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 November 11, there are 123 detached homes, 35 townhouses and 140 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 16 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.
Thank you to all who have served and to their families who have sacrificed or lost loved ones for our freedom.
The Eli Residential Group will be donating $1 for each vote on the three Veterans charities in the poll below (up to $1,500). So vote and share!
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.
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 John V. Berry, Esq.
Thoughts on the Security Clearance Appeal Process
Security clearance appeals take place when individuals get denied while applying for a security clearance. They can also occur when an individual with a security clearance has their clearance revoked. Security clearance appeals can have important ramifications for your career.
In many cases, losing a security clearance can result in losing your position. We represent government contractors, federal employees and military personnel in security clearance appeals.
Each Agency’s Appeal Procedures are Different
Every federal agency handles security clearance appeals differently. While the right to a security clearance appeal comes from Executive Order 12968, agencies have developed their own policies in implementation.
Some agencies, like the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, incorporate an administrative judge hearing process. These types of appeals are essentially administrative court proceedings, with the government represented by an attorney. Other agencies, like the Department of Homeland Security, incorporates a written response and personal appearance process, which is less formal. Many of the Intelligence Community agencies provide the opportunity to submit a written response and meet with adjudicators during a personal appearance.
While there are many different procedures for security clearance appeals, there are many things in common.
Common Considerations in Security Clearance Appeals
While there may be different procedures by different federal agencies in the security clearance appeals process, there are many similar considerations. These include:
Obtain Legal Advice Early: Obtaining legal representation early in the security clearance appeals process is extremely important. Too often we see security clearance appeals that have gone too far in the process before an attorney is hired, which often lowers the odds of ultimate success. Ideally, individuals with security concerns should meet with an experienced security clearance lawyer before submitting their initial security clearance forms. If not then, it is important to have a security clearance lawyer help them respond to a Statement of Response (SOR) or Notice of Intent to Revoke a Security Clearance.
Obtain Critical Documentation: Many individuals are not aware and not advised about the level of detail and documentation needed to present a strong security clearance appeal. Depending on the particular case, we may need to obtain government records, performance evaluations, documents that address the security concerns, witness statements, awards, character letters and other mitigating documentation to present the best possible security clearance appeal.
Draft a Comprehensive Written Response to the Security Concerns: In many cases individuals handling their own initial responses don’t realize the level of detail needed in their written response to address the security concerns. Some individuals write in “I admit” on the SOR or prepare a short paragraph responding to the concerns. A response, to be successful, must give a complete and detailed explanation about the security concerns raised by the Government. These responses tend to run 10-14 pages and along with the exhibits attached can run 25 to 40 pages. Additionally, the response has to provide detailed information about who you are as a person. The Whole-Person Concept, an overview of you and your experience and life is critical to help resolve a security clearance appeal.
Be Fully Prepared for the Administrative Judge Hearing or Personal Appearance: When the time comes for an administrative judge hearing or personal appearance on the security clearance appeal it is critical to be prepared. A security clearance attorney can assist you in preparing for these processes. You will want to be able to answer questions clearly about the security concerns, your background and other issues. Additionally, in administrative judge proceedings you will want to be prepared for a government attorney’s cross-examination. For personal appearances, you will want to be prepared to address critical questions raised by the reviewing official.
Contact Us
Each security clearance appeal is unique, so individuals are advised to have counsel advise and represent them as early in the process as possible. If you need assistance with a security clearance issue, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation.
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.
We didn’t ask for our sponsored column on immigration law to be published less than two days after the election — that’s just the way the cookie crumbled.
The U.S.-Mexico Border
The first thing we want to say to our readers — and our clients — is: Don’t panic. As we explained recently in these pages, most of our immigration legal apparatus is statutory or regulatory. Statutes can only be altered via legislation, and regulation can only be promulgated via the regulatory process. Major changes, if they occur, will be slow.
What changes do we expect?
DACA may end. The Trump administration tried to terminate DACA in its first term; it will now have the opportunity to try again.
TPS may be revoked for individual countries. The Trump administration attempted to revoke TPS for El Salvador in its first term. President Trump has said that he would revoke TPS-Haiti if elected. We believe him.
Parole in Place for spouses of U.S. citizens is almost certainly toast. As we said in our article on the subject back in June 2024: “As an executive action, it is subject to a simple revocation by any subsequent President without an act of Congress.”
