Homes in Charlottesville VA Archives

What Adds Value to a Charlottesville VA Country Home?

You can add value to your country home in Charlottesville by emphasizing the advantages of rural life. The peace of rural areas is important to many people, however having good roads for access to urban areas is a boost. Adequate space for horses and other animals adds value too. The quality of the home and improvements should be optimal. While many appreciate a rustic appearance, modern amenities hold value indoors.

Selling homes in an urban area may be easier than in rural areas. This boils down to more people living in urban areas, thus a larger buyer pool. Modernity appeals to many people. For some folks, though, they want to be among nature, with peace and quiet. For these people, homes in the country are their first choice.

Over half of Virginia’s landmass is rural. There are also over 1 million people living in rural areas in the state. So while urban areas are more populated, rural living is very much in demand. And as a result of the pandemic, an increasing number of people are moving out of the city and into the country. If you’d like to sell your country home in Charlottesville, VA, this is the optimum time to put it on the market.

Before you sell your country house, you want to get as much value as you can. There are things you can do to increase the selling price of your home.

What Can Increase the Value of my Country Home?

Many home improvements can increase the home’s value beyond the price it costs to get them done. Knowing the appropriate ones can turn a good profit. These range from minor renovations to more considerable additions.

Make all repairs: Ensure that all necessary repairs are complete before selling. You may be able to sell a house with a leaky roof, but it’ll take money out of the asking price. If you fix these deficiencies yourself, you won’t leave money on the table. Be sure electricity and water are in perfect working order. All light switches and power outlets should be functional. Don’t forget to make sure all windows and doors open without any issues. Proper repairs enable you to show the house without any worries. You will know there’s nothing you need to be concerned about! You may even want to have a pre-listing home inspection so that you will know what will be found in a buyer’s inspection and you can take care of those items before your home goes on the market.

Ensure easy access: Even if you don’t like the bustle of cities, being able to get to town easily is important. As much as you stay within rural confines, you will have causes to go to the city occasionally. Buyers coming for house showings will likely arrive from the city too. Private roads leading to your property should be free of any obstacles, well maintained and easy to navigate. Have your mailbox somewhere prominent and well-labeled. Buyers want to know packages can get to them without stress.

Get the property looking good: For taking pictures or having a showing, you want the property to look its best. Rural houses can take a lot to maintain, and most buyers know this, but if it looks shabby, they will reconsider whether they should take it on. Don’t add to the work they have to do if they buy. Ensure any grass is freshly mowed, and bushes and trees are presentable. Clean the windows, scrub floorboards, and make the house look pristine. The rustic charm of a country home is one of the major attractions. Take advantage of that, and make it look good before buyers show up. It’s sure to bring more value.

Market in the strongest season: You can sell a country home in any season, but you need to know which is optimal. A home in Charlottesville with abundant green is best marketed in spring or summer and don’t forget the display of fall color in the background. That way, the trees and shrubbery are as beautiful as can be! The value of a property is higher when its beauty is evident.

Renovate where necessary: If your country home is relatively aged, it may need some renovations. These can bring modern amenities to the home, in both functionality and appearance. Renovating bathrooms and kitchen space is one of the easiest ways to add value. Most buyers won’t want to do that themselves.

What Are Home Improvements That Don’t Add Value?

Adding renovations may seem like a sure way to increase your country home’s value. Unfortunately, that’s not true for the most part. Some home improvements will not do much to improve value. It’s essential to know which ones do, and which don’t. This will prevent you from spending money on non-profitable upgrades.

These improvements may not increase value, but they can seal the deal from prospects.

Improving infrastructure: There are many vital parts of a home hidden from sight. This includes water and sewage pipes, as well as electrical wiring. An old house can have older infrastructure in this regard, but upgrading won’t put much money in your pocket. It improves the description of the home, but putting a premium on account of these won’t yield much. However, if these essential features are not up to date, it could deter a potential buyer from making an offer.

Bedroom renovations: A bedroom is a personal space. Putting your own touches on a bedroom to improve the home’s value can prove far from successful. Most buyers will want to design their bedrooms themselves. So doing it for them won’t add more to your asking price.

Re-purposing rooms: Changing a spare room into a gym or a theater may seem like a good idea. This is only if the buyer wants exactly that. More often than not, these additions will only frustrate buyers. Sometimes, this means a room that they cannot use. They can re-purpose rooms on their own, if you leave the space for them to decide. In today’s market, rooms become offices or school rooms. Buyers will want flexibility. And with the prevalence of netflicks and streaming, home theaters are no longer popular.

Swimming pools: Pools can be fun to have, that’s a fact. Unfortunately, installing one is costly, and so is maintaining one. A home with a pre-existing pool can be a tough sell due to maintenance costs, and many buyers consider a pool to be a lot of extra work. There are also safety issues, particularly for families with children. Don’t expect a pool to add value for every buyer.

In the end, these are a few of the elements that can add value to your home. Some are quick to put in place, and others may take some time to complete. Don’t forget decluttering and staging which are both inexpensive ways to add value to your home. It’s important to be practical and consider all the factors when planning to sell. Getting a fantastic agent makes selling a breeze. Pricing, location, and the house itself can determine which improvements you should consider.

In Charlottesville, VA, you’ll want to get an agent familiar with the area and with country homes. This way, you’ll get the greatest value, and a sale before you know it.

Don’t hesitate if you have a country home that you want to sell. Call up Pam Dent, Realtor, at 434-960-0161. Not only will she help you maximize value and get the most profit. She’ll make sure you have your country house sold before you can imagine.

