Charlottesville Real Estate Blog - Charles McDonald

Why SRES and Charlottesville do mix!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:29:50 -0600

Why SRES and Charlottesville do mix!

SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) is a designation given to agents who have training to work with the 55+ real estate clients. Since the baby boomers are becoming more and more tech savvy, working with this group of clients is critical for most agents.

Not all agents undergo this training but maybe they should (at lease consider it).

The beauty of Charlottesville Real Estate is that we offer so many options for clients looking to relocate as well as clients who are looking to retire to our area. No I am not talking about retirement communities, I am talking about a healthy lifestyle and an area where there are activities for active adults!

Come visit Charlottesville and see what others have found. There is a quality of life (we all deserve) and Charlottesville fits that need!!!

I am looking forward to meeting you,

Charles

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Virginia Aviation Museum

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:08:16 -0600

Virginia Aviation Museum

We just returned from a trip and flew from Richmond Virginia. We had a few extra minutes so we stopped at the Virginia Aviation Museum. They have over 30 historic vintage aircraft.

Including a reproduction of the Wright’s 1903 Flyer and a SR-71 spy plane!

They even have the luxurious 1936 Vultee V1-AD once owned by William Randolph Hearst.

Open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Located in front of the Richmond Airport.

Well worth the trip if you are traveling this way!

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

R U A RED-EYED TREE HUGGER?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:21:23 -0500

There are some wonderful bloggers all over the Internet. how do you know if you are hooked on blogging?

Here is my top 10 list:

You know you are hooked on blogging if:

10 – you look forward to "comments" on my posts.

9 – you want to have "featured" posts.

8 – you blog everyday

7 – you dream (or have nightmares) about blogging

6 – your eyes are Red and you GRIP the Keyboard like a treefrog!

5 – your clients reach you faster by blogging that by email

4 – your spouse is jealous of my computer!

3 - you feel Blogging gives the illusion that you are hard at work

2 – you sneak off in the middle of the day to post a blog

And the #1 reason you know you are hooked on blogging is because your wife wants to know who Cindy, Konnie, Chris, Karen, Debbie, Melissa, Kris, Mary, Bridget, Sandy, Sherri, Janice, Sheron, Brigita, Nicole, Shannon, Barbara and Jessica are and you don't have a good answer!

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Are you looking at Crozet Real Estate consider Grayrock

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:35:10 -0500

Looking at Crozet Real Estate consider Grayrock

Crozet is located west of Charlottesville and offers several neighborhoods with Blue Ridge views. One just place is Grayrock. This area is as close to the mountains as you can get. Many homes actually back up to the Blue Ridge. Not to mention that the colors are amazing this week.

Let us know if you have any questions?

$399,900 732 RUSSET RD, CROZET

$384,900 914 BRAEBURN ST, CROZET

About The Author

Charles McDonald, Associate Broker at RE/MAX Assured Properties and dedicated Buyers Agent is the author of this blog, and several other sites on the Internet. Charles and his group of experts in the Charlottesville area are always available to help you with your Real Estate needs. Call our group anytime at 434-515-1585 or to search for homes visit: Charlottesville Real Estate

Copyright © 2009 Charles McDonald, All Rights Reserved.

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Charlottesville Virginia where New Construction is still affordable

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:16:17 -0500

Yes, affordable and the quality is amazing too. We used a local builder and not a "box" builder for this fine home. My clients, who work at DIA (see NGIC Real Estate) are very exciting to move into their new home this weekend.

This home was on time and on budget, an amazing thing when building these days.

If you are considering building, give me a call.

About The Author

Charles McDonald, Associate Broker at RE/MAX Assured Properties and dedicated Buyers Agent is the author of this blog, and several other sites on the Internet. Charles and his group of experts in the Charlottesville area are always available to help you with your Real Estate needs. Call our group anytime at 434-981-1585 or to search for homes visit: Charlottesville Real Estate

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Google me this?

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:22:34 -0500

Google me this?

Most of us have heard about Google 411.

