The National Ground Intelligence Center - NGIC - is planning a big relocation over the next 5 years which will bring an influx of home seekers to the Charlottesville Area, but not every one of those NGIC/DIA employees will want to buy a home.  Some may want to first rent to get to know the area and others may want to ONLY rent because of a variety of circumstances, not the least of which is the soft selling market for those NGIC folks who already own homes in other markets. I have updated my NGIC Real Estate Website with new information about finding rental homes near NGIC in Northern Albemarle County and Greene County.   If you are considering a move to Rivanna Station, check it out and feel free to call or email me if you have questions!   Amy Webb 10/03/2008

An increasing number of Charlottesville residents are becoming aware of the impact that their home has on the environment.  They are concerned with the carbon footprint of their home. The following are some simple ways that you can make your home "greener" and lower your utility bill at the same time. Switch to Compact flourescent light bulbs. Program your thermostat.  Set the temperature to 78 or lower in the summer and 62 or lower in the winter.  A programable thermostat allows you to set the temperature to use less energy at times when you are away from the home or sleeping. Seal air leaks.  Caulking around windows and doors will decrease inside air loss thus cutting down on your heating or air conditioning bills. Tune up your HVAC system.  Check the system every 2 years to make sure... 09/28/2008

One of the most popular places to go for pizza in Charlottesville Virginia is Charistians Pizza.  There are two locations; one is on the downtown mall and the other is east of town on Pantops.  Both have the same great pizza.  At Christian you can order an entire pizza, but one of the best thing is the large selection of specialty pizzas that you can order by the slice.  My favorite is the avocado with fresh tomato and fetta.  Altough the fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella is a close second. If you are in Charlottesville looking at homes, be sure to visit Christians for lunch. If you would like information on the Charlottesville and Central Virginia area, give me a call; I would love to help you.  Let me put my local knowledge, energy and attention to detail to work for you to help you ... 09/27/2008

If you read my blog, you'll see I love to list the reasons why "Charlottesville, Virginia is a great place to live", but don't just take it from me, check out this link of Kudos, Awards and Recognition Charlottesville has received!  09/27/2008

Here are a few of my favorite events going on in the Charlottesville Area in the next month or so:  some of these are one-time happenings, celebrations and festivals and others are links to ongoing forms of entertainment in our community. Fall Fiber Fest and Sheep Dog Trials at Montpelier - October 4,5 Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival - October 11, 12 Martha's Market - October 10 - 12 Blackfriars Playhouse/The America Shakespear Center Virginia Film Festival - Oct 30 - Nov 2 Montalto Tours and Nature Walks at Monticello UVA Sports! Trick or Treating on the Lawn at UVA: the afternoon of Halloween on the UVA Lawn behind the Rotunda...be there an bring your camera! Public Night at the UVA Observatories ( as in looking at the Sky ) The Montpelier Races - November 1   Lots of reasons why Cha... 09/27/2008

If you live in the mid-Atlantic region and are looking for a weekend getaway this fall, or if you live right here in Central Virginia and want to spend a day appreciating our gorgeous Autumn foliage, here is a great website which will help you plan your tour of the Monticello Wine Trail!  The last 20 years have seen the Charlottesville Area wine industry really come into it's own and many of our local wineries have tasting rooms and tours.  My personal favorite is King Family Vineyards, just down the road in Crozet; the wine is spectacular and so are the magnificent Blue Ridge views from their patio: a wonderful way to spend a few serene hours.  In fact, I have to confess to stopping there for a mid-afternoon refresher with some clients a few weeks back!  We were out touring land and ho... 09/27/2008

The University of Virginia located in Charlottesville, Virginia tops the list of Virginia schools participating in this years national survey to rank the country's greenest universities.  The 2009 Sustainability Report Card, which was released today, gave UVA a grade of B.  This survey looked at such issues as sustainable building practices, dining sservices, and energy conservation.  The University acheived an A in transportation and green building. Read the complete article. The University of Virginia is located in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia.  you will find many homes listed in the local Central Virginia real estate market that have been built with an eye to green building practices and energy conservation.  If you are searching for a green built home, lets talk about what... 09/25/2008

