Lenders in our area have been talking about this issue for some time – mortgage interest rates are on the rise again after years of being at a standstill. Interest rates are projected to increase to an average of 5% for a 30-year mortgage and 4.4% for a 15-year mortgage. So, what does this mean […]
As we saw in 2018 in the Charlottesville area, the spring market seemed to begin in early January, when it usually starts heating up in mid-February. Sales seemed to slow down a bit in mid-summer as there still wasn’t enough actual inventory – either resale or new construction – to supply the increasing demand. […]
Although humidity levels are lower during winter, if you live in a cold climate, kicking up the heater during winter months doesn’t just keep you warm — it also helps to create a perfect environment for winter mold and mildew. The wet season in the winter months is one of the best times of […]
With the recent government shutdown and uncertainty about rising rates, homeowners might start to think twice about tackling a remodeling project this year, unless they have the skills and knowledge to do the work themselves. Despite a strong 2018 in our area, and after several years of booming business, home remodeling growth is expected […]
With this morning’s single digit temps in the Charlottesville area, our thoughts quickly turn to a topic on everyone’s minds this time of year – how to make sure your pipes don’t freeze. When temperatures plummet, the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting skyrockets. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most […]
With the first snow of the winter season in early December, drivers in the Charlottesville area had their first quick taste of the winter to come – one that was confirmed with the most recent snowfall this past weekend. The winter season can be hard on vehicles, which is why it’s important drivers prepare […]
It’s difficult to imagine buying a house in the years before the Internet, but it did happen and there are plenty of anecdotes to prove it. Back in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the GI Bill was instrumental in helping former soldiers and their families go back to school and also thereafter purchase a […]
If you hear a buzz of excitement on the Downtown Mall and around town this time of year, you know it’s almost time once again for the Virginia Festival of the Book (VFB), which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year! The 25th annual Virginia Festival of the Book will be held Wednesday, March 20, through […]
Charlottesville is on a number of Top Ten lists – Best Place to Live and Best Public University for UVA – so it makes a great deal of sense that it is also known as one of the Best Places to Retire. It offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care residences in a rustically […]
Consumer hoaxes and scams – what to do if it happens to you When you are in the middle of purchasing or selling a home, it is difficult to be prepared for every type of scenario that might pop up, which is why we always recommend working with a real estate agent to help guide you […]
We are often asked at Solutions whether it makes more sense to go with a local lender in the Charlottesville area that knows the local market and is available to answer calls beyond regular office hours, or go with an online mortgage lender. We see the commercials all the time about being approved in eight […]
2019 New Year’s Eve in Charlottesville New Year’s Eve falls on a Monday this year, but with the next day typically a national holiday there is still lots to do and enjoy around our area. The most beloved annual celebration in Charlottesville – known for its many family-friendly activities on and around the historic Downtown […]
Fun Ideas for the Holidays in Charlottesville With the weather turning a bit colder, and Thanksgiving on Thursday, it’s time once again to turn our thoughts to celebrating the holidays in Charlottesville. Every year, there are signature events that define the season and we’ve compiled them for you below, along with some new traditions. We […]
Thanksgiving in Charlottesville 2018 Once again we have arrived at the time of year that reminds everyone to slow down from all the rush of the holidays and enjoy a meal with family and friends and think of ways to be thankful. This year, Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, Nov. 22. Although history has shown […]
National Home Prices – Oct 2018 The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) produces housing statistics on the national, regional, and metro-market level where data is available. It is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries, and releases national and regional existing-home sales […]
With Halloween about a week away, many houses around town are already sporting skeletons, cobwebs and other decorations, but there is still time to pick up a pumpkin and candy for the trick or treaters. It’s time once again for a fun annual tradition in Charlottesville, even though it’s on a Wednesday evening this year. […]
Does your Homeowner Insurance cover you in a Natural Disaster? With the recent arrivals of Hurricanes Florence and Michael through our area – although a bit east of Charlottesville – it is understandable for local homeowners to wonder if their home insurance policies are up to date in the event we get a direct hit […]
Charlottesville Real Estate – CAAR 2018 Third Quarter Market Report Our Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors has just released the latest real estate market report showing stats for sales in our area, 2018 3rd Quarter. This report comes out Quarterly and gives us a good idea of the current Real Estate Market in the greater Charlottesville Area. The specifics are […]
Here at Solutions, we often let our Buyer’s clients know that when they are going to open houses and a listing agent approaches them to let that agent know they are working with a Buyer’s agent. This is to protect the potential Buyer as the listing agent is loyal to their Sellers FIRST and might […]
Household Items that can be Recycled Did you know that the average person in the United States generates around 4.5 pounds of waste every single day? Multiply that by around 300 million, and you can see why garbage has become a serious problem in this country. This is just one reason why recycling is so […]
