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. 

3417 Gallows Road, Falls Church
3 BD/2 BA
Agent: Century 21 New Millennium
Listed: $629,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m

2903 Cherry Street, Falls Church
3 BD/2 BA
Agent: Washington Fine Properties, LLC
Listed: $649,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

519 S. Spring Street, Falls Church
6 BD/6.5 BA
Agent: Kw Metro Center
Listed: $1,574,900
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

306 Edwin Lane NE, Vienna
4 BD/3 BA
Agent: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Listed: $719,000
Open: 2-4 p.m.

914 Olympian Circle SW, Vienna
4 BD/4.5 BA
Agent: Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $1,265,000
Open: Saturday & Sunday 1-3 p.m.

1629 Colonial Hills Drive, McLean
3 BD/4 BA
Agent: Re/Max Gateway, LLC
Listed: $920,000
Open: Saturday 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].

By Family Attorney Billie Tarascio of Modern Law

Last month, the Arizona Supreme Court issued its final opinion in an emotionally-charged case.

In 2014, Ruby Torres was diagnosed with breast cancer. Out of concern for her future fertility, she wanted to use her eggs and donor sperm to create embryos that she could freeze for use at a later date — after she had beat her cancer.

Torres’ boyfriend, John Terrell, eventually agreed to be the sperm donor for these embryos. They went to an in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic to have the procedure done. In the course of this, the two signed an agreement that laid out the controlling terms of the embryos, should Torres’ and Terrell’s relationship change in the future.

The agreement stated that the embryos were joint property and that both partners had to consent for future use of them. Four days later, they married. Seven embryos were frozen.

However, before the embryos could be used, the couple divorced. Torres wanted to keep and use the embryos, so that she could have biological children. Terrell disagreed, stating that he wanted to donate them to another couple.

After a protracted legal battle, the Arizona Supreme Court decided that the agreement the couple had signed was no different than any other contract — the sensitive subject matter notwithstanding. The embryos were to be donated.

In the background, Arizona state lawmakers began pushing legislation that would preempt a situation like this from having a similar outcome in the future. The state enacted a law requiring judges to give viable embryos to the spouse who seeks to allow them to be born, regardless of what a separate contract might say. It’s worth noting that this did not apply retroactively to Torres’ efforts to obtain possession of the embryos.

However, the Arizona law represents the very first of its kind in the nation, which gives preference to a party’s right to have a child. Courts traditionally have sided with a person’s right to decide not to have one.

It is unclear whether this is the start of a trend, but in any case, individuals contemplating an IVF procedure might benefit from considering several key elements. This includes reading any forms before signing them, as well as giving careful consideration to what should happen to any unused embryos. As shown by the Torres case, plans for what should happen in the event of a relationship’s end should also be planned out.

Dr. Art Castelbaum, a reproductive endocrinologist, points out that most patients survive their cancer, but that not every relationship will sustain. He recommends women take sole custody of their embryos and that they freeze not only embryos, but additional eggs, as well.

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.

Vienna is one of the most popular locations in our area and is frequently featured as one of the best towns to live in on many lists.

Vienna has a small-town charm that has outlasted the growth of the D.C. area and Tysons Corner. The W&OD Trail runs through Vienna making it a cute place to walk around or just head out for a run or bike. It’s the kind of place where people still stop to say hello and often a visit to the Giant grocery store turns into an hour of socializing with your neighbors. Vienna is also home to many beautiful houses and is a great place to buy or build your dream home.

This beautiful home features 8,200 square feet of living space on nearly an acre of land! The gourmet kitchen is unforgettable and upgrades are numerable. The grand bath in the master suite features heated floors, Carerra Gold Marble and Rohl fixures. The newly added 5th bedroom above the garage is perfect for that extra guest space.

To see this beautiful home or any others, you can schedule an appointment by emailing or calling me at [email protected] or 571-263-0206.

9464 Coral Crest Lane Vienna (Reduced $49,000)

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

• 6525 Truman Lane Falls Church (Reduced $25,000)
• 10608 Dogwood Farm Lane Great Falls (Reduced $49,000)
• 1532 Crowell Road Vienna (Reduced $250,000)
• 1480 Evans Farm Drive #103 McLean (Reduced $15,000)
• 1318 McCay Lane McLean (Reduced $395,000)

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.

By Family Attorney Billie Tarascio of Modern Law

Holidays are often shown as a time of joy and good cheer, bringing the family together to celebrate and relax. However, experts suggest this can be far from the truth.

For many, the holidays can serve as a constant reminder of significant stressors already present in a relationship. One expert, Cam Melick, a licensed clinical social worker in Idaho, describes what he typically sees during the holidays in his profession: significant social pressure on people.

