THE VIRGINIA HOMES, FARM & LAND BLOG
Country Living
Hatteras Style Clam Chowder
On a recent visit to Manteo, North Carolina, a commercial fisherman friend gave us a bag of clams frozen in the shell. What to cook with clams? We love Hatteras Style Clam Chowder, so I decided to create a batch! After calling several friends to get tips and recipes,...
Happy Spring Creek Seller
Thank you so much Jim for selling our home in 2 days! The process couldn’t have been more smooth and stress-free ? The owners did everything I asked to get this home ready: decluttered, touch up paint, yard work, staging, etc. We received a full price offer within 48...
Smoked Marlin Dip
2.25 Pound Marlin Steak Last fall after a great offshore fishing trip on the Doghouse (yes we caught citation tile fish!), we had our fished cleaned and packed at the OBX Marina in Wanchese, NC. Another boat landed a Marlin and I was given 5.5 pounds of fish. What to...
Carolina Cioppino
Friday Night Dinner Since I cook to match the dietary needs of my guests, this is not your traditional cioppino (no tomatoes or vegetables). Let's get started on a delicious hearty stew! If we're not at the beach, I head to Wegmans and pick through the available...
DRUM for Lunch or Dinner
DRUM & GRITS During a recent trip to Manteo, NC we got skunked on a Cobia fishing trip due to using a small craft during high winds. All was not lost! A friend stopped by the house and gifted us a couple of Puppy Drum ( Some call it Drum, Red Fish or Channel Bass...
2018 REALTOR of the Year for Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS
On January 10th, 2019 James Friend Dickerson was honored by his peers in the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS as their 2019 REALTOR of the Year. This was a cool and humbling honor! Nominated by Charles McDonald, Broker of Charlottesville Solutions for his...
Why I Use 2 Lock Boxes on Many Homes
From time to time seller's ask why I place two Lock Boxes on their home. It's a great questions so I've decided to answer with a blog post. Virginia REALTORS covers the Commonwealth of Virginia and consists of many local Associations and/or Boards. Each...
Another Happy Seller!
Thanks Charlottesville Solutions, James Friend Dickerson, for selling our property so quickly. Anyone needing help with real estate, I highly suggest this agency, they are motivated to get the job done. Thanks again James Friend Dickerson.
Received 8.22.2018: Mr. Dickerson, You are amazing! Thank you very much for all your support and assistance during the selling of my home and relocation to Reston. Greatly Appreciative Seller
Friday Night Shrimp
It's Friday evening at Kamp Karen (our home in Western Louisa County) and almost time to cook dinner. What to do for dinner after a long day of work? I don't want a frozen pizza or something that will take a lot of time. After checking the freezer, we decide on NC...
Time to Walk the Land
Whether you're looking for a Equestrian Property, a 200 acre tree farm, a 1/2 acre home site, water front get away, or a Blue Ridge Mountain vacation home, winter remains a great time to walk the land. The greenbriar, vines and other annuals die back making it easier...
202 Richmond Ave, Mineral, Virginia – Renovated Farmhouse
Value ($214,797) prime location (Town of Mineral, Virginia less than two blocks from Farmers Market, parks and restaurants plus minutes to Lake Anna): renovated w/ many upgrades. Please take the Virtual Tour to see all this home offers! Why rent when you can own...
Why have 3rd party energy efficiency certification?
Home Buyers and Home Owners continue to focus on energy costs as part of the total home ownership cost. A National Association of REALTORS (NAR) study shows buyers will pay more for a 3rd party certified energy efficient home! Is your home worth more?What's the...
Hickory Shad & Herring
Last week we took our granddaughter to visit North Carolina cousins. Two of us slipped away from the family visit, heading to a small coastal river. The Hickory Shad were beginning their annual spawning run so we planned to catch a few. I'd never fished for Hickory...
Call before you Wire
If you're participating in a real estate transaction, don't get burned with your wire transfer! Anytime you're going to wire money, please call the recipient prior to executing the wire transfer to verify the wiring instructions. I've talked several Central Virginia...
Have you moved recently? Did you update your voter registration?
Did you move since the last election? Don't forget to update your voter registration! The deadline to register in The Commonwealth of Virginia remains October 17, 2016 for this November's election. Check/Update your Virginia registration. Need more info on voting...
