Peg's Blog

Heading into another "rush"...

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:33:20 -0500

Boy, those loan commit letters just sneak up on you!

Even though I have "to-do" lists posted everywhere (my car, my desk at work, my desk at home, etc.), I was still surprised when another agent reminded me recently that one was due the next day - ack!

Is it possible to be "too" organized these days???

Not sure how everyone else is faring with closings these days, but I am about to head into another "mini-rush" at the end of this month. Is it back-to-school season already?

Here's a shocking news story with regards to a house a client was recently interested in - this particular one involved a fatal shooting almost literally on the doorstep!

Any thoughts from my fellow Active Rainers on how to handle such a situation for future reference?

The Beginning of Summer Rush?

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:45:09 -0500

After a bit of a slow start to 2008, I, all of a sudden, had a rush of six closings this past week!

I was surprised to find I needed to rely on my "to do" lists quite heavily to remember all of the details.

What a fun rush, but I am so glad I was prepared! My assistant created lists and extra copies of every blank contract & amendment I would ever need in the recent down time - and now I would like to say: "Thank goodness for the famine to get one prepared for the feast!"

Hope this mini rush is a good indicator of things to come for everyone!

Summer's Officially Begun!

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:56:25 -0500

The fireflies have been blinking on and off like crazy the past few nights, and, now that the longest day of the year is behind us, we can settle into the summer routine - although I seem to be busier than ever these days!

I took one day off last week to visit a friend in Annapolis, who I had not been able to see for over a year, and, as I was driving back on the Beltway, I realized why - the traffic was horrendous and I had a pile of emails and phone calls to respond to on my return - so much for my mini-vacation:)

I know I cannot be the only one having this problem of trying to cram everything in and still falling behind when I so much as linger a minute too long in the coffee shop!

Anyone else have tales to tell?

Can Friday the 13th be a lucky day from now on?

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:28:36 -0500

Are we getting beyond the age of superstition for this one - or are we just going to be subjected to the nth movie in the Friday the 13th franchise series?

Maybe it will rain later - or maybe pigs will fly after I submit this post:)

Still waiting to hear how the situation on my contract seller works out - I will keep everyone "posted!" What a strange situation, but it seems, from all the comments I received (thank you everyone!), that maybe it is just something that flies under the radar and is done all the time but no one talks about it?

Good Faith Estimates

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:07:16 -0500

Just wondering if anyone else has gotten questions from clients about good faith estimates?

Do your clients know to look at APR and GFE when comparing loans? Do they know to ask for a Truth and Lending Statement with the GFE?

Do your clients also know that it is not always wise to ask for the lowest rate because some lenders have been known to quote an artificially low rate to obtain business and then sometimes "hidden" fees can magically appear when clients least expect - at closing!

Do you have any such closing stories to relate?

Hot day to sell

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 17:37:47 -0500

It was a hot day in Charlottesville today, close to 100 degrees and the heat index was well over 100.

I spent the day out with clients showing property. I enjoy these days but when I called and talked to fellow agent and blogger Charles McDonald, he asked me a serious question...

"What are you doing out in that heat selling homes?"

Well it was really hot but I did enjoy the day I got to meet with some good clients and see homes some nice places. We hope to be in a contract soon.

Sure it was tough in the heat but we made good progress!

HELP! - Calling all Richmond, VA realtors!

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:00:22 -0500

I have clients flying in to Charlottesville August 25-27 and they would like for me to find them a realtor who is familiar with the Richmond area who would be willing to show them around. They are looking now to get an idea of the area, but will not be moving until 2-3 years from now.

Does anyone know of someone willing to help - or - better yet, are you that someone?

Please contact me as soon as you can!!!

Is there a silver lining in $4 a gallon gas?

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:35:36 -0500

Just saw in North Carolina over Memorial Day weekend that $4 a gallon for regular gas has reared its foreboding head! I simply refuse to look at filling my gas tank with anything above 87 any more...

Woe betide those travelers in the huge campers tugging their cars behind them - you might as well pay to have your house shipped for the same money that you need to shell out to fill up those gas guzzlers!

The good news in our area though is that the more people stay put the more they start to look around at the houses on the market and start thinking about upgrading their own homes, rather than shelling out for the gas needed to go on vacations, whether by car, bus or airplane.

