Charlottesville’s 2005 market statistics
The article is here. Read the whole thing with the caveat that the MLS no longer comprises all transactions, but certainly enough to come to accurate conclusions. A few highlights: The median sales price for the entire market area in 2005 was $255,000 which is…
Hollymead Condos
Yet another apartment complex is being converted to condos. Is there even a market for rental apartments anymore? (If you are interested in buying one, please email me)
Housing is more affordable?
Housing appears to be more affordable today than it has been in other periods of our history, for numerous reasons. Read this entire post; it is well-researched and argued. "People aren't really shopping prices," said Bill Trask, a broker at Coldwell Banker Friends and Neighbors…
Morning Reading (a bit of green)
Interest Rates, not home prices have the greatest impact on "affordability" Simple things to do to prepare your house for the market. Homebuilders' incentives - this is going to be a more common theme in 2006 Perhaps most interesting, "Ready for Everything under the Solar…
Neighborhood Model – revisited?
This is potentially big news ... and a bit exciting. Courtesy of WINA. Citizen advocacy groups and some Albemarle Supervisors believe the new year will bring a renewed focus on the county's Neighborhood Model. There are vocal critics of Albemarle's approach to suburban sprawl who…
Smart growth raises housing prices?
Our region ought to learn from other regions' mistakes ... Thanks to the Washington Times: Economists increasingly are concluding that the shortage of affordable housing in Washington and other major U.S. cities on the East and West coasts is a result more of man-made restrictions…
Another take on Growth in Central Virginia
Virginia Business Magazine has an excellent article this month focusing on the challenges (and successes) faced by the Central Virginia region - specifically the housing market, the economy, relatively high cost of living. One thing is clear from the article - Charlottesville's reach extends far…
Builders’ Blitz
Jessica Kitchin's story in the DP this morning is a good sign that the Builders Blitz is ready to take off. I wrote about this in June, and am excited to see it coming to fruition. It sounds like the premise of one of those…
Affordability calculator and our region.
Affordable housing, particularly for the service sectors of our region, is one of the most pressing crises we face. I have written about it before and will continue to do so. At least two people made their way to my blog today after searching for…
No local bubble, but …
Locally, I do not see a "bubble" per se, but I would really like the National Association of Realtors to either give more credible support or just stop giving it. Question: "Should we be concerned that home prices are rising faster than family income?" Answer:…