Selling In A Slow Market During The Holidays

A slow market is a good time to sell, you take a hair cut in selling but in buying you'll get a deal.

In my experience, homes will sell during the holidays, as the buyers are serious. I've sold on Thanksgiving, Christmas eve, Christmas day, New Years eve and New Years day!

Now is the time to buy and sell, interest rates are low, inventory is high and deals are everywhere.

Read more in this article from the RealEstateJournal.com, "Dump This House: Unloading
Your Property in a Slow Market":

http://www.realestatejournal.com/buysell/tactics/20071108-clements.html

Karen
www.move2va.com

Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia This Weekend (Dec. 14-16, 2007)

The Charlottesville S.P.C.A. is having a Holiday Adoptathon Saturday, 12pm-6pm. Take a break from holiday shopping and visit with Santa and the pets at the SPCA. Adoption Specials. Arrange for Santa to deliver your new pet to your home over the holiday season. Or make a donation towards their care. For more information: http://www.caspca.org/images/homeforholidaysad.pdf

I found more holiday fun at the Albemarle Family calendar:

Caroling at Central Place on the Downtown Mall, near the Community Christmas tree. Turn back the clock to a simpler time when friends and neighbors would gather together during the holidays to carol through the streets. Friday from 3pm to 3:45pm.

"A Christmas Carol" at The Paramount on the Downtown Mall, presented by the Nebraska Theatre Caravan! Snow and greenery, colorful streets with warm windows, bright and shining faces, and plenty of dancing and carols bring Victorian London to life, telling the tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge's ghostly visits by Christmases Past, Present and Future. Saturday at 3pm & 7pm. $25.50 Youth/Child, $32.50 to $45.50 Adult.

All children in the community are invited to visit with Santa at Northridge Community Church Saturday from 10:30am-Noon. The children will have the opportunity to meet Santa, get their pictures taken, make crafts, and enjoy juice and cookies.

A Blue Ridge Christmas-at historic Rockfish Presbyterian Church. The Virginia Consort, under the leadership of Judith Gary, is known for its energetic and varied programs and its rich, lush sound. Rockfish Presbyterian Church, Nellysford. Sunday at 4pm. $30.

The Charlottesville Municipal Band plays seasonal and traditional music. "Snow fall" and audience participation highlight this annual festivity. Charlottesville Performing Arts Center. Sunday at 3:30pm. Free.

Virginia Gingerbread Christmas-Come see the Gingerbread Village in Winter Wonderland, complete with elves and helpers, Mrs. Claus, electric trains, and a storytelling corner. Visits with Santa from 3pm-8pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sage Moon Gallery on the Downtown Mall.

Here are more events I found at the NBC 29 calendar:

"On the Last Night Before Christmas," an original musical written by two Charlottesville locals playwrights. This is a unique Christmas tale that tells the story of an Appalachian family of beekeepers and how they spend their holidays. The play is fun for the whole family -- kids can get in free with the purchase of one adult or senior ticket. $10-$15. Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 8pm at Play On! Theatre at Ix, 983 Second St. SE, Charlottesville VA 22902.

Village of Bethlehem Community Outreach and Dramatic Production. Imagine a little village that existed long before colored lights, reindeer, or Santa Claus. Roman Soldiers walk the streets, Wise Men appear with their camels, shop keepers are going about their everyday lives yet this village is on the brink of something immense, the birth of one who would forever change the course of human history. Experience this village as it really was. Come to Bethlehem and see for yourself the magic and wonder of the first Christmas. Step back in time as you enter the gates of Bethlehem of Judea. The Roman emperor has issued an order that a census be taken throughout the Empire and every citizen must register. On a cold winter’s night you are traveling streets illuminated by torchlight, wandering deeper into the heart of a village where cautious Roman soldiers patrol the crowd, Wise men, shepherds, livestock are among the many passersby, shops and shopkeepers inhabit a bustling marketplace, and welcoming cheer abounds. Now, far away from the tinseled trees and crowded malls that most commonly usher in the Christmas holiday season, this is an event no one should miss. Hebron Baptist Church, 66 Tanbark Drive, Afton, VA 22980. Free. 6pm-9pm nightly, 12/14-12/23, weather permitting.

