Realtors and Travel Agents – Helping You Reach Your Destination

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Realtors and Travel Agents – Helping You Reach Your Destination

Realtors and travel agents are not so different from one another.Maybe you’ve never thought of it this way, but realtors and travel agents are not so different from one another. Both work to get you to your destination where you can enjoy life! And both do it professionally. That’s why in today’s world, even with the abundance of do-it-yourself options for both real estate and vacation planning, there’s still a big benefit to having an expert in each field help you navigate your transaction and get the most for your money.

What are you looking for?

 

Lene Minyard, travel agent with Perfectly Planned Journeys, said, “Be clear on what benefits you are hoping for when using a travel agent! Is it saving time? Expert advice and help in case something goes wrong? Are you looking to coordinate a trip for a group? If so, you should definitely consider using a travel agent!”

 

The same thing goes for working with a realtor. Realtors want to know what you are looking for in a home or neighborhood. They want to know what price range you are comfortable with and whether or not you can pre-qualify for a mortgage. And in the event anything goes wrong? You definitely want a realtor by your side.

 

What resources will you need?

 

Minyard said that travel agents work with reputable suppliers and have resources not available to the general public. They can check out the vendors and specific destinations in ways that most people cannot. This prevents you from having a bad experience on your vacation, a common result of using a vendor who isn’t reputable or trustworthy.

 

On the real estate side, a website can give you a forum to list your house or search for a new house, but it can’t give you expert advice on how to negotiate the best price, what the best neighborhoods are and other insider tips and tricks. A realtor can do all of this, plus connect you with other reputable professionals.

 

What’s the niche?

 

Different travel agents may have different niche markets they serve. If you’re looking to book a Disney vacation or a Caribbean vacation, for example, look for an agent who specializes in those markets. That travel agent will know insider tips and tricks for the location you’re looking to visit.

 

Just like there are niche travel agents, there are also realtors who specialize in certain regions or types of real estate. Look for just the right agent for you and your situation when you are shopping for a house or need to sell your house.

 

You need a partner!

 

Minyard said, “There is absolutely no way that a travel agent can know everything about every destination and every supplier, so don’t expect that!  Look at your travel agent as a partner and added protection — someone who will work with you to put together that perfect trip for you, help you prevent any problems, and when unforeseen problems do occur, you have someone to contact to help you resolve the issue. Always remember the more information you provide the better he or she will be able to plan a memorable trip for you.”

 

As for realtors? Having a realtor is like have an insurance policy for your real estate transaction. Realtors are expert partners who can guide you through buying or selling a house from start to finish to ensure everything goes smoothly.

 

If you are looking for the right realtor to find or sell a home in the Bristow, Gainesville or Haymarket Virginia area, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We have the experience as well as insight into these communities to make your journey a positive one.

 

Lene Minyard can be reached at (703) 791-2944.

©2016, Jacobson Realty and Home Staging

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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10 Tips to Avoid Seller Mistakes

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10 Tips to Avoid Seller MistakesPreparing and selling your home can be a challenge!

Preparing and selling your home can be a challenge! Many sellers are not sure of all the ins and outs or what may sell homes in their area. We atJacobson Realty and Home Stagingknow, though! Here are 10 things that you should definitely remember for a successful selling transaction.

