The arrival of summer at Solutions also heralds the sight of moving trucks in many neighborhoods across the area. In fact, this year, the weekend of June 27 & 28 was recently named the “busiest weekend of the year” by several local moving companies. Many people take advantage of this time of year, when […]
Easy Ways to Get Ready for Summer
Here at Solutions, we know summer has truly begun as school is out and house projects start to beckon. Here are a few things to do (both inside and outside your home) to best usher in the summer months and also help you get the most use out of your backyard for entertaining and/or a […]
What is an Escrow Money Deposit and Who Holds it?
Here at Solutions, we often get asked by First Time Home Buyers, “What is an Escrow Money Deposit (EMD), and why do you need it?” In short, during the purchase offer stage, it’s like a deposit that a Buyer puts down to show that they’d like to purchase a property in good faith. An EMD […]
What is the Title Insurance, and Why is it Important?
Here at Solutions, we are often asked by our Buyer clients why they need title insurance and, when they order it, what’s involved in the process. Buying a home is a long, complex transaction. Title insurance is an important part since it insures and assures the Buyer that all liens placed against the prior owners […]
Do I Need a Home Inspection?
Here at Solutions, we often get asked by our new clients if they really need a home inspection when buying a home. As Virginia is a “Caveat Emptor,” or “Buyer Beware,” state, it’s really the only way to see if the home has any defects or hidden issues as most Buyers don’t have the necessary […]
It’s Summertime – cue up Fridays After Five!
Longtime residents and visitors alike know that when the weather gets warmer in Charlottesville it’s time for Fridays After Five at the Downtown Pavilion! A longtime free music tradition – now in its 28th year – it’s traditionally showcased local talent as well as some more nationally known artists that span the music genres from […]
Do you need an agent when building a new home?
For Buyers, the Model Home signs you see everywhere around the Charlottesville area often make you want to stop in and check them out. When you see the finished project, it’s easy to get excited about building your dream home from the ground up – choosing your lot, your model, interior finishes and upgrades, etc. […]
Five New Home Trends Charlottesville VA
What are the 2015 Home Trends? Where once McMansions reigned supreme in new house sales, buyers today are now asking for more energy efficient, customized and smaller models. While we aren’t quite at a Jetsons-style home with dinner at the push of a button, innovation and invention are at the forefront of building industry trends. […]
What Makes Barracks Road Shopping Center So Special?
For residents of Charlottesville, Barracks Road Shopping Center has been a fixture as a shopping destination since it opened in 1959. Easily accessed by foot from the University of Virginia, and neighborhoods just off Rugby & Alderman Roads, by bus from all over the city and, of course, by car, Barracks Road has made a […]
All About Costco Charlottesville
Costco set to open in 2015 The Stonefield Shops have quickly become the centrally located shopping center to visit with the popularity of now having the only movie theatre around (until the Downtown Mall one reopens after renovations), plenty of speciality shops and eateries, and everyone’s favorite – Trader Joe’s. With the opening of Costco […]
Questions Agents May Ask You at an Open House
Questions Agents May Ask You at an Open House Now that the Spring Market has started in earnest you will start to see Open House signs sprouting up all over – especially on weekends. Prospective Home Buyers who are not quite sure they’re that serious about looking prefer Open Houses as they get to see […]
Spring Tips to Make Your Home Shine
Spring is the ideal time for Buyers to find their dream home, so Sellers can take advantage of this by getting their homes ready with these seasonal staging tips: Start with a Spring Cleaning Clean until your home sparkles – and don’t forget the windows, blinds, gutters, molding and ceiling fans! Then, turn your attention […]
Buyer Beware: Red Flags when Purchasing a Home
Top Things to Watch For When Buying a Home Virginia is a “Buyer Beware” state when it comes to purchasing a home. While there are lead based paint and the standard seller disclosures included in most active area listings, Sellers don’t always disclose the whole truth to potential Buyers, especially if they’re motivated to sell. […]
Make a Great First Impression – Agents call it ‘Curb Appeal’
Make a Great First Impression – Agents call it ‘Curb Appeal’ They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression – the same can be said when it comes to listing your home. Having great “curb appeal” has become the go-to way a great listing gets noticed over an okay listing, […]
Can you live in Charlottesville without a car?
Can you live in Charlottesville without a car? Charlottesville has long been on many a Top Ten list for visitors and residents alike as one of the best places to live. One question that has come up, however, is whether it’s possible to live in town without a car. As many of you know, the […]
How to Prevent Freezing Pipes
How to Prevent Freezing Pipes With the recent bone-chilling temps here in Central Virginia, many homeowners are understandably concerned about the possibility of frozen or burst pipes. In fact, every winter season, pipes in a home are at risk of damage from freezing conditions. Pipes most at risk for freezing include: exposed pipes in unheated […]
Some Home Tax Deductions You Might Forget!
When it comes to the “owning vs. renting” debate, it appears that owning a home wins when it comes to tax time. Below are a few homeownership-related tax deductions and strategies to lower your tax bill: Mortgage Interest Deduction One of the best deductions itemizing homeowners can take advantage of is the mortgage interest deduction, […]
Top Reasons Your Home Might Not Sell Quickly
Here are the Top reasons your house might not be selling as quickly as you would like: Here at Solutions we often get asked by both our listing and purchasing clients why a house isn’t selling. Selling a home in today’s market may turn out to be more than a real challenge. In order to best […]
Who Really Represents the Client in a Transaction?
So, Who Really Does Represent the Client in a Real Estate Transaction? We know many of our Solutions clients are tech savvy, and they’ve become familiar with such websites as Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com and others when they’re either looking to purchase or sell a home. But, did you know that Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and even […]
Should I Appeal My Charlottesville Tax Assessment?
It’s Tax Assessment Time Again It’s tax assessment time again in the city of Charlottesville. Here at Solutions, we’ve taken a look at the recent press release from the city of Charlottesville and have found out a few things about this year’s assessments. Many residents get understandably nervous when their assessments go up as that […]