This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq.
In an unusual departure from the previous administration, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) are taking opposing positions on sexual orientation discrimination in a case that is currently pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
In Zarda v. Altitude Express (Case No. 15-3775), Donald Zarda, who was a skydiving instructor, was terminated by his employer after he disclosed his sexual orientation to a female customer, who then complained that he had done so. The allegation in the underlying lawsuit was that the employer did not punish other instructors who openly discussed their heterosexual orientation with customers.
At issue is whether sexual orientation discrimination is discrimination based on sex. Basically, the semantics are being argued. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals against employment discrimination “to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” From the statute, the two conflicting government positions have emerged.
Dueling Government Legal Positions
Although the DOJ and EEOC are not parties in the case, both have filed legal briefs on the issue of whether sexual orientation discrimination is prohibited in the workplace.
The DOJ Legal Argument
The DOJ filed a brief arguing that it was not illegal to fire an employee based on his or her sexual orientation under federal law. The DOJ’s argument, from its brief, can be summarized as follows: “The term “sex” is not defined in Title VII, but in common, ordinary usage in 1964 — and now, for that matter — the word ‘sex’ means biologically male or female. As for the term “discrimination,” the Supreme Court has held that Title VII requires a showing that an employer has treated “similarly situated employees” of different sexes unequally. Title VII does not proscribe discrimination because of sexual orientation because the term ‘sex’ in Title VII refers only to membership in a class delineated by gender.”
The EEOC Legal Argument
The EEOC filed their brief arguing that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protected workers from sexual orientation discrimination. The EEOC’s position can be summarized as follows: “In passing Title VII, Congress made the “simple but momentous announcement” that sex, like other protected characteristics, is “not relevant” to employment decisions; thus in making such decisions, employers “may not take gender into account.” . . . Sexual orientation discrimination requires the employer to take the employee’s sex into account. In short, an employer cannot discriminate against an employee based on that employee’s sexual orientation without taking the employee’s sex into account — precisely what Title VII forbids.”
Where these Dueling Government Positions Leave the Public
As a result of the Zarda case, the DOJ and the EEOC are essentially opposing each other’s legal position on sexual orientation discrimination in the same case. The DOJ is not a party to the case, which is why it is significant that it chose to interject itself into this debate. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit will decide whose legal position is right.
For now, individuals with sexual orientation discrimination claims should pursue them as usual either through the EEOC or in the courts. The EEOC position is settled law for federal employees. The DOJ’s new position will not likely have an effect, if at all, until the courts finish ruling on the issue. A decision may ultimately be made by the U.S. Supreme Court as to whether individuals are protected from sexual orientation discrimination. Regardless of politics, it is this author’s opinion that it is very likely that the EEOC’s position will ultimately prevail. The next step in the Zarda case is for the DOJ, the EEOC, the plaintiff, the defendant, and the Lambda Legal Defense Fund to make oral arguments in New York City, NY, on September 26, 2017.
If you need assistance with an employment issue, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also like and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.
This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact Anna at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.
Reston real estate was booming this summer, so chances are that you are new to area. So, welcome to Reston!
Maybe you moved from far away or just crossed the river. Either way, this is your new home and you are trying to settle in.
In a survey conducted by The Harris Poll for Redfin, as many as one in four homeowners said they regretted purchasing their current home. But you are already here, somewhere between the wineries and monuments, and you need to make the place feel like home.
Whether it is a brand-new construction or new to you, you want to feel at home: the one place that everything is familiar, comfy and fits your lifestyle. Here are a few easy projects to make you feel right at home.
PAINT: Chances are, the previous homeowners left their mark with some crazy colors that do not fit your style, or the place was painted what I call “Realtor white” — the basic beige.
Paint is an easy way to make the place you own, and you don’t even need to reinvent the wheel. If you have wall colors/color schemes that you loved and that worked in your old house, consider repeating them. You liked them in the first place, so why not use familiar elements to help reduce anxiety in a new space.
Remember to leave some room for that “fresh start,” and try some new colors! Bright colors work well in the kitchen, recalling fresh produce and stimulating the appetite. Make sure to check out the Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne Plaza for fresh veggies and color inspiration.
GET ORGANIZED: Now is the perfect time to get a handle on your kitchen storage. Hopefully, you decluttered before packing. But if not, this is the perfect time.
