This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
There were 22 properties that went from pending to sold this week in Reston. With 243 properties for sale at here, we’re still only carrying about 2.5 months of housing inventory.
While these numbers would indicate a “Seller’s Market,” the behavior of the buyers is still sluggish for many types of properties. If you have a well-priced single family home with a 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths you’ll probably be sporting a sold sign before you know it. Other types of property might take a little more patience.
Here are a few of the properties that sold this week.
- 11809 Triple Crown Road. Listed at $875,000; Sold at $875,000
- 1599 Stowe Road. Listed at $819,000; Sold at $810,000
- 11967 Heathcote Court. Listed at $399,900; Sold at $398,000 ($10,000 to buyer in closing cost)
- 1575 Church Hill Place. Listed at $319,900; Sold at $310,000 ($1,000 to buyer in closing cost)
- 12027 Insha Court. Listed at $399,900; Sold at $360,000
- 1625 Parkcrest Circle #301. Listed at $249,900; Sold at $240,000
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
In the last week, 48 New listings were added to the market. This brings the total number of homes for sale to 248.
Only 18 properties went from Active to Pending status. Prices have begun to rise, which will cool the market as affordability becomes an issue for some buyers.
Here are a few of the new listings for this week:
2058 Lake Audubon Ct. 3BR, 3.5 Baths $695,000
11990 Market St. #2111 2BR, 3 Baths $1,499,999
2284 Dosinia Ct. 5BR, 3.5 Baths $579,900
This is a sponsored post by veterinarian Elizabeth Arguelles, owner of Just Cats Clinic at Lake Anne Plaza. She writes weekly on Reston Now.
Dental disease is one of the most common ailments that affect cats. About two-thirds of felines older than three have it in some form or another ranging from mild tartar build up to resorptive lesions.
What causes dental diseases?
Many dental diseases are the result of tartar buildup on a cat’s teeth. Tartar can be easily identified by its tan or brown color. As a cat eats, some of the food gets stuck to its teeth and turns into plaque. Though some of that is removed naturally when the cat eats or licks its teeth, the remainder quickly mineralizes and becomes tartar and calculus. If the tartar is left untreated it can lead to gingivitis or inflammation of the gums.
Gingivitis normally starts at the edge of the gum. In some of the most severe cases, it can end up covering the entire tooth. The disease may cause inflammation or infection of the bone and ligaments that support the tooth. And as it progresses, it can cause destruction of the tissue, leading to excessive tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss. If left untreated for a longer period of time, gingivitis can lead to irreversible periodontal disease or the formation of an abscess.
One of the most common dental issues in cats is the feline oral resorptive lesion (FORL). While we aren’t sure what causes them, we do know they are usually found in cats older than four and on the outside of the surface of the tooth where the gum meets the tooth surface. FORLS erode the outside of the tooth causing increased pain and sensitivity. Unfortunately, FORLS are degenerative and often require tooth extraction for the affected area.
What are the classic signs of dental diseases in cats?
- Chewing with obvious discomfort
- Dropping food from its mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Very bad breath
- Pawing at its mouth
While these are the more obvious and severe symptoms of dental disease, sometimes more subtle behaviors like sleeping more, being less active, and even weight loss can be side effects of dental problems. Any time you feel your cat is just not his/herself, contact your veterinarian for exam.
Many cats will refuse to eat dry kibble or even wet food when they are suffering from dental discomfort or pain. If your cat suddenly develops a finicky appetite, this may be a sign that it has dental problems.
What can you do to help your cat?
If you see that your cat has tartar, redness around its gums or any signs of pain or discomfort, take it to your veterinarian for an examination. Treatment usually consists of dental cleanings under general anesthesia followed by home care such as brushing your cat’s teeth or feeding Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) certified treats or diets.
How can you prevent dental disease?
The best way to prevent dental disease is by practicing good oral hygiene and reducing tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth. Regular dental exams and cleanings at your veterinarian, brushing your cat’s teeth and feeding VOHC approved treats are the best ways to keep your cat’s teeth healthy.
This is a sponsored column by Cindy Beyer, a Reston-based interior designer and Reston Now Best Reston Business Award winner. Find her online at www.CindyLBeyer.com.
Hello, design friends. My name is Cindy Beyer, and I will be chatting with you for the next few months. I will gladly research any topic you wish. Today’s topic is choosing paint colors.
