Information for buyers Archives

What’s On Your Realtor’s Mind

You all know that these days nearly everybody works hard. The increasing responsibilities of life are well documented. So it came as a surprise to a realtor colleague of ours when he was asked by a prospective customer… what exactly is it that you do all day? To be more precise, the way it was asked was “what exactly is it that you Doooo all day?

A bit of questioning allowed our colleague to realize that this customer believed that being a realtor would be so much fun because you’re able to tour all those pretty houses and drive around.

Being a realtor is a great job. Being able to tour those homes has little to do with it. So we thought we’d give you a glimpse at the job description of the duties in One Week In A Realtor’s Life. Our version is condensed in hopes of keeping you from nodding off by the second sentence. This is what’s on your realtor’s mind:

Call seller to verify completion of repairs. Explain what a neighborhood amenity is and verify current HOA fees. Get the disclosure sections signed and delivered on time. Negotiate an offer. Confirm that the loan has been funded. Keep blogging to keep the site active. Answer the phone. Coordinate the timing with the attorney for an upcoming closing. Deliver the HUD form and review for errors. Schedule listing appointments for buyer who’s arriving from out of state. Answer the phone. Maintain yearly continuing education classes. Attend a property inspection with a buyer. Update website county tax information. Prepare comps. Research title information at the courthouse. Answer the phone. Assist with staging and photography of a new listing. Order home warranty. Document and deliver escrow money to broker. Meet the appraiser. Answer the phone. Return missed phone calls. Prepare neighborhood flyer. Place lockbox at new listing. Attend meeting at Board of Realtors. Collect local advertising for relocation package. Recommend hotels. Attend re-zoning meeting.

We don’t need to do these things backwards and in high heels. We just need to do it while we compete with thousands of other realtors, none of whom earn a fee until after a closing happens. And oh yeah… did we mention, answer the phone? (Touring those beautiful homes is icing on the cake).

Top 3 Architectural Styles for Your Next Charlottesville VA Home

Charlottesville is a town where the past and present make a great combination. The evidence is in the mixture of traditional and contemporary styles of the homes that you can find here.

You have to come and see the place for yourself and experience the breathtaking view of these architectural masterpieces.

Homes in Charlottesville are made of different materials, infused with different styles and techniques unique to each architect and designer.

Many have been around for years, carrying with them a rich history that is a common characteristic of many Charlottesville homes.

Discover in the list below some of the top architectural styles you may want to consider for your next home.

Colonial
The most common home style that you will find in Charlottesville and Central Virginia is colonial.The area is steeped in tradition and history which sets the stage for a colonial style home.

Many of these homes are brick and two story. Some of the larger historic homes will have large front porches with white columns.
Craftsman
One of the most popular style in newer homes is the craftsman style. These homes may be either one level or two story. You will often see stone and other natural materials used as accents particularly on the exterior.

The inside trim details such as the crown molding is of a very simple design. These homes give a very clean, elegant appearance.
Farmhouse
Charlottesville horse farms are among the most common type of property in town.

Charlottesville offers everything a horse farm can ever want and need in order to thrive such as vast pastures and great weather. These farmhouses often have chimneys and gable roof.

These homes are also never short on space. They often come with generous spaces in the backyard enough to take care of horses and other farm animals.

The two story design and welcoming front porch are distinguishing features and each home has its own unique addition to the traditional porch such as swing-type seats and potted plants.

It’s definitely a splendid experience walking through the streets of homes for sale in Charlottesville VA. There’s an abundance of unique, cozy and beautiful homes in town and a lively community.

For more information and inspiration on different architectural home styles in Charlottesville, visit this website today www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com.

Call me today, Pam Dent at (434) 960-0161. I can assure you of the best quality service. I have the professional and expert knowledge on Charlottesville real estate, local housing market, horse farms and golf communities that will guide you through the exciting and fulfilling journey of finding your dream home.

Pam’s Favorite Restaurants in Charlottesville

Many of my clients who are relocating to Charlottesville Virginia, spend several days in the area looking at homes and exploring the city. They are always glad to have suggestions of local Charlottesville restaurants to try. This list is a selection of some of my favorites.