“Winter Wonderland Fun Day” on Saturday, 11am-3pm at the Madison County High School gym. Games, prizes and activities for toddlers through fifth grade. Santa will be there and children can have their picture taken with him for only one dollar! Admission is $5.

Also, today is National Cocoa Day! So enjoy a steaming cup of goodness on this cold and cloudy day to cheer your spirit!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Deal of the Week: Hallmark coupon

No idea what to get a friend or family member for Christmas? Hallmark has great gifts for everyone on your list!

Save $5 on a purchase of $20 or more.

Click this link for a printable coupon:

http://f.chtah.com/i/5/474648236/20071212_coupon_2_5.html

Karen
www.move2va.com

Quote of the Week: Be A Woodpecker!

"Even the woodpecker owes his success to the fact that he uses his head and keeps pecking away until he finishes the job he starts."

-- Coleman Cox, author of Listen To This, 1922.

Keep working at it, don't give up, and you will achieve success!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Housing Stats for November 2007

Today I compared October 2007 & November 2007 housing stats for real estate transactions in our area. It still is certainly a buyer's market. Not much good news to share for sellers...

Greene County had a 23% increase in median selling price.

Orange County had a 43% decrease in average days on the market.

Louisa County had some big changes: a 28% decrease in the number of houses sold, a 22% decrease in the average days on the market, and a 24% increase in the median selling price.

Fluvanna County had a 35% decrease in the number of houses sold and a 27% increase in average days on the market.

Nelson County had a 15% decrease in the number of houses sold.

Albemarle County had a 28% decrease in the number of houses sold.

The city of Charlottesville had a 20% decrease in the number of houses sold as well.

Click this link to view the October 2007 housing stats, so you can
compare:

http://move2va.blogspot.com/2007/11/housing-stats-for-october-2007-more.html

Here are the November 2007 housing stats:

====================================================

GREENE COUNTY
Number of Houses Sold 16
Average Selling Price 291,197
Average Days on the Market 97
Number of Houses on the Market 195
Median Selling Price $295,000.00

====================================================

ORANGE COUNTY
Number of Houses Sold 10
Average Selling Price 253,381
Average Days on the Market 81
Number of Houses on the Market 166
Median Selling Price $280,000.00

====================================================

LOUISA COUNTY
Number of Houses Sold 13
Average Selling Price 305,303
Average Days on the Market 165
Number of Houses on the Market 273
Median Selling Price $317,000.00

====================================================

FLUVANNA COUNTY
Number of Houses Sold 24
Average Selling Price 278,641
Average Days on the Market 108
Number of Houses on the Market 324
Median Selling Price $237,000.00

====================================================

NELSON COUNTY
Number of Houses Sold 17
Average Selling Price 365,471
Average Days on the Market 113
Number of Houses on the Market 280
Median Selling Price $335,000.00

====================================================

ALBEMARLE COUNTY
Number of Houses Sold 69
Average Selling Price 384,950
Average Days on the Market 100
Number of Houses on the Market 909
Median Selling Price $275,000.00

====================================================

CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE
Number of Houses Sold 41
Average Selling Price 289,417
Average Days on the Market 99
Number of Houses on the Market 365
Median Selling Price $265,000.00

====================================================

Karen
www.move2va.com

Interest Rates Fell To 6%!

Big News!

Nationally, fixed-rate mortgages fell this week to the lowest level since September 2005!

Read more at BankRate.com:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/Dec0607_interest_rate_roundupa1.asp?s=2#tab

Karen
www.move2va.com

Featured Home This Week - 1925 Historic Home in Downtown Charlottesville

• Enjoy restoring this historic home in the city
  
• Eat-in kitchen has been re-done with oak cabinets
  
• Nice large rear yard
  
• Front porch
  
• Rear deck
  

Karen
http://www.move2va.com/

Spring Creek Golf Club Wins Top Honor!

