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.

Finding and hiring a lawyer regarding a stressful and difficult employment issue can be quite overwhelming and intimidating for most people.

There are many things to consider when looking for the right lawyer to handle your employment matter. The below guidelines may be helpful if you are looking to hire an employment lawyer for the first time.

Obtain legal advice early

If you wait too long to obtain legal advice or assistance with an employment issue, you may hurt your chances to amicably or effectively resolve the matter. The earlier you seek legal help, the more likely you are to avoid a more complicated and costly legal problem down the road.

Research the lawyer 

When you are looking for the right employment lawyer, make sure to visit the employment lawyer’s or law firm’s website and review the attorney profiles. You’ll likely find useful information just by browsing the website’s attorney biographies, practice areas and resource sections.

The lawyer’s website may also lead you to additional resources and will hopefully demonstrate that the employment lawyer has the requisite knowledge and experience in employment law.

Of course, the website may not be the only or best resource regarding a particular employment lawyer, but researching the website is a good start and will likely lead you to one or two potential lawyers with whom to make an initial inquiry.

Provide a clear and concise written chronology of your case before the initial consultation

You’ll get more out of your consultation with an employment lawyer if you are able to provide the lawyer with a clear and concise written chronology or timeline of your matter prior to your initial consultation. Remember to include any relevant documentation that you may have.

If you provide written details and relevant documentation regarding your matter at the outset, the employment lawyer will have a better understanding of your matter at the initial consultation meeting. The employment lawyer will be able to spend more time providing advice instead of spending time trying to get up to speed on your matter during the initial consultation.

Don’t hold back important information 

If you leave out crucial information at the initial consultation or at the start of representation, the omission could affect the employment lawyer’s initial advice or strategy, subsequent representation, or ability to effectively resolve your matter. It’s best to be candid and honest about your complete story, even if the details are embarrassing.

In this way, you’ll obtain the best advice and representation. Keep in mind that the information you provide to the lawyer at your initial consultation is privileged and confidential unless you waive the privilege.

Don’t expect the matter to resolve quickly 

Legal matters typically take a long time to resolve. Do not expect to resolve problematic employment issues, especially issues that took time to develop, soon after you hire an employment lawyer.

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Three Stones Residential agents pride ourselves on our consultative service approach, local expertise and real estate market knowledge. With over 26 years of business experience in the DMV, we have consistently performed in the top 2% of local Realtors and are currently the #1 group at Keller Williams Metro Center. 

 1931 Wilson Lane Unit 102
2 BR/1 BA
Agent: Frankly Real Estate Inc.
Listed: $264,700
Open: Sunday 2-5 p.m.

 2448 Shenandoah Street
4 BR/2.5 BA
Agent: Paula Jean J. Cole
Listed: $710,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

100 James Drive S.W.
5 BR/4 BA
Agent: Christina Z. Rice
Listed: $725,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

9342 Campbell Road
4 BR/3 BA
Agent: Timothy D. Pierson
Listed: $900,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 8447 Amanda Place
5 BR/4.5 BA
Agent: Mark R. Sirianni
Listed: $1,189,000
Open: Sunday 12-2 p.m.

 8124 Sandburg Hill Court
5 BR/4.5 BA
Agent: William F. Hoffman
Listed: $1,219,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

1017 Gelston Circle
6 BR/3.5 BA
Agent: Kevin E. King
Listed: $1,250,000
Open: Saturday/Sunday 2-4 p.m.

Our role is to offer sound advice and guidance to our clients in order for them to achieve their goals in either buying, selling, leasing or managing real estate. We are truly “Your Home… for Everything Real Estate.” To schedule a private showing of these or any other properties of interest please do not hesitate to contact us here or email us at [email protected].

Three Stones Residential agents pride ourselves on our consultative service approach, local expertise and real estate market knowledge. With over 26 years of business experience in the DMV, we have consistently performed in the top 2% of local Realtors and are currently the #1 group at Keller Williams Metro Center. 

The following properties were recently listed in the Tysons, McLean, Vienna and Falls Church areas.

• 2448 Shenandoah Street, Vienna, VA — $710,000
• 9342 Campbell Road, Vienna, VA — $900,000
• 1125 Laurelwood Drive, Mclean, VA — $964,900
• 8447 Amanda Place, Vienna, VA — $1,189,000
• 8124 Sandburg Hill Court, Dunn Loring, VA — $1,219,000
• 1641 White Pine Drive, Vienna, VA — $1,595,000
• 305 Old Courthouse Road NE, Vienna, VA — $1,950,000

Our role is to offer sound advice and guidance to our clients in order for them to achieve their goals in either buying, selling, leasing or managing real estate. We are truly “Your Home… for Everything Real Estate.” To schedule a private showing of these or any other properties of interest please do not hesitate to contact us here or email us at [email protected].

