MEET JULIA BULIGA
COVER PHOTO BY NOEL CALUBAQUIB
EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS
LANDSCAPING - RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL
Andre Passos | The Grounds Guys 571.290.2219 | groundguys.com
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY
Dr. Rishita Jaju | Smile Wonders 571-350-3663 | smilewonders.com
COLLEGE CONSULTING & TUTORING SERVICES
Elaina Mercatoris | Principia Education 703-442-4700 | www.principiaeducation.com
COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT
Emily Grubel | Great Falls Aesthetics (703) 495-3688 | greatfalls-aesthetics.com
LUXURY JEWELRY
Alicia Villars | Helvetia 703-401-9679 | www.Helvetiajewelry.com
PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTICS
Gema Island | Island Children Dentistry & Orthodontics 703-790-1320 | www.islandchildrensdentistry.com
BUSINESS BROKER
Erika Baez-Grimes | Business Coach Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional - The BPH Group, LLC 804.750.3008 | www.NovaBusinessInquiry.com
FASHION & STYLE
Aleena Dhar | House of Alkara info@houseofalkara.com | www.houseofalkara.com
LIGHT MANAGEMENT & HOME COMFORT EXPERTS
Tsykhnenko Viktoriia & Marina Leonova | New Blackout (571) 245 5744 | www.newblackout.com
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Lafayette Federal Credit Union Team
Lafayette Federal Credit Union 240.747.3166 | www.lfcu.org
PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST, LASH ARTIST
Jennifer N. Phung | Touch of Beauty Inc. (301) 346-3098 | MyTouchOfBeauty.com
To learn more about becoming an EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR, contact Gloria at
© Best Version Media
DEAR GREAT FALLS NEIGHBORS,
PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher: Gloria Fonseca
Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas
Designer: Hannah Argall
Contributing Writer: Sofia Roman
Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon
Photographer: Myrtle Roy
ADVERTISING
Contact: Gloria Fonseca
Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com
Phone: 703-868-8071
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS
Have feedback, ideas or submissions?
We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com.
(5 days prior to the Submission Deadline; remember Content Submission Deadline dates of the 20th or later refer to a magazine edition 2 months out.)
Content Due Edition
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We finally made it to the longer days. There is something about sunshine that always reminds me that life moves in seasons. After the cold and quiet days of winter, light slowly returns. The trees start waking up, flowers begin to bloom, and suddenly everything feels possible again.
Spring always feels like an invitation — an invitation to refresh, to declutter, and to welcome new beginnings. Just as we open our windows and clean out our closets, it’s also a wonderful moment to reset our mindset and create space for new ideas, new goals, and new connections.
Spring also reminds us that sometimes change can be personal as well. In this issue, we feature Julia Buliga, founder of Aura Medspa, who believes deeply in the connection between beauty, confidence, and feeling your best. Her story is a wonderful example of how passion and purpose can grow into something that inspires others.
And of course, I encourage you to explore the insights from our incredible local experts throughout the magazine. From real estate perspectives on the evolving market, to fitness inspiration for getting back into motion after winter, to ideas for planning the next big chapter in life — there is something here for everyone.
Great Falls is a place where people care about one another, where neighbors support neighbors, and where new ideas are always welcome.
So let this season blossom in your hearts. Step outside, enjoy the sunshine, support one another, and continue making this community the wonderful place we are proud to call home.
With gratitude,
FROM THE SOCIAL DESK
By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator
April has a way of reminding us to slow down, step outside, and enjoy the little things, blooming flowers, sunny afternoons, and time spent with the people around us. We hope this month brings warmth, inspiration, and beautiful moments to you and your family.
Julia Buliga’s Vision for Beauty and Leadership
By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional photos by NOEL CALUBAQUIB
For Julia Buliga, success is measured not only by what you build but by the people who grow alongside you.
As the founder of Aura Medspa, Julia has established herself as a leader in the evolving world of aesthetic medicine, bringing advanced treatments, innovation, and education to Northern Virginia. Yet beyond the world of business and entrepreneurship lies something equally important to her: the life she has built with her family and the community she calls home.