  1. Steer clear of automated property valuations. Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com or Redfin are fine for report searches, but when it comes time to understate property valuations, they are not your source for information. Often times the data that is used is old or not similar to the subject property, and valuations will be too high or too low. The expertise of a realtor is needed to evaluate your upgrades, your unique situation and current market conditions and trends.
  2. Have realistic expectations. Your realtor can share important information with you that will help you to understand your local market. Home sales trends may be 45 – 60 days, or offers from buyers may not be meeting full property values. Your home is an emotional component of your life, but it is best to be objective when strategizing the sale of “the house.”
  3. Shift your mindset. Now that you have decided you are going to sell “the house,” continually remind yourself that you are selling a house, not YOUR home. This can help you to critically evaluate interior and exterior cosmetic and maintenance issues that you and your family considered “endearing” or part of the character of the home.
  4. Pack up your emotional attachment. Memories are one of the most difficult things to move. However, they are also the first thing you should pack if you’re going to change your mindset from “home” to “house.”  Removing the emotional attachment aids in changing your mindset as well as allows you to make sure your life’s story is safely stored. Also, if you are downsizing, you simply may not have room in your new home for all of life’s memorabilia. This will give you time to consider options such as digital storage. Many of your memories can become amazing photos to be shared with all the family. Another option is collaging and shadow boxes, combining items into themes and reducing the storage area while creating a fun family display.
  5. Have your property staged. Professional staging is critical to the sale of your home. Especially in markets where the competition is great, your home must be showcased to attract its full asking price. Professional stagers stay updated on the latest home décor trends and understand how to show off the best qualities of your home without your positioning looking fake.
  6. Invest in repairs and improvements. Routine maintenance helps prevent surprises down the road, but there are always things that seem to get put on the back burner. Catch up on your seasonal maintenance, trim trees and double check gutters. Consider investing in improvements that can ensure a higher selling price and build confidence and trust in the mind of your buyer.
  7. Invest in your curb appeal. Your curb appeal is the “first impression” made by the house. Making sure your landscaping is updated can help sell the house faster. Remember, if you can’t see your house, you can’t sell your house. Stand at the curb and see if an overgrown tree seems to overwhelm the house or if the juniper bushes block your front door.  Check often overlooked areas like your mailbox or see if the lawn has bald spots. Another appeal buster is an outdated or unkempt front door area. Try a new door color and an updated doorbell as inexpensive ways to give the front of the house an attractive look.
  8. Start packing before you list. Reduce your stress by starting to pack as soon as you decide you are selling. Packing as soon as possible can help you to detach emotionally from your home, as well as declutter the house for the staging. It also makes cleaning before showings easier. In addition, cleaning out all those nooks and crannies can expose repair issue you may not have noticed that you can get to right away.
  9. List only when you are prepared. One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is to list before all repairs or staging is done. If you have not quite finished your preparations, both you as the seller and the house do not look like you are ready to sell. The buyer is calculating how much effort and money they will have to put into making the house their home. These considerations can mean lower offers or no offers at all.
  10. Always have a “Plan B.” Crazy things sometimes happen when selling a house. The house may sell faster than you expected, or it may take longer because of a market slowdown. An unseen major repair may come up, or your own moving plans may change drastically. Ask your realtor about options and make a list of resources such as resident hotels, storage units and emergency repair services.

With a bit of preparation and a great plan, you can reduce the stress and make selling your house a satisfying experience!

©2016, Jacobson Realty and Home Staging

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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Achieving Success: Working With a Professional Realtor in Prince William County, Northern Virginia and Beyond

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Achieving Success: Working With a Professional Realtor in Prince William County, Northern Virginia and Beyond

