Feature

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.

Fire Prevention Week kicked off on Friday and runs through this Saturday, October 10.

While the fires we see and hear dominating the news cycle are the wildfires in California these days, fires — in homes — can affect anyone and everyone.

According to Safety.com, there are more than 365,000 fires and 2,650 civilian deaths as a result of fires. And, sadly, most home fires are preventable.

Here in the heart of fire prevention week, a friendly reminder to check on a few things. If it’s been a while since you’ve checked he batteries in your smoke alarms, now is a wonderful time. Also, if you do not have a fire plan — to utilize in case of an emergency — it’s a great time to start planning. Finally, electrical issues can be just as much of a concern as human error. For big jobs, trust a certified electrician and be cognizant of just how many thing you’ve plugged in and how much a source can handle.

While there is certainly a bit to keep an eye on while owning a home, it’s such a rewarding journey. And, when you’re ready to embark on that journey, the team at Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to help.

Now on to this week’s Just Reduced figures.

As of October 5, there are 176 detached homes, 52 townhouses and 345  condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 65 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week:

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: ROI On Pre-Listing Home Improvements

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. Enjoy!

Question: We are planning to put our townhouse on the market this spring and wondering if you have any advice on how we should choose what improvements we should or should not make prior to listing.

Answer: The decisions you make on what money you do or do not spend improving your home prior to a sale often influence your bottom line more than any other decision you make during the sale process. They’re also the decisions you’re most in control of, so take your time and take them seriously.

Remodeling.com publishes an annual report showing the resale return of specific remodeling jobs, based on region of the country. Unfortunately, I can’t share the D.C. area report here because of copyright issues, but it’s worth going to the link (you have to provide them some basic info) to take a look yourself. The findings of their report show that the majority of projects, done individually, return just 50-80% of the cost. I have seen another study by Zillow that shows similar projections.

Note that I said when “done individually” most projects return well below 100% of the money spent, but when you combine the right improvements you can create value/profit that can add to your bottom line.

Tier Your Improvements

After you prepare a full list of potential improvements, it’s important to bucket them into tiers and analyze each tier for cost, project timeline and impact on the expected resale value to determine which improvements make the most sense. At a high level, these tiers generally fall into three categories:

  • Clean-out, Clean-up: This focuses on the low cost, high return items to make a home more presentable such painting, deep cleaning, repairs, light landscaping, etc.
  • Bring up to par: Investing in one/some more expensive projects to bring them up to par with the rest of the home. For example, improving a dated kitchen if the rest of the home is updated so that the kitchen doesn’t drag down the value of the other improvements or replacing damaged hardwood floors.
  • Remodel/Homeowner Flip: Similar to what an investor might do to a dated home in an expensive neighborhood, a homeowner might choose to make a major investment into updates and benefit from a significant profit.

Consider All Costs

The cost of doing improvements goes beyond the cost of the labor and materials. Don’t forget to consider things like:

  • Your time managing the work
  • Inconvenience of having work done while you’re living in the home
  • Carrying cost while work is being done, if the home is vacant
  • Risk of something going wrong during the work (applies more to larger projects)

100%+ ROI

There’s no doubt that remodeling your bathroom will generate a higher sale price, but it’s rarely advisable to invest money into improvements if you won’t return more than 100% on the investment. Herein lies the challenge and strategy in planning your improvements. Understanding the profile of your likely buyers and what they value is crucial to making investments that generate profit, not just a higher price.

If you’d like to discuss buying or selling strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to set-up an in-person meeting to discuss local real estate, 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 D.C., and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. #10C Arlington, VA 22203, (703) 390-9460.

Legal Insider: Meeting with Security Clearance Investigators

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

It is important to obtain legal advice prior to meeting with security clearance investigators when potential security clearance problems are anticipated.

When individuals have difficulties in the security clearance process or anticipate future problems, the best advice that can be given is to prepare in advance for the meeting. Preparation for the first security clearance meeting can make the difference between a government contractor/federal employee successfully obtaining/retaining a security clearance or being denied one.