French:

C & O – 515 E Water St. 434 971-7044 a long time Charlottesville favorite.

Petit Pois – 201 E. Main St., Downtown Mall 434 979-7647

American & Varied Menus:

Duners – Route 205 West in Ivy 434 293-8352

Bizou – 119 W. Main St., Downtown Mall 434 977-1818

Hamiltons – 101 W Main St, Downtown Mall 434 295-66449

Commonwealth – 422 East Main Street, Downtown Mall 434 202-7728

The Ivy Inn – 2244 Old Ivy Rd., 434 977-1222

Italian:

Tavola – 826 Hinton Ave. 434 972-9463

Travinia – The Shops at Stonefield, 434 244-3304

Seafood:

Rhetts River Grill – 2335 Seminole Trail, 434 974-7818

Bonefish Grill – 269 Connor Dr, 434 975-3474

Steakhouse:

Aberdeen Barn – 2018 Holiday Dr. 434 296-4630

Downtown Grille – 201 W. Main St., Charlottesville, 434 817-7080

Tapas:

Mas Tapas – 501 Monticello Rd, 434 979-0990

Parallel 38 – The Shops at Stonefield, 434 923-3838

Asian:

Ten – 2108 E. Main St., Downtown Mall 434 295-6691

Tex Mex/Caribbean:

Continental Divide – 811 W. Main St. 434 984-0143

Mono Loco – 200 W. Water St. 434 979-0688

Pizza:

Christians Pizza – 1880 Abbey Rd. 434 293-6788 or 118 W. Main St., Downtown Mall 434 977-9688

Mellow Mushroom – 1321 W. Main St., in the Red Roof Inn 434 972-9366

Breakfast:

Tip Top – 1420 Richmond Rd., on Pantops Mountain 434 244-3424

Blue Moon Diner – 513 W. Main St. Charlottesville, 434 980-6666

Lunch & Sandwiches:

Bodo’s Bagel Bakery – 1418 Emmet St. 434 977-9598

Revolutionary Soup – 108 2^nd St. SW

Littlejohn’s New York Delicatessen – 1427 University Ave. 434 977-0588

Take It Away – 115 Elliewood Ave. 434 295-1899

For that very special occasion:

The Clifton Inn – 1296 Clifton Dr. 434 971-1800

Fossets at Keswick Hall – 701 Club Dr., Keswick, VA 434 979-3440

Palladio – at the Barboursville Vineyard, Barboursville, 540 832-7848

There are many other excellent restaurants in the area. After you relocate to a Charlottesville home and have the opportunity to sample the many local Charlottesville restaurants, please share your favorites with me!

4 Essential Pieces of Equipment You Should Have on Your Charlottesville VA Horse Farm

Managing and maintaining a horse farm is not an easy task, however, it is something that every horse owner should incorporate into their daily routine to keep their horses in tip-top shape. Getting all the help you need to maintain your Charlottesville VA horse farm is certainly beneficial; and this starts by having the right equipment around.

Here are some essential pieces of equipment that you’ll need to have in your farm.

The right vehicle

Transportation for your horses is one of the first things that you should think about. The number of horses you will move and the distance you will generally travel will determine the kind of truck and trailer you need to buy. Trailers can range in size from a two horse tag along trailer to a 5 horse head to head gooseneck to a tractor trailer. While a two horse can be pulled easily by a Subarban or a ¾ ton pick up truck, bigger trailers would mean getting a truck with higher towing capacity—something that you should discuss with your car dealership.

Stall fans

You want to make sure that your horses get the best level of comfort in your horse farm in Charlottesville VA and ventilation is important. Stalls can get a little bit warm and stuffy, so installing stall fans will keep a steady flow of air into and out of the stable. The right kind of stall fan should be installed in your barn. Simple house fans or box fans do not have their motors sealed and can be permeated by dust. This can cause the motor to malfunction which may lead to a fire. You should always use commercial-grade fans wherever possible. Exhaust fans in the loft or peak will help keep the barn comfortable in the summer months.

