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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.

America is beginning to open up again.

With last week’s mask guidance from the CDC and COVID-19 vaccination rates continuing to rise throughout the U.S., optimism is reaching new levels.

This will ultimately equate to more and more people being comfortable — yet again — with being out and about. Among the places we’re expecting to see them out and about? Exploring local real estate options.

Particularly after a year-plus that has equated to so many being cooped in the same abode, now is the time folks are starting to research and dig into something new. And, in that same vein, many folks are looking to sell the place they’ve resided in through the pandemic.

There is incredible demand in today’s market, and it can be a lot to navigate. If and when you’re ready to explore your options, the time-tested team at Arlington Realty, Inc. has your back.

And now on to this week’s Just Reduced stats…

As of May 17, there are 147 detached homes, 65 townhouses and 335 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 29 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: 1600 N. Oak Street #532

By ARLnow.com Sponsor


Address: 1600 N. Oak Street #532
Neighborhood: Rosslyn
Listed: $639,900

Welcome to this stunningly renovated residence in the highly acclaimed Belvedere Condominiums! The open living floor plan features two beds, two full baths plus an additional sunroom — all topping out at a spacious 1,280 square feet.

The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, cherry wood cabinetry with elegant metal and glasswork, Silestone countertops, and a deep pantry.

The Santorini-inspired master spa bathroom features modern cabinetry, a glass-enclosed shower space and spacious closets. The condo also comes with a light-filled sunroom with solar shades, modern light fixtures, Elfa closets, a separate storage locker and one garage parking spot.

The Belvedere provides its residents with a fantastic amenity package for every interest: an Olympic-sized outdoor pool, a spacious fitness center, tennis courts (lined for pickleball), 24/7 front desk, over 20 guest parking spots, bicycle parking, a bicycle fix-it station, direct Amazon package delivery to your unit door and an in-building convenience store.

The Belvedere is located near the Rosslyn Metro, Starbucks, Target, Safeway and a new dog park. Georgetown is right across the Key Bridge, and you have easy access to The Pentagon, HQ2 and so much more!

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

Early Bird is About To Sell Out — Join DC Bike Ride Today!

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/5

Registration is filling up! You have until Thursday, May 20, to sign up and get the Early Bird registration rate for the 2021 DC Bike Ride.

The new and improved ride will bring all the fun you already know in our bicycling experience, including photo stops and live music along the course as participants get to safely explore our nation’s capital completely car-free!

You have various tickets to choose from, including affordable bike rentals, but offers for our Early Bird and Early Bird + Jersey expire on May 20 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Sign up for this year’s ride with peace of mind knowing that we offer stress-free registration and 20 miles of beautiful sights.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get ready to get back on the road with DC Bike Ride. Use promo code ARLBIKE for an extra discount on the Early Bird registration.

Promo code does not apply to Early Bird + Jersey.

DC Bike Ride 2021
Saturday, September 25
West Potomac Park, Washington, DC
dcbikeride.com

Ask Eli: What is the MLS/Bright MLS?

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: In your last article you mentioned Bright MLS a few times, can you explain what that is?

Answer: If you’re buying or selling a home, you may hear the term “MLS” or “Bright” used a lot. The simplest way I describe it to people is that the MLS, short for Multiple Listing Service, is the real estate industry’s database(s) of record for property sales. There are hundreds of regional and local MLS’s across the country.

Bright (MLS) is the name of our regional MLS and is also the largest in the country. Prior to 2017 it was called MRIS (Metropolitan Regional Information Systems), but in 2017 it was rebranded to Bright after a merger with eight other regional MLS’s mostly from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

From a 2017 press release, the recently formed Bright MLS managed the records for about 250,000 annual transactions and $85 Billion in annual real estate sales. These numbers are likely higher now.

What is the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)?

The MLS is a real estate information exchange platform and database created by cooperating residential real estate brokerages to improve the efficiency of their real estate market. As a privately created and managed organization, each MLS is primarily funded through the dues of the brokerages and agents within the market it serves. There are hundreds of MLS’s across the country and each operates under its own direction and rules and regulations.

The information you find on consumer-facing websites like Zillow, Realtor.com and Homesnap comes from various MLS’s and each MLS has the right to negotiate its own relationship (syndication agreements) with these sites and determine what information is made available.

