Owner: Charlottesville Real Estate URL:www.Charlottesville.com Join Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:17:35 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Charlottesville's most Trusted and Widely used Website and BLOG for Real Estate Site statistics:Click here
Amazing in Ivy, Virginia (DO NOT MISS PHOTO) 2007-08-28 11:08:38 Offered at 1,195K, 4500 sf, 1500 unfinished on 6.33 acres in Beautiful Ivy!MLS 438602CALL US today about IVY ESTATES, located in the HEART of IVY (Build to Suit). Minutes to Downtown and Incredible views! New Subdivision with 9 Estate size lots (4-48 arces). Use a qualified builder. House plans must be approved by ARB. This home is similar to photos.Contact SYBIL MAHANES at 434-882-0712 or CHARLES McDONALD 434-981-1585 for additional information about these Build to Suit homes in the heart of Ivy. Visit www.Ivy-Estates.com for more information http://www.ivy-estates.com/Charles McDonaldREALTOR, Licensed to sell Real Estate in the Commonwealth of Virginia
http://www.mycharlottesvilleagent.com/ http://www.mycharlottesvilleblog.com/"Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill please subscribe to my blog by clicking here. Read more:Amazing
ATLANTIS 2007-08-27 16:26:16 This year my wife and I are going to Atlantis (first time)This trip is for Agents with outstanding production from Real Estate III who I work for. We are excited about the trip!The Caribbean looks beautiful and I hope to tell you more about it on our return.I want all my clients to know how much we appreciate them and their support with referrals!If you have visited any tips???Best to all, Charles McDonald
INCENTIVES, INCENTIVES Everywhere!!! 2007-08-27 14:17:04 I recently posted an offer of a Corvette with a home. I just got this email on new construction:"Buy one of these two homes at xxxxxx in the next 60 days and the builder will pay your first six months mortgage for free (*$20,000 max contribution from builder, with lenders permission). "Buyers are in a great position right now, do they realize that?Where will it end???Seems if the homes are priced competitivly to start, there would be no needs for these Incentives?What are your thoughts?
Give Blood today! 2007-08-27 12:31:56 I gave Blood
today at our local Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors (CAAR).This is one of those things that we all should do. Go ahead and schedule an appointment in your area and just do it!It does not take long and I got a cookie, soda and a t-shirt!!!Seriously, this is a worthwhile thing to do.Best to all Charles McDonaldREALTOR, Licensed to sell Real Estate in the Commonwealth of Virginiahttp://www.mycharlottesvilleagent.com/ http://www.mycharlottesvilleblog.com/"Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill please subscribe to my blog by clicking here.
YELLOW 1975 STINGRAY CORVETTE comes with a HOME! 2007-08-26 18:53:53 OK, reverse that.... Here is an actual part of a local ad. This is starting to get a little crazy. "HOUSE COMES WITH A YELLOW 1975 STINGRAY CORVETTE."Sellers are offering more incentives than ever....This is an actual ad for a home in Charlottesville, Virginia. Real Estate seems to move at a steady pace in our area, but there are some Sellers that are not convinced.Is there over the top? I just feel if the home were priced right, it would sell... am I missing something? Read more:comes
The Dominoes of Mortgage Lending 2007-08-26 14:50:17 This is the best explanation I have read about the current conditions. Posted with Authors permission. I hope this helps us all.... ---------------The Dominoes of MortgageLending
An Assessment of the Current State of the Mortgage IndustryIn August 2007, a very large number of mortgage brokers and lendersbegan to close parts of their operations and several shut down operationscompletely. The purpose of this document is to review the points of failure,potential points of future failure and next steps broker/owners may want toconsider to make the best of this historic market.8/2007Andrea ZimmermanPresident, Strategic Consulting Partners, Inc.8/17/2007The Symptoms of the Credit CrunchIn August 2007, each day that goes by we are inundated with more news on the "Credit Crunch."* Problems with existing subprime loans. Mainly ARM, stated income, home equity(prime and subprime) and "exotic" products such as option ARMs.* Problems and failures experienced with mortgage-backed
Virginia Blood Drive - Sept 6th 2007-08-26 09:37:08 Just a reminder! VirginiaBlood
Services Blood DriveUVA Rowing Team11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Bloodmobile, UVA Gilmer Hall, McCormick Rd., CharlottesvilleContact: Kevin Sauer at (434) 982-5827 A good investment for all of us! Charles McDonaldREALTOR, Licensed to sell Real Estate in the Commonwealth of Virginiahttp://www.mycharlottesvilleagent.com/ http://www.mycharlottesvilleblog.com/"Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill
