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Biz Talk: How Arlington businesses can make a difference with AWLA’s Corporate Care Crew

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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This article was written by Arlington Economic Development.

In the bustling heart of Arlington, local businesses have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on their community by supporting local nonprofits.

One such business partnership at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) is making a big difference in the lives of animals and the people who care for them. AWLA’s Corporate Animal Care Crew offers local businesses the chance to not only give back but also foster team-building and community engagement. These businesses and organizations play a vital role in supporting our community, and by partnering with AWLA, they can directly contribute to the well-being of animals in need.

The Corporate Animal Care Crew program provides a hands-on experience for teams to actively participate in the daily care of animals at the shelter. This unique opportunity allows businesses to go beyond traditional philanthropy and create a lasting impact through direct involvement.

Participating in AWLA’s Corporate Care Crew program goes beyond a financial contribution. Businesses can witness the immediate impact of their efforts as they work alongside AWLA’s dedicated Animal Care Technicians. From feeding animals to cleaning kennels with a touch of “room service,” volunteers directly contribute to creating a safe and comfortable environment for the shelter’s residents.

In the past, companies like Accenture and Deloitte have spent a day at AWLA, and their employees always leave with smiles on their faces. By participating in AWLA’s Corporate Care Crew program, these companies set an example for others, encouraging a culture of giving back and community involvement.

“Participating in AWLA’s Corporate Animal Care Crew program not only allows businesses to foster teamwork and build meaningful connections within their teams but also offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the welfare of thousands of animals cared for by the League each year,” said Sam Wolbert, President and CEO of AWLA, “Through this hands-on volunteer experience, businesses can invest in their community while providing valuable support to AWLA’s mission, creating a positive impact on both team dynamics and animal well-being.”

You can join the ranks of Accenture, Deloitte and others in supporting AWLA’s mission to ensure that every animal has a chance for a healthy, happy and loving home. “Paws” for a cause and let your business lead the way in making Arlington a better place for all its residents, furry or otherwise.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.

As of January 15, there are 93 detached homes, 20 townhouses and 105 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 14 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

3201 N Wakefield Street

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

Ask Eli: Interest rate forecasts and new loan limits

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 Eli Residential channel. Enjoy!

Question: Where do you expect interest rates to go in 2024?

Answer: The thing about interest rate forecasts is that they’re almost always wrong, so keep that in mind as you digest the predictions in this article or anywhere you hear/read them.

For the most part, buyers have adjusted to interest rates being about double what they were two years ago. Few remaining buyers in the market were active when rates were that low so rates in the 6-8% range are all most current buyers are used to seeing. Thus when rates dropped about 1-1.5% towards the end of 2023, it created strong momentum in the market and we’re seeing that early this year with loan applications up and a high volume of showings and competing offers.

What is a “Normal” Mortgage Rate?

The first thing to understand about mortgage interest rates is that they are market-driven and forecasting comes with the same amount of unpredictability as any other economic/market-based forecasting (GDP, Unemployment, Stocks, etc). Take predictions/forecasts with a grain of salt.

The other truth that is best illustrated by the chart below, which shows the average 30yr fixed mortgage rate since 1971, is that there really is no established “normal” interest rate that we can point to and say “this is what you can expect when markets stabilize. So, use caution when relying on assumptions about future rates (e.g. for a refi).

Forecasting Future Rates

Most major forecasting organizations including Mortgage Bankers Association, Freddie Mac, and National Association of Realtors (NAR) believe rates will steadily decrease through 2024 and that trend will continue into 2025 (although I wrote the same exact thing last year and rates trended up for most of the year).

The National Association of Realtors expects the average 30yr fixed rate will average 6.3% in 2024

Mortgage Bankers Association expects rates to fall faster than Fannie Mae and NAR, with average 30yr fixed rates hitting 6.1% by the end of the year and mid 5s by the second half of 2025.

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Listing of the Day: 1940 N. Woodrow Street

By ARLnow.com
1/6

Address: 1940 N. Woodrow Street
Neighborhood: Waverly Hills
Type: 4 BR, 3 BA single-family detached — 2,600 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,100,000

Noteworthy: Elevator, attached garage, many valuable updates

Light filled 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom mid-Century rambler with rare garage and even more rare elevator in the Glebe, Dorothy Hamm, Yorktown school pyramid.

Recent updates: roof, gutters, ridge vent; HVAC, water heater; double pane windows; refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, and disposer, fresh exterior and interior paint.

Desirable details: vaulted ceiling in living room with wood beams, woodburning fireplaces in the living room and rec room; atrium doors from the dining room to the deck, patio and flat, fenced back yard; family room open to patio; wood floors on main level; tall windows in lower level rec room, kitchenette, and fourth bedroom; walk in closet or den off the lower level primary bedroom; renovated lower level bath.

Walk to parks, bikepath, running trail, Lee Heights Shops, bus or hearty walk to Ballston, near Washington, D.C., government, business, and military centers. A pristine home in an enviable location.

Listed by:
Betsy Twigg
[email protected]
(703) 967-4391

Listing of the Day: 4532 39th Street N.

