You Need to Move, so Move That Mindset!

02.02.2017 siteowner Leave a comment

I overheard two gentlemen talking at a party one evening. One gentleman was going on about how he really needed to move to a bigger house, but every year he thinks about how big of a change it is. He waits until the last minute and never gets his house ready, meaning he just stays another year in his house he thinks is too small.

His friend told him that it wasn’t his house he wasn’t getting ready; it was his mindset. His buddy was right, but how do we go about mentally preparing for a task that can be so daunting?

Detach and declutter: One of the best ways to begin a mindset change is to detach yourself from your soon-to-be old surroundings. Get rid of things that you have been meaning to give away, and take down personal pictures and memorabilia. This will allow you to let go and see the house as just a house and not your home. The bonus, of course, is that a potential buyer will also be able to imagine themselves in this new home when the time is right.
Make a “sell it and move” checklist right away: Write down a date you want to put your house up for sale and contact a local Realtor to see if it is recommended. With your Realtor’s assistance, add to your list the actions you need to do prior to, during and after the move. Break the list up into a timeline so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Once you have written down the steps, it may make the process more real and achievable in your mind.
Make a “new house” checklist: What are all the things that you really want or need in a new property? While you may think you are comfortable where you are, your list may shine a bit of light on some of the reasons moving is a great idea.
Go on a house hunting adventure: Your date to stake a sign in your current yard may be a few months off, but you can take the time to check out your dream neighborhood and view homes available in your price range. Let the idea of a new home adventure inspire you. List the positives of the areas you are interested in, such as access to schools and activities.
Do some new home prep: Keep your mindset positive for your new adventure by doing some pre move-in fun tasks once you have bought your new abode. Every home has that one paint color or cabinet hardware that you told yourself you would change out if you bought the place. Try to inspect your new home when it is empty and chose a few small upgrades that you can do before you move in. Tackling a few tasks ahead of time will help make the new house your new home.

So, are you wondering if that gentleman ever did move on to a new adventure? From the conversation I heard, I bet he did. And if you are ready for a new adventure, we are always ready to show you some great homes in our area. Contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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New Licensing for Virginia Home Inspectors and What That Means to Buyers

21.01.2017 siteowner Leave a comment

Laws are changing all the time behind the scenes in the real estate world. While they affect home buyers and sellers, they’re not always kept in the loop about changes. That’s why we are going to explain the new licensing for Virginia home inspectors and what that could mean to you as a home buyer. Trust us, this new legislation is a good thing for you as a home buyer. It will help you be assured that you’re getting the highest quality home inspection when you purchase a home, no matter whom you choose to inspect it.

Currently, the state of Virginia has voluntary certification for home inspectors, which means that you may get different levels of education and expertise from different home inspectors. All of that is going to change effective July 1, 2017. Now the state requires licenses for all home inspectors. There will be specific education requirements, which are still pending at the state level. Everyone who is voluntarily certified prior to the mandatory certification will be automatically licensed by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

What does this mean for you as a buyer? This is really beneficial to home buyers. Regulating the home inspector industry will help give more consistent results from inspector to inspector. Everyone will be required to take the same 16 credits of education biannually so everyone will be 100% up-to-speed on the latest and greatest developments in the home inspection world. With the changing landscape of technological improvements in home systems like HVAC, home security, appliances and more, that continuing education is going to be increasingly important as home inspectors learn how to assess new developments in technology.

This also means your home inspector will have to carry $250,000 in general liability insurance. More insurance offers more peace of mind for you as the home buyer. All home inspectors will be required to have a high school diploma or the equivalent and pass the National Home Inspector Examination, ensuring a standard of knowledge across the board for all home inspectors. This means you will get a more consistent product when you purchase a home inspection as a buyer. A home inspector will have to complete a minimum number of home inspections under supervision from a certified home inspector, which means they will have the benefit of hands-on learning from another certified professional.

Working with licensed professionals helps protect customers and the industry alike. This standardization of home inspection will ensure more buyers get a standard of safety in their home inspections. Have peace of mind that each and every home inspector has to have the same amount of education and receives the same knowledge each year. This will keep the industry thriving with licensed, insured professionals who are truly dedicated to maintaining a high standard of home inspections for customers.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the new year, let us help. Contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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Routine Maintenance to Keep Your House Running Smoothly Through Winter

12.01.2017 siteowner Leave a comment

Why does the heat pump always wait until it’s -12 degrees outside to die on you? It’s not just your fantastic luck. The harsh conditions of winter weather can be tough on your home. Keeping up with routine maintenance can ensure you don’t wind up with a home repair emergency on your hands in the middle of a cold snap. Here are some suggestions to keep your house running smoothly.

