My New Blog

I’ve said it over and over…. Charlottesville is a wonderful place to live!  Now Kiplinger recognizes it as one of the top 5 Great Cities for Retirees.  A nice article about  all the amenities that are important to retirees ( and to other age groups) ie.  numerous doctors,  golf, hiking, theater, transportation, low crime and more. 

Check out the article.   Kiplinger.com….

Great article about how marketing is changing and how important the internet really is.

  Where do Buyers Shop for Homes?

A Great Value in Greene County just got better.

This home was just reduced to $349,900 today!  A great value!  What separates this home from most in the neighborhood.... paved driveway, 9 ft ceilings, upgrades fixtures, hardwood floor throughout the first floor, extra tall cherry cabinets in the kitchen, ceiling fans in almost every room,4 bedrooms AND a large finished bonus room, Crane board insulated siding, ex large water heater.....and this is One of 2 homes in the neighborhood built by Southern Development.

Better Homes and Gardens have partnered with Real Estate III here in Charlottesville Virginia.  I am so excited and overwhelmed.  That's pretty much what I've said since last Thursday when it became public knowledge.  That was when all the tools and technology was revealed to the agents.  There are so many things that will help our clients that I have not seen anywhere else... Not to mention the clout and name recognition that Better Homes and Gardens has. 

This is very exciting!

The article in  Business Week  does grab your attention.... but is it  true?  "If you don't buy a home now, You're either Stupid or Broke".  Sometimes don't you  wish you could say this to a few Buyers.  I don't think they understand what a "holiday gift" this really is.  Most econmic forecaster are stating that interest rates will begin to climb after the first of the year and will be 1% to 2% higher in the next 12 months.No, I really don't believe my clients are stupid... but I  want to make sure they have have really looked at all the factors. 

Interest rates are at a 40 year low. 

The tax credit for first time home buyers and for existing home owners is substantial. ($8000 or $6500)

Inventories are falling.

5 straight months of increased sales.

Here is one example that illustrates increasing interest rates and how they could affect your payment.  Look at  a 30 year mortgage of $300,000 at today's rate 4.875%. The PI payment is $1587.  If rates climb 2% then that  PI payment CLIMBS to $1970.  WOW!  Almost $400 a month increase.

Maybe it would be nicer said..."If you don't buy a home now, You're either Broke or Uninformed".

Here is the link to the 3rd Quarter Report for Charlottesville Area Real Estate- market.

Yes...compared to 3rd quarter last year(2008) things have improved.  Yes ... overall compared to 2008 total number of sales are down....but... we hope by year end to catch up to 2008 numbers.