😁How to Make Buying a Home a Less Stressful Experience

From saving a down payment to applying for a mortgage to competing with other home buyers, buying a home can turn you into a ball of stress without you even knowing. Since buying a home involves a series of small steps that eventually lead to homeownership, it can be very stressful and challenging.

The good news, however, is that you can make the process go much more smoothly if you understand each step and prepare for the process before you jump into the boat. Before we talk about beating the stress of buying a new Charlottesville VA home, let’s talk about the hardest parts of buying a home so you can prepare yourself for them.

Golf Course Homes for Sale in Charlottesville

Saving for the down payment

Most homebuyers cite this as the single biggest obstacle to owning a home in the U.S. The savings rate in the country is so dismal that majority of Americans find it hard to save enough to make a down payment on their dream home.

While saving money is not easy especially if we are talking about thousands of dollars, it is possible. To prepare for this part, set up a budget that includes a regular line item for your expected down payment, and give yourself as many months or years as you believe it will take. By the time you’ve saved enough, you are finally ready to purchase your dream home.

Finding a buyer for your current home

While this only applies to homebuyers who are living in their current homes, this is also one of the hardest parts of buying a new home. This is primarily because it requires you to be involved in two real estate transactions at the same time. Imagine how hard it already is to purchase a home, and then adding a second—and sometimes an even tougher—transaction into the mix.

Another reason why this is can be very challenging is that most of the time, even a strong market is not enough to sell a home. Many prospective buyers do not always qualify for financing and as a home seller, you will encounter one or more false starts on offers before you get your home sold.

There is also the challenge of having one of these two transactions dependent on another. More often than not, the sale of a previous home is required for the mortgage of a new home. If there is any detail on the sale of your current home that looks a bit odd or uncertain, then that will most likely cause your home buying transaction to fail.

If you want to overcome this obstacle, come up with an effective strategy that will help you sell your current home first before you buy a new one. While that may not be easy, that will increase the chances of your home buying process turning out successful.

Improving your credit

Even though the conditions in the housing market continue to improve, mortgage lenders are still cautious about borrower credit. If you are planning to buy a home and want to make sure that you are able to participate in the widest number of mortgage programs, then the first thing you need to do is to get your credit score up to at least the 700 level.

If you have recently had an impaired credit, improving your credit may be a challenge. This also rings true if you are carrying too much debt.

To prepare for this part of the home buying process, take time to give your credit a boost. Bring it where it needs to be so you can easily apply for a mortgage when it’s time to buy a home. You may want to get a free copy of your credit report as soon as now so you can take a look at the negative information it may reveal. As soon as you see it, take the necessary action.

Choosing the right home in the right neighborhood

This is also one of the biggest challenges when buying a home. Often, prospective homebuyers find the home of their dreams in a neighborhood that goes beyond their price range. Most of the time, what they do is compromise.

Charlottesville Horse Farms

If you do not want to compromise, then find a home that suits your needs and taste and is located in the right neighborhood at the same time. For instance, having school-aged children may push you to sacrifice finding a dream home in favor of moving into an area where there are good schools. On the other hand, having no children at all may push you to prioritize the house more than the neighborhood.

Preventing yourself from overbuying

In every real estate transaction, emotion always has a way of taking over you when you begin your search for your dream home. As a homebuyer, you have the tendency to fall in love with the property and end up paying too much for it in the process.

You may also tend to buy a house just because you like the way the furniture is arranged in it, even when it is not really the type of home that you need. Once you develop an emotional attachment to a home, it’s a short walk to paying more for that home than it’s actually worth. To keep that from happening, make sure that your emotions are always at bay when purchasing the right home for you and your family.

Before you begin your shopping decide on the amount of house you can afford and stick to that. Make sure that you also make decisions based on available facts, not because of your emotions.

Purchasing a home is just plain stressful.

Buying a home is a complicated process that involves strong emotion. In fact, experts agree that moving to a new home is among the top three most stressful events in life- next to death and divorce.

Whether it’s your first time or not, some aspects of buying a home are simply beyond your control.

However, there are some things that can help make your experience less stressful. In this article, I’ve included three of the best ways in which you can beat the stress of buying a new Charlottesville VA home and enjoy the experience.

Home for Sale in Charlottesville VA

1. Get your finances in order

Before you even think about hitting open houses, the first thing you need to do is to get your finances in order. A few months before you start your home search, order your free credit report from the three big credit bureaus at annualcreditreport.com.

Examine your credit report carefully because lenders will use them to determine whether they’ll lend to you and at what rate. If you see any mistakes, have it corrected as soon as possible. You’ll need a score of a least 620 to get a mortgage while the best rates require a score of 740 or higher.

With a financial investment this big, the earlier you start getting your financial ducks in a row, the better.

2. Understand the home buying process

In the home buying process, knowledge is power. Don’t be afraid to ask questions until you understand. It’s essential that you keep yourself informed on the different steps involved in purchasing a home in Charlottesville VA. Doing so will help you manage your expectations.

There’s’ always a measure of anxiety when buying a new home. That’s perfectly normal, but you must not forget that it is also supposed to an exciting time. To make it a less stressful experience you have to prepare. Take time to educate yourself and do some legwork.

Having an experienced and reliable real estate agent can also be an invaluable resource for you at a time like this. Your agent will keep you in the loop and let you know what’s happening at all time.

3. Partner with Pam Dent

Any real estate agent can help you browse home listings and set up showings for you. However, you will benefit more from working with an experienced real estate professional who has built connections and know-how over the years.

That would be me. I’ve been through the house buying process with many clients many times and I will help you through this one. As your agent, I will point out the pros and cons of homes, making sure you have noticed any red flags and generally making the home buying a positive, successful experience for you. I am familiar with the tools of the trade—from online listing sites to all the paperwork it takes to simply make an offer on a home.

