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MEET THE HUNDLEYS AND BELLS A FAMILY AFFAIR COVER PHOTO BY MYRTLE ROY

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY Dr. Rishita Jaju | Smile Wonders 571-350-3663 | smilewonders.com

PEDIATRIC DENTIST Gema Island | Island Children Dentistry & Orthodontics 703-790-1320 | www.islandchildrensdentistry.com

COLLEGE CONSULTING & TUTORING SERVICES Elaina Mercatoris | Principia Education 703-442-4700 | www.principiaeducation.com

BUSINESS BROKER Erika Baez-Grimes | Business Coach Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional - The BPH Group, LLC 804.750.3008 | www.NovaBusinessInquiry.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

LUXURY JEWELRY Alicia Villars | Helvetia 703-401-9679 | www.Helvetiajewelry.com

REAL ESTATE BROKER Puneet Bhagi | Ikon Realty 703-346-2293 | www.ikonrealtydmv.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT Michelle Hundley, JD, CFP® | CEO and Co-Founder www.triowm.com | Trio Wealth Management, LLC

ESTATE PLANNING Justine Sennott, Esq. PJI Law 703-865-6100 | www.pjilaw.com

To learn more about becoming an EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR, contact Gloria at: 703-868-8071 or gbruni@bestversionmedia.com

CLARITY. CONFIDENCE. CONTROL. FOR YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE. INDEPENDENT. FEE-ONLY. FIDUCIARY.

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© Best Version Media HELLO NOVEMBER! 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. CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE (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 December 10 ...........................................................................January January 10.............................................................................. February February 10 ..................................................................................March March 10.............................................................................................April April 10..................................................................................................May May 10 .................................................................................................June June 10 ...................................................................................................July July 10 ............................................................................................ August August 10 ............................................................................September September 10 ..........................................................................October October 10 .......................................................................... November November 10 ..................................................................... December Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2026 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

My favorite season of giving is here! November is a beautiful reminder to slow down for a moment, appreciate what we have, and share our blessings with others. And if you know me, you know how much I love bringing people together! For me, gratitude is more than saying thank you. It's about showing up for one another, supporting a friend's business, celebrating someone's success, and finding little ways to make someone's day brighter. Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest difference. This month, I'm especially grateful for our wonderful Great Falls community, the friendships we've built, the inspiring people we meet, and the opportunity to share their stories through these pages. As Thanksgiving approaches, I encourage you to give a little extra love, lend a helping hand, support a local business, and, most importantly, make time for the people who matter most. And remember, there's always room for one more at the table! Wishing you and your families a beautiful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and plenty of good food!

FROM THE SOCIAL DESK By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator

Family isn’t always about how you started. Sometimes, it’s about choosing one another, growing together, and becoming one.

GREAT FALLS LIVING | 3

MEET THE HUNDLEYS AND BELLS A FAMILY AFFAIR

By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional photos by MYRTLE ROY

For Michelle Hundley, Great Falls has become much more than an address. It is where her children grew up, lifelong relationships took shape, and countless family memories were made. She finds time to reflect on some of life's most meaningful moments in the simplest of places: the front porch of her family home. With a cup of coffee in hand, birds singing in the background, and the family's beloved Labrador Retriever, Dasher, keeping watch over the yard, Michelle finds a sense of peace amid the demands of everyday life. She and her husband, Jim, often imagine that "Heaven is a sprawling front porch." It is a fitting reflection of a woman who, beyond her professional accomplishments, treasures the people, places, and everyday moments that give life meaning. Today, Michelle is the CEO and Co-Founder of Trio Wealth Management, a boutique financial planning and wealth management firm based in Great Falls. But her journey to entrepreneurship is also a story of resilience, family, and finding purpose through unexpected challenges. 4 | NOVEMBER 2026

A FOUNDATION OF FAMILY AND HARD WORK A Northern Virginia native, Michelle grew up in Annandale alongside three brothers. Her father, a former Army serviceman, worked at the Pentagon, while her mother worked at the U.S. Army Materiel Command. Both parents instilled in her a strong work ethic, teaching by example the importance of perseverance and responsibility.

