This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
Many people see their health as something to work on, through goal setting, regular workouts, and diet.
But research shows that “down time” can be very effective at supporting our health and well-being as well. “Many leisure activities provide opportunities to socialize, learn, be active, and carry out your life’s purpose — each of which has been proven to support health and well-being,” explains Cate O’Brien, PhD, the VP and Director for Mather Institute.
Mather Institute has compiled findings from a variety of sources to provide some guidelines on this. The Institute is the research area of Mather, the parent organization to The Mather, a Life Plan Community coming to Tysons.
Here are eight ways to spend your free time that can provide health benefits:
- Make Music: Learning to play an instrument challenges your brain and may improve brain function — and playing an instrument is associated with better cognitive and brain health and psychological and physical well-being.
- Be Social: Positive, supportive relationships play an important role in well-being. Social support can improve mood, reduce stress, and improve immune function. Spend time with family, friends, or neighbors. Take advantage of opportunities to meet new people and cultivate supportive relationships. Consider joining a group, taking a class, or volunteering to double up on positive effects.
- Embrace Your Spiritual Side: Spirituality and religiosity are both linked to good health for a variety of reasons. Persons who are spiritual or religious often have a strong sense of purpose, which is associated with a reduced risk of many diseases. Meditation and prayer can help regulate emotions and in turn, contribute to positive physical functions such as healthy blood pressure.
- Volunteer for a Good Cause: It’s not only good for others; it’s good for your health. Volunteering can promote a strong sense of purpose, which is linked to improved coping with stress, positive health behaviors, and even a longer life. Find a cause that is meaningful to you and dedicate some time to it — it doesn’t have to be a lot for you to reap the health benefits.
- Get Physical: You already know that physical activity is good for you. Physically active people tend to enjoy a reduced risk of disease and functional limitations, along with a boost to their mental health and brain health. Find an activity you like and move for 30 minutes or more most days. Need extra motivation? Partnering with a friend can help you stay on track.
- Join a Group that participates in an activity you enjoy. Group activities seem to provide social benefits over and above those from participating in other social activities. Activities such as singing with a choir or riding with a cycling club can provide a boost to psychological well-being, as well as mental, physical, and cognitive health.
- Learn Something New: Learning, whether informal, self-directed, or formal, can improve well-being. Learning a new, mentally challenging skill may help to keep your brain healthy. Consider studying a language, taking dance lessons, learning to quilt, taking up photography, or learning to play an instrument.
- Let Purpose and Passion Be Your Guide: Immerse yourself in activities you feel passionate about. First, a strong sense that your activities and goals are purposeful, important, and meaningful — whether it is raising your grandchildren, volunteering to improve the environment, or continuing your education — can improve health and longevity. In addition, simply enjoying an activity keeps you feeling good, helps you stay engaged, and can provide opportunities for growth and social connection.
Choose any of these enticing options for spending your free time, and know that research has proven it is time well spent.
The Mather in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. It opens in 2024.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
On the edge of Vienna, The Providence shines with nurturing and innovative boutique-style senior living surrounded by renowned arts and cultural venues and experiences.
Combining the elegance of a luxury rental community, the extravagance of a best-in-class hospitality experience, and just the right amount of individualized care, everything at The Providence is tailored to help our residents thrive.
For a limited time, lease a one-bedroom Assisted Living apartment for the price of a studio when you move in by March 31, 2023 (certain conditions apply — see sales director for details). Don’t miss this opportunity to get more for less.
Your monthly rental fee includes:
Spacious, light-filled one-bedroom apartments
- Open kitchenette with granite countertops
- Sizable living room
- Large bathrooms with walk-in showers
- Advanced technology for safety and convenience
Also included:
- All-day dining in any of our restaurants
- On-site physician specialists
- Integrated physical, occupational, and speech therapy program
- 24-hour concierge
- Individualized care program
- 24/7 licensed care staff
- Medication management
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Engaging and inspiring events and activities
- Transportation services
- Covered parking
- All utilities and Wi-Fi
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Access to on-site day spa and salon
The Providence delivers a quality of life that is exciting, comforting, and exceptional.
