Points of Interest

The Fairfax County Tree Commission is accepting nominations for its 2008 Friends of Trees Award.  These awards are presented to those that have preserved, protected or planted trees.  The competition is open to individuals, organizations, projects and programs.

You can find a nominating form at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/trees.htm, or call 703-324-1770.  Completed forms must be postmarked no later than March 28.

This award will be presented on Saturday, April 19, at the annual Fairfax County Earth Day / Arbor Day celebration.

Fairfax is also accepting nominations for its 9th annual Environmental Excellence Awards through May 31.  The awards are given based on advancement or support of the county's environmental goals and policy statements; their dedication of personal time and expertise beyond normal fiscal or civic responsibilities; and their role as a model for others to follow.

You can find additional criteria and nominating forms at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/eqac/awards.htm.

Today we have the good fortune to be speaking with Kelvin and Susan Pierce, husband and wife and co-owners of Commonwealth Home Remodelers, Inc.

VOH:  How long have you been in business?

Commonwealth Home Remodelers, Inc. is an award winning residential architectural and remodeling firm founded in 1986.

VOH:  You’re a husband and wife team.  What were the driving forces for getting into your careers and bringing them together under one roof?

Kelvin:  It was Susan’s dream to build her own company to showcase her design talents.  She also loves to build things so a design/build remodeling company was a perfect fit for her.  I was working as an Aerospace Engineer for the Navy at the time, but was restless for more of a challenge, so it wasn’t too hard for Susan to talk me into a career change.  I was a bit apprehensive at first, but after completing our first project, we have never looked back.

Susan:  A lot of people have told us that they could never work with their spouse, but we both love working with each other and benefiting from the personal growth that has resulted from building a business together.

VOH: What are your functions at Commonwealth?

Kelvin:  Susan is the architect, so she designs all of the projects and manages our team of architectural project managers and kitchen and bath designers.  I manage the production team and all the aspects of running the business.  Both of us act as company salesmen.

VOH:  What are your biggest challenges today?

Kelvin:  The recent downturn in the housing market has caused people to be a bit more cautious about their remodeling budgets.  A lot of clients typically use home equity money for their remodeling projects, and since home values have slid a little this year, clients are looking for ways to maximize their returns on tighter budgets.  Susan loves the challenge of wowing her clients by solving their lifestyle problems with high integrity designs within their budget range.

VOH:  How does Commonwealth Home Remodelers function in the marketplace?

Susan:  We have a special niche, and there are several reasons for that.  Because we have both architectural and construction services in-house, we are able to tackle complex projects in a very smooth, coordinated manner - from additions all the way up to and including new homes.

Kelvin:  We tend to do higher-end projects, and we insist on the finest work from our craftsmen.  We love creating exceptional living spaces that will thrill our clients for years to come.  We are also experts in Green Design, a concept that is very important to us.

VOH:  Where is your market?  What markets do you serve?

Kelvin:  Our clients tend to be within a 15 mile radius from our office located in Vienna.  The majority of our clients live in Fairfax and Arlington counties, but we have clients in Montgomery County, Maryland.

VOH:  What does the Vienna and Oakton area mean to your business?

Susan:  Vienna is our home town, and we love working here and in Oakton.  We have done many projects over the years here, and the neighborhoods and people here are ideal for us.  There’s nothing more satisfying than creating a wonderful place for your neighbors to live.

VOH:  What kind of projects have clients requested the most in the past year?  Do you see that changing in the coming year?

Susan:  Most of our projects involve remodeling an existing space, sometimes along with an addition.  The biggest problem our clients usually complain about is the overall flow of their house.  Do you ever notice how when you have guests over or you are hosting a party everyone seems to congregate in the kitchen?  Most homes in this area were not designed to allow for a comfortable flow around the kitchen.  The kitchen is such an important room in people’s homes and it’s where the family often gathers, so it’s no wonder that having a nice kitchen is important to our clients.  We do many projects where we open up the kitchen to the adjacent rooms and redesign the kitchen to provide for a pleasant cooking and entertaining experience.  We don’t see that model changing too much in the near future.

VOH:  Where do you see the industry and your market heading? What changes are on the horizon?

