Peg's Blog

Old Trail - Crozet Virginia

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:37:50 -0500

Charles McDonald is certainly well versed in the Crozet and Charlottesville County Properties.

It is a pleasure to work with him

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

So close to the Blue Ridge you can throw a rock and hit it. Old Trail should be on your list of places to see when looking at Charlottesville Real Estate. With townhomes and single family homes in a walk-able neighborhood, Old Trail is a unique place to live.

The schools are in walking distance as well as shops and even golf...

Come visit Charlottesville and Old Trail, you will be glad you did.

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

Copyright © 2009 Charles McDonald, All Rights Reserved.

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

Amtrak Whistle Stop Tour September 30th

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:35:48 -0500

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

On Wednesday, September 30th you are invited to witness a part of history. For the first time, Amtrak Virginia will offer a one-seat ride along the Northeast Corridor as far south as Lynchburg and as far north as Boston.

We invite you to join Governor Kaine and local officials as we welcome the new Northeast Corridor to our community!

This event is free and open to the public. Click here for more information.

NOTE: The above is from albemarle.org

Local Location: Union Station Charlottesville Wed Sep 30th from 1:45pm - 2:45pm

So when was the last time you were on Amtrak?

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

The Sidewalks of History

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:35:20 -0500

A great post from my friend in Charlottesville

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

When you are walking down a sidewalk do you ever wonder who else has walked there?

Below is a photo of a sidewalk I took at the University of Virginia. These walkways were designed by Thomas Jefferson and built by his architects. There have been literally millions of feet on these walkways and many famous people.

Jefferson most likely and even people like Edgar Allen Poe (who attended the University)...

Oh yes and your Charlottesville Real Estate Agent, Charles McDonald has even walked these sidewalks!

Next time you are in a historic area, think about who may have walked where you are.

It will widen your perspective!

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

The wait is over - Open Today!

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:24:26 -0500

We are Open today from 11am - 2pm...

Get your agent to bring you by or just call one of us!

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

Message

Please Join Us!

Come to our Broker Open House
at our amazing new listing! Enjoy light snacks and the unique architecture.

3675 Brinnington Rd
Tuesday, Sept. 22nd 11-2 PM

4 BD, 3 1/2 BA

3,756 Fin & 1,336 Unfin Sq Ft

3-Car, AttachedGarage

4.12 Acre, Private Lot

Built in 1999

MLS# 469566

Offered at $1,300,000

Charles McDonald, Associate Broker
Peg Gilliland, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Assured Properties
943 Glenwood Station Lane, Suite 202, Cville, VA 22901
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.

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

Copyright © 2009 Charles McDonald, All Rights Reserved.

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

Farm or Home in our MLS?

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:23:38 -0500

Charles is right on with this!

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

There has been a change to our MLS data at CAAR (Charlottesville Association of REALTORS) and I for one think it is a good idea.

Many agents where "duplicating" listings in our MLS to try to get better exposure. The integrity of our data was jeopardized as we may see a large for listed for $3,000,000 - $5,000,000 entered into our MLS as a "Farm" and again as a "Residential".

Below is the announcment from our local association, as as they are most of the time, CAAR is right on the money!

Property Type "Farm" Removed from Residential Category

(Effective September 16, 2009) To help with data integrity and property searches, the property type "farm" has been removed from the Residential category. Many properties were listed twice in the same category by manipulating address data, which skews inventory and statistics. Members were also concerned about the public missing searches for farm properties, even though farms showed up automatically in Residential searches unless specifically excluded.

I for one want to see accurate data and this is a big step in the right direction.

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

Stunning - Stunning Home in Charlottesville Virginia

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:09:58 -0500

Charles and I are pleased to present this fine home.

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

Home inspired by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

VIRTUAL TOUR is a Must see!

With a "NEW" Custom designed kitchen by a culinary expert, 7 added windows and skylights, this spectacular home on over 4 acres is a must see.

The home presents such details as heated concrete flooring, multi-level tray ceilings with stained oak trim, and corner windows with 180 degree views. Kitchen with Miele "Master Chef" cooktop and appliances.

The details in this home make it a true work-of-art.

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

Why is my Agent so Vague?

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:33:03 -0500

This is an excellent post and agents should really understand this!

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

Schools – It may sound vague when an agent talks about schools but Buyer and Listing agents can not "steer" a client to or from a school.

Crime – I hear it all the time, how is the crime in this area. Again an agent will be vague and refer you to a website or the police dept.

