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.
As many have heard, as of July 1, 2020, the new Virginia Human Rights Act began to provide new protections from discrimination for employees based on sexual orientation or gender identity. A lesser-known form of discrimination was also prohibited as of that date, which prohibits race discrimination based on hairstyle. Governor Northam signed the VHRA into law on March 4, 2020.
The Virginia legislature, in amending the VHRA, included a ban on discrimination “because of or on the basis of traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists.”
Governor Northam stated, in approving the law: “It’s pretty simple — if we send children home from school because their hair looks a certain way, or otherwise ban certain hairstyles associated with a particular race — that is discrimination… This is not only unacceptable and wrong, it is not what we stand for in Virginia. This bill will make our Commonwealth more equitable and welcoming for all.” The Governor’s press release also cited to comments by Virginia Delegate McQuinn: “A person’s hair is a core part of their identity… Nobody deserves to be discriminated against simply due to the hair type they were born with, or the way in which they choose to wear it. The acceptance of one’s self is the key to accepting others.”
The Commonwealth of Virginia is now the fourth state to ban race-based hairstyle discrimination after California, New Jersey and New York passed similar laws. Colorado is in the process of enacting a similar law presently, and more than 20 other states have similar legislation proposed or pending.
This new legislation is likely to need to a 2-3 year period of adjustment as employers in Virginia start to realize that such forms of discrimination are against the law either through the complaint process or in court. A link to the new Virginia law is located here.
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If you are in need of employment law legal representation or advice, 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.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
This list will look different from last year’s list, where we were blissfully unaware of overcrowding and social distancing.
Lucky for us, if you’re still looking for that Fall Festival feeling, some of the great farms around us are still trying to pull something together for everyone to enjoy. If you go to any of these places, please report back! You can comment below or DM me on Instagram (@LauraSchwartzRealtor).
Cox Farms — Centreville, Virginia
September 25 — November 2, Hours Vary, Close Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
Instead of piling into their hayride, this year they’re offering a self-driven hayride through the fields. Don’t worry — that treacherous puddle we all drive through is only 2 inches deep. Must buy tickets in advance. At the end, there’s an opportunity to get out of the car and takes pictures, do curbside pickup for food/pumpkins at their market.
Great County Farms — Bluemont, Virginia
September 28 — October 31
Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival featuring pick your own pumpkins (also apples), wagon rides, marshmallow roasting, cider pressing, live music, 5-acre play area, donuts and their market.
Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park — Leesburg, Virginia
September 19 — November 3, Closed on Mondays
Festival activities scavenger hunt, animal barn, live performers, and treats. Purchase tickets online in advance.
Reston Farm Fall Fest — Reston, Virginia
Friday, Saturday and Sunday — now through November 1
Weekends feature a pumpkin moon bounces, moon bounce slides, corn maze moon bounce, train rides, farm animals, balloon artist, face painter and caricature portrait artist! Buy tickets online.
City of Fairfax Fall Festival — Open Virtually Only
Month of October
The festival will be virtual for the entire month of October. No details currently provided, but check the website for more information.
Whitehall Farms — Fairfax, Virginia
Weekends through October 31
Wagon rides, nature trails, lawn games, animals and fields of pumpkins. Bonus: their menu is prepared by local favorite The Fermented Pig. Make sure you buy tickets online.
Wayside Farm — Berryville, Virginia
Fridays — Mondays, through November 1
Amazing Corn Maze (that reads: Wayside Farm Fun Thanks Our Everyday Heroes), pig races, pumpkin patch, farm animals, slides, play area, jumping pillows and more. Buy tickets online.
Don’t Forget
Town of Vienna has Halloween in a Bag available for purchase. Each bag includes: 2 pie size pumpkins, 2 cape kits, pumpkin decorating kits, pumpkin scoop, various Halloween theme toys, candy, activity packet and more. Buy online here.
Vienna Halloween Parade this year is now coming to you! The floats will drive through the Town on October 31 starting at 10 a.m. Read more here.
McLean Fall Scavenger Hunt — Offered through the McLean Community Center through December 7. The hunt includes 75 challenges both indoors and outdoors, such as take specific photos, geocaching, or completing specific tasks. For teams of 4-10.