Now welcoming new residents. To learn more, visit ProvidenceFairfax.com or call (571) 550-9404.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
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].
Vienna Inn has a fun history of celebrating their anniversary in February with local partnerships and events.
This month, Vienna Inn celebrates its 63rd Anniversary. The Inn is known for its local small town charm — chili dogs, breakfast, beer, watching games, sports team meals, returning grads reunions, Vienna halloween parade snacks, and kegs! Bring some quarters if you want to play pac man.
They started the month with a Dining for Dollars for Madison Football, followed by the Mayor working the hot dog stand for the Eric Monday Foundation to help #TakeDowntheStigma.
They’ve had Kid’s Nights on Mondays and now… they’re teaming up with moms from Vienna Little League (you guessed it, I’m one of them) to take over the hot dog stand TONIGHT from 5-8 p.m. with a portion of the sales raised to be donated to VLL. If you want to grab a dog and hit the road, go see the Madison Basketball teams (both girls and boys) in the Regional playoff game at Madison High School:
- Girls take on Wakefield at 5:45 p.m.
- Boys take on McLean at 7:30 p.m.
Bring cash to buy tickets to the game.
Follow Vienna Inn on Facebook to find out about more events!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Are you looking for a fine dining experience with exceptional service and remarkable food?
If so, you must try Davio’s, a Northern Italian Steakhouse in Reston Station.
This video will showcase our experience and all the awesomeness.
Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This sponsored column is written by the team at Arrowine & Cheese (4508 Cherry Hill Road in Arlington). Sign up for the email newsletter and receive exclusive discounts and offers. Experience Arrowine’s Tastings & Events. Have a question? Email [email protected].
Hello my friends,
Please excuse my absence during the holiday season. I’m back, well sort of, I’m in Paris concluding my annual “French Death March.” Well, it was annually up until three years ago. Now I can hear you all saying, “Oh that’s rough! Can I carry your bags?” It is usually the comment that follows.
I flew via Amsterdam to Montpellier, France. The Schipol airport is enormous. Luckily I had an eight-hour layover, so there was no need to rush. But, despite the enormity of the place, you can’t find a cup of coffee at 6 a.m. anywhere. So I had to settle for a Heineken, and I thought the Dutch were “coffee people.” So after cooling my heels for eight hours desperately trying not to fall asleep, at the shop-worn bar, in my “get the hell out of my Country Termial,” I was raring to go, albeit exhausted. No glamour here, folks.
Montpellier has been the home to Millésime Bio since 1991, and you guessed it is all about organic wine. It is the place to meet, taste and visit with winemakers who work organically, as most of mine do.
It was great to see old friends and have the opportunity to ferret out some “new and interesting” players. The fair is only two days long, and there are also several “off” tastings (located in different venues) before and during the fair. Folks who can’t afford or choose not to participate in the fair seize the opportunity to steal attention while everyone is in town. I stick to my agenda to save precious time.
That was a wise move, and I found some fabulous new winemakers. On the first day, I potentially bagged five. But it’s more challenging than it sounds. You must taste a lot of uninspired, sometimes technically flawed crap to find a winner. But I am always on point and excel at sizing up a winner with just a glance.
I headed to Paris to embark on Phase 2 in Angers, the Salon des Vins de Loire. So why go back to Paris? Driving the 7-plus hours is the only “direct” way to Angers from Montpellier, and the trains take just as long, especially when you are schlepping 2 1/2 weeks’ worth of luggage.
The Loire Salon is my sentimental favorite. The Salon has shrunk over the years. What was once three large halls is now one. And that includes the Bio-Dynamic growers certified by the Federation Demeter International. Biodynamics viticulture goes back to ancient earth healing techniques, with all the processes performed in conjunction with the lunar calendar. So let’s say organic “on steroids.” That was the best I could come up with, but you get the idea.
