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.
This column is at its bare bones lately with so many homes selling with multiple offers.
There are very few homes reduced in price in the Tysons area. This week there are only 13 properties reduced in price in McLean, Vienna, Falls Church and Great Falls. The properties range from a 1 bedroom coop in McLean now priced at $247,500 to a detached home in McLean now priced at $2,044,900.
This week’s feature home is a favorite home for this column, the fixer upper on Ballantrae. If you read this column, you know that Ballantrae is considered one of the most prestigious streets in the area. Finding a fixer upper on this street is such a great way to get into an esteemed neighborhood for less. This week’s home has a lot of potential with just over 6,000 sq. ft. on 3 levels, a 1.12 acre lot and plenty of entertainment features. Built in 1979, this brick home is perfect for a remodel.
To see this beautiful home or any of the other homes on the market in the D.C. area, please contact Brandy at [email protected] or 571-263-0206.
1179 Ballantrae Lane McLean (Reduced $200,000)
Check out the rest of this week’s Luxury for Less listings:
- 8105 Maya Court Vienna (Reduced $20,000)
- 8220 Crestwood Heights Drive McLean #107 (Reduced $50,000)
- 906 Challedon Road Great Falls (Reduced $50,000)
- 1342 Mayflower Drive McLean (Reduced $19,000)
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.
DC Bike Ride will be back on May 16, with 20 miles of car-free roads, monumental views, great music and delicious snacks along the course. Every year, the Ride attracts thousands of riders in a lifetime cycling adventure through the nation’s capital.
With a course designed for all ages and riding abilities, DC Bike Ride became the biggest celebration of cycling in D.C. by offering a unique experience to its participants. Besides a course full of D.C.’s famous landmarks and rest stops with local music and food, the Ride offers photo stations along the way, and a finish festival to keep the party going.
As a recreational event, DC Bike Ride is meant for everyone. And if you don’t have a bike or don’t want to transport yours to the start line, the Rent & Ride program offers convenience at an affordable price.
DC Bike Ride is also committed to positively impact the local community by supporting local nonprofits initiatives and creating the Sponsor-A-Rider Program for participants who can’t afford the registration fee.
Are you ready to enjoy life on two wheels? REGISTER NOW!
Event Information:
Date: May 16, 8 a.m.
Location: West Potomac Park (121 West Basin Drive SW | Washington, D.C.)
Website: dcbikeride.com
This is a sponsored column by 3Summit Investment Management, LLC based in Vienna, VA. 3Summit designs custom, modern investment portfolios and has unique expertise in managing investment risk.
By Dan Irvine | Principal, 3Summit Investment Management
In 2019, the S&P 500 returned 31.49%!
Performance this good is rare, the S&P 500 has only generated annual returns this high 11 out of the past 83 years. Given these spectacular returns investors should beware, the most common and often damaging investing mistake after blockbuster years like last year, is to give into the temptation to chase performance.
A traditional diversified investor with a portfolio of around 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds, most likely generated returns around half the S&P 500 in 2019. Returns of around 14% for diversified portfolios, while excellent, do not usually make investors happy compared to what the broader S&P 500 returned.
Following periods of abnormally high returns, investors naturally compare their portfolio to widely publicized index returns, like the S&P 500, despite the irrelevance of the comparison. This comparison can trigger investor greed as the fear of missing out on a continuation of unusually high returns drives investors to chase those potential returns by increasing their allocation to stocks.
Missing out on unusually high returns, like we saw last year, can be as psychologically tormenting to investors as watching their portfolio suffer very large losses. Often the urge to chase performance hoping to earn higher returns can prove to be too much for investors leading to a cascade of mistakes.
The temptation of a diversified investor to chase performance can result in two distinct, but equally damaging investing mistakes. The first mistake is dramatically increasing the risk of a diversified portfolio by buying more stocks at already high prices, in hopes of increasing returns. Investors who make this mistake usually plan to return to a diversified strategy in the future when the stock market begins to encounter challenges and negative returns, which is the definition of a market timing strategy.
The second mistake happens when the very risky portfolio takes large losses, which then can cause a panic, pushing the investor to reduce their allocation to stocks at lower prices in order to de-risk the portfolio to slow or stop losses. What should be clear from this all too common scenario is that the urge to chase performance pushes investors to change investment strategies and become market timers. Sadly, market timing almost always results in buying high and selling low, which is the opposite of a good investment strategy.
To succeed at a market timing strategy, an investor must be right about both the future direction of the stock market and the timing of when the stock market direction will change. They must be right about direction and timing when both increasing and decreasing their allocation to stocks. If you are counting, market timing success requires four correct predictions in a row!
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: How clean do I have to leave my home before closing?
Answer: There’s a moral and a legal answer. Sellers have a responsibility to clean the home after they move. The question is, how clean is clean enough? The golden rule is to leave the home in the condition you would hope to find it in if you were moving in. Unfortunately for the buyers, this rule isn’t a contractual obligation so let’s take a look at what the contract states.
