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For Your Protection, Get a Home Inspection Before You Buy a Home

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Buying your first home is, for most of us, the biggest investment you’ll ever make.

It makes sense to know what you’re buying before you fork over the funds. Getting the home thoroughly inspected by a trained professional whose job it is to find what’s wrong is a must. But in this competitive seller’s market, how do you protect yourself while still giving yourself the best chance to get the seller to take your offer? Let’s look at the different types of home inspections to consider as you decide what’s the best for you.

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Virginia Tech Launches New Online Graduate Certificates in IT

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Not everyone has the time or financial resources to commit to a full master’s degree program. Some may already have a master’s and are just looking for a narrow update on a current skillset. For these reasons, Virginia Tech’s 100% online Master of Information Technology program now offers IT professionals the option to earn a graduate certificate in 10 specialized IT subject areas.

“IT leaders can find a certificate that speaks exactly to their professional needs without having to commit several years to pursuing a master’s degree,” says Barbara Hoopes, Associate Professor of Business Information Technology at Virginia Tech. In fact, students can earn a certificate in as little as 12 months as a part-time student.

Whether looking to simply enhance existing skills or prepare for a major career transition, students can expect to reap these rewards:

Enhanced Marketability — Both experienced and aspiring IT professionals can enhance their expertise through thoughtfully designed certificates that allow students to develop skills in areas where a current dearth of talent is driving competitive salaries and prime opportunities for career advancement.

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Real Estate Fresh Finds: October 7

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Real Estate Fresh Finds is a weekly selection of newly-listed properties in the District, brought to you by Real Living At Home.

Featured Property of the Week: 4020 Reno Road NW

“Surprisingly, 4020 Reno Road is not located on Reno, but rather, on a quiet private lane off Upton Street. This expanded Center Hall Colonial is hidden behind magnificent trees and mature plantings; a lush enclave. The gardens were twice featured on the Cleveland Park garden tour. The landscaped corner island at Reno and Upton seems like an extension of the gardens. Walking up the curved flagstone walk, you come to the Greek Revival portico. The front door is flanked by leaded glass windows and opens to a gracious foyer. You immediately notice the newly refinished oak hardwood floors found on three levels of the home. Anchored by a wood-burning fireplace, the living room has windows on three sides and crown moldings. Window benches with ample storage flank two sides of the room — ideal for reading or extra seating. Just off the living room, a family room has three walls of windows, refinished oak floors, a built-in cabinet and track lighting — an ideal retreat from hectic daily life. In addition, the sellers have had architectural drawings done for a rooftop deck over this room.”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is an 8 BR/9 FB/2 HB Tudor in Wesley Heights with nearly 13k finished square feet of luxury living space that includes a full gym, billiards room, theatre room, library, pool and an entire guest wing of the home — all for just under $9.5M.
  • “A stunning, sun-drenched top floor [1 BR/1 BA] unit with a large bedroom, lots of storage and a beautiful bathroom. Relax in the living space with a cozy fireplace, dining area AND a private balcony!”
  • Spacious 3-level Petworth 4 BR/3.5 BA interior row home boasts an open layout with hardwood floors, exposed brick, a fully-finished lower level with office area and even some fenced-in (albeit narrow) backyard space leading to the detached 1-car garage.
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is this “lovely residence” with “4 bedrooms, 3 luxury full baths on 3 finished levels with driveway parking in rear.”

You’re Invited: Virtual Visit Week for Prospective Undergraduates

By PoP Sponsor (a)

The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University is offering a new three-part series of “virtual visits” to campus for prospective undergraduate students to see first-hand the opportunities and world-changing subject matter that a Schar School student encounters.

“The virtual visits will showcase some of the high-profile professors, students, and graduates who make the Schar School one of the highest ranked policy and government schools in the country,” said Shannon Williams, who works in student services and is coordinating the virtual visits. “The variety of the topics of the three events range from examining the future of American democracy to justice and prison privatization to getting ready for your career in changing the world. Prospective students will be able to ask questions at the end and they can register for one session or all three, at no cost.”