Like Millésime Bio, there are also “off” tastings. The Salon St. Jean at the Greniers St. Jean is an excellent tasting, started over twenty years ago by winemaker Nicolas Joly, who wrote “the book” on Biodynamics. Based on the works of Rudolph Steiner in 1924, Joly is responsible for bringing Biodynamic practices to the forefront of viticulture, changing the course of winemaking and wine worldwide.
And there is the infamous Dive Boutteille Natural Wine held in Saumur at the Caves Ackermann, and I mean caves. I pass on that one. The caves are cold, dank, and dark. It is impossible to taste well under those conditions. There are good wines with many fine growers, but no thanks.
Wine Paris and Vinexpo start on Monday and run till Wednesday. So I’m here in Paris getting myself ready. Bring it on!
Cheers,
Doug Rosen
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
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].
Fall of 2022 was the height for interest rates, hitting 7% and slowing down our real estate market, as intended.
Houses sat, loan offers introduced the 2-1 rate buy down program (where you could get an interest rate 2% below market for the first year, 1% below market for the 2nd year, and then up to market for the 3rd year and beyond). We had buyers get below asking and credits from the sellers. We had inspections, appraisals, and other contingencies coming back into play.
Enter in 2023.
Rates have dropped. Gina Myers at Cross Country Mortgage quotes that rates are currently sitting at:
- 30 year fixed — 6.0%, no points — jumbo (any loan over $726,200 at 80% LTV)
- 10/6 ARM — 5.375%, no points — jumbo (any loan over $726,200 at 80% LTV)
- VA and FHA 30-year fixed — 6.125%
- 10/6 ARM — 5.375
- A 10/6 ARM is where you have a fixed rate for the first 10 months, and then the rate adjusts every 6 months after that.
Many buyers are choosing to go with ARM products knowing that rates are expected to continue to decline and buyers will likely refinance when rates drop. If you have specific questions related to financing, please reach out to Gina.
You may have heard the term that “real estate is local”, so let me show you what that means. As buyer demand heats up as the year begins -which is typical of every year as our spring market cycle takes off — there’s just not enough supply to keep up with the demand. In the fall, we had more sellers entering the market and more buyers exiting the market, so the supply grew and demand fell. Now we have more demand and not enough supply, which is causing another sellers market.
Examples:
- 8001 Merry Oaks Lane, Vienna: Listed for $799,000. Received 3 offers and will sell for over asking.
- 1915 Contralto Court, Vienna: Listed for $900,000. Sold in 4 days.
- 2416 Rocky Branch Road, Vienna: Listed for $1,199,000. Multiple offers received.
- 2419 Rocky Branch Road, Vienna: Listed for $1,449,000. Received 8 offers and will sell for well over asking.
- 328 Owaissa Road SE, Vienna: Listed for $1,599,999. Received multiple offers and will sell for well over asking.
- 1500 Highwood Drive, McLean: Listed for $1,299,000. Received multiple offers.
- 1637 Warner Avenue, McLean: Listed for $1,550,000. Received multiple offers.
- 6016 Copely Lane, McLean: Listed for $1,575,000. Received multiple offers.
See a trend? I picked homes at different price points to show you that many homes are getting multiple offers again.
Anecdotally, it’s not just Vienna and McLean. I recently listed this cute rambler in Annandale for $725,000. We received 8 offers and this will close soon for well over asking.
If you’re considering selling a home this year, you may want to consider speeding up your timing if you’re able. Take advantage of the low inventory before other spring sellers wait out the end of the school year to list their homes.
If you’re considering buying a home this year, you really should talk to a local lender to get the financing piece in place before you jump into the competition. That part needs to be rock solid or you won’t stand a chance. Also work with a local real estate agent who has their pulse on things. (For example — me), but if not, someone who knows how to navigate the chaos that multiple offers can bring. Strategy really does matter.
I’d like to add one thing. I’m going to say something to you that your realtor may not have the guts to say. If your home is listed and it’s not selling in this climate, you’re priced too high. It’s always price. Price is #1 and #2 of your listing strategy and presentation is a really close #3. If it’s not 100% HGTV ready, you need to price it to account for that. If you push on price, you won’t get it. The buyers in todays world are very educated. They do lots of research and they know when something seems off.
