Local News
Storm Recovery procedures - Arlington Virginia
June 5th, 2008 Categories: Arlington Dirt, Local News
Yesterday we had horrible storms blow through here. I was sitting in a 
training session at my McLean Virginia office when we lost power. Fortunately, we were a big group of realtors who are glued to their cell phones, so we used our cell phone light to find our way out of the darkness – it was a memorable session in many ways!
I had to take 3 detours on the way home due to trees and power lines down – roads were closed in many locations. I heard horror stories about trees impaling cars as they were driving along, and other such horrific tales.
I received this email just a moment ago and felt it would be good to share with my Arlington readers:
Downed Power Lines:
After a storm look for any downed power lines before cutting up any debris. To report downed power lines, contact Virginia Power at 1-888-667-3000.
Safety Message:
When traffic lights are not working at intersections, treat them as a 4-way stop.
Debris Removal:
To have debris collected from your property, please follow normal brush collection procedures. Go to www.arlingtonva.us/DES or call 703-228-6570 and select Option 2 to request a brush collection. Debris is collected on your regular trash collection day by request only. For more information, visit www.arlingtonva.us/des
I hope everyone has a great day now that the sun is out – be careful out there and ESPECIALLY through those intersections - remember guys 4 WAY STOP. I actually found some of the lights I normally sit through every evening everything went MORE quickly than usual taking the 4–way stop approach.
Happy Thursday – Market stats coming either later today or tomorrow – so stay tuned!
Jennifer
Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!
Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session! Spring is HERE!
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Preparedness Tax Holiday THIS WEEKEND May 25-31
May 21st, 2008 Categories: Alexandria Dirt, Arlington Dirt, Falls Church Dirt, Local News, McLean Dirt, Northern Virginia Real Estate Dirt, Reston Dirt
Just wanted to get this community reminder out – this weekend begins the first ever tax holiday for certain emergency supplies and equipment to help all of us to be better prepared for weather emergencies. This year a “well above average” cyclone season is projected for the Atlantic Basin and to help us all be better prepared, we are being given a tax holiday from May 25–31 for the purchase of the following supplies:
batteries
flashlights
water storage containers
radios (weather radios, 2–way radios, etc…)
first aid kits
duct tape
bottled water
certain generators and power inverters under $1,000
For a complete list of the tax exempt items, click here. You will find that many useful items are included in the tax holiday and it’s a nice reminder that if you find yourself without power, you will be grateful to have an emergency kit all put together thanks to the reminder you got from your friendly, neighborhood realtor! (That would be me!)
Happy Wednesday
Jennifer
Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!
Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session! Spring is HERE!
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ABCs of Recycling in Arlington County
April 5th, 2008 Categories: Arlington Dirt, Local News
Have you ever been confused about what you CAN and CANNOT recycle here in Arlington County? My husband has been asking me to write about 
this for months so HE can learn what he can and cannot recycle. I keep telling him that the County has an awesome website with some wonderful information on it - they even have a special section devoted to Environmental Services called Trash & Recycling! So, this post is dedicated to him!… read on…
I’m mainly focusing on plastics for the purpose of this article, because I think most people (including my husband) find plastics the MOST confusing part of recycling. You know those numbers on the bottoms of containers? Well, we have been lead to believe that those numbers are what dictate whether or not that item can be recycled – we’ve been duped! Turns out those numbers have to do with the melting point of that particular plastic and other materials that might be included in that blended plastic. So - here’s the rule - if it’s a clear OR colored bottle and has a neck smaller than the base - it’s probably recyclable. Simple as that – so if you’ve been putting yogurt containers, the plastic clamshells that berries come in or other such seemingly recyclable plastic into your recycling, SHAME ON YOU! But seriously, as they say in Arlington, “no neck - no recycle”
Hope this helps – now my husband doesn’t have to research this himself and all of my readers get to benefit from my work!
Happy Saturday (almost Sunday now!)
Jennifer
PS I hope you’re out there looking at homes - there are a lot of great places to choose from and I’d be delighted to show you around!
“Jennifer Klaussen - your real estate specialist for Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia region!”
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A HUGE Win for Virginia Sellers
March 4th, 2008 Categories: Alexandria Dirt, Arlington Dirt, Falls Church Dirt, Local News, McLean Dirt, Northern Virginia Home Selling, Northern Virginia Real Estate Dirt, Reston Dirt
As many of you know, whether you’re a seller or just “in the know” last year the Authority was granted to the Virginia Transportation Authority to impose an additional $4/$1000 to the Virginia Grantor’s Tax. This was a 400% increase over our previous tax of $1/$1000 bringing the new total tax to $5/$1000… HUGE difference to a seller!
Well, as we suspected (and as I’ve previously written about), it was ruled by the Virginia Supreme Court to be unconstitutional to enable a non-elected body to impose taxes. What does this mean? It’s unclear. One thing that IS clear is that they will have to come up with another way to pay for the road improvements here in Northern Virginia as well as in the Hampton Roads area, which is the other locality affected by this tax. The second thing that’s crystal clear is that they will have to figure out some way to refund those who have already paid this tax since January 1, 2008.
