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Jacobson Realty and Home Staging (JRY) was established by Broker/Owner Belinda Jacobson-Loehle in April 2002. Belinda is a native Washingtonian who grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and has lived and worked in Gainesville, Virginia since 1995.

Super Shopping Destinations in Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow, VA

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Super Shopping Destinations in Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow, VA

perfect outfit

Maybe you need to run out for the perfect outfit for that big job interview, supplies for your son’s last-minute science project or just a little retail therapy. From antiques and home décor to cruise attire or the next business suit, you can find just about anything you need in the many stores located Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow, VA. Here are a few of our favorite shopping destinations in the area:

· Francesca’s – If you’re shopping for youthful trendy clothing and gifts, you can get the boutique experience at the Virginia Promenade in Gainesville. It’s hip, it’s fun, it’s trendy and it’s a place that you can get in and out of quickly because it just isn’t that big.

· White House Black Market – This Gainesville shop offers stylish contemporary daywear wear with classic lines for all ages. If personalized service is what you want, you can get it here.

· J. Crew and Loft – J. Crew is the newest boutique to open in Gainesville’s Virginia Promenade. It provides youthful sportswear and career choices for the gal who is transitioning to upscale career and daywear. Loft provide a similar quality and line of clothing.

· Chico’s – January through March is the perfect time of year to book a cruise and beat the winter chill. Chico’s has “all hands on deck” to help you get to your destination. The upscale ladies boutique on Atlas Walk in Gainesville has fabulous sportswear for vacation and business travel. Everything packs easily, and no ironing is required. Who can ask for more?

· Jo Bank – Let’s not forget the man who is moving up the cooperate ladder or simply wants to look good at the next social or golf event. Jo Bank in Gainesville has personalized service and quality merchandize that your peers will remember.

· The Very Thing for Her – This Gainesville upscale ladies and children’s consignment shop carries designer clothes, handbags and fine jewelry. If you’re looking for unique, vintage finds or upscale brands and low prices, this shop is the place to go.

· The Running Store – If you’re a seasoned marathoner or training for your first 5k, the shoes you wear will make a world of difference. This Gainesville store caters to all levels of runners (and walkers), offering gear you need to get fit and hit the pavement. They will assess your stride and find the perfect shoes for your next jog, race, or breast cancer walk!

· IT’SUGAR This unique shop is more than a candy store! Looking for sweet delights or novelty gifts? You can find both at IT’S SUGAR, and it’s located just down from the Regal Movie Theaters in Gainesville!

· Comics and Gaming – For the Dungeons & Dragons or Marvel lover in your life, you can find games, comics and collectibles in this Gainesville store. They have a “subscribe and save” program that offers 10 percent off comic titles when you reserve your copy at the store.

· Super Target – If you’re looking for new throw pillows or you need to pick up ingredients for dinner tonight, you can find just about anything you’re looking for (and maybe some things you weren’t looking for) at Gainesville’s Super Target.

· Details for the Home – This charming shop located in a historic home in Haymarket has all sorts of gifts, from trendy jewelry, to bags to decorative items for your home. And don’t miss the large Pandora jewelry collection on display. Give yourself time to wander around every nook and cranny.

· Needles in the Haymarket – If you love to knit or crochet, you’ll be in yarn heaven at this Haymarket shop. They have many varieties of quality yarn for you to use in your creations. If you want to brush up on your knitting or crocheting skills, they even offer classes and workshops.

· The White Elephant Antiques – If you love antiquing, this historical Bristow home turned antique shop is for you. This place is jam-packed with great finds, and you can put your money back into the community by supporting a local small business.

There are hosts of other stores in Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow, of course. And what’s nice is, they are all so conveniently located. Plus, you don’t have to go to a mall to fulfill your shopping desires and needs. It’s all right here in your own back yard! If you would like more information, feel free to contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We’d love to give you a tour of the area!

