If you're considering putting your house on the market, you've probably contemplated the pros and cons of hiring a Real Estate Agent vs. going it alone and trying to sell the home yourself.   To save you some time, I can assure you that the pros outnumber any cons by a long shot.  There is a reason why so many sellers list their home with a real estate agent, and it's not because they want to give up 6% of the profits to selling their home.  It's because they want to sell their home wisely and to do so as quickly as possible.   1.  Selling a home takes knowledge of the housing market, which can change at the drop of a dime. Unless you have the time to do daily research on what's sold, what hasn't, for what amount and why, etc. You won't have the insight necessary that is crucial when it... 05/31/2016

I have clients of almost a decade who have decided to sell their townhouse - fortunately, they got a purchase contract the weekend AFTER my residents of 5 years vacated the home. Prior to this, I agreed with sales agents (my referral) that I would have certain walls at the property painted with the owner funds on hand.   EVERYBODY has been copied on my e-mails about this issue. One of the co-owners wanted to know why I was not getting 3 bids for this $1300 work......her e-mail indicated she had never heard of a rental agent not providing bids. OK....I am a PROPERTY MANAGER with an employment contract.  I am authorized to have work performed up to a certain amount and NOWHERE is it required that I get 3 bids. The 3-Bid Rule applies to HOMEOWNERS who want to know how to solve a problem so... 05/25/2016

Clutter. . .it's that "stuff" around your house that you no longer use, but for whatever reason haven't bothered to throw away, donate or sell.  It's taking up unnecessary space that you could likely use for something else, or keep free, clear and clean.    One of the number one things a realtor will tell a homeowner to do when selling their home is to de-clutter.  From removing small collectables that are collecting dust, to the piles of mail and your kids artwork hanging from the ceilings, walls and chandeliers (not literally, but you know what I mean).   It's all clutter and needs to go.  Your objective is to stage your home so that when potential buyers walk thru it they see a clean canvas that they can envision their "stuff" in.   It's important to declutter even if you're not sell... 05/04/2016

  Renting a home or buying a home are very different. In the current market, many people may be stuck between deciding to buy a home or to rent. What are the pros and cons of buying vs. renting?  Read some of these highlights below.  Depending on your current situation, family size, income, etc. It may or may not be best to rent vs. buy or vice versa.   Renting a Home Pros:-pay your landlord each month-monthly rent is typically lower than a mortgage-you aren’t bound to a 30-year mortgage Cons:-often only temporary-limited freedom (pets and renovations aren't under your control, etc.)-rent payments don’t stop like a mortgage-rental fees can and will increase Buying a Home Pros:-gain home equity or ownership of your home-if you have a fixed mortgage, you pay the same amount each month-onc... 04/09/2016

3-Home Equestrian Property for Sale in Charlottesville VA | 2890 Pleasant View LnIf you are in search for a life of luxury and splendor while having all the space and freedom to enjoy life in the company of your family, friends and loved ones, then 2890 Pleasant View Ln may be the home of your dreams. This beautiful and vast luxury home for sale in Charlottesville sits on 7.91 acres of land that includes within its boundaries a beautiful custom built contemporary main home, a fully functional and liveable poolside house, and a 2-bedroom cabin. This home is perfect for extended families or for those who entertain a lot of guests.All 3 homes within the compound are exquisitely designed with heart pine and oak floors, soapstone and marble, and equipped with stainless steel appliances. The ... 04/04/2016

 Paint.  It's the simplest way to freshen up a home, but all too often homeowners aren't as informed as they should be on how to use it, where to use it, when to use it and even what conditions are needed for the best outcome.  Add those technicalities to the uncertainty of colors and you have hours in a home improvement store only to buy the wrong paint.   To help you out a bit, here are some quick "cliff notes" on types of paint depending on the area of your home that you're wanting to paint, or have painted.  Exterior:  For exterior projects, try sticking to a brand like Sherwin Williams or Ben Moore for sure!  PPG is also a good brand.  This is a type of paint that you don't want to skimp on or take a "bargain" that your end result will be much less than you expected.  There are als... 04/01/2016

