When evaluating a property with an existing solar array, the most critical step is determining whether the panels are owned outright or tied to a third-party lease that could complicate your mortgage. Buyers must also verify the transferability of manufacturer warranties and understand how Dominion or Appalachian Power handles the transition of net-metering credits. Finally, always cross-reference the age of the solar installation with the age of the roof to avoid the significant future expense of removing and resetting panels for a roof replacement.
How Many Homes Sold in Charlottesville Last Year (an MLS Story)
How many homes sold in Charlottesville and Albemarle in 2025? Thanks to the MLS, that’s not a hard question — 1,993 total, narrowing to 49 if you want detached, 4-bedroom, first-floor primary under an acre between $600K and $900K. Now imagine answering that without a mostly-comprehensive database, because that’s where private listing networks are pushing us.
Flipping the Parental Switch – Part 2 of 3
About 48% of resale homes sold in our market have first-floor living — and that number hasn’t moved in a decade. New construction is worse: only 31.6% have a first-floor primary, and the median price is over a million dollars. If multi-generational living is on your radar, here’s what to actually look for.
Flipping the Parental Switch – Part 1 of 3
Flipping the switch – when parents follow grandkids, and kids care for the parents, in Charlottesville, and beyond, in 2026. Things have changed a bit since I first wrote this story in 2015.
Teamwork to Search (the Internet) for Homes
Searching for homes in the Charlottesville Virginia market requires teamwork – buyers and realtors searching multiple sites for homes.
e-bikes are good
riding an e-bike around Charlottesville is fun – good for errands, meetings, exploring the City, and not driving a car. We have an e-bike library, and lots of great local bike shops to help you make a good decision.
Buyer or Seller Market in Charlottesville Right Now?
I showed a client a new listing today; they said, “what do you think about the price?”
I said, “I’ll know in 10 days; until then, the data doesn’t matter, it’s emotions and “how much do you want this house?” After 10 days, the data matter.”
That said, almost every offer I’ve written or received recently has been a competitive one. Some win, some lose. My advice to my buyer clients is always the same – make an offer you’re comfortable winning or losing.
A few questions I’ve gotten recently about the Charlottesville real estate market: