A lot of homes will come on the market in 2017 in Albemarle, but how many will fit you?

Charlottesville and Albemarle, while often thought to be the same place, are in fact different – often wildly different – localities. Different boundaries, schools, police, fire, government, budgets …

Q: When should a buyer start the “I’m serious about buying a home next year” conversation?

A: As early as possible. (same advice goes for Charlottesville area sellers)

Walk through this seemingly-common homebuying scenario

In 2016

• 1,566 homes sold in Albemarle County via the Charlottesville MLS
  • 1,142 homes sold for less than $500K, and 154 were new construction
  • 435 sold for more than $500K; 175 were new construction (40%)
• 789 with at least 4 bedrooms
• 785 with at least 2 bathrooms
• 244 with at least 1,700 finished square feet
  • 688 with at least 1,700 finished square feet above grade (as in, not including finished basement space)
• 300 sold between $300K and $500K
  • 166 between $400K and $500K (33 of these were new)
  • 130 between $400K and $475K (25)
• Schools matter; if you’re looking for one in particular, things get even more narrow
  • Agnor Hurt – 12
  • Baker Butler – 18
  • Broadus Wood – 5
  • Brownsville – 31 (6 new)
  • Cale – 8
  • Crozet – 4
  • Greer – 5

Short story – it may look like a lot of houses sell every year, but when you start drilling down, determining your locational and life triangles, there may be fewer homes that come on the market in Albemarle than you might think (or want/hope).

If you’re thinking about buying in the Charlottesville – Albemarle area next year, best to start that conversation now. Really.

Considering the City of Charlottesville? Here’s a post that speaks to solely about the City.

Trying something new here …  A contact form in addition to a comment thread. If you’re interested in having a conversation about buyer representation, please ask. I am taking on new clients.