Central Virginia Wine futures look good.
One of the great things about Central VA is that we are fortunate to have a number of outstanding vineyards. If there were a local tour company that would cater to folks who want to visit several in a day, I think that this would…
Market snapshot
Looking at the market numbers since July of this year to date, the market shows clear signs of shifting towards a buyers' market. There are no indicators of a "bursting" of the market, but the market is telling us that the "froth" may be blowing…
ASAP Carpetbaggers?
This post over at Commonwealth Watch makes me want to wonder (on my native-of-Charlottesville wife's behalf) - is their motto "NIMBYs Unite?" "ASAP" (Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population.) While I was ammusing myself with their goals, principles, etc. I ran across their "Board of…
A shift to Buyer’s Agents
I wish I could reprint this entire article (subscription required), but don't want to run afoul of any applicable copyright laws. The housing market is changing faster than Kate Moss' career after the cocaine photo leak. ... We expect to see agents lining up for…
Another sign of a slowing market
This from a property that just came on the market. $5000 under market! McIntire interior unit with garage, brand new, available early November. High efficiency heat pump; hardwood floors, ceramic tile, maple cabinets, GE appliances, and more. Close to University, downtown, I-64. Instant equity!I wonder…
Condo bubble?
If this condo in the Belmont Lofts sells for or near its asking price, there may not yet be a shrinking condo bubble in the Charlottesville market. Asking price: $310,000. Purchased for: $194,000 in August of 2004. These are nice units, and the location is…
Belvedere and Wickham Pond
The County has finally approved the latest Neighborhood Model planned development - Belvedere, about which I have previously written. The County's constant delaying tactics have, due to market forces in my opinion, most likely driven up the prices of these properties, once they get built.…
Eminent domain in Albemarle?
From Lisa Provence's article in The HooK last week - Paul Minnerly is used to developments springing up around his Crozet home. What he isn't prepared for: a future road connection going through his one-acre lot. ... "The county requires me to reserve a right…
Northern VA taking CAAR’s lead on affordable housing
It's a start - Such a program would be geared toward county employees -- including teachers, firefighters, police officers and nurses who make too much to qualify for Montgomery's affordable-housing program but not enough to buy a house or condominium at market rate, Silverman said.…
Albemarle County BoS Forum
Last night's forum is a podcast. Click here to listen or download. Thanks to the Free Enterprise Forum and Wordcast productions. There were excellent questions that I have not heard elsewhere and responses by the candidates; Christian Schoenwald presents a clear and refreshing difference from…