HomeLifeStyle

The Best Seats Outside the House

Local designers offer tips for creating a spectacular patio or deck.

Warm weather means more time spent lounging by the pool or grilling on the patio. A winter-worn outdoor space can make popular warm weather pastimes less than appealing. Creating a space that provides both comfort and style can be a daunting undertaking. Local designers are offering suggestions for creating a luxurious retreat fit for relaxing or outdoor entertaining.

Housing Discrimination Alert

Officials step up education, outreach efforts to reach immigrant communities about "fair housing" rights.

Housing discrimination cases have been on the rise in Fairfax County in the past few years. And the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), the agency that enforces fair housing laws in the county, is shining a spotlight on the problem through seminars for housing providers, realtors, community groups and other interested parties. "Sadly, housing discrimination is alive and well and we’ve seen an uptick in complaints during the past six years," said Kenneth Saunders, executive director of OHREP.

Potomac Real Estate: March Sales, $825,000 ~ $967,000

In March 2012, 38 Potomac homes sold between $2,710,000-$253,000.

Potomac Real Estate: March Sales, $825,000 ~ $967,000

Local Real Estate: March 2012 Sales in Upper $500s

Local Real Estate: March 2012 Sales in Upper $600s

Potomac Real Estate: March Sales, $1million~$1.25million

In March 2012, 38 Potomac homes sold between $2,710,000-$253,000.

Potomac Real Estate: March Sales, $1million~$1.25million

Arlington Real Estate: February 2012 Sales from $800,000~$849,000

In February 2012, 174 Arlington homes sold between $2,023,700-$91,100.

Arlington Real Estate: February 2012 Sales from $800,000~$849,000

Arlington Homes and Gardens on Tour April 24

Tuesday April 24 Garden Club Tour. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $25 for full tour; $15 for single-sites. Featuring four private homes and gardens built in the early to mid-20th century, this tour takes visitors through the neighborhoods built as early suburbs of Washington, D.C. Sponsored by The Garden Club of Fairfax. Tickets also sold tour day at Memorial Baptist Church: 3455 N. Glebe Road, Arlington.