Albemarle County Transportation Projects

We are growing and need to do something with traffic. I found a web site to help us stay informed.

Visit this page at Albemarle.org for the latest updates and information on current Albemarle transporation projects. Currently they have information on the Georgetown Road and Jarman's Gap Road development projects, and the Eastern Connector Corridor Study:

http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?department=planning&relpage=8110

What are your concerns and comments?

Ahhh, peaceful sleep... enjoy a grin on me!

National Assocation of Realtors' Statistics for May 2007

In May 2007 existing home sales were unchanged. The national median existing home price was $223,700 in May 2007, which is 2.1% below May 2006, when the median was $228,500. Read this article from Realtor.org to learn more:

http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2007/ehs_may07_market_under_performing.html

Comments anyone?

Charlottesville Real Estate Market Report

This "First Quarter Market Report" from Dave Phillips at the Charlottesville Association of Realtors says it all. Diagrams, graphs and more, for every question you would ever have on our real estate market in Charlottesville:

http://www.caar.com/files/Press/Press/MarketReports/00_2007/2007%20First%20Qtr%20Market%20Report.pdf

It continues to be a buyers market, and interest rates rising have brought many back into the market to buy rather than later.

Email me if you would like a lender list emailed to you at no obligation: Kehoe@Move2VA.com. I work with lenders that are available to you 7 days a week, 18 hours a day, and they are only a phone call away.

When you are buy a home you get a team: realtor, lender, inspector, attorney or title company, we all work to pull everything together for the most important and largest investment you'll make in your life.

Recession - Are we there yet?

Watch those interest rates for sure. What is your theory?

Read this article from "National Realty News" to learn more:

"Housing Dominoes Fall, America Faces Significant Risk of Full-blown Recession", Friday, June 22, 2007 - By Donald W. Riegle and Bartly Dzivi:

http://nationalrealtynews.com/content/templates/standard.aspx?articleid=498&zoneid=2

More helpful links with information on schools, demographics, crime, environmental concerns & more!

Below are links you may want to add to your favorites for future reference. These are all fabulous sites that will answer most of your questions around the country concerning important issues on schools, crime, environmental, census facts and more.

I am more than glad to add to this list, so any suggestions on what you'd like to see would be welcome.

SCHOOLS:

The US Department of Education has a very useful national database of school demographic information, called the National Center for Education Statistics: http://nces.ed.gov/index.asp.
Click on the "School, College and Library Search" tab for a school’s student/teacher ratio and more.

Two more sites that let you compare schools for academic performance are "Great Schools" http://www.greatschools.net/, and "Standard & Poor's School Matters" http://www.schoolmatters.com/. Many school districts and state education departments also post useful online information.

CRIME:

The Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry Search:
http://sex-offender.vsp.state.va.us/Static/Search.htm. Also of interest to families is the National Sex Offenders Registry, found at http://www.familywatchdog.us/ You can enter a street address and generate a map that plots where sex offenders live. Information often includes a photo. The maps give buyers a comparison of the density of sex offenders in the neighborhood.

Family Watchdog is also developing another tool to track other crimes. Some towns already have such sites, such as http://www.chicagocrime.org/ for the city of Chicago. If clients are concerned about crime in a particular area, I encourage them to talk to the police department and/or department of public safety. Many cities and towns also offer this info on the web.

ENVIRONMENT:

Questions on environment? Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website:
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/commsearch.htm. If you'd like to read a pollution report card by county, including air and water quality, go to http://www.scorecard.org/. This web site has a tool for accessing an area by zip code for environmental facts such as pollution statistics, proximity to hazardous waste sites, and information about the local watershed.

DEMOGRAPHICS:

Demographics: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html lets you find statistics about an area’s demographics, broken down by city and country, as well as general socioeconomic data. You will need to provide phone # or address.

MORE:

Need to look up someone's phone number? Or you have a phone number, but don't know who it belongs to? The site http://www.whitepages.com/ can do both for you. Try a "Reverse Search" to look up the owner of a phone number.

My website at http://www.move2va.com/ also has lots of references and lists.

Check your credit report once a year & how-to

Everyone should check their credit report annually. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, or FACTA, provides for one free consumer report from each of three agencies once a year. Some government regulations are good, and this act was created to help all of us. Of course, if you're buying a home the lender will run a new credit report for you, but this could give you a start.

Read this article from BankRate.com to learn how to obtain a free annual credit report as well as "12 free credit monitoring strategies":

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/financial_literacy/June07_free_credit_information_a1.asp?prodtype=mtg

First mortgage rate decline in 7 weeks!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay in touch with your local mortgage lender.

If you don't already have a lender, feel free to call (434) 980-2860 or email me at Kehoe@Move2VA.com, and I'll send you list of the local lenders I recommend.

