PAM DENT

Jump into Greener Pastures


434-960-0161
[email protected]

Parker Mountain

121 Lexington Ct.   Stanardsville, VA 22973
MLS #644516     $1,195,000

Enjoy majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from this amazing property located on 13 acres on the slopes of Parker Mountain in the picturesque countryside of Greene County, Virginia.

The stunning all-brick 3-bedroom 3.5-bath home features amazing mountain views. Unique craftsmanship is evident throughout, with custom interior trim, hardwood floors in the living areas, high ceilings, and arched doorways. Other amenities include a beautifully appointed kitchen with granite countertops and upgraded appliances. The main floor offers an inviting living room with beamed ceilings, a stone gas fireplace, and built-in cabinetry. Coffered ceilings enhance the lovely formal dining room. The second level has the spacious master suite plus two additional bedrooms with a shared bath. All baths are tiled with enclosed showers and granite countertops. There is also a convenient home office. Large wraparound porches, accessed from all rooms on two levels, invite you to linger and enjoy the mountain vistas. The terrace level has a large family room and full bath. A three-story elevator provides ultimate accessibility. There is a focus on relaxing and entertaining on the very large brick patio and separate deck.
The home is extremely energy efficient with a geothermal and zoned HVAC system, thicker exterior walls with extra insulation, and upgraded thermally efficient windows. There is a three-bay garage and a large detached outbuilding (mini-barn) for workshop or crafts with an attic storage space. The beauty of the property exhibits the eye appeal of mature landscaping, an all-brick exterior, and an architectural roof. This gorgeous property is located an easy 25-minute drive to Charlottesville.

Co-listed with Bridget Archer 434-981-4149

   

Cedar Ridge Country Estate

4051 Irish Road, Schuyler VA22969
MLS #643707     $1,950,000

The Setting

Located on 87 acres in sought-after Albemarle County, this exceptional estate features stunning panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views. Twenty acres are open for horses, farming, or gardening. You enter the farm on a three quarter mile driveway winding through mature oak and walnut trees, passing the five acre stocked pond, and arriving at the top of a hill at the main home with a charming cottage and commanding views. Cedar Ridge is unequaled for privacy, serenity and a magical setting.

The Main Home

The one-level Lindal cedar home features 10-foot vaulted wood-beamed ceilings and quality construction with attention to detail. Pella skylights and plentiful windows allow natural light into every room, as they showcase the natural views in all directions. In addition to the living room with stone fireplace, there is a spacious family room that walks out to the travertine terrace overlooking the pond. The family cook will enjoy the gourmet kitchen with custom maple cabinets, oversized center island, and stainless steel appliances. There is a large formal dining room adjoining the two atriums. The spacious primary bedroom has a spa-like ensuite bathroom including a soaking tub and walk-in shower. On the opposite side of the house are two lovely guest bedrooms with high ceilings, great views, and another full bath. The home also has a third full bath, laundry room, and lots of pantry storage.

The Cottage

Expanding the home, you will find a breezeway leading to a spacious two-bedroom all-cedar cottage with 12-foot ceilings, a fully equipped kitchen and great room. There is a full bath with a walk-in tub to accommodate disabilities. The cottage has been permitted as a Homestay and would make a great Airbnb or guest house. It adjoins a covered three-vehicle carport and a finished climate-controlled workshop. An oversized gravel driveway has plenty of space for additional parking and the cottage has its own address and mailbox.
The property is further enhanced by a whole house generator and a large equipment shed.

 

Co-listed with Bridget Archer 434-981-4149

 

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

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

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

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

Home Buying Process Steps

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

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

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

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

Eligibility is dependent on these criteria:

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

What Are the Steps in the Home Buying Process? 