Welcome to Luxury For Less, a weekly column highlighting the best deals in luxury real estate. Written by Brandy Schantz of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, Luxury For Less offers tips and tricks navigating the competitive real estate market and securing the home of your dreams. To learn more, visit ttrsir.com.

Spring market is officially winding down as we head into the Memorial Day weekend.

The real estate market will slow down as the school year ends, the kids go to camp, and families pack their cars for the long drive to the Outer Banks. This means it’s a great time to be a buyer. 83 properties have been reduced in price this week in McLean, Vienna, Falls Church and Great Falls.

If you plan to stay in the D.C. metro area for Memorial Day weekend and need a summer move, this is a good time to get out and see some homes.

This week’s featured home is a stunner in McLean. The home features a wine room & bar, a home gym and views for days. If you love to hike the Great Falls Park trails, this home is situated on just over 2 acres adjacent to Great Falls Park. The kitchen has a very modern feel and the living areas truly feel like home.

My favorite feature is the his and hers closets and bathrooms in the master. I’ve been seeing this trend more often in the past few years and am becoming convinced that his and her bathrooms are an important component to a harmonious marriage. I’m sure the $3M+ budget doesn’t hurt.

9165 Old Dominion Drive McLean (Reduced $245,000)

Check out the rest of this week’s Luxury for Less listings:

• 9165 Old Dominion Drive McLean (Reduced $245,000)
• 1515 Windstone Drive Vienna (Reduced $50,000)
• 6303 Dunaway Court McLean (Reduced $50,900)
• 8447 Portland Place McLean (Reduced $401,000)
• 3502 Pinetree Terrace Falls Church (Reduced $100,000)
• 10020 Windy Hollow Road Great Falls (Reduced $30,000)
• 1285 Ballantrae Farm Drive McLean (Reduced $399,999)

The properties listed are a small selection of properties available in the Tyson’s Corner area. For a full list of properties listed on MLS and private exclusives, please contact Brandy Schantz.

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!

Question: We are buying a home in a few weeks and one of the closing costs is an optional $1,500 for title insurance. Do you recommend buying title insurance?

Answer: Yes, I do recommend buying title insurance. It’s a one-time fee that protects your ownership in what is likely the most valuable asset you own and you cannot decide to add title insurance in the future.

I asked David Cartner, an attorney with Highland Title & Escrow, to provide a full explanation of the benefits of title insurance and some examples of when it would be used. Take it away David…

Do You Really Need Title Insurance?

It depends on what level of risk the buyer is comfortable taking. If a buyer does not purchase title insurance, he/she risks losing the entirety of the investment.

Why, then, do buyers question purchasing title insurance when the risk of loss is so high? I believe the reason is twofold: (1) buyers do not understand the benefits of purchasing it, and (2) title insurance is unlike other types of insurance in that it covers issues that have already happened.

What the buyer is hedging for are the unknown or hidden hazards that might jeopardize his or her ownership in the home.

Hidden hazards may include:

• Liens that were not revealed in title exam or made known to settlement agent prior to closing. A title exam reveals any liens on the property which need to be paid off and released prior to closing. If the title examiner overlooked a judgment, tax, or mortgage lien on the property or failed to note it in the title exam, the buyer would be liable to pay the lien incurred by the previous owner.
• Boundary line issues that an accurate survey would not reveal. For example, if a survey failed to note that a neighbor’s shed encroached on the purchaser’s property, title insurance would cover the cost of removing the shed and resolving any accompanying boundary line dispute.
• Forgery or lack of authority. If there was a forged signature on the deed in the chain of title, or a person or corporation signed a deed without authority to do so, the transfer of ownership to the buyer would be in question.
• An unknown heir of a previous owner came forth to claim ownership in the property. For example, suppose a seller passed away and his three children sold the house to a purchaser. If an unknown fourth child later came forth to claim his quarter ownership in the house, the purchaser’s title to the property is in jeopardy.
• Instruments executed under an expired power of attorney.
• Building permit violations. An enhanced version of title insurance is available that covers existing building permit violations. If a previous owner never obtained the appropriate building permits when remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or building a deck, enhanced title insurance would cover the cost of obtaining the appropriate permits.
• Mistakes in the public record at the county in which the property lies.

While lenders mandate that owners purchase lender’s title insurance (which only protects the lender’s interest in the property), homeowner’s title insurance is completely optional. It is a one-time fee that covers the owner for life.