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Why Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow Virginia Schools Are the Best

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Why Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow Virginia Schools Are the Best

Kids are the future

Kids are the future, so we want to make sure they shine by providing the best possible education. Many families relocate to Gainesville, Haymarket or Bristow for the top-notch education the area provides. With all of the acclaim area schools have received lately, it’s no mystery why parents would be flocking to these school districts. Add winning sports records, high test scores and great facilities and you have a formula for a well-rounded education. Check out why so many parents are interested in moving to the area.

· Highly ranked schools – U.S. News and World Report ranks some of the area schools very high on national, state and local levels. Battlefield High in Haymarket ranked first out of 11 Prince William County schools and 23rd in the entire state. Prince William County had 34 schools receive the School of Excellence Distinction Award for the 2014-2015 school year.

· High test scores – Test scores aren’t everything, but they can be a good indicator of the quality of education children are receiving. Prince William County Schools scored higher than most schools in the state on reading and writing SOLs. They had a 90 percent pass rate on high school reading SOLS. They outperformed other schools in the state on eight different tests in this subject matter.

· Winning sports and extracurricular teams – Education is important, but to be well-balanced, kids need great after-school activities too. If they’re into clubs, sports, music or art, they can find the club or team to suit their taste and maybe even bring home an award or two. Battlefield High School had a great year in sports in the 2014-2015 school year. Their girls’ soccer team brought home a state title, and the wrestling team brought home a regional title. Brentsville District boys cross country team won a state title as well. The robotics team from Battlefield High also won 1st place at the Battle of Baltimore Competition, while the Marching Bobats won Class AAAA Champions and Highest Scores in Visual and General Effect at the Stafford Marching Invitational.

· Top elementary education – Of the top 10 elementary schools (as ranked byCruvita), six are located in either Haymarket or Bristow. You can rest easy knowing your kids are getting the best education as soon as they enter Kindergarten in these amazing schools.

· State of the art facilities and equipment – From planetariums to iPad and laptop access for most classrooms, Prince William County has fantastic facilities and technology to help your child learn how to navigate the technological world. Children learn how to type, use different types of software and the Internet at an early age. They play learning games that make homework fun at school or on websites where they can log in from home.

· Easy access – Like the rest of these bustling communities, the schools are conveniently located, especially for working parents who need to drop kids off on their way to the morning commute to DC. These communities all give easy access to I-66 and I-95.

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging prides itself on knowing this community inside and out. We interact with residents all the time. We live here. And we love where we live. This is our community of choice. If you would like to know more about this place we call home, contact us today.

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Clean-Up, Clean-Out and Learn to Live With Less in the New Year

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Clean-Up, Clean-Out and Learn to Live With Less in the New Year

It’s the beginning of a new year

It’s the beginning of a new year, the time when we all get a fresh slate and extra burst of motivation for change and new beginnings. What better way to cleanse your house and your soul than starting the year off with a great decluttering? So get your boxes and bags, along with my suggestions, and get to work! You’ll feel so much better with fewer things filling up your home or distracting your attention. Here are some tips to get you moving in the right direction:

· Donate, donate, donate – It’s a new year and a great way to be charitable right from the start. Donations of goods to charities are tax deductible, and donating is a good way to give back to your community while you declutter your home. Clearly this is a win-win for all. If you have items that are in good or workable condition, find the right charity and donate them. Consider making donations to the Habitat for Humanity Restore facility at its new location, 10159 Hastings Drive in Manassas! They are currently accepting donations Monday – Friday from 9-6pm and Saturday’s from 9-5pm. Habitat accepts houseware, appliances and recycled construction material, to include old cabinets, countertops, ceiling fans, faucets and more! The grand opening for the retail store is scheduled for January 23, 2016 from 9-5pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony, food and special entertainment. For further details you can call 703-369-6145 or visit www.HabitatTWC.org. The Salvation Army in Manassas is another great organization that accepts donations. Located at 11201 Ball Ford Rd., donations are taken Monday – Saturday 8am – 6pm and Sundays 11- 6pm. For additional information call 703-686-4607.

