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 June 3, there are 148 detached homes, 35 townhouses and 136 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 26 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 Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Eli Residential channel. Enjoy!
Question: Can you provide an outline of the mortgage process for homebuying?
Navigating the mortgage process can feel daunting, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer or if it’s been a while since your last purchase. Understanding each step can help ensure a smooth journey from pre-approval to closing.
This week I enlisted Jake Ryon of First Home Mortgage ([email protected]) to help me outline the mortgage process from start to finish. I have worked with Jake for many years and highly recommend him.
Step 1: Pre-Approval
Before beginning your search for a new home, you’ll want to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval provides you with a clear understanding of your budget, identifies any issues or surprises in your financials, and demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer. Here’s what goes into a pre-approval:
Credit Check: Your credit score significantly influences your loan terms. This is classified as a “hard” credit check, but you can have multiple lenders run your credit within 14 days and it’ll count as just one hit on your credit score.
Documentation: Be prepared to provide proof of income (such as pay stubs and tax returns), employment history, and assets (such as bank statements).
Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders want to ensure you can manage your mortgage payments alongside your other debts. Strive to keep your debt-to-income ratio below 43%.
Step 2: Making an Offer
Once you have found a suitable property, it’s time to make an offer. You will submit your pre-approval letter along with your offer so that the seller knows you can afford to make the purchase you’re offering to make. Having a thorough pre-approval and a lender who is available to speak with the seller’s agent about your qualifications makes a big difference in how your offer is considered by the seller.
Step 3: Loan Application
After your offer is accepted, you will officially apply for your mortgage. Here’s some of what to expect:
Complete the Application: Despite being pre-approved, you will need to provide updated documentation and complete a full loan application.
Home Appraisal: The lender will order an appraisal to verify that the property is worth what you’ve offered to pay. If the home appraises for less than the purchase price, you may have to increase your downpayment if you do not have the protection of an appraisal contingency.
Title Search: A title company will conduct a title search to ensure there are no issues with the property’s title, confirming it can legally be transferred to you.
Homeowners Insurance: You are required to obtain a minimum level of homeowners insurance to qualify for your loan.
Condo/HOA Approval: If you are purchasing in a condo or homeowners association, the lender will request specific information from the association to ensure it is warrantable.
Step 4: Underwriting
During underwriting, the lender’s team reviews your entire file. They will verify your income, assets, debts, and credit history. Additional documents may be requested during this stage, and it is important to respond promptly to avoid delays.
Step 5:Closing Disclosure
Three days before closing, you will receive a Closing Disclosure (CD). This document outlines the final terms of your loan, including your interest rate, monthly payments, and closing costs. Carefully review the CD and compare it to your original Loan Estimate to ensure accuracy.
Step 6: Closing
Closing day is when the transaction is completed. Here’s what to expect:
Sign Documents: You will sign numerous documents, including the mortgage agreement and deed of trust.
Pay Closing Costs and Downpayment: Be prepared to pay your downpayment and closing costs, which typically range from 2-3% of the purchase price in Northern Virginia. These costs include title fees, loan origination fees, transfer taxes, and tax escrows.
Deed Recording: Once all documents are signed by both parties and the funds are received, the title company will record the deed at the local courthouse and the transaction will be official.
Tips for a Smooth Process
Stay Organized: Keep all your documents in one place and respond promptly to any requests from your lender.
Maintain Your Credit: Avoid making large purchases or opening new credit accounts during the mortgage process.
Communicate: Maintain open communication with your lender and real estate agent. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.
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.
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 at Compass 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.
Hello ARLnow readers. Just listed for this week brings more inventory and longer days on market.
Typically we see an uptick in listings after Memorial Day but we also often see a decrease in buyer activity. This creates a more balanced market which is what we need here. Buyers still don’t have many homes from which to choose, but it is getting better every week.
Here are the numbers as of the time of writing Thursday, May 30 at 3 p.m.
