Charlottesville Real Estate Talk

As part of its efforts to go green, Fluvanna County Virginia in participating in a challenge issued by the National Association of Counties to see which county can get the most residents to sign up for the Drive $marter Challenge.  The purpose of the challenge is to decrease air pollution, greenhouse gas emmissions and lower gas costs by encouraging residents to adopt energy saving driving practices.  There are three categories of counties based on population.

To sign up go to www.drivesmarterchallenge.org and you will find a place to input the make and model of your car and the Fluvanna zip code.  This will enter you in the challenge; at the same time the site will show you tips to reduce gas costs, give you energy efficient driving tips and also you will receive money saving coupons.

Reduce your gas costs and participate in the Drive Smarter Challenge.  Register now and help Fluvanna County win!

Contact Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD, REALTOR®, Real Estate III, Charlottesville, Virginia at  434 960-0161 , pam@JumpintoGreenerPastures.com, to list your property for sale or to buy a property in the following areas in Central Virginia: Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Keswick, Glenmore, Ivy, Crozet, Earlysville, Free Union, Cismont, Scottsville, Fluvanna County, Troy, Palmyra, Lake Monticello, Louisa County, Louisa, Mineral, Spring Creek, Orange County, Gordonsville, Orange, Barboursville, Greene County, Ruckersville.

  To view all of the Charlottesville, Virginia and Central Virginia Homes for Sale click here and click on the mls search button.

Visit my website  Jump into Greener Pastures or read my blogs Charlottesville Real Estate Talk and Charlottesville Horse Farms and Country Homes.

After months of being told by the media not to buy a home right now, it appears that the "experts" are changing their story.  Yesterday on the Today Show their real estate guru Barbara Corcoran made the statement that if you are considering a home purchase and you don't buy now, you are crazy. 

Never mind that this is what the REALTORS have been saying for the past six months.  As a consumer what are you to think?  All of a sudden the pundits appear to be making a 180 degree about face.  This has got to be very confusing for the average homebuyer who has been listening to the reports of gloom and doom on the media for the past year. 

Lets look at the facts:

1. Interest rates are amazingly low.
2. There is a lot of inventory to choose from.
3. Many homeowners are ready to negotiate on price, and these prices are already lower than they have been in years.
4. In many areas there are bank owned properties on the market with discounted asking prices.
5. If you have good credit and a downpayment, you should not have aniy problem getting a loan.

This all adds up to the perfect time to buy a Charlottesville home!  Its nice to see that the media is finally able to look at the facts.  Maybe they are the ones who have been crazy and homebuyers are just confused.

Contact Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD, REALTOR®, Real Estate III, Charlottesville, Virginia at   434 960-0161  , pam@JumpintoGreenerPastures.com, to list your property for sale or to buy a property in the following areas in Central Virginia: Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Keswick, Glenmore, Ivy, Crozet, Earlysville, Free Union, Cismont, Scottsville, Fluvanna County, Troy, Palmyra, Lake Monticello, Louisa County, Louisa, Mineral, Spring Creek, Orange County, Gordonsville, Orange, Barboursville, Greene County, Ruckersville.

  To view all of the Charlottesville, Virginia and Central Virginia Homes for Sale click here and click on the mls search button.

 Visit my website  Jump into Greener Pastures or read my other blog Charlottesville Horse Farms and Country Homes for more information on Central Virginia homes, farms, events and real estate.

The big day finally arrived.  We woke up to a totally white world in the mountains of Colorado.  There was light snow falling from the sky, but the 60 mile an hour winds blowing the fresh powder from the night before resulted in whiteout conditions as we drove to the chapel at Snow Mountain Ranch.  However the snow and cold did not deter our little band.  The chapel was beautiful with flowers and fairy lights and soft candle light.  Of course the bride was radiant, and the groom was tall and handsome.  Like all weddings it was storybook and like all mothers, my eyes were not dry.  Despite the challenging weather the bride was able to ride away from the church sidesaddle on horseback with the groom walking along side.  My thanks to the horse for not spooking from the long skirts of the wedding grown and dumping the bride in the snow. 

Then it was off to the reception to party the night away! 