realtor is about building a relationship based on respect and trust.Much like working with a doctor or an attorney, working with a professional realtor is all about building a relationship based on respect and trust.
As an expert, your realtor is there to help with what may be your single most important investment, the buying or selling of your home. Your realtor should be an expert and your best source of information. Here are some tips for getting the most out of the relationship you’ve built with your realtor.
  • Stay local. You are always better off working with a local agent to list your property and typically better off with a local buyer agent as well. A local listing agent will know the pulse of the area, be up on market trends and have a network of other realtors to go to share new listing information or buyer needs with. You want the biggest bang for your buck, so use the experience of an agent who is tapped into where you live or want to live. You should find quicker success and the opportunity to create the next chapter in life.
  • Listen and evaluate what your realtor recommends. As a professional, a realtor has assisted with the buying and selling of homes, hopefully for many years. Although no two cases are the same, the process and possible outcomes are more familiar to them than to you. Empower yourself with their knowledge and evaluate their recommendations so you can make an informed decisions.
  • Know what you want or don’t want from your realtor. Share your dreams as well as your concerns. Sometimes knowing what you don’t want will answer the question of what you do want. Are you looking for an agent that specializes in a certain niche, such as retirement communities or home staging? Or, are you a first-time homebuyer who needs more guidance?  Successful realtors understand market trends and may have access to information not available to the general public. Many times a property you thought would be unavailable may be at the agent’s fingertips. So speak up and let your realtor know what you desire!
  • Be sure you’re getting a team and know that you become a part of that team. An established realtor works with other reputable professionals such as trusted lenders, title companies and estate professionals to give you a great team experience. As a principal to the transaction, you become a member of the team and must do your part to communicate with the team, provide documentation and make yourself available. No one person can do it all. It’s the team effort that gets everyone to the finish line. Make sure you know the players.
  • Talk about communication. How accessible is your agent and does he/she communicate in a way that is comfortable for you? Consider your communication style and how you want to be contacted by your agent. Do you prefer email, phone calls or personal interaction?  Is your agent available when you are? Does your agent have evening and weekend hours? Most importantly, does your agent follow up in a timely manner? Real estate bids can come in quickly and are often time sensitive. An agent that doesn’t respond in a timely manner could be a problem.
  • Give and take information. It’s okay to emphasize any knowledge and experience you may have to help your agent start to really understand both your short and long term goals. Conversely, ask about any concerns you think may have been forgotten in the busy initial contact stage, as well as throughout the transaction. There are no stupid questions!

Remember, a professional realtor can be as important to your life transition as any other professional you work closely with. A caring, experienced realtor wants to be there for you through all your important home and property ownership milestones. With a relationship based in mutual trust and respect, there is no limit to what can be achieved.

Contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging or email Belinda@Jry1.comfor your real estate needs.

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Establish Your Team. Know What to Look for in a Loan Officer

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Establish Your Team. Know What to Look for in a Loan Officer

Select a local professional with a good reputation – Personal referralsSelect a local professional with a good reputation – Personal referrals are best when looking for someone to handle your home loan. If your realtor already has some trusted loan officers, fantastic! Obtain referrals, shop around and do some research by reading reviews online. You can find a loan officer anywhere in the country, but staying local with your selection works best. When issues arise and the appraiser needs to be contacted and communication is urgent, you want someone who is responsive and able to maneuver quickly within the local marketplace. It’s your safety net to a successful transaction.

  • Good communication skills – Often times a move accompanies a major life change, like a marriage, divorce or job change, and you want someone who is sensitive to that. You need someone who is caring and dialed into your financial goals, and can effectively communicate in the way that is best for you. Not everyone likes text messaging, but other folks can’t be reached without it.
  • Experience – Ask how long your potential loan officer has been in the mortgage business.  You want someone with experience, but that’s not to say a new loan officer won’t work just as hard or harder for your business. It’s when challenges are presented and credit issues require counseling that experience matters the most. Do some research on the company to ensure they are reputable, as well. Look for Better Business Bureau complaints on the lending company. Loretta Flynn, Senior Mortgage Advisor at McLean Mortgage Group says, “The lending guidelines are the same for everyone – it is the way a loan officer prepares their customers for the process and guides them through it that separate the good from the exceptional…the loan officer must see the transaction through to the very end and navigate the whole way through the transaction and safeguard that nothing goes awry in the final days before the closing.”
  • Good rates and reasonable fees – It is always best to comparison-shop lender programs and fees, even when you are buying new construction. Aside from a little time, it doesn’t cost you anything to complete a loan application. A good deal isn’t a good deal until you have something to compare it to. Lenders receive new lending products on a regular basis, but not all lenders have the same products. An evaluation of your credit history and an understanding of your personal circumstance will provide you the details you need to obtain the best quotes. And if you are still uncertain after that, speak with your realtor.
  • Top-notch customer service – Buying a new home can be smooth sailing if you have a loan officer who prioritizes customer service, works well as a team player with all parties, answers your questions and can circumvent road blocks. In the end, you will need to trust in the team that you have created by relying on their professional skills to successfully get you to the closing table. As Loretta Flynn says, “A Realtor’s livelihood is based on a 100% successful execution of their promises to their clients, and the loan officer should hold himself or herself to that same standard for success.” Your satisfaction is our success.

