When you are facing a lawsuit, one of the things you will worry about is how much you will lose. The legal process of personal injury lawsuits comes with graver consequences than you can imagine. You risk losing everything from wages and bank accounts to vehicles and real estate.
Therefore, if you are involved in a personal injury lawsuit, you should liaise with your lawyer. Know what the laws governing personal injury lawsuits in your state protect. This article will examine all the assets and properties protected by personal injury law.
If you’ve read any headlines over the past few months, you’ve heard there are changes coming to the way homes are bought and sold.
I’ve found that while most people acknowledge they’ve seen the headlines, they don’t actually know or understand what those changes mean. Here’s your summary of upcoming changes to real estate sales.
Traditionally, when a seller signed a listing agreement and hired a real estate broker to sell their home, part of that agreement specified what commission they’d pay their own agent and how much of that commission could be used to pay an agent representing a buyer.
Essentially, making it feel “free” to use a buyer’s agent because the buyer wasn’t paying them directly. That fee to the buyer’s agent was always listed in our MLS (the portal we used to advertise homes for sale that feeds to websites like Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com).
Beginning August 14, that commission will no longer be advertised in our MLS. The hope of the lawsuit is to decouple commission, i.e. the buyer will be responsible for paying for their own agent in the form of payment at closing like an additional closing cost, and the seller will be their own agent as well from their proceeds like they always have.
Top 3 Things to Understand
1. I have found most consumers believe the seller will no longer have to pay a buyer’s agent commission. This was always true. They never had to, but most did. They have changed our sales contract and added the buyer’s agent commission as a line item to our contract right under the price offered. So a seller/buyer can negotiate any compensation a seller would contribute towards the buyer’s agent commission. It’s plain and simple and easy to see and calculate. The takeaway: a seller can still choose to contribute money towards a commission for the buyer’s agent. They can also choose to strike it and offer zero or anything in between. It’s all negotiable.
2. You must have a signed agreement in place to see homes with a buyer’s agent. Buyer agency agreements have ALWAYS been required in Virginia. In truth, sometimes we were just a little more relaxed about when we had people sign them, but they were signed before making an offer. Now, you can’t see a home without signing one, even if it’s a short-term agreement or for a single house. That agreement will dictate how much a buyer has agreed to pay their agent, in the event the seller will not pay anything towards their commission. You can, of course, visit open houses without one since you’re not employing an agent to tour with you.
3. Just like anything new, expect the first few months to be rocky as everyone figures out the new normal. Human behavior is a funny thing, so we’ll see how many continue to act as everything is status quo and how many take this opportunity to try out something new. And once we get a few months into this new normal, it’ll just be the new way of doing things.
“Normal” is a relative term. We used to require 20% down on a loan. Now you can buy a house with as little as 3% down (and 0% if you’re a veteran!). Having inspections was “normal” until people started waving them to be more competitive. So too will this new change eventually become normal.
I think in practice, if you have multiple offers, any contract requesting a seller to pay money towards a commission will be at the bottom. I think if a house has been on the market for a while, that seller might be more willing to contribute money towards a commission, but that also might mean they’re less likely to reduce their price.
It’s all going to look different and feel different, but we’ll figure it out. I think experience matters more than ever right now.
If you still have questions — whether you’re in the market to move or not — you can always reach out to me with any questions.
Happy to give you more information if you need it!
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This week’s column is sponsored and written by Hannah Wolf of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Hannah at 724-561-4816.
Here in Fairfax County, we are blessed to have an incredible library system that is consistently ranked in the 10 top libraries in the United States.
And while you probably know that you can walk into your local branch and check out a book — I’m willing to bet that there are some features of the library that you hadn’t heard about before — I know that was true for me! This year is the 85th anniversary of the Fairfax County Library and with celebrations happening all year long, it’s the perfect time to open the doors to one of my favorite FREE activities to do, rain or shine, in Fairfax County — go to the library.
With over 3 million books in circulation at the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL), there is a book for everyone. Anyone who lives or works in Fairfax County can get a card and — get this — there are no longer fines for overdue books (just make sure you do return them in a timely manner)! But FCPL is so much more than just a place to borrow books!
