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 […]
With Labor Day this weekend, 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 […]
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 […]
How to Stay Cool in Charlottesville During the Summer Ah, summer in Charlottesville – a delightful season, but those humid days can really make you sweat! As a local, I’ve got some insider tips to help you stay refreshingly cool. Here’s a personal take on how to stay cool in Charlottesville during the summer: Movie […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 – […]
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 […]
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 […]
Recently 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 all […]
How Many Natural Lakes are in Virginia Anyway? Here at Solutions, we often get asked this question – especially by clients who have already seen, or read about in one of our recent blogs, our local lakes at Chris Greene, Mint Springs, Sherando, Smith Mountain and Lake Anna, just to name a few. You might […]
Back To School Charlottesville It seems like only yesterday that local kids were getting out of school for the summer holidays, and now, school has already begun in Greene, Louisa and Nelson counties, and will begin this week for Charlottesville, Albemarle, Monticello and Western on Wednesday, August 21. UVA will also get in on […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 common […]
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 […]
