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

Local Events This Weekend, Aug. 24-26, 2007

Friday-Sunday, Aug. 24-26
STAUNTON MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Staunton Music Festival, now in its tenth season, has gained a reputation for its adventurous and innovative programming, unusual breadth of repertoire, and performers of international caliber. These events take place in various locations that highlight the natural beauty and historical significance of the city of Staunton, as well as its cultural vitality. Join the Staunton Music Festival in its summer celebration of these rich musical traditions! various locations. various. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@stauntonmusicfestival.com?subject=Staunton. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-885-7873.

Friday, Aug. 24
FRIDAYS AFTER FIVE
Charlottesville Downtown Pavilion, show begins at 5:30pm, all ages welcome. This week's band is Tom Principato, http://www.tomprincipato.com/. Tom Principato is one of the most unique guitarists around, combining his rich blues background with high-energy rock, and a highly charged, emotionally expressive delivery. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/245-4910.

Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 25-26
MONTICELLO TOURS FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES
These special guided tours of Thomas Jefferson’s house are designed for children ages 6 to 11. The 30-minute tours feature hands-on opportunities and provide a glimpse of what life was like for the children who lived at Monticello in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Register at Ticket Office. Monticello. Directions: Rt 20 South, then left on Rt 53, go 1.5 miles (on left). 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, and 3pm. $Included in price of general admission. Recommended for ages 6 to 11. Reservations are required. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/984-9822.

Saturday, Aug. 25
MONTICELLO SECLUDED FARM NATURAL HISTORY WALK
Stroll through the open fields and forests of Secluded Farm, just south of Kemper Park, learn and enjoy the sun-loving plants and summer wild flowers along the way. 9:30 a.m., Thomas Jefferson Parkway Trailhead. $10; reservations required. Information: (434) 984-9822. Web Site: http://www.monticello.org/

Saturday, Aug. 25
END OF SUMMER BASH!
Come out for the end of summer get together. The Charlottesville Parks and Rec department will offer free swimming from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. There will be food, inflatables, face painters and a movie. You may even get a golden ticket! Washington Park & Pool. Directions: Corner of Preston Ave and 10th Street. 5:30pm. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Leslie Genson. Email: mailto:genson@charlottesville.org?subject=End. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/970-3298.

Saturday, Aug. 25
INSPECTOR WILD! WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
Dive into the wet world of Wintergreen's streams and discover the animals that call the water home. Figure out why this water is so important to these animals, to us and to the mountain itself. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Wintergreen, VA. Directions: I-64 west to Exit 107 (Crozet, Route 250). Take Route 250 west to Route 151 south, turn left. Follow Route 151 south to Route 664, 14.2 miles. 9 to 11am. $10 members, $15 non-members. Recommended for ages 4 to 6. Email: mailto:info@twnf.org?subject=Inspector. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-8169.

Saturday, Aug. 25
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Come out for an evening full of fun! From 5 to 7pm families can swim at Onesty pool, enjoy the playgroud, the moon bounces or just take it easy and eat a picnic dinner. Meade Park . Directions: The corner of Meade Ave & Chesapeake St. Charlottesville, VA. 5 to 9:30pm. $free. All ages welcome. Bring a picnic dinner. Contact: Leslie. Email: mailto:genson@charlottesville.org?subject=Movies. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/970-3298.

Saturday, Aug. 25
RIVANNA RIVER CLEANUP
Thomas Jefferson Soil & Water Conservation District and Rivanna Conservation Society. Volunteers are needed and families are welcomed to help out at the 2007 Cleanup! Bring plenty of water and a hat and wear long pants. Bags and gloves are supplied. Rain date: Sunday, August 26. Milton Boat Landing, Raes Ford Bridge, Riverview Park, Palmyra Boat Landing, River stretches. Directions: Please contact for directions: On-the-ground volunteers contact Garnett Mellen 975-0224 or email garnett.mellen@vaswcd.org On-the-water volunteers contact Phyllis White 984-5678 or email phyllisdj@hotmail.com . 10am. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Garnett Mellen. Email: mailto:garnett.mellen@vaswcd.org?subject=Rivanna. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/975-0224.

