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: We are looking forward to buying a home next year. Do you have any recommendations on how we should start the home buying process?
Answer: If you Google “home buyer tips” or “what to know before buying a home” you’ll find plenty of advice on the topic, so I’ll include some suggestions I don’t usually see online and put my own spin on some of the more common advice.
Length of Ownership
How long you expect to live in your home is one of the most important factors in defining what you prioritize and how you use your budget. You should focus on the following:
Likely length of ownership
Difference in criteria for a 3-5 year house vs a 10-12+ year house
Difference in budget requirements for a 3-5 year house vs a 10-12+ year house
Appreciation is not guaranteed and difficult to predict, but the value of longer ownership periods is undisputed. One way longer ownership adds value is the potential for eliminating one or more real estate transactions over your lifetime, thus the associated costs (fees, taxes, moving expenses, new furniture, etc.) and stress that comes with moving.
If you have an opportunity to significantly increase your length of ownership by stretching your budget, you generally should. On the other hand, if your budget or future (e.g. job will move you in a few years) restrict you to housing that’s likely to be suitable for just 3-4 years, it’s generally better to stay under budget.
Just Listed highlights Arlington properties that just came on the market. This biweekly feature is written and sponsored by Coral Gundlach Homes.
Hello Arlington!
Coral Gundlach here with Coral Gundlach Homes in Arlington. I’ve been an Arlington homeowner since 2001 and a Realtor since 2004. I love this real estate market, even though it has its challenges.
I hope everyone enjoyed Halloween yesterday, even though it felt a bit like summer! This pre-election period feels like a pause, and the showing activity for the week ending (October 27th) does reflect a downturn.
That said, open houses still seem to get good traffic, and that is not included in this data set. We had 751 showings in Arlington, and the week before, we had 877. New listings are also down as the week before a presidential election is not a traditionally great time to list. Mortgage interest rates have ticked back up a little again as well, which does not encourage buyer activity.
This week we will go back to our highs and lows, featuring the highest prices and the deal of the week in condos.
Here are the numbers as of the time of writing: Friday, November 1, 8:30 a.m.
All active listings in Arlington: 280 (down from 311 three weeks ago)
New Listings in the past week: 40 (up from 54 three weeks ago)
Under Contract/Pending in last week: 44 (up from 38 three weeks ago)
Median Days on Market for Active Under Contract: 22 (up from 9 three weeks ago)
Median Days on Market for Pending: 6 (same as three weeks ago)
All active detached listings: 98 (down from 112 three weeks ago)
New active detached listings: 16 (down from 25 three weeks ago)
All active townhouses, fee simple: 25 (down from 30 three weeks ago)
New active townhouses, fee simple: 3 (down from 12 3 weeks ago)
All active condos/co-ops: 152 (down from 166 three weeks ago)
New active condos/co-ops: 19 (down from 31 three weeks ago)
Forty-one total properties closed in the last week, up from 29 three weeks ago. The median CDOM was 22, up from 9 two weeks ago, and the median original list price to sales price ratio was 99.6% and the average current list price to sales price ratio was also 100%, only ticking down from 3 weeks ago slightly in the original price to closed price. These numbers show a slight softening in the market, generally taking longer to get a contract and with a slight dip in the original asking to closed price.
The highest priced new condo this week is a 3.4 million 2600 square foot penthouse in Turnberry. Fantastic sweeping views and a condo fee of $2,542 a month as well.
The deal of the week in the condo market is a $244,000 one bedroom in Cherrydale’s Vermont Gardens. It is 584 square feet and has condo fees of $626 a month that includes heat, AC, water, sewer and trash.
Contact Coral Gundlach Homes today at (703) 200-3631 or email [email protected] to talk more about buying or selling Arlington real estate.
Today’s featured listing is a one-bedroom condo in Ballston’s Summerwalk! This adorable condo that is across the street from the Ballston metro and includes a garage parking spot and storage space, and is listed for $415,000. 1020 N. Stafford Street # 311 has 657 square feet and a low condo fee of $447/month that includes water, sewer, trash, pool, and other building maintenance. It is listed by Michelle Doherty of RLAH @properties and is open tomorrow, Saturday, November 2 from 2-4 p.m.
Want to see more Just Listed properties? Interested in an Open House this weekend? We’re happy to show them to you privately! Contact Coral Gundlach Homes today.
