Time to change the washing machine water lines at Kamp Karen

Posted on May 17, 2012 by James Friend Dickerson

Old Rubber Washing Machine Lines

Are your washing machine water lines the old rubber type like we had at Kamp Karen (our home) this morning?  If so, you might want to consider replacing them with more durable woven lines!

Swapping the old for the new water lines.

Today we changed the old for new water lines.  Buddy Carlisle of Carlisle Home Inspection Services during a home inspection recently pointed out the need to change out the old washing machine water lines to a home buyer.  It got me thinking so I checked our water lines when I got home.  Sure enough, we had the old rubber lines that needed replacing.  Also, I’ve heard from insurance agents that  some homeowner’s and rental insurance policies do not cover damage caused when the rubber lines break.  Just another reason to change out the old rubber lines.

Our new washing machine connectors

When purchasing your new/replacement connectors, check the package carefully.  Does it contain one or two connectors?  If you don’t check it may mean a second trip to the store.  For once I checked the package while still at the store!!!  No extra trip today.

New connectors in place!

Taking less than five minutes to install, the new washing machine water connectors passed their test laod of laundry flawlessly.  If you have the old style connectors, please consider replacing them today.  You don’t want to come home to an additional mess in your laundry room!

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Central Virginia Weekend Events 5/17-20/2012

Posted on May 17, 2012 by James Friend Dickerson

Check out the horses and riders at the Keswick Horse Show

With all the hoopla in Charlottesville, Virginia this weekend leading up to Sunday’s Final Exercises (graduation ceremonies) at the University of Virginia, avoid the graduates, family and friends gathering in town and head east of town to the Keswick Hunt Club’s   108th annual Keswick Horse Show running through Sunday.

Have a great weekend!  If you know of other fun events this weekend, please comment and share the information!

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Mother’s Day Weekend in Central Virginia

Posted on May 10, 2012 by James Friend Dickerson

Back Yard Marshmellow Roast

We’ve got our grandsons staying with us this weekend at Kamp Karen so we’ve got some fun events planned.  Friday night we’re roasting marshellows with some of the neighborhood children in the back yard.  On Saturday we’re going at 10:AM  to Lowe’s in Zion Crossroads so they boys can build their mom a mothers day gift.  After that I’ve got to work but Karen has more fun planned for the boys.

Breakfast & Strawberries on Saturday

When I stopped by Chiles Peach Orchard yesterday to pick up some fresh strawberries (yes they were delicous), I learned they’re holding a pancake breakfast (8-10 AM) w/ mom’s getting a $1 off the $6.99 adult price.  You might want to stop by for breakfast before hitting the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival (Saturday and Sunday).  Saturday night we might attend the Bull Riding Event between Gordonsville and Orange, Virginia.

What are you doing for fun this weekend?  Please share info on fun events you’ll be participating in this weekend and enjoy!!!

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Crozet, Virginia home purchased using USDA Rural Development (USDA RD) Loan

Posted on May 10, 2012 by James Friend Dickerson

Great home purchased using 100% financing USDA guaranteed RD loan!

Just left the office of Tucker, Griffin, Barnes P.C. where our client (1st time home buyer) closed on his purchase of a home in Crozet, Virginia.  With Leonard Winslow’s (New American Mortgage) assistance, we used a United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Guaranteed Loan (USDA RD) to finance 100% of the purchase price!  Yes, in the past we’ve had some bad 100% financing options but USDA RD loan guarantee remains a solid option for financing the purchase of a home.  The USDA RD loan works great in Central Virginia (not the City of Charlottesville - it’s a rural program!) for first time home-buyers and others.  Working with Leonard and his staff, it took less than 60 days to go from contract to closing (loan commitment from New American Mortgage, Loan Guarantee from USDA RD, title search/insurance, home inspection, physical survey, home-owner’s insurance, and other escrow tasks).  Over all it was a very smooth transaction with the buyers having to pay some closings costs, getting a low interest 30 year fixed rate mortgage w/ payments less than current rent, and purchasing a home in a prime location (Blue Ridge Mountain foothills walking distance to Star Hill Brewery & downtown Crozet).

One of my favorite spots in Crozet, Virginia.