One of my favorite things to do with my kids is visit one of the three Maker Lab locations (Herndon, Pohick, and Sherwood). Here you can solve riddles, play with coding programs, race friends with a Sphero Robot Ball, build a Lego design, or create a piece of art.
One of the most fun features of the Maker Labs is the 3D Printer , send your creation to the link on the library website and they will 3D print it for you! If you can dream it up, they can print it. Have old VHS tapes or slides you want to digitize? You can reserve a spot in the Memory Depot to convert them, and librarians will even train you on how to use it.
Andrew Carnegie once said that, “A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people.” That is certainly true at the Fairfax County Public Library, where community engagement and access is a top priority. All FCPL branches offer indoor Wi-Fi during operating hours, and some also provide outdoor Wi-Fi access from their parking lots from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., making them a great place to study, work and connect online.
You can also join a book club, attend a class, or even check out a Connect Kit with a Chromebook laptop and a Wi-Fi hotspot to take with you. Check out their calendar every month for a dynamic list of events.
The library’s extensive online resources are a treasure in themselves. You can read over 5,000 different magazine subscriptions through Magzter, and with access to the library’s subscription to Consumer Reports, research guides and online newspapers, you have access to valuable information right at your fingertips.
For those with a green thumb, the Seed Sharing Library allows you to grow your own garden while sharing seeds with others in the community. I finally know what to do with my leftover packet of sunflower seeds!
If you’re struggling with a computer or device issue, visit the Walk-In Tech Clinic, offering help with everything from setting up devices to troubleshooting technical issues. Additionally, for those looking to improve their English, the library provides conversation classes that offer a supportive environment for language learners to practice and enhance their skills, as well as homework help for students.
In the spirit of “why buy it when you can BORROW it”, the “Library of Things” offers an assortment of items patrons can use once and return. If you need to check out an interesting piece of art for a discussion — you might be able to find it at the library. If you’re interested in testing the air quality in your home, measuring the pH of your soil, or using a thermal camera — the Library of Things has you covered with meters and gauges. Want to grab a Nature Backpack that includes a state park pass? They have that too!
Fostering literacy is an obvious hallmark of the library, and they truly make it fun. My kids look forward to the Summer Reading Adventure every year and there are even exciting prizes and incentives for adults as well. From children’s story times to adult book clubs, story walks in nature, and short story contests for teens, the library makes reading dynamic and fun for all ages.
I hope I’ve inspired you to check out some of the things available to you with your library card! I’ll be seeing you at the library.
“I declare, after all, there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” — Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Specializing in design-build home renovations, Synergy Design & Construction blends creativity with superior craftsmanship to bring your home visions to life.
We are a women-owned and women-led company, creating beautiful spaces that nurture and empower our clients in Reston and the surrounding areas.
Using our proprietary Renovation Roadmap system, we alleviate typical frustrations by choreographing all aspects of the remodeling process allowing clients to actually enjoy the remodeling journey, instead of simply surviving it. From initial design concepts to the actual construction of the vision, everything is handled in-house with a focus on client experience.
From modern kitchens to luxurious bathrooms and complete home transformations, our expert team ensures every detail of the home remodeling process exceeds your expectations.
Contact us today to explore how we can transform your home into your dream living space!
Can convenience, comfort, and culture all exist at the same address?
We believe so… and now it’s ready just for you.
Ravel and Royale is a duo of naturally inspired apartment communities, where a truly balanced lifestyle takes form. Grab a carefree lease on life and live nestled among lush landscaping with an incomparable front yard — Strathmore Square.
Explore our greenery, paths, and trails with proximity to Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park and the Strathmore lawns. Relax in a brand-new sophisticated residence with European finishes, generously landscaped terraces, entertainment-focused living spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows for light-filled rooms overlooking the park. Let our incredible management team take care of the details so you can enjoy your new home stress-free.
Whether you’re absorbed in a new book, enjoying a refreshing swim, or lounging in the sun under the cool shade of the umbrellas, find serenity and relaxation at your on-site pool. Nourish your mind, body, and spirit in your dry sauna, wellness rooms, two-story fitness center with separate yoga space, and our uniquely landscaped courtyards. Form deeper connections with loved ones as you host memorable dinner parties on your spacious private terrace or within our shared luxury dining spaces, presentation kitchens, and lavish lounges.
