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2026 Homebuyer Education, January 21

By Eli Tucker

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 [email protected].

Buyers now have more negotiating power, more choices, and, lower interest rates. Whether you are a new or experienced homeowner, come learn about the market and how our team has positioned hundreds of buyers for success.

On Wednesday January 21, I’ll be hosting another Ask Eli Home Buyer Workshop with my business partner Jean Ropp and local Loan Officer, Matt Ropp, with Atlantic Coast Mortgage. Food and drinks will be provided!

The workshop is a free:

  • How to use data and strategy to maximize your home purchase
  • How to use market trends to your advantage
  • The latest on interest rates and mortgage programs/products
  • Common mistakes to avoid and some tips for success

Valuable information for all:

  • From first-time to experienced buyers
  • Buying soon or planning 12+ months out
  • Buyers in Northern VA, DC, or Maryland Suburbs

Where and When?

  • Wednesday Jan 21 from 6-7:30PM
  • Arlington Central Library (1015 N Quincy St), Bluemont Room

Registration is now open and space is limited. Click the graphic below to RSVP. Bring your appetite and your home buying questions! I’d love to see you there. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions about the event.

A poster for a workshop AI-generated content may be incorrect.

If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

We have access to the most pre and off-market listings across the DMV of any brokerage and are happy to share what’s available with anybody who asks.

Below are some of our team’s pre/off-market listings, details and additional listings available by request:

  • Glebewood – 4BR/2.5BA/1,800 sqft – Duplex (1953) – 20th Pl N Arlington VA 22207
  • Ballston – 1BR+den/1BA/900 sqft – Condo (2008) – 888 N Quincy St Arlington VA 22203
  • Annandale – 4BR/3.2NA/2,500 sqft – Townhouse (2003) – Aspen Hill Ct Annandale VA 22003
  • Highland Park/Overlee Knolls – 6BR/5.5BA/5,000+ sqft – Detached Single Family (2025) – 22nd Rd N Arlington VA 22205
  • Falls Church – 4BR/3BA/1,800 sqft – Detached Single Family (1946) – Tyler Ave Falls Church VA 22042
  • Falls Church City – 4BR/4.5BA/3,000+ sqft – End-unit townhouse (1995) – Rees Pl Falls Church VA 22046
  • Arlington Heights – 5BR/5.5BA/5,000 sqft – Detached Single Family (2026) – South Highland St Arlington VA 22204

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.

Schedule a meeting

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington: December 29, 2025

By Sponsor

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 29, there are 94 detached homes, 21 townhouses and 167 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 7 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

112 N. Highland Street

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.

Statutes of Liberty: Dear Law Students and Law Grads: We’re Hiring!

By James Montana

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 Victoria Khaydar, 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.

Make some dough! (Photo credit, if credit is what the photo deserves: James Montana)

Our little law office is hiring for at least one position: Legal Intern (Spring Semester). The details and tips on how to apply are below, in Q&A style. We are also interested in bringing on another staff member – perhaps a law graduate studying for the bar, or a lawyer who is interested in part time work. For details, see below.

Q: Hiring, eh? How much cash on the barrel?

A: Depends on the position. The Law Clerk position is paid hourly, and the amount depends on your background. (Certain local law schools won’t give you class credit if we pay you. We prefer to pay you $25/hour, but we can forgo paying you if that’s what you need.)

Q: What? I thought that lawyers dove into piles of gold coins all day, like Scrooge McDuck!

A: It depends. On Wall Street, we are reliably informed that big law firm partners can make more than $15,000,000 per year – more than the bankers who pay them! Immigration lawyers are much more modestly compensated.

Q: Why should I work for you? ICE pays a $50K starting bonus and I want to deport illegals with my absolute boys!

A: We offer great benefits and a wonderful place to work.

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Biz Talk: Industrial Development Authority invests $20,000 in BizLaunch PitchFest

By Arlington Economic Development
Industrial Development Authority Invests $20,000 in BizLaunch PitchFest

This article is written and sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Arlington Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has invested $20,000 in the BizLaunch Transformational Challenge and PitchFest, boosting the prize fund for the annual small-business competition.

