Harris Teeter Coming To Crozet

Great Eastern Management Company announced that Harris Teeter is coming to Crozet in this press release:

Great Eastern Management Company is pleased to announce that Harris Teeter is coming to the Blue Ridge Shopping Center. Located adjacent to new and
expanding major residential communities and along U.S. Route 250 West and across
from the Clover Lawn Shopping Center, this latest in the Harris Teeter chain
will accommodate shoppers living in western Albemarle County as well as the
growing Wintergreen and Stony Creek areas of Nelson County.

With a tag line "Your Neighborhood Food Market", Harris Teeter brings
convenience and variety to shoppers in the Crozet area. "We've been told again
and again, 'we want a grocery store here'" says Andrew Boninti of CB Richard
Ellis, the brokerage firm that aided in negotiating the lease. "Harris Teeter's
arrival is good news for shoppers and the ideal complement to the retail growth
clusters that are coming to Crozet."

Site work is scheduled to begin by early September with the goal of having
a pad-ready site for Harris Teeter to construct its building by June of 2008.
The store is expected to open in late 2008 or early spring 2009. In addition to
the Harris Teeter store, the Blue Ridge Shopping Center will include
approximately 11,000 SF of small tenant shops and an out parcel that could
accommodate a bank or restaurant.

Great Eastern Management Company has developed, leased and managed
commercial and residential properties in the Charlottesville area for over
thirty years. The company also manages office buildings, shopping centers and
multi-family residential properties in Harrisonburg and Lynchburg, Virginia.

Great news for western Albemarle County! A much needed, great grocery store. What is to follow?? I love the shopping center across the street as well.

Harris Teeter's web site: http://www.harristeeter.com

Old trail is coming together also, so western Albemarle is an even better place to live. Now you won't have to commute so far.

What are your thoughts on development in Crozet? Please post a comment.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Mortgage rates fell to 6.28% this week

30-Year fixed rate mortgage rates dropped to 6.28%, average points: 0.43.

Mortgage rates fell across the board, as many believe a federal rate cut will come next week. Read more at BankRate.com:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/Sept1307_interest_rate_roundupa1.asp?s=2#tab

Stay in touch with your lender.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Featured Home - 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
  

If you'd like more information on this home or any other home in central Virginia, please email me at kehoe@move2va.com or call me at (800) 818-7629.

Karen
http://www.move2va.com/

Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia This Weekend (Sept.14-17)

Friday & Saturday, Sept. 14 & 15
GHOST & MURDER WALKING TOUR
Charlottesville's Downtown Mall at York Place (across from Miller's Restaurant). Join our Ghost and Murder Walking Tour in historic downtown Charlottesville. Retrace the fatal steps of the mayor and his wife as they returned home from church in 1904, a night that lead to the murder of the century. Meet us at York Place (across from Miller's Restaurant) on the Downtown Mall every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the 1-1/2 hour walking tour. Two tours each night, one at 7 PM, the other at 9 PM. Adults $10, youth (13-17) $5, children 12 and under free with parents. No reservations or tickets required. Rain or shine. April through October. Major credit cards accepted. Call (434) 760-0525 for more information. Web Site: http://www.TellMeAboutItTours.com

Friday & Saturday, Sept. 14 & 15
23RD ANNUAL INDIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL AND POWWOW - MARTINSVILLE
Virginia Museum of Natural History. Enjoy drumming, dancing, demonstrations, games, crafts, and refreshments. Friday is Student Day when all activities are correlated to the Virginia Standards of Learning and pre-registration is required. Saturday is Public Day with food, authentic Native American jewelry, and crafts tables. Virginia Museum of Natural History. Directions: 65 West Main Street, Martinsville, VA. $7/Adults, Members-Free. All ages welcome. Email: information@vmnh.virginia.gov. Reservations are required. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 276-634-4141.

Saturday, Sept. 15
SPRING CREEK COMMUNITY YARD SALE
Semi-Annual Community Yard Sale! Directions: From Charlottesville: Take Interstate 64 East to exit 136 -- Zion Crossroads/Highway 15 - take a left and follow Highway 15 North one mile to the second Spring Creek entrance. Go through the guard house. . 7am-noon. $Free. Contact: Roxanne. Email: woodhouserox@aol.com. For more info call: 540-832-2625.

Saturday, Sept. 15
MID AUTUMNS CARNIVAL
The Mid Autumns Carnival at the University of Virginia is an annual event that brings together the Charlottesville and the University communities. This year, there will be food, carnival style games, a moon bounce, a dunk tank, and a raffle among many other events. Admission is free and children under the age of 13 will receive 20 free tickets for rides and food. Madison Bowl at the University of Virginia (Across from the Rotunda). Directions: Madison Bowl is at the corner of University and Rugby Road across the street from the Rotunda. The Carnival is also accessible by bus route number 7 at the "Corner" stop. . 12:00pm - 5:00pm. $Free Admission. Special Needs Accommodation: none Contact: Hunter Deeley. Email: hpd5m@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 410/812-6665.