It's a buyers' market... now's the time to buy!

For more on the rate decline, read this article from BankRate.com:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/mtga/June2107_mortgage_analysisa1.asp?prodtype=mtg

Luxury home buyer trends

What are the latest, hottest products for the luxury market? Spa features, green elements, technology and more!

Read this article, "New must-haves for luxury homes" at MSN to learn more:

http://realestate.msn.com/Improve/Article_forbes.aspx?cp-documentid=1357754

Any comments from anyone, and where do we go from here? Also any ideas?

This week's Featured Home

Each week I will be featuring one local home. Sometimes I will give you the neighborhood information, and sometimes information on the area.

I will feature well priced homes, or very motivated sellers, who want to sell their homes in this buyers' market in the Charlottesville/Albemarle County/central Virginia area.

This will give you an idea of what types of homes are currently on the market locally.

Here's this week's Featured Home:

Only $229,900 and priced near tax assessment

• Lake Monticello has boating, swimming, dining, tennis & golf
• Move to a resort and get an affordable home at same time
• First time home buyers welcome & we can get creative financing

If you'd like more information on this home, you can email me privately at Kehoe@Move2VA.com.

Local events this weekend: June 22-24

FLUVANNA FUN DAYS CARNIVAL
Thursday & Friday, June 21-22, 5:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday, June 23, 1:00pm-10:00pm
Join Fluvanna County Parks & Recreation for 4 days of carnival fun! There will be over 14 rides for children & adults. Don't forget the midway filled with game & food vendors! Tickets are $1 each with rides using 3-5 tickets. Come out to Fluvanna County and have some summer fun! Pleasant Grove Park in Fluvanna County. Directions: From C'ville: Take I-64 east towards Richmond exit at Zion Crossroads. Turn right onto Route 15 South towards Palmyra. Cross Rivanna River turn right onto route 53 (Thomas Jefferson Parkway). Park entrance 3 miles on the right. All ages welcome. Email: chenderson@co.fluvanna.va.us. 434/842-3150.


COMMUNITY BIKE RODEO
Saturday, June 23, 10:00am-12:00pm
Children between the ages of 6-14 will navigate through a variety of stations designed to challenge their balance, coordination, and knowledge of bike safety. The first 100 kids to arrive will receive a FREE bike helmet, and all participants will be entered in a raffle for great prizes! Limited bikes will be available so please bring a bike to participate if you can. Buford Middle School Parking Lot. Directions: off Cherry Avenue, one block west of the 9th-10th Connector Road. FREE. Recommended for ages 6 to 14. Email: mailto:info@transportationchoice.org?subject=Community. For more info call: 434/295-6554.


ASH LAWN HIGHLAND ANTIQUES SHOW
Saturday June 23, 2007, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm,
Ash Lawn Highland, Charlottesville, Virginia
60 Quality antiques dealers from around the country will offer for sale the best in 18th-20th century American and Continental, formal and country furniture and accessories in the Hilltop Pavilion and under tents. Great food and wines will be available. 703-779-2800. Web Site: http://www.dfshows.com/



NELSON COUNTY SUMMER FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 23, 11:00am-6:00pm
Summer Fun in the Country! The place to be this weekend for all the fun a family could want: live music, award-winning wineries, an artisan market, rural living exhibits, and great food. The Kids' Fest area is loaded with games, crafts, and activities for children. $20 adults, kids 12 and under free. Oak Ridge Estate in Arrington. Directions: 35 miles south on Rt. 29 past Lovingston to left on Rte 653. http://www.nelsoncountysummerfestival.com/.



KIDS CANOE
Saturday, June 23, 9:00am
Charlottesville City youth can paddle Virginia's largest river as Charlottesville Parks and Recreation teams up with the Float Fisherman of Virginia to host its first annual "Kids Float on the James River". Meet at Carver Center and head to Scottsville and float to the Hardware River Landing. Transportation, canoes, paddles, and lifejackets provided along with lunch, snacks, and drinks. Parents and those with their own canoes are welcome to join us as well. Free. Reservations required. 434/970-3572.



VISIT THE LEWIS AND CLARK EXPLORATORY CENTER
Saturday, June 23, 10:00am-2:00pm
Open at the Keelboat barn in Darden Towe Park teaching the skills of exploration: knot-making, compass reading, and nature observation, as well as carpentry and boat building skills such as chiseling and drilling. The 55-foot replica of the Lewis and Clark Expedition keelboat is on display with some recent additions. Free admission. On the north end of Darden Towe Park past the parking lots. 434/979-2425. http://www.lewisandclarkeast.org/.