American Tree Farm System
My family's been involved in Tree Farming for years. In the 1960's I first learned about Forestry from my grandfather while exploring his Augusta County Tree Farm. The American Tree Farm System, Virginia Forestry Association and the Virginia Department of Forestry...
Your Home & Forest Fire Protection
Many homes can be found nestled in Central Virginia's forest (our home remains surrounded by woods). For homes located on wells, surrounded by woods and down country roads, forest fire can become a challenge. When building or caring for your home and land, please...
Escape to Lake Anna
Enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, grilling & relaxing at the Wildwood Common Area. You can use the boat launch and docks keeping your boat close to your home for fun times on Lake Anna! Lovely 3 bedroom 2 bath home on 3+ acres in gated Lake Anna community of...
Stonefire Station – Barboursville, Virginia
Converted from a firehouse to an event space in 2005 with a gourmet deli added in 2010, Stonefire Station has over 10,000 square feet of space with many options for use. The prime location at the intersection of US 20 and US 33 in historic Barboursville, Virginia or...
2015 Real Estate Market Report
2015 proved to be another interesting year in the Central Virginia real estate market! Click here to view the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS 2015 year end Market Report. Overall the report shows an increase in sales (the four year trend continued!)...
1st Time Homebuyer Purchase & Sale
Here's what a Turtle Creek client had to say about working with James Friend Dickerson: "Jim was my first and second Realtor when I bought and sold my first property in Albemarle Co. He was very good about explaining the process of purchasing and selling a property to...
Lake Monticello Relocation Sale
"Jim is an excellent realtor but more than that he is a genuine person that will try and help you anyway he can. He will listen to your concerns and review your situation and provide you with a range of possibilities and/or alternative solutions. He is very...
Flood Insurance
We've got lots of water in Central Virginia. Sometimes we even have hurricane generated floods (think Hurricanes like Camille , Agnes , and Isabel ). The Virginia Department of Emergency Management provides lots of good information on preparing for hurricanes. ...
Paradise Found
Worked with a great family last year to sell their home (downsizing) and began searching for a new home while they rented. Recently we found their dream property (after looking for several months). The two garage/barns, pond, fenced pasture, garden spots and cool...
4580 Campbell Road, Troy, Virginia
Lovely 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home on level landscaped 1.6+ acre lot. Several great loan options including no downpayment low interest fixed rate USDA-RD loan w/ low monthly payments less than rent! Kitchen remodeled winter of 2015 including new upgraded appliances and...
Paradise Found 36+/- Acre Farm
Looking to escape to the country? Check out this Prince Edward County, Virginia farm. Pasture currently leased for cattle but barn w/ tack room once used for horses. Many potential agricultural options. Lovely 3 bedroom brick home w/ wood floors & partially...
Drones & Real Estate Photography/Marketing
Recently VA Home Pics, my real estate photographers, started offering areal photos using a quadcopter. This week we took photos of a 35+/- acre Prince Edward County, Virginia farm. I like the perspective gained from areal photography. The quad copter worked...
Septic Tank Inspection and Maintenance
Many country homes and a few city homes feature septic systems for sewage disposal. The 1st home I sold back in the early 1990's was in Charlottesville, Virginia and had a septic system instead of being connected to the municipal sewer system. Over the years I've...
2014 Virginia Department of Forestry State of the Forest Report
The Virginia Department of Forestry just released the 2014 State of the Forest report. In the Commonwealth of Virginia we often take forestry for granted. With over 60% of the state in some type of forest (the report shows over 60% of the forests land owned by...
Whole House Generator Replacement Time
Here's the latest in our 10+ year adventure of having a Whole House Generator. After 10+ years of use, our current generator began experiencing starting challenges during outages. The last thing you want to hear after the power goes out remains backfires &...
Secure Your Home
With the downturn in our economy, stealing mettle items to sell for scrap continues to rise. Recently a home in Southern Albemarle County, Virginia became the target of thieves. In addition to taking the real estate for sale sign, they took the outside heat...
Cold Weather Tip
With the arrival of cold weather, don't forget to disconnect your outdoor garden hose. Also, some outdoor water lines have a shut off inside the house/basement to help prevent freezing and water leaks. Check your home inspection report. It may have info on water...