At its Dec. 1 meeting, the IDA approved the contribution to support entrepreneurs competing for more than $20,000 in cash prizes. “The IDA is pleased to support the BizLaunch program. Small businesses account for over 45 percent of private sector employment, and drive the majority of net job creation. Supporting small business in Arlington spurs economic growth and helps diversity the County’s economic base, which are core to the IDA’s mission,” says Edwin Fountain, Chair Arlington Industrial Development Authority.

The BizLaunch Transformational Challenge and PitchFest is a five-week program designed to help small businesses and startups sharpen their strategies for 2026. Participants attend workshops on business planning, marketing, finance, artificial intelligence and pitch development. After completing the program, they work one-on-one with mentors to refine their pitch decks before presenting to judges.

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Poll: What we appreciate most about Arlington

By Eli Tucker

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 [email protected].

Merry Christmas! The season of gratitude and reflection is upon us. In the past, I’ve shared what I’m most grateful for in Arlington, but I’d love to find out what WE are most grateful for, in the poll below.

If I missed something that you’re compelled to share, please add it to the comments!

For me, it’s the parks, trails, and recreation but specifically the trails that I am most grateful for. Followed by the diversity of food and walkability.

From (left to right) Tonya, Jean, Val, me, Carolanne, and Jake, the Eli Residential Group wishes you all a joyous and fulfilling holiday season!

A group of people posing for a photo AI-generated content may be incorrect.

If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

We have access to the most pre and off-market listings across the DMV of any brokerage and are happy to share what’s available with anybody who asks.

Below are some of our team’s pre/off-market listings, details and additional listings available by request:

  • Glebewood – 4BR/2.5BA/1,800 sqft – Duplex (1953) – 20th Pl N Arlington VA 22207
  • Ballston – 1BR+den/1BA/900 sqft – Condo (2008) – 888 N Quincy St Arlington VA 22203
  • Annandale – 4BR/3.2NA/2,500 sqft – Townhouse (2003) – Aspen Hill Ct Annandale VA 22003
  • Highland Park/Overlee Knolls – 6BR/5.5BA/5,000+ sqft – Detached Single Family (2025) – 22nd Rd N Arlington VA 22205
  • Falls Church – 4BR/3BA/1,800 sqft – Detached Single Family (1946) – Tyler Ave Falls Church VA 22042
  • Falls Church City – 4BR/4.5BA/3,000+ sqft – End-unit townhouse (1995) – Rees Pl Falls Church VA 22046
  • Arlington Heights – 5BR/5.5BA/5,000 sqft – Detached Single Family (2026) – South Highland St Arlington VA 22204

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.

Schedule a meeting

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington: December 22, 2025

By Sponsor

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 22, there are 101 detached homes, 24 townhouses and 170 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 10 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

600 S. 29th Road

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.

Legal Insider: Federal employees need counsel for MSPB appeals

By John V. Berry

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.

The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an appeals process for federal employees and former federal employees to challenge a variety of federal agency actions. These include serious disciplinary actions (adverse actions), retirement appeals, whistleblower retaliation cases, and other types of personnel disputes.

The most common type of MSPB Appeal for federal employees involves serious disciplinary actions, such as a proposed removal, suspension over 14 days, or demotion. Although federal employees have the right to represent themselves, federal agencies are almost always represented by counsel.

Federal Agencies Treat MSPB Cases Differently When an Employee Has an Attorney

One key reason to retain an MSPB lawyer is that it often changes how a federal agency approaches an MSPB appeal. Agencies typically allocate more time and resources to cases in which the federal employee is represented by counsel. When a federal employee has an attorney, agency counsel knows the opposing party will be able to understand deadlines, evidentiary rules, and litigation strategy.

The MSPB Process is Much Like a Regular Civil Case

The MSPB Appeals Process functions much like a regular court case. A major misconception is that the MSPB process is simple enough for an employee to handle alone. In reality, an MSPB appeal operates similarly to a civil court case and includes discovery, depositions, and motions among other similarities.