Meanwhile, I suspect they’ll go back to the drawing board - whether it means gas taxes, increased local taxes, bond money, etc… we need the money from somewhere to relieve congestion – I’m glad this time it won’t be paid for by those selling their homes!
If you have any questions about this, and/or if you were a seller who paid these higher taxes from January 1, 2008 through the present, please contact your settlement agent about what the refund process might look like, how long it might take, etc… then, REJOICE!
Happy Tuesday!
Jennifer
Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!
Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session! The Time is NOW!
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Gourmet Burgers in McLean! A New Hot Spot!
January 17th, 2008 Categories: Local News, McLean Dirt
Welcome Joe’s Burgers!
McLean has long needed a great burger joint – and here it is. For a month or so people have been telling me of this great new place in McLean for lunch called Joe’s Burgers – knowing, of course, that burgers and fries are 2 of my staple food groups! So yesterday I finally had the opportunity to go and see for myself.
The inside is quite small - but accommodated the diners quite nicely. There were 5 tables for 2 and 2 tables for 4 and a bar that seats 3. That’s it – nice ambiance!
The menu is simple – burgers, Kobe beef burgers, ostrich burgers, and a few chicken sandwiches - and everything comes with fries. Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Iced Tea (and of course, beer/wine - but not at lunch, at least not for me) are the beverage choices – nice and simple and reasonably priced. The service was super friendly, too!
My FAVORITE part is that you can add mushrooms, bacon and/or carmelized onions for FREE!!! Yes, you heard it, nada, zip, zilch, nothing, FREE. Not $1.30/extra topping!
So don’t go if you’re on a diet because it’s delicious – wonderful grilled beef, fresh buns, shoestring fries… YUM!
So stop in next time you’re in McLean and hungry. And if you’re interested in McLean real estate, give me a jingle!
Happy Thursday!
Jennifer
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5 Fun (really!) Facts about Leaf Collection in Arlington County
November 9th, 2007 Categories: Arlington Dirt, Local News
O-K Arlingtonians – Leaf Collection has officially begun.
Don’t you love this time of year? Bright yellow, red and orange leaves adorn the trees and now has created a carpet of fall colors on the ground. All of these leaves need to go somewhere! Arlington County Environmental Services has leaf collection down to a science. Here are some fast (and fun) facts that might be of interest:
1. TWO Options for Leaf Collection:
Arlington County Environmental Services offers us two options: vacuum curb service, OR you may place leaves in the FREE biodegradable leaf bags that the county provides. The leaf bags will ONLY be collected during this leaf pickup time of year – and won’t be picked up again until the spring yard waste pick-up. Check the schedule to see when they will be in your neighborhood.
2. TWO months of collection:
Arlington County will make two leaf collection passes, one in November and again in December.
3. What do they do with all these leaves?
After the leaves have been collected, Arlington mulches them and makes the mulch available to residents.
4. How many leaves are collected?
Just a fun fact here. In 2006, so many leaves were collected in Arlington County that they could cover the Washington Wizard’s court 18 stories high with leaves! Now, that’s a lot of leaves!!
5. Dry Leaves Are FIRE HAZARDS!!!
Bet you didn’t know this – DON’T PARK YOUR CAR ON A PILE OF DRY LEAVES – One Arlington man learned his lesson the hard way when he returned to his car to find it engulfed in flames – so bear that in mind!
I think that about sums up everything and more that you’d ever want to know about leaf collection in Arlington County!
Happy Friday
Jennifer
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Arlington’s Car-Free Diet…
November 2nd, 2007 Categories: Arlington Dirt, Local News
GOTCHA!!! Bet you thought I said “care-free diet” - wouldn’t that be something? But alas, I said “car-free” – what, might you ask, is that? Well, have you noticed that over the past years, Arlington County has been trying to create a friendly co-existence between cars and bicycle and/or pedestrian traffic?
As a result of their efforts, Arlington county was recognized with the national Bicycle Friendly Community Silver Level Award! As I began to research, I stumbled upon a wonderful web resource for all of our local cycling enthusiasts – Bike Arlington!
On Bike Arlington, you will find local bike routes, sometimes even guided tours at pre-set times that you can join in! Maps, cycling advice, resources and a way to meet up with others that enjoy pedaling around town, too! You can find helpful information on bike commuting, AND some updates on new, bicycle-friendly local developments — for example, there’s an initiative underway to construct a new, multi-use trail connecting the W & OD Trail to the Four Mile Run trail.
There are so many great things about living in Arlington – this is another great example of why I love calling Arlington “home.”
And by the way, the car-free diet is really a challenge – it’s a suggestion that on a regular basis, you substitute a driving trip for either cycling, walking or public transportation. As a result, you’ll be helping the environment, easing road congestion, saving you money AND you’ll be healthier!
Happy pedaling – and Happy FRIDAY!!
Jennifer
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Arlington County Goes GREEN - Blog Action Day October 15, 2007
October 15th, 2007 Categories: Arlington Dirt, Local News
Today is Blog Action Day! It’s ONE day where bloggers around the world have pledged to devote their blog to matters of the environment. Here in Arlington County, we have a wonderful building project called Green Home Choice Program.
