Experience the magic of the holiday season at this beloved event that has offered truly unique, handcrafted treasures for more than four decades. Find pottery, glass, jewelry, fashion accessories, woodwork, artisanal foods, and more from 80 exceptional regional artisans. Come discover the perfect gifts, treat yourself to lunch at the onsite café, and celebrate the spirit of the season with us! A juried show since 1982.
• FREE parking | 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA 22101
• Proceeds support the NVHG Scholarship Program for college art students
• Tote bags will be given to the first 200 attendees each day
Welcome to Kami’s Korner where we’ll take a deep dive into Arlington’s condominium market by focusing on what’s coming next. From emerging developments to shifting trends, this space will spotlight the opportunities and insights shaping the future of condo living in Arlington.
I had the opportunity to visit Miami last week and immerse myself in its condominium market. And let me tell you, there is a lot happening down there.
A few trends caught my attention, particularly when viewed through the lens of our own DC metro market.
There are more than 90 condominium projects in the pipeline across the Miami/Fort Lauderdale market. Yes, 90! That includes projects in planning, under construction, or actively selling. By comparison, the DC metro area has roughly 10 major condominium projects at similar stages.
That’s a pretty staggering difference. So why is South Florida experiencing such a development boom while our market remains comparatively underinvested?
A few factors help explain what’s working in Miami—and what continues to challenge developers here.
1. Super-luxury is thriving. The middle is struggling.
One of the clearest takeaways is that the super-luxury market remains remarkably strong, particularly in prime locations.
Interestingly, the middle of the market is where things get much more complicated from a development standpoint. We’ve explored this in previous columns, but the challenges are familiar: land prices that don’t always align with achievable sales prices, escalating construction costs, higher financing expenses (yes, those pesky interest rates again), limited investment capital, and approval processes that seem to take longer rather than shorter over time.
At the high end, the math can work a little better. Wealthy buyers continue to invest in real estate, and developers have more room to generate viable returns at higher price points.
In other words, building a $6 million residence in a desirable location can be a more workable proposition than trying to deliver a well-designed, moderately priced condominium. That’s a tough reality for the middle of our market.
Florida has done an impressive job attracting businesses, encouraging relocations, and promoting investment and economic growth. The state’s pro-growth approach has helped create an environment where developers see opportunity and are willing to take risks. Our DC metro region hasn’t enjoyed quite the same momentum, although Virginia has been a bit of an exception.
The difference isn’t simply about demand. It’s also about the environment in which developers are operating. Confidence, predictability, and a willingness to encourage new investment matter.
3. Miami has an international buyer pool. DC has a local one.
Here’s another major distinction: Who is actually buying these residences?
A significant share of Miami’s high-end condominium buyers are international or part-time residents. South Florida attracts substantial investment from Central and South America, among other international markets. For some buyers, a Miami residence may be a vacation home used only a few weeks a year. For others, it’s a way to establish a foothold and invest capital in the United States.
The appeal is easy to understand: a desirable climate, an energetic lifestyle, an international culture, and a welcoming environment for global investment.
For Alexander Torres, the dream of owning a restaurant didn’t begin with a grand opening. It began with years spent working in other people’s kitchens, learning the business one shift, one challenge and one meal at a time.
Now, Torres is putting that experience to work for himself as the owner of El Alfa Taqueria Food Truck, where his long-term dream is taking shape one customer at a time.
Since opening in March, El Alfa Taqueria has been serving tacos, pupusas, quesadillas and other scratch-made favorites from its location in Ballston. But for Torres, what makes the business special isn’t just what comes out of the kitchen. It’s what happens at the window.
Regular customers return often enough that conversations have moved well beyond their usual orders.
“One of my favorite parts of owning the food truck has been getting to know our regular customers. Over time, we’ve learned more than just their usual orders. We know their interests, their dreams and the things that matter to them. That connection means a lot to us.”