Without the MLS concept, we would have an extremely fragmented industry that would make it difficult for buyers to ensure they are seeing most/all of what is for sale within their sub-market, and it would be much more difficult for sellers to get top dollar because they would not have access to the entire buyer market.

What is Bright MLS?

Bright is the MLS that serves our region including most major markets or 100% of markets in Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia and Delaware. It’s the largest MLS in the country by size and geographic area.

The Executive Committee and Board of Directors are made up of representatives from the region’s major brokerages and directs the business of Bright, which has developed into a full-blown software, services and technology company. Bright has adopted a strict set of rules and regulations to provide data uniformity and ensure fair play such as restrictions on marketing properties for sale that are not entered into the MLS, as discussed in last week’s article.

Your interaction with Bright MLS is likely to come from listings that your real estate agent sends you directly from the system, but you are also indirectly interacting with Bright whenever you search a third-party real estate site like Zillow because Zillow pulls its listing information from Bright (and other MLS systems across the country).

While at times frustrating for brokerages, agents and consumers, there is a tremendous net benefit to the MLS structure by combining home sale data into one database with a common set of requirements and rules of engagement. This allows the entire industry to function much more efficiently than it did prior to the MLS concept and since Zillow and other consumer-facing sites began aggregating listing information for public use, it has taken away the “gatekeeper” role real estate agents, to the benefit of consumers and, I would argue, real estate agents.

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at 703-539-2529.

Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Ask Eli, Live With Jean playlist.

Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203. 703)-390-9460.

Listing of the Day: 6320 Washington Blvd

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/5

Address: 6320 Washington Blvd
Neighborhood: Highland Park
Listed: $1,895,000

This is an incredible Arlington location for this exquisite home with a resort-style heated pool, hot tub, stone fire pit, and private, lush backyard oasis on a 1/3 of an acre lot.

Inside, find over 6,000 finished square feet of luxury living! The gourmet, eat-in kitchen features granite countertops, a large island, wine refrigerator and a walk-in pantry, and it overlooks the stunning backyard pool, patio and gardens. The kitchen is an ideal entertaining space, opening up to the family room with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. The main level also features a powder room and office.

Upstairs are four spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms and the laundry room. Two separate owner’s suites feature en-suite spa-inspired bathrooms and walk-in closets. The lower level has high ceilings throughout, walk-up access to the backyard, a massive recreation room, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a second kitchen — perfect for an au-pair or in-law suite. Finally, there’s a two-car garage with interior access.

This is a fantastic location in Highland Park, located just three blocks from East Falls Church Metro, walkable to Westover, great commuter access to Rt. 66, and just minutes from plenty of dining and grocery options. You don’t want to miss this amazing opportunity!

Listed by:
Conor Sullivan
Three Stones Residential at KW Metro Center
(c) 703-268-6380 | (o) 571-429-7670
[email protected]
www.tsrhomes.com

Legal Insider: Avoid Investments in Marijuana Businesses and Security Clearances

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.

Holding or applying for a security clearance and maintaining significant investments in marijuana businesses can be a problem. We have been advising clients about this issue since some states began to legalize marijuana around 2010. Owning an investment in a marijuana company (e.g., stock, equity) (or working for a marijuana enterprise) is a reportable clearance activity for security clearance holders and applicants and can lead to the loss of a security clearance or problems in obtaining one. Investments in marijuana-related companies may constitute involvement in illegal drug activities under existing government guidelines.

This can potentially be the case even where the clearance holder or applicant does not directly choose their individual stocks. It also makes no difference if the state that the investment is located in has legalized marijuana businesses. The federal government’s current view is that an individual has a duty to know about their investments and to be knowledgeable about federal drug laws.

Federal Directives on Marijuana Usage and Investment

While there has not been new major guidance in the area of investment, Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 4, effective June of 2017, provides the current basis for not granting or revoking a security clearance based on drug involvement, including investments in marijuana under Guideline H:

25. Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include:

. . .

(c) illegal possession of a controlled substance, including cultivation, processing, manufacture, purchase, sale, or distribution; or possession of drug paraphernalia;

. . . .

If an issue were to arise, an investment in marijuana businesses could feasibly fall under a number of the security concerns in Paragraph 25 (c) of SEAD 4.

