A New Decade

FEATURED PROPERTIES

JUST LISTED! 10341 Cabin Ridge Court, Manassas VA ~ $479,900 ~ Well-appointed, 3-level Colonial in desirable Hamlets neighborhood of Manassas offers many upgraded features and an amazing lower level that was recently renovated. Convenient location is great for commuters! See photos and area information at: 10341CabinRidge.com

13713 Laurianne Terrace, Bristow, VA SOLD for $536,500 on 12/30/2019 (Under contract in less than one month)

PRIME Commercial Property Location! 15030 Washington Street, Haymarket, VA ~ $775,000 ~ Hot property located across from the planned 117-room Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Haymarket. This B-2 zoned location offers endless commercial possibilities, high visibility, parking for 17 and expansion to double the building size. See photos and floor plan at: 15030Washington.com

UNDER CONTRACT! 6528 Macklin Street, Haymarket VA ~ Listed at $605,000 ~ This immaculate, 3-level Colonial in the Villages of Piedmont went under contract the day it went on the market! The Garcia Real Estate Group worked with the sellers well in advance to guide them through preparing their home for sale—and it worked! Learn about our Strategic Selling Plan at: garciarealestategrp.com

RECENTLY SOLD

14360 Dowden Downs Drive, Haymarket, VA SOLD for $790,000 on 2/28/20 (Under contract in less than 3 months)

Staged Beautifully

This 5 bedroom Colonial in exclusive Paddocks of Dowden Downs in Haymarket went under contract just after the holidays. The Garcia Real Estate Group provided a free Home Preparation & Staging Consultation last fall and, following those guidelines, the sellers worked hard to prepare their home to go on the market before Thanksgiving. Their work paid off as they had many showings and were very pleased with the final selling price. See a sample BEFORE and AFTER picture below.

Blooms and Beyond :

Spring Festivals & Events 2020

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday, March 14th from 12 PM to 3 PM Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been held annually in The District since 1971, and this year marks its 50th anniversary! This traditional event has grown from what was little more than a leisurely stroll by a few hundred participants on Massachusetts Avenue, to a mile-long, two-hour celebration of Irish culture along Constitution Avenue. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and truly this Parade is for everyone. Visit dcstpatsparade.com for more information.

Ireland on the Wharf Saturday, March 14th from 12 PM to 6 PM District Wharf, Washington, D.C. The luck of the Irish is also being observed at the District Pier on the waterfront with the Ireland on The Wharf Festival. Celebrate the beauty and tradition of the Emerald Isle with bagpipers, live music, dance performances and a beer garden. Sip a pint and enjoy all the fun of a true Irish festival. All ages welcome, but you must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Visit www. wharfdc.com for more details. Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday, March 14th 11 AM to 12 PM Historic Dowtown Manassas

Closer to home, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Manassas will march down Center Street the weekend before St. Patty's Day spreading shamrock joy. In addition to a host of schools, non-profits and businesses that support this annual event, the parade boasts traditional Irish flair with several pipe bands including the Alexandria Pipe and Drums, Irish Dance groups and members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. For more information, visit stpatparade.net.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival

March 20th through April 12th 10 AM to 6 PM Tidal Basin Welcome Area Maine Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. The crowds are big, but if you plan it right, the cherry blossoms in D.C. at peak are well worth the hassle. Each year, the Tidal Basin’s main parking lot is closed off to parking and converted into the Tidal Basin Welcome Area. It features a performance stage, food tents, and dozens of portajohns. Most of the activities and performances are geared toward afternoons and entry is free. But, if you are just interested in

the blooms, early morning might be the best time. In recent years the festival has been extended to run across several weeks, which increases the chances that the peak bloom will fall within the festival dates, but it’s never guaranteed. Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org for all details and events including these: Blossom Kite Festival Saturday, March 28th from 10 AM to 4:30 PM Held at the base of the Washington Monument, the Kite Festival includes competitive battle and tricks competitions but is also an opportunity to bring your own kite or, for kids, to make one on site. PetalPalooza Saturday, April 11th from 1 PM to 9 PM Hosted at the Capital Waterfront along along the banks of the Anacostia River, this family-friendly festival includes a range of live entertainment and eating options capped by evening fireworks along the waterfront.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade Saturday, April 4th from 10 AM to 12 PM The Festival Parade features performers, national marching bands, giant balloons, and elaborate floats—most related to the general cherry blossom theme. The parade runs along Constitution Avenue between the National Archives building and the Washington Monument. Standing room is free; stadium seating requires tickets.

