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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.

Welcome to JUST LISTED!

Mortgage rates have been trending down again, and I am seeing a correlation with a modest uptick in buyer activity in the local market. The number of ratified contracts each week always varies, but based on what we see on the backend with our active listings and the associated activity, it becomes evident what the activity for the week will look like once we see whether we only get two scheduled showings in the first three hours or twelve showings. This past week saw a significant increase in open house traffic and private, agent-led showings.

Nationally, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage is at 2.88% right now, with many local lenders offering 2.75% to the most qualified purchasers. Arlington is full of well-qualified candidates, and I’m getting a sense they are more rate sensitive than one would expect given overall qualifications. Purchasing power is already so high, but one-eighth of a point movement saves tens of thousands of dollars for the average Arlington purchaser. The rates are down 30 basis points (0.3%) since the peak back in April, and this is welcome news in our area where home appreciation is so fast. Couple that with very low inventory relative to the high demand, and these rates will help keep our market moving.

If you missed the refinance boom of 2020, you’re in luck. Refi applications are back up over the past couple weeks. If you feel you missed your chance, my recommendation is to call Jawad Hamandi (703-587-6059) of Intercoastal Mortgage today to talk about refinancing. The Andors Real Estate Group has been working with Jawad for 22 years, and he has handled our personal mortgages as well as countless mortgages for our clients. We know you’ll enjoy working with him and enjoy the savings a refinance can provide! Jawad also originates new loans for purchases and is a fantastic resource for those buyers out there who need an edge in our competitive marketplace.

OK, OK, here are this week’s sales figures!

Sellers listed 100 homes for sale this past week, 12 more than the week before. Buyers ratified 68 contracts, 14 more than the week prior, and 38 of the ratified contracts were on homes JUST LISTED in the past seven days.

There are 550 available properties for sale throughout all of Arlington and across all property types — 139 are detached homes, 49 are townhome/semi-detached homes and 354 of the available units in Arlington are condos.

For a bit of perspective, this same week last year sellers listed 123 homes and buyers ratified 71 contracts. There were also only 340 available properties for sale this week last year.
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The average list price for currently available properties is $780,040 and the median is $555,000. Currently available properties in Arlington have an average of 55 days on market (DOM) and a median of just 35.

Click here to search currently available Arlington real estate. If you see a home 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 I think you might like to check out:

4801 37th Street N.

Listing of the Day: 2369 N. Quincy Street

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/5

Address: 2369 N. Quincy Street
Neighborhood: Crystal Spring Knolls
Listed: $1,224,000

Showings by appointment only.

Extensively remodeled in 2020-2021, this spectacular 3 BD/3.5 BA North Arlington colonial offers modern-day luxury with old-world charm.

Architect-designed, the open gourmet kitchen is out of a magazine — a huge quartz island with seating for four, Thermador stainless appliances, extensive white cabinetry and recessed lighting. The living room with a wood-burning fireplace and built-ins connects to a four-seasons room awash in light. Also find a remodeled mudroom and powder room with cubbies on the main level as well as gleaming hardwoods on the main and upper levels.

The master suite includes a spacious walk-in closet and expanded en-suite bathroom featuring a double vanity, spa shower and high-end fixtures. There are two additional generous-sized bedrooms upstairs and an expanded hallway bathroom with a double sink and bath/shower combo.

The walk-out lower level offers flexible living — enjoy the huge rec room with walls of built-ins for relaxation or use it as an office or fourth bedroom. A full bathroom, wet bar and wood-burning fireplace complement the space.

There’s loads of storage, including the large systems/laundry room and one-car garage converted to storage. Finally, the home has a beautifully landscaped backyard with a large brick patio.

This home in conveniently located — just lights to D.C. via Spout Run/GW Parkway and blocks to the hiking/nature trails of Zachary Taylor Park and Potomac Overlook Regional Park. It’s also inside the Donaldson Run pool zone. It’s part of the Taylor ES/Hamm MS (walkable) and Yorktown HS pyramid.

Listed by:
Liz Lord
Compass Real Estate
571-331-9213
[email protected]
www.arlvahomes.com

Arts Focus: Full-Capacity Audience Attends the Return of Free Lubber Run Summer Concert Series

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/3

Even a thunderstorm couldn’t dampen Arlington’s resolve last Friday, with a full-capacity crowd present to hear blues singer-songwriter Chris Pierce at Lubber Run Amphitheater, reopening for the first time since its 50th Anniversary Season in 2019!

