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Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

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It’s a traditionally solid time of year for a real estate bargain. And, it’s the perfect time to introduce this new column at ARLnow, Just Reduced.

Two of the busiest times for real estate are subsequently coming to a close here in Northern Virginia: Summer and pre-back-to-school. Summer is the time when most families can dedicate the time needed to go house hunting and, similarly, they’re looking to line something up before the kid(s) start loading up the backpack.

While many of the homes that were listed over the summer months have been scooped up, there is still plenty of inventory available here in Arlington County. And, many of these homes have been sitting on the market over the summer months and their owners are looking at reducing their listing prices to get their respective sales moving.

Currently, as of September 14, there are 254 detached homes, 73 townhouses and 362 apartments for sale throughout Arlington County. In August, 23 new listings hit the market within the county.

Within the aforementioned statistics and listings are a number of reduced properties. Each week, I’ll be bringing you a selection of them in an effort to GET MORE out of your investment.

So, here’s our first batch of properties that has been reduced over the last 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 Aaron Seekford at 703-836-6116 or MrArlington.com.

SEC Cybersecurity Guidance for Investment Managers

Alex ChamandyThe following post is written and sponsored by Alexander G. Chamandy of Envescent, LLC, the IT services provider to ARLnow.com.

In April 2015, the SEC issued a Cybersecurity Guidance update for registered investment companies and investment advisers.

The guidelines provided best practices for mitigating information leakage risks and improving data security. Too often many smaller investment houses may not have knowledgeable staff to implement and manage cybersecurity policies.

The cornerstones of cybersecurity 

The best practices are shaped around four key principles: compartmentalization; encryption; restricting remote access; and, controlling the usage of devices that may compromise internal security. The most critical considerations set forth are:

  • Data encryption: Backups, portable computers, data that flows outside of the company;
  • Network and system firewalls: Both hardware and software firewalls for network endpoints and individual systems;
  • Restricting the use of removable storage media (e.g., flash drives);
  • Deploying software that monitors technology systems for unauthorized intrusions;
  • Network segregation to restrict access; and
  • “System hardening” with the purpose of ensuring individual systems are locked down against attack.

Create a plan and follow through with it

To accomplish these essentials, you need to put in place both a policy and budget for active cybersecurity, consistent with the size and technological complexity of the operation. The basic important thought is that every system, network appliance, server, Internet connection, remote office (and its equipment) as well as portable devices, backups and other areas where data is transmitted or stored will need individual attention by a knowledgeable cybersecurity expert.

Investment managers without the needed internal cybersecurity expertise typically seek help of an outside consultant to deal effectively with this critical issue, and minimize potential exposure. An outside opinion most likely will shed light on overlooked but critical areas – such as the firmware version of a vulnerable network appliance, or remote ports that are exposed which don’t need to be open. These types of “invisible” or ignored issues may lead to large-scale breaches and other maladies.

Staying secure pays off in the long run

The primary goal of the SEC’s cybersecurity guidance is to help set forth a common framework for institutional best practices, casting light on commonly overlooked security flaws and spelling-out common sense steps to address them.

More importantly, however, it is a critical change in the landscape of the our regulatory and legal environment. With all of the recent (and ongoing) breaches — and given what is at stake for investment managers if their systems are hacked — it makes sense to shape and adopt a cybersecurity plan. It makes even more sense to put the plan into action before cybersecurity becomes a problem for your operation.

View the SEC Cybersecurity Guideline Update here: http://www.sec.gov/investment/im-guidance-2015-02.pdf

About the author

Alexander G. Chamandy is a seasoned IT professional with 20 years of industry experience and a lifelong Arlington resident. He has deep expertise helping small businesses with a number of IT issues, including cybersecurity, data recovery, networking, deploying and maintaining servers as well as open source software.

If your small business needs IT support, consulting or website design contact Envescent, LLC. Our company has helped over 15,000 clients in the Washington, DC area and beyond since 1999.

The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARLnow.com.

It’s Time to Trot! The Arlington Turkey Trot Now Accepting Registrants, Sponsors

Photo courtesy of Arlington Turkey Trot
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The Tenth Anniversary of the Arlington Turkey Trot will be returning to town this Thanksgiving morning, giving everyone a reason to get moving before they sit down with family in the afternoon.

But it’s not all about the run– the event, which drew 4,000 runners last year, is also a huge charity event. This year, the beneficiaries are AFAC, A-SPAN, Bridges to Independence, Doorways for Women and Families and Linden Resources.

For those who want to trot it out for five kilometers, registration is now open. Volunteer opportunities are also available if running isn’t your thing, and volunteers should email [email protected] or go to the website to sign up.