© Best Version Media "Through good times and bad, they both got up each morning and got after the day," she recalls. "I didn't realize when I was young, the power of that example." Those lessons became especially meaningful years later when Michelle cared for her aging parents while balancing motherhood and a demanding career. It was a challenging season that reinforced the values she had witnessed throughout her childhood. THE JOY OF A GROWING FAMILY Michelle moved to Great Falls in 1999, the year her oldest daughter, Lauren, was born. She raised her three daughters—Lauren, Charlotte, and Caroline Bell—in the community, where they played local sports and graduated from Langley High School. Today, Michelle and her husband, Jim Hundley, share a blended family of five daughters, each pursuing her own path. Jim, a Vienna native who grew up with five siblings, is a law partner at Briglia Hundley P.C. in Tysons Corner. His daughters, Camilla and Madeline Hundley, have followed him into the legal profession. Camilla practices at Clare Locke LLP in Alexandria and, after marrying last year, is expecting her first child with her husband in 2027. Madeline practices at a leading international law firm in Washington, D.C. Michelle's two older daughters, Lauren and Charlotte Bell, have chosen careers in finance, while her youngest, Caroline Bell, is a senior at the College of Charleston, majoring in Communications. Lauren now lives in San Diego, California, and Charlotte in Miami, Florida. Although their lives have taken them to different cities, they remain closely connected to their family in Great Falls. "Jim and I are grateful for this season of life," Michelle says. "It is a pleasure to watch our daughters make their way in the world." With their daughters building lives of their own, family gatherings are especially treasured. Camilla often brings her dog, Sawyer, who joins Dasher in running through the yard while everyone relaxes and catches up. Hiking along the Potomac River is another favorite family activity, offering time together amid the natural beauty of Great Falls. Dasher, who arrived on Christmas morning eight years ago, earned his reindeer-inspired name and the affectionate nickname "our brother D" from Michelle's daughters. The 75-pound Labrador loves chasing foxes and watching deer wander through the yard, bringing his own unmistakable personality to family life. Beyond family gatherings, Michelle finds balance through walks with Dasher, yoga, meditation, and reading. She also belongs to a book club of 20 women, a cherished source of friendship, lively conversation, and a good book each month. AN UNEXPECTED PATH TO PURPOSE For someone who now leads a wealth management firm, Michelle's professional journey began in an entirely different direction. "I was an English major in college and hated

math," she admits. "If someone told me that I would be a wealth manager one day, I would have laughed." Drawn to law by her love of reading and writing, Michelle found that the profession offered more than she initially expected. Law school and her years practicing as an attorney sharpened her critical thinking and gave her the confidence to take on unfamiliar challenges. Those lessons would prove invaluable when a difficult chapter in her personal life led her toward an entirely new career. During a divorce in her late thirties, Michelle faced financial uncertainty that revealed a surprising gap in her GREAT FALLS LIVING | 5

© Best Version Media own knowledge. Despite her education and professional experience, she realized she lacked the financial literacy to confidently navigate her circumstances. "I was surprised and disappointed in myself that despite being a welleducated person, my financial literacy was lacking," she reflects. Determined to change that, she began educating herself about personal finance, eventually discovering a passion for helping others gain the confidence she once needed herself. That newfound interest led Michelle to change careers. She became a CFP® Professional and ultimately landed with Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management, where she served as a Vice President. Her legal background proved especially valuable in identifying important considerations involving insurance, taxes, and estate planning. Over time, she began envisioning a firm that would allow her the bandwidth to focus more fully on each client’s comprehensive financial picture. That vision inspired Michelle to co-found Trio Wealth Management with Kevin McLoughlin, CFP®, a colleague she met at Goldman Sachs PFM. Together, they set out to create a boutique firm built around personalized attention and lasting client relationships. Having navigated her own challenges, including divorce, loss, and caring for aging parents, Michelle brings a particular understanding to clients facing major life transitions. At Trio Wealth, that perspective informs a comprehensive approach to financial life planning that considers each client's goals, investments, insurance, taxes, and estate planning needs. As the firm has grown, Michelle has found that some of its most meaningful rewards extend beyond the work itself, particularly as the next generation of her family has become part of its future. THE NEXT GENERATION OF TRIO Michelle’s daughters, Lauren and Charlotte Bell, have joined Trio Wealth Management, bringing their own experiences and fresh perspective to the firm. They are currently working toward their CFP® certifications and are also preparing to become minority owners of the firm.