Handcarts

Yet another basic tool is the handcart. This load carrying equipment is very easy to use, convenient to store, and requires almost no amount of maintenance (except for washing it on occasion). The market is filled with amazing options. Many are designed so that they can be moved easily even on uneven ground. All you need to do is find the one with a size that is enough to transport all the materials you move to and fro on the farm.

Manure Spreader

In taking good care of the entire horse farm, it is important not to forget about the soil. Keeping the soil healthy is also a part of keeping your Charlottesville VA equestrian property in its best condition. A fantastic idea to contribute to the health of the soil is the use of a manure spreader. Since manure is a great source of fertilizer for crop production, its proper management can be used to cultivate feeds for your horses. And of course you will need the proper size tractor to pull your manure spreader and mow the fields.

Having a well-maintained horse farm will ensure that your horses are in their best condition―and having the right equipment around is the first step. For more information on horse farms and other equestrian properties for sale in Central Virginia, please visit, www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com.

Call me, Pam Dent, today at (434) 960-0161. I have the professional and expert knowledge of the local housing market in Charlottesville including equestrian properties, golf communities, and other homes for sale across Central Virginia. It is my pleasure to guide you through the exciting journey toward finding the home of your dreams.

Tips for First-Time Buyers of Charlottesville Horse Farms

For anyone with the love and passion for horses, buying your very own horse farm for the first time is very exciting, indeed! Owning, setting up and maintaining a horse farm that will give the best possible conditions for your horses requires a lot of knowledge and experience. For first time owners, you would certainly have to start somewhere; and here are some useful tips for you not only to get started in the right direction but also to build the confidence needed in maintaining your own horse farm.

Lot size

Experienced owners suggest that one should consider the largest lot size that they can get. More often than not, buyers have underestimated this detail. Some might think that 25 acres is enough, but after considering everything that will go into that lot, 30 acres might seem the more appropriate size to buy. If in case the lot size to be purchased is limited, make sure that you properly plan what you will be putting into your horse farm and that it will fit into the available space. Remember that it is not just how many total acres the property consists of but how many acres are open and in pasture. Sometimes a smaller property may actually have more acreage that is usable for your horses than a larger one.

Water source

Yet another detail that is overlooked, especially by the inexperienced. Knowing whether there is a reliable and sufficient water source is important. Water is vital in maintaining a horse farm. It is also important to identify different parts of the land where water can be accessible. Different parts of a horse farm will need water therefore different water access areas will be needed. If there is not a stream that contains water year round to all of the fields and paddocks, you will need frost free hydrants to fill water troughs or even better, automatic waterers.

Number of Horses

Have you decided on how many horses you will care for in your Charlottesville horse farm? Do you have a good idea of how many you will need (or want) and how many will be appropriate, taking into consideration other aspects of your horse farm such as lot size, the stable, feeding capacity, etc. Your horses will be a factor in different decision making steps for the entire horse farm therefore it is important to be solid on how many you will need and how many you might add in the future. Another part of this equation, will be how your horses will live. Will they be in stalls and only going out for a few hours a day or will they be living out 24/7 and gaining much of their nutrition from pasture grasses. In the later case, you may want to factor in enough acreage in pasture to allow rotational grazing.

Topography

Charlottesville is as beautiful and awe-inspiring as it is perfect for setting up your horse farm. If you plan to own one, it is essential to consider the physical area where you will put your horse farm. It is crucial that you know every physical aspect of the land your purchasing and whether or not there are problems that need to be dealt with in order to prevent problems related to drainage, quality of the soil and the resulting quality of pasture. There is a lot to consider.

If you need more information or assistance in buying the perfect horse farm in Charlottesville VA that will fit your equestrian needs, please visit my website www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com.

Call me today, Pam Dent at (434) 960-0161. I have the professional and expert knowledge on Charlottesville real estate, the local housing market, horse farms and golf communities that will guide you through the exciting journey of finding your dream home.

Top 5 Kitchen Trends for Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

There is a variety styles of homes for sale in Charlottesville VA. Many homeowners enjoy decorating and personalizing every part of their home.

