PAM DENT

Jump into Greener Pastures


434-960-0161
[email protected]

Broadband and Internet Access in Virginia

People love to purchase country homes or rural properties in Virginia…. often as an alternative to their previous homes in cities or suburbs. We get it. The sheer beauty of our state, the horse farms, the privacy of large acreage, all combine for very good reasons to purchase country properties. So, in the enthusiasm of choosing possible properties, there is a detail that can be overlooked. Most people want or need internet access in their new homes.

The last thing you want to discover in your new home… is that nobody in your new area has access to the internet.

Below are tools for you to use, to research the various broadband connections for your next Virginia property.

You can look up specific addresses to know in advance what is available before you even look at potential property listings.

  STATE OF VIRGINIA BROADBAND:
The state sponsors an online tool called Commonwealth Connection. Here is INSTRUCTION TO GET AND USE COMMONWEALTH CONNECTION.

After you’ve gotten some search tips, you can look for details of Virginia broadband by looking up specific addresses at THIS SITE TO SEARCH FOR INTERNET ACCESS BY ADDRESS.

  NATIONAL BROADBAND & INTERNET ACCESS:
Nationally, the FCC sponsors a site where you can look up the broadband access anywhere in the country. It will tell you if there’s wireless, DSL, cable, fiber, satellite, or other methods to access broadband at a particular address. You can CLICK HERE FOR AN FCC MAP TO FIND BROADBAND ACCESS ACROSS THE U.S..

In addition, your realtor may provide more details of internet access for each listing as well as advice on local broadband options for properties.


Woodbound Farm

4818 Woodbound Rd, Keswick VA
MLS #635323     $1,500,000
NOW UNDER CONTRACT BUT WE HAVE OTHERS

This delightful 32-acre farm enjoys a location in the sought-after Keswick area of Albemarle County. The idyllic setting includes gardens, pastures, and mountain views, yet the property is convenient to all that Charlottesville has to offer. Amenities include two horse barns, three charming rental cottages, a pool, and potting shed.

Every inch of the property has been loved and carefully maintained. The main house has a spacious total of 3345 sq.ft. The first floor includes a living room, library, an office which is currently used as a guestroom with an attached half bath, a dining room, a charming kitchen, and a porch. Every room has picture windows overlooking the farm and gardens. The primary suite, two bedrooms, a full bath and laundry are on the second level. The primary bath has a large soaking tub, ceramic tile surround, granite counter with double porcelain sinks, and gorgeous views. Every detail has been carefully considered which adds to the grace and charm of Woodbound Farm.

Below are the approximate boundaries of the property.

Below is a Google map that you can click/drag to explore the area around Woodbound Farm


Co-listed with Bridget Archer 434-981-4149

 

The Meeting Place

825 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958
MLS #635315     $2,495,000

This spacious 16-acre estate is located in Nellysford, VA on a scenic byway in the Blue Ridge mountains. It is near Wintergreen Resort, wineries, breweries, orchards, and of course the breathtaking views of Nelson County. The Meeting Place 12,420 sq.ft. home was built initially as a boutique hotel, retreat, and teaching hub…. and now it could be a fantastic business or retreat or Airbnb as well. The home boasts 10 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, an exercise room, conference space, computer room, greenhouse, and more.

A large foyer on the main level leads to a great room centered around a fireplace, kitchen, dining, and sunroom. The first level is complete with a library, billiard room, media room, four ensuite bedrooms, powder room, work room with attached greenhouse, and laundry room/mud room.

The second level is inviting and spacious, with its own foyer and a charming balcony, a large living room, 6 additional ensuite bedrooms, an exercise/fitness room, a conference room and plenty of storage. There is also an attached three-car garage and a detached two-car garage.


Click To View Floor Plans
FloorPlan
CLICK TO VIEW FLOOR PLANS

Below is a Google map that you can click/drag to explore the area around The Meeting Place


Co-listed with Bridget Archer 434-981-4149


Lovell

441 Lovell Drive, Locust Dale, VA 22948
MLS #634441     $2,750,000

Lovell is a stately Georgian manor home located on 165+/- acres of rolling farmland in the Virginia Piedmont region east of the Blue Rige Mountains. The property includes 3 ponds, is bordered by the Robinson River, and surrounded by properties under conservation easement. Lovell, located in the Bull Run Hunt country of Madison County, enjoys timeless beauty and tradition. The home combines the best of old and new with an 1840’s main house coupled with a stunning modern addition.

HISTORIC HOME INTERIOR, below
Entering through the front doors framed with glass transom and side lights set in the double wedding ring style, you find intricate woodwork & original heart pine flooring. The home is graced with 10’ceilings and 9 original mantled fireplaces. A lovely music room adjoins the living room through stately pocket doors, and a library/study is currently used as a classroom. A former kitchen is now a charming butlers pantry. Upstairs there are 9′ ceilings, 3 spacious bedrooms, and a nursery or small bedroom. In the English basement of the historic home, is a partial kitchen, full bath, and three rooms now used for storage providing potential additional bedrooms.