This year is also special because the Trot has a new partnership with the Arlington Small Business Alliance and YOPP, whereby small business owners and employees will run and sponsor while registrants will be encouraged to patronize these businesses on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday with online discounts and goodies compliments of YOPP. The Trot welcomes donations and sponsors, whether individual or team donations or regular or special sponsorship opportunities.

Now’s the time to get involved with the 2015 Arlington Turkey Trot, a race that the race coordinators think will be the biggest and best yet.

The preceding post was written by ARLnow.com and sponsored by The Arlington Turkey Trot.

Spotluck Stage Helps Revive Community Festival

Spotluck music lineup(Updated at 2:40 p.m.) Mark your calendars for September 13th — because Adams Morgan Day is back on!

Adams Morgan Day has been a D.C. area staple for almost four decades, but after last year’s logistical disputes, it seemed the festival would be postponed for a year.

A grass-roots community initiative then banded together to bring back the “East Coast’s Biggest Block Party.”

Spotluck works with eleven local restaurants in the heart of Adams Morgan, and joined in to liven up the day. The local dining app, along with Songbyrd Music Hall, will be sponsoring the Spotluck Stage, bringing a variety of local music acts to the festival from noon-6 p.m.

Enjoy delicious food, cultural demonstrations, an eclectic list of vendors and plenty of specials at local restaurants up and down the block. Check out the full Spotluck Stage lineup above!

Just a quick 15 minute metro or car ride away from Arlington, Adams Morgan is another neighborhood Spotluck is proud to support. So after a Spotluck lunch in Arlington on Sunday, head over to Adams Morgan Day to see what this grassroots festival is all about.

Click here for more information about Adams Morgan Day.

Location: Adams Morgan, D.C.; 18th Street and Columbia Road
Date: Sunday, September 13th
Time: 12-6 p.m.
Admission: Free

About Spotluck: If you’ve ever had trouble figuring out where to eat in Arlington, we hear ya. We’re a small (but mighty) D.C. area startup that created an awesome free restaurant discovery app that lets you “spin” for discounts at great local spots every day. Don’t be hangry, download Spotluck for iPhone or Android to discover and save money at a local restaurant today.

This post was written and sponsored by Spotluck.

Live Well and Be Part of the Community at the Bradley Apartments (Promoted)

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Get to know The Bradley and it will get to know you!

The Bradley is a brand new apartment community in Old Town Alexandria that promises “Life on a First Name Basis.”

Residences at The Bradley feature stylish and unique amenities just steps from the Metro and a few blocks from King Street. You don’t have to miss any of the excitement happening in Old Town and with the Metro at your fingertips, you can explore the D.C. region with ease.

The Bradley has an active social calendar and residents can enjoy plenty of events and activities within the community

At the Tastemakers Reception shortly after the building opened, residents enjoyed gourmet appetizers and voted on a signature wine for the year. July brought a pool party and cookout hosted on the sundeck of the pool; neighbors relaxed while enjoying freshly grilled food cooked by the leasing team. In August, a free Yappy Hour featured a pet photo booth, raffles and food for pets (and people, too).

In September there are plans to have a shelter volunteer day, where residents and staff will volunteer together at Carpenter’s Shelter, one of Alexandria’s longest operating homeless prevention shelters.

It’s not just the community and amenities that are worth noting. The apartments themselves will inspire you with floor-to-ceiling windows, plank flooring, gourmet kitchens and more. Without leaving the comfort of the building, residents can host parties, stay active and get stuff done — there are extensive entertaining areas, including the private roof, a fitness center with yoga studio and complimentary Wi-Fi in all common areas.

To meet The Bradley and start living on a first-name basis, visit BradleyApts.com or call (703) 337-0289, and ask about how you can live rent free for 2 months! (Offers are subject to availability and may change without notice.)

This post was sponsored by The Bradley Apartments.

Hours of Unlimited Brews are Coming to Your Backyard (Promoted)

backyard beer fest
Having a beer with friends has been taken to the next level with Arlington’s Backyard Beer Fest, coming to town September 19 and benefitting Turner Farm Events.

For the first time ever, Rosslyn will be hosting the festival overlooking the city–you might even say it’s in Arlington’s backyard. Festival goers can buy a ticket for the afternoon or evening slots, then tour stands from 35+ breweries, the area’s best food trucks and everyone’s favorite yard games and activities. Cornhole, anyone?

For a $45 VIP pass or a $35 general admission ticket, you can have hours of unlimited beer tasting of more than 60 beers, a souvenir tasting glass, plus access to the game zone, free live music and drinking with thousands of your neighbors.

Now’s the time to get tickets to the festival, happening September 19 at Gateway Park. Because who doesn’t want to amp up their weekend with a backyard party you don’t have to clean up after? Use promo code: “ARLNOW” and save 20 percent.

