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Ask Eli: DC area 2024 housing review and 2025 forecasts

By Sponsor

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.

Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.

Question: How did the D.C. area market perform last year?

Answer: Most of the D.C. area housing market put forth a strong performance in 2024, which meant good times for sellers and harder time for buyers. One of the few exceptions was the Washington, D.C. condo market, which saw lower demand, increasing inventory, and downward pricing pressure.

D.C. Area Appreciation Almost Double National Appreciation

The average sold price of homes in the Greater D.C. Area increased by 6.7% in 2024, compared to the National average of 3.8% (lower by some sources), led by another year of strong price growth of detached single-family homes.

Over the past ten years, homes in the Greater D.C. Area have appreciated by an average of 4.6% with the last annual decrease coming in 2009.

How Much Did Homes Appreciate By The Year

Historically Low Numbers of Homes Traded Hands

Fewer homes have traded hands in the past two years than any other 24-month period in the last thirty years, despite the population and housing supply increasing significantly during that period. The number of homes sold in 2023 and 2024 are 24% and 22% lower than the ten-year average from 2013-2022.

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The Nose That Knows: Where Bordeaux meets the Rhône

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This column is written by the team at Arrowine & Cheese (4508 Cherry Hill Road). Sign up for the email newsletter and receive exclusive discounts and offers. Order from Arrowine’s expanding online store for curbside pickup or in-store shopping. Have a question? Email thenose@arrowine.com.

Near the medieval city of Carcassonne in southwest France lies a wine region that breaks traditional boundaries.

Cabardès, influenced by both Mediterranean sunshine and Atlantic winds, stands as the only French wine appellation that requires winemakers to blend both Bordeaux and Rhône grape varieties in their wines.

This distinctive requirement produces wines that capture the elegance of Bordeaux and the generous fruit character of the Rhône Valley. One notable producer, Château Jouclary, has mastered this balance in their “Tradition” Rouge, a wine that demonstrates the unique potential of this under-the-radar region.

The 2021 vintage combines 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc with equal parts Syrah and Grenache, aged in concrete vats to preserve freshness and varietal character. The result is a deep ruby-colored wine offering complex aromas of blackberries and cherry, complemented by subtle notes of violets, herbs, and cocoa. The palate showcases the harmony between Bordeaux’s structural elements and the Rhône’s fruit-forward nature, with elegant tannins supporting layers of black and blue fruit.

While Cabardès remains relatively unknown compared to its famous neighbors, the region’s unique terroir and blending requirements are attracting increased attention from wine enthusiasts seeking new discoveries. Château Jouclary’s “Tradition” Rouge, priced under $20, exemplifies the exceptional value often found in France’s lesser-known appellations.

The wine is available now at Arrowine, where visitors can also explore other selections during weekend tastings!

Wine tasting (Photo by Khuc Le Thanh Danh on Unsplash)
Shop the Château Jouclary's "Tradition" Rouge

Transform your business online with WebLime

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WebLime

DMV’s top rated digital experts.

In today’s digital world, your online presence is your first impression — and your biggest opportunity. For businesses in Arlington and the DMV, WebLime is the trusted partner to help you grow, connect, and thrive.

At WebLime, your success is our priority. Whether you’re running a cozy café, a boutique, or a service-based business, we deliver customized solutions that make your brand stand out and scale with ease.

What We Offer

We handle the technical headaches so you can focus on growing your business. Our fully managed hosting and development solutions are designed to keep your website running smoothly.

For eCommerce, we’re proud Shopify Partners, crafting high-performing stores that drive results. For non-eCommerce sites, we leverage WordPress with a unique, flexible approach that’s like a Swiss Army knife for your online needs.

Our Local+ package takes it a step further by managing all your local directories — think Google Maps, Bing, Yelp, and more — so your business is everywhere your customers are searching. It’s the ideal solution for owners who want to focus on growth while we handle the rest.

