Address:1109 N. Potomac Street Neighborhood: Madison Manor Type: 4 BR, 2 (+2 half) BA single-family detached — 2,734 sq. ft. Listed: $1,495,000
Noteworthy: Expanded Colonial with high-end kitchen in Cardinal Swanson Yorktown pyramid
Exceptional 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in the leafy Madison Manor neighborhood.
Desirable details include spacious family room open to chef-style kitchen with abundant cream cabinets, solid surface countertops, matte finish appliances, and wine chiller. French doors from dining room lead to screen porch and a second entry from the porch to the mudroom, and backyard. Main level office with built-ins and a powder room complete the level.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom features vaulted ceiling, multiple windows, fitted walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with soaking tub and double sink vanity. Three more bedrooms on this level along with an updated hall bathroom. The lower level has a big rec room and another powder room. Large laundry room with even more storage. Well landscaped lot with areas for play, sports, and gardening.
Walk to Madison Manor Park, the heart of the community, Westover Village, bike path, East Falls Church and Ballston Metro Station. An impressive home in pristine move-in condition.
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.
As the election nears, our clients have been asking — with increasing frequency and understandable concern — about what a new president could do to alter our immigration system.
We’ve already examined former President Trump’s voluble and extraordinary policy proposals; in our view, Vice-President Harris has yet to provide sufficient detail on what she might do in the area, so we’re keeping our powder dry for when she does. The purpose of this article is to take a step back and talk about the legal architecture behind our immigration system, which both constrains and empowers any president.
Our immigration system: Not as tasty as tiramisu, but structurally similar.
Tiramisu is our preferred metaphor.
Federal immigration law can be usefully separated into layers. At the very top — a light dusting of cocoa powder and sugar — we have the Federal Constitution, and its (very brief) discussion of immigration, which is largely limited to empowering Congress to “establish a uniform rule of naturalization.”
This Constitutional mandate explicitly empowers Congress (and, by implication, disempowers the several states) to regulate immigration, which is one important reason why state lawsuits seeking to modify federal immigration policy face substantial roadblocks. The Constitution’s amendments concerning search and seizure, due process of law, and equal protection of the laws also occasionally — but rarely — impact the immigration system.
The sponge of the cake is statutory, and there are just three statutes of significance: the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the IIRAIRA (Illegal Immigration and Immigrant Responsibility Act) of 1996.
The first established the Preference System, under which certain categories of prospective immigrants, like unskilled workers and siblings of U.S. citizens, face extremely long waits, whereas other categories of prospective workers, like highly skilled workers and children of permanent residents, also face extremely long waits. The second is the Reagan Amnesty, which legalized large numbers of unauthorized migrants and introduced the I-9 system. The third, IIRAIRA, sharply curtailed the relief available to immigrants facing deportation and tightened the standards for financial responsibility for prospective permanent residents.
The binding of the cake is regulatory. Like most of American law, the regulatory apparatus has outgrown its statutory grounding to a striking degree. The Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Labor issue regulations frequently which have massive effects on our immigration system — to name just one of recent vintage, the near-doubling of application prices.
The sugar — or absence thereof — is executive policy decisions.
The picture of Presidential power, with respect to our immigration laws, is therefore as follows:
No President can change the Constitution. With the exception of the 14th Amendment — and we all know how that came about — no Constitutional amendment concerning immigration has ever been ratified.
Very, very few presidents can pass a significant immigration statute. The list of those who have succeeded in living memory is short: Truman, Johnson, Reagan, Clinton. The list of those who have failed is much longer, particularly among recent presidents. President George W. Bush, President Obama, President Trump, and President Biden all promised substantial immigration legislation. Presidents Bush and Obama came closest, but all failed to pass significant immigration reform measures.
All modern presidents can promulgate regulations — more’s the pity — and all modern Presidents do. But our regulatory system is fraught with procedural complexity and delay, and can be combatted via litigation.
