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 […]

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 […]

Curb appeal

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 […]

Affording college

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 […]

Hiking in Central Virginia

“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 […]

Raising your home’s resale value

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 […]

Choosing siding for your home

Few things make a bigger impact on your home’s appearance—whether new construction or remodeling—than the siding you choose. Not only can the right siding make your place look great, it protects from damage from wind, weather, humidity, and insects. Unlike the Three Little Pigs, few people in Central Virginia make their homes of straw or […]