It’s the kind of connection Torres hoped to create when he decided to turn years of restaurant experience into a business of his own.
“My mentor has truly been my own experience,” he said. “After many years in the restaurant industry, I’ve learned from every kitchen, every challenge, and every skill I picked up along the way.”
Building a business where home is
Choosing Arlington was an easy decision for Torres. This isn’t simply where he does business. It’s the community where he and his family have built their lives.
“I chose Arlington because it’s home,” he said. “I’ve lived here for many years, and both of my baby girls were born and raised here.”
Family remains at the center of El Alfa Taqueria. Torres credits his wife as his greatest partner, both in the business and outside of it.
And like many entrepreneurs’ entering Arlington’s busy dining scene, Torres knows that good food alone isn’t enough. With customers having plenty of choices, he believes El Alfa Taqueria can distinguish itself through the combination of quality food and genuine hospitality that turns first-time visitors into regulars.
The food truck is just the beginning
Torres isn’t finished dreaming.
His long-term goal is to open a restaurant of his own, with the food truck serving as an important first chapter in that story.
“In five years, I hope to see El Alfa Taqueria continuing to grow and connect with every person in Arlington and beyond,” he said.
For now, every taco served and every returning customer brings Torres a little closer to that goal.
And perhaps that’s the best measure of success for a neighborhood business: not simply how much it grows, but how many people keep coming back.
El Alfa Taqueria Food Truck is located at 2111 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington. Follow El Alfa Taqueria on Facebook and @elalfataqueriafoodtruck on Instagram for menu offerings and location updates.
Local entrepreneurs interested in starting or growing a business in Arlington can learn more about Arlington Economic Development’s BizLaunch program at BizLaunch.
Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose prices 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: The properties featured here may be listed with other brokerages– but that doesn’t limit your options. Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to represent you, arrange showings, analyze value, and negotiate the best possible terms on your behalf. We understand the neighborhoods, pricing trends and market timing — and we usethat knowledge to your advantage.
As of November 2, there are 191 detached homes, 76 townhouses and 310 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 46 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.
This regularly scheduled 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[email protected].
Question: I don’t want to do any work to my home when I sell it, should I offer it “as-is”?
Answer: Selling a property “as-is” in Northern Virginia carries a practical purpose and a contractual definition that may differ and/or carry unintended consequences.
Implied Definition
When sellers market a property as-is, they’re usually implying that they do not want the hassle of making repairs; sometimes they also want to convey that they won’t negotiate credits for repairs either. That does not automatically mean the buyer cannot inspect the property. The parties might agree to a pre-offer inspection or an inspection contingency that allows the buyer to void the contract.
As-is doesn’t necessarily mean that a property has problems, but sellers should understand that most buyers assume an as-is property has issues and will approach it accordingly.
Technical/Contractual Definition
In Northern Virginia’s Contingencies/Clauses Addendum you’ll find a section for selling “as-is” with the following selectable options:
Seller will not clean or remove debris. The standard is for the property to be free of trash/debris and broom clean.
The seller is not responsible for addressing any wood destroying insect/termite issues. The standard agreement requires the seller to pay for any damage from wood destroying insects.
The seller is not required to fix any Homeowners/Condo Association violations related to the physical condition of the property.
The buyer assumes responsibility for compliance with applicable smoke-detector laws and regulations.
The seller is not responsible for compliance with notices of violation from local authorities.
Many properties are marketed as-is, but it’s less common for the as-is clause(s) in the contract to be used. Calling a property “as-is” in the marketing does not make it so, only the contract does that.
Understand Your Choice
I often talk to homeowners who ask to sell as-is because they don’t want to deal with buyer repair requests but their home is in good condition and they don’t mind negotiating for repair credits or addressing a big ticket issue. In cases like this, declaring a home as-is can discourage buyers unnecessarily or possibly net sellers less money. A better approach is to communicate those expectations up-front with a buyer without calling the home as-is.