All modern presidents can announce executive policy changes, and all modern presidents do. Here is where the real action in immigration law is likely to be in the next administration. Presidents can use Congressionally granted power creatively, as President Biden did with Parole in Place and President Trump did with Title 42.
Most immigration benefits are a matter of statutory authority. Green cards are issued under the immediate relative and preference categories established by the Immigration and Nationality Act; without legislative changes, the administrative machinery will continue to rumble.
But, at the margins — at the border, in the immigration courts, and in its regulatory interpretations — a new President has substantial power to affect how the system operates. That power is not absolute, but it is substantial.
As always, we are grateful for your questions and comments, and will do our best to respond.
Address:4524 40th Street N. Neighborhood: Golf Club Manor Type: 4 BR, 4 BA single-family detached — 3,000 sq. ft. Listed: $1,500,000
Noteworthy: Big 4 bedroom, 4 bath colonial on 12,000sf lot in Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown
Fresh paint, gleaming wood floors on three levels, main level office or fifth bedroom, family room off updated kitchen, and lower level rec room with doors to patio. Recent updates — 2024: new deck off family room; 2023: new air conditioning, microwave, dishwasher; 2020: new double pane windows throughout the home and new sliding doors to deck, garage door, updated hall bath, new storm doors.
Deep garage opening directly to large kitchen, featuring light wood cabinets, granite tops, and stainless appliances. Access from both dining room and family room allows excellent flow for gatherings or daily living. Fireplaces in rec room and living room. Private backyard with mature trees and landscaping.
Easy access to Washington and Maryland via nearby Chain Bridge, good reverse commute to Tysons, Reston, Dulles Airport and tech corridor. Good commute to government, military, and business centers in Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church.
A pristine home awaits the buyer who values space, value, and location.
Each week, “Just Sold Condos” spotlights condos in Arlington that have sold over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Rick Bosl, the Arlington Condo Expert, founder of ArlingtonCondo.com, and an agent with KW Metro Center. Contact Rick and make your next move the right move.
Welcome to Just Sold Condos in Arlington!
For Sale
Last week there were 22 condos that went to settlement, but only 7 condos that were taken off the market (expired, cancelled, or withdrawn). How does the condo market compare to the single-family home market in Arlington?
Numbers-wise, there are more condos that are sold every month in Arlington than single-family homes, as the chart below shows. Every month, for the past few years (and more) there have been consistently more condos (gold) sold than single-family homes (red) and townhomes (green) combined.
Closed Sales
The media often focuses on the single-family market, though. All the stories about a home getting 50 offers, that is most likely a single-family home. Why all the attention? One, people can see a house from the street, so it is more relatable and two, prices are much higher.
The chart below shows the median sales price of condos (gold), townhomes (green), and single-family homes (red) for the past 3 years in Arlington. Last month, single-family homes had a median price of $1,250,000, which was almost 3x the median sales price of a condo at $488,750.
Strathmore membership for arts, dance, and a world–class concert hall
Rock Creek Park, Strathmore Lawns, and Strathmore Square at your front door
Strathmore Metro station for easy commuting and safe exploring
355, Beltway, 270 all quickly connect you to D.C., Bethesda, Pike and Rose, and beyond
We are Luxury
Highest luxury home finishes
Naturally inspired lush courtyards
Huge landscaped upper–level gardens in select units
Continental elegance in interiors and exteriors
We are Different
Quiet new community at Strathmore Square
Lots of green with all the amenities
Curated community retail and a short drive to urban vibrancy
Explore greenery, paths, and trails near Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park and the Strathmore lawns. Relax in a brand-new sophisticated residence with European finishes, generously landscaped terraces, entertainment-focused living spaces, 10’ ceilings, and huge windows for light-filled rooms overlooking the park.
The design focuses on large open entertaining spaces in the most exclusive homes, which allows you to form deeper connections with loved ones as you host memorable dinner parties on your spacious private terrace and expansive living areas. Shed the burden of maintenance and let our incredible management team take care of the details so you can enjoy your new home stress-free.