The green stop on the redline at the Grosvenor Strathmore Metro Station presents an opportunity for stress-free luxury living inspired by nature in an art-inspired community. Enjoy access to more, including the nightlife and shopping destinations at Pike and Rose and Downtown Bethesda, plus all the benefits of membership at Strathmore, the amazing shows at The Music Center, exhibits at The Mansion, summer concerts and outdoor art on the Strathmore Lawn and Sculpture Garden, and our own Strathmore Square music and community events.
Through a one-of-a-kind partnership with Strathmore, residents receive exclusive and diverse Strathmore programming. Enjoy bi-annual sessions with a Curator Concierge, culturally rich performances, and early offerings for premier seats.
Close to Rockville Pike and I-495/I-270, yet tucked away in a neighborhood to call your own home to world-class arts and culture — this is Ravel and Royale, where style, connectivity, and serenity meet.
RAVEL — Spacious, quiet, and thoughtfully composed
These curated residences offer a private oasis of sophisticated design details, seamlessly woven into a lively arts-inspired community.
With more to see and more to do, these artful residences are accompanied by extensive amenity spaces, opening the door to exploration and neighborly connection.
Two beautiful variations. One Incredible location. Leasing Now!
Qualifying Energy Star™ or WaterSense™ products purchased for noncommercial home or personal use — $2,500 or less per item
Detailed lists of qualifying items and more information for retailers can be found in the Sales Tax Holiday Guidelines.
If you’ve wanted to make any updates to your home like sink faucets, showerheads, toilets, etc. this is a great weekend to buy something and save some money. Same for appliances, ceiling fans, and light bulbs!
DC Bike Ride is the district’s only car-free, social bike ride, bringing bicyclists from near and far together to celebrate our great city in a truly unforgettable way!
The 20-mile, car-free course is purposefully designed to be approachable for first-time riders and avid cyclists alike while taking riders past some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial for the perfect photo op.
More than just a bike ride, DC Bike Ride features live music and entertainment throughout the entire course to keep riders moving, several well-stocked rest stops to refuel with snacks and beverages, and a celebratory Finish Festival (open to the public) near the Capital Building with plenty of entertainment, beer, and delicious food to enjoy with family and friends.
DC Bike Ride takes place on Saturday, September 7 at 8 a.m. EST at the intersection of 12th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW.
You can join DC Bike Ride by visiting www.dcbikeride.com and choosing from a variety of Ride Passes that best suit your needs.
Use promo code LOCALNEWS15 to save 15% off a standard Ride Pass.
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Are you wondering where the newest hotspot in the City of Fairfax is? Check out Commonwealth Brewing Co!
Conveniently located in the heart of Fairfax, this vibrant venue is quickly becoming a favorite among locals.
Ambiance and Atmosphere
As soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted with a welcoming, rustic-chic ambiance that combines modern design with a cozy feel. The spacious interior, with its warm wood accents and industrial touches, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Food and Drinks
The food and drinks will not disappoint. Commonwealth Brewing Co. offers a menu full of delicious dishes, from classic pub fare to innovative culinary creations to kid approved. On tap, you’ll find so many choices of craft beers brewed on-site, showcasing everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts. And if beer isn’t your thing, their on-tap cocktails are made fresh daily (my favorite so far is the coconut margarita).
Community Focus
What sets Commonwealth Brewing Co. apart is its strong community focus. They regularly host events that bring people together, from live music nights to trivia competitions and charity fundraisers. It’s a place where neighbors become friends and new connections are made. My clients love the sense of community here!
Flexible Meeting Space
Looking for a spot to host your next meetup? Commonwealth Brewing Co. offers flexible spaces that can accommodate a variety of gatherings, from networking events to birthday parties and casual get-togethers.
Check out Commonwealth Brewing Co. in Fairfax. Whether you’re there for a casual night out, a special event, or just to enjoy some quality food and drink, you’ll find a welcoming community and an exceptional experience waiting for you.
