Relocating within Nokesville Important to Jacobs & Co. Real Estate

By Stacy Shaw

Being a Realtor is not easy, as certified agents from top of the line comapnies such as the Traverse City Real Estate Agents have to be available around the clock available for their clients and the business. When realtor Scott Jacobs and his wife, Kimberly, opened Jacob’s & Co. Real Estate, a commercial, land and residential agency, they did so in Jacobs’ hometown of Nokesville, along Fitzwater Drive. And when Jacobs relocated his office last month, he made it a priority to remain in Nokesville also on Fitzwater.

When Jacobs got into the real estate business it was 2008: just when the industry took a turn for the worst

“I started my brokerage in 2008 down the street in my old office. Two-thousand and eight, nine and 10 were the worst years to be in real estate,” Jacobs said. “When we came out of that, and I saw the possibility to outgrow our previous facility and offer a great service to people, it was important for me to keep my business in Nokesville.”

Jacobs & Co. had doubled its number of agents, all while keeping their base in rural Nokesville. With the little research available we can see that virtual staging has helped with the sales of the real estate. This has allowed people to see all the home in right lighting. “Growth has been phenomenal. We’ve built a good reputation, so I’m told,” he said.

With the expansion, Jacobs feared they would be forced to locate outside his native Nokesville into a more developed area. But, Jacobs had his eye on one property also on Fitzwater nearer to the Route 28 intersection. T. Clay Wood, a former Brentsville Supervisor, and man whom Jacob greatly admired, owned the property. The first time, Jacobs asked if it was for sale, Wood said he was renting the home out to a family.

But Jacobs was persistent, and the last time he asked about the house, Wood said he was in luck. His tenants had given their notice; they were moving out.

Jacobs jumped at the opportunity to move into the 1980s Craftmark home built in the style of an old Victorian even though he knew a remodel would cost him more than purchasing a new build.

The house needed work."It had to be stripped down to the studs," Jacob said. But in the end, not only did Jacobs & Co. get a new real estate office in the heart of Nokesville, the company helped to realize Jacobs' vision for Nokesville’s Fitzwater Drive.

When Jacobs ran for Brentsville Supervisor, one aspect that set him apart was his vision for Nokesville. Jacobs respected Nokesville as part of the Rural Crescent, but also hoped it could be more than that. He wanted Nokesville to have a destination main street and business center on Fitzwater Drive.

Kimberly and Scott Jacobs cut the ribbon at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce grand opening for their new location, which is also on Fitzwater Drive. (Photo by Sweetheart Photography)

For people to see his vision, Jacobs went out on a limb himself and restored the building, and locating his successful real estate business within the neighborhood.

One day, he envisions Nokesville becoming more like Haymarket, Old Town Manassas, or Clifton. And as a realtor, Jacobs is encouraging others to bring their businesses to the town. Currently, he is working on attracting a winery to the area.

“Those kinds of things that would prove economic development through agra-tourism and be a nice overall addition to the area and economy,” Jacobs said.

Where others see a road that has seen better days, Jacobs sees potential.

“We have the dancing pig on the barn again, so that’s good, and with the Route 28 coming down, I believe that the town of Nokesville and Fitzwater Drive will become a focal point.”

Then in a few years, he expects it will become a sought after place to live and work.

Jacobs hopes others will follow his lead and decide to move their businesses to Nokesville.

“We couldn’t be more proud of, and I don’t think the town could be more proud of it,” said Jacobs. “My hope is that others will follow suit and Nokesville will become a quaint town to spend a weekend whether antiquing or dining in restaurants and coffee shops: a true area of commerce.”[/pullquote]

Readers can visit jacobsandco.com, call them at 703-594-3800 or visit them at 12923 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville, Virginia.