For buyers who come across an as-is sale, it’s important to ask the right questions to find out what the seller’s true intentions are. For example, will they allow a pre-offer inspection or a void-only inspection after contract? Do they intend to address HOA/condo violations? Make sure that you are pricing and negotiating contract terms based on the seller’s intention, not based on your assumptions.
Who Uses As-Is?
As-is sales are common in estate sales (seller may have limited knowledge of the property) or properties marketed towards builders/investors (flips or tear-downs). There are plenty of other appropriate use cases for a true as-is sale, but those are the most common that I see.
Located on the winding streets of the welcoming Westmont neighborhood, this adorable, affordable 3 bedroom 2 bath duplex is blocks from restaurants, groceries, shops, and nightlife of the vibrant Columbia Pike corridor. Original 1930s parquet wood floors extend from the living and dining areas to the two bedrooms upstairs, served by a renovated hall bath. The hugging kitchen offers granite tops, stainless appliances, and a door to the driveway for bringing in packages.
The main level bedroom with full updated bathroom can be used a a family room, and the lower level rec room with egress window is ideal for an office, gym, or play area. The laundry and storage are also on this level. Close before the holidays and join the neighbors in festive holiday decorating and celebrating.
This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq., Janice Chen, Esq., and Victoria Khaydar, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.
If you want a visa to come to the United States, you fill out the application, you pay the fee, you wait for an appointment, and you sit for an interview with a consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate. There are narrow exceptions. Being a friend of the President is not one of them.
Or it didn’t use to be.
On October 25, Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro – eldest son of the imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro – lost Brazil’s presidential runoff to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, reportedly by more than 4.4 million votes. The next day, Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered him to surrender his passports as part of a money-laundering investigation. He did not. On Tuesday, a senior State Department official announced that Bolsonaro and his family would be granted U.S. visas. On Wednesday morning, he landed by private jet at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport.
We doubt very much that Senator Bolsonaro sat for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Brasília, or at any of the U.S. consulates in Brazil, sometime between Monday’s court order and Tuesday’s departure. (And if he already held a valid visa, there was nothing for the State Department to announce.) So what, exactly, happened? Let’s consider the possibilities.
He was paroled. The Secretary of Homeland Security may parole a person into the United States “on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.” INA § 212(d)(5)(A). If that is what happened, it would at least be lawful. But we doubt that, too. An ordinary person who asks for parole files Form I-131 with USCIS and, in our experience, waits more than two years for a decision. Merely asking USCIS to expedite the application takes more than a month to get an answer, and the answer is routinely no. Senator Bolsonaro, it seems, got his overnight. If he was paroled, say so, and explain how he got to the front of the line.
The visa requirement was waived for an “unforeseen emergency.” The regulations do allow this. 8 C.F.R. § 212.1(g). But losing an election you have been campaigning in for a year is not unforeseen. Neither is a court order in an investigation you have known about for months. Indeed, Bolsonaro’s younger brother, Eduardo, said on a podcast earlier this month that Flávio should leave the country if he lost. Some emergency.
A visa will be issued after the fact. That isn’t how visas work. A visa is permission to travel to a port of entry and request admittance. Issuing one to a man who is already in Miami is like issuing a fishing license to a poacher with prize tarpon already gaffed and flopping on the deck.
November kicks off with many opportunities to celebrate creativity, local artists and the arts in Arlington.
On Sunday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., SPARK! Not Your Usual Art Market wraps up its 2026 season at 2700 Art Space with art, music, food and hands-on fun.
Visitors can create a pocket-sized “crankie” with The Crafty Carny, take home a customized poem from Arlington Poet Laureate Emeritus Courtney LeBlanc, and shop for handmade work from local artists and teens participating in Arlington County Parks & Recreation’s StART-Up Studio program.