Kelvin:  The bar continues to be raised in the remodeling industry, as more and more clients recognize the importance of quality work.  Also, customer service is a big part of the equation – clients expect the same level of service from their remodeler as they would at a fine hotel.  That’s ok for us – it feels good to provide good customer service and exceed our client’s expectations.  Referrals are an important part of this business, and it just makes sense to make sure everybody is happy.

Susan:  As far as the industry goes, even with economic downturns, people recognize the value of investing in their home and making it into a place they will truly enjoy, so we believe the remodeling industry in this area will continue to grow.

VOH:  In your time away from work what are your interests?  Are there any special areas you like to frequent in and around Vienna and Oakton?

Kelvin:  Susan grew up in Vienna and her parents still live here so she spends a lot of time in and around Vienna.  I spend much of my personal time coaching our daughters’ softball teams here in Vienna.  The Vienna Girls Softball League (VGSL) is well known for providing an exciting and rewarding experience for many school-age girls from the Vienna and Oakton area.  I’ve coached for VGSL for several years and really enjoy this time with our girls.

Susan:  Kelvin and I started the Divine Child Foundation, a public non-profit to help benefit orphan children in the Republic of Georgia.  We adopted two girls from the Republic of Georgia in 1996 and saw firsthand the devastating conditions the orphans of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union face each day.  We both travel to Georgia and personally get involved with the orphanages and are actively developing programs to provide relief and give hope for these forgotten children.

VOH:  What do you enjoy most about your career and business?

Susan:  We both enjoy creating highly satisfied clients and watching their projects become reality.  Both of us enjoy the opportunities for personal growth that come with running a customer service driven business.

Kelvin:  One of the most rewarding parts of running a successful business is being in the position to give back through the Foundation.

Tomorrow is election day and the 34^th district of Virginia has witnessed what some might call a bloody battle between incumbent Jeannemarie Devolites Davis and challenger Chap Peterson.  The level of acrimony has left each ducking and dodging to some degree.

With many of the electorate tired of the current administration in Washington and its policies, perhaps Devolites Davis has had the biggest challenge moving to the center away from the more conservative image with which her political career started.

Both candidates favor a tunnel in and around Tysons Corner for the new metro.  Peterson has made the point that the work should be awarded subject to competitive bidding.

Both oppose the abusive driver fees that were passed this year to help finance state transportation issues.  Devolites Davis points out that it is “ludicrous to count on people’s bad behavior to fund long-term, sustainable items”.

So, where do they differ?  In the following issues:

Budget Shortfall.  If there is one, Peterson favors reining in Medicaid costs by entering a multi-state compact to drive down Medicaid prescription prices.  He also would like local government to start delivering state services.  Devolites Davis backs Governor Kaine’s idea of trimming 5% from state agency budgets.

Transportation Bill.  Peterson calls it a “debacle” saying that it should have been statewide, not local.  And he wants to finance it with a higher gasoline tax.  This would not only tax residents but users of the highways including tourists and out-of-state drivers.  Devolites Davis was a major proponent of the bill stating, “It’s been 21 years since we had any additional transportation funding in Virginia and I led the charge to get that done".

Gun Control.  Here Devolites Davis favors giving local communities the right to ban firearms.  Peterson says that a 2002 state law prohibits local authority to regulate firearms and will not vote “to approve laws that violate the state law”.

Immigration Reform.  Peterson believes state benefits should only be available to legal residents.  He wants to restrict businesses from hiring illegal residents.  Because of the lack of federal manpower, Devolites Davis favors allowing the Virginia state police to enforce the deportation of illegal aliens.

Not business as usual.  We have a republican backing a democratic governor’s budget trimming initiative while criticizing the democrat opponent for being too soft on guns.  On the other hand, there is the democrat who is seemingly blasé about gun control, wants to restrict state benefits to illegal residents but invokes an argument similar to a user tax.

The ads, as they sometimes do, have become acrimonious.  And our students at Oakton High School have taken note how certain words and their use in campaign language can be used to manipulate the public.  The publication of any opponent’s personal information is a questionable practice at best.  But, it must be mentioned that one original reply was received in response to a column addressing the need for increased telecommuting here in Fairfax County.  Late the night of publication, we received an email from Devolites Davis stating that she had sponsored legislation to put security standards into place to allow just that kind of smart use of our assets.