If you are interested in buying home and may be limited to funds for closing, let’s talk about the USDA RD loan & your housing needs so we can build a plan to meet those needs and get you into a home!  With the current inventory of homes for sale in Central Virginia,  2012 continues to be a prime time for many first time home-buyers and other to buy a home.  If you have questions, let’s talk. I am here to help!!!

If you see me out & about, please say hello & ask questions. I am here to help!

 

Posted in Central Virginia, First Time Home Buyers, Friendly Real Estate Advice, Real Estate Partners and Vendors | 2 Comments

1st Weekend in May Central Virginia Events

Posted on May 3, 2012 by James Friend Dickerson

 

Support Your Local Farmer's Markets

Check out the  Carter Mountain Orchard “Spring Fling” on Saturday, May 5th from Hayrides, Music, Garden Demonstrations, Face Painting, Apple Donuts & more!  Many of the Virginia Farmer’s Markets have opened for another season.  We’ve been enjoying the fresh local asparagus paired with sea scallops & smoked salmon.  This will be a great weekend to get out, visit a farmer’s market and support agriculture in your community!  On Saturday and Sunday Small Country Campground will be hosting a Bluegrass Festival to benefit the Louisa County Earthquake Recovery Fund (Karen and I plan to attend on Sunday afternoon!).  Also, Kentucky Derby on Saturday afternoon will provide a great excuse to fire up the grill and have some friends over.  I’m going to try to squeeze in a Spring Gobbler Hunt Saturday morning before working with some 1st Time Home Buyers.  What fun events will you be participating in this weekend?

Blue Grass Festival this weekend at Small Country

 

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Central Virginia Events for 4/28-29/2012

Posted on April 26, 2012 by James Friend Dickerson

 

Visit Weston Farm Vineyard & Winery for this weekends Craft Show

Hopefully the rain will hold off Saturday for the Dogwood Festival Parade starts at 11:00 AM  in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia.  The Foxfield steeplechase races on Saturday afternoon proceed rain or shine!  If you want to avoid Charlottesville and the traffic, Weston Farm Vineyard and Winery host a craft show from 11 AM to 5 PM just outside of the Town of Louisa.  We enjoyed the fall craft show and their peach wine!  Graves Mountain, Syria hosts a free Fiber Festival this Saturday and Sunday w/ poney rides, food plus fiber based activities and crafts available for a nominal fee. 

58 Red Maple Ln, Keswick, Virginia

On Sunday afternoon from 1-3 PM, I’ll be hosting an Open House at 58 Red Maple Lane, Keswick, Virginia.  Stop by for a personal tour of this lovey home.   Also, Sunday will be the last day of the Dogwood Carnival at McIntire Park.   If the rain or pollen keeps you inside, check out the WTJU Folk Marathon on your FM radio at 91.1 .  They always provide great music for a relaxing Sunday afternoon!

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US 250 Railroad Bridge at Shadwell in Albemarle County, Virginia to Close 5/1/2012

Posted on April 24, 2012 by James Friend Dickerson

Shadwell Railroad Bridge on US 250

If you travel from the East to and from Charlottesville, Virginia on US 250 (Richmond Road), keep in mind the railroad bridge at Shadwell will be closing for repairs on May 1, 2012.  VDOT plans to detour most 15,000 vehicles currently using the bridge daily onto I-64.  It’s going to make for interesting times and some delays for Keswick, Glenmore, Lake Monticello, Louisa, Orange and Fluvanna County commuters used to using VSH 231 and US 22 & 250.  Hopefully, the contractors will me the scheduled re-opening of the bridge in early July of 2012.  Travel safe!

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Central Virginia Fun 4/20-22/2012

Posted on April 20, 2012 by James Friend Dickerson

We've got flowers blooming at Kamp Karen!

What are you going to do this weekend?  With more rain predicted for the second half, putting down fertilizer and grass seed early may be a good plan!  For garden and home information, check out the Blue Ridge Homebuider’s Association Home and Garden Festival running Friday through Sunday in the John Paul Jones Arena.

Wild Azaleas Blooming at Kamp Karen

For Louisa County residents, turn in your Household Hazardous Waste and unused Electronics.  This provides a great opportunity to correctly dispose of unused and leftover items without degrading our environment.  Last year we cleaned out the basement and utility room taking a large load of items!

Get out & enjoy the beautiful Central Virginia Spring before the weekend rains!