You can call 1-800-goog-411 and for free you can get information on businesses including addresses, phone and even get them to email you a map. This is a great service.

I was reading www.varbuzz.comand there was a post about Texting Google so I thought I would give it a try and I love it! If you want to read the post see: http://varbuzz.com/google-411/

The idea is that you set up a contact in your address book (on your cell) I called my simply Google. And add the SMS text message 466453

Then you text with a name and a zipcode and hit send.

Within a few seconds you will get a response with the name phone number etc. With my blackberry I just hit highlight the number and hit send….

No more calling information and no additional cost (if you have a text plan).

I just tried "My Charlottesville Agent" and guess who shows up?

I hope you found this useful. I think it is just plain fun!!!

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Bad MLS Photos… are you serious?

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:56:31 -0500

I can not believe these photos are in our local MLS. Now I am not going to mention the agent or the property.

I do think that if this is the best you can do, you need to hire a photographer. In fact agents if this is the best you can do, call me and I will take some better photos for you at no charge….

These photos was posted directly from our local MLS with no touchups…

I know that Charlottesville Real Estate agents are under the gun these days. But lets put our best foot forward when trying to sell a property.

Doing the best we can for our clients is so important in this market!

NOTE: These are just my opinions and I want to re-iterate that I am not pointing fingers and that I am not mentioning the agent or the property.

About The Author

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Safety First in the bathroom

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:39:12 -0500

I just read this from pillartopost and realized that it was worth a post:

Safety First

Twenty-five percent of all household accidents occur in the bathroom. Take precautions and select nonslip materials for floors, tubs, and showers, and use bath mats with nonskid backing. Make sure your electrical outlets are protected with GFCI circuit interrupters, which cut off power immediately in the case of a current surge. These should be installed by a qualified electrician. Choose shatterproof or tempered materials when possible, and avoid installing wall fixtures at eye level. Finally, lower the setting of your water heater to avoid scalding and energy waste.

About The Author

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Remember to vote!

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:55:39 -0500

Remember to vote!

Election Day (Tuesday, November 3, that is) is only two weeks away. We know you’ll do your civic duty and hit the ballot box early and often. Lots of folks sacrificed plenty so you’d have the right, so the least you can do is exercise it.

And while you’re there, keep in mind the statewide candidates RPAC has endorsed: Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, and Steve Shannon. RPAC’s Trustees did the research and made the call: When it comes to supporting real estate and your real estate business, these three have got what it takes.

Who else does? Head over to RealtorsChoose.com to see who RPAC endorsed for your local races.

Need to vote absentee? No problem — the Board of Elections spells out all the details on its site.

Above from Commonwealth Online.

About The Author

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

A few of my sales in Charlottesville Virginia

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:24:35 -0500

Come visit and tour our area anytime!

About The Author

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate presents Foxchase in Crozet

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:59:32 -0500

Foxchase is located in Crozet about 15 minutes to downtown Charlottesville. These grand homes offer Blue Ridge mountain views and are minutes to Western Albemarle high school. If you are looking in this school district, Foxchase is a place to consider.

$1,294,000 775 LENOX HILL RD, CHARLOTTESVILLE

$927,500 225 BEDFORD PARK RD, CHARLOTTESVILLE

$899,000 49 BEDFORD PARK RD, CHARLOTTESVILLE

Disclaimer: Copyright ©2004-2009 Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors®. All rights reserved. Information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the IDX Program of Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors®. Listing broker has attempted to offer accurate data, but buyers are advised to confirm all items. Any use of search facilities of data on this site other than by a consumer interested in the purchase of real estate, is prohibited. Information last updated today. All rights reserved. Created by Charlottesville Virginia Real Estate for clients use only.

Charles McDonald, REALTOR® / Associate Broker with RE/MAX Assured Properties, and is "Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia”

Copyright © 2005-2009 Charles A. McDonald - All rights reserved. Website Designed and created by Charles McDonald

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate presents Featured Homes for sale

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:19:59 -0500

$1,195,000 3675 BRINNINGTON RD, CHARLOTTESVILLE

$574,900 1733 MONET HILL, CHARLOTTESVILLE

$259,000 1162 FOXVALE LN, CHARLOTTESVILLE

$189,000 2330 FINCH CT, CHARLOTTESVILLE

Come visit and tour our area anytime!

