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

Our real estate market can be pretty intense most of the year, especially on the buyer side in recent years.

We see multiple offers and bidding wars as a common practice, along with people waiving inspections and contingencies in the contract to “win.” You do what you gotta do, right? Well here’s what I see as the problem with that.

Once you “win,” people often forget some of the basics they should be doing now that they’ve bought a house either because you’re so excited (which I totally understand!), or because nobody was there to tell you to do some of these things. Besides a basic home inspection, here are some common issues we see all the time in our area that homeowners should be aware of.

Termites

Northern Virginia is home to many subterranean termites. They lives in the soil beneath and around homes and enter through wood that touches the ground. They can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage if left undetected. Our real estate contract has the opportunity to conduct a wood destroying insect (termites, carpenter bees, beetles, etc) inspection.

But here’s where people go wrong: just because none were found at that time, doesn’t mean you’ll never have them! I highly encourage people to make sure they specify a termite contract with an insect company. Most of them only do pests — spiders, ants, crickets — but you have to ask for termites as well. In my own personal home, we’ve never had termites, but I did a preventative treatment on my house so I wouldn’t have to worry or even think about it. Treatments are good for 5 years. Termites can be found in single family homes, townhomes and condos under the 4th floor (per lender guidelines).

Radon

Radon is an odorless, tasteless, colorless natural element that emits from the ground. It can cause lung cancer. Virginia as a state has high levels of radon naturally occurring. If you see this EPA map, Fairfax County as a whole, falls between highest and moderate potential for radon levels around the EPA safe limit of 4 pC/L. Just like termites, just because you test it once, doesn’t mean you won’t have high levels of radon.

It’s a naturally occurring element and can change day to day. The way to test for radon is through a 48 hour air sample. They take on average over 2 days to see where your levels fall. If the reading is above 4.0 pC/L, they recommend installing a radon abatement system, which is basically a fan system to pull the air out and dispense it above the roofline. The approximate cost for this system runs about $1,000 depending on your personal home and where it’ll go. Many times, with remediation, you can get below 1 pC/L.

Level 2 Chimney Inspections

Older homes in our area have masonry chimneys and if left unkept, can deteriorate over time. The masonry inside can crack and break down, water can get in the chimneys and flues can leak smoke through the chamber.

I highly recommend a level 2 chimney inspection, where a chimney company actually sends a camera with a light into the chimney. The fix recommended lately is a stainless steel chimney liner, which costs about $3,000 depending on the height of the flue. They usually come with a lifetime warranty.

These are common issues I’ve been finding lately that people don’t think about because they’re not easily visible or everyday issues.

It’s hard to see past a leaking toilet, but it’s very easy to never see these 3 issues.

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. 

1911 Prout Place, Falls Church
6 BD/5BA
Agent: KW Metro Center
Listed: $1,479,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

237 Irving Street, Falls Church
4 BD/3 BA
Agent: KW Metro
Listed: $899,900
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

6011 Lebanon Drive, Falls Church
5 BD/3.5 BA
Agent: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
Listed: $819,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

519 S. Spring Street, Falls Church
6 BD/6.5 BA
Agent: KW Metro Center
Listed: $1,599,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

9501 Percussion Way, Vienna
4 BD/3 BA
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Listed: $865,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m

 

106 Tapawingo Road SW, Vienna
6 BD/7 BA
Agent: KW Metro Center
Listed: $1,484,999
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m. & Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

9209 Talisman Drive, Vienna
4 BD/3 BA
Agent: Pearson Smith Realty, LLC
Listed: $860,000
Open: Saturday 1-4 p.m.

 

1432 Layman Street, McLean
3 BD/3 BA
Agent: Weichert Realtors
Listed: $958,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

6803 Old Chesterbrook Road, McLean
6 BD/6 BA
Agent: Samson Properties
Listed: $1,699,999
Open: Sunday 12-4 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].

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.

It’s a new week and everyone is talking about ‘Career Day’ at Amazon’s new Crystal City location.

I’ve spoken to everyone from government workers to IT professionals to new college graduates who are excited to show up at Amazon’s new headquarters on Tuesday, September 17 to check out what departments will be hiring and what skill sets will be needed. According to an article in the Washington Post on Sunday, the company will not be hiring on the spot but is seeking to fill 400 vacancies by the end of the year.

Amazon HQ2 has dominated the conversation in our area since the first whispers about its possible location in the D.C. area. It’s also affected the real estate market trends. Arlington and Alexandria were named the two most competitive markets in the country by Redfin. If you have purchased a home in one of these areas this year or have been in the market, you know how difficult finding a home can be. Tysons is still close to Amazon HQ2 and this week’s feature is a great home close to the new headquarters.