And here’s something extra: WebLime is the proud creator of Limey, a platform that simplifies networking and marketing. Limey’s QR Stands and Digital Business Cards help you connect with customers effortlessly and even collect Google Reviews with a quick scan or tap.

Exclusive ARLnow Offer

For ARLnow readers, we’re offering an exclusive 25% discount on Limey QR Stands and Digital Business Cards — but hurry, this offer is only valid until the end of the month! Use the code LIMEY25ARL at checkout and take your networking to the next level.

Let’s Build Something Great Together

Take the first step toward a stronger online presence today. Visit WebLime.com to learn more about our services or check out Limey.io to claim your exclusive offer.

Arts Focus: Great performances anchor Arlington’s annual MLK Tribute

By Sponsor
Arlington’s MLK Tribute (courtesy Arlington County Government)

This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Each year, Arlington comes together to honor the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a heartfelt tribute that celebrates his enduring impact.

The 2025 MLK Tribute, themed “Dreams, Faith, and Justice in Action,” continues this meaningful tradition with an inspiring program on Sunday, January 19 at Wakefield High School.

This year’s production showcases performances by an array of regional musicians, dancers, actors and spoken word artists, while also highlighting local organizations that live out the importance of Dr. King’s work right here in Arlington.

Arlington Arts has long provided both technical and programming assistance to support this beloved community tradition. This year’s performers include WAMMIE-winning R&B vocalist Carly Harvey, who is familiar to Arlingtonians, thanks to the Summer Concerts at Lubber Run Amphitheater and the Columbia Pike Blues Fest, as well as Encore Stage & Studio.

Also joining the performance are Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music. Renowned for their work across gospel and secular music, the group has performed at prestigious venues such as the White House, the Washington National Cathedral, the Kennedy Center, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial dedication on the National Mall. The event will also feature lyrical dancer Trinity Mayes, tap dancer Christian Bean, the Patterson Elementary School Choir and the Gunston Middle School Step Team.

Additionally, the program will highlight local organizations that exemplify Dr. King’s principles of equality, justice, and service, showcasing how his vision is realized daily in Arlington. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) to support the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) and community members in need.

Join us for an unforgettable experience as we reflect, celebrate and reaffirm our commitment to Dr. King’s dream.

Join Arlington County as our community honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 2025 MLK Tribute event on Sunday, January 19, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Wakefield High School auditorium (1325 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington, VA 22206). For the full schedule and detailed information, click here.

Arlington Cultural Affairs is a division of Arlington Economic Development which delivers public activities and programs as Arlington Arts. Our mission is to create, support, and promote the arts, connecting artists and community to reflect the diversity of Arlington. For an array of activities across the visual and performing arts, please visit our website at arlingtonarts.org .

Celebrate the dream at Arlington’s MLK Tribute on January 19

By Sponsor
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Bring the whole family to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Wakefield High School this Sunday, January 19 from 5-6:30 p.m. during Arlington’s annual MLK Tribute.

This year’s production, Dreams, Faith and Justice In Action, will feature powerful storytelling, musical renditions and dance performances throughout the evening. The program will also spotlight local organizations that embody Dr. King’s principles of equality, justice, and service — demonstrating how his vision is brought to life in Arlington every day.

The evening will feature renowned recording artist and community choir Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music who will grace the stage as they have at some of the country’s most prestigious venues including The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and The White House.

In addition, delight in the powerful vocals of WAMMIE award winner and R&B singer Carly Harvey and many more performers. Check the webpage for the full list.

Free Admission and Community Support

Admission to the event is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Can’t make it in person? Watch the livestream. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of non-perishable items for the Arlington Food Assistance Center and learn about other ways to serve during MLK weekend and beyond.

Learn more and RSVP here for this free event!

RSVP for the MLK Tribute

Achieve more, right in Arlington: George Mason’s Graduate Open House

By Sponsor
Mason Square at George Mason University

Is 2025 your year to achieve something extraordinary?