6 | NOVEMBER 2026

© Best Version Media Lauren earned her undergraduate degree from James Madison University and an MBA from the College of Charleston, while Charlotte received her Master of Science in Finance from The George Washington University, where she also competed on the Division I tennis team. Before joining Trio Wealth, Charlotte spent two years at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Although Lauren works from San Diego and Charlotte from Miami, both remotely collaborate with Michelle and Trio’s clients throughout the day and often return to Northern Virginia for client meetings. "I am grateful that two of my daughters have joined Trio Wealth as wealth managers," Michelle says. "It is rewarding (and fun) to work with them each day to ensure the best possible experience for our clients." For their part, Lauren and Charlotte are enjoying professional growth and learning from their mother. Charlotte notes, “It’s inspiring to see the positive impact my mom makes on her clients—many of whom are women navigating tough life transitions.” Lauren adds, “I have looked up to my mom my whole life, and it’s been an incredible experience to now look up to her in a new way when it comes to my career.”

Looking back, Michelle considers raising her daughters her greatest accomplishment, but she is also proud of having the courage to leave a stable career and build something of her own. Following her father's passing, she was reminded how short life can be, a realization that helped her take the leap into entrepreneurship with Jim's unwavering support. "In retrospect, it seems every good and bad event in my life was a puzzle piece leading to this picture," she reflects. Today, as she watches her daughters pursue their own bright paths and shares the future of Trio Wealth with Lauren and Charlotte, Michelle hopes the example she has set will inspire them to follow their ambitions with the same courage. "I hope they have learned that they are worthy of, and capable of, living the life they want to live." For Michelle, that may be the most meaningful legacy of all.

Beyond the personal joy of working together, Michelle sees her daughters' involvement as an important part of the firm's future. Their growing roles offer a natural way to preserve the culture and client relationships she and Kevin have worked to establish. "Trio's clients will benefit from the continuity of service and firm culture that my daughters will carry on when I eventually retire," Michelle explains. "It is a succession plan built right into the firm."

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MAGAZINES AIN’T GOING ANYWHERE. Neither are books. And apparently, neither am I. By Gloria Fonseca

I have some terrible news for everyone who has been predicting the death of print for the past twenty years. We’re still here. Books are still selling. Bookstores are opening. People are buying magazines. And apparently, despite having the entire internet in their pockets, human beings still enjoy holding something that doesn’t require a charger. Shocking, I know. I started my first magazine in 2021. Yes, during COVID. When businesses were closing, everyone was glued to Zoom, and the world was convinced that everything was going digital. Naturally, I decided to start a print magazine. Excellent timing, Gloria. Five years later, I have McLean Living, Great Falls Living, and I’m launching my third, Nova Living. Clearly, I didn’t learn my lesson. But here’s what I’ve learned instead. Not everything old is outdated. And not everything new is better. Every few months, someone announces the next big thing. A new platform, a new algorithm, a new way to reach people. We’re told to pivot, adapt, reinvent ourselves, and preferably do it while filming a 30-second video with trending audio. I’m exhausted just writing that sentence. Don’t misunderstand me. I love technology. I use it every day. Digital media is an important part of my business. I’m even considering starting a Substack, which is wonderfully ironic because I would essentially be launching another publication to explain why publications aren’t dying. But I refuse to believe that the future requires us to abandon everything that worked before. A magazine sitting on someone’s coffee table has a different life from a social media post. You don’t scroll past it in two seconds. You might pick it up again tomorrow. Your husband might read it. Your neighbor might borrow it. Someone might recognize a friend, discover a business, or finally learn the name of the woman they see every morning at the coffee shop. And for those of us who live in McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, and the surrounding communities, that’s what makes local publishing so interesting.