The preceding post was written by ARLnow.com and sponsored by Arlington’s Backyard Beer Fest.

‘A Cleaning Service’ Prides Itself on Employee Loyalty, Independence

Kitchen

A Cleaning Service
Beatriz Sampaio, Owner
Phone: 703-892-8648
Email: [email protected]
http://www.acleaningserviceinc.com/

Not everyone feels like they’ve been given the chance to live their destiny. But Beatriz Sampaio does.

Sampaio came to the U.S. from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1985 after studying at a university there. After less than a year in the states, she and a friend-turned-business-partner acquired a house-cleaning company based in Arlington. The previous owner was looking to leave the business, and handed over the keys to Sampaio and her partner.

Sampaio had no experience running a business but was eager to take on the challenge. She said she learned by working and watching.

“I was so young then, and so fresh,” Sampaio said. “I had the knack for it. I was born to be an entrepreneur.”

Sampaio’s partner left the business after five years, and since then, Sampaio has been the sole owner of A Cleaning Service, which is a residential and also a commercial cleaning service that serves Arlington and the D.C. area.

One aspect of her company that Sampaio says sets it apart from her competitors is that A Cleaning Service is not a franchise. When customers want to book an cleaning, have a special request or a problem, they can call her directly.

Sampaio says the direct line from clients to her office is something that hasn’t changed in the 30 years she’s been running the business. Clients appreciate her openness and availability in a world in which it’s often difficult to get a real person on the phone, never mind the business owner.

It’s these personal touches that make A Cleaning Service different from regular maid services. Sampaio is also proud of her employees, who have been called dependable, honest and responsive to feedback in online reviews.

The company does have notably consistent employees. Of her 50-person cleaning staff, Sampaio says many of them have been with the company for eight or nine years, and some many more. One woman, Maria, has been with the company the full 30 years Sampaio has owned it.

It’s her creativity as a business owner that Sampaio thinks makes her a good boss. Some of that creativity comes from connection to music. When she was 10, Sapmaio got her first guitar, and immediately fell in love with the sound. She’s particularly fond of classical and jazz music, and still composes and plays guitar today.

Sampaio likes that there’s low turnover in her company because the job gives workers a chance to really learn a how to do their jobs well, clients like getting to know the workers who often work in their homes.

The four-legged family members also appreciate a consistent staff in their homes too, says Sampaio, a long-time animal lover.

Sampaio’s love of animals goes back to her childhood, and it’s something she likes to incorporate into A Cleaning Service’s appointments. When her staff is friendly towards the animals they see every week or month, they also notice if something is wrong, and can tell the homeowners.

The direct line from clients to Sampaio is something that hasn’t changed in the past 30 years, though Sampaio says some things have changed. Like all businesses that have been around that long, she has had to incorporate computer systems and the Internet into her work.

The Internet has worked to A Cleaning Service’s advantage, connecting customers through forums to recommend their services. Angie’s List and Yelp reviews bring attention to Sampaio’s business because of thorough reviews from pleased clients. A Cleaning Service has won Angie’s List Super Service Award three times in the last four years.

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Dynamic, Upscale Notch 8 Apartments Holding Grand Opening Celebration (Promoted)

Courtesy of Notch 8 Apartments
Courtesy of Notch 8 Apartments
Courtesy of Notch 8 Apartments
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It’s impossible not to be wowed by seeing Notch 8, a brand new modern-industrial apartment building with loads of amenities and all the stops pulled out.

These upscale apartments in Potomac Yard (2900 Main Line Boulevard) have just sweetened the deal.

This weekend, Notch 8 is hosting a grand opening celebration for Grillin’ and Chillin’. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., stop by for hard lemonade, sliders and other backyard barbeque favorites. But the food is only part of what makes this celebration a special one. This weekend only, incentives include up to two months free, a $1000 Giant gift card (now that’s a shopping spree!) and waived amenity fee.

Notch 8 has features to keep pace with your lifestyle, whether you’re ready to work out with the on-site personal trainer or host friends in the lounge, a multitude of modern amenities will keep you going. With a decked-out courtyard including hammocks, an outdoor flat screen and even an outdoor billiards table, there is more to this green space than just your typical swimming pool and barbeque grills. If you’re the indoor type, surf the net in the eLounge or hang out in the Game Room. Notch8 residents can have it all without leaving the comfort of home. There’s also a Giant grocery and Starbucks on the ground floor providing super convenient access for your weekly shopping and daily caffeine fix.

One can’t overlook the well-designed apartments in a variety of floorplans that offer stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, plank flooring, high-tech Nest thermostats and an electronic key system, just to name a few of the high-end features.

For people ready to venture out to the neighborhood, there’s plenty to do in the walkable, dynamic area. Plus, the Crystal City and Braddock Road metro stations are easily accessible by the Metroway bus running every 6 minutes during rush hour. The scenic Mount Vernon trail is just a block away and a haven for runners and cyclists.

