Information for homeowners Archives

Top 3 Book Stores In and Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

For those with a passion for books and reading, there are a number of places where you can find great reads near homes for sale in Charlottesville VA. The city is home to a number of great bookshops that cater to all kinds of readers and collectors alike. Whether you are looking for new and contemporary books, used books and even antique items such as old maps, you may just find what you are seeking in any of these well-loved bookshops in town.

Daedalus Bookshop

Have you ever been surrounded by towering walls of books? Many have been mesmerized by the sight you’ll see at the Daedalus Bookshop. Their collection of books covers a wide range of academic topics that many customers commend them for. Frequent customers admit to spending hours and hours just browsing through the bookshop’s collection until they’re able to find a book to their liking. It’s like a whole new experience for them every time they come into the shop.

The service at Daedalus Bookshop is very impressive. The staff is welcoming and accommodating, especially when customers come in looking for a specific title. Many customers have had successful adventures finding hidden book treasures among the towering shelves of books. It’s definitely a bookshop to visit that will leave you with an unforgettable experience.

Blue Whale Books

Charlottesville horse farms have plenty of space for relaxation and enjoying a good book. One of the most frequented bookshops in the city is Blue Whale Books. They offer a collection of used and rare books. Customers really enjoy going through their mystery and art topics. Blue Whale Books is also proud of its unique and antique items. Many people have bought old maps, rare books and illustrative drawings from this bookshop. In addition to their fantastic collection, customers feel relaxed and happy with the wonderful jazz playlist that accompanies their shopping experience. All you need to do is take a trip to the Downtown Mall and you’ll be able to find yourself lost in a collection of marvelous books and items.

New Dominion Bookshop

Wouldn’t it be an interesting find to discover a book on Charlottesville golf homes? It is quite remarkable that books are actually becoming more and more specific and it will not be impossible to be able to find a book on these golf communities in the near future. One bookstore where you might find this kind of book in the future would be the New Dominion Bookshop. It is an independent bookshop that locals are familiar with. Patrons take their time browsing the collection. Many commercialized bookstores only have a set of certain books in their collection. However, in a bookshop like New Dominion, expect to see unique, new and interesting books that are not supported in big commercialized bookstores.

Thinking of moving to Charlottesville? Please feel free to visit my website, www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com, to know more about homes for sale in Charlottesville VA.

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 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 4 Swimming Destinations Near Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Summer near homes for sale in Charlottesville VA would never be complete without having a trip to the perfect swimming destination. Well known for its magnificent horse farms, wineries and golf homes, this town is also home to a number of amazing swimming areas. If you love swimming during the summer, you will definitely love these places found around Charlottesville.

Chris Greene Lake Park

If there’s one lake locals in Charlottesville would recommend for a swimming destination, Chris Greene Lake would definitely be on top of the list. Chris Greene Lake Park is a 120-acre park that has 62 acres of water. Locals rave about the pleasant drive they always have on their way to Chris Greene. If you’re not in the mood for a swim, you could definitely bring along a book and a mat for a relaxing afternoon at the park area. The natural waters and cool temperature of the lake is perfect for anyone who would love a leisurely swim in the middle of a warm summer day.

Blue Hole

Have you ever been to a watering hole you’ll never forget? The Blue Hole is one of the places you won’t regret visiting when in Charlottesville over the summer. All it takes is a nice hike along the Moormans River trail to get to this hidden gem. It’s one of the most refreshing waters you’ll ever experience. Just being in the middle of the Blue Hole would make you appreciate the beauty of nature. Many often visit the Blue Hole for a peaceful and calming swim. The small waterfalls found here add to the beauty of the place.

James River

Living in Charlottesville golf homes is a great way for health-conscious people to stay in shape through outdoor activities. For those who want to experience additional exciting outdoor activities, Charlottesville has James River. A refreshing way to spend warm summer days is tubing through the flowing waters of James River. The water of this river flows through the Blue Ridge Mountains, a fantastic destination for hiking. The light rapids along the James River is just perfect for tubing. This historic river in Charlottesville can really take you on an adventurous ride. There are plenty of options when it comes to water activities in James River. You can enjoy canoeing and rafting here if tubing is not on your list. Kayaking is another well-loved activity. Guests are also welcome to stay and enjoy camping overnight.

Mint Springs Valley Park

If you think Charlottesville horse farms are spacious, try spending a day at the Mint Springs Valley Park. This park has 504 land acres and 8 water acres that can be visited from 7 in the morning until dark. If you have a Virginia State Fishing License, you can definitely enjoy fishing for channel catfish, largemouth bass and sunfish. This is another natural setting that’s perfect for swimming. In addition to swimming, visitors also have access to a playground, a lake trail, hiking trails and picnic shelters.

Swimming is one of the many fun filled activities for you and your family to enjoy in Central Virginia. To know more about homes for sale in Charlottesville VA, please feel free to visit my website, www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com, for more information.

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.

Great Summer Activities Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Summer is slowly approaching and this season that brings activity and color around homes for sale in Charlottesville VA. This is the best time of the year to enjoy sports, especially for children since they are out of school. The lively town of Charlottesville is home to a number of sports activities that are loved and enjoyed not only by the children but by adults too. Summer also means a time for camp and children all over Charlottesville look forward to going to their camp of choice. Here are just a few of the numerous options to keep children busy this summer in Charlottesville:

Soccer Organization Charlottesville Area

Otherwise known as SOCA, this organization provides children and adults the opportunity to learn more about soccer through comprehensive programs and trainings. This is an organization that prides itself in giving soccer enthusiasts in the area an amazing and unforgettable learning experience while making friends and building a community for the love of soccer along the way.