If you are seeking an experienced realtor with referrals to solid lenders, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We will ensure you get the best service possible by working with professionals who are in your corner.

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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Your Horses are at Home in Western Prince William County

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Your Horses are at Home in Western Prince William County

your-horses-are-at-home-in-western-prince-william-countyThe beauty of living in Western Prince William County is that it has something for everyone. The country mouse and the city mouse are both equally at home here. There are bustling suburbs and peaceful countryside, all within about an hour’s drive. Equestrians and horse enthusiasts alike will love the variety of horse trails that are all around the county. Here are just a few area horse trails you can enjoy.

Manassas National Battlefield Park –With horse trailer parking at the intersection of Route 29 and Featherbed, this National Park trail offers more than just a place for you and your horse to explore. You will trot down the trails of history together. There are monuments and a visitor’s center along the trail for you to explore area history. (You can purchase a park pass at the visitor’s center.) Come out and enjoy 50 miles of natural surface and some wood chip covered trails. A bonus of this trail – there is no standing water nearby, so there are hardly any bugs. There are so many different trails here, you can ride all day and not cover the same two places twice. Be aware, though, that some trails are for pedestrians only.

Nokesville – There are two trails in Nokesville — The Nokesville Park Equestrian Trail and the Valley View Park Equestrian trail. Nokesville Park is located on Aden Road. It has a sand ring trail for working and training purposes that you can use in conjunction with the horse trail. Explore 3 miles of natural surface trails here. You can find a slightly shorter natural surface trail at Valley View Park at 11930 Valley View Drive in Nokesville. This trail is perfect for short rides and natural challenges for training.

Haymarket – Haymarket also has trails located in James Long Park and Silver Lake Regional Park. James Long Park has a well-established trail in the community with about 5 miles of natural surface. There is plenty of horse trailer parking and a sand ring near the trail for training. Enjoy a scenic ride around a 20-acre lake, meadows and forest at Silver Lake Regional Park Equestrian Trail. This natural surface trail is about 4 mile long.

Gainesville – Conway Robinson State Forest Park is a 400-acre park, plus a wildlife and wildflower sanctuary. This historic and scenic area allows people ages 16 and up (with a permit) to ride horses through the forest, explore the Manassas Gap Railroad bed used during the Civil War or stop to enjoy a picnic.

Manassas – Ben Lomond Trail is a two-mile natural surface. There is no trailer parking available at this site. It’s located at 7500 Ben Lomond Park Drive in Manassas. Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville is adjacent to Manassas. There, you can explore 9 miles of flat, dirt trails through the woods. There are some steep bank water crossings and some marshes with boardwalks, so it’s not recommended to ride here after heavy rains. This trail offers beautiful scenery with wildflowers and wildlife.

Make yourself at home and your horse at home! Learn more about life in Western Prince William County by contacting Jacobson Reality and Home Staging today.Discover the natural beauty in our communities.

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. 

The JRY mission is to provide professional advice and analysis, maintain clear and consistent communication and serve clients with respect. The home buying and selling process can be an exciting and stressful experience. Our goal is to make it smooth, educational, enjoyable, quick and as financially beneficial as possible. 
The desire of JRY is to exceed your expectations to find the home you love or sell the house you have for a deal that is right for you!

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How to Increase Curb Appeal

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How to Increase Curb Appeal

Growing up, we’re always taught that it’s what’s on the inside that counts

Growing up, we’re always taught that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, never judge a book by its cover and countless other platitudes. But let’s face it, in the real world, sometimes what’s on the outside does count. No, we’re not being shallow – we’re talking curb appeal. Buyers frequently assess your home before they ever set foot across the threshold. Armed with this information, you can go forward and increase the curb appeal of your home so that your first impression is a lasting impression (one that lasts all the way to the closing table).

Crystal clear windows – Show a sneak peak of the inside of your home without old spider webs or greasy face prints clouding the view. Clean your windows, inside and out.

