Charlottesville’s Real Estate Blog since 2005.

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Albemarle

Re-Posting: A New Home is More than a Hole in the Ground

Re-Posting: A New Home is More than a Hole in the Ground

As I was taking photos this morning for out-of-Charlottesville clients who are building a new home, I remembered this story from 2012. It’s worth a re-post.

“From the perspective of the rest of the world: one random hole in the ground. For our family on February 8, 2012: the greatest looking slice of earth we have ever seen!!!”

My client posted the above comment on the site I created to help them and us track the progress of their new home. Lots of people buy and build homes; to each

Over the past couple years, I have helped quite a few clients build new homes – it’s a fun, occasionally stressful and ultimately very rewarding process to see the finished product – both my clients and the house.


To them, I say thank you. Thank you for the reminder that what good Realtors do is this: help people live how and where they want to live. Help families establish roots. Help build families.

Another reminder: There are NO “Little Deals

*Groundbreaking is always less ceremonious than one might think. No ribbon cutting, no pomp, just a couple guys with heavy equipment digging a hole within the confines of some sticks and string.

Hole in Crozet neighborhood
Hole in Crozet neighborhood

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Jim Duncan has been helping buyers and sellers in Charlottesville’s neighborhoods for 25 years. Get local insight born of experience.

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Thoughts on 2026 Albemarle County Assessments

Thoughts on 2026 Albemarle County Assessments

Albemarle County assessments increased again in 2026. Want to challenge your assessment? Here's the form. Curious about FAQs about Albemarle County assessments, here's the FAQ. Think your assessment is too high or too low? Ask me; I'm happy to give a quick thought or two.…

Developers Have Long-Term Vision

Developers Have Long-Term Vision

Developers think and plan long-term.  Generally. An example. Many years ago, I represented sellers of a piece up land up 29 North. It was a relatively small piece of land, and we received an offer pretty quickly for asking price. About twenty years later, all…

Who Knew HOAs Could be Progressive? No Woodstoves?

Who Knew HOAs Could be Progressive? No Woodstoves?

No woodstoves in your neighborhood? Woodstoves. No woodstove (including free-standing and fireplace insert) shall be installed, maintained or used  on any Lot. Read the HOA packages, folks. My clients found this when they read the HOA docs. There's often some interesting things in homeowner association…

Interested in Learning More?

Jim Duncan has been helping buyers and sellers in Charlottesville’s neighborhoods for 25 years. Get local insight born of experience.