Author: Sponsor

Neighborhood Spotlight: Arlington Ridge with McEnearney Associate Michael Makris

By Sponsor

Bordered to the north by The Pentagon, the west by the Army Navy Country Club, and to the south is the City of Alexandria, Arlington Ridge is a long-established community with hilly, winding streets and large canopy trees. 

A quiet community located in South Arlington, this community offers a distinctive residential character with architecturally diverse, single-family homes. 

Also known simply as “The Ridge”, this community is home to two historical points of interest: the Hume School (National Register of Historic Places), currently the site of the Arlington Country Historical Society and Museum, and Fort Scott (Historic District), currently the site of Fort Scott Park.

Arlington Ridge is an exceptionally attractive and convenient neighborhood in which to live.  Many, if not most residents were originally drawn to the area because in all of northern Virginia, it is the closest residential neighborhood to downtown Washington, D.C.– an oasis near a big city.  

For decades, Arlington Ridge has been known as a commuter neighborhood for its proximity to Washington, D.C., The Pentagon, and Reagan National Airport and its easy public transportation access with Metro and frequent bus lines, but with new developments and amenities it’s increasingly becoming more of a destination for tourists and regional residents.

Pentagon City alone has become a true live, work, play neighborhood with an estimated 8,200 residents, one of the world’s largest office buildings, more than 150 shops and restaurants, and Pentagon Row, which has 300,000 square feet of retail space and 502 residential units. 

And we can’t write an article about Arlington Ridge without talking about National Landing! With the arrival of our newest resident, Amazon, we will be seeing a lot of change and development as a result of $8 Billion in private investment in the pipeline to transform and grow National Landing.

According to NationalLanding.org (National Landing BID), there is expected to be more than 25,000 new jobs from Amazon alone by 2030, 7,800 new residential units, and an expansion of 400% in dining, shopping, and entertainment options. In addition to pedestrian and road improvements and more than 300 planned community outreach events.

 There is so much to see and experience in Arlington Ridge, reach out to me if you want to learn more about neighborhoods in Arlington and around the region!

Michael Makris | 703.402.0629 | [email protected] | www.TheMakrisGroup.com | www.McEnearney.com

McEnearney Associates — Alexandria Office

Arlington Ridge Links & Recommendation

Listing of the Day: 109 S. Fillmore Street

By Sponsor

Address: 109 S. Fillmore Street
Neighborhood: Penrose
Listed: $839,900

Welcome to this beautifully renovated home in Penrose! This residence features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and over 2,000 square feet of living space. The kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, backsplash and a new (2021) hands-free kitchen faucet.

The living room has hardwood floors, receives excellent natural light and has a wood-burning fireplace. All three bedrooms are located on the main level. The primary bedroom is located at the end of the hallway for additional privacy and features an en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom is perfect for a guest room and the third bedroom functions well as an additional bedroom or home office.

The finished walkup basement offers great natural light, plenty of room for entertaining and encompasses almost 1,000 square feet. The basement also has the third full bathroom along with a wood-burning fireplace.

The back patio provides a great space for entertaining to go along with multiple garden areas. A new cedar fence was installed in 2020 for additional privacy.

This home is located just minutes to DC, The Pentagon, Amazon HQ2, National Airport, Alice West Fleet Elementary School, the bustling shops and restaurants on Columbia Pike and everything Arlington and DC has to offer!

Listed by:
Matt Leighton
The Battle Group | Century 21 Redwood Realty
703-472-0574
[email protected]

Arts Focus: Share Your Ideas For a Temporary Outdoor Arts Space at 2700 South Nelson

By Sponsor

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

Pop-ups have emerged as a fun and insightful tool to explore new and innovative ways to activate public spaces. They provide an inexpensive opportunity to experiment with what works at a particular location (and what doesn’t).

We need YOUR inspiration and input for a flexible outdoor arts and gathering space planned for 2700 South Nelson Street in Green Valley, which will be designed following the planned demolition of the existing building this fall. Arlington Cultural Affairs is working with public art and placemaking firm Graham Projects to design this future arts space.

