Tag Archives: Buyers
Septic Inspections in Charlottesville and Albemarle
I’m not sure what “market norms” are in other areas, but in the Charlottesville area, tradition has dictated what I refer to as a “stomp and sniff” test.
Additionally, I had one closing a few weeks ago with an FHA loan (which are very common loans now); the FHA guidelines dictated that if the property had been vacant for more than thirty days, then the septic tanks had opened up to be inspected. Who knew?
Hey. Jim Duncan with Nest Realty and RealCentralVA.com… Continue reading… talking about septic systems and septic inspections in Virginia. Traditionally, a septic inspection is required by the
Sellers, Don’t Have Stinky Houses
Sellers – try to avoid pungent odors (unless you’ve baked chocolate chip cookies – I love cookies) – smells matter.
Transcription:
Hey, Jim Duncan with Nest Realty and RealCentralVA.com here.
I’ve been showing a lot of houses in Charlottesville recently and one thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of houses stink. I don’t mean their condition or the quality of construction, I mean their houses stink. The “dog” house, the “smoke” house, the “moldy” house, the “Renuzit air freshener in every room” house.
Recently the California Scents, the cherry coronado house. It was God awful and that’s … Continue reading…
Blog Wayback – What is a Buyer’s Broker?
My thinking is: I am going to find you the highest quality property that meets your needs for the lowest possible price, and do it in a way that makes this transaction a positive experience for you that you will refer my services to all of your friends and family when they need to satisfy their real estate needs. (I have referred to this in the past as Raving Fan service – JD) As a buyer you should be especially vigilant that your buyer broker is really out there to assist you, and is not just trying to make another sale. Continue reading
Blog Wayback – You’re Going about It all Wrong – Or How to Search for Homes in Charlottesville (Without a Realtor)
Look at picture to see how different the home looked a few years back (pics usually taken in 2002 or 2003). ( ed note: this leads to a separate rant about Realtors stripping the MLS of photos of their listings when the listing expires/sells – this kills the accuracy and historical context of the MLS )e. … For example: Grove St. plus Charlottesville clued me into the Grove Square development (which I was unaware of because I’m new to C’ville). (ed note: don’t forget to visit Charlottesville Tomorrow for the most in-depth reporting on growth, development and politics in Charlottesville/Albemarle) 5. Continue reading
Buy Local
We pay Realtor buyer agents commissions on the homes’ final sales price after all upgrades, selections and options are chosen and not pay on a “bogus” base price that is much lower than the final sales price, we love contributing to the Charlottesville area and market by offering a great value and quality product and we offer outstanding warranty, customer service and prompt follow-up. Some do not bank locally, they do not buy building materials locally, they do not us local subcontractors, they require buyers to obtain financing from their out of town lender, they do not like to work with Realtors and make every effort they possibly can to sell to the public directly, they pay Realtors on a “bogus” base price that is always much lower than the final sales price, they have very strict walk through policies as you described in your blog and do not encourage or allow buyer agent participation in the final walk through and offer very very minimum warranty and customer service follow up after sales. Continue reading
Buyer Activity is Up in Charlottesville
I’m not saying that there are “lots of buyers who are buying,” but there do seem to be “lots of buyers” who are kicking the tires, and some of them are writing offers (and believe it or not, some of these offers are becoming Contracts). Take the following anecdotal evidence for what you will – 1 – I’m busy (and still taking on new clients), showing a lot of houses all over the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County (for some reason, my clients seem to cluster, no one in Waynesboro or Fluvanna yet this year) 2 – A Real Estate III agent told me that she had fourteen groups of interested folks through one of her public open houses last weekend – all with no advertising. Continue reading
Moving to Charlottesville?
Clubs/Networks (just a sampling) Charlottesville Young Professionals Charlottesville Sports and Social Club The next three came from my curiosity – I started typing in “Charlottesville [blank] club” into Google and quickly figured that there’s likely a club for anything and everything (seriously be creative when you try it!) – Charlottesville Track Club Charlottesville Hiking Club Charlottesville Drinking Club Rentals – For most people relocating blind to the area (having only been here once or twice) I would much rather we take a “rent now, buy later approach” (although this is certainly not “one size fits all” – each person and situation is different). Continue reading
Is There Radon in Charlottesville?
This is what I tell my clients – a radon mitigation system accomplishes at least three things – 1) Provides peace of mind – for homeowners and buyers 2) Can be an asset when you sell your home – it’s one less potential objection from the buyers 3) It provides for a safer environment in which to live. … Results of short-term tests represent the radon potential of the home, rather than the actual exposure encountered under normal living conditions, unless residents keep the home’s windows and doors closed year-round. Continue reading