Race and Religion - Who lives in this neighborhood. This is a biggie. Think about this for a minute, agents can not give you a cross reference of nationalities or religion in an area. We can not even tell you if there are a lot of kids in a neighborhood. We will say something like "well, when we drive around, let's see if there are play-sets and bicycles".

Sex-offenders/Megan's Law – We actually write this one into our contracts, giving you a place to look for this information, but as an agent, we can not do this for you.

This is why I have links to pertinent information on my Charlottesville VA Real Estate website

Best regards

Charles McDonald
Charlottesville Virginia REALTOR®

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

SIGN, SIGN everywhere a SIGN!!!

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:31:44 -0500

I am with you Charles

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

SIGN, SIGN everywhere a SIGN!!!

SIGN, SIGN everywhere a SIGN!!! Blocking out the scenery, blowing my mind….. (I think those are the words).

We have Real Estate Signs, Open House Sign

and Election Signs….

This is a lot of Signs for a small town like Charlottesville Virginia. At this time of year more signs are popping up.

These are :

Painting Service Signs

Garage Sale Signs

and the latest are Closet Installation Signs…..

So services are now putting these on our roadways!

This is too many signs in our area! (in my opinion). What are your thoughts?



On September 6th, 2007 I posted about signs in our area (yes, over two years ago) and it is just as revelent today.

I am seeing those darn signs popping up again... what are yout thoughts?

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

You're invited - Charlottesville Virginia!

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:52:27 -0500

It is simply a great home in a great area!

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

Please Join Us!

Come to our Broker Open House
at our fantastic new listing!

910 Williston Court in West Leigh
Tuesday, Sept. 15th
12 - 2 p.m.

4 Bedrooms, 3 1/2 Bathrooms

3,208 Finished and 225 Unfinished Sq Ft

2-Car, Side-Loading Garage

1.14 Acre Lot

Built in 2002

MLS# 469579 Offered at $625,000

co-listed by Peg Gilliland 434-242-1470 and Charles McDonald 434-981-1585

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

Copyright © 2009 Charles McDonald, All Rights Reserved.

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

We will be opening new doors soon… Ivy and Charlottesville Real Estate

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:45:54 -0500

This is too cute!

Great post by my Associate Charles McDonald

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

looking for that perfect home in Ivy? We will be bringing on 2 new listings soon

Watch my blog for details www.MyCharlottesvilleBLOG.com

Ivy Virginia is located just West of Charlottesville at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you are looking in our area, you owe it to yourself to check out this area. I live in this area just around the corner from the birthplace of the explorer Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark.

Want to do a quick seach of Ivy Homes?

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

Copyright © 2009 Charles McDonald, All Rights Reserved.

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

Wisteria - A home with natural beauty

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:44:37 -0500

This is a fantastic place.

I am so happy to be co-listing with my Associate Charles McDonald

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

What is Wisteria?

Wisteria vines climb by twining their stems either clockwise or counter-clockwise round any available support. They can climb as high as 20 m above ground and spread out 10 m laterally. The world's largest known Wisteria vine is located in Sierra Madre, California, measuring more than an acre in size and weighing 250 tons....

Sometimes Nature is used to enhance the beauty of our lives in unique ways.

Below is the entrance to a new listing that we are bring on the market. This exceptional home has detail thoughout the home with hints of Wisteria around every corner...

If you have been searching for that perfect home in the Charlottesville Virginia area. You will want to see this home. Call me or my group of agents for more information at 434-981-1585.

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

The Government can.... Fun and a little scary too...

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:41:18 -0500

This is way to much.

Thanks to my Associate Charles McDonald

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

(Candy man)
(Hey, Candy man)
Alright everybody gather 'round 
The Candy Man is here
What kind of candy do you want
Sweet choc'late 
Choc'late malted candy 
Gum drops
Anything you want
You've come to the right man
'Cause I'm the Candy Man

Who can take a sunrise (who can take a sunrise)
Sprinkle it with dew (sprinkle it with dew)
Cover it with choc'late and a miracle or two 
The Candy Man (the Candy Man)
Oh, the Candy Man can (the Candy Man can) 
The Candy Man can 
'Cause he mixes it with love 
And makes the world taste good 
(Makes the world taste good) 

Who can take a rainbow (who can take a rainbow)
Wrap it in a sigh (wrap it in a sigh) 
Soak it in the sun and make a groovy lemon pie 
The Candy Man (the Candy Man)
The Candy Man can (the Candy Man can) 
The Candy Man can 
'Cause he mixes it with love 
And makes the world taste good 
(Makes the world taste good) 