About The Author

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate presents Virginia Estate Homes

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:32:23 -0500

$12,900,000 225 LAUREL CLIFF RD, MONROE

$10,500,000 200 SEVEN OAKS FARM, GREENWOOD

$7,950,000 7369 DYERS MILL LN, CHARLOTTESVILLE

$7,400,000 354 KENTMERE LN, FORT DEFIANCE

$6,160,000 1132 SUNSET AVENUE EXT, CHARLOTTESVILLE

$5,999,000 40 HUNGRY RUN FARM LN, AMISSVILLE

$5,900,000 225 LAUREL CLIFF, MONROE

$4,990,000 10 BOAZ RD, COVESVILLE

$4,850,000 22194 MITCHELL FORD RD, LIGNUM

$4,500,000 7281 OAK HALL LN, WARE NECK

Disclaimer: Copyright ©2004-2009 Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors®. All rights reserved. Information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the IDX Program of Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors®. Listing broker has attempted to offer accurate data, but buyers are advised to confirm all items. Any use of search facilities of data on this site other than by a consumer interested in the purchase of real estate, is prohibited. Information last updated today. All rights reserved. Created by Charlottesville Virginia Real Estate for clients use only.

Charles McDonald, REALTOR® / Associate Broker with RE/MAX Assured Properties, and is "Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia”

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Showing Charlottesville Real Estate from Start to Finish (photos)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:35:59 -0500

When I took off to show Real Estate this is the view of Garth Road just after I leave my home.

Pay close attention to the "traffic" !!!

Now I spent the day with clients showing several homes. I will not bother you with those photos

but what I did want you to see is this (below)... The photo I took with my blackberry of the sunset:

Yes I pulled over to take this photo, it was stunning!

Come visit and tour our area anytime!

About The Author

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate presents Lake Monticello Virginia – (YTD Oct 11, 2009)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:28:25 -0500

When it comes to Lake Monticello, one of my associates is the expert in the area. He lives there, plays there and works there. Always use an expert when buying (ask me why).

Fluvanna County is located South East of Charlottesville. One of the main draws to Fluvanna is the Lake Monticello Area. Here you can get a home on a lake at a great price and the commute to Charlottesville is about 30 minutes on beautiful county roads!

(photo: One of my sales at Lake Monticello, Virginia)

The Real Estate market everywhere is constantly changing and Fluvanna County Virginia is too.

In Fluvanna we have SOLD 197 HOMES.
There are currently 358 HOMES on the market.
Our average DOM (Days on the Market) is at 123 Days.
Our Average selling price is $239,917.

We have some excellent neighborhoods to see like:

Glenmore Foxchase Old Trail Forest Lakes Dunlora

Click Here for a link to other Great Neighborhoods in our area!

Please visit my website at Charlottesville Real Estate for details about our area and other homes on the market in Charlottesville, Albemarle County and the surrounding counties!

Nelson Greene Madison Fluvanna Orange Louisa

Come visit and tour our area anytime!

About The Author

Charles McDonald, Associate Broker at RE/MAX Assured Properties and dedicated Buyers Agent is the author of this blog, and several other sites on the Internet. Charles and his group of experts in the Charlottesville area are always available to help you with your Real Estate needs. Call our group anytime at 434-981-1585 or to search for homes visit: Charlottesville Real Estate

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate presents Louisa Virginia – (YTD Oct 11, 2009)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:24:34 -0500

Have you been to Louisa County? Located within minutes of Charlottesville Virginia the county of Louisa is known for open spaces and country settings. The old saying is true, “Things are less expensive in the county” There are great deals to be made on property in Louisa.