The virtual visit series will be held October 13-15, at 6 p.m. EDT. Topics throughout the week include:

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SWEAT DC Announces New Safety Protocols, New Workouts and New $29 Unlimited Pass

By PoP Sponsor (a)

SWEAT DC, Washington’s judgement-free, inclusive and challenging group-personal fitness studio, wants clients and potential clients to know the studio has introduced significant changes that assure the safety of members and trainers. The new theme is “smaller is safer; outside is safer; SWEAT is safer.”

For a limited time, owner Gerard “Coach G” Burley is offering a VIP, seven-day $29 unlimited pass to demonstrate the new protocols. Claim your pass at this link, questions or concerns contact [email protected].

New procedures at the fitness studio conform to socially distant protocols, with a new semi private personal training program, SWEAT Strength & Conditioning (SSC), limited to no more than five people at a time inside the studio. In addition to limiting the number of people training at a time, SWEAT DC checks temperatures at the door; uses sterilizing UV lights on equipment between classes; has installed HEPA air filters; provides CDC-approved masks for those who don’t have their own; disinfects all the gear after each use; and maintains a 10-foot distance between clients.

SWEAT DC recently launched outdoor cardio & core focused classes with similar protocols at nearby events space Hook Hall, where SWEAT DC trainers workout members on the outside turf.

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Listing of the Day: 1325 13th Street NW Unit 29

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Address: 1325 13th Street NW Unit 29
Neighborhood: Logan Circle
Listed: $899,000
Open: Sunday, October 4 from 1-3 p.m.

Tremendous value in a prime Logan Circle location blocks from D.C.’s top dining, Whole Foods, Metro and more.

This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome is accessed through a private gate off a gorgeous Courtyard oasis. Main floor features gleaming hardwood floors, gorgeous built-in bookshelves, a beautifully updated kitchen, powder room, wood-burning fireplace and two outdoor terraces. The second floor offers three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The primary bedroom overlooks the quiet courtyard and features a walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower. Stacked washer/dryer and linen closet complete the second floor.

For even more outdoor space, enjoy access to the Iowa Towers Rooftop for sweeping views of the city and a public grill for BBQs with friends. Parking space in garage is included with unit. Don’t miss this chance to live in the heart of Logan Circle!

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DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Another week, another 250+ open houses scheduled this weekend across the District. The market shows no sign of slowing, but who knows how long that will last, so get out there and start your house hunting search this weekend! Make sure your agent has a strategy to keep you safe while searching for your next home. To see the full Open House List, click here.

  • 5610 5th Street NW — $774,750 — Brightwood Park
    Open Sun. 12-4 p.m. — Graham Grossman
    “Completely rehabbed top to bottom in 2015, this beautiful Wardman style home has everything the picky homebuyer could want. Front yard and a porch large enough for rocking chairs. Rear deck perfect for grilling and chilling and a maintenance-free yard with secured parking. Kitchen and dining space laid out for entertaining with space for a large dining table. Enough rooms to have house-guests (or AirBnB visitors?) without feeling cramped, especially thanks to a bedroom space and full bathroom in the basement. Wide open main level with plenty of natural light and a location that’s equally convenient for the car or public transportation commuter. Blocks away from both Anxo and Jackie Lee’s on vibrant Kennedy Street NW, and despite this home’s proximity to Missouri Avenue you won’t hear street noise through the energy-efficient double pane windows.”
  • 1405 Staples Street NE #4 — $459,900 — Trinidad
    Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Denise Greene
    $20K PRICE REDUCTION on this gorgeously updated upper level 2 BR/2 BA unit just blocks from all that the H Street Corridor has to offer!
  • 2151 Newport Place NW — $845,000 — Dupont West
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Judson Simpson
    “This [2 BR/1.5 BA] home provides a cheery updated kitchen with beautiful granite countertops, original hardwood floors, and a serene enclosed private patio perfect for entertaining or relaxing.
  • 353 O Street SW — $549,900 — Southwest Waterfront
    Open Sun. 12-2 p.m. — Justin Paulhamus
    Spacious 3 BR/1.5 BA 2-level unit boasts a walkout patio to your own private backyard space.
  • 539 Shepherd Street NW — $899,000 — Petworth
    Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — M. Cameron Shosh
    “Look no further than this perfect mix of modern updates and original character in sought after Lower Petworth. This home was fully renovated in 2013 leaving a few character points like the original mantel and mirror, as well as the original wainscoting under the main stairs.”