At the center of it all is a simple idea, home should be a place of peace.
“When I think of home,” Julia says, “the first feeling that comes to mind is peace. It’s where I feel grounded and where I can recharge after the demands of running a business.”
THE HEART OF HOME
Julia’s life today is shaped by the strong partnership she shares with her husband and the joy of raising their two children, a son who is nine and a half and a daughter who is seven and a half.
The couple first met through mutual friends, quickly discovering that they shared more than just common acquaintances. “What drew us to each other initially was a shared sense of ambition and determination,” Julia recalls. “From the beginning, we both valued hard work, family, and building something meaningful in life. That connection laid the foundation for our relationship.”
Over the years, marriage has deepened that sense of partnership.
“Marriage has taught me that true partnership requires patience, trust, and the ability to support each other through both victories and challenges,” she says. “In business and in life, you learn that success is rarely achieved alone; having someone who believes in your vision makes a huge di erence.”
Together, they are raising two children Julia describes as curious, loving, and strong, while she describes her husband as driven, protective, and resilient.
© Best Version Media
Their home life is filled with the moments that matter most; traveling together, exploring new places, spending time outdoors, and simply laughing around the dinner table.
“Those moments mean everything,” Julia says.
Weekends in their household reflect the lively rhythm of family life; sports, outings, cooking together, and occasionally even brainstorming new business ideas. Yet despite the busy schedule, Julia says they always try to make space for something equally important.
“We always try to carve out moments just to slow down and enjoy each other.” Celebrating holidays and maintaining cultural traditions is also a meaningful part of their family life. “Those traditions remind us where we come from and strengthen our family bond,” she explains.
It’s part of what makes Great Falls such a meaningful place for the family to call home. Julia appreciates the community’s unique blend of opportunity and quality of life, an environment where families can grow while still feeling deeply connected to the people around them.
MOTHERHOOD AND LEADERSHIP
While Julia’s professional accomplishments are significant, motherhood remains one of the most influential forces in her life.
“Motherhood has made me more empathetic, patient, and purposedriven,” she says. “It reminds me that leadership isn’t just about success, it’s about creating an environment where people can grow.”
The lessons she learns through business and family constantly inform one another.
“Running a business teaches discipline, resilience, and adaptability,” she explains. “At home, those lessons help me stay organized and focused, while my family reminds me to stay grounded and present.”
At this stage of life, Julia’s definition of success is clear. “Success means balance, building a thriving business while raising a strong family and creating opportunities for others.”
And perhaps the most important audience watching her journey is right at home.
“I hope my children learn that with determination, hard work, and faith, you can create the life you envision,” she says.
THE WOMAN BEHIND AURA MEDSPA
Long before Aura Medspa became a recognized name in the aesthetics field, Julia was already driven by a powerful entrepreneurial spirit.
“Before Aura Medspa, I was someone who always believed in building something meaningful from the ground up,” she says.
Her drive was shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a deep desire to create opportunities; not only for herself, but for others as well.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of science, beauty, and confidence,” Julia explains. “Aesthetic medicine allows you to help people feel better about themselves while using advanced medical knowledge and technology.”
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© Best Version Media
That passion ultimately led to the creation of Aura Medspa, where innovation and patient care remain central to the practice. The moment Julia realized the business had the potential to become something truly special came when she witnessed the deeper impact it had on clients.
“When someone walks out feeling more confident and empowered, that’s powerful,” she says. “It’s not just about how people look, it’s about how they feel.”
Today, Aura Medspa is known for o ering some of the most advanced aesthetic treatments available. For Julia, staying ahead of innovation is essential.
“Aesthetic medicine evolves very quickly,” she explains. “Staying ahead ensures that our clients receive the safest, most e ective, and most advanced treatments available. It’s part of our commitment to excellence.”
But technology alone is not what sets Aura apart.
“What truly distinguishes Aura is our combination of advanced medical expertise, personalized care, and dedication to education,” Julia says.
That commitment extends beyond patient care through the Aura Institute, where Julia and her team train and mentor the next generation of aesthetic professionals.
Clients who visit Aura Medspa quickly notice another defining element of the practice,an emphasis on trust.
