This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

Many of my clients are curious about the whole Reston Association Design Review Process. It is something they really want to understand before buying a home in Reston.

In a previous post, I talked about working with Reston Association’s Design Review Board. Today, the topic is appealing a DRB decision. And yes, you can do it.

How to Appeal a DRB Decision

To appeal a DRB decision, you must be either the applicant or a registered Affected Party. And the DRB will hear only one appeal of a decision.

To get your appeal heard, you must submit it to the DRB Secretary within 15 days after the notice of a decision has been mailed. If you’re filing the appeal as an Affected Party, it must submit it within seven days after notice of a decision has been mailed. All requests for appeals must be submitted in writing.

After that, the process is that the Secretary will schedule the appeal to the next available full Design Review Board. DRB decisions may be overturned on appeal for either or both of two reasons:

• If the original reviewer(s) misapplied specific guidelines or DRB-approved cluster standards.
• If there is new and/or additional design information that was not available to the original reviewer(s).

Typically, the appeal decision becomes the final decision.

For more information on the Design Review process, visit the Reston Association website.

This is a sponsored column from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

The spring market is picking up, and inventory is moving fast in Reston. Here are a selection of homes new to the market this week:

11990 Market Street #1002, 3 BR, 3 BA Condo, $1,475,000

1298 Stamford Way,  6 BR, 4.5 BA SFH, $1.160,000

11187 Longwood Grove Drive, 5 BR, 3.5 BA SFH, $939,000

1141 Meadowlook Court, 3 BR, 3.5 BA SFH, $829,000

1275 Lamplighter Way, 4 BR, 3.5 BA SFH, $699,900

2068 Lake Audubon Court, 3 BR, 3.5 BA TH, $699,900

12035 Edgemere Circle, 3 BR, 2 FB, 2HB TH, $569,900

11800 Sunset Hills Road #821, 2 BR, 2 BA Condo, $469,900

To see all new listings, visit Reston Real Estate’s website.

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

Links Pond Cluster in South Reston feels like a little touch of country in the heart of Reston.

The 67-home neighborhood borders Reston National Golf Course, and features the pond for which the cluster is named. It’s a common sight in the summer to see people spending lazy days fishing in the pond. This cozy neighborhood feels remote, but is actually in the heart of all Reston has to offer.

Developed in 1974, the Links Pond community features three-level, four-bedroom brick-and-siding townhouses. Each home has one assigned parking space, with plenty of additional parking on South Lakes Drive.

This is a great community for young families. The schools — Terraset Elementary, Langston Hughes, and South Lakes High School – are all close. With easy access to the Reston Association paths, it’s easy to get out for a run or walk. Links Pond is close to both South Lakes Village Center and Hunters Woods Village Center, home to the Reston Community Center.

Residents also have easy access to the Toll Road and the Wiehle Metro station. As with every cluster that is part of Reston Association, Links Pond residents have access to the RA pools and tennis courts—nearby Glade pool with its waterslide is a favorite for kids!

Find listings for Links Pond and South Reston on my website.

This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

It seems the Spring market has arrived- new listings jumped last week as 30 new properties hit the market. Supply however is still tight as well priced properties are quickly going under contract. Current inventory is 107 properties for sale with a typical Reston price spread of $3,499,000 to $139,900.

Here are few of the new listings:

1378 CAMERON HEATH DR 5BR 4.5 Bath $1,189,000

12025 NEW DOMINION PKWY 2BR 2 Bath $995,700

2012 SWANS NECK WAY 4BR 3.5 Bath $639,900

11611 HUNTERS GREEN CT 4BR 2.5 Bath $510,000

2226 HUNTERS RUN DR #2226 2BR 2 Bath $285,000

1558 MOORINGS DR #2A 1BR 1 Bath $215,000 

For more listings, visit Reston Real Estate.

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

The real estate market has been moving at a fast clip since the end of the holiday season. All indications are for a strong spring market and a solid 2014.

All good news — except where there’s money being made there are people out trying to make a quick buck at your expense. Given how much it cost to get into a property it’s easy to get fooled into spending a little extra cash.

Here’s how the scam works. When you go to settlement on a home purchase one of the things you’ll be told – one of among many is that you’ll receive a copy of your deed in the mail in the next four to eight weeks following settlement; and that’s exactly how it works. About eight weeks after you move into your new home you’ll receive a copy of your deed in the mail.