CEO@GLORIAFONSECA.COM Something seems a little backward about that. Of course, publishing isn’t all beautiful photographs and interesting conversations. There are printing bills, deadlines, distribution challenges, and the occasional moment when I wonder why I didn’t choose a business involving fewer pages. But then someone tells me they kept an issue because their family was featured. Or that they discovered a local business through our pages. Or that they actually sat down and read the magazine. And I remember why I started I don’t think print and digital are enemies. I think they’re perfectly capable of living together, provided we stop insisting that one has to kill the other. Which brings me to something I want to say to fellow business owners. Please stop being so afraid of not being trendy. You don’t have to dance on Instagram to be relevant. You don’t have to turn every thought into a reel. And you certainly don’t have to abandon a good business model because someone with a ring light told you it’s dead. Use the technology. Learn the tools. Pay attention to what’s changing. But don’t confuse popularity with permanence. Some things last because people genuinely enjoy them. Books. Magazines. Dinner with friends. Handwritten notes. A good conversation without someone checking their phone every eleven seconds. And yes, even a beautifully printed advertisement. So here I am, five years after launching a magazine during a global pandemic, preparing to launch number three. Perhaps I’m stubborn. Perhaps I’m old-fashioned. Or perhaps there is still a market for things people can actually touch. My money is on the last one.

We live surrounded by fascinating people, but half the time we barely know our neighbors.

And if I do start that Substack, I promise not to announce that email is the future and magazines are dead.

We know what someone in Los Angeles had for breakfast, but not the story behind the business three doors down.

I have printing bills to pay.

ABOUT GLORIA Gloria Fonseca is the publisher of McLean Living, Great Falls Living, and Nova Living, and writes about business, community, and the unwritten rules of getting through life with a little common sense and a sense of humor. 8 | NOVEMBER 2026

TAX CONSIDERATIONS WORTH KNOWING

Charitable Giving in 2026 Make Your Giving Go Further By Charlotte Bell, Wealth Advisor - TRIO WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us reflect on what we’re grateful for—and how we can give back. If charitable giving is part of your year-end tradition, 2026 brings several tax considerations worth knowing. Give appreciated investments. Donating appreciated stock held for more than one year may allow you to avoid recognizing capital gains on the appreciation while potentially receiving a charitable deduction for the investment’s fair market value. Consider a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). A DAF lets you make a larger contribution in one year, potentially deductible right away, while recommending grants to charities over time.

toward your required minimum distribution without increasing taxable income. Know the new 2026 rules. Itemizers can deduct only the portion of charitable gifts exceeding 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI). Non-itemizers may deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly) of cash gifts made directly to eligible charitable organizations, not DAFs. Consider “bunching.” Combining several years of giving into one tax year may help you clear the AGI floor and maximize deductions, especially with a DAF. This Thanksgiving, thoughtful planning can help your generosity go further while supporting the causes you care about.

Give from your IRA. If you're 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution sends IRA funds directly to charity and can count

Trio Wealth Management | Great Falls (571) 297-7273 | www.triowm.com Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Trio Wealth Management, LLC is an Investment Adviser registered with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission

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GREAT FALLS LIVING | 9

A Healthy Smile Starts Early Looking Beyond the Teeth By GEMA ISLAND, DDS | Board Certi ed Pediatric Dentist

At Island Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe a healthy smile is about much more than straight teeth and preventing cavities. It's about supporting a child's healthy growth and development from the very beginning. Our approach starts with prevention. From a child's first dental visit by age one, we focus on establishing healthy habits, identifying concerns early, and creating positive dental experiences. Through personalized preventive care, nutritional counseling, and education, we help families build the foundation for lifelong oral health. LOOKING BEYOND THE SMILE What makes our approach different is that we don't just evaluate teeth. We also assess jaw development, facial growth, oral habits, and potential airway-related concerns that may affect a child's health and development. Using advanced technology, including digital imaging, facial analysis, and CBCT imaging when clinically indicated, our team can better understand each child's unique craniofacial development and guide individualized treatment recommendations. A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO GROWING SMILES By bringing pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and myofunctional therapy together, we provide coordinated care under one roof. Our orthodontic evaluations go beyond identifying crooked teeth. We assess jaw relationships, bite development, and oral function to

determine whether early intervention may be beneficial. Treatment options may include palatal expanders, traditional braces, or Invisalign, depending on each child's needs. Our myofunctional therapy services also help address oral muscle function, tongue posture, and habits that may influence oral development. PERSONALIZED CARE, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY With more than 20 years of experience in pediatric dentistry, our philosophy combines prevention, innovation, and compassionate care. We take the time to educate families, answer questions, and create individualized plans that support every stage of childhood. At Island Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we don't just care for growing smiles. We look at the bigger picture of your child's development. We look forward to welcoming your family!