How many of you have painted a wall or even the entire room only to find that when it is finished it is not even close to the color you imagined? This happens more times than you can imagine, so don’t be so hard on yourself. If you have a happy husband or a friendly painter this would not be devastating. However, if you are paying a painter by the hour or job, you just might want to spend a little time before you apply the paint. Here are a few tips I use when choosing paint colors for my clients:
First, I meet with the client to review color choices from a fan deck or color card. These can be obtained from your local paint store. Each color card has several intensities, and I like to give the client the option of choosing a lighter intensity for the ceilings, and a darker intensity for the walls and accent walls.
Don’t be afraid to apply color to the ceiling. Ceilings are just as important as walls and can drastically change the look of the room. Once chosen, I purchase a small quart or sample jar of the color to be painted on a large piece of poster board. This way we can move the sample from room to room to really get a feel of how the color will look on the wall. I suggest taping the samples up with blue painter’s tape. It is amazing how different a color looks next to a window, and at different times of the day. Keeping the sample up on the wall for a few days is really worth the wait. Sit and enjoy your paint sample in the evening while sipping a glass of Chardonnay.
Once the color is chosen, I have the painter drag a few feet of paint on the wall to really get a feel for the color. If the color is acceptable, then it is safe to continue with the entire room. You must also keep in mind which finish is right for the application. Paint finishes include: flat/matte, eggshell, semi-gloss and gloss.
For most applications, I use a flat or matte finish, which shows the least amount of imperfections such as nail pops or bad drywall seams. Eggshell is a good finish to use in high traffic areas, bathrooms, kitchens and children’s rooms. Semi-gloss stands up to water and is good for doors and trims. The gloss finish is hard and shiny and is also used for doors and trims as well as furniture. When you are experimenting with your color boards if possible choose the correct finish to really gauge how your color will look on the wall. Have fun with it. Remember that it is only paint.
If you need help with your color choices, send me a note on my website.
Meet Maggie — this week’s Reston Pet of the Week.
Maggie is an Irish Setter who is also a survivor. Last month, she celebrated her one-year anniversary in remission from lymphoma. Here is what her owner Cheryl has to say:
Maggie LOVES Reston and all it has to offer for dogs like her. On June 4 she is celebrating her one- year of remission from lymphoma and is The Hope Center’s Oncology poster child for Cainine Cancer Awareness Month.
Maggie has grown up in Reston, she moved here when she was a year old, as I (who also grew up in Reston) returned back to the place I love. Maggie is an 11 1/2-year-old Irish Red and White Setter. She is full of life & energy!
Growing up, she played in Reston, loving the paths, trails, woods, open spaces, lakes, and everything that Reston has to offer. The most favorite past time is finding tennis balls at the many tennis courts of Reston and swimming in the lakes on a hot summer day or a cold March one.
Maggie lives life at 110 percent — she is a very active dog, so having all the paths to walk along and lead us to the many community shopping centers has been wonderful. She gets a lot of exercise, sees nature, and visit with families.
In general, life has been fairly ordinary, but at Christmas time 2012, Maggie got sick. A trip to ER at The Hope Center in Vienna lead to our diagnosis of lymphoma. In 2013 she had 24 weeks of full chemotherapy, with many ups and downs. On June 4, 2013 she was declared in remission. For the rest of the year, she recovered by climbing the hills of Reston. She now has more energy than she has had for the past two years, Life is ready to be lived again.
While we know that time is limited and fleeting. We are so happy to be able to be in a place that is so pet friendly and we can do all that she loves to do: Run, play and live.
Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.
Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Reston Town Center that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters. They write biweekly on RestonNow.
Ending an employment relationship can be difficult for both the employee and the employer. Here are some simple tips for employees and employers to consider that can help reduce the risk of the departure causing long-term career damage for the employee or resulting in the employee initiating a claim or lawsuit against a former employer. If employers and employees resolve the termination of the employment relationship amicably, it is less likely that a dispute will arise.
Tips for a departing employee:
1. Be careful about downloading information from an employer’s computer or making backups of company e-mails onto CDs or thumb drives without permission. There have been a number of recent cases where doing so without an employer’s permission can subject an employee to personal civil liability and/or cause the employee to jeopardize his or her security clearance. Get permission from the employer first if company policy is unclear.