Federal employees often contact us after discovery deadlines have passed. This can significantly limit the chances of winning or negotiating a favorable settlement. Retaining an MSPB attorney early in the process is critical to preserving your rights and building the strongest possible case.

Having an Attorney Can Increase Your Chances of Settlement

In our experience, federal employees represented by counsel are more likely to resolve their MSPB appeals through settlement. Federal agencies evaluate settlement based on various factors such as risk, including the risk of losing the appeal, which increases when the employee has effective representation.

Attorneys also understand how to conduct strategic discovery, take depositions, and obtain information that may encourage a federal agency to settle. Self-represented employees often struggle with these tasks, which can diminish settlement leverage and reduce the amount of useful evidence that is uncovered.

Additionally, MSPB lawyers are skilled in negotiating and drafting settlement agreements to protect the employee’s interests, minimize future risk, and help ensure compliance by the agency.

It is Hard for an Employee to Represent Themselves at a MSPB Hearing

MSPB hearings require litigation skills that are challenging for a non-lawyer to perform effectively. A hearing typically involves opening and closing statements, presenting and questioning witnesses, cross-examining agency witnesses, making objections, and understanding evidentiary rules and providing sworn testimony.

Self-representation becomes especially challenging when it comes to testifying. Employees often end up making unscripted statements instead of providing structured testimony that effectively supports their case. An MSPB attorney can guide the employee through their testimony and ensure the strongest possible presentation of evidence.

Many federal employees come to us after filing their appeal, only to discover how complex and time-sensitive the process is. The earlier an MSPB attorney becomes involved, the better the outcome tends to be.

Our law firm represents and advises federal employees in various employment law matters. If you need legal assistance regarding a federal employment matter, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation.

Arts Focus: Arlington’s bounty of arts and culture for the holiday season!

By Sponsor
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This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

’Tis the season for gathering with family and friends!

If you’re looking for ways to entertain your guests or explore Arlington’s vibrant arts scene this holiday season, we’ve got you covered. With events running through January, Arlington’s Winter Arts Highlights offers a comprehensive guide to arts and cultural happenings across the County, ensuring you’ll find something for everyone.

Arlington, together with Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, ranked fourth among the most arts-vibrant communities in the U.S. as evaluated in 2024 by the National Center for Arts Research’s Arts Vibrancy Index. This ranking assesses vibrancy by analyzing supply, demand and government support for the arts across 900+ communities. Since the index’s debut in 2015, Arlington has remained a top-ranked community for the arts, bolstered by a creative mix of visual and performing artists. This high ranking was achieved because of Arlington’s exceedingly talented and creative array of visual and performing artists.

This winter, Arlington’s vibrant cultural calendar includes unique events for all ages and range from a staging of the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof by the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre (through Jan. 25, 2026); an Artist Talk at Arlington Artists Alliance (Dec. 18), to Encore Stage & Studio’s staging of Disney’s High School Musical, Jr. (Jan. 9–18, 2026).

Below are just a few of the highlights, with a full schedule available on the Arlington Arts’ Winter Arts Highlights page.

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Just Reduced Properties in Arlington: December 17, 2025

By Sponsor

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 15, there are 109 detached homes, 29 townhouses and 179 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 15 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

3705 S. Four Mile Run Drive, 22206

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.

The DC housing market bent, didn’t break: Three defining takeaways of 2025

By Eli Tucker

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 [email protected].

The Northern VA/DC Metro housing market bent, but did not break. Here are three defining trends and takeaways of 2025:

  1. Supply levels increased faster in Northern VA/DC Metro than the overall Mid-Atlantic region, due to turmoil in DC area federal employment and spending
  2. There was not a mass exodus from the Northern VA/DC Metro market, like some projected when DOGE came to town
  3. Demand dropped slightly, but did not collapse at any point in the year

Here are the charts and data behind each statement…

Supply Levels Increase Faster in DC Area than Mid-Atlantic

By November 2025, housing supply levels are up 20% in the Mid-Atlantic region compared to 34% and 41.5% in the DC Metro and Northern VA regions, respectively. This rise in DC Area housing inventory levels relative to the larger region is attributed to the effects of DOGE/Trump cuts to federal employment and spending.

