THE VIRGINIA HOMES, FARM & LAND BLOG
Country Living
Spring Fire Season in Virginia
Today brings the start of Spring Fire Season (February 15 to April 30) to Virginia. I found the following in formation on the Virginia Department of Forestry web site: "The Commonwealth’s 4 p.m. Burning Law goes into effect Feb. 15, 2012 – the start of spring fire...
Spring Flowers in February
Out showing homes and walking land this week, I came across lots of flowers blooming early this year. It's a blessing to encounter flowers in February! I enjoy working in Central Virginia since you never know what beautiful site you'll encounter next! Have great...
BuilderFish
Had a great meeting with Todd and Johathan of BuilderFish. They remodel and build using green building, againing in place and universal design for sustainable lifetime living. Check out and follow BuilderFish. They brining an interesting option to construction in...
Time to buy seedlings from Virginia Dept. of Forestry
Need to plant some trees for fall color or perhaps establish a living buffer between you and a neighbor? The Virginia Department of Forestry sells Virginia seedlings and you don't need to purchase 1000's of seedlings. Purchase as few as 10 seedlings (please...
Local Real Estate – Central Virginia 2/1/2012
Wow, 2012 started as a busy year in Central Virginia real estate! Some days January saw more homes going under contract than new homes entering the market (we haven't seen that in a while!) in the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS multiple listing service...
New Businesses Coming to Zion Crossroads, Virginia – Sheetz! – Opened 5/23/2012
With all the commercial construction doom and gloom in the national media, Zion Crossroads, Virginia continues to buck the trend! Adjacent to the Shops at Spring Creek and in front of Lowe's and Wal-Mart, we've got Sheetz (scheduled to open Spring of 2012) and what...
2011 Market Report & 2012 Predictions
2011 remains a memory and we're plowing forward into 2012. The Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS released their year end report today and it continues to be a report worth exploring if you're interested in Central Virginia Real Estate! After reviewing the...
Blaze Orange
I love showing farms and land. When going into the woods, it's always a great idea to wear some blaze orange (hat, shirt, vest, jacket, etc.). In addition to helping others to identify you, it helps a group looking at property to keep track of each other in thick...
What’s Ahead for 2012
Yes it's 2012 and time to look at the year ahead. Also, I've still got some 2012 Old Farmer's Almanacs to pass out. If you would like an Almanac and see me around Central Virginia, please ask for one (yes, they are free to you!). I keep getting asked what's ahead...
Moving Recources in Central Virginia
Many of the companies listed below give discounts to James Friend Dickerson's, RE/MAX, and/or RE/MAX Assured Properties customers & clients. Please don't hesitate to name drop when contacting these resources to see if you can get better pricing for your move!...
Oyster Stew at Kamp Karen
We love cooking at Kamp Karen. Oysters remain one of our favorite foods. Grilled, steamed, fried, sauteed or stewed and yes sometimes we eat them raw!!! We like Rose Bay and Belhaven, NC or Chincoteague, VA oysters. For new years eve, Karen and I shared kitchen...
Home Inspectors in Central Virginia
With new construction or an existing home, getting a home inspection remains an important step in the home buying process. No home is perfect and the home inspector will identify deficiencies while helping you develop seasonal maintenance plans for your new home. A...
Lender/Mortgage Partners in Central Virginia
Whether buying a home, farm, land or commercial property, the loan remains an important part of the process. From 1st time homebuyers to investors owning multiple properties, being pre-approved for your loan early in the process continues to be a key step in the...
Real Estate Attorney and Settlement Agents in Central Virginia
Real Estate transactions remain full of paperwork, steps and legal procedures. Some of my clients worked with the following firms on thier closings: William (Bill) Tucker, III, Tucker Griffin Barnes PC, 307 West Rio Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901 Office:...
New Years Eve 2011 and New Years Day 2012 in Central Virginia
What are your plans for New Years Eve and New Years Day? Central Virginia provides lots of great options from First Night Virginia in Charlottesville, where events start at 11:00 AM with a 5K run/walk and go till the Midnight Ball Drop, to private celebrations, to...