A particular part of the house that gets immediate attention is the kitchen. Since this is where meals are prepared, the kitchen has the ability to bring families and friends together.

If you want to make some improvements to your kitchen, here are some of the latest kitchen trends:

Innovative storage and functionality

You will be amazed at how storage design and functionality has been transformed today. Designs are now more creative, more contemporary and most of all more efficient. The aesthetic aspect of innovative storage nowadays comes with well-thought out designs that feature ease of use.

Automation

Technology has also definitely made its way into Charlottesville horse farms. Automation is finding ways to make daily tasks even simpler, which in turn saves time and energy. Automated soap dispensers, faucets and light fixtures are examples of these time and energy saving devices. The future of automation is very promising; the possibilities in the kitchen are limitless.

Fixtures that stand out

Today, the kitchen is not only seen as a place where food is cooked but it is a place where one can relax and spend time with family. It is a place to explore hobbies in cooking or maybe baking. One way to make your kitchen stand out is to use bold fixtures. Along with the birth of new and creative storage solutions, fixtures have developed into designs that are unusual in size and shape but still serve their purpose well.

Gray

If Charlottesville golf homes are surrounded by the color green, kitchen trends today are choosing the color gray to decorate contemporary kitchens. Many of these kitchens would have the owners’ choice of gray primarily on the walls and on countertops. The rest of the kitchen would follow the same theme coordinating the appliances, fixtures and kitchen tools.

Contrasting colors

Aside from the color gray, contrasting colors have also become very popular in kitchens. One of the most popular combinations would be black and white. This kind of trend really makes the kitchen stand out. It also keeps the kitchen’s design very simple yet sophisticated.

These are just some of the top kitchen trends today. There are more trends out there that might suit your taste. Get more ideas for homes for sale in Charlottesville VA at this website www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com.

Call me, Pam Dent today at (434) 960-0161. I can assure you of the best quality service. I have the professional and expert knowledge on Charlottesville real estate, local housing market, horse farms and golf communities that will guide you through the exciting and fulfilling journey of finding your dream home.

Top Summer Activities for Kids Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Children playing under the sun among the many beautiful Charlottesville VA homes for sale means only one thing – summer vacation is in session. For most children, summer is the best season of all because this is the time of the year they get to take time off from school and just have fun. Summer is also the perfect season for different kinds of activities. This is the time of year when they get to learn about different things through activities they prefer more instead of simply learning in a classroom. This town has a lot of these activities to offer to the community. There’s always something exciting and interesting to do.

Top Summer Activities for Kids Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Putt-Putt Place: Miniature Golf

Charlottesville golf homes are very much popular in this part of the state. Huge golf courses might be too overwhelming for the young and curious. Summer promises a number of beautiful and sunny days. These would be the best days to be out playing at the Putt-Putt Place. This is a miniature golf course that caters even to very young ones. Children would definitely love to come and play here while learning a few essential skills in the sport of golf.

Virginia Discovery Museum

The Virginia Discovery Museum is a wonderful place for children to get creative and imaginative. This museum was the 2014 Charlottesville Family Favorite Award Winner for being such a spectacular place for children and their parents to explore the world. The museum offers hands on exhibits that really engage the children. They’ll be exposed to enjoyable exhibits on arts and science. It’s also a great place for them to start learning more about history and culture. The variety of activities that the children can enjoy here include a toy bakery, farm produce and a car creating station.

Charlottesville/Albemarle 4-H Program

This is a town that is known for equestrian pursuits and thus the place where you’ll find the loveliest Charlottesville horse farms. In allowing children to fully experience life in their area, the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service has developed the “Charlottesville/Albermarle 4-H Program.” Through their program, they are able to widen children’s perspective and enrich their lives through meaningful projects, camping, workshops and programs. Some of the Central Virginia 4-H clubs are focused on equestrian activities and offer the opportunity for children to learn about all aspects of horses while having fun with their peers.

There is still plenty of time. For more information on what’s going on around homes for sale in Charlottesville VA, visit this site: www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com. You’ll be glad to see relevant information about children’s summer activities too.