Congratulations to Spring Creek Golf Club, at Zion Crossroads in Louisa County, which just won "Best New Public Course Under $75" from Golf Digest!

Read more at Golf Digest's website:

http://www.golfdigest.com/rankings/courses/new/2008/bestnewcourses

Here's an article about the award from the Daily Progress:

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP/MGArticle/CDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173353739019&path=

Here's a link to the Spring Creek Golf Club website: http://www.springcreekgolfclub.com/

The Spring Creek Golf Club is built adjacent to the new Spring Creek development. It's conveniently located on Route 15, only 1 mile from I-64, only 15 minutes from Charlottesville and UVA, and only 45 minutes from Richmond. When it's complete it will have 1200 homes. Along with the semi-private 18-hole championship golf course, the community also offers Sports Club with pools, a fitness room, lighted tennis courts and more. Here's the website for the community: http://www.springcreekforsale.com/

Karen
www.move2va.com

Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia This Weekend (Dec. 6-9, 2007)

Toy Lift 2007 is Friday, December 7th at Fashion Square Mall from 7:00am-9:00pm. Bring a new unwrapped toy (or a cash donation) for a needy child. Due to the numerous toy recalls recently, no used toys will be accepted. There will be entertainment all day starting at 10:30am. There will also be crafters selling their wares. Toy Lift began in 1988 when founder Tom Powell decided to perch himself eighty feet up in a bucket truck. He stayed there until people donated 1,000 toys, which he then distributed to local children. Nineteen years later, Toy Lift has grown into a huge annual community event with food, entertainment, and media coverage, raising over 17,000 toys.

Here's more fun I found at the AlbemarleFamily calendar:

- Artisans' Bazaar at UVA, Newcomb Hall Ballroom, Thursday and Friday, 10am to 6pm. Over two dozen local artisans will be selling handcrafted goods made locally.

- Michie Tavern-Candlelit Original Tavern, Friday & Saturday, 5pm-9:30pm. Sing traditional carols with our Tavern musicians. Mr. Michie's apprentice will serve tankard drinks from the original tap bar. Living history interpreters and story-tellers will be available to entertain guests. Period refreshments will be served from the 18th-century tap bar. Admission is free to the original Tavern.

- Join Rudolf and the gang to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Santa will be there for pictures, and to make final Christmas requests, but you better be good because he will have his list!! Arts & Crafts and cookie decorating are some of the fun activities you can expect. Charlottesville Carver Center, downstairs gym. Saturday 1:30pm to 4:00pm.

- A gala holiday ice skating show presented by the Charlottesville Figure Skating Club! The approximately two-hour long show will feature holiday costumes and props, including trees! Tickets may be purchased at the Ice Park or from skating club members. Charlottesville Ice Park. Sunday at 4pm.

- Head kitchen and craft interpreter Martha Bar will direct a Gingerbread and lace ornament workshop at Ash Lawn-Highland. Make three Victorian inspired tree decorations; Sunday.

- Green Valley Book Fair, 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). 9am to 7pm daily, now through Dec. 9.

- The Paramount Theater's Family Flicks will feature the films "A Christmas Story" on Saturday and "White Christmas" on Sunday. At the Charlottesville Downtown Mall. $6; $4 for kids 18 and younger.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Say Thanks To The Troops This Christmas

Xerox has setup a website where you can send a free printed postcard to U.S. military personnel stationed overseas.

- Go to this website: http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

- Select one of the postcards at the top or click "View all designs".

- Type in a message, your name, and town.

- Click "Send".