Charlottsville Area Association of REALTORS releases 2014 3rd Quarter Market Report
On October 13, 2014 the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS released their 2014 3rd quarter market report. Click this LINK to explore the complete report! So what does the report disclose? Across Central Virginia the median sales price increased and the...
!st Time Home Buyer
James Dickerson, was in one word, excellent. From his flexibility in meeting with me, to his promptness in returning phone calls and emails, to his knowledge of the entire process. I came into the process a first time home buyer and am very glad that James...
Another Fall Project
I hope you're enjoying the cooler fall weather. Soon we'll have temperatures dropping below freezing in Central Virginia so it's important to disconnect your garden hose to prevent the water line/hose bib from freezing. The water leak resulting form a freeze can...
Septic Systems Info
So you've decided to move from the "city" to your dream county home. There are a few things different about county living than city living with one of the majors being septic systems. The good news: Most of the homes I sell now have indoor plumbing! I can remember...
Castlebrook Estate & BuilderFish
Thanks to Jonathan Fishbeck (Founder, CEO, & Primary General Contractor) and Todd Hawkins (President) of BuilderFish for the personal tour of Castlebrook, their current project. On the ride to the project Todd updated me on some of the latest Universal Design and...
122 Spring Meadow Lane (Fieldstone), Keswick, Virginia – Sold 5/14/2014
Prime location between Charlottesville and Zion Crossroads, Virginia just listed for sale. Call James for a personal tour to see all the upgrades and features. The owners have upgraded the chef's kitchen and renovated the home. Great open floor plan for...
Be safe cleaning your Heat Pump
With the ice and snow we've had this week in Central Virginia, many will need to clean off the outside heat pumps. Please turn your units off before cleaning. If the blades are spinning as ice & snow drop in, the debris can be blown out into your face. Our...
2013 4th Quarter & Year End CAAR (Central Virginia) Market Report
The Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS released their 4th Quarter and 2013 Year End Real Estate Market Report. Read the report here! There was not a buyer for every home for sale in 2013 but more homes sold in 2013 than in 2012. Overall our Central...
137-8 Green Turtle Lane, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
Why rent when you can own this 1 bedroom Turtle Creek condo with low monthly payments like rent? Looking for investment property to lease? Check out this unit! We've got value and prime location (near UVA, Rivanna Station, The Shops at Stonefield & more) with...
Zion Crossroads Road Construction
Have you gotten caught in the traffic delays as The Virginia Department of Transportation VDOT build the new interchange at I-64 and US 15 in Zion Crossroads? Have you seen the video showing the new traffic patter at the interchange? If not check here and enjoy the...
573 Stage Junction Road, Columbia, Virginia 23038
Escape to the country and live on 20+/- acres in a 3 bedroom 1860's Virginia farmhouse in historic Fluvanna County between Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia. Located near the confluence of the James and Rivanna Rivers and surrounded by history. Perched on a...
The Chesapeake Bay Act & Lake Anna, Virginia
If you know me, you know I love relaxing with family and friends at Lake Anna! When I was asked to attend a recent meeting on The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and residential development on Lake Anna hosted by the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS, I...
Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks & Home Sales- UST’s
What happens when we find Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks (UST) at a home for sale? Sometimes nothing; sometimes a lot! Some lenders don't care while other want the tanks tested for leaks and any soil contamination cleaned up prior to funding the loan. Let's say...
Lack of Central Virginia Acorns
It's a beautiful fall this year for showing homes, farms and land plus doing a little deer hunting. While in the woods, I've noticed a lack of acorns. I checked with my friends at the Virginia Department of Forestry and they had this response to the lack of acorns....
Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
Here are some tips for getting your home ready to sell from my friend Leonard Winslow of Movement Mortgage. Prepping Your Home for a Successful Sale November 2013 It may be a seller’s market again, but you still want to move your home quickly and get the best price...
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act & Lake Anna, Virginia
If real estate on our near Lake Anna, Virginia interests you, please attend the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act forum from 11 AM to 1 PM on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at Lake Anna Winery. Local government officials will provide information how they will implement...
