Tag Archives: Western Prince William County

Find Medical Care at Its Best in Gainesville and Haymarket, VA

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Find Medical Care at Its Best in Gainesville and Haymarket, VA

Health is everything

Health is everything. And good medical care is crucial. People in the Gainesville and Haymarket, VA areas are fortunate to have access to high quality healthcare in their own backyards. These facilities provide emergency services, general medical services, maternity care, surgery, cancer services and much more. You can count on top notch medical care with superb medical staff using cutting-edge technology in a clean and friendly environment at these two centers:

Novant Haymarket Medical Center

This facility offers a variety of medical services using cutting-edge technology. Some of the services they offer include:

· Breast care – They have a dedicated breast care center to screen for and treat breast cancer. You will have a team of medical professionals to help you navigate every step of your treatment.

· Emergency services – In an emergency, you want to know you’re getting the best possible care in the shortest amount of time. Novant stands behind their wait times and publishes them online, so you can check before you leave for the hospital.

· Heart and vascular – This medical center has won awards for their heart and vascular services. You can count on your team of highly-skilled doctors, cardiovascular technologists and nurses if you need these services.

· Orthopedics – From injuries to chronic pain, the orthopedic specialists at Novant can help you. Some of their services include total joint replacement for knees, hip, elbows and shoulders, sports medicine procedures, tendon and nerve repair and specialized hand, wrist and elbow surgery.

· Pain management – You don’t have to live with chronic pain when you can receive pain management services from the team of experts here.

· Pediatric services – Take comfort in knowing your children will also receive the highest quality of medical care from one of their pediatricians, family medicine doctors or pediatric subspecialists. For babies who require extra medical care, they have a fully-equipped, level 1 nursery with board-certified neonatologists and NICU-experienced nurses.

· Stroke and neurosciences – Receive treatment for many different conditions that can affect your brain and nervous system, including stroke.

· Women’s health – Girls and women can get the best quality care from a variety of specialists. A few services they offer include cancer diagnosis and treatment, bone health, high-risk pregnancy, maternity services, menopause, stroke, uterine fibroids, breast health, uterine artery embolization, vein health and more.

Novant Health Cancer Center at Lake Manassas

This is another amazing facility our area offers. You can get a personalized, comprehensive cancer treatment plan here. The center is a free-standing, dedicated facility so you don’t have to navigate a large hospital campus to get to your appointments. Appointments are fast and easily accessible. The best weapon against cancer is early detection, so this center also offers cancer screening in addition to treatment. They offer imaging such as MRI, ultrasound, x-ray, nuclear medicine, mammography and CT. In addition, they offer biopsy, endoscopy, lab tests and staging. This center is nationally recognized by the American College of Radiology. They treat all major types of cancer.

As residents, we are not only proud of the medical services these facilities offer, we feel genuinely reassured knowing that we have preventative care as well as treatment available for most illnesses. It’s comforting to know that help is just a few miles away and that we have excellent medical professionals close by. If you would like more information on what else our area offers, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We’d be happy to show you why we call this place home.

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Why Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow Virginia Schools Are the Best

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Why Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow Virginia Schools Are the Best

Kids are the future

Kids are the future, so we want to make sure they shine by providing the best possible education. Many families relocate to Gainesville, Haymarket or Bristow for the top-notch education the area provides. With all of the acclaim area schools have received lately, it’s no mystery why parents would be flocking to these school districts. Add winning sports records, high test scores and great facilities and you have a formula for a well-rounded education. Check out why so many parents are interested in moving to the area.

· Highly ranked schools – U.S. News and World Report ranks some of the area schools very high on national, state and local levels. Battlefield High in Haymarket ranked first out of 11 Prince William County schools and 23rd in the entire state. Prince William County had 34 schools receive the School of Excellence Distinction Award for the 2014-2015 school year.

