Prince William County boasts wonderful condominium communities. These homes offer beautiful settings and maintenance-free options, which appeal to many young couples, empty-nesters and singles. Take a look at these three communities in Gainesville to experience convenient amenities at an affordable price. Continue reading
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Did winter storms and spring rains take a toll on your home? Was it ready to withstand the heat, humidity, pests and thunderstorms of summer? How about the upcoming seasons? Is your house prepared? The best time to answer these questions and assess the condition of your home is now, while the weather is warm. These five-minute maintenance checks will help you do just that. Continue reading
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Do you need to get away but can’t take time off from work? Maybe you and the family just need a change of scenery or a new experience. A day trip may be just the ticket. Day Trips are like mini vacations. You can get away and visit new places without having to pack, break the bank or take time off from work. Lucky for us, our area boasts some great destinations for one-day escapes. Continue reading
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Are you looking for a fun way to beat the heat this summer? Or do you need a cool way for your kids to fill their summer days? You need not look far, for our area of Northern Virginia has some great pools and waterparks that the whole family will enjoy. You can join a club with swim teams and full facilities or plan a day of water adventures at a nearby waterpark. Check these out and see which ones fit the bill for you. Continue reading
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You can manage your daily commute and save time if you know your options. One of the great things about Northern Virginia is that we have a commuting option for every personality. Some of us like personal time and space in our car to listen to music or talk radio. Other folks like to ride the train, people-watch and enjoying that first cup of coffee. Here is a rundown of some of the many options for your commuting pleasure. Continue reading
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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
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First of May! First of May! Wine fest season starts today!
Well, maybe not right on the first, but a few of my favorite wineries, and maybe of few of yours, are going to be having their spring flings. There are over 200 wineries across Virginia and, while I would love to get to know them all, I am pretty sure I am a bit partial to those in the Northern Virginia area. After being cooped up in the house all winter, a trip to the winery sounds like a great remedy. We have some awesome events coming up, and I want to share those dates with you.
As you know, Wegmans of Fairfax is not a winery, but they want you to know that their mini wine fest can teach you that not all “rosés are sweet and girly.” This event will run from 6:30 – 8 p.m. and is a great warm up for the bigger events coming your way. www.wegmans.com
The Winery at Bull Run was on my fall list of favorites. Now they stepped it up a notch with gourmet foods trucks and a festive atmosphere. Trucks from Killer Tomato Pizza, Two Smooth Dudes and UFO spend various weekends pairing up their wonderful goodies with some good wine. www.wineryatbullrun.com
Another of my favorite wineries from fall 2016 is Paradise Springs. Unassuming and simple, the view is amazing, and it’s a relaxing place to spend Mother’s Day. Besides, who can argue with mimosas and pastries for brunch? www.paradisespringswinery.com
The beautiful drive to Mount Vernon can give you a view of some of the finest wineries in the state. Twenty wineries, including several from Northern Virginia, are featured with gourmet nosh and a wonderful view of the sunset. www.mountvernon.org
If you are looking for a day trip, Front Royal’s Wine and Craft Festival is the place to go. With over 100 artisans, dozens of food choices and twenty wineries represented, your day will definitely be a full one! The festival stretches for seven blocks through historic downtown Front Royal. If you want to make a weekend of it, Shenandoah State Park is nearby. www.wineandcraftfestival.com
I hope you get a chance to enjoy some of these events. I still have quite a list of wineries I am looking forward to visiting and can’t wait to share my thoughts with you soon. Our amazing wineries are just one of the reasons I love Northern Virginia. If you would like to share your favorite reasons to live in our area or are looking to relocate to Northern Virginia, please contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.
Sign up now for a FREE copy of my ebook, “The Real Estate Key – What You Need to Know”!
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Spring is here! It’s time to spring clean and look for those little (and big) repairs we keep putting off. I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t try to ignore a home fix up, but with a bit of planning, you can be ready to tackle the projects that keep your house in great shape.
The biggest question is always where to start. Winters in Northern Virginia may not be like they are in Siberia, but they can take a toll on your house. Below is a checklist of common spring concerns for every homeowner to get you going.
Many people see cleaning the gutter as a fall chore. However, debris falls year round and ice buildup in your gutter system over the winter may cause damage. After cleaning out your gutter system, run water through and look for dripping in odd areas that could indicate leaks. Consider gutter netting covers or a gutter guard to lessen the amount of debris collecting and extend the life of the system.
Break out the binoculars and do some roof watching. Loose shingles or bowing and swelling need to be addressed right away. Repairing the small concerns on a roof can save you in repairs, as well as avoid negative appraisal values if you are getting ready to sell your home. Also look for fungus growth, the ugly black color on shingles that make your roof look unsightly. This condition and other issues can be easily remedied to improve the overall look of your home.
How is your siding holding up? Even homes with all-weather vinyl siding need a once over to look for loose or broken strips, or perhaps a good power-wash to remove some green algae. While you are checking out the siding, also take a peek at windows and their exterior trim to make sure that there is no wood rot or cracked windows.
Take a good look at your home’s foundation to make sure there are no drainage or dampness issues. Clean the vent areas out so the basement has a good circulation of air to prevent mold and mildew problems.
Spring is the perfect time for a HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) tune up. The Indoor Environment & Energy Efficiency Association recommends a yearly inspection and tune-up of your heating and cooling system if it is more than 10 years old. Also, remember to change your air filter routinely to lengthen the life of your heating and cooling system and provide you cleaner air.
If things are looking a little jungle-y in your corner of the world, it may be time to trim the trees and shrubbery. Not only does it help with the all-around look of the property, trimming the overgrowth can eliminate some of the debris issues on a property, as well as potential large debris problems that can crop up during storm season.
Once you take a look around, you may find other projects that need attention. Just remember, if you get the spring repairs out of the way, not only will you avoid bigger problems, but you will also have more time for summer fun activities.
If you need contractor referrals to assist you with the spring clean-up, or if you considering selling your home this spring please contact, Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.
Sign up now for a FREE copy of my e-book, “The Real Estate Key – What You Need to Know”!
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