Though there are certain factors that decrease the risk of an existing title defect, like having fewer previous owners of the house, a typical subdivided lot, or a recently constructed house, a buyer takes title to a house never knowing what title defect may already exist.

In this respect, title insurance is unlike other types of insurance in which the purchaser can mitigate risk.

Contact David Cartner (703-760-3300 or [email protected]), Settlement Attorney at Highland Title & Escrow, with further questions regarding title insurance or the real estate settlement process.

If you’d like more information, or would like a question answered in my weekly column, please reach out to [email protected]. I hope to hear from you soon.

Val Sotillo is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 2420 Wilson Blvd #101 Arlington, VA 22201, 703-390-9460.

A curated collection of shops and restaurants conveniently located in the heart of Tysons Corner,  The Shops at Fairfax Square presents an exciting shopping and dining experience.

World class retailers, fitness and spa offerings are matched with extraordinary boutiques, personal shopping and culinary experiences.

• Elegance by Roya, an exceptional fine bridal salon featuring today’s leading bridal fashion and designers with styles to fit every bride’s preference.
• Equinox is not just a fitness club, it is a temple of well-being offering world class personal trainers, luxurious spa amenities and group fitness
• Liljenquist & Beckstead features highly skilled artisans in a family owned and operated store where custom designed jewelry is a passion.
• Miele believes in fine lines and timeless elegance. Whatever the style of your kitchen, Miele is always a perfect match.
• Red Door Salon is a full service salon and spa offering the finest in skin care, body treatments, hair, nail and make-up services.
• Roche Bobois offers unique and innovative collections in this spectacular showroom with experienced consultants who can help plan projects at every stage of the process.
• Tiffany & Co., America’s House of Design. The timeless features of jewelry, silver and watch designs have captured excitement worldwide.
• Chef Geoff brings his culinary expertise to Fairfax Square serving contemporary American cuisine, casual sophistication and in a setting of generous hospitality.

OPENING SOON!

• Patsy’s American will feature an all-American classic menu, followed by Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks showcasing a raw bar, fresh seafood, prime and wagyu cuts and an extensive wine list.

Fairfax Square offers complimentary on-site and valet parking and transportation from the McLean Metro Station.

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.

With the usual Memorial Day heat and humidity coming our way, nothing is better for cooling off than running through a splash pad or jumping in a pool!

While there are plenty of pools in McLean and Falls Church, make sure you check to see if any have openings for the summer. If you’re looking for a once in a while visit, try one of the options below:

Mosaic District Fountains: Open Daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m. They turn on after Memorial Day, but make sure to call the office and confirm they’re on; (sometimes system maintenance will ruin the best laid plans) 571-282-3518.

Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole: Opens this weekend and next weekend only, then full time everyday starting June 14 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The park offers a lazy river, water slides, splash pad and a shallow pool with ropes course.

Lee District Family Rec Area: Weekends only starting this weekend from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., then every day starting June 14. Located in Alexandria, but definitely worth it if your kids like sprinklers and a beach area with water tables.

Cub Run Rec Center Leisure Pool: An indoor pool with small spray/playground area for smaller kids.

Town of Vienna Town Green: The Town of Vienna hosts a series called “Summer Stories, Songs & Sprinklers” every Wednesday at 1 p.m. from June 20 to August 8 on the town green.

There are several options in Arlington as well:

Ocean Dunes Waterpark: A daily visit option with a pool, huge water slides, a baby pool and splash park. The park also has mini golf and batting cages.

Hayes Park: Sprayground located at 1516 N. Lincoln Street, Arlington. Hours vary.

Drew Park: Sprayground located at 3514 22nd Street S., Arlington. Hours vary.

Lyon Village Park: Sprayground located at 1800 N. Highland Street, Arlington. Hours vary.

Virginia Highlands Park: Sprayground located at 1600 S. Hayes Street, Arlington. Open daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Don’t forget about ViVa Vienna this weekend! Hope to see you there!

Three Stones Residential agents pride ourselves on our consultative service approach, local expertise and real estate market knowledge. With over 26 years of business experience in the DMV, we have consistently performed in the top 2% of local Realtors and are currently the #1 group at Keller Williams Metro Center. 

7996 Tyson Oaks Circle, Vienna
4 BR/3.5 BA
Agent: Samson Properties
Listed: $570,000
Open: Saturday 1-4 p.m.

2006 Meadow Springs Drive, Vienna
3 BR/3 BA
Agent: McEnearney Associates, Inc
Listed: $699,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

8220 Crestwood Heights Drive #1209, Mclean
2 BR/2 BA
Agent: Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $725,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

2024 Meadow Springs Drive, Vienna
4 BR/3.5 BA
Agent: Select Premium Properties, Inc
Listed: $735,000
Open: Sunday 12-4 p.m.