Looking to purchase a horse farm? Check out my Buyer’s Checklist for more info!

Call me today, Pam Dent at (434) 960-0161. I can assure you of the best quality service. I have the professional and expert knowledge on Charlottesville real estate, local housing market, horse farms and golf communities that will guide you through the exciting and fulfilling journey of finding your dream home.

Top Places for Your Events Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Looking for a place near homes for sale in Charlottesville VA to host your next event? No need to look further because the city is proud of its wide selection of venues for different kinds of events. We have listed for you 3 of the top choices in the city. Find out about the unique histories behind these venues and various factors that contribute to their top placing.

Top Places for Your Events Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

John Paul Jones Arena

The University of Virginia is definitely at the top among the numerous institutions that Charlottesville is proud of. Aside from the quality education that the university upholds, it is a famous place because of its history as well as all of its facilities. One of these would be the John Paul Jones Arena. Paul Tudor Jones II is a 1976 graduate of the school who committed $35 million for the establishment of the arena that is now the home of the University of Virginia’s both men and women’s basketball teams. Named after his father who is also a graduate of the university and loved basketball very much, this arena has served not only basketball games but also banquets, concerts and various events. The arena can hold up to 200 vendors and also around 600 people for a reception. The event Services Department is the best at what it does in making every event memorable and amazing.

Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard

Another venue you cannot miss around Charlottesville golf homes is the Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard. It’s a fantastic venue if you’re looking for a place with an amazing food, wine bar and view. The interiors are spacious and cozy. There is a rustic feel to the ambiance which gives the venue even more character. The best part about his venue is its surroundings. There’s nothing like the breathtaking view that the Pippin Hill Farm can offer. They also offer an excellent selection of wine and food perfect for any occasion.

Boar’s Head Inn

Charlottesville horse farms would definitely be among the many factors that draw people to this part of the country. In addition to the rich history of the town, the well-known University of Virginia and basically being a wonderful place to live along the east coast, Charlottesville is a city that is loved by many. If you’re looking for a setting that will make your event even more memorable, Charlottesville is also very proud to have The Boar’s Head Inn among its many options. This is a 573-acre resort that features 175 rooms, Four-Diamond dining, a luxury spa, well-equipped sports club, tennis, squash and championship golf. The inn itself has a lot to offer that will contribute to making your event one of a kind. The Boar’s Head offers spaces as well as a conference center that can be rented for weddings, gatherings, family reunions, retreats and seminars. They provide complete service including planners, support staff and kitchen staff for all their events. An added perk is how this place is surrounded by other fantastic places to visit such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, Monticello and numerous breweries and wineries.

Can’t wait to get started on planning your event near homes for sale in Charlottesville VA? You’ll be delighted to find out more information about these places and everything else about Charlottesville. Visit this website, www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com, for more information.

Call me today, Pam Dent at (434) 960-0161. I can assure you of the best quality service. I have the professional and expert knowledge on Charlottesville real estate, local housing market, horse farms and golf communities that will guide you through the exciting and fulfilling journey of finding your dream home.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Like any other big decision in life, you would want to find solid reasons to choose homes for sale in Charlottesville VA. Locals can attest that Charlottesville VA is one of the best cities to live in. Frequent visitors would also have plenty of good things to tell you about Charlottesville. Read on to find the top reasons to choose this city as your next home.

1. Business and Career Opportunities

Charlottesville is a city where business is continuously growing. The University of Virginia is the largest employer, leading to a stable economy. A number of high-tech businesses are found in the area, generating much of the revenue in the city. You can easily find career opportunities in a variety of fields such as medical services and technology. The continuous progress of the city also gives way to the increase in jobs here. Tourism is also another booming industry here. Charlottesville is home to historical places such as the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. There are also plenty of restaurants and shopping places. Outdoor activities including hiking, swimming and horseback riding are among favorites here too.