If you prefer to bypass the big crowds and traffic, consider some of these other Cherry Blossom viewing opportunities:

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna

Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria

Cherry Blossom Monument Cruise,

Alexandria

A Million Blooms

April 1st to June 1st from 9 AM to 5 PM Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, VA This is the Garden’s celebration of spring! A parade of blooms unfurls as the weather warms. Events throughout the season include Peek-a-Bloom with Peter Rabbit, Mother’s Day Weekend, Spring PlantFest, M&T Bank Butterflies LIVE!, and activities in the Children’s Garden. Pick your favorite bloom and plan a visit. Go to lewisginter.org to learn more. April: Daffodils, tulips, bluebells May: Peonies, iris, azaleas, pitcher plants June: Lotuses, roses Conservatory: Orchids, tropicals, cacti

Festival of Colors 2020 Holi DC

Sunday, April 19th from 12 PM to 8 PM Bull Run Regional Park, Centerville, VA The Festival of Colors is promoted as the world's happiest and most entertaining event ever. Holi, also known as the festival of colors, has its roots in ancient India. The event celebrates spirituality, community, love and diversity with musical performances, celebrity DJs, interactive dance by local and out-of-state schools, diverse cuisine, beer, wine, Hookah, kids activities and more. Throw color freely on everyone and enjoy the day! Tickets are $7 to $10 and can be purchased on EventBrite.

One Love: Art & Music Festival

Friday and Saturday, April 24th & 25th 10 PM to 5 PM Historic Downtown Manassas

community through performances, workshops and exhibits. The festival is built on the foundation of celebrating beauty, creativity and love. The purpose of One Love is to offer an experiential weekend through the arts where all are stirred to a deeper level of creative inspiration; including recognizing beauty, and valuing art as an important catalyst for the health of community and culture. The event is free and open to the public. Visit onelovemanassas.com for more info.

Shenandoah Apple Blossom

April 24th to May 3rd Multiple locations and times Downtown Winchester, VA The annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival has grown from a one-day affair back in 1924 to a spectacular celebration. Spread out over ten days, there are all kinds of things going on so check the website for days and times. The Festival is held in Winchester in the beautiful and historic Northern Shenandoah Valley, just 45 miles west of Haymarket.

Crowds in excess of 250,000 come from all over the region to attend this event each year. This year the Festival includes the Old Town Midway Carnival, Got Talent! Show, Bloomin’ Wine Fest, dance parties with live bands, golf and tennis classic tournaments, apple pie baking contest, car show, Firetruck Rodeo and Firefighter’s Muster, a 10K race, arts and crafts show … the list goes on! Visit thebloom.com to plan your visit.

Spring Community Picnic and Playground Dedication

Saturday, May 16 from 11 AM to 2 PM Haymarket Community Park Washington Street, Haymarket Join your neighbors and friends at the Haymarket Community Park to formally dedicate the new playground. Details are still in the works but the Town said the plan is to have food, some music (possibly a live band or a DJ) and activities for the kids. It will be a simple, classic day at the park. Visit TownofHaymarket.org for more.

Festival of Spring Holland

Mid-April to Early May Burnside Farms at Nokesville Farm 11008 Kettle Run Road, Nokesville, VA Experience more than a million tulips and daffodils in bloom! An admission fee to these spectacular floral fields (pictured below) includes the option to pick and purchase flowers, as well as activities like bounce houses, a playhouse area, corn hole, short film cinema in the Barn, corn sandbox, and more than 100 pairs of authentic dutch wooden shoes to "klomp" around in. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the picnic area. There are usually vendors and live music on the weekends. Exact timing is very hard to predict as these flowers bloom according to the spring weather patterns and Mother Nature is in charge of that. Check the Burnside Farms Facebook page before planning a visit.

Northern VA Fine Arts Festival

Friday to Sunday, May 15th to 17th 10 AM to 5 PM Reston Town Center, Reston, VA This is one of the best fine arts festivals around, known for high quality level of art in all mediums—painting, jewelry, pottery, wood, sculpture and more. Since 1991, the nonprofit Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) has produced the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, and it has become its largest annual fundraiser supporting the arts.