Okay, perhaps this may seem a little biased, considering my hometown is Charlottesville, VA (aka: C'ville), but even still, most newbies, passerby's and visitors agree that the area is truly great, with so much to offer!   1. Each side of town offers it's own feel, and "personality".   It's hard to explain unless you have lived here for a year or longer, but it's true. . .people tend to cling to one side of town or the other.  They pick their coffee spot, their dry cleaner, gym, grocery store and the restaurants that they eat at.  Business owners know their customers by name, and no matter what area of town you choose to "mark your territory," you will get the same warm feeling at any local area business.  2. College Town:  Some may not like the idea of living in a college town, but C'v... 03/25/2016

There has been a surge in fixer upper homes on the market. Many people are looking for homes they can renovate and make their own. But how do you sell a fixer-upper?  Hire a real estate agent. Agents are experts on future trends, market value, and selling homes. They can give you advise you on your home’s value, what needs to be fixed, and find potential homebuyers for you. Selling on your own without an agent can be almost impossible.  Price it right. When you’re selling a fixer upper, it is all about the perceived value of the home. The amount of work that needs to be done in the home needs to match the price that it’s being sold for. You will have a hard time selling a fixer upper for a high price when it needs a lot of work. For the potential homebuyer, it may be out of their budget... 03/17/2016

Fixer uppers happen to be the most intriguing opportunity for home buyers. This is because they are often bought at a reasonable price but require a huge amount of expense on repairs and renovations. Most individuals opt for fixer-uppers because they allow them to get a larger house at a reasonable price.In today’s tough real estate market, it is hard to find a home that proves to be a cost-effective and offers sound solution for a better living. This is why a fixer-upper home often proves to be a reliable strategy. Fixer uppers are also great for people who admire old houses and love to work on their maintenance. So here are some of the reasons why you should invest in a fixer-upper.CustomizationThe best thing about a fixer-upper is that it can be customized with the aid of a few struc... 03/11/2016

It can be a quick decision when you decide to put your house on the market. Whether it’s because you need more room, a new job has come your way, or you have to relocate for a variety of other reasons; the decision to put your house on the market is the easy part. Having a home that can be shown at the drop of a dime might not be so easy, especially when you live with kids and pets. Here are some tips on being better prepared for your prospective buyers to feel comfortable in your home, while allowing them to visualize themselves living in a new environment.       .  LESS IS MORE: Having less “stuff” in your home and even on your walls is always a known “staging” technique when your home is on the market. Convincing your kids that “less is more” is tricky, but do-able. Try packing thing... 03/03/2016

Beginner’s Guide to Basic Horse CareYou finally found the horse farm of your dreams among the many horse farms in Charlottesville VA you had to choose from. You’ve got your eyes on the horses you’ll get and the equipment you’ll need. Now that you’re ready to build the home of your dreams, it’s time to stock up on horse care knowledge. It can be overwhelming at first for beginners so here are a few things that will help you ease into basic horse care.Regular exerciseJust like any other living creature, your horses will need regular exercise. Allow them to graze every day. Let them move around freely. Make sure you also have the necessary shade they’ll need during the day in case it gets too hot for them while they’re grazing. Horses have limited movement inside their stalls. Keep them he... 02/23/2016

For someone like me (a TRUE Charlottesvillian!) understanding why Charlottesville is such a great place to live is second nature. We have all the amenities of a big city coupled with a very healthy dose of small town charm. But it seems that the secret is out! I am happy to say that Charlottesville is growing and why not?   Fine restaurants, wonderful people and a forward looking vision towards the future is what makes this town the perfect place for families and singles alike. Albemarle County and Charlottesville are currently part of a larger state wide trend that is seeing growth mostly in the urban areas.  Estimates state that in 2010 48,000+ people lived in Charlottesville as of July of 2015 reflecting a 10.9% raise in population since the 2010 census. That’s a pretty healthy incr... 02/02/2016

Top 3 Architectural Styles for Your Next Charlottesville VA HomeCharlottesville is a town where the past and present make a great combination. The evidence is in the mixture of traditional and contemporary styles of the homes that you can find here.You have to come and see the place for yourself and experience the breathtaking view of these architectural masterpieces.Homes in Charlottesville are made of different materials, infused with different styles and techniques unique to each architect and designer.Many have been around for years, carrying with them a rich history that is a common characteristic of many Charlottesville homes.Discover in the list below some of the top architectural styles you may want to consider for your next home. ColonialThe most common home style that you will... 01/26/2016

