Charlottesville Virginia Real Estate
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Charlottesville Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate Blog

What is the best way to build a home in Old Trail?

What is the best way to build a home in Old Trail?

Click to view large

This is the question I recently was asked. The best way is to start with a search of homes to see if Old Trail is an area that you really like – Old Trail Homes

Then we will look at lots available in Old Trail and see if any will accommodate the home you are considering.

Since I do not represent a single builder we are open to work with a builder that fits your needs. One thing that sets me apart from most agents is that I actually love the building process and I get involved with the actual design.

I worked in Engineering for over 20 years on the West Coast and my first love was Architecture. Having an agent who represents you and who loves to help design and build is certainly a plus if you are looking to build in Old Trail.

Let me know if you have any questions

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties, Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia
(main) 434-515-1585     (cell) 434-981-1585     (fax) 866-527-9526 
Charlottesville on Twitter Charlottesville on Facebook Charlottesville on Linkedin Charlottesville Real Estate Search Charlottesville on FriendFeed Charles on Active Rain Charlottesville Real Estate feed

 

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville VA Real Estate

 Search for Charlottesville Real Estate 22901 or Search for Crozet Real Estate 22932 in one great place!

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

Morning Coffee with Charles in Charlottesville…

Charlottesville Coffee

Coffee this morning with my wife. A great way to start the day!
Later I have a business lunch in town and then off to show homes in Western Albemarle for a couple hours today. We will also be bringing on a couple of new listings in the Ivy area….
Watch my blog for details

When it comes to Charlottesville Real Estate we are ready to help.

Call or email me if you need anything?

Charles

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

A few of our recent Charlottesville Real Estate listings

Charlottesville residents want lower tax rate, projected budget keeps it unchanged

In reading cville aka www.c-ville.com I wanted to pass this along

At last night’s City Council meeting, City Manager Gary O’Connell presented a proposed fiscal year 2011 budget that was slimmer than last year's, although both the real estate and personal property tax rates will remain the same. Some residents, however, told Council that it was time to lower the real estate tax rate.

Real estate taxes are the largest revenue source for the city. According to the budget, "[the taxes] are assessed at 100 percent valuation, with tax rates bring applied per $100 of assessed value." The unchanged proposed rate for 2011 is $.95 per $100 of assessed value.

READ THE ENTIRE POST HERE

Posted via email from Charlottesville Virginia

So you think it is a good time to buy Charlottesville Real Estate?

 I read a lot of information out there saying:  "This is a good time to BUY because…."

 

This made me think about this from a buyer's point of view.

 

It seems we are flooded with opinions saying that "interest rates are good…It's a buyers market…yada yada yada….

As a buyer, one might wonder if this is a NOT

 a good time to buy because the market is going down (or so the media tells us ).

 

If it is NOT a good time to buy Real Estate then when is?

Can we tell if a market is at a bottom? I do not think so….

Can we tell when a market is at a top, I do not think so….

So I have to ask all you "BUYERS" out there this question:

If you think it is NOT a good time, when do you think is a good time?

6 months from now, 18 months, 3 years….

Or when was a good time to buy?

6 months ago, 18 months ago, 3 years ago…..

This may be opening up a can of worms, but I have done that before!

I feel that when it comes to owning your own home, do not try to time a market. Own your own home… It has always been a good idea and a good investment. The future, no one can tell, but if you look at the past as a guide, even at peaks in the Real Estate market we have recovered and those homes have turned into wise investments….

 

What are your thoughts?

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties, Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia

(main) 434-515-1585     (cell) 434-981-1585     (fax) 866-527-9526 

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

Charlottesville SPCA – “No Kill”

Our local SPCA is a "NO KILL" Organization.  

You can find out more by checking out the website at : http://www.caspca.org/  

While you are there, check out how to "Adopt a Dog or Cat…or Two!"

and how to "Donate" to our local SPCA.  

There are a lot of ways to get involved and one way is to just spread the word about the Charlottesville / Albemarle SPCA and it's website.  

The main Shelter is at:   Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA | (434) 973-5959
3355 Berkmar Dr. (off of Rio Road West, just off Hwy 29)
Hours: Open every day from 12pm – 6pm

  

 (for complete contact infomation click on this link)  

Do you have a home for a pet in your life?

  

Watch the streaming video of "Whiskers and Tales"

Posted via email from Charlottesville Virginia

Charlottesville Real Estate Twitter update

Well Said Charlottesville!

