All posts by siteowner

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.
Preparing Your Home for a New Dog

Preparing Your Home for a New Dog

A while ago, I provided some tips on moving with a pet, but this time I wanted to give you some tips on adding a new dog to your family or getting one for the first time. Read on for ways to get your home dog ready. I’ll also include some great local places where you can adopt a dog. Continue reading

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Life in the Suburbs of NOVA vs. Life in the City

Life in the Suburbs of NOVA vs. Life in the City

As millennials get older and start having kids, they are leaving the bright lights and all the excitement of the city to reap the benefits of suburban living. Washington, D.C. may be where a lot of the jobs are, but you just may decide that living in Northern Virginia meets your family’s needs far better than living in the city. Continue reading

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Selling a Home During a Pandemic

Selling a Home During a Pandemic

The real estate business is still strong despite the coronavirus pandemic in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. Business did slow down a little in March at the beginning of the nationwide lockdown, but now that things have opened back up, home showings are happening again. In fact, real estate sales were still taking place during lockdown. Everything was just happening virtually during that time. We aren’t out of the woods yet with the pandemic, but we have a better understanding of the people that are of greatest risk. With that said, you may still want to take precautions to keep you and your family safe while your home is on the market. Continue reading

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Tasty Take-Out Options

Tasty Take-Out Options

Northern Virginia has many wonderful restaurants that you should definitely try out at least once. While restaurant seating may be limited right now, many restaurants have the option of offering take-out. It may not be the same as enjoying your favorite foods inside the restaurants’ unique atmospheres, but now you don’t have to go without your favorites. Personally, I love ethnic foods and trying new dishes, so take-out is a great way of still doing that. I also love to support local small businesses, so if you haven’t yet, I encourage you to give these a try. Continue reading

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Creating Your Own Backyard Oasis

Creating Your Own Backyard Oasis

With the current pandemic, most of us are spending a lot more time at home, and it’s also summer, so that means more time outdoors. Many people are also turning their backyard into their own little paradise. Why not do the same? If you already have a patio or deck, there are things you can do to enhance that space and make it more enjoyable. Even if you don’t, adding a waterfall or a garden to your backyard can make it a respite for you and your family. Continue reading

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Picture By Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29908892]

The Most Walkable and Bikeable Communities in Haymarket, Virginia

Recently, I gave you my walkable and bikeable scores for communities in Gainesville. This time I’d like to provide you with my scores for Haymarket. The small town of Haymarket is located at the foothills of the Bull Run Mountain. The town’s history dates back to the 1700s, yet it has all the conveniences of any 21st-century town. It’s close to Virginia’s “horse country” to the west, and Manassas to the east. I’ve compiled this list of the most walkable and bikeable communities in the area. I’ve also assigned a “walkability” and “bikeability” rating to each community, based on the Walkscore.com methodology and my personal knowledge and local experience. Continue reading

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The Most Walkable and Bikeable Communities in Gainesville, VA

The Most Walkable and Bikeable Communities in Gainesville, VA

Gainesville is the gateway to Northern Virginia’s finest! Conveniently located near the historic Manassas Battlefields, it is also en route to Shenandoah National Park. Gainesville’s most recent improvements provide pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment, and easy access to commuter routes. If you’re looking to move into the Gainesville area and having nature and conveniences nearby is important to you, I’ve compiled this list of the most walkable and bikeable communities in the area. I’ve also assigned a “walkability” and “bikeability” rating to each community, based on the Walkscore.com methodology and my personal knowledge and local experience. Continue reading

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Outdoor Activities During a Time of Social Distancing

Outdoor Activities During a Time of Social Distancing

Although Northern Virginia is slowly opening back up, social distancing is still recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The good news is that it doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck inside. Northern Virginia has a wealth of outdoor destinations for hiking, biking, horseback riding and fishing. Continue reading

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How to Improve Your Credit Score

How to Improve Your Credit Score

If you have a FICO® score of 650 (which is considered “fair”) or below, it can affect your ability to purchase some of life’s bigger transactions, like buying a car or getting a mortgage for a house. That’s a position no one wants to be in, but there is hope in that there are steps you can take to improve your credit score. Keep in mind, building good credit takes time. It won’t happen overnight, but if you take these steps, you’ll be well on your way to better credit. Continue reading

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Enrichment Activities You Can Do at Home With Your Kids

Enrichment Activities You Can Do at Home With Your Kids

Mom and Dad, if you’ve been cooped up with your kids and everyone is starting to climb the walls, take heart! There are endless activities and resources to take part in and take advantage of right now in the comfort of your own home. No doubt we are living in unprecedented times. Many things that we are typically able to enjoy like the library, museums and historical sites are closed, but for the first time ever, those things are being made available to us for free via the internet. Continue reading

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