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Incredibly excited to wrap up an awesome first summer. I’ve learned a lot, and I thought I’d share some of those lessons with you.

1. Hiring a JMU intern is a great idea.

This summer we were lucky enough to hire a young man from Woodbridge named Owen, who is a rising senior at JMU. He was exactly the spark we needed to help us push through our first busy summer season. We’ve already made him a job offer for next summer when he graduates, and we’re hopeful he’ll join us full-time.

2. People are generally helpful and want to see you succeed when you’re first starting out.

Over the summer, I was amazed by how many people wanted to help me get a strong start in my business. There were definitely times when I knew folks might not need a new roof, but they were still kind enough to let me come by, take a look, and give them a free estimate just in case. It was inspiring and motivating to know that there are strangers out there who don’t even know me but still want to see me win.

3. Hard work solves most problems.

From the beginning, I’ve been honest about having a lot to learn in this industry. What I’ve come to find is that even when I don’t know exactly what I’m doing, hard work will still often get me to the right result. When in doubt, just keep pushing. This is something I’ll remember as more hard times come and as we get ready to go through the cold winter season.

4. Working with property managers and realtors can be a win-win for everyone.

This year, we’ve built some great relationships with property managers and realtors. These folks are hardworking and busy, and the last thing they have time to worry about is a roof for their clients. We’ve worked with them to install new roofs, windows, gutters, doors, and siding on multiple occasions.

5. Some folks will slam the door in your face without thinking twice.

Things aren’t always easy in this game, and I don’t want to paint an overly rosy picture without talking about some of the hard stuff too. As a new person working hard to get your name out there, it can definitely be a little daunting when someone yells at you or slams the door in your face. Luckily, most people are warm and will at least talk to you, and we’ve appreciated that as we navigate these bumps along the way.

6. Most homeowners just want transparency and great customer service.

It’s wild how many contractors out there really can’t be trusted. We’ve come to learn quickly that homeowners just want fantastic customer service and transparency throughout the process. If you can honestly show someone how the process is going to take place and hold their hand a little along the way, you can make almost all of your customers pretty happy.

7. Homeowners taught me more than any training could have.

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For many Virginia homeowners, the family home is more than an asset. It’s where children grew up, memories were made, and decades of life unfolded. Placing your home in a trust can help protect that legacy while making things easier for your loved ones in the future.

A properly structured and funded trust may help avoid probate, provide continuity if you become unable to manage your affairs, and give your family clear instructions about what should happen to the home. Here’s what Virginia homeowners need to know.

Why Put Your Home in a Trust?

A trust can provide several important benefits:

• Avoiding probate. If your home is properly transferred to a trust, your successor trustee can generally manage the property without waiting for a judge to authorize basic tasks like paying the mortgage or selling the home.
• Planning for complex families. Trusts can provide specific instructions for blended families, stepchildren, or inherited property.
• Privacy. Unlike a will, which generally becomes part of the public probate record, a trust is typically handled privately.
• Planning for incapacity. If you become unable to manage your affairs, your successor trustee can step in to manage the home or other trust assets.
• Greater flexibility. You can establish conditions for how and when beneficiaries receive an interest in the property.

A trust isn’t necessarily the right choice for every homeowner, however. The appropriate plan depends on your family, finances, property, and long-term goals.

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Trust for Your Goals

Before transferring your home into a trust, you’ll need to decide what kind of trust fits your needs. In Virginia, the most common types include:

• Revocable living trusts. These are flexible and can be changed or revoked during your lifetime. You typically serve as your own trustee and retain full control over the property.
• Irrevocable trusts. Once you place your house in this type of trust, you give up control over it. These trusts may offer greater protection from creditors and certain tax advantages.
• Testamentary trusts. Created by your will and go into effect after your death. Your house remains in your name until then.
• Special needs trusts. Used to leave property for a loved one with a disability without affecting their eligibility for benefits.
• Charitable trusts. Allow you to leave your home or its value to a nonprofit organization.

The type of trust you choose will affect how your property is treated for tax, control, and probate purposes. A revocable trust is often the most practical choice for Virginia homeowners who want to keep managing their home while simplifying what happens after death.

Step 2: Select the Right Trustee

The trustee manages the property and follows the instructions in the trust. With a revocable living trust, you can typically serve as your own trustee during your lifetime and name a successor trustee to take over if you become incapacitated or die.

