Title insurance is boring, but Allied Title & Escrow is here to decode the jargon and make it (somewhat) more interesting. This biweekly feature will explore the mundane (but very necessary!) world of title insurance while sharing interesting stories of two friends’ entrepreneurial careers.
This week, Allied Title’s CEO, Latane Meade, catches up with Kristin Francis, top-producing agent and leader of the Kristin Francis Team of Keller Williams.
When you hear Kristin talk about her creative approach to real estate, it will come as no surprise that her team was voted one of Arlington’s favorite real estate agents for sellers in the 2021 Arlies, ARLnow’s community awards.
Kristin’s team is wholly committed to fostering community and building relationships which not only gives her clients a competitive advantage, it also enables her to leverage the team’s success for the greater good. Plus, they like to have fun!
Want to learn even more about the Kristin Francis Team? Visit their website, send them an email, or give them a call at 571-348-4604.
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!
EVO, with apartments ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, boasts an inspiring array of amenities including a 65-foot-long rooftop pool with breathtaking views, ample co-working spaces, a best-in-Arlington fitness center, arcade gaming area, tailgate lounge with demonstration kitchen, sports lounge with golf simulator, poker lounge and children’s playroom to name a few.
The interiors feature top of line finishes, Bosch stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, heated bathroom floors, and custom closet designs. EVO, a LEED certified gold building, offers penthouse living, and private balconies in many of the residences.
From the moment you step inside, one thing is clear: you’re on your way up. Connected with nature and with the city around you — just blocks from the Blue, Orange, and Silver Metro lines — this is a home for passionate people who are eager to share. And you’re invited.
Now offering up to two months free and an additional $3,000 off. Make the move to EVO today.
Visit EVORosslyn.com to schedule a tour, or call (833) 778-1483.
This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
After more than a two-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, BizLaunch events are springing into action this spring with two can’t-miss opportunities.
This year’s event is on May 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 10 SWaM certified businesses from around the Commonwealth will be recognized. Businesses will be honored as a Legacy Business — those in business 20+ years, or as a Community Impact Business — those who have made a positive contribution to their community.
While the honorees will be recognized in person in Richmond, Virginia, attendees will be able to watch and participate via Google Meet. Register today and help us honor Virginia’s small businesses.
Brunch and Business: Celebrating the Joy of Black Entrepreneurship
BizLaunch’s signature program is back and better than ever with a brand-new partner, The Hyatt Regency in Crystal City, serving as our host for the event. We will feature and celebrate Black-owned companies in Arlington that exemplify what it means to launch and manage a successful business at this special event.
Unlike previous Brunch and Businesses, we can have exhibitor space for Black-owned food companies. Interested Black-owned food-based businesses should reach out to Alex Held for more information about securing exhibitor space.
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 April 18, there are 104 detached homes, 25 townhouses and 205 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 20 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.
Custom-built homes require a personalized approach. Discover everything you need to know about new construction properties and how to avoid costly mistakes from the top-selling real estate team in the D.C. metro area!
Bridget Mendes, one of Keri Shull Team’s most experienced Buyer Success Agents, will be leading this seminar at our office in Rosslyn.
Attend to learn about:
Advantages of New Construction — We’ll take an in-depth look at how you can design the exact home you are dreaming of!
Buying a Builder-Owned Lot vs. Finding Your Own — Which solution is best when finding a lot? In the D.C. metro area, land can be rare. We’ll show you how to find it.
Choosing the Right Agents and Specialists — Don’t risk costly problems or losing your dream home! A good agent will help you close faster and pay less.
Join us on Tuesday, April 26 at 6 p.m. for this FREE in-person seminar. Create the new construction home of your dreams with the help of experts!
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: How is the condo market performing so far in 2022?
Answer: The condo market has looked very different than the single-family/townhouse market since COVID struck. While the latter has exploded, the former struggled initially, but has stabilized and strengthened over the past 12 months. With the first quarter of 2022 behind us, let’s look at the data driving the Arlington and Washington, D.C. condo markets.
Prices Mostly Flat in Arlington and D.C.
