This week in Reston, there are 85 properties available to rent, according to Homesnap. These range from a $5.5K/month newly renovated home with a three-car garage to a $1.6K/month centrally located condo with courtyard views.

Below are six recently listed rentals:

• 10754 Blaze Drive — 4 BD/4.5 BA single-family home — $5,500/month
• 11776 Stratford House Place #505 — 2 BD/2 BA condo — $2,700/month
• 11592 Embers Court — 4 BD/2 BA single-family home — $2,300/month
• 11653 Stoneview Square #11C — 3 BD/2 BA apartment — $1,900/month
• 11737 Ledura Court #T1 — 2 BD/2 BA condo — $1,800/month
• 11224 Chestnut Grove Square #228 — 2 BD/1.5 BA condo — $1,695/month

In the market? Check out the latest in Reston real estate.

Reston’s Pet of the Week is Leeta. She’s available for adoption locally.

Here’s what her friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team have to say:

Meet Leeta! This poor baby has had a rough start to her life. Her previous “owners” kept Leeta locked in a crate outside without showing her the slightest bit of kindness. Luckily for Leeta, Fancy Cats & Dogs came along to rescue her! Leeta is a very happy girl who is always smiling even when she sleeps.

She is crate trained well and, as long as she can see you, she does not cry, whine or bark while in the crate. She has some training going as she knows basic commands and minds well while on a walk. She seems to learn routines well.

Leeta’s foster thinks she would thrive in a loving home where she is the only pet. She craves so much attention and love that she’d prefer not to share you!

She loves to run and would love a running companion! Toys that squeak and crinkle are her favorites.

Are you and Leeta the perfect match?

Sure, you can get your dose of daily news via social media, but wading through all the comments and ~very strong~ opinions is just plain draining these days.

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You’ve been thinking about a home remodel for a while. You know the type of design aesthetic you like, have figured out your “must-have” list and have started to research the different types of contractors and companies you could work with. But one question still remains: How do I pay for a home remodel?

We understand undertaking a home remodel is a big step that requires significant financial investment. It can be a daunting task knowing where to even start the process, so we’re here to help make life a little easier and walk you through the options of how you can pay for a home remodel.

Before you get started, do your homework and have open conversations with your chosen home remodeler or general contractor about how much your home remodel is going to cost. Any reputable contractor should be able to give you guidance on what you should expect to invest in your home if you use their services early on in the process.

Note: Synergy Design & Construction is not affiliated with any companies or services that provide home loan products or services. We do believe, however, that helping inform and educate homeowners is all part of the job. If this information helps relieve some of the stress homeowners feel when it comes to thinking about a home remodel, then that makes us happy!

1. Cash

If you are one of the fortunate few, maybe paying for your remodel isn’t an issue. One of the questions we often receive, however, is how payment can be made. Many homeowners would like to pay by credit card so they can accrue points or other benefits. This sounds like a great idea but, unfortunately, credit card fees are applied (usually 3%) that are, in most cases, passed on to homeowners. No fun. The same applies to debit cards and electronic check payments via PayPal Invoice. Our preferred method is the good old-fashioned check.

Word of caution: Never pay the entire cost of your home remodel upfront. We do not even ask for 50% as a deposit. Your chosen home renovation company or general contractor should be able to provide you with what is called a “draw schedule” that aligns payments with the completion of significant milestones on your project.

2. Home Improvement Loans

Unless you’ve been planning for your remodel for a long time and have been saving up to pay for it, you may need to take out a loan to pay for all or part of it.

Home renovation loans are often the smartest way for homeowners to finance their entire renovation project, but many people don’t know they even exist or how they work.

If you are looking for a bridge loan between your savings and the total cost of your home or you would like to borrow the entire amount, then a home improvement loan may be right for you.

Home improvement loans are personal loans, not equity loans, so the loan options are based on your income and creditworthiness. Companies that provide these types of loans give the money directly to the homeowner upfront, not the contractor. This makes life easier for both you and the contractor when it comes time to get paid.

Read More

Everyday access has a new address at Union Towns Reston Station. Here, you’ll discover 26 new luxury townhomes just steps from the action with Metro, shopping, dining and more all within walking distance.

Not only will you enjoy a premier location at Union Towns, but you’ll also be able to personalize a new home that offers 2,779 square feet of interior living space plus 349 square feet of private outdoor living space. Starting from the $890s, each garage townhome design is outfitted with signature features — including a private rooftop terrace, your “Yard in the Sky.”