I’m sure you’ve heard all about the “green movement” – as it relates to the 
housing industry, it involves updating processes and materials to build (or renovate) a more environmentally friendly home. Arlington County has created a program called the Green Home Choice Program. The program deals with everything from minimizing the amount and types of construction waste, to eco-friendly products and energy efficient (Energy Star) systems. Having an energy efficient home can not only save you money each month on your energy bills, but also save in the long term on the use of natural resources, like water and gas. Green homes can also help reduce the allergens and pollutants sometimes found in building materials.
One of the great side benefits of participating in this program is that the “green home” builder moves to the front of the permit approval line often saving measurable time in the building process.
In order to qualify as a certified builder in the Green Home Choice Program, an application is required through the county outlining the project intent – a special inspector will then be assigned who will keep a scorecard for the project to ensure that the project remains in the acceptable scores for the program. Arlington County maintains a great list of resources for green home architects, builders and suppliers.
In the end, going green is kind to our environment, saves the homeowner money each month AND might even be completed a little more quickly with the help of Arlington County! So if you’re considering going green, check out the benefits and go for it!
Happy Monday
Jennifer
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The Surprising Truth about Jury Duty in Arlington County
October 2nd, 2007 Categories: Arlington Dirt, Local News
Yes, I have been called upon to serve Jury Duty by Arlington County. At first – I think my first thought was, “I can’t serve Jury Duty now - I’ve got too much going on!” C’mon, let’s be truthful – isn’t that the most natural response?
So for a month, I’ve been preparing my strategies, listening to other wise souls tell stories of how they narrowly escaped, or what tactics I should use in order to be excused. So, as requested, Monday morning, October 1, I showed up to see what was in store for me. Oh, and by the way, the hardest part about being there yesterday morning was that we couldn’t have our cell phones… WHAT? No CELL PHONE??? Crazy – so after I got over that…
I looked around the room and saw folks from all walks of life enter that room; all ages, many interesting dress styles, etc… all reading the pamphlet the nice officer handed us in the hallway about what to expect during Jury Duty. We were all escorted to one of the 10th Floor Courtrooms to await Jury Orientation…. so far, so good. I’m preparing my speech which includes the fact that I’m self employed and if I don’t work, I don’t eat, etc…
Then, Mr. David Bell comes in – he’s the Clerk of the Court for Arlington County Circuit Court – a delightful man, along with Sheriff Beth Arthur – they both welcomed us and thanked us for doing our civic duties! Then Mr. Bell told stories and we all chuckled, and overall, he did a wonderful job of making all of us comfortable. Then something funny happened – I actually began to look forward to my time there with the Arlington County Circuit Court — looking forward to seeing justice in action, and being a part of it! So when he asked folks to come up (form a line) to discuss any issues (health issues, travel plans, etc..) that may prevent them from serving (and by the way, there is a long list of legitimate reasons why one can be relieved of their duty)… I just sat there – just sat there.
One thing Mr. Bell had told us during our orientation was that here in Arlington County they realize that people have lives – and from time to time, something prevents a juror from being able to serve on a particular day – so guess what – THEY EXCUSE YOU!!! How reasonable is that? So, all of a sudden, I was feeling much better. I got excused for the few occasions that I already had appointments and then looked forward to getting down to business.
I was called to be a juror in a case yesterday morning - right out of the gate… but was then excused by 1pm. I was called in to duty this morning, but was not called for the case – out by 11:30. I’m excused for the next 2 days for business reasons, and jury trials do not begin on Fridays. I also lucked out because Monday is a holiday. So I’ll report in for duty (if called) Tuesday morning… 
oh, and if you are called in for the day, you only need arrive by 9:50! Very civil, indeed!
So, fine residents of Arlington County, when you receive that notice in the mail – know that you will have some amount of flexibility, and you will be performing a civic duty to ensure someone’s constitutional right to a jury trial to determine their fate. I encourage you to embrace the opportunity to see the wheels of justice in motion! You might just enjoy it!
Happy Tuesday
Jennifer
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How to Have a BIG Impact from a Little Acorn
September 27th, 2007 Categories: Arlington Dirt, Local News
Two years ago the Virginia Department of Forestry hand picked acorns from 
Jamestown Island to produce cherrybark oak saplings and thus, Project Acorn was born. This fall, Project Acorn will distribute 750 2–year old Cherrybark Oak saplings throughout Arlington County for free, primarily to be used by private residences, schools, churches and county land.
This tree had historic significance to our early settlers and by re-introducing the trees into the Arlington area, we will benefit from their high canopy (100–130ft. in height) and their long lives (250 year expected lifespan) for many years to come.
This project is brought to us by the Maywood Community Association through a generous grant from the Arlington Committee on Jamestown 2007.
For more information on the project, the history or the trees, OR to find out how to get yours, visit the Project Acorn site. Plant a Tree, give life!
Happy Thursday
Jennifer
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