Date Archives October 2005

Blogging’s effects and impact on my business

(I showed his house the other day, it is beautiful, but just not right for my clients)He says, in part:After two full years of continuous blogging, I am more imbued with enthusiasm about life than when I started.  I think this is because I am allowed and encouraged to communicate my ideas with more people than ever before.One of the most important comments he makes is this:I get almost instantaneous feedback on how valuable or confusing my communication seems to readers.  As a result, I am driven to communicate more effectively.I have been blogging for almost a year, and my blog has certainly evolved from this to what you see today….  Constant writing and critical and creative thinking forces me to one, develop my skills as a writer and two, be and project myself as being, a (the?)

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Due Diligence

MLS listings say at the bottom of every page, “Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.”  This is an important statement that is often overlooked in the Purchasers’ (and often enough, the Realtors’) zeal to get to Contract and Close.  While most do their best to provide the best and most accurate information, mistakes happen….  Verify that the train “doesn’t run after 11pm” (I have actually heard that one from an unwitting Purchaser – after closing!).

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CharlAlbemarle’s water supply

Charlottesville Tomorrow has an excellent summary and podcast about last night’s Public Outreach meeting held by the RWSA.  That they are holding these meetings shows how far they have come since Tom Frederick took the helm.Bill Emory notes: RWSA has taken the community input about the water source and they are acting to realize the vision!…  In time, I would like to see the local governments podcast much of their Planning Commission meeting, BoS meetings, City Council, etc. The quick progress that Cville Tomorrow is making is an excellent sign….  The water debate is a sign of the public actually being heard and making a difference.

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My own personal spam.

I am senior manager with the(S.S.B BANK Plc), Accra Ghana I came to know of you in my private search for a reliable and a reputable person to handle this confidential transaction,which involves maximum confidence.PROPOSITION: A foreigner, Late engineer Jacques Monroe, an oil merchant/contractor with the Government of Ghana, until his death in a ghastly aircrash, banked with us here at S.S.B.BANK Plc Accra, and had a closing balance as at the end of march, 2002 worth USD$23.5 million (Twenty threemillion, Five Hundred Thousand United State dollars) Which the bank now expect a next of kin to claim as beneficiary….  Jacques Monroe next of kin (he had no children that is known to us.) The management under the influence of our chairmanand member of the board of Director, that an arrangement has been made for the funds to be declared =93UNCLAIMABLE=94 and subsequently be donatedto the Trust Fund for Arms and Ammunition to further enhance the course of war in Africa and the world in general while people are suffering.  There are no goodschools, no clean water and no good hospitals etc. In order to avert this negative development, some of my trusted Colleagues and I now seek your permissionto have you stand as a next of kin to the late Engr Jacques Monroe so that the funds USD$23.5million would be released and paid into your account as thebeneficiary next of kin….  Please do not take advantage of the trust we have bestowed on you, please kindly forward to me immediately your most confidentialtelephone, fax number, and particulars so that I can apply for the release and subsequent Transfer of the funds in your favor.Thanks in advance for your anticipated cooperation.Thanks,Yours faithfully,Mr.

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Open House in Crozet this weekend.

I rarely do Public open houses because I think that they typically are an opportunity for the agent to gain buyers rather than actually sell the house.  However, this weekend I will be holding 720 Grayrock Drive open from 1 until 4pm, as the timing works out well for me and for my sellers and I am trying to continue my focus on the Crozet market.  Please stop by; this house is beautiful inside and out.

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3rd Quarter Housing numbers

Bear in mind that the MLS does not contain 100% of the properties on the market.A couple of interesting paragraphs that summarize our market follow – Inventory:As of mid-October, 2005, our database has 1,681 homes actively listed for sale….  While this higher inventory will cause a minor slow down the pace of price increases, we are still 20-30% down in inventory compared to the mid-1990’s.  It will take a few more quarters of major increases before we will see a significant effect on the market.  (bolding mine)Third Quarter 2005Area Total Sales Compared to 2004 % Increase/DecreaseAlbemarle 542 -12 -2.2%Charlottesville 156 +2 +1.3%Fluvanna 183 -8 -4.2%Greene 85 -6 -6.6%Louisa 54 +3 +5.9%Nelson 106 -19 -15.2%The market is shifting to a healthier market.

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