I generally find that median, instead of average, price changes are more reflective of what most buyers/sellers experience in the market. The median condo price in Arlington is up 8.1% year over year in Q1 2022 and 2.6% in D.C. However, you can clearly see that the overall price trend over the last two years is mostly flat in both markets and up slightly from pre-pandemic prices.
Interestingly, the average and median $/SqFt in D.C. has decreased slightly over the last 12 months, but increased slightly in Arlington over the same period. My best guess is that it’s a reflection of less demand for smaller downtown condos (smaller homes tends to have higher $/SqFt).
Both Arlington and D.C. had noticeable increases in average sold prices year over year in Q1 2022, jumping 10.3% and 8.2%, respectively, with similar increases in Q4 2021. My best guess on this trend is that it’s a reflection of some buyers giving up on the single-family/townhouse market and turning to larger, more expensive condos as an alternative.
Brand new income restricted apartment homes in the heart of Arlington provide critical affordable housing and resources to support the needs of veterans in the community.
Terwilliger Place is proud to offer veterans preference to 50% of the apartment homes available. In its energy and water efficient building rated EarthCraft Multifamily GOLD, Terwilliger Place will offer veteran-focused programming in its private counseling spaces, community activity rooms and computer lab.
Located in Virginia Square, this brand new community is 1500 feet from the Virginia Square-GMU metro station and less than a mile from Ballston Quarter. Terwilliger Place has 160 affordable apartments comprised of one, two, and three bedroom floor plans.
Visit terwilligerplace.com for more information on this state-of-the-art apartment community in a prime Arlington location.
EHO/SLN. Terwilliger Place is an Equal Housing Opportunity provider.
Langston Boulevard, recently renamed after John M. Langston, is one of Arlington’s prominent ‘main streets’ and features a wide array of shops, restaurants and amenities.
“The name Langston has had an incredible impact on the lives of so many African American children who grew up along [and nearby] the Lee Highway corridor” said Working Group Member Saundra Green.
Langston Boulevard stretches from Rosslyn 5.2 miles west to East Falls Church and was formerly the major thoroughfare connecting Virginia to Washington, D.C., before Route 66 was built in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Along the corridor, there are many wonderful and diverse places to live, shop, dine and play.
Some local favorites that have been around for years include the Overlee Community Association (Swim Club), Metro 29 Diner (featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives), Cowboy Cafe, Livin’ The Pie Life, Arrowine & Cheese, Heidelberg Bakery, Lemoncello, Lebanese Taverna Market, Cherrydale Hardware, Caribbean Grill, The Italian Store, Pastries by Randolph and so much more.
Lee Heights Shops and Lee Harrison Shopping Center are two of the many major destinations along the Boulevard which are bustling with nearby residents and commuters throughout the week. Lee Harrison Shopping Center is anchored by a Harris Teeter grocery store and has many shops and restaurants including Peter Chang (recently nominated for a James Beard Award), Duck Donuts, Jhoon Rhee Martial Arts, Pie Tanza and more. Lee Heights Shops is the perfect stop for lunch at French Bistro, Cafe Colline, and a quick stop to pick up a gift at Lemoncello.
Along Langston Boulevard there are a wide variety of home styles including condominiums, townhouses and single family homes. The corridor is hugged by many beautiful neighborhoods (e.g. Donaldson Run, Cherrydale, Yorktown, Williamsburg) with tree-lined streets. Parks and recreational amenities are easily accessible including Gateway Park with its amphitheater, the Custis Trail, Stratford Park’s popular basketball courts, and 12-acre Tuckahoe Park with sports fields, tennis courts, and a great playground.
Take an afternoon drive along Langston Boulevard and you’ll discover so much that Arlington has to offer! Connect with neighborhood expert Bob Adamson to learn more about Langston Boulevard and other Arlington neighborhoods!
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.
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.
Well good morning, Arlington, I have news for you!
FIVE PERCENT!!
Yes, mortgage rates just hit FIVE PERCENT for the first time since 2011! Buckle up because they are likely to continue climbing. At the beginning of the year, broad consensus was that rates might level out around 4.5%, by the end of the year.
This rapid rise is exactly what the Fed wants to happen in their hopes to tamp down inflation. The problem is that people still need a place to live and there is plenty of cash out there, so buyers are likely to continue buying. The shortage of available inventory won’t go away no matter how high rates go.