Charlottesville Solutions
Today's (10/23/2013) the day I move my Virginia Real real estate license to Charlottesville Solutions. After many years with a large international franchise, it's time for the next phase of my real estate career (started in 1991!). Charlottesville Solutions offers...
3rd Quarter 2013 Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS Market Report
Yes Central Virginia Homes, Farms and Land are selling his year. We're even seeing real estate values rising in some neighborhoods. Real Estate continues its relationship to location. After reviewing the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS 2013 3rd Quarter...
50+ Acres Sale in Central Virginia
Here's what the buyers had to say: Just wanted to thank you again for all your help. I know that your primary responsibility was to the seller, but it felt like you took good care of us as well. Happy Land Buyer And this is what the sellers had to say: Thanks Jim for...
First Time Homebuyer Uses USDA-RD Loan for 100% Fixed Rate Financing in Crozet, Virginia
James Dickerson, was in one word, excellent. From his flexibility in meeting with me, to his promptness in returning phone calls and emails, to his knowledge of the entire process. I came into the process a first time home buyer and am very glad that James there to...
New Construction & Land Sales Picking Up 9.13.2013
It may be Friday the 13th but their's nothing to be afraid of in the Central Virginia land or new home market. I've had several buyers in the last few weeks go under contract on land to build their dream home. With the current low mortgage rates and abundance of...
Community Volunteer Award
Earlier this week the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS recognized me for community volunteer work. How cool to be nominated and selected by my peers for such an honor. Here's the press release: For Immediate Release September 5, 2013 ...
To much e-coli bacteria in the water, what to do?
When we have a loan involved with the purchase of the property, the lender usually requires the water to be tested for various contaminates. Often the owner/seller will "shock the well" prior to an independent party taking the water sample for testing in a local...
See what a seller in Forest Lakes had to say about James Friend Dickerson
Jim Dickerson sold our home this past summer in Charlottesville, VA. When everyone else was complaining about the slow market, Jim had offers coming in almost immediately. We think this was due to Jim's pre-listing advice, his knowledge of our local market and his...
CAAR 2013 2nd Quarter Market Report
The Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS released their 2nd quarter market report. Compared to this time last year sales were up in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties. The report contains lots of data and graphs, so please take a look at the market...
Mountain Brook – Louisa County Sale
Dear Jim, We want to express our sincere appreciation for all that you did to sell our home. Although we were apprehensive due to the current real estate market and past experiences, you addressed all of our concerns and helped us develop a realistic plan to achieve...
Mold Remediation & the Real Estate Transaction
During the last six months I've seen a few challenges to selling real estate in Central Virginia (baby copperhead snakes in the closet; after providing loan approval, lender deciding not to fund the loan on the day scheduled for closing; out of town appraisers going...
Louisa & Orange County Virginia and Other HUD Homes
Sometimes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) takes a home when one of their loans become in default (Also known as foreclosure). HUD then offers these homes for sale through HUD HOMESTORE. You can visit HUD HOMESTORE and search for available homes...
2013 Louisa County, Virginia Real Estate Market Forecast
Let's take a look into the crystal ball and see what the upcoming year in real estate looks like! Barring an outside influence like 9/11 or another earthquake, I see the 2013 Louisa County real estate market continuing to improve with increased sales and values...
Charlottesville, Virginia REALTORS (CAAR) Release 2012 Year End Market Report
Over the recent holidays, I got many questions about the local real estate market and how were sales in 2012. I shared my market experience, trends we see at RE/MAX Assured Properties (my company), and comments from other agents in our market. Locally the 2012...
White Chocolate Bread Pudding
Since Karen (my bride) gets migraine headaches from dark chocolate, I'm always looking for white chocolate recipes. Recently I found a white chocolate bread pudding recipe on Chef John Folse's web site, which I've modified (My family claims that I always make...
Is Now a good time to sell your home w/ Investors & 1st Time Home-buyers competing for homes
Nationally and in Central Virginia 1st Time Home-buyers and Investors are competing for the same homes (medium priced & fixer upper homes). Check out the HOUSINGWIRE article on the national trend. Mortgages like FHA, USDA-RD, and VA require low to no down...
RE/MAX Updates & Improves RE/MAX.com
As James Friend Dickerson and RE/MAX continue to stay above the crowd, they unveiled the updated and improved www.REMAX.com web site. Take some time to explore the new site and accompanying video. Pretty cool!