Sausage Rolls
In 1999 we traveled through Scotland touring the country and visiting Masonic Lodges. After many Lodge meetings, we time of Harmony (food, drink, music, and spirited conversation). One of my favorite food items during Harmony were the sausage rolls. When Jen...
Christmas Safety Tips from the Virginia Division of Forestry
Once again we're in the middle of the Christmas season. With all the joy of the season, please take a few minutes to think about safety in your home. The Virginia Department of Forestry sent out the following tips this morning and I wanted to share them with you. ...
Will it be a Boy Scout Christmas Tree for Kamp Karen this year?
With the 2011 Thanksgiving quickly becoming a great memory, we're discussing what to do for a Christmas tree this year at Kamp Karen. I like red cedar tree usually cut from one of the local farms about two weeks before Christmas. Karen remains partial to spruce and...
Kewick, Virginia 2011 Blessing of the Hounds
What are you doing Thanksgiving morning? My father and I used to head up into the Blue Ridge Mountain on Thanksgiving morning to fly fish for trout. This year after putting the turkey in the smoker, I'm heading to Grace Episcopal Church in Keswick , Virginia (in the...
Virginia Conservation Easement Options
When I studied Forestry and Wildlife Management at Virginia Tech concentrating in Environmental Conservation back in the late 70's and early 80's, there were not many options for applying a land owners conservation beliefs to their land in perpetuity. Now we've got...
Central Virginia Grass Feed Beef for Sale
Karen and I support and recommend our local farmers! Rob Harrison has been supplying us with local grass fed Black Angus beef for years. Now he's developed Foods for Thought, Inc. and increased his marketing and sales presence. If you're looking for the best...
Fluvanna County, Virginia Land Conservation Event
We're blessed in Central Virginia with many beautiful parcels of mountain, river and Piedmont land. Many are interested in conservation and preserving their farms and land for future generations to enjoy. Conservation Partners, LLC, The Thomas Jefferson Soil and...
Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS 2011 3rd Quarter Market Report
The Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS released their 3rd quarter market report today. So what does the report mean for you? Homes continue to sell in Central Virginia which helps our economy and brings us towards a more balanced market between buyers and...
2012 Old Farmer’s Almanac Available in Central Virginia
Yes, the 2012 Old Farmer's Almanacs are in! If you see me out and about in the www.VirginiaHomesFarmsLand.com mobile office (GMC Yukon!), please ask for a copy. I usually have Almanacs with me, as long as the supply last! In additional to weather predictions, time...
Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival
This weekend (October 8 & 9, 2011) I've scheduled several appointments showing homes, farms and land in Central Virginia. When I am finished and near Crozet, Virginia, I plan to stop by the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival and Chiles Orchard to pick up some Granny...
Parade of Homes & Fiber Festival
Get out this weekend (10/1-2/2011) and next weekend (10/8-9/2011) to experience the latest and greatest Central Virginia Builders offer in new construction homes through the Blue Ridge Home Builders Association 2011 Parade of Homes. Karen and I always like getting...
Louisa County, Virginia Earthquake Update
Since the sAugust 23, 2011 5.8 magnitude earthquake truck outside Mineral, Virginia, earthquakes and aftershocks remain the topic of conversation in Louisa County. On Tuesday, September 27th a public information session on earthquakes and aftershocks will be held 7...
Horse Around in Central Virginia this Weekend
We’ve got another horse weekend in Central Virginia! Yes, UVA plays football on Saturday but we also have Foxfield steeplechase races and Roseland Polo adjacent to King Family Vineyards both on Sunday. So if you’re looking for something fun to do come out and horse...
Fall Virginia Forestry and Wildlife Tours
Usually I promote events for the upcoming weekend on Wednesdays but today I’m promoting an October event that requires pre-registration. The Virginia Forestry Association, The Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Cooperative Extension and other groups sponsor...