All interior streets in Reston Town Center are reserved for pedestrians only during the Festival and the eleven-block art walk features more than 200 of the nation’s best artists and offers patrons the opportunity to view and purchase original art directly from the participating artists. There is also a Family At Park event for budding artists. Visit restonarts.org for more information.

Old Town Warrenton Spring Festival

Saturday, May 16th from 9 AM to 4 PM Main Street in Old Town Warrenton

Take a short drive to Old Town Warrenton for their 42nd Annual Spring celebration sponsored by the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce. Historic Main Street will be the scene of over 250 crafters, artisans, food vendors and entertainers. Craft offerings include jewelry, toys, photography, fine art and pottery. Many vendors come from Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and West Virginia, but some come from as far away as Florida and Michigan to sell their wares at the festival. Festival food favorites will be on deck and admission is free for this one-day craft fair that is held rain or shine. Visit fauquierchamber.org for more information.

Vintage Virginia Wine & Food Festival

Saturday, May 30th from 12 PM to 6 PM Bull Run Special Events Center, Centerville Northern Virginia’s best wine festival is back and this year promises to be as good as ever. There will be over 200 wines from over 20 Virginia wineries, and over 50 beers & spirits from over 15+ different breweries and distilleries. This is in an all-you-care-to-taste affair, as well as some specialty wine tastings and food pairings. Enjoy live music and local food from DC’s hottest food trucks. Chose from General Admission ($40) and VIP Admission ($65) and plan to make a day of it. Water is free and available at the rinsing stations so bring your reusable water bottles! Please drive responsibly. Visit vintagevirginia. com for ticket information.

Spring Break Family Sightseeing Hikes

Blue Bell Trail

Bull Run Regional Park Centreville, VA Just off the Bull Run Occoquan Trail near Atlantis Waterpark lies the Bull Run Bluebell Trail, a one-and-a-half mile loop that winds through the forest around Bull Run. Mid-April is the perfect time to explore this trail, with over 25 varieties of wildflowers in bloom including a sea of Blue Bells. Photographers, families, hikers and nature lovers travel from near and far to come experience this carpet of blue (pictured below) that runs throughout the park and along the trails during this time of year. Learn all about Bull Run Regional Park at novaparks.com

Huntley Meadows Park Wetlands and Boardwalk Trail

3701 Lockheed Blvd. Alexandria, VA Alexandria is a little bit further to travel to but this hike, combined with lunch, dinner or shopping in Old Town Alexandria, could be a memorable family day. Huntley Meadows Park is one of Northern Virginia's hidden gems with a half-mile accessible boardwalk, woodland trails, and a unique "hemi-marsh" wildlife habitat. The park is one of those great Fairfax County surprises—a peaceful, unusual and beautiful wildlife habitat in the midst of our busy streets and neighborhoods. For more about the park and park events visit fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.

Riverbend to Great Falls Park

Great Falls National Park 9200 Old Dominion Dr. McLean, VA This estimated 2.5 mile easy Potomac hike, from the Visitor Center at Riverbend Park to Mather Gorge in Great Falls Park, allows hikers of all levels to view the river along the way. Watch it transform from a peaceful flow to a raging current over the falls—just steps off of the hiking path. This hike is a mostly level path, perfect for families, and is best taken with eyes wide open. Learn more about this hike at www.nps.gov. under Virginia and Great Falls.

HOMEOWNER IMPROVEMENT & SERVICE DIRECTORY

2020

Email BryanGarcia@ExitHeritage.com to be included in this directory.