Venison Stew at Kamp Karen
It's deer season in Virginia so I'll some time in the woods hunting instead of showing property. We enjoy cooking with venison at Kamp Karen. I've gotten requests for my Venison Stew recipe, so hear goes. I used to make this following the Bourbon and Buck Stew...
Blue Hubbard Squash & Gorgonzola Soup
This year we joined Liberty Mills Farm Community Supported Agriculture receiving weekly bundles of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. We learned to cook with many new to us vegetables including Blue Hubbard Squash. I reviewed several recipes before creating a soup to...
2012 Virginia Fall Fire Season
Check out the Virginia Department of Forestry's web site for info on Fall Fire Season (Oct. 15 to Nov. 30). Remember these are the state rules, your locality may have additional rules, requirements and/or permits so check before you burn. Better safe and than sorry...
Fluvanna County, Virginia Updates Tax Assessments
While looking at property values for clients in Fluvanna County, Virginia this week, I found many of the tax assessments posted in VAMANet were down 25 to 50%. According to the Fluvanna County web site, the field work for the reassessment (check out the link to 2013...
Virginia Fall Color
It's early October and our cooler weather begins to bring out additional colors in our trees! At Kamp Karen we're seeing the sassafras, wild dogwood and tulip poplars starting to change from green to yellow and red. As we move into the fall the colors will become...
Cutalong (Louisa County Lake Anna Golf Community)
After several false starts, Cutalong ( a Lake Anna waterfront golf course community) moves towards fruition. Earlier this month Karen and I toured the new Louisa County subdivision on 13,000+/- acre Lake Anna. We found lovely home sites, the start of an 18 hole...
2012 Central Virginia Labor Day Weekend Events
Gates open Saturday, September 1st at Freeman Field 11:00 AM for the airshow. Most of the show is free but there are fees for plane rides etc. Travel to the airfield just east of the Town of Louisa and enjoy the show! It's a great weekend to get out and visit...
Virginia Department of Forestry – Women’s Landowner Workshop
I just got the "News Release" below from the good folks at the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF). What a great opportunity for women to learn more about landownership. I enjoy attending the DOF workshops and always learn something! If you are...
Cleaning Services in Charlottesville, Virginia and Surrounding Counties
You never get a 2nd change to make a 1st impression! Keep your home clean and uncluttered remains important during the marketing of your home. Some sellers use a cleaning service. Also, once you're under contract, moved out and ready to close, it's good to clean...
RE/MAX Assured Properties continues as the top real estate firm in Charlottesville, Virginia
Click here to view the new NBC 29 TV ad RE/MAX Assured Properties TV Ad . The ad touts RE/MAX Assured Properties continued status as the top real estate firm in Charlottesville, Virginia and surrounding counties. Look for the aid during the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Have you shocked your well lately?
Do you live in the country with a well? Initially your well was probably "shocked" with bleach to kill any bacteria in the system and prior to the initial water testing. Often on a re-sale of a home in Virginia, the purchaser asks the seller to test the well for...
Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS 2nd Quarter 2012 Market Report Released
People keep asking how's the real estate market and I keep replying, INTERESTING! With the release of the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS 2nd Quarter 2012 Market Report, we've got a bit more data to review. Please click on the link to review the...
Attic Pull Down Stair Insulation
During this week's Sustainability Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals (S.T.A.R.) course I learned a lot of interesting energy saving and "Green" building and remodeling techniques. One of the coolest (no pun intended) featured a zippered insulation...
“GREEN” Building and Remodeling in Central, Virginia
This week I'm exploring "Green" building and remodeling partially through a Sustainable Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals (S.T.A.R.) class taught by Earth Advantage and sponsored by Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP). I'm finding some great...
Check Out Charlottesville, Virginia Restaurant Week for July 2012
Charlottesville, Virginia and the surrounding counties remains chock full of many great restaurants featuring simple food to exquisite treats using local farm products and cuisine from around the world, like one of my new favorites the Balkan Bistro & Bar. Sadly,...
Virginia Forestry Association
Are you interested in Forestry in the Commonwealth of Virginia? Perhaps your home is on 10 acres, and you want to manage your wood lot for wildlife and firewood or you own an urban forest home. Or, you own 100+ acres and are interested in the federal and state tax...