As I reflect back on the events of the past few days, several things stand out.  One of the special aspects of having a destination wedding was the fact that we ended up with such a close knit group.  Everyone who made the effort to travel so far, was someone who really cared for these two young people and wanted to witness the start of their life together.  It was a time of great beginnings, as Christmas is a time of great beginnings as well.  It is very special that the memories of Gwynn and Andy's wedding will be tied in our minds with this wonderful time of year. 

This year my families Christmas has come early!

I am making an exception to my habit of never writing personal posts to share an important event in my family's life.  My daughter Gwynn is getting married.  She and Andy have chosen to get married in Frasier, Colorado where they met.  Frasier is just outside of Winter Park.  After traveling all day, my other daughter, Baily and I arrived last night.  The trip through the pass on the ice and snow pack last night in the dark was an experience as we navigatered one hairpin turn after the other, but we finally arrived safe and sound.

One of the things that I experienced on the trip out was that even though reports are that holiday travel is way down the airports were still very crowded.

Today, we have woken up to sunshine and a beautiful crisp Colorado day.  I am about to go take pictures with an old family friend until time for the rehersal.  It will be a full day of family and friends old and new.

This year when friends have been asking me about Christmas plans, I have been replying that year we are having a wedding for Christmas.  It is times like these that put our lives into perspective and get us back to focusing on what is right with our world.

The pictures are of the lovely view from the front of my hotel.

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Have you always dreamed of having a waterfront home, but you can't afford to have two residences?  You might want to consider buying a home at Lake Monticello in Fluvanna County, Virginia.  Lake Monticello is a 350 acre lake that is perfect for boating and water sports.  In addition the community has a golf course, clubhouse with dining, tennis, playground.  The Lake is about 20 minutes outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, but that doesn't mean that you have to go that far to shop.  Just outside of the Lake there are several shopping centers which contain, among other shops, a grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store, gym, several restaurants, flower shop, nursery and garden center, jewelery store, pizza.  Homes at Lake Monticello are available in a variety of price ranges and styles.  At the moment there are 149 homes actively listed for sale, ranging in price from $147,108-$998,900, with a median of $235,000.  Of these homes 9 are waterfronts.  The waterfront homes that are currently listed range in price from $239,900-$998,900 with a median of $429,400.  You will also find a variety of home styles from ranch, to traditional colonial to contemporary.

With the large inventory of homes to choose from there is something for everyone.  Take a tour of Lake Monticello and see how you could enjoy the Lake lifestyle.

Contact Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD, REALTOR®, Real Estate III, Charlottesville, Virginia at  434 960-0161 , pam@JumpintoGreenerPastures.com, to list your property for sale or to buy a property in the following areas in Central Virginia: Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Keswick, Glenmore, Ivy, Crozet, Earlysville, Free Union, Cismont, Scottsville, Fluvanna County, Troy, Palmyra, Lake Monticello, Louisa County, Louisa, Mineral, Spring Creek, Orange County, Gordonsville, Orange, Barboursville, Greene County, Ruckersville.

  To view all of the Charlottesville, Virginia and Central Virginia Homes for Sale click here and click on the mls search button.

 Visit my website  Jump into Greener Pastures or read my blogs Charlottesville Real Estate Talk and Charlottesville Horse Farms and Country Homes

This post will focus on the sales of single family detached homes in Orange County Virginia during November 2008.

2 Orange County homes had contingent contracts during November 2008.  The average list price was $1,955,500.  The homes have been on the market for an average of 221 days.

3 homes had contracts pending.  The average list price was $1,326,300 and the median was $164,900.  The homes were on the market for an average of 152 days.

In November 2008, 7 homes sold in Orange County.  The average sale price was $217,071, with an average list price of $241,921 and a median of $173,000.  The homes were on the market for an average of 154 days and sold for an average of 89.73% of the list price.

On December 1, 2008, 126 homes were actively listed in Orange County.  The average  list price is $430,999 and the median is $269,900.  The homes have been on the market for an average of 198 days.

Lets see how this compares with the figures from October 2008.

In October 4 homes had contingent contracts in Orange County.  The average list price was $298,663 and the median was $182,825.

6 homes had contracts pending.  The average list price was $256,283 and the median is $182,000.  The homes were on the market for an average of 326 days.

5 Orange County homes sold in October 2008.  The average sale price was $244,100, with an average list price of $263,918 and a median of $215,000.  The average DOM was 247 and the homes sold for an average of 92.49% of the list price.