Each day you’ll appreciate the bright flowing design and refined finishes in your new home. On the main level alone you’ll find an open floor plan featuring a fully equipped chef’s kitchen and soaring 10-foot ceilings. This is the craftsmanship and attention to detail you can count on from the Knutson Companies, a well-respected local builder.

Right outside your door are even more reasons to love your new Union Towns community. On-site amenities include a dog park, green space, and members-only access to a nearby rooftop pool and fitness center. Plus, take advantage of close proximity to the W&OD Trail for walking, running or biking. There’s never a shortage of exciting ways to fill your day.

And when you’re ready to explore the surrounding area, it couldn’t be easier. Just catch the Metro a few blocks away to access the best of top destinations in Arlington, Tysons Corner and Washington, D.C. For lengthier trips, traveling is convenient via Dulles International or Reagan National airports.

It’s a rare opportunity in a vibrant community, and the new Hayden model has just debuted in Reston Station. Union Towns is open daily for tours and appointments, with both virtual and in-person options available. Visit UnionTowns.com or contact 703-348-1384 for more information.

According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs rankings, Virginia Tech’s 100% online Master’s in Information Technology is the nation’s fourth best and is ranked No. 1 for veterans.

The VT-MIT program, a joint venture offered through the College of Engineering and the Pamplin College of Business, maintains a top five ranking for the eighth consecutive year. The top placement attests to the program’s enduring commitment to supplying professionals in the field of information technology with the interdisciplinary and emerging skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

“The VT-MIT program appeals to individuals interested in the intersection of the more technical information technology capabilities and the people skills needed to manage today’s complex workplace,” said Parviz Ghandforoush, the program’s executive director and an associate dean for graduate programs.

The program combines a variety of disciplines within the College of Engineering and the Pamplin College of Business, including computer science, electrical and computer engineering, accounting and information systems, business information technology, and management.

“The VT-MIT program’s top rankings and the appreciative testimonials of our students and graduates underscore the superior quality of our program and its critical relevance for anyone seeking to move ahead professionally,” said Pamplin College of Business Dean Robert Sumichrast. “In today’s innovation-centered workplace, business knowledge and technology expertise have become critical dual strengths for career advancement.”

This year, U.S. News & World Report also ranked the master of information technology program as the No. 1 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Program for Veterans.

“For veterans looking to enter the corporate job market, the VT-MIT program offers courses and certificates to mitigate the shortage of professionals in such IT fields as cybersecurity, data analytics, big data, health information technology and software development,” Ghandforoush said.

According to U.S. News & World Report methodology, veterans and active-duty service members gain the most from distance education that is affordable, accessible and reputable. The 2021 Best Online Programs for Veterans rankings measure these factors in consideration of financial benefits available specifically to people with military experience.

Learn more about Virginia Tech’s 100% online Master of Information Technology degree and 10 graduate certificate options at vtmit.vt.edu.

Meet Uma and Circus, 10-year-0ld kitties who are available for adoption locally.

Here’s what their friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team had to say about them:

Uma and Circus were pulled when their time was up at a Maryland shelter. Big boy Circus is calm and loves being pet. He’s very easygoing and may seem slightly hesitant at first but quickly warms up and then shows you what a social but gentle giant he is. Circus is a playful guy if you initiate it and is happy to catch the feather wand over and over again.

His pal, Uma, is a sleek house panther and takes her playing very seriously. Once you give her the feather toy, she will not let go of it — it’s HERS! She’s a very chatty girl, and if you can get a very fun dialogue going with her, she will keep responding! While Uma is a very social lady, she does have a diva side, so it’s important to know when she is overstimulated by too much playing or petting. (A thumping tail on any cat is a sure sign!) These 10-year-olds are housed at our adoption center at the Chantilly PetSmart.

Are you, Uma and Circus the perfect trio?

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.

Government contractors, federal employees and military personnel holding security clearances have a duty to self-report security issues that happen between investigations.

Not reporting timely security concerns can lead to a loss of one’s security clearance. Unfortunately, there are often uncertainties about self-reporting and when and how it applies to a clearance holder.

The Duty to Self Report

The duty to self-report was best defined by an administrative judge from the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) in a 2001 case: “[I]t is the responsibility of security clearance holders to report events which negatively affect the status of the security clearance holder or the facility. [A]ny information… [which] reflects adversely on the integrity or character of a security clearance holder should be reported to security personnel to avoid compromising situations that make the security clearance holder vulnerable to coercion, exploitation, or duress.”