· If you don’t use it, get rid of it – Trinkets from vacations past are only collecting dust and taking up space in your home, and old school projects have seen better days. Once you decide to let those items go, you will feel better and have more space for storage.

· Don’t forget to keep your house safe by getting rid of hazardous material – Old paint cans can really stack up (literally), and dangerous fertilizer bags aren’t safe to have sitting around. The Prince William County landfill, located at 13000 Ballsford Rd., will accept hazardous waste material, electronics, and selected chemicals on the second Saturday of every month from 10am-3pm. The larger landfill located at 14811 Dumfries Rd., takes everything!

· Make a little extra cash – After the holiday season of gift giving, a lot of our bank accounts may be low. What better way to make a little extra cash than to sell unwanted or unused items online? You could use an auction site like eBay for smaller, easier to ship items. For furniture and other large items that are still in good condition, you can sell them on Craig’s List. You can also sell your items at a local consignment shop.

· Use social media – Give items away for free! You can post your items on social media such as Craig’s List without the hassle of hauling it to a donation center! Just get the unwanted stationary bike or desk to the curb or garage and your job is done.

· Save time and organize – Once you have decluttered your home, organize your remaining items so that you have a system for keeping your home tidy. If there’s a place for everything, day-to-day cleaning won’t take so long. With fewer items lying around your house you can devote that extra time to a new hobby, an extra workout or spending more quality time with your family! Did you know? Decluttering is also the first step in preparing to sell a home.

If house selling is on your agenda for 2016, please know that we offer home improvement recommendations and free professional home staging with every listing. Contact us today to learn how to make the sale of your house quicker and more profitable with our help. Contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today for information.

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Holiday “Spirits” are Bright in Prince William County, VA

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Holiday “Spirits” are Bright in Prince William County, VA

The holidays

The holidays are a time to eat, drink and be merry. And you can do all of the above at many of the breweries in and around Prince William County. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the beer lover in your life, or perhaps you need a good brew to bring to a holiday party, shop local and sample some of these breweries’ delicious offerings to help you choose your holiday gifts. Here are some great local places to imbibe:

· Tin Cannon Brewing Co. (7679 Limestone Drive #130, Gainesville) – With creative craft beer names like Unkel Dunkel and Honey We’re On a Date, you can be sure you’re in for a good time. You can typically find 6 to 12 beers on tap at a time, with their standard offerings, some seasonal brews and a few they call experimental. Their experimental beers are where they really let their imaginations run wild, like an amber ale with notes of bacon and chipotle peppers, called Breakfast of Champions. Sample beers, enjoy a pint or take home a growler Thursday through Sunday afternoons and evenings.

· Heritage Brewing Company (9436 Center Point Lane, Manassas) – This veteran-owned and operated brewery is committed to quality beer and social consciousness. They use only organic and sustainable ingredients, try to have the smallest carbon footprint possible and give 1% of their profits back to charity. You can choose from their flagship beers, seasonals, limited edition, oak aged or experimental brews. Enjoy beers from their tap room Thursday through Sunday, or take a tour on Saturdays.

· BadWolf Brewing Company (9776 Center Street, Manassas) – This company’s first location offers a cozy setting to sample a few of their staple beers, plus their experimental and pilot test batches. Family-owned and operated, this brewery offers unique beers like a stout called Chocolate Covered Banana or Mango IPA.

· Big BadWolf (8420 Kao Circle, Manassas) – The new second location of BadWolf Brewing offers tons of seating where you can enjoy a wider variety of your BadWolf favorites. Or, you might choose to enjoy a growler or keg at home. BadWolf doesn’t serve food at this location, but they welcome you to bring your own or order delivery.

· Old Bust Head Brewing Company (7134 Lineweaver Road, Vint Hill) – Old Bust Head Brewing Company is named for a historic crossroads in Fauquier County. Some say the locals came up with the nickname when a neighbor fell off his horse after overdoing it. Others say the locals who drank liked to fight, or that they fell down and “busted their heads” on the road. No matter where the name came from, this brewery is known for dozens of craft beers on tap and in bottles. The brewery prides itself on investing in sustainability with its “green” building, energy efficient brewhouse and geothermal heating. The brewery also supports farmers and buys ingredients and supplies locally.