Somerset Steam and Gas Pasture Party
It’s time for the 35th annual Steam & Gas Pasture Party in Somerset, Virginia! Come out Friday through Sunday (9/9-11/2011) from 8 A.M. till dusk and enjoy a cool event held rain or shine. I always enjoy the old steam tractors, antique cars and farm...
The Mysterious Path of Jack Jouett’s Ride
Do you know about Louisa County, Virginia's Paul Revere - Jack Jouett? If not, come out to the Louisa County Historical Society's Sargent Museum on Saturday, August 13th from 10:30 AM to Noon for Rick Britton's presentation. As many of us who grew up in Louisa...
Escape to Lake Anna, Virginia
I don’t know about you but day after day of 90*+ temperatures have me ready to head to Lake Anna, Virginia to play in the Lake! With public marinas, campgrounds and a State Park, Lake Anna provides plenty of opportunities to access the Lake if you don’t own property...
Louisa County, Virginia Ag Fair 2011
Looking for a fun event on Friday or Saturday (7/29 & 30), come to the Louisa County, Virginia Agriculture Fair! Karen and I always enjoy the Louisa Ag Fair. We like the bluegrass music, 4-H Livestock, and Cross Cut Saw Contest. Adult admission at $4 provides...
Virginia Loan Modification, Short Sale and Foreclosure Info & Help
As we work through our new economy and real estate market, I continue to receive lots of questions on short sales and foreclosures. Many homeowners want to stay in their homes even thought the value of the home has declined in the last few years. I've helped several...
Charlottesville, Virginia Independence Day Celebration 2011
Looking for a fun unique event on Independence Day? Check out the 2:00 PM ringing of the Virginia replica of the Liberty Bell at the Charlottesville, Virginia Firehouse, 203 Ridge Street, Charlottesville. In another state, check out this link to see if something is...
Central Virginia Real Estate Market Update – 6.29.2011
Since we're almost half way through the year, I wanted to briefly comment on the local real estate market. We're seeing sales of homes! We still have a large inventory of homes with sales with more short sales (selling for less than the loan balance and needing...
Keswick, Virginia 2011 Farm Tour
Ever wondered what is behind some of the estate and farm gates in Keswick, Virginia (just east of Charlottesville & UVA)? Join us this Saturday, June 18 for Grace Episcopal Church’s “Beyond the Gates” Historic Farm Tour from 10 to 4. In addition to getting a...
Central Virginia PODS
Are you moving across town or across the country? PODS (Portable on Demand Storage) has helped many of my clients. They drop the container or containers off at your residence, you pack or hire packers, then they move or store until you’re in your new home. Using...
Heritage Theatre Festival
Yes, I am a Hokie living in Hooville! I’m even in a mixed marriage since Karen earned her Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Mr. Jefferson’s University. Regardless of school affiliation, The University of Virginia does offer some great opportunities to local...
Ever been to a Bluegrass Festival?
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Why not head to Graves Mountain Lodge for their 2011 Blue Grass Festival this Thursday through Saturday (6/2-4/2011). A visit to Graves Mountain Lodge remains a treat anytime but pair with great bluegrass music and...
It’s Farmer’s Market & Farm Visit Season in Virginia
Karen and I love to visit the various farmer's markets and farm stands in Virginia. Our local markets in Louisa, Mineral, Orange, Fluvanna, Scottsville and Charlottesville have opened with spring produce for sale. Other favorites include Carter’s Mountain Orchard,...
Check Virginia Road Closings
With today’s heavy rain on top of recent rains, many streams continue to overflow their banks. As I’ve been driving around showing property, several roads have been closed today. Check http://www.511virginia.org/Default.aspx?r=1 for road closures as you travel the...
Escape to the Blue Ridge Parkway
It’s time for another season of Sunday afternoon music at the Hump Back Rocks Visitors Center under the old walnut tree from 2 - 4 PM. If you’re going for the music, call Humpback Rocks Visitor Center 540-943-4716 to verify the performer and time. Karen and I enjoy...