· High test scores – Test scores aren’t everything, but they can be a good indicator of the quality of education children are receiving. Prince William County Schools scored higher than most schools in the state on reading and writing SOLs. They had a 90 percent pass rate on high school reading SOLS. They outperformed other schools in the state on eight different tests in this subject matter.

· Winning sports and extracurricular teams – Education is important, but to be well-balanced, kids need great after-school activities too. If they’re into clubs, sports, music or art, they can find the club or team to suit their taste and maybe even bring home an award or two. Battlefield High School had a great year in sports in the 2014-2015 school year. Their girls’ soccer team brought home a state title, and the wrestling team brought home a regional title. Brentsville District boys cross country team won a state title as well. The robotics team from Battlefield High also won 1st place at the Battle of Baltimore Competition, while the Marching Bobats won Class AAAA Champions and Highest Scores in Visual and General Effect at the Stafford Marching Invitational.

· Top elementary education – Of the top 10 elementary schools (as ranked byCruvita), six are located in either Haymarket or Bristow. You can rest easy knowing your kids are getting the best education as soon as they enter Kindergarten in these amazing schools.

· State of the art facilities and equipment – From planetariums to iPad and laptop access for most classrooms, Prince William County has fantastic facilities and technology to help your child learn how to navigate the technological world. Children learn how to type, use different types of software and the Internet at an early age. They play learning games that make homework fun at school or on websites where they can log in from home.

· Easy access – Like the rest of these bustling communities, the schools are conveniently located, especially for working parents who need to drop kids off on their way to the morning commute to DC. These communities all give easy access to I-66 and I-95.

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging prides itself on knowing this community inside and out. We interact with residents all the time. We live here. And we love where we live. This is our community of choice. If you would like to know more about this place we call home, contact us today.

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Holiday “Spirits” are Bright in Prince William County, VA

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Holiday “Spirits” are Bright in Prince William County, VA

The holidays

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!

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Your 2016 Home Selling Checklist

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Your 2016 Home Selling Checklist

sell their homes

In the Gainesville, Bristow and Haymarket Virginia area, many people wait to sell their homes in the spring or summer. But that doesn’t mean you should wait on preparing. To obtain the best price for your home, you need two main components: a realtor who will go the distance to get you the best deal and a home that is well-prepped. Get ready to list your home by checking off the items below.

· Get a home inspection prior to listing your home. Show buyers that you’re proactive about getting repairs done and giving them the best possible value when they purchase your home. Once the home inspection is done, you’ll know which repairs are important for you to tackle right away.

· Get rid of clutter. When people view your home, they want to see the potential for their family in the house, not your collection of National Geographic Magazine from 1987 to the present. Pre-pack or throw away items you don’t regularly use. Organize the items that are left and clean your house from top to bottom. Buyers want storage room, so show them how much room you have by keeping your storage spaces uncluttered.

· Make sure your flooring is up-to-date. Buyers don’t want to tackle replacing all the flooring after they move in. If your current flooring is dirty, worn or dated, you may want to consider updating it prior to putting your home on the market.

· Create curb appeal. Your home’s curb appeal gives buyers their first impression. You want this to be a positive experience so they remember your home and want to buy it. Keep your yard weed-free. Add greenery as the season permits.

· Create a neutral color palate inside. Buyers don’t want a long list of improvements to make after they move in. Help attract buyers with a fresh coat of paint or two. Neutral colors and clean walls with no holes will attract buyers.

· Depersonalize your home. Even though you may love your hometown football team, you never know what will be a turn-off for potential buyers. Try to take as many personal decorative items out of your home while its on the market to avoid alienating any customers. Allow them to see themselves living in your home by removing family photos and memorabilia.

· Anticipate your buyers’ needs. Your buyers already have a list of what they want. Racking up items, no matter how small, on their future to-do list is a quick way to lose a buyer. Help them check off items on their wish list instead of creating their to-do list.

