Flipping an archaic industry on its back means doing things that have never been done before.
The title industry is mundane, but Allied Title’s Co-Founder and CEO, Latane Meade, makes an effort to stand out from the other title companies by making each real estate closing experience a celebration.
With the creation of our Client Experience Division in 2021, our biggest goal was to create a personalized level of service for any agent that closes at Allied. We have achieved this by implementing fun and new ways to celebrate your closing experience. Whether it’s having our attorneys on speed dial, providing continuing education, or implementing fun ways to make the experience uniquely special for our clients, going above and beyond is something that we’re used to.
This summer we took our clients out for a relaxing yacht day in Annapolis, Maryland to remind them how Allied Title is changing the game when it comes to working with a title company.
Not only will we give you and your clients the best real estate closing, but we will also provide you with experiences that you will remember forever. These events also expand our clients’ network and have allowed them to connect with other top-producing real estate professionals in the area.
If you’re a realtor and you want to take your title experience to the next level, reach out to us to learn how you can be a part of the fun.
Have questions related to title insurance? Email [email protected]. Want to use Allied Title & Escrow when you buy a home? Tell your agent when you buy a house to write in Allied Title & Escrow as your settlement company!
This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
With summer ending and students getting ready to head back into the classroom, we thought we’d highlight one of Arlington’s newest childcare centers, Wonder Kids Learning Center.
Founded this year, Wonder Kids Learning Center is a Spanish immersion childcare program offering high-quality care for children between zero and five years old. Started by Paulina Enriquez, who also serves as the center’s director, Wonder Kids Learning Center is more than a business.
It is a place to contribute to children’s lives, providing a loving environment. Here they can learn a second language, develop skills and techniques to manage their feelings while respecting diversity, and love and value themselves. “My company is a result of my experience and passion for education,” says Paulina Enriquez.
Having worked in the County for the last 20 years, Paulina is no stranger to Arlington. “I chose Arlington because I am very familiar with the services, childcare regulations, neighborhoods and the needs of the families in Arlington,” says Enriquez.
“The most challenging aspect of opening my business has been the permits and regulations that affect my particular industry,” says Enriquez. However, to help her navigate the regulatory environment, Paulina sought support from BizLaunch.
Paulina worked with Tara Palacios and one of our SCORE counselors Richard Rose to help launch her firm. “Mrs. Palacios guided me from the beginning in the right direction to create my business and take it from an idea to reality. Even more than her knowledge of the regulatory environment, her kindness and encouragement helped me to achieve my goals,” says Enriquez.
“I am so proud to help Paulina open the Wonder Kids Learning Center. She is so committed to the Arlington community and worked so hard to open the center to take care of Arlington’s youngest members. Wonder Kids is a beautiful addition to Arlington, and we welcome the team with open arms,” says Tara Palacios, Director BizLaunch.
Of course, developing a business plan and finding a suitable commercial space for a childcare center doesn’t come without its challenges.
For help, Paulina turned to Richard Rose, a Washington, D.C. SCORE counselor.
“Richard Rose was my business mentor who worked with me to make my business plan and budget ‘one of the best,’ he told me. He guided me in my bank loan application, selecting realtors and attorneys and connected me with additional resources to establish my company,” says Enriquez.
As many entrepreneurs know, starting a business is a journey, with many stops along the way. For Paulina, starting Wonder Kids Learning Center was no different. “My favorite story was when my business mentor explained the process and said it will take 18 months or more to open; I was thinking, why that long,” says Enriquez. “However, he was right, it took us 18 months to get here, and everything happened as he said it would.”
For more information about Wonder Kids Learning Center, visit www.wonderkidslearningcenter.com, or join us for their grand opening at 12 p.m. on September 10, at their location in Ballston at 907 N. Quincy Street.
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 August 22, there are 149 detached homes, 48 townhouses and 225 condos for sale throughout Arlington County.
In total, 41 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
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.
Mandy is the sweetest, friendliest little girl to anyone and immediately comes over for attention!
She is so tiny and cute. She loves pets and chin scratches. She will sit as close as possible to you, and taps you with her paw when she wants more attention.
She just recently learned how to play! She likes the laser and ribbon wand, as well as the ball in a track, and tunnels.
