Like the new format? 
Download the PDF: Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors’ 1st Quarter Real Estate Market Report – 2011 Note that this report is for the entire Charlottesville area MSA – inclusive of Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Nelson and Louisa. Detailed, localized analysis is crucial when evaluating residential property in Charlottesville (or any area). * I collaborated on a CAAR group that has made some interesting changes to the format; next quarter’s report is going to be even better.
Date Archives April 2011
Unbelievable.
“Effective immediately FannieMae will no longer accept electronic signatures.†… This is the sort of thing I’d like to see Congress and the National Association of Realtors address. The inefficiencies created by needing wet signatures are tremendous. … Only to be told at the last minute that the lender needs “original” signatures (faxed are ok), when an electronic signature can be far more secure than a faxed signature, which could be signed by anyone.
Pre-Offer Home Inspections – A GREAT Idea
Every real estate market is different; this one has brought more pre-offer inspections than I have ever seen (in part because I’m more comfortable suggesting them to my buyer clients). … The home inspection negotiation is often the most emotional, vindictive, painful and difficult periods of the negotiation; a pre-offer inspection removes phase. … Risks : – Even in this market, homes are selling; some are selling with multiple offers and buyers can lose properties if they opt for the pre-offer inspection path – Some sellers don’t want to allow these; they want assurances that a buyer is really committed before allowing a home inspection. … One must evaluate all factors involved, some of which are the buyers, the sellers, the buyers’ agent, the sellers’ agent, the respective companies, the days on market, market activity to name a few …
This is an Example of Why Some Don’t Like Homeowners’ Associations
In Florida : EDGEWATER, Fla. — A Central Florida homeowners association is preparing to vote on banning children from playing outside. … The HOA board said the proposed rule, which will carry a $100 fine for every violation, is all about safety. I’m also thinking this could be toeing the line of Fair Housing; I’m prevented from saying a neighborhood has kids (or not) … Thanks to Free Range Kids for pointing this out .
5 Steps to Searching for Price Reductions on Homes in the Charlottesville
One of my favorite searches is the one I set up that sends me results via RSS for homes with at least a 10% price reduction over the past 30 days . Step One : Visit my Detailed Charlottesville Home Search Page Step 2 : Search by School District (which remains the best way to search for homes in Charlottesville with a geographical limiter) – Check your school district before you buy – School Values and Housing Prices Step 3 : Set your price drop criteria 
Step 4: View the search results 
Step 5 : Save the Search. … • Unrestricted access to all properties • Receive property updates for your searches via Email • Save your favorite properties • Add your own notes to listings • Create and save your personal searches • Keep track of properties you’ve viewed • Receive updates through a RSS reader
…Now, Check out the Listing Price History on your results 
As always, if you have questions, please contact me anytime .
Riding a Bike (Safely) in Charlottesville
I’d love to think that we are close to being able to easily bike everywhere around Charlottesville and Albemarle’s urban ring, but these two paragraphs from Chiara Canzi’s article say a lot:
“This commuter trail will extend from Lewis and Clark Drive in Northern Albemarle County into the City of Charlottesville’s Downtown,†running parallel to Route 29 North, according to the project’s report.
… “This facility will provide a viable alternative travel mode for communities along the Route 29 North corridor, particularly Downtown and the Hollymead commercial area,†it reads. Yet, upon a closer look at the plan, Northtown Trail is connected to and contingent upon the completion of some major, and controversial, transportation projects.