Saturday, Sept. 15
WVPT KIDS' BOOK FESTIVAL
The WVPT Kids’ Book Festival is an exciting and entertaining experience for the entire family. During the free event, community partners provide literacy-based activities and entertainment that encourage a love of reading and foster awareness that early literacy experiences help children arrive at school ready to learn. As an incentive to read, each child attending receives a book to take home, and participates in fun, educational experiences that can be duplicated at home. PVCC. 11am to 3pm. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Stacie Jackson. Email: SJackson@wvpt.net. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-437-2432.

Saturday, Sept. 15
CHARLOTTESVILLE DOLL & TOY SHOW
Blue Ridge Doll Club. A show and sale to benefit UVA Childrens Hospital. Old and new dolls and accessories, bears and toys. East Rivanna Fire Dept, Glenmore, Charlottesville. Directions: Route 250E to Glenmore Way, first left to Rescue Building. 10am to 4:30pm. $4 adults, $1 children 12 and under, free for scouts in uniform. All ages welcome. Contact: Judy Seay. Email: mandjseay@earthlink.net. For more info call: 434/295-2628.

Saturday, Sept. 15
EVENING SIGNATURE TOURS AT MONTICELLO
An hour-long guided tour of Monticello that will include the rooms on the main floor of the house, the third-floor Dome Room, and the cellar-level dependencies, and an orientation visit to Mulberry Row, the center of African-American life on the plantation. Monticello. 6:30pm. $40. Reservations are required. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/984-9822.

Saturday, Sept. 15
GAMES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
This exhibit will feature a diverse collection of games that span ancient Asia and Colonial America to modern day. It will include games of strategy as well as games involving gross motor skills. Virginia Discovery Museum, Charlottesville. Directions: East End of the Downtown Mall. Tuesday - Saturday 10 am to 5pm, Sunday 1 to 5pm. $free with price of admission. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/977-1025.

Saturday, Sept. 15
ORANGE COUNTY'S AFRICAN-AMERICAN SCHOOLS: A SENSE OF PLACE IN EDUCATION
Shady Grove Baptist Church, 15270 Piney Wood Ln, Orange, VA 22960. The Orange County Afrcian-American Historical Society, Inc. (OCAAHS, Inc.) will present a series of events about the buildings and lasndscapes of African-American schools in Orange County. Before the late 1960's, part of keeping African-Americans "in their place" meant keeping students physically in their place in schools separate from white students. Programs include: A traveling exhibit for display incounty schools; Celebrating the planned restoration of Shady Grove School in Southeastern Orange County; Sharing oral histories of alumni of Orange County African-American schools. 4:00 PM-6:00 PM.Rebecca Coleman: (540) 672-4896. Email:bryan@virginia.edu Website:www.ocaahs.org

Saturday, Sept. 15
HISPANIC HERITAGE DAY - RICHMOND
Special performances by the Latin Ballet of Virginia, art projects and Spanish story times and other activities such as tortilla-making help celebrate Hispanic Heritage. Children's Museum of Richmond. Directions: 2626 West Broad Street on the Museum's Plaza, Richmond. 10am to 4pm. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link.

Saturday, Sept. 15
VIRGINIA HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ¿QUE PASA? FESTIVAL - RICHMOND
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220. Virginia’s kick-off to Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15). It is sponsored by the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and State Farm Insurance. Organizers hope to encourage Latino children to take an interest in sciences. There will be stationed translators in the Museum galleries to offer a more meaningful visit. Outside on the Museum grounds festival goers will experience an outdoor Latino market complete with the smells, sounds and tastes. 12:00 PM-8:00 PM. Admission Fee: Adults $8, Kids Free. Children Welcome. Chamber Phone: (804) 378-4099. Email:vahcc@rcn.com Website:www.vahcc.com

Saturday, Sept. 15
NATIONAL D-DAY MEMORIAL - NEVER FORGET - BEDFORD
Rolling Thunder Event at the National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA 24523. Join the Memorial as it welcomes hundreds of Rolling Thunder members on motorcycles to pay tribute to veterans and military personnel who are Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. Located in the town suffering the highest per capita D-Day losses in the nation, the National D-Day Memorial pays tribute to the Allied Forces participating in the largest land,sea, and air operation in history: the invasion of Normandy, June 6, 1944. Saturday, September 15, 2007 (1:00 PM-2:00 PM) Admission Fee: $5.00. Children Welcome. Telephone:toll free - main office: (800) 351-DDAY; information - main office: (540) 586-DDAY; Tour Coordinator: (540) 587-8973; Email:dday@dday.org; Website:www.dday.org