Are you and Mandy a match? Is Mandy the furry companion you’ve been searching for? Check out her complete profile to learn more!
Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos — they don’t fit in our photo gallery!
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!
Questions: We’re making an offer on a home that has been on the market for a few weeks and want to include contingencies, what is normal?
Answer: Contingencies can be used by buyers to reduce their risk in a real estate transaction by allowing them, in specifically defined scenarios, to renegotiate contract terms or cancel a contract without losing their Earnest Money Deposit. The three most common contingencies are the home inspection contingency, financing contingency and appraisal contingency.
The shift in market conditions over the last 3-4 months has meant adjusting from a market where most winning offers did not include any contingencies to a market where many buyers are able to include at least one or two contingencies, often all three.
This week I thought it would be helpful to refresh everybody’s understanding of the three most common contingencies and what protections they provide to buyers.
Home Inspection Contingency
Purpose: Allows buyers to hire a licensed home inspector who will provide a detailed assessment of a home’s condition and recommendations for repair, replacement and maintenance.
Structure: The inspection contingency offers two options. One being the ability to void the contract after the inspection and the second being the option to void and the option to negotiate for repairs or credits based on the results of the inspection.
Timeline: In most cases, I see inspection contingencies last 3-10 days and if there is a negotiation period, those often last 2- 5 days.
Financing Contingency
Purpose: Protects buyers if they do not get approved for their loan and allows them to void the contract or delay closing without losing their Earnest Money Deposit.
Structure: The financing contingency can either automatically expire at the end of the contingency period or extend to the closing date, unless the seller takes formal action to remove it after the contingency period ends.
Timeline: In most cases, I see financing contingencies last 10-24 days. It is a good idea to consult your lender on this timeline.
Appraisal Contingency
Purpose: Protects buyers in the event the property appraises for less than the contract purchase price. It allows a buyer the option to void, renegotiate or proceed.
Structure: In some cases, through a separate addendum, buyers may agree to waive a specified difference between the appraised value and purchase price and make the appraisal contingency only if the appraisal value is below a certain number.
Timeline: In most cases, I see appraisal contingencies last 10-24 days. It is a good idea to consult your lender on this timeline.
As a buyer, it is important to understand that the use of, structure, and timeline of contingencies in your offer play a significant role in how a seller responds to your offer.
In some cases, contingencies (or lack of) may have a greater influence on negotiations and a seller’s response than price, so it is important to approach contingencies thoughtfully and strategically based on your interest in a home, days on market, and an assortment of other factors.
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
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
Just 20 days until DC Bike Ride gathers thousands of riders on a fun, social bike ride for all ages (3+) and levels!
Kids join for FREE and, for a limited time, you get $49 off your second registration with promo code SIGNMEUP at register.dcbikeride.com.
Get ready for a 20-mile adventure through D.C.’s epic views, historic landmarks, live entertainment and photo zones.
DC Bike Ride offers fully stocked rest stops and extensive mechanical support along the course as well as some exciting surprises — including an Ice Cream Stop hosted by Wildgood, the RedBull DJ Truck and a Shake Shack Stop.
DC Bike Ride 2022 dcbikeride.com
West Potomac Park, Washington, D.C.
Saturday, September 10
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.
There are several important issues federal employees should consider when deciding whether to pursue an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint against a federal agency or supervisor.
Potential EEO Claims
Federal employee EEO complaints can involve a range of discriminatory conduct by federal agencies, including discrimination on the basis of age, disability, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, genetic information and national origin. In addition, EEO complaints can also involve hostile work environment, sexual harassment and retaliation.
Example EEO Complaints
Some typical EEO claims brought by federal employees are demonstrated in the following five hypothetical scenarios:
Example A: Federal employee is sexually harassed at work by her supervisor. When the federal employee refuses her supervisor’s overtures, she then receives a suspension from the same supervisor. The federal employee brings a claim for sexual harassment.
Example B: Federal employee has previously filed an EEO complaint against his supervisor. A year later, the federal employee discovers that his promotion was denied by the supervisor because the supervisor was upset that the federal employee had filed an EEO complaint. The federal employee brings a claim for retaliation.