2. Be careful about taking or making copies of documents from work when you leave. You may consider them your own work product, but an employer may consider them trade secrets; therefore, it could subject you to civil liability. Again, check with the employer first before taking or copying documents if company policy is unclear.
3. Don’t burn your bridges. Generally, an employee’s most memorable times of employment are his or her first and last weeks with an employer. Likewise, these are the times that an employer remembers most for purposes of future inquiries and references regarding the employee. It is far more prudent to be pleasant and professional when you leave an employer, even if you are terminated and/or the employment relationship has deteriorated. If an employee expresses anger or resentment to an employer, the contention can further cause significant difficulties when the employee attempts to use the former employer as a reference or later attempts to obtain or renew a security clearance. To the extent possible, employees should always leave on professional terms.
4. Do not sign a separation or severance agreement offered by an employer without first speaking with an attorney. Usually, the agreement includes a standard release and possibly non-compete and/or non-solicitation terms. An employee should understand what he or she is signing before agreeing to a release and/or any restrictive covenants. Keep in mind that severance terms can often be negotiated despite an employer’s initial suggestion that the employee “take it or leave it.” Most, if not all, severance terms are usually negotiable.
Tips for an employer dealing with a departing employee:
1. When terminating an employee, do so with dignity and kindness. Not only is this the right way to handle a termination, but it reduces the risk that the employee will file a future employment claim against the employer. Many claims are filed by employees because of the manner in which an employee was treated by the employer during termination. Read More
This is a sponsored post by veterinarian Elizabeth Arguelles, owner of Just Cats Clinic at Lake Anne Plaza. She writes weekly on Reston Now.
Every cat lover, at one point or another, has dealt with kitty scratches or even the dreaded cat bite. While typically scratches aren’t cause for concern, cat bites are a different story. Even playful “love bites” can lead to serious infections when they break the skin, even when it’s your own cat. All bites, no matter the cat’s history or vaccination status require medical attention. So what is it that makes cat bites so serious?
Because cats have extremely sharp teeth, their bites penetrate the skin easily and cause small but deep wounds. The bites can even be so deep that they damage a victim’s nerves, tendons and bones. Additionally, these deep almost pin prick like wounds allow bacteria that is trapped in the cat’s mouth to travel to joints and tendons harboring infection.
Why happens if a cat bite is left untreated?
Infection rates are higher in bites left untreated. The surface lesion from a cat bite generally scabs over quickly, sealing bacteria from the cat’s mouth inside the wound, where it can multiply and lead to an infection. Depending on the location and depth of the bite, the bacteria may even spread to the surrounding tissue, resulting in a condition called cellulitis. And in some cases, the bacteria can spread through the blood to other areas of the body and cause septicemia or blood poisoning.
What are the first steps you need to take when a cat bites you?
You should wash out the wound under running water immediately. Don’t use strong disinfectants, as these may delay the healing process. A better way to sterilize the wound is by using a mild salt water solution made up of one teaspoon of salt and 500 ml of water.
If there is excessive bleeding after washing out the wound, apply direct pressure to it and seek immediate medical attention.
Infections caused by cat bites usually develop between 24 and 48 hours after the bite if it is left untreated. An infected bite will be red, swollen and painful. Minor infections will generally require a course of oral antibiotics, whereas more serious cases will be treated with an IV drip. Be especially cautious of bites near joints, especially in your fingers as these tend to swell more.
Regardless of the severity or consequences of the bite, make sure to call your general physician or visit the emergency room as soon as possible! Please don’t wait to call the doctor if you have been bitten by a cat!
What will happen to the cat?
In most states, the physician is required to report the cat bite to the local department of health. If the cat’s vaccinations are up-to-date, it might be placed under a home quarantine for a week. If its rabies vaccination is not current, the quarantine period will be even longer or may require additional precautions. Make sure to look up your state and local county’s laws regarding cat bites and quarantines for more specific information.
Classic Reston is a biweekly feature sponsored by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce that highlights businesses, places and people with deep roots in Reston.
When Reston was founded in the mid-1960s, Reston founder Bob Simon envisioned horse owners buying homes in the south end of his “New Town.”
Many of the streets in the Hunters Woods area were given horse-related names and clustered around a barns where Hunters Woods Park sits today and at Steeplechase and Triple Crown Road. The new construction was marketed to prospective residents as a place to work, play and ride — even taking your horse to run errands at the new Hunters Woods Village Center.