“Every client receives individualized consultations and honest recommendations,” Julia explains. “We prioritize safety, transparency, and realistic expectations so clients feel fully informed and comfortable.”
Among the many services o ered at Aura, Julia is particularly excited about the cutting-edge regenerative treatments now available.
“These treatments represent the future of aesthetic medicine,” she says.
When asked what she hopes people associate with her name, Julia answers with thoughtful clarity: “Integrity, leadership, and the courage to build something meaningful.”
For Julia Buliga, success is not only about building a respected business or leading innovation in a growing industry. It is about creating something lasting, opportunities for others, confidence for her clients, and a legacy for her children. And today, what brings her the most happiness is seeing that vision come to life. “Seeing the people around me succeed,” she says. “My family, my team, and the clients whose lives we help transform.”
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© Best Version Media
Getting Your Home Ready for the Spring Market
Decluttering & Preparing to Sell
By Puneet Bhagi, Ikon Realty
Spring is widely considered the best time to sell a home. Longer days, blooming landscapes, and motivated buyers create ideal conditions for listing. One of the most important steps to maximize your home's appeal is decluttering and preparing each space so buyers can easily imagine themselves living there.
Below is a step-by-step guide to preparing your home for the spring market.
1. START WITH A WHOLE-HOME DECLUTTERING PLAN
Before cleaning or staging, begin with removing excess items Buyers notice space, light, and flow—clutter hides all three. Tips for e ective decluttering:
Follow the “Keep, Donate, Store, Toss” method for every room. Pack away seasonal items, excess décor, and personal collections.
Aim to remove 30–50% of items from closets and cabinets to make storage look larger.
Rent a temporary storage unit if needed.
A clutter-free home photographs better and often appears larger and brighter during showings.
2. DEPERSONALIZE SO BUYERS CAN PICTURE THEMSELVES
Buyers want to imagine their own life in the home, not feel like they’re walking through someone else’s.
Consider removing:
• Family photos and personal portraits
• Highly specific décor or collectibles
• Children’s artwork covering walls or refrigerators
• Excess wall décor
Replace with simple, neutral décor such as plants, light artwork, or decorative books.
3. FOCUS ON KEY ROOMS BUYERS CARE ABOUT
Certain spaces influence buying decisions more than others— especially kitchens, living rooms, and primary bedrooms.
Kitchen
• Clear countertops except for a few simple items (fruit bowl, co ee maker).
• Remove magnets, papers, and clutter from the refrigerator.
• Organize pantry shelves.
Living Room
• Reduce excess furniture to make the room feel larger.
• Use neutral pillows and throws.
• Ensure walkways are open and inviting. Bedrooms
• Keep bedding simple and hotel-like.
• Limit nightstand items.
• Clear under-bed storage if visible.
4.
MAXIMIZE LIGHT AND FRESH SPRING ENERGY
• Open curtains and blinds for natural light
• Wash windows and screens
• Replace heavy winter décor with lighter fabrics and colors
• Add fresh flowers or simple greenery
• Use soft, warm lighting for evening showings
5.
DON’T FORGET CURB APPEAL
Spring buyers often decide how they feel about a home before they even walk inside.
Simple curb appeal upgrades:
• Power wash siding, walkways, and driveways
• Add fresh mulch and seasonal flowers
• Trim shrubs and tree branches
• Paint or clean the front door
• Replace worn welcome mats or house numbers
These small changes can dramatically improve first impressions.
6. DEEP CLEAN AFTER DECLUTTERING
Once the clutter is gone, deep cleaning makes your home shine. Focus on:
• Baseboards and trim
• Carpets and floors
• Kitchen appliances
• Bathroom grout and fixtures
• Light fixtures and ceiling fans
Many sellers choose a professional cleaning service before listing photos.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Decluttering and preparing your home for the spring market isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about helping buyers see the lifestyle your home o ers.
When done well, these steps can:
• Make your home appear larger and brighter
• Improve listing photos
• Increase buyer interest and o ers
Spring buyers move quickly, and a well-prepared home can stand out the moment it hits the market.