See the Scammer letter here

What the scammers are doing is mailing you a very official looking document that’s called a DEED PROCESSING NOTICE that asks you to pay $83  in order to get a copy of your deed. If you read the document carefully it does contain disclaimers stating that they’re not affiliated with Fairfax County but  Wow- take a look at this document and tell me if it doesn’t look like this is the way you get your official deed? It contains all the correct property tax information, the land values, it has an official looking bar code. I’m sure it fools many, many people.

Thousands of pieces of property traded hands in Fairfax County last year, at $83 you could make a lot of money selling people something they’re going to receive for free.

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

With its large green space-to-house ratio (Five acres to 26 homes), Brookshire Cluster is a magnet for young families. Being a cul-de-sac inherently makes for a warm and cozy community that is safe for children to run and play.

Built in 1964 and 65, Brookshire Cluster is one Reston’s original clusters. These two- and three-bedroom homes feature an average of 1,500 square feet of living space. As an all-electric cluster association, Brookshire was one of the first clusters to add underground wiring for all utilities (stable through the worst storms) and FIOS for broadband and cable options.

This small townhome community is surrounded by lush green foliage, magnificent old oak trees, interconnecting paths and recreational areas. It borders tennis courts, a volleyball court and sprinkler park on one side and Lake Anne Village Center on the other.

Brookshire is also designated a Natural Wildlife Habitat Status. Residents take pride in this community, and bi-annual cluster cleanups where all members help maintain the landscape and beauty of the neighborhood are well attended—the fact that this is one of the friendliest neighborhoods in Reston probably adds to that!

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

As a real estate agent, I frequently have conversations with clients and friends about their home renovation plans. I’m always amazed at the interesting ideas people have for improving their homes. However, almost always the conversation turns to how much they dread going through the Reston Association design review process.

This is not something you need to dread! I promise — the DRB application procedures are very easy to follow. And, if you do need help, it’s there for you. The Covenants Advisors are one of Reston homeowners’ greatest resources that many don’t know about.  They are here to help make the design review process the easiest part of your renovation project.

DRB application procedures

The Reston Association website has all the phone numbers and forms you need. Here is a recap of the DRB application procedures.

1. Contact RA to find out who your Covenants Advisor is. They’ll meet with you and advise you on your project and everything you’ll need for your application.

2. Submit your application. The application can be found on the RA website. The application includes the following:

• A detailed written description of the proposed exterior modification or addition
• Scale drawings
• A site plan showing the size and location of project
• Photographs of the existing condition
• A brochure, detail sheet or catalog photo of materials
• Estimated project completion date
• Signatures of at least three different property owners adjacent to or within view of your alteration or improvement. If your property is located within a Cluster Association, at least one of the signatures must be that of a Cluster Officer.

3. Bring in or mail your application to the Reston Association.

4. Property Visit — RA staff and/or members of the DRB may visit and possibly photograph your property for reference.

5. Attend the DRB review panel meeting —  While not all projects go in front of the DRB review panel, if your project does require it, you should plan on attending the meeting. Your Covenants Advisor can you let you know when it’s on the agenda.

Those are the basic steps. If your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision. Or you can revise the plans to meet RA Design Covenants and Guidelines and resubmit your application.

However, if you work with your Covenants Advisor and follow the RA guidelines, your project should be approved and you are on your way!

This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

Property inventory is still low with just 77 active listings in all three Reston zip codes. Serious buyers are ready with pre-approvals in hand as they search the internet and hit the open houses. The serious sellers have cleaned, painted and de-cluttered to make their property as appealing as possible.

Thirteen properties came on the market but nineteen went under contract. Here are some of the properties listed this week.

1754 SUNDANCE DR 3BR 2.5 Baths $369,900

11768 BAYFIELD CT 3BR 2.5 Baths $374,900

2114 GREEN WATCH WAY #201 2BR 2 Bath $270,000

2158 GREENKEEPERS CT 3BR 2 Full 2 Half Bath $415,000

1455 PARK GARDEN LN 3BR 3.5 Baths $535,000

11990 MARKET ST #1215 3BR 2Baths $990,000

For complete real estate coverage, visit Reston Now’s Real Estate section.

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

If you’re living in Reston, chances are you are a member of Reston Association. That means if you want to make a change to the exterior of your home, you’ll need the approval of the Reston Association Design Review Board (DRB).

For some reason, working with the DRB fills many people with dread. I’m not sure why. Working the DRB is really very easy. I’m not just saying that because I’m on the RA board and am DRB Liaison. For years, I’ve helped my clients (and friends and neighbors) work with the DRB. There are three simple tips for making the whole process smooth sailing.