Preparing for the Initial Security Clearance Investigator Meeting

One of the most important considerations in meeting with a security clearance investigator for the first time is to adequately prepare for the meeting, especially where there may be potential disqualifying security concerns. We find that most government contractors and federal employees have a general sense of potential security concerns that could arise at the time that they begin to review or complete their e-QIP/SF-86 submissions.

In the most common scenario, an individual is usually alerted to potential problems that may require preparation for the clearance process when they find that they may have to answer “yes” to a certain question and then provide formal disclosures to an uncomfortable question, such as the use of drugs or past financial debts. When these types of issues are anticipated, then one should seek counsel and prepare in advance of a meeting with a security clearance investigator.

Review Relevant Documentation

If a potential security concern exists, it is important to gather as much information and documentation one has on the issue of concern in preparation for the interview.  Such information, if useful, can be provided to security clearance investigators at the start.  At other times, the information can be useful for later in the clearance process, if needed.

For example, suppose an individual knows that they have a large outstanding debt on their credit report. If so, then that information will certainly be important to review prior to a meeting with a security clearance investigator.

Respond to the Questions Asked

In regard to meetings between government contractors/federal employees and security clearance investigators, one other issue that we run across is the tendency of some individuals to provide information not sought by an investigator.

We advise government contractors and federal employees to answer the questions asked by investigators as honestly as possible but stick to the actual questions that are posed. On many occasions, individuals can get sidetracked or provide information that is not relevant to the questions asked by an investigator, which may cause clearance difficulties later or cause frustration for the investigator.

The usual key to a successful interview is to be as responsive as possible to any areas of concern but to make the meeting with the clearance investigator as efficient as possible. Investigators tend to have many cases to review and like to focus on their particular areas of concern. The better an individual can honestly address specific issues raised by an investigator, the better the potential outcome.

When issues arise, it is important to consult with counsel to obtain the best legal advice possible in presenting one’s response to difficult questions.

Follow-up Interviews or Requests by the Investigator

A security clearance investigator may need additional information regarding potential security concerns or need to interview an individual a second time. We typically advise individuals to attempt to anticipate these requests in advance.

For example, if an investigator appears to have questions about one’s psychological issues during an initial interview, it may be helpful to attempt to obtain a letter from a medical professional soon after that shows that the psychological concerns are under control and have been resolved. Doing so in advance can save time and effort later and may resolve issues early should the investigator come back with additional questions.

Contact Us

If you are in need of security clearance legal representation or advice, 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.

Rethink Energy: Rule Your Attic — Air Seal and Insulate

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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.

As we said in our last post, 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. In homes across Arlington, poorly sealed and under-insulated attics are taking money out of homeowners’ pockets in the form of high utility bills.

Now is a good time to double-check your rafters and attic space to ensure they are properly insulated against energy leakage.

To encourage Arlingtonians to take control over their high utility bills this heating season, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR program is promoting its annual “Rule Your Attic!” campaign.

Adding insulation and sealing air leaks in your attic can help you save up to $200 per year on your home’s annual energy bills and keep you more comfortable. You can also take advantage of the tax credit for insulation before the end of the year!

In addition to energy savings, other benefits to sealing and insulating include: reduced noise from outside; less pollen, dust and pests entering the home; and better humidity control.

Measure Your Insulation

This fall, take the first step to savings by measuring your attic’s insulation. This infographic from the EPA is a good guide to how much insulation your attic should have. If you can see the ceiling joists, you definitely don’t have enough insulation in your attic.

Seal and Insulate

If you determine your attic needs more insulation, install unfaced rolls or batts over the existing insulation; or rent a blower from a home center to blow loose fill insulation into the space.

While you’re in the attic, check for any leaks. Even if you have adequate attic insulation, sealing attic air leaks will enhance its performance and make your home more comfortable.

Common sources of air leaks:

  • Behind kneewalls
  • Attic entry hatch
  • Wiring holes
  • Plumbing vents
  • Open soffit (the boxes that house recessed lighting)
  • Recessed lights
  • Furnace flue or duct chaseways (the hollow box or wall feature that hides ducts)
  • Basement rim joists (where the foundation meets the wood framing)
  • Windows and doors

 

Additional Resources

Have more questions about insulation, air sealing or home renovations? Contact us at [email protected].

