With Labor Day behind us, and the end of summer quickly approaching, the summer heat and outside activities have taken a toll on your home. If your house has been on the market this summer, or you are about to put it on the market, follow these tips to ensure your home is in tip-top […]
This summer has been a long, hot and rainy one, so homeowners are probably understandably too exhausted to think about all the late-summer garden chores that need to be done before the chilly weather kicks in once again. While spring (and fall) are the times to plant new plants and seedlings. Summer is the right […]
Minimal Cost Kitchen Upgrades That Will Increase the Value of Your Home The kitchen is the room where you spend most of your time, so are there cheerful and cost effective ways to update the space without gutting it (or your wallet) to get a whole new look? We have some great tips for you. […]
Here is a Strong Suggestion from Charles I just closed with clients on a Charlottesville Home and one of the first things that I discuss at closing is the locks. You see a person who buys a home is always excited to get the keys to their new home but they come with a warning…. […]
Should I buy? Should I rent? How do I get Financing? Who can I trust? What is Dual Agency? Questions, Questions, Questions…. there are a lot of questions and you have just found a resource for all the answers. Working with First Time Buyers is very rewarding for me as I get to help you […]
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 – – […]
Many Sellers think selling a home is a decision to make on the spur of the moment while they’re doing their grocery shopping. There are a number of issues they need to consider before sticking that for-sale sign in their yard. Here at Solutions, we can help you decide whether the timing is truly right […]
The home buying process is a series of steps that you as a borrower must go through in order to purchase your new home. This includes obtaining a home mortgage which is vital to start even before viewing properties. In Virginia the process starts after you and your Buyers Agent decide to work together and […]
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 […]
Protect Yourself and your Money PLEASE READ if any questions, DO NOT WIRE FUNDS. 1. Your Charlottesville Solutions Agent does not collect any money, for any reason, from clients. 2. Any funds, including deposits, should be sent directly to your closing company/attorney. 3. Clients should phone their closing company/attorney directly to verify all wiring instructions. THE SCAM: There […]
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 the 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 through May […]
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 – yesterday’s sunshine revealed that bulbs are beginning to sprout in gardens around town and a few cherry trees have already started to bloom in rich deep […]
Charlottesville Staging Don’ts Here is a list of Staging Don’t for getting a home ready to sell: Use inexpensive silk flowers. Nothing distracts buyers more that silk flowers that are past their time, inappropriate for the season or thrown together. Throw them out, now. Forget to upgrade Fido’s bowl. I’ve experienced more unhealthy pet food bowls, […]
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 […]
Charlottesville, Virginia, is a charming and historic city located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its stunning natural scenery, world-class universities, and rich cultural heritage, Charlottesville is an ideal place to live for those who want to enjoy the best of both city and country life. If you are considering a […]
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 […]
Getting your Yard ready for Spring in Charlottesville Despite the appearance of snow flurries around the area today, Spring is one of the most important times to perform maintenance to your lawn. Winter weather can leave your grass, shrubs and trees weak and hungry, especially after months of lying dormant. By following the steps below […]
Albemarle County is a county located in the central part of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is situated in the Piedmont region of the state and encompasses an area of approximately 726 square miles (1,881 km²). The county was named after the 2nd Earl of Albemarle, who was then Governor of Virginia from 1737-1749. Albemarle […]
Charlottesville, VA is a charming and historic city located in the central part of the state, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is known for its rich history, beautiful natural surroundings, and vibrant cultural scene. One of the most notable attractions in Charlottesville is the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas […]
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 […]
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 well […]
Why Buy A Charlottesville Home in Fall/Winter? In a place where spring is one of the most beautiful seasons of all, it makes sense that our Charlottesville real estate market is also incredibly busy during that time – with homes often selling within hours or days of coming on the market after fielding several contracts […]
Should You Buy in a Gated Community? We have already looked at the pros and cons of buying a home in a neighborhood that has a Homeowner’s Association. Let’s now look at homes that go one step further – those that are located in a gated community. A gated community is a collection of homes […]
Declutter Regret When it comes to getting your home ready to list, we always recommend “decluttering” to help Buyers envision the house with their own furniture and personal items. We do not, however, recommend that our Sellers toss everything out in their anxiety to make their home as “show ready” as possible as it’s hard […]
Last week we heard the welcome news that Charlottesville is considered “the happiest place in the country to retire,” according to a new ranking by Washington, D.C., based publisher Kiplinger. We have topped many Top Ten lists before, but our area has seen an increase in recent years in the numbers of seniors coming from […]
Fall Cleaning Ideas It’s time to turn our thoughts towards fall projects as we get ready once again for the winter months here in Charlottesville. Below are some common projects for inside and outside a home that will help make it cozy as you start to spend more time indoors. Wash all windows. This is […]
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 diligence”), […]
Sellers often ask us for tips on how to keep their home “show ready” when they are on the market. With busy lives, kids that need to get to school in the morning, pets that need walking, etc., it’s tough to keep up with getting ready for that last minute showing. Here are some great […]
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 both stressful and exciting. It’s also the perfect […]
Myths about Selling your home When it comes to thinking about selling your home it can feel like you’re all of a sudden getting a ton of unsolicited advice from everyone – your neighbor, best friend, or even from the evening news or online. So, what’s the best way to sort out what is truly […]