MODERN ADDITION, below
A new rear wing addition includes a gathering room with a cozy conversation area that has expansive views of the property. There’s a dining area with a cooking fireplace, and an upscale gourmet kitchen with high end appliances. Also on the first level of the new addition is a powder room. Upstairs is an office and a beautiful primary suite. There are wide white pine floors milled in New Hampshire. Exquisite details and craftsmanship are seen throughout the home.

165 ACRE FARM and AMENITIES below
The farm consists of approximately 80 acres of hay/grasses, 20 acres of pasture, and 65 acres of woods. There are 3 ponds, 3 silos, numerous barns, and a detached garage. Also on the property are 4 tenant houses, one of which is currently used as an AirBnB. The expansive views are tranquil and idyllic.

Below is a Google map that you can click/drag to explore the area around Lovell.

   
   

Co-listed with Bridget Archer, 434-981-4149
   
   

Historic Eldon

2332 Oakville Road ~ Appomattox, VA 24522
MLS #631887       $850,000
TEMPORARILY OFF MARKET BUT WE HAVE OTHERS

Eldon is an impressive 3-story home on approximately 25 acres in the historic Appomattox VA countryside. Four tall white Tuscan pillars frame the spacious porch to welcome you to this 18-room mansion that was originally built in 1825.

Five south-facing gabled dormer windows and four tall white Tuscan pillars stand guard with wide porches on three sides of the 6000 sq.ft. home. It is an impressive sight. History is evident in the oak-paneled woodwork and 8 fireplaces that lend a commanding presence to the living spaces. Pocket doors were added in the 1800s to allow the entire downstairs to become one room where dignitaries, family, and friends gathered. In addition to the main home, the property also has a generator house as well as a separate cottage with its own kitchen. The three room generator house formerly contained an early generator which provided Eldon with electricity before it was available in the rest of the county.

Eldon was once home to Hal D. Flood, who was a member of the US House of Representatives and chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs from 1913 – 1919. Flood was also the author of the resolution declaring war on Germany and Austria in April 1917, and this home has likely hosted some important discussions through the years.

Below is an aerial view of the approximate boundaries for 2332 Oakville Rd

CLICK FOR MLS LISTING DETAILS

Below is a Google map that you can click/drag to explore the area around Eldon.


 
Co-listed with Bridget Archer 434-981-4149

Little Bit Farm

This exquisite and meticulous Madison County horse farm is nestled in the heart of Brightwood’s rolling land on 44 private acres with views and a stocked spring-fed pond. The equestrian property offers multiple barns, pastures, stables, and a beautiful 4-bedroom home.

The discerning horse person will appreciate the attention to detail on this farm. There is a 6-stall stallion barn with European brass ball finials, generator, plus an additional 6-stall barn. A 120 x 45 indoor arena has 6 temporary stalls. There are 2 additional detached stalls for isolation. The bank barn holds 800 bales of hay. There are 9 run-in sheds and water in each paddock.

The gracious & elegant 4-bedroom & 3.5 bath Federal-style home has a traditional floor plan with pine and tile floors, formal living room, a den, and charming kitchen and sunroom. An office, half bath, & dining room are also on first floor. Upstairs is a library nook, primary suite with attached bath, 2 additional bedrooms, and a 2nd bathroom.

The terrace level has a separate entrance with a 1-bedroom apartment with its own fireplace and kitchen. There is an attached two-car garage, a whole house automatic generator in addition to the generator at the stallion barn, cable internet, fenced dog yard, 3 septics.

Below is a Google map that you can drag/zoom to explore the area around 409 Cook Mt.Dr.

BayRidge Farm

4612 Deer Meadow Lane – Troy, VA
MLS #630477     $649,000

This charming 12.2 acre property situated on gently rolling acreage is horse ready for the next lucky owner. It’s conveniently located close to Charlottesville and I-64. The farm offers a 4 stall center aisle barn with tack room and wash stall, plus an additional 3 stall stable, 5 paddocks, 2 run-in sheds and a pond. There’s easy living in the comfortable one level 4-bedroom home which features a split bedroom design. The living room has a cozy woodstove and opens out to the screened porch overlooking the private back yard. In the kitchen there are wood cabinets, an island, and breakfast nook. In the spacious primary bedroom there’s an attached bath that has a jetted tub, and this room has its own private deck overlooking pastures. There are 3 additional bedrooms and two more full baths. The detached garage is oversized and can accommodate 4 cars or 2 cars and lots of storage.