All active listings in Arlington: 282
New listings in the past week: 76
All active detached listings: 112
New active detached listings: 22
All active townhouses, fee simple: 33
New active townhouses, fee simple: 16
All active condos/co-ops: 142
New active condos/co-ops: 39
The data shows us that things are slowing a bit, but sellers still have an advantage and prices are strong. I like to focus on just the past week as that is the latest, rather than compiling a month ago, as our market is ever changing.
This week we will focus on Detached. The average cumulative days on market (CDOM) for both Active Under Contract and Pending sales in the past week are 33. CDOM includes homes that were withdrawn and re-listed. Fifteen Detached homes closed in the last week. Average CDOM for the closed homes are 20 and they sold for an average of 106.1% of original asking price.
Contact Coral Gundlach Homes today at (703) 200-3631 or email [email protected] to talk more about buying or selling Arlington real estate.
It is loaded with charm! Four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, offered at $1,370,000. Originally built in 1923, it has those pre-war details like tall ceilings and rich pine wood flooring, plus it was transformed in 2007 with an addition that created a more modern floorplan with a main-level family room, breakfast nook, mud room, and primary suite.
It has a generous yard, with tons of space in front and a nice private back with a spacious deck. The location cannot be beat. It is just a block from two parks: Tuckahoe and Charles Stewart, .7 of a mile to Williamsburg Shopping Center, and W&OD Trail, and a mile to Falls Church City, and is only .6 of a mile from EFC Metro.
It is open Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 p.m.
*These numbers do not include The Jefferson, a 55 plus community in Ballston. Between research and publication, some numbers may change.
Want to see more Just Listed properties? Interested in an Open House this weekend? We’re happy to show them to you privately! Click here or contact Coral Gundlach Homes.
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.
The sound of summer is here in Arlington with free outdoor concerts and a music festival kicking off over the next three weekends!
The Lubber Run Amphitheater Free Summer Concert Series kicks off on Friday, June 8 (continuing June 14 through August 2), and the 27th Annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival takes place on Saturday, June 15!
Free Summer Concerts at Lubber Run Amphitheater
June 8-August 2
“Magical… gives everybody the joy!” is how Billboard magazine describes Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, the fast-rising, funk-soul sensations kicking off the free Lubber Run Amphitheater Summer Concert Series at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. The series resumes the following Friday with Ethio-Soul singer Munit Mesfin (June 14), D.C. salsa stalwarts Rumba Club (Saturday, June 15), and an 11 a.m. family performance by the Arlington Children’s Chorus (Sunday, June 16).
The concerts continue through August 2 with an array of music ranging from the Arlington Philharmonic (Sunday, June 23), Blues favorite Anthony “Swamp Dog” Clark (Friday, July 12) and Veronneau (Saturday, July 20). Bring a picnic, add family or friends and season with a summer of free concerts at Lubber Run Amphitheater!
Presented by Arlington Arts in collaboration with the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation and with the collaboration of the Lubber Run Amphitheater Foundation, the Lubber Run Amphitheater Concerts take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, June 8 through August 2. Concert times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday morning family performances beginning at 11 a.m.(unless otherwise noted), three of which are co-presented with Arlington Public Library.
The Lubber Run Amphitheater is nestled within the Arlington Forrest neighborhood, at N. Columbus Street and 2nd Street North. Click here for the complete schedule and detailed information, directions and info about the Lubber Run Concert Series!
Columbia Pike Blues Festival
Celebrating Women in the Blues
Saturday, June 15 1-8:30 p.m.
The event that Arlington Magazine calls “Arlington’s best block party,” the 27th annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival takes place on Saturday, June 15 (1-8:30 p.m.), celebrating women in the Blues with an all-woman-fronted lineup headlined by New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Bette Smith. Get an advance taste of Smith’s upcoming third album, Goodthing (Kartel Music Group), with Grammy-winning UK producer Jimmy Hogarth.
