This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes, the role of small businesses has never been more crucial.
They embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, foster local culture and contribute significantly to the economy, making them indispensable to the vitality of communities. These establishments are not merely places of commerce; they are integral to the social fabric, helping to create a sense of identity and cohesion among residents.
In this month’s podcast, host Susan Soroko interviews Alex Held, Small Business Manager with BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development. Throughout the episode, Susan and Alex discuss all things small business and entrepreneurship and explore how supporting small businesses is key to supporting the community itself.
As the new year begins, many businesses take this time to strategize, set goals and envision their growth. Alex highlights the resources BizLaunch offers to help businesses achieve their 2025 objectives, including new programming and upcoming events such as:
Additionally, Alex discusses small business trends in Arlington and shares insights on how startups can better manage risk and join the 50% of businesses that succeed beyond five years.
The Innovation Economy Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, and other major platforms.
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 January 20, there are 101 detached homes, 23 townhouses and 123 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 15 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 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.
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!
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 .
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 January 13, there are 93 detached homes, 25 townhouses and 124 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 12 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 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: What changes are you seeing in homeowners insurance practices around here?
Answer:
Trouble for Insurers, Trouble for Homeowners Everywhere
An increase in insurance claims resulting from natural disasters and sharp increases in the cost of servicing the claims (more expensive labor and materials) is causing broad and significant ripple effects across the insurance industry that touches homeowners across the country. Dropped or denied coverage are becoming more common over issues that never would have been a concern just a few years ago.
Homeowners insurance is a requirement for anybody getting a mortgage to purchase a home so the risk of denied or significantly higher coverage is creeping into the real estate industry as a transactional risk that didn’t previously exist. One step I’ve started taking before submitting offers for clients is gathering a history of any insurance claims on a property over the past seven years that could affect a future owner’s ability to get coverage or make that coverage more expensive.
Advice from Guest Contributer, Seth Kutner of ACO Insurance
I asked Seth Kutner of ACO Insurance, who I use personally and recommend to my clients (and to you), to provide an explanation of the most significant changes he’s seeing in homeowners insurance practices in the DMV. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss your insurance policies with Seth, you can reach him at [email protected] or (703) 732-5053.
Take it away Seth…
Over the past year, homeowners have felt increasing frustration with their homeowner’s insurance. Insurance carriers have significantly tightened their underwriting guidelines in an effort to reduce losses, which has made it harder for many people to find coverage. Two key issues are causing the most headaches: the number of claims filed and the age of roofs.
Avoid Unnecessary Calls to the Claims Department
What most people don’t realize is that simply calling the claims department — even if you’re just asking a question — results in a “$0 claim” being logged. While you may not file an actual claim, this record can still impact your eligibility for coverage.
To avoid this, it’s always best to reach out to your insurance agent before you make a call to the insurance company. They can help you navigate the situation, offering guidance on whether it’s worth filing a claim, and ultimately protecting you from the potential negative consequences of a recorded claim that doesn’t go through.
Consider Increasing your Deductible, Avoid Small Claims
Another trend we’re seeing is that carriers are scrutinizing the number of claims more than ever before. Given this, it may be wise to consider increasing your deductible. It’s often not worth filing small claims, those around $1,000, so raising your deductible could help save you money on your premium in the long run and discourage you from filing claims that could be costly in the long run.
Roof Age, Condition Highly Scrutinized
Roof age is becoming a significant obstacle to coverage in the DMV. While most roofs last between 30 and 40 years, carriers are becoming increasingly reluctant to insure homes with roofs older than 20 years (less in some areas), mainly due to the rising frequency of storm-related damage and the lack of proper roof maintenance. This is one of the biggest pain points for insurers today, and it’s causing many homeowners to face challenges when shopping for coverage.
In today’s market, being proactive about your insurance strategy is more important than ever. By working closely with your insurance agent and considering adjustments like higher deductibles, you can protect yourself from potential surprises and keep your coverage secure.
Eli’s Closing Thoughts
In 2019, I wrote this article (15 minutes not enough for homeowners insurance) about the importance of working with a real person/professional on your insurance policy rather than using a quick online or call center process. That rings true now more than ever. What many people don’t realize is that the quick online/call center insurance approach isn’t getting you a bargain on your insurance premiums, it’s just saving you a little bit of time, but that small amount of time saved can end up being extraordinarily costly to you in the future if you have the wrong coverage during a time of need.