Gema Island, DDS Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Island Children’s Dentistry

Fall is the perfect time to make sure your child’s smile is healthy and bright! At Island Children’s Dentistry, our caring team makes every visit fun, comfortable, and stress-free for kids and parents alike.

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10 | NOVEMBER 2026

Giselle Eatedali

Rede ning Wealth Through Wellness By GISELLE ANSARI-EATEDALI Photos by BEMANI STUDIO STUDIO:: https://bemanistudio.com/

Giselle Eatedali is a mom of three, the role she is mostly proud of, and a wife, an MBA graduate, a technology sales professional, and a certified yoga instructor, who calls Great Falls, Virginia, home. Originally from Iran, she immigrated to the United States as a teenager and built a life centered around what matters most to her: family, personal growth, and professional success. Throughout the past decade, she has learned that ambition and family don't have to compete … they can beautifully coexist. Like so many people, Giselle experienced anxiety and uncertainty during the pandemic. It was during this challenging season that she discovered yoga, not just as a form of exercise, but as a way to slow down & reconnect with herself. Through movement, breathwork, and mindfulness, she began finding greater balance, resilience, and joy. What started as a personal journey toward wellness gradually grew into a passion and a desire to share the benefits of yoga with others. On October 4, 2026, Giselle co-hosted her first Wealth & Wellness yoga event alongside her friend Britt Dupree Daniels, voted number one fitness and wellness professional in DC, at the RollsRoyce dealership in Sterling, Virginia. This event brought together wellness, community, and luxury in a unique and inspiring setting. Through yoga, sound healing, and meaningful connection, guests were invited to slow down, recharge, and reflect on what true wealth really means. For Giselle, the event represented more than a milestone in her yoga journey. It was an opportunity to share a message close to her heart: True wealth begins with health, physically & mentally. Financial success and professional accomplishments are

meaningful, but wealth also means having health, energy, time, and peace of mind to enjoy the life we've worked so hard to build with the people that truly matter to us. Today, Giselle hopes to inspire others to prioritize their well-being, cultivate inner peace, and pursue their goals without losing sight of the people and values that matter most. She believes that when we take care of our minds and bodies, we create a stronger foundation for our families, careers, and communities… and ultimately, a more meaningful, beautiful, and fulfilling life. Her personal motto is progress over perfection. She's the first to admit that she's still learning, still growing, and still figuring it all out, just like everyone else. To her, wellness isn't about having a perfect routine or always feeling balanced. It's about making small, intentional choices every day to show up for yourself and the people you love. For Giselle, wealth means having the health and energy to enjoy the life she's worked so hard to build. It's having time for her husband and three children, being present as they grow, nurturing meaningful relationships, and finding peace, purpose, and gratitude in the life she’s living today.

GREAT FALLS LIVING | 11

Selling Your Home in November Why Great Falls, Virginia, Sellers Shouldn’t Overlook the Fall Market By Puneet Bhagi | Ikon Realty | Great Falls, Virginia Real Estate

Why the quieter fall market may offer unexpected opportunities for homeowners. Spring may be the traditional season for selling a home, but November can offer its own advantages, particularly in Great Falls, where luxury estates, custom residences, and expansive properties attract buyers seeking a distinctive lifestyle. While real estate activity typically slows as the holidays approach, motivated buyers remain in the market, creating opportunities for homeowners who approach their sale with the right strategy. The key is understanding that November is a different market from April or May. With fewer listings, a more selective buyer pool, and changing seasonal conditions, success often comes down to thoughtful pricing, compelling presentation, and targeted marketing. FEWER LISTINGS, GREATER VISIBILITY One potential advantage of selling in November is reduced competition. Many homeowners wait until spring, leaving fewer available properties in certain neighborhoods and price ranges. For distinctive Great Falls homes, this can create an opportunity to stand out. Buyers seeking specific features, whether expansive acreage, architectural character, privacy, or luxury amenities, may have fewer alternatives to consider. However, limited inventory does not automatically translate into higher offers. Understanding the competition within your property's particular market segment remains essential. MOTIVATED BUYERS ARE STILL LOOKING Although buyer activity typically becomes more seasonal toward the end of the year, serious buyers do not disappear. Some are relocating for work, preparing for life changes, or hoping to purchase before the new year. Others have spent months searching and are ready to act when the right property becomes available. For Great Falls sellers, reaching these qualified buyers requires more than simply listing a property. Strategic pricing, professional marketing, and a clear understanding of the home's unique appeal can make a meaningful difference. PRESENTING YOUR HOME AT ITS BEST Great Falls properties offer more than square footage. Their appeal often lies in privacy, natural surroundings, generous living spaces, and the balance between peaceful living and convenient access to Washington, D.C. November provides an opportunity to highlight these qualities through a warm, inviting presentation. A welcoming living room with a fireplace, an elegant kitchen designed for

12 | NOVEMBER 2026

sales declined 6.6%, active listings rose 45.1%, and the average time on market increased to 29 days.