Please note: While Coral Gundlach Homes provides this information for the community, they may not be the listing agents of these homes. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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 October 28, there are 124 detached homes, 40 townhouses and 153 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 22 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 column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
Undoubtedly, one of the most essential parts of a business is its brand name. It’s how customers recognize businesses; it’s communicated in a business’s marketing material, and it’s one way businesses can differentiate themselves from the competition.
In this week’s Small Business Focus, we will discuss how businesses can protect their name and things to look out for when selecting a brand name for your startup.
When thinking of a brand name for your business, the elements that make a business’s name successful should:
Be easy to pronounce
Be easy to spell
Convey some sense of what the business does
Once you develop a successful name that follows those three rules, you’ll want to ensure that creative minds don’t think alike and that another business isn’t using your name.
First, you’ll want to ensure another company hasn’t already registered the name. In Virginia, you can use the Virginia SCC’s Name Check Availability to quickly search if your business name is available. Simply enter your name, and if it’s available, you can register it. Seems simple enough, right? While that’s a good start, you’re not quite done. Since we live in a tri-state area, we would also encourage startups to check D.C. and Maryland records to see if that name is being used by one of our neighbors across the river.
Second, search your name on the internet using Google and on social media sites such as Instagram or Facebook. For one, you’ll want to know what your business name is associated with on the internet, and you’ll find out if someone is using that name or a name like your business. We’ve had some clients skip this step only to realize that unsavory images appear when they Google their business name.
Finally, check to ensure that another business doesn’t have a trademarked of your business name. A trademark is intellectual property that protects other businesses, national and international, from using your name. You can search trademarks by going to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s website using the Trademark Search System.
Once you’ve done your due diligence and your name is available, then it’s good to use for your business. However, if a name is already registered or similar to a trademarked brand, you might want to consider using a different name to avoid confusion with your customers and potential lawsuits.
When starting a business, there is so much to think about, from deciding on the right name to complying with regulations to marketing and sales. BizLaunch is your one-stop shop for all things starting and running a small business. To learn more, visit us at www.bizlaunch.org or schedule a one-on-one consultation today.
In today’s digital age, businesses face an increasing number of sophisticated email threats that can compromise sensitive information and disrupt operations.
To effectively defend against these threats, it is crucial to implement a multi-layered approach that includes employee training, advanced security technologies, and continuous monitoring.
Employee Training
One of the most effective ways to defend against email threats is through comprehensive employee training. Employees should be educated on how to recognize phishing emails, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and report any suspicious activity to the IT department. Regular training sessions and simulated phishing exercises can help reinforce these practices and keep employees vigilant.
Advanced Security Technologies
Implementing advanced security technologies is essential for protecting your business from email threats. This includes deploying email filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious emails before they reach the inbox. Additionally, using encryption for sensitive communications and multi-factor authentication (MFA) can add an extra layer of security. Endpoint protection solutions that monitor and respond to threats in real-time are also crucial.
Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response
Continuous monitoring of email traffic and network activity can help identify and respond to threats quickly. Implementing a robust incident response plan ensures that your business can react promptly to any security breaches. This plan should include steps for containing the threat, notifying affected parties, and restoring normal operations.
Contact CMIT Solutions of Arlington
Protecting your business from sophisticated email threats requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. For expert assistance and tailored solutions, contact CMIT Solutions of Arlington, VA at 703-216-1860, or fill out the contact form here: Contact Our Corporate Offices | CMIT Solutions. Our team of professionals is dedicated to helping you safeguard your business against evolving cyber threats!
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: Should Virginia pass a law that gives buyers a non-negotiable due diligence period?
Answer: The last few years have ushered in complex and difficult debates locally and nationally about housing and what the role of federal, state, and local government should be in private housing. Nationally, we are dealing with an affordability crisis and locally we’ve debated Missing Middle/EHO.
To me, the most critical and interesting questions center around what government’s role should be in private housing and what, if any, responsibility does government have to homebuyers and sellers. That applies to a wide range of housing-related issues including but certainly not limited to taxation, zoning, insurance, Realtor commissions, and affordability.
Don’t worry, I don’t have a death wish and am not about to open a conversation about government, free markets, and housing affordability a week before the election. This is (hopefully) a more subdued topic.
Buyers Are Foregoing All/Most Due Diligence
One of the unfortunate results of our highly competitive housing market over the last 5+ years is the amount of protection and due diligence buyers have given up purchasing a home. In many home purchases, especially single-family detached, buyers are foregoing inspections and financing/appraisal contingencies to compete. It often shocks me on my listings how many buyers choose not to do a home inspection, even in scenarios where a pre-inspection (inspection conducted prior to making an offer) is possible.
