It’s summer, and in Northern Virginia, that means it’s H-O-T outside. The good news is there’s no shortage of ice cream places in Gainesville/Haymarket/Bristow to go to cool off! Here are some of my favorites. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Manassas VA
Tyren Johns: Jacobson Realty’s New Agent
Jacobson Realty is growing! I’m very excited to introduce you to Tyren Johns, the new salesperson at Jacobson Realty! While I focus on the Gainesville area, the plan is for Tyren to concentrate his efforts in Bristow and Manassas. Tyren may be new to real estate, but he’s had a long history of success in the sales business. Continue reading
The Importance of Memorial Day
One of the many reasons I love Northern Virginia is our rich history. This history dates to the founding of the colonies and threads through the ages. Northern Virginia keeps history alive and relevant for the generations to come through celebrations like we see on Memorial Day. For many, Memorial Day weekend is a time to paint the trim or take a much-needed vacation. However, Memorial Day is much more than that. Continue reading
How to Buy a Historic Home in Virginia
How to Buy a Historic Home in Virginia
One 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.
Free and Cheap Family Entertainment in Haymarket, Gainesville and Manassas, Virginia
Free and Cheap Family Entertainment in Haymarket, Gainesville and Manassas, Virginia
As 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!
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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.
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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.
Farmers Markets in Haymarket, Gainesville, Bristow and Manassas, Virginia
Farmers Markets in Haymarket, Gainesville, Bristow and Manassas, Virginia
Warm weather is finally here! With springtime renewal comes the return of many options for purchasing fresh, local produce, meats, honey and more from area farmers. When you purchase food from farmers markets, not only are you getting fresher, better-quality whole foods, but you’re putting money back into our communities by supporting local businesses. Here are some options for fresh food shopping in Haymarket, Gainesville, Bristow and Manassas, Virginia.
Haymarket Farmers Market – This market runs on Saturdays from April through October. You can purchase local fruits, veggies, fresh flowers, bedding plants and decorative items. The market is located in the Town Hall parking lot at 15000 Washington Street. All vendors sell only Virginia grown products, so you can rest assured your money is going back into the local community.
Haymarket Thursday Afternoon Market – Every Thursday from May through October, you can find this farmers market open from 2:30-6:30 p.m. They have tons of fresh produce, meats, honey, baked goods and more. The market is located at 16015 John Marshal Hwy in Broad Run, VA.
Gainesville Farmers Market – Every Thursday from 2 until 6 p.m., from May through September, you can shop this seasonal farmers market. It is located at 13550 Heathcote Blvd., Gainesville, VA.
Smart Market – Located in Bristow, VA, Smart Market is open year-round on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. They have a wide variety of local vendors who provide the community with fresh produce, meats, baked goods and more. Some of their vendors include Granted! Artisanal Bakery, Great Harvest Bread Company, Heritage Kettle Corn, Holly Brook Farm Meats and Dairy, Ignacio’s Produce, Little Green Farm, Real Country Sausage, Sweet Nuna, Tyson Farms and Orchards and Warhorse BBQ. This market is located at 8301 Linton Hall Rd., Bristow, VA.
City of Manassas Farmers Market – This farmers market was voted one of the best by Prince William Living Magazine. Starting in April, the farmers market is open on Thursdays in Harris Pavilion in Historic Downtown Manassas. Saturdays the market is located in parking lot B behind the Harris Pavilion from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Here at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging, we love our local farmers markets, not just for the health and economic benefits, but for the community aspect. When you go to a farmers market, you can meet the folks who actually produce your food. You get to talk to neighbors, as well as people you might not have met before. You get a sense of what is happening in the area. And of course, you get to enjoy the great outdoors with people who appreciate some of the things you do.
If you would like more information about our community, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We’d love to talk to you about this place we call home!
Holiday “Spirits” are Bright in Prince William County, VA
Holiday “Spirits” are Bright in Prince William County, VA
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!
Hylton Performing Arts Center: The Arts Diamond of Prince William County, VA
Hylton Performing Arts Center: The Arts Diamond of Prince William County, VA
We spend so much time in our daily lives focused on left brain thinking — processing language, math, and logic. It’s time to exercise your right brain, stimulating it with art and music. The arts are so important for a well-rounded education, for children and adults alike, yet they are the most underfunded and undervalued enterprises. The Hylton Performing Arts Center aims to change that, bringing the arts to life for thousands of Prince William County residents and beyond.
Located in Manassas, Virginia, the center has 85,000 square feet of unique spaces where audiences can delight in their favorite performances and galleries. They have Merchant Hall, an elegant opera house with a stage and orchestra pit, where you can enjoy symphonies, dance, opera and theater. If you enjoy dance, theater, cabaret and chamber groups, you will usually find them in the Gregory Family Theater. Standing receptions and dinners are generally enjoyed in the Didlake Grand Foyer, while visual arts are usually rotated through the Buchanan Partners Art Gallery.
Recently, the Hylton Performing Arts Center brought a Tony Award-winning cast to their stage with The Midtown Men. Four award-winning stars from the musical Jersey Boys make up this musical group, which performs classic hits from the 1960s. The center also hosted In The Company of Laureates, a gathering of five states’ award-winning poets for readings, panel discussions, workshops, open mics and other celebrations of poetry. These are just a few examples of the range of arts you can explore.
If you’re looking for family-friendly fun, the Hylton Family Series bring arts education and performances to your children. With performances like Clifford the Big Red Dog Live, Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy: The Musical, Peter Rabbit Tales and more, your kids will find hours of highly engaging entertainment here.
Here are some upcoming events at the Hylton Performing Arts Center:
Bing Crosby and the Recording Revolution
Nov. 4, 2015 at 10:30 am
Art of Time Ensemble: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Nov. 6, 2015 at 8:00 pm
Manassas Chorale: The Spirit of Christmas
Dec. 5, 2015 at 5:00 pm
Art Feast
Nov. 16, 2015 – Jan. 31, 2016
Mason Opera presents La vie de La Bohème
Dec. 5, 2015 at 8:00 pm
For more events, view the full event calendar.
There is nearly always something art-related going on in Prince William County, whether you enjoy performing arts, music, dance, painting or literary art, and as active parts of the community, we keep up with the trends. For more information on our area, call us at 703-338-9678 or email us.