Change your furnace filters – It’s not an exciting job, but if you want heat to flow freely throughout your home, you want to put it at the top of your winter to-do list. Clogged filters can cost you extra money on your heat bill each month and over-tax your system causing it to break.
Winterize your water lines and air conditioning unit – Avoid frozen pipes by draining any hoses and air conditioner pipes. Make sure there isn’t water pooled in your air conditioner. Turn off water to all pipes that connect to the outside of your house.
Seal up your home to avoid drafts – If you have leaky doors or windows, you might as well open them up and throw cash out into the yard. Drafts cost you a lot of additional money in energy bills and your heat is just rising up into the atmosphere. A draft can give your thermostat a false reading, causing your heat to run more than it needs to. Escaping warmth can also cause you to crank up the temperature, costing you more to heat your home. Air leaks are simple to fix. You can winterize your windows with an inexpensive kit from any home improvement store.
Install energy efficient windows and doors – If you have a little more money to invest, energy efficient windows and doors can save you money on your heating bill and your taxes. There are federal tax credits available for upgrading to energy efficient windows and doors.
Tune up your heater – Preempt an emergency visit from your friendly HVAC tech by being proactive. Get your heater a tune up before you’re in the midst of the coldest months. Many HVAC companies offer free annual system checks if you schedule early in the season, before they get overwhelmed with emergency repair calls.
Clear out dead tree limbs – During winter storms and harsh winds, dead tree limbs falling can cause major damage to your home and threaten your safety. Tree branches that are obviously dead, dangling or just overhanging your home or vehicle should be trimmed prior to the harsh winter weather to avoid an accident later in the season.
Get your chimney cleaned – If you’re lucky enough to have a cozy fireplace to enjoy, make sure that it’s safe for your family by having it cleaned regularly. A clogged chimney is a major hazard to your health and safety. Animals also enjoy building their homes in chimneys, so you want to make sure there are no additional occupants in your chimney before lighting that first fire of the year.

Keeping your home well-maintained during the winter will not only keep you warm and cozy, you will protect your investment so that when the time is right to sell, you’re ready. If you’re in the market to sell your home (or purchase a new one), contact us today!

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

22.12.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

With the cheer of the holiday season I am reminded of a story I would like to share:

The Littlest Elf

Way back in the history of Santa there was an elf so tiny he always seems to be underfoot.

If he went into the doll room to help paint little blue eyes, he might get his fingers banged with a paint can. If he went to help put tires on toy trucks, he was always bumped and jostled.

As Christmas came closer, the other elves seemed grumpy and in a hurry. No one seemed to notice the littlest elf, but he smiled, hummed and tried to help wherever he saw help was needed.

One night Santa came to the elf factory and saw that the big elves were still grumpy, but the littlest elf was cheerful and helpful as always. While the other elves worked just as hard, the littlest elf seemed to be the happiest.

“Littlest elf,” called Santa, “I want to ask you something.”

All the other elves stopped in their tracks and Santa continued, “Why is it you get jostled and bumped and yet you never complain? You are always happy to help.”

“Well, Santa,” responded the littlest elf, “I love what I do, and no matter how much life bumps and jostles me, I am just thankful to be able to do the thing I love the most.”

The other elves looked around at each other and thought about if they really loved what they do. They thought about how they never noticed their happy workmate as they hustled and bustled. They did not take time to remember how much they loved the work they did.

The next day, the bigger elves were not only more cheery and smiling, but they hummed the same tune as the littlest elf and remembered to be more mindful of his presence.

During this holiday season, I wish you joy, happiness, health and wonderful memories for the holiday as well as the coming year. Like the littlest elf, I am thankful to be able to work and play in this area I love so much. Thank you all for your amazing support in 2016, and I can’t wait to help you to find the perfect home or to sell yours to the perfect family in 2017.