In addition to existing breweries, a new brewery is coming to Prince William County. The old Thomasson Barn at Innovation Park will become an $8 million “destination brewery.” Eventually, it will include an onsite brewing and packaging facility, bistro, tasting room, retail store, beer garden, hops fields, walking trails and bocce court.

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging prides itself on being closely connected with the community and up-to-date on not only the real estate market, but the neighborhoods themselves. If you would like more information on this area we call home, contact us. And Happy Holidays!

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Light Up Your Home to Sell During All Seasons!

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Light Up Your Home to Sell During All Seasons!

photo taken in light

Have you ever had a photo taken in light that was just not flattering? It made you cringe, right? Having the correct lighting is important, not just for your selfies, but for photographing and staging your home to sell. We think about adorning our homes with festive lights at holiday times, but you can improve the look of your home year-round with a few extra lights. Changing the lighting in your home is a simple, inexpensive way to make your home seem open, airy and warm. Here are some tips for illuminating your home to sell:

· Add curb appeal. Motivated homebuyers are viewing your home in daylight hours and after sundown so make sure it looks its best at all times. You always want to keep your front exterior lights on but you can add a few simple outdoor light fixtures to add curb appeal. Solar walkway lights can light up your sidewalk to improve safety and ambiance. A spotlight or two on the front of your house can also add to your house, improve safety and give visitors a clear view of your home’s exterior. Landscape light packages sold at your local Lowe’s and Home Depot stores provide easy install methods while providing dramatic results inexpensively. If you have a beautiful tree, shrub, or flowers let people know by complementing natural beauty with a little added light. And, of course, if you’re selling during the holiday season, a few festive white neutral lights will really show your spirit and help folks envision themselves at home for the holidays when viewing your house.

· Use natural light. Whenever possible, take full advantage of natural daylight. Keep blinds and curtains open during the daytime to light up your home, make it seem open and airy all day long.

· Use flattering light sources. Overhead fluorescent lights are typically harsh while floor lamps and touchier lamps create mood and plenty of up lighting. Use soft, warm tones and rely on smaller lamps to disperse lighting to specific areas. You can also turn lamps during the day to enlarge the sense of space and brighten up your home.

· Add subtle lighting. Small under-counter kitchen lighting shows off your countertops and makes one of the most important rooms in the house warm and inviting. Add wall sconce lighting to places that are short on space. If you have art on your walls, you can showcase it with small light fixtures.

· Change a light fixture. Swapping out dated light fixtures for sleeker, more modern versions can be a wise investment that won’t cost you a lot. Better yet, spray paint old light fixtures with new modern colors to update any look inexpensively. Installing or updating attractive light fixtures is worth the money spent and will always catch a buyers’ eye!

Still not sure what lighting is right for your home? Jacobson Realty and Home Staging can help you fully stage your home to sell quickly and for the best price.Contact us today!

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Holiday Season Real Estate Bargains!

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Holiday Season Real Estate Bargains!

shopping season

We tend to think of the holiday season as a shopping season for gifts and food, but not for major investments. With major shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we think of buying discounted toys, games and electronics. But around the holidays is actually a great time to look at purchasing a new home, too. Here are some reasons why you should shop now:

· New homes may be less expensive – Much like retailers, builders also want to close out the year with less inventory on their books. This could translate to a great deal for you as the buyer. Shopping for a brand new home during, and right after, the holiday season could really pay off. Some builders even offer incentives like free or discounted upgrades, so keep your eyes peeled for deals.

· Investors are looking to liquidate – Real estate investors also do not want to close the year out with a lot of inventory on their books. It’s more profitable for them to flip properties quickly, and they may be willing to lower their prices or take a little less than the asking price to sell quickly. An experienced real estate agent can help you find investor-owned properties that you can snap up for a great price.