Call me, Pam Dent, at 434-960-0161. My ultimate goal is to make your home buying experience as easy and stress-free as possible. With me on your side, you can take a step back and enjoy the process responsibly.

👎What Are the Risks of Buying a Charlottesville VA Home without an Agent

Buying a home is a big deal.

It may be the most significant transaction you ever deal with. If you’ve been thinking of purchasing a home, chances are you have asked yourself whether you need a real estate agent or not.

Most people would not consider going through the home buying process without a real estate professional. In fact, in any given year, only a small fraction of the home buying sales are transactions completed without the services of a real estate agent.

Trying to buy a Charlottesville VA home without an agent can carry risks and lead to costly mistakes. Here are some disadvantages and risks of buying a home by yourself.

1. Limited knowledge of the neighborhood

Without an agent, you will not have a neighborhood specialist to help you with your decisions.

When buying a home, knowing how to pick the right neighborhood is crucial. The neighborhood you choose will have an impact on the quality of life and resale value of your home.

One of the biggest advantages of working with a Charlottesville real estate agent like me is my knowledge of the neighborhoods in the area you are buying. I can provide you with information regarding school districts, property taxes, HOA rules, commutes, property values, and more.

2. Inspection problems

Without the guidance of a real estate agent, you’ll be on your own to determine the types of inspections that should be done. If you miss the necessary inspection, you may wind up with a home with real issues.

A home inspection is an examination of the overall condition of the home. It is important to conduct one to avoid costly mistakes by purchasing a home that is in need of major repairs. However, a home inspection report can be difficult to understand. It will contain every potential problem and may include 20-50 points of concern.

As the top real estate agent in Charlottesville VA, I can help you understand which inspection reports are necessary and which ones are unreasonable. I look at these reports all the time, so I know how to pick out the important stuff.

3. Negotiation and paperwork

Without an agent, you’ have to do your own negotiation. Negotiating a home purchase is quite challenging. Sellers want the highest price and buyers want the best possible deal.

As a qualified and experienced real estate agent, I can help you negotiate the tricky process of buying a home. I negotiate for my clients and I know every factor that influences home values, and every pressure point that is likely to deliver a response.

In addition, real estate law is complex. You also need to complete all necessary paperwork correctly and accurately, submitting them by deadlines.

Having an agent helps you understand what you need to sign. The odds of making mistakes can drop substantially when you’re working with someone who knows the paperwork inside and out.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Agent

With so much information readily available online, many homebuyers think that hiring a real estate agent is no longer essential. Homebuyers, including you, may wonder if you can actually buy a home through the Internet or marketing your property yourself through different advertising channels without representation.

While some homebuyers do fine on their own, like I said, it’s risky. Here are the reasons why you need to consider hiring a professional real estate agent when buying a home in Charlottesville VA.

We are experienced

If you are buying a home and you do not know a thing about home buying, you are taking a huge risk. But if you hire a real estate professional, you do not need to know everything about buying and selling real estate.

Once, Henry Ford said that when you hire people who are smarter than you are, you are only proving that you are actually smarter than they are. For a successful home purchase, the trick is always to find the right person to help you with the transaction process. For the most part, they all cost roughly the same, so what’s wrong with hiring someone who is more educated and experienced in real estate than you are?

Buying a home takes time, especially if you do not have a representation. Since you are looking for more precious time your life, hiring a pro gives you that time.

We offer buffering help

Through the help of a real estate agent, you can tak the spam out of your property showings and visits. Especially if you are buying a new home, your agent will help keep the agents of builders at bay and prevent them from taking advantage of you and your lack of experience.

On the other hand, if you are a seller, your real estate agent will help filter all the phone calls that lead to nowhere to make sure that only serious buyers who are ready to write offers immediately can reach you.

We are knowledgeable about your neighborhood

Real estate agents like us usually possess intimate knowledge when it comes to the neighborhood. You can depend on us to know where to find the industry buzz about your area and identify comparable sales and hand these facts to you.

If you are not yet familiar with your target neighborhood, you can expect us to point you in the direction where you can find more data on schools, crime or demographics. For instance, if you are interested to buy a home down the street, your agent may know if it had upgrades and can give you an estimate of its value.

We can give you price guidance

Contrary to popular belief, real estate agents like us do not choose prices for our clients. However, we help guide our clients to make the right choices for themselves. Your agent will devise a negotiation strategy that will work best for you.

We will tell you the current conditions of the market

If you choose me as your agent, you can count on me to disclose the true conditions of the market to you so it can help you govern your buying or selling process. There are several factors that usually determine the success of a home sale of purchase, and most of these factors have to do with the market.

Data such as the average per square foot cost of similar homes, median and average sales prices, average days on market and ratios of list-to-sold prices are the most common market factors that have the hugest bearing on what homebuyers or sellers like you ultimately decide to do.

We have a network of professionals

As a real estate agent, I network with other professionals in the industry. Many of these professionals provide the services that you will need throughout your home buying or selling transaction. While some agents hesitate to recommend an individual or company due to legal liability, I know which vendors have a reputation for efficiency, competency, and competitive pricing and I will not hesitate recommending them to you.

I can also give you a list of references with whom I have previously worked, as well as give you some background information to help you make the right choice.

We are expert negotiators

As top producing agents, we are able to negotiate well because we are able to remove ourselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction. Not to mention the fact that we have good negotiation skills. Unlike buyers and sellers, we make decisions not based on emotions but on actual factors.