The green stop on the redline at the Grosvenor Strathmore Metro Station presents an opportunity for luxury living in an art-inspired community. Enjoy access to more, including the nightlife and shopping destinations at Pike and Rose, and Downtown Bethesda, plus all the benefits of membership at Strathmore — the amazing shows at The Music Center, exhibits at The Mansion, summer concerts and outdoor art on the Strathmore Lawn and Sculpture Garden, and our own Strathmore Square music and community events.
Through a one-of-a-kind partnership with Strathmore, residents receive exclusive and diverse Strathmore programming. Enjoy bi-annual sessions with a Curator Concierge, culturally rich performances, and early offerings for premier seats. Enjoy the professional dance conservatory at City Dance on the first floor of Royale, including special resident performances and events.
Close to Rockville Pike and I-495/I-270, yet tucked away in a neighborhood to call your own home to world-class arts and culture — this is Ravel and Royale, where style, connectivity, and serenity meet. Two beautiful variations. One Incredible location.
Arlington County’s annual celebration of Hispanic heritage, Festival Latinoamericano is taking place Friday, October 4 from 5 to 9 p.m.! (The event has been rescheduled from Sept.27).
Come by Arlington Mill Community Center to enjoy the rich tapestry of Latin American art, food, and culture found right here in Arlington.
The festival will have a full schedule of entertainers, from Bolivian dance group Alma Boliviana, to the event headliner, Cubano Groove. Get up on your feet and dance to the beat of cumbia, bachata, and merengue with dance lessons on the plaza, then marvel at the talents of the meTumbao student salsa team and more.
Bring your appetites for a food lineup that spans multiple countries and cultures. Local favorites like Mpanadas, El Encanto Latino, and Sugar Shack Ice Cream. And don’t forget to take home treats like Columbian specialty coffee from Red Bean Harvest or delicious Ecuadorian dark chocolate from BesitosChocolate.
Celebrate local Hispanic artisans, including Edith Graciela or AmorosoART as you wander through the indoor section. Explore over 30 tables of local vendors and organizations, including a mobile art exhibit from Studio PAUSE, which will feature creative activities and highlight the work of local artists.
So don’t miss out! Join the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation in collaboration with Arlington Arts, the Columbia Pike Partnership, and members of the Festival LatinoAmericano planning committee in a true celebration that preserves cultural heritage while creating lasting memories.
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 September 23, there are 126 detached homes, 34 townhouses and 163 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 35 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.
Arlington Economic Development (AED) is excited to be continuing its partnership with Citrine Angels, the largest female-focused angel investing organization in the mid-Atlantic region pledged solely to the support of women-led ventures.
With a shared goal to boost entrepreneurship and startup activity in Arlington, AED and Citrine Angels are hosting two free, educational events designed to tackle challenges facing entrepreneurs today.
The first of the two events will take place TODAY, Wednesday, September 25, and will feature a panel discussion amongst an experienced panel of VCs, entrepreneurs, and fractional/outsourced executives. These experts will discuss what it takes to build the optimal team to make your idea a reality.
We invite you to join us TODAY for Building Your Dream Team in Ballston at 5:30 p.m. Registration is now closed, but walk-ins will be welcomed!
In two weeks, we will also be holding an “ask me anything” event on the topic of turning your idea into a business. Come with questions and a group of experts will be available to share their insights. Experts currently work in the human resources, law, finance and accounting fields.
Learn more and register for our Ask Me Anything: Turning Your Idea into a Business event here to join us on Wednesday, October 9 at 5:30 p.m.
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 much did mortgage rates drop after the fed cut rates last week?
Answer:
The Fed Cut Rates and Mortgage Rates… Went Up?
Last week, the Federal Reserve cut the fed funds rate by 0.5%, more than the 0.25% some expected. Great news for mortgage rates, right? Wrong.