Saturday, Sept. 15

VIRGINIA SCOTTISH GAMES & FESTIVAL - FAUQUIER
Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144. For the first time in its 34-year history, the Virginia Scottish Games and Festival will be held at Sky Meadows State Park. Sky Meadows' rolling pastures and wooded hillsides preserve a landscape reminiscent of the Old World. As the park's signature 400th Anniversary commemorative event, the Games celebrate the rich Scottish heritage and traditions of many of the original settlers of Northern Virginia. Festival highlights include: highland athletic & dance competitions, piping competitions culminating in a massed pipe band performance, Scottish country dancing, clans, living history encampment, fiddling events, Scottish dog events, children's games, musical performances, British car show and a variety of food & craft vendors. The Mount Bleak House will be open for tours. Tickets: $15/adults, $5/children 5-12, free/under 5. 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Children Welcome. Scottish Games Office: (703) 912-1943. Website:www.vascottishgames.org/

Saturday, Sept. 15
LYNCHBURG ART FESTIVAL
E.C. Glass High School Grounds, Memorial Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24501. The Art Festival invites local and regional artists to Lynchburg for an event typically attended by approxmiately 2000 visitors. Awards from local sponsors amount to $4,500. 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Children Welcome. (434) 384-2723. Email:wsthom@aol.com

Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 15 & 16
PICK-YOUR-OWN APPLES DAY AT SILVER CREEK ORCHARD
Come on out for some famous Nelson County apple-picking! The apples are ripe on the tree and waiting for adventursome pickers, or you can choose to stroll around and enjoy the sights with a basket of apples that were already picked. Nelson County. Directions: 29S past Lovingston 5 miles, Right on 56W to Tyro, 3 miles west of Massie's mill. Sat 9 to 4pm, Sun 12 to 5pm. $cost of apples. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/277-5824.

Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 15 & 16
PICK YOUR OWN APPLES AT SEAMANS ORCHARD
Pick your own Red and Golden Delicious, Empire, Jonagold apples at Seaman's Orchard in Roseland. Half-bushel bags provided. Orchard well maintained and accessible. Bring a picnic. In beautiful Nelson County on the Sunrise Side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nelson County. Directions: 415 Dark Hollow Road, Roseland, VA. Take Route 29S for 30 miles. Turn right onto Rt. 56W. Go about 1 mile, turn right onto Rt. 655 (Roseland Rd.). At stop sign, turn left (Rt. 151S), go over bridge, and take the next right on RT 56W again. Stay on 56W for about 6 miles and Flippin-Seaman, Inc. will be on your left. 9am to 4pm Saturday, 12 to 5pm Sunday. All ages welcome. Email: info@flippin-seaman.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/277-5824.

Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 15 & 16
6TH ANNUAL BARN DANCE & DINNER - MIDLAND, VA
Enjoy a country dinner starting at 5pm. Dancing Instruction at 7pm. Then Dance from 7 to "till your feet get tired". Tickets for all you can eat dinner and dance. Directions: 5225 Catlett Road, Midland VA. 5pm. Contact: Patty. Email: Info@cows-n-corn.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-439-4806.

Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 15 & 16
THE VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL - LEESBURG
Morven Park Equestrian Center, 41793 Tutt Lane, Leesburg, VA 20176. The Virginia Wine Festival (the oldest wine festival on the East Coast) celebrates its 32nd year in 2007! The event features a grand tasting from Virginia’s award-winning wineries, educational seminars, headline entertainment all day both days, and a veritable treasure trove of culinary and craft artisans in a fabulous al fresco show. Come on out to the meadows of Morven Park Equestrian Center in Leesburg to celebrate the harvest and help us kick off Virginia Wine Month in style. Call or visit the website for tickets and details. 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Admission Fee: $25. Children Welcome. (703) 823-1868Fax: (661) 451-5491. Email: info@virginiawinefestival.org. Website: www.virginiawinefestival.org

Sunday, Sept. 16
CHARLOTTESVILLE CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Old Cabell Hall, UVA McIntire Department of Music, Charlottesville, Va. Come see the Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival, the annual series of concerts organized by artistic directors Raphael Bell and Tim Summers. The Festival is a unique blend of the classic and the contemporary. To order tickets call 434-295-5395 for subscriptions or 434-924-3984 for single tickets. Cabell Hall Box Office: (434) 924-3984. http://www.virginia.edu/music/calendar/music@virginia.edu

Sunday, Sept. 16
AMERICAN IDOLS LIVE
The top 10 finalists from season six of American Idol will be performing live at John Paul Jones Arena! FEATURING: BLAKE LEWIS, CHRIS SLIGH, CHRIS RICHARDSON, GINA GLOCKSEN, HALEY SCARNATO, JORDIN SPARKS, LAKISHA JONES, MELINDA DOOLITTLE, PHIL STACEY, SANJAYA MALAKAR. John Paul Jones Arena. $39.50, $52.50, $70. Email: johnpauljonesarenainfo@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/243-4960.