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

1. Calculate What You Can Afford

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

2. Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage

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

Working With a Real Estate Agent

3. Come Up With a Wish List for Your Home 

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

4. Find an Experienced, Local Real Estate Agent

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

5. Search for Charlottesville, Virginia Homes for Sale

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

6. Negotiate an Offer

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

7. Get Mortgage Approval

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

8. Order a Home Inspection

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

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

9. Complete the Closing

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

Buying a Charlottesville, VA Home

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

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

1. Do Your Research

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

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

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

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

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

2. Calculate Your Budget and Save Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Attending Homeownership Education

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

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

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

Buying a Charlottesville, VA Home

4. Preparing for a Mortgage

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Work With a Real Estate Agent

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

Is Buying A Home in Charlottesville, VA a Good Investment?

To consider a home a good investment, you need to know what you plan to do with it, as well as where to buy it. In Charlottesville, VA, buying a home can be a good investment. With Charlottesville country homes, there often is open land which may increase in value along with the house itself. Mark Twain is quoted as saying “buy land, they aren’t making more of it”. The fact that there is a finite amount of land, makes these homes a great asset if you need a smart place to put your money.

There are many reasons why you might be buying a home in Charlottesville, VA. You might want a home to live in with your family, or a retirement house. Others might be looking for a place with space to start a farm or raise horses. Charlottesville horse properties are always in demand. Yet, some people want to buy a home only as an investment. They may either be aiming to make a profit in the short-term, or years in the future.

Luckily, there are multiple ways to make money off of a home. Unlike how it might seem, investing in a home isn’t as easy as buying it and selling it years later. While value tends to be secure in a home, it does not necessarily increase. If you know what you are doing, investing in a Charlottesville, VA home will be easy. This article is here to tell you more on investing in Central Virginia country properties.

Central Virginia Country Properties

How to Make a Home a Good Investment in Charlottesville, VA

Real estate is a very complex domain. Ensuring that a home is a good investment requires more than just buying and selling. It requires patience, energy, time, and sometimes more money. Regardless of this, if you put in the effort, it’s possible to reap returns on a property. Here are some of the main ways to invest in a home in Charlottesville, VA.

1.Buying to sell later. The many Charlottesville equestrian estates in the area are perfect for investment. The open land offers the possibility for a variety of agricultural ventures.  This could be a farm for horses, a vineyard, or a sustainable family farm, and you can add barns and agricultural buildings. Many of our local horse farms are perfect for an equestrian business.  Owners can also choose to leave the property vacant, but the potential is still there. As a result of this, holding on to a property and selling it in a few years in a strong economy is likely to bring profit. With this form of investment, accumulating a profit will take several years. One major advantage is that the seller can live in the home during this period. As long as the house is well-maintained and the land is cared for, then selling value will likely stay intact.

Charlottesville Equestrian Estates

2.Buying a rental property. In 2017, there were 43 million rental households in the United States. At any time, in Charlottesville, there will never be a dearth of potential tenants, particularly due to the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia Hospital. Many people cannot afford a home of their own, so they must rent one. For others, they see renting as a short-term alternative to buying a house. Regardless of the reason, it remains true that renters are almost always available for a well-located house. By buying rental property in Charlottesville, VA, it is possible to get consistent returns. There are two ways to approach purchasing a rental home in Charlottesville, VA:

  • Leave the mortgage to the tenants. By buying the house with a mortgage, you are in debt to the lender. Apart from the usual 30% paid upfront, you won’t have to pull anything else out of your wallet. This means that without much monetary commitment, your tenants will pay every month. Of course, most of their rent will go towards paying the mortgage. But, you can always ensure that there is a nice profit on top of the rent for you.

  • Pay off the house in full. This option is a bit more limited, as not everyone will be able to do this. When the house is paid off in full, there is more safety for the homeowner. The house is theirs, and there is no risk of foreclosure if tenants default on payment. Yet, it will take years for them to recoup the value of their investment. This option is better suited for individuals who don’t mind the long-term investment.

3.Buying a property to flip. If you ever find a good deal on a Charlottesville, VA home that needs extensive repairs, go for it. These kinds of properties are perfect for flipping, particularly when the majority of the repairs are cosmetic and not structural. When a seller knows that the home is in a state of disrepair or neglect, the value of the house gets discounted.

