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Author Archives: Alex Bracke

    Top 10 Things Buyers Need to Know About New Construction Homes!

    By Alex Bracke | June 10, 2014

    There are several portions of builder contracts that buyers need to know.  Whichever builder you choose for your new home in Aldie, or elsewhere, is likely to have a contract that varies in its look and wording as compared with other builders.  The contract will most definitely be very different than the standard contract for... Read More

    Is a Sense of Community Possible with New Neighborhoods?

    By Alex Bracke | May 15, 2014

    When I work with clients, they have told me that they wonder if the two ideas are compatible: a brand new neighborhood that also has an established sense of community?  Particularly, in the case of new homes for sale in Aldie, there are several blossoming neighborhoods that have made this concept one of their hallmarks.... Read More

    What is the Most Commonly Forgotten Step in Buying a New Home in Aldie?

    By Alex Bracke | April 14, 2014

    If you’re like many home buyers, there is a chance you’re overlooking a very important step of the process, and I would argue it is one of the most important steps in the process.  The problem is that many real estate agents tend to overlook it as well!  I mean, you may have even purchased... Read More

    What is Aldie’s Hottest Trend in New Home Construction?

    By Alex Bracke | March 7, 2014

    With all the new homes for sale cropping up in Aldie, a main level master suite is becoming an increasingly common amenity.  For some of my clients, a main level master suite just makes sense: their children have moved out of the home, their needs in a home have changed and it simply is easier... Read More

    The Aldie Mill: A Brief History

    By Alex Bracke | February 11, 2014

    Charles F. Mercer, a lawyer, Virginia legislator and military officer, obtained the right to dam the Little River and to build a mill in 1804. He built a house for himself across the Little River Turnpike, calling the complex “Aldie Manor,” after Mercer’s supposed ancestor’s Aldie Castle in Scotland. The village that grew around the... Read More

    New State Park To Be Established In Loudoun

    By Alex Bracke | January 13, 2014

    One of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s final actions in office is the creation of a state park in Loudoun. The park is the result of an agreement under which the Robert and Dee Leggett Foundation will donate 600 acres of the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship along Harper’s Ferry Road. Friday morning, McDonnell’s office announced that the... Read More

    Loudoun and Fairfax Rated Among Best Places to Live

    By Alex Bracke | December 29, 2013

    Several of Northern Virginia’s communities take top honors for best places to live in the nation in a recent report by CNN.  Now, for those of us that live here, this likely comes as no surprise!  There are a handful of reason that I think we’re second to none: Our schools are some of the... Read More

    Nationally Renowned Private School Coming to Loudoun

    By Alex Bracke | December 23, 2013

    A surprise announcement Dec. 19 has presented a new type of school that could be added to the Loudoun community in the coming years. The Catholic Diocese of Arlington announced Thursday it’s pursuing the relocation of one of its high schools, Paul VI Catholic, to South Riding in southeastern Loudoun County. LCPS would not be... Read More

    Holiday Traditions to Start This Year

    By Alex Bracke | December 18, 2013

    Most families create annual traditions that turn into life-long memories – backyard Easter egg hunts, July Fourth beach picnics, festive birthday dinners. But the end-of-year holidays can be so rushed and hectic that we fail to generate the togetherness events our children will always remember. Marriage and family counselor Marianne Denton suggests six cozy and... Read More

    Seven Ways to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

    By Alex Bracke | December 4, 2013

    With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to keep in mind that with online purchases, packed shopping malls and busier personal schedules, the chances for falling victim to identity theft is something to be mindful about.  There are some simple steps that you can take to avoid the headaches that come along with becoming... Read More