Front door finesse – The entryway to your home should be warm and inviting, but also clean and in good repair. A fresh coat of paint can do a world of good. Also, make sure that your door’s hardware is pleasing to the eye and is in good shape.

Rotten wood, good riddance – If you have damaged wood on your home’s exterior, such as shutters or doorframes, repair or replace it for a quick facelift for your home.

Roof repair – Make sure to tidy up your roof by replacing any missing shingles and cleaning out your gutters.

Patio and path prep – It’s easy to get loose stones in your patio or stone path in your yard. Make sure these areas are weed-free, in good repair and clean (with no wobbly or broken stones) to increase your home’s curb appeal.

Siding sprucer – You can freshen up your home’s exterior by painting, repairing, power washing and/or replacing old siding. You can also refurbish brick exteriors.

Porch and deck pick-me-ups – Your porch or deck may benefit from a good power washing, or it may need to be completely restained or repainted. A color change and an outdoor space that’s attractive and in good repair will give you the curb appeal to bring buyers in.

Flower bed fortification – Lay down your weed mats, plant some new perennials and toss in some fresh mulch. This relatively easy and inexpensive front yard fix will add a splash of color to your landscape and make the outside of your home more cheery.

Show your lawn some love – Weed killer, seed, fertilizer, and water can go a long way. If your lawn looks like an old western movie (tumbleweeds through a whirlwind of dust), invest in growing (or sodding) a new lawn to attract prospective buyers.

Mailbox maintenance – Often it’s not right next to the house, so the mailbox gets neglected. Check your mailbox to make sure it’s not rusted, is in good working order has no wood rot in the post. If you’ve had a specialty mailbox installed previously (because who doesn’t love pulling catalogs out of a wide-mouth bass?) consider installing a tamer, more HOA-compliant mailbox design.

As professional stagers and realtors, we can help you with your curb appeal woes. Call us at 703-338-9678, or email Belinda@JacobsonRealty1.com.

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What is a Buyer’s Agent?

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What is a Buyer’s Agent?

Homebuyers (especially first time homebuyers)Homebuyers (especially first-time homebuyers) need an advocate and a fiduciary to represent their best interests. This person is called a buyer’s agent or a buyer representative. Although buyers can represent themselves in a real estate transaction, just as a defendant can represent themselves in a court of law, do you really want to take your chances with what is often the largest, single investment you will ever make? If your answer is no because you want the best information, the expertise of a knowledgeable agent and someone who understands the latest laws and best practices, not to mention the best deal, then read on!

Typically, the home seller pays a commission to the listing broker, who then pays a portion of that commission to the selling broker or cooperating broker. The actual listing agent and the selling agent (a.k.a. the buyer’s) agent, are paid directly by their respective brokers. With a few exceptions, no one gets paid until the transaction closes.

In the age of online shopping, sometimes buyers think they can easily find the best home options themselves without the aid of an agent. But often, listing information available to the public is outdated, unavailable or contains misinformation. Realtors, and thus buyer agents, have more reliable resources, and access to the most current home listings and price changes. A seasoned agent will know how to provide information on market trends, statistical changes and the latest impacts on the local economy. Your buyer agent will become an important source to you so that you can make a well-informed buying decision.

A buyer’s agent is someone who is solely in your corner, looking out for your interests. When you sign a Buyer Agent Agreement, he or she will commit to getting you the best possible price and protect your financial information, thus creating a fiduciary relationship.

The agreement between you and your agent ensures everyone knows the expectations of the transaction. Your responsibility to your agent is to work with him or her exclusively. Once you’ve signed an agreement, you shouldn’t call another agent to see a property, even if your heart is in the right place and you are trying to save your agent some time. And never give your personal information out to another agent while you’re working with your agent. Finally, let your agent know very clearly what you’re looking for so he or she can find all the homes that fit your precise criteria.

Once your dream house has been found and you are under contract, your buyer agent will refer you to other professionals you may need such as lenders; inspectors home warranty companies and anyone necessary to assist you in getting the best advice at all times.