"Here’s an idea. Instead of spending money repainting “Charlottesville Transit Service” buses and replacing 400 signs with a new logo for CTS, spending some $100,000 in the process, give the money to the school system, police department or fire department. This would save some programs or positions that are badly needed."

Read the entire post here

Posted via email from Charlottesville Virginia

I had to Laugh!!!

 

LOL Charlottesville Real Estate Buyer

I have been on a little trip and one of my associates and I were just talking on the cell phone about Buyer Agent Bonuses while I was driving through Tennessee…

We both agreed that it is rediculous to offer a "Bonus" to an agent that is already getting a commission. Why not just lower the price…

So here is where it got funny… I got back to my computer (I bring it with me of course) and the very NEXT email I get says….

DON'T MISS OUT ON MORE GREAT SELLING BONUSES!

I just had to laugh!

The funny part is that the agent sending this is a good agent and knows that these things are gimmicks and that the reality is that the price of the homes should just be lowered or give a credit back to the buyers…

My associate and I in Charlottesville Agreed that Real Estate "Bonuses" should just go back to the buyer….

No more games….Please….

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties, Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia

(main) 434-515-1585     (cell) 434-981-1585     (fax) 866-527-9526 
Charlottesville on Twitter Charlottesville on Facebook Charlottesville on Linkedin Charlottesville Real Estate Search Charlottesville on FriendFeed Charles on Active Rain Charlottesville Real Estate feed

 

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville VA Real Estate

 Search for Charlottesville Real Estate 22901 or Search for Crozet Real Estate 22932 in one great place!

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

NGIC Real Estate – Charlottesville Real Estate

Below are some of my recent sales to clients near NGIC in Charlottesville. We have several referrals from satisfied clients who are now working at NGIC. Just ask to talk with them!

You can see by the homes below that we have a lot of choices for Charlottesville Real Estate.

Everything from New Construction to those Grand Estates!


Exquisite Charlottesville Homes

Charlottesville NGIC Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate

 


NGIC Real Estate

Forest Lakes Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate
   
 

Our group of Charlottesville Real Estate Agents are working overtime to support the NGIC employees. When you get the word that you are relocating to Charlottesville, give us a call.

About The Author 

Charles McDonald, Associate Broker at RE/MAX Assured Properties (Charlottesville REMAX) and dedicated Buyers Agent is the author of this blog, and several other sites on the Internet. Charles and his group of experts in the Charlottesville area are always available to help you with your Real Estate needs. Call our group anytime at 434-515-1585 or to search for homes visit: Charlottesville Real Estate

Copyright © 2010 Charles McDonald, All Rights Reserved.

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

Morning Coffee in Charlottesville with Charles

Meetings, Meetings off to show Charlottesville Real Estate with clients and then yet another meeting!Charlottesville Coffee

Wow, I feel like I need another cup of coffee!

Do not forget, If you see me on the road, be sure to Honk!

Let me know if you need anything?

Charles

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties, Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia

(main) 434-515-1585     (cell) 434-981-1585     (fax) 866-527-9526 

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

Morning Coffee in Charlottesville with Charles

This is one of those mornings where I can take a little breather. You see yesterday was back to back to back meetings dealing with Charlottesville Real Estate. The Spring Market has begun and it feels like it took longer than ever. Maybe I am feeling my age?

Looking out my office window I can see we are starting to cloud up a little and they are calling for possible rain with a high of 70 degrees. Yes 70 degrees!Charlottesville Coffee

I will be off to one appointment in Western Albemarle today and playing catchup on paperwork.

And do not forget, If you see me on the road, be sure to Honk!

Let me know if you need anything?

Charles

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties, Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia

(main) 434-515-1585     (cell) 434-981-1585     (fax) 866-527-9526 

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

Forest Lakes is a Charlottesville’s favorite

Forest Lakes is located in Albemarle County near Charlottesville, VA.  It is conveniently located off US Route 29, just five minutes from the Charlottesville/Albemarle Airport and extremely close to NGIC Real Estate and DIA.

With over 1,400 homes it still feels small. There are 6 lakes and miles of walking and biking trails.