CLICK FOR MLS LISTING DETAILS


Below is an aerial view of the approximate boundaries of the 12.2 total acreage of Bayridge Farm.


Below is a Google map that you can click/zoom to explore the neighborhood around BayRidge Farm.


Co-listed with Bridget Archer 434-981-4147

How Do You Prepare to Buy Your First Home in Charlottesville, VA?

The world of real estate can be daunting, but with enough preparation, anyone can make the dream of purchasing their first home a reality. 

To prepare to buy your first home in Charlottesville, VA, research the real estate market trends in the area. After that, you should contact a mortgage professional who will calculate how much you can spend on a down payment, monthly mortgage, and closing costs. Getting pre-approved for a home loan is essential for a smooth home buying process.

Finally, to guide you through the complicated journey of buying your first home, get in touch with an experienced local realtor in Charlottesville.

Home Buying Process Steps

What Is the First Step You Should Take Before Buying a Home for the First Time? 

The first thing you should do is learn about the available programs from the state Virginia Housing (formerly Virginia Housing Development Authority or VHDA). These programs are geared toward first-time homebuyers.

First-time homebuyers in Virginia have access to a wealth of benefits and grants (no pun intended) that make your  purchase possible:

  • Down payment grants 
  • Zero down payment
  • 30-year fixed-rate loans
  • Federal tax breaks

Eligibility is dependent on these criteria:

  • No history of homeownership in the past three years
  • Credit score of at least 620
  • Compliance with maximum income and loan limits
  • Property will serve as your primary residence
  • Completion of homeownership education class
Charlottesville, VA Homes

What Are the Steps in the Home Buying Process? 

If you’re looking into buying a home in Charlottesville, Virginia, it’s best to know and understand each step in the process first. 

1. Calculate What You Can Afford

Before you start shopping for a home, calculate how much you can spend on a house and your monthly mortgage. A mortgage professional is essential to assist you with this.

2. Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will let you know exactly how much money you can spend on purchasing a home.

Working With a Real Estate Agent

3. Come Up With a Wish List for Your Home 

Having a wish list with all the features and amenities you want will help narrow down your home options. However, remember that you might need to compromise according to your budget, particularly in the current low inventory real estate market.

4. Find an Experienced, Local Real Estate Agent

You don’t have to go blindly into buying your first home! Working with a local real estate agent will help make the home buying process smooth and efficient. 

5. Search for Charlottesville, Virginia Homes for Sale

A real estate agent will introduce you to homes that fit your budget and comply with your wish list.

6. Negotiate an Offer

A critical step in the home buying process is making the offer. Real estate agents specialize in negotiating the sale’s price, terms, and conditions in favor of their client.

7. Get Mortgage Approval

Once you have a home under contract, get back to your lender to proceed with the mortgage.

8. Order a Home Inspection

Ordering a home inspection will help you identify whether any major repairs need to be made to the home and any potential or existing conditions that affect the property’s value.

An inspector should advise you on the necessary maintenance and upkeep.

9. Complete the Closing

Once all the above steps are done, expect to sign a lot of paperwork to complete the transaction.

Buying a Charlottesville, VA Home

What Do You Need to Buy a House for the First Time in Virginia?

Here are some things you need to do when buying a home in Virginia for the first time.

1. Do Your Research

To buy a house for the first time in Virginia, you need to do your research. 

Before settling in the city of Charlottesville in Central Virginia, make sure that the Charlottesville lifestyle is right for you. 

Charlottesville, VA is a thriving community that values arts and culture and innovation grounded in tradition. Residents get a balance of urban and rural living, as just beyond the city lines lie acres of family farms and rolling hills.

Before you hire a real estate agent, visit websites and read newspapers and magazines to get an idea of available real estate listings in Charlottesville. Follow all the homes you’re interested in, and check back to see how long they stay on the market. 

This will give you an idea of the current housing market in Charlottesville, VA.

2. Calculate Your Budget and Save Up

Buying a house means that you need cash to make a down payment. You’ll also need to save up for upfront costs such as:

  • Mortgage applications
  • Real estate agents
  • Lawyers
  • Home inspections
  • Moving expenses
  • Insurance
  • Closing costs (interest, property taxes)
  • Starting utilities
  • Emergency funds

Because of these many expenses, you need to figure out exactly how much you can afford, taking into consideration average home prices in Charlottesville, your income, expenses, and goals.

Down payments on homes range between 3.5% to 20% of the total cost of a property. This will depend on a homebuyer’s:

  • Mortgage interest
  • Credit score
  • Income
  • Current financial situation
  • Type of loan

To figure out the hypothetical downpayment for a home, find the average price for a home in Charlottesville, VA, and take 20% of that rate. According to Realtor.com, the median listing home price for Charlottesville, VA homes is $437,000. Or better yet reach out to a mortgage professional who can calculate how much you are able to spend and what loan product is best for you.