Monday, Sept. 17
CONSTITUTION DAY AT MONTPELIER
Celebrate the birthday of our nation's charter at the home of James Madison, Father of the Constitution. Program includes United States Marine Corps re-enlistment ceremony and loads of family fun and games. Montpelier. Directions: 11407 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station VA 22957, take Route 29 North to Route 15 South to Orange . 9:30 to 5:30pm. $Adults: $12, Children 6-14: $6, Children Under 6: No Charge. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-672-2728.

Enjoy!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Supervisors Approved Biscuit Run 1am This Morning

In the early hours of the morning today, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors approved Biscuit Run unanimously by a vote of 6-0, the largest residential development in Albemarle County history, with 4,300 homes.

The Supervisors like the amount of green space and walking trails that are planned, as well as the "walkability" of the area, with shopping very close by. Also mass transit will be easily accessible.

I personally am very excited. This is the type of develepment that the county wants and needs. I am personally going to get more information on Biscuit Run, as it is something that I may move to. I like the idea of all the different types of housing that they are going to have.

(click this image to enlarge)

Read more at CvilleTomorrow:

http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/2007/09/biscuit.html

Here's an article about the Biscuit Run approval from DailyProgress.com:

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP/MGArticle/CDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173352737267&path=

On August 13 I posted about how Biscuit Run may soon become a reality, read more:

http://move2va.blogspot.com/2007/08/biscuit-run-is-getting-closer-to.html

More Kudos: Virginia's Business Friendly Climate

Virginia is the place to live!

Forbes.com rates Virginia as the best state for business, the second year in a row. Read more in this article from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Newsletter:

Virginia Receives Top Rankings—Again—for its Business Friendly Climate

Katie Hellebush

For the second year in a row Virginia may tout its top business friendly ranking! Forbes.com named the Commonwealth of Virginia the “Best State for Business” again, and CNBC along with CNBC.com designated Virginia as their “Top State for
Business.”

The second consecutive number one ranking from Forbes.com highlighted the Commonwealth’s low unemployment rate, high quality of life and prospects for growth. Virginia placed number one in regulatory environment as well. Other considerations were cost of doing business and workforce.

CNBC, a far reaching financial news cable network, and CNBC.com examined states using 40 different measures of competitiveness in their study. These measures included cost of doing business, workforce, economy, education, quality of life, technology and innovation, transportation, cost of living, business friendliness, and access to capital. Virginia ranked in the top 15 of all but 2 categories. Texas, Utah, Georgia and North Carolina rounded out America’s top five states for business.

“It’s wonderful news that continues to give Virginia something to crow about in the international marketplace,” remarked Hugh Keogh, President & CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Virginia competes in the most competitive region of the United States and the ranking “has great practical value when it comes to recruiting businesses,” Keogh added.

Recently, both MeadWestvaco and Philip Morris USA moved their headquarters to the Richmond area resulting in major economic boosts. Still the Virginia Chamber continues its work to make the Commonwealth an even more attractive place to conduct business by advocating sound public policy to ensure a business friendly climate that encourages Virginia businesses to prosper and flourish.

Not to be outdone, Directorship magazine has ranked Virginia number 2 in the nation for its pro-business liability policies. This ranking was derived from a 50-state survey conducted by the American Justice Partnership, a national nonprofit coalition of leading corporations, think tanks, foundations, trade associations, individuals and organizations advocating for legal reform at the state level.

Only Nebraska outranked Virginia in the liability survey. The rest of the top 10, in order, are: North Dakota, Kansas, Utah, North Carolina, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Colorado.

Factors cited in Virginia’s number 2 spot include:

-A liability climate that is conducive to growth and job creation;

-The second lowest insurance loss ratios in the nation;

-Abolishment of joint liability and enactment of reasonable limits on punitive damages;

-A rule-of-law majority on the Virginia Supreme Court; and

-Recent Attorneys General who have been active legal reform leaders.

The announcement was hailed by Attorney General Bob McDonnell because: “Expensive and excessive litigation leads to higher costs for consumers, less jobs for our citizens, and slowdowns in economic growth. It discourages investment and has a negative effect on the expansion of the free market. Money that Virginia companies spend fighting lawsuits is money not spent expanding facilities, conducting research, and hiring Virginia workers. This ranking is a bipartisan achievement. Virginia’s pro- business climate and policies will continue to attract new companies to the Commonwealth in the years ahead, to the benefit of all who call Virginia home.”

To read the full article on the survey and Virginia’s ranking click here.

Virginia covers a variety of what people are looking for. Charlottesville with tech. Northern Virginia with government consultants ready and a large population of employees available. Richmond, Roanoke, and Norfolk with the population to fill those jobs.

Businesses want an area with low unemployment, quality of life, and growth opportunities. Families in Virginia enjoy beaches, mountains, the Chesapeake Bay, museums, and lots of culture. We've got it all!