The buyer agent will also oversee inspections and repairs, maintain proper communication between all parties and provide you the resources and guidance you need to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience. From start to finish, your buyer agent will be at your side, until the final questions have been answered and all matters have been resolved at the closing table.

Buying and selling real estate is a cooperative effort and Jacobson Realty and Home Staging has years of experience representing buyers, empowering them to make confident decisions. So protect yourself with professional advice during one of the largest transactions you may ever make in your lifetime. Contact us today.

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How to Buy a Historic Home in Virginia

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How to Buy a Historic Home in Virginia

One of the great things about Northern VirginiaOne of the great things about Northern Virginia and specifically Manassas, Haymarket, and Bristow is that all of these towns have rich histories, particularly from the Civil War era. If history interests you and you love architecture from days gone by, and if you go in with a clear understanding of the related expenses, a historic home may be for you.
The National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register were established in 1966 and are managed by the National Park Service and the Department of Historic Resources, respectively. Virginia has approximately 3,000 registered historic properties. You can visit the state and national registers online to learn more about these properties, updates, and educational programs.

Here are some tips for buying a historic home:

  • First, you need to understand whether you are buying a historic home that is registered in the National Register of Historic Places or buying a home that is in a historic district but not in the registry yet. Each scenario has different tax credits and benefits, which you should discuss with your CPA before signing a sale contract.
  • Once you have identified the property, have a home inspection contingency in the sale contract as a condition of the sale before closing. Choose an inspector who specializes in older homes and hire a structural engineer to fully assess the repairs and restoration.
  • Older homes can contain asbestos, radon, and lead paint, so make sure your sales contract allows for additional tests, and know that all results pass safety and health standards.
  • Know your budget for purchasing and renovating your home up front so you can choose the right home. Armed with the information from your home inspections, get price estimates from contractors to see how much the repairs and improvements will cost.
  • There are local and state laws that govern the rehabilitation of historic buildings. Be very familiar with these laws to make sure you’re able to fulfill your obligation to properly remodel the property.
  • Understand that the goal of renovating a historic home is to preserve the original structure as much as possible, so certain renovations are off limits.
  • Check out the last year’s utility bills if the property is functional. It may cost you a pretty penny to heat and cool an older home, so learn the facts before you purchase.
  • Get an estimate on homeowner’s insurance. Make sure you can get replacement cost coverage to receive the highest protection.
  • Check the tax rate for the historic district you’re shopping in. Sometimes there is a special tax associated with living in that area.
  • Virginia has a program that offers special tax credits to certified historic structures, so choosing a historic home may have some attractive financial benefits. Ask your realtor for a CPA referral if you don’t already have one.

Historic homes are not for everyone, but if you feel passionate about purchasing an older home that has a classic American look and feel, we can help you find just the right home, as well as help with your homework. At Jacobson Realty and Home Staging, we know the historic areas and the market. Let us help you find the home of your dreams! Contact us today.

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Free and Cheap Family Entertainment in Haymarket, Gainesville and Manassas, Virginia

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Free and Cheap Family Entertainment in Haymarket, Gainesville and Manassas, Virginia

As summer winds down, we want to soak up every last ray of sunshineAs summer winds down, we want to soak up every last ray of sunshine before it’s time to break out the winter coats and boots again. There are plenty of fun, family-friendly activities to take advantage of in the Manassas, Gainesville and Haymarket areas. Here is a list of upcoming free events for you to enjoy while the weather is still warm enough to bask in the sunshine.
  • The Winery at La Grange – When is a winery more than a winery? When it holds free concerts on the lawn! Throughout August, enjoy the lovely, vineyard views, hear a variety of performers and bask in an afternoon or evening of relaxation, all at the Winery at La Grange in Haymarket, VA. On certain days, there are even food trucks and vendors. Take some time out for yourself. You earned it!
  • Virginia Gateway – Saturdays at 7 a.m. for the entire month of August, there is free sunrise yoga. This class is open level, so if you’re just trying out yoga or deepening your established practice, they have what you need here. Virginia Gateway also offers a free Little Tots day through August, when the kids gather to play in the fountain and have fun activities. Regal offers $1 kids’ movies throughout the summer. The money goes to charity.
  • Harris Pavilion – The Pavilion offers concerts galore throughout the summer and beyond. There are many restaurants within walking distance, or you can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the eclectic offerings of local musicians. This is the perfect summer activity for parents to introduce their kids to local music in a family-friendly venue, with reasonable decibel levels and at a good time of day for kids to enjoy music without being too tuckered out. The Pavilion also holds a Friday Night Family Movie, the First Baptist Church of Manassas Community Festival and a Sunday ice cream social.
Want some other ideas? Lowe’s offers a free Build and Grow program for kids. Home Depotoffers free workshops for kids. The Prince William County library system offers free entertainment and events.
Here at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging, we pride ourselves on keeping up to date on community happenings. What’s more, we participate in them! If you would like more information on our area and the wonderful things that await you when you decide to make this place your home, contact us. We’d be happy to tell you all about this place we call home, too.

