The anatomy of a good offer

At the heart of every real estate transaction is the contract, the agreement between two parties for the purchase of a home.  The contract reflects hours of work on the part of the buyers, sellers and their agents to craft an agreement that works for both parties.  Whether or not it is a “good offer” […]

Staging a house to sell

“It can be hard for homeowners to really see their own dwelling,” declares Liz Blankenship, co-owner of Charlottesville’s Stage to Sell. “They are emotionally and financially invested in their home, so it’s hard to view it as a ‘product’ competing with other houses for sale.” While staging may not increase the ultimate selling price of […]

Second life: A Madison property ready for the next act

What do you want with a big old house in the woods? This listing, a 4,000- square-foot home outside Madison, seems to invite far-flung ideas. Sure, it could be a family home, as it has been since it was built in 1986. But something about it suggests that it’s ripe for repurposing. We’ll muse on […]

The good news continues for Charlottesville’s commercial real estate market

Nationally there is good news for commercial real estate, and local agents express similar optimism about our local market. A commercial market report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) based on national survey data indicated  “an upbeat pace of sales during the second quarter.”  They also reported a “6.4 percent quarterly increase, following a 3.8 […]

Homeowners associations keep property values high

The primary purpose of a Homeowners Association (HOA) is to preserve a subdivision’s property values so owners can enjoy a consistent quality of neighborhood and lifestyle. One way they do this is by enforcing standards for the external appearance of homes and yards as defined in the neighborhood’s restrictions and covenants.  Another is by maintaining […]

Moving tips: make moving easier and less stressful

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 35 million Americans move each year. And, although most movers are reputable companies, the number of complaints is on the rise. Moving into a new home is an exciting event, but the reality is that it’s often stressful for the entire family. That is why […]

August ABODE! In this month’s issue…

The August issue of Abode is on stands now. Here’s what’s inside… A Q&A with landscape designer, author and lecturer Cole Burrell. A look inside interior designer Marta Tice’s favorite room in her home. The debate about dining rooms: Are formal spaces on their way out? A converted Batesville schoolhouse with plenty of possibilities. This […]

Back to school: A converted house keeps a foot in the past

Wend your way through quirky, loveable Batesville, and you’ll spy plenty of historical properties. The heart of this quintessential Albemarle village is loaded with timeworn buildings, but one of the most interesting residences isn’t quite visible from the road. Ecole—that’s French for “school,” bien sûr—is a onetime schoolhouse dating to the early 1920s. Those were […]