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Ballston’s Coolest New Community Has Only 4 Homes Remaining

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/10

Finding your new home in today’s market can be very nerve-wracking and frustrating, especially in the D.C. metro area. Competing offers. Escalation clauses. Settling for what a home has instead of getting a home with what you want. What’s a homebuyer to do?

Come visit our decorated model townhome at Trenton Square at Ballston. Here you’ll enjoy a relaxing tour as our salesperson guides your exploration into what makes our homes so special. The personalized attention you’ll receive is second to none — as is our new home warranty, which will give you peace of mind for years to come.

Trenton Square is a stylish 19-home community — and only a few homes remain. Each luxury townhome features four finished levels of comfort and elegance with all the rooms and space you need to be happy, including a standard main-level deck and a fourth-level terrace.

Then, just around the corner in the heart of Ballston, all the best dining, shopping and entertainment await you. Over 80 restaurants, boutique shops and essential services are within five blocks. You’re close to parks, movie theaters, immersive virtual experiences and even an ice rink (home of the Washington Capitals) — can’t get much cooler than that!

When your adventures take you deeper into Arlington, into D.C. and beyond, you’ll love being just around the corner from the Ballston-MU Metro station and all the area’s major roads. From Trenton Square, you’re only 10 minutes to Tysons and four minutes to Washington, D.C.

Trenton Square at Ballston takes the peaceful calm of a luxury townhome and wraps it in the excitement of Ballston and the nearness of D.C. But don’t delay: The townhomes of Trenton Square are selling out. Contact us today so you don’t miss this chance to come home to Trenton Square.

4 levels, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2-car garage — priced from just over $1 million

Statutes of Liberty: An Asylum Case From Two Perspectives — The Lawyer and the Client

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.

In this two-part series, we’re going to show you an asylum case from two perspectives: that of the client and that of her lawyer. Today, we’ll show you our point of view — how an asylum applicant walks in the door, how we develop the case and how we present it to the government. We’ve altered a few elements to protect the identity of our client (e.g., the country of origin), but we’ll certainly give you the essence of the case.

One excellent asylum application, one grumpy lawyer

Mr. J.’s case began — as most of our cases do — with a phone call, a prior relationship and a referral. Our referral source told us that he had met Mr. J — a foreign official — and that Mr. J had been cut off by his home government, and Mr. J had a passel of children, and was there something we could do? Our answer to that question is always the same: We don’t know whether the law offers a solution, but it might, and we’d be happy to meet Mr. J for a consultation.

Mr. J came to our office with a rather unusual story. He had risen through the ranks of the security services in his home country of Azerbaijan, mostly engaged in counterterrorism and anti-corruption efforts. The United States, as part of its cooperative relationship with Azerbaijan, supports both counterterrorism and anti-corruption programs here, and so Mr. J had been selected from amongst his peers to attend advanced training in the United States. Over the course of a long career, Mr. J rose to become an important security official, working closely with the president of Azerbaijan.

Mr. J returned to the United States once more, sponsored by Azerbaijan to complete graduate-level coursework. While Mr. J was studying (and excelling in his studies), the president of Azerbaijan fell from power. The new administration promptly locked up the former president — and started locking up the former president’s allies, associates and officials. (Fans of “lock her up!” and “lock him up!” alike should take note: It’s never just “lock him up” — it takes one microsecond to become “lock them up.”)

Mr. J. provided us with a sheaf of documents concerning his prior service, his studies in the United States, his relationship with the former government and the new government’s ham-fisted attempts to recall him. Laura Maria Lorenzo spent five weeks preparing a statement with Mr. J — and working to connect him with institutions that can provide medical services and basic support for his large family while he puts a new life together.

We’re now at the stage where we feel prepared to submit Mr. J’s application. We’ve warned him that it may be many years before he sees an asylum officer. We’ve come to terms with the fact that his career as a high official is over — he’ll be working as a laborer to provide for his family for the foreseeable future.

If we’re lucky, we’ll have Mr. J before the asylum office in 2024, and we’ll win. If we’re unlucky, Mr. J’s asylum case will be sent to the immigration courts to be heard at some distant date. (A trial date in 2028 would not surprise us.) Either way, he can rely on us to advocate for the right result.

As always, we would love to hear your thoughts and we will do our best to respond.

Where Can a Career Path in Public Service Take You?

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Join the Schar School for an evening of career insights and hear firsthand from two of the nation’s leading national security experts.

Michael Morell, former acting and deputy director of the CIA and Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Schar School, will be joined by Larry Pfeiffer, former senior director of the White House Situation Room and current director of the Schar School’s Michael V. Hayden Center, as he recalls the experiences that led to his 33-year career in public service.

All prospective graduate students are welcome to attend.