Examples of What Might be Reported

A reportable security concern is an incident that falls under one of the Adjudicative Guidelines contained in Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4). In most cases, legal counsel should be consulted to determine how to self-report an issue. The following are just a few of the more common examples of security issues that could trigger a duty to self-report:

• An individual uses illegal drugs (including the use of marijuana even in states or countries where legal locally). This can be a very complicated security concern given the intersection of criminal law and clearance law where legal advice will definitely be needed.
• An individual is arrested. The timing and substance of reporting this incident will be important so legal advice will be needed.
• An individual petitions for bankruptcy. Because filing for bankruptcy bears on financial considerations under SEAD 4, the individual should likely report the filing as soon as possible to his or her security officer.
• An individual marries a foreign citizen. Because marrying a foreign citizen can raise foreign influence issues under SEAD 4, it most likely will trigger a duty to self-report.

When Should a Security Concern be Reported?

When an individual who holds a security clearance determines that a security concern requires self-reporting, it is important to do so as soon as possible. The typical procedure for doing so is to notify one’s security officer of the security concern. The security officer may simply take note of the situation, report it or take other action.

The individual almost always feels embarrassed to self-report a security concern. However, not reporting an incident can lead to the loss of an individual’s security clearance. If an individual has questions about what should be reported, he or she should seek legal advice from an attorney experienced in security clearance law as soon as possible. There are risks to self-reporting, so it is important to seek legal counsel prior to doing so where possible.

Contact Us

If you need of legal representation or advice on the reporting of security clearance issues or any other security clearance matters, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook or Twitter.

Meet Reston’s newest Pet of the Week, Scott. Scott is a friendly guy who’s just looking for his scratcher-in-chief.

Here’s what his friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team had to say about him:

Scott is a little bit shy at first, but once he knows he’s home, he wants to tell you all about it!

He’s got a big loud meow and a bigger purr. He likes to be petted and held. He loves to play with string toys — or really any toys. He doesn’t need constant attention and will settle in for a nap or a bird watch when you’re busy with other things. This young man is ready for action when you’ve got a spare moment! He’s great with the litter box and loves a good ear scratch.

Will you be his scratcher-in-chief and give this little love bug a forever home?

Are you and Scott the perfect match?

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.

Our law firm has represented both employees and employers in employment investigations. This article discusses some of the issues involved when an employer conducts an investigation in the workplace and also issues that employees should consider.

Employers conduct workplace investigations into employee complaints typically because they may face legal consequences if confronted with allegations that they do not investigate. For example, if an employee alleges sexual harassment, religious discrimination or race discrimination at work and the claims are not investigated, an employer can be more readily held liable should litigation later occur. The same type of investigation is necessary when dealing with claims of whistleblowing and other alleged inappropriate conduct at work.

Of note, Virginia has recently added a number of new pro-employee protection laws that will make workplace investigations more likely.

Typical Steps in a Workplace Investigation

In most employment investigations, it’s common for an employer to hire an outside law firm (or occasionally use internal counsel) to conduct an employment investigation. Other employers will begin the process with human resources personnel conducting the investigation.

Once an investigator is appointed, they will start their investigation. From the employer’s perspective, their ultimate goal is to minimize their liability. While an investigator may find an individual employee at fault, the investigator ultimately wants to find and document that no fault on the part of an employer occurred. They also want to document the fact that they seriously looked into the allegations at issue.

While these vary, the following steps usually take place in an employer investigation:

1. The investigator reviews the complaint and plans their investigation.
2. The investigator then interviews the complainant or complainants regarding the allegations.
3. The investigator interviews the employee or employees with knowledge of the issues in the complaint and allegations.
4. The investigator interviews the accused employee or employees.
5. The investigator conducts follow-up interviews of any witnesses as needed.
6. The investigator reviews any relevant documentation, emails or other evidence involving the complaint.
7. The investigator often concludes by issuing a final report with recommendations to an employer.
8. The investigator or employer human resources personnel, to varying degrees, informs the complainant and/or employees under investigation of the outcome of the investigation.

Employee Representation

Depending on the employer and circumstances, an employee may have the right to legal representation during the investigative process. We assist complainants during such investigations and also defend employees accused or under investigation in the workplace for alleged misconduct. It is highly recommended that both complainants and those under investigation have legal counsel.

Results of the Workplace Investigation

Once an employer’s investigation is over, the outcome can vary. A report might be prepared, along with recommendations on actions to be potentially taken.

The investigation can result in the termination or other discipline for an accused employee or employees. The investigation can also result in a complainant filing an Equal Employment Opportunity complaint against an employer. Finally, an investigation can also vindicate an accused employee. No matter the outcome, an employer must be careful in avoiding retaliation against a complaining employee, even when their complaint is found to not be sustained. Retaliation is quite common against complainants, and employers can be held liable for retaliation when this occurs.