If you hire me as your agent, expect me to be more than just a messenger who delivers your offer to the seller and vice versa. As a professional, I am trained to present your case in the best light and agree to hold your information confidential from competing interests.

We can handle volumes of paperwork

When you buy a home, you will find that purchase agreements usually run at least 10 pages, excluding the federal and state-mandated disclosures and non-disclosures dictated by local custom. If you hire an agent, you will not have to deal with all those paperwork and run the risk of losing some important documents and landing in court.

We will answer questions after closing

There are instances when even the smoothest transactions that close without complications come back to haunt the buyer. It’s possible that after closing, taxing authorities will come knocking on your door to collect property tax assessments, doc stamps or transfer tax. Especially if you are a new homebuyer, you may not be able to deal with these things.

One major benefit of having a professional agent is that you have someone to call to straighten out such confusions and complications. Several questions may pop up after closing, so it’s good to have an agent on stand-by to assist you. Remember that worthy and honest agents do not leave you right away.

We can develop relationships for future business

Most of the time, the basis for an agent’s success and sustained career in the business is referrals. Only a few agents survive if their livelihood solely depends on consistently drumming up a new business. This fact keeps us more motivated to make our clients happy and keep them satisfied.

Qualities to Look for In Your Real Estate Agent

There are many different players in the residential real estate industry, but the workhorses of every real estate transaction are the people who coordinate the process—the real estate agents.

By nature, a real estate agent is similar to a conductor of symphony who coordinates the different players for a successful transaction. She becomes a salesperson, a buyer’s advocate, an analyst, a business manager, a negotiator, and a marketer.

Here are the qualities and traits to look for in a successful real estate professional:

She’s a problem solver

Find someone who enjoys coming up with creative solutions to problems. A house for sale may not have the features that attract buyers, but if a real estate agent knows how to properly showcase a property to make it more marketable, she can attract the right buyers.

She is self-motivated

A successful real estate professional has a desire to control her own professional destiny and be her own boss. Only successful real estate agents have such a high degree of self-motivation and drive.

She is honest

Find an agent who considers her professional reputation as crucial in her real estate career. You will know that she applies only the best practices and high ethical standards in her profession is if she’s a member of the National Association of REALTORS. Agents who are members of this association pledge to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

She is tenacious

Top-producing agents do not only have a great work ethic but also the tenacity to pursue every lead. They have the hustle to market your properties to achieve success and they work smart in doing whatever is necessary to close a deal.

She’s interested in houses

A true real estate agent is passionate about houses and architecture. If you are looking for an agent, find someone who can give you that advantage. The best thing about having an agent who has interest in houses is that you know she really cares about the industry and she can give you the advice that you need as you go along the home buying or selling process.

She has an engaging personality

Remember that a good real estate agent does not only sell properties—they sell themselves. Find someone who has a great attitude, is personable and honest, and has confidence in her abilities to help you.

She has attention to detail

The ability to pay close attention to detail is crucial to become a successful agent. Hence, look for someone who is attentive to your needs and is organized enough to follow up with leads, communicate well with you and is willing to go the extra mile to attend to your needs.

She understands the local housing market

Make sure that your agent also utilizes the nuances that make your housing community’s housing market and pricing strategy unique. She must also be able to identify and develop a niche in your local market.

She has connections

You know a real estate agent is experienced enough to assist you if she has a vast network of contacts within the market she serves. These connections include other real estate agents, potential buyers and sellers, appraisers, home inspectors, and mortgage loan officers.

She is knowledgeable

Your agent must also be up-to-date with the latest topics in real estate and in the local market, so she can service you more effectively. You may also choose someone who considers continuing education and professional development as doors to opportunity which she can utilize to stay at the forefront of the industry.

Let me help you find your dream home in Charlottesville VA!

Call me, Pam Dent, at 434-960-0161. With my extensive knowledge of the Charlottesville area and the real estate market, I can help you find the best home that suits your lifestyle! Let’s get started today!

An Insider’s Guide to Buying A Charlottesville Country Property

Are you considering buying a “main home” or a “second home”?

Buying country property is a dream for many people.

With the constantly increasing cost of homes in the city or suburbs, moving to the countryside is ideal. Just imagine having a big house on a vast parcel of land where you can enjoy fresh air every day, raise pets, grow a garden, and your kids can play and run freely.

If you are not fully committed to living in the countryside just yet, having a country retreat as your vacation home is also a wonderful arrangement. Many people buy rural properties as their second home, though some of them actually don’t have a first home yet.

Your vacation home is a great place to spend the weekend, the summers, the holidays, and for when you just want to get away and leave all the stress behind.

Come and experience the unique charm of Charlottesville!

Charlottesville in VA is one of the best places to buy a country home. If you haven’t fully decided, watch this video and you’ll see why.

(Click this link if you can’t watch the video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ0mLZE1doQ)

Downtown Charlottesville is fun, vibrant and dynamic. It is a great shopping district with a lot of restaurants and boutiques to choose from. It is a city but it has a small-town feel, which is why many people love it.

If you love being outdoors, Charlottesville is perfect. Depending on the season, you can go hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, skiing, snow-tubing and more. You’ll never run out of activities here.

How to buy a country property in Charlottesville

When it’s time to buy an acreage in the countryside, you might feel overwhelmed by all the choices and decisions you’ll have to make. Let me help you make it easier.

Here’s a step-by-step process to help you take it one day at a time.

Step 1. Conduct preliminary research.

As soon as you decide to buy a property, start visiting websites that offer estates, farms and ranches in Charlottesville’s countryside.

Your goal is to see what real estate you like, and have an idea of the price range. Take note of specific listings that catch your interest, and see how they are positioned in the market. Also, note if those properties experienced any price changes.