The acquisition of this property aligns with multiple goals of several adopted plans and policies, including the 2018 Four Mile Run Valley Area Plan that proposed a vision of a larger Arts & Industry District for the area that includes a mix of arts, creative activities, industrial, service and production uses. Additionally, the purchase aligns with the County’s Public Spaces Master Plan and the Arlington Arts and Culture Strategy, all of which look for temporary or “pop-up” uses of space for the availability of public art or other cultural opportunities.

Share YOUR thoughts and ideas online for a new creative, open space at 2700 South Nelson Street: https://2700nelson.grahamprojects.com/  Or check out the next pop-up from 6-8 pm on Thursday, May 26th, at New District Brewing Company, 2709 So. Oakland Street.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By 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 23, there are 141 detached homes, 43 townhouses and 232 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 37 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

1508 N. Ohio Street
1508 N. Ohio 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.

Ask Eli: Demand and Showing Activity Slowing Down

By 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: Have you seen a drop in demand and buyer activity recently?

Answer: There has been a modest, but noticeable drop in the intensity of demand and buyer activity over the last 3-4 weeks. I’m seeing fewer showings/offers and more price reductions and cases of homes lasting through the first week on market. I saw signs of it in the second half of April, but it became most noticeable in May.

But let me be clear, we are still very much in a seller’s market. I expect prices to hold in many cases and continue increasing in some, but the frequency and number of escalations should start to ease (already has) and buyers may find themselves able to secure some contract protections (contingencies) they couldn’t before.

DC Area Demand Index Tapers, Arlington Remains Strongest Market

Below you will see the Bright MLS Home Demand Index for the DC area. From July 2021 through February 2022, demand trailed its year-over-year (YoY) counterpart and even came close to matching the YoY demand reading in February 2022. However, you’ll see a noticeable separation in YoY demand taking place in March and especially April. I expect these lines to separate even further in May.

It’s worth noting that, with a demand reading of 227, Arlington has the highest demand reading in this index amongst the nine jurisdictions included in the Washington DC area index, followed by Alexandria at 190 and Fairfax at 151.

(more…)

WWBG: This Weekend at Dominion Wine and Beer

By Sponsor


Editor’s Note: This biweekly column is sponsored by Dominion Wine and Beer (107 Rowell Court, Falls Church). This week’s Guide is written by Arash Tafakor of Dominion Wine and Beer.

Click here for more details

We are now serving lunch full time! Whether you’re on a limited time schedule, or enjoying a leisurely day, we offer great food, service and atmosphere. Hours are below.

Try our fantastic roasted Maple Lawn Turkey Farm sandwich. Sliced fresh and served warm between fresh Lyon Bakery multigrain bread, topped with Havarti cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats bacon and herb mayo. Fries or salad on the side.

Next week we’ll introduce a brand new lunch menu with a handful of new items! Stay tuned.

Weekend Draft Features

Tapped Thursday 11/29 at 4 p.m.: Seeing brand new ultra limited distribution to NoVa via Liquid Distro, we’re excited to tap two kegs from Deciduous Brewing Company: *pours only on both Deciduous kegs. No fills*

  • ‘Shine’ – 4.2% Berliner Weisse with lychee and blood orange
  • ‘Smiling High’ – 7.8% NE DIPA with Nelson & Waimea

Tapping anytime between Wednesday and Sunday: *crowlers available on the following*

Follow our Twitter handle @DominionWB for alerts when kegs are tapped. Download the DigitalPour mobile app to view all 36 of our rotating taps in real time!

Store/Restaurant/Bar Hours:

Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

See you all soon!

Listing of the Day: 2315 N. Vernon Street

By Sponsor
1/6

Address: 2315 N. Vernon Street
Neighborhood: Donaldson Run
Listed:$1,899,000

Located on an appealing quarter acre lot in the Lee Heights neighborhood, this sparkling new home from A&N Builders is perfect for the holidays.

Invite guests through the front porch to an impressive dining room with wainscoting, walk in bay window and fanciful chandelier. Adjoining the dining room is the chef worthy kitchen with view of the trees. The center island is perfect for the participatory cook to direct friends and family. The six burner gas range provides plenty of space, and the fridge and wine fridge store the abundance.

Those more interested in sports than cooking may gather in the large family room with fireplace and a door to the back yard for impromptu games. Upstairs there are four bedrooms and four baths to accommodate guests and the lower level has a fifth bedroom and bathroom, ideal for the returning college student.