The Path to Public Service: Career Insights with Michael Morell
Tuesday, June 29
6-7 p.m. (EDT)
(Virtual session)

The 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 skills for in-demand careers in the private, public and nonprofit sectors.

Graduate certification programs, just five courses each with part-time and full-time options available, include:

Master’s degree programs, with part-time and full-time options available, include:

Prospective students who attend a virtual Schar School admissions event, including The Path to Public Service: Career Insights with Michael Morell, will be provided with an application fee waiver for the fall 2021 graduate application.

Students may apply by the July 15 application deadline to begin graduate studies in August. To learn more about graduate programs at the Schar School, attend other upcoming events or fill out our inquiry form.

Small Business Focus: Celebrating Local BizPride

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
Pride flag flying in Courthouse (courtesy of Zachary Cabot)

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

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month. While this year’s Pride may look a little different than previous years with many local events taking place virtually, there are still elements that many will recognize, including a Colorful Pride Mobile Parade happening this Saturday.

Many local businesses in Arlington have already started showing their support by updating their social media profiles with a rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ+ Pride. (We see you, Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee!) For our Small Business Focus, we wanted to take an opportunity to highlight some events and initiatives local businesses are hosting for Pride Month.

First up, Bash Boxing, an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, is hosting a Bash Pride Celebration on June 11 at 6 p.m. at their Rosslyn location — a 60-minute class coached by founder Alex Trakas. The Bash team will be on-site raising funds and awareness for the Capital Pride Alliance.

 

 

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Next, we’ve got Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, Northern Virginia’s only gay bar. Freddie’s has been a fixture on 23rd Street for more than 20 years and has always been a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Their events for Pride include Drag Bingo this evening, Freddie’s Follies Drag Show on Saturday and Drag Brunch on Sunday. In addition to these events, they also will be hosting additional events throughout June — follow their Facebook page to learn more.

And speaking of Freddie’s… The National Landing BID is teaming up with Painted Palettes to create a work of art that celebrates Freddie’s. This limited-edition print is available for pre-order with 50% of the proceeds going directly to AGLA.

 

 

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A post shared by National Landing (@nationallanding)

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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.

A happy Great Outdoors Month, fellow Arlingtonians!

That’s right. June is Great Outdoors Month — the perfect time to explore our local parks and get outside. Plus, we’re right on the cusp of humid, 90-plus degree days being the norm for a while, so let’s enjoy these temps while we can.

Here in Arlington County, we have outdoor options galore, spanning the Washington & Old Dominion Trail for biking excursions, Mount Vernon Trail for multi-use recreation, Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park for learning more about our local environment and so much more.

Throughout the years, the team at Arlington Realty, Inc. has heard from a number of clients that want seamless access to their favorite outdoor attractions and local amenities. And we certainly don’t blame them because our county is loaded with awesome offerings.

When you’re ready to find the home of your dreams — perhaps near your favorite park or trail — the time-tested team at Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to roll on your behalf. In the meantime, on to this week’s Just Reduced figures…

As of June 7, there are 166 detached homes, 65 townhouses and 389 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 46 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week:

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.

The Pinemoor is Serving up Scratch-Made Dishes, Happy Hour Deals and Live Music

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/5

 

Whether you want to grab a bite after work or plan a date night or brunch, The Pinemoor, a restaurant and lounge in Clarendon, has you covered.

On the menu, you’ll find plenty of scratch-made dishes, including steaks, fish, salads and sandwiches, all made with locally sourced meat and produce.

Craving steak? The Pinemoor serves four cuts of steak from Shenandoah Valley Beef Cooperative, including a 32-ounce bone-in tomahawk. If you’re in the mood for a salad, the greens are sourced from True Farms Hydroponics, located less than an hour down the road. The dressings, rubs and sauces are all made in-house, too.

Throughout the week, The Pinemoor has fun events and deals. Stop by Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. to get BOGO appetizers, which pair well with the $6 wines, draft beers and seltzers.

On Tuesdays, get a free dessert. (The chocolate blackout cake was recently featured!)

If you want to hear live country music, The Pinemoor will become your new go-to Thursday night spot with 7:30 p.m. shows. (Upcoming performers are announced on The Pinemoor’s Instagram.)

And, of course, there’s the weekend brunch (with five types of Benedicts on the menu!) and more live music on Sunday afternoons.

Stop by The Pinemoor website to drool over the menus or place a reservation for indoor dining. The bar, lounge and outdoor patio, which has a retractable roof, are first come, first served. Dogs are also welcome on the patio!

Laser Hair Removal Now Available at ProMD Health Arlington Office

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Did you know the average woman shaves 7,718 times in her life? Ditch your razor and say hello to smooth, glowing skin with laser hair removal at ProMD Health.

Laser hair removal is the fastest, longest-lasting treatment option to remove unwanted hair and leave your skin soft and smooth.