Saturday, Aug. 25
WILD! ADVENTURES: SPLISH SPLASH
Become a stream doctor as the group gives a Wintergreen waterway a health check-up. Do real chemical tests, capture stream critters and learn what the animals can tell us about their watery home. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Trillium House. Directions: I-64 west to Exit 107 (Crozet, Route 250). Take Route 250 west to Route 151 south, turn left. Follow Route 151 south to Route 664, 14.2 miles. 1 to 4pm. $15 members, $20 non-members. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@twnf.org?subject=Wild!. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-8169.

Saturday, Aug. 25
WILDFLOWERS IN THE WOODS AND WETLANDS
Ivy Creek Foundation and Virginia Native Plant Society.Walk with a member of the Virginia Native Plant Society to see the spectacular late blooming wildflowers of summer. Cardinal flower, boneset, and jewelweed are among the flowers that bloom in August at Ivy Creek. Ivy Creek Natural Area. Directions: Earlysville Road. 9am. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Bruce Gatling-Austin. Email: mailto:programs@ivycreekfoundation.org?subject=Wildflowers. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/973-7772.

Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 24-25
5TH ANNUAL WINE HARVEST PREVUE & PERSPECTIVE
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Stanardsville. Visit Autumn Hill Vineyards and, under a tent in the vineyard, learn the decision making process about when to harvest. In depth discussion of growing quality grapes in Virginia. This is the time for technical information to be discusses and for serious questions to be answered. Vineyard discussion takes plae from 2p.m. to 3p.m. Enjoy wine tasting before and after the discussion. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day in the country. Reservations suggested. Rain or Shine. $7 includes souviner glass. Info: 434-985-6100. Web Site: http://www.autumnhillwine.com/

Sunday, Aug. 26
CHARLOTTESVILLE YOUTH TRIATHLON
A swim, bike, run combination race for ages 7-14. Distances vary by age. Every competitor earns a medal and there will be lots of cool prizes. Youths participate individually in this fast growing sport. Race director ensures staff presents a positive "everybody wins" atmosphere. Claudius Crozet Park. Directions: Crozet, Virginia. 8am. $35. Recommended for ages 7 to 14. Contact: Ragged Mountain Running Shop. Email: mailto:cvilleyouthtri@yahoo.com?subject=Charlottesville. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/293-3367.

Sunday, Aug. 26
SUNDAY FUN-DAYS FOR FAMILIES: TROPICAL BEACH BASH
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Richmond.On the fourth Sunday of each month, families can enjoy children's entertainment, gardening and activities in the Children's Garden. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Directions: Off I-95 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, VA. 5 to 8pm. $regular garden admission. All ages welcome. Contact: Beth. Email: mailto:bethm@lewisginter.org?subject=Sunday. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 804-262-9887.

Enjoy your weekend!
Karen
www.move2va.com

Free "Green Matters" Workshop Aug. 29 in C'ville

Want to know more about “green” construction? The Habitat Store is hosting an ongoing series of workshops discussing the topic, so stop by and see what it’s all about!

Wednesday, August 29th

5pm-6pm: Refreshments and social hour

6pm-6:30pm: Workshop

7:30pm-8pm: Visiting time

Where: The Habitat Store at 1221 Harris Street, Charlottesville

Topic: "Become a LEEDer in Home Construction," will focus on the US Green Building Council's rating system and highlight local projects

Speakers: Doug Lowe with Artisan Construction and Charles Hendricks with The Gaines Group

Cost: Free!

Go to www.greenmatters.info to learn more about the workshop series.

Karen
www.move2va.com

What Buyers Are Looking For - NAR Report

The National Association of Realtors recently released a report on what buyers are looking for in a home. I think it's very interesting that one of the items they say they are looking for is oversized garages. Read more in this news release from NAR:

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

Of course this is a nationwide report but certainly most buyers will want air conditioning, and in our area it's hot in August for sure. Walk-in closets and large master suites are also asked for quite often.

Interesting these days you are seeing garden tubs instead of whirlpool tubs, but a very nice feature is both a whirlpool or garden tub and a separate shower.

In our area buyers are very focused on location, proximity to work, and schools. Of course we have incredible schools so that's a perc for sure!