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:

3629 N. Vermont Street
6 BD/7 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Washington Fine Properties, Llc.
Listed: $3,400,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

6625 24th Street N.
5 BD/3 BA,1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Listed: $1,349,500
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

5148 11th Street S.
6 BD, 5 BA single-family home
Agent: Samson Properties
Listed: $1,199,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

2800 N. Pershing Street
4 BD/3 BA single-family home
Agent: Re/Max Executives
Listed: $959,900
Open: Sunda 2-4 p.m.

 

3617 2nd Street S.
4 BD/2 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Img Realty, Llc.
Listed: $799,500
Open: Saturday 1-4 p.m.

 

3409 Wilson Boulevard #610
2 BD/2 BA condo
Agent: Optime Realty
Listed: $699,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

3349 S. Wakefield Street B
2 BD/2 BA condo
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Listed: $599,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

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.

U.S. home ownership is on the rise — in fact it’s at the highest rate in 12 years, according to data from the U.S. Census. At about 68% this quarter, we’re only lagging the run-up of 2004-2005 by 1.5%. If the run of 2020 continues into next year, I believe we’ll set a new record.

Is it a bubble?

I’ve been hearing this question for years, and my answer continues to be a strong no, further bolstered by this year’s crazy, largely unpredictable ups and downs.

To back my opinion, let’s look back at 2004-2007… During that time period, house prices were jumping, not gradually increasing. 20% or more per year was simply unsustainable, but 4%, 5% and even 6% is sustainable. In fact, prices almost doubled from 2004-2007 on average in the U.S.

Additionally, interest rates were rising, not falling during that time period, from about 5.7% to 6.2%, significantly decreasing purchasing power. Lending restrictions are much, much tighter now than they were — despite being able to afford more home now, it is harder to qualify for a mortgage. Marginally qualified purchasers are not buying homes at near the same rate as they were, leaving less of a bottom to fall out if adverse economic or market conditions begin to occur.

All of these are reasons why the market seems to indicate more organic growth that is here to stay as opposed to a bubble about to burst. I could be wrong, but I think we’ve got at least a 12-18 month horizon of continued growth, and likely much more than that.

Okay James, enough conjecture, give us the numbers!

This past week in Arlington, sellers listed some 87 properties for sale while buyers ratified 62 contracts. 25 of the ratified contracts were on homes listed just within the past week.

There are currently 498 homes for sale in Arlington, 10 more than last week. 143 are detached homes, 48 are townhouses/semi-detached, and 307 are condos.

In 13 weeks, the number of available condos has more than doubled, from 149 to 307. This has been a developing story in the Arlington market, but it’s now an unprecedented increase. This type of movement out of higher density housing is no doubt multi-faceted but is surely linked to COVID-19. Desire to get away from daily elevator use and to have some more space, especially while working from seems to line up with so much additional availability of condos.

Average days on market (DOM) for currently available homes is 47 and median DOM is 28. The median list price of currently available properties is $624,900, while the average is $831,636. Last year for the same week, sellers listed 69 homes and buyers ratified 61 contracts.

Click here to search currently available Arlington real estate — if you see a home you’re interested in purchasing, we’d love to help!

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

Statutes of Liberty: New Fees Enjoined, New Requirements Applied — A Chaotic Week in Federal Court

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This sponsored column is by James Montana, Esq. and Doran Shemin, Esq., practicing attorneys at 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 James for an appointment.

The Trump Administration moved in February to apply extensive additional requirements to the Public Charge Rule. We told you all about it. The Administration also moved in August to raise fees for most immigration cases. We told you all about that, too.

In the past fortnight, both of those reforms have been the subject of federal court action, with major implications for people with pending green card applications or thoughts of applying for a green card in the coming months. We will summarize the latest developments here, prioritizing “what to do” over “esoterica only a lawyer would care about.”

The Public Charge Rule

The new Public Charge Rule imposed a huge administrative burden on green card applicants. The new Rule was, accordingly, attacked in federal court by impact litigators in the immigration bar.