Virginia Beach

Charter Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay

Skiing at Wintergreen Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce: http://www.vachamber.com/

Virginia Chamber of Commerce: http://www.vachamber.com/

What else do you love about Virginia? Please post a comment.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Cville Named #6 In "Best Green Places" 2007

Another kudo for Charlottesville! Wow! #6 for "Best Green Places"!

We are always ahead of other towns of the same size. Helping the environment is critical to us, and I am pleased that some builders in town are on the edge of building with green environmentally-friendly products. Read more in this article from the Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce newsletter:

Charlottesville Among Best Green Cities

Country Home magazine, in conjunction with Sperling's
BestPlaces, reveals that Burlington, Vermont is the 2007 Best Green Place to
live in America, and named Charlottesville sixth in the nation. "We are seeing a
real interest, by both our readers and the marketplace, in exploring a green
lifestyle," said Editor-in-Chief Carol Sheehan. "We wanted to find out who in
America is actually taking action, where they are, and what they are doing." The
Best Green Places study, which is based on data discovered by Sperling's
BestPlaces, examines 24 data metrics in 5 major categories -- including air and
watershed quality, mass transit usage, power usage, farmers markets, organic
producers, and number of green-certified buildings -- to determine which metro
areas are the best places to live a green life. Sperling's BestPlaces ranked the
379 major metropolitan areas, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Over 80
percent of all U.S. residents live in these 379 metro areas. Data was collected
from sources which include the Census Bureau, the U.S. Green Building Council,
Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, the GreenPeople.org online directory.

"The Charlottesville community puts a value on trees, parks, greenspace,
streams and biodiversity. In an effort to balance the natural and built
environment and practice sustainability, Charlottesville encourages the use of
green roofs, rainwater harvesting, porous paving and rain gardens. These
concepts are being demonstrated by the city to encourage adoption in parks and
public spaces," the magazine wrote.

Here's the article at CountryHome.com:

http://www.countryhome.com/greencities/

Here's the link to the top 100 list of Best Green Cities at CountryHome.com:

http://www.countryhome.com/greencities/greencities1_100.html

It's great sharing happy news on this sad day of remembrance.

Karen

www.move2va.com

Remembering...

I thought this was a beautiful snow sculpture photo, sent to me by a friend...

C'ville Region's Income Growth Best In State!

The Charlottesville region's per capita income growth is the best in the state. Read more in this article from "The Daily Progress" newspaper:

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP%2FMGArticle%2FCDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1137835596633&path=!news

Kudos to Cville! We've got it all! We have the best of everything, so why not flaunt it?

Please post a comment,
Karen
www.move2va.com

Quote of the Week: "It Couldn't Be Done"

This is actually a poem, but I love the message...

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't", but he would be the one
Who wouldn't say so 'til he'd tried.

So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it!

Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that,
At least no one ever has done it."
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew, he'd begun it.

With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it!

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure,
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.

But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it.
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That "cannot be done", and you'll do it!

- Edgar A. Guest


You can do anything you try for, so never give up. Positive thinking should be your way of life, and you'd be surprised at the results and how good it makes you feel. Hope you enjoy this as much as I do!

Karen
www.move2va.com

August Sales Slowest in 10 Years

This article was sent out by Dave Phillips, the CEO of the Charlottesville Association of Realtors in the newsletter this week:

This probably will not shock most of you, but sales in August took a significant
dip. The 304 sales reported to the MLS in August were the fewest since 1998.
Until August, the local market was soft, but doing well by historic measures. We
had been tracking along with the 2004 numbers which were the third highest in
local history. For the year, we are 620 sales behind last year (down 19.2%). As
bad as that sounds, we are still on course to have the 4th highest sales year
ever.

The main concern in the market seems to be the negative press
about the mortgage crisis. While our area is not part of the crisis, we are
feeling the effects of this national problem.

Speaking of NBC 29, check out their new HomePlace section of the web site. CAAR Real Estate Weekly has recently entered into a partnership with NBC 29 to link our two powerful websites together and share content.

The Charlottesville/Central Virginia housing market is different than the national market. We have buyers who are wise, and are looking to find a well-priced home. We are seeing competitively priced properties. In fact, I've got a Forest Lake family home priced at assessed value, $359,700. I have not seen prices this low in 27 years of doing business.

Earlier this week I compared July 2007 & August 2007 housing stats for real estate transactions by county in our area.

Louisa County had a huge 138% increase in the number of houses sold, and 44% increase in average days on market from July to August.

Other significant changes from July 2007 to August 2007...

Greene County had a 33% increase in average days on market, and a 41% increase in the median selling price.

Orange County had a 33% decrease in number of houses sold, and a 45% decrease in average days on market.

Fluvanna County had a 31% decrease in average days on market.

Nelson County had a 33% increase in number of houses sold.

The city of Charlottesville had a 35% increase in number of houses sold, and a 37% increase in average days on the market.