Purple Bags Invade Virginia
UPDATE: 4/24/2012 The purple bags returned to Central Virginia this month! Have you seen them? While driving around Virginia this week, I keep seeing purple triangular objects suspended in trees. I’ve been wondering what the heck they are. Not being a conspiracy...
Montpelier, Virginia Wine Festival
Spring of 2011 has arrived in Central Virginia and so has Festival Season. The Montpelier Wine Festival remains one of my favorite festivals of the year. With James and Dolly Madison’s Montpelier serving as a back drop, you would be hard pressed to find a prettier...
Rent vs. Buying a Home in Charlottesville, Virginia & the Surrounding Counties
With the low home mortgage rates, home prices adjusted down, & the great homes for sale, many renters choose to explore purchasing a home. I've worked with several renters this year who became homeowners. Perhaps 2011 is the year for you to become a home owner. ...
Shad Planking in Wakefield, Virginia
On Wednesday of this week, I traveled to Wakefield, Virginia to participate in their Ruritan Club’s annual Shad Planking. The shad is nailed to planks and smoked adjacent to a bed of coals while being basted with a pepper sauce every now and again. No trip to...
Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS 1st 1/4 2011 Market Report
The Charlottesville (Virginia) Area Association of REALTORS released their 1st ¼ 2011 market report on April 12,2011. The good news includes real estate continuing to sell in Central Virginia with 491 sales reported! The report shows purchase price remaining a key...
Charlottesville Library Book Sale
If you ever visit Camp Karen (our home near Zion Crossroads, Louisa County, Virginia) you'll know we love reading and books. Every room contains books! We have built in book shelves, antique book cases, 2nd had bookcases, boxes of books in the basement waiting for...
Visit Virginia’s Maple Festival
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Head west over to Highland County, Virginia for the last weekend of the Maple Festival! Mom and Dad used to live in Monterey just up the street from the courthouse, so I've enjoyed many visit to Highland County. If...
Zion Crossroads & Green Springs, Virginia Land & New Construction
While out and about looking at 5 to 20 acre lots in the western Louisa County, Virginia (Zion Crossroads & Green Springs) this morning, I noticed lots of new construction going on. I’ve got several clients looking for land. Some want to build now to take advantage...
Piedmont Visitors Center – Zion Crossroads, Virginia
Had a great visit to the Piedmont Visitors Center in Zion Crossroads, Virginia this afternoon. The center provides great information on events, lodging and resources in Louisa, Orange and Fluvanna Counties. If you’re near Zion Crossroads, stop by the Piedmont...
Virginia Spring Fire Season
We enjoyed the much needed weekend rain don’t forget it’s still spring fire season in Virginia. Many of us living in the country burn leaves, downed limbs from the windstorms and brush to keep our property clean. From February 15 to April 30 burning in or within 300...
Preserving Home Ownership in the Greater Charlottesville, Virginia Community
On Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 9-11 AM at the Charlottesville, Virginia Senior Center there is a FREE event to provide information on many home ownership challenges (we want to help sustain home ownership challenged by financial, physical or social challenges). ...
Free Enterprise Forum adds Louisa County, Virginia to Coverage Area
Free Enterprise Forum adds Louisa County, Virginia to the local government’s it covers while promoting a pro business agenda. Check out the Free Enterprise Forum's web site to learn more, sign up for their news letter and or follow their blog. With Dominions plans for...
Pine Knot – Teddy Roosevelt’s Albemarle County, Virginia Retreat
Happy Presidents Day! When we think of Presidents and Presidential homes in Albemarle County, Virginia, we most often think of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Monroe’s Ash Lawn. Many don’t realize Edith Roosevelt purchased Pine Knot in Albemarle County as a...
Is North Anna 3 coming to Lake Anna (Louisa County, Virginia) soon?
Great meeting at Tanyard County Club in the Town of Louisa this morning. Mark Mitchell and other staff members of Dominion Virginia Power updated the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce on the status of North Anna 3 (the 3rd nuclear reactor at the North Anna Nuclear...
