BUYER RESOURCES
Buying a Home in Charlottesville
There’s a lot to think about: Where are your triangles? What’s your timeframe? Here’s everything you need to navigate the process.
- Median Days on Market
- 18
- 6 days in last year
- Median Sale Price
- $485K
- 3.2% vs last year
- List-to-Sale Ratio
- 98%
- from 101% last year
- Active Listings
- 342
- 28% vs last year
1 Before You Start Searching
The best home searches start with understanding what you actually need, not just bedroom and bathrooms, but where you’ll spend your time. Plot your “triangles” (work, school, weekends) on a map before you fall in love with a house in the wrong location
Using Google to Find Your Triangles
Map the locations that matter to your daily life before your search.
Questions Buyers Should Be Asking
The questions that actually matter when evaluating homes.
2 First-Time Buyer Resources
The best home searches start with understanding what you actually need, not just bedroom and bathrooms, but where you’ll spend your time. Plot your “triangles” (work, school, weekends) on a map before you fall in love with a house in the wrong location
Tips for First Time Buyers
Local-specific advice for buying here in Central Virginia.
How to Search for Homes Sans Realtor
The right approach to search, and why most people do it wrong.
30+ Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
A comprehensive guide covering everything form pre-approval to closing day
JIM’S STRONG RECOMMENDATION
Moving to Charlottesville? Rent First.
If you’re unfamiliar with the area, I tell my clients to rent for at least six months before buying. You’ll learn the neighborhoods, the traffic, and what actually matters to your daily life. It’s worth the wait.
3 Financing & Lenders
Work with local lenders. I’ve seen too many deals nearly fall apart because an out-of-town lender didn’t understand Virginia closing customs or couldn’t meet local timelines.
Why Use Charlottesville Lenders
Local knowledge matters more than you think.
How to Know You’re Getting the Best Deal
What to compare when shopping for a mortgage.
Recommended Charlottesville Lenders
Two lenders I trust and recommend to my clients.
4 Working with Jim
When you work with me, you get someone who is 100% in your corner. I don’t practice dual agency, ever. Here’s why that matters:
JIM’S POLICY
No Dual Agency
Dual agency is when one agent represents both buyer and seller. It’s legal in Virginia, but it creates an inherent conflict of interest. I can’t negotiate the best deal for you while also protecting the seller’s interests.
5 After You Buy
Congratulations! You’re a homeowner! Now what?
Tips for New Home Owners in Charlottesville
First steps after closing: utilities, contractors, and settling in. Dive In
Interested in Learning More?
Jim Duncan is a Realtor and Broker with Nest Realty in Charlottesville. He’s been helping buyers and sellers here since 2001, and writing about the market since 2005, making RealCentralVA one of the longest-running real estate blogs in the country.
His goal is the same: provide clear, honest analysis of the Charlottesville market. No spin. No pressure. Just straight answers to help you make the best decision for your situation.