We are off to a not so stellar start t Uhis year with our football team.  A USC blowout...beating Richmond barely and another blowout to UConn.  The humility is becoming unbearable!  According to Coach Groh, it's another rebuilding year.  Well, hasn't EVERY year been a rebuilding year since he starting coaching at UVA?  Ick.  This weekend we play Duke, which may be our only other W of the year unless a miracle happens.  With Lalich gone and controversy regarding player run ins with the law...every weekend is a new adventure.  So is Groh going to be on the chopping block?  We shall see.  I would LOVE to see Skip Holtz at Virginia!  Also, rumor has it that Lalich may be going to Oregon State.  I hear they allow small amounts of marijuana there for medicinal purposes.  He might fit in!  AN... 09/25/2008

This is Take A Child Outside Week.  Can you believe that we actually have a holiday expressly for taking a child outside?  What does it say about our society that we need to focus on making sure that children are going outside?  Don't children naturally play outside?  Apparently not anymore.  That is why nationally childhood obesity is on the rise. Luckily Charlottesville, Virginia and Albemarle County are areas with a wide selection of outdoor activities many of which are aimed at children and families.  For instance there are many places available for hiking such as the nearby Skyline Drive.  Or you can walk along the Rivanna Trail.  If water sports appeal to your child, in the summer there are many swimming pools in the area, both public and private.  Also take advantage of area rive... 09/23/2008

If you are hoping for a medical residency at the University of Virginia and want information and advice about Match Day and about Charlottesville, here is a list of resources: ERAS Residency and Osteopathic Applicants National Resident Matching ProgramFindAResident - Examine the PossibilitiesCharting Outcomes in the Match: Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty in the 2005 NRMP Main Residency Match (PDF) UVA Health Systems UVA Medical Residency Programs Other UVA LinksAll about CharlottesvilleSearch for Charlottesville PropertyThe Home Buying ProcessWhen you are waiting for your match and then suddenly you have to find a great home and move your family, it can be stressful!  My job is to simplify that process and make your relocation to Charlottesville as... 09/23/2008

If you are an NGIC employee considering relocation to Rivanna Station-Charlottesville and you have children, the needs of your children are going to be paramount in your decision. Here is a list of resources to help you with your research:First and Foremost Learn about our Area Schools including Albemarle County Schools Charlottesville City School Greene County Schools Fluvanna County Schools and there are links on this page to help you check out School Ratings and Comparisons.   Family Activities, Lessons, and FunThe biggest and most thorough resource in our area comes from Albemarle Family Magazine  This site will help you learn about recreation, sports, lessons, events, activities, camps and just about everything kid-related when it comes to the Albemarle-Charlottesville Area!!   If ... 09/23/2008

Rates - September 19, 2008 Information courtesy of: SunTrust Mortgage Inc. Sandy Madison  682 Berkmar Circle Mortgage Professional Charlottesville, VA 22901 sandy.madison@suntrust.com Fax 434-978-4259 434-566-2420 Rates - September 19, 2008 Loan Amounts: $417,000 and lower Conventional - 80% LTV - Credit Score 740 6.00% APR 6.029 FHA - 97.75% LTV 6.25% APR 6.717 VHDA - Up to 100% LTV 6.125% APR 6.18 VHDA - FHA Plus - 102.75% LTV 6.375% APR 6.90 Jumbo & Private Wealth Rates Available Upon Request About The Author Charles McDonald, Associate Broker at RE/MAX Assured Properties and dedicated Buyers Agent is the author of this blog, and several other sites on the Internet. Charles and his team of experts in the Charlottesville area are always available to help you with your Real Estate nee... 09/22/2008

We all know that buying from local farmers is the best way to get the freshest food with the best taste.  But did you know that you are strengthening the local economy at the same time? If each household in Albemarle County spends just $10.00 per week on fresh local farm products it puts $20,313,800 into the local economy.  In Charlottesville, Virginia $10.00 per family per week would contribute $9,499,360 to the cities economy.  To see what the figures are for other areas in the Piedmont click here. Use this search tool to find what local restaurants and stores sell fresh local foods. Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHDReal Estate IIICharlottesville, VA      434 960-0161      Charlottesville HomesCharlottesville Real Estate TalkCharlottesville Horse Farms 09/19/2008

