As we head into the remaining weeks before school starts again, many local families are wondering how to keep their kids occupied for the last few days of summer. People are already coming back from vacations and heading back to work and are looking for fun ways to keep summer going for as long as […]
How to Stay Cool in Charlottesville During the Summer Humid and hot summer days here in Charlottesville make it necessary for everyone to think outside the box when it comes to ways to stay cool. Movie anyone? For some, it can mean a trip to the movies – with Paramount showing some classics – – […]
July 1 – New Laws summary The 2019 General Assembly Session ran from January 9 to February 23, 2019, and over 3,100 bills were introduced. After Virginia REALTORS® reviewed all of the legislation that was introduced, the Public Policy Committee took active positions on 138 bills and actively monitored another 96 for any potential impacts […]
Fourth of July events around the Charlottesville Area The United States of America is celebrating its 243nd Birthday this year and we’re pleased to see many of our surrounding communities, including the city of Charlottesville, are planning fun celebrations. Here’s a short round up of what’s available. Crozet The July 4th weekend will start on […]
It seems like we can’t go a week without some sort of substantial rainfall these days. In areas where there has been a drought this has not been an issue as they are grateful to have it, but in areas where the soil is already saturated problems are cropping up. If rainwater collects in your […]
With all the recent rain in Virginia lately, not to mention the damaging flooding in the Mid- and Southwest, a homeowner’s mind naturally turns to thoughts of what to do if it happens to you? One of the most damaging and devastating things you can ever experience as a homeowner is a flood. There are […]
When faced with knowing you need to remodel your home, actually beginning the project sometimes can end up being pushed back time and time again because it’s difficult to know when is the best time to begin and what makes the most sense in adding value to your home. Decisions can lead to new dilemmas, […]
Putting in a new bathroom can be costly, so you’ll want to be sure that it delivers. Although that striking freestanding tub or statement tile may be all the fashion today, it’s the layout that largely determines how well the space works and whether you can get a great return on your investment. What are […]
Many Home Buyers believe the physical characteristics of a house will lead to increased property value. But, in reality, a property’s physical structure tends to depreciate over time, while the land it sits on typically appreciates in value. Although this distinction may not appear to be much, understanding how prospective land values influence property returns […]
Owning a home comes with many benefits, as well as responsibilities. From housework to decorations and even renovating, we all need to make constant upgrades to add value to our home and make it more comfortable. There are a number of things, however, that might not yet be on your radar, but these will help […]
(Updated May 6, 2019) While the city of Charlottesville’s tax rate has remained steady, Albemarle County’s just increased from 83.9 to 85.4 cents per $100 of assessed value. Our City and local Counties set their own tax rates and then you pay your taxes based on the assessed value of your property at these rates. […]
Have you ever wondered how much you would have to earn to be able to afford in a home in your area? And, how does this compare to other areas around the country? The Salary Needed to Buy a Home in 50 U.S. Metro Areas Here in the greater Charlottesville area, the latest first quarter […]
Dogwoods and redbuds are in full bloom after the recent rains and spring is once again here in Charlottesville. One could argue there really isn’t a prettier place to be than in this area for spring – neighborhood streets boast a riot of colors, from small plants to bushes and trees that drape over the […]
Each spring visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during “America’s Largest Open House.” This year marks the 86th annual time that visitors can tour the beauty that is Virginia in the spring. Garden Week features 31 tours over an 8-day statewide event – from April 27 […]
In an unbelievable ending that began a year ago with one of the worst losses ever in the NCAA tournament, the University of Virginia Cavaliers pulled off an incredible titanic win in Minneapolis, MN, on Monday, April 8, 2019, to take their place in school history as the first team ever to come back home […]
Charlottesville’s Fridays After Five Free Concert Series is set to begin its 32nd year on Friday, April 12 – right in the middle of another annual tradition around here, the Tom Tom Festival. Residents and visitors alike enjoy going Downtown on Friday evenings after work to enjoy free music and meet up with friends and […]
There are very few certainties in life, but we can say, here in Charlottesville, once you see the hillside along both sides of Route 250 near the Hydraulic Road intersection ablaze in blooming forsythia you just know the redbuds and dogwoods are not far behind. And then, we all know what dogwoods around here mean […]
We’ve seen this trend building momentum in the past year or two, but now there is irrefutable proof that millennials are taking over the homeowner leaderboard. They’re getting older and finding stable careers, their household income has increased to $88,200, and they’re looking to buy their first homes. This works out perfectly for them as […]
Now that we have begun Daylight Savings Time once more, you can also begin sprucing up your garden and house as Spring is around the corner. Even though it feels like we have had nothing but rain since the beginning of the year – with the odd snow shower here and there mixed in – […]
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. […]
With the lack of resale housing inventory in our area for the past few years, many Buyers are turning to the idea of purchasing some land and building their own home. But, what are some of the things you may need to look out for, and the right questions to ask (known as “due […]
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 […]
With the beginning of a new year, our thoughts often turn to decluttering our lives in order to have a fresh start, and that includes where we live. With the new trend of “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” in our minds, it’s often difficult to know where to begin. Downsizing and moving can be […]
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 […]