4 Essential Pieces of Equipment You Should Have on Your Charlottesville VA Horse FarmManaging and maintaining a horse farm is not an easy task, however, it is something that every horse owner should incorporate into their daily routine to keep their horses in tip-top shape. Getting all the help you need to maintain your Charlottesville VA horse farm is certainly beneficial; and this starts by having the right equipment around.Here are some essential pieces of equipment that you’ll need to have in your farm.The right vehicleTransportation for your horses is one of the first things that you should think about. The number of horses you will move and the distance you will generally travel will determine the kind of truck and trailer you need to buy. Trailers can range in size from a two hor... 11/09/2015

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Home in Charlottesville Golf CommunitiesIt would be a dream for any golf enthusiast to live amidst the thrill and excitement of the golf course. For those who are considering to buy a home in Charlottesville golf communities for the first time, there are a number basic things to consider. If you’re among the many hopefuls to follow the steps of successful owners of golf homes, here are some ideas to get you on track.The viewGreen is definitely a color you’d expect to see surrounding a Charlottesville VA golf home. Aside from the greenery, make sure to include in your considerations the view surrounding your potential golf home. Are the windows facing the sunset or the sunrise? Is there a magnificent view to see first thing in the morning after a goo... 10/20/2015

Tips for First-Time Buyers of Charlottesville Horse FarmsFor anyone with the love and passion for horses, buying your very own horse farm for the first time is very exciting, indeed! Owning, setting up and maintaining a horse farm that will give the best possible conditions for your horses requires a lot of knowledge and experience. For first time owners, you would certainly have to start somewhere; and here are some useful tips for you not only to get started in the right direction but also to build the confidence needed in maintaining your own horse farm.Lot sizeExperienced owners suggest that one should consider the largest lot size that they can get. More often than not, buyers have underestimated this detail. Some might think that 25 acres is enough, but after considering everythin... 10/20/2015

Welcome Fall with these Fun Events in Charlottesville VAHalf a year has gone by and there are still plenty of things to do near homes for sale in Charlottesville VA. Aside from the fall season, everyone is also gearing up for the end of the year. To make 2015 even more memorable, here are a few other things you could add to your list of fun and exciting activities this fall:Charlottesville Fall Classic - Half and 10K MarathonsBrought to you by the Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports team, Charlottesville welcomes all runners to experience one of the best running trail and road-running events in the country near Charlottesville horse farms. The fall season brings about the perfect conditions while the path to the finish line gives runners the challenge that will test their limits. Happening... 10/13/2015

Top 3 Book Stores In and Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VAFor those with a passion for books and reading, there are a number of places where you can find great reads near homes for sale in Charlottesville VA. The city is home to a number of great bookshops that cater to all kinds of readers and collectors alike. Whether you are looking for new and contemporary books, used books and even antique items such as old maps, you may just find what you are seeking in any of these well-loved bookshops in town.Daedalus BookshopHave you ever been surrounded by towering walls of books? Many have been mesmerized by the sight you’ll see at the Daedalus Bookshop. Their collection of books covers a wide range of academic topics that many customers commend them for. Frequent customers admit to... 10/07/2015

Top 5 Kitchen Trends for Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VAThere is a variety styles of homes for sale in Charlottesville VA. Many homeowners enjoy decorating and personalizing every part of their home.A particular part of the house that gets immediate attention is the kitchen. Since this is where meals are prepared, the kitchen has the ability to bring families and friends together.If you want to make some improvements to your kitchen, here are some of the latest kitchen trends:Innovative storage and functionalityYou will be amazed at how storage design and functionality has been transformed today. Designs are now more creative, more contemporary and most of all more efficient. The aesthetic aspect of innovative storage nowadays comes with well-thought out designs that feature ease o... 09/04/2015

THE NATION’S BEST PUBLIC UNIVERSITYThe University of Virginia (UVA or U.Va.), often referred to as simply Virginia, is a public research university in Charlottesville,Virginia. UVA is known for its historic foundations, student-run honor code, and secret societies.Its initial Board of Visitors included U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. Monroe was the sittingPresident of the United States at the time of the founding; Jefferson and Madison were the first two rectors. UVA was established in 1819, with its Academical Village and original courses of study conceived and designed entirely by Thomas Jefferson. UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 1987, an honor shared with nearby Monticello.For nearly two centuries, the University of Virginia has been a... 09/04/2015