandemic. Three years in and the answer is clear: coworking is here to stay and, in fact, it’s booming.
Coworking is on the rise. Here’s why: You can’t predict the future, and coworking spaces provide the flexibility needed during uncertain times (like a pandemic). So, rather than signing a lease for an office that’s years long, you can rent an office month to month. (There are options to sign for longer if you’d like, but coworking provides a flexible, ready to use option that corporate spaces do not.)
With coworking, you can keep a hybrid work schedule while enjoying time out of the house. Whether you want to work from your office two days per week, or every day, there’s likely a coworking plan that will fit your needs. Flexibility is the name of the game.
Business owners can provide a shared office for their employees, giving team members the option of a designated space. It’s also great for hosting holiday parties in a safe, controlled environment.
Networking opportunities come from community. Coworking is a great way to connect. Real estate companies, freelancers, independent contractors and technology companies are just a few of the many networks who participate in coworking.
The nature of work is rapidly changing. It’s about time to strategize with the team… in person.
With five locations in Arlington, Industrious is a premium shared office provider who makes great days happen for our members. Come tour our locations in Ballston Quarter, Clarendon, Court House, National Landing and Ballston Exchange and see how your team’s productivity can benefit from an Industrious membership.
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: How has the Arlington housing market compared to the rest of the region?
Answer: The 2022 housing market reached a full sprint by the 2nd week of January and the question everybody is trying to answer is whether we’re in for yet another monstrous year or if the craziness will settle as interest rates climb and more inventory hits the market in the next 4-8 weeks. My personal prediction (and hope) is that January and February will be intense but once we start seeing more properties listed for sale (March-June), the market should gain some stability, albeit still very competitive.
Cause of the Craziness
If there’s one metric that best illustrates why the January market is already so brutal, it’s Months of Supply, a measure of current supply and the pace of demand. Housing economists say that ~6 months of supply is a balanced market, and the lower that number, the more favorable things are for sellers.
Nearly all local and regional markets including Arlington, Northern Virginia, and the D.C. Metro closed out December with the lowest Months of Supply for single-family detached homes ever with Northern Virginia and the D.C. Metro heading into January 2022 with less than two WEEKS of supply and Arlington coming in just a fraction over two weeks. Loudoun County entered the new year with ONE week of supply…
Even the condo market made significant improvements in the last quarter of 2021 after taking quite a beating during the first 12 months of the pandemic. On a quarterly basis, Months of Supply for the condo market in Northern Virginia, the D.C. Metro and Arlington dropped significantly relative to the last 5-6 quarters. Months of Supply in Arlington’s condo market is now much closer to pre-pandemic levels than where it has been since the pandemic started.
The Problem is High Demand, Not Under-Supply
Months of Supply is affected by supply and demand, but the incredibly low readings for single-family detached homes are being driven almost completely by insanely high demand (see Absorption Rate chart below) because we have had a healthy/normal dose of inventory listed for sale over the last 18 months (see New Listings charts below).
Address: 5717 6th Street N. Neighborhood: BonAir Listed: $1,675,000 Open: Sunday, January 30 from 1-4 p.m.
Light filled new home by A&N Builders in the popular Bon Air neighborhood. This home features quality Pella, Low E windows, Bruce pre-finished wood floors on two levels, premium Bertazzoni kitchen appliances, Shrock cabinets with silent close doors and drawers, and quartz countertops.
To ensure comfort and energy efficiency, the home has two zone heating and cooling, a direct vent gas fireplace, a high efficiency gas water heater, high level of insulation and energy sealant.
The flagstone floored front porch opens to a wide foyer with powder room, mudroom and entry to the deep one car garage. The open concept living area has a large kitchen with center island, and dining area in a walk-in bay window, large family room centered on a gas fireplace, and tall doors opening to the deck.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom features a tray ceiling, two custom fitted walk in closets, and a bathroom with double bowl vanity, storage cabinets, a soaking tub and separate shower. The second bedroom has an en suite and large closet. The third and fourth bedrooms share an en suite bathroom with double sink vanity and a separate toilet and tub area. Tucked off the hallway are the laundry room and a utility sink, double door linen closet, and a utility room with the second air handler and additional storage.
The lower level has LTV flooring, high ceilings and tall windows. The rec room has areas for play, media, office and gym. The fifth bedroom and bathroom on this level are ideal for visiting family, an au pair, or distance learning students. To complete the level, there is a large utility room with storage and two more large, finished storage closets.
Washingtonians once took the street car to Bon Air cottages as a weekend getaway. Now, several generations later new owners are appreciating the trees, BonAir Rose Garden, W&OD bike path, nature trails and the more contemporary amenities of Ballston. Ashlawn Elementary School, Kenmore Middle School and Washington-Liberty High School.