HOME INSPECTION

FINANCE & LEGAL

Movement Mortgage 7725 Research Blvd, Suite #180 10550 Linden Lake Plaza Suite 300 Manassas, VA 20109 Stacey Barowich, Market Leader NMLS# 195048 Phone: (703) 629-6678 www.exitheritage.com www.garciarealestategrp.com Contact: Aaron Mormann www.aaronmormann.com

Email: Stacey.Barowich@movement.com www.movement.com/lo/Stacey-Barowich/

U.S. Bank 12150 Monument Dr., Suite 300 Fairfax, VA 22033 Curtis Scott, Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS# 659506 Phone: (571) 332-6575 Email: curtis.scott@usbank.com www.mortgage.usbank.com/curtis-scottfairfax-va

FLOORING

Kemper Carpet & Flooring 7937 Stonewall Shops Square Gainesville, VA 20155 Phone: 571-222-4838 www.kempercarpet.com

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Air-Right Energy Design Inc. 12167 Livingston Road Manassas, VA 20109 Phone: 703-530-0166 Contact: Rick Graham, Owner

Matt Lloyd Pillar to Post 5501 Merchants View Square, Suite 701 Haymarket, VA 20169 Phone: 703-520-1440 Contact: Matt Lloyd,

Owner/Principal Inspector www.pillartopost.com/mattlloyd

HOME SELLING STAGING CONSULTATIONS

Garcia Real Estate Group 15030 Washington Street Haymarket, VA, 20169 Phone: 571-753-9100 (Office) Phone: 703-517-2574 (Cell) Contact: Bryan Garcia, Principal Broker Garcia Real Estate Group Email: bryangarcia@exitheritage.com

INSURANCE

State Farm Aaron Mormann 8358 W. Main Street, Marshall, VA 20115 Phone: 540-364-2293 www.air-right.com

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

Gateway Home & Garden Center 4208 Lee Highway, Warrenton, VA 20187 Phone: 554-341-4006 Contact: Ryan Anderson www.gatewayhomeandgardencenter.com

MOVING & STORAGE

Able Moving & Storage 8050 Wellingford Drive Manassas, VA 20155 Phone: 703-898-8182 Contact: Shawn Neal, Account Manager Email: sneal@ablemoving.com www.ablemoving.com

REMODELS & ADDITIONS

On the Level Contractors 14720 Flint Lee Road Chantilly, VA 20151 Phone: 571-375-1700 (Office) Phone: 571-233-4820 (Cell) Contact: Georgia Psihas, Owner/President Email: sales@onthelevel.contractors www.onthelevel.contractors

Please note: While these businesses are recommended by Bryan Garcia, they are paid advertisers in this publication.

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540-341-4006

www.GatewayHomeandGardenCenter.com

We’re at the yellow house at Route 29 South and Vint Hill Road.

4208 Lee Hwy, Warrenton, VA 20187

When you’re ready to move, we’re ABLE to move you.

Able Moving & Storage, Inc. is a full service moving company specializing in residential and commercial moves. With over 50 trucks, 150 full time employees, and over 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art warehouse facilities, Able can help you with any of your moving needs. Please call us at 703-330-3772 for a “Free Written Estimate”, and be sure to mention Haymarket Homeowner.

Ask About Special Discounts & Services for BRYAN GARCIA Clients

Here to help life go right  ®

Haymarket residents can count on neighbor, Aaron Mormann for his dedication and service. Aaron and his team can customize an insurance plan for every individual family need.

Call your local State Farm Insurance Agent. Call Aaron.

HOME

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Aaron Mormann 540-364-2293

8358 W. Main Street Marshall, VA 20115 aaron.mormann.rnmg@statefarm.com www.aaronmormann.com

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Technology and Real Estate in the New Decade

Emerging technology is changing every industry, and the real estate industry is no exception. Here are some new technologies and how they might affect the real estate industry as we know it.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans. Speech recognition and past behavior are a few of the activities computers with artificial intelligence are designed to interpret. Some familiar forms of AI include Siri, Tesla, Nest, Alexa, Ring and Google Home.

Artificial intelligence is already moving into the real estate industry. From predicting market trends and home values on Zillow based on algorithms, to analyzing data, AI is already making strides to make the process more digitized. Waze App is now developing the ability to locate homes for sale on a travel route.

3-D Printing

A company called WinSun actually 3Dprinted an entire 5-story apartment building in Shanghai from special 3-D printing material! Using a massive machine (20 ft. tall), they started with a basic CAD drawing and was able to fabricate the structure piece-by-piece using a specially formulated and patented ‘ink’. This ink, which includes construction waste such as concrete, fiberglass, sand, and a special hardening agent, is a revolutionary new way to recycle general construction materials—not to mention it’s flexible, self-insulating, and resistant to strong earthquakes.