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.
- 9904 Snowbound Court, Vienna — $768,900
- 1610 Leeds Castle Drive, Vienna — $819,950
- 103 Mashie Court SE, Vienna — $2,100,000
- 521 Anne Street, Falls Church — $1,539,000
- 6411 Recreation Lane, Falls Church — $824,990
- 7021 Haycock Road #811, Falls Church — $565,000
- 1508 Linden Hurst Avenue, McLean — $1,924,916
- 1609 8th Place, McLean — $925,000
- 1061 Spring Hill Road, McLean — $2,500,000
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].
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: I just lost a competitive offer to an all-cash buyer. How common are cash buyers in Fairfax County? How much of a disadvantage am I at?
Answer: I have personally experienced this last weekend when I helped buyers write a great offer that lost to an all-cash offer. When I ran the numbers I expected to find a significant increase in the number of cash deals over the last 12-18 months, but I learned that the percentage of homes purchased by all-cash buyers has actually decreased a few percent in the last couple of years. I believe this drop is partly due to the current record low interest rates.
The rate of all-cash purchases seems to be spread pretty evenly across all price-points and housing types. In the past five years, condo sales have steadily been only 30% of all-cash deals, and 80% of those were sub-$400k condos.
The chart below shows the number of homes sold in Fairfax County that were bought by all-cash buyers since 2015.
Cash vs Financing a Mortgage — What’s the Difference?
The idea of getting a cash offer sounds exciting, but what exactly does it mean? After all, a dollar from a lender is worth the same as a dollar from a savings account.
- Contingencies: Cash buyers don’t need the contractual protection of a financing or appraisal contingency because they don’t need a lender to approve/review anything. This is appealing for sellers because it decreases the possibility of something going wrong that disrupts the sale.
- Speed: Cash deals can close faster, often in one week or less, than financed deals which usually take at least 3-4 weeks due to the time it takes to process the loan.
- Security: Cash deals are considered more secure because the purchase funds are already available.
- Cost: Cash deals have lower buyer closing costs because there are no lender fees or lender’s title insurance. Lenders also require a substantial about (usually 1-1.5% of purchase price) of money be pre-paid into an escrow account for future property tax payments and homeowner’s insurance.
Given how competitive the current housing market is, many buyers using a mortgage take steps to make their offers as cash-like as possible by removing the appraisal and financing contingencies and/or working with lenders who can close quickly. For buyers that have taken these steps, there’s very little difference to sellers between their offer and a cash offer.
If you are a seller considering a cash offer, make sure you verify the existence of the cash funds the same way you would verify a buyer’s mortgage qualification with a pre-approval letter. The most common method of verification is to request bank statements, but a letter from the buyer’s bank should also suffice.
If you’d like to discuss buying or selling strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
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.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
My favorite season is upon us! Sunshine, crisp air, football and fall traditions.
One of the things I love doing with my kids in the fall is to go apple picking, which inevitably also turns into baking. As September marches on, we’re well into apple picking season and I wanted to highlight some local places to go pick your own.
There are also closer in options like DePauls, the Farmer’s Market, or Reston Farm (check out their weekend Fall Fest… more on those options coming soon!) If you are up for a drive, check out one of these options. Make sure you check ahead to see if they require timed appointments.
- Marker-Miller Orchards — 7 different options of apples, also have pumpkins and squash; also has a bakery
- Crooked Run Orchard — Apples, pears, donuts and cider
- Mackintosh Fruit Farm — Apples, pumpkins, corn, dog treats, and a kitchen with food and treats
- Hollin Farms — Apples, pears, greens, pumpkins and squash
- Great Country Farms — Apples (only 3 more weekends as of today), corn maze, farm play area, jumping pillow and more attractions. BONUS: This is across from Dirt Farm Brewery and Bluemont Vineyard — if you’re looking for an adult treat after the kids play, just cross the street!
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
Happy week 2 all your home schooling parents!
I say that with the enthusiasm of someone who’s had two cups of coffee today (and it’s not even noon yet). Regardless of your child care situation right now, everyone I know is under more stress lately than ever, myself included, and I wanted to help offer up some opportunities to combat that cortisol!