(Photo taken of a horse farm sale by Charles McDonald)

The Real Estate market everywhere is constantly changing and Louisa County Virginia is too. Louisa is just East of Charlottesville with open land and open roads!

You can truly experience country living in Louisa County!

In Louisa we have SOLD 136 HOMES.
There are currently 249 HOMES on the market.
Our average DOM (Days on the Market) is at 132 Days.
Our Average selling price is $234,136.

We have some excellent neighborhoods to see like:

Glenmore Foxchase Old Trail Forest Lakes Dunlora

Click Here for a link to other Great Neighborhoods in our area!

Please visit my website at Charlottesville Real Estate for details about our area and other homes on the market in Charlottesville, Albemarle County and the surrounding counties!

Nelson Greene Madison Fluvanna Orange Louisa

Come visit and tour our area anytime!

About The Author

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate presents Greene Virginia – (YTD Oct 11, 2009)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:20:41 -0500

Greene County is just North of Charlottesville and offers beautiful properties at great prices. Greene County is an excellent choice for clients moving to NGIC. See NGIC Real Estate I recently compared the cost of new construction from Greene to Albemarle and was shocked at the difference (my clients are made aware of these comparisons). When you are looking for Charlottesville Real Estate remember Greene County as it is not far from Charlottesville and has some great vistas!!!

(photo is of one of my listing in Greene County, call for details)

The Real Estate market everywhere is constantly changing and Greene County Virginia is too.

In Greene we have SOLD 139 HOMES.
There are currently 207 HOMES on the market.
Our average DOM (Days on the Market) is at 103 Days.
Our Average selling price is $252,571.

We have some excellent neighborhoods to see like:

Glenmore Foxchase Old Trail Forest Lakes Dunlora

Click Here for a link to other Great Neighborhoods in our area!

Please visit my website at Charlottesville Real Estate for details about our area and other homes on the market in Charlottesville, Albemarle County and the surrounding counties!

Nelson Greene Madison Fluvanna Orange Louisa

Come visit and tour our area anytime!

About The Author

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate presents Nelson Virginia – (YTD Oct 11, 2009)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:15:46 -0500

Looking for Views? Skiing? Privacy? located just South West of Charlottesville is the incredible county of Nelson. With graceful roadways and the Blue Ridge Parkway Nelson is a truly magical place. The Afton area is truly amazing! We also have Wintergreen Resort for Snow Skiing and great golf! When you are looking for Charlottesville Real Estate remember Nelson County our Southern neighbor! Let’s take a tour together!

(photo taken by Charles McDonald with his family in Nelson County!)

The Real Estate market everywhere is constantly changing and Nelson County Virginia is too.

In Nelson we have SOLD 94 HOMES.
There are currently 401 HOMES on the market.
Our average DOM (Days on the Market) is at 161 Days.
Our Average selling price is $339,394.

We have some excellent neighborhoods to see like:

Glenmore Foxchase Old Trail Forest Lakes Dunlora

Click Here for a link to other Great Neighborhoods in our area!

Please visit my website at Charlottesville Real Estate for details about our area and other homes on the market in Charlottesville, Albemarle County and the surrounding counties!

Nelson Greene Madison Fluvanna Orange Louisa

Come visit and tour our area anytime!

About The Author

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate - 3rd Quarter Market Report from CAAR

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:39:18 -0500

Remember what I recently posted about Statistics?

Illustration by Peter Newell from COSMOPOLITAN,

August 1898

----

CAAR Market Report

2009 After 3 Quarters

Published by the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS®

Where Are We Now?

Home sales, compared to 2008, showed improvement in the 3^rd Quarter. At mid-year, sales were down 28%, but after the first 9 months of the year, sales are only 19% below the 2008 levels. In the third quarter, sales (845) were only down 6.2% from the same period in 2008 (901). This is the smallest year over year decline we have seen in several quarters in the Charlottesville area. July and August monthly sales were very close to 2008 levels, but September fell back a bit.