Buyers accepting the risk (sometimes significant risk) of no contingencies (contractual protections) is somewhat of a catch 22 — they do it because other buyers they’re competing against are doing it and they in turn become the buyers that cause other buyers to make similar decisions. When the market is at its most competitive (generally the first half of the year), I would estimate that at least 2/3 of homes (probably more) in Northern Virginia that go under contract within the first week on market (most homes) do not have any contingencies and many of those buyers never do a home inspection.
Should Due Diligence Laws Be Passed?
Until we move into a less competitive market, which seems a long way off due to systemic supply issues and robust demand in Northern Virginia/D.C. Metro, I don’t see this pattern of homebuyer risk changing in a meaningful way.
So, I wonder out loud (and via the poll below) — should Virginia pass a law that gives every homebuyer a non-negotiable due diligence period after they’re under contract? They can use this time, at their option/cost, to conduct a home inspection, confirm a property is insurable, and more.
To provide comfort to sellers and maintain an element of the free market negotiations to this, a required due diligence period can be coupled with a non-refundable due diligence deposit if a buyer voids within this period. In a competitive market, buyers can increase this deposit to increase the value/safety of their offer. For example, a highly motivated buyer can offer a $10,000 non-refundable deposit if they void.
Address:1600 N. Oak Street #525 Neighborhood: Rosslyn Type: 2 BR, 2 BA condo — 1,205 sq. ft. Listed: $649,900
Noteworthy: Move-in ready 2 bed, 2 bath, with an open kitchen, parking, and extra storage!
Welcome to The Belvedere #525!
This spacious condo spans over 1,200 square feet and offers incredible value with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open kitchen, a separate dining area, and a bright sunroom with treetop views.
Featuring bamboo floors throughout, the layout is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The dining area is perfect for hosting guests, while the open kitchen is outfitted with granite countertops, generous cabinet space, and overlooks the light-filled living room. The primary bedroom boasts multiple closets, including a large walk-in, providing ample storage. The second bedroom also features abundant closet space and direct access to the sunroom, which can serve as a home office or relaxation spot with natural light pouring in.
The Belvedere is a full-service building offering top-notch amenities, including a resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis/pickleball courts, 24/7 front desk, party room, convenience store, and a car wash area. Located just a short walk from the Rosslyn Metro, Target, Starbucks, and Safeway, with easy access to Whole Foods and major highways, this home puts everything at your fingertips.
This prime condo offers quick access to D.C., and all the area has to offer!
As the holidays approach, homeowners begin their annual preparations — cleaning, decorating, meal planning, and organizing guest rooms. Amid all the excitement and planning, one key aspect often gets overlooked: the bathroom, particularly the toilet.
Whether it’s hosting a large family dinner or entertaining friends for holiday parties, the last thing any homeowner wants is an embarrassing plumbing problem such as leaking, clogging, slow filling, or visibly aging toilets. That’s where ToiletKing steps in with their fast and affordable process for replacing toilets in under an hour, ensuring homes are holiday ready from top to bottom.
In response to these potential problems, ToiletKing, a Virginia-based home service company, is offering a unique solution — replacing homeowners’ toilets in under one hour. This service is designed to be both fast and affordable, addressing a range of common toilet issues that often arise at inconvenient times.
Addressing Common Toilet Problems Before the Holidays
During busy holiday gatherings, the bathroom, and particularly the toilet, is one of the most frequently used spaces in a home. Toilets that are outdated or malfunctioning can quickly become a source of stress. Some of the most common issues include:
Clogging: Frequent clogs are not only a nuisance but can also cause significant embarrassment when hosting guests.
Leaking: Toilets that leak water at the base or from the tank can lead to costly water damage and increased utility bills.
Running Toilets: Toilets that continuously run can waste gallons of water each day, driving up water bills and creating unnecessary noise.
Slow Refills: Toilets that take too long to refill after flushing can be frustrating and cause inconvenience during busy gatherings.
Cracked or Discolored Toilets: Toilets that are cracked or have visible yellowing due to age or hard water stains can diminish the overall appearance of a bathroom.
Replacing problematic toilets before the holidays is a proactive measure that can help avoid potential inconveniences for homeowners and their guests.
