In this week’s update:

🤫 Zuckerberg’s Latest Power Move? The Meta CEO just made a quiet $31M investment in Washington, DC’s most exclusive neighborhood. What’s behind the mansion buy—and why are more tech leaders following suit?

🛍️ Before the iPhone. Before the Genius Bar. One quiet Saturday morning in 2001, Steve Jobs made a decision that would change retail forever—and it started in the last place you'd expect. Find out how a suburban Virginia mall became the birthplace of Apple’s global store empire.

Big Win for Loudoun Commuters—But There's a Catch. Virginia’s highest court just delivered a surprise ruling that could change how toll roads operate across the state. If you drive in or around Loudoun County, this one hits close to home—and your wallet.

Driving the news: Mark Zuckerberg is building a two-property private estate in one of Washington’s most elite neighborhoods, dropping over $31 million to secure a personal foothold in the capital’s power corridor.

Details:

• Zuckerberg acquired the second estate on June 30 for $8.8 million through Stone Terrace LLC, a Delaware firm with ties to his previous purchase via Redbrick Corner LLC.

• The mansion sits directly next to his earlier $23M property in Woodland Normanstone.

• The seller? Vin Roberti, a top lobbyist, who quickly flipped his earnings into a $5.65M mansion formerly owned by journalist Chris Wallace.

• Google Street View of the entire block has been blurred— a common privacy move for high-profile owners.

Why it matters: Zuckerberg’s move cements Washington, DC, as a high-stakes zone not just for politics but also for Big Tech influence. His compound, minutes from Capitol Hill, reflects how seriously Meta takes its place in DC’s policy battles.

It also highlights Northern Virginia’s growing draw for wealthy tech titans making long-term business moves in the region.

What’s next: Expect more tech executives to follow suit, pushing DC’s luxury market even higher as Silicon Valley money meets East Coast political clout.

The bottom line: Zuckerberg’s DC compound isn’t just about comfort—it’s a calculated move in the power chessboard of tech regulation.

And it’s one more signal that the nation’s capital is becoming Big Tech’s new battleground.

READ MORE→

Driving the news: Apple’s very first retail store opened on May 19, 2001, not in New York or San Francisco—but in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

Steve Jobs himself quietly launched it inside Tysons Corner Center, redefining how tech was sold.

Details:
The Tysons Apple Store debuted without much fanfare, featuring:

• iMac G3s and iBooks displayed on uncluttered wood tables

• iTunes demo stations and educational software racks

• A staff trained to explain—not just sell—technology

By day’s end, 500+ visitors had walked in. Within a week, it became the mall’s top-grossing store.

Why it matters: This move validated Northern Virginia as a testbed for tech retail. Jobs believed if it worked in Tysons, it could work anywhere.

That gamble paid off—and helped shift the narrative around Tysons from suburbia to serious tech hub.

The big picture:
Apple’s presence became a magnet. Over the following decades:

• The Silver Line connected Tysons to D.C. and Dulles

• High-rise developments like The Boro and Capital One Center transformed the skyline

• Tech firms and Fortune 500 companies followed, fueling a boom in real estate and jobs

What’s next: That original location has since been remodeled, but it remains a pillar of Apple’s retail empire. And Tysons continues to grow—bolstered by tech investment, new infrastructure, and its place in Apple’s origin story.

READ MORE→

In this video, we take a driving tour of my favorite active adult communities in Northern Virginia, including Gainesville, Haymarket, and Ashburn. I'll give you an honest look at the neighborhoods, amenities, home styles, and price points to help you or your parents find the perfect place to retire.

💬 Let’s Connect: Buying, Selling, or Growing Your Brand in Northern Virginia?

Whether you’re looking to move to Fairfax, Prince William, Winchester, Alexandria, Arlington, or Reston — or want help growing your business with smart, local content — I’ve got you covered.

📍 Explore homes for sale across Northern Virginia
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💼 Visit ColganTeam.com to learn more or collaborate on your next project

Driving the news: Virginia’s highest court has blocked a proposed 40% toll increase on the Dulles Greenway, siding with commuters and upholding a 2021 law that prioritizes affordability and public benefit in toll decisions.

Details:

• Blocked increase: The toll would’ve jumped from $5.80 to $8.10 during peak hours.

• Annual impact: Regular commuters would have paid an extra $1,104 annually.

• Current usage: The Greenway sees 37,000 daily trips, far below the 128,000 projected in 1999.

• Debt load: The operator, TRIP II, carries $1.1B in debt and has not paid investors since 2006.

Why it matters: This decision provides stability for Loudoun County residents, particularly in areas like Leesburg and Purcellville, where predictable commuting costs influence housing decisions.

Homeowners and buyers alike benefit from transportation costs that no longer threaten to spiral beyond reach.

The big picture: The court’s ruling cements a new legal standard for toll hikes in Virginia: they must be justifiable, not discourage usage, and offer fair returns without burdening the public.

What’s next: TRIP II can still apply annually for increases but must show clear commuter benefits and avoid discouraging use.

Meanwhile, Loudoun commuters will keep leaning on Route 7, Metro’s Silver Line, and alternate routes to manage costs.

The bottom line: Virginia’s Supreme Court sent a clear message—commuters come first.

For Northern Virginians, it’s a welcome relief and a sign that public interest still has weight when private ventures run into trouble.

READ MORE→

🔹 Friday - Cocktails by Candlelight

Sip cocktails and sample historic foods by candlelight at George Mason’s Gunston Hall. This relaxing evening offers the perfect setting to unwind with friends or loved ones while dining on a historic estate.
📍 Location: 10709 Gunston Road, Lorton
📅 Date & Time: July 25, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $55
🌐 Website: https://gunstonhall.org/events/cocktails-by-candlelight

🔹 Saturday - Loudoun County Fair

Get your fill of classic county fair fun with carnival rides, rodeos, magic shows, and live music. This year’s highlights include two brand-new spin rides—Zeus and Flash Dance—designed for thrill seekers.
📍 Location: 17558 Dry Mill Road, Leesburg
📅 Date & Time: Through July 26
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $16.50 for adults, $5.75 for kids
🌐 Website: https://loudouncountyfair.com

🔹 Sunday - International Food and Culture Festival

Celebrate global flavors and traditions with live music, dance performances, interactive workshops, and diverse food vendors like DC Me Rollin’, Aliss Cakery, and Good Day Crepe.
📍 Location: 9104 Prince William Street, Manassas
📅 Date & Time: July 27, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🌐 Website: https://international-food-and-culture-festival

MORE THINGS TO DO→

The Northern Virginia real estate market continues to thrive across Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Gainesville, Winchester, and Fairfax Counties. Whether buying or selling, having an experienced guide by your side is crucial in today's dynamic market.

Selling your home? I'll create a targeted marketing strategy and help you set the right price to attract serious buyers and maximize your return.

Looking to buy? With current interest rates, this could be your ideal time to purchase. Let me help you find and secure the perfect home.

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• Google agrees to buy power from planned Chesterfield fusion plant

• Summer food fests