OLD TIME MUSIC NIGHT
Saturday, June 23, 7:00pm
Sit back and enjoy some great old time music at the wooded amphitheater. Live bands will play a nice variety of traditional styles. Seating is available, but feel free to bring lawn chairs and a picnic supper. At the conclusion of the concert, the public is invited to join in an open jam session by the campfire. Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton. Directions: take I-64 toward Staunton, then I-81 North, exit 222 and follow signs. 7 pm-9pm. $10 adult, $5 child (6-12). All ages welcome. Email: info@fcmv.virginia.gov. 540-332-7850.


BIRD WALK
Sunday, June 24, 9:00am
4th Sundays at Scheier Natural Area: Eileen Rowan, Founding Coordinator of the Virginia Important Bird Areas Program, former consulting Environmental Scientist to Audubon Virginia guides visitors through the program "Nesting Birds and Birdsong." Please bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars and field guides recommended but not necessary. Focus of program is birdsong, so those joining the walk should be able to remain quiet as needed. Free. Scheier Natural Area, in Fluvanna County. 434/97-RIVER or http://www.rivannariver.org/

Watch interest rates!

They just dropped, and are changing daily. Call your favorite mortgage lender for the latest, or email me (kehoe@move2va.com) and I'll send you a list of great mortgage lenders in the Charlottesville area.

Buyer interest is strong with the fluctuation of rates, and many are moving forward presently.

Read more about it: "Real estate rates drop overnight", from Inman News:

http://www.inman.com/inmanstories.aspx?ID=63578

Comments anyone?

Stress Busters!

We all need to bust the stress in our lives to be more productive. This was sent to me by Sue Thompson of the RE/MAX Premier Group in Dallas. Thanks Sue!

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

DIVERT YOUR FOCUS
Diversions give the mind a break from problem solving and burden bearing. It is impossible to be consumed with worry when something else is captivating your interest.

DIFFUSE
Push the pressures out of your body through twenty minutes of aerobic exercise.

DEBRIEF
Talk out your tension with a safe and trusted friend.

DIVERSIFY
Change channels in your brain. Problem solving is more effective when the mind frequently rests from a problem rather than obsessing on it continuously.

DELIBERATELY REST
Schedule several five-minute slots during the day to "let down", and slow the mind and body. Listen to relaxing music. Pray and meditate.

DEAL WITH UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Make amends whenever possible. Grant forgiveness rather than nursing grudges.

DEDICATE YOURSELF TO THE BASICS
To see clearly in the midst of blinding stress: Sleep eight to nine hours a night; Eat well-balanced meals; Exercise twenty to thirty minutes, thress times a week.

DISENGAGE
When overwhelmed, step back, buy yourself some time, and stop trying so hard. Everything doesn't have to be "fixed" today.

DIG IN
Avoidance heightens anxiety. Evaluate what can be done and do it. Don't get stuck in the quicksand of an "all or nothing" approach.

DON'T BE A "TYPE E" PERSON
No one was designed to be Everything to Everybody. Only God can fill that job description.

Can you afford to live in the Charlottesville area?

Charlottesville and Albemarle County housing prices continue to rise beyond the affordability of many first time home buyers.

Condos and townhomes have become very popular in Charlottesville/Albemarle County lately, again because of affordability.

Lake Monticello Beach

Lake Monticello, for buyers and realtors, continues to assist us in finding a nice home within 20 minutes of C'ville with home prices starting at $169,500 to over $600,000. Yes, indeed you can still buy a single family home at Lake Monticello for only $l69,500. Using the interstate it's a 10 minute ride, and 10 minutes on a two-lane road, and there is an easier way to get to C'ville from Lake Monticello other than Route 53. You can live inside or outside the gate and get the same amenities. Anyone interested, just email me at kehoe@move2va.com or call me (434) 980-2860 or 1-800-818-7629 for the latest and greatest in affordable housing, or contact the realtor of your choice. The responses I usually hear are, "Wow, it didn't take that long to get here. I only pay less than $600 for all these amenities and can swim in the 350 acre lake!" You are amongst 4,000 homeowners who live at the lake and have shown price increases so a good investment as well.

Here are links to two articles from "The Daily Progress" newspaper web site about increasing housing costs in Charlottesville and Albemarle County:

"High housing prices hit city in rankings":

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP%2FMGArticle%2FCDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173351558608&path=!news


"Housing boom benefits many but wages still lag":

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP%2FMGArticle%2FCDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173351558278&path=!news

Albemarle County and Charlottesville in development are forcing new development to pay attention to affordable housing.

Albemarle County continues to grow and the county is trying to keep up with it. The county is currently doing a study on their web site on Community Development in the Eastern Connector Corridor.

Here's a link to the Albemarle County page if you'd like to participate:

http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?department=planning&relpage=9606

Stay tuned for more info in future.

What do you think? Please post a comment.