By purchasing the home and making repairs, it can often be sold at a significant profit. The house does not have to be in a bad state either. A house that is old or outdated can also get flipped. Such a house will likely get sold at a lower price due to its age. By renovating the structure to a more modern standard, you can add to the asking price. Flipping requires effort, time, and money, but can be profitable in the short-term, particularly if you are able to make some of the renovations yourself and do not mind some “sweat equity”.

Charlottesville Country Properties

How to Get the Best Value out of Your Investment Property

The goal of an investment is to reap a profit. The expectation is that you will try your best to maximize the profit that you get. With any luck and a few simple things in mind, you won’t leave money on the table.

  • Keep the property well-maintained. When you neglect a home, it begins to show. Few people want to buy a house that looks like it is falling apart. It is important to keep not only the building itself looking good but the land around it as well. Neglected land is not attractive to a potential buyer.  Curb appeal matters.

  • Upgrade if needed. This applies to any path of investment chosen for your Charlottesville, VA, house. By making sure the house is up to date, you will earn more money from outright selling or rentals. Replace outdated utilities like pipes and electricals. Also, consider upgrades for energy efficiency or towards achieving a smart home. Be careful about what you upgrade, though. Not everything will add significant value.

  • Get an expert realtor. Many people want to keep all the profits to themselves, so they work alone. This can be stressful, time-consuming, and may not be worth the money ‘saved’. By getting a realtor, everything moves more smoothly. This applies to sales of property and finding renters. They can also assist you with a location-specific valuation that gets you the best price.

Charlottesville country properties are good choices for investment. To ensure you’re getting the best value you can, it is essential to work with a realtor who knows the area. For Charlottesville, VA, this is someone like Pam Dent, REALTOR.

If you’re on the lookout for investment properties in Charlottesville, you’ve come to the right place. Call Pam Dent, REALTOR, at 434-960-0161 to get started on a home.

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.

SOLD! 1019 Woodlands Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Extensive renovations just completed at this large, tasteful home in the Meriwether-Lewis School District incl’ kitchen, baths, opened-up living spaces, landscaping. Dry-laid stonework (walls, fireplace), exposed beams, glowing hardwood floors & travertine baths are some of the interior highlights. The large, open and level-to-gently rolling parcel is dotted with towering oaks & other mature landscaping. 1st floor master, 2-car garage. Excellent value for a family home located privately moments west.

Extensive renovations just completed at this large, tasteful home in the Meriwether-Lewis School District incl’ kitchen, baths, opened-up living spaces, landscaping. Dry-laid stonework (walls, fireplace), exposed beams, glowing hardwood floors & travertine baths are some of the interior highlights. The large, open and level-to-gently rolling parcel is dotted with towering oaks & other mature landscaping. 1st floor master, 2-car garage. Excellent value for a family home located privately moments west.

SOLD! 2513 Northfield Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901

2513 Northfield Rd, Charlottesville, VA is a single family home that contains 2,659 sq ft and was built in 1960. It contains 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

Charlottesville Horse Farms | Market Report for February 2018

Horse Farm for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Your own country getaway and horse farm is waiting!

If you’ve been longing for a peaceful and tranquil life in the country where you can enjoy the company of your horses, then you should come and see the desirable city of Charlottesville VA.

This charming town is situated within the upper Piedmont Plateau, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and at the headwaters of the Rivanna River. It is approximately 100 miles southwest of Washington D.C. and 70 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia.

It was established as a town in 1762 by the Virginia General Assembly and was incorporated as an independent city in 1888.

Residents and tourists alike love Charlottesville because of its rich cultural, natural, and artistic history showcased in a selection of first-rate museums, galleries, wineries, shops, and parks dispersed throughout the area. The city was also home to Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe.

Some of the historic attractions include Monticello, the Grounds of the University of Virginia, Ash Lawn-Highland, Historic Court Square, and Michie Tavern, ca. 1784. There are tours, special events, and educational programs aimed at maintaining the vibrant spirit of the past.

 

What makes Charlottesville horse farms so desirable?

Charlottesville is home to the most beautiful houses, peaceful farmlands, horse properties, and estates in the country. There are also many rivers and lakes that provide the perfect setting for aquatic pursuits, such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing.

