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The world has gone quite topsy turvy since the pandemic began a little over a year ago. New home buyers like Tom and Barb Harty have felt those effects first hand. 

Originally from Fairfax, Virginia, the Hartys were high school sweethearts and have been married for over 40 years. The pair has been visiting the Washington area since purchasing a boat here in 2013. After almost buying a home located on Bonner Street in 2016 and being unable to visit because of the pandemic, the couple kept an eye out online for any homes that became available in their preferred location along Main Street in the historic district. 

“We knew we wanted something on East Main that was between downtown and Macnair Street. When we saw this house online, we knew we had to take a chance on it,” Tom Harty said. 

The four bedroom, three bathroom home was listed for sale on March 13 and was under contract by March 18. The Hartys were one of a few interested parties, and because of the pandemic, the first in person walkthrough of their new home happened the day of closing. 

“We found the home on Zillow and our agent, Maria Wilson, walked us through the house with an iPad. We didn’t get to see everything in person until an hour before we closed.” Barb Harty said.  

Since closing on the house on April 21, the Hartys have begun to settle in their new home. This will be the couple’s second home for the time being as they plan to keep their home in Fairfax for the foreseeable future. 

“We’re still living in the first home we bought together. It was a prefab home that we purchased in 1980 and we bought that house without seeing it in person either. I guess it’s just a trend with us,” Barb Harty said. 

The Harty’s new home is just over 2,700 square feet and was originally built in 1900. Multiple rooms feature detailed built-ins and restored hardwood floors that are original to the home. The covered front porch looks out across the street to the playground of the First Baptist Church and seems to always have a pleasant breeze blowing through the area. The Hardys have quickly determined the porch to be their favorite place to relax and take in the quiet calm of Main Street.

“We’re just so happy to have found this property. It really is just a great home and we’re excited for our future here,” Bard Harty said.