Example C: Federal employee takes sick leave related to treatment for cancer. Upon the employee’s return, his supervisor gives the employee a bad performance evaluation for taking too much time off. The federal employee claims disability discrimination.
Example D: Federal employee takes sick leave related to a recent car accident and requires a lot of time out of the office for physical therapy. The federal employee is also unable to perform some of her duties as she recovers, including the lifting of boxes for a limited period of time. The federal employee asks her supervisor for modifications to her duties (a reasonable accommodation), but the supervisor refuses to modify the employee’s schedule. The federal employee claims disability discrimination for her agency’s failure to accommodate her serious medical condition.
Example E: 65-year-old federal employee is competing for a promotion to a GS-15 position. Federal employee competes against two other employees, under the age of 40, for the same position. The 65-year-old federal employee is not selected for the position. He later discovers that the selecting official expressed concerns that may have impacted his decision, namely that the 65-year-old applicant might retire sooner than the other two younger applicants. The 65-year-old federal employee claims age discrimination.
EEO Complaint Deadline
Typically, a federal employee only has 45 days from the date of discrimination in which to contact an EEO counselor at the federal agency to initiate the EEO complaint process. If a complaint is not timely initiated, the federal employee may be time-barred from filing the EEO complaint.
EEO Remedies
Remedies for illegal discrimination and retaliation caused by federal agencies and managers involve several types of potential monetary relief, including lost back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees. Non-monetary remedies can include the clearing of negative performance records and disciplinary actions, transfers and promotions.
TheEEO Process
Typically, once a federal employee initiates contact with an EEO counselor regarding an informal complaint, assuming there is no earlier resolution or settlement, the next steps include: (1) the filing of a formal EEO complaint, (2) the investigation of the EEO complaint, (3) either a request for a decision on the EEO complaint from the federal agency or a request for a full hearing before a federal administrative judge and (4) proceeding to a hearing on the merits. Most discrimination cases are settled with federal agencies before the EEOC hearing stage. In fact, most cases settle at mediation with the federal agency early in the EEO process.
The EEO and MSPB processes can be intertwined, especially in removal cases. In some cases, federal employees may have what is known as a “mixed” case appeal that would also be appealable to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), so it is important to obtain advice from counsel.
AdditionalEEO Information
Federal employees can find more detailed information about filing EEO complaints at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) website.
Contact Us
Our law firm represents and advises federal employees in EEO and other employment matters. If you need legal assistance regarding an EEO complaint or other employment matter, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.comto schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook.
The hottest weeks of the year are often referred to as the “dog days” of summer — a time when it’s even too hot for dogs to be running around.
We know that’s not really the origin of the term, but we decided it was a great time to celebrate our devoted furry friends! A couple dates to note on your calendar are: DOGust on August 1st (the universal birthday for shelter dogs), and National Dog Day on August 26th. Of course you don’t really need a reason to give your pup extra attention or play time. In that spirit, we’ve put together a list of our favorite dog friendly places in Arlington.
District Dogs — District Dogs began as a dog walking business in 2014. Growing with each new client, within two years they gained a reputation as the go-to pet care company for warm, thoughtful and outstanding service. District Dog offers a wide array of services including daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, training classes and a curated retail selection for dogs and dog-lovers alike.
James Hunter Dog Park — James Hunter Park has a plaza terrace, open lawn, demonstration gardens, water feature and adjacent dog park that is open until 9 p.m.
Shirlington Dog Park — Shirlington Dog Park was one of the first officially recognized off-leash dog exercise areas in the region. Being almost two acres in size, its narrow, quarter-mile length with an accessible trail, runs along an urban stream on the one side and warehouse building on the other. There is also a separate adjoining area for small dogs.
Four Mile Run Park — Take your pup for a stroll along this path surrounded by two acres of greenery that runs parallel to Four Mile Run stream. Four Mile Run Park received the Best New Environmental Sustainability Award from the Virginia Recreation and Park Society in 2018, the Virginia Governor’s Environmental excellence Award in 2018 and the Dave Pearson Watershed Excellence Award from the Virginia Lakes and Watershed Association in 2018.
Towers Dog Park — With a large fenced in area that is a great size for bigger dogs to get some exercise and a separate small dog area this park offers something for everyone. Sit next to a large grassy field, the picnic area, or by the big tress that provide good shade during the summer month.