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Give Your Home a Winter Tune-Up

15.12.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Just like we winterize our cars with new tires, a tune up and oil change, our homes need a winter tune up, too. Our homes are the largest investments we make, and keeping them in top shape keeps us comfy and our investment safe. Below are a few suggestions to keep your house warm and winter safe.

Rev up your HVAC. Call your local HVAC professional to inspect your furnace or heat pump. The pro will check your system to make sure it is clean and in good repair, as well as monitor for carbon monoxide leakage. A quick tune-up can bring your furnace back up to manufacturer-rated efficiency.
Reverse your ceiling fans. Check any ceiling fans in your home to see if they are rotation reversible. Running the fan blades in a clockwise direction after you turn on your heat produces a downdraft that recirculates the heated air rising to the ceiling. You might be able to keep the heat turned down a couple of notches and save on your heating bill!
Hit the roof. Damaged or loose shingles can happen in the winter months letting in leaks from storms or melting ice and snow. If you are not one for heights, try using a pair of binoculars to scan the roof. Don’t forget to check the flashing seals around vents and chimneys, too.
Drain the main. Undrained exterior water pipes and lawn watering systems can freeze, causing cracked and burst pipes as ice expands. If your home is more than 10 years old, you may not have frost-proof faucets. Check with your water department or lawn sprinkler company to make sure the job is done right.
Stock the essentials. Double check your cold-weather essentials regularly. Ice melt and other essentials can disappear quickly if the winter is a long one.
Focus on insulation. Most insulation can be installed year around. Check with your local weatherization company or hardware store to see about getting your attic or basement insulation as soon as possible. Think of the savings on your heating bill!
Check for fire safety. Make sure your fire extinguishers are charged to their full capacity, and double check the batteries in your smoke detectors. This is especially important if you have a fireplace in your home and around Christmas time.
Clean those chimneys. Chimney fires account for 30 percent of home heating fires a year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Even if you are super-efficient about your fall chimney sweeping, be sure to check your chimney and vents are clean and in good repair regularly during the winter months. Santa won’t be the only one who will appreciate it!

My hope for everyone is to have a safe and warm winter. I am sure there are a dozen more tune-ups out there any homeowner can think of to add to their list. If you would like to stop in and give me your ideas, or if you are looking for a cozy new home this winter contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging to get the conversation started.

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Your Home, Your Holiday: It’s About the Wreaths

08.12.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

The holidays are a festive time to sell your home. Potential buyers can just feel the cozy vibe and imagine themselves tucked up in the master bedroom waiting for Santa Claus to deliver gifts. However, selling your home over the holidays also means you may want to tone down your decorations so that that the property is not overshadowed by the bling of the season. Hundreds of lights and yard ornaments distract the eye from the natural form of the house and yard. The buyer may not see the house’s year-round curb appeal and be turned off to a purchase.

To enjoy holiday décor and keep your curb appeal tasteful, the best ideas are simply stated. Evergreen wreaths are a nice addition to your entrance area that can liven up your holiday look. Even better, they have a wonderful history of symbolism.

Historians speculate that our modern evergreen wreath is based on the Lutheran Advent wreath, a custom dating back three hundred years. Soon after, many other traditions decided to adopt the wreath, each adding candles or other bright objects to represent a light for each day of their Advent celebrations. It is also said that a circular wreath of evergreen boughs are used to represent God’s eternal love. What a wonderful story to share with friends during this time of year.

Even the evergreen you choose to dress up your home has specific symbolism dating back for several centuries. Master gardener Margaret Rose Realy of Morning Rose Gardens shares some of these great meanings:

Balsam is one of the most commonly used evergreens for wreaths. Balsam is symbolic of eager anticipation, much like awaiting Christmas day.
Fir is another favorite, although it is used more in garlands and swags. Fir boughs symbolize being lifted up or elation.
Pine, is the most commonly used evergreen and conveys eternal life.
Spruce boughs represent hope in times of adversity.
Cedar is very fragrant and one of the longer lasting evergreen boughs. Cedar is known as and evergreen of healing.
Juniper is another very popular choice. Juniper symbolizes protection, and many people used to plant a juniper under their windows to keep away intruders.
Holly is considered to be reminiscent of the Crown of Thorns. The red berries are a striking addition to any wreath.

Wreaths can be placed on doors and in windows and can be accessorized to fit any theme you choose. This year, additions of gold and browns to wreaths look to be the trend and are quite striking on a modest sized wreath on the front door, especially on smaller porches.