DJ Cinema Hearts will provide the soundtrack while artists and makers offer pottery, jewelry, paintings, fiber art, prints, clothing and more. Additionally, Mariachi Los Amigos will commemorate Día de los Muertos with special strolling performances from 12:00 –1:30 pm. Artists from the Studios at Arlington Arts will also be on hand with ceramics and prints, alongside live tufting demonstrations and three-minute pet portraits.
The celebration continues Sunday evening at MoCA Arlington with its Día de los Muertos Celebration – An Evening Picnic, from 5–8 p.m. on the museum lawn. Arlington Arts is proud to sponsor this free, family-friendly celebration featuring art activities, an ofrenda by artist David Amoroso, mariachi music, folklórico dance, food, vendors and a Catrina Parade. The museum will also stay open late so visitors can explore its fall exhibitions.
Arlington Printmakers Head to DC
The creativity continues the following weekend when artists from Arlington’s Printmaking Studio participate in the DC Print Fair, November 7–8 at Eastern Market’s North Hall in Washington, DC.
The free indoor fair celebrates contemporary printmaking, including woodblock, linocut, letterpress, screen printing and RISO, bringing together independent artists, print collectives and arts organizations from the region and beyond.
From SPARK! and Día de los Muertos celebrations across Arlington to the DC Print Fair, November begins with plenty of ways to discover local artists, find something handmade and celebrate our creative community.
SPARK! Season Finale Sunday, November 1 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 2700 Art Space | 2700 S. Nelson St. Learn more about SPARK!
Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose prices 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: The properties featured here may be listed with other brokerages– but that doesn’t limit your options. Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to represent you, arrange showings, analyze value, and negotiate the best possible terms on your behalf. We understand the neighborhoods, pricing trends and market timing — and we usethat knowledge to your advantage.
As of October 26, there are 199 detached homes, 83 townhouses and 322 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 57 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.
***New Price*** *** Open Houses Saturday 10/31 11 am – 1 pm, Sunday 11/1 2 pm- 4 pm*** ****A Remarkable Reimagining in the Heart of McLean**** **** "BE THE FIRST TO LIVE IN THIS PRISTINE, EXTENSIVELYEXPANDED AND NEWLY REBUILT (FINISHED OCTOBER 2026) HOME WITH 7,644 SQUARE FEET OF LIVING SPACE ON A NEARLY 1/2 ACRE LOT***** 6340 Old Dominion Drive is an extensively expanded (with 7,644 square feet of living space) and newly rebuilt (October of 2026) McLean residence, designed for exceptional living, entertaining, and multigenerational flexibility. Only the foundation and sauna from the original 2002 Colonial remain. The home features a main floor with a bedroom and full plus 1/2 bath, elevator, expansive Marvin windows that flood the interior with natural light, custom red oak hardwood floors, refined millwork, and elegant architectural details.
Geothermal heating and cooling, outdoor living spaces and an elevator are some of this exceptional homes key features. The thoughtfully designed floor plan flows effortlessly between gracious living spaces, private retreats, and spectacular entertaining areas. The main-level kitchen is the heart of the home, perfectly appointed for both everyday living and gatherings, with seamless indoor-outdoor access and space to add a pool.
This regularly scheduled 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[email protected].
Question: I’m reading a lot of negative news about the housing market. What’s the good news?
Answer: I’ve written quite a bit recently about the weaknesses in our local housing market (link, link, and link). Buyers have pulled back, homes are taking longer to sell, and sellers are adjusting their expectations. For those who need to sell now, these challenges are real and immediate.
We’ve become accustomed to treating rising prices, immediate sales, and bidding wars as evidence of a good housing market. But those conditions also make it difficult for new buyers to enter the market, existing homeowners to change homes, and for buyers to understand what they’re buying.
A market that gradually becomes more affordable and gives households more time to make major decisions is a healthier market.
A Healthy Market is an Affordable One
In my July Affordability article, I argued that sustainable affordability comes from a slow, long-term shift in which prices rise slower than income rather than from a sudden policy change. Sustainable affordability is a long way off in the DC area, but a modest price correction (which we’re currently experiencing in most sub-markets) followed by slower growth, can help ease us into a healthier housing market and should not necessarily be framed as a bad market or cause for alarm.