Wood floors, high ceilings, architectural details, polished finishes are the hallmark of an A&N home. Behind the scenes, well conceived insulation, two zone heating and cooling, and window sealings ensure the comfort of all.

The schools are Taylor, Williamsburg and Yorktown with middle school students switching to the new Stratford Middle School in the next year.

Walk to Lee Heights shops for last minute provisions from the wine and pastry stores or a gift at the toy store for visiting children.

Arlington’s classic “two lights to D.C.” commute makes this home very commuter friendly.  It provides even easier access to the Rosslyn-Ballston business corridor, Pentagon, Fort Myer, Foreign Service Institute, airport and the future National Landing.

A very pretty home in a most convenient location.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Listed by:
Betsy Twigg
Associate Broker, Licensed in Virginia
McEnearney Associates
4720 Lee Highway Arlington, Va  22207
703-967-4391
[email protected]
betsytwigg.com

Ask Eli: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loans

By 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: Are funding fees on VA loans eligible for seller credits?

Answer: Loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs are known as VA Loans and provide current and former service members with an opportunity to purchase a home with as little as 0% down.

In addition to the normal closing costs (title fees, transfer taxes, etc.), a funding fee is charged at settlement, which is equal to anywhere from 1.25-3.3% of the loan amount, depending on size of down payment, type of service and whether or not it’s the borrower’s first time using the VA loan program.

It’s a fee paid to the VA on every loan to offset the cost of loans that default (similar to mortgage insurance on non-VA loans). Disabled veterans are eligible to have the entire fee waived.

In a previous column, I explained how buyers can negotiate for seller credits to reduce or eliminate the out-of-pocket expense of closing costs at settlement. Fortunately, the funding fee falls into this category, along with the rest of the standard closing costs associated with a VA loan, and buyers are eligible to have all of these costs covered by the seller.

In theory, if a buyer is able to negotiate 100% of closing costs paid by the seller and chooses a 0% down payment loan, a home can be purchased cash-free.

If you’re unable to negotiate seller credits to cover the funding fee and are concerned about having the cash to pay for closing costs, you’re also allowed to roll the funding fee into your mortgage so that it becomes part of your monthly payment.

Some Other Facts about VA Loans You May Not Know

  • Financing is available up to $1,500,000, just not at 0% down
  • You can use your VA entitlement more than once
  • VA loans are assumable (can transfer from seller to buyer at seller’s rates) which is a big deal in today’s market because rates have been increasing steadily
  • Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM’s) are also available, not just fixed-rate

Arlington Veterans Affairs (VA) Loans by the Numbers

  • In 2017, 261 of 3,130 buyers (8.3%) used a VA loan. By comparison, 2,173 used a Conventional loan (69.4%)
  • The average purchase price for homes purchased using a VA loan was just over $615,751
  • 38% of VA loans were used to purchase a condo, 29% to purchase a townhouse and 33% to purchase a single-family home
  • On average, buyers using a VA loan negotiated 2.3% off the original asking price. By comparison, buyers using a conventional loan negotiated 2.2% off the original asking price and cash buyers negotiated 4% off the original asking price

I hope the veterans and active duty military readers had a great Veterans Day Weekend. Thank you for your service!

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 www.EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.

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.

Deal of the Day: Fest for Less at the Washington West Film Festival

Celebrate the transformative power of film with the Washington West Film Festival, an annual showcase of the best new films and talented filmmakers from around the globe.

Create your own fest experience — reserve your favorites from over 40 films we’ll be screening in Reston and Arlington from October 25-30, with a limited time offer to the ARLnow community, a 30% discount off our popular The Fest Experience.

And the best part is you can feel good about Fest-binging. 100% of our net box office proceeds go to our charity partner each year that works to help alleviate childhood hunger, illness and poor education.

Purchase Today’s Deal Now
Discount Code: ARLnowDeal17 has been applied for you

WHEN: October 25-30, 2017

WHERE: Multiple locations in Arlington and Reston

WHAT: Enjoy the best a film festival has to offer. By purchasing this pass, you will have the opportunity to explore the variety of film options and styles showcased at the festival — a documentary film, a narrative film, two shorts programs and the Pavilion party.

Story Can Change The World. Learn more about the Washington West Film Festival