Exercise
- I did a post a few months ago about the best hidden walking trails. Still an option, especially on Monday afternoons like today where the work at home is light.
- Outdoor fitness classes: Orange Theory, Pure Barre and Yoga just to name a few, are all doing an outdoor fitness class if you have an interest and comfort level with being outdoor.
Food
- I read online, reducing caffeine intake helps with reducing stress. This might be one of those do as I say, not as a I do… you could try a Viva Sol smoothie, South Block smoothie or SweetLeaf smoothie (fruit, kale or sweet mix-in).
- The total opposite of that is a decadent treat — Crumbl, Pie Gourmet, Kiln and Co, etc.
Hang Out With Friends
- Lots of socially distanced options right now — outdoor tables at many of the eateries, wineries/breweries, apple picking, pumpkin picking — so many options.
- Organize an outdoor “playdate” on the grass at a school or the blacktop
As the weather begins to finally (thankfully) turn to the fall, I look forward to getting back outside when my own kids are off the screens. Happy fall!
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.
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an appeals forum for federal employees and former federal employees to challenge various types of federal agency actions, such as serious disciplinary actions (adverse actions), retirement appeals, whistleblower matters and other types of cases. The most usual type of appeal for federal employees involves filing an appeal over a serious disciplinary action, such as removal from the federal service.
During an appeal a federal employee can choose to be represented by an attorney or not be. In almost all cases, however, the federal agency will be represented in the appeal by an attorney. This article discusses some of the reasons for retaining an attorney familiar with the MSPB process to assist you in an appeal. In other words, the reasons why it is important for a federal employee to retain an MSPB attorney. Here are some reasons why it is important for a federal employee to retain an MSPB lawyer for their appeal.
Federal Agencies Treat MSPB Cases Differently When an Employee Has an Attorney
One of the reasons why it is important to have an MSPB experienced attorney representing a federal employee is that it will very likely make a difference in how the federal agency treats the MSPB appeal at issue. Federal agencies allocate their attorney resources first to cases where an individual has their own attorney. Those cases tend to get the most attention because there are attorneys on both sides of the appeal.
In other words, where an appellant has their own attorney, the federal agency involved will focus more on that individual’s appeal merely because they have an attorney. This focus can help to settle MSPB appeals.
The MSPB Process is Much Like a Regular Court Case
One of the most important reasons why it is important to have an MSPB attorney represent a federal employee in the appeals process is the fact that it is a very serious type of appeal, functioning much like a court case. There is a general misperception that the process is designed for an employee to effectively represent themselves. An MSPB appeal functions much like a civil court case where there is discovery, the taking of depositions and the filing of briefs.
It is critical that an appellant have counsel to assist them in these difficult and sometimes complex processes. It is often the case where federal employees discovery this fact late and we are contacted after discovery deadlines have passed which can make appeals much more difficult to prevail in and/or settle. It is important to have an MSPB attorney early in the process.
Having an Attorney Can Increase the Chances of Settlement
Federal employees who retain attorneys in the MSPB process, in our experience, are more likely to resolve their MSPB appeals. Part of the calculation by federal agencies, in determining whether or not to settle MSPB cases has to do with risk. Federal agency attorneys evaluate the risk of losing an appeal (a risk which increases when an employee has an attorney), but also other types of risks including the risk of adverse information being disclosed through discovery.
Individuals without counsel can run across difficulties such as how to format discovery requests or take depositions which can limit the amount of critical information uncovered in an appeal. This can decrease the chances of settling an MSPB appeal. MSPB lawyers are also able to understand and work out the legal terms of a settlement agreement with federal agency counsel to minimize risk and to attempt to ensure compliance with settlement agreements.
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.
- 7911 Rosewell Drive, Falls Church — $715,000
- 6871 Williamsburg Pond Court, Falls Church — $849,000
- 2612 Jeanne Street, Falls Church — $1,150,000
- 1429 Laurel Hill Road, Vienna — $999,999
- 345 Holmes Drive NW, Vienna — $759,900
- 2730 Oak Valley Drive, Vienna — $659,900
- 1611 Forest Lane McLean — $1,365,000
- 1528 Hampton Hill Circle, McLean — $1,250,000
- 6900 Fleetwood Road #209, McLean — $699,900
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].