I’ve spoken to some local lenders recently, and in their circles, there is talk about rates going as high as 8% or 9% within the next two years! I don’t like to speculate too much, but considering how fast this trend line is moving, that honestly wouldn’t surprise me one bit!
As of right now, we now have 277 properties available for sale in Arlington, one more than last week. Sellers listed 85 homes for sale, 21 less than last week. That’s about a 25% reduction in new listings week over week. Perhaps sellers are avoiding Easter week and we’ll see more new listings next week?
Ratified contracts are down 11 from last week, with 72 contracts in the past seven days. 39 of those were homes listed just within the past seven days, representing almost 50% of new inventory taken off the market by purchasers in a week or less!
Of the 277 homes currently available for sale, 70 are detached homes, 25 are semi-detached/townhomes, and the remaining 182 are condominiums. These properties range in price from $100,000 all the way up to $7,950,000.
Average list price for currently available homes is $836,109, and the median price is $562,000. These homes have been on the market for an average of 45 DOM (days on market) and a median of 22.
This week last year, there were 458 homes available for sale throughout the county. Sellers had listed 136 homes for sale and buyers ratified 88 contracts.
Click here to search currently available Arlington real estate. If you see a home that 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 that I think you might like to check out.
This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq., Doran Shemin, Esq., and Laura Lorenzo, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Arlington, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.
Despite taking longer than expected, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas finally designated Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on March 16, 2022.
As we discussed in a recent column, the Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a country for TPS for various reasons.
In Afghanistan’s case, Secretary Mayorkas based the designation due to the ongoing armed conflict and other conditions, such as human rights abuses at the hand of the Taliban, that keep Afghan nationals from returning to Afghanistan safely.
Afghan nationals who have resided in the United States since March 15, 2022 will be eligible to receive temporary relief from removal from the United States and have the opportunity to work legally. Those who arrive after March 15 will not be eligible. TPS for Afghans will be valid for 18 months. We are still waiting on an official Federal Register notice, which outline the procedures for Afghan TPS; therefore, until that happens, no Afghan nationals should attempt to apply for TPS.
Although they will not qualify for TPS, Afghans abroad may still have opportunities to come to the United States. For example, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is still accepting applications for humanitarian parole, which allows a foreign national to come temporarily to the United States for urgent humanitarian reasons.
Importantly, because the U.S. Embassy in Kabul is closed, Afghan nationals must be able to get to a third country for humanitarian parole processing.
Upon arrival in the United States, Afghan nationals may also qualify for asylum. They should speak with a qualified immigration attorney about the strength of their asylum claim, and many local nonprofits and lawyers are assisting Afghan nationals low or pro bono.
Additionally, Afghan nationals who assisted the U.S. government may also speak with an attorney about the viability of a Special Immigrant visa or request assistance with Special Immigrant Visa applications that are already pending.
As always, we welcome comments and will reply to all that we can.
Address:900 N Stafford Street #1509 Neighborhood: Ballston Listed: $449,900 Open: Saturday, April 16 from 12-2 p.m.
This amazing unit in the Altavista boasts over 870 square feet, not including the large western facing sunroom. Enter this modern, open space to a black and white tile floor that leads you into the upgraded kitchen with granite counters, upgraded stainless steel appliances, white showcase cabinets, a newer washer/dryer and a passthrough that opens to the living room.
The spacious living room has oak hardwood floors, a dedicated dining space and sliding glass doors that open to the 15th floor sunroom overlooking Ballston. A second set of sliding doors open from the sunroom to the owner’s suite with plush carpeting, a beautifully updated bathroom with quartz counters over a tasteful gray/brown solid wood vanity and a sleek white tub/shower combo. As soon as you enter this condo, you can tell that it was cared for and meticulously updated. One parking space and extra storage convey.
The greatest thing about the Altavista is its prime location in Ballston. You never have to step outside to get to the Ballston Metro or take a covered foot bridge to the Ballston Quarter’s shops and restaurants. There are also shops just outside of the elevator, including Starbucks. This is Arlington’s convenience at its finest!