Here are a few homes to consider in the area:

Showing properties 1 - 3 of 22. See more Forest Lakes tract real estate.
(all data current as of 3/18/2010)

  1. 4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 1,770 sq ft
    Listed with Equity Saver USA
  2. 3 beds, 3 full baths
    Size: 1,668 sq ft
    Listed with REAL ESTATE III - NORTH
  3. 5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 3,955 sq ft
    Listed with RE/MAX REALTY SPECIALISTS

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

and here are a few in Forest Lakes South

Showing properties 1 - 3 of 23. See more Forest Lakes South tract real estate.
(all data current as of 3/18/2010)

  1. 4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 2,004 sq ft
    Listed with CHARLOTTE RAMSEY, INC. REALTORS - GREENE
  2. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 1,298 sq ft
    Listed with RE/MAX ASSURED PROPERTIES - GLENWOOD STN
  3. 4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 1,779 sq ft
    Listed with RE/MAX ASSURED PROPERTIES - GLENWOOD STN

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

What is Crozet or should I say who is Crozet?

What is Crozet or should I say who is Crozet?

The community of Crozet began as a whistle stop on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad in 1876 that was established at the request of the Miller Manual Labor School (the Miller School), which had been founded a year earlier. It was named for Colonel B. Claudius Crozet (1789-1864), a French born civil engineer and artillery officer under Napoleon who is best remembered as the chief engineer for the seventeen mile long railroad tunnel through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Since its inception, it has functioned as a distinct settlement with a unique history of agriculture, small business enterprises, and a dynamic civic spirit.  Crozet was selected for the first Master Plan by the Board of Supervisors in October 2001, based on the community's strong interest and high level of development activity. The Crozet Master Plan was completed in 2004, and implementation is underway. 

Upon completion of the master plan, the Board appointed 15 citizens to the Crozet Community Advisory Council, an advisory committee that provides assistance to County staff and the Board of Supervisors on civic/community issues related to implementation of the Crozet Master Plan.

The above is from our county website

To many of us, Crozet is an area where you can live near the Blue Ridge and still be 15 minutes to Charlottesville. With good schools, clean air and great views, it is always worth a look. Here are some neighborhoods to consider:

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties, Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia

(main) 434-515-1585     (cell) 434-981-1585     (fax) 866-527-9526

Posted via email from Charlottesville Virginia

you little cutie!

How cute are your local Buses?

San Francisco has the cable cars and large cities have their trolley and street cars but I think for a small town,

Charlottesville is doing just fine!

Take a look at our Charlottesville City Buses"

Charlottesville Bus

Now that has Style!

One way trips are only 75 cents!           Kids under 5 are free

University of Virginia students, staff, and faculty may ride on any CTS bus on any fixed-route, without paying a fare, simply by showing the CTS driver their current valid UVA photo ID card.

Just another reason to love Charlottesville!

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties, Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia

(main) 434-515-1585     (cell) 434-981-1585     (fax) 866-527-9526 
Charlottesville on Twitter Charlottesville on Facebook Charlottesville on Linkedin Charlottesville Real Estate Search Charlottesville on FriendFeed Charles on Active Rain Charlottesville Real Estate feed

Posted via email from Charlottesville Virginia

Cone of Silence

When we are working with a client we must keep our conversations "private"

talking with clients

One of my clients who I am currently working with was telling me about their financial situation and wanted if I would tell another agent or my principle broker about it. I responded with "absolutely not, everything we discuss is private"…

My client responded with "kinda like a Doctor?"

I said "yes, just like a Doctor"

Posted by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate!

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties, Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia

(main) 434-515-1585     (cell) 434-981-1585     (fax) 866-527-9526 

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

The Rocks – located in the Charlottesville Real Estate area

3150 ROCKS FARM CT, CHARLOTTESVILLE

Disclaimer: Copyright ©2004-2010 Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors®. All rights reserved. Information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate for Charlottesville Real Estate sale on this website comes in part from the IDX Program of Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors®. Listing broker has attempted to offer accurate data, but buyers are advised to confirm all items. Any use of search facilities of data on this site other than by a consumer interested in the purchase of real estate, is prohibited. Information last updated today. All rights reserved. Created by Charlottesville Virginia Real Estate

for clients use only.  

Charles McDonald, REALTOR® / Associate Broker with RE/MAX Assured Properties, and is "Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia”

Copyright © 2005-2010 Charles A. McDonald – All rights reserved.        Website Designed and created by Charles McDonald

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

You do not need to apologize for success….

Great words of wisdom. I hope that some of our Charlottesville Real Estate agents get the message…

Via Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate:

 

Competition is our nature!There is a school of thought that believes that competition is primitive, and that an enlightened society should strive to eliminate it in every form.

