A home’s floor is, in many ways, the fifth wall of any room. Many people know exactly what they want on that “wall.” Case in point: Lorraine Krebs in Nelson County who had a couple non-negotiable house-hunting items. “I wanted hardwood floors,” she declares. “If there were stairs, I wanted hardwood steps. I wanted a […]
A home’s floor is, in many ways, the fifth wall of any room. Many people know exactly what they want on that “wall.” Case in point: Lorraine Krebs in Nelson County who had a couple non-negotiable house-hunting items. “I wanted hardwood floors,” she declares. “If there were stairs, I wanted hardwood steps. I wanted a […]
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” […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Be the envy of the neighborhood and tempt buyers at the same time. Seems like there is always one home in a neighborhood that’s just nicer than all the others. It’s cheerful by day and has nice lighting at night. It looks attractive. It looks cared for. It looks loved. While it’s not always easy […]
Almost every day you hear discouraging stories of the ever-higher costs of higher education, but it is usually a wise investment. The U.S. Census Bureau says males with a college degree earn 80 percent more than male high school grads and female college graduates earn more than twice as much as women with only a […]
“It is a great art to saunter” – Henry David Thoreau, Journal, April 26, 1841. What a great place to take a walk! Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, Central Virginia is flush with parks, trails and wilderness areas that beckon fitness buffs and nature lovers of all ages and experience levels, from families […]
Home owners preparing to sell their house often ask what repairs they should do to make it more saleable without spending more than they will get back at closing. Several variables such as the seller’s motivation, budget and time frame impact this decision. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to most situations. The […]