Choose someone you trust to handle financial and property matters responsibly. Depending on your circumstances, that could be a family member, friend, or professional trustee.

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The corner coffee shop. The family dentist. The realtor who knows every block. They’re a part of what makes Alexandria feel like home. The same neighbors who read ALXnow every day aren’t just part of the community, they’re looking to support it, one local business at a time.

Since 2019, ALXnow has been Alexandria’s go-to source for local news, now reaching 400,000 readers a month. People come here for what’s happening around the city, and along the way, they discover the businesses that serve it.

Advertising here feels different, and readers tell us so: according to our 2025 reader survey, 84% say they like seeing local ads on ALXnow, and 43% have taken action after seeing one. When businesses appear alongside the news your neighbors trust, it becomes part of the community conversation rather than an interruption to it.

There are a few ways to take part, whether you want to introduce your business, promote an event, or tell your story. And because ALXnow is independent local journalism, your support also helps keep Alexandria informed.

If you’ve been thinking about reaching your neighbors, we’re glad to help you find the right fit.

Explore every option at lnn.co/advertise, email [email protected], or call 703-348-0583.

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At Eisenhower Pointe, life has always been about living beautifully connected, where a luxury townhome and a remarkable Alexandria address come together in all the right ways.

Located in Alexandria’s West End just two blocks from the Van Dorn Metro, Eisenhower Pointe offers four-level homes designed for style and connection. Spacious kitchens welcome everything from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. Rooftop terraces become your favorite place to unwind. Light-filled interiors, flexible living spaces, and designer finishes create homes that feel as polished as they are comfortable.

And then there’s the address. Alexandria’s West End puts some of the area’s most important destinations remarkably close to home. Old Town Alexandria brings acclaimed restaurants, waterfront dining, boutiques, galleries, and centuries of history just minutes away. Washington, D.C. is close enough for work, dinner, a performance, or a day at the museums, without requiring a D.C. address.

For commuters, having the Van Dorn Metro just two blocks away connects you to employment centers throughout Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., while nearby access to I-495 and I-395 keeps the rest of the region within reach. It’s a location that gives you options, creating a lifestyle centered around convenience.

Now, one of Alexandria’s most compelling new home opportunities is nearing completion. This is one of the last chances to own at Eisenhower Pointe. With special savings and below market financing available on select homes, there’s never been a better time to make your move.

Two beautiful communities. Just a handful of homes remain. Discover what it means to Live Brilliantly at Eisenhower Pointe before this final opportunity is gone.

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Take in panoramic rooftop views, unwind in thoughtfully designed lounge spaces, stay active in the fitness center, or treat your pup to the private pet spa. With modern residences and exceptional amenities, The Aidan was designed to fit your lifestyle.

Now selling in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3S9hGgB

Hi Alexandria,

My name is Drew, and I wanted to take a moment to tell you about what I’ve been working on as I try to make my way in the world.

This past year, I took a leap that honestly scared me. I challenged the comfortable path I’d been on and built something new with trusted partners and friends: a local roofing and home‑exterior company called All Team Exteriors. On paper, it’s a business. But in my heart, it’s something much more personal than that.

I don’t just want to make a living here — I want to contribute something meaningful to a place that’s helped mold me.

Why I started All Team Exteriors

I’ve worked in environments where professionalism, follow‑through, and integrity weren’t optional — they were the baseline. But when it came to home services, especially roofing, I saw how often homeowners were left frustrated, confused, or ignored. Slow responses. Vague communication. Contractors disappearing mid‑project.

And I thought:

Someone young, hungry, and honest should try to fix this.

So… I’m giving it everything I’ve got.

What I’m trying to build

All Team Exteriors isn’t a giant corporation. It’s not some out-of-state outfit with a call center. It’s me — and a small team of people committed to doing things the right way. We spent an extensive amount of time training under a perennial award-winning roofing company in Arizona this winter and learned what great looks like.

We’re bringing modern tools, photo-documented inspections, real-time updates, fast communication, and a “do what we say we’ll do” mentality. Not because it looks good in a brochure, but because that’s how I’d want someone to treat my own family.

So far we are off to an absolutely amazing start. It’s been a great first summer and we’d love to help you as well. You can give us a call anytime at 703-705-7207 for an absolutely free inspection and estimate on your roof, siding, gutters, doors, and windows. I’d love to have a chance to swing by and meet you and take a look at how we can work together to make your home safer and more secure.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I sincerely hope we can help you and your family soon.