Whether you’re advancing your career, building new skills, or exploring a fresh path, George Mason University is here to support your journey. Located in the heart of Arlington, Virginia, George Mason offers unmatched flexibility with part-time and full-time enrollment options, plus online, in-person, and hybrid classes, making it easier than ever to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Discover what’s possible at our Arlington Graduate Open House. This in-person event brings together four renowned schools to showcase their graduate programs, each designed to unlock exciting opportunities:

  • Antonin Scalia Law School
  • Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
  • Costello College of Business
  • Schar School of Policy and Government

Date: Tuesday, February 4
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Location: Van Metre Hall Multipurpose Room, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia — conveniently accessible via the Virginia Square Metro (Orange/Silver Lines) and Metrobus/ART bus stops

What to Expect:

  • Connect with expert faculty
  • Explore program tables to find the right fit for your goals
  • Get a quick resume review
  • Speak directly with admissions representatives
  • See how a George Mason graduate degree can transform your future

Make 2025 the year you embrace new opportunities and level up your potential with a graduate degree from George Mason University. Learn more about our 40+ graduate programs and secure your spot at the Open House by registering today.

We can’t wait to meet you and help you take the next step in your journey.

Register Now!

Legal Insider: If you submitted incorrect information on your security clearance questionnaire

By 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 Melissa L. Watkins, Esq.

Security clearance questionnaires are an essential part of the process for individuals seeking access to classified information in the U.S. government or related sectors.

These forms, known as Standard Form 86 (SF-86) (electronically known as the eApp), require applicants to provide personal, professional, and financial details to assess their trustworthiness and reliability. Given the complexity of these forms and the high stakes involved in securing clearance, it’s not uncommon for applicants to make mistakes, whether unintentionally omitting information or providing incorrect details.

It is also the case that some individuals intentionally omit unfavorable information, for example, a prior criminal record, in hopes that it will increase their likelihood of being approved for a security clearance. Understanding how to address these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining both your eligibility for clearance and your integrity in the process.

Errors on the SF-86/eAPP

The SF-86 requires the applicant to disclose a wide range of sensitive data, including criminal history, financial status, foreign contacts, and drug use, among other things. Any misrepresentation, even if accidental, can lead to significant consequences, such as delayed processing, denial of clearance, or potential disqualification.

For those misrepresentations that are material to determining if someone is qualified to hold a security, such errors can call into question the applicant’s integrity and potentially lead to security concerns related to personal conduct. The government relies heavily on the accuracy of the information provided to make determinations about a person’s suitability for access to national security information. Therefore, correcting mistakes in your submission should be a top priority.

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Discover innovation: Fuse at Mason Square

By Sponsor
Fuse at Mason Square

George Mason University’s new Fuse at Mason Square in Arlington, is a 345,000-square-foot collaborative and digital innovation space in the heart of the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor.

“As Mason expands in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties, Fuse is a groundbreaking project that is redefining the modern university’s role in catalyzing business and talent growth in the region,” says Liza Wilson Durant, Mason’s associate provost for strategic initiatives and community. “With it, we are one step closer to having a destination to collaborate with partners in the development of new technologies.”

Fuse is now open for commercial use and set to welcome students in fall 2025. Fuse at Mason Square will transform the innovation landscape in the region, with opportunities for students, researchers, and commercial partners to be part of an immersive atmosphere of ideation and innovation.

This building aligns with Mason’s mission of propelling Northern Virginia’s transition into a global technology hub. Fuse will also expand research opportunities at Mason, which is already classified as a top research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

“Fuse will hit the mark on so many levels,” Wilson Durant says. “It will be at the nexus of all Mason does in digital innovation.”

Learn More About Fuse

Biz Talk: AED partners with Data Community DC to support data science professionals in Arlington

By Sponsor
Photo courtesy Data Community DC

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

Data Community DC (DC2), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to connecting and supporting data professionals in the National Capital Region.

The organization fosters education, opportunities, and professional development through high-quality, community-driven events, resources, products, and services. Founded in 2012, DC2 was established to serve the growing data science community in Arlington and Washington, D.C.