· Make your home move-in ready. Once you’ve had your inspection and prioritized your to-do list, create a budget and a timeline to make your home move-in ready. Maybe you need to replace a few windows, apply a few coats of fresh paint or spackle all the places where your photos hung. Set yourself up for success by getting your home move-in ready before it even hits the market.

· Stage to sell. A well-staged home can make the buyer feel at home. Make sure you have good lighting and properly placed furniture for showings.

If you are looking for a professional opinion on your home as you prepare it for selling, Jacobson Realty and Home Staging is there to help. We can walk you through every step of the process to make sure your home is ready to sell at the time you want to sell it. Contact us today!

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Autumn in Prince William County: Experience Our Natural Beauty

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Autumn in Prince William County: Experience Our Natural Beauty

hike, camp, fish, horseback

Whether you love to hike, camp, fish, horseback ride or simply enjoy the local plants and animals while you bask in autumn’s beauty, the Prince William County area has what you’re looking for. Here are just a few aspects of nature you can enjoy in this exceptional season.

· Trails – With over 50 miles of trails, Prince William County itself has lots of space.Prince William County trails are open from dawn to dusk so that residents can take a stroll or go on a nature scavenger hunt. Some allow biking and horseback riding as well. Silver Lake Regional Park, Manassas National Battlefield Park and the Bull Run Mountains are minutes away from Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow. Bring Fido along for a walk (just make sure he wears a leash and you clean up after him). Leave your Vespa at home, as motorized vehicles aren’t permitted.

· Wildlife – You may spot many different animals while you’re visiting Prince William County area parks. There are quite a few varieties of native birds that don’t migrate. If you prefer fluffier wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for white tail deer or cottontail rabbits as you explore the parks. If your idea of a relaxing day includes a rod and a reel, you’re in luck. There are three locations in the Parks and Recreation Department where you can catch bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass and crappie. Manassas National Battlefield Park also has some areas for fishing. (Note, if you’re older than 16, you do need a Sportsman’s License to fish in Virginia.)

· Wineries – The Winery at La Grange and The Winery at Bull Run offer not just the fruit of the vine, but breathtaking views of autumn foliage, hills and fields. Enjoy a glass of vino and take in the sights while relaxing in the cool, autumn air. There are even sections and events appropriate for children. The wineries are beautiful any time of year, but these late-autumn months offer something special.

Recognizing that we would not be able to enjoy any of these aspects of our county without the efforts of our dedicated armed forces, we at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging want to say thank you to the men and women who have protected our freedom and to those who continue to do so. Veterans, we appreciate all you have done for our communities and our country!

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Great Places to Live in the Washington D.C. Area: What’s the big deal about Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow, Virginia? Part II

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Great Places to Live in the Washington D.C. Area: What’s the big deal about Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow, Virginia? Part II

a strong community

When you’re looking for a new home, you may be searching for that perfect backyard or that great school district, but there is something else that should be on your radar as you shop – a strong community.  We believe, as do thousands of others, that even though Western Prince William County — namely Gainesville, Haymarket, Bristow and Nokesville — is rapidly growing, there is still a strong sense of community that brings residents together.  Here are some aspects of the community that draw people to the area and keep them there.

