Buying or Renovating for the Long Term

By Celeste M. Smucker – Updating a home so the occupants can live there comfortably for the long term is a hot topic these days  and is all about adding features that promote convenience, accessibility and ease. While once this concept was aimed at Boomers who wanted to stay longer in their homes, most of […]

Questions Every Buyer Should Ask Their REALTOR®

By Celeste M. Smucker– For most people, buying a home is a huge investment, and, whether you are a seasoned homebuyer or a first timer, it is important to find the right REALTOR®  to guide you through the process.  First and foremost is to find someone you feel comfortable with and who enjoys their role […]

Pipeline parallels? Eminent domain: the movie

One of the least popular Supreme Court decisions this century would have to be Kelo v. New London, a case that resulted in 45 states, including Virginia, passing laws or, in the Old Dominion’s case, constitutional amendments to prevent the seizing of private property to benefit other private owners under the guise of economic development. […]

In brief: GOP scrambles, council contretemps, stormy waters and more

Riggleman snatches 5th District Republican nomination Five days after Congressman Tom Garrett announced he would not seek re-election to deal with alcoholism, distiller and former gubernatorial candidate Denver Riggleman fended off 10 other candidates in a five-hour marathon meeting June 2 at Nelson County High in Lovingston and secured the nomination by one vote. Because […]

UPDATED: Ivy flood victims found

The second victim’s body has been found after a couple’s Toyota Prius was swept away by flash flooding on the night of May 30 near the intersection of Old Ballard Road and Martin Farm Lane in Ivy. At about 12:30pm today, a canine search crew detected a scent about one-third of a mile downstream from […]

Madison County: Close-In Living With a Host of Amenities

By Celeste M. Smucker – Madison County is acclaimed for its beautiful scenery and multitude of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and fishing. It appeals to homebuyers who want an amenity-rich, rural lifestyle and those who value privacy at a reasonable cost. Easy access to the employment, shopping, educational, recreational and cultural benefits of Charlottesville […]