The lineup of all-woman fronted bands continues with: three-time Blues Foundation Awardee Eden Brent, Mama Moon & the Rump Shakers, The Stacy Brooks Band and The Honey Larks (Carly Harvey, Jenny Langer and Holly Montgomery). Bring your whole family to this free event covering three blocks at the intersection of South Walter Reed Drive and Columbia Pike in Arlington.
The Columbia Pike Blues Festival draws thousands of blues fans to the Pike each year. Now in its 27th Year, the event is presented by the Columbia Pike Partnership in collaboration with Arlington Arts. Click here for the complete schedule and detailed information about the Columbia Pike Blues Festival.
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 May 20, there are 140 detached homes, 28 townhouses and 134 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 19 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 Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Eli Residential channel. Enjoy!
I hope everybody had a great Memorial Day Weekend!
A few weeks ago the Eli Residential Group got together to explore Rosslyn’s new food hall and event space, Upside on Moore (and Salt cocktail bar). It’s a communal indoor/outdoor space in the heart of Rosslyn with nine different food and drink vendors to choose from and a variety of social and working spaces to use; somewhat similar to the newly opened Water Park in Crystal City/National Landing that we visited last year.
Each of us picked a vendor/restaurant we wanted to try, and we ordered food and drinks from each place over the course of the afternoon. We enjoyed everything we ordered and were pleasantly surprised to find a fun tiki bar on the large outdoor terrace that we added to our tour. Check out our photos and write-ups for each place we visited below!
I selected the Bar at Upside for both the aesthetic and the beverages! The vibe inside is modern and inviting with plenty of seating at the bar, perfect for a quick cocktail, happy hour or a bite. I got the Rosslyn Ricky (super refreshing, I highly recommend on a summer day!)
We also ventured out to the outdoor terrace and Elli’s Island Tiki Bar (no relation to Eli!) Here we indulged in some fun tropical drinks and sat at the outdoor sofas. The tiki bar environment felt like a mini vacation away from reality! Weather permitting, this is an excellent spot for drinks with friends or coworkers or even date night.
Fun fact: Sommelier and mixologist Elli Benchimol, owner of Michelin-recognized Apéro in Georgetown curated the beverage menu!
Let’s talk about Arlington’s hidden gems with McEnearney Associate, Bob Adamson!
Living in Arlington, I’ve found some awesome spots that make this place feel like home. Right across the Potomac River from D.C., Arlington mixes small-town charm with the buzz of city life. Let me share a few of my favorite local gems that make Arlington special.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after some shopping or hanging out with friends for dinner,Taqueria Poblano is always a great choice. Located in Harrison Shopping Center, this local favorite offers a cozy atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a mini fiesta. Their menu is packed with delicious options, but the tacos are the real showstoppers. The Baja fish tacos are a crowd favorite, always served fresh and bursting with flavor. Pair them with one of their famous margaritas, perfectly mixed to balance tangy and sweet, and you’ve got yourself a winning combo. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after shopping or enjoying a leisurely meal with friends, Taqueria Poblano at Harrison Shopping Center never disappoints. It’s a true Arlington gem that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right to your table.
Calling all barbecue aficionados in Arlington! If you’re looking for some seriously mouthwatering smoked meats,Sloppy Mama’s BBQ is your ultimate destination. Located on Langston Boulevard, this cozy spot boasts a reputation for serving up the juiciest, most flavorful barbecue around. While Sloppy Mama’s BBQ is known for its mouthwatering barbecue dishes, they’ve also mastered the art of crafting delicious burgers. Each bite of their burgers is a flavor explosion, blending the juiciness of perfectly cooked beef with their signature barbecue sauces and toppings. Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or just looking for a darn good burger, Sloppy Mama’s is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you dreaming of your next visit.
