New Developments & Shopping: Treesdale Park, The Commons at Albrecht Place & Mermac Crossing

Brian Wheeler, the author of the CharlottesvilleTomorrow blog, certainly is very thorough with his research and news of new developments and planning commission developments.

Everything from affordable housing in Treesdale Park, The Commons at Albrecht Place behind Shoppers World Plaza, and Mermac Crossing between Forest Lakes and North Pointe with 26 units.

I personally like development, but controlled development. These owners/developers have jumped through the hoops of the county, and are cooperating, What we have is special, so growing properly is important.

Read more at CharlottesvilleTomorrow:

http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/2007/09/20070828pc.html

Does this info regarding new neighborhoods help you? Please post a comment and let me know. Thanks!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Latest Trends At Builders' Show

Everything you might need for your home, from the latest in toilet seats, to keyless entry, to more closet space. Peruse this article from RealtyTimes.com to learn about the latest trends for your home:

http://realtytimes.com/rtcpages/20070808_newtrends.htm

What's on your wish list? Please post a comment and share...

Karen
www.move2va.com

Quote of the Week: From Meryl Streep

Attempt for excellence is what sustains the most well-lived and satisfying, successful lives.

--Meryl Streep

Even movie stars have quotes, and Meryl Streep is one of my favorites. I totally agree, always striving for the best should be part of our lives.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Class Action Suit Over CSST Tubing: Deadline To File 9/5/07

Corrugated stainless steel tubing has been used in many homes throughout our area. You may have this in your home.

The deadline to submit a claim is September 5, 2007, and you can do this on their website:

https://www.pddocs.com/csst

It's interesting the materials that are used in homes sometimes can create problems, and research should be done by homeowners. Remember the PVC quest class action suit? It depended on the clamps that were on your home and when your home was built.

Who knows what will be next? This information was sent to me by John Handloser, a home inspector with Pillar To Post. He will assist you with your new home purchase, or if you have questions on your current home. If you'd like his phone number or email, just let me know.

Comments anybody?

Karen
www.move2va.com

Mortgage rates fell again this week to 6.43%

Rates on mortgages fell this week. Investors are betting the Federal Reserve will cut rates soon. Read more in this article from BankRate.com:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/Aug3007_interest_rate_roundupa1.asp?s=2#tab

As always, please stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. If you need a lender, I'll be happy to provide you with a list of the local lenders I recommend.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Featured Home - Steger Creek in Palmyra

• Reduced $31,000
  
• $4,000 Closing Cost
  
• Easy commute to Charlottesville & Richmond, only 10 minutes to Pantops!
  
• Gourmet kitchen with breakfast nook and pantry
  
• King master bedroom suite
  
• High ceilings
  
• Gas log fireplace
  
• Occupancy 8/1/08, allows time to sell your home while locking in today's prices!
  
• One-level living with pizzazz!
  

Please contact me (kehoe@move2va.com or 434/980-2860) for more information on this home or any other homes you are interested in.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Builders & Sellers Are Offering Incentives!

Creativity and huge incentives have come with our current buyers market. Locally, Ryan Homes is offering huge incentives and Riverbend is offering an 8% credit.

In certain areas, particularly Lake Monticello, many homes are priced under tax assessment.

Even in Albemarle County I recently saw a 3,000 square foot home in a popular neighborhood at $2,000 above assessment, which shows either a motivated seller or possibly the home had issues, such as pets (which of course could be corrected).

I saw another home recently, in western Albemarle County, just listed at $37,400 below the assessed value!

Click the link below to read more in this article, "Anxious Home Builders Pile On the Incentives" from The Wall Street Journal Online:

http://www.realestatejournal.com/buysell/tactics/20070810-opdyke.html

Buying a home is the largest investment you'll make in your life, so make a wise decision, and have a realtor assist with the research and offer.

I'm available 24 hours/7 days for all your real estate needs.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Labor Day Weekend Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia (Aug. 31-Sept.3)

Friday-Monday, August 31-September 3
LABOR DAY SPECTACULAR
Wintergreen's Labor Day Spectacular includes an Arts & Crafts Show, chairlift rides, live music and much more. Bring the entire family for the weekend! Wintergreen Resort. Directions: Rt 664. $varies. All ages welcome. Email: info@wintergreenresort.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-8180.