UVA, Darden School! 2007-08-26 08:06:30 Darden School
Fourth on Forbes' List of Best Business Schools Forbes magazine's fifth biennial ranking of business schools highlights the appeal of one-year programs. The survey ranks schools based on return on investment -- meaning compensation five years after graduation minus tuition and the forgone salary during school. The List: 1. Dartmouth (Tuck) 2. Stanford3. Harvard4. Virginia (Darden) Go UVA! Charles McDonaldREALTOR, Licensed to sell Real Estate in the Commonwealth of Virginiahttp://www.mycharlottesvilleagent.com/ http://www.mycharlottesvilleblog.com/"Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill
Craigslist (1st post) Suggestions Please! 2007-08-22 14:44:16 So I have just posted my first property on Craigslist (as you know you are on your own)...Here is a link to the post:http://charlottesville.craigslist.org/rfs/403110619.htmlCan you please take a look at it and critic it... any and all suggestions are welcome. We have so much talent on AR that I know we will get some good constructive criticism!Thank you in advance, Charleshttp://www.mycharlottesvilleagent.com/www.Ivy-Estates.com Read more:Please
Beautiful Tour 2007-08-21 17:56:18 I get a lot of people asking why I moved to Charlottesville Virginia and why I am so excited about living here. My family, back in California could not understand it until they came to visit.I want to invite you this visit Albemarle county and Charlottesville, which is not east to do so I thought you might want to see this Visual Tour of our area. Just click on this link:http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=858686 Enjoy!!!Charles McDonaldREALTOR, Real Estate III Read more:Beautiful
DUAL AGENCY (STOP IT?) 2007-08-21 17:05:34 Ok, this, I know is a touchy subject but here it goes...I do not believe that we should allow Dual Agency. Here is how Dual Agency is decribed in Virginia:Dual Agency Occasionally a buyer will wish to make an offer on a property listed by the buyer agent's firm, or even by the buyer agent. Virginia law allows an agent to represent both the seller and buyer in the same transaction, but only with the mutual and informed consent of both parties. The dual agent's position is one of neutrality, which means the agent cannot favor one party over the other, cannot offer negotiation assistance, and cannot disclose the confidential and personal information of either party to the other party. The agent will typically make every effort to act impartially and facilitate a win-win conclusion to the transaction. If you really read this and keep in mind your code of ethics, how can we continue to allow Dual Agency?Think of all the problems that would be solved if we eliminated Dual Agency.Char
BANG for BUCK - Advertising 2007-08-21 13:41:24 We are working with a client/developer to develop a wonder neighborhood of 9 lots in Ivy Virginia.see www.Ivy-Estates.com for details.My questions is where (on-line) do you get the most Bang for your Dollars?www.Realtor.com, www.Craigslist.com , www.LandandFarm.com , Google or Yahoo pay per click?Please any and all suggestions are welcome!We are looked at this in addition to print media. RegardsCharles McDonald Read more:Advertising
>The CLIENT's Place at a (Home Inspection)< 2007-08-20 18:21:56 A message for ClientsWhen we do a home inspection we want you to be a part of it. But the truth is that it could take 2-4 hours for an inspection and it just slows down the inspector if you are looking over his shoulder. Here is the best way to handle this. Just show up about 1 hour before we anticipate being done and we can review the paper work. Then the inspector will walk you through the home and show you first hand anything he has found. This is just an efficient use of everyone's time. Anyone have a better idea? Read more:Place
, Inspection
, Home Inspection
Just Sold! 2007-08-20 10:03:59 This is a sample of a home that we just went to closing on today. Located in Forest Lakes, Charlottesville Virginia and listed with Real Estate III. Come visit Charlottesville and lets do a Tour!Charles McDonaldREALTOR, Licensed to sell Real Estate in the Commonwealth of Virginiahttp://www.mycharlottesvilleagent.com/ http://www.mycharlottesvilleblog.com/ "Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill
FSBO - LOL 2007-08-19 09:10:29 In talking with a couple FSBO (For Sale By Owners) I have to LOL (Laugh out Loud)They believe they will save money because they (the seller) does not have to "write a check" to a listing agent. The real problem is when I work with a buyer they just assume that the price on a FSBO should be reduced by the commission because it is being sold with out an agent!Am I missing something???