Contract Language on Property Condition
The Northern Virginia contract states that the “Seller will deliver Property free and clear of trash and debris, broom clean and in substantially the same physical condition to be determined as of [Select One] Date of Offer, Date of Home Inspection, or Other [as defined in contract].”
If the buyers are doing a home inspection, they can use the home inspection as the date of determination because there’s a documented property condition report.
All systems, finishes and fixtures convey in as-is condition as of the time period selected in the previous statement, unless otherwise noted in the contract. Electronic components/devices don’t convey, but all related mounts and hardware do (e.g. TV goes, the wall mount does not).
The Final Walk-Through
The final walk-thru is for the buyers to inspect any property condition issues before they become their problem. While the contract allows buyers to do a walk-thru as early as seven days before settlement, agents usually recommend doing it just before they sign the paperwork to reduce risk.
Most buyers will clean the home to their own standards before moving in. There are a few things a seller can do to leave the house reasonably clean and to create goodwill.
Here’s a to-do list for sellers before the buyer’s final walk through:
— Remove all personal property, even patio furniture (unless previously agreed with buyers)
— Vacuum the carpets & floors
— Clean kitchen appliances, inside the refrigerator and oven, and wipe down all surfaces –— Wipe down interior cabinets and shelves
— Throw away trash
— Stack items pertaining to the home such as paint cans, roofing materials or extra flooring and leave them for the new buyer, if they want them
We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Luxe Dermatology and Aesthetic Center!
Luxe Dermatology is what you get when you cross a dermatology office with a luxurious world-class spa. Located in The Boro at Tysons Corner, we pride ourselves in providing cutting edge, customized and concierge style care for our clients. We are obsessed with impressing our clients and taking their dermatological care to the next level.
Luxe Dermatology provides world class care for both medical and cosmetic dermatology offering treatment for acne, eczema, psoriasis, warts, hair loss, rashes and other common dermatological issues.
In addition, we offer the newest technologies and cosmetic procedures for non surgical facial rejuvenation including botox, fillers, HydraFacials, PRP & vampire facials, chemical peels, dermaplanning, laser treatments for tightening, brightening, wrinkles, redness, acne, pigmentation/dark spots.
We invite you to visit our office and allow us the opportunity to make you look and feel your absolute best! Make it a fun filled day trip by also experiencing everything that The Boro has to offer.
With world class shopping, food and a flagship Whole Foods right across the street, you are bound to have a visit filled with fun, entertainment and beauty.
Request an appointment today and follow on Facebook!
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
The new development in Tyson’s by the Greensboro Metro is called “The Boro.”
If you haven’t explored the area yet, it’s designed to be a multi-purpose community that brings residential (both condo and apartments), retail, entertainment and office together in one space. The neighborhood is built with a 14-screen ICON movie theater (reclining seats!), and the largest Whole Foods in the D.C. area.
While still under construction at the time of this writing, I wanted to give you my favorite things in The Boro right now:
- The bread pudding doughnuts at Curiosity Doughnuts in Whole Foods. My son also loved the beignets.
- Fish Taco! Everything on the menu is great — I’ve been to their Maryland location as well, but the chips & guac, followed by the Ancho Shrimp salad is so, so good.
- The Whole Foods food hall — a great meeting spot for a please-everyone food hall, easy parking in the garage or short walk from the metro. Lots of tables to sit and chat.
- Honorable Mention: Paris Baguette for all your carb and sweet tooth needs. I myself am more of a salty treat girl (my popcorn addiction is well known), but who can pass up a delicious croissant?
I look forward to checking out the new spots as they open.
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.
8380 Greensboro Drive Unit 412, McLean
3 BD/2 BA
Agent: Kw Metro Center
Listed: $599,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.
2837 Brook Drive, Falls Church
3 BD/2 BA
Agent: Kw Metro Center
Listed: $799,000
Open: Saturday & Sunday 2-4 p.m.
2518 Avon Lane, Falls Church
5 BD/4.5 BA
Agent: Re/Max West End
Listed: $1,059,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.
3129 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church
4 BD/2 BA
Agent: Buckley Properties Inc
Listed: $729,900
Open: Saturday 12-3 p.m.
2651 Oakton Glen Drive, Vienna
4 BD/3.5 BA
Agent: Pearson Smith Realty Llc
Listed: $950,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.
2133 Frank Street, Vienna
5 BD/3.5 BA
Agent: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Listed: $1,195,000
Open: Saturday & Sunday 1-4 p.m.
2600 Glencroft Road, Vienna
3 BD/3.5 BA
Agent: McEnearney Associates Inc
Listed: $839,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.
1118 Old Cedar Road, McLean
6 BD/4.5 BA
Agent: Ttr Sotheby’s International Realty
Listed: $1,645,000
Open: Saturday & Sunday 2-4 p.m.
1613 Hunting Avenue, McLean
4 BD/3 BA
Agent:Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty
Listed: $875,000
Open House: 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].
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.
Inventory is still very low and many buyers are having difficulty finding a home.
New builds, especially in Vienna, are a hot product. The majority of new builds in Vienna are spec homes. These are homes built by a home builder “speculating” that someone will buy the product. They are already completed and move in ready. The finishes are kept neutral for mass appeal and typically reflect what most buyers find trendy at a given time. This option is great for buyers who don’t want to make too many decisions or give up time making choices on finishes and floor plans.