However, competition is one of the most intense natural instincts imbedded into the genetic program for animal survival, and that fact is inescapable.

As animals, we instinctively compete for food, for territory, and for mates most likely to produce healthy offspring. It is the underlying principle of natural selection that subconsciously motivates us into action.

One needs only to visit the local supermarket before a snowstorm to realize just how intense the natural urges control behavior well beyond the boundaries of rational thought as the shelves are stripped in a frenzy of unbridled hoarding.

Competition in business drives us forward, and allows the fountainhead of thought to continually move us forward in technology and marketing. And while we may cooperate when necessary, it is competition that inspires us to excel.

There is no shame in being the best in your field of endeavor. One need not make excuses for superiority.

After all, it’s our nature to compete!

Photo: Men's 4X100 Relay 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

 

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Get the latest GA Foreclosure List Updated Daily! We Do HUD bids in Georgia! 770-827-6225

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties, Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia

(main) 434-515-1585     (cell) 434-981-1585     (fax) 866-527-9526 

 

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville VA Real Estate

 Search for Charlottesville Real Estate 22901 or Search for Crozet Real Estate 22932 in one great place!

Posted via email from Charlottesville Virginia

Building with Clients in the Charlottesville Real Estate market

Building with Clients in the Charlottesville Real Estate market 

Charlottesville new construction agent

Today I drove out to see one of the homes I am having built with my clients in Old Trail.

Seeing a home go from conception to plans to foundation to framing (you get the picture) is very exciting. Since my clients are not local to the area, I want them to see the progress and I also like being there for all the inspections.

it is a great time to build in the Charlottesville area and I am always available to help

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties, Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia

(main) 434-515-1585     (cell) 434-981-1585     (fax) 866-527-9526 

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate Twitter update

  • Why did my County Assessor call me? http://post.ly/R94P
    Sat Mar 06 19:17:35 +0000 2010
  • Assessed vs Appraised (Know the difference) http://post.ly/R8U1
    Sat Mar 06 18:09:18 +0000 2010
  • Just posted on ActiveRain: So you think you are a Big Shot? http://activerain.com/t/1530923
    Sat Mar 06 18:03:32 +0000 2010
  • Charlottesville Real Estate put into perspective… http://post.ly/R8No
    Sat Mar 06 17:58:44 +0000 2010
  • The Calm after the Storm – Charlottesville Virginia! http://post.ly/R6XE
    Sat Mar 06 14:24:36 +0000 2010
  • Interesting new listing in Charlottesville area http://bit.ly/8Yv9GJ
    Fri Mar 05 19:45:19 +0000 2010
  • Morning Coffee in Charlottesville with Charles http://post.ly/QvO1
    Fri Mar 05 14:39:55 +0000 2010
  • Now that’s a Whopper! http://bit.ly/9lRWfT
    Fri Mar 05 02:14:20 +0000 2010
  • Why SRES and Charlottesville Real Estate do mix! http://post.ly/Qq0a
    Fri Mar 05 02:13:10 +0000 2010
  • Land – “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore” but be careful …. http://post.ly/QdVX
    Wed Mar 03 23:57:57 +0000 2010
  • Farmington Country Club – Charlottesville Virginia http://post.ly/QdCh
    Wed Mar 03 23:19:44 +0000 2010
  • Just posted on ActiveRain: I want a Paperless Real Estate Office in my area…. am I wrong? http://activerain.com/t/1525853
    Wed Mar 03 23:01:01 +0000 2010
  • I want a Paperless Real Estate Office in Charlottesville…. am I wrong? http://post.ly/Qd1a
    Wed Mar 03 22:57:36 +0000 2010
  • I am a little sad the Winter Olympics are over…Our family really enjoyed them this year!
    Wed Mar 03 12:29:48 +0000 2010
  • Saw several nice homes today at Charlottesville Broker Open Houses http://bit.ly/bj0Z7H
    Tue Mar 02 19:52:15 +0000 2010
  • Morning Coffee in Charlottesville with Charles http://post.ly/QMeX
    Tue Mar 02 12:47:16 +0000 2010
  • Charlottesville Ice Park takes a fall… now on the block http://post.ly/QDxl
    Mon Mar 01 18:22:38 +0000 2010
  • I want a Mule for my Charlottesville Real Estate… What the heck is Charles thinking? http://post.ly/QDp0
    Mon Mar 01 18:08:28 +0000 2010
  • Just posted on ActiveRain: Mule or Gator? now that is a good question… http://activerain.com/t/1521063
    Mon Mar 01 18:06:43 +0000 2010
  • Are you watching the prices in Dunlora? very interesting to look at the history… http://bit.ly/d0WSj3
    Mon Mar 01 16:52:59 +0000 2010
  • Charlottesville Sales for 5 years, any questions? http://bit.ly/bqWSj1
    Mon Mar 01 16:51:35 +0000 2010
  • Charlottesville Sales for 5 years…. any questions? http://bit.ly/bTaEa0
    Mon Mar 01 16:50:24 +0000 2010

Why did my County Assessor call me?