This coming weekend, Avant Bard presents a concert version of their hit “Gospel at Colonus” (Friday, July 16), and the Jogo Project brings their fusion of jazz and Go Go music (Saturday, July 17), followed by a family program by The Levine School of Music (Sunday, July 18).

Once the clouds lifted last Friday, Chris Pierce was welcomed to the stage by Arlington County Board Vice-Chair Katie Cristol and the Chair of the Arlington Commission on the Arts and Humanities Anika Kwinana. He then proceeded to weave his spell on the appreciative audience. With blue skies in evidence, even larger crowds continued through the opening weekend for performances.

The FREE events continue through Aug. 15, with concerts on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and family programming on Sundays at 11 a.m.

The summer continues with a mix of familiar names and Lubber Run debuts, including jazz vocalist Akua Allrich (Friday, July 23), reggae masters Nkula (Friday, July 30), the Colombian sounds of the all-female ensemble La Marvela (Friday, Aug 6) and the National Chamber Ensemble (Saturday, Aug. 14).

Since the construction of the first permanent stage in 1969, generations of Arlingtonians have enjoyed free summer cultural events at the sylvan venue nestled two blocks off Route 50, ranging from Arlington Children’s Theater to bands like Eddie from Ohio and superstar Ritchie Havens.

Admission to Lubber Run Amphitheater remains FREE. This Venue will refer to the  Virginia Department of Health (VDA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for preserving public health. Access to the venue is first come, first served and that may be restricted due to capacity. A face covering is recommended for all unvaccinated patrons. Those who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a face covering when outdoors. If you have COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms, know you have been exposed or are feeling sick, please stay home. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation to preserve the good health of our community.

The Lubber Run Amphitheater Summer Concert Series runs July 9 through August 15, 2021, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with 11:00 a.m. family-oriented programming on Sundays (run-times vary).

So bring a picnic, some friends and enjoy the arts at Lubber Run Amphitheater, located at 200 N. Columbus Street in Arlington (N. Columbus Street and 2nd Street N.).

While there is a small parking lot, there is abundant free street parking in the surrounding Arlington Forrest neighborhood. For directions on how to get to Lubber Run Amphitheater and leave the car at home, check out the video at Arlington’s Car Free Diet, a program of Arlington County Commuter Services (ACCS), a bureau of the Department of Environmental Services!

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/8

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.

The Fourth of July is well in the rearview mirror, folks.

It’s typically a time for fireworks, barbecues, perhaps a nice pool-side cocktail… and, in general, time to spend with friends and family and not focus quite as much on real estate.

Well, post-Fourth of July, the market has heated right back up listings-wise. Compared to the prior week, there has been an approximately 10% increase in homes for sale (spanning detached homes, townhouses and condos) in Arlington County.

Why is this? Certainly part of it is that the summer sprint has begun. Translation: Local families are looking to sell their current homes and move into a new one before the beginning of the next school year. If you are in this category — or not — prepare for the ride ahead. And, if you ever need a trusted team and expert by your side, the time-tested team at Arlington Realty, Inc. has your back.

Until then, here are this week’s Just Reduced numbers:

As of July 12, there are 171 detached homes, 59 townhouses and 373 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 49 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

Please 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.

Listing of the Day: 3100 N. Nelson Street

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/5

Address: 3100 N. Nelson Street
Neighborhood: Bellevue Forest
Listed: $2,300,000
Open: Sunday, July 18, 1-4 p.m.

There’s nothing else on the market like this upscale farmhouse! Nestled at the edge of the woods on a .82 acre lot and at the end of a cul-de-sac just minutes to Chain Bridge, it’s in a sought-after location. You’ll find soaring windows, beautiful architectural details, and panoramic views of the expansive property, forest and parkland that run throughout this renovated home.

Expanded to 5,196 square feet of interior living space, there are six bedrooms, including a jaw-dropping primary suite, five full bathrooms, and a chef’s kitchen to accommodate friends and family. The third level hosts a dramatic rec room with stunning windows, tree top views, stacked stone fireplace, built-in shelves and cabinetry.

If you love cars, you’ll love this property with a one-car attached garage plus a detached three-car garage that has stairs to an unfinished upper loft.