This executive-style townhome has views of the Potomac and a location rich in history. The land was originally part of the Merrywood Estate where Jackie Kennedy spent many years of her childhood. This beautiful home features an elevator, wetbar and an indoor spa room. This home has all of the convenience of Arlington with a great price and spectacular views.

1312 Skipwith Road McLean (Reduced $50,000)

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

• 208 McHenry Street SE Vienna (Reduced $304,000)
• 515 Timber Lane Falls Church (Reduced $51,000)
• 7480 Preserve Crest Way McLean (Reduced $65,000)
• 424 Seneca Road Great Falls (Reduced $49,000)
• 6014 Chesterbrook Road McLean (Reduced $45,000)

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.

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.

Exciting new restaurants include Patsy’s American featuring an all-American classic menu and Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks with a raw bar, fresh seafood, prime and wagyu cuts and an extensive wine list. Best Buns Bakery & Cafe presents hearth baked breads and sweet treats hand molded by artisan bakers.

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.

It’s poll time!

I need to know, what’s the best bacon you’ve found around town? I have a few vote getters, but now I need your input.

When you’re in the mood for bacon, where do you go?

An honorable mention from Fava Pot added. The Basterma isn’t pork, it’s beef but it’s salty, spicy and a good bacon alternative!

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.

Virginia couples seeking to marry in the Commonwealth of Virginia must still list their racial identity to obtain a marriage license.

In a recent federal lawsuit three couples were denied marriage licenses after refusing to specify their race. The lawsuit was recently filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia challenging the requirement. It is about time that Virginia put an end to this requirement.

The Virginia Code, Va. Code Ann. §32.1-267(A), requires that individuals seeking a license to marry must identify themselves according to race. In the lawsuit, these couples have argued that Virginians should not be required to list their race under the 13th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. As a practical matter, this requirement is also a problem because Virginia counties have inconsistent and different definitions of race.

For example, in Arlington, where two of the couples tried to obtain their marriage license, the race options were listed as follows: American Indian/Alaskan Native; African American/Black; Asian; Caucasian; Hispanic/Latino; Pacific Islander or Other. Contrast this with Rockbridge County, where the 230 possible race categories include: “White American,” “Aryan,” “Octoroon,” “Quadroon” and “Mulatto.” These types of categories are horribly offensive to many.

The Commonwealth is not alone in this marriage requirement. There are 8 other states that require individuals to identify their race prior to obtaining a marriage license, including Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota and New Hampshire.

Furthermore, in Virginia, not only do you have to list your racial identity in obtaining a marriage license but if you list it falsely, a person can be guilty of a felony. It is time for Virginia to rescind this archaic law.

Conclusion

If you need assistance with employment law issues, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.

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. 

1911 Prout Place, Falls Church
6 BD/5 BA
Agent: KW Metro Center
Listed: $1,479,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

6342 Columbia Pike, Falls Church
4 BD/3 BA
Agent: RE/MAX West End
Listed: $869,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

6018 Munson Hill Road, Falls Church
4 BD/3.5 BA
Agent: Keller Williams Realty Dulles
Listed: $949,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

1712 Beulah Road, Vienna
5BD/4.5BA
Agent: Optime Realty
Listed: $1,525,000
Open: Sunday 2-4pm

 

529 Highland Street NW, Vienna
5 BD/4.5 BA
Agent: UnionPlus Realty, Inc
Listed: $1,399,000
Open: Saturday 2-4 p.m.

 

701 Ware Street SW, Vienna
5 BD/4.5 BA
Agent: TTR Sothebys International Realty
Listed: $1,849,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

6352 Chowning Place, McLean
4 BD/3.5 BA
Agent: Compass
Listed: $1,199,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

1814 Chesterfield Place, McLean
5 BD/4.5 BA
Agent: KW Metro Center
Listed: $1,749,250
Open: Sunday 1-4 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.

• 3171 White Street, Falls Church — $780,000
• 3244 Peace Valley Lane, Falls Church — $699,000
• 108 S. Spring Street, Falls Church — $1,059,000
• 10204 Old Hunt Road, Vienna — $865,000
• 2462 Flint Hill Road, Vienna — $1,749,888
• 1814 Chesterfield Place, McLean — $1,749,250
• 7922 Falstaff Road, McLean — $1,100,000

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.

I hope everyone had an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful fall-like weather we’ve enjoyed.

