Years ago, clients and I walked out of a house (that they didn't buy) and shared our collective "weird" feeling as we'd gone through the house. It took us a few minutes, but we soon concluded that the weird feeling was created because the house felt empty and soulless - there were no books. Anywhere. "I could live here! This could be my bookshelf!" My clients didn't buy that house. But they seriously considered it more than they would have otherwise, in large part due to the books on the shelves. Buyers are seeking way to evaluate whether Read More
Archives for February 2016
Albemarle County Seeking to Raise Property Taxes. Again.
Real estate assessments rose again in Albemarle County in 2016 nearly 2% in 2015 after about 2.5% in 2014; now Albemarle County wants to increase the tax rate by 2.5 cents. Sean Tubbs at Charlottesville Tomorrow Read More
VDOT Marketing Homes Through Zillow & not the MLS
This is not a post about Zillow vs the MLS. This is a post asking one question: Why is VDOT not marketing the homes they have for sale through the MLS? They are listed "for sale by owner" on Zillow. That's it. That's the question. Is this truly exposing the homes to the fair market? When the Western Bypass died, the Virginia Department of Transportation had to Read More
What Do Home Buyers Want? The Right Space
One of the most common themes I am hearing from buyers is that they want the right space. What does this mean? "Right" is relative. Stipulating that this is a myopic view through the lens of the buyers I attract: Buyers want the right space, high quality, thoughtfully laid out and designed, and the right amount of space that fits their lifestyles - not too much, not too little (my advice: nudge that "just right" feeling space size up a wee bit.") Finding that space can prove to be a challenge. Read More
February 2016 Monthly Note | Moving, The Market, and Caring
The Monthly Note. 3 years and counting. Interested? 2 clicks here and it's yours (when I publish it in a few days). Plus, a question for the readers. Read More
Why I chose a Subaru as my real estate car. (twice!)
https://twitter.com/JimDuncan/status/693933116180860929 The Subaru Outback may be the Ultimate Adventuremobile for City Dwellers, it’s a darn good real estate car - that allows for a bit of adventuring, too. My previous car was a black Subaru Outback. My new one is a Subaru Outback; it just works for how I live my life. Why I chose a Subaru as my real estate car. (twice!)
- It goes anywhere and Read More