Escape into nature on the rear patio, screened back porch and grassy backyard where you can enjoy playing, gardening and local wildlife. This property is next to a creek with a path to the regional Potomac Overlook Park complete with hiking trails down to the Potomac River.

Nearby, find top Arlington schools. It’s so close to the city but feels many miles away!

Listed by:
Jeffrey and Alexandra Beall & Kathy Rehill
Re/Max Distinctive Real Estate | Facebook
703-772-0787 | 703-403-1064
[email protected]

Ask Eli: The Right Lender Makes a Big Difference

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: Does it matter which lender/mortgage company I choose when I purchase a home?

Answer: Choosing a good lender is one of the most important decisions you make during the home buying process. In a competitive market like we’re in now, choosing the right lender goes beyond a low interest rate and access to good loan products; it can be the difference between having your offer accepted or passed over.

Stronger Offers

Better Pre-Approval: When I review offers on behalf of a seller, I put a lot of value in the quality of the lender/bank who wrote the pre-approval letter for the buyer. A lender who has taken the time to review credit and financial documents, and to get a thorough understanding of the buyer, means the risk of financing falling through is much lower than with lenders who generate pre-approvals based on a short form with inputs from the buyer, without verification.

Most agents representing a seller will contact the lender on the pre-approval letter to ensure they are responsive, personally familiar with the buyer’s financial qualifications and confident in closing based on the contract terms (price, settlement timeline, etc.). Having a lender on your side who will answer the phone and understands the importance of this communication can make all the difference in a competitive market.

Close Faster: Online lenders, larger banks and credit unions often have difficulty closing in less than 35 to 45 days, but a good lender can often settle in less than three weeks. If you find yourself competing for a property, working with a lender who can close quickly will significantly increase the probability of your offer being chosen compared to a lender who needs at least five weeks.

Don’t Miss Settlement

Good lenders do not miss the settlement date. Their reputation and business rely on it. If you miss the contracted settlement date, you’re (usually) in default and expose yourself to risks including losing the Earnest Money Deposit, incurring the seller’s carrying costs or having the contract voided by the seller.

A good question to ask your lender is where their staff works. There are quite a few people involved in getting your loan approved including the loan officer, processor and underwriters. Lenders with a history of missing settlement deadlines often have staff working in different locations that don’t regularly work together. If your lender works in the same physical office as those people, that’s a good indication that they can handle issues efficiently and have a higher probability of meeting the settlement date.

Don’t Get Duped (Interest Rate vs. APR)

Be careful when you’re comparing interest rates, especially online rates. Make sure you’re comparing the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), not the interest rate. Many lenders advertise lower rates by including points (you pay cash upfront for a lower rate) or they charge higher fees. The APR is a measure of the total cost of the loan, including points, fees, and interest rate and allows for an apples-to-apples comparison.

Additionally, the advertised rates are often based on the ideal borrower profile and loan amounts. A true rate quote requires the lender to have your credit information, debts, income, purchase price and down payment. Even with that information, I’ve seen lenders quote low rates to capture a buyer’s attention and then increase the rate/fees once it comes time to lock everything in. Be careful and ask questions.

Reliable Pre-Approvals

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Rethink Energy: Stick It Where the Sun Does Shine

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.

Solar is popping up everywhere. So far this year, we’ve had more than 175 households join our Solar and Electric Vehicle Charger Co-op. Thank you, Arlington!

The cooperative helps residents, small businesses and nonprofit organizations buy solar and electric vehicle (EV) chargers at a discounted price through bulk purchasing. The cooperative provides support to participants to make the purchasing process easy. This year, we also provide information about storing your solar power at home in battery systems.

Take advantage of the federal residential solar and electric vehicle charger tax credits. This year, the residential tax credits are 26% for solar and 30% (up to $1,000) for electric vehicle chargers. Business tax credits are also available.

There are two final information sessions this year. Please join us to learn more:

If you are a building owner, like Rocklands BBQ, you should know that you can obtain financing through an Arlington program for up to 100% of the hard and soft costs associated with improvements related to improving energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy and increasing water efficiency.

Developers can get up to 20% of a new building’s total eligible construction costs financed, provided the proposed building exceeds certain energy performance codes.

Congratulations again to Rocklands BBQ for becoming the first Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financed project in the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.