It couldn't be easier! So let's say thanks to the troops for all they've sacrificed to protect and serve our nation.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Deal of the Week: Goody's Printable Coupon

$5 Off in-store purchases of $10 or more

Expires 12/31/07

http://www.goodysonline.com/email/coupon799/

Karen
www.move2va.com

Stanardsville Is Getting A Makeover

Greene County is waking up and becoming the place to live, with Four Seasons, Greenecroft and more.

Main Street in Stanardsville is getting a big makeover with new professional buildings, a hotel, boutiques, stores and a new look, which are most welcome.

Read more about the changes in this article that was posted on the Greene County Record website http://www.greene-news.com/ on 11-8-07:

Town of Stanardsville: in the midst of a makeover

BY SUSAN GIBBS
Record Reporter
November 08, 2007

It looks as if Stanardsville's Main Street is getting a facelift. The Lamb family has converted some of its rental properties on the south side of Main Street between Ford Avenue and Celt Road from residential to commercial, and is sprucing them up.

A family by the name of Morris has opened a new flower shop in one of the Lamb buildings. Lillian Baird, who opened the Little Shop On Main Street early this year is moving to larger quarters in one of the others.

On other parts of Main Street, Sandy Johnston has opened a salon and Sim Neely, a professional woodworker who does architectural millwork and ornaments in addition to custom furniture and built-ins, has opened a showroom. ReMax is in town and Alan Pyles, owner of the Lafayette Inn, has expanded his holdings to include the Town Centre, where he is offering space for lease.

Don Pamenter, president of Stanardsville Revitalization, or *STAR*, has been talking about bringing the Town back to life for years.

Early last year he followed that talk with applications for grants, and *STAR* started winning them.

A professional planner started to help show *STAR* the way a la the Virginia Main Street program, designed to help localities revitalize the economic vitality of hometown commercial districts.

John Pluta and Holly Horan invested in putting their Noon Whistle Pottery's name on the Virginia Department of Transportation sign just east of the Route 33 business exit and traffic started to flow into Town. Now, it's as though Stanardsville is on a roll.

"We're doing a general upgrading of our Main Street properties in keeping with the *STAR* program," says Larry Lamb, speaking for the Lamb family. Linda Morris, speaking for the Morris family that is leasing one of Lamb's properties, worked for University florists in Charlottesville before she - and others of her family - invested in Stargazer Florists Etc.

"We do all the traditional arrangements, but we also love to be creative," says Morris. Stargazer also does gift baskets - either already made up or by special order, and caters to walk-ins.

Baird says it is because "people have been really supportive and want to see more change on Main Street" that she is moving her Little Shop On Main Street from the corner of Main and Celt into one of the Lambs' new commercial rentals.

"It's got hardwood floors and three fireplaces, one in each room," says Baird, who will be selling antique and vintage goods as well as some reproductions when her new store opens, at the latest, on December 1.

Johnston set up her salon called Signature in the Victorian that houses ReMax, across from the Lafayette. Her new puppy, a Dandie Dinmont Terrier "will be a shop dog, keeping my clients amused," says Johnston. Neely opened Riverdale Fine Woodworking. His work, he says, has included "Craftsman furniture, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired entertainment center and a Japanese-style writing desk. I also made the sign outside my shop and do Christmas decorations turned with a lathe. They are wooden balls you can see through."

Neely does his actual work in his home, and uses his tiny Main Street shop "for appointments and slide shows."

And the Town Centre?

Suffice it to say Pyles, who is the president of the Greene County Chamber of commerce, believes in Stanardsville.

"What you're seeing now is the beginning of the reality of the revitalization that's been talked about behind the scenes for three years," says Pyles. "It's been a lot of work … a lot of paperwork done by people who have a lot of patience. They have made our ongoing efforts so much easier because people can now see what they're buying into."

Karen
http://www.move2va.com/

Funny Of The Week: Santa Goofed

Karen
www.move2va.com

Today is "Roof Over Your Head Day"!

Here are some roof care tips to help you take care of that roof over your head:

- Keep your roof as free of debris as possible, which is critical to the integrity of any roof system.