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq.
The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) recently issued new guidance for federal agencies and security clearance holders on marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) usage, in addition to investments in marijuana businesses. The guidance clears some issues up, but also raises new questions about the use of CBD for security clearance holders.
The three areas covered in the DNI’s new guidance include:
Usage of CBD products
Use of marijuana
Investments in marijuana
Use of CBD
The most important update provided involves the use of CBD products by security clearance holders and applicants. The new guidance discusses the fact that the Agriculture Improvement Act excluded hemp with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than 0.3% from the definition of marijuana within the Controlled Substances Act.
Further, the new guidance explains that hemp-derived products that contain greater than 0.3% THC continue to remain illegal and potentially a problem for clearance holders. The memorandum explains that CBD usage can be a problem because the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) does not certify levels of THC in individual CBD products and that some products may be labeled incorrectly.
The guidance suggests the CBD products that cause a clearance holder to test positive for marijuana use could cause a negative security clearance action. The guidance, however, doesn’t really explain how far security clearance adjudicators will consider regular CBD use that does not result in a positive drug test.
Use of Marijuana
The DNI essentially restates the current standard for prior marijuana use to determine whether such behavior raises a security concern and whether that concern has been mitigated. The guidance states that marijuana usage is a problem, but not necessarily determinative in the security clearance process. It appears that the DNI is trying to make it clear that some prior usage will not be an automatic disqualifier.
Security clearance holders should clearly refrain from any marijuana use in advance of seeking (or while holding) a cleared position. Also, the guidance states that an individual that indicates an intent to continue using illegal drugs in the future (e.g. marijuana) will be disqualified from holding a security clearance. The DNI stresses that such use should be balanced with the overall person’s history (the whole-person concept) when making a decision as to whether to grant or deny a security clearance.
Investments in Marijuana
The new DNI guidance is helpful in clarifying a confusing area for security clearance holders concerning involvement in marijuana businesses and/or investments. We have received many inquiries from clearance holders about where the line is drawn with respect to investing in marijuana investments. The guidance makes it clear that investments in marijuana are still cause for losing a security clearance until Congress changes the Controlled Substances Act, even where states have legalized marijuana.
Basically, the DNI draws the line at whether the individual knowingly is involved in a marijuana investment, business or stock. If the investment happens to be part of a diversified mutual fund, however, there is a presumption that there is no security clearance issue.
We believe, given the rapid changing nature of CBD and marijuana laws that this guidance will be updated again in the next few years.
Contact Us
If you are in need of advice or representation in security clearance matters, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook or Twitter.
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.
Imagine. What would a climate-solved Arlington look like?
Join us Saturday, February 12 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. for hot chocolate (bring your own mug), s’mores, and get inspired to imagine and act to create a climate-solved future.
The urgency of climate change is real and can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. But spending time and energy imagining a future in which a problem is already solved can spur action in the present. So, inspired by author Bina Venkataraman’s idea of the Optimist’s Telescope, let’s take a look through the telescope 50 years into Arlington’s future and imagine that we see an Arlington that is successfully combating climate change. What does Arlington look like? How can we each take steps now that help us get there?
Join us on February 12: Imagine. What would a climate-solved Arlington look like in 50 years? First, grab a hot beverage (bring your reusable mug!), make some s’mores by the campfire, and get inspired by listening to excerpts from literature that imagine the possibilities of a climate-solved future. Then, follow the trail to the future, learn from local community organizations about their climate action programs, and contribute your own solutions to climate problems facing Arlington. All ages welcome. Kids activities will be provided.
For questions, or if you would like to sign up to read and share your favorite climate stories, please email [email protected].
COVID-19 Safety: All attendees ages 2 and older — regardless of vaccination status — are required to wear a mask while inside a County facility. When visiting a County facility, the County Visitor Face Covering Policy from the Arlington County Government website is in effect.
Parking/Transit Options: Lubber Run Community center has a garage with free parking for up to 4 hours, as well as free street parking for up to 2 hours. The parking closest to the Lubber Run fire ring is the parking lot for the Amphitheater (200 N Columbus St, Arlington, VA 22203). Check here for public transit and biking option.
In the case of inclement weather, the event will take place inside the Lubber Run Community Center in the Oak Room.
Address:6301 23rd Street N. Neighborhood: East Falls Church Listed: $1,775,000 Open: Saturday, January 22, and Sunday, January 23
An innovative collaboration between the Arlington Group and Springstreet Development brings to market this beautifully re-built home with 9 foot ceilings on each level and an expansive yard.
Designed for desirable versatility, the home offers a private den with adjoining full bathroom. It could be used as an office, main level bedroom, or Zoom room while a traditional dining room is an ideal spot for gatherings, school work or a second office.