Loyal Companion Pet Store — There’s a lot of higher quality food options, supplies, toys and gear for your four-legged canine friends here. Offering a boutique feel with staff who remember you and your pooch, it’s the go-to spot for many dog lovers. And, the dogs love it, too, since they can come in, walk around and get a treat!
Dogma Bakery and Boutique — Opening for business in 2000, Dogma has been committed to providing only healthy foods and treats for your pups. Dogma’s treats are baked in store, using only human-grade ingredients, with no added salt, sugar or preservatives. Almost every day their oven is on and their bakers are baking to give you fun new treats for every season. Dogma supports many local rescues and their local shelters by holding animal adoptions and fundraisers on a regular basis.
Northside Social — You deserve a night out every once in a while, but who’s to say your pup doesn’t too? You and your best friend are more than welcome to enjoy a meal at Northside Social. Whether you’re stopping by this comfortable restaurant for a latte or dinner outside, feel free to bring your pet along!
Sweet Science Coffee — Enjoy a delicious drip coffee or espresso drink, and a freshly made baked good on the patio with your pup at this craft coffee shop.
There are SO MANY dog-friendly places you and your pup can visit in and around Arlington. Please drop a comment below and tell us where you and your canine best friend like to hang out!
And please reach out to me if you want to learn more about neighborhoods in Arlington and around the region.
For 40 years, McEnearney Associates has been a premiere residential, commercial and property management firm with 11 offices located in the Washington metro region. With service excellence, hyper-local expertise, powerful data insights, innovative technology and cutting-edge marketing, McEnearney Associates have helped their clients make informed decisions on their most valuable real estate investments. There is an important difference at McEnearney: It’s not about us, it’s about you. To learn more, visit us at www.McEnearney.com.
Hello again, it’s your favorite neighborhood wine merchant, Doug Rosen.
In my previous article, I stated there was one simple thing you can do that is guaranteed to heighten your enjoyment of drinking wine (or anything else)! And it’s easy.
Rule number one: thoroughly wash your glass with soap and water before using it! Why is it so important?
The culprit is the sealants used to protect every kitchen cabinet’s interior. For example, suppose you take a glass from your kitchen cabinet without the critical step of first washing your glass thoroughly before using it. In that case, you unknowingly add the flavors and aromas of your cabinets to whatever you pour into them. Allow me to prove my point.
Grab two glasses from your kitchen cabinet, take a whiff and you will immediately see what I mean. Wash only one glass thoroughly with soap and water until it smells like fresh tap water. If the glass has been in the cabinet for a prolonged period, it might take as many as five washings to get the funk out. Make the extra effort to get the glass to a pristine state. Don’t worry about chlorinated water; the wine will pour right over it. And no, using wine instead of water doesn’t work! The sealants are “water soluble” and formulated to bond with water, not wine.
Next, grab a bottle of wine you know to heighten the drama, open your libation and pour about an inch of it into each glass. Swirl, take in the aromas and then taste. I just rocked your world, didn’t I?
The culprit is the micro-particles of the sealants. I’m not a scientist, but this is how it was explained: Wood breathes, as we already know. That’s why wine is aged in barrels, not to season with the wood, like adding salt or pepper to your food but to allow the wine to experience micro-oxidation. This mico-oxidation softens the tannins, making the wine less raspy and smoother on the palate.
The respiration inside your kitchen cabinets allows microparticles of the sealants to fall into your glasses. They stick to the surface like glue, causing the glass to smell like your kitchen cabinet and impact the flavor of the wine. Now your wine smells and tastes like the cabinet! Yuck and double yuck.
Try this experiment at home and report back. I already know how it will go, and you can thank me later.
Rule number two, expect a wine to be shy within 24 hours of a storm, rain or snow, or turbulent weather. Like Willard Scott, I can tell if we will get any precipitation within 24 hours just by tasting wine. I have fascinated multitudes with my accuracy; it’s no parlor trick.
When a storm front approaches, a wine will close up or shut down, making the wine “less fruity” and much less enjoyable. Luckily there is a 1/2 remedy; open a bottle of 14.5% plus alcohol, or better still, a sparkling wine. Those wines are less affected; they will still be shy, but if you’re having a dinner party before a storm, you have an alternative, albeit an imperfect one.