2. Thriving Arts and Culture Scene

The equestrian culture is definitely widespread here with the many Charlottesville horse farms around. There are also a great amount of events held throughout each year that reflects how much this city values arts and culture. Among the many events popularly held here, Charlottesville is where you can attend the Virginia Festival of the Book, Virginia Film Festival, Festival of the Photograph and the Foxfield Horse Races. In are, you will find the Kluge Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum that exhibits the most exquisite collection of Australian aboriginal art, as well as the Bayly Museum at the University of Virginia.

3. Great Shopping and Food Choices

Charlottesville has been touted as having the most restaurants per capita of any city in the U.S. Locals would always recommend having brunch in town at least once before leaving the wonderful city of Charlottesville. During spring, many restaurants offer outdoor dining and most of the restaurants on the downtown pedestrian mall have terrace dining. Some favorite places to dine outside are MAS, Bizou and the Horse and Hound. The list of places to try for brunch would definitely include La Taza, the Mill Room and the Blue Moon Diner. The Downtown Mall is a top destination for shopping. It’s a splendid place to see specialty shops and local brands. Antique shops and clothing boutiques are also among the most visited in the city.

4. Exciting Lifestyle Changes each Season

Charlottesville golf homes are perfect for those who love golf and want a lifestyle that allows them to be close to what they love. The temperate Central Virginia climate offers four distinct seasons. During each season, Charlottesville goes through a transformation that allows residents to be close to different kinds of exciting and enjoyable lifestyles. Summer is all about swimming and tennis, while spring is about flowers, outdoor dining and afternoon strolls. Winter is the perfect season for skiing at the nearby Wintergreen Resort and autumn is the season to fall in love with the spectacular red and yellow colors of the tree covered mountains.

5. Quality of Life

Life in Charlottesville is both exciting and peaceful. You will find everything you’ll ever need and more in this amazing city. This is the kind of city where you get to witness many students going through college, families raising children, communities getting together for the sake of art and culture and businesses continuously striving for the best. It is a city that you will definitely love.

It only gets better around homes for sale in Charlottesville VA. Find out more today! You can visit this website for more relevant information about this city and your future dream home www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com.

Call me, Pam Dent today at (434) 960-0161. Or send me an e-mail at pam@pamdent.com. I can assure you of the best quality service. I have the professional and expert knowledge on Charlottesville real estate, local housing market, horse farms and golf communities that will guide you through the exciting and fulfilling journey of finding your dream home.

What Are The Tax Benefits of Owning a Charlottesville home?

What Are The Tax Benefits of Owning a Charlottesville Home?

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There are many reasons for wanting to own your Charlottesville home instead of continuing to pay rent. Among the main reasons to purchase a home are to have a place to raise your family, your own space to share with friends, and providing a home where you and your family feel safe and secure. Also there is the feeling that home ownership is a sound investment opportunity due to the fact that homeowners’ net worth is over forty times higher than that of renters, and it is important to consider the tax benefits that reduce tax liability.

Taxpayers who have owned and used a home for at least two out of the last five years, can exclude a maximum of $250,000 of gain as a single taxpayer and up to $500,000 of gain for married taxpayers filing jointly.
If the gain on a principal residence exceeds the allowed exclusion, the balance is taxed at the lower long-term capital gains rate rather than the marginal tax rate of the homeowner.
Homeowners can deduct the interest paid on up to $1,000,000 of acquisition debt used to buy, build or improve their first or second home. They may also deduct the interest on up to $100,000 over acquisition debt that is a recorded lien on their first or second home.
IRS will allow taxpayers to decide each year whether to take the higher of the itemized deductions or the standard deduction.
Points paid on new loans for home purchases are considered interest and can be deducted in the year paid. On the other hand, points paid for refinancing a home must be amortized over the life of the mortgage.

For more information, talk to your tax professional and see IRS publication 523 and IRS Publication 936.

When you are deciding whether your family should purchase a Charlottesville home or continue to rent, don’t forget to factor in the tax benefits of homeownership.

What’s On Your Realtor’s Mind

Top 3 Architectural Styles for Your Next Charlottesville VA Home

Top 3 Architectural Styles for Your Next Charlottesville VA Home

Pam’s Favorite Restaurants in Charlottesville