This effort met with initial success; Federal District Judge George Daniels enjoined enforcement of the new Public Charge Rule nationwide in July 2020. On September 11, 2020, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit lifted that nationwide injunction and allowed DHS to proceed with enforcement of the new Public Charge Rule. Here is a detailed, fair summary of the litigation from DHS.

What does all of that mean, practically speaking, for green card applicants? The answer depends on when your green application was filed.

  1. If your green card application was filed before or on February 24, 2020, you will not need to file the new Public Charge form (Form I-944) and supporting documents.
  2. If your green card application was filed on or after February 25, 2020, you will probably need to file the new Public Charge Form and supporting documents even if the injunction was in place at the time you filed. You should expect a big, fat Request for Evidence in the next few months.
  3. If you haven’t filed yet, but manage to file your green card application before October 13, 2020 without the new Form I-944, USCIS will send you a big, fat Request for Evidence but will not reject the application.
  4. If you file your green card application on or after October 13, 2020 without the new Form I-944, USCIS will simply reject your filing.

Our expectation is that lots of folks in #2, above, are going to get hit with Requests for Evidence and are going to need help in responding to them. Obviously, we’re here to help.

Immigration Fee Increases Enjoined Nationwide

USCIS fee increases were scheduled to go into effect on October 2, 2020. On September 29, just three days before the scheduled fee increases, Federal District Court Judge Jeffrey S. White enjoined the proposed fee increases in their entirety, thereby releasing — to borrow a metaphor from Dahlia Lithwick — a live ferret into the staid halls of immigration procedure.

USCIS managed to put out a press release yesterday bemoaning the decision, but has not otherwise updated its website to inform citizens and non-citizen applicants for immigration benefits about what will happen to the fees on October 2.

Here’s the straight dope: the fee increases will not happen on October 2. The fee increases will eventually happen, but not quickly. A Federal Court of Appeals (in this case, for the 9th Circuit) may lift the injunction and allow the increases to proceed, or the Department of Homeland Security may redo its rulemaking process in order to address Judge White’s concerns.

If you file an immigration application on or after October 2, do not send the higher fee. USCIS reacts to excess payments by rejecting the application in full, and application rejections can delay or even prevent you from obtaining immigration benefits.

On a more theoretical level, one might wonder whether these nationwide injunctions (and stays of injunctions, and reimpositions of stays) are a healthy way to make immigration policy. Justice Thomas has raised such concerns in a broad way in his concurring opinion in Trump v. Hawaii. It’s an interesting question — tell us what you think in the comments — but we won’t address it here. Our focus is on getting the word out about these practical changes to our immigration system.

As always, we welcome your thoughts and comments and will do our best to respond.

Small Biz Focus: Boost Your Business on Local Governments

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

By Tara Palacios

2020 has been a tough year.

Businesses have had to quickly pivot and are searching for new opportunities to grow. Target markets are shifting, and the way customers purchase goods and services are simply not the same. Businesses are looking for new ways to engage in the market and time is of the essence.

Why not give your business a boost this fall by participating in our upcoming FREE virtual program: Boost Your Business on Local Governments. Arlington County’s BizLaunch program and the Arlington County Purchasing Office are partnering to bring you new business opportunities from around Northern Virginia each Friday during the month of October beginning October 9 at 10-11:30 a.m.

The program features business opportunities in Arlington (October 9) the City of Alexandria (October 16), Fairfax County (October 23) and Prince William County (October 30).

Each Purchasing office will share upcoming bids and procurement notices from around the Commonwealth as well as how to do business with their respective jurisdictions. In addition, each municipality will explain the specific process of doing business with their community.

Special guests include Virginia’s Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD). The SBSD is currently managing the ReBuildVA Grant Fund which recently changed its qualifications to open the program to more of Virginia’s small businesses. Click here for more information.

We hope you join us during the month of October to discover opportunities for your business into 2021.

Arlington Pet of the Week: Snow

By ARLnow.com
1/4

Meet Arlington’s Pet of the Week, Snow, a 12 year old cat that enjoys smoked salmon for Sunday brunch.