This weekend is the time to see Notch 8, with the awesome incentives and refreshments at their Grillin’ & Chillin’ grand opening celebration, but if you can’t make it, visit the website or call 866-811-1457 to learn more.

The preceding article was sponsored by Notch 8 apartments.

Fall Registration Now Open for United Social Sports (Promoted)

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Fall 2015 is almost here, and USS is set to kick off its Fall Social Sports season!

And we have good news: United Social Sports is bringing more leagues to Arlington this Fall. Want to meet new people? Maybe see your friends more often? Wanna stay active and moving?

United Social Sports Fall registration is OPEN and you can accomplish all of these by registering for one or more of the Fall leagues in Arlington and D.C.! But act fast, Fall registration is closing soon, and leagues are filling fast. Check out our featured leagues that still have space below.

Ready to play? Check out the returning and new leagues playing this Fall. USE Promo Code: ARLFL15 & save on registration.

Bar Sports (Click for Full Fall Lineup)

Bocce (Click for Full Fall Lineup)

Skeeball (Click for Full Fall Lineup)

Soccer (Click for Full Fall Lineup)

Softball (Click for Full Fall Lineup)

Volleyball (Click for Full Fall Lineup)

Ultimate Frisbee (Click for Full Fall Lineup)

Heads up – Team Sports registration closes Sept 15th, and Bar Sports on Sept 22nd or when leagues fill. Be sure to act fast!

Don’t miss out on our upcoming events:

The preceding post was written and sponsored by United Social Sports

Which Moving Company Do I Choose? (Promoted)

Question markAnyone who has to face moving faces concerns and worries about hiring the right company. Whether you’re moving a home, apartment or office, only qualified specialists can organize the move and ensure the safety of the client’s property.

It is important to distinguish professional movers from the usual loaders. This is due to the fact that almost every car driver today boldly calls himself a mover, although he does not have the necessary knowledge, skills and tools.

Experts identify a number of key features that a professional mover has. First of all, it is the presence of a page in the popular social networks. Most of the amateur teams do not bother creating accounts on Facebook and Google+. If you find the moving company’s page in at least one of the social networks, be sure to visit it.

When first viewing the account, you can easily figure out how often the creator visits it. It bodes well for a company when you can easily find customers’ reviews, answers to frequently asked questions and all sorts of useful customer information. For example, take a look at this Facebook page and this Google+ account.

A trustworthy professional mover will post photos and videos of their work and customer feedback As a rule, professional movers spread on their pages photos and video of the work performed or the feedback of the customers, so potential customers can estimate the quality of services and the professionalism of workers.

Pay attention to customer reviews. Visit the testimonials sections of websites, social media and Yelp, and read what clients have to say. On some sites, you can even call the phone number of the reviewer or message him or her directly. Satisfied customers will be happy to tell you about their experiences.

Another important point is the cost of the services offered. Professional movers appreciate their time and energy. Prices that seem too low can be a red flag for shoddy services. You want to be sure to hire a company that takes pride in their work, is responsible and has proper work permits, if applicable.

There should be a broad range of staff responsibilities at a reputable company. You should be expect them to offer you a number of employees, packaging materials and a selection of different vehicles at your request. Each team should have an appraiser, a logistician, a team of loaders. Large professional movers have at least eight managers and several teams of specialists. Only in this case the company can stay in touch and respond to orders.

The company VA Movers is a good example of professional movers who know their duties very well. They have their own packaging materials and vehicle array, which can guarantee a high quality of services and strict adherence to contract terms. Companies that do not use the services of intermediaries are confident in their abilities.

Have a good move!

The preceding article was written and sponsored by VA Movers

Your Customers Are Returning From Summer Vacations… Reach Them on ARLnow

New mobile ad unit on ARLnowLabor Day is just three short weeks away. Your potential customers are returning from their summer vacations and their kids are getting ready to go back to school.

Will your business have its message in right smack in front of these customers as we enter the busy fall season?

If not, now is a perfect time to book your advertising campaign with ARLnow.com.

ARLnow is Arlington’s number one local news source, reaching an engaged and passionate audience of more than 200,000 readers each month. If you want to reach those who live and work in Arlington — young families in Westover, long-time residents in Rock Spring, apartment dwellers on Columbia Pike, tech workers in Crystal City and everyone in between — no one reaches Arlington consumers like ARLnow.

In addition to our time-tested offerings, local advertisers can now reach our readers on the go, thanks to new mobile advertising options. We only have dedicated mobile slots available for five advertisers, so be sure to ask about it today.

See our media kit for more information or contact our business staff at 703-348-0583 or via the form at the bottom of this page.

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