We’re returning to temperatures in the 90s this week so I’ll do my best to remember how great that breeze felt this weekend. The summer has come to an end but it was a very busy summer. Sales in July were up from last year by nearly 10% and median days on market were down by over 50%. If you were having trouble securing a home in Fairfax County this summer, so were many buyers. Prices are up from this time last year also but not in every neighborhood.

Vienna prices are rising while Oakton and McLean are staying steady. I’ve lost more than a few contracts to an all cash buyer this year and the statistics reflect that fact. 10% of all transactions in Fairfax County so far this year have been all cash. This year has also been about moving fast. Almost 40% of homes sold this year have sold in 10 days or less. The fall market is already heating up so it still looks like a good time to sell.

This week’s feature home is on a very large lot (.69 acre!) in Vienna. This craftsman home features tons of upgrades, a wine room and a private suite above the garage. This beautiful home has just been reduced in price $100,000.

120 Kingsley Road SW Vienna (Reduced $100,000)

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

• 7826 Swinks Mill Court McLean (Reduced $50,000)
• 614  Valley Drive SE Vienna (Reduced $45,000)
• 634 Springvale Road Great Falls (Reduced $50,000)
• 2518 Avon Lane Falls Church(Reduced $50,000)
• 1674 Chain Bridge McLean (Reduced $70,000)

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: What can you tell me about living in the City of Fairfax?

Answer: The City of Fairfax is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, gets its name from Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who had five million acres of land located in Northern Virginia. It is home to George Mason University but it’s more than just a college town. The city is rich in history and its attractive blend of commercial, office, retail and residential properties combines the charm of a small town with the opportunities of a thriving urban area.

What’s Great About The City of Fairfax:

Location — Fairfax is located minutes away from Tysons. It has its own Metro Station (Vienna-Fairfax) and it’s the last stop on the orange line. It is located off of Route 50 and I-66, which provides quick access to Dulles Toll Road, 495 and can take you to D.C. in 25 minutes. You can get to Dulles Airport in 20 minutes. Overall, it’s a great location.

Great sense of community — Fairfax has a great sense of community and they do an excellent job at keeping residents informed with all their news, events and activities with their monthly newsletter.

Things to do — Parades, festivals, fireworks, concerts, farmer’s market, bingo at the Fire Station… you name it! A few of my favorite events are Celebrate Fairfax, and the upcoming City of Fairfax Fall Festival, a festival with over 400 arts, crafts, food vendors, children’s activities and three stages of music and entertainment for all ages.

You can visit Civil War sites such as Ox Hill Battelfield Park, enjoy one of the many parks and recreational areas including basketball, tennis and volleyball courts. Or take Fido to the brand new Fairfax City Dog Park.

Scooters and bikes are now available for rent to stroll around the city, just keep in mind that the City of Fairfax does not allow e-scooters or e-bikes on sidewalks or walking trails, but they are permitted on the road and in bike lanes.

There are endless dining and entertainment options, but a few favorites are The Auld Shebeen for drinks, live music, or trivia, Sisters Thai and Artie’s for great food.

Here’s a map with the best Fairfax attractions.

Housing

There are many different options for detached homes, townhomes and condos. Within the City of Fairfax limits there are 62 properties for sale, ranging from a 1 bedroom condo in Mosby Woods for $175,000, to a new custom built 5 bedroom single family home for $1,295,000. You can see the active listings here.

Seventy properties are under contract, ranging from a 1 bedroom condo at $179,900, to a new custom built, 5 bedroom single family house at $1,295,000.

In the past 6 months, 41 condos were sold for a median price of $220,000; 36 townhouses were sold for a median price of $646,500; and 149 single family homes sold for a median price of $575,000.

What’s Next For Fairfax City?

Amongst current developments, Point 50 is under construction (10412 Fairfax Blvd) with 48,199 square feet of retail space, including a grocery store under 30,000 square feet and 18,000 square feet of additional retail/restaurant space. Scout on the Circle is another development close to completion.

The city is definitely keeping up with the ongoing growth and development and continues to evolve to accommodate changing needs of residents and businesses. The City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City Council and it was developed around 14 content areas, categorized into the Land Use, Multimodal Transportation, Environment and Sustainability, Economic Development, and Community Services chapters.

Their goal for 2035, is to be a city with a close-knit community and a population that is diverse in its culture, demographics and lifestyles, that capitalizes on its location in the center of the growing region and with easy access to the nation’s capital.

I will keep you posted!

If you’d like more information, or would like a question answered in my bi-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, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite #10C Arlington, VA 22203, 703-390-9460.