Maybe there is a silver lining to all of this?

Buying in Today's Market

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:39:42 -0500

What advice are you giving your clients when they come to you with questions about buying a home in today's market?

I think that today's cautious buyers have realized it is not possible to buy more home than they can truly afford and they are scaling back to the 30% of their income figure that more prudent times require.

Several clients are self-regulating themselves, even though they are still looking at homes slightly above their means with a wistful eye - ahh to be back to those heady days of three years ago!

But, caution is a good thing in the long run.

What are you doing this Memorial Day?

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:27:56 -0500

Funny how Memorial Day has gone from its original meaning to deciding whether you want relish or mustard with your hotdog!

Gas prices are not going to be anyone's friend this coming weekend. In some parts of the country it has hit $4 or more a gallon - can we say YIKES?

If you decide to stay closer to home I hope everyone will enjoy the day with family and/or friends and relish in the warmer days ahead.

Graduation, Memorial Day & Summer strawberries - yum!

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:54:52 -0500

This weekend UVA grads and their parents will be gathering to celebrate a job well done - if this year is like the past few rain will surely make an appearance!

Memorial Day is less than two weeks away and already you can hear the whoosh of cash leading a screaming path away from everyone's wallet into the cash tills. Ah well...

On a sweeter note - local strawberries are starting to ripen at area pick-your-own farms - just imagine the bliss of fresh strawberries topped with cream - yum!

Happy Unofficial Beginning to Summer!

'Tis the Season For Summer Music in Charlottesville!

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:03:49 -0500

One of the oldest continuously operating volunteer community bands, the Charlottesville Municipal Band, is teaming up with the Paramount Theater for its 86th Annual Summer Music Season on the Downtown Mall.

Starting Tuesday, June 3, at 8 p.m., the band will perform six concerts in total, the others will be on: June 17, July 1, 15 & 29, and Aug. 12.

The concerts are truly a wonderful summertime Charlottesville multi-generational family tradition - just see & hear how many audience members start to hum and sing along to the each concert's opening number, "On the Mall," and you will feel the community spirit!

Tell your friends to come out and support the Municipal Band!

What's "Bugging" You?

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:26:42 -0500

Wouldn't you know it - a new tick has moved into town...The "Lone Star" Tick all the way from Texas.

It is a tiny black tick with a prominent white dot in the center of its back - beware and run to the doctor if you find one on you.

This little tick - unlike the more familiar deer ticks, carries "EVERYTHING" in the disease family. Just Google it and a full list will appear.

After a three-week bout of horse-sized antiobiotics last summer, I can attest to the power of one little tick knocking you flat! Now 'tis the season for these guys and gals to make their appearance so keep your eyes on the lookout!

Butterflies in Spring - Caterpillars in your hair?

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:43:40 -0500

Has anyone else noticed the hordes of Gypsy Moth caterpillars dropping from trees by the - it seems - millions around town?

The last time we had such an "epidemic" - around a decade ago - the entire state took action and many Park Service types could be seen with large trucks along the highways spraying and trying to get rid of those tell tale cocoons taking over trees by the hundreds of thousands.

On another note - at McIntire Park in the city at 4:30 this afternoon - a local elementary school, Greenbrier, will be releasing butterflies they have been carefully tending.

Gypsy moths or butterflies? Let the winged wars begin!

Mother's Day Ideas

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:58:16 -0500

Here are some fun things that mothers would love on their special day - May 11:

A Spa Day with one or two of her best friends.

A Sunday breakfast prepared by her family.

An uninterrupted coffee break while perusing the latest bestsellers at a local bookstore.

A gift certificate to her favorite clothing store.

Sweet-smelling bouquets of flowers placed in vases all around the home.

A foot massage and at least one hour of free time with the TV remote so she can watch her favorite movie or show with no interruptions.

Happy Mother's Day!

Spring Lawn Spruce Up

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:48:13 -0500

The recent rains have created a conundrum for realtors with many listings to take care of - many houses around town have been sporting overgrown lawns in front - curb appeal tips to the rescue!

