How did real estate prices get so high?
We all know that real estate prices are higher in urban than in rural areas, and highest of all in the affluent residential enclaves of our largest cities. But, how did these high prices get to where they are? In other words, what are the…
Interesting – commissions too low?
From Baron Briefs - REALTORS® take a beating when it comes to public opinion on the amount of money they make when selling homes. And the big jump in home prices have only reverberated consumer complaints of forking over 6 percent of their home's value.…
Acreage? But where’s it located?
Washington, D.C. – What does the typical new Gen Y home buyer have to say about what they value in a home? “I could really care less about the exterior of my home… location is really the only factor.” Those were part of comments made…
Madison tax rates going up?
Madison County supervisors are considering a 3-cent higher real estate tax rate than needed to bring in the same money as last year, in their 2005-06 budget discussions. The numbers, however, are a little more complicated than that - and the tax rate isn't going…
Watching a house grow
I am going to Fluvanna this morning to do an electrical walkthrough on a new construction house. Watching a house grow from nothing to framing to roof to completion is an awesome process. That builders are able to make all those pieces fit together never…
Central Va’s real estate market podcast
I caught the tail-end of this courtesy of Cvillepodcast.com... listening to it now ...
Home Warranties
NYTimes reports about the value of getting a home warranty. This is a relatively inexpensive way to protect yourself against unforeseen problems that may arise. But, as with anything - "Most policies specify exactly what's covered and not covered," Mr. Bell said. "You just have…
Full-time Realtors
Just found a neat little section of the statistical summary in our MLS database. There are approximately 1100 Realtors in our Board. 612 closed at least one listing in 2004. Only 261 closed at least 5! Wouldn't you be better off having a full-time Realtor…
Builders’ Blitz
This sounds very cool - Professional builders in Raleigh and Greensboro, N.C.have created a way to help Habitat affiliates like ours build more homes with low-income families.It is called a “Builders Blitz”. The program was very successful in those cities, bringing local builders together to…
2004-2005 Stats
For those of you who like data, check out the PDF file in the extended area below. (more…)