If you are a contractor, property owner or developer, learn more about how the Arlington C-PACE program can benefit you.

Listing of the Day: 4645 4th Road N.

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/5

Address: 4645 4th Road N.
Neighborhood: Cathcart Springs
Listed: $949,900
Open: Saturday, July 10, 2-4 p.m. and Sunday, July 11, 1-3 p.m.

This updated 2,500+ square-foot 3 BD/4.5 BA three-level townhouse lives like a single-family with a large private patio and two reserved parking spaces.

The spacious primary bedroom has an en-suite bathroom. You’ll also find tons of storage throughout.

Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, you’re just a short walk to Ballston, Metro and Lubber Run Park/Trail. You’ll also have easy access to the WO&D Trail.

Check out photos, a virtual tour, floor plan and additional details at BallstonForSale.com.

Listed by:
Eli Tucker
RLAH Real Estate
703-539-2529
[email protected]
EliResidential.com

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, and welcome to JUST LISTED!

As expected, the Arlington real estate took a bit of a nap over the week surrounding the Fourth of July. The fireworks, barbecues, gorgeous weather and maybe even the tornado (!) collectively took people’s minds from real estate briefly. As is typical after a brief pullback, expect next week’s numbers to strengthen a bit, with more ratified contracts than this current week.

Sellers have been consistently doing their part in listing homes and freshening up the inventory weekly. Buyer demand is a bit more tepid, geared more toward the nicest, most updated and move-in ready homes. They are seeking value after such an aggressive spring market, and they are being pickier because they can be.

To prevent your home from being one of those whose days on market figure is creeping up, it needs to be a polished gem! A fresh coat of paint, refinished hardwood floors or brand-new carpet (news flash: no buyer wants to spend their life savings on someone else’s worn out, used carpet). And if something is broken, fix it. This is how you differentiate your product from the others, and you need to now that buyers have a bit more to choose from.

PICK OF THE WEEK: 1114 21st Street S., Arlington, VA 22202 — $1,049,900

Find an expanded and fully renovated Cape Cod tucked into a super private part of the Addison Heights neighborhood. Terrific curb appeal and a stunning, mature landscaped and hardscape garden await. A gorgeous white eat-in kitchen overlooks the backyard, and a separate fully equipped bar and butler’s pantry area are an entertainer’s dream. There are four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a finished basement with laundry and an attached one-car garage. Light-filled throughout, gleaming hardwoods including heart of pine upstairs, and many newly updated systems await!

Find my team here this weekend, both Saturday, July 10, and Sunday, July 11, from 1-4 p.m.

Now, for this week’s numbers…!

Sellers listed 88 homes for sale this past week, four less than the week before. Buyers ratified 54 contracts, a 44% reduction from the week prior, and just 17 those were on homes JUST LISTED in the past seven days.

There are 540 available properties for sale throughout all of Arlington and across all property types — 139 are detached homes, 56 are townhome/semi-detached homes and 345 of the available units in Arlington are condos.

For a bit of perspective, this same week last year sellers listed 79 homes and buyers ratified 47 contracts. There were also only 309 available properties for sale this week last year.
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The average list price for currently available properties is $776,865 and the median is $550,000. Currently available properties in Arlington have an average of 56 days on market (DOM) and a median of just 34.

Click here to search currently available Arlington real estate. If you see a home 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 I think you might like to check out:

Statutes of Liberty: Applying for Asylum Part II — The Client’s Perspective

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This sponsored column is by James Montana, Esq., Doran Shemin, Esq. and Laura Lorenzo, 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.

[Note from James: The name and identifying details of the client, as well as all other individuals, have been changed to protect their respective identities. Other than those changes and our copyedits, this is entirely her story. We are sharing it with you to give our readers an idea of what it is like to apply for asylum. For a sense of the lawyer’s point of view, see Part I.]

At left, James. At right, not our client. At center, the Arlington Asylum Office.

My name is Aryana H. I came to the U.S. with a tourist visa from Iran. I had to leave my country because of the government’s anti-democratic practices, which labeled me a terrorism supporter. As part of my work, I visited the United States for conferences.

When I came here, I knew I had the right to apply for asylum because I was working on human rights issues with international nonprofit organizations that work with immigrants, but I did not apply at the first opportunity because it was a radical decision for me.