As reported in the CAAR Mid-Year Market Report, significantly lower home prices (down 20% or more) are driving the pick-up in sales. In addition, the $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers has supercharged the sale of starter homes (below $300,000). 65% of home sales in the third quarter were in this starter home category, which is consistent with the overall trend for the entire year. The surge in first-time buyers is also a national trend.

Home Sales for the First Nine Months

There were 2,001 homes sold in the Charlottesville area during the first nine months of 2009, which was down 19.1% (-471 sales) from 2008. All local areas are still down from last year: Albemarle -5.4%, Charlottesville -27.4%, Fluvanna -25.3%, Greene -7.7%, Louisa -28.9%, Nelson -25.8%, and Orange -25.5%. Monthly sales for the region had improved slightly each month since November 2008, but that string was broken in August due to normal seasonal swings.

.......

Conclusions and Predictions

We can draw a few general conclusions from the numbers in this report. First, prices of homes in the Charlottesville area have fallen substantially in 2009. Second, due to excess inventory, we are still in a strong buyer’s market. Third, some areas of this report show a positive or at least stabilizing trend – sales are doing better compared to last year, DOM has flat-lined, and condo sales in Albemarle are rebounding.

The next quarter should continue an improvement in the market compared to 2008. During the 4^th quarter of 2009, we will likely see a year-to-year sales improvement, but only because the 4^th quarter of 2008 was so bad it will be hard not to beat. 2009 may even catch up with sales from 2008 by the end of the year. Additional declines in prices are possible, but it will be hard to tell if these price drops are a result of more sellers finally pricing their properties based on the current market, or a real decline in home values. Only time, and future market reports, will reveal this to us.

This Quarterly Market Report is produced by the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS^® using data from the CAAR MLS and the Greater Augusta MLS where noted.

Additional Charts and the full Report available here

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Curb Appeal: 10 out of 10?

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:51:54 -0500

What is a 10 out of 10 curb appeal? I will let one of our local papers tell you the story:

Read The Hook

PHOTO BY SARAH JACOBSON

Address: 3675 Brinnington Road

Neighborhood: Meriwether/Ivy in Albemarle

Asking: $1,195,000

Assessment: $1,141,700

Year Built: 1999

Size: 3,756 fin. sq. ft. / 1,336 unfin.

Land: 4.12 acres

Agent: Charles McDonald, Re/Max Assured Properties, 981-1585

Curb Appeal: 10 out of 10

If money cannot buy happiness, it can buy space and light. Frank Lloyd Wright designed houses that would have views without and views within, connecting seemingly expansive interiors with the landscape outside.

This sprawling Wright-inspired property does just that. As it's all on one level, the house's unusual shape allows for windows and doors in corners that open to the outside, offering 180-degree views of the heavily wooded lot. With the crunchy gravel driveway, it almost has the feel of a Zen retreat.

Read the entire ariticle here by Sarah Jacobson

Let me know if you have any question?

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Charlottesville Virginia Real Estate Information - (YTD Oct 05, 2009)

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:35:12 -0500

We talk a lot about Statistics when it cones to real estate. Let's look a little closer at Charlottesville Real Estate.

Have you heard about Charlottesville Virginia? You deserve to have the quality of life that Charlottesville has to offer. We are a small town that has everything you want to enjoy life. Think about visiting soon...

(Photo - taken in downtown Charlottesville Virginia at Court Square by Charles McDonald)

Let's Talk Charlottesville Real Estate!

We are very fortunate to live in such a wonderful area. We have four season, Blue Ridge Views and the University of Virginia! Sales are starting to pick up in Charlottesville and our year is moving along nicely!

In Charlottesville City we have SOLD 359 HOMES.
There are currently 305 HOMES on the market. (+4 from last report)
Our average DOM (Days on the Market) is at 124 Days . (the same from last report)
Our Average selling price is $274,589 ($276,065 from last report)

We have some excellent neighborhoods to see like:

Glenmore Foxchase Old Trail Forest Lakes Dunlora

Click Here for a link to other Great Neighborhoods in our area!