The organization is led by Board Chair Janet Dobbins, a long-time Arlington resident, with daily operations managed by Executive Director William Angel, an Arlington native.

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is proud to partner with DC2 to host at least 18 data-focused meetup events across Arlington and the region over the next six months. These events are funded through AED’s Arlington Innovation Fund Ecosystem Support Fund, which was created to enhance Arlington’s tech ecosystem and support the growth of local technology startups.

DC2’s 2025 programming will spotlight the work of local data practitioners, with a focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and large language models. The events will also provide learning opportunities for Arlington residents.

The Data Viz DC Meetup group, a DC2 initiative, will host a free event on Building Data Visualization Portfolios on Wednesday, January 22, at 5:30 p.m. The event, held at Excella in Courthouse, will include food and networking opportunities. Learn more and register to attend.

Learn more about upcoming events and subscribe to DC2’s newsletter at DC2.org or follow on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to AED’s Innovation Ecosystem emails to learn about upcoming DC2 events as well as other sponsored events and exclusive innovation ecosystem opportunities.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington: January 8, 2025

By 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 December 30, there are 82 detached homes, 26 townhouses and 117 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 6 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

2627 S. Kenmore Court

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: Most expensive homes sold in the DMV in 2024

By Sponsor

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.

Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.

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 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020) so let’s jump right into some amazing real estate that changed hands in 2024 (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).

The most expensive home sold in 2024 was a $25,500,000 McLean home built in 2022, perched above the Potomac River. It edged out, this incredible home in Washington, D.C., along Foxhall Road, that sold for an even $25,000,000.

Listed by Mark Lowham, TTR Sothebys International Realty (700 Bulls Neck Road, McLean, VA 22102)

Top 5 Most Expensive Sales in Arlington

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The Nose That Knows: The hidden gems of Burgundy return

By Sponsor

This column is written by the team at Arrowine & Cheese (4508 Cherry Hill Road). Sign up for the email newsletter and receive exclusive discounts and offers. Order from Arrowine’s expanding online store for curbside pickup or in-store shopping. Have a question? Email thenose@arrowine.com.

After a decade long absence from local wine shops, an exceptional Burgundian estate has made its way back to Arlington.

Domaine Denis Père et Fils, nestled in the picturesque village of Pernand-Vergelesses, has released their highly anticipated 2022 Bourgogne Pinot Noir — and wine enthusiasts are taking notice.

The estate’s story begins in 1940 with Raoul Denis, then winemaker for the prestigious Hospices de Beaune, who established the family domaine near the historic Corton Grand Cru vineyard. When his son Christophe took the helm in 1992, he elevated the estate’s reputation through an unwavering commitment to quality and traditional winemaking methods.

The 2022 vintage, drawn from vineyards surrounding Savigny-les-Beaune, Chorey-Les Beaune, and Aloxe Corton, showcases the exceptional growing conditions of that year.

The wine displays a bright ruby color and complex aromatic profile, with distinct notes of violets, raspberries, and cherries. On the palate, it offers the hallmark elegance of fine Burgundy: medium bodied with velvety tannins, balanced fruit expression, and subtle oak integration that provides structure without overwhelming the wine’s natural character.

“Through a series of professional tastings, I came across Christophe Denis and was ‘blown away,'” wrote the late wine authority Stephan Murray-Sykes, who first brought attention to this producer two decades ago. “These are some of the most gorgeous, pure, and crafted wines I have tasted in the Côte de Beaune.”

While many Burgundian wines have become increasingly difficult to source, Arrowine has secured an allocation of this remarkable 2022 vintage.

Wine enthusiasts can explore this and other selections at Arrowine’s shop, open Monday through Sunday, with both curbside pickup and in-store shopping options available.

Red wine (Photo by Terry Vlisidis on Unsplash)
Shop Bourgogne Rouge 2022 at Arrowine
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