Walk through your new kitchen and set “working stations” that fit your lifestyle — for example, a main cooking area, coffee station, kids’ snack station or even a cocktail station. Now you can unpack according to those stations.
Organize items in clear boxes so you can see clearly what’s in them and ease of pulling out. Checkout Ayers Variety & Hardware in Arlington for home gadgets.
PLANTS AND FLOWERS: It is well known that the green colors are good for relaxation. An easy way to bring a pop of green into your home are plants and flowers. They bring bright color for just a few dollars.
Plants are also known to help clean the air, and the smell of fresh flowers will cheer you up! How about the front yard?
If you have room for some personal touch, spruce it up. And don’t forget an herb garden for the kitchen. Nothing like fresh herbs with those organic tomatoes from Nell’s Produce market in Alexandria.
GET PERSONAL: How about a chalkboard? Just a small investment and an easy afternoon DIY and you can convert a boring wall in the kitchen to the family communication command center.
You can leave fun notes, write to-do lists, plan weekly menus and keep track of other reminders. Plaza Artists Materials & Picture Framing in Fairfax will have all your decorative DIY needs for great projects.
And if all else fails, bake some cookies! There is nothing that says home like the scent of fresh-baked cookies.
Invite the neighbors! They will be happy to know there is a new baker in town.
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Meet Carolina, a Jack Russell/Labrador mix available for adoption.
Here is what her friends at Worthy Dog Rescue have to say about her:
Carolina, along with her sister Bee, [was] abandoned in a wildlife refuge in rural South Carolina.
She is a loving and vibrant girl who loves people. She’s currently staying in an outdoor kennel and goes for walks and enjoys meeting new people. We think she’ll make a fantastic companion for some lucky person.
If you are looking for a happy and friendly dog, please consider fostering or adopting Carolina.
BREED ESTIMATE: Jack Russell/Labrador Retriever mix
GENDER: Female
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: about 30 pounds
APPROXIMATE AGE: about 6 months
COAT TYPE: medium length
ADOPTION FEE: $350
OTHER INFO: up to date on shots, spayed, heartworm negative
Are you and Carolina (or Bee) a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.
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 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.
I love contemporary architecture and Lake Thoreau, so it’s no surprise that Purple Beech Drive and Upper Lake Drive are two one of my favorite streets in Reston. While on opposite sides of the lake, both are typical Reston single-family home communities with an organic, natural feel to the wood-sided homes. In addition to lake access, the homes are also on generous, wooded plots. You feel like you’re at a resort!
As with most single-family home communities, the sizes and layouts are all different. Typically, though, they are 4-bedroom, multi-level homes. They have beautiful wooded yards, and the entire neighborhood is well landscaped and attractive. Purple Beech is a cul-de-sac and Upper Lake is a horseshoe, which means both are quiet and peaceful — great places to let your children play outside and enjoy nature.
While not all of the homes have direct lakefront access to Lake Thoreau, they do all have full lake access and privileges. Imagine paddling on the lake during the summer, or enjoying a picnic on your own floating barge (a favorite among many people who live on Reston’s lakes). A lovely 2-mile walking path circles the lake. In nice weather, lake residents make full use of it, walking to South Lakes Village Center to enjoy a meal or simply going for a run.
Terraset Elementary, Langston Hughes Middle School and South Lakes High School are close by. Other nearby amenities include the Walker Nature Education Center, Reston Regional Golf Course, Wiehle-Reston East Metro station (about 1 mile), Reston Town Center, pools and tennis courts.
These are the kind of streets you dream of: close to anything you want to do, but also perfect if you just want to hang out in your beautiful home.
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Meet Autumn, a young Norwich Terrier available for adoption.
Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:
Autumn is a sweet 1-year-old Norwich Terrier girl who loves playing with her toys and her canine and human friends here at the rescue. She’s affectionate, outgoing, and adorable! Just look at that face!
Everyone who meets Autumn loves her, from her spunky wire brindle coat down to those big brown eyes and sweet personality.
Autumn is up to date on her shots and has been spayed.
She really does have it all, except for a forever home — but not for long! Will you be her “perfect match?” If so, contact your coordinator, Nicole, for an application.
Are you and Autumn a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.
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 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.
I love wandering through the original Reston communities. I’m always struck by the differences in each neighborhood, even those adjacent to each other. Wainwright Drive in the Lake Anne area is a great example. The three townhome communities couldn’t be more different, despite all sharing an excellent location near Reston Town Center and Lake Anne and having been developed within years of each other.