1729 Burning Tree Drive, Vienna
4 BR/2.5 BA
Agent:Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $749,900
Open: Sunday

7914 Lysander Court, Mclean
5 BR/2.5 BA
Agent: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty
Listed: $924,888
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

1922 Byrd Road, Vienna
8 BR/8.5 BA
Agent: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty
Listed: $1,999,750
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

Our role is to offer sound advice and guidance to our clients in order for them to achieve their goals in either buying, selling, leasing or managing real estate. We are truly “Your Home… for Everything Real Estate.” To schedule a private showing of these or any other properties of interest please do not hesitate to contact us here or email us at [email protected].

Editor’s Note: This biweekly column is sponsored by Dominion Wine and Beer (107 Rowell Court, Falls Church). This week’s Guide is written by Arash Tafakor of Dominion Wine and Beer.

We’re quite impressed with Commonwealth, and have been for a while.

Since we opened Dominion Wine & Beer over 5 years ago we haven’t seen a brewery take Commonwealth’s approach to distribution. Some lucky breweries don’t ever have to sell their beer to a distributor, meaning their beer is not available in local craft beer stores.

They have enough demand to sell their beer straight out of their brewery and people will wait hours in line for those brews. Most breweries strive for that goal, but Commonwealth went about selling their high quality beer just a bit differently.

Since opening up in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2015, founders Jeramey Biggie and his wife Natalie have created a craft beer distribution method rarely seen before.

So what makes Commonwealth so unique?

Their model is to brew the quality of beer people typically wait in line at breweries for, but predominantly distribute it to local stores and restaurants in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. On average, every two weeks, like clockwork, Commonwealth will distribute 4-6 new unique beers into our area.

Never have we seen something like this in distribution. With all of that said, Commonwealth has become an incredibly strong brand for us, as well as many others in the area.

Another unique quality Commonwealth brings is their creativity when it comes to the beer itself and the beautiful artwork and design of the labels they put on their cans. With the help of a self described “strategic drinks packaging design agency that builds creatively rare, commercially right brands” called Thirst Craft out of the United Kingdom, founder Jeramey Biggie gets exactly what he asks for.

“I want to visually see the flavors I taste in the can.” You can see some examples of this artwork on their Instagram page found here.

Next time you’re in your favorite bottle shop, make sure to check out what Commonwealth beers they have in stock. You will not be disappointed.

At Dominion Wine and Beer we will always have their most recent release of fresh Commonwealth brews.

Welcome to Luxury For Less, a weekly column highlighting the best deals in luxury real estate. Written by Brandy Schantz of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, Luxury For Less offers tips and tricks navigating the competitive real estate market and securing the home of your dreams. To learn more, visit ttrsir.com.

Sometimes it only takes a brief moment to be completely transported to a beautiful memory.

The moment I saw Innsbruck, my mind immediately went to my days in the Army. There is nothing that makes up for your duty station in Ft. Bragg like being sent to Europe. MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation for my non-military readers) really knows how to put on a great ski weekend in Innsbruck.

The best part of being stationed in Europe? The ease of travel. I loved the wineries of Italy, the Christmas markets in Germany and the charm of the English cottages in the countryside.

This week’s feature has me in full nostalgia. 576 Innsbruck Avenue, Great Falls reminded me of my ski weekends in address then brought me back to England with its enchanting Cotswold Stone Manor style. Situated on 5 acres, you can be transported anywhere you want.

The lush garden is delightful and tranquil, perfect for a relaxing day to contemplate what brought you to the D.C. area instead of the actual English countryside. The décor of Innsbruck is impeccable but seriously, who cares.

Just grab a bottle of wine from the best wine cellar in Northern Virginia and head back out to the garden. With a $2.5 million price drop, this is a dramatic feature for this week’s Luxury for Less.

Check out the rest of this week’s Luxury for Less listings:

• 6600 Chesterfield Avenue McLean (Reduced $51,000)
• 576 Innsbruck Avenue Great Falls (Reduced $2,505,000)
• 9464 Coral Crest Lane Vienna (Reduced $66,000)
• 2007 Mayfair McLean Court Falls Church (Reduced $10,500)
• 1431 Waggaman Circle McLean (Reduced $75,000)
• 1201 Ware Street SW Vienna (Reduced $25,900)
• 2308 Westmoreland Street Falls Church (Reduced $50,000)

The properties listed are a small selection of properties available in the Tyson’s Corner area. For a full list of properties listed on MLS and private exclusives, please contact Brandy Schantz.