Time to canoe the Rivanna River in Albemarle & Fluvanna County, Virginia
Wow, it’s another beautiful day in Central Virginia! Today would be a great day to slip the canoe into the Rivanna River at Milton (Albemarle County) and float down to Crofton (Fluvanna County). Perhaps take the fly rod and fish for small mouth bass. Thomas...
2011 Virginia Real Estate Tax Assessments = Questions
With new County and City real estate tax assessments coming out across Virginia, I’m getting lots of questions about property values. Owners call wanting to know why the assessment values have fallen. Look back to an earlier post “Charlottesville, Virginia Area 2010...
Tips for Homeowners Filing Virginia and Federal Income Tax Returns
Yes, it’s tax time again. Do you despise paying taxes more than I do? I doubt it! Last month I finished the business taxes (Jachin, Inc. : I feel strongly that real estate agents should incorporate for a variety of reasons. If you are a REALTOR and are not...
Changing Homes for Baby Boomers
As many of you know Camp Karen (our home between Zion Crossroads and Gordonsville in Louisa County, Virginia) provides living space for multiple generations. Karen’s mother lives with us so we designed a suite to meet her needs along with wider doors, hallways, wood...
Charlottesville, Virginia Area Condominiums (Condo’s)
Lovely Dining Room in a Renovated Hessian Hills Condo Over the past 20 years working in the Central Virginia real estate market, I’ve helped buy and sell many condominiums. I’ve been through two condo conversion booms (converting apartments to condominiums) and...
Central Virginia Trivia
Time for some Central Virginia trivia: Have you ever seen a home with a window in the fireplace? Do you know the location of this Central Virginia home now being used as a business? If you do, please post your answer. Let’s see who remains observant in their...
Virginia Woods & Wildlife Conference Coming to Charlottesville
If you own or want to own a small or large parcel of Virginia land, the Woods and Wildlife Conference in Charlottesville, Virginia on February 19, 2011 may be just the event you need to attend. There will be lots of interesting presentations along with time to...
Charlottesville, Virginia Area 2010 Home Sales Report
With the release of theCharlottesville Area Association of REALTORS (CAAR) 2010 year end Market Report to the news media, I wanted to provide you with the report and some comments! As always, if you have questions about the report and how it relates to your real...
Search for Charlottesville, Virginia Area Foreclosures
Many blog readers have asked, “How do I search for foreclosed homes?”. The free resources I use include the Home Buyers Scouting Report to track Central Virginia real estate for sale plus Google Maps and HUD Home Store. If you are interested in exploring the...
Follow Central Virginia Government with the Free Enterprise Forum
Are you interested in Central Virginia government and following different boards to see how their decisions affect you? Are you familier with the Free Enterprise Forum? If not, check out their site. Neil Williamson and the other great folks attend the meetings...
University of Virginia & Virginia Tech Student Homes & Investment Real Estate
Working as a real estate consultant in Charlottesville, Virginia (home of The University of Virginia) since 1991, I’ve helped parents, students and alumni as well as townies evaluate residential real estate for income producing or family rental potential. Over the...
Happy New Year From Our Home in Zion Crossroads, Virginia
The www.VirginiaHomesFarmsLand.com family wishes you and yours a very Happy and Prosperous 2011! We’re getting ready to have our black eyedpeas, stewed tomatoes, corn bread and country ham (from Kite’s in Madison County, Virginia) at Camp Karen before heading out to...
New Years Eve in Gordonsville, Virginia
As 2010 ends, let’s have a safe and enjoyable New Years Eve. I’m pulling together some data for 2010 market reports (look for them next week!), heading to Gordonsville, Virginia to meet with a client, then into Charlottesville, Virginia to have lunch with some good...
Virginia Homes, Farms & Land 2011 Almanac
The UPS man dropped the 2011 Almanacs off at Camp Karen (our home between Zion Crossroads & Gordonsville, Virginia) yesterday morning. I began passing them out yesterday afternoon to great reviews. Several of you have asked, “Where is my 2011 Almanac?” so if you...