Thanks to its versatile design, we’re able to use laser treatment technology on almost every part of your body. Some of the most commonly treated areas include the arms, legs, bikini area, back, chest, underarms, face, neck and hands.

Call now to learn more, or schedule your free consultation and get a free laser hair removal session with the purchase of a package at ProMD Health!

ProMD Health
1005 N. Glebe Road #120
410-449-2060
www.promdhealth.com

Ask Eli: Are Buyers Really Waiving Inspections? The Many Approaches to Home Inspections

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

Question: What are the different ways of structuring a Home Inspection Contingency, and how do they affect the odds of my offer being accepted?

Answer:

Last Week’s $1,000 Donation Poll

Before I jump into today’s column, I want to announce that based on last week’s vote, our team donated $1,000 to the Fisher House Foundation on behalf of the ARLnow community in honor of Memorial Day. Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital. Thank you to everybody who voted and commented with feedback about the various charities.

Home Inspection Contingency Overview

Not only is this market pushing buyers to offer well over asking price, but it’s also pushing them to take on a lot of risk by reducing or eliminating the protections offered by standard contingencies: Inspection, Financing and Appraisal Contingencies are the “Big Three.”

Of the “Big Three” contingencies, the Home Inspection Contingency represents the most risk to a seller because it gives the buyer a nearly unilateral option of voiding and/or the ability to request seller repairs or seller credits based on the findings of the inspection. Thus, buyers who reduce or eliminate the risk of a Home Inspection Contingency to a seller are viewed much more favorably than buyers who do not.

A home inspection is when a buyer hires a licensed home inspector to provide a report on the condition of a home. They examine and test things like appliances, the roof, water drainage and the electrical system to help buyers understand what they’re buying. Depending on the size and age of a property, inspections generally cost anywhere from $300 to $800+ before common add-ons like radon tests and chimney inspections.

If you’re buying a home, there are a few different ways of approaching the home inspection.

Home Inspection with Right to Void or Negotiate Repairs and/or Credits

This option is most favorable for buyers and least favorable to sellers because it allows the buyer to void the contract (and get their Earnest Money Deposit back) if they don’t like the results of the inspection (or even if they just get cold feet) and also allows buyers to make any requests they want for seller repairs or seller credits.

If a buyer decides to void, there’s nothing the seller can do, as long as the Notice to Void is issued within the proper window of time. Buyers can make any requests they want of the Seller for repairs and credits, but the seller can also negotiate or reject whatever requests they want. If the buyer and seller are unable to reach an agreement on repairs and/or credits within a specified number of days, the buyer has the option of accepting the Seller’s latest offer for repairs and/or credits or voiding the contract.

Most people would consider this the standard/default type of inspection, but in hot markets like we’re experiencing now, this structure is much less common.

Home Inspection with Right to Void Only

Also known as a Pass/Fail inspection. This option is less favorable to buyers and thus, better for sellers. In this scenario, buyers retain their ability to void the contract after doing the home inspection but give up the negotiation period to request repairs or credits from the seller.

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Aging Right at Home: June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Aging Right @ Home is a monthly blog series, answering your questions on providing care for individuals with disabilities, loved ones with dementia and older adults aging in place. If you have a question, please submit it to [email protected].

Elder abuse isn’t a topic anyone enjoys discussing, but it’s important to acknowledge that it occurs.

Experts estimate that 10% of older adults are victims of some form of elder abuse, yet only a small percentage of cases are ever reported. This abuse can take several forms: physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and abandonment, or financial exploitation.

While abuse occurs to all types of people in all types of situations, gerontologists say that social isolation is a top risk factor for elder abuse. This gives increased significance to Elder Abuse Awareness Month this year, as many seniors continue to battle the (social, financial, physical, etc.) impacts of COVID-19.

To that end, I wanted to shine a light on a few key items:

Preventing Elder Abuse

Everyone has a role to play in protecting aging adults — not just caregivers, but the general public as well. The following are key warning signs abuse may be occurring:

  • Unexplained bruises, burns or cuts
  • Poor hygiene, dirty clothes or bedsores
  • Sudden change in financial situation or unusual stress about finances
  • Depression or other signs of trauma
    …among others, unfortunately

When It’s Time To Act

Seniors who are being mistreated may be too ashamed or afraid to talk about it. If you suspect an elder has been victimized, reassure them that it is not their fault. Then, explain that you are concerned and offer to assist them in getting help.

Concerns can be reported to the appropriate protective services agency and detailed information can be found on the National Center on Elder Abuse website.

Keeping Our Loved Ones Safe

Especially now, it’s important for families to stay in close touch with older family members. Make contact frequently, know the red flags listed above and encourage your loved one to express any concerns they have to you.