This is also the time to determine how you intend to use the land and if your favorites will have the necessary features. When you decide to buy a country property in Charlottesville, you already have a general idea of why you want it and what you want to do with it.

Step 2. Know how much you can afford.

Knowing your budget easily streamlines the country homes available to you. The expression, “Don’t bite off more than you can chew” fits this situation.

The first question you want to ask yourself when it comes to your purchase ability is, “How will I pay for this property?”

Will it be a cash purchase? Or will you opt for bank financing?

When you have substantial savings, you may want to make it a cash purchase. This will allow more room for negotiation, and it makes the whole buying process easier.

Step 3. Get Prequalified and Preapproved.

Knowing your possible budget range based from your own computations, and knowing how much you actually qualify for are two different things.

Before you buy the country property that you’ve been checking online every night, you first need to know how much you can actually spend, and the best way to find out is to be pre-qualified.

Getting a pre qualification allows you to know what loan program is best suited for you. It also gives you an idea of how much you can borrow. Securing a pre qualification will prove beneficial in the other steps of the buying process, like in budget preparation.

Once you know how much you can secure for the financing, get pre-approved.

A pre-qualification is helpful, but a pre-approval is more valuable because it tells the seller that a lender has checked your credit, verified your papers and has approved a loan amount for a particular time period.

Getting a pre-approval has many advantages:

1. It makes the home selection process easy for your agent. When agents know the price range you have been approved for, it is easier for your agent to know which properties to show you.

This is a better solution that your agent showing you properties way over your price range. You could fall in love with a country farm you cannot afford. After that, the lower price point properties just don’t have the same appeal to you.

Don’t set yourself up for disappointment.

2. Sellers are more likely to take your offer seriously when you have been pre-approved.

3. It lessens stress knowing you have already been approved by the lender. It gives you assurance that the buying process will be smoother.

Step 4. Hire the right real estate agent.

There are real estate agents, and there’s the right real estate agent.

When you are looking for a home in Charlottesville’s lovely countryside, you need someone who is not just a residential real estate agent. You want someone who specializes in selling country properties, farms, and ranches, and that would be me, Pam Dent.

My knowledge of the area, of the ranches, of Charlottesville’s land itself came many years before I was even actively involved in real estate. I grew up exploring the countryside on the back of a horse.

I raised my kids in Charlottesville’s countryside. I know what you need to look for when purchasing land, being a long time owner myself.

My skills as a real estate agent allow me to guide you through the home buying process, aid you during the negotiation, provide assistance for all the paperwork, and share with you information about anything you’d like to know as a countryside home owner in Charlottesville.

With my skills, experience and professionalism, our home buying process will be less challenging and stressful.

Step 5. Find the acreage you like and make an offer.

This is the most exciting part! This is the part you usually see on TV, the part where buyers visit different properties, checking out the features and amenities, seeing if the farms offer what they need.

This is also a really difficult part. This is what the decision of where you’ll be living and what type of real estate you’ll be buying heavily relies on. This is the part you have to get right because it will affect your future drastically.

Start by looking at the homes in your price range. Bring your “Needs and Wants” list and take note which farms or ranches fit your list.

Since this step is crucial, let me share with you my top considerations if you are buying a country home. Carefully read the different factors you must make note of. Knowing these considerations can make a huge difference in the selection process.

Top considerations for buying a country property

Location. When you are buying a city or suburban real estate property, you want a home that’s in a safe neighborhood, close to school and other amenities, easy commute to work, etc. The same things factor in when you are looking for a Charlottesville country home.

Here are a few questions you should be asking yourself :

How close (or far) do you want to be to shopping, hospitals, and many other amenities?

Should there be a water feature close to the property?

Is there access to electricity, water, cable and other utilities? There will usually be electricity but country farms will have well and septic. There will rarely be cable but often dsl is available.

What’s the road condition?

Do you want a place y that’s easily accessible from the main road, or one that’s miles off from the main road?

What’s the productivity of the soil type in the area?

Also, know why the home is being sold. Learn its history. Drive around the area of the acreage you are considering to purchase and see what the neighbors are like.

Get a feel of the area and decide if you can live in that setting. Visit more than once, on different times of the day, to see if your first impression of the farm still holds, and if you still like it.

Type of country property. Think of your definition of country living and know the type of property you intend to purchase. For some buyers, country living means a home with country views, easy access to water, electricity and other utilities, and neighbors a couple of minutes away. For others it means being surrounded by extensive land, with its own wells, a reserve power generator, and where the nearest neighbors are a 10 to 15 minute drive away.

What will you do with the land? Do you plan to raise livestock? Are you going to use it as a horse farm or as an agricultural land? Will you hunt? Or do you just want a get away?

Property size. The size of farm you will purchase depends on what you are going to use it for. It also depends on your purchasing power.

If you plan to use the property as a vacation home, how many acres do you need to secure privacy and retreat? If you’re going to start a Charlottesville horse farm, how many acres is a good start-up size? If you intend to use it for outdoor and recreational activities like hunting, how many acres would be sufficient?

Zoning and property restrictions. Zoning rules vary on different types of property. Generally, farms with 20 acres or more are agricultural lands, which allows all types of animals and livestock. If you intend to hunt in your land, you need sufficient acreage in a rural location, and it should neighbor with lands that also have large acreage, but remember that you will only be able to hunt on neighboring properties with permission.

Find out building codes, zoning and restrictions. Can you build a chicken coop on the property? How about a ranch? How about a pond?

Check with the seller and the municipality for any existing easements in the area.

Know if the property is part of a conservation area or under conservation easement.