By ARLnow.com
1/10

Address: 4532 39th Street N.
Neighborhood: Golf Club Manor
Type: 6 BR, 6 (+1 half) BA single-family detached — 6,653 sq. ft.
Listed: $3,287,000

Noteworthy: California Modern New Construction Home For Sale in Arlington!

The stunning Cali model by Classic Cottages in Golf Club Manor offers a perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience. With its spacious layout, modern amenities, and desirable location, this home is an ideal choice.

Situated in the highly sought-after Golf Club Manor, this home is conveniently located near major highways and provides easy access to Washington, D.C. The house boasts a contemporary design with clean lines, 10′ ceilings on the main level, large windows, and an abundance of natural light. The exterior features a combination of brick and Hardie siding, adding to its curb appeal. The home offers generous living spaces throughout, including a bright and welcoming great room with a fireplace, an elegant formal dining room, and a cozy screened porch, perfect for gathering with friends and family.

The kitchen is a chef’s delight, featuring BlueStar stainless steel appliances, ample cabinet space, a large center island, and quartz countertops. The Butler’s Pantry includes an ice machine and wine cooler to make entertaining a breeze. The property boasts 6 bedrooms, each designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. The primary suite is a private retreat, complete with a balcony to enjoy your morning coffee, spacious custom walk-in closets and a luxurious bathroom.

The home also features a two-car garage, laundry room, ample storage space, and finished basement with a recreation room, media room, home gym and wet bar with 80 bottle wine cooler.

Take a virtual tour today!

Listed by:
Michelle Lynch — Urban Living Real Estate, LLC
[email protected]
(571) 366-3324

Small Business Focus: Get trained to make a business pitch and win a cash prize!

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

You heard me right: BizLaunch has a new trick up its sleeves for 2024 to help small businesses access capital. This year, BizLaunch has brought back the widely successful BizLaunch Bootcamp with an exciting new twist.

The BizLaunch Bootcamp is an intense entrepreneurship training — think of it as an MBA in two days. On January 25-26, attendees will learn everything about business — how to grow, scale, make a pitch, finance, communicate your why and so much more! The curated curriculum designed by Revby provides practical knowledge for any business owner to thrive in 2024.

That’s great. Now, what’s this about a cash prize? We’re glad you asked! After the Bootcamp on March 15, attendees will be eligible to participate in a business pitch competition to win a grand cash prize. Since launching registration in December, we’ve raised over $2,000 for the grand cash prize, with much more room to grow.

After the Bootcamp, get your business pitch presentation signed off by a SCORE mentor or BizLaunch counselor, and you will be eligible to participate in the March 15 Pitch Event at Amazon’s HQ2.

BizLaunch is excited to partner with Revby, an expert at providing business coaching and consulting services, on this fantastic program to make it even better. In addition to SCORE’s support in mentoring clients, BizLaunch is also working with two local friends of small businesses, such as the Arlington Community Federal Credit Union and the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif.) Both organizations have great financing programs for companies looking for capital to start or expand. Check them out — you’ll thank us later.

What are you waiting for? Secure your limited spot today!

Visit BizLaunch for more information.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.

As of January 8, there are 98 detached homes, 23 townhouses and 119 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 12 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

2725 S Arlington Ridge Road

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

New Arlington therapy group for LGBT+ clients and their families

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/3

Start 2024 off with a goal of mental health care!

With Washington, D.C. being the host of World Pride 2025 and with 9% of the D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia area identifying somewhere on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, it is so exciting to be welcoming a brand new group therapy practice specifically aimed at serving clients within the LGBTQIA+ population, their families, and allies with skilled therapists who have similar lived experiences.

The LGBT Counseling Collaborative is located in the Cherrydale neighborhood of North Arlington and is a group of queer-identifying therapists who have expert training in working with the queer population and adjacent populations.

They even have:

  • A therapy dog on site
  • Ongoing in-person and virtual group therapies
  • Sliding scale benefits and insurance reimbursement
  • Free parking and next to Lee Heights Shops
  • And virtual telehealth services

They offer a wide range of counseling services, including individual counseling, group counseling, couples and partner relationship counseling, adolescent counseling, non-faith based premarital counseling, sex therapy, trauma informed care, perinatal mental health care for birthing persons, gender affirming care, religious trauma deconstruction or recovery, and more.

Schedule an appointment to get started today! Call 703-239-3469 or email [email protected], or book a free consultation on their website.

Ask Eli: Most expensive homes sold in the DMV in 2023

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 Eli Residential channel. Enjoy!

It’s always fun taking a look back at the most expensive homes sold in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region each year (see 2022, 2021, and 2020) so let’s jump right into some amazing real estate that changed hands in 2023 (Note: this includes what is entered into the MLS, it’s certainly possible (likely) that expensive homes have traded hands privately outside of the MLS).

2023 was a slow year in real estate and the did not spare the ultra-high-end market with a disappointing year for mega sales compared to previous years. The most expensive home sold in 2023 was a $17.3M home owned by the Royal Swedish Government and home to the Swedish Ambassador. The home itself leaves something to be desired for the “food porn” fans, but the 6.7 acres in American University Park is enviable.