Coleson Cluster
Most people who know anything of Reston’s history know about Waterview Cluster — the iconic townhomes on Lake Anne. Few people know that award-winning architect Chloethiel Woodard Smith designed another community of townhomes with the same floor plan and style as nearby Waterview. Coleson Cluster was built during the mid 1960s and comprises 45 townhomes spread over four and a half acres of lush lawn and trees. The townhouses in this beautiful community have a charming mid-century modern meets cottage vibe. They are light and airy, with light and inviting interior spaces. With flat roofs, large windows and contemporary style, they range in size from 1,500 to 2,800 square feet.
Mediterranean Villa, Reston
Continuing the European feel is Mediterranean Villa. Developed in 1970, the Mediterranean Villa homes feature white stucco exteriors with tiled roofs, 2-car garages, and about 1,900 to 2,500 square feet of living space. It’s a small and tight-knit community of 37 homes sited on a quiet cul-de-sac. Yes, these patio homes are nestled among oaks and pines rather than the coast, but they are as bright and airy as you will find anywhere in the Mediterranean.
Wainwright Cluster
Boston-based PARD Team, a young multi-disciplinary group of urban planners, architects, researchers and designers designed Wainwright Cluster in 1966. The cluster was part of the PARD Team’s mission to meet “the new challenges created by the uncontrolled urbanization of our environment, recent discoveries in the fields of social research, and rapid changes in building technology.”
These homes were designed for first time homeowners. There are six models varying in size and layout. However, spacious bedrooms, large closets, ample storage space, breakfast nooks, and ground floor powder rooms are standard in all of them. The homes also feature spacious carports, large storage sheds, well-equipped play areas and private outdoor patios. Grouped into neighborhood subclusters, each neighborhood group is situated around a common landscaped green. Large windows at the rear of each home provide panoramic views of the thickly wooded areas surrounding the subclusters.
All of these neighborhoods are ideally located. Just off North Shore Drive, both Reston Town Center and Lake Anne are an easy walk. In fact, the Reston Association paths in this area are among community favorites and you are guaranteed to run into friends as you walk. The neighborhood is also close to the Reston Metro, Dulles Toll Road and Dulles airport. The kids can walk to Lake Anne Elementary, which is just two blocks away. And the entire family can enjoy the Reston pools and tennis courts, also within walking distance.
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq.
In the wake of the tragic events this past weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, a number of the white supremacists protesting have been identified and outed by social media and then subsequently fired from their employment.
One issue that has arisen is the argument that these individuals have a First Amendment right to speak their minds, however wrong they may be, and to not suffer negative consequences. That is not true. The First Amendment offers almost zero protection for individuals who engage in hate or other inappropriate speech who are then fired from private sector employment.
There are very limited forms of protection for federal and public sector employees under the First Amendment only because the government implements employment actions. Generally, a government employee must be engaging in speech that is considered a matter of public concern to receive some protection. That protection can be taken away if it interferes with the function of a government agency. In our experience, a public sector employer might need to take additional steps but can usually find ways to fire a public employee for engaging in hate speech.
In sum, not much has changed since 1892 when Justice Holmes, in a famous quote involving the termination of a police officer for engaging in politics, stated: “The petitioner may have a constitutional right to talk politics, but he has no constitutional right to be a policeman.” McAuliffe v. Mayor of New Bedford, 155 Mass. 216, 220, 29 N.E. 517 (1892).
The First Amendment
The First Amendment provides the following rights:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
The First Amendment protects private individuals from government suppression of free speech, but not from other private individuals and/or companies who take action as a result of speech. For instance, there is no First Amendment issue with social media companies selectively banning users from their platform based on their speech. There could be a First Amendment issue if a government entity made a similar type of decision based on speech.
State Laws
Some states, but not Virginia, have offered state legislation that protects employees from being terminated for legal, off-duty speech that does not conflict with the employer’s business-related interests. States of note that offer this minimal protection include California, New York, Colorado, North Dakota and Montana. Even under these laws, it would be relatively easy for an employer to establish that off-duty hate speech interferes with an employer’s business interests (e.g., boycotts). In short, there is no true legal protection for hate speech for private employees in these states.