Marijuana investments have been referred to as the new Tesla or other growth industry, according to the news; the urge is to invest now. However, the problem is that until the federal government changes federal drug laws or creates an exception for marijuana businesses or investment, individuals that invest or otherwise become involved in marijuana investments can put their security clearance (and career) in danger. While investments in marijuana businesses are likely less of a red flag than usage of marijuana for a clearance holder, the best advice is to avoid marijuana investments.

We have continued to see significant confusion on this issue since 2010 when a number of states started legalizing the use of marijuana. It is advisable that individuals seeking to hold or to obtain a security clearance refrain from investing in marijuana stocks until federal law or policy changes. Looking at the current standards, the biggest risk is likely knowing that you are investing directly in a marijuana business (or direct ownership), as opposed to investing in a mutual fund where a person might be unaware of such investments. The federal government will eventually change their position on marijuana, but for the moment investing in companies or stocks that are involved in the sale of marijuana could cause security clearance problems.

Conclusion

If an employee needs assistance with security clearance issues, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. Please also like us on Facebook or connect with us on Twitter.

Celebrate Delhi Dhaba’s 30th Anniversary With a Bollywood Blowout

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Put on your party hat because Delhi Dhaba is turning 30!

To celebrate, the mainstay Indian restaurant will be hosting a Bollywood Blowout throughout the summer.

When you walk through the doors, you’ll be surrounded by fun, festive decor and music. Settle in and experience Indian culture with a special celebration menu featuring creative cocktails and traditional street food.

Start the celebration off with the Drunk Auntie, a tequila and tamarind nectar margarita. There’s also the Yaaaas Rani (translated: Yaaaasss Queen), a fruity concoction made with guava rum, pomegranate and lemon.

For your meal, choose a variety of street chaat items. “Chaat,” by the way, describes snacks with sweet, sour, tangy, spicy and crunchy flavors. If you want to try different dishes, this is perfect. Mix and match items and share with your table!

You’ll also find small bites, including masala fries, tandoori chicken wings and vegetable samosa. If you’d rather have a full-blown meal, there are big bites available as well.

Finish off the experience with Parle-G ice cream sandwiches (made with India’s favorite cookie), sweet rice pudding or homemade Kulfi Trio (a trio of rose, malai and pistachio ice creams).

Had no idea Delhi Dhaba was this old? They’ve been serving the Arlington community since 1991, when a local family who emigrated from New Delhi in the ’70s established the restaurant. Their goal? Bring all the colors and flavors of traditional Indian food to the good people of Arlington.

The Bollywood Blowout festivities begin May 15 and carry on through Oct. 15. Weekend reservations are strongly encouraged, so be sure to book your spot online so you don’t miss out!

Delhi Dhaba
2424 Wilson Blvd
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website | Instagram
703-524-0008

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:

4424 Vacation Lane
5 BD/3 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Weichert Realtors
Listed: $1,579,900
Open: Saturday, 1-3 p.m. and Sunday, 2-4 p.m.

 

2412 N. Illinois Street
5 BD/5 BA single-family home
Agent: Redfin Corporation
Listed: $1,295,000
Open: Sunday, 1-3 p.m.

 

4736 Old Dominion Drive
3 BD/2 BA single-family home
Agent: Optime Realty
Listed: $1,075,000
Open: Sunday, 2-4 p.m.

 

4620 21st Street N.
3 BD/2 BA, 1 half bath townhome
Agent: Compass
Listed: $925,000
Open: Sunday, 2-4 p.m.

 

1800 21st Street N.
3 BD/3 BA, 1 half bath townhome
Agent: Redfin Corporation
Listed: $899,000
Open: Saturday, 1-3 p.m.

 

102 S. Highland Street
2 BD/1 BA single-family home
Agent: RE/MAX Allegiance
Listed: $725,000
Open: Saturday and Sunday, 1-3 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.

One hundred thousand… dollars!

How many times in your life has someone given you an unexpected $100,000 or more?

This is becoming more and more common in Arlington real estate. We’ve seen more homes sell for $100,000+ over asking price in the past few months than ever before. This can happen on a home in just about any price point — I’ve seen it happen in the $800,000 range, representing a significantly higher percentage over ask than when is happens in the $1.5 million range, but we’re seeing that, too.

Sellers: This does not happen by accident, and it is not happening to all homes. It also may not continue to happen for very long — it’s really tough to predict the market. This type of end-result still takes expert guidance, careful preparation and excellent market presentation to convince a buyer to bid this much over a reasonable asking price. Give me a ring today at 703-203-1117 to talk about how we position you for this type of potential windfall.