Prosecutorial discretion in the immigration court is going to be severely restricted. The first Trump administration effectively had a “everything is high priority” posture. That means the immigration court backlog is going to get worse, not better.
Future asylum claims will be made much more challenging. We expect this to be a highly contentious and litigated area, and will address it in future columns as developments dictate.
Public charge determinations may be a big part of family-based immigration law again. Will we see the return of the Form I-944? Maybe!
The U and T Visas may be restricted via internal action. These visas, for victims of crime and human trafficking, are authorized by statute. But the Project 2025 blueprint suggests that a future Trump administration uses its executive authority to restrict U and T visa approvals to those who are actively providing significant material assistance to law enforcement. This would restrict approval to those whose U and T visa application processes are running concurrently with the criminal prosecutions — a small fraction of the total.
Mass deportations are a real, albeit unlikely, possibility.
What should immigrants do?
If you qualify for a benefit today, apply. Possession is nine-tenths of the law, and, in immigration law, possession means having a pending application.
Stay out of immigration court.
As always, avoid giving your hard-earned money to the crooks who prey on vulnerable people in difficult times like these. Never pay a ‘notary’ for immigration help. Always insist on working with a licensed attorney, and get a quote from more than one. Comparing the possibilities can save you time, heartache, and legal fees.
As always, we are grateful for your questions and comments, and will do our best to respond.
Arlington Economic Development (AED), in partnership with key regional players like JBG Smith, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, National Landing BID and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, celebrated a major step forward for Arlington’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with DC Startup and Tech Week in October.
More than just an event, this initiative highlighted the strategic role Arlington plays in fostering a supportive and innovative environment for founders and entrepreneurs across the region.
With around 1,500 attendees, Day 2 of DC Startup and Tech Week transformed National Landing into a buzzing festival-like hub for tech and innovation, channeling the energy of an East Coast SXSW. The day started with engaging sessions on growth strategies, artificial intelligence, Web3 and climate tech.
Highlights included a fireside chat on the future of work, where JBG Smith’s Evan Regan-Levin and Seema Alexander shared insights into ways their organizations are actively investing in innovation, and a compelling panel organized by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation on how the region can grow its reputation as a top technology ecosystem.
This day of inspiration and connection, funded by the Arlington Innovation Fund, underscored AED’s mission: to connect startups with the resources, networks, and capital they need to succeed. The Innovation Fund, backed by over $1.2 million from the Arlington County Board, is a cornerstone of AED’s economic growth strategy, designed to attract and retain entrepreneurs who drive innovation, create jobs and contribute to the local economy.
Additionally, the remarks delivered by AED Director Ryan Touhill further emphasized Arlington’s commitment and championed the region’s collaborative spirit and shared resources that make Arlington an ideal place for tech startups to flourish.
DC Startup and Tech Week also highlighted Arlington’s commitment to fostering connections across the DMV. “We’re breaking down barriers and thinking regionally,” Touhill said. “This event is a testament to our belief that no community stands alone in building a thriving tech ecosystem. Our collaboration with partners from Alexandria to Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation and National Landing BID strengthens our collective goal of making this area an innovation powerhouse.”
For those interested in learning more or getting involved with Arlington’s innovation initiatives, AED offers services through its Business Investment Group. From strategic guidance and network-building to funding resources, AED is helping to shape a thriving future for Arlington and the broader region.
Additionally, National Landing, a rapidly evolving area, is increasingly becoming a preferred location for entrepreneurs to both live and work. Events like DC Startup and Tech Week reinforce Arlington’s role as a vibrant hub, advancing the vision of AED’s strategic plan to drive regional economic success through innovation and collaboration.
To stay connected with upcoming opportunities, visit AED’s website or reach out to Tally Wolff ([email protected]) for partnership opportunities. Whether you are a founder looking to take your idea to the next level or a business leader eager to support the growth of the local tech ecosystem, Arlington is here to welcome you.
About Arlington Economic Development
Arlington Economic Development (AED) is committed to helping Arlington thrive as an economically vital, competitive and sustainable community by providing leadership and services to Arlington’s business, real estate, tourism and cultural affairs sectors. We’re here to help your business get the tools and resources you need to grow and succeed in our community. Interested in learning more? Visit our website.
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 November 4, there are 121 detached homes, 41 townhouses and 142 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 16 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: 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.
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.
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.