The city of Charlottesville boasts of a rich equestrian history, dating back to colonial times. It’s no surprise then that equestrian buyers from all over the world are drawn to this town.

With plenty of grass in the area, horses can graze in open pastures. They are free to run and live with enough space to get adequate exercise.

This town provides opportunities to attend horse shows year round within a short drive of Charlottesville. You’ll also find hundreds of miles of beautiful, scenic trails, designed specifically for horseback riding. James River State Park, nestled in the foothills of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, has 20 miles of many different types of riding trails.

Charlottesville VA Horse Farms for Sale

Are you thinking of expanding your investment portfolio?

If you love horses and would like to own a countryside escape, the equestrian properties in Charlottesville are what you are looking for.

You’ll definitely find well-planned properties on the market that have everything that a horse farm buyer could ask for.

Market Report for February 2018

There are currently 161 Charlottesville and Albemarle County Virginia farms for sale. The prices range from $325,000 to $19,780,000. Spaces vary from as much as 20 to 870 acres.

 

Horse Farms for Sale in Charlottesville VA

  • 161 Horse Farms for Sale – 161 Traditional Sales
  • 0 Short Sale
  • 0 Bank-Owned/REO Property

 

The median listing price of these horse farms is $ 1,695,000.

Click here for the current list of horse farms for sale in Charlottesville.

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 equestrian property that suits your lifestyle.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view CHARLOTTESVILLE HORSE FARMS | MARKET REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2018 on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/lue0IrZPS9I.

🏠What to Consider When Creating a Home Wish List

What does your future home look like?

Before you start searching for your new home, you need to have an idea of what it’s going to look like. House hunting can be a time-consuming process so it’s important to have a picture of what you desire and what your budget allows. Knowing your priorities will save you endless time and frustration as you  take a look at the homes for sale in Charlottesville VA.

Creating a home buying wish list can help organize your thoughts. A wish list can also help you narrow down your options.

home for sale in Charlottesville VA

 

So how do you create a wish list?

You need to start by identifying your needs and wants. Needs are features that are must-haves, while wants refer to the home features that make a home special but you can live without. Be sure to make a realistic wish list.

Consider the following questions:

1. Features

  • Do you want historic properties or newer ones?
  • What particular home style do you prefer?
  • How many bedrooms do you need?
  • How many bathrooms do you need?
  • Do you prefer updated bathrooms?
  • What type of living and dining areas do you prefer? Traditional? Formal layout? Contemporary plan?
  • How many stories do you want in a home?
  • How much space do you need?
  • How high should the ceilings be?
  • What kind of kitchen do you prefer?
  • Do you prefer a garage or a carport?
  • Do you need a basement and/or an attic?

2. Amenities

  • Do you need a home office?
  • Do you want a home with a play or exercise room?
  • What kind of security system do you prefer?
  • Do you need a workshop or a studio?
  • Do you need a home with an in-law suite?
  • Do you want a fireplace?
  • Do you want a hot tub?
  • Do you want a pool?
  • Do you prefer a home with a deck or porch?
  • Do you want a laundry room?

3. Location

Remember that your choice of location will affect the home’s current and future value. It will also have an impact on your lifestyle.

It’s also good to keep in mind that you can always add amenities, but you can never change a bad location.

  • Do you want urban? Suburban? Or rural?
  • Which school district do you prefer?
  • Is the neighborhood close to the airport?
  • Is the neighborhood close to restaurants and retails?
  • Does the neighborhood have easy access to major highways and thoroughfares?
  • Are there nearby healthcare facilities?
  • Are there nearby parks and recreation areas?

4. Length of time you plan to live in the home

When looking for a home, you should also consider your future needs, around 7 to 10 years from now. If your requirements might change within that period, be sure the home you’re going to choose will still be able to accommodate your needs.

 

Are you ready to look for your home in Charlottesville VA?

Call me, Pam Dent, at 434-960-0161. I am committed to helping you find the home that suits you best. I make it a goal to provide excellent service to all my clients. With my help, your home purchase process will be seamless!

 

👎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.

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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.

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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:

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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!

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Contact Pam

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


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