Charlottesville, Virginia FOP Lodge Helps Police Officer Keep His Home
I’ve lived in Virginia since 1960 and all but seven of those years in Central Virginia. In the past I’ve posted about real estate for sale, interesting events and places in Virginia, plus real estate tips. The beauty of Virginia remains surpassed only by the great...
Charlottesville, Virginia’s own Dickens’ Village
Last evening Karen and I were treated to a tour of Dickens’ Village in Charlottesville thanks to Mayor Andy. Each year Mayor Andy creates a new display of his Department 56 Dickens’ Village Series buildings. Some chose to display the buildings on shelves but Mayor...
Central Virginia Angus Beef- Buy Local
Ready for a great steak on the grill or need some ground beef? At Camp Karen (our home) we use certified Angus Beef from Foods for Thought in Central Virginia. For years we’ve been getting our beef from Rob at Foods for Thought rob@foodsforthoughtinc.com with no...
Virginia Road Conditions – VDOT Info
We’ve got some ice and closed roads this morning in Central Virginia! Several Schools closed for the day due to poor travel conditions. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains a great web page with updated winter road conditions or you can call...
Ski Wintergreen & Massanutten, Virginia This Season
Our grandson’s (Evan’s 5 and Mason’s 2) are heading to Wintergreen in Nelson County, Virginia this weekend with their other Grandfather on a ski trip. They love skiing! Hopefully, I’ll get some new photos to post. For the all of us in Central Virginia, the slopes...
Buying Virginia Land
If you are interested in buying land (at 1/3 acre building lot to a 500 acre retreat), the fall and winter provide a great opportunity for walking the land. Since the leaves have fallen and undergrowth has died back, you can see the topography getting a better idea...
Martha Jefferson Hospital -Family Medicine at Zion Crossroads
With a ribbon cutting this morning, Martha Jefferson Hospital opened its latest facility, a Family Medicine Center, in the Spring Creek Business Park in Zion Crossroads, Louisa County, Virginia. Dr. Michael Sty will be providing healthcare services to the residents...
Post Thanksgiving Central Virginia Market Update
Today we gathered as a family celebrating Thanksgiving and our blessings. Lately it seems no matter where I go the conversation turns to real estate values and market conditions so today was no different. We had folks from Richmond to Lake Anna to Spring Creek to...
Vacation and Second Homes
Recently I’ve seen more activity with vacation and second home real estate markets than in the last three years. We just had a closing last week on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Some of my clients place their purchases in rental programs to receive income...
Mrs. Rowe’s Restaurant-Staunton, Virginia
Had several business appointments in the Shenandoah Valley (Rockingham and Augusta Counties) on Thanksgiving Eve so my bride Karen decided to ride with me. What a beautiful day for a road trip in the Valley! About 1:00 PM we decided it was time for a lunch break and...
Blessing of the Hounds on Thanksgiving Day
Looking for something fun to do Thanksgiving Day in Central Virginia? Join us at Grace Episcopal Church, 5607 Gordonsville Road, Keswick, Virginia 22947 for the Blessing of the Hounds! The service starts at 10:00 AM so plan to arrive by 9:30 to park and make your...
Library Book Sale Ends Today in Charlottesville
It’s another beautiful Chamber of Commerce day in Central Virginia! I’m going to enjoy traveling around showing homes to some great buyers today. Today’s the last day of the Jefferson Madison Regional Library’s fall book sale and half price day (10 AM – 7 PM 1500...
National Ground Intelligence Center Homes
First, if you are active duty or retired military, thank you for your service! Interested in buying a home, farm or land near the National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC) at the US Army’s Rivanna Station? Please check out THE HOME BUYERS SCOUTING REPORT (HBSR) our...
Houses for Klockner Pentaplast Employees
Klockner Pentaplast continues to be a great member of the community in Louisa, Orange and Albemarle Counties. In addition to providing jobs, they have supported many organization in the area from the UVA’s Kluge Children’s hospital to providing a community park. If...
