One in every 280 apartments set for completion in 2025 nationally will be in Arlington, a rate higher than last year, according to new data.
The expected 1,806 new rental units to become available countywide before the end of the year represents 0.36% of the national total of about 506,300 new apartments, according to recent estimates from RentCafe.com’s annual apartment construction report.
Police are seeking a suspect accused of peeping at a woman using a restroom at the Aurora Hills Library.
A male suspect in his 40s is accused of entering the restroom and looking under the woman’s stall around 11:43 a.m. on Aug. 19, according to a press release from the Arlington County Police Department.
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.
Many of you have asked about best practices when it comes to buying a new condominium. Some of us only want new and are willing to pay a premium for the best in current design. There are several recommendations and insights here that will help you get what you want.
First decide what type of condominium you need… size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, parking needs, or separate office, followed by a list of wants such as level of building service, amenities on-site, space for dining for six, balcony, open floor plan, and natural light. (Here she goes again.) Not to be sexist about it, but females generally are better shoppers and come with a preconceived set of non-negotiables.
Identify the areas you would consider living, such as Arlington or Old Town… but not wanting to go as far as Tysons, Reston, or DC. People don’t buy condominiums in places they aren’t familiar with or already spend time in, unless relocating entirely. Many upcoming communities put up signage and a website first which makes early interest hyperlocal. Register as a VIP on the website early and you will get regular communication, time to consider the offering, and learn when pre-sale will begin.
Once open, come early in pre-sale. You’ll get the pick of the litter. This is particularly important if you want something larger and are interested in the best views. Prospects are smart and pick the best floorplans first. If you have some idea of your ideal size and price point it makes good use of everyone’s time. Once you make a selection, expect to leave a 10% deposit as this is pretty standard in the industry. The developer generally has their own contract and it’s written much in their favor but not unreasonably so. Pricing this early is usually not negotiable… the price is the price. But you can purchase with some confidence since all buyers are getting the same terms and the developer has a shared interest in protecting values through delivery while sales are ongoing.
You do not need to be fully qualified for financing to come out and look but it’s wise to have some idea of what you can afford. Most builders give incentives for paying cash or using their title company and lenders. Often your contract might even offer a short financing contingency in exchange for considering them.
Once firmly under contract, a buyer might have 12- 18 months to prepare for the move. How blissful. This is one of the best parts of buying early in pre-sale. Moving is daunting, especially if you have been in your current homes for 30 years and the thought of moving seems excruciating. Decide what to take, sell/donate, and hire a proper interior designer to space plan and create a unique home that reflects your tastes. All with the time to do it properly.
Something to note. Finishes have gotten more high end, brands carry weight, and there is less customization offered these days. Gone are the days of going to a design center. If you know you are getting a Sub Zero refrigerator included you probably won’t ask if there are other options available. (more…)
Members of the Falls Church Library Board of Trustees will take more time to review staff budget proposals before they go to the city manager and City Council this year.
The process will take place in two steps, library leaders said at the board’s Aug. 20 meeting.
This year’s Very Godly VBS, inspired by The Titan’s Curse, invites children into the world of Camp Half-Blood to explore faith, courage, belonging, and community through storytelling, music, crafts, games, science, and reflection in a fun and welcoming environment for all.
The Civic Federation is typically the first organization to hold a fall election-themed forum. This year, the event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 2 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Hazel Auditorium at VHC Health.
Join Arlington for Palestine and NAACP Arlington Branch for a movie night and community discussion about Israeli apartheid.
We will watch two short Palestinian films about life under Israeli apartheid, hear from a member of Arlington for Palestine about their trip to Palestine last year, and discuss together what all this means to us living in Arlington .
Arlington County Fire Department canine, Joker (via Arlington Fire & EMS/X)
The Arlington County Fire Department is welcoming a new dog deputy, and he’s not joking around.
Joker, a male yellow Labrador retriever, is in training to help detect “fire accelerants” at the scene of a fire, ACFD spokesman Capt. Jamie Jill told ARLnow. The dog will be capable of smelling explosives as well as post-blast residue.
A landscaper mows the grass at Fields Park in Bluemont (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Robbery in Pentagon City — “The female suspect entered the business, collected merchandise and attempted to exit the store without payment during which she was confronted by loss prevention personnel. The suspect shoved loss prevention personnel before running from the scene. A lookout was broadcast and a responding officer located an individual matching the description of the suspect in 1100 block of S. Hayes Street and took her into custody. During the course of the investigation, the suspect spat on an officer.” [ACPD]
Rosslyn Robbery Arrest — “It’s the arrest of a man charged with a Wednesday afternoon assault and robbery of a cell phone at Nash St. & Key Blvd. Police made an arrest minutes later at Wilson Blvd. & Ft. Myer Dr.” [Dave Statter/X]
Motorcycle Crash on Langston Blvd — “Most of this crash Friday night occurred off-camera but you will get the idea. A motorcyclist on Langston Blvd heading toward Falls Church collided with a car at Washington Blvd. As you can see, apparently no serious injuries as the frustrated biker got up on their own.” [Dave Statter/X]
USS Arlington Visit — “Honored to host the USS Arlington’s Chief Petty Officers & their families at Station 5A for a special dinner this week. Grateful for the chance to connect, share a meal, and show appreciation for their service. Looking forward to more moments of fellowship.” [ACFD/X]
Local Energy Firm Optimistic — “Maggie McCarey, vice president of policy and strategy for Arlington geothermal developer Dandelion Energy, said her startup is “well-positioned” following the bill’s passage. The company sells geothermal heating and cooling systems to home developers across the country, and it appears to be unmoved by the bill.” [WBJ]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunshine and a high near 79 degrees with a northwest wind of 5 to 7 mph. On Tuesday night, it will be partly cloudy and the temperature will drop to around 59 degrees. [NWS]
Expect sunshine and a high near 79 degrees with a northwest wind of 5 to 7 mph. On Tuesday night, it will be partly cloudy and the temperature will drop to around 59 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind at about 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
Equality Arlington Vice President Samantha Perez speaks outside an Arlington School Board meeting (staff photo by Dan Egitto)
A controversial sign at an Arlington transgender rights rally last week is prompting public condemnation from organizers and invigorating supporters of Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears.
The sign in question reads, “Hey Winsome, if trans can’t share your bathroom then Blacks can’t share my water fountain.” It went viral on social media following a post on X from the Arlington GOP.
Ronald Reagan National Airport (staff photo by James Jarvis)
A commercial airliner had to abandon its landing at Reagan National Airport after a U.S. Army helicopter began to ascend above the Pentagon earlier this year, officials say.
The two aircraft experienced a “loss of separation” around 2:30 p.m. on May 1, coming less than half a mile from each other, according to a preliminary report that the National Transportation Safety Board released on Friday.
The Rosslyn BID wants to hear from you! Last year, over 1,000 participants weighed in to help shape Rosslyn. Your voice matters — whether you live, work, or spend time in Rosslyn, we want your input to continue enhancing the neighborhood.
Take our 10-minute Rosslyn Perception Survey to share what you love, what could be better, and how we can serve you more effectively.