Pro Tip: Start decluttering 4–6 weeks before listing so you can move at a manageable pace.
Spring buyers are drawn to homes that feel bright, clean, and refreshed.
Quick ways to brighten your home:
Why Tracking Net Worth Matters
By NOBERT FICHTEL
For established families, regularly reviewing your net worth is important for understanding your true financial position.
Your net worth—the di erence between what you own and what you owe—provides the clearest picture of your true financial position. Tracking it can measure progress toward goals, identify asset allocation imbalances, and inform spending decisions.
Is your household’s wealth growing or mostly treading water? Regular reviews can reveal important trends: are your retirement accounts growing as expected? Is real estate appreciation keeping pace? Are liabilities shrinking or expanding?
Knowing your net worth also prepares you for major
transitions: retirement, funding college, or passing wealth to the next generation. You can spot potential problems early and adjust course before small issues become significant setbacks.
Set aside time twice a year for a net worth review to confirm your finances support your current lifestyle and your longterm goals. Turn those abstract numbers into actionable insights that guide smart financial decisions.
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Lafayette Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA. Equal housing lender. Membership required.
DR. NICKIE BASTANI
© Best Version Media
Designed Happy Designing Homes Around How People Really Live
By CASEY WHITMORE | CASEY Photos by Photos NOVASOUL
Some architects talk about structures. TJ talks about people.
For the founder of Designed Happy, architecture has never been only about drawings, square footage, or the latest design trend. For him, it starts with a much simpler idea: how a home should make someone feel.
And in many ways, that philosophy began long before architecture school, on the floor of his childhood home with a bucket of Legos.
“Well, the Yankees never called, so here we are,” TJ says with a laugh, recalling his childhood dream of playing center field for the New York Yankees. “But honestly, I think that’s where it all started. On the floor of my childhood home with a bucket of Legos and zero concept of a building code.”
What those early creations taught him still shapes the way he approaches every project today.
“What Lego taught me, and what I still carry today, is that the best designs start with a feeling. I wasn’t thinking about structural engineering when I was seven. I was thinking, ‘What would it feel like to live here?’ That’s still the first question I ask on every project. The tools got a lot more expensive, but the instinct is the same.”
By the time TJ applied to The Catholic University of America to study architecture, the path already felt clear.
"I don't believe there was a single pivotal moment," he asserts. “It was more like a slow realization that I was the only kid in school who got genuinely excited about floor plans. By the time I applied to Catholic University, it was inevitable. Architecture was never Plan B for me. It was always the plan.”
After entering the industry in 2001, TJ spent years gaining experience at established firms. But over time, two important lessons began to shape his thinking.
“First, I learned that most firms are set up to serve the building, not the people living in it,” he explains. “The focus is on the structure, the specs, the drawings, and the vision of the designer, and the homeowner is almost an afterthought. That never sat right with me.”
The second lesson came from observing the renovation experience itself.
“The renovation process is broken,” he says. “Not the construction part. The communication part. People aren’t stressed because their kitchen is being torn apart. They’re stressed because nobody told them what to expect, nobody asked them what they actually need, and nobody is guiding them through the experience.”
Those two realizations became the foundation for what would eventually become Designed Happy.
STARTING WITH THE PERSON, NOT THE PROJECT
Rather than continuing inside the traditional firm structure, TJ decided to build something di erent.
“Frustration, mostly,” he says when asked what inspired him to launch the company. “In the best possible way.”
He noticed a consistent pattern in the industry.
“Homeowners would come into a firm with a dream, and the firm would immediately jump into what to build without ever understanding why they wanted to build it,” he explains. “I knew there had to be a better way. I wanted to create a firm that starts with the person, not the project.”
The company’s name reflects that philosophy.
“Happiness at home doesn’t happen by accident,” TJ says. “It has to be intentional. Designed.”
And for him, that concept goes much deeper than aesthetics.
“I don’t mean ‘throw pillows and candles.’ I mean, really understanding what makes you and your family feel good in a space and then building everything around that. Your home should be the place where you feel most like yourself. That’s what we’re designing for.”