Fast and Efficient Service
ToiletKing has developed a process that allows them to replace toilets quickly and efficiently, completing the installation in less than one hour. This expedited service is designed to help homeowners avoid long waits or interruptions to their holiday plans.
Christos Karageorgos, Founder of ToiletKing, explains the company’s approach: “Our process focuses on streamlining the toilet replacement experience. We’ve structured our service so that we can replace any standard toilet within an hour, minimizing disruption to homeowners. We understand that during the holidays, time is of the essence, and we aim to make the process as quick and stress-free as possible.”
Affordability and Transparency
In addition to speed, ToiletKing VA emphasizes affordability and transparent pricing. The company aims to provide homeowners with an affordable solution for upgrading their toilets without compromising on the quality of service and materials. All pricing is provided upfront, with no hidden fees or unexpected costs, which can be especially important during a season when homeowners are often juggling multiple expenses.
The company’s competitive pricing, combined with a high level of expertise, has positioned them as a convenient option for those seeking to upgrade their toilets in preparation for holiday gatherings. The company’s service is designed to cater to both those who need last-minute solutions or who want to replace an aging toilet before it becomes a larger issue.
How ToiletKing’s Process Works
ToiletKing’s replacement process is simple and efficient. Homeowners begin by scheduling an appointment either online or by phone, then a ToiletKing representative will reach out via email to schedule the appointment. The company offers four fixture options to select from and flexible scheduling to accommodate busy holiday timelines.
On the day of the appointment, ToiletKing’s technicians arrive with the necessary tools and the new toilet model chosen by the homeowner. The technicians remove the old toilet, install the new one, test it to ensure proper functionality, and take the old toilet away. The entire process is completed in under an hour, minimizing disruption to the home.
Visit toiletkingva.com to schedule an appointment and learn more!
This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq. and Janice Chen, 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.
The Northern Virginia suburbs have a substantial Lebanese population, so this is big news. We’re here to explain what it means. Our main goal here is practical: to prevent people from paying lawyers until the application window opens, and help people to prepare their paperwork for when it does. If you’re curious about our editorial opinions, ask away in the comments.
The famous cedars of Lebanon.
First, a quick explainer on what TPS is, and how it works.
Temporary Protected Status, in theory, is a temporary measure meant to alleviate suffering in a country suffering from war or natural disaster. The U.S. Code permits the Attorney General (or, in modern practice, the Secretary of Homeland Security) to ‘designate’ countries which meet this description, and then provide temporary work permits, and temporary deportation protection, to nationals of the designated country who are in the United States on the date of the designation.
The process of applying for TPS is relatively simple. The applicant submits two applications: an application for TPS status on Form I-821, and, usually, an application for employment authorization on Form I-765. Fees vary depending on age. The Secretary of Homeland Security sets an ‘initial registration’ period for applicants, and then, if TPS is renewed, a ‘re-registration period.’ Miss these registration windows at your peril.
If you’re from Lebanon, living in the United States, and want to apply for TPS, here’s what you need to know:
TPS is temporary. Sometimes — rarely — TPS designation ends. (We covered the attempt to end TPS-El Salvador in these pages. So, although TPS is a good thing, it is a bad substitute for permanent status. If you have an asylum claim, don’t let it drop just because you have the ability to apply for TPS!
In most instances, TPS is superior to Deferred Enforced Departure. Those who have Deferred Enforced Departure (as attested by employment authorization documents) should still plan to apply for TPS, if they qualify.
The TPS application period for Lebanon has not opened up yet. If a lawyer, an unethical ‘visa consultant,’ or ‘tax preparer’ (applicable soundtrack) offers to apply for you, do not pay them. TPS designation is a great benefit, but it also creates opportunities for scammers.
Start gathering your documents. Your lawyer will want to see your Lebanese passport or your birth certificate, plus evidence that you have been physically present in the United States on or about October 16, 2024. Evidence of physical presence includes:
Your 2024 tax returns (file them next year!)
Employment records, if you have them.
Rent receipts
School records for you or your children
Medical records concerning treatment for you or your children
Religious records describing your attendance at a place of worship
Other documentary evidence which shows that you live here. Your lawyer can help you find more.
Put money aside. You can expect USCIS to charge up to $600 for your initial application.
Make a plan. Find a trusted place to apply for TPS after the initial registration period opens.
Once the application windows opens, our law firm will be delighted to help Lebanese nationals who want to apply for TPS. You can call us at 888-389-8655, or make an appointment via Calendly, here. But we know that, with tens of thousands of Lebanese nationals in Northern Virginia, handling all of these cases is going to be a team effort. In that spirit, here are two other trustworthy local partners for Lebanese nationals who need help applying for TPS.