My business partner Shem Hassen and I were in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, a suburb of Paris, to attend a tasting of 140 wines — we only had that day. We began the tasting with the tenth wine; we looked at each other and asked ourselves, “when is it supposed to start raining?” So we had four hours to kill.
We walked into a nearby Armenian Cemetery, looked at the tombstones, and paid our respects until the rain started. When we returned to the tasting, the wines had opened and tasted as expected. True story.
Just Listed highlights Arlington properties that just came on the market within the past week. This feature is written and sponsored by Andors Real Estate Group.
Good morning Arlingtonians, and welcome to this week’s edition of JUST LISTED!
Inventory in Arlington is falling, and it’s falling fast. With buyers outpacing sellers on number of homes ratified vs. number of new homes listed for sale, we’ve got the lowest inventory of currently available homes in the past three months.
Interest rates took a bit of a breather, falling just nine basis points to an average of 5.13% for a standard 30-year fixed rate mortgage.
This week in Arlington, sellers listed 42 homes for sale, while buyers ratified 53 contracts, 13 of which were on homes just listed in the last seven days.
Of the 390 homes currently available for sale (27 less than last week), 125 are detached homes, 53 are semi-detached/town houses, and 212 are condos.
Of those currently available properties, the average asking price is $887,433 and the median is $667,000. These properties have been sitting on the market for 58 days on average, while the median is 37.
This week last year, there were 506 properties available for sale, sellers listed 53 homes and buyers ratified 59 contracts. Mortgage rates were 2.86%!
Built in 2000, this Arlington Colonial boasts a surprising amount of living space across four finished levels, over 4,100sf! Center hall entryway leads to a large open concept main level with gorgeous flooring, large, eat-in kitchen with granite counters and an island seating area, formal living, office space, a large family room and a convenient powder room. Dual, large owner’s suites upstairs, as well as three additional bedrooms and two hall bathrooms, plus a flexible space for home school, workouts, games and more!
Lower level with separate entry could serve as an in-law suite and features a kitchenette. Two car garage, rear patio, loads of natural light throughout the whole home and plenty of updates including multiple brand-new bathrooms, this home is move-in ready!
Find myself, and my team here this weekend — Saturday and Sunday (August 20-21) public open houses from 1-4 p.m.
Click here to search currently available Arlington real estate. If you see a home that you’re interested in purchasing, give us a call! Our team are experts at WINNING when it comes to Arlington real estate — our agents routinely outmaneuver others when it comes to multiple offer scenarios — call us to find out how!
Call the Andors Real Estate Group today at (703) 203-1117 to talk more about buying or selling Arlington real estate. Below are eight properties I think you might light to check out!
Stop wasting hours of time getting your car maintained or repaired! Discover the joy that is CarCare To Go and see why so many people are leaving reviews like the one below.
CarCare To Go brings modern convenience and simplicity to car repair. They combine the quality and trust of a full-service shop with a uniquely transparent process, plus free valet pick-up and delivery from your home or work.
I used CarCare To Go twice recently, and both experiences were extremely positive. In the first case, I had been told by a quick lube center that they could not change the oil in my wife’s Toyota because the oil filter housing was cracked and had to be replaced. CarCare To Go inspected the housing, determined it was not cracked and changed the oil. In the second case, I asked CarCare To Go to examine my 18-year-old car because I had been told by another mechanic that it needed expensive repairs. CarCare To Go told me that the costly repairs were not necessary and gave me some tips to keep the car running smoothly. The valet service is extremely convenient, and everyone I’ve dealt with there has been friendly and professional. I will definitely use CarCare To Go again. — Rob B.
CarCare To Go is so confident that you’ll love their new service and come back for more, that they’re offering first-time clients an oil change for just $20.22. No catch. Synthetic or blend for any make or model car. Just enter coupon code FIRST20 when you book. And the valet and a light hand clean are completely free. Plus, there’s still time to take advantage of their summer special that combines a quick detail, oil change and other important maintenance at a big discount.
You’ll wonder why you ever took care of your car any other way.