The philosophy became the foundation not only of his firm but also of his book, Designed Happy: The Book, which expands on the idea that everyone deserves to feel comfortable and connected in their home, whether they work with his firm or not.
ASKING THE QUESTION NO ONE ELSE ASKS
One of the most defining aspects of the Designed Happy process is the very first question clients hear:
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU FEEL HAPPIER AT HOME?
“Because nobody else does,” TJ says simply. “And because it’s the only question that actually matters.”
Traditional design conversations often start with a checklist of features, bigger kitchen, more storage, new addition. But TJ believes those requests rarely reveal the real problem.
“You can ask someone what they want in a kitchen and get a list: island, double oven, subway tile,” he explains. “But that list doesn’t tell you anything about how they live.”
When the conversation starts with how someone wants to feel in their home, the design brief often changes entirely.
“Maybe the answer is, ‘I want to actually see my kids while I’m cooking.’ That’s a completely di erent design brief than ‘I want a bigger kitchen.’ The question changes the conversation, and the conversation changes the outcome.”
A PROCESS BUILT FOR REAL LIFE
That philosophy led to the creation of DesignCOMPASS, the firm’s proprietary process designed to guide homeowners through the early stages of a renovation or new build.
DesignCOMPASS combines several tools, including the “Five Whys,” “Heat Maps,” and the “Future Test”, to help uncover what homeowners actually need before design work begins.
“The problem it solves is this,” TJ explains. “Most people know something about their home isn’t working, but they can’t quite articulate what it is.” Someone might say they need more space when the real issue is the way the home flows, or how
family members interact within it.
© Best Version Media
DESIGNING FOR REAL LIFE
While trends in home design constantly evolve, TJ believes the most important shift happening today isn’t aesthetic, it’s philosophical.
“What excites me isn’t a specific tile pattern or paint color,” he says. “It’s the movement toward designing homes around how people actually live and feel.”
In a world where homes now serve as o ices, classrooms, gathering spaces, and places to recharge, architecture carries a deeper responsibility.
“Your home is no longer just where you sleep,” he says. “It’s where you work, where your kids learn, where you decompress, where you connect with your family. Architecture has a responsibility to support all of that.”
“DesignCOMPASS helps us uncover the real need, so we’re solving the right problem,” he says. “It saves our clients time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.”
Education has also become a central part of the Designed Happy brand. TJ and his team regularly share insights about remodeling and design through a growing collection of resources, including a weekly YouTube podcast, a newsletter, and a comic strip.
All of it is o ered freely with one goal in mind: helping homeowners navigate the remodeling process with more confidence and clarity.
“We want people to have a better experience even if they never work with us,” TJ says. “The more informed homeowners are, the better the entire process becomes.”
The firm also developed RealTIME Design, a collaborative design approach that allows homeowners to see their ideas come to life during live working sessions.
“In a traditional process, you meet with an architect, they disappear for a few weeks, and come back with drawings that may or may not be what you had in mind,” TJ explains. “Then you go back and forth for months.”
RealTIME Design removes that delay.
“We design with you, in real time, so you see your ideas come to life right in front of you. It’s collaborative, it’s fast, and it eliminates that painful cycle of ‘that’s not what I meant.’”
For many of Designed Happy’s clients, often busy professionals managing demanding careers, that e iciency can make all the di erence.
“You’ve got enough on your plate,” TJ says. “We take this o of it.”
Designed Happy focuses specifically on large, complex residential projects, whole home remodels, major additions, and new construction. These projects often require careful planning, coordination, and a clear strategy from the very beginning.
For busy professionals balancing demanding careers and family life, TJ says having a structured process can transform what might otherwise feel overwhelming into something far more manageable.
And while beautiful spaces remain part of the equation, they are not the ultimate goal.
“If it looks amazing but doesn’t work for your family, it’s not good design,” he says. “It’s just decoration.”
A CULTURE BUILT ON PEOPLE
Inside Designed Happy, that people-first mindset extends beyond clients to the company’s culture.
The firm operates around five core values: Fun, 1% Better, French Fries, Smile, and Empathy.
“Yes, French fries is a real core value,” TJ says with a grin. “It’s our shorthand for unreasonable hospitality, the idea that we go above and beyond in ways people don’t expect.”