Neighbors. You may think that being out in the vast countryside, you’ll have little chance to see your neighbors so it doesn’t really matter what kind you have.

However, you have to remember that neighbors are a great help especially if you have questions about how to develop the acreage. They have extensive knowledge of the land and the weather. They know what to do during emergencies.

Significant research goes into finding the right property.

Take your time in deciding which Central Virginia real estate to buy.

Once you’ve chosen “the one”, work with your real estate agent and negotiate an offer based on the comparables in the area.

In your offer, include any contingencies, like home inspections, well and septic tests, building and safety code requirement for the house, etc. You have to be specific in writing any requests and repairs to be included in the sale.

Determine the amount of “earnest money” you’ll be putting in.

When both parties are in agreement regarding the terms, you can then put your name on the Purchase and Sale Agreement form.

Step 6. Get a home inspection and a land survey

You have to know what you’re buying.

A home inspection is conducted so you’ll know everything that’s going on in the property, from the condition of the house, to the plumbing, the structural strength, and of course, the deal breakers. You may also want to have an environmental study (think home inspection for the land).

A land survey will tell you the exactly where the property line is. You’ll know where your farm begins and ends through this survey.

These surveys and inspections should be clearly stated as contingencies when you make an offer.

Step 7. Secure your loan.

This is the part where you choose the lender. Before you decide, shop around for mortgages with the lowest interest rates and best programs.

Choose the mortgage where you’ll be financially comfortable. Be aware that many mortgage companies do not lend on farms and land. Your Realtor will be able to give you a list of lenders who can assist you with this type of property.

Step 8. Get a property appraisal.

Your lender will want to ensure it is paying the right market value of the Charlottesville acreage.

A professional appraiser will be hired to check the farm’s value.

Step 9. Prepare the necessary paperwork and finalize the deal.

Once the terms are set, and the property is appraised, you can use the result for renegotiating the terms if needed. Your agent will negotiate on your behalf.

To verify if the seller is the rightful owner of the home, your attorney or closing company will use the service of a title company to take care of all the paperwork.

Step 10. Close the deal.

This is the easiest yet costliest part of the buying process. Review everything prior to the closing, going over the fine details, ensuring everything is to your liking before handing over the payment to the seller.

Congratulations! You’ve now reached the end of your country home buying journey. The final step is to move in to your new home.

Call me, Pam Dent, at 434-960-0161. I am your golf and equestrian property specialist here in Charlottesville. I am also a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, as well as being experienced in working with first time buyers. I have lived here in Central Virginia almost all my life and have a deep love for the countryside and its preservation. My long involvement with equestrian activities, along with my professionalism and in-depth knowledge of the area makes me uniquely suited to take care of all your real estate needs. You, my client, are my first priority, and I am dedicated to ensuring that your real estate experience goes smoothly.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Under Contract! 4029 Carters Mountain Rd Charlottesville VA 22902 | Home for Sale

Are you looking for a country home?

If you are looking for a country property where you can live in peace and tranquility, and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle, this home in Charlottesville could be what you are looking for.

Standing on 7.5 acres of lot and sheltered by towering trees, this home is the perfect escape from a hectic city life.

With its 4 well-appointed bedrooms, 3.5 spotless bathrooms, 2-car oversized garage, inviting living room, large formal dining room, efficient eat-in kitchen, cozy family room, and generously-sized screened porch, you have more than enough space and privacy.

This Charlottesville property has many possibilities. Here, you can start the self-sufficient lifestyle you’ve been thinking of, or build a custom home, turn the whole property into a holiday get-away spot for those who are seeking a country retreat.

Grab this chance now! This property is up for sale for ONLY $429,000!

Call me, Pam Dent, at (434) 960-0161 for a private showing today.

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features

$429,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
3 Full Bathrooms
1 Half Bathroom
Interior: 2,955 sqft
Lot: 7.58 acre(s)
Year Built: 1976
MLS #: 570363

Location

4029 Carters Mountain Rd
Charlottesville, VA 22902
USA

Pam Dent – REALTORÂ®

Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc.
(434) 960-0161
[email protected]
http://www.JumpintoGreenerPastures.com

Listed by: Pam Dent

Our recent listings

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view 4029 Carters Mountain Rd Charlottesville VA 22902 | Country Home for Sale on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X17elVWRwUw&feature=youtu.be

✅Why a Pre-Approval Is Crucial When Buying a Charlottesville VA Home

Are you getting ready to buy a new home?

One of the most important steps in the home buying process is obtaining financing. As a buyer, you have to know for certain which type of mortgage best suits your needs. In order to determine that, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Many buyers don’t understand why getting a pre-approval is important. The truth is, if you don’t get a loan pre-approval before you start looking for Charlottesville homes for sale, you might actually prevent yourself from finding—and buying – your dream home.

Pre-qualification Vs. Pre-approval

There are some people who think that a pre-approval and a pre-qualification are one and the same. There is actually a world of difference. You need to understand the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved.

A pre-qualification is the initial step and the entire process is informal. To prequalify for a mortgage, you have to meet with a lender and provide information about your assets, income, and liabilities. The lender will give you a rough estimate of how much money you can borrow based on the information you have given.

A mortgage pre-approval, on the other hand, is when a lender gives their written commitment to a potential borrower. With a pre-approval, the lender checks your credit and verifies your financial and employment information and documentation.

With a pre-approval letter from your lender, real estate agents and sellers know you are a serious buyer. Your pre-approval letter proves that you already have the backing and the ability to go through with the sale, making you a much more attractive buyer to sellers.