Follow me on Instagram for more home selling and home buying tips!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
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 New Year!
I woke up to an email this morning from the WSJ beating the drum that a recession is coming. Do you know what a recession is good for? Lowering interest rates.
Historically, a recession has resulted in falling interest rates to help spur economic growth. I have a Masters in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins, so I love following the market trends over time to help me form an opinion on what is coming.
As a 15 year real estate veteran, I started during the 2008 recession and I have seen the market come full circle after the insanity of the last 2.5 years. I posted a prediction on the 2022 market and all of it came true, albeit I didn’t see the rates hitting 7% that fast, but I knew rates would go up.
So here are my predictions for 2023:
Interest Rates Will Decline
We’ve already seen rates hit 7% and come back down in the past few months. I think the rates will continue to decline, hopefully hitting 5% by the middle of Q3 of 2023. But remember this — as rates get lower, homes become more affordable for more people and that will spur more action in the market
Activity Will be Strong, Especially Towards the End of the Year
Activity began to pick up towards the end of 2022 as interest rates got better, and I think activity will continue to be good during the first half of the year. That said, I think the second half of the year will be even stronger than the first, mostly dictated by what rates are doing
Inventory will continue to be a problem. While the fear of covid is likely no longer keeping sellers from entering the market, I think you have some remorse from sellers who “missed” the craze of the pandemic, and a lot of people won’t want to give up their 3% mortgage rate, even if they hate their house.
Prices Will be Stable
Prices will continue to be stable, but pricing your home is #1 and #2 and #3 of how you will sell your home. Buyers are smart, they’re educated, and they’re tired. If a home is overpriced, it will NOT sell. If it’s overpriced and has any other strike against it, it will not sell. You *must* be strategic on your pricing.
If a house is “pretty,” which means updated and staged AND priced correctly, I still think we’ll see multiple offers potentially. Inventory is still low, so if it’s a desirable home, it’ll still sell.
Rent Will Rise
There have been so many news articles about rising rents. I think we’ll continue to see that in 2023 until big buildings start to see a slow down. If rates come down, and buyers can buy, why would they spend an extra $500 per month on rent?
If you are a first time buyer AND you make less than $129,600 (for 2 people or less), you can qualify for down payment assistance programs from the state to buy your first home (must be a principal residence). If you are renting and think you may qualify, read here for more information. There are all sorts of credits available if you do some research!
If you’re thinking of moving this year, it’s never too early to have a conversation to put a plan in place.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Data shows that the United States has more immigrants than any other country, with 17 percent of the workforce in the country being foreign-born. One of the most common ways to become permanent US residents is through employment.
As a foreign resident, you can obtain an employment green card if you get a job offer from a US national or prove to possess extraordinary ability. You should note that most foreigners who obtain permanent residency start with a temporary visa that they can renew.
Permanent employment-based green cards allow foreigners to become permanent US residents. Each fiscal year, the US government grants approximately 140,000 employment visas to immigrants and families.
So, how exactly do you obtain an employment-based visa? The US Department of immigration has five categories through which it issues these green cards to immigrants and their families. The categories are based on individual experience, skills, and abilities. “If you or a loved one would like to apply for an immigration work permit you can reach out to an immigration work permit lawyer for assistance,” says Solano Law Firm.
EB-1: People of Extraordinary Ability
This is the first category and deals with people with some ability, as can be inferred from the name. There are three subcategories as listed below:
Multinational Executives and Managers
Multinational executives and managers have received a job offer from an American employer that has operated in the country for at least one year. Note that this subcategory requires a job offer.
Professors and Researchers
A good example is a tenure track where a professor is offered permanent employment at a US university.
People With General Extraordinary Abilities
This category does not require a job offer. Applicants simply have an extraordinary ability recognized in different niches.
EB-2: Advanced Degree Holders
This category comprises the largest number of immigrants eligible for permanent residents in the United States. Moreover, temporary visa holders with advanced degrees are also eligible for an EB-2 green card.
This category comprises three different subcategories as listed below:
Advanced Degree Holders and/or Relevant Experience
This subcategory includes applicants with a master’s, doctorate, or a bachelor’s degree with relevant professional experience.