Between the constant ads that tell people to spend money, along with individuals’ personal financial stress, and time constraints when attempting to schedule holiday plans — these issues can easily turn from harmless conversations into heated arguments that, in some instances, may lead to complete breakdowns.

Although a total break of communication and even a relationship itself may seem drastic, a survey completed in Los Angeles, California, found that divorce filings increase by nearly one-third immediately following the holidays.

However, despite the increased time constraints and financial pressure that can occur during the holidays, there are some tips that experts suggest using to avoid these types of common pitfalls. Some strategies for successfully navigating the holidays include creating a holiday budget in advance, so that spouses do not feel external pressure to spend more and more and stretch their finances to an upsetting level.

Additionally, experts recommend that spouses discuss their expectations for the holidays beforehand and create a plan for what activities each partner wants to participate in, which family members they visit, and which family members they may not be able to visit during this season. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, experts recommend the individuals take a moment to recognize their own personal frustrations, as well as being mindful of their partner’s frustrations.

This way, a couple can assess their own needs, the needs of their partner, and create a strategy to reduce stress and plan for holiday success.

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

Here is your quarterly reminder on how to care for your home this fall and prepare for the cooler temps, falling leaves and time spent indoors.

If you ever need a contractor, you can always email me for a recommendation. My rolodex is large and full of great tradesman!

• The leaves are falling, so clean your gutters, clear your downspouts and make sure all drains are clear (especially the ones at the bottom of your stairs near your basement).
• Clean your window wells, and if you don’t have a cover, consider installing one. It’ll help prevent water from coming in.
• Winterize your irrigation system and closer your pool!
• Check your roof for damage or missing shingles.
• When the weather drops to freezing temps, don’t forget to winterize your hose bibs. Before then, make sure you remove hoses and bring them inside for protection.
• Check for drafty windows or doors. You can use a strip of paper to check — if you suspect a draft, update your weather-stripping.
• If your driveway or front steps have cracks, they can expand when water gets in and freezes. Seal any cracks before that happens. You can use concrete crack sealer or higher a mason to help.
• Change your HVAC filters. Have an HVAC company perform a seasonal service (should be done twice a year — fall and spring).
• Fertilize your lawn. Those brown spots won’t fix themselves!
• Check your smoke detector, carbon monoxide and flashlight batteries.
• Get your chimney swept before use.
• Prep by buying winter supplies now. Home inspectors advise you not to use salt on your driveway, as it can erode the concrete. Use sand if you’re looking for traction, but that won’t melt the snow either.

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 elections in 2020 are quickly approaching. Our law firm often represents and defends federal employees for potential Hatch Act violations in the federal workplace.

The Hatch Act was meant to limit the partisan political involvement of federal employees. Hatch Act political activity restrictions apply during the entire period of an employee’s federal service. There are certain rules that prohibit both on-duty and off-duty political conduct. As the 2020 elections start to come closer, this article is meant to help federal employees avoid the pitfalls of committing potential Hatch Act violations.

What is the Hatch Act?

The Hatch Act of 1939 prohibits certain types of political participation by federal employees. For example, federal employees may not seek public office in partisan elections, use their official titles or authority when engaging in political activity, solicit or receive contributions for partisan political candidates or groups, and/or engage in political activity while on duty.

Even though the word “partisan” is used other types of non-partisan elections where the candidate is backed by a particular party can also cause a federal employee potential Hatch Act violations.

Enforcement of Hatch Act Violations

For most federal employees, the Hatch Act is enforced by the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). The OSC has the ability to seek disciplinary action against federal employees if violations are found. Federal employees can potentially be disciplined or terminated for violations of the Hatch Act.

Generally, the OSC will first conduct an investigation and then if violations are found may then seek to negotiate a resolution. In other cases, the OSC may file a disciplinary action with the Merit Systems Protection Board against the employee and ask an administrative judge to take action against the federal employee for a violation.

Hatch Act Tips for Federal Employees

Here are some quick tips for avoiding Hatch Act violations in the federal workplace:

• Avoid discussion of partisan politics using government email
• To the extent possible, avoid partisan political discussions while at work or while performing work
• Don’t try to raise money for partisan political candidates in the workplace (even passing along links for partisan candidates to co-workers)
• Don’t post political discussions during work hours on social media
• Don’t donate to a political campaign during work hours
• Don’t bring political campaign signs or buttons into the federal workplace
• Don’t run for office in a partisan political election

Federal employees can often still participate in political activities, but doing so at work can be a violation of the Hatch Act.

For further information on potential Hatch Act violations, please see the information offered by the OSC. While it is doubtful that brief discussions about politics in the federal workplace would trigger an OSC investigation, the potential risk is there. The safest course for federal employees is to simply avoid partisan politics in the workplace and save them for off-duty.

Conclusion

If you need assistance with federal 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. 