1. Don’t assume that what your neighbor did is OK

There is no worse surprise than building your deck or adding a few windows only to get a letter from RA saying your in violation of design standards. In most of these situation, had the homeowner shown the plans to the DRB, the plans would have been approved with just a minor adjustment—saving the homeowner a lot of money and misery in the long run.

How can you avoid this mistake? Easy. Don’t assume because your neighbor has done something that it is OK. If you want to build an addition or make an alteration, contact RA and go through the design review process. The time you spend upfront will save you time and money later.

2. Follow the Process

My second piece of advice for homeowners is to simply follow the process. It’s not difficult. The Reston Association website provides very detailed information about what the DRB covers, how to fill out the application, and who to talk to if you have questions. (Hint, it’s your covenants advisor. Call 703-435-6530 to find yours.)

3. Take advantage of the Covenants Advisors

Your covenants advisor is a tremendous resource when it comes to planning your alteration/addition. They know what the guidelines are and they know what will or will not get DRB approval. You can save yourself tremendous time and energy by reaching out to them from the beginning. Some of the things they’ll do for you include:

• Sending you the guidelines or cluster standards that relate to your project
• Advising you about the information you will need to provide with your application
• Explaining how the review process works and what level of review and application will be necessary
• Giving you an estimate of how long the review process might take for your project
• Working with them is a benefit of RA membership. So use it!

The DRB plays an important role in upholding the design standards that make Reston so unique. Enjoy the process—and enjoy the the changes to your home.

This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

There were 15 new properties that came on the market this week, and you can expect more to follow. The market is moving quickly with well-priced property seeing multiple offers and even the occasional escalation clause.

11268 Center Harbor Rd., 5BR, 3.5 BA SFH. $949,900

2200 Jester Ct., 4BR, 2.5 BA SFH. $609,900

12202 Quorn Lane, 4BR, 2BA SFH. $599,000

12001 Market St. #310, 3BR, 2BA Condo. $549,900

1455 Park Garden Lane, 3BR, 3.5 BA TH. $535,000

1860 Stratford Park Place #308, 2BR, 2BA Condo, $499,900

2037 Chadds Ford Lane, 4BR, 3.5 BA TH. $475,000

To see more listings, visit All Reston Real Estate.

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

There are many pros to townhouse living — for me, the common space is one of the big ones. It’s nice to have lots of green space that somebody else maintains. For many people, though, privacy is one of the detractors of a townhouse community.

Arbor Glen Cluster in Reston is one of those rare neighborhoods that has it all — lovely architecture, plenty of common space, and privacy. Lots of privacy.

Miller & Smith designed this community of 44 townhouses to maximize privacy. The townhouses are arranged in groups of four to six in a “Z” row, which means that each house feels more private.  A private, one-way road loops the cluster, adding to the charm of the neighborhood. While Arbor Glen is right off busy Lake Newport Road, and close to Reston Parkway (only the soccer fields stand between the two), the neighborhood is exceptionally quiet.

These spacious three- and four-bedroom townhomes were built between 1986 and 1988. Nestled in a wooded area, Arbor Glen is less than a five-minute walk to Northpoint Village Center and Lake Newport pool (Reston’s only Olympic-sized pool). Reston Town Center is less than two miles away.

If you’re looking for the privacy of a single family home, the convenience of a townhome community, and easy access to shopping, schools, and recreation, then Arbor Glen is the neighborhood for you.

This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now

Inventory is slowing beginning to rise with new properties hitting the market every day.

Pent up demand has buyers moving quickly as new listing hit the market. Here are a few of the 17 properties that have been listed in the past 7 days bringing the total inventory to a slim 87 properties.

• 11500 FAIRWAY DR #207 2BR 2 Bath  $450,000
• 2354 SOFT WIND CT 4BR 2 Full 2 Half Bath  $444,975
• 11977 GREYWING CT 4 BR 2.5 Bath  $425,000
• 1236 WEATHERSTONE CT 3BR 2 Full 2 Half Bath  $519,900
• 10995 THRUSH RIDGE RD 3BR 2.5 Baths  $459,900
• 11483 HERITAGE COMMONS WAY 2BR 3.5 Baths  $459,900
• 2304 GLADE BANK WAY 3BR 3.5 Baths  $424,900
• 1300 WINDLEAF DR #160 2BR 2.5 Baths  $359,900

Reston Real Estate would like to thank everyone who liked our Facebook page during the month of December. We pledged to donate $1 to Cornerstones (formerly Reston Interfaith) for every new “like” on our page- we will (happily) wrote a check for $275.