Friday-Monday, August 31-September 3
VERIZON WIRELESS AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL-VIRGINIA BEACH
Nearly 50 concerts explode over stages all across the Virginia Beach oceanfront with music that touches every generation and style. It’s a non-stop four-day party featuring some of the biggest names in the recording industry. The Verizon Wireless American Music Festival is also a showcase for some of the most popular local and regional bands. Previous headliners have included Isaac Hayes, The Commodores, Little River Band, the Goo Goo Dolls, and Kansas. With a focus on music and family fun, this festival is the premiere music event on the East Coast! Tickets are required for certain concerts on the main stage. (757) 491-SUNN; www.beachstreetusa.com

Friday-Monday, August 31-September 3
GREEN VALLEY BOOK FAIR
Encourage your child to read by expanding his or her home library at prices you won't believe! Huge selection of children's books at 60%-90% off retail prices on new, over-run or irregular books. 2192 Green Valley Ln., Mt. Crawford (in Shenandoah Valley btwn Harrisonburg and Staunton). Directions: take I-64 west to I-81 north, exit 240 on Rt 682, go east, following signs. 9am to 7pm daily. $free admission. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 800-385-0099. August 18 through September 3.

Daily Through Labor Day, Monday, September 3
PICK-YOUR-OWN PEACHES, NECTARINES, VEGETABLES AND APPLES
Located in Crozet, Virginia, and open from early May through Labor Day, Chiles Peach Orchard is home to a large market. While the terrifically tasty tree-ripened peaches may be the main attraction…you don’t want to miss the peach yogurt made right on premises, or the special peach ice cream event we hold each and every summer. Nectarines, blackberries, apples, vegetables and melon are among Chiles Peach Orchard’s many other offerings. And this year you can enjoy the latest addition to the Chiles Orchard offerings…beautiful strawberries and fresh cherries ripe for the picking, as well as the new ice cream parlor! Chiles Peach Orchard. Directions: 1351 Greenwood Road, Crozet, VA. Rt 691, Between Crozet & Greenwood . Monday through Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm. All ages welcome. Contact: Cynthia Chiles. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/823-1583.

Friday, August 31
FRIDAYS AFTER FIVE: SPARKY'S FLAW
Charlottesville Pavilion at the Downtown Mall. Show starts at 5:30pm. $free. All ages welcome. Email: info@charlottesvillepavilion.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/245-4910.

Friday, August 31
VIRGINIA MEN'S SOCCER AGAINST COLUMBIA: KIDS' NIGHT
Kids can enjoy a Moon Bounce, face painters, and more. Klockner Stadium. 7:30pm. $7 for adults, $5 for youth. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/924-UVA1.

Saturday, September 1
16TH ANNUAL LOUISA COUNTY AIR SHOW
Family enjoyment: static aircraft displays, airplane rides, aerobatic performances, and great food. Educational and fun for all the family! Louisa County Airport/Freeman Field. Directions: From Charlottesville, take Rte. 64 E to Exit 143, Ferncliff. Follow signs to Louisa County Airport, approximately 10 miles. 11am to 4pm. $free. Contact: Dawn Pickhardt Howard. Email: dawnp@firstva.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-967-0050.

Saturday, September 1
2007 WOMEN’S FOUR MILER RACE
Virginia's largest all-women's event is a Charlottesville tradition due to its hospitality to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The race is run along a scenic stretch of Albemarle countryside and is considered by many women to be their favorite event of the year. Charlottesville, VA. 6:45am arrival; race 8am. $30 CTC Members; $31 Non-CTC Members. All ages welcome. Email: cville4miler@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/293-3367.

Saturday, September 1
BIRD WALK - FIRST SATURDAY
Monticello Bird Club and Ivy Creek Foundation.Come join us early Saturday for a bird walk led by John Zimmerman of Monticello Bird Club. Beginners welcome, novices encouraged. Ivy Creek Natural Area. Directions: Earlysville Road, 1/2 mile from intersection with Hydraulic Road in Charlottesville.. 7:30 am. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Bruce Gatling-Austin. Email: programs@ivycreekfoundation.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/973-7772.

Saturday, September 1
DISCOVER VIRGINIA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
The Greene County Economic Development Authority and The Virginia Company are proud to announce the second annual Discover Virginia Food and Wine Festival showcasing the finest wines, foods, and products that Virginia has to offer at this fun, family-oriented event. Farm on Spotswood Trail. Directions: U.S. 33/Spotswood Trail, Ruckersville, VA. 11am to 6pm. $advanced tickets: $15 for wine tasting and souvenir glass; $8 designated driver and under 21; children under 5 are free. All ages welcome. Email: greenevaeda@greeneva.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 800-985-6663.