Tacos Al Carbon became a local legend, not only for its authentic Mexican cuisine but also for its award-winning margaritas.. This beloved eatery has not only perfected the art of crafting mouthwatering tacos but has also garnered a stellar reputation for its margaritas, which have been voted the best in the area for six consecutive years. With its vibrant decor, friendly staff, and upbeat atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for everything from casual lunches to lively dinners with friends. The outdoor seating area is particularly popular, offering a great place to enjoy a meal and a drink on a sunny day.
Trade Roots is a beloved community spot known for its cozy atmosphere, excellent coffee, and delectable pastries. This charming café offers a perfect blend of a warm, inviting environment and a commitment to quality that keeps patrons coming back for more.
The coffee is a standout, with each cup brewed to perfection. Whether you prefer a robust espresso, a smooth latte, or a classic cup of drip coffee, the baristas ensure every drink meets the highest standards.
Complementing the coffee is an array of freshly baked pastries that are as delicious as they are varied. From flaky croissants and buttery scones to rich muffins and delightful cookies, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Trade Roots also emphasizes community and sustainability. The café sources locally when possible, supporting other small businesses and contributing to the local economy.
From tranquil nature escapes to bustling culinary hubs and cultural havens, Arlington is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a resident seeking new adventures or a visitor eager to delve into the heart of this dynamic community, I hope this inspires you to discover your own hidden gems.
Connect with a neighborhood expert (me) to learn more about Arlington and other surrounding areas!
This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq., Janice Chen, Esq., and Austen Soare, 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.
If you ask Black’s Law Dictionary for the definition of trial, you’ll find the dry, legal definition: a judicial examination of the issues between the contending parties. But, for lawyers and clients alike, a trial is also something much more like the definition in ordinary English – a time of testing, a time of stress, a time of temptation, and a time of loneliness.
Preparing for trial requires both intellectual labor and psychological preparation. A lawyer has to master the facts: he has to know how his clients respond both to direct examination and to likely avenues of cross-examination; he has to know his exhibits; he has to know the opposing advocate with whom he must contend and the judge whom he must persuade. But, after the briefs are written, the exhibits are submitted, and the pretrial paper-shuffling is complete, the lawyer still has to look squarely at the summons and prepare himself.
Different lawyers have different rituals. A memorable law professor of ours likes to read the Rules of Evidence the night before trial, while sipping a single glass of red wine. (As advisable as this is on gustatory grounds, the reading material is not especially useful before immigration trials, because, in immigration court, the Federal Rules of Evidence do not apply.) When one of us worked as a legal aid attorney, he would hop in his car the night before trial and work as a Lyft driver to shake off the nerves. One of us always shines and brushes his shoes.
Anyone else play NBA Jam in their youth? Anyone? Bueller?
Trial itself is a blur; that’s why, when we can, we send two attorneys to trial, so one can run the court, and the other can take notes, reflect, and consult with the other during breaks. Immigration court is slow to move, but, once trial begins, it can be a frenetic place – with just two hours set aside for most trials, judges and attorneys alike are keen to get the facts in the record efficiently.
Today, we go on trial at 1 PM. We’ll do our level best for our client. And so, today, we won’t be able to reply as timely as we’d like to comments and questions. But when we return from court, we will do our best to respond.
On April 23, 2024, Sydney Hanley received a phone call from her hometown of Arlington that interrupted breakfast at her sister’s Boston apartment. Little did she know that this call marked the end of her long job search. Five years earlier, her journey began with one suggestive question: “Why not try a coding class?”
She tried that and much, much more.
The Arlington Talent Program (ATP)
The Arlington Talent Program was established to address a crucial issue: the reluctance of employers to hire inexperienced candidates for high-demand tech jobs. Partnering with engineering firm Exelaration, Arlington Economic Development created a program to connect tech-savvy residents with paid trainee positions to build real software. This hands-on experience is essential for launching IT careers.
Now in its fourth semester, the ATP has trained and employed 25 residents. “We’ve enrolled an Uber driver, a grocery stock worker, a flight attendant and a veteran, just to name a few,” says Exelaration CEO Steve Cooper. “Clients want employees with real job experience, and Arlington is listening.”