I've got a great bargain home for sale right now with an oversized garage, and it's priced at the Albemarle County assessed value, reduced almost $40,000. It's on Amberfield Drive in Forest Lakes and is now listed at $359,700, with four bedrooms and 2,400 sq.ft. The Forest Lakes community features a pool, tennis, clubhouse and more, as well as great schools.

What would be on your wish list if you were a buyer?

Karen
www.move2va.com

Customer Service-5 National Companies That Excel

I believe providing excellent customer service is paramount in running a successful business.

Click this link to learn about five national companies that excel in customer service, in this article from RISMedia.com:

http://rismedia.com/wp/2007-08-15/brilliant-branders-5-companies-that-know-the-importance-of-the-customer-experience/

In my opinion, one of the best local companies in terms of customer service is Bonefish Grill restaurant, in Hollymead, north of Charlottesville. They make you feel like a queen or king for the day. The food, service and the entire restaurant excel. The manager personally comes to your table and really wants to know about your food and experience.

Another great local restaurant for customer service is the stand-alone Chick-Fil-A near Lowe's in Charlottesville. If the drive-thru line gets too long, the managers come outside and take orders at your car using cell phones. Once someone in our office got the wrong order, and the manager personally drove to our office to deliver the correct items!

Unfortunately I can point fingers at several restaurants in town that do not follow this same philosophy, and therefore I choose not to frequent them anymore.

I guarantee satisfaction at my real estate company, RE/MAX Excellence, to all of our clients. You reserve the right to fire us if you are unhappy with our services (I'm sure you won't, but you always have the right to).

What do you think I could personally do better for you as a realtor?

What do you think the profession of realtors, in general, could do for you, to improve customer service?

I think the most important thing the public expects from those that serve them, is communication. Email has certainly assisted us in communicating better, more thoroughly, and more often.

Please post a comment to share with me and everyone. I'd love to know which local companies you feel put the customer as number one and provide incredible service. Let's spread the word and bring more business to those who deserve it!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Quote of the Week: The Man Who Wins Is The Man Who Thinks He Can

If you think you are beaten, you are,

If you think you dare not, you don’t

If you like to win, but you think you can’t,

It is almost certain you won’t.



If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost

For out in the world we find,

Success begins with a fellow’s will –

It’s all in the state of mind.



If you think you are outclassed, you are,

You’ve got to think high to rise,

You’ve got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.



Life’s battles don’t always go

To the stronger or faster man,

But soon or late the man who wins

Is the man who thinks he can!

- Author Unknown

Happiness is a voyage, not a destination. There is no better time to be happy than . . . NOW! Live and enjoy each moment with passion, always thinking positive thoughts because they do become your reality.

Have a wonderful week, Don't worry, be happy... and SMILE!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Lowe's Coming To Greene

Greene County appears to be going first class with quality in every way with Gateway Center, coming to Ruckersville. Now soon to be home to a Wal-Mart Super Center and now Lowe's. There will only be retail in this shopping center, which will feature high quality light poles as well as landscaped entrances. The shopping center will have 500 square feet at build-out in 2010-2011.

This will help the tax base in Greene County, which is booming with a new senior community and lots of new developments as well. Shoppers from northern Albemarle will probably use this new shopping center as well.

Read more in the article from DailyProgress.com, "Lowe's to open Greene store":

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP/MGArticle/CDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173352367765&path=

What do you think of Gateway Center? What other stores would you like to see come to Ruckersville? Please post a comment.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Mortgage rates up slightly this week to 6.68%

For the most part, mortgage rates were up this week, even though Treasury yields fell. Usually, mortgage rates decline when Treasury yields fall. Read more at bankrate.com:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/Aug1607_interest_rate_roundupa1.asp?s=2#tab

USAToday.com says interest rates dropped and demand surged:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2007-08-08-mortgage-apps_N.htm

Keep a watchful eye on rates and stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. If you'd like recommendations on a local lender, I'll be happy to email you a list, kehoe@move2va.com.

Happy house hunting!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Featured Home - Forest Lakes @ County Assessment, Only $359,700

A fabulous home at an unbelieveable price!

