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.
The bad news this week is the mortgage rates bumped up a bit for the second week in a row.
The good news is that the luxury market has softened a bit and there are a lot of great properties at great prices. There are still plenty of new builds in the Tysons area and people are willing to pay a premium for brand new and customization.
Larger homes as young as just a few years are sitting as result. These homes have the same great location and large size, they just don’t have the latest and trendiest finishes.
If you preferred the darker kitchen cabinets to today’s all white or grey, it’s great news. If you like the newer finishes but don’t have the big budget, buying a 7 years young home gives you the opportunity to live in the neighborhood you want and you can always update later. Don’t forget, those white or grey cabinets are going to look very dated in another 10 years too.
This home was built in 2012 and is situated in a neighborhood that sees new build homes sell for over $2 million. It’s close to Tysons Corner, walking distance to Westwood Country Club and just 1 block from the W&OD Trail.
A great value in a great neighborhood:
Check out all this week’s Luxury for Less listings here:
- 10108 Nadine Drive Vienna (Reduced $20,000)
- 413 Yeonas Drive SW Vienna (Reduced $50,000)
- 600 Alma Street SE Vienna (Reduced $25,000)
- 9314 Arnon Chapel Road Great Falls (Reduced $25,000)
- 2003 Mayfair McLean Court Falls Church (Reduced $50,000)
- 913 Lynton Place McLean (Reduced $100,000)
- 603 N West Street Falls Church (Reduced $30,900)
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.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
Most of the detached homes in our area do not belong to a homeowners association (HOA).
Most are regulated by county or town ordinance, but there are some that belong to an HOA. Some people love or hate this. Many of the HOA’s around Tyson’s include very little, maybe some yard maintenance in common areas, sometimes trash removal, but usually maybe one community party a year. If you see a townhouse, assume those always have an HOA.
I put together a list of HOAs in Vienna, McLean and Falls Church that actually give you something for your annual fees. Below is a list of the name and location, along with what the amenity included is. If you’re thinking you want to skip that 8 year wait for the Vienna Woods pool, try one of these neighborhoods instead (listed alphabetically):
Vienna
- Edgemoore — Tennis courts
- Estates at Great Falls — Outdoor pool, tennis courts, basketball courts
- Hunter Mill Estates — Outdoor pool and tennis courts
- Lakevale Estates — Outdoor pool and tennis courts
- Oakton Glen — Tennis courts and basketball courts
- Shouse Village — Outdoor pool and tennis courts, basketball courts
- Williamsburg Commons — Outdoor pool
McLean
- Evans Mill Pond — Tennis courts
- Evermay — Tennis courts
- McLean Hunt — Basketball courts
- The Courts — Tennis courts
- The Dogwoods at Langley — Tennis
Falls Church
- Walnut Hill — Tennis courts
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.
While we primarily handle employment, retirement and security clearance cases, we wanted to take this opportunity to point to outdated Virginia laws that need to be changed. This article focuses on both state and local laws in Virginia that don’t make sense or are outdated. While many of these are not enforced, it is time that they are taken off the books for good.
Here are some Virginia state laws that seem to be from a bygone era and should be repealed:
Citizens Must Honk Horns While Passing Other Cars — This law, if citizens followed it, would likely lead to accidents or road rage. I can’t recall anyone honking their horn on a highway in order to indicate they were going to pass someone, especially on the highway.
This is commonly done through the flashing of lights. Honking usually only occurs when somebody is stopped for too long in front of them or when an accident is about to occur.
Regulation of Private Life — Virginia makes it a 4th class misdemeanor to engage in sexual relations with anyone that they are not married to. The law, first enacted in 1950, remains on the books even though it has been declared unconstitutional.
There is some debate as to whether or not the legislature refuses to act based on concerns they may upset constituents concerned with morality issues. Virginia also makes it a crime for individuals to give advice to others about engaging in inappropriate acts.
Adultery as a Crime — Under the Virginia Code, committing adultery while married is a crime and a class 4 misdemeanor. Frankly, Virginia could repeal this law and focus on realistic issues facing the Commonwealth instead of keeping a law that is unenforceable in their code.
Use of Profanity in Public — Using profanity in public is still against the law in Virginia and a class 4 misdemeanor. Some lawmakers have tried to repeal the profanity portion of this statute, but have not yet been successful. Again, this law has been declared unconstitutional, but remains a statute. I wonder how many people have committed misdemeanors under this statute over the last 10 years.
Marriage Restrictions — While most of the world has rescinded these types of discriminatory laws, Virginia has not yet gotten around to amending their Code to eliminate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation even though the U.S. Supreme Court has left standing a ruling that the ban is unconstitutional.
Harassment by Phone or Text Message — Be sure not to text or use your cellphone to use indecent or immoral language in Virginia because it is class 1 misdemeanor. The language is so broad that practically anything you text during an argument could fall under this statute.
