Monthly Archives: October 2010
Charlottesville Sellers and Homeowners – Take Pictures of Your House NOW!
This is why: 
Even if you’re not planning to sell your house in Charlottesville or Crozet in the Spring, you might in two years … and the colors this year are really quite wonderful. … If you are thinking about putting your house on the market in the spring, now is the time to start prepping . … And I just happen to have a lovely house on the market there as well . /shamelessplugformyclients Here’s another thought: If you do think that you might be looking for a Realtor in the spring, start now. … We work with quite a few and I would be happy to recommend some for you. Continue reading
Home Sales Trends in Virginia – From Virginia Association of Realtors
Albemarle, Augusta, Bath, Buena Vista City, Charlottesville City, Fluvanna, Greene, Harrisonburg City, Highland, Lexington City, Nelson, Rockbridge, Rockingham,Staunton City,Waynesboro City
This is the moving median average price for homes in the Charlottesville MLS for the past four years. 
– So for all intents and purposes, the report is somewhat irrelevant as it speaks to such a broad region. – Because Virginia is a non-judicial state, we most likely won’t be affected by the robo-signing issues. – Analysis of past two recessions compared to this one. This recessions’ recovery is stronger than 1991 and 2001, doesn’t feel like it due to in part to consumer confidence . – Three consecutive months of positive job growth in the state.
… Virginia Association of Realtors 3rd Quarter 2010 Home sales press release (PDF) and I’ll post the podcast when it’s up. Sales and Inventory for homes in Charlottesville MSA (PDF) — Check out the new graphs at the bottom . Continue reading
Real Estate Technology I wanted Five Years Ago is Finally Here – Part 2 – Video
When we were meeting a few weeks ago, they were looking at the faxes I used to send them, discussing the websites I used to put up for them – photos of neighborhoods, areas, houses, etc. and we were talking about how things have changed and evolved since then. … Now, video is ubiquitous and more consumers now have and use high speed internet: 
But, it is important to recognize that only two thirds of Americans have broadband access at home: The adoption of broadband internet access slowed dramatically over the last year .
…For example: if I put a video up of a property I’m marketing and use my primary youtube account (the easiest way to upload and share video) I can be and will be flagged for “branding” because the consumer can find me via youtube. – The Consumer Doesn’t Care about Realtors’ squabbles about branding. … Part One – Real Estate Technology I wanted Five Years Ago is Finally Here – Interactive Floorplans Part Two – Real Estate Technology I wanted Five Years Ago is Finally Here – Real Estate Video Part Three – Real Estate Technology I wanted Five Years Ago is Finally Here – Paperless Transactions . Continue reading
The Worst MLS Listing Photo I Have Seen
That is all. Continue reading
Obama’s Coming to Charlottesville
And Nest has some tips for his time in Charlottesville . Continue reading
C-Ville and The HooK Investigate Biscuit Run
But the Biscuit Run acquisition process, from start to finish, was a hasty affair that involved no public input and a network of businessmen and politicians with close ties. No one who negotiated the deal could control how much taxpayers paid—the decision is left to a few unelected bureaucrats in the state tax department.
…It is about something far more prosaic, and possibly more disturbing—how influential people align their interests and justify their actions by saying they did it for you and me. For background on Biscuit Run, do as I do and turn to the RealCentralVA.com archives and, better yet, Charlottesville Tomorrow’s Biscuit Run archives . Continue reading
Peak Week (that is – Fall Foliage) in Charlottesville Area
And who better than the folks who know Virginia’s trees best to provide you with routes that will expose you to some of the Commonwealth’s most colorful tree-lined vistas?
…Each of these tours – designed by a local VDOF forester – is sure to exceed your expectations and fill your eyes with wide swatches of vibrant yellows, reds and oranges. And, because these recommended drives are “off the beaten path,” you’ll be able to enjoy a leisurely trip without the hassles of a lot of traffic on the road or large crowds at stops along the way. Simply choose one of the tours below, print out the route and take it with you as you enjoy the “leaf-peeping” in Virginia!
Continue reading
Local Government Reading this Week – What Matters to Homeowners in Central Virginia
- City of Charlottesville School consolidation plan could mean tax hike – Daily Progress The city School Board voted Thursday night to consolidate Walker and Buford, the first large-scale change approved for the city’s public school system since the current configuration went into effect in 1988.
… What role, if any, should government have with respect to ensuring that our schools are high quality and are boons for economic development? – I’m kind of shocked that there are no comments on this piece in the Daily Progress, Will city-county tensions hurt residents of both? … Property taxes provide the bulk of the budget for the respective school systems, and school systems’ quality directly impacts property values . ( as discussed on RealCentralVA a few months ago ) The process of reassessing Nelson County property values for real estate tax purposes has begun again. … The relationship between the City of Charlottesville and the County of Albemarle is akin to that of divorced parents who really kind of hate each other but are able to keep it together justenough to keep the kids fed. Continue reading
