Virginia Real Estate>>Charlottesville Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Virginia Real Estate>>Charlottesville Real Estate Professional

Charlottesville, Va Real Estate

Serving Real Estate Needs of Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa and Greene

Click Here to See Today's Featured Home For Sale

Karen Gentry, REALTOR® in the Commonwealth of VA, AHWD
RE/MAX Excellence of Charlottesville

82% of home searches now begin on the Internet.
What will you find on my web-site?

Listings

- Search all residential MLS properties under the search local listings tab updated constantly in real time
-or use the by County Listings tabs
- or use the Land Listings tab

Market information

- Current market information updated regularly
- New and up and coming communities

Answers

Question and answer section on commonly asked questions (This Page)
- Helpful tips, honest advice and facts on real estate.

Local Information

- Useful web links on Charlottesville and surrounding counties
- Tax rate for each county
- How to contact me for confidential advice ( I am always just an email or phone call away)
- Local Weather Report
- Complete representation for my clients

2008 Fortune Small Business has ranked Charlottesville:
#18 Best Place to Live and Launch a New Business
#12 Best City for Business and Careers
#9 Small Metropolitan Area for Business and Careers

Local Area

   -----Charlottesville, Virginia
     Rich in history, Charlottesville is home of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, wonderful wine country, the historic downtown, outstanding performing arts, sports, horse farms, the University of Virginia, equestrian events ....... and so much more! Charlottesville is an amazing city with a year round moderate climate of 4 seasons.
     The city is growing while surrounded by many rural communities.  We are not too far from the beach, yet we have the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as a background and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the state. Named #1 place to live & retire by several magazines, Charlottesville has something for everyone. Great transportation options as we have major high-ways, Amtrak Train, Greyhound Bus lines and Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport. We are conveniently located about 50 miles from Richmond and just past 100 miles to D.C. Outstanding medical options in The UVA Medical Center and Martha Jefferson Hospital. Culturally packed with activities from historic to modern, Charlottesville has :
Virginia Festival of Book and Film Festival, weekly city markets, Charlottesville Pavilion Amphitheater, Foxfield Races, Paramount Theater, McCormick Observatory, Michie Tavern, balloon rides, Live Arts, numerous art museums, Ash Lawn - Highland, Culbreth Theatre, Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra, numerous vineyards and parks and more....

Real Estate Facts

Real estate is an investment. You are offered complete representation (will only represent one party in a single transaction) which means 100% focus on you and your real estate needs.

Real Estate values go around in cycles. Property is one of the best investments a person can make. The cycle will go back around as it always has in history. College towns are considered great places to invest due to the growth of schools, real estate values tend to stay up.

What's going on now? Current Market = Buyers Market - more homes available for sale with more time for the buyer to decide the best value.
Why Buy Now?
Lower prices & low mortgage rates - often monthly mortgage rates are less than rent
High inventory - there is a huge selection of affordable homes
First time buyers with no home to sell means great selection without the pressure to sell.
Wealth building - homes are most people's largest asset

The Real Deal - In our market : 2007 year ending sales total was the 4th highest sales year in this area's history. Homes are selling but with longer time on the market.

What does real estate cost in this area?
The April 08 average selling price:
Charlottesville          $284,932
Albemarle                  $361,346
Fluvanna                    $312,340
Louisa                         $294,829
Greene                    $246,326

Current average days on the market (April 08 ) by area:
Charlottesville            128
Albemarle                      75
Fluvanna                      112
Louisa                           184
Greene                            83

How does the Real Estate process work? See my question and answer section on this page.
Moving- see my Relocation Section
It should not be an unnerving experience. Plan ahead, contact me for a moving checklist so you don't miss anything!

Are you or perhaps someone you know, interested in buying or selling a home?  This business is based on referrals. I am never too busy to help someone buy or sell real estate. If you know someone who needs help, please refer them to my website, phone or email. I am here to help and certified in ethics training. Special thanks to my clients who have given me referrals.

My NEWSLETTER-
Sign up to get my newsletter to receive more great tips, advice and real estate news. mailto:KarenGentry@remax.net with your email or mailing address.

Charlottesville enjoys great weather due to our location between the Blue Ridge and the Chesapeake Bay.

WEATHER REPORT:

Click for Charlottesville, Virginia Forecast

Keeping Real Estate Simple!
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REALTOR® Questions and Answer Section