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

http://move2va.blogspot.com/2007/08/housing-stats-for-july-2007-major.html

Here are the August 2007 housing stats. They show current values in central Virginia:

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

Greene County, Virginia Housing Statistics, August 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 19
Average Selling Price: $310,121
Average Days on the Market: 96
Number of Houses on the Market: 207
Median Selling Price: $349,000

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

Orange County, Virginia Housing Statistics, August 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 6
Average Selling Price: $216,483
Average Days on the Market: 73
Number of Houses on the Market: 179
Median Selling Price: $234,000

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

Louisa County, Virginia Housing Statistics, August 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 19
Average Selling Price: $224,304
Average Days on the Market: 183
Number of Houses on the Market: 273
Median Selling Price: $225,657

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

Fluvanna County, Virginia Housing Statistics, August 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 49
Average Selling Price: $272,859
Average Days on the Market: 74
Number of Houses on the Market: 351
Median Selling Price: $255,000

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

Nelson County, Virginia Housing Statistics, August 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 20
Average Selling Price: $390,710
Average Days on the Market: 85
Number of Houses on the Market: 313
Median Selling Price: $362,000

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

Albemarle County, Virginia Housing Statistics, August 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 147
Average Selling Price: $439,299
Average Days on the Market: 82
Number of Houses on the Market: 1,003
Median Selling Price: $296,400

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

City of Charlottesville County, Virginia Housing Statistics, August 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 93
Average Selling Price: $269,751
Average Days on the Market: 67
Number of Houses on the Market: 396
Median Selling Price: $245,000

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

For more information on trends in our area, email me at kehoe@move2va.com or call me 24/7 at 1-800-818-7629.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Featured Home - Country Home In Fluvanna

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• Or land only 5 mostly wooded lot subdivision already divided, 2-4.4 acres each, fabulous, rare opportunity for builder/developer or family for neighborhood for $499,900; buy at today's price and close December 2008 (land only).
  

FEATURES:

• Fluvanna County, near I-64, easy commute to Charlottesville/Richmond
  
  
• Large country house
  
  
• Bring your farm animals
  
  
• Over 2100 square feet
  
  
• Old-fashioned wrap-around covered porch
  
  
• Extensive ceramic tile floors in great room and first floor
  
  
• Kitchen with breakfast nook and appliances
  
  
• Bedrooms, including first floor master suite
  
  
• 2 car garage
  

For more information on this home or any other home in central Virginia and Charlottesville, please call me (434-980-2860) or email me (kehoe@move2va.com).

Mortgage rates up slightly this week to 6.5%

30-Year fixed mortgage rates are now 6.5% for 30-year fixed. They increased slightly, due to the volatility of the credit markets. Read more at BankRate.com:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/Sept0607_interest_rate_roundupa1.asp?s=2#tab

Stay in close contact with your lender.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Charlottesville's Free Speech Monument

Web site: www.tjcenter.org/monument

Cville has it all! A huge chalkboard monument on the downtown mall allows you to express yourself for everybody in town, both old and young.

This is a great video, a time lapse film of The First Amendment Monument, the free speech chalkboard at the Charlottesville Downtown Mall. Film by Sasha Solodukhina, music by Dave Matthews:



Also we have the Beta Bridge at UVA. One of my fondest memories was when UVA students expressed themselves on the bridge, stating "Hoos For Hokies" to let Virginia Tech know that we are supporting them. Then later on Virginia Tech students painted a reply on the Beta Bridge stating "Thanks Hoos!"





Communication and expression are so important in our lives. If you don't have time to go to the chalkboard, express yourself here. Anonymous or quoted either one is fine. Please feel free to post on my blog about whatever.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia This Weekend (Sept. 7-9)

Friday, Sept. 7
ABOUT RICHARD NIXON, MILLER CENTER
Tricky Dick: Political journalist Elizabeth Drew, who recently published her thirteenth book, a biography of Richard M. Nixon for the American Presidents Series, speaks on "Richard M. Nixon and the Presidency." Free. 11am. Miller Center, 2201 Old Ivy Road, Charlottesville, www.millercenter.org/gage. 434/294-7236.

Friday, Sept. 7
WWI & AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP, MILLER CENTER
Chris Capozzola, MIT associate professor of history, discusses "German Enemy Aliens in the First World War and the Making of Modern American Citizenship." Free. 12:30pm. Miller Center, 2201 Old Ivy Road, Charlottesville, www.millercenter.org/gage. 434/294-7236.

Friday, Sept. 7
FRIDAYS AFTER FIVE
This is the last Fridays After Five of the 2007 season. The band is SGGL (http://www.sggl.net/). At the Charlottesville Pavilion on the Downtown Mall. Show starts at 5:30pm. $free. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@charlottesvillepavilion.com?subject=Fridays. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/245-4910.