Just Neighbors has a wonderful program that focuses on immigrants who make 200% or less than the amount prescribed by the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For information on how to get help from them, see here.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington is an excellent non-profit legal services center. They can handle your TPS application for a modest fee, and they’re wonderful people.
As always, we are grateful for your questions and comments, and will do our best to respond.
UPSIDE on Moore, the area’s newest and most diverse food hall located in the heart of Rosslyn on Moore Street is hosting, “A Moore Fun Weekend,” a two-day autumn celebration coinciding with Marine Corps Marathon Weekend.
The 2-day festival will take place this weekend on Saturday, October 26 (8 a.m.-9 p.m.) and Sunday, October 27 ( 7 a.m.-4 p.m.) at 1700 N. Moore Street, Arlington, VA 22209. There is a parking garage in the Rosslyn City Center building off N. Moore Street. Free validation will be offered inside the Food Hall.
“Moore Fun Weekend” invites locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season. With over 30,000 square feet of space, eight distinct local food vendors, and a huge outdoor patio overlooking Rosslyn all conveniently situated directly above the Rosslyn metro station, UPSIDE on Moore offers the perfect gathering spot whether you are supporting your runner in the marathon, or just looking for something fun to do!
Here are some of the things going on all weekend:
Ice Cream Jubilee Pop-Up! (Saturday and Sunday)
Live music (Saturday night and Sunday mid-day)
Face painting, glitter tattoo and magician shows for the kids (Saturday)
Free kids magician shows at 11:10 a.m. and 11:40 a.m.
Running recovery lounge (Sunday)
Specialty seasonal cocktails and beers at the Bar at Upside
Discounted drinks for all runners
Complimentary beer and wine tastings
All eight of our dynamic local vendors offering a wide array of culinary options from Hawaiian to Italian to Smash burgers, we have it all!
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 October 21, there are 136 detached homes, 43 townhouses, and 149 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 34 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.
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of celebration and culture at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington on Friday, November 1, with an outdoor picnic in honor of Día de los Muertos. Set against the backdrop of crisp fall weather in Virginia Square, this family-friendly event promises art, music, performances, and delicious food for all ages.
Spread out your blanket and partake in activities like interactive art projects, live performances, and games of lotería. Savor the flavors of tacos and craft espresso drinks from local food trucks such as Little Miner Taco, Salteñas Camila and Rossana.
A cherished Arlington tradition, the event is co-sponsored by the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington and Arlington Arts, celebrating the Mexican holiday dedicated to remembering loved ones with joy and festivity. National Geographic notes, Día de los Muertos blends ancient Aztec rituals with Spanish customs brought to Mexico in the early 1500s, honoring the dead through colorful and lively celebrations.
Arlington-based artist David Amoroso will create a large-scale altar on the museum’s front portico. Attendees are invited to bring a photo of a deceased loved one to include in the ofrenda, making the altar a collective tribute.
The evening will be filled with music and dance, including a performance by Mariachi Los Amigos. Founded in 1978 by Dr. Daniel Sheehy, the ensemble has graced stages from the Kennedy Center to The White House. Dance enthusiasts will also be captivated by the folkloric Mexican dance group Los Quetzales, known for their vibrant performances over the past 25 years. Poetry readings by Bolivian artist Edith Graciela Sanabria will add a lyrical touch to the evening.
While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to take a selfie with the popular Reclining Liberty sculpture by Zaq Landsberg. This striking, 25-foot installation juxtaposes the Statue of Liberty with a traditional Buddhist reclining pose, encouraging reflection on the ideals the iconic statue represents. The installation, co-sponsored by Arlington Public Art and MoCA Arlington, has been extended through 2025.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (formerly Arlington Arts Center) has been a key collaborator with Arlington County Government for decades. Housed in the historic Clarendon School building, the museum is part of Arlington’s cultural legacy, operating under a long-term lease with the County. The building, designed in 1910 and renovated in 2004, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mark your calendar for this vibrant celebration! The Día de los Muertos event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 1, at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, 3550 Wilson Boulevard. Visit the Arlington Cultural Affairs website for more details and to explore Arlington’s exciting public art and cultural programs.
Don’t miss out — join us to honor tradition, celebrate culture, and experience the arts in Arlington!