Below are several reasons you will be glad you obtained a pre-approval for a mortgage before looking for homes for sale in Charlottesville VA:

1. It pinpoints a price range

With a mortgage pre-approval, you will learn how large a loan you would qualify for based on your financial history. You don’t have to waste your time looking at properties that are beyond your price range.

It also narrows down the neighborhoods you should consider. When you know your budget, you also know what areas you can afford. This way, you can find your dream home much faster.

2. It results in a higher acceptance rate

Sellers are less willing to accept offers from a buyer without a pre-approval. They don’t like it if they need to wait for a buyer to get approved for a mortgage before a serious offer can be made or accepted.
Sellers appreciate buyers who have been pre-approved because they can start negotiating right away. In addition, they may be more willing to lower the asking price, cover closing costs, or make adjustments to work with a pre-approved buyer.

3. It speeds up the process

If you aren’t pre-approved, you’ll spend more time looking for homes. You may get turned down once you’re ready to make an offer.

With a pre-approval, you have less to worry about. You’ll have fewer major hurdles to overcome.

Let me help you find your dream home!

Call me, Pam Dent, at 434-960-0161. I’m committed to helping you become a successful home buyer in Charlottesville VA!

NOW UNDER CONTRACT: 4029 Carters Mountain Rd Charlottesville VA 22902 | Country Home for Sale

Your own country haven

When you long for peace and serenity, fresh air, mountain views and more space for you and your loved ones to enjoy, here’s a perfect opportunity for you.

Tucked away in 7.5 private acres of a lush wooded lot in the one of the estate areas in Albemarle County is a charming all-brick one-story home. Set on gently rolling land and sheltered by towering trees, this home offers the privacy and serenity you dream of.

Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and an oversized 2-car attached garage in almost 3,000 square feet of living space, this Charlottesville country home offers beautiful winter mountain views in a private and convenient setting.

On this property, you can enjoy your passion for being self-sufficient, or you can turn it into a holiday get-away spot for those who are seeking for country retreat.

A fun and comfortable place to live

Charlotteville is a beautiful and vibrant community popularly known for its scenic country scenes and two historic presidential estates. But did you know it is also the best producer of wines on the east coast?

This home is close to wineries. Jefferson Vineyards is only a ten minute drive away. Gabriele Rausse Winery is only five minutes away from this home, and the other wineries are all within a thirty minute drive.

This country home may sound like it’s located far from public amenities and conveniences, but the truth is it is in an accessible location.

For shopping and fine dining options, Downtown Charlottesville is only 20 minutes away. You won’t even notice the time while driving due to the county’s scenic views that surround you along the way.

A welcoming private retreat

The home is set back from the road.

Step inside the front door and be welcomed into a good sized foyer with hardwood floors that extends all through the main floor.

To the left of the foyer is an ample-sized living room with a fireplace. Neutral toned walls enhance the warmth of the hardwood floors, creating a relaxing and inviting ambiance. The ceiling moldings and baseboards make this room more appealing.

Furnish it with your choice of furniture, throw in a rug for a more cozy effect, and add a center table with a vase of flowers and you already have a wonderful place to welcome family and guests.

Adjacent to the living room is a classic formal dining room with large windows and chair railings. Floral wallpaper graces the upper half of this dining room, giving it a quaint feel.

This dining room is spacious and can fit an 8-seater table easily.

It is also open to both the living room and the kitchen, providing a good flow when entertaining.

There’s plenty of storage in the kitchen

If you enjoy cooking, the kitchen of this Charlottesville property will appeal to you.

An eat-in kitchen, it features lovely oak cabinets, Formica counter, a breakfast bar, and loads of storage space. The windows overlook the wooded backyard, so you can supervise your kids playing even when you’re inside preparing meals.

This home comes with a dishwasher, electric range, and refrigerator.

There’s also a breakfast nook overlooking one of the large windows. It’s the perfect spot for morning coffee and casual meals.

A cozy family room

Off the kitchen is the spacious family room which features warm neutral tones, a large fireplace to cozy up on cold nights, and a built-in bookcase. This warm and cozy family room is the best place to display your books, mementos and special souvenirs from your different trips.

This family room is a great spot for the whole family to gather and bond during game nights, or the perfect place to simply just relax.

Find privacy and retreat in the confines of the master bedroom.

Make this home’s master suite your private retreat, away from the hectic schedule of your work and activities.

The combination of carpeted floors, neutral-toned walls, and scenic views from the windows can instantly pacify and help you feel calm.

Nothing beats sleeping in a cozy master bedroom like this.

It also has an en-suite bathroom so you can fully enjoy your privacy.

All the other bedrooms are also large and well-appointed.

An outdoor living space for your enjoyment.

An outdoor oasis awaits you here in this Central Virginia country property. It’s the best outdoor living setup.

Step into a wide and spacious screened porch that opens to a private backyard. Here you get an unobstructed view of nature all-year round.

Some outdoor furniture will look amazing in this space. It is the perfect spot for dining, whether you simply want to enjoy the view or when you are entertaining.

Do you require a recreation room?

When you need more living space, this home delivers. The terrace level offers a recreation room which has a brick fireplace and new carpet on the floor.

This terrace level has a bedroom and a full bathroom. It’s a great place for a home office, or you can turn it into a craft room where you can create and enjoy your arts and crafts.

Enjoy the benefits of a well-planned home

You’ll love how meticulously planned this property is. The laundry room has a water purification system and a water filter.

There is an oversized two-car garage that provides more than ample storage space.

The whole home has also been freshly painted for your convenience.

Enjoy all this home’s features and amenities for ONLY $429,000.

Want to know more information about this home or learn about similar homes in the area? Visit https://JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com/ for a list of available homes for sale in Charlottesville.