Join the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University for an upcoming virtual open house for prospective students! Learn more about our top-ranked degrees as our sessions will explore master’s, certificate and PhD programs.
Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House
Tuesday, September 15
6:30-8 p.m. (EDT)
PhD Virtual Open House
Wednesday, September 23
7-8:30 p.m. (EDT)
Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House
Thursday, October 22
6:30-8 p.m. (EDT)
Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House
Thursday, November 12
6:30-8 p.m. (EDT)
George Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 2 best school in the U.S. for security studies programs relating to intelligence, counterterrorism, and emergency management. With dedicated career services advisors, 16,000+ passionate alumni around the globe, and a faculty of leaders and experts in their fields, you will benefit from a world-class education.
Graduate Certificate Programs (5 Courses Each)
Part-time and full-time options available
- Biodefense, Certificate
- Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Certificate
- Global Health and Security, Certificate
- Illicit Trade Analysis, Certificate
- National Security and Public Policy, Certificate
- Nonprofit Management, Certificate
- Public Management, Certificate
- Science, Technology, and Security, Certificate
- Strategic Trade, Certificate
- Terrorism and Homeland Security, Certificate
Master’s Degree Programs
Part-time and full-time options available
- Biodefense, MS (Offered on-campus, online and through a combination of both)
- International Commerce and Policy, MA
- International Security, MA
- Organization Development and Knowledge Management, MS
- Political Science, MA
- Public Administration, MPA
- Public Policy, MPP
- Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics, MA
PHD Degree Programs
Part-time and full-time options available
To learn more about graduate programs at the Schar School, fill out the inquiry form to indicate your interest to the Admissions team or register for a virtual open house.
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: Is it legal to list a room as a bedroom if it doesn’t have a closet?
Answer: That’s a common debate! Of all the misconceptions about bedroom requirements, closets may be the most common. There are no requirements in Northern Virginia that a bedroom must include a closet. You’ll be surprised at what else is missing from the requirements for a legal bedroom in Virginia.
Who Makes The Rules?
Fairfax County doesn’t have any local requirements for bedrooms and defaults to the current version of the Virginia Residential Code and Virginia Maintenance Code. In these codes, bedrooms are classified as “habitable rooms” and mostly found in Chapter 3: Building Planning of the Residential Code.
Here are some requirements for bedrooms that apply state-wide:
- Dimensions: Must be a minimum of 70 sq. ft., with no horizontal dimension under 7 ft. For example, in a rectangular room, if one side measures 7 ft, the other side must be at least 10 ft.
- Ceiling Height: Ceilings must be at least 7 ft tall. In rooms with sloping ceilings (i.e. upper level of Cape Cods), any area of the room underneath a ceiling less than 5 ft high cannot be counted towards the minimum dimensions.
- Emergency Escape: A bedroom must have two ways to exit: one that leads to the rest of the home and one that leads directly to the outside. In most cases, the outside egress will be a window with minimum requirements that include not being more than 44 inches off the floor, minimum 24 in height, minimum 20 in width, minimum 5.7 sq. ft. total opening, and if in a basement, a minimum window well of 9 sq. ft. and ability for window to open fully. It is illegal to have locking bars or grates covering an egress window.
- Heating and Ventilation: All rooms must have a window that can open to the outdoors and the open area must be at least 4% of the total floor area. Must be capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature of at least 68 degrees and have access to a heat source. Portable heaters do not count as an adequate heat source.
- Windows: Referred to as “glazed area” and must equal at least 8% of the floor area, meaning you can’t have a huge bedroom with one window.
- Ventilation: Outlets: Per the Virginia Maintenance Code, bedrooms must have at least two separate electrical outlets.
What The Code Doesn’t Include
According to the Building Code office of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the following common assumptions of bedrooms are not actually included in the code:
- Doors: The code makes no mention of having an actual door or second point of egress (Fairfax County has a local requirement for two points of egress). Presumably, this allows for an English Basement with one point of egress, not connected to the rest of the home, to be considered a legal bedroom.
- Lights
- Closets
What else do you think should be added to the minimum requirements for a bedroom in Virginia?
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column, please send an email 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.