Saturday, September 1
FIRST SATURDAY BIRD WALK
John Zimmerman will lead an early morning bird walk. Co-sponsored with the Monticello Bird Club. Meet in the parking lot. Beginners welcome. Ivy Creek Natural Area. Directions: Earlysville Road/Route 743. 7:30am. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/973-7772.

Saturday, September 1
TASTE OF THE MOUNTAINS MAIN STREET FESTIVAL - MADISON
Step back in time at the 14th Annual Taste of the Mountains Main Street Festival, held on Main Street, Madison, Virginia. There will be arts and crafts, two stages, ten bands, ranging from alternative rock to folk music and bluegrass. The Madison County High Marching Band, a Virginia honor band, will also be playing. Taste Madison County foods including the famous Volunteer Fire Dept's steak sandwiches. There is also lots for the kids to do including pony rides, magic shows, a balloon typhoon, face painting and more! The 7th Virginia Infantry will be doing demonstrations and the Kemper Mansion will be open for tours. Main Street Madison. Directions: Madison is located just 28 miles north of Charlottesville on Route 29. 9am to 4pm. $Free. All ages welcome. Contact: Tracey Williams. Email: tourism@madison-va.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-948-4455.

Saturday, September 1
WINTERGREEN PERFORMING ARTS INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL
The festival will feature a selection of wines from around the world including Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others. There will be a discussion of the wines by recognized experts in each area. Wintergreen Resort will offer food in the Evans Center and complimentary activities. Evans Center. Directions: Wintergreen, Virginia. 12 to 6pm. $15. All ages welcome. Email: info@wintergreenperformingarts.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-8292.

Saturday & Sunday, September 1 & 2
”ROMP, STOMP AND CHOMP” HARVEST CELEBRATION AT WINTERGREEN WINERY
Send off Summer and welcome the Harvest on Labor Day weekend. Want to stomp like Lucy? Here's your chance! Grape stomping, live music, wine and Virginia foods tasting, specials, door prizes and winery tours. Great picnic fare and scenic riverside picnic sites. Family friendly setting. Wintergreen Winery. Directions: 462 Winery Lane (off Route 664), Nellysford, VA. 10 to 6pm. $7 per adult (children are free!) includes souvenir wine glass. Email: info@wintergreenwinery.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/361-2519.

Saturday, September 1
BLUE RIDGE ECO SHOP GRAND OPENING
Blue Ridge Eco Shop, a new environmentally friendly retail store, located in Preston Plaza in Charlottesville next to Integral Yoga, is holding their grand opening event and sale. Come in for great deals on eco-clothing, fertilizers and other eco-friendly products for your home and register to win a pair of UVA Football tickets. Blue Ridge Eco Shop has environmentally friendly products for all ages including clothing, toys, linens, cleaners and much, much more! 923-F Preston Avenue. Directions: Located in Charlottesville in the Preston Plaza Shopping Center next to Integral Yoga. 10am to 7pm. $FREE. All ages welcome. Contact: Paige Mattson. Email: greencharlottesville@gmail.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/296-0042.

Saturday, September 1
SEPTEMBER IS MONTICELLO GOOD NEIGHBOR MONTH
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Reduced admission rates are available to residents of 12 localities in Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley: Albemarle, Augusta, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, and Orange counties and the cities of Charlottesville, Staunton, and Waynesboro throughout the month of September. $7 for adults, children under 12 free; valid identification required. Information: (434) 984-9822.Web Site: http://www.monticello.org

Sunday, September 2
MONTEBELLO COMMUNITY MARKET DAY
This annual fund raiser featuring regional artists & crafts made from natural & recycled materials, bake sale, flea market and live music. Benefits Montebello Fire and Rescue. 10 to 4pm. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-377-5754.

Sunday, September 2
RHYTHM ON THE RIVER CONCERT
An annual tradition that gets better every year! Pack a picnic and a blanket for this live concert and festivities featuring Troublesome Creek and Sons of Bill. Dorrier Park. Directions: Rt. 20 South from Charlottesville. Travel 18 miles to to down town Scottsville. Turn right onto Main Street (last right before the bridge over the James River). Take the first left after the Scottsville Post Office. Dorrier Park is straight ahead. 6pm. $free. All ages welcome. Email: rhythmontheriver@hotmail.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/286-ISCA.

Sunday, September 2
TUBING
Float along with members of the Outdoor Adventure Social Club. $10, plus membership. 11:30am. Monticello Visitor Center. 434/760-HIKE.