This amazing advancement could reshape the way homes and buildings are created, making the construction process more sustainable, easier and essentially reducing the property cost overall. It could dramatically impact the affordable housing crisis issue for decades to come.

Digitalized Marketing

Almost gone are the days of placing real estate ads in local print publications. With platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, Realtors have access to thousands of potential buyers with a single post. Social media marketing also allows interaction, links to property and a more specific demographic to market to. The Garcia Real Estate Group takes it a step further by partnering with a cuttingedge Marketing Technology Innovator /

Online Platform that works with our Team personally to help grow our audience, build more influence, and generate sales. We do this through a branded website and comprehensive marketing strategy using digitized marketing and custom-enhanced property web pages.

This strategy allows increased brand recognition; more website traffic and returning visitors; more fans, followers and subscribers on social media; higher quality leads and more effective email marketing. How does this help our sellers? In simple terms: our marketing strategy helps us reach more potential buyers, attracts the qualified buyers, and directs them—along with their contact information—to us. Our strategy sells homes. Visit garciarealestategrp.com.

Virtual Reality

Many people associate virtual reality with video games and entertainment. This technology, however, has a growing potential in the real estate industry. Here are some common uses:

Guided Visits - Matterport 3D Virtual Tours are one example of guided virtual tour visits. With this technology, users can move from room to room and level to level by selecting hot spots and rotating the view to capture the 3D effect. The Garcia Real Estate Group currently provides Matterport Tours to our select clients and they never fail to impress!

Interactive Virtual Home Tours -

An Interactive Virtual Tour offers a 360-degree experience, where the user (wearing a VR headset) can virtually walk themselves through an entire location. The fully-navigable experience can be enhanced with pop-up images, floor maps, audio and videos to further engage the audience. As the technology improves, so will it's accessibility. Virtual Staging - While staging part, or all, of a home is a great way to market properties, it requires investment, particularly if the property is new or empty. Virtual reality technology is a great way for Realtors to stage properties with very little investment. There are pros and cons to this technology—homes are beautifully staged, but they have a “fake” look. I’m predicting this will improve.

Looking Forward

New technology can benefit everyone— including Realtors, sellers and buyers. However, nothing will ever replace high quality, personal service—something The Garcia Real Estate Group provides to each and every client. If you are thinking of selling your home, give us a call.

Town of Haymarket News Tidbits

Things are really moving along in the Town of Haymarket. Here are a few noteworthy updates: Van Metre Townhome Development The proposed 38 townhome residential development, that would be located at 6701 Hunting Path Road, 14850 and 14860 Washington Street, is in final approval stages with the Town. Applicant, Van Metre Communities updated their site plan to accommodate the addition of a commercial two-story building along Washington Street (see diagram). After a Planning Commission meeting and a Public Hearing, a Special Use Permit project was voted on and approved at the February 3rd meeting. The developer will still need to prepare and submit their site plan, work through the architectural review board process and the building permit process, but it's in motion.

Haymarket Hotel The new 117-room Haymarket hotel plans are moving forward as well. The Haymarket Hotel Venture group submitted architectural elevation plans for the proposed Hilton brand hotel being built on the corner of Washington and Jefferson Street. All features of the hotel project have been approved. The Hotel Venture group demolished the last remaining structure on the property and VDOT provided final approval of the site plan. The group is now working through the Prince William County Building Department on permits. Zandras Taqueria Opens Zandras Taqueria celebrated their grand opening on February 13th following a soft opening. Zandra’s Taqueria, a family-owned restaurant with two other locations (Manassas and Fairfax), offers handcrafted, gourmet tacos made with fresh, local ingredients. The new restaurant opened in the QBE Building next to Cookies and Cream includes a full service bar and will be offering outdoor seating.

PL AN YOUR TAX SEASON

Start this Spring lemony fresh in a new home! Ready to grow some roots and bloom into a new home? Talk to me to plan how your tax refund could help you get into a brand new home by this Spring.

First time buying and unsure if you can make it work? There are several first-time homebuyer programs, that may even help you cover a down payment or closing costs!

With over 17 years of industry experience, I’m ready to help you find your best options on your homebuying journey.

Give me a call today to see how you can start your Spring off fresh!