For further comparison we will look at the sales from last year.  In November 2007, 7 homes sold in Orange County.  The average sale price was $237,332, with an average list price of $248,300, and a median of $231,452.  The average DOM was 98 and the homes sold for an average of 95.58% of the list price.

Lets compare the sales for this year to date with the sales from the same time period last year.  In 2007 from January 1 - December 1, 107 Orange County homes sold.  This year during the same time frame only 75 homes sold.  This represents a decline of -29.9%.

As you can see sales are down from last year, homes are selling for a lower percentage of the list price and there is a lot of inventory on the market.  In combination with the current low interest rates, this makes it a very good time to buy. 

If you do need to sell your home, it is important to make sure that it is the one that buyers will want to see.  In addition to pricing the home agressively, it is important to make sure that the home is in the best condition possible both inside and out.  Also with over 85% of buyers starting their home search on line you need to make sure to hire an agent with a strong internet presence.

Contact Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD, REALTOR®, Real Estate III, Charlottesville, Virginia at  434 960-0161 , pam@JumpintoGreenerPastures.com, to list your property for sale or to buy a property in the following areas in Central Virginia: Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Keswick, Glenmore, Ivy, Crozet, Earlysville, Free Union, Cismont, Scottsville, Fluvanna County, Troy, Palmyra, Lake Monticello, Louisa County, Louisa, Mineral, Spring Creek, Orange County, Gordonsville, Orange, Barboursville, Greene County, Ruckersville.

To view all of the Charlottesville, Virginia and Central Virginia Homes for Sale click here and click on the mls search button.

Visit my website  Jump into Greener Pastures or read my other blog Charlottesville Horse Farms and Country Homes for more information on Central Virginia homes, farms, events and real estate.

This week Charlottesville will participate in Local Climate Action Week.  This consists of a series of events held across the nation with the mission of persuading the federal government to financialy support local areas' effforts to combat climate change.  The weeks events will include: a panel focusing on what localities can do to fight climate change, a workshop for homeowners on energy conservation, a two day national conference on climate change that will be held at the University of Virginia (the conference is not open to the public, but will be broadcast live), and ending the week with a showing of the HBO documentary "Too Hot Not To Handle".

Read more about the week's events as reported in the Daily Progress.

Contact Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD, REALTOR®, Real Estate III, Charlottesville, Virginia at  434 960-0161 , pam@JumpintoGreenerPastures.com, to list your property for sale or to buy a property in the following areas in Central Virginia: Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Keswick, Glenmore, Ivy, Crozet, Earlysville, Free Union, Cismont, Scottsville, Fluvanna County, Troy, Palmyra, Lake Monticello, Louisa County, Louisa, Mineral, Spring Creek, Orange County, Gordonsville, Orange, Barboursville, Greene County, Ruckersville.

  To view all of the Charlottesville, Virginia and Central Virginia Homes for Sale click here and click on the mls search button.

 Visit my website  Jump into Greener Pastures or read my other blog Charlottesville Horse Farms and Country Homes for more information on Central Virginia homes, farms, events and real estate.

Open House Sunday December 7, 1:00 - 4:00pm

5 Patriot Lane, Lake Monticello, Palmyra, VA   $220,000

Don't miss the chance to tour this spacious home at Lake Monticello.  This 3 bedroom, 3 full bath home,  offers so much room for the money!  1,960 finished square feet and another 728 for you to finish.  The home has a bright open floor plan with a split bedroom design.  The large family room sports a gas fireplace and wet bar.  You will also enjoy the fully fenced back yard.

Directions from the main gate:  right on Jefferson, left on Possom, right on Patriot, home on the left.  Bring the ad from the Daily Progress to get in the gate.

Contact Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD, REALTOR®, Real Estate III, Charlottesville, Virginia at  434 960-0161 , pam@JumpintoGreenerPastures.com, to list your property for sale or to buy a property in the following areas in Central Virginia: Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Keswick, Glenmore, Ivy, Crozet, Earlysville, Free Union, Cismont, Scottsville, Fluvanna County, Troy, Palmyra, Lake Monticello, Louisa County, Louisa, Mineral, Spring Creek, Orange County, Gordonsville, Orange, Barboursville, Greene County, Ruckersville.

  To view all of the Charlottesville, Virginia and Central Virginia Homes for Sale click here and click on the mls search button.

