I have talked to quite a few parents and high schoolers about their perceptions and reactions to the block scheduling, and thought it would be useful to ask the opinion of Champion Tutoring for their perspective, and I received this gracious response : Thanks for asking.  … I have been asked before to comment on the block schedule “from a Realtor’s perspective” and here is my comment: From my point of view, the teachers are overworked and not able to teach effectively. … From our personal experience, we are extremely reluctant to miss a day of school, as there is very little chance of ever recapturing what was taught on that day – there is too much information and too little time at school. … Crozet Gazette – Parents Revolt Against WAHS (Western Albemarle High School) 4×4 Schedule Carmen Garcia, the mother of one student at Western and two at Henley (where she serves as PTO vice president), said she called former School Board member Brian Wheeler about the schedule policy change last spring.
Posts Published by Jim Duncan
George Carlin and Stuff
I’ve had this conversation several times over the past few days with clients – buyers and sellers – about Americans’ need for STUFF. My European clients get this. My American clients tend not to. There’s a few off-color words, but he’s George Carlin !
Real Estate Technology I wanted Five Years Ago is Finally Here – Part 3 – Paperless Transactions
When we were meeting a few weeks ago, they were looking at the faxes I used to send them, discussing the websites I used to put up for them – photos of neighborhoods, areas, houses, etc. and we were talking about how things have changed and evolved since then. When we put my clients’ house on the market a few weeks ago, they were looking back at their files from when they built five years ago.
…In 2011, I am strongly considering not recommending lenders who don’t get this – if their processors, their underwriters etc think that electronic signatures aren’t “real” I am going to have a very difficult time working with them. … Part One – Real Estate Technology I wanted Five Years Ago is Finally Here – Interactive Floorplans Part Two – Real Estate Technology I wanted Five Years Ago is Finally Here – Real Estate Video Part Three – Real Estate Technology I wanted Five Years Ago is Finally Here – Paperless Transactions.
Charlottesville MSA Electon Results
* 
Virginia’s 5th District is huge, and this election is not fully representative of all of the Charlottesville MSA, but it’s a “good enough” snapshot. (at least for these purposes). Sure, the results are unofficial, but thanks to Virginia’s State Board of Elections, we can see tonight’s election results. … You couldn’t even muster 50% turnout. 
Albemarle County – More Balanced than Charlottesville City 
Greene County – More Republican than Charlottesville City or Albemarle County. 
Fluvanna County 
Nelson County – the best percentage turnout! 
* I made a long, insightful comment on Facebook months ago, and, because of the Facebook way, can’t find the comment for the life of me.
Charlottesville Sellers and Homeowners – Take Pictures of Your House NOW!
This is why: 
Even if you’re not planning to sell your house in Charlottesville or Crozet in the Spring, you might in two years … and the colors this year are really quite wonderful. … If you are thinking about putting your house on the market in the spring, now is the time to start prepping . … And I just happen to have a lovely house on the market there as well . /shamelessplugformyclients Here’s another thought: If you do think that you might be looking for a Realtor in the spring, start now. … We work with quite a few and I would be happy to recommend some for you.
Home Sales Trends in Virginia – From Virginia Association of Realtors
Albemarle, Augusta, Bath, Buena Vista City, Charlottesville City, Fluvanna, Greene, Harrisonburg City, Highland, Lexington City, Nelson, Rockbridge, Rockingham,Staunton City,Waynesboro City
This is the moving median average price for homes in the Charlottesville MLS for the past four years. 
– So for all intents and purposes, the report is somewhat irrelevant as it speaks to such a broad region. – Because Virginia is a non-judicial state, we most likely won’t be affected by the robo-signing issues. – Analysis of past two recessions compared to this one. This recessions’ recovery is stronger than 1991 and 2001, doesn’t feel like it due to in part to consumer confidence . – Three consecutive months of positive job growth in the state.
… Virginia Association of Realtors 3rd Quarter 2010 Home sales press release (PDF) and I’ll post the podcast when it’s up. Sales and Inventory for homes in Charlottesville MSA (PDF) — Check out the new graphs at the bottom .