Stacey A. Barowich MARKET LEADER NMLS: 195048 direct: 703.629.6678 stacey.barowich@movement.com StaceyBteam.com

12700 Black Forest Lane, Suite 315 Woodbridge, VA 22192 | DC-MLO195048, MD-18098, VA-MLO3789VA, FL-LO53832 | Movement Mortgage, LLC supports Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS ID# 39179 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 877-314-1499. Movement Mortgage, LLC is licensed by D.C. # MLB39179, MD # 19094, VA # MC-5112, FL MLD1360. Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lockin. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. “Movement Mortgage” is a registered trademark of the Movement Mortgage, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. 8024 Calvin Hall Rd, Indian Land, SC 29707. CPID9001 | Approved as of 02/2020

Growing Impact of Climate Change on NOVA Homeowners

Maybe you’re coming out of this 2020 winter feeling happy that you didn’t have to keep the snow shovel perched next to your garage door at all times, or maybe you’re feeling disappointed that you didn’t have the chance to see your Northern Virginia landscape turn into a picturesque winter wonderland. Whatever your emotions are about the lack of significant snowfall so far this winter, one thing is for sure—the whims and unpredictability of a changing climate have, and will continue to have, an impact on our homes and health, and it’s best to be proactive about how to get ahead of the trends.

Let’s talk about some of the trends we’re already seeing in Virginia, starting with some of our tiniest foes. According to Climate Central, due to increasingly hot and humid summers, mosquito season has grown by 29 days in Washington D.C. (NOVA) since 1980. Similarly, the extended period of vegetation each year means pollen is coming earlier and staying for longer (Washington Post). But, beyond just the risk of mosquito bites and allergies, these changes to our planet are having much larger impacts on our homes and our wallets.

Remember the “Snowmageddon” at the beginning of the decade in 2010, with over 2 feet of snow? Virginia has seen storms throughout the decade not only become more frequent, but also more intense. Or, maybe you remember the flash flood emergency warning at the end of the decade, this past summer in 2019? According to statesatrisk.org, more than 260,000 people living in Virginia are at an elevated risk of inland flooding. Finally, do you remember the days last summer when it felt too hot to even leave the house? The 2010s was the hottest decade for Virginia on record (Richmond News) and looking at heat trends, the typical number of heat wave days is projected to increase six-fold by 2050, from more than 10 per year to nearly 60 (statesatrisk.org). Not only are these climate trends dangerous to our health, but they also increase our risk as homeowners with potential for basement flooding and water contamination with rising water levels, power outages across the region, and decreased mobility during extreme weather. As far as monetary impacts, these trends also have a heavy impact on our heating and air conditioning bills, and can lead to higher insurance rates. So, what next?

There are ways to mediate these costs and risks and make some proactive decisions, even with the increasing unpredictability of the climate. The following home tips will save you money whether or not you agree that these phenomena are a result of climate change. Luckily, technology is keeping up with the times, and there is a surplus of home features that are beginning to tackle these challenges.

Extreme heat/cold:

Smart thermostats, like Nest and Ecobee, allow for greater control over your home’s temperature, and cut off a huge chunk of your energy bill each month. If you are not home, you can also control temperature via an online connection, providing greater protection for your home in case of a weather emergency.

Energy efficient windows allow less heat to escape during those extreme cold spells and trap the AC inside during heat waves, keeping your money from escaping with the drafts.

Power outages:

Back-up generators allow for an automatic switch within seconds of a power outage. This keeps your food in the fridge safe, your pipes safe, and you comfortable and safe.

Solar panels are an excellent investment with the rise of traditional energy costs. There’s been significant strides in creating home solar batteries to offer backup power, however, since they are still very new, these systems are expensive—for now, even a solar-powered USB charger is a good way to ensure you stay safe and connected in case of an lengthy outage.

Flooding/drought:

Sump pumps are a necessity if you are in an at-risk area of flooding. A sump pump will protect your home from heavy rains by pumping water away from your home, keeping your space dry. Be sure to have a battery back-up for prolonged power outage.

Water capture systems can collect and store rainwater and storm runoff. This not only helps alleviate flood risk, but can also help in case of drought, providing a source of water for irrigation, flushing toilets, or even drinking water (when purified).

It can be daunting to think about the impacts of a shifting climate, but the best solution as a homeowner (beyond changing personal habits to help reduce future shifts) is to be prepared. We hope these options will help you stay on track to be safe and comfortable in the new decade.