Friday, Sept. 7
ART FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, TIM MICHEL, RECEPTION
Tim Michel opens his show of print etchings of Virginia landscapes at the C&O Gallery with a reception, 5-7pm. A portion of all sales goes to the Piedmont Environmental Council. 515 E. Water St. in Charlottesville (next to the C&O restaurant). 434/971-7044.

Friday, Sept. 7
LIGHT HOUSE FILM FESTIVAL
Light House, Charlottesville's award-winning youth media center, hosts two screenings of its 6th annual Youth Film Festival, "Real Voices: Reel Stories." Question and answer with the young filmmakers follows. Light House premieres the best short films created by local teens in the past year including animation, documentary, music video, and narrative films. Highlights include Sew What? by 16-year-old Westhaven resident Quintin Franklyn, a fledgling fashion designer whose film won the "Best Documentary" award in a national youth film competition sponsored by Listen Up! in New York City; and Laying Out the Cards, a portrait of the dignity and wisdom of a homeless man who gives Tarot card readings on the Downtown Mall. $10/6pm show; $25/8pm show and after party featuring music, drinks, and food. 434/293-6992 or http://www.lighthousestudio.org/.

Friday, Sept. 7
PUBLIC NIGHT AT MCCORMICK OBSERVATORY
The view is out of this world at Public Night at McCormick Observatory, 9-11pm (weather permitting). UVA's research telescopes on O-Hill will be pointed heavenward, and Astronomy Department staff and students will be on hand with a slide show and answers to starry questions. Free. McCormick Road, Charlottesville. 434/924-7494.

Friday, Sept. 7
WESTMINSTER ORGAN CONCERT, PETER KRANEFOED
The Westminster Organ Concert Series opens its 2007-2008 season with a public concert today featuring German organist Peter Kranefoed and the music of Bach, Buxtehude, and Böhm. Free, 8pm. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 190 Rugby Road, Charlottesville. 434/963-4690 or www.avenue.org/organconcerts.

Friday, Sept. 7
WINE & BEER TASTING AT MAYMONT - RICHMOND
Hosted by The Dooley Noted Society, Maymont’s young professionals group that takes place on the South Terrace of the Robins Nature & Visitor Center at Maymont Park. Enjoy live music as you sample local wine and beer. Wine & Beer Tasting at Maymont

Saturday, Sept. 8
PRE-GAME TALK AT UVA
"More Than the Score" kicks off its second season of educational game-day talks for alumni, parents, and friends. Today's subject: Calorie Myths, featuring Glenn Gaesser, Professor and Director of the Kinesiology Program at the Curry School of Education. Can "bad carbs" be good? Can exercise make you fatter? Can being "overweight" be a sign of good health? Free. 10-11am. Alumni Hall, 211 Emmet St., Charlottesville. www.uvaminds.com/more-than-the-score.

Saturday, Sept. 8
UVA FOOTBALL HOME COMING GAME
"Paint the Town Orange" UVA hosts Duke in Charlottesville, 12:00pm.

Saturday, Sept. 8
HERITAGE HARVEST FESTIVAL
Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants. The Heritage Harvest Festival is a family-oriented, educational event designed to promote healthy gardening practices and preserve heirloom plants from the Mid-Atlantic region. The festival will highlight the efforts of non-profit organizations supporting sustainable agriculture as well as of for-profit groups promoting organics and “slow food” principles; and will provide an array of food vendors and free samples. The day will also include informative workshops on fruit and vegetable preservation, seed saving, and the ever-popular tomato and apple tastings. Additional, fun-filled activities range from an invigorating walk to the Rivanna River to special tours of the Monticello Kitchen Garden and of Montalto, the neighboring “high mountain.” Monticello's Tufton Farm. 10am to 4pm. $free. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:festival@southernexposure.com?subject=Heritage. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-894-9480.

Saturday, Sept. 8
ORANGE STREET FESTIVAL
As summer draws to its end, what better way is there to celebrate the coming of fall, than to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at our annual "Street Festival". Held in the center of downtown Orange, there is lots of food, crafts, local businesses displaying their wares, and a great atmosphere for all. Downtown Orange. 9am to 5pm. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:occc@ns.gemlink.com?subject=Orange. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-672-5216.

Saturday, Sept. 8
RIVANNA TRAILS FOUNDATION SATURDAY WORKSHOPS
Volunteer to come out to help with trail maintenance. Great for older kids or the whole family. Tools provided, but bring shears or clippers if you have them. Large groups please call in advance. . Directions: Meet at the trailhead on Melbourne Road just east of the Charlottesville High School football field and caravan to the work site. 9am to 12pm. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Dan Mahon. Email: mailto:dmahon@albemarle.org?subject=Rivanna. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/296-5844.