Sellers listed 116 homes for sale this past week, 17 more than the week before! Purchasers worked at a brisk pace to grab as much inventory as possible — ratifying 73 contracts, 39 of which were on homes just listed in the past seven days.

This week, there are 477 available properties for sale throughout all of Arlington and across all property types, 25 more than last week. 124 are detached homes.

There are 53 townhome/semi-detached homes currently for sale, and condominiums make up 300 of the available units in Arlington.

A quick comparison to last year: For the same week, sellers listed 60 homes and buyers ratified 47 contracts. There were also only 247 available properties for sale this week last year.

The average list price for currently available properties is $812,365 and the median is $598,000. Currently available properties in Arlington have an average of 61 days on market (DOM) and a median of just 30.

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:

Just Listed: 1712 N. Jefferson Street

Listing of the Day: 2000 N. Culpeper Street

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/5

Address: 2000 N. Culpeper Street
Neighborhood: John M. Langston
Listed: $675,000
Open: Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

Find charm galore in this classic Arlington bungalow in popular High View Park. Gleaming original hardwood floors, high ceilings and oversized windows are just a few of the special features of this unique home. Relax on your front porch, or enjoy the expansive and private backyard with a stone patio and fire pit.

Features include spacious bedrooms, a newly updated bathroom, granite counters. and plantation shutters throughout. The home also has a large unfinished basement with an expanded crawl space and pull-down attic for storage (or possible expansion). The major systems are all new: boiler (2020), water heater (2020) and central air conditioning (2017).

The home is located blocks from Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe and Cowboy Cafe. You’ll also have easy access to Lee Harrison shops, Ballston Metro and Glebe Elementary School, Swanson Middle School and Yorktown High School.

There’s nothing for you to do but enjoy single-family living at a fraction of Arlington home prices!

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

11 Bold Design Features at Brand-New J Sol Apartments in Ballston

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/10

Ascending 22 stories above Ballston, the brand-new J Sol apartments deliver a bold perspective. An assertion of simple sophistication, sleek contemporary design and stunning details, J Sol propels you into an atmosphere that feels unmistakably yours.

Read on to discover the top 11 distinctive interior design features to enjoy sky-high apartment living at J Sol.

  1. Illuminate your space: From built-in cove lighting in the bedroom to under-mount cabinet lighting in the kitchen to LED-framed mirrors above the floating vanity in the bathroom, J Sol features well-designed light fixtures to illuminate your living space.
  2. Open kitchen shelving: A set of two open shelves in the kitchen offer a contemporary showcase for your signature collectables or glassware.
  3. Built-in bookcase: A bibliophile’s dream, select layouts offer a millwork bookcase in the living room.
  4. Sleep soundly: Blackout shades in the bedrooms ensure a blissful night’s sleep.
  5. Closet organizers: Take advantage of built-in custom closet organizers to showcase your stylish wardrobe.
  6. Top-of-the-line finishes: Find everything you’ve come to expect in sophisticated apartment living, including stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, herringbone tile backsplash and sleek plank flooring.
  7. Suit your style: The contemporary cabinetry comes in a selection of two finishes. Choose from either matte white or natural ash finishes to match your style.
  8. Be bold or go classic: Select from distinctive matte black hardware and black stainless steel appliances for a bold look, or opt for sleek chrome hardware and brushed stainless steel appliances for classic appeal.
  9. Brighten up your space: With floor-to-ceiling windows in your studio, one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den or two-bedroom apartment, cascading sunlight will brighten your day and perfectly frame those stunning skyline views.
  10. Outdoor space: Extend your living space with a balcony for alfresco dining or cocktails at sunset to take in the vista. Or step out just to enjoy a breath of fresh air.
  11. Working from home made easy: Select a one-bedroom with den floor plan to have an entire room dedicated to a home office. Or, opt for a layout featuring a built-in desk in the living area to provide a distinct workspace to keep you organized.

J Sol is located at 4000 Fairfax Drive in the heart of Ballston. Call 703-782-4168 to schedule either an in-person tour or contact-free self-guided tour and take advantage of additional savings to receive up to two months FREE!

Check out our website to explore floor plans and availability, browse the photo gallery, view 360-degree walk-throughs and learn more about these boldly designed, brand-new apartments ascending 22 stories above Arlington.

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