The kitchen, breakfast area and family room span the back of the home and open to the large back yard. Crisp white cabinets, a farm sink, quartz countertops, and a gas range will delight those with renewed interest in cooking and baking. A walk in pantry stores gear and ingredients and a mudroom organizes coats, boots and backpacks.
Upstairs, the wide hallway leads to the primary bedroom and bath with separate soaking tub and glass enclosed shower — the second bedroom with en suite bath, and a shared bath between the third and fourth bedrooms. The laundry room is on this level along with linen storage.
The lower level rec room has spots for media, exercise, hobbies and crafts, and the fifth bedroom and bath provide private space for an au pair, nanny, and visiting family and pampered guests. The large utility room offers clean, fresh storage, or a workshop for bikes.
Stroll, roll, or bike to the nearby East Falls Church Metro, restaurants along Langston Boulevard, and to Tuckahoe Park and Playground. The home is convenient to Westover Village’s library, restaurants and Sunday Farmer’s market as well as the Lee-Harrison Center for groceries and just about everything else. Tuckahoe, Swanson, Yorktown Schools.
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, Arlington!
As I write this, there is a wintry mix (well, mostly rain, really) falling that resulted in the pre-emptive cancellation of schools in the county. I recall just how much snow it used to take to get school cancelled, and now, it takes no snow at all. As a parent with children, my thoughts are with those balancing work and school closures during the week, especially after the extra week off from school just after winter break!
Despite the frigid temps recently, the real estate market is heating up, and it’s heating up fast!
This past week, a gorgeous home in North Arlington hit the market (no surprise there). What happened once it hit the market was almost shocking, unless you’ve been reading my column the past couple years — over 75 showings occurred that weekend, as well as over 50 open house visitors on Saturday. The sellers were presented with 14 incredible offers, a handful of which went over $150,000 over the asking price, and it ultimately went under contract higher still, almost 13% over asking price. A cash offer swooped in with no contingencies, giving the sellers everything that they wanted, and much, much more! All of this in just five active days of marketing!
What exactly is driving this type of exuberance so early in the year you might ask? Well, it could be that interest rates rose another 11 points just in the past week — if you recall last week, rates shot up 23 points to 3.45%. Now, sitting at 3.56% on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, buying power is rapidly diminishing. It’s important to remember that 3.5% is a historically amazing rate, but there is some fear of missing out going in, as just one year ago, rates were 77 points lower, at 2.79% for the same mortgage product.
Digging into the numbers for this past week, we’re really strapped for inventory and that’s another reason for the exuberance of buyers in the marketplace — they want to live in our great county!
Last week we had 262 properties for sale in Arlington, and this week we have 16 less, for a total of 246!
Activity, as I mentioned above, is off the charts. Open houses are busy, buyers are calling their agents to tour properties the second they hit the market and offers are flying around like geese heading south!
Sellers listed 42 homes in the past week, down from the 56 listed last week, and buyers ratified 50 contracts, 18 of which were on homes listed in the last seven days.
Of the 246 homes currently available for sale, 55 are detached homes, 24 are semi-detached/townhomes, and the remaining 167 are condominiums. These properties range in price from $100,000 all the way up to $3,850,000.
Average list price for currently available homes is $843,395, and the median price is $550,000. These homes have been on the market for an average of 83 DOM (days on market) and a median of 51.
This week last year, there were 375 homes available for sale throughout the county. Sellers had listed 62 homes for sale and buyers ratified 72 contracts.
Click here to search currently available Arlington real estate. If you see a home that you’re interested in purchasing, give us a call!
Call the Andors Real Estate Group today at (703) 203-1117 to talk more about buying or selling Arlington real estate. Below are eight new listings that I think you might like to check out.
The Rounds, a zero-waste refill and delivery service for the stuff you use every day, just launched in Virginia.
The Rounds is building the future of sustainable city living by delivering your everyday essentials, like household, personal care and pantry products, in refillable containers with no cardboard or plastic packaging waste. The startup launched in Rosslyn this week and announced plans to continue expanding through Arlington in the next few months, with additional Neighborhood Pickup spots in Crystal City and Alexandria.
Designed as a local, sustainable alternative to Amazon, The Rounds partners with favorites like Compass Coffee and Seylou Bakery to keep your home stocked, with zero-packaging waste.
Since their initial launch to D.C. in August, The Rounds has already seen explosive growth from neighbors across the District.
“We’re super excited by the initial response we’re seeing in D.C. and Virginia,” CEO Alex Torrey said. “Sustainable convenience really matters for people here. Our mission is to make everyday sustainable choices effortless, and at this rate things are looking really good.”