Breathing Life Into Your Space: Houseplants for the Home

Do you ever notice a change in your mood when you gaze at a healthy houseplant or succulent soaking up the sun? Houseplants can be a perfect way to boost your spirit during these lingering moments of cold, and will keep bringing life into your home through future winters. Beyond the aesthetic value that greenery can bring to your home, numerous studies have found significant physical and psychological benefits to keeping houseplants. According to WebMD, houseplants can help with allergies by acting as natural filters to capture airborne particles, reducing dust and mold. They purify air dirtied by pollutants from carpets, paint, and other home furnishings, and they provide boosts of oxygen that can help you to sleep more soundly at night.

Plants can also aid with relaxation, focus, and even healing, with plants like aloe providing a source of natural first aid. Plus, watching a plant flourish that is under your care can be rewarding.

However, some houseplants can be tricky—they require different levels of light, water, and attention to thrive. We’ve created a guide of some of the most common houseplants, and the love and care that they need to grow healthy and happy.

While it will need lots of TLC once in your home, a plant is only ever as healthy as it is when you buy it. Some reputable local nurseries for plants include Merrifield Garden Center in Gainesville and Edens Garden Center on Route 29 in Warrenton.

Low to Medium Light

Snake Plant / Sansevieria (Low Maintenance)

Snake plants are among the easiest plants to maintain by far, making them an excellent option for first-time plant owners. Low-light tolerant, snake plants like to almost fully dry out, and can go anywhere from 2-6 weeks between waterings. They essentially thrive on being ignored, making them perfect if you like to travel or are often away from home.

ZZ Plant / Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Low Maintenance)

ZZ plants have very similar care to snake plants, as fellow low-light and drought-tolerant plants. With glossy foliage that reflects light to brighten a space, the ZZ is a popular choice for home offices or living rooms.

Parlor Palm / Chamaedorea elegans (Medium Maintenance)

Parlor Palms require more humidity and watering than snakes and ZZs (but are sensitive to overwatering!), making them slightly more difficult to take care of. However, their fullness is appealing, and palms are also pet safe, making them a great low-light option if you have furry friends.

Medium to Bright Indirect Light

Golden Pothos / Epipremnum aureum (Low Maintenance)

Pothos plants are some of the most popular houseplants due to their quickgrowing nature and status as common “hanging plants.” Their climbing vines can drape over a bookshelf or refrigerator, and though they require more frequent water checks during the growing season, they are very forgiving. As one of the most easilypropagated plants, you can even stick pothos cuttings in water and have a totally new plant in a few short weeks.

Fiddle Leaf Fig / Ficus lyrata (High Maintenance)

Fiddle Leaf Figs, while one of the more temperamental plants, has maintained status as a trendy “it” plant, with its beautiful large leaves and elegant treelike stature. Fiddle leafs are finicky when it comes to drafts, movement, water regularity, and light – but, if you maintain the ideal conditions, a happy fiddle leaf can grow a couple of feet every year.

Bright Direct Light Succulents (Low Maintenance)

Similar to snakes and ZZs, succulents like jade, haworthia, and aloe are very low maintenance and essentially thrive off neglect, requiring very little water. However, these are desert plants, and want very bright, direct sunlight to be happy—stick them in a sunny window for best growth.

Bird of Paradise / Strelitzia reginae (Medium Maintenance)

The Bird of Paradise, an evergreen perennial, wants full sun and medium water. The large, dramatic leaves are eyecatching, making the tropical plant popular if you are looking for a larger plant to fill a space in your home. With enough sunlight, you may even get the beautiful, birdlike blooms indoors that the plant is named for.