Preparation is especially important during the colder months. Maintaining curb appeal, clearing walkways, maximizing natural and interior lighting, and completing visible repairs can create a stronger first impression. For luxury estates, professional photography, video tours, and thoughtful staging should showcase distinctive amenities, outdoor spaces, and the property's overall character.

These figures illustrate how prices can remain resilient even as buyers gain more choices and properties take longer to sell. However, regional trends do not always reflect conditions in Great Falls' luxury market, where pricing and demand can vary significantly by property type.

The goal is not simply to display features but to communicate the lifestyle the home offers. PRICING WITH PRECISION An effective pricing strategy is particularly important during the slower fall market. Buyers may be more selective, and an overpriced property risks losing valuable attention during its initial weeks on the market. In Great Falls, where homes can vary significantly in acreage, architecture, renovations, privacy, and amenities, pricing should reflect more than square footage or a neighboring property's previous sale. Recent comparable sales, competing listings, pending transactions, and current buyer activity provide a more reliable foundation for determining market value. A well-supported asking price can attract qualified buyers while helping preserve the property's competitive position. WHAT THE MARKET TELLS US According to the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, the region's median sold price reached $740,000 in November 2025, an increase of 5.7% from the previous year. Meanwhile, closed

For homeowners considering a November 2026 sale, current neighborhood-specific data and comparable transactions will provide the most meaningful guidance. SHOULD YOU SELL NOW OR WAIT UNTIL SPRING? There is no universal answer. Spring may bring more buyers and allow properties with elaborate landscaping or outdoor amenities to shine. However, waiting may not be the best choice for homeowners facing relocation, purchasing another property, or seeking to complete a move before year-end. Ultimately, the decision should reflect your financial goals, property characteristics, competing inventory, and the potential costs of waiting. At Ikon Realty, we believe successful sales begin with understanding each property's distinctive qualities and the homeowner's objectives. Through local market knowledge, strategic pricing, and personalized marketing, we help sellers evaluate their options and make informed decisions. For Great Falls homeowners, the right time to sell may have less to do with the season and more to do with having the right strategy. Source: Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, November 2025 Market Statistics.

GREAT FALLS LIVING | 13

© Best Version Media ESTATE PLANNING EXPERT distribution decisions for your child. They may also have to navigate family dynamics and make difficult decisions when your child wants something that may not be in their best interests. I encourage parents to look beyond personal relationships and consider judgment, financial responsibility, availability and the ability to remain objective. 2. CREATING THE TRUST BUT FAILING TO FUND IT A beautifully drafted trust does very little if the assets you intended to put into it never actually make it there. I regularly remind clients that signing the trust document is only part of the process. Real estate may need a new deed. Financial accounts may need to be retitled. Beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts need to be coordinated with the overall estate plan. Funding is where good intentions become an actual plan. 3. FAILING TO THINK ABOUT TAXES Virginia does not currently impose its own estate tax, but federal estate-tax rules still matter. I encourage families to look beyond today’s asset values and consider how their estate may grow over the next 10, 20 or 30 years.