$359,700 Firm

Immediate Occupancy

(Click image for larger view)

If you have any questions about this home or any other homes in central Virginia and Charlottesville, please email me at kehoe@move2va.com or call me at 1-800-818-7629.

Karen

www.move2va.com

New UVA Emergency Alert System

Over 6,400 people have signed up for the University of Virginia emergency notifications, their new alert system.

Read more at WRIC's web site (Channel 8, ABC in Richmond):

http://www.wric.com/Global/story.asp?S=6899102

The Virginia Tech tragedy is so sad. But we all learn and now we'll have better systems in place in our own backyard. I think text messaging is a great way to communicate emergencies to students, faculty, and everyone.

I subscribe via email to "Emergency Emails" through the Emergency Email and Wireless Network, a free public service, that notifies you of emergencies via email, cell phones or pagers, through local, regional and national government resources. I get instant alerts of severe weather, nationwide recalls, health crisis warnings, increased terror warning levels, and more. This web site for me personally has been a huge bonus. I love the severe storm warnings, so if they're calling for hail I have time to move my car so it's under cover. I also love the snow and ice warnings. I pass important warnings onto my friends and colleagues as well. It's easy to subscribe and free, here's their web site:

http://www.emergencyemail.org/

I hope you find this helpful. I will add this site to my "Helpful Links" on the left side so you can find it easily in the future. We can all help each other stay safe.

If there are any other web sites you know about that would be helpful to others, please post a comment with the internet address. Or if you'd like me to try to find a site for you, I'll be glad to research it and post as well. Thanks!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia This Weekend (Aug. 17-19)

Monday-Saturday, August 13-18
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY FAIR
The L.A. Times calls this "One of America's best County Fairs" and it's known as the largest agricultural fair in Virginia! The Rockingham Fair is a special treat, worth the drive, to experience the charm, agricultural pride and beauty of the Shenandoah Valley. Be sure to check their online schedule for the packed schedule of events. Wednesday is Youth Day and Saturday is Family Fun Day with special discounts. Rockingham County Fair Grounds. Directions: I-81 to exit 240 (Mt Crawford), North Rt 11. exhibit and show times vary (see website). $Admission varies $2 - $5 (discounts for special days). All ages welcome. Email: rockfair@rica.net. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-434-0005.

Wednesday-Sunday, August 15-19
POWHATAN COUNTY FAIR
Come out to one of the longest running fairs in Virginia. A new attraction this year will be a lawn mower race sponsored by the Virginia Lawn Mower Racing Association. Other activities include rides for all ages, games and souvenirs, pony rides, yummy food, and exhibits. Powhatan County Fairgrounds. Directions: 4317 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA 23139. For more info call: 804-598-9808.

Friday, August 17
FRIDAYS AFTER 5
Charlottesville Downtown Pavilion; Skip Castro Band, show begins at 5:30pm.

Friday, August 17
PUBLIC NIGHT AT THE UVA OBSERVATORY
UVA McCormick Observatory, Charlottesville. Three telescopes at the McCormick Observatory offer amazing views of our galaxy (weather permitting) while astronomy staff and graduate students answer questions. A slide show and tour are also provided. McCormick Observatory. Directions: From Emmet Street (Rt29) near UVA and Ivy Rd (Rt250) turn onto McCormick, follow signs up the hill. 9 to 11pm. $free. All ages welcome. Email: jdh7h@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/924-7494.

Saturday, August 18
2ND ANNUAL BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN MUSIC FEST
Wintergreen Performing Arts. Come for the day – enjoy a celebration of music that has echoed throughout the Blue Ridge – get ready to tap your toes and clap your hands – let the fiddles and banjos begin! The program features legendary old-time music pioneer and founding member of the New Lost City Ramblers Mike Seeger. There will be jamming throughout the day and the Fest will conclude with a jam session with all performers on stage. Evans Center. Directions: Wintergreen, VA. 11am to 7pm. $15 adults, $5 for ages 6 through 17, free under 5. All ages welcome. Email: info@wintergreenperformingarts.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-8292.