Relocating to Central Virginia – Free Real Estate Search Tool
Whether you are joining the many retirees who have made Central Virginia home; relocating for employment with The University of Virginia, State Farm, Martha Jefferson Hospital, The University of Virginia Hospital, to work with the Defense Intelligence Agency or the...
Aging in Place & Universal Design
Great presentation on Universal Design this morning by Todd Hawkins of Builderfish! Universal Design helps home owners to stay in their homes as they age or modify their current home to allow for aging in place. Since our house hold often ages from 2 to 89 and I hit...
Piedmont Shrine Club Clothing Sale
It’s time for the Piedmont Shrine Club’s annual clothing sale. This year the sale will be held at 1326 East High Street in Charlottesville, Virginia (park behind Brown’s Dry Cleaners) on Thursday, November 18th from 2-6:00 PM; Friday, November 19th from 2-6:00 PM;...
Free Real Estate Search Tool
Whether you are moving to Central Virginia from out of town for a new job at the University of Virginia, Rivanna Station (DIA or NGIC), State Farm or to retire in paradise, I’ve got a great FREE real estate search program for you (looking for real estate info outside...
Radon and Real Estate
Prior to a recent home inspection, a 1st time homebuyer and I discussed radon and the possibility of testing for radon along with the home inspection. So what is radon? According to the EPA, radon is a colorless, odorless gas that causes cancer. The EPA produced a...
James’ Ride
Check out the new signage on my Yukon! Now I’ve got the ultimate vehicle for real estate (Homes, Farms & Land) so my clients can travel in comfort to tour properties. If you see me traveling around Virginia, stop and say hello! If you’re have real estate...
Fall Color in Virginia
Passing through Swift Run Gap the week, I enjoyed seeing the changing colors along the Blue Ridge Mountains. This weekend would be a great weekend for a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive. Take some time to read the historical markers and learn...
House $ – Foreclosure, Short Sales & Strategic Defaults
Filming House $ atCharlottesville Public Access TV (CPATV) later today so it’s time to put the finishing touches on the show’s Power Point presentation. House $ covers real estate topics in Central Virginia (Charlottesville and surrounding counties). Often we...
Covered Bridge
We were up and moving early this morning (saw the sunrise in the rear view mirror!) crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway to explore real estate in Rockingham County, Virginia just east of Harrisonburg. While traveling between properties I thought I glimpsed a covered...
Stonefire Station & Kitchen, Barboursville, Virginia
What a beautiful fall day in Central Virginia. Karen joined me for a beautiful afternoon driving down back roads to preview properties in Orange and Louisa Counties. We stopped at Stonefire Kitchen to enjoy a great lunch. Karen likes vegetarian items so she...
Real Estate Market Update – 10/15/2010
I keep getting asked, “How’s the real estate market?”. My standard reply for 2010 has been, interesting! Then I try to ask a few questions; listen, finding out which market segment interests them; then discuss the market segment of interest. The Charlottesville...
Treasures From the Past
While walking land Albemarle, Nelson, Orange, Fluvanna, Greene, Augusta, and Louisa Counties, we find some neat things. I've found stone walls, similar to this one in the Blue Ridge Mountains, old cabins and home sites, grave yards and orchards. In the spring it's...
Meadow Creek Parkway
While showing homes today in the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, I took a ride on the new Meadow Creek Parkway (opened today!). What a beautiful ride on a nice new road. Some wish the Parkway to be four lanes and running from US 29 at Polo Grounds...
Universal Design
With Central Virginia mid-October temperatures heading towards the 90’s, I thought we could use a snow photo! Several years ago we built a home (Camp Karen)for multiple generations. Since my mother in law was going to be living with us, we included two 1st level...
Savour- My New Favorite Charlottesville, Virginia Restaurant
Wow, we had a great dinner out with Richard and Kelley last night celebrating their wedding anniversary! The atmosphere, food (both presentation and flavor) and service were excellent. We dined at Savour in Charlottesville, Virginia. Thank you’s go out to Chef...