Sunday, September 2
DELFOSSE VINEYARD BBQ
All you can eat BBQ picnic at Delfosse Vineyard. Menu by Bill Siewert of BBQ Brothers, music by Jan Smith. Reservations requested. $20/person. 1-5pm. DelFosse Winery, Faber. www.delfossewine.com.

Sunday, September 2
FREE CONCERT - DIXIE PIXIES
Dixie Pixies with Katherine James play traditional old time mountain music at Humpback Rocks Mountain Farm, Blue Ridge Parkway. Free, 2-4pm. Bring a picnic and a chair. Milepost 5.8. 540-943-4716.

Sunday & Monday, September 2-3
“MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC” OAKENCROFT HARVEST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Two day Labor Day Weekend Celebration with LIVE MUSIC every day. Light fare, tastings, tours, picnic by the lake. Barracks Road. Directions: 1486 Oakencroft Lane. 11am to 5pm. $10 includes wine glass. All ages welcome. Email: mail@oakencroft.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/296-4188.

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Tougher Now For Borrowers To Qualify

It's tougher to get loans, and we're seeing the market change. Read more in this article from RISMedia.com, "Tightening of Standards Squeezes Some Buyers out of Market":

http://rismedia.com/wp/2007-08-27/tightening-of-standards-squeezes-some-buyers-out-of-market/

Please post your comments,

Karen
www.move2va.com

Blog Action Day Oct. 15-Join Me In Discussing The Environment

Blog Action Day is October 15.

You may have noticed the "Blog Action Day" icon I placed on the left-side of my blog last week.

While reading other blogs I noticed this same icon on another site, so I clicked to learn more.

On October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Bloggers will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. The aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future.

Blog Action Day is about MASS participation. That means we need you! Here are 3 ways to participate:

Post on your blog relating to the environment on Blog Action Day

Donate your day’s earnings to an environmental charity

Promote Blog Action Day around the web

Click this link to see all the other bloggers who have signed up to participate so far:

http://blogactionday.org/participants



To be sure, the wave at present is green... healthy environments inside and outside of the house. This article from Realtor.com is very informative with tips on how to get greener:

http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.nsf/pages/Feat1200707?OpenDocument

Comments anyone?

Karen
www.move2va.com

Builders Are Also Being Hit By The Credit Crunch

Watch for lots of competition and creativity from builders to sell homes. Many may be forced to rent until they can sell, such as a lease purchase. Read more in this article from RISMedia.com:

http://rismedia.com/wp/2007-08-23/spike-in-cancellations-could-imperil-home-builders-the-most-bank-warns/

You can check all new construction and homes on my web site, www.move2va.com or email me at kehoe@move2va.com or call locally 434/980-2860, and I'll track and keep you informed. I offer 24 hour/7 day service and I guarantee my services.

Karen
www.move2va.com

This Week's Quote Is By Benjamin Franklin

"Well done is better than well said".

--Benjamin Franklin

Do your best with all you do, and don't talk about it. Guarantee everything you can, and don't do second best... do your very best.

Personally, I guarantee my services, and wouldn't do it any other way. I challenge others to guarantee their work as well.

How do you feel about guarantees? Do you agree that all businesses and services should guarantee their work? Please post your thoughts.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Local SOL Scores Released

The latest SOL testing scores were released yesterday. Parents will enjoy perusing the scores of the Charlottesville area schools. I realize schools are important, and SOL scores as well. It's the comment I hear most often in real estate, "I must have a house in either one of two school districts". Some parents are choosing because of SOL scores, some because their children can walk to school, or many other reasons.

Find scores for all local and state schools at the Virginia Standards Of Learning Web Site:

http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Superintendent/Sols/home.shtml

Karen
www.move2va.com

Mortgage rates down slightly this week to 6.58%

30-year fixed mortgage rates fell from 6.68% last week to 6.58% this week nationally, according to BankRate.com, read more:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/Aug2307_interest_rate_roundupa1.asp?s=2#tab

Keep in close contact with your lender. If you need a list of recommended local lenders, I'll be happy to share with you. Please email me at kehoe@move2va.com or call me 24/7 at (434) 980-2860.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Featured Home - Almost New Home in Downtown Charlottesville

$284,900 (Reduced $14,000!)

- Gorgeous gourmet kitchen
- 2 Porches on front
- Deck to rear
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2.5 baths
- Bamboo floors on first floor
- Convenient to UVA, the Downtown Mall, I-64

Please email (kehoe@move2va.com) or call me (434) 980-2860 to learn more about this fabulous home or any other homes in the central Virginia area.

Karen
www.move2va.com