The Journey Through Hallowed Ground is a scenic and educational trip along route 15/20 from Gettysburg, PA to Monticello at Charlottesville Virginia.  According to the late historian C. Van Woodward this area has "soaked up more of the blood, sweat, and tears of American history than any other part of the country". Visit the interactive website and plan your trip.  You may either focus on various geographic regions or on the following topics:  Civil War, Colonial Period, African American Heritage, Presidential Sites, Historic Buildings, and Prominent Homes.  Charlottesville, Virginia and Albemarle County have many sites that are part of the journey.  These include the University of Virginia, Monticello, Ash Lawn Highland, Clifton, Castle Hill, Edgehill, the Southwest Mountains, Proffit ... 09/18/2008

When I go on a listing appointment, there are several questions that all sellers ask. However, very few know to ask for one key piece of information: where on the  internet will my Charlottesville home be advertised or how will you use technology to sell my home or even what is your online presence.  As many REALTORS know the majority of buyers are starting their home search on line.  It makes sense that the internet is where you want to concentrate your advertising.  Anymore just putting the home on your companies website and Realtor.com is not enough.  I have a list of about 40 sites to advertise a home on and each home that I list goes out to about twenty of those at least.  In addition, if the agent has a blog as well as a website, there is another opportunity for the home to be see... 09/18/2008

We all have heard about the importance of recycling and "going green" at home, but what about at work??   We work in a paper intensive industry, so what can we do to help?   My own personal effort is to scan just about every listing agreement,  contract, amendment, floor plan, plat etc...every piece of paperwork I deal with : I keep them filed electronically on my computer so that I can relay paperwork in that form to clients, other agents, attorneys etc.   Obviously there are certain documents that must be printed for legal purposes, but I think in Real Estate we do tend to over-print and over-copy and we need to make a conscious effort to reduce waste. Here are a few more ideas which I employ: I have a Trustfax number so that I receive incoming faxes in pdf form.  I minimize any adver... 09/15/2008

  Here is a quick roundup of local fun you do not want to miss in the coming weeks -   Sept 27: The Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival Sept. 28: Fall Foxfield Races Oct. 4 and 5 : The Crozet Music Festival Oct 4 and 5: The Fall Fiber Fest and Sheep Dog Trials at Montpelier Oct. 11 and 12: The Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival         Beautiful Autumn color and wonderful fall events: more reasons why Charlottesville Virginia is a great place to live!!!     09/15/2008

Mark your calendar for these events at the University of Virginia coming up this week and weekend:September 17Screening of new PBS documentary "Questioning the Constitution"    5:00 pm at Newcomb South Meeting RoomKen Stroupe of the Center for Politics will introduce a screening of "Questioning the Constitution". This new one-hour documentary produced by the Community Idea Stations (WCVE Richmond PBS) in partnership with the University of Virginia Center for Politics, looks at the development of the Constitution, how it has been interpreted over the years and explores the arguments for and against Constitutional reform. Award-winning producer and director Mason Mills (Wilder: An American First) reveals expert opinions through interviews with notable political leaders, scholars and histo... 09/15/2008

Gas prices in Charlottesville, Virginia have been on a roller coaster ride.  Like many other parts of the country, people paniced when they heard Hurricane Ike was about to hit the Golf.  On Friday we saw gridlock atCharlottesville area gas stations.  The rumor circulated that gas would be $5.00 a gallon by Saturday.  Some station's parking lots were jammed with so many cars going in different directions that it was impossible to move.  The one station that I was keeping my eye on started the day with regular gas priced at $3.49 per gallon, by late morning this had gone up to $3.69 and the panic was on.  At 8:30 they had regular at $3.79 and the price at 2:00 a.m. was $4.69.  By Saturday morning prices had settled back to $3.97 a gallon for regular.  Hopefully the crisis has been averte... 09/14/2008

If you are considering buying your first home, you need to know about the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit from the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The high points of this program: The tax credit is for "first time" homebuyers only (this includes those who haven't owned a home in the last three years); The maximum credit is $7,500; The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009; Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit; The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must be repaid over a 15 year period. This tax credit, combined with low interest rates, a good selection of homes, and the opinion of most economics that the housing market has hi... 09/11/2008