This Saturday, September 29, Vienna Youth Soccer (VYS) is celebrating Supportive Saturday for children in the U6 and above divisions.  By returning the game to the children it encourages these players to talk to each other cooperatively and learn to rely on their teammates.

To conform with the guidelines, parents and coaches are to refrain from shouting directions to the players during the game.  An as was pointed out by VYS executives, as parents we shouldn't be "coaching" from the sidelines during any games.  No child should be hearing  "run," "get back on defense," "get in there and get the ball," "shoot the ball," or "pass it to [name]" unless it comes from another kid on the field.

But sometimes shout we must and coaches, parents and spectators are encouraged to cheer often and loudly.  Encouragement yes, directions no.

I was never a NY Giant's fan and as a DC native always found the Dallas Cowboys insufferable.  And yet Bill Parcells' philosophy that practice was his time to yell and direct but the game was reserved for the players always struck me as sensible.

If you missed them in July because of one of the few storms we had this summer, The Splinters are returning to Vienna, Virginia this Friday evening, September 21, 2007.  The show starts at 6:30 pm and is outdoors at the new Vienna Town Green, across from Whole Foods.  And did I mention that it is FREE!

There is a cadre of loyal Splinter fans here in Vienna as one of the musicians is a major organizer within the Vienna LaCrosse organization.  And keep in mind that it is the eve of the fall equinox.  It could be an equinox eve extravaganza.

In Washington, DC, and the surrounding suburbs of Virginia and Maryland, we have a great deal of statues commemorating heroes of past conflicts.  Here's an interesting fact:

If a statue of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, that person died in battle. 
If the horse has one front leg raised in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle.  
If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

And now, a statue that defies the others just for that reason.

Finally, find out why this is really an "urban legend".  Andrew Jackson, riding the horse with both front hooves in the air, died at the Hermitage after 8 years of retirement from public service.

Next year, our family will have our oldest child enroll in a college or university.  As much as my wife and I have looked forward to this and will cherish the success in preparing our daughter for this next step, we do so with some trepidation.  College tuition costs are skyrocketing!

"Tuition is out of control," says Robert Dickeson, senior vice president of Lumina Foundation for Education.  Nationwide, college tuition typically increases much faster than general inflation.  The two biggest questions on my mind right now are, "How much will it cost?" and "How will I pay for it?"

There will be direct and indirect costs.  Direct costs are composed of tuition and fees, room and board.  These are fixed costs that the family is billed for by the college. Then there are the indirect costs or the “unknowables”.  They include books, supplies and travel as well as personal expenses such as laundry and any off campus food and entertainment.  For the 2006-2007 school year the national average for personal expenses at a four year on-campus private college is estimated to be $1,277.

Going to college will be one of the most exciting and challenging times of our child's life.  Before our kids pack their bags and ipods, it is essential that we spend time with them thinking about what they want out of their college experience and what environment would foster their growth the most.  The key is to find the college with the best fit for them.  The happier they are at the college they choose, the more likely they are to succeed and complete their degree in the shortest amount of time.

I am delving deeply into the options and learning much quickly.  It is my hope to share our experiences, both good and bad with you in future columns.  We are considering conducting a workshop once we have accumulated the necessary knowledge so that parents of future college attendees can benefit from both our mistakes and good fortune.

Forbes recently published its list of The Most Unhealthy Commutes in America.  Forbes examined three issues facing the country's 25 largest metropolitan areas.  This was one list where we didn't want to end up in the top five. 

The first criteria was year round particle pollution.  Secondly, they looked at how much time we spend in rush-hour traffic congestion.  And finally, the degree of danger that we face while commuting was factored in.

The top five in order were Riverside, CA; Atlanta, GA; Los Angeles, CA (no surprise there); and Houston, TX and Washington, DC which tied.  See the article on Yahoo! here.

Protect yourself

Inhaling particulates has never been a healthy practice and now I find that long commutes can initiate short term memory loss, not to mention high blood pressure.  But there are things you can do.  Drive or travel where the diesel trucks don't go.  That includes electric-powered subways and commuter trains and buses running on alternative fuels.  Otherwise, close your windows and recirculate the air.  Congress or our president could increase CAFE standards.  That would help reduce pollution and decrease our reliance on foreign oil. 