· People want a fresh start for the new year – Around the beginning of the new year, people are motivated to make major changes in their lives. Maybe moving is on their agenda, but they really don’t want to wait for spring to get into that new home. Eager sellers can offer fantastic deals for buyers, so take a look now and see what bargains are out there.

· Sellers listing in off-peak times may have a bigger sense of urgency – People listing their homes in the winter months may have a bigger need to sell their homes than those who can wait until more optimal times to sell. There may be a little more wiggle room in the price, or you may be able to ask for help with closing costs as an added bonus.

· There is less competition among buyers – Fewer people looking to buy means you may not be up against as many competing offers that may drive up your bid on a home.

We know the holidays are a busy time of year, but with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can balance home shopping with all of the festivities. Finding a great home for a lower price will be well worth the little bit of extra effort. Jacobson Realty and Home Staging can help you get the most house for your money. If you’re ready to find out about real estate bargains and shop for a home this holiday season, contact us today!

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10 Things to Be Thankful For About a Home

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10 Things to Be Thankful For About a Home

time of year
 

This is the time of year to count our blessings and be truly thankful for all the good things in our lives. Sometimes we might take our homes for granted. But while we’re being mindful of the world around us and thinking about how our lives are enhanced by what we have, let’s take a moment to think about our homes. I suggest being proactive when it comes to maintaining your home so that your home can keep you warm and comfortable this holiday season. Here are some things to be thankful for in our homes.

· A well-tuned HVAC system – I have my system serviced at least every 6 months and change the filters on a regular basis to improve energy efficiency, utility costs and air quality.

· Good quality windows – Energy efficient windows, or windows that have been properly sealed and winterized, can greatly reduce your heating costs and keep you cozy during the holiday months.

· A gas fireplace – There’s nothing like curling up next to a fire on a cold winter’s night. A good gas fireplace with a blower can help circulate the warm air instead of losing it.

· A hot water tank – Make sure it has been inspected and has no signs of leaks. Cover it to reduce energy costs.

· A sump pump that works – Have your sump pump inspected regularly, and consider replacing it after 8 years. My personal worst nightmare was having my sump pump fail on New Year’s Eve and waiting over 3 days with a flooded basement before we could get help.

· Plenty of storage – Whether it’s in your garage, spacious closets or in an outdoor shed, you’ll want plenty of places to stash those holiday decorations after the festivities are over. So make sure they are cleaned out.

· A garage – You can keep your car warmer and avoid scraping ice, frost and snow by keeping it in your garage.

· An insulated front door – This is well worth the investment when you consider the savings in energy and cutting the draft when the winter winds start to blow.

· A washer and dryer that work properly – Get through your laundry quickly and efficiently with a well-maintained washer and dryer.

· A microwave – Get your holiday feast to the table quickly by zapping a few side dishes with this time saver.

· A double oven – Especially if you are hosting your family’s holiday feasts, a double oven can save you so much time preparing the meal.

In addition to all these things, a home gives you protection from the elements, a space to gather your family on the holidays, a place to enjoy a lovely meal you’ve prepared together. If you’re looking for a new space to be thankful for, Jacobson Realty can help. We can professionally stage your home to help buyers envision their next Thanksgiving meal there. We can also help find the next place for your family to settle in and create new holiday memories together. Contact us today!And have a joyous Thanksgiving!

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Your 2016 Home Selling Checklist

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Your 2016 Home Selling Checklist

sell their homes

In the Gainesville, Bristow and Haymarket Virginia area, many people wait to sell their homes in the spring or summer. But that doesn’t mean you should wait on preparing. To obtain the best price for your home, you need two main components: a realtor who will go the distance to get you the best deal and a home that is well-prepped. Get ready to list your home by checking off the items below.

· Get a home inspection prior to listing your home. Show buyers that you’re proactive about getting repairs done and giving them the best possible value when they purchase your home. Once the home inspection is done, you’ll know which repairs are important for you to tackle right away.