Cybersecurity Focus
This semester, ATP is focusing on cybersecurity. “Arlington businesses need to secure their data, and not all have the infrastructure or knowledge,” says Cooper. The program will offer free cybersecurity checkups to Arlington and Alexandria businesses through July, providing graduates with valuable experience.
Sydney’s Journey
Sydney Hanley’s story illustrates the program’s impact. In 2019, she began her freshman year at the University of San Francisco without a tech background. Following her mom’s advice, she took a computer science class and excelled, becoming a teaching assistant the next semester. However, her path was not smooth. The pandemic disrupted her studies, and her job offer was rescinded just before graduation.
Back in her hometown of Arlington and unemployed, Sydney applied for numerous jobs with little success. Last fall, she discovered an ATP job opening through an ARLnow article and was accepted into the spring 2024 semester. After completing the program, she interviewed for a position at a small education technology company.
“The tech interview matched one of our Exelaration projects almost exactly,” she recalls. Her experience from ATP prepared her well, and she received a job offer six days later.
“I started May 6!” Sydney excitedly shared with the ATP team recently, crediting the program for providing the crucial job experience she needed. “The Arlington Talent Program adds that final critical ingredient — real job experience — to someone who already has everything else,” says Cooper.
Get Involved
Businesses interested in a free cybersecurity checkup can email [email protected]. Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
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 May 20, there are 140 detached homes, 28 townhouses and 134 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 25 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 Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Eli Residential channel. Enjoy!
Question: My spouse and I are going through a divorce and we have a mortgage with great interest rate. Do we have any options that would allow one of us to be removed from the mortgage without refinancing into a higher rate?
Answer: Thanks to Paul Nagel of Main Street Home Loans for his insights in drafting this article. You can contact him at [email protected] or (703) 201-5147 for additional follow-up or any of your mortgage needs.
Going through a divorce is tough enough without having to deal with the headache of dealing with your mortgage. With over 70% of homeowners currently holding mortgages with interest rates much lower than today’s rates (source: New York Times), divorcing couples often face a difficult decision dealing with an existing mortgage.
Problem: To Refinance or Not
The common dilemma divorcing couples face these days is removing one partner from an existing mortgage without taking a huge financial hit brought on by refinancing (the most common way of removing somebody from a mortgage) into a much higher interest rate.
By not removing the departing spouse from the mortgage, it hampers the departing spouses’ ability to buy another home and exposes the departing spouse to risk of non-payment by the spouse who remains in the home.
(Potential) Solution: Specific Language in the Divorce Decree
The divorce decree can be a lifesaver here allowing the spouse staying in the home to keep the low interest rate and the one moving out isn’t financially tied to the house. Both parties need to agree and sign off that:
Refinancing is not required
The vacating spouse out isn’t responsible for the mortgage, taxes, insurance, or HOA fees
Both names stay on the mortgage, but only one spouse is responsible for making the payments
Other Considerations
Removal of Mortgage from Departing Spouses Credit: Often, the vacating spouse can contact the mortgage company to get the mortgage taken off their credit report. It’s not guaranteed, but many mortgage servicers will do this with a court-recognized divorce decree, protecting the departing spouse’s credit if payments aren’t made.
Separate Bank Accounts: After the divorce, close all joint bank accounts. The mortgage should be paid from an account that’s only in the name of the spouse responsible for the payments.
Legal Enforcement: The agreement must be signed by both parties and recognized by a court of law in the divorcing couple’s state
Documentation: When applying for a new home loan post-divorce, lenders will want to see all pages of the divorce decree and separation agreements. Be ready to provide these documents.
Consult a Tax Professional: Don’t forget to talk to a tax professional to understand any tax implications/benefits of keeping or selling the property during or after the divorce
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.
I love Burgundy. And this one checks all the boxes and more. It’s “Extremely Well-Made” and “Super Affordable.” Rarely, when talking about Burgundy, are these two phrases used in the same sentence.