FREE Virtual Home Buyer Workshop Saturday, October 10th

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Let us simplify the home buying process for you at a free, fun and informative virtual workshop.

Talk to local lenders about getting a loan and learn the importance of hiring a real estate agent not only to help you in your search but to make a winning offer. You will even hear all about the home buying experience from a recent first-time home buyer.

View the dates below and sign up for our informative workshop.

  • October 10
  • November 7

For your convenience, our workshops are virtual and free of charge and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can learn home buying strategies from the comfort of your own home. A Zoom.us link to our video conference will be emailed to those that sign up.

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Virginia Tech’s Flexible MBA Program Helps Professionals Prepare for the Future

By PoP Sponsor (a)

In an uncertain economy, professionals may find that returning to school for an MBA can be a productive way to sharpen skills and add credentials while working to launch the next stage of their careers.

Virginia Tech’s Evening MBA program, based in the university’s Northern Virginia Center in metro Washington, D.C., has attracted many new students this fall for several reasons, said MBA programs director Dana Hansson. These include its stellar reputation and top 20 national ranking; dedicated faculty, many with industry experience; extensive alumni network; and great value.

Those who majored in science, engineering and other nonbusiness disciplines as undergraduates — such as Ryan Feber, a 2003 Virginia Tech graduate in computer science, and Bryan Gassenmeyer, who earned a degree in industrial and systems engineering at Virginia Tech in 2006 — have found that not only is a prior business education not needed to enroll or excel in an MBA program, but that technical backgrounds can be a basis for diversifying or rounding out knowledge and skills for managing or leading change in today’s data economy.

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Real Estate Fresh Finds: September 30

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Real Estate Fresh Finds is a weekly selection of newly-listed properties in the District, brought to you by Real Living At Home.

Featured Property of the Week: 1423 Varnum Street NW

“Stunningly beautiful, completely renovated 5 BR/3 BA/two-1/2 BA Wardman-style home is grand in scale and overflowing with style! The tailored black and white brick facade, lovely garden and flagstone stairs to the wide and deep front porch is the definition of inviting! But it is the incredible view into the stunning, light-filled and wide-open living space that will amaze! It is alight with super high tray ceilings and gorgeous wide-plank oak flooring, with the spacious living and dining rooms anchoring the space. But the centerpiece is the stunning, two-tone, black and white kitchen with floating oak shelves, oversized pendants, and an incredible 12-foot long island with a white quartz countertop and built-in microwave! When quarantining is over, this will be dinner party central! The dining room overlooks the gorgeous outdoor living area with a floating deck and pergola aglow with twinkling lights! There is a built-in mud area and powder room. Upstairs, the owner’s suite is spacious with double-height ceilings, double closets, and an extraordinarily large, sleek mid-century modern bathroom with double vanity and 2-person shower! The LL is huge, with a front English basement entry as well as a rear exit. There is a family room, bedroom, full bath, and plenty of space to add a wet bar or kitchenette for a perfect in-law or guest suite. There is secure parking for 2 cars.”

Other Notable Fresh Listings: 

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is an 8 BR/8 FB/6 HB contemporary mansion in Berkley with 13k+ total finished square feet spread across 5 levels includes multiple balconies/terraces/decks, elevator, fitness room, sauna, wine cellar, infinity pool, 4-car garage, 2 dining rooms and 3 kitchens — one of which is a commercial-sized kitchen for your personal chef — all for just under $17M.
  • BACK ON THE MARKET, with an $8k price reduction, is this “elegant, spacious, and chic modern 3 bedroom 3 bath home located on a corner lot offering all day light with 3 exposures.”
  • Petworth 5 BR ‘mystery’ duplex with a 3 BR/2.5 BA upper unit and 2 BR/1 BA lower level unit only has 3 photos so you’ll need to investigate this one for yourself to evaluate the quality.
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a 3,500 square foot stone detached Colonial in Brookland is being sold AS-IS.
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