Free Public Events – Haymarket is always hopping with community events like Haymarket Day, Oktoberfest and their Friday Family Summer Concert series. During these events, local musicians, artists and businesses show residents and visitors what life in Western Prince William County is all about.  The next exciting free event will be the “Arts Alive” program at the Hylton Performing Art Center at the George Mason Campus in Prince William County on May 2ndfrom Noon-4pm. Local artist, actors, vendors and musicians including the Manassas Chorale will be sharing art inside and outside the grounds of the center. The entire event is free, and the center will be grooving to art!
Clubs – From community service clubs and family clubs to golf and country clubs, Western Prince William County has you covered, especially for golfers.  If you like to relax and dine with friends or play 18 holes of golf, you might enjoyEvergreen Country Club, Dominion Valley Country Club, Broad Run Golf and Practice Facility or the Stonewall Golf Course.  Our golf courses are so high quality, the Robert Trent Jones Club at Lake Manassas in Gainesville is where Tiger Woods will be hosting the 2015 Quicken Loans National from July 27-August 2, 2015. One of the premier stops on the PGA Tour, this event raises funds and awareness for the Tiger Woods Foundation and pays tribute to our armed forces.  Buy your tickets early!
Parks – Western Prince William County has open space that brings people together.  Whether it be for a Grizzlies football game, soccer games on lighted fields, a hike on Bull Run Mountain or a picnic in the park, this part of the county offers fields, streams and mountains, as well as a plethora of historic sites such as the untouched beauty of the Manassas Battlefield grounds that encourage residents and visitors to learn more about the history and attractions of this special region.
Nonprofits – Western Prince William County is a place where nonprofits work to enhance the lives of those with particular needs.  Some nonprofits work directly with those they serve.  For Example, Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center in Haymarket provides therapeutic horseback riding and equine activities for those with disabilities.  The Benedictine Sisters in Bristow provide services for homeless women and their children and free instruction for English language learners.  There are also organizations like Dominion Woman’s Club that support other nonprofits organizations.
We know planning to move means making many decisions.  If you are considering moving, call Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at 703-338-9678 or emailBelinda@JacobsonRealty1.com.  Belinda would be happy to tell you more about the Western Prince William County community.

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Great Places to Live in the Washington D.C. Area: What’s the big deal about Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow, Virginia? Part I

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Great Places to Live in the Washington D.C. Area: What’s the big deal about Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow, Virginia? Part I

half-packed boxes

When people think of moving, usually images of half-packed boxes and household chaos come to mind. What most people don’t consider is what happens before the move, before the home buying and even before the financing. Yet this early step is one of the most important – deciding which community to live in. In speaking with folks in Western Prince William County (namely, Bristow, Gainesville and Haymarket), we’ve been asking what drew them to the area and how they made the final decision to move here. Here are just two aspects of Western Prince William County that were mentioned over and over.

Location

We know real estate is all about location, but in the case of Western Prince William County, location means something other than “we want to be near the city.” In fact, of the people we spoke with, most wanted access to Washington D.C. and the Metro area but didn’t necessarily want to be that close to the Capital. What they wanted was a nice little escape when they returned home from a long day at work. Western Prince William, with the Bull Run Mountains in the backdrop and its rural roots juxtaposed with contemporary conveniences made these folks want to call Western Prince William County home. And while residents of Western Prince William County appreciate the natural beauty of the area, they also enjoy easy access to shopping and dining. From the quaint shops and cafes of Old Town Haymarket to the restaurants and stores of Atlas Walk and Route 29, this area has something for just about every taste.

Schools

For families with children, schools are a major concern. Whether families want to send their children to private or public schools, quality of education is crucial. Western Prince William County is fortunate to have some of the best schools in the area. The award winning public and private schools are accredited and have excellent academic and athletic reputations, as well as active, supportive parent teacher organizations.

According to Prince William County Schools (PWCS), recent state test scores show PWCS scored above other Virginia counties in just about every area. In reading and writing, PWCS outperformed the state on six of seven reading tests and equaled the state on the other. On high school reading, PWCS improved and had a pass rate of 90 percent. PWCS outperformed the state on all three writing tests. In science, PWCS met or exceeded state performance on four of six science tests. In history and social science, PWCS met or exceeded state performance on eight of nine history/social science tests.

In addition to having excellent K-12 schools, Western Prince William has college campuses right next door in Manassas. George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College offer local options for higher education, as do some private colleges and career schools. We could go on about Western Prince William County and what makes it a viable place to live, and we will in Part II. For now, however, we will leave you with this thought. If you are considering a move and would like to know more about this growing but connected community, call Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at 703-338-9678 or email Belinda@JacobsonRealty1.com.

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