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….
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!
| 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! |
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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.
Wow, I feel like I need another cup of coffee!
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!
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!
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 24.
See more
Forest Lakes tract real estate.
(all data current as of
3/14/2010)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
and here are a few in Forest Lakes South
Showing properties
1 - 3 of 21.
See more
Forest Lakes South tract real estate.
(all data current as of
3/14/2010)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
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:
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"

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

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!
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
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
Charles McDonald, REALTOR® / Associate Broker with RE/MAX Assured Properties, and is "Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia”
Great words of wisdom. I hope that some of our Charlottesville Real Estate agents get the message…
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
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!
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

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.

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
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!

So how big is that land you are looking at in Charlottesville? There is always more than one way to look at things…
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!
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!
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!
Dealing 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!
SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) is a designation given to agents who have training to work with the 55+ real estate clients. Since the baby boomers are becoming more and more tech savvy, working with this group of clients is critical for most agents.
Not all agents undergo this training but maybe they should (at lease consider it).
The beauty of Charlottesville Real Estate is that we offer so many options for clients looking to relocate as well as clients who are looking to retire to our area. No I am not talking about retirement communities, I am talking about a healthy lifestyle and an area where there are activities for active adults!
Come visit Charlottesville and see what others have found. There is a quality of life (we all deserve) and Charlottesville fits that need!!!
I am looking forward to meeting you,
Charles
Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate
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!

We have all heard the famous quote by Mark Twain :
Well that may be true but you certainly need to be careful…
Recently I have seen a couple of interesting situations.
1. I had a prospect call me saying that they wanted 5-10 acres for less than 100K and wanted to build within a few months.
Talk about a can of worms. They were looking at raw land… no power, access is questionable (many areas require a minimum distance of roadway to allow a driveway), no water, no septic…. Do you get the point?
2. I am seeing agents advertise land in areas that is not that desirable when the purchasers will go to resell…
Here is the scenario, the land is beautiful but the remote location makes it less than desirable. Ask yourself this question: "how far is it to get a gallon of milk?"…. If you are new to the area you could end up purchasing a piece of land that is truly over-priced, even though it is beautiful.
Sometimes I see a remote farm being broken up for resale and I always ask why? Would it not resell as a farm, or is it simple the owner trying to cash in…

Mark Twain was a wise man and they may not be making land anymore but you should consider a good Buyers Agent if you are looking to purchase land. One that knows the are and the pros and cons regarding building.
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!
Located just West of Charlottesville (actually just minutes) is Farmington Country Club. The Club's Mission Statement says it all:
"Farmington Country Club is a traditional, family-oriented private club with a proud history, rich traditions and commitment to the customs of southern hospitality and gracious living." Read the entire Mission Statement here

Features include:
Come and see why so many people enjoy the Charlottesville Real Estate
Click here for recent Homes available in Farmington Country Club
This week I sent an HOA package that was 160 pages with a simple link to the PDF file.
My home inspectors now do their reports totally on-line (or I would consider not using them).
We even transfer plats, surveys and contracts by email.
Yes we are close but I still want a Paperless Real Estate Office!!!

DEFINITION: The paperless office was a publicist's slogan, meant to describe the office of the future. The basic idea was that office automation would make paper redundant for routine tasks such as record-keeping and bookkeeping. The idea came to prominence with the introduction of the personal computer
PROBLEM: Here is the problem. I still get agents who do not get it…. yet. Some are hand filling out contracts when we can now put everything on-line with Adobe. If you still have to hand write it, then scan it and send it to me. Please do not make me a copy, I just want to reduce the paper.
SIGNATURES: Sure we are seeing digital signatures too, but they have not yet caught on in our area.I am looking forward to when they are accepted.
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!
It’s always a tough call to make when you’re shopping around for a home – to buy or to build is a dilemma that persists, especially if both options seem to be equally viable. But if you take some time to ponder the decision based on the following aspects, you may be able to reach a satisfactory conclusion. In general:
It’s better to build if:
It’s better to buy if:
A word of caution before you invest in a home – irrespective of whether you buy or build, you need to choose or construct a home that is easy and cost-effective when it comes to maintenance, and which is easy to sell after a few years if you ever have to move or need another home for various reasons. So while a swimming pool, fireplaces and a wet bar are great ideas for your home, they boost the price by a significant amount when you’re hoping to sell and also take out a large chunk of your income by way of maintenance. Instead of investing in a home that is largely superfluous and excessive, be practical for the most part while allowing yourself a few choice indulgences – this is how you maximize the value of a home.
By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Nicole Adams, she writes on the topic of construction management degree . She welcomes your comments at her email id: nicole.adams83@gmail.com .
Note: Charles works with several local builders in the area but does not represent them. He represents only his clients interests. If you are considering building you may want to give Charles McDonald a call at 434-515-1585 or visit him on the Web at Charlottesville Real Estate Group
Well believe it or not they are calling for snow in Charlottesville this evening….
As I drink my coffee, I realize that my schedule is full and that is the way I like it. I have the pleasure of going to Henley Middle School today to meet regarding High School schedules… WOW, I am feeling old
Then I have a photographer meeting at a new listing, a lunch meeting with a builder and showing homes all afternoon.
With days like this I appreciate my support staff!
This weekend, Charlottesville Ice Park owners Bruce and Roberta Williamson sent a letter to staff members, longtime skaters and local media announcing the sale of the local skating rink, which they bought for $3.1 million in 2003. After two years of improvements—from a new Zamboni and sound system to a rooftop humidifier—the Williamsons extended their lease of the rink's building, at 218 West Main Street, through November 30, 2010. The Williamsons have the option to extend their lease through 2015, but write that they agreed to "allow cumulative losses up to $1 million."