Recent Issues Relating to the Charlottesville Tragedy
These issues have arisen principally as a result of the identification of far-right protesters by various social media groups that have identified hate-speech protesters and then contacted their employers, schools, and friends. The principal group that has engaged in this tactic is the Twitter account @YesYoureRacist. The group has apparently had success in convincing employers to terminate employees based on their participation in the Charlottesville protest.
Obviously, employers would much rather terminate an employee involved in free speech than face the consequences of a boycott. Can they do so? Yes, they can. Why? Because the First Amendment protects the right of people engaging in hate speech, but it also protects their employers who do not wish to be associated with them. As such, First Amendment rights go both ways. Free speech protects the ability of citizens to speak and engage in other forms of hate speech without the government banning it. However, it does not protect individuals who engage in hate speech from the consequences of their actions. In other words, there should be no misconception that the Constitution provides a First Amendment right to engage in hate speech and not suffer the potential consequences of being fired for that very speech.
If you need assistance with an employment issue, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also like and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.
This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact Anna at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.
Colors are everywhere — clothing, cars, high-tech and, of course, your home!
From wall colors to furniture, it creates the atmosphere that changes a place from a house to a home. It’s a powerful design tool that can make the rooms in your house feel more homely with all the range of emotions from calm to dramatic, from cheerful to smart, warmth to cool and even some surprises or unexpected colors. At the same time, color also affects how we see the space, size-wise. Color can make a small room feel larger, or a spacious one to feel intimate.
Since colors are processed in the brain, we each see colors differently. According to www.colorpsychology.org: “The eye and brain can perceive more variation in warm colors than the cool ranges. The reason for this is that two-thirds of the eye’s cones interpret the longer wavelengths of lights such as reds, yellows and oranges.” This makes selecting colors a tedious and sometimes frustrating task, since there are so many colors and shades to choose from, and we can pick the differences between them.
Nonetheless, each color has a different emotional impact on us and may work in different spaces in our house. For example:
Purple: there are many researchers that show that purple has a calming effect over our mind and body, so this would be a perfect color for a bedroom to help induce sleep or for a mediation room. Be careful while selecting the right purple, as vibrant shades of purple can be stimulating and make you irritable. A great way to use purple is an accent wall in the bedroom with warm shades of lavender, or a deep purple as a backdrop for art in the family room.
White: Many people love the latest trend of white kitchens; the reason being the impact of white on our emotions. White is considered to be the color of purity, perfection and cleanliness, which makes it a great color for kitchens and bathrooms. What is better than starting your day with pure thoughts and clear energy? On the other side of the spectrum, white can be a non-committal and cold color. When you can’t make a decision, people defer to white. So whichever room you use it in, make sure to add an accent color or colors to bring energy and warmth to the room.
Gray: Gone are the days of beige. Shades of gray have taken over the interior design. While some find gray to be murky and depressing, most find it a great backdrop to other colors, making it the perfect new neutral color. The fun with gray is that you can create cold or warm variations that will work great with any other colors. Use gray to create a calming effect to a bright piece of furniture, like a deep purple couch. Add a bit of gray to the white, to create a warmer look to the room. In your kitchen, cold grays coupled with cool lighting (4100 Kelvin) will give a modern and slick look, while warm grays with warm lighting will give a cozy effect to the space.
Feeling bold and love the dramatic look for your lifestyle? Need some of the “wow” effect? Then go to the strong colors such as deep blues, black and purples. For a softer look, go with soft reds, oranges and soft yellow. Every color you select can be hot or cold, based on the depths of the paint. Just be careful with blue. They say that we see blue as an appetite suppressant, due to how few of our natural food sources are blue and the many toxic things that are shades of blue.
This week, we need your help!
We are updating how we communicate on social media. But before we put into place all of our team’s great ideas, we need to know we are on the right track. That is where you come in.
Could you take a moment to take my social media survey? It will only take you 5-7 minutes. You will be entered into a drawing to win a Ninja Master Prep Professional (QB1004) valued at $49.99. I will pull the winner Aug. 31.
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Meet Sis, an English Setter available for adoption.
Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:
Sis is a gorgeous girl with a silky coat who is very inquisitive and interested in her surroundings. She’s affectionate to people and “mostly” comes when called. She gets along really good with other dogs.
Sis was owned by a hunter, who wanted her to be his hunting dog. Sis had other ideas. Her idea of life is to go for walks with her human, have a comfy doggie bed, and get lots of cuddles and kisses.