The pony barn at Steeplechase and Triple Crown burned down in more than 30 years ago. On the site, Reston Association opened the Pony Barn Picnic Pavilion, a 2006 square foot picnic pavilion near the Glade Stream. There is also a swing set, grills and an open lawn area.
But it may be time to repurpose the Pony Barn area. Reston Association’s Board of Directors is about to begin a community engagement process to get feedback on what residents would like to see in the wooded spot.
Last November the RA Board of Directors marked $30,000 in the 2014 Capital Expense Budget for renovations to the Pony Barn area.
The board will consider a variety of uses, including a memorial garden of reflection.
To kick off the process, RA will send mailings to homes within a quarter-mile of the Pony Barn. They plan on organizing a task force, holding several community meetings, and developing a plan in conjunction with the Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR) and the RA Design Review Board. Any plans would have to go through the county planning process as well.
RA says it hopes to begin organizing the project this summer, with a final plan presented to RA, IPAR and the DRB by November.
What would you like to see in the Pony Barn spot? Tell us in the comments.
Photo: Pony Barn Pavilion in South Reston
This week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Zeus, a 2 1/2-year-old border collie/shepherd mix.
Here is what Zeus’ people, Susanne and John, had to say about him:
We rescued Zeus when he was eight weeks old from Lost Dog and Cat Rescue. He was the quietest pup in the litter the night we rescued him, but we soon learned to find out that he has more energy than a couple of kids combined.
Zeus enjoys many things, including but not limited to: scouring the house for any paper product he can find (tissues, TP, newspapers, napkins, it doesn’t matter, they are all tasty!), getting a new bone on Fridays for the weekend, sunbathing on the deck, playing pickle in the middle, visiting friends with fenced in yards and going to doggie day care.
Zeus also enjoys showing off his repertoire of tricks to family members and friends including high-fiving, praying and playing dead. We are sure glad that he is our “fur-child!”
Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.
Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Condo living in Reston is as good as it gets, and Edgewater Cluster is a great example. Located at the intersection of Baron Cameron and Town Center Parkway, these condos offer easy access to major roads, shopping, and entertainment.
Built in the mid-90s, this low-rise condominium complex features primarily two-bedroom units with 1 ½ or 2 baths. The complex is divided into smaller clusters for a community feel.
Many of the units face the large pond, and all are in walking distance of Reston Town Center, Trader Joe’s, and Harris Teeter, as well as Reston Hospital Center and the Reston Regional Library.
The community is in between the Fairfax County Parkway and Reston Parkway, providing easy access to any place you need to go — the Dulles Toll Road and Route 7 are within a few miles.
If you want access to all the Reston Town Center has to offer, Edgewater Cluster is a great value.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
This week in Reston, 14 properties went from a Pending status to Sold. This is the second week in a row that the additions to inventory have been slightly more than double the number of properties that successfully settled. This is reflective of the slower May that Reston real estate agents were reporting.
When looking at the number of properties that went from Active to Pending over the last 30 days, the activity is strong but we’ll have to see how that plays out as those homes move through the sales process, there are lots of things that can go wrong between Pending and Sold.
Here are few of the properties that sold this past week:
12025 New Dominion Parkway #G-118. Listed $899,900. Sold $860,000.
1329 Dasher Lane. Listed $880,000, Sold $870,000.
2018 Upper Lake Drive. Listed $785,000. Sold $773,000.
11700 Great Owl Circle. Listed $595,000. Sold $610,000.
1920 Crescent Park Drive. Listed $535,000. Sold $531,000.
1713 Whisperhill Drive. Listed $324,900. Sold $325,000.
Click here for the full list of what SOLD in Reston this week.
This is a sponsored post by veterinarian Elizabeth Arguelles, owner of Just Cats Clinic at Lake Anne Plaza. She writes weekly on Reston Now.
In efforts to continue our theme of helping your cat “Live Beyond 9 Lives,” just like laser therapy, acupuncture can be a great non-invasive addition to your cat’s health care plan. By incorporating eastern and western medicines, you can help your cat be more comfortable and increase the quality of years. We are proud to offer acupuncture services at Just Cats Clinic starting in July.