Saturday & Sunday, August 18-19
HUGE INDOOR SALE
Virginia Discovery Museum, Charlottesville. Decorating your child's room or a classroom? Come to the Virgina Discovery Museum's garage sale and get exhibit pieces at discount prices! Fabrics, large exhibit pieces, light fixtures, and more will be for sale. Water Street Parking Garage. Directions: 513 Water Street. 7am to 3pm. All ages welcome. Email: vdm@ntelos.net. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/977-1025.

Saturday, August 18
3RD ANNUAL CARL TRIBASTONE MEMORIAL 5K RUN/WALK
Bring the family and join in the annual fun run to benefit organ donation/transplantation. Come out and raise money for a terrific cause! Forest Lakes South Pool/Clubhouse, Charlottesville. 7:30am. $15, $20 on race day, ($50 per family maximum. All ages welcome. Contact: Angela Thompson. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/973-4599.

Saturday, August 18
BACK-2-SCHOOL BASH
National College, partnering with several local agencies, is hosting a back-2-school bash! Swim bands will be given to the first 150 guests, food will be catered by Big Jim's Catering and there will lots of prizes and giveaways. This event is free to the public. Washington Park & Pool, Charlottesville. Directions: Corner of Preston Ave and 10th Street. 11am to 3pm. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Andrea D. Copeland. Email: acopeland@national-college.edu. For more info call: 434/295-0136.

Saturday, August 18
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AT MAYMONT
Walk through the “Employees Only” door for a special peek at the inner workings of the Maymont Nature Center. Thirteen aquariums and more than 200 animals require more care than meets the eye. For ages 5 to adult; children must be accompanied by an adult. Register at the Visitor Center desk on the day of the program. Maymont Nature Center. Directions: 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, VA. 1pm. $5/$4 for members. Email: info@maymont.org. Reservations are required. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 804-358-7166, ext. 333.

Saturday, August 18
WAHS FREE COMMUNITY EVENT
Western Albemarle High School, Charlottesville. Meet, Greet, & Tailgate with the varsity football players & cheerleaders. Free hotdogs, hamburgers & drinks provided (bring a side-dish & lawn chairs). FREE football and cheerleading clinics for kids! Western Albemarle High School. Directions: 5941 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Crozet, VA. 4 to 7pm. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/823-8700.

Saturday, August 18
WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MERIWETHER LEWIS
Walk at Ragged Mountain In the Footsteps of Meriwether Lewis Meriwether Lewis was born 233 years ago on this day at “Locust Hill” in Ivy not far from RMNA. His legendary explorations started as a child. Living close to the Ragged Mountains, he surely would have explored these hills. Walk with Ivy Creek guide and Lewis and Clark enthusiast Hugh Gildea on this history focused hike in the “Footsteps of Lewis.” Meet in the parking lot of RMNA. Ragged Mountain Natural Area . Directions: Reservoir Road. 9am. $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 & Sunday, August 18-19
FAMILY FLICKS AT THE PARAMOUNT THEATER
Will feature films "Shrek" and "The Sound of Music". The Paramount Theater, Charlottesville Downtown Mall. 7pm and 9pm on Saturday; 2pm and 6pm on Sunday. $6 for adults; $4 for kids 18 and younger. All ages welcome. Email: info@theparamount.net. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/979-1333.

Saturday, August 18
FAMILY FUN: AFTER DARK
Wintergreen Nature Foundation.This non-scary walk will help parents and children explore the world of the woods after dark. Simple activities will help us better understand the creatures that are active at night as well as our own responses to the dark. Bring a flashlight. Trillium House, Wintergreen, VA . Directions: I-64 west to Exit 107 (Crozet, Route 250). Take Route 250 west to Route 151 south, turn left. Follow Route 151 south to Route 664, 14.2 miles. 8 to 10pm. $10 members, $15 nonmembers. All ages welcome. Email: info@twnf.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-8169.