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.
Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203. (703) 390-9460.
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.
Happy 2025 everyone! Is anyone else feeling like the snow just made this week not really the true first week of the year? The holiday hangover is real with added snow days and cancellations. Here’s to hoping next week is normal!
However, home buyers are following typical seasonal patterns and are showing up more than they were over the holidays, but less than a year ago. Arlington county listings got 448 showings in the week ending January 5th, compared to 665 a year ago and only 248 last week. Anecdotally, open houses are getting lots of traffic and many buyers appear to be monitoring the market and listings that way, if not jumping in completely yet.
There were 28 purchase contracts compared to 27 a year ago and only 12 last week. However, since this data set ended January 5th, I can tell you that plenty of listings are getting multiple offers now. We will see how next week’s numbers look.
Let’s look at some current listing data, shall we? With the new year I am changing the format a bit. Organizing the numbers by how many listings under and over $500k, between $500,000 and $1,000,000 and between $1-2,000,000, then $2,000,000 and up. Townhouses refer to all attached structures that aren’t condo ownership.
There are 208 Active listings in Arlington, down from 258 a month ago. Forty-seven of these were just listed or re-listed in the last week, down from 53 a month ago.
Of those Active listings:
Under $500,00
80 Total
100% of those are condos or co-ops
Median Days on Market for those units is 49
Between $501,000 and $1,000,000
53 Total
7 are townhouses
9 of those are detached
37 are condos
Median Days on Market for those is 36
Between $1,000,001 and $2,000,000
43 Total
11 of those are townhouses
26 are detached
6 are condos
$2,000,000 and up
34 Total
3 are condos
31 are detached
0 townhouses
Contact Coral Gundlach Homes today at (703) 200-3631 or email [email protected] to talk more about buying or selling Arlington real estate.
This week’s featured listing is in the beautiful Dover neighborhood, steps to Potomac Overlook parkland and just minutes to Key Bridge and D.C. as well. 2792 N. Quebec Street is a “grand dame” and just needs some cosmetic updating (or not if you enjoy the retro aesthetic) and is sold as is.
It is a nearly 5,000 square foot elegant home with an attached two car garage, dramatic foyer entry with curved staircase, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a ½ acre lot and a fantastic 23 x 25 sunroom off the back that brings the gorgeous surroundings inside! It is offered at $1,650,000 and listed by Jinx Lunger of Long and Foster. It is open this Sunday, January 12 from 1-3 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.
In the southern reaches of Burgundy, where the prestigious vineyards of Pouilly-Fuissé give way to the lesser-known commune of Fuissé, Domaine Thibert Miranda has quietly been producing some of the region’s most compelling white wines.
The estate’s 2022 Mâcon-Fuissé exemplifies why wine enthusiasts are increasingly turning their attention to this corner of the Mâconnais.
Jean-Paul Thibert’s family-owned estate takes a meticulous approach to winemaking, maintaining low yields in their carefully tended vineyards. While their Saint Veran and Pouilly-Fuissé bottlings have garnered attention, it’s their Mâcon-Fuissé that perhaps best demonstrates the region’s potential for exceptional value.
The 2022 vintage, which benefited from ideal growing conditions, showcases the distinctive character of Chardonnay grown in Fuissé’s limestone-rich soils.
After harvest, the wine spends seven months in neutral French oak barrels, developing a refined texture while preserving the grape’s natural vibrancy.
In the glass, the wine reveals a pale lemon hue and complex aromas of spiced pears, fresh peaches, and lemon curd, with subtle vanilla notes from barrel aging. The palate offers generous citrus and stone fruit flavors, balanced by a precise mineral core that provides structure and length.
Domaine Jean Paul Thibert Miranda Mâcon Fuissé 2022 (Photo via Arrowine)
While white Burgundy prices have risen significantly in recent years, with many Pouilly-Fuissé bottlings now exceeding $30, the Thibert Miranda Mâcon-Fuissé remains an accessible entry point to the region’s distinctive style. The 2022 vintage is available now at Arrowine, with special pricing available for case purchases.
The wine shows impressive versatility at the table, complementing everything from herb-roasted chicken and grilled fish to creamy pasta dishes and aged cheeses. While drinking beautifully now, it has the concentration and balance to develop nicely through 2028.
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.
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.
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:
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.