Please visit my website at Charlottesville Real Estate for details about our area and other homes on the market in Charlottesville, Albemarle County and the surrounding counties!

Nelson Greene Madison Fluvanna Orange Louisa

Come visit and tour our area anytime!

About The Author

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Albemarle Virginia Real Estate Information - (YTD Oct 04, 2009)

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:09:15 -0500

I like to wait a few days after the end of the month to look at market data. Seems we have some agents that are a little slow at adding closing to our MLS.

When you are looking for Charlottesville Real Estate remember that Charlottesville is in Albemarle County. We have grand estates and horse farms in Albemarle. The back roads will give you a feeling of peace and harmony as you drive by these beautiful properties. When you are ready to tour, just give me a call, it is my favorite thing to do in our area.

(photo taken by Charles McDonald of the driveway of a past listing of mine in Albemarle Virginia…)

Albemarle County Virginia Home Information

The Real Estate market everywhere is constantly changing and Charlottesville and Albemarle are no exception. It takes a drive around Albemarle to understand and enjoy the beauty of this area.

In Albemarle we have SOLD 795 HOMES.(+71 homes from last report)
There are currently 1047 HOMES on the market. (-9 from last report)
Our average DOM (Days on the Market) is at 109 Days .(-2 from last report)
Our Average selling price is $401,436 ($405,894 from last report)

We have some excellent neighborhoods to see like:

Glenmore Foxchase Old Trail Forest Lakes Dunlora

Click Here for a link to other Great Neighborhoods in our area!

Please visit my website at Charlottesville Real Estate for details about our area and other homes on the market in Charlottesville, Albemarle County and the surrounding counties!

Nelson Greene Madison Fluvanna Orange Louisa

Come visit and tour our area anytime!

About The Author

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

Statistics...

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:03:15 -0500

Statistics…

With all the real estate market reports that I see from across the nation and even some conflicting reports in our Charlottesville area, I just felt it was time to post this timeless quote. I hope that you enoy it as much as I do:

Illustration by Peter Newell from COSMOPOLITAN, August 1898

Figures often beguile me, particularly when I have the arranging of them myself; in which case the remark attributed to Disraeli would often apply with justice and force: “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.”
- Mark Twain’s Own Autobiography: The Chapters from the North American Review

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

What happened to Halloween?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:51:51 -0500

I may be opening up a can of worms, but it would not be the first time! (((What a Tangled Web We Weave!)))

Our schools (may be your schools too) have changed the Halloween Party to a “Harvest Festival”.

You know that all those years growing up “Halloween” has really just corrupted me for life!

I understand that this is a “politically correct” (or in-correct) thing to do (is it really a Church and State issue?). We have to be sensitive to others…yada yada yada…

How many people know the origins of Halloween?

Well, I did not know the origins so I looked it up. Here is a link, it is very interesting.

The History of Halloween

So are there really that many people that even know the “All Saints Day” has anything to do with Halloween?

I say let our kids be kids and have some fun.

Next thing they will be changing the “Valentines Day” to “Friendship Afternoon” and ok, now I am getting ridiculous!

Oh, wait, they are going after Valentines Day too…. St. Valentine… But that is a different story!

HARVEST FESTIVAL vs HALLOWEEN…GIVE ME A BREAK!!!

What happened to Halloween?

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate

A peek inside this fine home at 1733 Monet Hill, Charlottesville VA (near NGIC)

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:31:34 -0500

1733 MONET HILL, CHARLOTTESVILLE

Nearly new 4 BR/3.5 BA home in popular Montgomery Ridge just mins from NGIC, UVA and downtown Charlottesville. Hardwood floors throughout the main level. Four nicely sized bedrooms, dual zone HVAC system, wonderful kitchen with high efficiency exhaust system. Recently completed basement renovation includes a great room and a full bath. Terrific level rear yard is partially fenced. Owner financing possible for up to 10% of purchase price.

All this for only $574,900

Located near NGIC and Charlottesville Virginia!

Charles McDonald - BIO

Brought to you by that guy who sells Charlottesville Va Real Estate