Have you visited Commonwealth Brewing Co. yet? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
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
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an appeals forum for federal employees and former federal employees to challenge various types of federal agency actions, such as serious disciplinary actions (adverse actions), retirement appeals, whistleblower matters and other types of cases.
The most usual type of appeal for federal employees involves filing an appeal over a serious disciplinary action, such as removal from the federal service.
During an appeal a federal employee can choose to be represented by an attorney. That said, the federal agency on the other side will be represented in the appeal by an attorney. This article discusses some of the reasons for retaining an attorney familiar with the MSPB process to assist you in an appeal. In other words, the reasons why it is important for a federal employee to retain an MSPB attorney. Here are some reasons why it is important for a federal employee to retain an MSPB lawyer for their appeal.
Federal Agencies Treat MSPB Cases Differently When an Employee Has an Attorney
One of the reasons why it is important to have an MSPB experienced attorney representing a federal employee is that it will very likely make a difference in how the federal agency treats the MSPB appeal at issue. Federal agencies allocate their attorney resources first to cases where an individual has retained an attorney. Those cases tend to get the most attention because there are attorneys on both sides of the appeal.
In other words, where an appellant has their own attorney, the federal agency involved will focus more on that individual’s appeal merely because they have an attorney. This focus can help to resolve MSPB appeals earlier in the process.
The MSPB Process is Much Like a Civil Action
One of the most important reasons why it is important to have an attorney represent a federal employee in the appeals process is the fact that it is a very serious type of appeal, very similar to being involved in a civil lawsuit. There is a general misperception that the process is designed for an employee to effectively represent themselves.
An MSPB appeal functions much like a civil court case where there is discovery, the taking of depositions and the filing of briefs. As a result, representing yourself in this type of case is very difficult. It is often the case where federal employees discover this too late and we are contacted after discovery deadlines have passed which can make appeals much more difficult to prevail in and/or settle. It is important to have an MSPB attorney early in the process. Additionally, there are often legal arguments and filings required by an administrative judge that really require an attorney.
Increase the Chances of Settlement
Federal employees who retain attorneys in the MSPB process are more likely to resolve their MSPB appeals. Part of the calculation by federal agencies, in determining whether or not to settle MSPB cases, has to do with risk. Federal agency attorneys evaluate the risk of losing an appeal (a risk which increases when an employee has an attorney), but also other types of risks including the risk of adverse information being disclosed through discovery.
Individuals without counsel can run across difficulties such as how to format discovery requests or take depositions which can limit the amount of critical information uncovered in an appeal. This can decrease the chances of settling an MSPB appeal. MSPB lawyers are also able to understand and work out the legal terms of a settlement agreement with federal agency counsel to minimize risk and to attempt to ensure compliance with settlement agreements.
It is Difficult for an Employee to Represent Themselves at a MSPB Hearing
One of the most important reasons for having an attorney represent an appellant in an MSPB appeal is the difficulty for a federal employee in presenting their own case at the MSPB hearing. MSPB hearings typically involve presenting opening and closing statements, presenting and questioning witnesses, cross-examining witnesses and making legal objections to evidence.
It is also difficult for a federal employee to question themselves in a case, and their testimony as a result often takes the path of a statement which can have limitations. Having an MSPB lawyer assist them can help lead them through what can often be difficult testimony. We often have federal employees come to us following the filing of an MSPB appeal because they didn’t realize how complex the process could be. It is best to secure MSPB representation as soon as possible for federal employees.
If you are in need of advice regarding MSPB appeals, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation.
Choosing the right remodeler can make all the difference in achieving your dream design within your budget and timeline. Design-build firms are revolutionizing the construction industry with a comprehensive approach, offering both design and construction services “under one roof”.
In this blog, we explore the key benefits of choosing a design-build method for renovating your home.
1. Cost Savings
One of the major advantages of a design-build approach is the potential for cost savings. By fostering close collaboration between design and construction teams, clients benefit from unified project management, avoid costly re-work and change orders, and experience a more thoughtful and cost-effective renovation. It really pays (less) to have everyone working together!