Mortgage rates, taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs also affect affordability, so slower price growth alone won’t solve the problem. A slowdown driven by job losses would undermine the income growth needed to make this work, so it needs to be supported by a healthy economy.
A Healthy Market Provides Buyers Reasonable Protection
For much of the past 7-10 years (in Arlington/DC Metro), buyers have been pressured to make decisions on whether to buy a home within hours or days and significantly reduce or completely remove basic protections (contingencies like inspection, financing, and appraisal) because of how much leverage sellers held in negotiations.
A healthy market gives buyers time to make better decisions and room to negotiate basic protections into contracts.
Earlier this month, I wrote about home inspection negotiations becoming more common. Understanding the condition of a home before committing to buy it should be an ordinary part of the process, but many buyers waived or flew through inspections, absorbing substantial risk in the process.
Your Next Home Matters, Too
Many sellers are also buyers, buyers of a more expensive home. So lower prices don’t mean a worse overall move.
Suppose your current home is worth $900,000 and the home you want costs $1.5M. If both decline 3%, you receive $27,000 less on the sale but pay $45,000 less on the purchase.
Of course, those two homes may perform differently, and giving up a low mortgage rate can overwhelm any absolute dollar savings. But the point is worth remembering that maximizing your sale price isn’t the only measure of a successful move.
Welcome to Kami’s Korner where we’ll take a deep dive into Arlington’s condominium market by focusing on what’s coming next. From emerging developments to shifting trends, this space will spotlight the opportunities and insights shaping the future of condo living in Arlington.
My last article about what makes a good condominium building received some positive feedback, so at your request, we’re continuing the conversation. This time, we’re moving inside the front door to discuss something that can make or break your daily experience: the floor plan.
And trust me, I’ve seen some doozies.
A great floor plan can make a condominium feel spacious, comfortable, and effortlessly livable. A bad one can leave you wondering who approved it in the first place.
Getting it right from the beginning is critical. Unlike a single-family home, a condominium’s footprint is largely fixed by the building’s structure, including the location of support columns, plumbing stacks, and other elements you can’t simply move because they’re inconvenient. Even seemingly minor changes, such as relocating walls, may require condominium association approval.
And because condominiums generally offer less square footage than townhomes or detached homes, every inch has to earn its keep.
Sometimes, you can’t quite explain why a floor plan feels wrong. Maybe the feng shui is off. Maybe you can see the powder room toilet from the hallway. Maybe two doors collide when opened at the same time, as if they’re competing for the same parking space. Or perhaps the kitchen and closets look as though they haven’t been updated since shoulder pads were fashionable.
Whatever the reason, you know it when you see it.
So, which features are worth paying for? And which ones look fabulous on paper but fall flat in real life?
Here’s my ranking of the floor plan features that matter most.
1. Entertaining Space: The Heart of the Home
Some would argue this is the most important consideration of all. I agree.
Your kitchen, living room, and dining area are where you’ll spend much of your waking time at home. They’re where you cook, read, relax, watch television, entertain friends, pursue hobbies, and occasionally wonder why you walked into a room in the first place.
The question is whether these spaces work together.
Does the kitchen connect naturally to the dining and living areas? Can you prepare dinner while chatting with guests without feeling banished to the culinary corner? Is there enough room to entertain without everyone having to shuffle sideways past the dining table?
And what about the view and natural light? Ideally, the living room gets the best seat in the house—not the bedroom, where you’ll be spending much of your time with your eyes closed.
But entertaining space isn’t just about entertaining. A well-designed living area should feel equally inviting on an ordinary Tuesday night when it’s just you, a good book, and absolutely no plans to go anywhere.
The ultimate test? Does the space make you think, “I love being home”? Better yet, “I don’t need to go anywhere else.”