But my favorite is telecommuting.  Tell me why in a country that supposedly has built-out one of the most advanced telecommunication and broadband systems in the world why more of us are not using it to replace commuting.  Instead we use it to download YouTube videos or vote on American Idol or Dancing with the Stars.

Ok, Congressman Tom Davis, Senators John Warner and Jim Webb, Governor Tim Kaine, Congressman Frank Wolf, Senator Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, Representative Steve Shannon, listen up!  It's up to you and us commuters to never end up on a list like this again.  Adding more cars to the roads is not an option.  Knock it off!  No road in Northern Virginia should be built or revised without incorporating bike lanes.  Telecommuting tax credits should be strengthened substantially.

There's no excuse and only embarrassment and ourselves to blame for ending up on a list like this again.

LOAN INFORMATION:

In the past few weeks as a Bank of America banking customer I have been barraged by their “No Fee Mortgage Plus” program as I am sure that many of you have.  Some of the highlights mentioned in the copious marketing are the following:

No application fee
No Closing fees
No private mortgage insurance required
Close-on-time service guarantee
Best Value Guarantee

It’s a beautiful marketing idea to capture new customers and since they are “introducing” it, one might assume that it’s new, different or both.  Au contraire!

Application fees are an up-front charge that lenders are allowed to collect from their customers.  Their thinking may be that if I get an “up-front” fee the borrower is less likely to walk.  MetFund never requests or charges an up-front fee as brokers are not allowed to by law.  Besides, we want our counsel and service to maintain the relationship rather than monetary handcuffs.

If we were to provide a prospective borrower with a Good Faith Estimate that only enumerated the closing costs that are included in their no fee program we would woefully underestimate the true costs to the borrower.  The two biggest charges to the borrower excluding points are transfer taxes and title insurance premiums.  It’s not clear, but they may offer to cover the lender’s portion of title insurance.  And yet in their Terms and Conditions it states “fees for products or services voluntarily chosen by the customer” are not covered.  That would exclude owner’s title insurance coverage and that is the most expensive premium.  Remember, this offer is only for purchases of primary residences.

Having no mortgage insurance (MI) premiums with any purchase and less than 20% equity could be a real savings.  In fact, on Bank of America’s web site it’s the single biggest number in the example that I tried (a $500k purchase with zero down in Virginia).  Again, you have to read the fine print to find “that there may be an incremental cost” for no MI.  We usually refer to that as lender paid mortgage insurance (LPMI) where there is a higher interest rate that pays for or self insures the risk for the lender.  And as one of our disclosures point out, one of the disadvantages is that LPMI can never be cancelled.

Every participant in the real estate transaction typically wants it to close on time.  There are loans that don’t close on time for bizarre reasons beyond the financing component’s control including title defects, payoff statements not being obtained or either the seller or buyer being hospitalized.  Bank of America acknowledges this with qualifications.  MetFund has closed purchase loans in as little as 7 days from the date of a ratified contract (9 days from the time it was written).  We understand there is much at stake in meeting the timelines of a purchase contract including lock commitments, moving trucks, subsequent transactions requiring the sale proceeds not to mention our reputations and most significantly the satisfaction and peace of mind of our customers.

A claim of Best Value is very subjective and I consider that to be a throw away aspect.  As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  When I went into the lobby several weeks ago to make a deposit a rate sign was in plain view.  It included the rates charged for the conforming 30 year fixed rate mortgage for that date.  I was intrigued.  Bank of America’s web site suggests they do not charge a premium for the no fee mortgage.  But the rate on the board was high and above the market price of which I was aware.  After returning to the office I confirmed that if their rate was 6.625% we could offer 6.50% for the same costs.

MetFund Mortgage Corporation was a pioneer of the no fee mortgage in 1992.  That’s how we were able to refinance hundreds of customers with zero point, zero cost loans.  There are limitations spelled out in the fine print of the Bank of America’s No Fee Mortgage such as that you have to be an existing customer, but that is to be expected.  As consumers we must all be attuned to the nuances of offers and I would strongly suggest that we allow other professionals in the field, be it financing, investment or insurance to review, and then help us understand, any proposal before committing.