Outdated Local Laws
There were a number of local laws in Virginia that were outdated, but many of them have been corrected. Many of them were very interesting before they were recently fixed. This is the last one I found still on the books:
Chesapeake, Virginia — It is a misdemeanor for children over the age of 12 to trick or treat. While this has not led to a rash of arrests, the law should be repealed. There is no need to punish 13-year old teenagers for trick or treating with their younger siblings.
Conclusion
If you are in need of employment, retirement or security clearance law representation, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook or Twitter.
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.
- 2415 Hurst Street, Falls Church, VA — $829,000
- 1518 Pathfinder Lane, McLean, VA — $1,499,000
- 9425 Lakeside Drive, Vienna, VA — $1,299,000
- 8609 Brook Road, McLean, VA — $1,795,000
- 1745 Anderson Road, Falls Church, VA — $880,000
- 2102 Sheriff Court, Vienna, VA — $610,000
- 1001 Eaton Drive, McLean, VA — $1,499,000
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].
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 local properties have upcoming open houses this weekend.
502 Roberts Drive NW, Vienna
3 BR/2 BA
Agent:@home real estate
Listed: $610,000
Open: Sunday 1-3:30 p.m.
1111 Carper Street, McLean
5 BR/4.5 BA
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Listed: $1,225,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.
1920 Tysons Trace Drive, Vienna
4 BR/3.5 BA
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Listed: $1,025,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.
1514 Hampton Hill Circle, McLean
3 BR/3.5 BA
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Listed: $1,029,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.
9810 Bridleridge Court, Vienna
5 BR/3 BA
Agent: Pearson Smith Realty, LLC
Listed: $899,999
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.
10403 Trumpeter Court, Vienna
4 BR/2.5 BA
Agent: RE/MAX Premier
Listed: $789,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.
10005 Munane Street, Vienna
5 BR/4.5 BA
Agent: Compass
Listed: $1,399,000
Open: Sunday 12-3 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].
The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University has been named No. 2 in the country in the 2019 U.S. News & World Report for its security studies programs.
If you dream of a career in international security, homeland security, emergency management or other fields that tackle “wicked problems” around the world, the Schar School has top-rated master’s degrees, graduate certificate programs and PhD programs to help you achieve your goals.
The Arlington, Virginia-based Schar School, convenient to the decision-and policy-makers of Washington, D.C., boasts a faculty that includes program former Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency director Michael V. Hayden, former ambassador Richard Kauzlarich and inaugural Carnegie Fellow and terrorism expert Louise Shelley.
Faculty also includes border security expert Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, former president and CEO of the Stimson Center Ellen Laipson, regional economics expert Stephen Fuller and former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.
The Schar School is an important part of George Mason’s Research 1 Doctoral Universities rating as its faculty and students contribute research of consequence in fields including biodefense, homeland security, emergency management, global relations, war, elections, federalism, economics, energy and others.
For more information about Schar School offerings, including graduate programs in Biodefense, International Commerce, International Security, Organization Development & Knowledge Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Transportation Policy and Operations & Logistics, click here.
Interested in one of the graduate degree programs at the Schar School?
Throughout the year, the Graduate Admissions Office offers the opportunity for prospective students to sit in on a graduate class taught by Schar School faculty members. Browse the visit options here.
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.
There are quite a few homes with price improvement to choose this week!
Mortgage applications have been setting records this year and with low inventory, it’s still a seller’s market. Even in a seller’s market, there is room for a deal. Unique homes and homes that have been overpriced can still sit on the market and we have quite a few this week that moved to a more attractive price point.
This week’s Luxury for Less features everything from a home in McLean with an amazing location and address (1655 Strine Drive) to a new build opportunity in Vienna (1330 Vanetta Lane).
My favorite listing this week comes to us courtesy of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. This exquisite French Provincial manor features a dramatic entry way, imported fountains, elegant outdoor entertaining space and an Olympic-sized salt water swimming pool. This home truly captures luxury at its finest:
Check out all this week’s Luxury for Less listings here:
- 1655 Strine Drive McLean (Reduced $22,000)
- 1528 Wrightson Drive McLean (Reduced $35,000)
- 3502 Pinetree Terrace Falls Church (Reduced $140,000)
- 8334 Alvord Street McLean (Reduced $495,000)
- 2205 Loch Lomond Drive Vienna (Reduced $20,000)
- 401 Walker Road Great Falls (Reduced $49,000)
- 1330 Vanetta Lane Vienna (Reduced $25,000)
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.
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: Can you tell me more about Mosaic District? What housing options are available within walking distance?
Answer: The Mosaic District is a new urban neighborhood. It’s lively and vibrant, and no matter how often I am there, I always notice something new going on. It’s definitely one of my favorite neighborhoods and hangout spots. You really have everything there at the convenience of your fingertips.