Exceptional Ability
Here, no degree is required, all you need is to show an exceptional ability in either arts, science, or business.
National Interest Waiver
Under this category, permanent green cards are offered to immigrants whose work is considered the United State’s interest. It does not matter whether the ability is extraordinary or not. It must have “substantial merit and national importance” and be of benefit to the United States.
EB-3: Skilled Workers. Professionals or Other Unskilled Workers
This category covers individuals with different levels of education, skills, and competencies. Below are the subcategories EB-3:
Skilled Workers
To qualify for this category, your employer needs to provide proof that there is no labor force to handle the work you will be doing. You should have two years of post-secondary education, training, or experience at the minimum.
Professionals
This category is pretty much the same as the previous one, with the only difference being the requirement of a bachelor’s degree.
Other (Unskilled)
Here, the work you will do must be full-time, and you will also need labor certifications same as the previous two categories. Work that requires less than two years of training is unskilled.
EB-4: Certain Special Immigrants
This category is broad and covers certain special immigrants, such as religious workers. This category includes individuals eligible for permanent resident status based on categories on the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Eb-5: Immigrant Investors
This category comprises foreign investors in new commercial businesses that would provide avenues for job growth in the US. Qualification for permanent resident status under this category requires a substantial capital dollar investment and job growth for US citizens.
Conclusion
Above are some of the categories of immigrants eligible for permanent US citizenship. You can analyze them and determine where you fall, or better still, you can strive to meet the qualifications mentioned above to become a green card holder.
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].
It’s only Tuesday and my own kids are already bored this week and so am I.
Here are some ideas to help keep kids busy for the rest of winter break. They all involve getting out of the house and spending money. There are always museums, walks and playdates if you’re looking for something free!
You’ll want to get tickets ahead of time for both of these!
- Indoor play places: Scramble, Jolly Yolly, Launch, Flight, Hyper Kidz, and Sky Zone
- For older kids: Top Golf (half price today, Dec. 27), Dave and Buster’s (half priced on Wednesdays), Zava Zone, Summit Ropes, SkateQuest, Fairfax Ice (or plenty of outdoor ice rinks too), movie theaters (Icon at the Boro is half price today, Dec. 27), Bowlero (the Falls Church location is less glitz and glam but you can also show up and try to get a lane without a reservation for the old school bowling feel)
If you’re looking for a long adventure, what about the Baltimore Aquarium or a drive through Shenandoah?
Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
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].
I have spent hours driving around our town hunting for the best holiday lights to share with you.
There are so many really pretty homes. But while I enjoyed seeing those homes, what I’m looking for are the homes that make you pull a u-turn because you just had to see it again. The ones where you know their breakers keep popping. The ones where you know Clark Griswold would be proud.
So for those of you not on this list, please don’t be mad! It just means next year you’ll have to make your home a little extra to take it up a notch.
This Google Map has some notes on the destinations points so if you’re hoping for blow ups or lights, or music light shows you should be able to narrow down your driving list.
Tips:
- Stay off lawns! There are countless cords and wires running through these lawns to keep these decorations up. Stay off them!
- Remember these are all residential streets. Don’t block driveways.
- Many of these displays were up by 5 p.m. if you want to hit the earlier side.
- If it’s rainy or windy many displays will be down.
Newcomers and Noteworthy:
- 602 Birch Street SW — Great for Elsa or Minions fans
- 613 Yeonas Street SW — Cute lighted archway over the sidewalk, great photo opportunity for toddlers or those young at heart
- 524 Walker Street SW — Great for Grinch fans
- 317 Patrick Street SW — Just won the Town of Vienna voting contest, impressive light display
- Hillington Court — Best use of your time, 2 for one on a cul-de-sac! Both homes are over the top beautiful
- Ni Family Lights — Make sure you follow them on Facebook for announcements. They have 2 different playlists running right now and will change it again for Christmas.
Please let me know if I missed anything! Seems like the Tyson’s area needs someone to step up and be Clark!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