(The Candy Man makes everything he bakes) 
(Satisfying and delicious) 
Now you talk about your childhood wishes 
You can even eat the dishes 

Oh, who can take tomorrow (who can take tomorrow) 
Dip it in a dream (dip it in a dream) 
Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream 
The Candy Man (the Candy Man)
Oh, the Candy Man can (the Candy Man can) 
The Candy Man can 
'Cause he mixes it with love 
And makes the world taste good 
(Makes the world taste good) 

(The Candy Man makes everything he bakes) 
(Satisfying and delicious) 
Talk about your childhood wishes 
You can even eat the dishes 

Yeah, yeah, yeah 
Who can take tomorrow (who can take tomorrow) 
Dip it in a dream (dip it in a dream) 
Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream 
The Candy Man (the Candy Man)
The Candy Man can (the Candy Man can) 
The Candy Man can 
'Cause he mixes it with love 
And makes the world taste good 
(Makes the world taste good) 

Yes, the Candy Man can 
'Cause he mixes it with love 
And makes the world taste good 
(Makes the world taste good) 
A-Candy Man, a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man 
(Makes the world taste good) 
A-Candy Man, a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man 
(Makes the world taste good) 
A-Candy Man, a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

Farmington Country Club - Charlottesville Virginia

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:52:24 -0500

This is one fine neighborhood

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

Located just West of Charlottesville (actually just minutes) is Farmington Country Club. The Club's Mission Statement says it all:

"Farmington Country Club is a traditional, family-oriented private club with a proud history, rich traditions and commitment to the customs of southern hospitality and gracious living." Read the entire Mission Statement here

Features include:

27 holes of golf

15 outdoor tennis courts

3 indoor tennis courts

3 paddle tennis courts

state-of-the-art fitness center

25-meter zero depth entry pool

Come and see why so many people enjoy the Charlottesville Area.

Click here for recent Homes available in Farmington Country Club

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

I want a Paperless Real Estate Office.... am I wrong?

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:49:28 -0500

Great post and idea from Charles McDonald

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

Working with Real Estate Contracts can often lead to an overwhelming amount of paper. I try to go paperless as much as possible.

This week I sent an HOA package that was 160 pages with a simple link to the PDF file.

My home inspectors now do their reports totally on-line (or I would consider not using them).

We even transfer plats, surveys and contracts by email.

Yes we are close but I still want a Paperless Real Estate Office!!!

(Image courtesy: http://www.amalaserline.com/)

DEFINITION: The paperless office was a publicist's slogan, meant to describe the office of the future. The basic idea was that office automation would make paper redundant for routine tasks such as record-keeping and bookkeeping. The idea came to prominence with the introduction of the personal computer

PROBLEM: Here is the problem. I still get agents who do not get it.... yet. Some are hand filling out contracts when we can now put everything on-line with Adobe. If you still have to hand write it, then scan it and send it to me. Please do not make me a copy, I just want to reduce the paper.

SIGNATURES: Sure we are seeing digital signatures too, but they have not yet caught on in our area.I am looking forward to when they are accepted.

I just want a Paperless Real Estate Office... am I wrong?

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

I want a Paperless Real Estate Office.... am I wrong?

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:48:47 -0500

Great post and idea from Charles McDonald

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

Working with Real Estate Contracts can often lead to an overwhelming amount of paper. I try to go paperless as much as possible.

This week I sent an HOA package that was 160 pages with a simple link to the PDF file.

My home inspectors now do their reports totally on-line (or I would consider not using them).

We even transfer plats, surveys and contracts by email.

Yes we are close but I still want a Paperless Real Estate Office!!!

(Image courtesy: http://www.amalaserline.com/)

DEFINITION: The paperless office was a publicist's slogan, meant to describe the office of the future. The basic idea was that office automation would make paper redundant for routine tasks such as record-keeping and bookkeeping. The idea came to prominence with the introduction of the personal computer

PROBLEM: Here is the problem. I still get agents who do not get it.... yet. Some are hand filling out contracts when we can now put everything on-line with Adobe. If you still have to hand write it, then scan it and send it to me. Please do not make me a copy, I just want to reduce the paper.

SIGNATURES: Sure we are seeing digital signatures too, but they have not yet caught on in our area.I am looking forward to when they are accepted.

I just want a Paperless Real Estate Office... am I wrong?

Charles McDonald - BIO

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

Stats and charts do not lie...