Saturday, August 18
JOHN PRINE CONCERT
Charlottesville Downtown Pavilion, 6:00pm. Doors at 6:00pm / Music at 7:00pm $49.50, $35.00, $27.50 *Plus $2.00 Facility Fee. It’s been nine years since John Prine – Grammy-winner, former mailman, iconic American songwriter, chronic dreamer, child of the Midwest, grandchild of Appalachia – made a record. And in that time, the man whose given us “Sam Stone,” “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness,” “Hello In There,” “Blow Up Your TV,” “Unwed Fathers,” “Ain’t Hurtin’ Nobody,” “Angel From Montgomery,” “Souvenirs,” “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore” and “The Great Compromise” made a full-immersion commitment to living that precluded the watching-the-clock school of record making. Web Site: http://www.charlottesvillepavilion.com/

Sunday, August 19
WOODS AND WETLANDS WALK AT IVY CREEK
Walk with a member of the Virginia Native Plant Society to see the spectacular late blooming wildflowers of summer. Cardinal flower, boneset, and jewelweed are among the flowers that bloom in August at Ivy Creek. Meet in the parking lot. Ivy Creek Natural Area. Directions: Earlysville Road/Route 743. 9am. $free. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/973-7772.

Have a great weekend!
Karen
www.move2va.com

9-Story Condo Tower May Not Be Coming To Downtown C'ville?

On Monday there was an article in "The Daily Progress", called "Tower plan could alter downtown", read more:

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP/MGArticle/CDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173352355350

A developer from Richmond was trying to get permission from the Charlottesville Planning Commission to build a 9-story buidling with condominiums and retail units, at the corner of McIntire Road and W. Main Street downtown.

This proposed building would have been a massive improvement over the current building, RSC Equipment Rental. I see no reason why the height of the building should be a problem. The Lewis and Clark building downtown is also a tall building. It would improve this prime corner.

However, in this morning's "Daily Progress" there was another article, "Panel pans tower plan":

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP/MGArticle/CDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173352379782

The Planning commission voted against it 4-2 because Charlottesville isn't getting enough in return. They want the developer to make a larger contribution to affordable housing in the city.

Hopefully both sides can find a way to make it work. But for now the city says no.

Do you think the city should have turned them down? Please post a comment. Thanks!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Housing Stats for July 2007: Major Decreases in Nelson, Major Increases in Louisa & More

Today I compared June 2007 & July 2007 housing stats for real estate transactions by county in our area, and saw some interesting changes.

The largest decreases were in Nelson County:

• Average Sale Price in Nelson decreased by $164,088 from June 2007 to July 2007.
  
• Median Sale Price in Nelson decrased by $135,000 from June 2007 to July 2007.

Nelson County has experienced rapid appreciation for second homes/vacation homes and therefore the market is adjusting to the second home level of interest as well as competition.

The largest increases were in Louisa County:

• Average Sale Price in Louisa increased by $50,398 from June 2007 to July 2007.
  
• Median Sale Price in Louisa increased by $88,490 from June 2007 to July 2007.
  
• Average Days On The Market in Louisa also increased by 60 days from June 2007 to July 2007.

Louisa is booming with its Zion Crossroads shopping complex with a new Best Western hotel, and new restaurants coming soon, as well as a new supercenter Wal-Mart, a Home Depot, more office and retail space, and possibly an outlet mall as well. There are also new subdivisions popping up around the county.

Fluvanna County had two large increases:

• Average Days On The Market increased by 32 days from June 2007 to July 2007.


• Median Sale Price increased by $48,100 from June 2007 to July 2007.

Albemarle County had one large increase and one large decrease:

• Average Sale Price increased by $42,696 from June 2007 to July 2007.


• Number of Houses Sold decreased by 27 from June 2007 to July 2007.

The City of Charlottesville had three large decreases:

• Average Sale Price decreased by $41,085 from June 2007 to July 2007.


• Median Sale Price decreased by $67,000 from June 2007 to July 2007.


• Average Days On The Market decreased by 25 days from June 2007 to July 2007.

Madison County had one large increase:

• Average Days On The Market increased by 73 days from June 2007 to July 2007.

Orange County had one large decrease:

• Average Sale Price decreased by $44,610 from June 2007 to July 2007.

Greene County had one large decrease:

• Average Days On The Market decreased by 33 days from June 2007 to July 2007.