Are REALTORS® are employees of a real estate company? No. Most REALTORS are independent contractors who work with or are associated with a real estate company. They are running their own business under a company umbrella. We are licensed by the state we live and operate in.
What does an agent/REALTOR® do?  Agents help people sell and buy real estate.
Agents are representatives of your best interests in this ever changing market. For example as your agent, it is my job to protect your rights and look out for your best deal. I would be your adviser, handle your paperwork, negotiate your terms and provide guidance. I would work with you to make sure any contingencies and inspections are completed in a timely manner. Provide information on securing a loan or any local services needed. REALTORS® help to relieve your stress by knowing your interests are protected, stay on top of legal changes and more.........
Why not just check out the computer myself?
A relationship with an agent is a valuable friendship. Can a computer work to suit your needs or provide understanding or trust? A computer will never ask "What can I do to help you?" A computer is a wonderful place to start, but it can not replace a human relationship. Use the computer when you first start to get ideas. Call a REALTOR® when you are ready to make a move.
What does it cost me to have an agent?
The amount of money paid to the agent is usually paid from the seller's proceeds at the sale of the property. There are no up front charges to have an agent.
How does the agent get paid?
There are many myths about how an agent gets paid. Agents are not on a salary and they do not drive company cars. Agents pay for their own postage, gasoline, advertising, insurance and mileage. Agents pay for their own required continuing education and all license expenses.
  In a real estate deal, agents are paid at the settlement/closing of the contract. If the sale does not close then there is no payment. Payment is referred to as compensation or commission.   The seller normally pays the commission. The commission is normally split in half, with one half going to the seller's agent and the other half going to the buyers agent. So the REALTOR® does the work before getting commission.
Why not buy/sell a home on my own without an agent's advice?
Sure, you can if you want to...but let me ask you, if your car breaks down who do you trust to fix it? A trained automotive repair person or just anyone walking down the street. Real estate is much the same...
A REALTOR® is a trained professional whose job is to protect your interests. We are talking about the largest transaction you may ever make. Now when you buy a home on your own, who is looking out for you? You can be sure the seller is looking out for the seller and not for you. Do you feel confident that you can handle the paperwork, the legal issues and look out for the pitfalls on your own?
Or if your selling, do you have the time to handle tours, open houses, marketing of the home and inspections?   Do you know how to determine who is making a qualified offer vs who is wasting your time. It is much more complicated than people think. REALTORS® have current legal updates to keep on top of all changes that could effect you.
Should I call ahead or just show up at a Real Estate Office?
It is always best to call and schedule an appointment so that the agent can prepare the paperwork and call the homes you wish to visit. First we need to look at what your needs are. Many properties now on the market require 24 hour notice to show or an appointment to show. Many new home site models have certain hours/days they are open.
REALTORS® are often tied up on Sundays with open houses that are scheduled weeks in advance. Without calling ahead, you may find the agents are already out showing properties. Just as with any business, we do have days off, life events to attend to and it is common courtesy to schedule an appointment.   The most important thing I can tell you is REALTORS® are human. We, just like you, have cars that have to go in the shop for check-ups, we get sick once in a blue moon, we have dentist appointments, grass to mow, church to attend and we do sleep at night. We provide a business service.
What are the usual contingencies to a sale?
Contingency means some act must be completed before the contract becomes binding. Most offers include a clause covering the buyer being able to obtain a loan and to provide a buyer the right to have a home inspection.
How long does a home inspection take?
It is normal for an inspection to take 3 to 4 hours.
What do you think about using dual agency now that it is legal in Virginia?
I personally believe that dual agency is a conflict of interest. I will not act as a dual agent. ( Dual agency - agent representing both buyer and seller in a single transaction) As your agent, I must act in your best interest and in dual agency I don't believe you can when you are in the negotiating process for two opposite sides. This way I will not compromise my level of service to my client.
Who decides the price of a property?
Surprise! It is the property owner who sets the price, not the REALTOR®.
Is it alright to work with more than one agent?
Once you start working with an agent and have established a relationship of REALTOR® & client, it is important that you continue to work with that agent.   If you are unhappy with your agent, then discuss it with them and give them a chance to correct the problem.
Remember the agent is spending their own money to assist you, they only get compensation when your transaction is complete. So it is in their best interest to help you to their best ability.
Is there a difference between a town home and a condo unit?
Yes, a town home is a building that shares a common wall with another which normally is two or more stories. Townhouses often have a flower patch area. Condo's are almost always a one story unit with a balcony area.
When do I get the keys to my new home?
It depends on who is handling the settlement/closing. Sometimes it is at the settlement and others require the sale to be recorded before turning over the keys.
When do you recommend settlement/closing?
Once in a blue moon something out of your control could go wrong and an extra day is needed to fix the issue. I suggest Tues - Wed - Thurs to cover this.
Please email me any questions you make have:KarenGentry@Remax.net

Facing Foreclosure

30% of all the real estate in the United States is owned free and clear of mortgage.
Foreclosure Questions -
It can happen if you are unable to make the payments on your home. If you know that you are currently in trouble or are afraid of the change in your adjustable rate mortgage.....be proactive. Contact your mortgage professional now to discuss your options.
Hope Now is a HUD-approved counseling agency affiliated with the non-profit Homeownership Preservation Foundation. (You may have heard President Bush talk about this option) Call at 888-995-HOPE or 888-995-4673.
Also visit their web-site at: www.hopenow.com
They will discuss your situation, evaluate and recommend a plan of action. Make sure you have your mortgage information and plan to talk for at least 45 minutes.

The information on my website has been obtained from sources that I believe to be reliable. Market prices do change. Information is presumed accurate but not guaranteed.

Karen Gentry, Licensed REALTOR® in the Commonwealth of Virginia
RE/MAX Excellence 1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 301 Jordan Building Charlottesville,Va 22901
Mobile 434-996-2410 Toll Free 1-800-565-7629 Office 434-979-7629 Fax 434-979-1418
Member of Charlottesville Association of REALTORS®
Email: KarenGentry@remax.net
CharlottesvilleDowntownHound.blogspot.com
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