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:40:38 -0500

I have been working with Charles McDonald on several listings and he has shared this valualbe information with our agents.

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words:

I look at a lot of data and this is over 5 years of monthy sales in the Charlottesville Real Estate market (Albemarle County).

(I would love to see National Charts showing true sales)

We are very seasonal with highs in the summers and lows in the winter months. Notice the peaks (summer months) going back to 2005. We have had a decline year-over-year until this past month. We have slightly (and I mean slightly, by 5 homes) out sold the previous summer of 2008.

This is a good thing. To me it is not yet a trend break, but we are all looking for good news and this is certainly some.

Lets keep an eye on this chart.... for more details see: Charlottesville Trends

Buyers do you understand what an open house is all about?

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:34:48 -0500

It hurts to see this photo but people that go to open houses should understand where they stand,

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

Now I am sure that a lot of my colleagues will disagree with me and some may even think this is a subject I should not be discussing with the public, but I think the public should understand.....

An "Open House" is a "HOOK"

Well at least that is what I call it. We are in Charlottesville Virginia and we are a caveat emptor state.

The sellers agent represents the sellers best interest. In fact this is what the listing agreement is about.

So when the selling agent has an open house they are trying to sell the home for the sellers... right?

Are they really trying to get a buyer for the home that is open?

Sorta... if it happens that this is the perfect home for the open house guest. This is rare...

What they are really doing is looking for buyers to represent. Now there is nothing wrong with this practice (I have been very successful meeting new buyers at open houses). But the public should understand what the game really is all about.

Any questions?

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

Land - “Buy land, they're not making it anymore” but be careful ....

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:30:00 -0500

Charles makes a lot of sense with this post

Via Charlottesville Real Estate - Your Trusted Broker Charles McDonald (RE/MAX Assured Properties - No one sells more Real Estate):

We have all heard the famous quote by Mark Twain :

“Buy land, they're not making it anymore”

Well that may be true but you certainly need to be careful...

Recently I have seen a couple of interesting situations.

1. I had a prospect call me saying that they wanted 5-10 acres for less than 100K and wanted to build by Dec of this year.

Talk about a can of worms. They were looking at raw land... no power, access is questionable (many areas require a minimum distance of roadway to allow a driveway), no water, no septic.... Do you get the point?

2. I am seeing agents advertise land in areas that is not that desirable when the purchasers will go to resell...

Here is the scenario, the land is beautiful but the remote location makes it less than desirable. Ask yourself this question: "how far is it to get a gallon of milk?".... If you are new to the area you could end up purchasing a piece of land that is truly over-priced, even though it is beautiful.

Sometimes I see a remote farm being broken up for resale and I always ask why? Would it not resell as a farm, or is it simple the owner trying to cash in...

Mark Twain was a wise man and they may not be making land anymore but you should consider a good Buyers Agent if you are looking to purchase land. One that knows the are and the pros and cons regarding building.

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

Looking for a great house near NGIC & the UVA Research Park?

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:34:28 -0500

My fellow Active Rainer Charles McDonald and I have two great listings that have just come up that are five minutes away from NGIC and the UVA Research Park, as well as Rt. 29 businesses, shopping & restaurants. If you know of anyone moving into this area who is coming to work for either please let us know and we would be happy to show them these two great homes!

The first is a 4 BR, 3.5 BA Colonial at Montgomery Ridge - 1733 Monet Hill - MLS#467130.

It has a gourmet kitchen with all the extras: stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a breakfast nook and easy access to the rear deck. The formal dining room and living room make for ease of entertaining, while the family room offers a relaxing spot in front of the fireplace. Upstairs, the master bedroom has an attached master bath with a garden tub, three other bedrooms and a second floor laundry. The partially finished terrace level has a recently added rec area and a full bath as well as french doors to the back and side yards.

The second is a cute 3 BR/ 2 BA one-level home in Ruckersville - 134 Westwood Road - MLS#467041. A vaulted ceiling in the family room opens up the space considerably. The kitchen flows nicely into the dining area, which has access to the fantastic deck/patio area. The nearly level fully fenced large and open back yard features a privately screened hot tub and a storage shed.

Please come and visit!

Preparing for July 4th!

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:56:09 -0500

I am coming back today from a great visit with my family and am gearing up for a fun July 4th back in Charlottesville.

I wanted to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday with friends and family. McIntire Park will be the site of great fireworks this year as well as smaller celebrations at Farmington, Keswick and Orange.

I do hope the community will get behind the Save the Fireworks show at McIntire Park. The current group is ready to hand off the reins.