Each investigation is different, and different employers vary significantly in how they handle workplace investigations. Complainants and other employees should be represented throughout the process.

Conclusion

If an employee needs assistance with an employment investigation or other issue, please contact our office at 703-668-0070, or visit our website to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook or connect with us on Twitter.

The biggest question a homeowner faces when taking on a $15K+ bathroom renovation is, “Will I be happy with my new bathroom?”

The answer will be based primarily on the bathroom’s design. Finding a reputable contractor who can do the work takes effort — but it is doable. The real challenge of creating a beautiful space is aligning design concepts with personal taste. Enter a professional designer. However, even for a small bathroom that service typically costs thousands.

Until now.

Local bathroom renovation startup Remodelmate has introduced a tech-based service allowing homeowners to pair with a professional designer for $650 — a fraction of the traditional cost.

It starts with a link sent to the homeowner’s smartphone allowing them to quickly scan their existing bathroom. The app takes thousands of photos and measurements, creating a 3D model of the space.

The designer references homeowner inspiration images and uses photorealistic rendering technology to apply an initial design to the 3D model, which is then refined until the final image matches the homeowner’s vision.

The homeowner ends up with a magazine-worthy design that matches their personal style, including virtual photographs of the finished bathroom — all before any materials are ordered or construction begins.

Learn more at remodelmate.com.

Meet Classy Carolina, a friendly Great Pyrenees mix who’s looking for her forever home.

Here’s what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:

Meet Carolina, a beautiful Great Pyrenees girl who weighs about 65 pounds and is just barely 1 year old. She’s such a nice girl, friendly and affectionate — even does well on a leash. We’re confident Carolina will make her adopters a terrific companion. This great girl is a nice blend of friendly affection and normal puppy playfulness and will bring lots of love to any home.

Are you and Classy Carolina the perfect match?

We are excited to announce that The Kensington Reston, our beautiful assisted living and memory care community on Sunrise Valley Drive, is now open and welcoming residents.

We spent the last year getting ready to deliver to seniors an extraordinary place designed and built to meet their unique needs. We hired best-in-class professionals whose hearts are as big as the sun. And we trained them to provide care and service that reflect our constant commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of older adults.

We promise to love and care for your family as we do our own. Our care and assistance is more comprehensive than what many other traditional assisted living communities can offer. Excellent staff-to-resident ratios help deepen connections between caregivers and residents. Pocket programs — personalized small-group activities — foster friendships and a sense of purpose. Two levels of memory care address the challenges unique to each phase of disease progression. Couples are welcome and can reside together in the same suite, even if their care needs differ. And we are following all recommended COVID precautions.

We’re standing by, eager to listen and ready to help.

Schedule an appointment for a personal tour, or RSVP to our open house this Saturday, Feb. 20, by emailing [email protected] or calling 571-494-8100.

Visit our website at www.KensingtonReston.com for more information.

Meet Sabrina and Sheba, loving senior tabbies who are up for adoption locally.

Here’s what their friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team had to say about them:

Sabrina and Sheba are very well loved pet tabbies who have been together their whole lives. Unfortunately, their owner just died so they need a new loving home to live out the rest of theirs as well.

Are you, Sabrina and Sheba the perfect trio?

This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.

Inventory is starting to pick up, but it is happening very slowly. Interest rates are astonishingly low at 2.5% to 2.8%, which puts home ownership within reach of many more buyers. The single-family house and townhouse market is moving at a fast pace. The condo market is also moving quickly but is much more price sensitive, so if you’re selling a condo, you’ll really need to pay close attention to the price relative to the condition.

If you are a buyer in this market, you will need to do your homework upfront so you can act quickly when the right property comes on the market. What does that mean?

1. Go ahead and choose your lender and get ALL your documentation completed so that all you need to do is give them a ratified contract.
2. Have your agent review the contract and the buying process upfront. Make sure you understand the contract contingencies and the risks that come with choosing to waive them to make your offer stronger.
3. If you are not inclined to waive contingencies, discuss with your agent how you can make your offer the most appealing.

Look for more inventory in the next few weeks.

Here are few of the properties that settled in the past 10 days:

1446 Yellowwood Court
4 BD/3.5 BA
List Price: $535,000
Sold Price: $545,000

11717 Karbon Hill Court
2 BD/2 BA
List Price: $310,000
Sold Price: $300,000

1719 Ivy Oak Square
3 BD/2.5 BA
List Price: $415,000
Sold Price: $420,000

For information on great Reston neighborhoods, or if you would like a free valuation of your home please feel free to contact me.