Good question!

Albemarle County

 

In the past I have posted about the difference between Assessed vs Appraised and we all know the difference (if not follow the link for a quick refresher).

Recently I received a call from our local Albemarle Assessor's office. I was a little taken back as I have never been called from then before and I could not figure out what it was about.

 

Assessed Value

Well it was all very interesting… They wanted to know how and why my clients got such a good deal on the purchase of their home in Albemarle (The county that Charlottesville Real Estate is located in).

I guess I could have been a little sarcastic, but the truth of the matter is we negotiated a great deal on this Real Estate transaction. My clients purchased far enough under "Assessed value" that it must of sent up a RED FLAG.

I am not going to mention the address but you can be sure that I will be sending a message to my clients!

They are in great shape!

 

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville VA Real Estate

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

Assessed vs Appraised (Know the difference)

Are you selling your home? What is your home worth? Most people need to know the difference between Assessed vs Appraised.

Many people feel that their homes are worth at least what these are assessed at by the county assessor's office. Keep in mind that this number is used to generate taxes and is also generated based on the prior year.

                      

Do not confuse an assessment with an appraisal. You should also be aware that a real estate agent or broker can not give you an appraisal on your home.

Only a licensed appraiser can generate a cost approach or property comparison appraisal for you.

This is much more accurate than the normal CMA that an agent or broker generates on a property. Very often this is a valuable tool in selling your home and I have advised some clients to consider this if they are having a difficult time selling their home in the current market.

If you are looking to sell your Charlottesville Real Estate you need to know the facts about value.

Let's get it sold!

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate put into perspective…

Solar System

So how big is that land you are looking at in Charlottesville? There is always more than one way to look at things…

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties

 

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville VA Real Estate

 Search for Charlottesville Real Estate 22901 or Search for Crozet Real Estate 22932 in one great place!

Posted via email from Charlottesville Virginia

The Calm after the Storm – Charlottesville Virginia!

I just love the sky after a storm!!!

Charlottesville Weather

Charlottesville Virginia  seems to get the tail end of hurricanes (from the South) and the Northern storms that come from Canada seem to hit a lot harder in the DC area (and New England) than they do in our area.

Did Thomas Jefferson pick a great place to live or what???

If you are looking for 4 seasons with mild weather, you need to put Charlottesville Real Estate on your list!

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties, Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia

(main) 434-515-1585     (cell) 434-981-1585     (fax) 866-527-9526 
Charlottesville on Twitter Charlottesville on Facebook Charlottesville on Linkedin Charlottesville Real Estate Search Charlottesville on FriendFeed Charles on Active Rain Charlottesville Real Estate feed

 

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville VA Real Estate

 Search for Charlottesville Real Estate 22901 or Search for Crozet Real Estate 22932 in one great place!

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate

Morning Coffee in Charlottesville with Charles

Charlottesville CoffeeDealing with Charlottesville Real Estate, every morning is quite unique. You see my clients (next to family) are my priority but some days I get so busy that I do not have time to touch base and I really wish I could.

This morning I got a message from a client who reminded me of this and I am taking it to heart…

Since I have a few open hours, I am going to use it to contact a few people I have not talked to in awhile.

The wonderful thing about this business is I get to work with so many wonderful people and sometimes there is a void after a deal is done.

If you feel the same way, drop me an email, pick up the phone or drop by :)

And do not forget, If you see me on the road, be sure to Honk!

Let me know if you need anything?

Charles

Associate BROKER at RE/MAX Assured Properties, Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia

(main) 434-515-1585     (cell) 434-981-1585     (fax) 866-527-9526 
Charlottesville on Twitter Charlottesville on Facebook Charlottesville on Linkedin Charlottesville Real Estate Search Charlottesville on FriendFeed Charles on Active Rain Charlottesville Real Estate feed

Posted via email from Charlottesville Real Estate