For buyers who want specific finishes or floor plans such as a ground floor master or a maybe an in-home gym, custom building is a great option. Custom building allows you to get exactly what you want in a new home. This week’s feature is a lot in Vienna ready for your new build. This lot is nearly a ¼ acre and in hot Vienna Woods.
To learn more about custom building a home, contact me for information on the March 7 informational brunch event at Westwood with Schantz Group, Paradigm Building Group and First Heritage Mortgage.
To see this beautiful home or any of the other homes on the market in the D.C. area, please contact Brandy at [email protected] or 571-263-0206.
910 Nutley Street SW Vienna (Reduced $30,000)
Check out the rest of this week’s Luxury for Less listings:
- 7826 Swinks Mill Court McLean (Reduced $54,999)
- 9520 Leemay Street Vienna (Reduced $25,000)
- 114 Tapawingo Road SW (Reduced $15,000)
- 2015 Freedom Lane 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.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
My kids spent most of the weekend outside enjoying our early spring — thanks Punxsutawney Phil!
I grew up in Upstate New York, so I’m no stranger to cold winter weather, but I will admit I don’t mind these mild January/February days! We live in an area that’s covered in secret wonders to explore, whether by yourself, with your dogs, or with you family.
There are some great options to get outside, walk off that Superbowl Hangover, keep up with your New Years resolutions and keep everyone sane from feeling cooped up inside.
Here are some of my favorite walking trails near Tysons:
- The obvious, The W&OD Trail — You can jump on at so many junction points around town and make a day of it. Walk, run, bike etc to a nearby restaurant (like Caboose or Church Street Pizza), or head to the Community Center in Vienna, Spacebar in Falls Church or take it to Arlington and go explore the new Ballston Quarter.
- Roosevelt Island — Located just off the GW Parkway in Arlington, we did this walk on New Years Day with my kids. It’s quiet, an easy walk, and a dose of some history to remember. If you like to skip rocks, the trail is surrounded by the Potomac River, so easy ways to walk down to the water and throw rocks, enjoy a beautiful view of Georgetown, and let the kids or dogs run.
- Meadowlark Connector Trail — A small portion that diverges from the W&OD and leads you directly to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
- Great Falls — Either the Virginia or Maryland side will offer a wonderful walk/hike and beautiful views. We love to pack some sandwiches and walk from one end to the other and find a big rock to sit on in the sun and enjoy the sounds of the falls. It’s really a beautiful thing to see and such an escape from our daily D.C. life, commute and chaos!
- Scott’s Run Nature Preserve — Located in McLean just off Georgetown Pike, it also has some beautiful water views and cliff views of the Potomac River. We did this hike on New Years Day 2019 and I think we saw a total of 1 other person in 2 hours. It was such a nice quiet way to spend a few hours. Parking can be tricky if you don’t know where you’re going, so plan ahead.
Did I miss your favorite hidden spot? Share it with me below!
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 Kimberly H. Berry, Esq.
With the new year, many businesses offer severance to certain employees as a way for both parties to make a new start in the new year.
Employees in Virginia are “at will,” which means they can be terminated at any time for any reason and severance is not typically required. When employment ends, however, an employer may offer a severance package to an employee in exchange for the employee’s waiver of rights.
However, employers, in the absence of an agreement or severance policy, generally have no obligation to provide employees severance pay. If severance pay is offered, an employer will require the employee to sign a Severance Agreement agreeing to a number of terms.
A Severance Agreement is a contract between the employee and an employer that provides end of employment terms between the employer and the employee. Severance Agreements are often offered in termination cases, but can also be offered to employees who are laid off or who are considering retirement.
Additionally, depending on the circumstances, a Severance Agreement may be offered to an employee who resigns or is terminated. A Severance Agreement must have something of value (also referred to as consideration) to which the employee is not already entitled to be enforceable.
Employers are generally required to provide an employee time to consider the Severance Agreement before signing. For instance, an employee usually has a 21-day consideration period to accept the Severance Agreement and at least a seven-day revocation period to revoke an employer’s Severance Agreement if the employee is 40 years or older.
Severance agreements usually contain far more than just compensation terms. They can include any number of agreements. Some examples of possible terms in a Severance Agreement follow:
- Reference Information
- Financial terms, the timing of severance payments and potential tax information
- Continuation of health benefits
- Unemployment compensation benefits
- Waiver of claims against an employer (e.g. whistleblower, discrimination)
- Confidentiality (e.g. neither side will reveal the terms of the agreement)
- Non-Disparagement (e.g. neither side will say negative things about the other)
- The possibility of re-employment
- Non-competition agreements
- Preservation of trade secrets
Severance Agreements will always include a general release or waiver that prohibits the former employee from filing a lawsuit against his or her employer for wrongful termination. Before an employee signs a Severance Agreement, he or she should consult with an attorney to discuss the rights that he or she may be waiving and the terms of the Severance Agreement.
If you need assistance with a severance agreement or other employment matter, 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.
