but they are certainly on the right track (in spite of the recent negative press).A few notes and thoughts on yesterday’s presentation for Realtors:- None of the floorplans (not yet online) are more than 3,000 square feet. This is a huge accomplishment for the developers – recognizing that buyers want smaller, smarter and high quality space is surprisingly innovative for such a large development.- Realtors who are representing buyers will have to be more educated on this development than they would have to be on other developments – there is just more “to it.”… They will be building 800-1200 square foot cottages in the development.While the current data don’t clearly demonstrate this trend locally:In 2004, 52% of homes sold in Charlottesville/Albemarle were less than 2000 square feet finished and in 2007, the percentage was 56%.In 2004, 27% of homes sold in Charlottesville/Albemarle were more than 2500 square feet, compared with 25% in 2007.The trend is there and will grow.Bacon’s Rebellion has a post today about Belvedere as well as a more in-depth story that points out a major hole in the development:The project will not include a grocery store…. More tomorrow.Update 18 October 2007: The presentation was the same, but the questions from the audience were new.- There is a persistent them that the development will be “family friendly.”- Concerns about the soccer facility came to light – there will be traffic to and from the fields and this likely will be a concern for some, although the benefits far outweigh the negatives.- Streets will be narrow to encourage slower traffic and more walking – “activating the street” as they say.- The buzz around this facility is unique.
Date Archives October 2007
Lower housing starts is a great thing
Builders are suffering, but the wider housing economy will benefit by this reduction in adding inventory.The market needs to work its way through the excess inventory…. In the Charlottesville region, there are nearly nine months of inventory -I’m looking forward to Albemarle’s 3rd Quarter building permit report. In the meantime – this is a good discussion at cvillenews last month debating such growth issues.Pay less attention to the breathless analysts and read cogent, clear analysis from people like Noah and Pat.CR says:Even with the declines in permits and starts, this report shows builders are still starting too many projects. Starts will probably continue to decline in coming months.Finally, you’ve gotta love the Economist.
Efficiency in Government in Albemarle
I haven’t even attended my first meeting for the Albemarle County Fiscal Impact Advisory Committee, but I am already curious. From the letter accompanying the entirety of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act:I am required to furnish you a copy of the FOIA because of your position on the … Committee …Why not send an email with a link to the Act online? That would have saved at least a ream of paper, as all members were probably sent a copy.This site will likely become among my frequent reads – the Virginia Coalition for Open Government.
Are Libertarians gaining traction in Central Virginia?
Based on the recent press for Arin Sime, perhaps so, including this editorial from the Daily Progress -The most honest, positive and straightforward political ads this season, with issues and positions spelled out in plain English, without highly selective, emotional attacks, appear to be those of Libertarians….The ads can be seen as honest and positive “because it’s 100 percent ideology,†Saxman said…. Most localities will make a small cut in the tax rate, yet due to the rising assessments, you are still paying significantly more in taxes!Setting the local tax rate is the prerogative of your local government…. If your local government feels they need more money than that, they will have to be more open in their desire and raise your tax rate, instead of claiming they are cutting the tax rate even though your tax bill is going up. This is an interesting and related post from the Real Estate Bloggers – Taxes and real estate – how do they affect each other?Cvillepodcast has more with Bob Gibson.Rick SincereThe benefits of embracing transparency are huge.
Water supply and drought in Central Virginia
For the first time, buyer clients of mine have specifically chosen to not look in the Charlottesville area and instead are redirecting their search to Waynesboro, just west of Charlottesville.(
NAR stepping into wildly unknown territory
Posting unfavorable/unflattering (but truthful) comments to BlogsThis is already covered in the Code of Ethics:Article 15REALTORS® shall not knowingly or recklessly make false or misleading statements about competitors, their businesses, or their business practices. (Amended 1/92)• Standard of Practice 15-1REALTORS® shall not knowingly or recklessly file false or unfounded ethics complaints. (Adopted 1/00)• Standard of Practice 15-2The obligation to refrain from making false or misleading statements about competitors’ businesses and competitors’ business practices includes the duty to not knowingly or recklessly repeat, retransmit, or republish false or misleading statements made by others. This duty applies whether false or misleading statements are repeated in person, in writing, by technological means (e.g., the Internet), or by any other means.
How do we think and learn?
What follows are two outstanding videos. As interesting as the videos themselves is the manner in which I found them – The first one came to light from this blog:The second one (Greg posted yesterday as well) was one of the “you might also like” recommendations at the end of the video.How we categorize things, even in real estate and MLS’, is changing. Also recommended: The Office and Ron Paul.Think about it.