Simple and tasteful décor is also an important consideration if your listing photos will be taken over the holiday season. If you just can’t help yourself and super decorating is your passion, make sure to hold off on decorating until after your listing photos have been staged.

If you are selling your home and would like more guidance on how to make it the most it can be during the holiday season or any other season, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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It’s Always Something: Contract Contingencies

18.11.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

The real estate seller/buyer contract is an amazing thing. The seller is moving on to new adventure, and the buyer is moving in to a new adventure. Both the buyer and the seller must agree to the terms, and their signatures imply they will follow through. Then, you notice it, a contingency.

A contingency is an additional request clause in a real estate contract that outlines the actions to be satisfied to bind that contract.

There are two important things to remember when dealing with contingency. First, there will be contingencies. Yep, there is never just one. The seller and the buyer, as well as the mortgage company or other entities involved in the contract, have the right to request specific actions be fulfilled to close the contract. Second, contingencies are for the protection of all the parties involved in the contract, working to catch problems in several areas of the complicated real estate process before the contract binds either party to the sale. Below are two examples of what types of contingencies may be included in your realty contract.

Home Inspection Contingencies

Many contracts include a home inspection clause. Inspections of the water and septic systems or for radon can tell the buyer how safe the home actually is or if the septic system is about to fail. Older homes may contain lead-based paints that are dangerous, specifically to young children. The home may be in a high radon area, which could lead to health problems for the new owner if this easy-to-fix but not inexpensive issue has not been detected.

Homeowners insurance is a valuable tool in any owner’s toolbox, but without an inspection, how will you know if issues such as synthetic stucco or polybutylene pipes may cause the home to not be insurable as well as bring on possible added expenses and repairs? Polybutylene pipes, also known as gray poly pipes, have been known to burst, leaving devastating water damage. Exterior insulating and finish system, or synthetic stucco, can harbor water and mold if not installed properly.

Market Contingencies

The financing game is never a sure thing, and the real estate market can be booming in one area and static just a town or two away. Many times the house may be perfect, but all the financials are not aligning with the stars. In these cases, several contingencies may be included in the contract to ease the process or cover issues that are not controllable by all parties.

The seller may include a “home of choice” clause that keeps the sale from going through until they have selected a new property. The buyer may include a version of this clause, having the closing be contingent on the sale of their current residence. Both parties may agree to include coinciding settlement contingencies allowing for the need that both the buyer and the seller must be in a position to close on other properties before the lender provides a loan commitment and the contract between them is binding.

The seller might also want to include a “back-up contract” contingency clause if the viability of an existing offer and its contract is in question. The back-up clause allows for the seller to be in a contract with you that goes into effect immediately if the first contract falls though. Basically, the back-up leaves you standing in line, waiting to see if you will get the property, but when the market gets hot, it is best to be at the beginning of the line than the end.

I could have discussed so many more examples, but that could get mind-boggling. In fact, not all contingencies have a category, and many times miscellaneous clauses are included. As in life, there is always something! The best way to understand the world of contingencies is to ask a trusted expert in the real estate field. If you are ready to buy or sell a home and want someone that can work through the complications, contact Belinda at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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Sacrifice and Honor: Veterans Day in America

10.11.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

This year Veterans Day falls on November 11th. To some, Veterans Day is just an inconvenience because federal offices are closed or a bummer for parents because schools are closed. However, we should take a moment to consider our veterans, the sacrifices they have made and the honor they deserve. Here’s how you can honor a veteran on Veterans Day and all year round.

Honor a veteran by knowing your history.

Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank all of our neighbors and fellow citizens who served honorably in the military, whether in peacetime or during war. Their contribution has been immeasurable for over 200 years. However, November 11th became the official date for Veteran’s based on Armistice Day in 1919. World War I was such a traumatic war that President Wilson felt the day of the cease fire needed to be remembered for all those that fought for our freedoms during that war.

World War II witnessed the greatest mobilization of our all our military branches in the nation’s history and soon after the conflict in Korea. Veterans’ service organizations urged Congress to amend the Armistice Act and inserting the word “Veterans” for “Armistice.” Congress approved the law on June 1, 1954, and November 11th became Veterans Day.

This is just a snippet of the history of Veteran’s Day. You can learn more here.

Honor a veteran by understanding sacrifice.