Boar’s Head Junior Golf Programs

Golf in this town is among the top favorites. Living in Charlottesville golf communities allows residents the ease of access to golf facilities where they can freely enjoy playing the sport. This is the best opportunity to get young golf enthusiasts started as well. Boar’s Head provides Junior Golf Programs that allow children to fully explore their potential in this sport while enjoying it at the same time. After completing a series of training, participants will be asked to join actual competitions in order to get a feel of the real deal as well.

The Kandi Comer Golf Academy at the Old Trail Golf Course also provides excellent instruction for young golfers.

North Garden Equestrian Center

What good would Charlottesville horse farms be if there were no opportunities to learn how to horseback ride? As early as six years old, children in town have the access to the best and safest facility that will teach them all about the basics of horseback riding. Through riding instructions and pointers along the way, participants would be able to learn and appreciate the art of horseback riding.

Triple C Camp

This organization is another fun and exciting option for children hoping to make the most out of their summer vacation. The Triple C Camp organizes their participants according to their year level and interests as well. This camp also allows parents to participate. Many of the activities they participate in involve outdoor sports like wall climbing, swimming and other activities that keep children energetic and excited. Parents who participate get to be involved in the growth of their children through the camp. They can also significantly contribute in fostering courage, curiosity, tradition in these children and exploration as the camp’s main mission.

Summertime is a great season to be in Charlottesville, so plan your move early. To find out more about this town and all the magnificent activities that await you, feel free to visit my website today at www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com.

Call me, Pam Dent today at (434) 960-0161. Or send me an e-mail at [email protected] I can assure you of the best quality service. I have the professional and expert knowledge on Charlottesville real estate and the local housing market that will guide you through the wonderful journey of finding your dream home.

Your Charlottesville Home and the Property Tax Deduction

Important Information to Verify with Your Lender

If you have a mortgage with an escrow account to pay your property taxes and insurance for your Charlottesville home or Charlottesville horse farm, you expect the company servicing your loan to pay this year’s taxes during this year so that you can deduct them on your 2014 income tax return. After all, your monthly payment includes 1/12 the annual amount so there will be money available for them to be paid on time.

IRS requires that expenses must actually be paid in the year that a deduction is to be taken.

The predicament occurs when you’ve made your payments but the mortgage company didn’t pay the taxing authority in the tax year they were due. If they paid your 2014 taxes in January of 2015, they wouldn’t be deductible for you until you file your 2015 income tax return.

Verify with your lender after you make the December payment that they did indeed pay your property taxes. The question for your lender’s customer service is: “Have you or will you pay the 2014 property taxes this year so I’m eligible to deduct them on my 2014 income tax return?”

How Should I Prepare My Charlottesville Home For Winter?

How Should I Prepare My Charlottesville Home For Winter

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With winter storms and bitter cold affecting much of the country, there are plenty of Charlottesville home owners who wish they were better prepared. Even when you live in warm climates, some of these things are important to check periodically, and tthis year we have just seen snow stoms in areas that never get snow.

Preparing for the change of seasons can make your home more comfortable and protect your investment. Regular maintenance extends the various components of a home and can generate savings in operating costs while avoiding expensive replacements. Plus if you are offering your home for sale, buyers will pay attention to the maintenance that has been performed. A well maintained home will sell more quickly and for more money.

Below are some actvities you can do to make sure that your home is ready for winter:

Weather strips around doors and windows should be checked for possible air leaks.
Caulking around windows and doors should seal out moisture and air leaks.
HVAC should be inspected and serviced by a professional annually.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested regularly.
Ductwork and supply lines from water heaters should be insulated.
Fireplace chimneys should be cleaned regularly and fireplaces should be inspected for cracks in mortar and to see if the damper closes properly.
Gutters should be free of leaves and debris to prevent rainwater build-up.
Tree branches touching or hanging over your roof should be trimmed

Please contact me if you would like recommendations for service providers.

We still have a lot of winter left, so its still not to late to prepare your Charlottesville home for winter, and we have a couple of warm days coming up this weekend that would be perfect to get outside and do some exterior work.

Top 3 Book Stores In and Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Top 3 Book Stores In and Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Top 5 Kitchen Trends for Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Top 5 Kitchen Trends for Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

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

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

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

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

Top 4 Swimming Destinations Near Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Top 4 Swimming Destinations Near Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Great Summer Activities Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Great Summer Activities Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Your Charlottesville Home and the Property Tax Deduction

Your Charlottesville Home and the Property Tax Deduction

Important Information to Verify with Your Lender

How Should I Prepare My Charlottesville Home For Winter?

How Should I Prepare My Charlottesville Home For Winter

Areas of Expertise

Contact Pam

Top 3 Book Stores In and Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Top 5 Kitchen Trends for Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

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

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

Top 4 Swimming Destinations Near Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Great Summer Activities Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Your Charlottesville Home and the Property Tax Deduction

Important Information to Verify with Your Lender

How Should I Prepare My Charlottesville Home For Winter

Areas of Expertise

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Contact Pam