Call me, Pam Dent, at (434) 960-0161. I specialize in country properties here in Central Virginia. With my help, you will surely find the best property, either as a main home or a vacation home.

🏠What Are the Mistakes You Should Avoid When Buying a Charlottesville VA Home?

Be aware of what you shouldn’t do!

Buying a home can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first home. It’s an important milestone and a major investment. It’s exciting but full of complexities. If done incorrectly, the consequences can be costly.

Buying a home in Charlottesville is probably the largest financial transaction you will ever make. Make sure that you are prepared to make a good purchase decision.

You also need to steer clear of the pitfalls that can put a huge damper on your plans. Here are the top mistakes to avoid when buying a home.

Mistake #1: Not doing proper research and preparation

Before you leap into the home buying process, you have to start by understanding your family’s finances and needs. No one knows your financial situation better than yourself. Take a look at your assets, analyze your debts, and get pre-approved before plunging into the house hunt.

You also have to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood. Keep in mind that you’re not just buying a house, you’re also buying a location. Find out about the quality of schools, the ease of transportation, and the nearby amenities.

When you do proper research and preparation, you’re making your potential house a financial blessing.

Mistake #2: Underestimating the cost of owning a Charlottesville home

Owning a home is a serious commitment. It’s a big move forward.

Aside from property taxes and home insurance, you also need to be aware of the other costs of home ownership. Most of the time, they can be easily overlooked.

Listen carefully to your agent so that you understand the whole package and can enjoy the experience of signing the final document and taking hold of the keys to your new home.

You also have to remember that closing on a house is just the initial step. To avoid problems in the future, invest time in learning about what you’re signing and what you’re agreeing to.

Mistake #3: Skipping the Home Inspection

When buying a house, nothing is more important than the condition of the property.

Some home buyers try to save money by avoiding the expense of hiring an inspector, who may take anywhere from two to four hours, to search for signs of property damage. However, those undetected defects may result in thousands of dollars of damage down the road.

No matter how much you want the property, foregoing inspection is unwise. If you skip this important step, you risk living in a home that costs almost as much as any repairs you will be making in the future.

Get a real inspector who is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). It takes a trained eye to be able to see the problems that can exist in a home.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It makes sense to have an experienced real estate agent guiding you so that you can avoid these mistakes.

Let us assist you!

Call me, Pam Dent, at 434-960-0161 if you have questions or would like to get your home buying process started. We can help you find your dream home!

🏡What to Consider Before Buying a Home in Charlottesville VA

Buying a home has always been built into the American dream.

There are many advantages to having your own home. For one, you get to enjoy greater privacy. Homes also typically increase in value, build equity, and provide a nest egg for the future.

Owning a home can also give you a sense of pride and freedom you will never experience as a renter. When you buy your own Charlottesville VA home, you can maintain it however you want to. You can even adopt a pet if you have always wanted one but haven’t been able to due to your renting situation.

While buying a house can be a terrific investment, it is a decision that should never be taken lightly. It is a big financial decision so it is worth taking the time to consider the following things:

Affordability

Buying a house will have a significant impact on your finances, so how much you earn is a huge factor. Make sure you have the finances to afford the house you want to buy. A stable income is also critical to paying off a mortgage loan and will be a requirement from a lender.

You will find that the real estate market in Charlottesville VA offers an assortment of homes for sale in a variety of price ranges.

In addition, as a homeowner, you will be responsible for paying for all the repairs and utility costs, such as garbage and water. You will also need to pay for taxes and insurance related to your home.

Location

Choosing the right location is also an important consideration to make before buying a home. Think about your lifestyle, your needs, and the amenities that matter most to you.

While the condition and price of a home can be modified, you can never change a home’s location. Make sure to buy in an area that fits your lifestyle.

Other things to keep in mind include:

Safety
Schools available
Shopping
Walkability
Public transit access

So why choose Charlottesville?

Charlottesville is an attractive city nestled in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city has received numerous awards including being ranked on the following lists:

Best Cities to Live in America
Best City to Retire
Best City to Retire Early
Best New Places to Drink Wine
Top Ten Places to Raise a Family
Top Ten Healthiest Cities for Women
Best Retirement City for Golfers
Best Small College Town

Wish List

Figure out exactly what you’re looking for in a house. Differentiate between the Must-Haves and the Nice-To-Haves.

Do you want a traditional single-family home? A townhouse? A condo? How many bedrooms and bathrooms will you need? Do you want extra space for a workshop or home office? Do you need a two-car garage?

While you may not find a house with absolutely everything on your wish list, identifying your top priorities is a good place to start.

Future Plans

Your future plans also dictate your priorities when buying a home.

How long do you plan to live in this home?

The general rule regarding the best time to buy a house is when you plan to live in the same area for at least the next five years. Otherwise, you’re probably going to take a hit financially.

Everyone deserves to find their dream home. The good news is you don’t have to go through the home buying process alone.

Call me, Pam Dent, at 434-960-0161. With my extensive knowledge of the Charlottesville area and the real estate market, I can help you find the best property that suits your lifestyle.

SOLD! 14204 Spotswood Ridge Dr Ruckersville, VA 22968

A stunning Ruckersville luxury home. 15 acres await your horses w/board fenced paddocks, 3 stall stable/tack room. 4100 sq ft brick home abounds w/quality, Brazilian cherry/marble floors, 12 ft ceilings, 1 level living, huge kitchen, 4 BR, 5.5 BA, and 3 car garage.

SOLD! 14204 Spotswood Ridge Dr Ruckersville, VA 22968

Overview
Maps
Photos

$695,000