Military.com shares with us the work of Mark Lee Greenblatt for Veterans Day. Greenblatt attempted to gain from veterans of the Iraqi-Afghanistan conflict a perspective of the sacrifices they made to be a military service-person. “I think American civilians have an understanding of what the men and women are doing overseas on an intellectual level,” he said. “What I wanted to do was bridge that gap and give them the granular details, the nitty gritty, of what goes on over there.”

This quote really does hit home. Do we really understand the years of family time missed, the hours of grueling training or the struggle of living with the traumatic things they have seen in their service to keep us free?

The Iraqi Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) website shares ideas of how veterans are supporting each other through their sacrifices, including the difficulties of reintegrating into private citizenship, family stress, job transitions and mental health services. They have several ideas of how those looking to aid our veterans can help.

Honor a veteran by acting locally.

This Veterans Day, show your gratitude by honoring a veteran that lives or works near you. Here are some great ideas that can have an immediate impact in the life of a veteran:

Participate in Veterans Day 2016 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center: Celebrating Veterans and the Arts. This free event features performances by local artists, storytellers, dancers and singers. Manassas Chorale will perform at 10 a.m.
If you are dining at a restaurant, discretely tell the waiter/waitress that you’d like to pick up the tab for someone in uniform.
Volunteer with VA Voluntary Service. VA Voluntary Service is happy to have folks to help homeless veterans with job and housing applications or escorting veterans at the local VA hospital.
Engage elderly veterans in conversations and games at your local nursing home.
Supervise a book group or sponsor a documentary screening about the lives of soldiers at your local library.
If you’re handy with tools, find out how to help a homebound veteran with small chores and repairs they need in their home.

It is important to remember this Veterans Day that we have our freedom due to the sacrifice of those that have asked for nothing from us. Thank an active member of the military or a veteran for their gift to you.

Our communities are proud to show appreciation for veterans! For information on the local Veterans Day parade, click here.

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VOTE! It’s a Big Deal.

03.11.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

So, you are standing in line at the local coffee shop, or standing in line at the deli counter, and you hear this:

“Oh, I won’t bother voting because….”

I would continue the sentence, but the list of reasons given for not voting would take up a lot of room. Instead, I would like to share a bit about why I believe it’s important to vote.

It’s your Constitutional right.

For over 200 years, the United States has been ensuring, through our Constitution, the right for all citizens of majority age and mental competence the right to vote. Through abolition, Women’s Suffrage and other historical eras, the U.S. has shown how important this right is. In many other areas of the globe, the right to vote on a secret ballot, unfettered and with real choices, just does not exist. We should celebrate this right.

It’s a civic responsibility.

This part is not about who you should vote for. In fact, nobody but you should decide who you’re going to vote for. This is about helping affect the decisions that impact your everyday life. Voting affects every level of government, from federal to local. How your school district is run, how your county property tax is determined and whether or not areas of town are zoned efficiently really do come down to each of our votes.

So, you’re still standing in line at the local coffee shop or standing in line at the deli counter, and you hear:

I didn’t register to vote this year.

Unfortunately, voter registration has ended. If you have registered in the past, you can check to see your registration status at www.elections.virginia.gov/voter-outreach. This page will also share with you how to easily register online for the next election cycle so you will be ready. Remember, there are not only 4-year election cycles. In Virginia, the voting pattern for your state and local governments are on alternating 2-year cycles. This means every year is a voting year in Virginia!

But the lines are REALLY long!

They sure can be. But if we are willing to stand in line for a great coffee or to get sandwiches, why not take a little time to stand in this line, too? Remember to bring something interesting to do, such as a puzzle book or even that stack of vacation brochures you have been dying to skim through. Also check your registration status online before you go, to avoid any hassles. And don’t forget to bring your ID to confirm your residence.

Adjust your schedule to avoid polling places before or after office hours or lunchtime, when lines are longest. If you really cannot make time to wait in the long lines because you are a commuter, are traveling or have some other qualifying reason, consider absentee voting in the next election cycle. You can simply download the absentee voter registration online and then mail, fax or email the registration back to receive a ballot in the mail.

I never know where to go to vote.

With consistently changing districts and the need to create additional voting sites, this can be a valid concern. Prince William County has an online E-Book you can access to find your district, and the Virginia state website has a “Where do I Vote?” page that can pinpoint your polling station. Your polling place is also listed on your voter registration card.