 Visit my website  Jump into Greener Pastures or read my blogs Charlottesville Real Estate Talk and Charlottesville Horse Farms and Country Homes.

There has been a lot of press lately about how the University of Virginia located in Charlottesville is finding ways to go green.  In keeping with this increased eco-awareness they have found a way to reduce energy consumption while still keeping the annual light display on the lawn.  Last night marked the lightning of the lawn and the traditional holiday lights have been replaced with LED lights which use less energy.  The lawn consists of the area behind the Rotunda and it the origional area of the University built by Thomas Jefferson.  The lights will be up throughout the Christmas season.

The pictures below show the Lawn.  When you visit Charlottesville this is a must see.

The columns are wrapped with lights for Christmas; the lawn is beautiful any time of year. 

Contact Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD, REALTOR®, Real Estate III, Charlottesville, Virginia at  434 960-0161 , pam@JumpintoGreenerPastures.com, to list your property for sale or to buy a property in the following areas in Central Virginia: Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Keswick, Glenmore, Ivy, Crozet, Earlysville, Free Union, Cismont, Scottsville, Fluvanna County, Troy, Palmyra, Lake Monticello, Louisa County, Louisa, Mineral, Spring Creek, Orange County, Gordonsville, Orange, Barboursville, Greene County, Ruckersville.

  To view all of the Charlottesville, Virginia and Central Virginia Homes for Sale click here and click on the mls search button.

 Visit my website  Jump into Greener Pastures or read my other blog Charlottesville Horse Farms and Country Homes for more information on Central Virginia homes, farms, events and real estate.

This post will focus on the examination of sales of condos and townhomes in Charlottesville, Virginia during November 2008.

4 Charlottesville condos and townhomes sold during November 2008.  The average list price was $398,650, with a median of $347,400 and an average days on market of 261.

3 condos and townhomes had pending contracts.  The average list price was $253,323 and the median is $347,400.  The homes were on the market for an average of 308 days.

In November 2008, 4 Charlottesville townhomes and condos sold.  The average sales price was $329,400, with an average list price of $347,198, and a median of $243,800.  The homes were on the market for an average of 122 days and sold for an average of 94.87% of the list price.

As of December 1, 117 condos and townhomes are actively listed on the Charlottesville real estate market.  The average list price is $288,690 and the median is $253,000.  The homes have been on the market for an average of 190 days.

To compare lets look at the home sales from October of this year.

11 Chalrottesville townhomes and condos had contingent contracts in October 2008.  The average list price was $229,759, with a median of $214,900. The homes were on the market for an average of 163 days.

6 homes had contracts pending.  They had an average list price of $222,310, a median of $249,990 and an average days on market of 223.

In October 2008, 12 condos and townhomes sold.  The average sales price was $225,580.  The homes had an average list price of $235,973 and a median of $230,715.  The homes were on the market for an average of 121 days and sold for an average of 95.60% of the list price.

Lets also look at the figures from last year.

In November 2007, 20 condos and townhomes sold in Charlottesville.  The average sales price was $235,027, with an average list price of $227,208 and a median of $227,450.  The homes were on the market for an average of 101 days and sold for an average of 103.44% of the list price.

Finally we will compare last year's "year to date sales" with sales from the same period this year.

In 2007 from January 1 - December 1, 239 condos and townhomes sold in Charlottesville.  During the same time frame in 2008, 201 Charlottesville condos and townhomes sold.  This represents a decline of 
-15.9%.

These figures are from the local mls and while they are deemed correct are not guaranteed.

Contact Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD, REALTOR®, Real Estate III, Charlottesville, Virginia at  434 960-0161 , pam@JumpintoGreenerPastures.com, to list your property for sale or to buy a property in the following areas in Central Virginia: Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Keswick, Glenmore, Ivy, Crozet, Earlysville, Free Union, Cismont, Scottsville, Fluvanna County, Troy, Palmyra, Lake Monticello, Louisa County, Louisa, Mineral, Spring Creek, Orange County, Gordonsville, Orange, Barboursville, Greene County, Ruckersville.

  To view all of the Charlottesville, Virginia and Central Virginia Homes for Sale click here and click on the mls search button.

 Visit my website  Jump into Greener Pastures or read my other blog Charlottesville Horse Farms and Country Homes for more information on Charlottesville homes, farms, events and real estate.