Listed by Cara Pearlman, Compass (3900 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington, DC)

Top 5 Most Expensive Sales in Arlington

Despite its high average cost, Arlington doesn’t have much of an ultra-high-end market like many of its neighboring jurisdictions with just three sales over $4M, topping out at $4.25M for a beautiful new build on nearly ½ acre by Joy Custom Homes in the Dover Crystal neighborhood.

Listed by Lisa Joy, McEnearney Associates (2545 N Ridgeview Rd, Arlington, VA)

Top 5 Most Expensive Sales in Virginia

McLean’s prestigious Langley Farms neighbor claims the top two sales in Virginia this year, with sales of $13.25M and $10.8M in 2023. The top sale earns the new homeowner a home spanning nearly 14,000 SqFt on just under two acres of land.

Listed by Piper Yerks, Washington Fine Properties (1163 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA)

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Elevate your fitness with Integrative Performance’s Grand Opening Specials!

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/5

Integrative Performance, a modern fitness center specializing in training, nutrition and testing, has opened a brand new, state of the art facility in Ballston!

With a 5 Star Google and Yelp rating, our welcoming client and coach only studio offers the best space, coaches, equipment, and tech to help all people excel, from high school to seniors, absolute beginners to professional athletes! No crowds or memberships.

We offer private and small group training, nutrition coaching, and several health and fitness tests including America’s first wireless VO2 max and heart rate zone tests, medical body composition scans, metabolic testing, and our signature 360 evaluation.

Take advantage of our Grand Opening Specials including: 

  • FREE body composition scan
  • 25% OFF our popular VO2 Max and Heart Rate zone tests
  • 20% OFF any initial training package
  • 20% OFF Invigorate or Accelerate Programs

Our team of certified personal trainers, nutritionists, a functional health coach, and Doctor of Physical Therapy collectively hold over 35 certifications and specializations. No matter what your goals are, we have someone to help you achieve them!

Not sure where to start? Our Invigorate or Accelerate program may be perfect for you! After working with hundreds of clients over the years we created two efficient plans to holistically improve diet, movement and lifestyle. Programs include our signature 360 evaluation, personal training sessions, regular check-ins with your nutritionist and health coach, and more.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Integrative Performance is located at 4141 N. Henderson Rd Suite 6, Arlington, VA 22203. Contact them at 703-945-8834 or [email protected].

Legal Insider: Defending individual government contractors in debarments

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

Our lawyers defend government contractors (private employees that work for government contractors) in debarment cases before federal agencies like the Department of Defense and others.

What is a Debarment?

Debarments are government actions taken against government contractors related to conduct. It is the government’s duty to protect itself from alleged fraud, waste, and abuse by ensuring that it avoids doing business with non-responsible contractors. Debarments can last a period of years. Suspensions result in temporary contractor ineligibility to work on government contracts. Suspensions and debarments are not for the purpose of punishing a government contractor but to protect the public.

Effect of Debarments and Suspensions

Debarments and suspensions have a major impact on individual government contractors. These can include removal from a government contract (and potential termination from employment) and potential security clearance issues. Government contractors that are debarred or suspended are not eligible to work on government contracts, unless a compelling reason exists, which can be a very high bar to meet. The government takes a straightforward approach to debarment cases and provides a fair appeals process.

Typical Reasons for Debarment (of Suspension of Eligibility)

The most common reasons for debarment or suspension include:

  • Criminal Convictions or Pending Charges
  • Civil Judgments and/or Liens
  • Evidence of Crimes
  • Specific Misconduct (e.g. time and attendance mischarging)

Debarment/Suspension Process

At the start of the disbarment process, the government will issue a show cause letter requiring a government contractor to demonstrate why they should not be suspended or debarred. These proceedings are completed relatively quickly, and individual government contractors must respond in order to avoid a negative outcome.

The government will generally provide a show cause letter to the individual and an initial chance to respond to the allegations, along with a memorandum in support of the proposed debarment. If the case proceeds, the individual contractor will have to respond to a notice of proposed debarment from the government.

Responding to Debarments

In responding to a notice of proposed debarment, it is important to fully address all allegations of misconduct or impropriety, and hire a debarment lawyer to assist them. We often find it helpful to submit letters of support on behalf of the individual, awards, commendations and other materials which demonstrate the character and integrity of the individual.

Additionally, cooperation in related investigations, completion of ethics training in a relevant area, acceptance of responsibility and other mitigating arguments should be made to the Debarring Official. These may help to convince the government that debarment is not needed or that mitigation to some other penalty is appropriate.

Following the response period, a decision will be rendered by the Debarring Official. They can uphold, mitigate, or terminate the debarment. Further, if a negative finding is upheld, there is sometimes the ability to seek reconsideration of a negative debarment finding. The process can involve contacting the Debarring Official with new or other evidence and seeking to reduce the debarment.

It is important to have legal representation in this process. If a negative finding is reached, leaving the person debarred from government contracts, that finding will be placed in the debarment database, known as the System for Award Management (SAM).

Contact Us

If you are in need of legal representation in a proposed debarment or debarment appeal please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation.

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