Haymarket Neighborhood Annual Market Trends 2019 Attached Homes and Detached Homes: Full Year 2019 & 4th Quarter 2019

Average Sold Price Full Year 2019 and 4th Quarter 2019

Advertised Subdivision

Dominion Valley Country Club Piedmont Regency at DVCC Bull Run Mountain Villages of Piedmont Westmarket Evergreen Country Club Town of Haymarket

2019 $707,279 $627,068 $633,066 $386,111 $649,467 $556,983 $751,929 $475,129

DETACHED HOMES 2018 4th QTR 2019

$657,319 $753,294 $609,576 $613,423 $663,046 $629,118 $379,496 $402,800 $601,290 $683,250 $555,550 $535,000 $687,580 $910.000 $445,685 $416,000

4th QTR 2018

$730,112 $594,108 $667,165 $425,650 N/A $569,000 N/A $431,340

2019 $474,346 $407,693 $415,664 N/A $432,253 $426,499 N/A $305,890

ATTACHED HOMES 2018 4th QTR 2019

$442,706 $467,000 $391,019 $412,725 $395,186 $404,859

N/A N/A $430,259 $431,000 $405,828 $427,560

N/A N/A $290,933 $268,750

4th QTR 2018

$480,750 $382,667 $392,541 N/A $442,857 $408,250 N/A $284,250

Sold Homes Full Year 2019 and 4th Quarter 2019

Advertised Subdivision

Dominion Valley Country Club Piedmont Regency at DVCC Bull Run Mountain Villages of Piedmont Westmarket Evergreen Country Club Town of Haymarket

2019

126 80 42 23 15 6 7 15

DETACHED HOMES 2018 4th QTR 2019

112 30 89 26 49 6 16 5 12 4 10 2 5 1 26 2

4th QTR 2018

15 13 16 3 N/A 2 N/A 5

Average Days on the Market Full Year 2019 and 4th Quarter 2019

ATTACHED HOMES Advertised Subdivision 2019 2018 4th QTR 2019 4th QTR 2018

Dominion Valley Country Club 39 40 46 53 Piedmont 32 37 42 30 Regency at DVCC 58 34 15 33 Bull Run Mountain 21 24 16 30 Villages of Piedmont 20 19 25 N/A Westmarket 42 23 24 37 Evergreen Country Club 54 43 5 N/A Town of Haymarket 48 23 85 34

2019

24 23 35 N/A 57 17 N/A 10

ATTACHED HOMES 2018 4th QTR 2019

32 5 13 4 51 8 N/A N/A 47 6 18 6 N/A N/A 9 2

4th QTR 2018

4 3 13 N/A 7 2 N/A 2

2019 24 24 23 N/A 27 10 N/A 16

DETACHED HOMES 2018 4th QTR 2019 4th QTR 2018

23 36 28 12 25 17 46 22 55 N/A N/A N/A 23 25 41 16 13 13 N/A N/A N/A 13 16 10

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The

Visit garciarealestategrp.com/sellers Call: 703-517-2574 Email: BryanGarcia@ExitHeritage.com

Haymarket Homeowner is published quarterly by Bryan Garcia, Principal Broker of EXIT Heritage Realty and Garcia Real Estate Group. It is printed and mailed to approximately 9,000 households in Haymarket, Virginia. Design and production by Shalvey Creative. For information about advertising or articles, contact BryanGarcia@exitheritage.com. © Copyright 2020 Bryan Garcia | Exit Heritage Realty. This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for legal, financial or tax advice. Real estate market information is obtained from third party sources. Publisher is not liable for accuracy of any data or statistics. If your home is currently listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.

WINTER/SPRING 2020 Published by BRYAN GARCIA Principal Broker EXIT Heritage Realty 703-517-2574 www.garciarealestategrp.com BryanGarcia@exitheritage.com

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SAVE THIS ISSUE! Blooms and Beyond : Spring Festivals & Events 2020

Call me, Bryan Garcia, of The Garcia Real Estate Group at 703-517-2574 if you're ready to sell your home.

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Curtis Scott

Mortgage Loan Originator | NMLS# 659506 12150 Monument Dr. Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22033 Direct: 703.345.1545 | Office: 703-802-5304 Email: curtis.scott@usbank.com Web: mortgage.usbank.com/curtis-scott-fairfax-va

Call 571-332-6575

ADVERTISING NOTICE – NOT A COMMITMENT TO LEND – SUBJECT TO PROGRAM AVAILABILITY. This is not a commitment to lend. All loan applications are subject to credit and property approval. Annual Percentage Rate (APR), programs, rates, fees, closing costs, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice and may vary depending upon credit history and transaction specifics. Other closing costs may be necessary. Flood and/or property hazard insurance may be required. To be eligible, buyer must meet minimum down payment, underwriting and program guidelines.