Real Estate selling in Charlottesville Area 2007-08-19 07:13:27 I keep hearing that that market is slow all over (even in Charlottesville
). We are closing on a listing on Monday. I ratified a contract on a resale in Greene this week. I just ratified a new construction today and we closed yesterday on a wonderful estate in Keswick!Maybe I am just having a good week but it seems there is a lot of Real Estate
activity this summer in Charlottesville Virginia!Hope you have a great weekend!Best regards, Charles A. McDonald 434-981-1585 (cell) www.MyCharlottesvilleAGENT.com www.MyCharlottesvilleBLOG.com REALTOR®, ABR®, e-PRO®, Circle of Excellence, CAAR Professional Honor Society, "Certified New Homes Specialist" Licensed to sell real estate in Virginia - Real Estate
III, 500 Faulconer Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903 Read more:selling
Welcome to Charlottesville! 2007-08-15 10:04:03 Welcome to Charlottesville
!If you are considering moving out of the busy area you are currently living in I strongly suggest you consider Charlottesville for Fine Homes, Beautiful Land, Real Estate of all types and Blue Ridge Views!I moved her seven years ago and have never looked back. The schools are excellent and the people are friendly! Virginia is the oldest state in the Union and filled with culture, tradition and pride!Come visit anytime and I will give you a personal tour of our area of Charlottesville Virginia!!!Best regards, Charles A. McDonald 434-981-1585 (cell) www.MyCharlottesvilleAGENT.com www.MyCharlottesvilleBLOG.com REALTOR®, ABR®, e-PRO®, Circle of Excellence, CAAR Professional Honor Society, "Certified New Homes Specialist" Licensed to sell real estate in Virginia - Real Estate III, 500 Faulconer Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903 Read more:Welcome
SOLD in KESWICK ESTATES 2007-08-14 15:33:04 After 1 1/2 years we are closing on a new construction in Keswick Estates. My clients are excited, the builder is excited and so are we. It is a beautiful home in an exclusive area just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. If you decide to visit our area, let me know and we will preview this wonderful Golf Estate area!Charles McDonaldREALTOR, Licensed to sell Real Estate in the Commonwealth of Virginiahttp://www.mycharlottesvilleagent.com/ http://www.mycharlottesvilleblog.com/
Land in Crozet, Charlottesville, Virginia 2007-08-12 20:20:51 CALL ME about this GEM in Western Albemarle... Beautiful, Peaceful, Private South facing acreage with views of mountains & stream on bottom of the land. This Saddle Hollow location is nestled above Mint Springs Park, an area of large parcels & Emerald Ridge. Mature trees, meadow area, power, well, new septic & excavated building site ready for your new home. This desirable location (3-4 minutes from downtown Crozet) is perfect for a family who wants that "country" feeling, yet very close to town2.99 acres for only $225,000 MLS 443106 Best regards, Charles A. McDonald 434-981-1585 (cell) www.MyCharlottesville
AGENT.com www.MyCharlottesvilleBLOG.com REALTOR®, ABR®, e-PRO®, Circle of Excellence, CAAR Professional Honor Society, "Certified New Homes Specialist" Licensed to sell real estate in Virginia
- Real Estate III, 500 Faulconer Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Critical Slopes in Albemarle 2007-08-09 18:10:35 So what are Critical Slopes
? Our county defines them as a grade that is greater than 25%.. that's 22.5 degrees....We have a zoning requirement that a home and septic can not be on a critical slope, but this is not the extent of the issue. Our County is now trying to pass a new Zone Ordinance (ZTA-2007-00003) That will not allow you to have a driveway, street or alley that is on a critical slope..... Are they kidding, we are right along the Blue Ridge and many homes have walk-out basements that are on a slope. Most neighborhood driveways would not pass this. Even, Mr. Jefferson's home, Monticello, would not pass this ordinance.....This is an example, in my opinion, of being over regulated!!!Regards Charles, Charlottesville Agent and concerned citizen
LIMITED vs FULL SERVICE (2nd Post) 2007-08-09 16:09:28 Yesterday I had the "Limited Service" course we are required to take. I beleive this is Nationwide. What we are seeing as a Full Service Buyer agent is that we may have to actually do some of the work for the seller because they have elected to use a Limited Service Broker. To work in the best interests of my Buyer, I need to accomidate these needs. Does this seem fair???--------To followup with the responces, I thought it would be best to post a 2nd time.In Virginia we are required to take a 2 hour course on "Limited Service" The 2006 General Assembly passed legisiation (HB 316) regarding changes to Chapter 627 of the Code of Virginia. The act calls for amendment and reenactment of sections 54.1-2105, 54.1-2130 though 54.1-2134, 54.1-2138 and 54.1-2141 of the Code of Virginia and the addition of Sections 54.1-2138.1 and 54.1-2145 relating to the Real Estate Board; duties of licensees; and limited service representatives. The bill was approved April 5, 2006. Th
LIMITED vs FULL SERVICE 2007-08-09 07:00:31 Yesterday I had the "Limited Service" course we are required to take. I beleive this is Nationwide. What we are seeing as a Full Service Buyer agent is that we may have to actually do some of the work for the seller because they have elected to use a Limited Service Broker. To work in the best interests of my Buyer, I need to accomidate these needs. Does this seem fair???