If the rains don't stop realtors will have to run around with lawnmowers in their trunks to quickly make the houses up to snuff minutes before potential buyers pull up! Could there be a new trend in store as we see a resurgence in those old-fashioned human-powered mowers?

Sprucing up lawns one lawnmower at a time

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:58:55 -0500

The recent rains have created a conundrum for realtors with many listings to take care of - many houses around town have been sporting overgrown lawns in front - curb appeal tips to the rescue!

Garden Tours in Springtime!

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:44:42 -0500

Yesterday I visited a wonderful garden in the Blandemar area south of Charlottesville. The owners have been working nonstop for almost eight years to create an oasis of calm with amazing views!

There are two water gardens, almost a mile of boardwalks, hundreds of flowering bushes and trees and several quiet meditation areas. The gentle gurgling of the two waterfalls over local quartz rocks was music to my ears!

There's truly no other place like the Charlottesville area in springtime! Of course, springtime is naturally beautiful everywhere, but it is always a pleasure to be invited to view gardens created from such devotion!

A Friendly Reminder - Mother's Day coming up next weekend!

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:35:49 -0500

May 1 marks the advent of the fragrant Lily of the Valley blooms around local gardens. For Mothers it is a delight when their children start bringing them little "boo-kays" of flowers clutched in their muddy fingers.

Gentlemen - you have one more week to think of that perfect gift for the moms in your life - (hint hint!).

Around the Charlottesville area that means a trip down Routes 250 or 240 to the Crozet Arts Festival, where moms can indulge in a little guilt-free shopping while the kids run free with bags of kettle corn gripped tightly in one hand and freshly squeezed lemonade in the other.

Happy Mother's Day - just a little early!

Speaking of Rain...

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:19:36 -0500

Aahhh... the sounds of lawnmowers going full speed ahead at 7 in the morning - it must truly be spring! The weekend on into this week rains have finally stopped and the lawns have grown so much you could almost harvest the grass - one couple I was watching playing with their new puppy almost lost him in all that wild green splendor!

The azaleas are truly a sight to behold along Route 250 in Charlottesville - makes me realize how truly beautiful this area is every year without fail!

A row of Trees

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:57:08 -0500

There is something that is amazing to me about a row of trees. They line a property, a street and sometimes a driveway.

This row of tress is into a neighborhood in Crozet and is just beautiful. At the beginning of Spring these were White, now they are Green and in the Fall will change again.

There is a feeling of going home when you drive (better yet walk) down a roadway of trees.

I hope you enjoy this little view of our area.

A Billion

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:40:46 -0500

I was sent this little piece of wisdom from a friend and I thought I would share it:

What is a BILLION??

The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about whether you want the politicians' spending YOUR tax money.
A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but here is some perspective.

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.

B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.

C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.

D. A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet

A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.

Just amazing how much a billion is and now we hear a trillion dollars mentioned. Seems we are losing the concept of how much something is costing us.

Gas at 4 bucks and we can figure that out, but a billion....interesting.

Parade Princesses

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:14:09 -0500

We had our Dogwood parade this weekend and one of the cutest parts of the parade was the girls "Princesses" on the cars. I have a few photos to share in no particular order.

There is always a lot going on around Charlottesville and the dogwood parade was a lot of fun. Seeing the smiling faces on these girls was a real treat.

Whenever you get a chance to see a parade just do it.

This post was inspired by Charles McDonald and his post about the Dogwood Parade in Charlottesville

Rain Rain please stay

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:30:15 -0500

We have had a few close to 80 degree days lately and Spring colors are everywhere. What keeps those colors is the combination of sun and rain.

Today was around 80 degrees and then a nice breeze came in and a wonderful thunder shower.

it makes everything fresh and clean again. I just love to get a little rain.

Today I got my wish!

Hope you have a great weekend.

Great Cause

Peg Gilliland - GRI, REALTOR® (RE/MAX Assured Properties) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:20:49 -0500

I really want to get the word out about this:

Maybe I'm the last one to know about this site but I thought I'd share it anyway!

Go to: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/ once a day and click each of six tabs to provide support for these great causes - animal rescue, hunger, literacy, rain forest, breast cancer and child health.

Remember one good deed begets another good deed! Happy clicking!

NOTE: I hope you will give it a try and pass it on to others too.

Pets make us all happy!