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Estate Professionals Help Listing Agents Do a Better Job in VA, MD and DC

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Estate Professionals Help Listing Agents Do a Better Job in VA, MD and DC

It’s amazing the amount of things you can collect over a lifetimeIt’s amazing the amount of things you can collect over a lifetime! If you have decided to simplify your life by downsizing because kids are finishing college or you are just ready for retirement, you may need more than the assistance of a listing agent. If this is the case, we have suggestions for you.

We here at Jacobson Realty have aligned ourselves with estate professionals to make downsizing as smooth and seamless as possible. We recommend a consultation with your listing agent and home stager first. They will know the important furnishing and personal items to retain to help market the house.
From this point, we recommend the use of a professional estate sales company such as Doneen Hoffman of Estate Professional Services, LLC, to help sort, purge, donate and sell everything else. Doneen has lots of experience helping people hold estate sales so that they can get the best prices for their things without the headache of selling them by themselves.
Estate sales professionals such as Doneen want you to know that these are not yard sales — her estate sales are upscale shopping experiences. Doneen helps her clients fetch the best price for their items. They allow shoppers to shop in the homes, and they mark items clients want to keep as “not for sale.” All sales are final.
Doneen can hold a pre- and post-sale, or she can sell a piece at the estate sale and hold it until after the home sells. “We work with every single client individually,” she says. “Every client has different needs and wants.”
Doneen strives to go above and beyond for her clients. If a client wants a specific price for an item, she does her best to get that price. She prices items fairly and does not negotiate. Auction companies may start low and sell low, but Hoffman doesn’t operate that way. Auction companies also charge to bring furniture to their site for the sale, while estate sales are conducted at the client’s home at a time that is convenient to them.
Estate sellers typically offer a free consultation. Doneen examines personal items, seeks to understand the client’s particular circumstances and determines the best time to schedule the estate sale after coordinating with the listing agent.
Doneens’ sales usually start on a Thursday or Friday, and Saturdays are pick-up days. She does not hold sales on Saturdays because, she says, “Saturdays are yard sale days, and we are not a yard sale.”
Doneen takes photos of items so that she can do market research about fair pricing. She also uses photos for marketing, which is a major factor in the success of the sale.
Doneen takes care of marketing her estate sales to get the best possible turnout. Her company uses as many marketing tools as possible to get the most people in attendance and maintains a strong alliance with local auction houses. With her strong reputation, she usually has 10 to 15 people waiting for the doors to open when the sale starts.
After the sale, Doneen will also help declutter and organize. She offers “haul away” services for items that may not sell or need to be donated to charity. She will then coordinate with the listing agent to complete the pre-marketing process.
For more information on Doneen’s services, visit her Facebook page.
If you’d like more information on the home selling or buying process and our free home staging services, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging.

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. 

The JRY mission is to provide professional advice and analysis, maintain clear and consistent communication, and serve clients with respect. The home buying and selling process can be an exciting and stressful experience. Our goal is to make it smooth, educational, enjoyable, quick, and as financially beneficial as possible. 

The desire of JRY is to exceed your expectations to find the home you love or sell the house you have for a deal that is right for you!

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