Take the time to vote! Be American. Appreciate your right and privilege, and vote in the 2016 elections. For more community resources related to voting or other services, feel free to contact me.

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging (JRY) was established by Broker/Owner Belinda Jacobson-Loehle in April 2002.

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Heavenly Harvest: Wineries Within Easy Reach of Western Prince William County

20.10.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Heavenly Harvest: Wineries Within Easy Reach of Western Prince William County.

Autumn is wine time! The fall grape harvest is coming in and vineyards in the area are strutting their stuff with new and vintage wines to try. Our region boasts an abundance of wineries, many of which celebrate with fun events. Here are some of my favorite wineries, all no more than an hour’s drive from Gainesville, VA.

Winery at La Grange

Located in Haymarket, this historic home and property serves up amazing tastings and tours, with a patio area offering delightful views of the vineyard. The winery is full of folklore and ghost stories for you to hear about as you sip La Grange’s quality red and white wines. The winery’s event page reminds you to bring a picnic meal to their events. I’d recommend spending the day. Especially during this time of the year, it’s just lovely. www.wineryatlagrange.com

Delaplane Cellars

Delaplane sits on Lost Mountain, overlooking a vast vineyard that offers inspiration and reflection. The rustic tasting room and open area patio are delightful. In my opinion, their wines are excellent. There is impressive entertainment on the weekends, as well as a very knowledgeable staff. Delaplane will ship wine to any eligible state, so you can do a little Christmas shopping while you are there. My experience at Delaplane had me considering my own little farm in the country! www.delaplanecellars.com

The Winery at Bull Run

Gainesville and Bristow residents in particular talk about this winery because it is so close. The Winery at Bull Run is conveniently located right off Route 29 between Centreville and Gainesville. Amid the ruins of a historic farm house, the modern tasting room was built with rustic appeal, offering up an impressive list of award winning wines. Children and pets are welcome on their lively family picnic grounds where free entertainment is provided most weekends.www.wineryatbullrun.com

Naked Mountain

Naked Mountain boasts they are less than an hour from the Capital beltway. I have to say an early morning trip to a nearby orchard and follow-up with a tasting at this winery is sure to release anyone’s stress. The long rustic wine tasting bar sits high up on the knoll, with a view of the vineyard and some beautiful land. Naked Mountain has a fun, fresh vibe. They offer wine dinner events, as well as light fare wine tastings, or you can bring a picnic basket of your favorite goodies. www.nakedmountainwinery.com

Chrysalis Vineyards

A smaller winery off Rt.15 in Middleburg, Chrysalis is a very down to earth winery with the mission of bringing back the Norton Grape as the premier American wine grape. Nestled up in the Bull Run Mountains, they provide an authentic, up close wine making experience and thoroughly enjoyable wines. If you have not been there, give them a try. www.chrysaliswine.com

Barrel Oak Winery

BOW! in Delaplane is a winery all about bringing people together for a good time! It feels like a big barn party with plenty of activity. They have “picnics, and Frisbees, and games, and kids, and dogs, and laughter, and friends, and joy.” From local art exhibits to local bands, this winery wants the community involved. They encourage picnic lunches, but remember to read the “Doghaus Rules” if you plan on bringing your favorite fur baby. www.barreloak.com

Paradise Springs Winery

Tucked away in Clifton, Paradise is a very unassuming winery on a very historic piece of land. Not too big, not too small, they have pleasant front and back patios for enjoying a basket meal. Wines paired with weekend entertainment make this a quick getaway place. Oh, and from October 21st to October 31st Paradise is having wine tastings for junk food. How fun is that?www.paradisespringswinery.com

Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn

Aspen Dale is a working farm as well as a small winery in Delaplane, with an intimate tasting room located in a renovated barn. Tastings include matching foods to learn more about pairing. Aspen Dale is a fun experience, and I felt I’ve learned some new things about wine. Most weekend, Aspen Dale has live music.www.aspendalewinery.com

You might think by now that there are no more local wineries left for me to experience for the first time. There are! On my list to visit is Linden Vineyards. This vineyard is “never content,” always striving to improve their wines. I can’t wait to visit them. I will certainly share my experience in another edition full of winery suggestions.

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. She has been a licensed broker since 1989.

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