Blogs seem to be the latest and most efficient means by which to effect change from a grassroots level. The number of people I have met recently who are either blog or read and are influenced by blogs increases almost on a daily basis. The next few months and years should be very interesting, particularly with regards to local, regional and statewide political races. Nice plug just now on WINA for cvillepodcasting, one of my favorite resources for catching up on local political meetings and the like.
Date Archives August 2005
Goody.
We’re Number One (again).Homes are not cheap (median home price $225,000), but the cost of living is manageable. The city’s low unemployment rate and significant recent job growth promise continued prosperity. As more and more people learn about this year’s best city, Charlottesville may find staying affordable and sprawl-free is its greatest challenge!
FSBOs and Realtors be aware
Albemarle County is targeting illegal signs, despite the fact that this is technically a state issue.
Transportation/Infrastructure news
Transportation needs remains one of my most important issues, because (selfishly) I am directly affected every day and this is ultimately a quality of life issue for my clients, thereby once again directly affecting me and my business…. If he will be a man of honor and abide by his promises, he will be a rarity in the political profession.In the meantime, Kaine said he would consider spending surplus money and pursue public-private partnerships for new roads.Good man. He could also consider refunding said surplus money to the people.Discussion on the above issue.TJPDC’s Summer NewsletterThe Transportation Funding Options Working Group, comprising local business and civic leaders, was convened in November to prioritize outstanding transportation projects deemed necessary to keep traffic moving in the urban area and recommend ways to pay for them….A draft of the report lists nine projects as priorities for funding, including Hillsdale Drive Extended, the Meadowcreek Parkway, public transit improvements, the Southern Parkway and the Eastern Connector. Altogether these nine projects are about $100 million short of the requisite revenues for realizing them.Also on this list are improvements at the 29N/Hydraulic/250 area and a study for the Fontaine/Sunset area of the City/County.
What do you want in a Realtor?
Integrity, prompt response time and commitment are among the most important factors consumers consider when choosing a real estate agent, according to a new survey.It’s a darn shame that integrity is something that is such a rarity, rather than a simple expectation. Maybe if the market slows a hair, some of those Realtors lacking integrity may choose another profession.Most survey participants agreed that the integrity of an agent is the single-most important factor in their choice.
Urban Flight
This post titled “The Fear Factor in America’s Growing Exurbs,” highlights this. The growth that we are seeing is not isolated to the Central Virginia region; it may feel like it, but it’s not. With the introduction of Ryan Homes in Louisa, I believe that we may see more of these developments…. People don’t move necessarily because the developments offer amenities, but because they can afford to live there – hence, Crozet’s growth.
Wakeup Call: Does Charlottesville have enough water?
I have not yet listened to this Podcast (as my cable at home was down all night and afternoon), but the subtitle seems great in that it references “Central Virginia” rather than the myopic “Charlottesville”Listen to it at Charlottesville Podcasting Network. Our current and future real estate values are highly dependent on having sufficient infrastructure in place.