- Only walk on your roof when it is absolutely necessary to perform maintenance such as cleaning the gutters, skylights or the roof itself.

- Inspect your roof annually, to help identify most roof problems. View your roof from several vantage points.

- Stand at a distance from your roofline so that you can see the entire structure. Pay special attention to the ridge and rakes, since this is where roofing material detaches from first.

- If you see any problems, get up on the roof and look for: loose or popped nails, loose or missing flashing around vent pipes, chimneys or wall junctions, cracks or gaps in caulked areas, holes in the valleys, rotting (test the pliability of material at theeaves using a putty knife. You should be able to push in a screwdriver's tip no more than one-half inch.)

- Inspect your roof from the inside. Enter your attic and inspect the underside of the structure. (You should do this even if you have not witnessed leaks in your living quarters; there could easily be undetected leaks in the attic that will cause problems down the road.) Look for the obvious signs of water damage: stains, matted or crusted insulation, etc.

- Even if your inspection (or, if the leak found you instead of vice versa, your interior downpour) reveals leak problems, it does not necessarily mean that obtaining a new roof is imminent. The age of the roof and the signs of deterioration ultimately determine if repairs are a viable option or if you will require complete roof replacement.

- The signs of deterioration on any type of roof system can be attributed to a combination of abuse from the sun's ultraviolet rays, storms, insects and temperature change adjustments. (Ultraviolet rays are probably most damaging, so it is quite common for one area of your roof–that which receives the most intense sun for longest length of time each day–to suffer more severe deterioration than others.) Damage caused by termites, hail, wind, rotting or settling of the house structure or chimney is frequently hidden from view.

- If a leak surfaces, carefully inspect the roof as described previously. Denote with spray paint any holes that you find. Also look for obstructions in the roof's valleys. (They can hold water and cause it to backup under the shingles.)

- Inspect and clean your gutters regularly. Water can intrude into your home from poorly functioning gutters. In addition you may want to consider having gutter guards installed which will prevent this from happening.

- If, after a thorough external inspection, you are unable to locate any obvious sources of the leak, it's time to do an internal examination. Enter your attic on a bright, sunny day. Then turn off any lights and cover any windows in the attic to darken the space. Any light then seen shining through will reveal cracks or holes from which your leak may surely stem. Be sure to also inspect the areas around vent pipes, chimneys and skylights; these are places that have had the roof decking cut and resealed, so they are often culprits for broken seals or flashing. Should all else fail, you may need to flood the suspect area of the roof with your garden hose while someone in the attic watches for the drip to appear.

- Because shingles are small, self-contained units, they are easily replaced without disrupting the rest of the roof. Your tools of the trade for this task will include spare shingles, nails, roofing cement and caulk. If, upon closer scrutiny, you find that the entire roof is badly worn or that the damage is more extensive than you had estimated, you will likely need to replace the entire roof.
- It is best to have a professional roofing company do any major roofing job; expert assistance, in this instance, is well worth the expense if, for nothing else, the headaches and hassles that it can save you. Also, deciding to make replacing your roof do-it yourself project and then calling in last-minute help from professional roofers can end up costing you as much-and perhaps even more-than gaining well-planned professional for assistance to complete the entire job.

Find more tips at http://www.roofing-shingles-contractor.com/.

If you need a recommendation on a good local roofer, I'll be glad to provide one for you.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Quote of the Week: Live In The Present

"Live neither in the past nor in the future, but let each day's work absorb your entire energies, and satisfy your widest ambition."

-- William Osler

Great advice... just take it one day at a time!

Sir William Osler (1849-1919) exercised more constructive influence on modern medicine than anyone ever has. He developed the system professors use to teach medicine. He did more than anyone else to integrate pathology and pathophysiology into the understanding of disease while integrating the symptoms of patients into their treatment. He was also very charismatic, gracious, charming, had great integrity and a strong work ethic.

Karen
www.move2va.com