Despite the large rate cut by the Fed, mortgage rates actually increased each of the next two days. Why?
To understand this, you need to understand that mortgage rates are not directly tied to the fed funds rate but are influenced by something else: the 10-year Treasury yield.
The Fed Funds Rate vs. Mortgage Rates
The fed funds rate is the interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. The Federal Reserve adjusts this rate to control inflation and guide economic growth. When they cut the rate, it makes borrowing cheaper in the short term, encouraging spending and investment.
However, long-term interest rates, like mortgage rates, don’t directly follow the fed funds rate. Instead, they are more closely linked to the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. The 10-year Treasury is market driven, as opposed to the fed fund rate controlled by the Federal Reserve, and its yield reflects investor expectations about future inflation, economic growth, and overall risk in the economy.
Effective board management is crucial to ensuring a nonprofit’s success.
On Thursday, October 24, the Leadership Center of Arlington is offering its On Board program, a one-day training for current and aspiring nonprofit board members and nonprofit leaders with direct board responsibilities. This training equips leaders with the inspiration, tools, and resources to elevate and maximize their board service.
Learning from a variety of field experts and class discussions, participants will come away with a clear path for effective and meaningful board management and service, and an understanding of the following:
Landscape of nonprofit boards today
Key trends affecting nonprofits and their leaders
Integration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into the mission, composition, and work of the organization and board
Core functions and responsibilities of a nonprofit board
Importance of solid and healthy governance
Understanding and value of clear swim lanes between boards and executives
Elevation of personal and professional presence and contributions
Resources for further learning
The training program is held from 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. at Arlington County Department of Human Services in Arlington, Virginia and costs $150 per person.
Lunch is included in the registration price, and during lunch, there is an opportunity to network with executive directors from Volunteer Arlington nonprofit partners.
Register for the Leadership Center of Arlington’s upcoming On Board training on Thursday, October 24.
At JDS Psychoeducational Services, Dr. Siddall specializes in empowering children and families through expert executive functioning support and comprehensive special education advocacy.
He is dedicated to helping children thrive both academically and personally by offering tailored strategies that enhance focus, organization, and self-management skills.
Whether your child needs help navigating challenges related to ADHD, learning disabilities, or executive functioning deficits, or you’re seeking guidance with IEP and 504 Plan development, Dr. Siddall is here to support you every step of the way. His consulting services provide personalized advocacy, ensuring your child receives the accommodations and resources they need for success in school and beyond.
Visit jdspsychoed.com to learn more and schedule a free, 15-minute consultation session to see if our services are right for you!
Address:5900 35th Street, N. Neighborhood: Williamsburg Village Type: 6 BR, 6 (+1 half) BA single-family detached — 6,100 sq. ft. Listed: $2,995,000
Noteworthy: Quality built by A&N Homes with an eye to energy efficiency and low maintenance
Well sited on an 11,700 square foot lot in the Discovery, Williamsburg, Yorktown school pyramid, this new home provides space, style, and the enduring value that are hallmarks of an A&N Home.
Azzurri cabinetry in the. kitchen, pantry, butler’s pantry, primary closet, coffee bar, and upstairs bathrooms. Thermador appliances and Avallon beverage and wine chillers. Four inch finished, in place oak floors on main and upper levels, sturdy LFV flooring in walkout lower level with tall windows and high ceilings. Ceramic tile and marble finishes along with Kohler fixtures in bathrooms. Ten foot ceilings on main level, primary bedroom, and second bedroom upstairs.
Extensive insulation and air sealing at Pella Low E windows. HardiPlank horizontal and shake shingle siding; stone water table and stone lined window wells. Slate floor on wraparound front porch and Trex decking on back porch. High ceiling in two car garage plus two EV chargers and a third EV charger outside. Sodded yard with mature Nellie Stevens hollies at the perimeter and Crepe Myrtles at focal points.
An exceptional home awaits the buyer who values a solid home with fine details.