Across the Virginia The Garden Club of Virginia’s begins the annual Historic Garden Week tours of homes and gardens.  What a great opportunity to see some of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens and pick up some ideas for your garden.

Regardless of what you do this weekend, have fun!

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Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS (CAAR) 1st Quarter 2012 Market Report

Posted on April 17, 2012 by James Friend Dickerson

Going from "For Sale" to "Sold" in Today's Market

With today’s (4/17/2012) release of the CAAR 2012 1st Quarter Market Report, what does it all mean for you?  Take some time and explore the report.  A few items stood out for me:

1.  The inventory of Central Virginia homes for sale remains high and the buyers market (more homes for sale than buyers) continues.  With over a 12 month supply of homes for sale, pricing homes correctly, when initially placing them on the for sale market, continues to be key in getting the homes sold in a timely manner.

2.  2012 Q1 sales outpaced Q1 sales in 2011 with the median sales price declining when making the same comparison.  Homes are selling but pricing is down a wee bit.

3.  Short Sales (selling for less than owed w/ mortgage holder participating & approving sale) and Foreclosures ( Lender/Bank Owned) continue to play a role in our market.  About 20% or 1 in 5 sales in 2012 fit the Short Sale or Foreclosure which remains less than many other parts of the country.

Buying or Selling? Sold is the Goal!

What’s leading to the increased Central Virginia sales in the 1st Quarter of 2012?  From personal experience and interviewing active REALTORS in the area, we see First Time Home Buyers getting off the fence moving from renters to home ownership.  Historically low home mortgage rates, home prices adjusting down during our market correction, and high residential rent payments make buying now a better option than renting for many in our buyer’s market.  As these First Time Home Buyers purchase homes these transactions allow the sellers to then go out and purchase a replacement properties with homes sales rippling out through the market.  We also see buyers coming into our market from other parts of the country now that their homes outside Central Virginia have finally sold.

Overall, our local real estate market continues to improve.  We’re still influenced declining values from short sales and foreclosures.  For many renters the 2012 market presents great opportunities to purchase with mortgage payments less than rent. But, the important thing remains, what does this mean to your real estate holdings and/or your buying opportunities?  Real estate remains local (by street, neighborhood, locality).  If you want to discuss real estate you own or the potential for buying a home, farm or land, I am here to help, so let’s talk!

Let's talk about your real estate questions!

 

 

 

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April 13-15, 2013 in Central Virginia

Posted on April 12, 2012 by James Friend Dickerson

Check the local burn laws & conditions related to outdoor fires. The Spring Burn Law remains in effect.

Where did the April showers go?  It’s been extremely dry in Central Virginia this year and we’re about 2″ behind in rainfall.  The dry conditions  coupled with this week’s high winds makes for dangerous fire conditions.  It’s still Spring Fire Season in Virginia, so please be careful if you plan to burn this weekend or better yet delay burning till we get some rain.  I just heard from the Virginia Department of Forestry and we currently have multiple small fires and five large wildfires burning in the Commonwealth.  Like Smokey the Bear says, be careful with fire!

One of the many gardens tucker around the UVA Grounds.

 In Charlottesville and Albemarle County, we’ll be celebrating Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday.  It’s a great day to get out for walking the Grounds of the University of Virginia to admire the gardens and architecture while beating the Garden Week crowds.  Monticello also includes events celebrating Jefferson’s Birthday in their schedule so head up to the Little Mountain for a visit.

Discover Gordonsville, Virginia

It’s also my bride’s birthday so we’ll be heading to the BBQ Exchange to celebrate with family (the adults like the BBQ and are looking forward to trying the new salmon q while the grandsons like the ice cream and video games).  We’ll probably walk the streets of Gordonsville visiting the antique shops and boutiques.  If you haven’t been to the BBQ Exchange or Gordonsville, get out for a visit this weekend.

Historic Albemarle County Courthouse

On Saturday we’ll visit the Louisa Historical Society in the afternoon.  Other historical destinations we want to visit and would make good stops this weekend include the Exchange Hotel, Hatton Ferry, and Montpelier.  Sunday afternoon we may get out to Miller Farms Market in Unionville and pick some strawberries (we’ll check before going since all the early strawberries may have been picked).

Travel the back roads to discover beautiful fields of spring flowers.

What are you doing this weekend?  Please add a comment sharing fun events on your schedule.  Have a great weekend!

 

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