The principle of “1% better” reflects a commitment to constant improvement.
“Every day, every project, every interaction,” he says. “When you build a culture around having fun, taking care of people, and never settling, great work just naturally follows.”
STILL INSPIRED BY THE CONVERSATION
After more than two decades in architecture, TJ says the part of the process that still excites him most is the very beginning.
“The conversation,” he says.
That moment when homeowners begin describing what isn’t working, and what they dream their home could become.
“Every single time someone tells me what frustrates them about their home, I can feel the solution forming in my head,” he says. “That’s where the magic is.”
While the finished homes are rewarding, the deeper impact lies in how those spaces change people’s daily lives.
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“I love being able to participate in a process that helps people change their relationship to their home,” TJ says. “It’s a huge responsibility that I am deeply grateful for.”
For him, architecture has always been about more than buildings. It’s about creating spaces where people can truly feel at home.
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College Planning A Spring Guide for Juniors in High School
By ELAINA MERCATORIS | PRINCIPIA EDUCATION
The final months of junior year have a way of sneaking up on students. Since your summer will be busy with internships and college application essays, careful spring planning can give you more mental space to handle it all when the real pressure hits. Here’s what to lock in before summer starts.
COLLEGE VISITS
Spring break is the perfect time to tour college campuses, as many schools host o icial open houses with information sessions for prospective students in late March and early April.
O icial tours o er you structured information from a tour guide. When a school tracks demonstrated interest, they track engagement like tours, webinars, and opening emails from them as a way to predict yield, or how likely you are to actually enroll if they accept you. These tours o er insights that you can’t find on a website, which is useful for a college application’s “Why Us” supplemental essay.
Casual visits are great for getting a general feel for campus culture and environment. Often, casual tours are best used for removing schools from your list. If you realize you don’t like a school’s rural setting or find a city campus a bit too overwhelming, you’ve saved yourself time and money on a few applications.
Here’s our recommended approach to visits:
1. Start by visiting a large state school and a small private college near home, even if you don’t plan to apply, to help you decide on the style of school you like.
2. Save your travel budget for target and reach schools, where you are seriously considering the fit or trying to determine which will be your Early Decision.
3. For many students, it makes more sense to visit safeties or far-away reaches during Admitted Students Days, after they are admitted.
TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Spring is also the right time to think about recommendation letters, as many teachers cap the number of students for whom they will write recommendations.
We recommend asking two junior-year core subject teachers—one STEM and one humanities or foreign languages— as colleges will want to hear about your most recent academic performance. Choose teachers who know you well. A teacher who has seen you grow—perhaps one who also coached your team or sponsored a club you participated in—can write a more compelling letter.
How to ask? In-person. Prepare a pitch that complements your teacher. Why did you select them? What have they witnessed about you that makes them a good recommender? If they say yes, follow up with a thank-you email, attaching your resume to o er additional context for your letter.
You should follow up in the fall with a list of the colleges you plan to apply for, an updated resume, and an additional thank-you for taking the time to recommend you.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
Aim to reach your target SAT or ACT score for the August or September exams. Plan to take the test at least once again in the spring—possibly twice—but no more than three times total. After three attempts, most students do not show significant improvement relative to the stress and time of retesting.
We recommend allowing at least six weeks of study time between tests to see measurable score growth. To give yourself time, it’s best to have
When summer arrives, your focus should be on growing through your work, your writing, and your experiences—not scrambling to build a college list, chase recommendation letters, or schedule last-minute testing.
Whether you’re upgrading your home lighting, adding sparkle to your décor, or planning an energy-e cient refresh — DE Design Group has you covered this holiday season.
© Best Version Media
Buying vs. Building in Great Falls
What Buyers Should Know
The first step, however, is finding the right land—and that can be more challenging than finding a house.
IDENTIFYING THE RIGHT LAND
Typically, 5–15 land listings are available in Great Falls at any given time, and not all are ideal for building. Buyers interested in building usually explore three options:
• Raw Land – Undeveloped parcels may require installing utilities such as well water and septic systems, along with evaluating soil conditions, zoning, environmental bu ers, and buildable area.