Professional in-home care services can often provide assistance as well. Professional caregivers assist clients with personal care, health care management, transportation, companionship and a variety of other services that ease stress. Additionally, they provide watchful supervision for all seniors and serve as a liaison for many families.

This provides peace of mind for families and ensures the well-being of their aging loved ones. Contact me today at Right at Home if you’d like a care consultation or if I’m able to provide any other assistance to you and your family.

Your neighbor, and Owner/President of Right at Home of Northern Virginia,

Phillip Turner, CDP, CSA

Neighborhood Spotlight: Courthouse — A Mix of Convenience and Comfort

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

(Updated on 6/6/21) Courthouse is known as the county seat, as it’s the home to Arlington’s local government buildings and courthouse, but there’s more to this neighborhood than its nickname suggests.

Join the Keri Shull Team and judge for yourself as we cover everything that makes the Courthouse neighborhood of Arlington County a popular destination.

As par for the course, the real estate market in Arlington continues to shine. The availability of row houses and condominiums is growing in areas like Courthouse as families transition to single-family homes in neighboring districts. With its convenient Metro access and a lively urban design filled with bars and restaurants, Courthouse is perfect for first-time homeowners and professionals working in Arlington.

Questions about Arlington real estate? Please contact the Keri Shull Team, the No. 1 top-selling real estate team in the Washington, D.C. area. Our team of specialists is waiting to help!

City Allure Meets Suburban Tranquility

In general, Courthouse has the outward appearance of a bustling urban city but the quiet and charm of a suburb. The layout consists of multi-story buildings for residential, office and retail purposes that have culminated in a community of working professionals, but there’s more to this neighborhood than office space.

Courthouse is located at the heart of Arlington’s Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, residing just east of Clarendon and a short Metro ride to the District. Residents admire Courthouse’s quiet appeal. The tranquility of this neighborhood and the overall proximity to local shopping centers and various hotspots makes it one of the best places to live in Arlington.

Along with being the county seat, this neighborhood is the site of a development project known as Courthouse Square, an urban plaza and cultural center for residents and visitors alike. The plaza has been under continuous development since 2013 to keep it refined as a scenic center for community gatherings and events.

Also located in the Courthouse area is Colonial Village, a 50-acre housing complex that’s on the National Register of Historic Places, originally constructed in 1930 and part of Courthouse’s residential beginnings. Colonial Village comprises studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom condominiums surrounded by a garden-style landscape with winding pathways, giving the grounds an idyllic atmosphere perfect for walks during the spring and summer seasons.

Getting Back and Forth From Courthouse

As a hub for the county’s administrative offices, the neighborhood conveniently gets its own Metro stop along the Silver and Orange lines, one stop from Rosslyn Center. Courthouse benefits from the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor development projects, creating a prime location for daily commuters in the D.C. region.

As part of the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, Courthouse is a dream for walkers and bikers. Easy-to-reach shopping centers and well-developed bike paths have earned the neighborhood a walk score of 93 and bike score of 77. New bike lanes are often being added to expand on this neighborhood’s friendly transportation options.

Even if public transit is sufficient and most places are reachable by foot, there is still convenience to be found for those who enjoy driving in and around Arlington. Major roadways such as Lee Highway and I-66 run along the northern border. Arlington’s many amazing parks and trails are just a short drive away.

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Listing of the Day: 4600 S. Four Mile Run Drive #1007

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Address: 4600 S. Four Mile Run Drive #1007
Neighborhood: South Arlington
Listed: Can you guess? (See video for answer.)

Newly renovated with top-of-the-line finishes throughout! This 828-square-foot one-bedroom is situated on the 10th floor and has been reimagined to cater to the needs of the modern condo owner.

The entire condo was renovated in 2021, and the unit features luxury vinyl plank floors, designer light fixtures, Hunter Douglas blinds and a gourmet kitchen. The living room receives tons of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door (replaced in 2021). The kitchen features white shaker cabinets, custom mosaic backsplash, GE stainless steel appliances, a gas range and granite countertops.

The kitchen wall was opened up to accommodate a wraparound breakfast bar. LED lights are outfitted overhead and under-cabinet to provide additional lighting in the kitchen. The modern bathroom has a barn-style glass sliding door that leads to a walk-in shower.

The Carlton recently went through a multi-million dollar renovation that featured a renovated lobby, hallways, party room and new FOB-secured elevators. Residents enjoy a fully equipped gym as well as an outdoor Olympic-sized pool. There are also two tennis courts on the property. Additionally, there is a 24-hour concierge and an on-site convenience store in the building. The Carlton is conveniently located near the W&OD Trail, Shirlington, The Pentagon, Amazon HQ2 and everything the area has to offer!

Contact The Battle Group or your buyer’s agent for more information or to set up a private showing.

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

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