10427 Lawyers Road, Vienna
4 BD/3.5 BA
Agent: KW Metro Center
Listed: $775,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

502 W. Broad Street Unit 306, Falls Church
2 BD/2.5 BA
Agent: McEnearney Associates, Inc
Listed: $599,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

2524 Midway Street, Falls Church
3 BD/2.5 BA
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Listed: $670,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

7919 Roswell Drive, Falls Church
3 BD/2.5 BA
Agent: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Listed: $599,998
Open: Saturday & Sunday 1-3 p.m.

9557 Pine Cluster Circle, Vienna
3 BD/2.5 BA
Agent: Compass
Listed: $687,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

9809 Peppermill Place, Vienna
3 BD/3.5 BA
Agent: Re/Max Distinctive Real Estate, Inc
Listed: $859,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

1913 Foxhall Road, McLean
4 BD/3.5 BA
Agent: Weichert Realtors
Listed: $1,150,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

1943 Lorraine Avenue, McLean
6 BD/4.5 BA
Agent: Re/Max Allegiance
Listed: $1,599,850
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.

• 10427 Lawyers Road, Vienna — $775,000
• 6251 N. Kensington Street, McLean — $1,995,000
• 8222 Stonewall Drive, Vienna — $724,900
• 2806 Lafora Court, Vienna — $509,000
• 2243 Loch Lomond Drive, Vienna — $829,900
• 3559 Ellery Circle, Falls Church — $539,272
• 2910 Cleave Drive, Falls Church — $699,000
• 7510 Allan Avenue, Falls Church — $718,000
• 1486 Hampton Hill Circle, McLean — $899,000
• 1506 Hardwood Lane, McLean — $1,599,000

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].

By Immigration Attorney Natalia Segermeister

A controversial ruling in Southhaven, Mississippi has gotten the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union involved.

The ruling claims that a police officer who shot undocumented immigrant Ismael Lopez should not be charged, on the basis that Lopez lacked any Constitutional rights due to his non-citizen status. In this case, the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments are in question.

Ismael Lopez was from Mexico and had been deported twice to Mexico. Since his second removal, he had returned to the United States. According to court documents, Lopez had prior arrests and an outstanding warrant in Mexico. These details were introduced in court documents because his criminal past as well as his immigration status, the city argued, did not afford Mr. Lopez any constitutional rights. This was the final decision of the court.

The decision of the court concluded that there is nothing to be done in this case, due to Ismael Lopez’s lack of U.S. citizenship at the time of his death. In fact, the court also stated that the Lopez family has no jurisdiction for a case, in which case the U.S. has no obligation to take action, due to the lack of a relationship between Mr. Lopez and the United States.

A grand jury decided that no criminal charges should be brought against the police officer and the city involved in the shooting. Claudia Linares, Mr. Lopez’s widow, was understandably angered by this decision. As a result, she has filed a civil rights action lawsuit on the basis that Mr. Lopez’s Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights were violated. The Fourth Amendment protects citizens’ right against unreasonable searches and seizure, while the Fourteenth provides equal protection for all citizens under the law.

Linares’s lawyer, Murray Wells, has told the media that he is disgusted by the claim, stating that this specific interpretation of the U.S. Constitution is, in fact, unconstitutional. Linares is seeking $20 million in damages for Mr. Lopez’s wrongful death.

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 week felt like another good time to feature a home that is opulent and extravagant.

McLean is home to many luxurious and extravagant homes. There are certain streets that are well known for being home to some of this area’s most powerful people. Ballantrae Lane has been featured in this article in the past. Today, I’m featuring Benjamin Street. Benjamin is a street in Langley Forest, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the D.C. area.

Langley Forest is situated just along the Potomac River and minutes from both Tysons Corner and Washington, D.C. It features the who’s who of the area and is one of the top neighborhoods to buy in if you are looking for prestige.

This beautiful home has 12,000 square feet on nearly 1 acre of land. The grand marble foyer and floating staircase make this a wow house from the moment you walk in. My favorite feature of this home is the dramatic water fountain in the courthouse. This home exudes magnificence  before you even walk in.

Just reduced in price by nearly $400,000, this home is certainly the most jaw dropping of the homes reduced in price this week. Check out some of the other price reductions below, this week features some big ones!

To see this beautiful home or any others, you can schedule an appointment by emailing or calling me at [email protected] or 571-263-0206.

7020 Benjamin Street McLean (Reduced $385,000)

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

• 6613 Madison McLean Drive McLean (Reduced $25,000)
• 200 Deepwoods Drive Great Falls (Reduced $30,000)
• 9711 Meadowlark Road Vienna(Reduced $105,000)
• 9668 Maymont Drive Vienna (Reduced $100,000)
• 6919 Mount Daniel Drive Falls Church (Reduced $30,000)

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.