· Get rid of clutter. When people view your home, they want to see the potential for their family in the house, not your collection of National Geographic Magazine from 1987 to the present. Pre-pack or throw away items you don’t regularly use. Organize the items that are left and clean your house from top to bottom. Buyers want storage room, so show them how much room you have by keeping your storage spaces uncluttered.

· Make sure your flooring is up-to-date. Buyers don’t want to tackle replacing all the flooring after they move in. If your current flooring is dirty, worn or dated, you may want to consider updating it prior to putting your home on the market.

· Create curb appeal. Your home’s curb appeal gives buyers their first impression. You want this to be a positive experience so they remember your home and want to buy it. Keep your yard weed-free. Add greenery as the season permits.

· Create a neutral color palate inside. Buyers don’t want a long list of improvements to make after they move in. Help attract buyers with a fresh coat of paint or two. Neutral colors and clean walls with no holes will attract buyers.

· Depersonalize your home. Even though you may love your hometown football team, you never know what will be a turn-off for potential buyers. Try to take as many personal decorative items out of your home while its on the market to avoid alienating any customers. Allow them to see themselves living in your home by removing family photos and memorabilia.

· Anticipate your buyers’ needs. Your buyers already have a list of what they want. Racking up items, no matter how small, on their future to-do list is a quick way to lose a buyer. Help them check off items on their wish list instead of creating their to-do list.

· Make your home move-in ready. Once you’ve had your inspection and prioritized your to-do list, create a budget and a timeline to make your home move-in ready. Maybe you need to replace a few windows, apply a few coats of fresh paint or spackle all the places where your photos hung. Set yourself up for success by getting your home move-in ready before it even hits the market.

· Stage to sell. A well-staged home can make the buyer feel at home. Make sure you have good lighting and properly placed furniture for showings.

If you are looking for a professional opinion on your home as you prepare it for selling, Jacobson Realty and Home Staging is there to help. We can walk you through every step of the process to make sure your home is ready to sell at the time you want to sell it. Contact us today!

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Autumn in Prince William County: Experience Our Natural Beauty

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Autumn in Prince William County: Experience Our Natural Beauty

hike, camp, fish, horseback

Whether you love to hike, camp, fish, horseback ride or simply enjoy the local plants and animals while you bask in autumn’s beauty, the Prince William County area has what you’re looking for. Here are just a few aspects of nature you can enjoy in this exceptional season.

· Trails – With over 50 miles of trails, Prince William County itself has lots of space.Prince William County trails are open from dawn to dusk so that residents can take a stroll or go on a nature scavenger hunt. Some allow biking and horseback riding as well. Silver Lake Regional Park, Manassas National Battlefield Park and the Bull Run Mountains are minutes away from Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow. Bring Fido along for a walk (just make sure he wears a leash and you clean up after him). Leave your Vespa at home, as motorized vehicles aren’t permitted.

· Wildlife – You may spot many different animals while you’re visiting Prince William County area parks. There are quite a few varieties of native birds that don’t migrate. If you prefer fluffier wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for white tail deer or cottontail rabbits as you explore the parks. If your idea of a relaxing day includes a rod and a reel, you’re in luck. There are three locations in the Parks and Recreation Department where you can catch bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass and crappie. Manassas National Battlefield Park also has some areas for fishing. (Note, if you’re older than 16, you do need a Sportsman’s License to fish in Virginia.)

· Wineries – The Winery at La Grange and The Winery at Bull Run offer not just the fruit of the vine, but breathtaking views of autumn foliage, hills and fields. Enjoy a glass of vino and take in the sights while relaxing in the cool, autumn air. There are even sections and events appropriate for children. The wineries are beautiful any time of year, but these late-autumn months offer something special.

Recognizing that we would not be able to enjoy any of these aspects of our county without the efforts of our dedicated armed forces, we at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging want to say thank you to the men and women who have protected our freedom and to those who continue to do so. Veterans, we appreciate all you have done for our communities and our country!

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