Acupuncture can be useful on its own or as incorporated into your cat’s overall treatment plan. Your vet might suggest it in conjunction with long-term pain, arthritis, asthma, allergies, chronic kidney disease and liver problems. Or it can be useful for acute problems like a sprain or an isolated gastrointestinal issue. As it does with humans, acupuncture can also ease the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy in cats that require cancer treatments. For our aging feline friends, acupuncture can provide comfort and relief from pain and stiffness, increasing the quality of life and even their energy level.
So, how exactly does acupuncture work?
An acupuncturist uses tiny needles to stimulate healing by normalizing nerve function and circulation. Those needles are inserted into various pressure points on your cat’s body, depending on the particular ailment. Though the word “needles” may send a shiver down your spine, acupuncture is actually a painless experience for your cat. When a properly trained acupuncturist inserts the needles, no pain signals are sent to the brain. Sometimes the process is so relaxing that your cat will even fall asleep during the treatment.
Since acupuncture stimulates the nerves and circulation, your cat might be more energetic, social and relaxed after just one to two sessions or sometimes patients feel sleepy and relaxed afterwards. For acute issues, even one to two sessions may be helpful and all that is needed. Conversely, cats that are older or suffering from more chronic ailments might need more continuous treatments for maximum benefits, sometimes even for the rest of their lives to help minimize any discomfort or pain they may have.
Each acupuncture session can last up to 30 minutes, and you can be present during the entire appointment. The number and frequency of the treatment sessions depend, of course, on your cat’s condition and should be discussed with the veterinarian.
When looking for a veterinary acupuncturist, always make sure they are a licensed veterinarian and that they have had formal training in veterinary acupuncture. While acupuncture is incredibly safe, it must be done by a practitioner that has completed training to ensure it’s being done correctly.
For more information about veterinary acupuncture, its benefits, or to find a certified practictioner near you, visit The Chi Institute’s website or the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
There were 33 new properties listed for sale in Reston this week, bringing the total inventory to 229. That is down a bit from last week’s high of 250.
Here are a few of the new properties to hit the market:
2504 FAUQUIER LN. 5BR 3 BA $585,000
1250 NEW BEDFORD LN, 5BR 4.5 BA $1,084,985
11310 HARBORSIDE CL, 4BR 2.5 BA $775,000
2022 CHADDS FORD DR, 3BR 2.5 BA $529,000
2353 OLD TRAIL DR, 4BR 2 BA $399,900
Meet, Hayley, this week’s Reston Pet of the Week.
Hayley is a 4-year-old yellow lab. Here is what her owner, Caroline, has to say about her:
Here’s Hayley! She greets everyone she meets as if they were her best friend — complete with insane tail wagging and full-body shaking.
Aside from every lab’s favorite thing (meal time), Hayley’s true joys in life are tennis balls and snuggling. She’ll chase a tennis ball until she doesn’t have an ounce of energy left, and if she doesn’t have a ball to bring you, she’ll find one. We were once out exploring several acres of woods when she veered off, only to return with a tennis ball.
After she’s done catching the pesky tennis ball, all she wants to do is snuggle. She’s a 60-lb. dog who thinks she was meant to be a lapdog. Her plan of attack is always the same: approach the couch, stare at
her victim lovingly until they surrender, and then hop up and snuggle down — often using her victim’s leg as a pillow. Snuggling has become such an integral part of her being that she has earned her own hashtag
(#snuggledog), and most of her human friends refer to her as “Snuggledog” instead of “Hayley.”Her perfect balance of playfulness, lovingness, and snuggles makes her the most wonderful dog… in my extremely unbiased opinion.
Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.
Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Many consider golfing the perfect sport. I can definitely agree with that on those glorious days when the sun is shining and a light breeze carries the aroma of honeysuckle through the air.
On those days, nothing beats grabbing the clubs and heading over to one of the two amazing Reston golf courses: Hidden Creek Country Club and Reston National Golf Course. Legendary golf architect Ed Ault built both of these beautiful courses.
So, for you golf enthusiasts, here is the lowdown on Reston golf courses.
The Hidden Creek Country Club course is a classic, playable design renowned for its meticulously landscaped tees and greens where beautiful plants and flowers adorn each hole. This PGA-quality course is a favorite for serious golfers.
Located in South Reston, Reston National Golf Course is Reston’s public golf course. This secluded course is full of shaded fairways that provide a tranquil environment for any kind of golf outing you can imagine. Visit the restaurant or the clubhouse before or after your game to prolong the fun.