She’s a neat size — around 40 pounds, and walks nicely on a leash, but is still a little unsure with things like steps, etc., and hasn’t quite grasped that it’s actually OK for her to be inside. A little love and she’ll be an absolute prize.
If you think you can give this regal girl the kind of home she was born to have, please email [email protected] for an application.
Are you and Sis a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.
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 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.
Here are some Reston homes that changed hands recently:
1325 Buttermilk Lane, 5 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $743,500
2206 Castle Rock Square, 3 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $208,000
1161 Cedar Chase Road, 5 BR, 6 BA. Sale Price: $1.18M
2101 Colts Neck Court, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $469,900
10718 Cross School Road, 5 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $919,000
2343 Emerald Heights Court, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $335,000
10418 Hunt Club Road, 4 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $524,900
2283 Hunters Run Drive, 3 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $294,000
1705 Lake Shore Crest Drive, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $300,000
11566 Links Drive, 4 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $450,000
11837 Shire Court, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $224,900
1216 Wild Hawthorn Way, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $534,600
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Meet Anna, a Lab mix puppy available for adoption along with her siblings.
Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:
Anna, along with her sisters Alice and Alyssa, are gorgeous little Labrador mix babies of maybe 10 weeks old. She has a beautiful yellow coloring and is going to make a terrific companion.
All three of these pups have happy, friendly dispositions and will be great family dogs. Anna is a sweet, affectionate girl who would like nothing better than a family of her own so she could share her store of Labbie love.
This extremely friendly little baby girl is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky adopters. Get your application in to Bob at [email protected].
Are you and Anna (or any of her sisters) a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.
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 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.
Here are some Reston homes that changed hands recently:
2350 Antiqua Court, 3 BR, 3.5 BA. Sale Price: $329,000
1493 Autumn Ridge Circle, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $415,000
2237 Cedar Cove Court, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $525,000
2024 Chadds Ford Drive, 4 BR, 3.5 BA. Sale Price: $547,500
12303 Fan Shell Court, 4 BR, 2.5 BA. Sale Price: $362,000
11695 Gilman Lane, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $730,000
2305 Glade Bank Way, 3 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $400,000
11955 Heathcote Court, 3 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $420,900
11211 Longwood Grove Drive, 5 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $754,900
12000 Market St., 1 BR, 1 BA. Sale Price: $320,000
12000 Market St., 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $410,000
2318 Millennium Lane, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $440,000
1333 Northgate Square, 3 BR, 1.5 BA. Sale Price: $250,000
1525 Northgate Square, 2 BR, 1 BA. Sale Price: $199,900
1102 Northwind Drive, 4 BR, 3.5 BA. Sale Price: $830,000
1350 Park Garden Lane, 4 BR, 3.5 BA. Sale Price: $580,000
1933 Red Lion Court, 3 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $442,000
11566 Rolling Green Court, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $249,000
1474 Roundleaf Court, 5 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $490,000
2063 Royal Fern Court, 2 BR, 1 BA. Sale Price: $185,000
11950 Sentinel Point Court, 3 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $462,500
2433 Southgate Square, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $338,500
2124 Whisperwood Glen Lane, 3 BR, 2.5 BA. Sale Price: $380,500
2278 White Cornus Lane, 3 BR, 1.5 BA. Sale Price: $295,000
11530 Wild Hawthorn Court, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $540,000
Reston, there’s a new way to sell and buy your home — and it means big cash back to you.
ListingKey, the newest real estate brokerage to enter the DMV, provides cash rebates on each home sale, from both sides of the transaction. With the ListingKey Financial Advantage, sellers receive up to 2 percent back at closing. On a $438,000 sale — the median price in Reston in June — that’s $8,600 returned to the home seller. Talk about real money in your pocket.
For home buyers, a $438,000 transaction returns 1.25 percent back at closing, a bonus of $5,475. Perfect for funding future home improvements like a small bathroom renovation, a new roof, updated fencing or fresh landscaping. Or even just a nice vacation.
ListingKey is also launching a streamlined, automated buying and selling platform that reduces obstacles, saves time and eliminates the stress involved in what is one of your most important transactions of your life — by connecting home sellers and buyers directly.
Consumers control every aspect of the transaction, and for sellers, that means driving negotiations with prospective buyers and the signing on the bottom line to close the deal. Plus, professional photography, 3D tours, MLS syndication marketing materials and more.