Here’s why I’m a big fan:
Great Location — It’s perfectly situated where Route 50, 66 and the Beltway meet. The Dunn Loring Metro station is only 1 mile away, and you can be in D.C. in 25 minutes. You can drive to Tysons in less than 10 minutes. There’s free garage parking and when they have big events, they offer a free shuttle to the metro.
Environmentally Friendly — Mosaic’s architecture is much more contemporary than is typically found in Northern Virginia, with more flat roofs, glass and steel. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, one of the most popular green building certification programs used worldwide) for Neighborhood Development pilot project is LEED-Silver certified; and all of the townhomes were built to LEED for Homes standards. Several of the District’s buildings also have green roofs.
Activities and Shopping — So convenient! From unique boutiques to Target, fitness studios, spas and salons, Mom’s Organic Market, banks, furniture stores, coffee shops, bars, a brewery and lots of restaurants for either a quick bite or a nice date. Check out my favorite spots: Sisters Thai, True Food Kitchen for brunch, B Side for amazing drinks, Sea Pearl has the best happy hour deal and Caboose Commons with their awesome dog friendly patio. You can see the full directory here.
The Angelika Film Center is a multiscreen cinema with reserved seating, a coffee shop, full bar, gourmet snacks and great digital projection and sound technology. There’s also a giant screen on the front of the theater facing the park, where people can watch family films for free.
Strawberry Park is usually where most of the outdoor activities are held. The turf is made of recycled components and it requires no water or chemicals. Outdoor activities include yoga, Lululemon run club, seasonal festivals and Farmer’s Market. See what’s on their schedule here.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
Spring Break is almost upon us in Fairfax County and that means Easter. If you’re staying in town, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate.
The Town of Vienna holds 2 different Easter Egg Hunt events in town. One requires tickets, and is sold out but you should know about this for future years. The other doesn’t require pre-registration.
- No tickets required. Held on Saturday, April 13 from 10:30-1130 a.m. at the Freeman House (131 Church Street NE, Vienna). Events is for children 12 and younger and includes an Old-Fashioned Egg Roll, a visit with the Easter Bunny and egg decorating.
- This event requires tickets and is sold out. However, for future events, the event is held on April 12 at 7:30 p.m. Bring a flashlight and basket to find eggs at dusk! Also present will be the Easter Bunny and a moon bounce.
Other Events Around Town:
- Unfortunately, this event is also sold out. However always check online to see if someone has changed their plans and looking to resell their tickets. The event is held at Meadowlark Botanical Garden on Tuesday, April 16 at 11 a.m. Bring a basket for your child, ages 2-11. The event includes crafts, snacks and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
- Held on April 20, starting at 10 a.m. with egg hunts starting every 30 minutes. Registration is required. The event includes the egg hunt split up by age, crafts and an Easter Bunny visit.
Easter Eggstravaganza at Roer’s Zoofari
- The Zoo just over the Vienna line in Reston, will have an egg hunt, face painting, bounce house and crafts on Saturday and Sunday, April 13-14 and April 20-21.
Easter Egg Hunt in Falls Church
- The City of Falls Church will hold an egg hunt on Saturday, April 20 at 10 a.m. Children under 11 years old can bring their own baskets and hunt for eggs and meet the Easter Bunny. The event is free and doesn’t require reservation. After the event there’s a craft tent, a magic show at 10:30 a.m. and egg dying.
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.
There are fewer and fewer reduced properties each week.
Homes are selling with multiple offers and many homes are selling for significantly more than list price. If you have been considering selling your home, now is a great time. This is an especially good time to sell your home if you are worried about your home’s location or any less than desirable features.
In certain neighborhoods, even the house that faces the highway is getting a full price offer. The bottom line is, if you’re on the fence about selling, get off that fence!
Great Falls has the abundance of reduced properties this week. This is a great community that is often overlooked for McLean or Vienna. You can find large lots in Great Falls and you truly feel like you’ve escaped the madness of D.C. or Tysons Corner.
Don’t count Great Falls out of your home search. You may find that you love the relaxing feel and beauty of this bedroom community. My favorite listing in Great Falls this week is this gorgeous home with a view:
Check out all this week’s Luxury for Less listings here:
- 1034 Gelston Circle McLean (Reduced $100,500)
- 1143 Bob O Link Circle Great Falls (Reduced $26,000)
- 1066 Harriman Street Great Falls (Reduced $10,000)
- 11436 Woolington Road Great Falls (Reduced $36,900)
- 1915 Kenbar Court McLean (Reduced $100,000)
- 11308 Hearth Court Great Falls (Reduced $270,000)
- 6543 Orland Street Falls Church (Reduced $24,000)
- 9311 Cornwell Farm Dr Great Falls (Reduced $300,000)
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.