As for closing costs, they are calculated approximately 2% to 5% of the purchase price.

3. Attending Homeownership Education

Attending free homeownership classes is essential to not only qualifying for a home loan but will also help you understand your personal finances.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended that buyers aim for a property that costs no more than  2.5 times their gross annual salary.

Homeownership education will also help you create a personal spending plan that works for your personal goals.

Buying a Charlottesville, VA Home

4. Preparing for a Mortgage

Since buying a home for the first time is a major investment, you will need to prove your financial capacity through your credit score, income, assets, and equity.

The credit score is used by lenders to determine the “creditworthiness” of borrowers or simply their capacity to repay the debt. A high credit score means that a person is financially trustworthy, while a person with a low credit score will have a more challenging time securing a loan.

There are several ways to improve your credit score to avoid any problems with securing a loan:

  • Paying your balances
  • Requesting a credit limit increase
  • Check for errors in your reports

Otherwise, another solution to buying a home with a poor credit score is to save up for a larger down payment. An additional option would be to apply for a Federal Housing Administration loan, which allows homebuyers a minimum credit score of 580 and a credit score of 3.5%.

To avoid any problems in the home buying process, get pre-approved by your lender. Remember that sellers do not tend to work with potential buyers who have not yet secured pre-approval.

5. Work With a Real Estate Agent

The best way to prepare for the intense journey of buying your first house is to get the guidance of a professional real estate agent. Working with an agent means that you’ll most likely find a home that suits your budget and needs from the get-go.

Buying a home can be complicated and overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. A real estate agent will help you deal with legal paperwork, clean up your credit score, and find financing.

Since you’ll be working with an experienced professional, you’ll save hundreds of hours researching properties, the neighborhood, local zoning laws, and even assessing a property’s physical condition.

Final Thoughts

A real estate agent will work in your best interests to secure a deal in line with your price range and future goals. If you’re hoping to buy your first home in Charlottesville, VA, get in touch with me, Pam Dent, at 434-960-0161. 

Cedar Run Ranch

Here’s your chance to own a Virginia equine training center on 67.50 acres in Cumberland, Virginia. It’s a unique property that offers every opportunity for a training or breeding farm.

2266 High Rock Rd,   Cumberland, VA
MLS #628284     $850,000

OVERVIEW

The spacious farm enjoys green pastures, streams, miles of riding trails, and rolling land. The well-designed training center includes 13 matted stalls, a 100’ x 200’ heated indoor arena with sprinkler system, viewing balcony, lounge, two offices, public restroom with shower, an apartment, plus a second roughed-in apartment.

THE FACILITIES

Convenient hay storage, tractor parking, workshop, and ample parking surround the building. In addition to the 100′ x 200′ indoor arena, there’s also a 200’ x 300’ outdoor riding ring near the indoor arena. The five paddocks and pastures provide for easy turnout. There are 2 small cottages, a shower house with a laundry room, 5 campsites with water and sewer hookups, and four additional hookups with electricity and water. There is a second roughed in apartment in the barn.

POTENTIAL

Convenient to Charlottesville, Richmond, and Farmville, this property would be perfect for an event venue; agribusinesses such as a winery, nursery, or glamping, dog training, children’s camp, adventure club, or a team-building business. The possibilities are endless with county approval.

CLICK FOR MLS LISTING DETAILS

Below is a map of the approximate boundaries of Cedar Run Ranch.

Below is a Google map that you can click/drag or zoom to check out the area.


Co-listed with Bridget Archer 434-981-4149


 

Celestial Farm

NOW SOLD, BUT WE HAVE OTHERS

716 Salem Rd,   Schuyler, VA

This home in the quiet countryside of Schuyler VA offers 39.68 acres of scenic solitude. The idyllic homestead is sited on a knoll overlooking rolling land, woods, a large pond, a 3-stall barn, 3-board fenced pastures, and trails. Also included are a cottage that needs a bit of restoration, a detached studio, and a garage workshop.

This 3-bedroom 4.5-bath home has an open design with vaulted ceilings and large windows. The 1st-floor primary suite includes a fireplace, and 2 additional bedrooms provide plenty of storage space on the second level. An open kitchen has cherry cabinets, and soapstone counters. The adjoining dining room is lined with windows overlooking farm. On the terrace level is a family room, 3 additional rooms for storage or recreation, and 2 full bathrooms.

Below is a Google map that you can click/drag to explore the area around Celestial Farm.


Co-listed with Bridget Archer – (434) 981-4149
 

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Contact Pam

Pam Dent
Phone: (434) 960-0161
Email: [email protected]
Gayle Harvey Real Estate Inc.
198 Spotnap Rd, #C-5,
Charlottesville, VA 22911


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