Private property?
"Though it looks like the reservoir will never be constructed, new customers still pay a Buck Mountain surcharge with their connection fees to help pay off the land. And there?s even talk of putting the land into a conservation easement, forever preventing its development. (more…)
“If it’s yellow, let it mellow …
My family were taking Navy showers and using the runoff to flush our toilets. Water rates were raised, ironically, to compensate for the dramatically reduced amount of water that was being used by customers....We learned that government in our region has maintained the unenviable ability…
Self-employment
I had the opportunity to visit a client the other day at his place of employment. On the desk, I saw a "request for vacation/personal time off," waiting for approval....True, my next "paycheck" may be uncertain, but I am beholden only to my family and…
Attention to detail
If an agent is not going to spend the time necessary to proof public documents ... (more…)
How concrete shortages affect our market
With the advent of the massive construction in China in preparation for the Olympics, concrete is more and more of a valuable and scarce commodity. Think about this the next time you wonder why housing prices are so high....- ""Cement is like gasoline: Everyone needs…
Business overview
That summed up much of Thursday?s conversation at the second annual panel discussion addressing the future of business in the community, sponsored by Virginia Piedmont Technology Council?s and the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development. (more…)
Bubble talk
The true test of today's premiums in these markets will be the economic environment, especially incomes and interest rates, in the years ahead."..."I'm a bubble believer," says Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, D.C. He notes that rents…
Shameless self-promotion
I have been busy today - check out the new property I just put on the market. (more…)
Barbershop blogging
It appears that "my guy" has departed to pursue other opportunities. Now I am going to have to test out new ones every 3 months to see who can best coif my 57 remaining hairs. (more…)
Motivation
Smart buyers, whether purchasing a house, condo, or investment property, should always ask why is the seller selling? If it's the seller's home, the reason might be to earn a big tax-free profit (up to $250,000 for a qualified principal residence seller, or up to…