Chiles Ground Maintenance and Landscaping
Are you looking for professional lawn care or landscaping in Louisa County, Virginia? Check out Chiles Ground Maintenance and Landscaping. In business since 2002 they offer commercial and residential service as well as products. I had a great visit with Wesley...
Central Virginia Events from Keswick to Crozet 6/16-17/2012
On Saturday, June 16, 2012 Grace Church holds the "beyond the gates" Historic Farm Tour allowing you a peak behind the gates of several estates and the Keswick Hunt Club. Karen and I plan to take the tour and attend the Country Fair at Grace Church. If you want a...
Virginia Grown – Support Virginia Agriculture
At Kamp Karen (our Louisa County, Virginia home between Zion Crossroads & Gordonsville) we try to support Virginia Agriculture. We love the pasture raised Angus Beef we get from Foods for Thought, Inc. (they even let us bring our grandchildren out to the farm to...
Spring Creek Gated Golf Course Community in Zion Crossroads, Virginia – Lot Sales
Have you wanted to buy a lot but not build right away or use your own builder in Spring Creek ( Central Virginia's premier golf community at Zion Crossroads ) but couldn't due to regulations? The new owner's have opened up the lot sales and builders (no predetermined...
What is HOU$E MONEY?
HOU$E MONEY remains Central Virignia's local television show filmed in the Charlottesville Public Access TV (CPA-TV) studio on a monthly basis. Hosted by Leonard Winslow of New American Mortgage and James Dickerson of RE/MAX Assured Properties who discuss real estate...
Time to change the washing machine water lines at Kamp Karen
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! Today we changed the old for new water lines. Buddy Carlisle of Carlisle Home...
Central Virginia Weekend Events 5/17-20/2012
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 ...
Crozet, Virginia home purchased using USDA Rural Development (USDA 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...
US 250 Railroad Bridge at Shadwell in Albemarle County, Virginia to Close 5/1/2012 & Re-Opens 6/15/2012
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...
Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS (CAAR) 1st Quarter 2012 Market Report
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...
Scallops, Asparagus & Pasta Near Zion Crossroads, Virginia
Thanks to Jason, a commercial fisherman, we've got some sea scallops at Kamp Karen. For dinner last Friday, we cooked the scallops with fresh asparagus, vegetables and a little pasta. With the addition of a side salad, we enjoyed a tasty meal! It's easy, so try...
Smoked Virginia Lamb
Several folks asked for the process and recipe for preparing this years Easter Lamb at Kamp Karen (our home between Zion Crossroads & Gordonsville, Virginia), so here goes! Starting with a boned leg of lamb, I rubbed smoked salt, fresh ground block pepper,...
Spring 2012 Central Virginia Real Estate Market Update
Spending some time with my grandson at pre-school yesterday, several parents asked about the local real estate market. The local real estate market also remained a featured when we filmed the latest episode of House Money (local Charlottesville Area TV show on...
Know Your Credit Score
Since your Credit Score often affects your ability to get a home mortgage and or mortgage rate/terms, many home buyers want to learn about Credit Scores and Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) credit score. The Scores provide a tool for evaluating a borrower's...
Upcoming Virginia Forestry Summit 4/26-28/2012
Usually I post about upcoming weekend events but I'm switching up this week. I wanted to let y'all know about the Virginia Forestry Associations upcoming Virginia Forestry Summit. I continue to have a passion for forestry, wildlife and the outdoors, so I want to...
Reverse Morgage Info
I joke sometimes and say the only thing that stays the same is in real estate is change. In today's real estate market there is always something new to learn and the rules that applied for loans, closing, appraisals, etc. continue to the change. I try to learn...
100% Financing with Rural Development (RD) Loan – Backed by USDA!
Looking to buy a home in Central Virginia but don't have the cash for a 5% or greater down payment, what to do? Consider the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) backed Rural Development (RD) loan for 100% financing! So you want to be in one of our...
Can your home be more energy efficient?
Does your home (old or new) need improvements to make it more energy efficient? If so, you might want to consider the Power Saver Loan offered by the UVA Community Credit Union. The Credit Union has also partnered with Local Energy Alliance Program LEAP to offer...