Here is what Snow’s owner had to say about her life here in Arlington:

Snow is a 12-year-old little lady that enjoys bird watching and Sunday brunches – as long as there is smoked salmon. She begins each day quietly waiting in the bathroom until someone turns the sink on for her morning drink. She then inventories her box collection, having a good sit in each one. As each day progresses, Snow luxuriates in patches of sunshine as they traverse the floor from one end of the apartment to the other

Snow is a real foodie. She is happy to share your meal with you. Though she does not like vegetables, she often requests to try them. At least baby carrots make good toys. She is fond of a variety of cheeses and is first to vocalize her feelings on the subject. In Snow’s eyes, all cans contain tuna fish. She can be drawn out of a deep sleep, under the bed somewhere, to that first pop of a can lid being punctured. At only 8 pounds, she manages to keep herself svelte despite eating all the fish and cheese she can get her mitts on.

Each evening Snow gets a brief workout chasing a laser or string. At bedtime she likes to burrow under the covers and snuggle for a little extra warmth, even if it is 107 degrees outside. Snow has a diagnosed heart condition but has already exceeded her prognosis, so we keep things simple and easy for her. She has very much enjoyed the extra snuggle time that quarantine has provided, and all of the meals taken at home.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

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.

2020 is officially three-fourths of the way over.

For many, this may evoke an audible “PHEW! I CAN’T WAIT!” For others, it’s certainly a “where in the world did the time go?” type of moment. And, for some, it’s a great time to check in on your 2020 goals.

Without a doubt, this has been a year like no other. But, amid the global wackiness, some still have a real estate goal to punch off that checklist. For those seeking to achieve their 2020 dreams — regardless of what this year has thrown at us — there are still three whole months left in this year.

The Arlington County real estate landscape has certainly shifted a bit since the beginning of the year and now, more than ever, it’s vital to have a trusted team by your side to help you navigate it all. When you’re ready to talk through your real estate goals, the team at Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to roll on your behalf.

And now on to this week’s Just Reduced figures.

As of September 28, there are 176 detached homes, 52 townhouses and 307 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 60 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week:

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: Condo Smoking Ban Update

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. Enjoy!

Question: Do you have any updates on how smoking bans are going in Arlington condo buildings?

Answer: In 2016, I wrote a column on condo smoking bans as my fellow 1800 Wilson Board members and I explored a smoking ban within our community. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting members of our condo communities that have been instrumental in clearing the path for healthier, more welcoming condo buildings by navigating the complex rules and challenges of banning smoking in condo units and on private balconies (banning smoking in common areas is easy).

The process of implementing a smoking ban is long, difficult and time-consuming for those involved, but it is possible. I’m aware of at least 10 buildings in Arlington and Alexandria that have already passed, or are in the process of passing, amendments to their by-laws to ban smoking inside units and on balconies. Some of those communities I know of off-hand are (I know I’m missing a few):

  • Hyde Park (Ballston)
  • Wentworth Place (Virginia Square)
  • Carlyle House (Columbia Pike)
  • Lyon Pointe (Lyon Village)
  • Horizon House (Pentagon City) *I believe they’re in process
  • Carlyle Towers (Alexandria)
  • The Towers (NW D.C.)

For those of you interested in pursuing a smoking ban within your condo community, I recorded the panel discussion I hosted last year and you can watch it on YouTube here. It’s a long video (almost two hours), but it provides a highly detailed roadmap and great lessons learned from members of the community who have gone through the process already.

I also have some materials from the meeting that I would be more than happy to email to anybody who wants it. Just email me at [email protected].

For those of you considering a smoking ban effort, it’s important to understand a few things before you get started:

  • It usually takes 18-24+ months
  • It requires a by-law change, which usually requires at least 2/3 “yes” votes (non-votes are the same as “no” votes)
  • Start with an informal survey of the community to see if you have enough support to reach 2/3
  • Documentation and organization are critical
  • Prepare to have an attorney involved throughout the process
  • Some communities must compromise on a Grandfather Clause in order to get the necessary votes, but Grandfather Clauses are not required

I love hearing from people in communities who are making progress towards a smoke-free building, so please reach out to share your successes and frustrations!

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to set-up an in-person meeting to discuss local real estate, 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 D.C., and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. #10C Arlington, VA 22203, (703) 390-9460.

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