Key Stat: Active listings are up 33.7% year-over-year as of Dec 4 2025 in the DC Metro vs 19.7% in the Mid-Atlantic

A graph of different colored columns AI-generated content may be incorrect.

There Was Not a Mass Exodus from DC Area Homes

When DOGE was announced in February 2025, there was an alarming number of (false) reports that it induced a mass exodus of homeowners from the Northern VA/DC Metro market. While new listings spiked in March (DOGE) and September/October (Government Shutdown), the ~20-25% and ~5-15% increases in new listings were a response to local turmoil, but far from a mass exodus.

Key Stat: New listings are up 6.8% year-over-year as of Dec 4 2025 in the DC Metro vs 4.4% in the Mid-Atlantic

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Statutes of Liberty: Travel ban comes home, asylum system frozen

By James Montana

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 Victoria Khaydar, 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 full court press in the immigration system continues. There are a half-dozen things we could talk about, but for the sake of space, we’ll stick to the Double Freeze announced by USCIS topics: the affirmative asylum system is now frozen solid, and the expansion of the travel ban to domestic immigration applications has frozen most adjudications for every single national of every country covered by the current travel ban.

Mr. Freeze, as portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger.(Any resemblance to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow is purely coincidental.)

The Asylum System is Frozen

An Afghan asylee, Rahmanullah Lakanwall, has been charged with shooting two National Guard troopers, Andrew Wolfe and Sarah Beckstrom. Ms. Beckstrom died of her wounds and Mr. Wolfe remains under medical care. Within hours, USCIS reacted to this murder by freezing the affirmative asylum system. According to our understanding, this is the state of play:

  1. Interviews are continuing.
  2. No decisions are being made. That means that no one is being granted asylum by the Arlington Asylum Office and its sister offices across the country. But, equally importantly, no one is being denied asylum by the asylum office either. The backlog of asylum cases, already horrific, is going to balloon.

Here are a few key points about USCIS putting the asylum system on ice.

  1. The Immigration Courts continue to function. They continue to grant, and deny, asylum cases. USCIS lacks the bureaucratic wherewithal to stop this, because the Immigration Courts are housed within the Department of Justice.
  2. The ‘freeze’ has inadvertently set up a perverse incentive. If you apply for asylum, you have the right to apply for a work permit if your application is pending for 150 days or longer, renewable so long as the asylum application remains pending. A frozen asylum system – assuming it continues indefinitely – equates to work permits for all affirmative asylum applicants. That cannot be their intent, and will quickly become intolerable for DHS’s political leadership.

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Biz Talk: Arlington emerges as a hub for high-tech showrooms and experience centers

By Business Investment Group
Genetec DCXC Experience Center in Rosslyn, Arlington

Arlington’s position at the center of the nation’s defense, security and technology ecosystem is attracting a growing number of companies choosing to display and demonstrate their most advanced products locally. From autonomous systems to next-generation infrastructure and cybersecurity tools, Arlington has steadily become a hub for experience centers designed to put innovation directly in front of government, industry and commercial customers.

The newest addition is Teledyne FLIR Defense, which opened its office and “Crystal City Experience Center” at 1550 Crystal Drive in the fall of 2025. Just minutes from the Pentagon and within close proximity to major defense primes, Capitol Hill and Reagan National Airport, the center is designed to give federal decision-makers hands-on access to the company’s unmanned systems, detection technologies and imaging sensors.

“As one of America’s leading defense technology companies, we’re excited to open this new office close to our largest customers in the U.S. military,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne FLIR Defense. “We’ll be able to leverage the space to demonstrate many of our advanced unmanned platforms, detection systems, and imaging sensors, which is why we’ve named it the Experience Center.” She added that the company looks forward to “hosting customers, partners, friends and colleagues in the months and years ahead.”

Teledyne FLIR Defense joins several other companies that have long recognized Arlington as an ideal location to showcase technology.

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