• Developed Lots – Some parcels already have utilities or environmental approvals in place, allowing buyers to move more quickly toward design and construction.
By JENNIFER JO J.D. | REALTOR | C.I.P.S.
JENNIFER JO
One of the first questions many clients ask when we begin working together is: Should we buy an existing home, or buy land and build? In a community like Great Falls—where large lots, privacy, and estate-style homes are part of the lifestyle—both paths can lead to wonderful outcomes. However, they involve very di erent timelines, financing structures, and planning requirements.
Understanding the basics of each option can help buyers decide which path aligns best with their goals.
THE SIMPLER PATH: BUYING AN EXISTING HOME
Buying an existing home is typically the most straightforward option—if you can find a property that fits your needs. At any given time, about 40–65 homes are publicly listed for sale in Great Falls, with additional opportunities occasionally available o -market.
The process is familiar: buyers obtain mortgage pre-approval, tour homes, submit an o er, and once under contract the lender orders an appraisal to confirm value. Because comparable sales are available, lenders can easily determine pricing and financing tends to be predictable. Many buyers are able to close and move in within three to six weeks.
WHY
BUILDING APPEALS TO MANY BUYERS
Great Falls is unique within Northern Virginia because of its larger parcels of land. Many homes sit on an acre or more, and two-to-five-acre properties are common. For buyers who value privacy, outdoor space, or the ability to design a home around their lifestyle, building a custom home can be extremely appealing.
• Tear-Down Opportunities – Purchasing an older home on a desirable lot and rebuilding is also common. This approach allows buyers to secure land in established neighborhoods while designing a new custom home.
BUILDING THE RIGHT TEAM
Once buyers decide to build—and ideally before purchasing land— it’s important to assemble the right team. Most custom projects begin with either a builder or an architect.
Working with professionals familiar with Fairfax County zoning, well and septic systems, permitting processes, and local site conditions can help avoid costly surprises and ensure a smoother process.
FINANCING LAND AND CONSTRUCTION
Financing for building di ers from a traditional mortgage. Buyers may first need a land loan, which often requires a larger down payment. Once land is secured, most projects move to a construction loan, which releases funds in stages as building milestones are completed. Many buyers choose construction-topermanent loans, which convert into a traditional mortgage once the home is finished.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
Buying an existing home typically o ers speed and simplicity. Building, on the other hand, requires more planning and time— often 12 to 18 months or longer—but allows homeowners to create a property tailored exactly to their lifestyle.
In Great Falls, where space, privacy, and custom living are highly valued, both options can be excellent choices depending on your vision for your next home.
The One for You in Great Falls
A recognized top producing Realtor, Jennifer Jo has more than 20 years of professional experience combined in law and real estate. With unrivaled local expertise and access to a global network like no other, she brings an elevated experience, custom-tailored to your unique needs. Because every home is one of a kind. Just like you
Jennifer Jo, J.D Realtor
Global Luxury Real Estate Advisor
m + 1 703 489 0935
jjo@ttrsir.com
joandco.me
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Become a Sponsor. Change a Future
By SUMAIRA MALIK - Events Chair for WCGF Scholarship Fund
On May 1, 2026, the Women’s Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund will host its Masquerade Ball at River Bend Country Club — an elegant evening with a powerful purpose.
This year, the Foundation invites our community not only to attend, but to lead by becoming a sponsor.
Annual Mission Sponsorship Levels o er meaningful ways to invest directly in local students working to overcome rising tuition costs and financial challenges:
• Premier Scholarship Sponsor – $10,000 (funds four scholarships; premier recognition and six event tickets)
• Triple-Scholarship Sponsor – $7,500 (prominent visibility and four tickets)
• Double-Scholarship Sponsor – $5,000 (event recognition and four tickets)
• Scholarship Sponsor – $2,500 (program recognition and two tickets)
Each sponsorship level directly fuels life-changing scholarships for deserving students across Northern Virginia. For businesses, it is purposeful visibility aligned with impact. For families and individuals, it is an opportunity to open doors
YOUR LEGACY BEGINS AT HOME