Family Divisions 2007-08-08 14:30:20 I was at a county meeting last night and one of the hot topics was "Family
Division".This is in reference to dividing of rural properties in Albemarle County. STA 2007-00002 - Subdivision Ordinance: family divisions: contour intervals: individual lot grading.The issue is that the county want to revise the family division from a hold period of 2 years to a hold period of 15 years. This is mainly because people have been using the division to sell off the new lot after 2 years. Charlottesville and the county of Albemarle is getting tighter on building and sub-dividing. I would love to hear where others stand on this issue?Charles McDonaldREALTOR, Licensed to sell Real Estate in the Commonwealth of Virginiahttp://www.mycharlottesvilleagent.com/ http://www.mycharlottesvilleblog.com/"Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill Read more:Divisions
When to BLOG 2007-08-08 06:25:49 Ok, I am sure someone has figured this out on Active Rain. If I post a Blog in the morning I get fewer responces (currently 850 Online Member, see top right of your window). So does it make sense to just post in the evening when the Online members is much higher? Of couse this assumes that you want others to reply to your blog....
"Real Estate Market Turn" 2007-08-06 13:23:21 Early last year (2006) we had a meeting of local agents and one of the speakers was a lender (no need to mention names). The lender was going on and on about the great packages they had for buyers and that a zero down loan was very typical. I had to ask the question...(I like asking questions)... so I did: How many of your borrowers are getting zero down loans??? The response she gave me startled me...her answer....are you ready for this...one word... "MOST" I believe the was the turn in the market! Were others seeing this too??? Please share your stories? Read more:Estate
, Real Estate
, Market
Focus, Focus, Focus!!! 2007-08-29 16:04:13 My Buyers are #1As agents we all strive to do the best for our Buyers. In Charlottesville I work about 95% with Buyers. This is not because of the market or because there are so many listings. Check my record, ask my clients. I work with buyers because I enjoy it. I like meeting new people, I like looking at homes, land, farms and estates. I even wrote this on my truck! In my opinion, many agents try to do too many things. I watch agents in my area try to list homes, sell condos, do property management and even commercial. How can one agent or even a team wear so many hats? How can they be an expert in all areas? The answer (in my opinion) is they can not be an expert in all these areas. Even though I focus my attention on my buyers I too have limits and I recognize them. I recently had 2 buyers that I referred to other agents.Buyer 1 - wanted a property to run a business for dog agility. Wow, do I have an agent for you. I know someone who is not only an agent Read more:Focus
POST-a-PET 2007-08-20 20:03:55 For all us Pet lovers out there! Let's post a pet. My family loves animals and I am sure yours does too. We have 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 kids a fish and about 10 deer in the woods!This is Maggie (our Christmas Puppy)Please post your favorite pet pictures!!!Charles McDonaldREALTOR, Licensed to sell Real Estate in the Commonwealth of Virginiahttp://www.mycharlottesvilleagent.com/ http://www.mycharlottesvilleblog.com/"Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill subscribe to my blog, click here.
FOXFIELD - Family Day! (Charlottesville Virginia) 2007-09-21 16:37:39 This is a big day (Sunday Sept 30th, 2007) This "Family
Day"at Foxfield Race Track (about a mile from my home) in Western Albemarle is an event not to be missed!There is of course the Steeple Jump Races of these fine horses. This is the main draw of the event but there is a lot more going on. Big hats, proper attire and even some fancy tailgating! If you read my blog, you know that my wife and I walk everyday in our area. It is not uncommon for us to hear a bugle and then the dogs run through the woods followed by the majestic horses with their riders in dress! There is also (one of the kids and mine favorites) the Jack Russell Terrier RaceIf you have never seen one, it is amazing!Jack Russell Terrier Races are almost as popular as horse racing. The dogs race on a 150 foot straight course with several hurdles to leap over! A lure (rabbit tail) is attached to a piece of string which entices the dogs to run full speed down the course. Read more:Charlottesville
, Virginia
UVA vs GA TECH 2007-09-21 06:34:14 Saturday is the game between The University of Virginia and Georgia Tech at Scott Stadium. I am taking my son and my oldest Brother (who is visiting this week). It is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Football, hotdogs, yelling for the team! Clients are on hold - I hope they understand. This goes back to Perspective - Keeping things in perspective is important. Spending time with my family is a priority! I read posts from people who are blogging at midnight and then first thing in the morning. That is simply crazy...IMHO Take some time off, go enjoy some time with loved ones and have some fun!!! Lets keep things in perspective.Go HOOS!!! Best regards from Charlottesville Charles McDonald
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