Author: PoP Sponsor (a)

This column is written and sponsored by Alan Lescht and Associates, PC, an employment litigation firm in Washington, DC, that handles cases involving contract disputes, wage and hour issues, discrimination and retaliation, wrongful termination, whistleblower retaliation and security clearances.

New employees are frequently faced with a bundle of papers that they must sign when starting a new job. This may include a mandatory arbitration agreement, which could be buried in a lengthy employment handbook. If you are faced with signing an arbitration agreement, or have already signed one with your employer, it is important to read and understand the agreement and the rights you may be giving up.

What is an arbitration agreement?

Arbitration agreements limit an employee’s right to go to court in the event that a conflict arises that falls under the scope of the agreement. Instead of filing a lawsuit in court, an employee must file a demand for arbitration, where a neutral arbitrator will be appointed, review the evidence presented and decide on the outcome of the conflict. If the arbitrator decides the case in favor of the employee, he or she will also make a finding on damages.

What are the pros and cons of arbitration?

Employers frequently favor arbitration agreements because it is a less expensive alternative to litigating a conflict in court. Employers also view arbitration as more predictable, as a trained legal professional, oftentimes a lawyer or judge, will decide the outcome of a case rather than a jury.

Arbitration may also be more cost-effective for employees, and will likely mean a quicker result than if the employee litigated his or her case in court. However, in arbitration the employee will likely be limited in his or her ability to engage in discovery, which is extremely valuable in employment cases. (more…)

This weekly column is written and sponsored by D.C. real estate agent and Edgewood resident Jessica Evans. Email her questions at  [email protected].

As we enter November, we’re starting to see late fall price reductions and some great deals. This week I am highlighting 4 homes that have the highly sought after 3 bedroom/2 bathrooms (or more) that offer the ideal space and layout for many buyers.

519 Lebaum St SE | Congress Heights| $410,000

East end DC continues to win with affordable, newly renovated, single family homes and this one is no exception. With a huge master suite and fully fenced back yard, this home offers suburban amenities in a close in urban location — 1 block from the St Elizabeths East redevelopment and 0.7 miles from Congress Heights Metro station.

1400 Longfellow St NW #T1 | 16th Street Heights | $379,000

This one level, 3 bedroom, 3 full bathroom condo is move in ready and offers an amazing amount of space for this price and location. Renovated in 2007, with in unit washer dryer, and a separate exterior entrance. Located across from Moreland’s Tavern (opening this weekend), Second Wind Crossfit and more, this location has more walkable options in close proximity than you might expect.

3011 Central Ave NE | Woodridge | $445,000

This spacious foursquare is being sold as a short sale but is in great condition with new central AC, furnace and a renovated kitchen. The unfinished basement and attic spaces offer space for future expansion. This home is a great option for a patient buyer looking for a move in ready home for 2018.

1100 Anacostia Rd SE | Penn Branch | $399,000

This fully renovated home is back on the market with a new lower price and has a master suite that you might expect to come with a much higher price tag. Located 1.5 miles from the Potomac Ave metro, it is easily accessible to Capitol Hill and downtown DC.

Want to see more? Check out all of the available 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes in DC for less than $450,000 here.

This weekly column is written and sponsored by D.C. real estate agent and Edgewood resident Jessica Evans. Email her questions at  [email protected].

One of the top questions asked by buyers who are considering a condo purchase is, “What is the condo fee?” Often followed by, “Why is it so high?” The monthly fee is an important consideration as it can range from $150-$1,000+ per month in our area and there are a few factors that play a large role. Here are a few frequently asked questions and answers on this subject:

What are condo fees?

In a condo building, condo units are individually owned and maintained by their owners. The property (which may be one building, or a series of buildings) also includes parts that are not individually owned, that are controlled by the condo association. This typically includes the grounds, roof, elevator and any other limited or general common elements not owned by an individual owner.

What do condo fees pay for?

Condo fees are paid by unit owners to cover the costs of management, operation and maintenance of the property. Operating expenses include the day-to-day operations of a condo building such as administration (sometimes in the form of property management), utilities, trash removal or landscaping.

Reserve funds are allocated for future anticipated building maintenance such as a new roof or elevator. Each component of a building has an anticipated useful life expectancy with regular maintenance costs and an eventual replacement date and cost.

Condo fees are the primary revenue generation activity of a condo association, and if there are unexpected expenses, an association may need to levy a special assessment.

Why do some buildings have high fees? Is it because they have amenities like a pool and gym?

There are many reasons why a condo building may have higher than average condo fees. It is true that building amenities like a pool, gym increase the operating expenses of the building and have maintenance costs. These features can also add value for owners and increase the market value of units in the building potentially offsetting any added cost. (more…)