Saturday, Sept. 8
RIVERFLICK OUTDOOR FILMS - LYNCHBURG
The RiverFlick Film Series returns to the riverfront for the summer of 2007 bringing more great movies to Central Virginia. Each RiverFlick night, hundreds of people from throughout the region make their way to Lynchburg's riverfront to enjoy a movie experience like never before! RiverFlick is a free community event which shows family-friendly movies in an outdoor theater. Movie classics are selected from a variety of genres to appeal to a wide audience. intersection of 9th and Jefferson Streets. Directions: Lynchburg, VA 24504. 7 to 11:30pm. $free. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:riverflick@aol.com?subject=RiverFlick. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434-845-8850.

Saturday, Sept. 8
STARRY NIGHTS AT VERITAS VINEYARDS & WINERY - AFTON
Come to the winery for wine, music and food under the stars. Bring a picnic, or sample the delights of our chef Said Rhafiri for $15. Veritas Vineyards & Winery in Afton. 7 to 11pm. $10. Email: mailto:contact@veritaswine.com?subject=Starry. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-456-8000.

Saturday, Sept. 8
IS ANYBODY OUT THERE - RICHMOND
Science Museum of Virginia. Is there life on other planets? If so, what would it be like? Search for answers to these and other questions about extraterrestrial life with the voice of Star Trek’s Leonard Nimoy as a guide. (planetarium show) Directions: 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA. Take I-64 east to Richmond take the Boulevard exit (# 78), bear right onto Boulevard. Take Boulevard to West Broad Street (US 250) (4th traffic light). Turn left onto West Broad Street and go two blocks. Museum is on your left. Monday-Saturday 9:30am to 5pm, Sunday 11:30am to 5pm. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 804-864-1400.

Saturday, Sept. 8
WAYNESBORO CHILI, BLUES 'N BREWS COOKOFF
Features a Corvette and Mustang car show, all the chili you can swallow, blues by Eli Cook, Barb Martin, Mac Walter and others. $4 advance, $5/door. 11am-5:30pm. http://www.waynesborochili.com/ or 540-942-6705.

Saturday, Sept. 8
CELEBRATE GRANDPARENT'S DAY AT THE DISCOVERY MUSEUM
To honor all those long-suffering, doting oldsters, the Virginia Discovery Museum hosts Grandparents' Day. Kids and their meema and papa can make a t-shirt together with a self-portrait on the front and crayon decorations on the back. 10:30am. $10 members/ $15 nonmembers. Registration required. East end of the Downtown Mall. 434/977-1025. (Grandparents Day is actually Sunday, FYI.)

Saturday, Sept. 8
CELEBRATE GRANDPARENTS DAY AT POPLAR FOREST
Special tours that focus on Jefferson and his grandchildren. Grandparents accompanied by a grandchild receive $2 off admission. Grandparents Day at Poplar Forest

Saturday, Sept. 8
VIOLIN MUSIC
Baroque violinist David Sariti and organist Bradley Lehman present violin music from the beginning to Bach: a century of Italian, French, and German Music. 7pm, $15/general; $10/students, seniors. Christ Episcopal Church, 100 Jefferson St. W., Charlottesville. 434/293-2947.

Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 8-9
ALEXANDRIA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Features more than 200 artists from around the country as they display and sell a variety of fine art ranging from paintings, sculpture, prints and photography to pottery, glass, jewelry and ceramics. Alexandria Festival of the Arts

Sunday, Sept. 9
ASH LAWN-HIGHLAND’S TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY: FAMILIES AT THE PLANTATION
Celebrate our teachers at the home of President James Monroe. Experience craft demonstrations, hands-on workshops, music, colonial games, more. Admission charge. Free to teachers. Ash Lawn-Highland (Home of President James Monroe). Directions: 1000 James Monroe Parkway, Charlottesville, 2.5 miles past Monticello. 1 to 5pm, rain or shine. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@ashlawnhighland.org?subject=Ash. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/293-9539.

Sunday, Sept. 9
WILDLIFE CENTER OF VIRGINIA OPEN HOUSE
The Wildlife Center of Virginia, the nation's leading teaching and research hospital for native wildlife, hosts one of five open houses for autumn 2007. These are rare opportunities to see the inner workings of a wildlife hospital, as well as meet some of the wildlife that serve as the Center's education staff and ambassadors. Reservations required. Free. Three sessions: 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm. I-64 West to Exit 96 (Waynesboro, Lyndhurst). Left at the end of the off ramp onto South Delphine Ave/Route 624. 1/2 mile, WCV is on the left, look for sign at the driveway. 540-942-9453.

Sunday, Sept. 9
CADILLAC COMMONWEALTH CUP POLO MATCH - OILVILLE
A spirited match between American and British teams. The event also showcases dog agility trials, a wine tasting and vendor tent and contests, as well as a carriage parade and traditional divot stomping at halftime. South Ceres Farm. Cadillac Commonwealth Cup Polo Match

Have a fun weekend!

Karen
www.move2va.com