Click this link to view the June 2007 housing stats:

http://move2va.blogspot.com/2007/07/housing-statistics-for-june-2007.html

Here are the July 2007 housing stats. They will help show current values in central Virginia. Note that Median Selling Prices may be skewed by high and/or low prices:

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

Madison County, Virginia Housing Statistics, July 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 5
Average Selling Price: $288,780
Average Days on the Market: 96
Number of Houses on the Market: 79
Median Selling Price: $213,000

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

Greene County, Virginia Housing Statistics, July 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 17
Average Selling Price: $ 279,282
Average Days on the Market: 72
Number of Houses on the Market: 207
Median Selling Price: $248,000

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

Orange County, Virginia Housing Statistics, July 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 9
Average Selling Price: $270,978
Average Days on the Market: 132
Number of Houses on the Market: 179
Median Selling Price: $281,000

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

Louisa County, Virginia Housing Statistics, July 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 8
Average Selling Price: $307,386
Average Days on the Market: 127
Number of Houses on the Market: 276
Median Selling Price: $303,690

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

Fluvanna County, Virginia Housing Statistics, July 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 44
Average Selling Price: $300,237
Average Days on the Market: 107
Number of Houses on the Market: 356
Median Selling Price: $283,000

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Nelson County, Virginia Housing Statistics, July 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 15
Average Selling Price: $338,927
Average Days on the Market: 93
Number of Houses on the Market: 315
Median Selling Price: $425,000

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Albemarle County, Virginia Housing Statistics, July 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 182
Average Selling Price: $427,936
Average Days on the Market: 83
Number of Houses on the Market: 1,019
Median Selling Price: $326,500

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City of Charlottesville County, Virginia Housing Statistics, July 2007:
Number of Houses Sold: 69
Average Selling Price: $299,144
Average Days on the Market: 49
Number of Houses on the Market: 408
Median Selling Price: $253,000

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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

Biscuit Run Is Getting Closer To Becoming A Reality

Biscuit Run, the largest development ever proposed in Albemarle County, is closer to happening. I believe the county and developers are working hard to make it a win-win for both sides. I am 100% for Biscuit Run; it sounds fabulous and I may move there in a few years myself. This community and its developer, Hunter Craig, has certainly taken our community to the next level. I am not a listing agent, nor in any way involved in this community. It has so much to offer for everyone, regardless of their wish list, that it appears to meet everyone's needs.

I realize they will have to do something with the traffic issue, and it appears they are working on that as well.



Read more about Biscuit Run in this "Daily Progress" article from last week:

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP/MGArticle/CDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173352314066

Read more details about the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors' recent meeting where they discussed the Biscuit Run Development in this blog post at CharlottesvilleTomorrow:

http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/2007/07/biscuit_run.html

Patience and persistence is sometimes what it takes to bring the right communities to our area. What are your thoughts on Biscuit Run? Please post a comment.

Karen
www.move2va.com

It's a wonderful life

It's A Wonderful Life.

Sometimes it can be easy to forget how wonderful this life is.

Whenever that happens, stop for a moment, open your eyes, and listen to
your heart.

Life is filled with miracles both big and small, and they are all
around us, just waiting to be noticed.

It can be so easy to get caught up in work, responsibilities, and
worries, but that's not what life is truly about.

It's about pushing beyond the ordinary and everyday, and finding the
strength to reach out for those dreams in your heart.

It's about looking for the positive even when the negative seems
overwhelming.

You are a special person who deserves all the happiness the world has
to offer.

Don't wait for something huge to happen to make you stop and realize
how wonderful this life is.

Open your eyes, open your heart, and look for a little miracle in very
day.

Reach out for your dreams, stay positive, and make your life the
wonderful success story it was meant to be.

- Rachyl Taylor from"7 Days to a Positive Attitude"

Life is what you make it. Be happy, smile and good things will happen to you, and you'll also feel better. There's always something you can find positive about the day, even though there may be some negative items in your day. Give your pet some loving, and smile and compliment your colleagues and friends. How can you make someone's life a special day today? Enjoy your life every single day. Invest in "365 ways to be happy" book, and have a bonus every morning.

What have you done today to make someone else and yourself happy? Please post a comment.

Karen
www.move2va.com