For buyers that means exploring up-to-the-minute new listings, scheduling home showings, drafting offers and even signing deals with electronic signatures. AND remember the 1.25 percent cash back (up to $80,000) for your effort.
Behind ListingKey are real estate veterans who are there to support you through every phase of your search for a new home and to get the most money out of selling your current one.
At every step, a ListingKey professional is standing by to help. While cash back is the promise, quality service is their mission.
Thinking about selling? Find your home’s value here.
Looking for a home in Reston? Call 571-363-4016 or email at [email protected].
This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact Anna at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.
You spend most of your day here, from breakfast to dinner and lots of snacks in between. Lately, you don’t like hanging out there that much — something doesn’t seem quite right with the most important room in your house.
Is it time to remodel your kitchen? Here are seven signs that you need to think about getting a fresh start with your favorite room in the house.
- Tilt cabinets are not a design style! When we talk about open shelving, we don’t mean missing doors or tilted cabinets. Broken and missing cabinets can also be downright hazardous to you and your family. And really, no one wants to see that overflowing spice cabinet every time they walk into the kitchen, reminding you that once upon a time there was a door on this cabinet. Or the drawer that you now have a blue mark from trying to close it to hard and hitting that other side. It’s time to let it go!
- New found storage? Just kidding — it’s the stove! How many burners are working on your range? Is that a new family sport, waiting to see which burner stops working next? Or maybe you are like my friend (whom I shall not name) who uses her stove for storage since the door is broken, so no cookie for you! Aging appliances are not only a hassle since you can’t properly cook. They usually consume much more energy because they are old, inefficient and most likely work twice as hard as a new appliance.
- It’s a one-man show! Many of the older kitchen spaces and layout didn’t really consider our modern lifestyle of cooking as a family, spending time with friends and a spot to feed the dog. Most outdated kitchens are enclosed with three, sometimes four, walls and lots of doors. If you must yell at everyone to leave the kitchen while you cook, it’s time to knockdown a wall or two and expand that space to fit your lifestyle.
- Do you feel like Cinderella? Do you scrub your floor four times a day, or did you just give up? Just like the cabinets, your floors take a daily beating of foot traffic, dropped dishes and spilled food. At some point, no matter what materials they are made of, they will succumb to wear and tear. Floors like hardwood can be refinished, and even patched, if you are changing the layout. Other floors, like tile, will need to be replaced.
- Turkey time? Not in my house! Do you avoid inviting friends and family because you are embarrassed of your kitchen? Do you they think you can’t cook, when really your oven is broken? It’s time to bring your kitchen up to date so you can enjoy hosting in style and show off your enchilada-making skills.
- No room for the car! Did you convert the garage to the kitchen storage? Maybe you are a budding master chef or just like kitchen gadgets? We all collect dishes and small appliances over the years. Yes, some may have met their demise and just need to hit the recycling bin, but others you still need and use, but your kitchen has other ideas. If you are like me and believe the crock pot belongs in the kitchen, it’s a sure sign that you need a new kitchen!
- Never ask a kitchen its age! An old kitchen can bring down your home’s value by simply looking its age. Realtors often say that the kitchen sells the house, and it will help to sell it fast. A successful kitchen remodel is one that you can enjoy for years to come, yet it will look great when the time comes for you to sell. Quality products, a great design and an experienced contractor can make this happen.
How many signs is your kitchen showing? Share your tired kitchen in the comments below.
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
This week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Nico, now living in Reston after being brought up in Arizona.
Here is what his owner, Raj, had to say about him:
Meet Nico, a 10 ½-year-old Lhasa Apso, Miniature Poodle, Chihuahua and German Shepherd mix. You might take a look at Nico’s photos and wonder if this mix is possible, but he definitely has some German Shepherd in him. (In fact, he is 12.5 percent Alsatian according to a DNA test!)
Nico has led quite an uphill life. He was found as a little puppy running around on the streets of the Arizona-Mexico border. We saw him at the rescue shelter the day after he was brought in and adopted him immediately. He soon got accustomed to comfortable living. Everything was going great until after Nico turned 8, when his vet said that he needed to have neck surgery right away to remove fluid from his spine that was causing him a lot of pain whenever he moved. He was a very good boy through the difficult ordeal and came out healthier than ever!
Nico is now proud to call Reston his new home and is already enjoying the smells and sounds. His favorite activity — other than laying on the cool floor during the dog days of the Northern Virginia summer — is watching the golfers at Reston National.
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.