Maybe the city would be interested in putting aside a bit of money for next year? After all, Charlottesville is the home of Monticello and a certain contributor to the very Declaration of Independence we are celebrating!!!

Can computers know when you need a break?

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:26:05 -0500

Here I am visiting my mom in New England and was all set to catch up a little on her computer this morning and I could not - sometime during the night it got fried.

I have had to resort back to my Blackberry and calling my real estate agent friends back in Charlottesville to help me keep track of a contract that came through as I was flying out this weekend and a listing that had to go on TODAY!

I think my mom secretly pulled the plug so I would have to take a little rest and spend some quality time with her:)

I will have to investigate behind her desk to test out my theory... will let you all know what I find out;)

Is it possible to be too busy???

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:56:58 -0500

I was just rereading all the wonderful comments from my most recent blog - yipes! - from two months ago. Where has the time gone?

I have been so busy that I need to schedule everything these days - including fitting in walking my four dogs, making time for family and friends and keeping up with the latest real estate news.

It seems I am bombarded with information and phone calls at every second of every day! Is there a possibility that it is too much to keep track of sometimes? I feel like my cell phone is permanently attached to my ear and I have most of my conversations in 30-second bursts between cries of "Hold on I have another call beeping in!"

I am so fortunate to be busy when the market is so volatile and the interest rates seem to jump up and down every day. I have seen new homebuyers trying to take advantage of the $8,000 credit before the end of the year as well as new arrivals in the area and those whose jobs have taken them to other states or countries.

I just want to thank my network of fellow agents and Active Rainers for keeping me on course and focused when it would be oh so easy to get distracted these days:)

With all this rain should we worry about drought?

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:20:46 -0500

Summer has arrived once again here in Charlottesville. With all the torrential rain and chilly temps in the past few weeks it was momentarily easy to forget it can also get quite hot and very dry. We have had drought conditions in the past and this area has responded rapidly and like a trooper.

Something that has recently come to my attention is the fact that the City of Charlottesville is now offering a $30 rebate if homeowners in the city install rain barrels by an authorized dealer and submit the invoice with their water bill.

My assistant found out this information a few weeks ago and immediately jumped at the chance to save a little money and provide a free source of "play" water for her children to take care of the garden themselves or for other projects in the form of a 50-gallon barrel that sits discretely on her deck.

The barrel is attached to the downspout of a gutter and has an overflow tube when the barrel is full. The water comes out through a spigot that can easily be hooked up to an existing garden hose near the bottom of the barrel - no other hardware or technology required.

If anyone in the City of Charlottesville is interested in finding out more about the program they can contact Brian Buckley of Harvesting Rain at 434-326-2898 or by email at brianbuckley4@yahoo.com.

A little R & R is good for the soul!

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:32:29 -0500

Although the timing was not the greatest, my husband recently convinced me I needed to come with him on a company-paid trip to Mexico for some desperately needed R & R this past week.

Despite the email blackout and sporadic cell phone coverage I was able to have a relaxing time and keep in touch with my office. Those in the real estate business know how very hard it is to stay away even for a day - the amount of emails one needs to plow through every day makes the thought of being away for a week and plowing through them in one fell swoop daunting to say the least!

I am glad to be home again and have just come up for air from the email check - now I have to jump into the spring market with both feet again.

Charlottesville is absolutely beautiful right now with all the dogwoods and azaleas colorfully blazing away. The Annual Dogwood Parade is set for tomorrow - April 25 - through the Downtown area and the Foxfield Races will enjoy sunshine and temp in the 80s.

Mexico was nice, but there is no better place to be than home!

15th Annual Virginia Festival of the Book A Great Success!

Peg Gilliland- Assoc. Broker, GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:03:30 -0500

What a great weekend at the 15th Annual Festival of the Book in Charlottesville, Virginia!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year a truly special one!

We had a great turnout of authors and attendees for my shift at the Saturday, March 21, session at the Omni Hotel in downtown Charlottesville. I got teased a lot about my taking time to "read for fun" when I should be busy with my real estate business and reading the fine print in contracts.

I am happy to be so busy this time of year as it shows that things might be swinging around in the positive direction for a change. Or maybe it is just that springtime in Charlottesville brings out the best in my neighbors, and people are just more cheerful and optimistic when the sun shines and the flowering bushes and trees start showing off their finery?

Whichever one it proves to be, I am happy that the phone is ringing and I can help so many new clients make their dreams comes true in my town.