I knew that if I applied for asylum, I could not see my country anymore, which means I could not see my family and friends. I felt like Tom Hanks’ character in “The Terminal,” stuck in the airport, neither able to go back home nor enter the U.S. I also had some hope that my home country would get better about human rights and democracy, yet it got worse. However, during my last trip back home, it became clear to me that I had to flee.

I decided to “enter” the U.S. with limited English. Everything was new and confusing for me. I searched for a lawyer who could look at my case not just from a lawyer’s perspective but also from a human rights perspective. My housemate, Karen’s friend, was working for a church, through whom a contact — Mrs. Amy — suggested Mr. James C. Montana to my housemate.

I met with Mr. Montana for a consultation. He was so kind and explained all the positive and negative possibilities as well as the process. Mr. Montana asked me to collect all the evidence that shows that I am a human rights activist; I was not involved in any terrorist events, and the Iranian regime took against me. I asked my lawyer in Iran to send copies of the indictment against me and the court records and to write a letter that explains what would happen to me if I returned to Iran. My family had to send me my birth certificate. I searched the internet to collect all news about my works and data about the government’s human rights abuse all over Iran.

All of the evidence was in Farsi. My friend Jasmine helped translate the documents into English. I also wrote my asylum statement in Farsi, and then had it translated into English, which was expensive. I then discussed my statement with Mr. Montana. He helped me to organize and edit it with further translation help. Drafting my statement took two months. Then, I applied for asylum. Three months after that, I received my work permit and Social Security card.

My application was pending for three years before I had an interview. During that time, I tried to keep communication alive with my lawyer. He followed my case very closely and gave me all the details whenever he acted. I knew that they have limited sources and the government policy was not welcome to newcomers. Everything would take a long time.

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Biz Talk: Grow Your Federal Contracting Business in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This article was written by Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington’s robust federal government ecosystem and prime location directly across the Potomac from Washington, D.C. make it an attractive place for government contractors to grow and thrive.

In FY20, Northern Virginia companies were awarded nearly $90 billion in federal procurement awards, exceeding the total of any single state, including Texas and California (usaspending.gov). We all know Arlington is home to the Department of Defense at the Pentagon, which alone awards nearly two-thirds of federal contracts by value. Additionally, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Office of Naval Research (ONR) call Arlington home.

However, many may not know about the critical pieces of the government contracting ecosystem that help businesses grow and thrive here.

  1. Mentoring and business development: Looking for personal help and guidance for your federal contracting business? Arlington Economic Development’s (AED) mission is to help Arlington businesses grow and thrive. AED can help you find the right resources for your business. We provide small business counseling, timely workshops and webinars, and even incentives if your business is growing quickly and taking new office space. If you’re interested in ongoing mentoring, SCORE assists Arlington businesses and AED clients. Some SCORE mentors have owned their own federal contracting business and have the experience to help you grow yours. Reach out to AED’s senior business ambassador, Sindy Yeh, if you have questions about growing your federal contracting business in Arlington or want to be connected to additional resources.
  2. Accelerators: If your government startup is looking for guidance and to scale quickly, an accelerator program could be an excellent fit for you. Accelerators are a cohort-based program in which startups are given resources and education to expedite their growth in a specific market, typically ending with a pitch day or competition. Mach37 accelerator is a great choice for cybersecurity startups. Defense startups can apply to the National Security Innovation Network Accelerator program (NSIN), and FedTech has a few accelerator options for government technology contractors. NSIN and Fedtech, both in Arlington, provide a platform for innovators from the defense, academic and venture communities to change the way national security innovation works.
  3. Funding/capital investment: Is your business growing quickly and looking for outside capital? In-Q-tel invests in national security tech startups and brings a unique blend of funding and deep knowledge of the national security market. The Center for Innovative Technology aims to fill gaps in the earliest stages of innovation and commercialization. They have multiple funds, including their GAP fund and Virginia Founders Fund, to help Virginia startups.
  4. Networking: There is no shortage of networking, advocacy and education groups specifically dedicated to government contracting. The Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum provides education and networking for new government contractors. In the defense industry? Check out the National Defense Industrial Association, which helps foster discussion on national security. The Professional Services Council advocates for government technology and professional services companies and professionals. The Northern Virginia Chamber has a very active Gov Con committee holding networking meetings and educational programming.
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