The Biggest Mistakes I See Parents Make When Setting Up a Trust for a Child in Virginia By JUSTINE SENOTT, Senior Attorney, Estate Planning Department Lead, PJI Law

As an estate planning attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how much thought parents put into protecting their children’s futures. When you decide to create a trust for your child, you’re doing more than moving assets from one place to another. You’re trying to make sure the money, property and other assets you’ve worked so hard to build will continue to support your child when you’re no longer there to support them yourself. But I also see parents make the same mistakes again and again. Usually, these mistakes aren’t the result of poor planning. They happen because trusts can be more complicated than they initially appear. Here are some of the biggest pitfalls and how Virginia parents can avoid them. 1. CHOOSING THE WRONG TRUSTEE One of the first questions I ask parents is: Who will manage this trust? It’s natural to choose a trusted friend or family member. But being someone you love and trust doesn’t necessarily mean that person is prepared to serve as trustee. A trustee may be responsible for managing investments, keeping detailed records, following the trust’s instructions and making

14 | NOVEMBER 2026

A home may appreciate. Investments may compound. A life insurance policy may substantially increase the value of the estate. Your plan should account for those possibilities rather than simply reflecting your circumstances today. 4. OVERLOOKING SPECIAL-NEEDS PLANNING If your child has a disability or may depend on means-tested government benefits, I am particularly careful about how an inheritance is structured. A traditional trust may not provide the protection the child needs. Depending on how the trust is drafted and administered, an inheritance could affect eligibility for programs such as Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid. In these circumstances, a properly designed special-needs or supplemental-needs trust may be more appropriate. 5. RELYING ON A GENERIC ONLINE TEMPLATE I understand the appeal of an inexpensive, fill-in-the-blank trust. But a trust for a child is not a one-size-fits-all document. Virginia has its own trust laws, and every family has different

© Best Version Media assets, relationships and goals. A well-designed trust should address questions such as how distributions will be made, how education and healthcare expenses will be handled, what happens if circumstances change and what protections should apply to the inheritance. 6. SETTING DISTRIBUTION AGES WITHOUT CONSIDERING MATURITY I also see parents focus heavily on when their child should receive the money. Turning over a large inheritance at 18, 21 or another predetermined age may not always make sense. Age and financial maturity are not the same thing. I often encourage parents to consider staged or discretionary distributions that allow the trust to adapt as their child becomes an adult and takes on new responsibilities. 7. CREATING THE TRUST AND THEN FORGETTING ABOUT IT Finally, I tell my clients that estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” exercise. Families change. Children are born. Marriages and divorces happen. Assets are bought and sold. Your child’s needs may evolve dramatically.

I recommend reviewing the trust and the rest of your estate plan periodically to make sure they still reflect your wishes. I also encourage parents to have a conversation with the person they’ve chosen as trustee. They should understand where the documents are kept, who to contact for legal advice and, most importantly, what you hope the trust will accomplish for your child. A well-drafted trust can do more than provide financial support. With appropriate provisions, including a spendthrift provision where suitable, it can help protect an inheritance from many creditors and other financial risks. Ultimately, I see a trust as an expression of a parent’s care and values. The goal isn’t simply to leave your child money. It’s to create a thoughtful structure that can support them, protect what you’ve built and continue carrying out your wishes long into the future. If you’re considering creating or updating a trust for your child in Virginia, professional guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes and build a plan tailored to your family. At PJI Law, we help families work through these decisions with their long-term goals in mind. Call (703) 552-5460 or or visit www.pjilaw.com to schedule a complimentary, confidential estate planning consultation.

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The Creative Collective Luncheon By Marianne Bane | Photos by Mauricio Cordeiro

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Beyond the Gift

Planning for Year-End Giving By MARC ERAZO, Great Falls Branch Manager Lafayette Federal Credit Union

PPA Member

202.643.1549 Info@mroyphoto.com www.mroyphoto.com

The end of the year is a great time to think about giving. For those who are planning significant charitable or family gifts, it is also an opportunity to consider how generosity fits into a broader financial strategy. Start by reviewing what you hope your gifts will accomplish. Charitable contributions may support organizations that reflect your values, while gifts to children or grandchildren can help fund education, a home purchase, or other important goals. Keep in mind that the type and timing of a gift can matter, particularly when transferring investments or other appreciated assets. Before December 31st, review your planned gifts alongside your income, investment portfolio, estate plan, and anticipated tax situation. Larger or more complex transfers may require coordination among your financial, tax, and estate planning professionals. Planning early provides time to consider your options and make decisions that reflect your priorities. A thoughtful gifting strategy can help you be intentional about where your wealth goes, today and for generations to come.

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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. Membership required.

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ecurities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by credit union insurance, th CUA or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the credit union, are not guaranteed by the credit union, and re subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Service dvisors, Inc. Lafayette Federal Credit Union and Lafayette Private Wealth are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of

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